Tome，DejahThoriswasallthatwasperfect；allthatwasvirtuousandbeautifulandnobleandgood。Ibelievedthatfromthebottomofmyheart，fromthedepthofmysoulonthatnightinKoradasIsatcross-leggeduponmysilkswhilethenearermoonofBarsoomracedthroughthewesternskytowardthehorizon，andlightedupthegoldandmarble，andjeweledmosaicsofmyworld-oldchamber，andIbelieveittodayasIsitatmydeskinthelittlestudyoverlookingtheHudson。Twentyyearshaveintervened；fortenofthemI
　　livedandfoughtforDejahThorisandherpeople，andfortenIhaveliveduponhermemory。
　　ThemorningofourdepartureforTharkdawnedclearandhot，asdoallMartianmorningsexceptforthesixweekswhenthesnowmeltsatthepoles。
　　IsoughtoutDejahThorisinthethrongofdepartingchariots，butsheturnedhershouldertome，andIcouldseetheredbloodmounttohercheek。WiththefoolishinconsistencyofloveIheldmypeacewhenImighthavepleadignoranceofthenatureofmyoffense，oratleastthegravityofit，andsohaveeffected，atworst，ahalfconciliation。
　　MydutydictatedthatImustseethatshewascomfortable，andsoIglancedintoherchariotandrearrangedhersilksandfurs。IndoingsoInotedwithhorrorthatshewasheavilychainedbyoneankletothesideofthevehicle。
　　"Whatdoesthismean？"Icried，turningtoSola。
　　"Sarkojathoughtitbest，"sheanswered，herfacebetokeningherdisapprovaloftheprocedure。
　　ExaminingthemanaclesIsawthattheyfastenedwithamassivespringlock。
　　"Whereisthekey，Sola？Letmehaveit。”
　　"Sarkojawearsit，JohnCarter，"sheanswered。
　　IturnedwithoutfurtherwordandsoughtoutTarsTarkas，towhomIvehementlyobjectedtotheunnecessaryhumiliationsandcruelties，astheyseemedtomylover'seyes，thatwerebeingheapeduponDejahThoris。
　　"JohnCarter，"heanswered，"ifeveryouandDejahThorisescapetheTharksitwillbeuponthisjourney。Weknowthatyouwillnotgowithouther。Youhaveshownyourselfamightyfighter，andwedonotwishtomanacleyou，soweholdyoubothintheeasiestwaythatwillyetensuresecurity。
　　Ihavespoken。”
　　Isawthestrengthofhisreasoningataflash，andknewthatitwerefutiletoappealfromhisdecision，butIaskedthatthekeybetakenfromSarkojaandthatshebedirectedtoleavetheprisoneraloneinfuture。
　　"Thismuch，TarsTarkas，youmaydoformeinreturnforthefriendshipthat，Imustconfess，Ifeelforyou。”
　　"Friendship？"hereplied。"Thereisnosuchthing，JohnCarter；buthaveyourwill。IshalldirectthatSarkojaceasetoannoythegirl，andImyselfwilltakethecustodyofthekey。”
　　"Unlessyouwishmetoassumetheresponsibility，"Isaid，smiling。
　　Helookedatmelongandearnestlybeforehespoke。
　　"WereyoutogivemeyourwordthatneitheryounorDejahThoriswouldattempttoescapeuntilafterwehavesafelyreachedthecourtofTalHajusyoumighthavethekeyandthrowthechainsintotheriverIss。”
　　"Itwerebetterthatyouheldthekey，TarsTarkas，"IrepliedHesmiled，andsaidnomore，butthatnightasweweremakingcampIsawhimunfastenDejahThoris'fettershimself。
　　WithallhiscruelferocityandcoldnesstherewasanundercurrentofsomethinginTarsTarkaswhichheseemedeverbattlingtosubdue。Coulditbeavestigeofsomehumaninstinctcomebackfromanancientforbeartohaunthimwiththehorrorofhispeople'sways!
　　AsIwasapproachingDejahThoris'chariotIpassedSarkoja，andtheblack，venomouslooksheaccordedmewasthesweetestbalmIhadfeltformanyhours。Lord，howshehatedme!
　　Itbristledfromhersopalpablythatonemightalmosthavecutitwithasword。
　　AfewmomentslaterIsawherdeepinconversationwithawarriornamedZad；abig，hulking，powerfulbrute，butonewhohadnevermadeakillamonghisownchieftains，andasecondnameonlywiththemetalofsomechieftain。ItwasthiscustomwhichentitledmetothenamesofeitherofthechieftainsIhadkilled；infact，someofthewarriorsaddressedmeasDotarSojat，acombinationofthesurnamesofthetwowarriorchieftainswhosemetalIhadtaken，or，inotherwords，whomIhadslaininfairfight。
　　AsSarkojatalkedwithZadhecastoccasionalglancesinmydirection，whilesheseemedtobeurginghimverystronglytosomeaction。Ipaidlittleattentiontoitatthetime，butthenextdayIhadgoodreasontorecallthecircumstances，andatthesametimegainaslightinsightintothedepthsofSarkoja'shatredandthelengthstowhichshewascapableofgoingtowreakherhorridvengeanceonme。
　　DejahThoriswouldhavenoneofmeagainonthisevening，andthoughIspokehernamesheneitherreplied，norconcededbysomuchastheflutterofaneyelidthatsherealizedmyexistence。InmyextremityIdidwhatmostotherloverswouldhavedone；Isoughtwordfromherthroughanintimate。
　　InthisinstanceitwasSolawhomIinterceptedinanotherpartofcamp。
　　"WhatisthematterwithDejahThoris？"Iblurtedoutather。
　　"Whywillshenotspeaktome？"
　　Solaseemedpuzzledherself，asthoughsuchstrangeactionsonthepartoftwohumanswerequitebeyondher，asindeedtheywere，poorchild。
　　"Shesaysyouhaveangeredher，andthatisallshewillsay，exceptthatsheisthedaughterofajedandthegrand-
　　daughterofajeddakandshehasbeenhumiliatedbyacreaturewhocouldnotpolishtheteethofhergrandmother'ssorak。”
　　Iponderedoverthisreportforsometime，finallyasking，"Whatmightasorakbe，Sola？"
　　"Alittleanimalaboutasbigasmyhand，whichtheredMartianwomenkeeptoplaywith，"explainedSola。
　　Notfittopolishtheteethofhergrandmother'scat!ImustrankprettylowintheconsiderationofDejahThoris，I
　　thought；butIcouldnothelplaughingatthestrangefigureofspeech，sohomelyandinthisrespectsoearthly。Itmademehomesick，foritsoundedverymuchlike"notfittopolishhershoes。”Andthencommencedatrainofthoughtquitenewtome。Ibegantowonderwhatmypeopleathomeweredoing。
　　Ihadnotseenthemforyears。TherewasafamilyofCartersinVirginiawhoclaimedcloserelationshipwithme；
　　Iwassupposedtobeagreatuncle，orsomethingofthekindequallyfoolish。Icouldpassanywherefortwenty-fivetothirtyyearsofage，andtobeagreatunclealwaysseemedtheheightofincongruity，formythoughtsandfeelingswerethoseofaboy。TherewastwolittlekiddiesintheCarterfamilywhomIhadlovedandwhohadthoughttherewasnooneonEarthlikeUncleJack；Icouldseethemjustasplainly，asIstoodthereunderthemoonlitskiesofBarsoom，andIlongedforthemasIhadneverlongedforanymortalsbefore。Bynatureawanderer，Ihadneverknownthetruemeaningofthewordhome，butthegreathalloftheCartershadalwaysstoodforallthattheworddidmeantome，andnowmyheartturnedtowarditfromthecoldandunfriendlypeoplesIhadbeenthrownamongst。FordidnotevenDejahThorisdespiseme!Iwasalowcreature，solowinfactthatIwasnotevenfittopolishtheteethofhergrandmother'scat；andthenmysavingsenseofhumorcametomyrescue，andlaughingIturnedintomysilksandfursandsleptuponthemoon-hauntedgroundthesleepofatiredandhealthyfightingman。
　　Webrokecampthenextdayatanearlyhourandmarchedwithonlyasinglehaltuntiljustbeforedark。Twoincidentsbrokethetediousnessofthemarch。Aboutnoonweespiedfartoourrightwhatwasevidentlyanincubator，andLorquasPtomeldirectedTarsTarkastoinvestigateit。Thelattertookadozenwarriors，includingmyself，andweracedacrossthevelvetycarpetingofmosstothelittleenclosure。
　　Itwasindeedanincubator，buttheeggswereverysmallincomparisonwiththoseIhadseenhatchinginoursatthetimeofmyarrivalonMars。
　　TarsTarkasdismountedandexaminedtheenclosureminutely，finallyannouncingthatitbelongedtothegreenmenofWarhoonandthatthecementwasscarcelydrywhereithadbeenwalledup。
　　"Theycannotbeaday'smarchaheadofus，"heexclaimed，thelightofbattleleapingtohisfierceface。
　　Theworkattheincubatorwasshortindeed。Thewarriorstoreopentheentranceandacoupleofthem，crawlingin，soondemolishedalltheeggswiththeirshort-swords。
　　Thenremountingwedashedbacktojointhecavalcade。
　　DuringtherideItookoccasiontoaskTarsTarkasiftheseWarhoonswhoseeggswehaddestroyedwereasmallerpeoplethanhisTharks。
　　"InoticedthattheireggsweresomuchsmallerthanthoseIsawhatchinginyourincubator，"Iadded。
　　Heexplainedthattheeggshadjustbeenplacedthere；but，likeallgreenMartianeggs，theywouldgrowduringthefive-yearperiodofincubationuntiltheyobtainedthesizeofthoseIhadseenhatchingonthedayofmyarrivalonBarsoom。
　　Thiswasindeedaninterestingpieceofinformation，forithadalwaysseemedremarkabletomethatthegreenMartianwomen，largeastheywere，couldbringforthsuchenormouseggsasIhadseenthefour-footinfantsemergingfrom。Asamatteroffact，thenew-laideggisbutlittlelargerthananordinarygooseegg，andasitdoesnotcommencetogrowuntilsubjectedtothelightofthesunthechieftainshavelittledifficultyintransportingseveralhundredsofthematonetimefromthestoragevaultstotheincubators。
　　ShortlyaftertheincidentoftheWarhooneggswehaltedtoresttheanimals，anditwasduringthishaltthatthesecondoftheday'sinterestingepisodesoccurred。Iwasengagedinchangingmyridingclothsfromoneofmythoatstotheother，forIdividedtheday'sworkbetweenthem，whenZadapproachedme，andwithoutawordstruckmyanimalaterrificblowwithhislong-sword。
　　IdidnotneedamanualofgreenMartianetiquettetoknowwhatreplytomake，for，infact，IwassowildwithangerthatIcouldscarcelyrefrainfromdrawingmypistolandshootinghimdownforthebrutehewas；buthestoodwaitingwithdrawnlong-sword，andmyonlychoicewastodrawmyownandmeethiminfairfightwithhischoiceofweaponsoralesserone。
　　Thislatteralternativeisalwayspermissible，thereforeI
　　couldhaveusedmyshort-sword，mydagger，myhatchet，ormyfistshadIwished，andbeenentirelywithinmyrights，butIcouldnotusefirearmsoraspearwhileheheldonlyhislong-sword。
　　IchosethesameweaponhehaddrawnbecauseIknewhepridedhimselfuponhisabilitywithit，andIwished，ifI
　　worstedhimatall，todoitwithhisownweapon。Thefightthatfollowedwasalongoneanddelayedtheresumptionofthemarchforanhour。Theentirecommunitysurroundedus，leavingaclearspaceaboutonehundredfeetindiameterforourbattle。
　　Zadfirstattemptedtorushmedownasabullmightawolf，butIwasmuchtooquickforhim，andeachtimeI
　　side-steppedhisrusheshewouldgolungingpastme，onlytoreceiveanickfrommysworduponhisarmorback。Hewassoonstreamingbloodfromahalfdozenminorwounds，butIcouldnotobtainanopeningtodeliveraneffectivethrust。Thenhechangedhistactics，andfightingwarilyandwithextremedexterity，hetriedtodobysciencewhathewasunabletodobybrutestrength。Imustadmitthathewasamagnificentswordsman，andhaditnotbeenformygreaterenduranceandtheremarkableagilitythelessergravitationofMarslentmeImightnothavebeenabletoputupthecreditablefightIdidagainsthim。
　　Wecircledforsometimewithoutdoingmuchdamageoneitherside；thelong，straight，needle-likeswordsflashinginthesunlight，andringingoutuponthestillnessastheycrashedtogetherwitheacheffectiveparry。FinallyZad，realizingthathewastiringmorethanI，evidentlydecidedtocloseinandendthebattleinafinalblazeofgloryforhimself；
　　justasherushedmeablindingflashoflightstruckfullinmyeyes，sothatIcouldnotseehisapproachandcouldonlyleapblindlytoonesideinanefforttoescapethemightybladethatitseemedIcouldalreadyfeelinmyvitals。
　　Iwasonlypartiallysuccessful，asasharppaininmyleftshoulderattested，butinthesweepofmyglanceasIsoughttoagainlocatemyadversary，asightmetmyastonishedgazewhichpaidmewellforthewoundthetemporaryblindnesshadcausedme。There，uponDejahThoris'chariotstoodthreefigures，forthepurposeevidentlyofwitnessingtheencounterabovetheheadsoftheinterveningTharks。
　　TherewereDejahThoris，Sola，andSarkoja，andasmyfleetingglancesweptoverthemalittletableauwaspresentedwhichwillstandgraveninmymemorytothedayofmydeath。
　　AsIlooked，DejahThoristurneduponSarkojawiththefuryofayoungtigressandstrucksomethingfromherupraisedhand；somethingwhichflashedinthesunlightasitspuntotheground。ThenIknewwhathadblindedmeatthatcrucialmomentofthefight，andhowSarkojahadfoundawaytokillmewithoutherselfdeliveringthefinalthrust。
　　AnotherthingIsaw，too，whichalmostlostmylifeformethenandthere，forittookmymindforthefractionofaninstantentirelyfrommyantagonist；for，asDejahThorisstruckthetinymirrorfromherhand，Sarkoja，herfacelividwithhatredandbaffledrage，whippedoutherdaggerandaimedaterrificblowatDejahThoris；andthenSola，ourdearandfaithfulSola，sprangbetweenthem；thelastIsawwasthegreatknifedescendinguponhershieldingbreast。
　　Myenemyhadrecoveredfromhisthrustandwasmakingitextremelyinterestingforme，soIreluctantlygavemyattentiontotheworkinhand，butmymindwasnotuponthebattle。
　　Werushedeachotherfuriouslytimeaftertime，'tilsuddenly，feelingthesharppointofhisswordatmybreastinathrustIcouldneitherparrynorescape，Ithrewmyselfuponhimwithoutstretchedswordandwithalltheweightofmybody，determinedthatIwouldnotdiealoneifIcouldpreventit。Ifeltthesteeltearintomychest，allwentblackbeforeme，myheadwhirledindizziness，andIfeltmykneesgivingbeneathme。
　　CHAPTERXV
　　SOLATELLSMEHERSTORY
　　Whenconsciousnessreturned，and，asIsoonlearned，Iwasdownbutamoment，Isprangquicklytomyfeetsearchingformysword，andthereIfoundit，buriedtothehiltinthegreenbreastofZad，wholaystonedeadupontheochremossoftheancientseabottom。AsIregainedmyfullsensesIfoundhisweaponpiercingmyleftbreast，butonlythroughthefleshandmuscleswhichcovermyribs，enteringnearthecenterofmychestandcomingoutbelowtheshoulder。
　　AsIhadlungedIhadturnedsothathisswordmerelypassedbeneaththemuscles，inflictingapainfulbutnotdangerouswound。
　　RemovingthebladefrommybodyIalsoregainedmyown，andturningmybackuponhisuglycarcass，Imoved，sick，sore，anddisgusted，towardthechariotswhichboremyretinueandmybelongings。AmurmurofMartianapplausegreetedme，butIcarednotforit。
　　BleedingandweakIreachedmywomen，who，accustomedtosuchhappenings，dressedmywounds，applyingthewonderfulhealingandremedialagentswhichmakeonlythemostinstantaneousofdeathblowsfatal。GiveaMartianwomanachanceanddeathmusttakeabackseat。Theysoonhadmepatchedupsothat，exceptforweaknessfromlossofbloodandalittlesorenessaroundthewound，Isufferednogreatdistressfromthisthrustwhich，underearthlytreatment，undoubtedlywouldhaveputmeflatonmybackfordays。
　　AssoonastheywerethroughwithmeIhastenedtothechariotofDejahThoris，whereIfoundmypoorSolawithherchestswathedinbandages，butapparentlylittletheworseforherencounterwithSarkoja，whosedaggeritseemedhadstrucktheedgeofoneofSola'smetalbreastornamentsand，thusdeflected，hadinflictedbutaslightfleshwound。
　　AsIapproachedIfoundDejahThorislyingproneuponhersilksandfurs，herlitheformwrackedwithsobs。Shedidnotnoticemypresence，nordidshehearmespeakingwithSola，whowasstandingashortdistancefromthevehicle。
　　"Issheinjured？"IaskedofSola，indicatingDejahThorisbyaninclinationofmyhead。
　　"No，"sheanswered，"shethinksthatyouaredead。”
　　"Andthathergrandmother'scatmaynowhavenoonetopolishitsteeth？"Iqueried，smiling。
　　"Ithinkyouwrongher，JohnCarter，"saidSola。"Idonotunderstandeitherherwaysoryours，butIamsurethegranddaughteroftenthousandjeddakswouldnevergrievelikethisoveranywhoheldbutthehighestclaimuponheraffections。Theyareaproudrace，buttheyarejust，asareallBarsoomians，andyoumusthavehurtorwrongedhergrievouslythatshewillnotadmityourexistenceliving，thoughshemournsyoudead。
　　"TearsareastrangesightuponBarsoom，"shecontinued，"andsoitisdifficultformetointerpretthem。Ihaveseenbuttwopeopleweepinallmylife，otherthanDejahThoris；
　　oneweptfromsorrow，theotherfrombaffledrage。Thefirstwasmymother，yearsagobeforetheykilledher；theotherwasSarkoja，whentheydraggedherfrommetoday。”
　　"Yourmother!"Iexclaimed，"but，Sola，youcouldnothaveknownyourmother，child。”
　　"ButIdid。Andmyfatheralso，"sheadded。"Ifyouwouldliketohearthestrangeandun-Barsoomianstorycometothechariottonight，JohnCarter，andIwilltellyouthatofwhichIhaveneverspokeninallmylifebefore。Andnowthesignalhasbeengiventoresumethemarch，youmustgo。”
　　"Iwillcometonight，Sola，"Ipromised。"BesuretotellDejahThorisIamaliveandwell。Ishallnotforcemyselfuponher，andbesurethatyoudonotletherknowIsawhertears。
　　IfshewouldspeakwithmeIbutawaithercommand。
　　Solamountedthechariot，whichwasswingingintoitsplaceinline，andIhastenedtomywaitingthoatandgallopedtomystationbesideTarsTarkasattherearofthecolumn。
　　Wemadeamostimposingandawe-inspiringspectacleaswestrungoutacrosstheyellowlandscape；thetwohundredandfiftyornateandbrightlycoloredchariots，precededbyanadvanceguardofsometwohundredmountedwarriorsandchieftainsridingfiveabreastandonehundredyardsapart，andfollowedbyalikenumberinthesameformation，withascoreormoreofflankersoneitherside；thefiftyextramastodons，orheavydraughtanimals，knownaszitidars，andthefiveorsixhundredextrathoatsofthewarriorsrunningloosewithinthehollowsquareformedbythesurroundingwarriors。Thegleamingmetalandjewelsofthegorgeousornamentsofthemenandwomen，duplicatedinthetrappingsofthezitidarsandthoats，andinterspersedwiththeflashingcolorsofmagnificentsilksandfursandfeathers，lentabarbaricsplendortothecaravanwhichwouldhaveturnedanEastIndianpotentategreenwithenvy。
　　Theenormousbroadtiresofthechariotsandthepaddedfeetoftheanimalsbroughtforthnosoundfromthemoss-
　　coveredseabottom；andsowemovedinuttersilence，likesomehugephantasmagoria，exceptwhenthestillnesswasbrokenbythegutturalgrowlingofagoadedzitidar，orthesquealingoffightingthoats。ThegreenMartiansconversebutlittle，andthenusuallyinmonosyllables，lowandlikethefaintrumblingofdistantthunder。
　　Wetraversedatracklesswasteofmosswhich，bendingtothepressureofbroadtireorpaddedfoot，roseupagainbehindus，leavingnosignthatwehadpassed。Wemightindeedhavebeenthewraithsofthedeparteddeaduponthedeadseaofthatdyingplanetforallthesoundorsignwemadeinpassing。ItwasthefirstmarchofalargebodyofmenandanimalsIhadeverwitnessedwhichraisednodustandleftnospoor；forthereisnodustuponMarsexceptinthecultivateddistrictsduringthewintermonths，andeventhentheabsenceofhighwindsrendersitalmostunnoticeable。
　　Wecampedthatnightatthefootofthehillswehadbeenapproachingfortwodaysandwhichmarkedthesouthernboundaryofthisparticularsea。Ouranimalshadbeentwodayswithoutdrink，norhadtheyhadwaterfornearlytwomonths，notsinceshortlyafterleavingThark；but，asTarsTarkasexplainedtome，theyrequirebutlittleandcanlivealmostindefinitelyuponthemosswhichcoversBarsoom，andwhich，hetoldme，holdsinitstinystemssufficientmoisturetomeetthelimiteddemandsoftheanimals。
　　Afterpartakingofmyeveningmealofcheese-likefoodandvegetablemilkIsoughtoutSola，whomIfoundworkingbythelightofatorchuponsomeofTarsTarkas'trappings。
　　Shelookedupatmyapproach，herfacelightingwithpleasureandwithwelcome。
　　"Iamgladyoucame，"shesaid；"DejahThorissleepsandIamlonely。Mineownpeopledonotcareforme，JohnCarter；
　　Iamtoounlikethem。Itisasadfate，sinceImustlivemylifeamongstthem，andIoftenwishthatIwereatruegreenMartianwoman，withoutloveandwithouthope；butI
　　haveknownloveandsoIamlost。
　　"Ipromisedtotellyoumystory，orratherthestoryofmyparents。FromwhatIhavelearnedofyouandthewaysofyourpeopleIamsurethatthetalewillnotseemstrangetoyou，butamonggreenMartiansithasnoparallelwithinthememoryoftheoldestlivingThark，nordoourlegendsholdmanysimilartales。
　　"Mymotherwasrathersmall，infacttoosmalltobeallowedtheresponsibilitiesofmaternity，asourchieftainsbreedprincipallyforsize。ShewasalsolesscoldandcruelthanmostgreenMartianwomen，andcaringlittlefortheirsociety，sheoftenroamedthedesertedavenuesofTharkalone，orwentandsatamongthewildflowersthatdeckthenearbyhills，thinkingthoughtsandwishingwisheswhichIbelieveIaloneamongTharkianwomentodaymayunderstand，foramInotthechildofmymother？
　　"Andthereamongthehillsshemetayoungwarrior，whosedutyitwastoguardthefeedingzitidarsandthoatsandseethattheyroamednotbeyondthehills。TheyspokeatfirstonlyofsuchthingsasinterestacommunityofTharks，butgradually，astheycametomeetmoreoften，and，aswasnowquiteevidenttoboth，nolongerbychance，theytalkedaboutthemselves，theirlikes，theirambitionsandtheirhopes。
　　Shetrustedhimandtoldhimoftheawfulrepugnanceshefeltforthecrueltiesoftheirkind，forthehideous，lovelesslivestheymusteverlead，andthenshewaitedforthestormofdenunciationtobreakfromhiscold，hardlips；butinsteadhetookherinhisarmsandkissedher。
　　"Theykepttheirloveasecretforsixlongyears。She，mymother，wasoftheretinueofthegreatTalHajus，whileherloverwasasimplewarrior，wearingonlyhisownmetal。
　　HadtheirdefectionfromthetraditionsoftheTharksbeendiscoveredbothwouldhavepaidthepenaltyinthegreatarenabeforeTalHajusandtheassembledhordes。
　　"TheeggfromwhichIcamewashiddenbeneathagreatglassvesseluponthehighestandmostinaccessibleofthepartiallyruinedtowersofancientThark。Onceeachyearmymothervisiteditforthefivelongyearsitlaythereintheprocessofincubation。Shedarednotcomeoftener，forinthemightyguiltofherconscienceshefearedthathereverymovewaswatched。Duringthisperiodmyfathergainedgreatdistinctionasawarriorandhadtakenthemetalfromseveralchieftains。Hisloveformymotherhadneverdiminished，andhisownambitioninlifewastoreachapointwherehemightwrestthemetalfromTalHajushimself，andthus，asruleroftheTharks，befreetoclaimherashisown，aswellas，bythemightofhispower，protectthechildwhichotherwisewouldbequicklydispatchedshouldthetruthbecomeknown。
　　"Itwasawilddream，thatofwrestingthemetalfromTalHajusinfiveshortyears，buthisadvancewasrapid，andhesoonstoodhighinthecouncilsofThark。Butonedaythechancewaslostforever，insofarasitcouldcomeintimetosavehislovedones，forhewasorderedawayuponalongexpeditiontotheice-cladsouth，tomakewaruponthenativesthereanddespoilthemoftheirfurs，forsuchisthemannerofthegreenBarsoomian；hedoesnotlaborforwhathecanwrestinbattlefromothers。
　　"Hewasgoneforfouryears，andwhenhereturnedallhadbeenoverforthree；foraboutayearafterhisdeparture，andshortlybeforethetimeforthereturnofanexpeditionwhichhadgoneforthtofetchthefruitsofacommunityincubator，theegghadhatched。Thereaftermymothercontinuedtokeepmeintheoldtower，visitingmenightlyandlavishinguponmethelovethecommunitylifewouldhaverobbedusbothof。Shehoped，uponthereturnoftheexpeditionfromtheincubator，tomixmewiththeotheryoungassignedtothequartersofTalHajus，andthusescapethefatewhichwouldsurelyfollowdiscoveryofhersinagainsttheancienttraditionsofthegreenmen。
　　"Shetaughtmerapidlythelanguageandcustomsofmykind，andonenightshetoldmethestoryIhavetoldtoyouuptothispoint，impressinguponmethenecessityforabsolutesecrecyandthegreatcautionImustexerciseaftershehadplacedmewiththeotheryoungTharkstopermitnoonetoguessthatIwasfurtheradvancedineducationthanthey，norbyanysigntodivulgeinthepresenceofothersmyaffectionforher，ormyknowledgeofmyparentage；andthendrawingmeclosetohershewhisperedinmyearthenameofmyfather。
　　"Andthenalightflashedoutuponthedarknessofthetowerchamber，andtherestoodSarkoja，hergleaming，balefuleyesfixedinafrenzyofloathingandcontemptuponmymother。Thetorrentofhatredandabuseshepouredoutuponherturnedmyyoungheartcoldinterror。
　　Thatshehadheardtheentirestorywasapparent，andthatshehadsuspectedsomethingwrongfrommymother'slongnightlyabsencesfromherquartersaccountedforherpresencethereonthatfatefulnight。
　　"Onethingshehadnotheard，nordidsheknow，thewhisperednameofmyfather。Thiswasapparentfromherrepeateddemandsuponmymothertodisclosethenameofherpartnerinsin，butnoamountofabuseorthreatscouldwringthisfromher，andtosavemefromneedlesstortureshelied，forshetoldSarkojathatshealoneknewnorwouldsheeventellherchild。
　　"Withfinalimprecations，SarkojahastenedawaytoTalHajustoreportherdiscovery，andwhileshewasgonemymother，wrappingmeinthesilksandfursofhernightcoverings，sothatIwasscarcelynoticeable，descendedtothestreetsandranwildlyawaytowardtheoutskirtsofthecity，inthedirectionwhichledtothefarsouth，outtowardthemanwhoseprotectionshemightnotclaim，butonwhosefaceshewishedtolookoncemorebeforeshedied。
　　"Aswenearedthecity'ssouthernextremityasoundcametousfromacrossthemossyflat，fromthedirectionoftheonlypassthroughthehillswhichledtothegates，thepassbywhichcaravansfromeithernorthorsouthoreastorwestwouldenterthecity。Thesoundsweheardwerethesquealingofthoatsandthegrumblingofzitidars，withtheoccasionalclankofarmswhichannouncedtheapproachofabodyofwarriors。Thethoughtuppermostinhermindwasthatitwasmyfatherreturnedfromhisexpedition，butthecunningoftheTharkheldherfromheadlongandprecipitateflighttogreethim。
　　"Retreatingintotheshadowsofadoorwaysheawaitedthecomingofthecavalcadewhichshortlyenteredtheavenue，breakingitsformationandthrongingthethoroughfarefromwalltowall。Astheheadoftheprocessionpassedusthelessermoonswungclearoftheoverhangingroofsandlitupthescenewithallthebrilliancyofherwondrouslight。
　　Mymothershrankfurtherbackintothefriendlyshadows，andfromherhidingplacesawthattheexpeditionwasnotthatofmyfather，butthereturningcaravanbearingtheyoungTharks。Instantlyherplanwasformed，andasagreatchariotswungclosetoourhidingplacesheslippedstealthilyinuponthetrailingtailboard，crouchinglowintheshadowofthehighside，strainingmetoherbosominafrenzyoflove。
　　"Sheknew，whatIdidnot，thatneveragainafterthatnightwouldsheholdmetoherbreast，norwasitlikelywewouldeverlookuponeachother'sfaceagain。Intheconfusionoftheplazashemixedmewiththeotherchildren，whoseguardiansduringthejourneywerenowfreetorelinquishtheirresponsibility。Wewereherdedtogetherintoagreatroom，fedbywomenwhohadnotaccompaniedtheexpedition，andthenextdaywewereparceledoutamongtheretinuesofthechieftains。
　　"Ineversawmymotherafterthatnight。ShewasimprisonedbyTalHajus，andeveryeffort，includingthemosthorribleandshamefultorture，wasbroughttobearuponhertowringfromherlipsthenameofmyfather；butsheremainedsteadfastandloyal，dyingatlastamidstthelaughterofTalHajusandhischieftainsduringsomeawfultortureshewasundergoing。
　　"Ilearnedafterwardsthatshetoldthemthatshehadkilledmetosavemefromalikefateattheirhands，andthatshehadthrownmybodytothewhiteapes。Sarkojaalonedisbelievedher，andIfeeltothisdaythatshesuspectsmytrueorigin，butdoesnotdareexposeme，atthepresent，atallevents，becauseshealsoguesses，Iamsure，theidentityofmyfather。
　　"Whenhereturnedfromhisexpeditionandlearnedthestoryofmymother'sfateIwaspresentasTalHajustoldhim；
　　butneverbythequiverofamuscledidhebetraytheslightestemotion；onlyhedidnotlaughasTalHajusgleefullydescribedherdeathstruggles。Fromthatmomentonhewasthecruelestofthecruel，andIamawaitingthedaywhenheshallwinthegoalofhisambition，andfeelthecarcassofTalHajusbeneathhisfoot，forIamassurethathebutwaitstheopportunitytowreakaterriblevengeance，andthathisgreatloveisasstronginhisbreastaswhenitfirsttransfiguredhimnearlyfortyyearsago，asIamthatwesithereupontheedgeofaworld-oldoceanwhilesensiblepeoplesleep，JohnCarter。”
　　"Andyourfather，Sola，ishewithusnow？"Iasked。
　　"Yes，"shereplied，"buthedoesnotknowmeforwhatI
　　am，nordoesheknowwhobetrayedmymothertoTalHajus。
　　Ialoneknowmyfather'sname，andonlyIandTalHajusandSarkojaknowthatitwasshewhocarriedthetalethatbroughtdeathandtortureuponherheloved。”
　　Wesatsilentforafewmoments，shewrappedinthegloomythoughtsofherterriblepast，andIinpityforthepoorcreatureswhomtheheartless，senselesscustomsoftheirracehaddoomedtolovelesslivesofcrueltyandofhate。
　　Presentlyshespoke。
　　"JohnCarter，ifeverarealmanwalkedthecold，deadbosomofBarsoomyouareone。IknowthatIcantrustyou，andbecausetheknowledgemaysomedayhelpyouorhimorDejahThorisormyself，Iamgoingtotellyouthenameofmyfather，norplaceanyrestrictionsorconditionsuponyourtongue。Whenthetimecomes，speakthetruthifitseemsbesttoyou。ItrustyoubecauseIknowthatyouarenotcursedwiththeterribletraitofabsoluteandunswervingtruthfulness，thatyoucouldlielikeoneofyourownVirginiagentlemenifaliewouldsaveothersfromsorroworsuffering。
　　Myfather'snameisTarsTarkas。”
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　WEPLANESCAPE
　　TheremainderofourjourneytoTharkwasuneventful。
　　Weweretwentydaysupontheroad，crossingtwoseabottomsandpassingthroughoraroundanumberofruinedcities，mostlysmallerthanKorad。TwicewecrossedthefamousMartianwaterways，orcanals，so-calledbyourearthlyastronomers。Whenweapproachedthesepointsawarriorwouldbesentfaraheadwithapowerfulfieldglass，andifnogreatbodyofredMartiantroopswasinsightwewouldadvanceascloseaspossiblewithoutchanceofbeingseenandthencampuntildark，whenwewouldslowlyapproachthecultivatedtract，and，locatingoneofthenumerous，broadhighwayswhichcrosstheseareasatregularintervals，creepsilentlyandstealthilyacrosstothearidlandsupontheotherside。Itrequiredfivehourstomakeoneofthesecrossingswithoutasinglehalt，andtheotherconsumedtheentirenight，sothatwewerejustleavingtheconfinesofthehigh-walledfieldswhenthesunbrokeoutuponus。
　　Crossinginthedarkness，aswedid，Iwasunabletoseebutlittle，exceptasthenearermoon，inherwildandceaselesshurtlingthroughtheBarsoomianheavens，lituplittlepatchesofthelandscapefromtimetotime，disclosingwalledfieldsandlow，ramblingbuildings，presentingmuchtheappearanceofearthlyfarms。Thereweremanytrees，methodicallyarranged，andsomeofthemwereofenormousheight；
　　therewereanimalsinsomeoftheenclosures，andtheyannouncedtheirpresencebyterrifiedsquealingsandsnortingsastheyscentedourqueer，wildbeastsandwilderhumanbeings。
　　OnlyoncedidIperceiveahumanbeing，andthatwasattheintersectionofourcrossroadwiththewide，whiteturnpikewhichcutseachcultivateddistrictlongitudinallyatitsexactcenter。Thefellowmusthavebeensleepingbesidetheroad，for，asIcameabreastofhim，heraisedupononeelbowandafterasingleglanceattheapproachingcaravanleapedshriekingtohisfeetandfledmadlydowntheroad，scalinganearbywallwiththeagilityofascaredcat。
　　TheTharkspaidhimnottheslightestattention；theywerenotoutuponthewarpath，andtheonlysignthatIhadthattheyhadseenhimwasaquickeningofthepaceofthecaravanaswehastenedtowardtheborderingdesertwhichmarkedourentranceintotherealmofTalHajus。
　　NotoncedidIhavespeechwithDejahThoris，asshesentnowordtomethatIwouldbewelcomeatherchariot，andmyfoolishpridekeptmefrommakinganyadvances。
　　Iverilybelievethataman'swaywithwomenisininverseratiotohisprowessamongmen。Theweaklingandthesapheadhaveoftengreatabilitytocharmthefairsex，whilethefightingmanwhocanfaceathousandrealdangersunafraid，sitshidingintheshadowslikesomefrightenedchild。
　　JustthirtydaysaftermyadventuponBarsoomweenteredtheancientcityofThark，fromwhoselong-forgottenpeoplethishordeofgreenmenhavestoleneventheirname。
　　ThehordesofTharknumbersomethirtythousandsouls，andaredividedintotwenty-fivecommunities。Eachcommunityhasitsownjedandlesserchieftains，butallareundertheruleofTalHajus，JeddakofThark。FivecommunitiesmaketheirheadquartersatthecityofThark，andthebalancearescatteredamongotherdesertedcitiesofancientMarsthroughoutthedistrictclaimedbyTalHajus。
　　Wemadeourentryintothegreatcentralplazaearlyintheafternoon。Therewerenoenthusiasticfriendlygreetingsforthereturnedexpedition。Thosewhochancedtobeinsightspokethenamesofwarriorsorwomenwithwhomtheycameindirectcontact，intheformalgreetingoftheirkind，butwhenitwasdiscoveredthattheybroughttwocaptivesagreaterinterestwasaroused，andDejahThorisandIwerethecentersofinquiringgroups。
　　Weweresoonassignedtonewquarters，andthebalanceofthedaywasdevotedtosettlingourselvestothechangedconditions。Myhomenowwasuponanavenueleadingintotheplazafromthesouth，themainarterydownwhichwehadmarchedfromthegatesofthecity。Iwasatthefarendofthesquareandhadanentirebuildingtomyself。ThesamegrandeurofarchitecturewhichwassonoticeableacharacteristicofKoradwasinevidencehere，only，ifthatwerepossible，onalargerandricherscale。Myquarterswouldhavebeensuitableforhousingthegreatestofearthlyemperors，buttothesequeercreaturesnothingaboutabuildingappealedtothembutitssizeandtheenormityofitschambers；
　　thelargerthebuilding，themoredesirable；andsoTalHajusoccupiedwhatmusthavebeenanenormouspublicbuilding，thelargestinthecity，butentirelyunfittedforresidencepurposes；
　　thenextlargestwasreservedforLorquasPtomel，thenextforthejedofalesserrank，andsoontothebottomofthelistoffivejeds。
　　Thewarriorsoccupiedthebuildingswiththechieftainstowhoseretinuestheybelonged；or，iftheypreferred，soughtshelteramonganyofthethousandsofuntenantedbuildingsintheirownquarteroftown；eachcommunitybeingassignedacertainsectionofthecity。Theselectionofbuildinghadtobemadeinaccordancewiththesedivisions，exceptinsofarasthejedswereconcerned，theyalloccupyingedificeswhichfrontedupontheplaza。
　　WhenIhadfinallyputmyhouseinorder，orratherseenthatithadbeendone，itwasnearingsunset，andIhastenedoutwiththeintentionoflocatingSolaandhercharges，asIhaddetermineduponhavingspeechwithDejahThorisandtryingtoimpressonherthenecessityofouratleastpatchingupatruceuntilIcouldfindsomewayofaidinghertoescape。IsearchedinvainuntiltheupperrimofthegreatredsunwasjustdisappearingbehindthehorizonandthenIspiedtheuglyheadofWoolapeeringfromasecond-
　　storywindowontheoppositesideoftheverystreetwhereIwasquartered，butnearertheplaza。
　　WithoutwaitingforafurtherinvitationIboltedupthewindingrunwaywhichledtothesecondfloor，andenteringagreatchamberatthefrontofthebuildingwasgreetedbythefrenziedWoola，whothrewhisgreatcarcassuponme，nearlyhurlingmetothefloor；thepooroldfellowwassogladtoseemethatIthoughthewoulddevourme，hisheadsplitfromeartoear，showinghisthreerowsoftusksinhishobgoblinsmile。
　　Quietinghimwithawordofcommandandacaress，I
　　lookedhurriedlythroughtheapproachinggloomforasignofDejahThoris，andthen，notseeingher，Icalledhername。
　　Therewasanansweringmurmurfromthefarcorneroftheapartment，andwithacoupleofquickstridesIwasstandingbesideherwhereshecrouchedamongthefursandsilksuponanancientcarvedwoodenseat。AsIwaitedsherosetoherfullheightandlookingmestraightintheeyesaid:
　　"WhatwouldDotarSojat，Thark，ofDejahThorishiscaptive？"
　　"DejahThoris，IdonotknowhowIhaveangeredyou。
　　Itwasfurtherestfrommydesiretohurtoroffendyou，whomIhadhopedtoprotectandcomfort。Havenoneofmeifitisyourwill，butthatyoumustaidmeineffectingyourescape，ifsuchathingbepossible，isnotmyrequest，butmycommand。Whenyouaresafeoncemoreatyourfather'scourtyoumaydowithmeasyouplease，butfromnowonuntilthatdayIamyourmaster，andyoumustobeyandaidme。”
　　ShelookedatmelongandearnestlyandIthoughtthatshewassofteningtowardme。
　　"Iunderstandyourwords，DotarSojat，"shereplied，"butyouIdonotunderstand。Youareaqueermixtureofchildandman，ofbruteandnoble。IonlywishthatImightreadyourheart。”
　　"Lookdownatyourfeet，DejahThoris；itliestherenowwhereithaslainsincethatothernightatKorad，andwhereitwilleverliebeatingaloneforyouuntildeathstillsitforever。”
　　Shetookalittlesteptowardme，herbeautifulhandsoutstretchedinastrange，gropinggesture。
　　"Whatdoyoumean，JohnCarter？"shewhispered。
　　"Whatareyousayingtome？"
　　"IamsayingwhatIhadpromisedmyselfthatIwouldnotsaytoyou，atleastuntilyouwerenolongeracaptiveamongthegreenmen；whatfromyourattitudetowardmeforthepasttwentydaysIhadthoughtnevertosaytoyou；
　　Iamsaying，DejahThoris，thatIamyours，bodyandsoul，toserveyou，tofightforyou，andtodieforyou。OnlyonethingIaskofyouinreturn，andthatisthatyoumakenosign，eitherofcondemnationorofapprobationofmywordsuntilyouaresafeamongyourownpeople，andthatwhateversentimentsyouharbortowardmetheybenotinfluencedorcoloredbygratitude；whateverImaydotoserveyouwillbepromptedsolelyfromselfishmotives，sinceitgivesmemorepleasuretoserveyouthannot。”
　　"Iwillrespectyourwishes，JohnCarter，becauseI
　　understandthemotiveswhichpromptthem，andIacceptyourservicenomorewillinglythanIbowtoyourauthority；
　　yourwordshallbemylaw。IhavetwicewrongedyouinmythoughtsandagainIaskyourforgiveness。”
　　FurtherconversationofapersonalnaturewaspreventedbytheentranceofSola，whowasmuchagitatedandwhollyunlikeherusualcalmandpossessedself。
　　"ThathorribleSarkojahasbeenbeforeTalHajus，"shecried，"andfromwhatIheardupontheplazathereislittlehopeforeitherofyou。”