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READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

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Tarzan on Mars<br />

my treatment here has not been conducive to allegiance to<br />

yourselves—whoever you may be and whatever your cause."<br />

"That is beside the point!" snapped the Thern. "What<br />

were you doing in the ancient city of Lothar?"<br />

"I might ask you the same question...”<br />

Having read Thum's intention mentally, Kar Komak<br />

ducked the giant's sudden back-handed blow and, at the same<br />

time, used a trick taught him by Carthoris. Placing his leg<br />

behind the hormad's knee, he shoved quickly with his own<br />

knee against the other's thigh with all his might and caused<br />

him to topple to the floor. Whereupon, he was at his throat in<br />

an instant with the dwar's own dagger.<br />

"Don't move!" he commanded, while the point of the<br />

blade pressed hard against the colorless flesh of the synthetic<br />

monstrosity.<br />

Thum did not move, but his flabby mouth hissed a<br />

warning: "I'll kill you for this!"<br />

Kar Komak felt the point of a short sword pricking his<br />

back precisely over his right kidney.<br />

"It might be something of a loss to have you killed," said<br />

the Thern officer behind him. "That was a neat trick which I<br />

have not seen performed before. On your feet, panthan! And<br />

beware of your life! Your next false move will be your last!<br />

and Thum—"<br />

As Kar Komak began to get up, the giant's terrible arms<br />

reached for him, then paused. The eye of the Cyclops was on<br />

the Thern.<br />

"Thum," warned the Thern, "you would prove yourself<br />

more useful and intelligent if you would save your strength<br />

for a more appropriate occasion." He took the dagger from<br />

Kar Komak and gave it back to the scowling dwar, who rose<br />

toweringly and menacingly to his feet.<br />

"Now," continued the Thern to Kar Komak. "What were<br />

you doing in Lothar?"<br />

"Exploring," he replied sullenly. "I presume that the city<br />

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