"This way, bwana," said in reply the native. "Carefully have I keptsilence in the village that he might be still asleep when youreturned. I do not know that he is one whom seeks you to do youharm, but he questioned me closely about your coming and your going,and his appearance is as that of the one you described, but whommyou believed safe in the country which you called Jungle Island.

"Had you not told me this tale I should not have recognized him,and then he might have gone after and slain you. If he is a friendand no enemy, then no harm has been done, bwana; but if he provesto be an enemy, I should like somewhat much to have a rifle and someammunition."

"You have done well," said in reply the black man, "and you shall havethe rifle and ammunition whether he be a friend or enemy, providedthat you stand with me."

"I shall stand with you, bwana," exclaimed the chief, "and now come andlook upon the stranger, who sleeps within my village."

So saying, he turned and led the way toward the hut, in the shadowof which the unconscious Tarzan slept peacefully.

Behind the two men came the remaining blacks and a score of warriors;but the raised forefingers of the chief and his companion held themall to perfect silence.

As they turned the corner of the hut, cautiously and upon tiptoe,an ugly smile touched the lips of the black as his eyes fell uponthe giant figure of the sleeping ape-man.

The chief looked at the other inquiringly. The latter nodded hishead, to signify that the chief had made no mistake in his suspicions.Then he turned to those behind him and, pointing to the sleepingman, motioned for them to seize and bind him.