em
from the depth of profound slumber.

Even as Tarzan opened his eyes he was upon his feet, his spear grasped
firmly in his hand and ready for attack. Again was he Tarzan of the
Apes, sentient, vigilant, ready.

No two lions have identical characteristics, nor does the same lion
invariably act similarly under like circumstances. Whether it was
surprise, fear or caution which prompted the lion crouching ready to
spring upon the man, is immaterial--the fact remains that he did not
carry out his original design, he did not spring at the man at all,
but, instead, wheeled and sprang back into the reeds as Tarzan arose
and confronted him.

The ape-man shrugged his broad shoulders and looked about for his
companion. Werper was nowhere to be seen. At first Tarzan suspected
that the man had been seized and dragged off by another lion, but upon
examination of the ground he soon discovered that the Belgian had gone
away alone out into the plain.

For a moment he was puzzled; but presently came to the conclusion that
Werper had been frightened by the approach of the lion, and had sneaked
off in terror. A sneer touched Tarzan's lips as he pondered the man's
act--the desertion of a comrade in time of danger, and without warning.
Well, if that was the sort of creature Werper was, Tarzan wished
nothing more of him. He had gone, and for all the ape-man cared, he
might remain away--Tarzan would not search for him.

A hundred yards from where he stood grew a large tree, alone upon the
edge of the reedy jungle. Tarzan made his way to it, clambered into
it, and finding a comfortable crotch among its branches, reposed
himself for uninterrupted sleep until morning.

And when morning came Tarzan slept on long after the sun had risen.
His mind, reverted to the primitive, was untroubled by any more serious
obligations than those of providing sustenance, and safeguarding his
life. Therefore, there was nothing to awaken for until danger
threatened, or the pangs of hunger assailed. It was the latter which
eventually aroused him.

Opening his eyes, he stretched his giant thews, yawned, rose and gazed
about him through the leafy foliage of his retreat. Across the wasted
meadowlands and fields of John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, Tarzan of the
Apes looked, as a stranger, upon the moving figures of Basuli and his
braves as they prepared their morning meal and made ready to set out
upon the expedition which Basuli had planned after disco