"Who does know the secret?" demanded Xerstle.
"The black slave who has escaped you must know, if no other."
"He has not escaped me," snapped Xerstle. "He has but prolonged the hunt and increased its interest."
"It would add to the excitement of the day to lay some bets on that," said the ape-man. "I do not believe that your lions can again pick up the trail in time to bring down the quarry before dark."
"A thousand drachmas that they do!" cried Xerstle.
"Being a stranger who came naked into your country, I have no thousand drachmas," said Tarzan; "but perhaps Gemnon will cover your bet." He turned his face away from Xerstle and Pindes and, looking at Gemnon, slowly closed one eye.
"Done!" exclaimed Gemnon to Xerstle.
"I only demand the right to conduct the hunt in my own way," said the latter.
"Of course," agreed Gemnon, and Xerstle turned his face toward Pindes and slowly closed one eye.
"We shall separate, then," explained Xerstle, "and as you and Tarzan are betting against me; one of you must accompany me and the other go with Pindes so that all may be sure that the hunt is prosecuted with fairness and determination."