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could not advance. Already they had sustained severe losses in every attack and

had always been driven back by overwhelming numbers. There were hidden

machine guns, too, that bothered the colonel considerably. It was evidenced by

the fact that he often reverted to them during the conversation.

"Something silenced them for a while this afternoon," said one of the younger

officers. "I was observing at the time and I couldn't make out what the fuss was

about; but they seemed to be having a devil of a time in a section of trench on

their left. At one time I could have sworn they were attacked in the rear--I

reported it to you at the time, sir, you'll recall--for the blighters were pepperin'

away at the side of that bluff behind them. I could see the dirt fly. I don't know

what it could have been."

There was a slight rustling among the branches of the tree above them and

simultaneously a lithe, brown body dropped in their midst. Hands moved quickly

to the butts of pistols; but otherwise there was no movement among the officers.

First they looked wonderingly at the almost naked white man standing there with

the firelight playing upon rounded muscles, took in the primitive attire and the

equally primitive armament and then all eyes turned toward the colonel.

Who the devil are you, sir?" snapped that officer.

Tarzan of the Apes," replied the newcomer.

Oh, Greystoke!" cried a major, and stepped forward with outstretched hand.

Preswick," acknowledged Tarzan as he took the proffered hand.

I didn't recognize you at first," apologized the major. "The last time I saw you you

were in London in evening dress. Quite a difference--'pon my word, man, you'll

have to admit it."

Tarzan smiled and turned toward the colonel. "I overheard your conversation," he

said. "I have just come from behind the German lines. Possibly I can help you."

The colonel looked questioningly toward Major Preswick who quickly rose to the

occasion and presented the ape-man to his commanding officer and fellows.

Briefly Tarzan told them what it was that brought him out alone in pursuit of the

Germans.

"And now you have come to join us?" asked the colonel.

Tarzan shook his head. "Not regularly," he replied. "I must fight in my own way;

but I can help you. Whenever I wish I can enter the German lines."

Tarzan the Untamed