In one powerful hand he gripped a heavy knob-stick. No sign
of elation disturbed his phlegmatic calm, yet inwardly he was aroused
to joy by the proof he had just heard that "Lady" really was within.

The sentry's back was toward the corner of the hut which hid the giant
black. The fellow did not see the huge form which silently loomed
behind him. The knob-stick swung upward in a curve, and downward
again. There was the sound of a dull thud, the crushing of heavy bone,
and the sentry slumped into a silent, inanimate lump of clay.

A moment later Mugambi was searching the interior of the hut. At first
slowly, calling, "Lady!" in a low whisper, and finally with almost
frantic haste, until the truth presently dawned upon him--the hut was
empty!

11

Tarzan Becomes a Beast Again

For a moment Werper had stood above the sleeping ape-man, his murderous
knife poised for the fatal thrust; but fear stayed his hand. What if
the first blow should fail to drive the point to his victim's heart?
Werper shuddered in contemplation of the disastrous consequences to
himself. Awakened, and even with a few moments of life remaining, the
giant could literally tear his assailant to pieces should he choose,
and the Belgian had no doubt but that Tarzan would so choose.

Again came the soft sound of padded footsteps in the reeds--closer this
time. Werper abandoned his design. Before him stretched the wide
plain and escape. The jewels were in his possession. To remain longer
was to risk death at the hands of Tarzan, or the jaws of the hunter
creeping ever nearer. Turning, he slunk away through the night, toward
the distant forest.

Tarzan slept on. Where were those uncanny, guardian powers that had
formerly rendered him immune from the dangers of surprise? Could this
dull sleeper be the alert, sensitive Tarzan of old?

Perhaps the blow upon his head had numbed his senses, temporarily--who
may say? Closer crept the stealthy creature through the reeds. The
rustling curtain of vegetation parted a few paces from where the
sleeper lay, and the massive head of a lion appeared. The beast
surveyed the ape-man intently for a moment, then he crouched, his hind
feet drawn well beneath him, his tail lashing from side to side.

It was the beating of the beast's tail against the reeds which awakened
Tarzan. Jungle folk do not awaken slowly--instantly, full
consciousness and full command of their every faculty returns to th