Something was coming! Even Guinalda sensed that, but it could not be succor, for what could succor her from this hideous beast?
There was a rustling among the branches of the trees a hundred feet away and suddenly the giant figure of a demigod dropped to the ground. The lion rose and faced the man. The two stood thus, eyeing one another for a brief moment. Then the man spoke.
"Jad-bal-ja!" he exclaimed, and then: "Come to heel!"
The great, golden lion whined and strode across the open space, stopping before the man. Guinalda saw the beast look up into the face of the demigod and saw the latter stroke the tawny head affectionately, but meanwhile the eyes of the man, or god, or whatever he was, were upon Guinalda and she saw the sudden relief that came to them as Tarzan realized that the girl was unharmed.
Leaving the lion the ape-man crossed to where the princess lay and knelt beside her.
"You are the Princess Guinalda?" he asked.
The girl nodded, wondering how he knew her. As yet she was too stunned to command her own voice.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
She shook her head.
"Do not be afraid," he assured her in a gentle voice. "I am your friend. You are safe now."