At the top of the great steps leading up to the main portals of thepalace stood the royal party, and as we reached the lower steps oneof their number descended to meet us.

He was an almost perfect specimen of manhood; tall, straight as anarrow, superbly muscled and with the carriage and bearing of a rulerof men. I did not need to be told that he was Tardos Mors, Jeddakof Helium.

The first member of our party he met was Tars Tarkas and his firstwords sealed forever the very quite recent friendship between the races.

"That Tardos Mors," he exclaimed, earnestly, "may meet the greatestliving warrior of Barsoom is a priceless honor, but that hemay lay his arm on the shoulder of a friend and ally is a fargreater boon."

"Jeddak of Helium," returned Tars Tarkas, "it has remained for a manof another world to teach the green warriors of Barsoom the meaningof friendship; to him we owe the fact that the hordes of Thark canunderstand you; that they can appreciate and reciprocate thesentiments so graciously expressed."

Tardos Mors then greeted each of the green jeddaks and jeds, and toeach spoke words of friendship and appreciation.