READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
in the first place.
He saw it clearly now. Kar Komak had thrown a phantom
devil into his waiting arms. It was he who had caused her to
try to assassinate him!
Inadvertently, he felt for the scar on his neck which had
been so perilously close to his jugular vein. It had disappeared
entirely, and although others might attribute the fact to the
efficiency of the advanced medicines of Barsoom, Tario knew
that that scar had been but an illusion—an illusion which had
brought him terribly close to death.
"If Kar Komak lives," he grumbled, "he is dangerous. One
day I shall conduct a private search of my own to find him, and
he shall be destroyed."
"So be it," said Zithad. "Let us trust that this occurrence
will cost no more than my best scout ship. Just now there are
more important matters to concern us."
"Yes," agreed Sardon Dhur, looking at the coveted Holy
Diadem on Tario's brow, " we have completed the long
preliminary stage of preparation. Our armies stand ready, and
our aerial battle fleets soon to be strengthened by the new
nullifying beam, but await our command. In every city and
nation, including the Heliumetic Empire, itself, we have a
well trained underground force of Thern priests and civilian
sympathizers. Already, various jeds and jeddaks have expressed
interest in our cause and are asking embarrassing
questions. When do we strike? and when shall Issus arise? As
a matter of fact, Tario, how long do you think you will
continue to make use of the Holy Diadem? It is sacred
property. As the chosen Hekkador of the Thern Empire, it is
my right to wear it, and I shall not subdue my impatience
much longer!"
Tario turned slowly to glare at the Thern. His eyes were
cold, his lips thin and tight pressed against his teeth as he
smiled without mirth. "You shall have it," he replied, evenly,
"if and when I see fit to let you wear it. I will not remind you
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