READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
padwar," he growled. "You knew that, didn't you?"
"No, my odwar," replied Kar Komak, while he deftly
disguised his mind, should the other seek to probe it. This
was a special trick of the mentality which was common chiefly
among Lotharians. "It's really not too important, I suppose,
although his brother was quite excited. it seems he has
received some long cherished news from home—from Kaol,
I believe." He laughed. "You know how it is with the poor
warrior in the ranks! Each little deviation from the routine
takes on a magnified significance. But I would like to please
the fellow if possible. he is one of my best swordsmen, and an
uncommonly good technician with the radium rifles."
The odwar studied him for a moment, then smiled
suddenly. "I will give you a pass," he said.
In another few moments, Kar Komak found himself
being conducted by a red Tarnathian guard along corridors
and up ramps and through large chambers which had been cut
from the hard substance of the meteor, itself. Just how this
had been accomplished, he could not guess, but he reasoned
that the place was very ancient—and with time all things are
possible.
The main concern of the moment was to make good his
ruse. He had rushed so swiftly to take advantage of Var
Koros' unexpected aid that he had not taken the time to think
of the possible consequences, should he fail.
For the first time he realized that to be too brave in
regard to his own skin was to be selfish with regard to the
welfare of Barsoom. up to the present moment, he seemed to
be the only precious link between this great hidden enemy
and the Heliumetic Empire. Moreover, the new knowledge
he now carried with him was absolutely vital to survival.
He followed his guide grimly now. What he was going to
attempt was no daredevil's prank. The fate of a world might
depend upon it.
He had no sooner arrived at this conclusion than his
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