“You have permitted the great Emperor to be slain,” he cried to the poor Gomangani who guarded Numa. “For this the Bolgani will kill you. Help to save the strange Tarmangani and his mate and you have at least a chance for life and freedom. And you,” he added, addressing the two who had been guarding La, “they will hold you responsible also—your only hope lies with us.”
Tarzan had reached La’s side and was dragging her up the steps of the dais where he hoped that he might make a momentary stand against the fifty Bolgani who were now rushing forward from their seats toward him.
“Slay the three who sit upon the dais,” cried Tarzan to the Gomangani, who were now evidently hesitating as to which side they would cast their lot with. “Slay them if you wish your freedom! Slay them if you wish to live!”
The authoritative tones of his voice, the magnetic appeal of his personality, his natural leadership won them to him for the brief instant that was necessary to turn them upon the hated authority that the three Bolgani upon the dais represented, and as they drove their spears into the shaggy black bodies of their masters they became then and forever the creatures of Tarzan of the Apes, for there could be no future hope for them in the land of the Bolgani.
With one arm around La’s waist the ape-man carried her to the summit of the dais, where he seized his spear and drew it from the body of the dead lion. Then, turning about, and facing the advancing Bolgani, he placed one foot upon the carcass of his kill and raised his voice in the terrifying victory cry of the apes of Kerchak.
Before him the Bolgani paused, behind him the Gomangani quailed in terror.
“Stop!” cried Tarzan, raising a palm toward the Bolgani. “Listen! I am Tarzan of the Apes. I sought no quarrel with your people. I but look for a passage through your country to my own. Let me go my way in peace with this woman, taking these Gomangani with me.”
For answer a chorus of savage growls arose from the Bolgani as they started forward again toward the dais. From their ranks there suddenly leaped the old man of the east tower, who ran swiftly toward Tarzan.
“Ah, traitor,” cried the ape-man, “you would be the first, then, to taste the wrath of Tarzan?” He spoke in English and the old man replied ill the same tongue.
“Traitor?” he exclaimed in surprise.