02.03.2013 Views

READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Tarzan on Mars<br />

nails into his flesh with an astounding strength and bit<br />

him—not as a woman, but as a ferocious savage animal at bay.<br />

Searing pain shot through him and his flesh recoiled<br />

instinctively, violently. Before he could think, he struck her<br />

with all his might and sent her reeling from him. His throat<br />

and neck ran hot ant wet with blood...<br />

"Tario," said Ranas Ghol, "you have been wounded!"<br />

This was early the next day as the Zumorian leader<br />

discovered him standing on the great balcony of the amphitheater<br />

which had been converted into a provisional throne<br />

room for Issus.<br />

Tario turned to him, scowling darkly. On his throat,<br />

precariously near the Jugular vein, was a great, livid scar<br />

which the marvelous medicines of Barsoom had almost<br />

healed.<br />

"I'll not explain it to you if you are unaware of its causes,"<br />

he answered, heavily. "But I am not pleased with the fact that<br />

you evidently foresee so much and divulge so little, Ranas<br />

Ghol!"<br />

The blue-skinned Zumorian looked out unperturbed at<br />

the tremendous valley which yet lay in the macabre mists and<br />

shadows of the morning. "I can only give guidance with what<br />

I foresee," he answered, quietly. "What cannot be divulged<br />

beforehand will not be divulged, Tario of Lothar."<br />

Tario took a step closer to the other, glaring at him with<br />

menacing expression and clenched fists. "Do you know what<br />

I think?" he almost shouted. "I suspect that you are deluding<br />

yourself with the idea that you can play games with me—and<br />

with the whole alliance!"<br />

"For your own sake and for the welfare of the planet,<br />

perhaps—"<br />

"Welfare of the planet?" shouted Tario. That is for me to<br />

decide! I, Tario—"<br />

"Who would be Taros Pthan?" interrupted Ranas Ghol.<br />

Tario grasped the Zumorian in both his powerful hands.<br />

133

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!