Briefly, Tarzan explained.
"It was you, then, who saved him?"
The ape-man nodded.
"I am only a poor slave," said Niaka, "and you are a powerful noble, no doubt; so I can never repay you. But should you ever need any service that Niaka can render, you have but to command; with my life I would serve you. In that little hut below the diggings I live with my woman; because I am headman I am trusted and live thus alone. If you ever want me you will find me there."
"I ask no return for what I did," replied Tarzan, "but I shall remember where you live; one never knows what the future holds."
He moved away then and joined Gemnon; and presently the two turned back toward the city, while in the palace of the Queen Tomos entered the apartment of Nemone and knelt.
"What now?" she demanded. "Is the affair so urgent that I must be interrupted at my toilet?"
"It is, majesty," replied the councillor, "and I beg that you send your slaves away. What I have to say is for your ears alone."
There were four black girls working on Nemone's nails, one at each foot and one at each hand, and a white girl arranging her hair. To the last the Queen spoke, "Take the slaves away, Maluma, and send them to their quarters; you may wait in the adjoining room."
Then she turned to the councillor, who had arisen. "Well, what is it?"