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customers they were, and none more so than the evil-faced, black-bearded man

who commanded them.

Where is the white man your messengers report to be with you?" he asked of the

chief.

"This way, bwana," replied the native. "Carefully have I kept silence in the village

that he might be still asleep when you returned. I do not know that he is one

who seeks you to do you harm, but he questioned me closely about your coming

and your going, and his appearance is as that of the one you described, but

whom you believed safe in the country which you called Jungle Island.

Had you not told me this tale I should not have recognized him, and then he

might have gone after and slain you. If he is a friend and no enemy, then no

harm has been done, bwana; but if he proves to be an enemy, I should like very

much to have a rifle and some ammunition."

"You have done well," replied the white man, "and you shall have the rifle and

ammunition whether he be a friend or enemy, provided that you stand with me."

"I shall stand with you, bwana," said the chief, "and now come and look upon the

stranger, who sleeps within my village."

So saying, he turned and led the way toward the hut, in the shadow of which the

unconscious Tarzan slept peacefully.

Behind the two men came the remaining whites and a score of warriors; but the

raised forefingers of the chief and his companion held them all to perfect silence.

As they turned the corner of the hut, cautiously and upon tiptoe, an ugly smile

touched the lips of the white as his eyes fell upon the giant figure of the sleeping

ape-man.

The chief looked at the other inquiringly. The latter nodded his head, to signify

that the chief had made no mistake in his suspicions. Then he turned to those

behind him and, pointing to the sleeping man, motioned for them to seize and

bind him.

A moment later a dozen brutes had leaped upon the surprised Tarzan, and so

quickly did they work that he was securely bound before he could make half an

effort to escape.

Then they threw him down upon his back, and as his eyes turned toward the

crowd that stood near, they fell upon the malign face of Nikolas Rokoff.

A sneer curled the Russian's lips. He stepped quite close to Tarzan.

The Beasts of Tarzan