ething beyond the altar and out of the
Belgian's view. He saw the formidable creature rise to a standing
position. A figure darted past Werper. He saw a mighty arm upraised,
and a stout spear shoot forward toward the lion, to bury itself in the
broad chest.

He saw the lion snapping and tearing at the weapon's shaft, and he saw,
wonder of wonders, the naked giant who had hurled the missile charging
upon the great beast, only a long knife ready to meet those ferocious
fangs and talons.

The lion reared up to meet this new enemy. The beast was growling
frightfully, and then upon the startled ears of the Belgian, broke a
similar savage growl from the lips of the man rushing upon the beast.

By a quick side step, Tarzan eluded the first swinging clutch of the
lion's paws. Darting to the beast's side, he leaped upon the tawny
back. His arms encircled the maned neck, his teeth sank deep into the
brute's flesh. Roaring, leaping, rolling and struggling, the giant cat
attempted to dislodge this savage enemy, and all the while one great,
brown fist was driving a long keen blade repeatedly into the beast's
side.

During the battle, La regained consciousness. Spellbound, she stood
above her victim watching the spectacle. It seemed incredible that a
human being could best the king of beasts in personal encounter and yet
before her very eyes there was taking place just such an improbability.

At last Tarzan's knife found the great heart, and with a final,
spasmodic struggle the lion rolled over upon the marble floor, dead.
Leaping to his feet the conqueror placed a foot upon the carcass of his
kill, raised his face toward the heavens, and gave voice to so hideous
a cry that both La and Werper trembled as it reverberated through the
temple.

Then the ape-man turned, and Werper recognized him as the man he had
left for dead in the treasure room.

8

The Escape from Opar

Werper was astounded. Could this creature be the same dignified
Englishman who had entertained him so graciously in his luxurious
African home? Could this wild beast, with blazing eyes, and bloody
countenance, be at the same time a man? Could the horrid, victory cry
he had but just heard have been formed in human throat?

Tarzan was eyeing the man and the woman, a puzzled expression in his
eyes, but there was no faintest tinge of recognition. It was as though
he had discovered some new species of living creature and was marveling
at hi