READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
become real, in effect. On Earth, a great section of humanity
known as the Moslems have their own Valley Dor, which
they call Mecca. Whatever its validity, it sustains the faith of
millions. Other millions turn their faces reverently toward a
sacred spot which is known as the Vatican City. In all worlds
and in all time, men have built their Meccas or their Temples
of the Sun. And, so it is in your case here upon Barsoom.
Whether you win or lose against the Holy Alliance, the fact
remains that the issue in men's souls must be settled once
and for all."
Carthoris clenched his fists against the ship's rail. "It is
too much to think of!" he exclaimed. "I am a warrior. All I can
do is pledge my sword and my life to whatever cause my
father will support!"
"I understand," said Vad Varo. "And you know that my
blade is here with yours, dedicated to the same purpose. A
warrior can do no more."
"Look!" exclaimed Carthoris, pointing suddenly below.
"Down there—a man! He is signaling to us!"
Vad Varo soon discerned the distant figure of a white
man who was running across the ocher-colored sea bottom
and waving his arms at the Heliumetic fleet. "He wears battle
harness and a sword," he observed. "He is not of Jasoom."
Carthoris turned to an officer and issued a command,
whereupon the entire fleet soon halted in mid-air and a small
patrol boat was dispatched to retrieve the stranger.
Ten minutes later when the man, himself, sprang from
the deck of the patrol boat onto the flagship, Carthoris
shouted his name in startled recognition.
"Kar Komak!" he exclaimed. "By the gods!—is it possible,
after all these years? I had given you up for dead!"
Had Carthoris known of the strange adventures which
had befallen his friend, he would have been surprised to see
him perfectly rational and in full possession of his memory, as
he was now. The two men greeted each other with hands on
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