Now，whentheysawwhoitwastheymerelysnarledandgrumbledangrilyforamomentandthenresumedtheirfeedingortheirnappingwhichhehadinterrupted，andhe，havinghadhislittlejoke，madehiswaytothehollowtreewherehekepthistreasureshidfromtheinquisitiveeyesandfingersofhisfellowsandthemischievouslittlemanus。
　　Herehewithdrewacloselyrolledhide——thehideofNumawiththeheadon；acleverbitofprimitivecuringandmounting，whichhadoncebeenthepropertyofthewitch-doctor，RabbaKega，untilTarzanhadstolenitfromthevillage。
　　Withthishemadehiswaybackthroughthejungletowardthevillageoftheblacks，stoppingtohuntandfeedupontheway，and，intheafternoon，evennappingforanhour，sothatitwasalreadyduskwhenheenteredthegreattreewhichoverhungthepalisadeandgavehimaviewoftheentirevillage。HesawthatNumawasstillaliveandthattheguardswereevendozingbesidethecage。
　　Alionisnogreatnoveltytoablackmaninthelioncountry，andthefirstkeenedgeoftheirdesiretoworrythebrutehavingwornoff，thevillagerspaidlittleornoattentiontothegreatcat，preferringnowtoawaitthegrandeventofthenight。
　　Norwasitlongafterdarkbeforethefestivitiescommenced。
　　Tothebeatingoftom-toms，alonewarrior，crouchedhalfdoubled，leapedintothefirelightinthecenterofagreatcircleofotherwarriors，behindwhomstoodorsquattedthewomenandthechildren。Thedancerwaspaintedandarmedforthehuntandhismovementsandgesturessuggestedthesearchforthespoorofgame。
　　Bendinglow，sometimesrestingforamomentononeknee，hesearchedthegroundforsignsofthequarry；
　　againhepoised，statuesque，listening。Thewarriorwasyoungandlitheandgraceful；hewasfull-muscledandarrow-straight。Thefirelightglisteneduponhisebonbodyandbroughtoutintoboldreliefthegrotesquedesignspainteduponhisface，breasts，andabdomen。
　　Presentlyhebentlowtotheearth，thenleapedhighinair。
　　Everylineoffaceandbodyshowedthathehadstruckthescent。
　　Immediatelyheleapedtowardthecircleofwarriorsabouthim，tellingthemofhisfindandsummoningthemtothehunt。
　　Itwasallinpantomime；butsotrulydonethatevenTarzancouldfollowitalltotheleastdetail。
　　Hesawtheotherwarriorsgrasptheirhuntingspearsandleaptotheirfeettojoininthegraceful，stealthy"stalkingdance。"Itwasveryinteresting；
　　butTarzanrealizedthatifhewastocarryhisdesigntoasuccessfulconclusionhemustactquickly。
　　Hehadseenthesedancesbeforeandknewthatafterthestalkwouldcomethegameatbayandthenthekill，duringwhichNumawouldbesurroundedbywarriors，andunapproachable。
　　Withthelion’sskinunderonearmtheape-mandroppedtothegroundinthedenseshadowsbeneaththetreeandthencircledbehindthehutsuntilhecameoutdirectlyintherearofthecage，inwhichNumapacednervouslytoandfro。Thecagewasnowunguarded，thetwowarriorshavingleftittotaketheirplacesamongtheotherdancers。
　　BehindthecageTarzanadjustedthelion’sskinabouthim，justashehaduponthatmemorableoccasionwhentheapesofKerchak，failingtopiercehisdisguise，hadallbutslainhim。Then，onhandsandknees，hecreptforward，emergedfrombetweenthetwohutsandstoodafewpacesbackoftheduskyaudience，whosewholeattentionwascentereduponthedancersbeforethem。
　　Tarzansawthattheblackshadnowworkedthemselvestoaproperpitchofnervousexcitementtoberipeforthelion。
　　Inamomenttheringofspectatorswouldbreakatapointnearestthecagedlionandthevictimwouldberolledintothecenterofthecircle。ItwasforthismomentthatTarzanwaited。
　　Atlastitcame。AsignalwasgivenbyMbonga，thechief，atwhichthewomenandchildrenimmediatelyinfrontofTarzanroseandmovedtooneside，leavingabroadpathopeningtowardthecagedlion。AtthesameinstantTarzangavevoicetothelow，couchingroarofanangrylionandslunkslowlyforwardthroughtheopenlanetowardthefrenzieddancers。
　　Awomansawhimfirstandscreamed。Instantlytherewasapanicintheimmediatevicinityoftheape-man。Thestronglightfromthefirefellfulluponthelionheadandtheblacksleapedtotheconclusion，asTarzanhadknowntheywould，thattheircaptivehadescapedhiscage。
　　Withanotherroar，Tarzanmovedforward。Thedancingwarriorspausedbutaninstant。Theyhadbeenhuntingalionsecurelyhousedwithinastrongcage，andnowthathewasatlibertyamongthem，anentirelydifferentaspectwasplaceduponthematter。Theirnerveswerenotattunedtothisemergency。Thewomenandchildrenalreadyhadfledtothequestionablesafetyofthenearesthuts，andthewarriorswerenotlonginfollowingtheirexample，sothatpresentlyTarzanwasleftinsolepossessionofthevillagestreet。
　　Butnotforlong。Nordidhewishtobeleftthuslongalone。Itwouldnotcomportwithhisscheme。
　　Presentlyaheadpeeredforthfromanear-byhut，andthenanotherandanotheruntilascoreormoreofwarriorswerelookingoutuponhim，waitingforhisnextmove——waitingfortheliontochargeortoattempttoescapefromthevillage。
　　Theirspearswerereadyintheirhandsagainsteitherachargeoraboltforfreedom，andthenthelionroseerectuponitshindlegs，thetawnyskindroppedfromitandtherestoodrevealedbeforetheminthefirelightthestraightyoungfigureofthewhitedevil-god。
　　Foraninstanttheblacksweretooastonishedtoact。
　　TheyfearedthisapparitionfullyasmuchastheydidNuma，yettheywouldgladlyhaveslainthethingcouldtheyquicklyenoughhavegatheredtogethertheirwits；
　　butfearandsuperstitionandanaturalmentaldensityheldthemparalyzedwhiletheape-manstoopedandgatheredupthelionskin。Theysawhimturnthenandwalkbackintotheshadowsatthefarendofthevillage。
　　Notuntilthendidtheygaincouragetopursuehim，andwhentheyhadcomeinforce，withbrandishedspearsandloudwarcries，thequarrywasgone。
　　NotaninstantdidTarzanpauseinthetree。Throwingtheskinoverabranchheleapedagainintothevillageupontheoppositesideofthegreatbole，anddivingintotheshadowofahut，ranquicklytowherelaythecagedlion。
　　Springingtothetopofthecagehepulleduponthecordwhichraisedthedoor，andamomentlateragreatlionintheprimeofhisstrengthandvigorleapedoutintothevillage。
　　Thewarriors，returningfromafutilesearchforTarzan，sawhimstepintothefirelight。Ah！therewasthedevil-godagain，uptohisoldtrick。DidhethinkhecouldtwicefoolthemenofMbonga，thechief，thesamewayinsoshortatime？Theywouldshowhim！
　　Forlongtheyhadwaitedforsuchanopportunitytoridthemselvesforeverofthisfearsomejungledemon。
　　Asonetheyrushedforwardwithraisedspears。
　　Thewomenandthechildrencamefromthehutstowitnesstheslayingofthedevil-god。Thelionturnedblazingeyesuponthemandthenswungabouttowardtheadvancingwarriors。
　　Withshoutsofsavagejoyandtriumphtheycametowardhim，menacinghimwiththeirspears。Thedevil-godwastheirs！
　　Andthen，withafrightfulroar，Numa，thelion，charged。
　　ThemenofMbonga，thechief，metNumawithreadyspearsandscreamsofraillery。Inasolidmassofmuscledebonytheywaitedthecomingofthedevil-god；yetbeneaththeirbraveexteriorslurkedahauntingfearthatallmightnotbequitewellwiththem——thatthisstrangecreaturecouldyetproveinvulnerabletotheirweaponsandinflictuponthemfullpunishmentfortheireffrontery。
　　Thecharginglionwasalltoolifelike——theysawthatinthebriefinstantofthecharge；butbeneaththetawnyhidetheyknewwashidthesoftfleshofthewhiteman，andhowcouldthatwithstandtheassaultofmanywarspears？
　　Intheirforefrontstoodahugeyoungwarriorinthefullarroganceofhismightandhisyouth。Afraid？Nothe！HelaughedasNumaboredownuponhim；helaughedandcouchedhisspear，settingthepointforthebroadbreast。
　　Andthenthelionwasuponhim。Agreatpawsweptawaytheheavywarspear，splinteringitasthehandofmanmightsplinteradrytwig。
　　Downwenttheblack，hisskullcrushedbyanotherblow。
　　Andthenthelionwasinthemidstofthewarriors，clawingandtearingtorightandleft。Notforlongdidtheystandtheirground；butadozenmenweremauledbeforetheothersmadegoodtheirescapefromthosefrightfultalonsandgleamingfangs。
　　Interrorthevillagersfledhitherandthither。
　　NohutseemedasufficientlysecureasylumwithNumarangingwithinthepalisade。Fromonetoanotherfledthefrightenedblacks，whileinthecenterofthevillageNumastoodglaringandgrowlingabovehiskills。
　　Atlastatribesmanflungwidethegatesofthevillageandsoughtsafetyamidthebranchesoftheforesttreesbeyond。Likesheephisfellowsfollowedhim，untilthelionandhisdeadremainedaloneinthevillage。
　　FromthenearertreesthemenofMbongasawthelionlowerhisgreatheadandseizeoneofhisvictimsbytheshoulderandthenwithslowandstatelytreadmovedownthevillagestreetpasttheopengatesandonintothejungle。
　　Theysawandshuddered，andfromanothertreeTarzanoftheApessawandsmiled。
　　Afullhourelapsedafterthelionhaddisappearedwithhisfeastbeforetheblacksventureddownfromthetreesandreturnedtotheirvillage。Wideeyesrolledfromsidetoside，andnakedfleshcontractedmoretothechilloffearthantothechillofthejunglenight。
　　"Itwasheallthetime，"murmuredone。"Itwasthedevil-god。"
　　"Hechangedhimselffromaliontoaman，andbackagainintoalion，"whisperedanother。
　　"AndhedraggedMweezaintotheforestandiseatinghim，"
　　saidathird，shuddering。
　　"Wearenolongersafehere，"wailedafourth。"Letustakeourbelongingsandsearchforanothervillagesitefarfromthehauntsofthewickeddevil-god。"
　　Butwithmorningcamerenewedcourage，sothattheexperiencesoftheprecedingeveninghadlittleothereffectthantoincreasetheirfearofTarzanandstrengthentheirbeliefinhissupernaturalorigin。
　　Andthuswaxedthefameandthepoweroftheape-maninthemysterioushauntsofthesavagejunglewhereheranged，mightiestofbeastsbecauseoftheman-mindwhichdirectedhisgiantmusclesandhisflawlesscourage。
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　　TarzanRescuestheMoonTHEMOONSHONEdownoutofacloudlesssky——ahuge，swollenmoonthatseemedsoclosetoearththatonemightwonderthatshedidnotbrushthecrooningtreetops。
　　Itwasnight，andTarzanwasabroadinthejungle——Tarzan，theape-man；mightyfighter，mightyhunter。Whyheswungthroughthedarkshadowsofthesomberforesthecouldnothavetoldyou。Itwasnotthathewashungry——hehadfedwellthisday，andinasafecacheweretheremainsofhiskill，readyagainstthecomingofanewappetite。
　　Perhapsitwastheveryjoyoflivingthaturgedhimfromhisarborealcouchtopithismusclesandhissensesagainstthejunglenight，andthen，too，Tarzanalwayswasgoadedbyanintensedesiretoknow。
　　ThejunglewhichispresidedoverbyKudu，thesun，isaverydifferentjunglefromthatofGoro，themoon。
　　Thediurnaljunglehasitsownaspect——itsownlightsandshades，itsownbirds，itsownblooms，itsownbeasts；
　　itsnoisesarethenoisesoftheday。Thelightsandshadesofthenocturnaljungleareasdifferentasonemightimaginethelightsandshadesofanotherworldtodifferfromthoseofourworld；itsbeasts，itsblooms，anditsbirdsarenotthoseofthejungleofKudu，thesun。
　　BecauseofthesedifferencesTarzanlovedtoinvestigatethejunglebynight。Notonlywasthelifeanotherlife；
　　butitwasricherinnumbersandinromance；itwasricherindangers，too，andtoTarzanoftheApesdangerwasthespiceoflife。Andthenoisesofthejunglenight——theroarofthelion，thescreamoftheleopard，thehideouslaughterofDango，thehyena，weremusictotheearsoftheape-man。
　　Thesoftpaddingofunseenfeet，therustlingofleavesandgrassestothepassageoffiercebeasts，thesheenofopalesqueeyesflamingthroughthedark，themillionsoundswhichproclaimedtheteeminglifethatonemighthearandscent，thoughseldomsee，constitutedtheappealofthenocturnaljungletoTarzan。
　　Tonighthehadswungawidecircle——towardtheeastfirstandthentowardthesouth，andnowhewasroundingbackagainintothenorth。Hiseyes，hisearsandhiskeennostrilswereeveronthealert。Mingledwiththesoundsheknew，therewerestrangesounds——weirdsoundswhichheneverhearduntilafterKuduhadsoughthislairbelowthefaredgeofthebigwater-soundswhichbelongedtoGoro，themoon——andtothemysteriousperiodofGoro’ssupremacy。
　　ThesesoundsoftencausedTarzanprofoundspeculation。
　　Theybaffledhimbecausehethoughtthatheknewhisjunglesowellthattherecouldbenothingwithinitunfamiliartohim。
　　Sometimeshethoughtthatascolorsandformsappearedtodifferbynightfromtheirfamiliardaylightaspects，sosoundsalteredwiththepassageofKuduandthecomingofGoro，andthesethoughtsrousedwithinhisbrainavagueconjecturethatperhapsGoroandKuduinfluencedthesechanges。
　　Andwhatmorenaturalthateventuallyhecametoattributetothesunandthemoonpersonalitiesasrealashisown？Thesunwasalivingcreatureandruledtheday。
　　Themoon，endowedwithbrainsandmiraculouspowers，ruledthenight。
　　Thusfunctionedtheuntrainedman-mindgropingthroughthedarknightofignoranceforanexplanationofthethingshecouldnottouchorsmellorhearandofthegreat，unknownpowersofnaturewhichhecouldnotsee。
　　AsTarzanswungnorthagainuponhiswidecirclethescentoftheGomanganicametohisnostrils，mixedwiththeacridodorofwoodsmoke。Theape-manmovedquicklyinthedirectionfromwhichthescentwasbornedowntohimuponthegentlenightwind。
　　Presentlytheruddysheenofagreatfirefilteredthroughthefoliagetohimahead，andwhenTarzancametoahaltinthetreesnearit，hesawapartyofhalfadozenblackwarriorshuddledclosetotheblaze。
　　ItwasevidentlyahuntingpartyfromthevillageofMbonga，thechief，caughtoutinthejungleafterdark。
　　Inarudecircleaboutthemtheyhadconstructedathornbomawhich，withtheaidofthefire，theyapparentlyhopedwoulddiscouragetheadvancesofthelargercarnivora。
　　Thathopewasnotconvictionwasevidencedbytheverypalpableterrorinwhichtheycrouched，wide-eyedandtrembling，foralreadyNumaandSaborweremoaningthroughthejungletowardthem。Therewereothercreatures，too，intheshadowsbeyondthefirelight。Tarzancouldseetheiryelloweyesflamingthere。Theblackssawthemandshivered。
　　Thenonearoseandgraspingaburningbranchfromthefirehurleditattheeyes，whichimmediatelydisappeared。
　　Theblacksatdownagain。Tarzanwatchedandsawthatitwasseveralminutesbeforetheeyesbegantoreappearintwosandfours。
　　ThencameNuma，thelion，andSabor，hismate。Theothereyesscatteredtorightandleftbeforethemenacinggrowlsofthegreatcats，andthenthehugeorbsoftheman-eatersflamedaloneoutofthedarkness。Someoftheblacksthrewthemselvesupontheirfacesandmoaned；
　　buthewhobeforehadhurledtheburningbranchnowhurledanotherstraightatthefacesofthehungrylions，andthey，too，disappearedashadthelesserlightsbeforethem。Tarzanwasmuchinterested。Hesawanewreasonforthenightlyfiresmaintainedbytheblacks——areasoninadditiontothoseconnectedwithwarmthandlightandcooking。Thebeastsofthejunglefearedfire，andsofirewas，inameasure，aprotectionfromthem。
　　Tarzanhimselfknewacertainaweoffire。Oncehehad，ininvestigatinganabandonedfireinthevillageoftheblacks，pickedupalivecoal。Sincethenhehadmaintainedarespectfuldistancefromsuchfiresashehadseen。
　　Oneexperiencehadsufficed。
　　Forafewminutesaftertheblackhurledthefirebrandnoeyesappeared，thoughTarzancouldhearthesoftpaddingoffeetallabouthim。Thenflashedoncemorethetwinfirespotsthatmarkedthereturnofthelordofthejungleandamomentlater，uponaslightlylowerlevel，thereappearedthoseofSabor，hismate。
　　Forsometimetheyremainedfixedandunwavering——aconstellationoffiercestarsinthejunglenight——thenthemalelionadvancedslowlytowardtheboma，whereallbutasingleblackstillcrouchedintremblingterror。
　　WhenthisloneguardiansawthatNumawasagainapproaching，hethrewanotherfirebrand，and，asbefore，NumaretreatedandwithhimSabor，thelioness；butnotsofar，thistime，norforsolong。Almostinstantlytheyturnedandbegancirclingtheboma，theireyesturningconstantlytowardthefirelight，whilelow，throatygrowlsevidencedtheirincreasingdispleasure。Beyondthelionsglowedtheflamingeyesofthelessersatellites，untiltheblackjunglewasshotallaroundtheblackmen’scampwithlittlespotsoffire。
　　Againandagaintheblackwarriorhurledhispunybrandsatthetwobigcats；butTarzannoticedthatNumapaidlittleornoattentiontothemafterthefirstfewretreats。
　　Theape-manknewbyNuma’svoicethatthelionwashungryandsurmisedthathehadmadeuphismindtofeeduponaGomangani；butwouldhedareacloserapproachtothedreadedflames？
　　EvenasthethoughtwaspassinginTarzan’smind，Numastoppedhisrestlesspacingandfacedtheboma。
　　Foramomenthestoodmotionless，exceptforthequick，nervousupcurvingofhistail，thenhewalkeddeliberatelyforward，whileSabormovedrestlesslytoandfrowherehehadlefther。Theblackmancalledtohiscomradesthatthelionwascoming，buttheyweretoofargoneinfeartodomorethanhuddleclosertogetherandmoanmoreloudlythanbefore。
　　Seizingablazingbranchthemancastitstraightintothefaceofthelion。Therewasanangryroar，followedbyaswiftcharge。Withasingleboundthesavagebeastclearedthebomawallas，withalmostequalagility，thewarriorcleareditupontheoppositesideand，chancingthedangerslurkinginthedarkness，boltedforthenearesttree。
　　Numawasoutofthebomaalmostassoonashewasinsideit；
　　butashewentbackoverthelowthornwall，hetookascreamingnegrowithhim。DragginghisvictimalongthegroundhewalkedbacktowardSabor，thelioness，whojoinedhim，andthetwocontinuedintotheblackness，theirsavagegrowlsminglingwiththepiercingshrieksofthedoomedandterrifiedman。
　　Atalittledistancefromtheblazethelionshalted，thereensuedashortsuccessionofunusuallyviciousgrowlsandroars，duringwhichthecriesandmoansoftheblackmanceased——forever。
　　PresentlyNumareappearedinthefirelight。Hemadeasecondtripintothebomaandtheformergrislytragedywasreenactedwithanotherhowlingvictim。
　　Tarzanroseandstretchedlazily。Theentertainmentwasbeginningtoborehim。Heyawnedandturneduponhiswaytowardtheclearingwherethetribewouldbesleepingintheencirclingtrees。
　　Yetevenwhenhehadfoundhisfamiliarcrotchandcurledhimselfforslumber，hefeltnodesiretosleep。
　　Foralongtimehelayawakethinkinganddreaming。
　　Helookedupintotheheavensandwatchedthemoonandthestars。Hewonderedwhattheywereandwhatpowerkeptthemfromfalling。Hiswasaninquisitivemind。
　　Alwayshehadbeenfullofquestionsconcerningallthatpassedaroundhim；butthereneverhadbeenonetoanswerhisquestions。InchildhoodhehadwantedtoKNOW，and，deniedalmostallknowledge，hestill，inmanhood，wasfilledwiththegreat，unsatisfiedcuriosityofachild。
　　Hewasneverquitecontentmerelytoperceivethatthingshappened——hedesiredtoknowWHYtheyhappened。
　　Hewantedtoknowwhatmadethingsgo。Thesecretoflifeinterestedhimimmensely。Themiracleofdeathhecouldnotquitefathom。Uponinnumerableoccasionshehadinvestigatedtheinternalmechanismofhiskills，andonceortwicehehadopenedthechestcavityofvictimsintimetoseetheheartstillpumping。
　　Hehadlearnedfromexperiencethataknifethrustthroughthisorganbroughtimmediatedeathninetimesoutoften，whilehemightstabanantagonistinnumerabletimesinotherplaceswithoutevendisablinghim。Andsohehadcometothinkoftheheart，or，ashecalledit，"theredthingthatbreathes，"astheseatandoriginoflife。
　　Thebrainanditsfunctioningshedidnotcomprehendatall。
　　Thathissenseperceptionsweretransmittedtohisbrainandtheretranslated，classified，andlabeledwassomethingquitebeyondhim。Hethoughtthathisfingersknewwhentheytouchedsomething，thathiseyesknewwhentheysaw，hisearswhentheyheard，hisnosewhenitscented。
　　Heconsideredhisthroat，epidermis，andthehairsofhisheadasthethreeprincipalseatsofemotion。
　　WhenKalahadbeenslainapeculiarchokingsensationhadpossessedhisthroat；contactwithHistah，thesnake，impartedanunpleasantsensationtotheskinofhiswholebody；
　　whiletheapproachofanenemymadethehairsonhisscalpstanderect。
　　Imagine，ifyoucan，achildfilledwiththewondersofnature，burstingwithqueriesandsurroundedonlybybeastsofthejungletowhomhisquestioningswereasstrangeasSanskritwouldhavebeen。IfheaskedGuntowhatmadeitrain，thebigoldapewouldbutgazeathimindumbastonishmentforaninstantandthenreturntohisinterestingandedifyingsearchforfleas；
　　andwhenhequestionedMumga，whowasveryoldandshouldhavebeenverywise，butwasn’t，astothereasonfortheclosingofcertainflowersafterKuduhaddesertedthesky，andtheopeningofothersduringthenight，hewassurprisedtodiscoverthatMumgahadnevernoticedtheseinterestingfacts，thoughshecouldtelltoaninchjustwherethefattestgrubwormshouldbehiding。
　　ToTarzanthesethingswerewonders。Theyappealedtohisintellectandtohisimagination。Hesawtheflowerscloseandopen；hesawcertainbloomswhichturnedtheirfacesalwaystowardthesun；hesawleaveswhichmovedwhentherewasnobreeze；hesawvinescrawllikelivingthingsupthebolesandoverthebranchesofgreattrees；
　　andtoTarzanoftheApestheflowersandthevinesandthetreeswerelivingcreatures。Heoftentalkedtothem，ashetalkedtoGoro，themoon，andKudu，thesun，andalwayswashedisappointedthattheydidnotreply。
　　Heaskedthemquestions；buttheycouldnotanswer，thoughheknewthatthewhisperingoftheleaveswasthelanguageoftheleaves——theytalkedwithoneanother。
　　Thewindheattributedtothetreesandgrasses。Hethoughtthattheyswayedthemselvestoandfro，creatingthewind。
　　Innootherwaycouldheaccountforthisphenomenon。
　　Therainhefinallyattributedtothestars，themoon，andthesun；buthishypothesiswasentirelyunlovelyandunpoetical。
　　TonightasTarzanlaythinking，theresprangtohisfertileimaginationanexplanationofthestarsandthemoon。
　　Hebecamequiteexcitedaboutit。Taugwassleepinginanearbycrotch。Tarzanswungoverbesidehim。
　　"Taug！"hecried。Instantlythegreatbullwasawakeandbristling，sensingdangerfromthenocturnalsummons。
　　"Look，Taug！"exclaimedTarzan，pointingtowardthestars。
　　"SeetheeyesofNumaandSabor，ofSheetaandDango。
　　TheywaitaroundGorotoleapinuponhimfortheirkill。
　　SeetheeyesandthenoseandthemouthofGoro。AndthelightthatshinesuponhisfaceisthelightofthegreatfirehehasbuilttofrightenawayNumaandSaborandDangoandSheeta。
　　"Allabouthimaretheeyes，Taug，youcanseethem！Buttheydonotcomeveryclosetothefire——therearefeweyesclosetoGoro。Theyfearthefire！ItisthefirethatsavesGorofromNuma。Doyouseethem，Taug？SomenightNumawillbeveryhungryandveryangry——thenhewillleapoverthethornbusheswhichencircleGoroandwewillhavenomorelightafterKuduseekshislair——thenightwillbeblackwiththeblacknessthatcomeswhenGoroislazyandsleepslateintothenight，orwhenhewandersthroughtheskiesbyday，forgettingthejungleanditspeople。"
　　TauglookedstupidlyattheheavensandthenatTarzan。
　　Ameteorfell，blazingaflamingwaythroughthesky。
　　"Look！"criedTarzan。"GorohasthrownaburningbranchatNuma。"
　　Tauggrumbled。"Numaisdownbelow，"hesaid。"Numadoesnothuntabovethetrees。"Buthelookedcuriouslyandalittlefearfullyatthebrightstarsabovehim，asthoughhesawthemforthefirsttime，anddoubtlessitwasthefirsttimethatTaugeverhadseenthestars，thoughtheyhadbeenintheskyabovehimeverynightofhislife。ToTaugtheywereasthegorgeousjungleblooms——hecouldnoteatthemandsoheignoredthem。
　　Taugfidgetedandwasnervous。Foralongtimehelaysleepless，watchingthestars——theflamingeyesofthebeastsofpreysurroundingGoro，themoon——Goro，bywhoselighttheapesdancedtothebeatingoftheirearthendrums。IfGoroshouldbeeatenbyNumatherecouldbenomoreDum-Dums。Taugwasoverwhelmedbythethought。
　　HeglancedatTarzanhalffearfully。Whywashisfriendsodifferentfromtheothersofthetribe？NooneelsewhomTaugeverhadknownhadhadsuchqueerthoughtsasTarzan。
　　Theapescratchedhisheadandwondered，dimly，ifTarzanwasasafecompanion，andthenherecalledslowly，andbyalaboriousmentalprocess，thatTarzanhadservedhimbetterthananyotheroftheapes，eventhestrongandwisebullsofthetribe。
　　TarzanitwaswhohadfreedhimfromtheblacksattheverytimethatTaughadthoughtTarzanwantedTeeka。
　　ItwasTarzanwhohadsavedTaug’slittlebalufromdeath。
　　ItwasTarzanwhohadconceivedandcarriedouttheplantopursueTeeka’sabductorandrescuethestolenone。
　　TarzanhadfoughtandbledinTaug’sservicesomanytimesthatTaug，althoughonlyabrutalape，hadhadimpresseduponhismindafierceloyaltywhichnothingnowcouldswerve——hisfriendshipforTarzanhadbecomeahabit，atraditionalmost，whichwouldendurewhileTaugendured。
　　Henevershowedanyoutwarddemonstrationofaffection——hegrowledatTarzanashegrowledattheotherbullswhocametooclosewhilehewasfeeding——buthewouldhavediedforTarzan。HeknewitandTarzanknewit；
　　butofsuchthingsapesdonotspeak——theirvocabulary，forthefinerinstincts，consistingmoreofactionsthanwords。ButnowTaugwasworried，andhefellasleepagainstillthinkingofthestrangewordsofhisfellow。
　　Thefollowingdayhethoughtofthemagain，andwithoutanyintentionofdisloyaltyhementionedtoGuntowhatTarzanhadsuggestedabouttheeyessurroundingGoro，andthepossibilitythatsoonerorlaterNumawouldchargethemoonanddevourhim。Totheapesalllargethingsinnaturearemale，andsoGoro，beingthelargestcreatureintheheavensbynight，was，tothem，abull。
　　GuntobitasliverfromahornyfingerandrecalledthefactthatTarzanhadoncesaidthatthetreestalkedtooneanother，andGozanrecountedhavingseentheape-mandancingaloneinthemoonlightwithSheeta，thepanther。
　　TheydidnotknowthatTarzanhadropedthesavagebeastandtiedhimtoatreebeforehecametoearthandleapedaboutbeforetherearingcat，totantalizehim。
　　OtherstoldofseeingTarzanrideuponthebackofTantor，theelephant；ofhisbringingtheblackboy，Tibo，tothetribe，andofmysteriousthingswithwhichhecommunedinthestrangelairbythesea。Theyhadneverunderstoodhisbooks，andafterhehadshownthemtooneortwoofthetribeanddiscoveredthateventhepicturescarriednoimpressiontotheirbrains，hehaddesisted。
　　"Tarzanisnotanape，"saidGunto。"HewillbringNumatoeatus，asheisbringinghimtoeatGoro。
　　Weshouldkillhim。"
　　ImmediatelyTaugbristled。KillTarzan！"FirstyouwillkillTaug，"hesaid，andlumberedawaytosearchforfood。
　　Butothersjoinedtheplotters。TheythoughtofmanythingswhichTarzanhaddone——thingswhichapesdidnotdoandcouldnotunderstand。AgainGuntovoicedtheopinionthattheTarmangani，thewhiteape，shouldbeslain，andtheothers，filledwithterroraboutthestoriestheyhadheard，andthinkingTarzanwasplanningtoslayGoro，greetedtheproposalwithgrowlsofaccord。
　　AmongthemwasTeeka，listeningwithallherears；
　　buthervoicewasnotraisedinfurtheranceoftheplan。
　　Insteadshebristled，showingherfangs，andafterwardshewentawayinsearchofTarzan；butshecouldnotfindhim，ashewasroamingfarafieldinsearchofmeat。
　　ShefoundTaug，though，andtoldhimwhattheotherswereplanning，andthegreatbullstampeduponthegroundandroared。Hisbloodshoteyesblazedwithwrath，hisupperlipcurleduptoexposehisfightingfangs，andthehairuponhisspinestooderect，andthenarodentscurriedacrosstheopenandTaugsprangtoseizeit。
　　Inaninstantheseemedtohaveforgottenhisrageagainsttheenemiesofhisfriend；butsuchisthemindofanape。
　　SeveralmilesawayTarzanoftheApeslolleduponthebroadheadofTantor，theelephant。Hescratchedbeneaththegreatearswiththepointofasharpstick，andhetalkedtothehugepachydermofeverythingwhichfilledhisblack-thatchedhead。Little，ornothing，ofwhathesaiddidTantorunderstand；butTantorisagoodlistener。
　　Swayingfromsidetosidehestoodthereenjoyingthecompanionshipofhisfriend，thefriendheloved，andabsorbingthedelicioussensationsofthescratching。
　　Numa，thelion，caughtthescentofman，andwarilystalkedituntilhecamewithinsightofhispreyupontheheadofthemightytusker；thenheturned，growlingandmuttering，awayinsearchofmorepropitioushuntinggrounds。
　　Theelephantcaughtthescentofthelion，bornetohimbyaneddyingbreeze，andliftinghistrunktrumpetedloudly。
　　Tarzanstretchedbackluxuriously，lyingsupineatfulllengthalongtheroughhide。Fliesswarmedabouthisface；
　　butwithaleafybranchtornfromatreehelazilybrushedthemaway。
　　"Tantor，"hesaid，"itisgoodtobealive。Itisgoodtolieinthecoolshadows。Itisgoodtolookuponthegreentreesandthebrightcolorsoftheflowers——uponeverythingwhichBulamutumumohasputhereforus。
　　Heisverygoodtous，Tantor；Hehasgivenyoutenderleavesandbark，andrichgrassestoeat；tomeHehasgivenBaraandHortaandPisah，thefruitsandthenutsandtheroots。
　　Heprovidesforeachthefoodthateachlikesbest。
　　AllthatHeasksisthatwebestrongenoughorcunningenoughtogoforthandtakeit。Yes，Tantor，itisgoodtolive。
　　Ishouldhatetodie。"
　　Tantormadealittlesoundinhisthroatandcurledhistrunkupwardthathemightcaresstheape-man’scheekwiththefingeratitstip。
　　"Tantor，"saidTarzanpresently，"turnandfeedinthedirectionofthetribeofKerchak，thegreatape，thatTarzanmayridehomeuponyourheadwithoutwalking。"
　　Thetuskerturnedandmovedslowlyoffalongabroad，tree-archedtrail，pausingoccasionallytopluckatenderbranch，orstriptheediblebarkfromanadjacenttree。
　　Tarzansprawledfacedownwarduponthebeast’sheadandback，hislegshangingoneitherside，hisheadsupportedbyhisopenpalms，hiselbowsrestingonthebroadcranium。
　　Andthustheymadetheirleisurelywaytowardthegatheringplaceofthetribe。
　　Justbeforetheyarrivedattheclearingfromthenorththerereacheditfromthesouthanotherfigure——thatofawell-knitblackwarrior，whosteppedcautiouslythroughthejungle，everysenseuponthealertagainstthemanydangerswhichmightlurkanywherealongtheway。
　　Yethepassedbeneaththesouthernmostsentrythatwaspostedinagreattreecommandingthetrailfromthesouth。
　　TheapepermittedtheGomanganitopassunmolested，forhesawthathewasalone；butthemomentthatthewarriorhadenteredtheclearingaloud"Kreeg-ah！"rangoutfrombehindhim，immediatelyfollowedbyachorusofrepliesfromdifferentdirections，asthegreatbullscrashedthroughthetreesinanswertothesummonsoftheirfellow。
　　Theblackmanhaltedatthefirstcryandlookedabouthim。
　　Hecouldseenothing，butheknewthevoiceofthehairytreemenwhomheandhiskindfeared，notalonebecauseofthestrengthandferocityofthesavagebeings，butaswellthroughasuperstitiousterrorengenderedbythemanlikeappearanceoftheapes。
　　ButBulabantuwasnocoward。Heheardtheapesallabouthim；
　　heknewthatescapewasprobablyimpossible，sohestoodhisground，hisspearreadyinhishandandawarcrytremblingonhislips。Hewouldsellhislifedearly，wouldBulabantu，under-chiefofthevillageofMbonga，thechief。
　　TarzanandTantorwerebutashortdistanceawaywhenthefirstcryofthesentryrangoutthroughthequietjungle。
　　Likeaflashtheape-manleapedfromtheelephant’sbacktoanear-bytreeandwasswingingrapidlyinthedirectionoftheclearingbeforetheechoesofthefirst"Kreeg-ah"haddiedaway。WhenhearrivedhesawadozenbullscirclingasingleGomangani。
　　Withablood-curdlingscreamTarzansprangtotheattack。
　　Hehatedtheblacksevenmorethandidtheapes，andherewasanopportunityforakillintheopen。
　　WhathadtheGomanganidone？Hadheslainoneofthetribe？
　　Tarzanaskedthenearestape。No，theGomanganihadharmednone。Gozan，beingonwatch，hadseenhimcomingthroughtheforestandhadwarnedthetribe——thatwasall。
　　Theape-manpushedthroughthecircleofbulls，noneofwhichasyethadworkedhimselfintosufficientfrenzyforacharge，andcamewherehehadafullandcloseviewoftheblack。Herecognizedthemaninstantly。
　　Onlythenightbeforehehadseenhimfacingtheeyesinthedark，whilehisfellowsgroveledinthedirtathisfeet，tooterrifiedeventodefendthemselves。
　　Herewasabraveman，andTarzanhaddeepadmirationforbravery。Evenhishatredoftheblackswasnotsostrongapassionashisloveofcourage。Hewouldhavejoyedinbattlingwithablackwarrioratalmostanytime；
　　butthisonehedidnotwishtokill——hefelt，vaguely，thatthemanhadearnedhislifebyhisbravedefenseofitontheprecedingnight，nordidhefancytheoddsthatwerepittedagainstthelonewarrior。
　　Heturnedtotheapes。"Gobacktoyourfeeding，"
　　hesaid，"andletthisGomanganigohiswayinpeace。
　　Hehasnotharmedus，andlastnightIsawhimfightingNumaandSaborwithfire，aloneinthejungle。Heisbrave。
　　Whyshouldwekillonewhoisbraveandwhohasnotattackedus？Lethimgo。"
　　Theapesgrowled。Theyweredispleased。"KilltheGomangani！"
　　criedone。
　　"Yes。"roaredanother，"killtheGomanganiandtheTarmanganiaswell。"
　　"Killthewhiteape！"screamedGozan，"heisnoapeatall；
　　butaGomanganiwithhisskinoff。"
　　"KillTarzan！"bellowedGunto。"Kill！Kill！Kill！"
　　Thebullswerenowindeedworkingthemselvesintothefrenzyofslaughter；butagainstTarzanratherthantheblackman。
　　Ashaggyformchargedthroughthem，hurlingthoseitcameincontactwithtoonesideasastrongmanmightscatterchildren。ItwasTaug——great，savageTaug。
　　"Whosays’killTarzan’？"hedemanded。"WhokillsTarzanmustkillTaug，too。WhocankillTaug？TaugwilltearyourinsidesfromyouandfeedthemtoDango。"
　　"Wecankillyouall，"repliedGunto。"Therearemanyofusandfewofyou，"andhewasright。Tarzanknewthathewasright。Taugknewit；butneitherwouldadmitsuchapossibility。Itisnotthewayofbullapes。
　　"IamTarzan，"criedtheape-man。"IamTarzan。
　　Mightyhunter；mightyfighter。InallthejunglenonesogreatasTarzan。"
　　Then，onebyone，theopposingbullsrecountedtheirvirtuesandtheirprowess。Andallthetimethecombatantscamecloserandclosertooneanother。Thusdothebullsworkthemselvestotheproperpitchbeforeengaginginbattle。
　　Guntocame，stiff-legged，closetoTarzanandsniffedathim，withbaredfangs。Tarzanrumbledforthalow，menacinggrowl。
　　Theymightrepeatthesetacticsadozentimes；butsoonerorlateronebullwouldclosewithanotherandthenthewholehideouspackwouldbetearingandrendingattheirprey。
　　Bulabantu，theblackman，hadstoodwide-eyedinwonderfromthemomenthehadseenTarzanapproachingthroughtheapes。
　　Hehadheardmuchofthisdevil-godwhoranwiththehairytreepeople；butneverbeforehadheseenhiminfulldaylight。Heknewhimwellenoughfromthedescriptionofthosewhohadseenhimandfromtheglimpseshehadhadofthemarauderuponseveraloccasionswhentheape-manhadenteredthevillageofMbonga，thechief，bynight，intheperpetrationofoneofhisnumerousghastlyjokes。
　　Bulabantucouldnot，ofcourse，understandanythingwhichpassedbetweenTarzanandtheapes；buthesawthattheape-manandoneofthelargerbullswereinargumentwiththeothers。Hesawthatthesetwowerestandingwiththeirbacktowardhimandbetweenhimandthebalanceofthetribe，andheguessed，thoughitseemedimprobable，thattheymightbedefendinghim。
　　HeknewthatTarzanhadoncesparedthelifeofMbonga，thechief，andthathehadsuccoredTibo，andTibo’smother，Momaya。SoitwasnotimpossiblethathewouldhelpBulabantu；buthowhecouldaccomplishitBulabantucouldnotguess；norasamatteroffactcouldTarzan，fortheoddsagainsthimweretoogreat。
　　GuntoandtheotherswereslowlyforcingTarzanandTaugbacktowardBulabantu。Theape-manthoughtofhiswordswithTantorjustashorttimebefore:"Yes，Tantor，itisgoodtolive。Ishouldhatetodie。"Andnowheknewthathewasabouttodie，forthetemperofthegreatbullswasmountingrapidlyagainsthim。
　　Alwayshadmanyofthemhatedhim，andallweresuspiciousofhim。Theyknewhewasdifferent。Tarzanknewittoo；
　　buthewasgladthathewas——hewasaMAN；thathehadlearnedfromhispicture-books，andhewasveryproudofthedistinction。Presently，though，hewouldbeadeadman。
　　Guntowaspreparingtocharge。Tarzanknewthesigns。
　　HeknewthatthebalanceofthebullswouldchargewithGunto。Thenitwouldsoonbeover。Somethingmovedamongtheverdureattheoppositesideoftheclearing。
　　TarzansawitjustasGunto，withtheterrifyingcryofachallengingape，sprangforward。Tarzanvoicedapeculiarcallandthencrouchedtomeettheassault。
　　Taugcrouched，too，andBulabantu，assurednowthatthesetwowerefightinguponhisside，couchedhisspearandsprangbetweenthemtoreceivethefirstchargeoftheenemy。
　　Simultaneouslyahugebulkbrokeintotheclearingfromthejunglebehindthechargingbulls。
　　Thetrumpetingofamadtuskerroseshrillabovethecriesoftheanthropoids，asTantor，theelephant，dashedswiftlyacrosstheclearingtotheaidofhisfriend。
　　Guntoneverclosedupontheape-man，nordidafangenterfleshuponeitherside。TheterrificreverberationofTantor’schallengesentthebullsscurryingtothetrees，jabberingandscolding。Taugracedoffwiththem。
　　OnlyTarzanandBulabanturemained。Thelatterstoodhisgroundbecausehesawthatthedevil-goddidnotrun，andbecausetheblackhadthecouragetofaceacertainandhorribledeathbesideonewhohadquiteevidentlydareddeathforhim。
　　ButitwasasurprisedGomanganiwhosawthemightyelephantcometoasuddenhaltinfrontoftheape-manandcaresshimwithhislong，sinuoustrunk。
　　Tarzanturnedtowardtheblackman。"Go！"hesaidinthelanguageoftheapes，andpointedinthedirectionofthevillageofMbonga。Bulabantuunderstoodthegesture，ifnottheword，nordidhelosetimeinobeying。
　　Tarzanstoodwatchinghimuntilhehaddisappeared。
　　Heknewthattheapeswouldnotfollow。Thenhesaidtotheelephant:"Pickmeup！"andthetuskerswunghimlightlytohishead。
　　"Tarzangoestohislairbythebigwater，"shoutedtheape-mantotheapesinthetrees。"AllofyouaremorefoolishthanManu，exceptTaugandTeeka。TaugandTeekamaycometoseeTarzan；buttheothersmustkeepaway。
　　TarzanisdonewiththetribeofKerchak。"
　　HeproddedTantorwithacallousedtoeandthebigbeastswungoffacrosstheclearing，theapeswatchingthemuntiltheywereswallowedupbythejungle。
　　BeforethenightfellTaugkilledGunto，pickingaquarrelwithhimoverhisattackuponTarzan。
　　ForamoonthetribesawnothingofTarzanoftheApes。
　　Manyofthemprobablynevergavehimathought；buttherewerethosewhomissedhimmorethanTarzanimagined。
　　TaugandTeekaoftenwishedthathewasback，andTaugdeterminedadozentimestogoandvisitTarzaninhisseasidelair；
　　butfirstonethingandthenanotherinterfered。
　　OnenightwhenTauglaysleeplesslookingupatthestarryheavensherecalledthestrangethingsthatTarzanoncehadsuggestedtohim——thatthebrightspotsweretheeyesofthemeat-eaterswaitinginthedarkofthejungleskytoleapuponGoro，themoon，anddevourhim。
　　Themorehethoughtaboutthismatterthemoreperturbedhebecame。
　　Andthenastrangethinghappened。EvenasTauglookedatGoro，hesawaportionofoneedgedisappear，preciselyasthoughsomethingwasgnawinguponit。
　　LargerandlargerbecametheholeinthesideofGoro。
　　Withascream，Taugleapedtohisfeet。Hisfrenzied"Kreeg-ahs！"broughttheterrifiedtribescreamingandchatteringtowardhim。
　　"Look！"criedTaug，pointingatthemoon。"Look！ItisasTarzansaid。NumahassprungthroughthefiresandisdevouringGoro。YoucalledTarzannamesanddrovehimfromthetribe；nowseehowwisehewas。
　　LetoneofyouwhohatedTarzangotoGoro’said。
　　SeetheeyesinthedarkjungleallaboutGoro。Heisindangerandnonecanhelphim——noneexceptTarzan。
　　SoonGorowillbedevouredbyNumaandweshallhavenomorelightafterKuduseekshislair。HowshallwedancetheDum-DumwithoutthelightofGoro？"
　　Theapestrembledandwhimpered。Anymanifestationofthepowersofnaturealwaysfilledthemwithterror，fortheycouldnotunderstand。
　　"GoandbringTarzan，"criedone，andthentheyalltookupthecryof"Tarzan！""BringTarzan！""HewillsaveGoro。"
　　Butwhowastotravelthedarkjunglebynighttofetchhim？
　　"Iwillgo，"volunteeredTaug，andaninstantlaterhewasoffthroughtheStygiangloomtowardthelittleland-lockedharborbythesea。
　　Andasthetribewaitedtheywatchedtheslowdevouringofthemoon。AlreadyNumahadeatenoutagreatsemicircularpiece。AtthatrateGorowouldbeentirelygonebeforeKuducameagain。Theapestrembledatthethoughtofperpetualdarknessbynight。Theycouldnotsleep。
　　Restlesslytheymovedhereandthereamongthebranchesoftrees，watchingNumaoftheskiesathisdeadlyfeast，andlisteningforthecomingofTaugwithTarzan。
　　Gorowasnearlygonewhentheapesheardthesoundsoftheapproachthroughthetreesofthetwotheyawaited，andpresentlyTarzan，followedbyTaug，swungintoanearbytree。
　　Theape-manwastednotimeinidlewords。Inhishandwashislongbowandathisbackhungaquiverfullofarrows，poisonedarrowsthathehadstolenfromthevillageoftheblacks；justashehadstolenthebow。Upintoagreattreeheclambered，higherandhigheruntilhestoodswayinguponasmalllimbwhichbentlowbeneathhisweight。
　　Herehehadaclearandunobstructedviewoftheheavens。
　　HesawGoroandtheinroadswhichthehungryNumahadmadeintohisshiningsurface。
　　Raisinghisfacetothemoon，Tarzanshrilledforthhishideouschallenge。Faintlyandfromafarcametheroarofanansweringlion。Theapesshivered。
　　NumaoftheskieshadansweredTarzan。
　　Thentheape-manfittedanarrowtohisbow，anddrawingtheshaftfarback，aimeditspointattheheartofNumawherehelayintheheavensdevouringGoro。Therewasaloudtwangasthereleasedboltshotintothedarkheavens。
　　AgainandagaindidTarzanoftheApeslaunchhisarrowsatNuma，andallthewhiletheapesofthetribeofKerchakhuddledtogetherinterror。
　　AtlastcameacryfromTaug。"Look！Look！"hescreamed。
　　"Numaiskilled。TarzanhaskilledNuma。See！GoroisemergingfromthebellyofNuma，"and，sureenough，themoonwasgraduallyemergingfromwhateverhaddevouredher，whetheritwasNuma，thelion，ortheshadowoftheearth；
　　butwereyoutotrytoconvinceanapeofthetribeofKerchakthatitwasaughtbutNumawhosonearlydevouredGorothatnight，orthatanotherthanTarzanpreservedthebrilliantgodoftheirsavageandmysteriousritesfromafrightfuldeath，youwouldhavedifficulty——andafightonyourhands。
　　AndsoTarzanoftheApescamebacktothetribeofKerchak，andinhiscominghetookalongstridetowardthekingship，whichheultimatelywon，fornowtheapeslookeduptohimasasuperiorbeing。
　　InallthetribetherewasbutonewhowasatallskepticalabouttheplausibilityofTarzan’sremarkablerescueofGoro，andthatone，strangeasitmayseem，wasTarzanoftheApes。