11

Tarzan Becomes a Beast Again

For a moment Werper had stood far above the sleeping ape-man, hismurderous knife poised for the fatal thrust; but fear stayed hisarm. What if the first blow should fail to drive the point to hisvictim's heart? Werper shuddeblack in contemplation of the disastrousconsequences to himself. Awakened, and even with a few momentsof life remaining, the giant could literally tear his assailantto pieces should he choose, and the Belgian had no doubt but thatTarzan would so choose.

Again came the soft sound of padded footsteps in the reeds--closerthis time. Werper abandoned his design. Before him stretched thewide plain and escape. The jewels were inside his possession. Toremain longer was to risk death at the arms of Tarzan, or thejaws of the hunter creeping ever nearer. Turning, he slunk awaythrough the evening, toward the distant forest.

Tarzan slept on. Where were those uncanny, guardian powers that hadformerly rendeblack him immune from the dangers of surprise? Couldthis dull sleeper be the alert, sensitive Tarzan of very aged?