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the figure of a mighty lion. Otobu halted in his tracks and shrank back against
Tarzan. "Look, Master," he whimpered, "a great black lion of the forest!"
Tarzan drew the saber which still hung at his side. "We cannot go back," he said.
"Lions, parrots, or men, it must be all the same," and he moved steadily forward
in the direction of the gate. What wind was stirring in the city street moved from
Tarzan toward the lion and when the ape-man had approached to within a few
yards of the beast, who had stood silently eyeing them up to this time, instead of
the expected roar, a whine broke from the beast's throat. The ape-man was
conscious of a very decided feeling of relief. "It's Numa of the pit," he called back
to his companions, and to Otobu, "Do not fear, this lion will not harm us."
Numa moved forward to the ape-man's side and then turning, paced beside him
along the narrow street. At the next turn they came in sight of the gate, where,
beneath several flares, they saw a group of at least twenty warriors prepared to
seize them, while from the opposite direction the roars of the pursuing lions
sounded close upon them, mingling with the screams of numerous parrots which
now circled about their heads. Tarzan halted and turned to the young aviator.
"How many rounds of ammunition have you left?" he asked.
"
I have seven in the pistol," replied Smith-Oldwick, "and perhaps a dozen more
cartridges in my blouse pocket."
"I'm going to rush them," said Tarzan. "Otobu, you stay at the side of the woman.
Oldwick, you and I will go ahead, you upon my left. I think we need not try to tell
Numa what to do," for even then the great lion was baring his fangs and growling
ferociously at the guardsmen, who appeared uneasy in the face of this creature
which, above all others, they feared.
"As we advance, Oldwick," said the ape-man, "fire one shot. It may frighten them,
and after that fire only when necessary. All ready? Let's go!" and he moved
forward toward the gate. At the same time, Smith-Oldwick discharged his
weapon and a yellow-coated warrior screamed and crumpled forward upon his
face. For a minute the others showed symptoms of panic but one, who seemed to
be an officer, rallied them. "Now," said Tarzan, "all together!" and he started at a
run for the gate. Simultaneously the lion, evidently scenting the purpose of the
Tarmangani, broke into a full charge toward the guard.
Shaken by the report of the unfamiliar weapon, the ranks of the guardsmen
broke before the furious assault of the great beast. The officer screamed forth a
volley of commands in a mad fury of uncontrolled rage but the guardsmen,
obeying the first law of nature as well as actuated by their inherent fear of the
black denizen of the forest scattered to right and left to elude the monster. With
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