TheymusthaveeitherheardorguessedwhichwayIwent，forIhadproceededbutashortdistancewhenIheardthesoundofpursuit。
　　IhadnomindtostopandfightthesemenherewhentherewasfightingaplentyelsewhereinthecityofKadabra——fightingthatcouldbeofmuchmoreavailtomeandminethanuselesslife—takingfarbelowthepalace。
　　Butthefellowswerepressingme;andasIdidnotknowthewayatall，IsoonsawthattheywouldovertakemeunlessIfoundaplacetoconcealmyselfuntiltheyhadpassed，whichwouldthengivemeanopportunitytoreturnthewayIhadcomeandregainthetower，orpossiblyfindawaytoreachthecitystreets。
　　Thepassagewayhadrisenrapidlysinceleavingtheapartmentoftheswitch，andnowranlevelandwelllightedstraightintothedistanceasfarasIcouldsee。ThemomentthatmypursuersreachedthisstraightstretchIwouldbeinplainsightofthem，withnochancetoescapefromthecorridorundetected。
　　PresentlyIsawaseriesofdoorsopeningfromeithersideofthecorridor，andastheyalllookedaliketomeItriedthefirstonethatIreached。Itopenedintoasmallchamber，luxuriouslyfurnished，andwasevidentlyanante—chamberoffsomeofficeoraudiencechamberofthepalace。
　　OnthefarsidewasaheavilycurtaineddoorwaybeyondwhichIheardthehumofvoices。InstantlyIcrossedthesmallchamber，and，partingthecurtains，lookedwithinthelargerapartment。
　　Beforemewereapartyofperhapsfiftygorgeouslycladnoblesofthecourt，standingbeforeathroneuponwhichsatSalensusOll。
　　TheJeddakofJeddakswasaddressingthem。
　　"Theallottedhourhascome，"hewassayingasIenteredtheapartment;
　　"andthoughtheenemiesofOkarbewithinhergates，naughtmaystaythewillofSalensusOll。ThegreatceremonymustbeomittedthatnosinglemanmaybekeptfromhisplaceinthedefensesotherthanthefiftythatcustomdemandsshallwitnessthecreationofanewqueeninOkar。
　　"Inamomentthethingshallhavebeendoneandwemayreturntothebattle，whileshewhoisnowthePrincessofHeliumlooksdownfromthequeen’stowerupontheannihilationofherformercountrymenandwitnessesthegreatnesswhichisherhusband’s。"
　　Then，turningtoacourtier，heissuedsomecommandinalowvoice。
　　Theaddressedhastenedtoasmalldooratthefarendofthechamberand，swingingitwide，cried："WayforDejahThoris，futureQueenofOkar！"
　　Immediatelytwoguardsmenappeareddraggingtheunwillingbridetowardthealtar。Herhandswerestillmanacledbehindher，evidentlytopreventsuicide。
　　Herdisheveledhairandpantingbosombetokenedthat，chainedthoughshewas，stillhadshefoughtagainstthethingthattheywoulddotoher。
　　AtsightofherSalensusOllroseanddrewhissword，andtheswordofeachofthefiftynobleswasraisedonhightoformanarch，beneathwhichthepoor，beautifulcreaturewasdraggedtowardherdoom。
　　AgrimsmileforceditselftomylipsasIthoughtoftherudeawakeningthatlayinstorefortherulerofOkar，andmyitchingfingersfondledthehiltofmybloodysword。
　　AsIwatchedtheprocessionthatmovedslowlytowardthethrone——
　　aprocessionwhichconsistedofbutahandfulofpriests，whofollowedDejahThorisandthetwoguardsmen——IcaughtafleetingglimpseofablackfacepeeringfrombehindthedraperiesthatcoveredthewallbackofthedaisuponwhichstoodSalensusOllawaitinghisbride。
　　NowtheguardsmenwereforcingthePrincessofHeliumupthefewstepstothesideofthetyrantofOkar，andIhadnoeyesandnothoughtsforaughtelse。Apriestopenedabookand，raisinghishand，commencedtodroneoutasing—songritual。
　　SalensusOllreachedforthehandofhisbride。
　　Ihadintendedwaitinguntilsomecircumstanceshouldgivemeareasonablehopeofsuccess;for，eventhoughtheentireceremonyshouldbecompleted，therecouldbenovalidmarriagewhileIlived。
　　WhatIwasmostconcernedin，ofcourse，wastherescuingofDejahThoris——IwishedtotakeherfromthepalaceofSalensusOll，ifsuchathingwerepossible;butwhetheritwereaccomplishedbeforeorafterthemockmarriagewasamatterofsecondaryimport。
　　When，however，IsawthevilehandofSalensusOllreachoutforthehandofmybelovedprincessIcouldrestrainmyselfnolonger，andbeforethenoblesofOkarknewthataughthadhappenedIhadleapedthroughtheirthinlineandwasuponthedaisbesideDejahThorisandSalensusOll。
　　WiththeflatofmyswordIstruckdownhispollutinghand;
　　andgraspingDejahThorisroundthewaist，Iswungherbehindmeas，withmybackagainstthedraperiesofthedais，Ifacedthetyrantofthenorthandhisroomfulofnoblewarriors。
　　TheJeddakofJeddakswasagreatmountainofaman——acoarse，brutalbeastofaman——andashetoweredabovemethere，hisfierceblackwhiskersandmustachebristlinginrage，Icanwellimaginethatalessseasonedwarriormighthavetrembledbeforehim。
　　Withasnarlhesprangtowardmewithnakedsword，butwhetherSalensusOllwasagoodswordsmanorapoorIneverlearned;
　　forwithDejahThorisatmybackIwasnolongerhuman——Iwasasuperman，andnomancouldhavewithstoodmethen。
　　Withasingle，low："ForthePrincessofHelium！"IranmybladestraightthroughtherottenheartofOkar’srottenruler，andbeforethewhite，drawnfacesofhisnoblesSalensusOllrolled，grinninginhorribledeath，tothefootofthestepsbelowhismarriagethrone。
　　Foramomenttensesilencereignedinthenuptial—room。Thenthefiftynoblesrusheduponme。Furiouslywefought，buttheadvantagewasmine，forIstooduponaraisedplatformabovethem，andIfoughtforthemostgloriouswomanofagloriousrace，andIfoughtforagreatloveandforthemotherofmyboy。
　　Andfrombehindmyshoulder，inthesilverycadenceofthatdearvoice，rosethebravebattleanthemofHeliumwhichthenation’swomensingastheirmenmarchouttovictory。
　　Thatalonewasenoughtoinspiremetovictoryoverevengreaterodds，andIverilybelievethatIshouldhavebestedtheentireroomfulofyellowwarriorsthatdayinthenuptialchamberofthepalaceatKadabrahadnotinterruptioncometomyaid。
　　FastandfuriouswasthefightingasthenoblesofSalensusOllsprang，timeandagain，upthestepsbeforethethroneonlytofallbackbeforeaswordhandthatseemedtohavegainedanewwizardryfromitsexperiencewiththecunningSolan。
　　TwowerepressingmesocloselythatIcouldnotturnwhenIheardamovementbehindme，andnotedthatthesoundofthebattleanthemhadceased。WasDejahThorispreparingtotakeherplacebesideme？
　　Heroicdaughterofaheroicworld！Itwouldnotbeunlikehertohaveseizedaswordandfoughtatmyside，for，thoughthewomenofMarsarenottrainedintheartsofwar，thespiritistheirs，andtheyhavebeenknowntodothatverythinguponcountlessoccasions。
　　Butshedidnotcome，andgladIwas，foritwouldhavedoubledmyburdeninprotectingherbeforeIshouldhavebeenabletoforceherbackagainoutofharm’sway。Shemustbecontemplatingsomecunningstrategy，Ithought，andsoIfoughtonsecureinthebeliefthatmydivineprincessstoodclosebehindme。
　　ForhalfanhouratleastImusthavefoughtthereagainstthenoblesofOkarereeveraoneplacedafootuponthedaiswhereIstood，andthenofasuddenallthatremainedofthemformedbelowmeforalast，mad，desperatecharge;butevenastheyadvancedthedooratthefarendofthechamberswungwideandawild—eyedmessengersprangintotheroom。
　　"TheJeddakofJeddaks！"hecried。"WhereistheJeddakofJeddaks？
　　Thecityhasfallenbeforethehordesfrombeyondthebarrier，andbutnowthegreatgateofthepalaceitselfhasbeenforcedandthewarriorsofthesoutharepouringintoitssacredprecincts。
　　"WhereisSalensusOll？Healonemayrevivetheflaggingcourageofourwarriors。HealonemaysavethedayforOkar。WhereisSalensusOll？"
　　Thenoblessteppedbackfromaboutthedeadbodyoftheirruler，andoneofthempointedtothegrinningcorpse。
　　Themessengerstaggeredbackinhorrorasthoughfromablowintheface。
　　"Thenfly，noblesofOkar！"hecried，"fornaughtcansaveyou。Hark！
　　Theycome！"
　　Ashespokeweheardthedeeproarofangrymenfromthecorridorwithout，andtheclankofmetalandtheclangofswords。
　　Withoutanotherglancetowardme，whohadstoodaspectatorofthetragicscene，thenobleswheeledandfledfromtheapartmentthroughanotherexit。
　　Almostimmediatelyaforceofyellowwarriorsappearedinthedoorwaythroughwhichthemessengerhadcome。Theywerebackingtowardtheapartment，stubbornlyresistingtheadvanceofahandfulofredmenwhofacedthemandforcedthemslowlybutinevitablyback。
　　AbovetheheadsofthecontestantsIcouldseefrommyelevatedstationuponthedaisthefaceofmyoldfriendKantosKan。
　　HewasleadingthelittlepartythathadwonitswayintotheveryheartofthepalaceofSalensusOll。
　　InaninstantIsawthatbyattackingtheOkariansfromtherearIcouldsoquicklydisorganizethemthattheirfurtherresistancewouldbeshort—lived，andwiththisideainmindI
　　sprangfromthedais，castingawordofexplanationtoDejahThorisovermyshoulder，thoughIdidnotturntolookather。
　　Withmyselfeverbetweenherenemiesandherself，andwithKantosKanandhiswarriorswinningtotheapartment，therecouldbenodangertoDejahThorisstandingtherealonebesidethethrone。
　　IwantedthemenofHeliumtoseemeandtoknowthattheirbelovedprincesswashere，too，forIknewthatthisknowledgewouldinspirethemtoevengreaterdeedsofvalorthantheyhadperformedinthepast，thoughgreatindeedmusthavebeenthosewhichwonforthemawayintothealmostimpregnablepalaceofthetyrantofthenorth。
　　AsIcrossedthechambertoattacktheKadabransfromtherearasmalldoorwayatmyleftopened，and，tomysurprise，revealedthefiguresofMataiShang，FatherofThernsandPhaidor，hisdaughter，peeringintotheroom。
　　Aquickglanceabouttheytook。Theireyesrestedforamoment，wideinhorror，uponthedeadbodyofSalensusOll，uponthebloodthatcrimsonedthefloor，uponthecorpsesofthenobleswhohadfallenthickbeforethethrone，uponme，anduponthebattlingwarriorsattheotherdoor。
　　Theydidnotessaytoentertheapartment，butscanneditseverycornerfromwheretheystood，andthen，whentheireyeshadsoughtitsentirearea，alookoffiercerageoverspreadthefeaturesofMataiShang，andacoldandcunningsmiletouchedthelipsofPhaidor。
　　Thentheyweregone，butnotbeforeatauntinglaughwasthrowndirectlyinmyfacebythewoman。
　　IdidnotunderstandthenthemeaningofMataiShang’srageorPhaidor’spleasure，butIknewthatneitherbodedgoodforme。
　　AmomentlaterIwasuponthebacksoftheyellowmen，andastheredmenofHeliumsawmeabovetheshouldersoftheirantagonistsagreatshoutrangthroughthecorridor，andforamomentdrownedthenoiseofbattle。
　　"ForthePrinceofHelium！"theycried。"ForthePrinceofHelium！"
　　and，likehungrylionsupontheirprey，theyfelloncemoreupontheweakeningwarriorsofthenorth。
　　Theyellowmen，corneredbetweentwoenemies，foughtwiththedesperationthatutterhopelessnessofteninduces。FoughtasI
　　shouldhavefoughthadIbeenintheirstead，withthedeterminationtotakeasmanyofmyenemieswithmewhenIdiedaslaywithinthepowerofmyswordarm。
　　Itwasagloriousbattle，buttheendseemedinevitable，whenpresentlyfromdownthecorridorbehindtheredmencameagreatbodyofreenforcingyellowwarriors。
　　Nowwerethetablesturned，anditwasthemenofHeliumwhoseemeddoomedtobegroundbetweentwomillstones。Allwerecompelledtoturntomeetthisnewassaultbyagreatlysuperiorforce，sothattomewaslefttheremnantsoftheyellowmenwithinthethroneroom。
　　Theykeptmebusy，too;sobusythatIbegantowonderifindeedIshouldeverbedonewiththem。Slowlytheypressedmebackintotheroom，andwhentheyhadallpassedinafterme，oneofthemclosedandboltedthedoor，effectuallybarringthewayagainstthemenofKantosKan。
　　Itwasaclevermove，foritputmeatthemercyofadozenmenwithinachamberfromwhichassistancewaslockedout，anditgavetheredmeninthecorridorbeyondnoavenueofescapeshouldtheirnewantagonistspressthemtooclosely。
　　ButIhavefacedheavieroddsmyselfthanwerepittedagainstmethatday，andIknewthatKantosKanhadbattledhiswayfromahundredmoredangeroustrapsthanthatinwhichhenowwas。
　　SoitwaswithnofeelingsofdespairthatIturnedmyattentiontothebusinessofthemoment。
　　ConstantlymythoughtsrevertedtoDejahThoris，andIlongedforthemomentwhen，thefightingdone，Icouldfoldherinmyarms，andhearoncemorethewordsoflovewhichhadbeendeniedmeforsomanyyears。
　　DuringthefightinginthechamberIhadnotevenasinglechancetosomuchasstealaglanceatherwhereshestoodbehindmebesidethethroneofthedeadruler。IwonderedwhyshenolongerurgedmeonwiththestrainsofthemartialhymnofHelium;
　　butIdidnotneedmorethantheknowledgethatIwasbattlingforhertobringoutthebestthatisinme。
　　Itwouldbewearisometonarratethedetailsofthatbloodystruggle;
　　ofhowwefoughtfromthedoorway，thefulllengthoftheroomtotheveryfootofthethronebeforethelastofmyantagonistsfellwithmybladepiercinghisheart。
　　Andthen，withagladcry，Iturnedwithoutstretchedarmstoseizemyprincess，andasmylipssmotheredherstoreaptherewardthatwouldbethriceamplepaymentforthebloodyencountersthroughwhichIhadpassedforherdearsakefromthesouthpoletothenorth。
　　Thegladcrydied，frozenuponmylips;myarmsdroppedlimpandlifelesstomysides;asonewhoreelsbeneaththeburdenofamortalwoundIstaggeredupthestepsbeforethethrone。
　　DejahThoriswasgone。
　　REWARDS
　　WiththerealizationthatDejahThoriswasnolongerwithinthethroneroomcamethebelatedrecollectionofthedarkfacethatI
　　hadglimpsedpeeringfrombehindthedraperiesthatbackedthethroneofSalensusOllatthemomentthatIhadfirstcomesounexpectedlyuponthestrangescenebeingenactedwithinthechamber。
　　Whyhadthesightofthatevilcountenancenotwarnedmetogreatercaution？WhyhadIpermittedtherapiddevelopmentofnewsituationstoeffacetherecollectionofthatmenacingdanger？
　　But，alas，vainregretwouldnoterasethecalamitythathadbefallen。
　　OnceagainhadDejahThorisfallenintotheclutchesofthatarchfiend，Thurid，theblackdatoroftheFirstBorn。Againwasallmyarduouslaborgonefornaught。NowIrealizedthecauseoftheragethathadbeenwritsolargeuponthefeaturesofMataiShangandthecruelpleasurethatIhadseenuponthefaceofPhaidor。
　　Theyhadknownorguessedthetruth，andthehekkadoroftheHolyTherns，whohadevidentlycometothechamberinthehopeofthwartingSalensusOllinhiscontemplatedperfidyagainstthehighpriestwhocovetedDejahThorisforhimself，realizedthatThuridhadstolentheprizefrombeneathhisverynose。
　　Phaidor’spleasurehadbeenduetoherrealizationofwhatthislastcruelblowwouldmeantome，aswellastoapartialsatisfactionofherjealoushatredforthePrincessofHelium。
　　Myfirstthoughtwastolookbeyondthedraperiesatthebackofthethrone，forthereitwasthatIhadseenThurid。WithasinglejerkItorethepricelessstufffromitsfastenings，andtherebeforemewasrevealedanarrowdoorwaybehindthethrone。
　　NoquestionenteredmymindbutthatherelaytheopeningoftheavenueofescapewhichThuridhadfollowed，andhadtherebeenitwouldhavebeendissipatedbythesightofatiny，jeweledornamentwhichlayafewstepswithinthecorridorbeyond。
　　AsIsnatchedupthebaubleIsawthatitborethedeviceofthePrincessofHelium，andthenpressingittomylipsIdashedmadlyalongthewindingwaythatledgentlydownwardtowardthelowergalleriesofthepalace。
　　IhadfollowedbutashortdistancewhenIcameupontheroominwhichSolanformerlyhadheldsway。HisdeadbodystilllaywhereIhadleftit，norwasthereanysignthatanotherhadpassedthroughtheroomsinceIhadbeenthere;butIknewthattwohaddoneso——Thurid，theblackdator，andDejahThoris。
　　ForamomentIpauseduncertainastowhichoftheseveralexitsfromtheapartmentwouldleadmeupontherightpath。
　　ItriedtorecollectthedirectionswhichIhadheardThuridrepeattoSolan，andatlast，slowly，asthoughthroughaheavyfog，thememoryofthewordsoftheFirstBorncametome：
　　"Followacorridor，passingthreedivergingcorridorsupontheright;
　　thenintothefourthright—handcorridortowherethreecorridorsmeet;
　　hereagainfollowtotheright，huggingtheleftwallcloselytoavoidthepit。AttheendofthiscorridorIshallcometoaspiralrunwaywhichImustfollowdowninsteadofup;afterthatthewayisalongbutasinglebranchlesscorridor。"
　　AndIrecalledtheexitatwhichhehadpointedashespoke。
　　Itdidnottakemelongtostartuponthatunknownway，nordidIgowithcaution，althoughIknewthattheremightbegravedangersbeforeme。
　　Partofthewaywasblackassin，butforthemostitwasfairlywelllighted。ThestretchwhereImusthugtheleftwalltoavoidthepitswasdarkestofthemall，andIwasnearlyovertheedgeoftheabyssbeforeIknewthatIwasnearthedangerspot。
　　Anarrowledge，scarceafootwide，wasallthathadbeenlefttocarrytheinitiatedpastthatfrightfulcavityintowhichtheunknowingmustsurelyhavetoppledatthefirststep。ButatlastIhadwonsafelybeyondit，andthenafeeblelightmadethebalanceofthewayplain，until，attheendofthelastcorridor，Icamesuddenlyoutintotheglareofdayuponafieldofsnowandice。
　　CladforthewarmatmosphereofthehothousecityofKadabra，thesuddenchangetoarcticfrigiditywasanythingbutpleasant;
　　buttheworstofitwasthatIknewIcouldnotendurethebittercold，almostnakedasIwas，andthatIwouldperishbeforeeverIcouldovertakeThuridandDejahThoris。
　　Tobethusblockedbynature，whohadhadalltheartsandwilesofcunningmanpittedagainsthim，seemedacruelfate，andasIstaggeredbackintothewarmthofthetunnel’sendIwasasnearhopelessnessasIeverhavebeen。
　　Ihadbynomeansgivenupmyintentionofcontinuingthepursuit，forifneedsbeIwouldgoaheadthoughIperishedereeverIreachedmygoal，butiftherewereasaferwayitwerewellworththedelaytoattempttodiscoverit，thatImightcomeagaintothesideofDejahThorisinfitconditiontodobattleforher。
　　ScarcehadIreturnedtothetunnelthanIstumbledoveraportionofafurgarmentthatseemedfastenedtothefloorofthecorridorclosetothewall。InthedarknessIcouldnotseewhatheldit，butbygropingwithmyhandsIdiscoveredthatitwaswedgedbeneaththebottomofacloseddoor。
　　Pushingtheportalaside，Ifoundmyselfuponthethresholdofasmallchamber，thewallsofwhichwerelinedwithhooksfromwhichdependedsuitsofthecompleteoutdoorappareloftheyellowmen。
　　Situatedasitwasatthemouthofatunnelleadingfromthepalace，itwasquiteevidentthatthiswasthedressing—roomusedbythenoblesleavingandenteringthehothousecity，andthatThurid，havingknowledgeofit，hadstoppedheretooutfithimselfandDejahThorisbeforeventuringintothebittercoldofthearcticworldbeyond。
　　Inhishastehehaddroppedseveralgarmentsuponthefloor，andthetelltalefurthathadfallenpartlywithinthecorridorhadprovedthemeansofguidingmetotheveryspothewouldleasthavewishedmetohaveknowledgeof。
　　Itrequiredbutthematterofafewsecondstodonthenecessaryorluk—skinclothing，withtheheavy，fur—linedbootsthataresoessentialapartofthegarmentureofonewhowouldsuccessfullycontendwiththefrozentrailsandtheicywindsofthebleaknorthland。
　　OncemoreIsteppedbeyondthetunnel’smouthtofindthefreshtracksofThuridandDejahThorisinthenew—fallensnow。
　　Now，atlast，wasmytaskaneasyone，forthoughthegoingwasroughintheextreme，IwasnolongervexedbydoubtsastothedirectionIshouldfollow，orharassedbydarknessorhiddendangers。
　　Throughasnow—coveredcanyonthewayleduptowardthesummitoflowhills。Beyondtheseitdippedagainintoanothercanon，onlytoriseaquarter—milefartherontowardapasswhichskirtedtheflankofarockyhill。
　　IcouldseebythesignsofthosewhohadgonebeforethatwhenDejahThorishadwalkedshehadbeencontinuallyholdingback，andthattheblackmanhadbeencompelledtodragher。Forotherstretchesonlyhisfoot—printswerevisible，deepandclosetogetherintheheavysnow，andIknewfromthesesignsthatthenhehadbeenforcedtocarryher，andIcouldwellimaginethatshehadfoughthimfiercelyeverystepoftheway。
　　AsIcameroundthejuttingpromontoryofthehill’sshoulderI
　　sawthatwhichquickenedmypulsesandsetmyhearttobeatinghigh，forwithinatinybasinbetweenthecrestofthishillandthenextstoodfourpeoplebeforethemouthofagreatcave，andbesidethemuponthegleamingsnowrestedaflierwhichhadevidentlybutjustbeendraggedfromitshidingplace。
　　ThefourwereDejahThoris，Phaidor，Thurid，andMataiShang。
　　Thetwomenwereengagedinaheatedargument——theFatherofThernsthreatening，whiletheblackscoffedathimashewentabouttheworkatwhichhewasengaged。
　　AsIcrepttowardthemcautiouslythatImightcomeasnearaspossiblebeforebeingdiscovered，Isawthatfinallythemenappearedtohavereachedsomesortofacompromise，forwithPhaidor’sassistancetheybothsetaboutdraggingtheresistingDejahThoristotheflier’sdeck。
　　Heretheymadeherfast，andthenbothagaindescendedtothegroundtocompletethepreparationsfordeparture。Phaidorenteredthesmallcabinuponthevessel’sdeck。
　　IhadcometowithinaquarterofamileofthemwhenMataiShangespiedme。IsawhimseizeThuridbytheshoulder，wheelinghimaroundinmydirectionashepointedtowhereIwasnowplainlyvisible，forthemomentthatIknewIhadbeenperceivedIcastasideeveryattemptatstealthandbrokeintoamadracefortheflier。
　　Thetworedoubledtheireffortsatthepropelleratwhichtheywereworking，andwhichveryevidentlywasbeingreplacedafterhavingbeenremovedforsomepurposeofrepair。
　　TheyhadthethingcompletedbeforeIhadcoveredhalfthedistancethatlaybetweenmeandthem，andthenbothmadearushfortheboarding—ladder。
　　Thuridwasthefirsttoreachit，andwiththeagilityofamonkeyclamberedswiftlytotheboat’sdeck，whereatouchofthebuttoncontrollingthebuoyancytankssentthecraftslowlyupward，thoughnotwiththespeedthatmarksthewell—conditionedflier。
　　IwasstillsomehundredyardsawayasIsawthemrisingfrommygrasp。
　　BackbythecityofKadabralayagreatfleetofmightyfliers——
　　theshipsofHeliumandPtarththatIhadsavedfromdestructionearlierintheday;butbeforeeverIcouldreachthemThuridcouldeasilymakegoodhisescape。
　　AsIranIsawMataiShangclamberinguptheswaying，swingingladdertowardthedeck，whileabovehimleanedtheevilfaceoftheFirstBorn。Atrailingropefromthevessel’ssternputnewhopeinme，forifIcouldbutreachitbeforeitwhippedtoohighabovemyheadtherewasyetachancetogainthedeckbyitsslenderaid。
　　Thattherewassomethingradicallywrongwiththeflierwasevidentfromitslackofbuoyancy，andthefurtherfactthatthoughThuridhadturnedtwicetothestartinglevertheboatstillhungmotionlessintheair，exceptforaslightdriftingwithalowbreezefromthenorth。
　　NowMataiShangwasclosetothegunwale。Along，claw—likehandwasreachinguptograspthemetalrail。
　　Thuridleanedfartherdowntowardhisco—conspirator。
　　Suddenlyaraiseddaggergleamedintheupflunghandoftheblack。
　　DownitdrovetowardthewhitefaceoftheFatherofTherns。
　　WithaloudshriekoffeartheHolyHekkadorgraspedfranticallyatthatmenacingarm。
　　Iwasalmosttothetrailingropebynow。Thecraftwasstillrisingslowly，thewhileitdriftedfromme。ThenIstumbledontheicyway，strikingmyheaduponarockasIfellsprawlingbutanarm’slengthfromtherope，theendofwhichwasnowjustleavingtheground。
　　Withtheblowuponmyheadcameunconsciousness。
　　ItcouldnothavebeenmorethanafewsecondsthatIlaysenselessthereuponthenorthernice，whileallthatwasdearesttomedriftedfartherfrommyreachintheclutchesofthatblackfiend，forwhenIopenedmyeyesThuridandMataiShangyetbattledattheladder’stop，andtheflierdriftedbutahundredyardsfarthertothesouth——buttheendofthetrailingropewasnowagoodthirtyfeetabovetheground。
　　Goadedtomadnessbythecruelmisfortunethathadtrippedmewhensuccesswasalmostwithinmygrasp，Itorefranticallyacrosstheinterveningspace，andjustbeneaththerope’sdanglingendI
　　putmyearthlymusclestothesupremetest。
　　Withamighty，catlikeboundIsprangupwardtowardthatslenderstrand——theonlyavenuewhichyetremainedthatcouldcarrymetomyvanishinglove。
　　Afootaboveitslowestendmyfingersclosed。TightlyasI
　　clungIfelttheropeslipping，slippingthroughmygrasp。
　　Itriedtoraisemyfreehandtotakeasecondholdabovemyfirst，butthechangeofpositionthatresultedcausedmetoslipmorerapidlytowardtheendoftherope。
　　SlowlyIfeltthetantalizingthingescapingme。InamomentallthatIhadgainedwouldbelost——thenmyfingersreachedaknotattheveryendoftheropeandslippednomore。
　　WithaprayerofgratitudeuponmylipsIscrambledupwardtowardtheboat’sdeck。IcouldnotseeThuridandMataiShangnow，butIheardthesoundsofconflictandthusknewthattheystillfought——thethernforhislifeandtheblackfortheincreasedbuoyancythatrelieffromtheweightofevenasinglebodywouldgivethecraft。
　　ShouldMataiShangdiebeforeIreachedthedeckmychancesofeverreachingitwouldbeslenderindeed，fortheblackdatorneedbutcuttheropeabovemetobefreedfrommeforever，forthevesselhaddriftedacrossthebrinkofachasmintowhoseyawningdepthsmybodywoulddroptobecrushedtoashapelesspulpshouldThuridreachtheropenow。
　　Atlastmyhandclosedupontheship’srailandthatveryinstantahorridshriekrangoutbelowmethatsentmybloodcoldandturnedmyhorrifiedeyesdownwardtoashrieking，hurtling，twistingthingthatshotdownwardintotheawfulchasmbeneathme。
　　ItwasMataiShang，HolyHekkador，FatherofTherns，gonetohislastaccounting。
　　ThenmyheadcameabovethedeckandIsawThurid，daggerinhand，leapingtowardme。Hewasoppositetheforwardendofthecabin，whileIwasattemptingtoclamberaboardnearthevessel’sstern。
　　Butafewpaceslaybetweenus。Nopoweronearthcouldraisemetothatdeckbeforetheinfuriatedblackwouldbeuponme。
　　Myendhadcome。Iknewit;buthadtherebeenadoubtinmymindthenastyleeroftriumphuponthatwickedfacewouldhaveconvincedme。BeyondThuridIcouldseemyDejahThoris，wide—eyedandhorrified，strugglingatherbonds。Thatsheshouldbeforcedtowitnessmyawfuldeathmademybitterfateseemdoublycruel。
　　Iceasedmyeffortstoclimbacrossthegunwale。InsteadItookafirmgraspupontherailwithmylefthandanddrewmydagger。
　　IshouldatleastdieasIhadlived——fighting。
　　AsThuridcameoppositethecabin’sdoorwayanewelementprojecteditselfintothegrimtragedyoftheairthatwasbeingenacteduponthedeckofMataiShang’sdisabledflier。
　　ItwasPhaidor。
　　Withflushedfaceanddisheveledhair，andeyesthatbetrayedtherecentpresenceofmortaltears——abovewhichthisproudgoddesshadalwaysheldherself——sheleapedtothedeckdirectlybeforeme。
　　Inherhandwasalong，slimdagger。Icastalastlookuponmybelovedprincess，smiling，asmenshouldwhoareabouttodie。
　　ThenIturnedmyfaceuptowardPhaidor——waitingfortheblow。
　　NeverhaveIseenthatbeautifulfacemorebeautifulthanitwasatthatmoment。Itseemedincrediblethatonesolovelycouldyetharborwithinherfairbosomaheartsocruelandrelentless，andtodaytherewasanewexpressioninherwondrouseyesthatIneverbeforehadseenthere——anunfamiliarsoftness，andalookofsuffering。
　　Thuridwasbesidehernow——pushingpasttoreachmefirst，andthenwhathappenedhappenedsoquicklythatitwasalloverbeforeIcouldrealizethetruthofit。
　　Phaidor’sslimhandshotouttocloseupontheblack’sdaggerwrist。
　　Herrighthandwenthighwithitsgleamingblade。
　　"ThatforMataiShang！"shecried，andsheburiedherbladedeepinthedator’sbreast。"ThatforthewrongyouwouldhavedoneDejahThoris！"andagainthesharpsteelsankintothebloodyflesh。
　　"Andthat，andthat，andthat！"sheshrieked，"forJohnCarter，PrinceofHelium，"andwitheachwordhersharppointpiercedthevileheartofthegreatvillain。Then，withavindictiveshoveshecastthecarcassoftheFirstBornfromthedecktofallinawfulsilenceafterthebodyofhisvictim。
　　IhadbeensoparalyzedbysurprisethatIhadmadenomovetoreachthedeckduringtheawe—inspiringscenewhichIhadjustwitnessed，andnowIwastobestillfurtheramazedbyhernextact，forPhaidorextendedherhandtomeandassistedmetothedeck，whereIstoodgazingatherinunconcealedandstupefiedwonderment。
　　Awansmiletouchedherlips——itwasnotthecruelandhaughtysmileofthegoddesswithwhichIwasfamiliar。"Youwonder，JohnCarter，"shesaid，"whatstrangethinghaswroughtthischangeinme？Iwilltellyou。Itislove——loveofyou，"
　　andwhenIdarkenedmybrowsindisapprovalofherwordssheraisedanappealinghand。
　　"Wait，"shesaid。"Itisadifferentlovefrommine——itistheloveofyourprincess，DejahThoris，foryouthathastaughtmewhattruelovemaybe——whatitshouldbe，andhowfarfromreallovewasmyselfishandjealouspassionforyou。
　　"NowIamdifferent。NowcouldIloveasDejahThorisloves，andsomyonlyhappinesscanbetoknowthatyouandsheareoncemoreunited，forinheralonecanyoufindtruehappiness。
　　"ButIamunhappybecauseofthewickednessthatIhavewrought。
　　Ihavemanysinstoexpiate，andthoughIbedeathless，lifeisalltooshortfortheatonement。
　　"Butthereisanotherway，andifPhaidor，daughteroftheHolyHekkadoroftheHolyTherns，hassinnedshehasthisdayalreadymadepartialreparation，andlestyoudoubtthesincerityofherprotestationsandheravowalofanewlovethatembracesDejahThorisalso，shewillprovehersincerityintheonlywaythatliesopen——havingsavedyouforanother，Phaidorleavesyoutoherembraces。"
　　Withherlastwordsheturnedandleapedfromthevessel’sdeckintotheabyssbelow。
　　WithacryofhorrorIsprangforwardinavainattempttosavethelifethatfortwoyearsIwouldsogladlyhaveseenextinguished。Iwastoolate。
　　Withtear—dimmedeyesIturnedawaythatImightnotseetheawfulsightbeneath。
　　AmomentlaterIhadstruckthebondsfromDejahThoris，andasherdeararmswentaboutmyneckandherperfectlipspressedtomineIforgotthehorrorsthatIhadwitnessedandthesufferingthatIhadenduredintheraptureofmyreward。
　　THENEWRULER
　　TheflieruponwhosedeckDejahThorisandIfoundourselvesaftertwelvelongyearsofseparationprovedentirelyuseless。
　　Herbuoyancytanksleakedbadly。Herenginewouldnotstart。
　　Wewerehelplessthereinmidairabovethearcticice。
　　ThecrafthaddriftedacrossthechasmwhichheldthecorpsesofMataiShang，Thurid，andPhaidor，andnowhungabovealowhill。
　　OpeningthebuoyancyescapevalvesIpermittedhertocomeslowlytotheground，andasshetouched，DejahThorisandIsteppedfromherdeckand，handinhand，turnedbackacrossthefrozenwastetowardthecityofKadabra。
　　Throughthetunnelthathadledmeinpursuitofthemwepassed，walkingslowly，forwehadmuchtosaytoeachother。
　　ShetoldmeofthatlastterriblemomentmonthsbeforewhenthedoorofherprisoncellwithintheTempleoftheSunwasslowlyclosingbetweenus。OfhowPhaidorhadsprunguponherwithuplifteddagger，andofThuvia’sshriekasshehadrealizedthefoulintentionofthetherngoddess。
　　Ithadbeenthatcrythathadrunginmyearsallthelong，wearymonthsthatIhadbeenleftincrueldoubtastomyprincess’fate;forIhadnotknownthatThuviahadwrestedthebladefromthedaughterofMataiShangbeforeithadtouchedeitherDejahThorisorherself。
　　Shetoldme，too，oftheawfuleternityofherimprisonment。
　　OfthecruelhatredofPhaidor，andthetenderloveofThuvia，andofhowevenwhendespairwasthedarkestthosetworedgirlshadclungtothesamehopeandbelief——thatJohnCarterwouldfindawaytoreleasethem。
　　PresentlywecametothechamberofSolan。Ihadbeenproceedingwithoutthoughtofcaution，forIwassurethatthecityandthepalacewerebothinthehandsofmyfriendsbythistime。
　　AndsoitwasthatIboltedintothechamberfullintothemidstofadozennoblesofthecourtofSalensusOll。
　　Theywerepassingthroughontheirwaytotheoutsideworldalongthecorridorswehadjusttraversed。
　　Atsightofustheyhaltedintheirtracks，andthenanuglysmileoverspreadthefeaturesoftheirleader。
　　"Theauthorofallourmisfortunes！"hecried，pointingatme。
　　"WeshallhavethesatisfactionofapartialvengeanceatleastwhenweleavebehindusherethedeadandmutilatedcorpsesofthePrinceandPrincessofHelium。
　　"Whentheyfindthem，"hewenton，jerkinghisthumbupwardtowardthepalaceabove，"theywillrealizethatthevengeanceoftheyellowmancostshisenemiesdear。Preparetodie，JohnCarter，butthatyourendmaybethemorebitter，knowthatImaychangemyintentionastometingamercifuldeathtoyourprincess——
　　possiblysheshallbepreservedasaplaythingformynobles。"
　　Istoodclosetotheinstrument—coveredwall——DejahThorisatmyside。
　　Shelookedupatmewonderinglyasthewarriorsadvanceduponuswithdrawnswords，forminestillhungwithinitsscabbardatmyside，andtherewasasmileuponmylips。
　　Theyellownobles，too，lookedinsurprise，andthenasImadenomovetodrawtheyhesitated，fearingaruse;buttheirleaderurgedthemon。Whentheyhadcomealmostwithinsword’sreachofmeIraisedmyhandandlaidituponthepolishedsurfaceofagreatlever，andthen，stillsmilinggrimly，Ilookedmyenemiesfullintheface。
　　Asonetheycametoasuddenstop，castingaffrightedglancesatmeandatoneanother。
　　"Stop！"shriekedtheirleader。"Youdreamnotwhatyoudo！"
　　"Rightyouare，"Ireplied。"JohnCarterdoesnotdream。
　　Heknows——knowsthatshouldoneofyoutakeanothersteptowardDejahThoris，PrincessofHelium，Ipullthisleverwide，andsheandIshalldietogether;butweshallnotdiealone。"
　　Thenoblesshrankback，whisperingtogetherforafewmoments。
　　Atlasttheirleaderturnedtome。
　　"Goyourway，JohnCarter，"hesaid，"andweshallgoours。"
　　"Prisonersdonotgotheirownway，"Ianswered，"andyouareprisoners——prisonersofthePrinceofHelium。"
　　Beforetheycouldmakeansweradoorupontheoppositesideoftheapartmentopenedandascoreofyellowmenpouredintotheapartment。Foraninstantthenobleslookedrelieved，andthenastheireyesfellupontheleaderofthenewpartytheirfacesfell，forhewasTalu，rebelPrinceofMarentina，andtheyknewthattheycouldlookforneitheraidnormercyathishands。
　　"Welldone，JohnCarter，"hecried。"Youturntheirownmightypoweragainstthem。FortunateforOkarisitthatyouwereheretopreventtheirescape，forthesebethegreatestvillainsnorthoftheice—barrier，andthisone"——pointingtotheleaderoftheparty——"wouldhavemadehimselfJeddakofJeddaksintheplaceofthedeadSalensusOll。Thenindeedwouldwehavehadamorevillainousrulerthanthehatedtyrantwhofellbeforeyoursword。"
　　TheOkariannoblesnowsubmittedtoarrest，sincenothingbutdeathfacedthemshouldtheyresist，and，escortedbythewarriorsofTalu，wemadeourwaytothegreataudiencechamberthathadbeenSalensusOll’s。Herewasavastconcourseofwarriors。
　　RedmenfromHeliumandPtarth，yellowmenofthenorth，rubbingelbowswiththeblacksoftheFirstBornwhohadcomeundermyfriendXodartohelpinthesearchformeandmyprincess。
　　Thereweresavage，greenwarriorsfromthedeadseabottomsofthesouth，andahandfulofwhite—skinnedthernswhohadrenouncedtheirreligionandswornallegiancetoXodar。
　　TherewasTardosMorsandMorsKajak，andtallandmightyinhisgorgeouswarriortrappings，Carthoris，myson。ThesethreefelluponDejahThorisasweenteredtheapartment，andthoughthelivesandtrainingofroyalMartianstendnottowardvulgardemonstration，Ithoughtthattheywouldsuffocateherwiththeirembraces。
　　AndtherewereTarsTarkas，JeddakofThark，andKantosKan，myold—timefriends，andleapingandtearingatmyharnessintheexuberanceofhisgreatlovewasdearoldWoola——
　　franticmadwithhappiness。
　　Longandloudwasthecheeringthatburstforthatsightofus;
　　deafeningwasthedinofringingmetalastheveteranwarriorsofeveryMartianclimeclashedtheirbladestogetheronhighintokenofsuccessandvictory，butasIpassedamongthethrongofsalutingnoblesandwarriors，jedsandjeddaks，myheartstillwasheavy，forthereweretwofacesmissingthatIwouldhavegivenmuchtohaveseenthere——ThuvanDihnandThuviaofPtarthwerenottobefoundinthegreatchamber。
　　Imadeinquiriesconcerningthemamongmenofeverynation，andatlastfromoneoftheyellowprisonersofwarIlearnedthattheyhadbeenapprehendedbyanofficerofthepalaceastheysoughttoreachthePitofPlentywhileIlayimprisonedthere。
　　Ididnotneedtoasktoknowwhathadsentthemthither——
　　thecourageousjeddakandhisloyaldaughter。Myinformersaidthattheylaynowinoneofthemanyburieddungeonsofthepalacewheretheyhadbeenplacedpendingadecisionastotheirfatebythetyrantofthenorth。
　　Amomentlatersearchingpartieswerescouringtheancientpileinsearchofthem，andmycupofhappinesswasfullwhenIsawthembeingescortedintotheroombyacheeringguardofhonor。
　　Thuvia’sfirstactwastorushtothesideofDejahThoris，andIneedednobetterproofofthelovethesetwoboreforeachotherthanthesinceritywithwhichtheyembraced。
　　LookingdownuponthatcrowdedchamberstoodthesilentandemptythroneofOkar。
　　Ofallthestrangescenesitmusthavewitnessedsincethatlong—deadagethathadfirstseenaJeddakofJeddakstakehisseatuponit，nonemightcomparewiththatuponwhichitnowlookeddown，andasIponderedthepastandfutureofthatlong—buriedraceofblack—beardedyellowmenIthoughtthatIsawabrighterandmoreusefulexistenceforthemamongthegreatfamilyoffriendlynationsthatnowstretchedfromthesouthpolealmosttotheirverydoors。
　　Twenty—twoyearsbeforeIhadbeencast，nakedandastranger，intothisstrangeandsavageworld。Thehandofeveryraceandnationwasraisedincontinualstrifeandwarringagainstthemenofeveryotherlandandcolor。Today，bythemightofmyswordandtheloyaltyofthefriendsmyswordhadmadeforme，blackmanandwhite，redmanandgreenrubbedshouldersinpeaceandgood—fellowship。
　　AllthenationsofBarsoomwerenotyetasone，butagreatstrideforwardtowardthatgoalhadbeentaken，andnowifIcouldbutcementthefierceyellowraceintothissolidarityofnationsIshouldfeelthatIhadroundedoutagreatlifework，andrepaidtoMarsatleastaportionoftheimmensedebtofgratitudeIowedherforhavinggivenmemyDejahThoris。
　　AndasIthought，Isawbutoneway，andasinglemanwhocouldinsurethesuccessofmyhopes。Asiseverthewaywithme，IactedthenasIalwaysact——withoutdeliberationandwithoutconsultation。
　　Thosewhodonotlikemyplansandmywaysofpromotingthemhavealwaystheirswordsattheirsideswherewithtobackuptheirdisapproval;butnowthereseemedtobenodissentingvoice，as，graspingTalubythearm，IsprangtothethronethathadoncebeenSalensusOll’s。
　　"WarriorsofBarsoom，"Icried，"Kadabrahasfallen，andwithherthehatefultyrantofthenorth;buttheintegrityofOkarmustbepreserved。Theredmenareruledbyredjeddaks，thegreenwarriorsoftheancientseasacknowledgenonebutagreenruler，theFirstBornofthesouthpoletaketheirlawfromblackXodar;
　　norwoulditbetotheinterestsofeitheryelloworredmanwerearedjeddaktosituponthethroneofOkar。
　　"TherebebutonewarriorbestfittedfortheancientandmightytitleofJeddakofJeddaksoftheNorth。MenofOkar，raiseyourswordstoyournewruler——Talu，therebelprinceofMarentina！"
　　AndthenagreatcryofrejoicingroseamongthefreemenofMarentinaandtheKadabranprisoners，forallhadthoughtthattheredmenwouldretainthatwhichtheyhadtakenbyforceofarms，forsuchhadbeenthewayuponBarsoom，andthattheyshouldberuledhenceforthbyanalienJeddak。
　　ThevictoriouswarriorswhohadfollowedCarthorisjoinedinthemaddemonstration，andamidstthewildconfusionandthetumultandthecheering，DejahThorisandIpassedoutintothegorgeousgardenofthejeddaksthatgracestheinnercourtyardofthepalaceofKadabra。
　　AtourheelswalkedWoola，anduponacarvedseatofwondrousbeautybeneathabowerofpurplebloomswesawtwowhohadprecededus——
　　ThuviaofPtarthandCarthorisofHelium。
　　Thehandsomeheadofthehandsomeyouthwasbentlowabovethebeautifulfaceofhiscompanion。IlookedatDejahThoris，smiling，andasIdrewherclosetomeIwhispered："Whynot？"
　　Indeed，whynot？Whatmatteragesinthisworldofperpetualyouth？
　　WeremainedatKadabra，theguestsofTalu，untilafterhisformalinductionintooffice，andthen，uponthegreatfleetwhichIhadbeensofortunatetopreservefromdestruction，wesailedsouthacrosstheice—barrier;butnotbeforewehadwitnessedthetotaldemolitionofthegrimGuardianoftheNorthunderordersofthenewJeddakofJeddaks。
　　"Henceforth，"hesaid，astheworkwascompleted，"thefleetsoftheredmenandtheblackarefreetocomeandgoacrosstheice—barrierasovertheirownlands。
　　"TheCarrionCavesshallbecleansed，thatthegreenmenmayfindaneasywaytothelandoftheyellow，andthehuntingofthesacredaptshallbethesportofmynoblesuntilnosinglespecimenofthathideouscreatureroamsthefrozennorth。"
　　Webadeouryellowfriendsfarewellwithrealregret，aswesetsailforPtarth。Thereweremained，theguestofThuvanDihn，foramonth;andIcouldseethatCarthoriswouldhaveremainedforeverhadhenotbeenaPrinceofHelium。
　　AbovethemightyforestsofKaolwehovereduntilwordfromKulanTithbroughtustohissinglelanding—tower，wherealldayandhalfanightthevesselsdisembarkedtheircrews。AtthecityofKaolwevisited，cementingthenewtiesthathadbeenformedbetweenKaolandHelium，andthenonelong—to—be—remembereddaywesightedthetall，thintowersofthetwincitiesofHelium。
　　Thepeoplehadlongbeenpreparingforourcoming。Theskywasgorgeouswithgailytrimmedfliers。Everyroofwithinbothcitieswasspreadwithcostlysilksandtapestries。
　　Goldandjewelswerescatteredoverroofandstreetandplaza，sothatthetwocitiesseemedablazewiththefiresoftheheartsofthemagnificentstonesandburnishedmetalthatreflectedthebrilliantsunlight，changingitintocountlessglorioushues。
　　Atlast，aftertwelveyears，theroyalfamilyofHeliumwasreunitedintheirownmightycity，surroundedbyjoy—madmillionsbeforethepalacegates。WomenandchildrenandmightywarriorsweptingratitudeforthefatethathadrestoredtheirbelovedTardosMorsandthedivineprincesswhomthewholenationidolized。
　　Nordidanyofuswhohadbeenuponthatexpeditionofindescribabledangerandglorylackforplaudits。
　　ThatnightamessengercametomeasIsatwithDejahThorisandCarthorisupontheroofofmycitypalace，wherewehadlongsincecausedalovelygardentobemadethatwethreemightfindseclusionandquiethappinessamongourselves，farfromthepompandceremonyofcourt，tosummonustotheTempleofReward——
　　"whereoneistobejudgedthisnight，"thesummonsconcluded。
　　IrackedmybraintotryanddeterminewhatimportantcasetheremightbependingwhichcouldcalltheroyalfamilyfromtheirpalacesontheeveoftheirreturntoHeliumafteryearsofabsence;butwhenthejeddaksummonsnomandelays。
　　Asourfliertouchedthelandingstageatthetemple’stopwesawcountlessothercraftarrivinganddeparting。Inthestreetsbelowagreatmultitudesurgedtowardthegreatgatesofthetemple。
　　SlowlytherecametometherecollectionofthedeferreddoomthatawaitedmesincethattimeIhadbeentriedhereintheTemplebyZatArrasforthesinofreturningfromtheValleyDorandtheLostSeaofKorus。
　　CoulditbepossiblethatthestrictsenseofjusticewhichdominatesthemenofMarshadcausedthemtooverlookthegreatgoodthathadcomeoutofmyheresy？Couldtheyignorethefactthattome，andmealone，wasduetherescueofCarthoris，ofDejahThoris，ofMorsKajak，ofTardosMors？
　　Icouldnotbelieveit，andyetforwhatotherpurposecouldI
　　havebeensummonedtotheTempleofRewardimmediatelyuponthereturnofTardosMorstohisthrone？
　　MyfirstsurpriseasIenteredthetempleandapproachedtheThroneofRighteousnesswastonotethemenwhosatthereasjudges。
　　TherewasKulanTith，JeddakofKaol，whomwehadbutjustleftwithinhisownpalaceafewdayssince;therewasThuvanDihn，JeddakofPtarth——howcamehetoHeliumassoonaswe？
　　TherewasTarsTarkas，JeddakofThark，andXodar，JeddakoftheFirstBorn;therewasTalu，JeddakofJeddaksoftheNorth，whomIcouldhaveswornwasstillinhisice—boundhothousecitybeyondthenorthernbarrier，andamongthemsatTardosMorsandMorsKajak，withenoughlesserjedsandjeddakstomakeupthethirty—onewhomustsitinjudgmentupontheirfellow—man。
　　Arightroyaltribunalindeed，andsuchaone，Iwarrant，asneverbeforesattogetherduringallthehistoryofancientMars。
　　AsIentered，silencefelluponthegreatconcourseofpeoplethatpackedtheauditorium。ThenTardosMorsarose。
　　"JohnCarter，"hesaidinhisdeep，martialvoice，"takeyourplaceuponthePedestalofTruth，foryouaretobetriedbyafairandimpartialtribunalofyourfellow—men。"
　　Withleveleyeandhigh—heldheadIdidashebade，andasIglancedaboutthatcircleoffacesthatamomentbeforeIcouldhavesworncontainedthebestfriendsIhaduponBarsoom，Isawnosinglefriendlyglance——onlystern，uncompromisingjudges，theretodotheirduty。
　　AclerkroseandfromagreatbookreadalonglistofthemorenotabledeedsthatIhadthoughttomycredit，coveringalongperiodoftwenty—twoyearssincefirstIhadsteppedtheocherseabottombesidetheincubatoroftheTharks。WiththeothershereadofallthatIhaddonewithinthecircleoftheOtzMountainswheretheHolyThernsandtheFirstBornhadheldsway。
　　ItisthewayuponBarsoomtoreciteaman’svirtueswithhissinswhenheiscometotrial，andsoIwasnotsurprisedthatallthatwastomycreditshouldbereadtheretomyjudges——whoknewitallbyheart——evendowntothepresentmoment。WhenthereadinghadceasedTardosMorsarose。
　　"Mostrighteousjudges，"heexclaimed，"youhaveheardrecitedallthatisknownofJohnCarter，PrinceofHelium——thegoodwiththebad。Whatisyourjudgment？"
　　ThenTarsTarkascameslowlytohisfeet，unfoldingallhismighty，toweringheightuntilheloomed，agreen—bronzestatue，faraboveusall。
　　Heturnedabalefuleyeuponme——he，TarsTarkas，withwhomIhadfoughtthroughcountlessbattles;whomIlovedasabrother。
　　IcouldhavewepthadInotbeensomadwithragethatI
　　almostwhippedmyswordoutandhadatthemalluponthespot。
　　"Judges，"hesaid，"therecanbebutoneverdict。NolongermayJohnCarterbePrinceofHelium"——hepaused——"butinsteadlethimbeJeddakofJeddaks，WarlordofBarsoom！"
　　Asthethirty—onejudgessprangtotheirfeetwithdrawnandupraisedswordsinunanimousconcurrenceintheverdict，thestormbrokethroughoutthelengthandbreadthandheightofthatmightybuildinguntilIthoughttheroofwouldfallfromthethunderofthemadshouting。
　　Now，atlast，Isawthegrimhumorofthemethodtheyhadadoptedtodomethisgreathonor，butthattherewasanyhoaxintherealityofthetitletheyhadconferreduponmewasreadilydisprovedbythesincerityofthecongratulationsthatwereheapeduponmebythejudgesfirstandthenthenobles。
　　PresentlyfiftyofthemightiestnoblesofthegreatestcourtsofMarsmarcheddownthebroadAisleofHopebearingasplendidcarupontheirshoulders，andasthepeoplesawwhosatwithin，thecheersthathadrungoutformepaledintoinsignificancebesidethosewhichthunderedthroughthevastedificenow，forshewhomthenoblescarriedwasDejahThoris，belovedPrincessofHelium。
　　StraighttotheThroneofRighteousnesstheyboreher，andthereTardosMorsassistedherfromthecar，leadingherforwardtomyside。
　　"Letaworld’smostbeautifulwomansharethehonorofherhusband，"
　　hesaid。
　　BeforethemallIdrewmywifeclosetomeandkissedheruponthelips。