READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
XXIII
THE GATHERING STORM
TARZAN might not tried to explain his apparently
compromising situation even if he could have spoken the
language of Barsoom. In such circumstances as this, where
one's life was threatened abruptly, he was accustomed to
acting first and conversing later, if at all.
In spite of the emergency facing him, however, he did
not lose sight of the fact that this strange warrior evidently
had a personal interest in La, as there could be no other explanation
for his anger. Obviously, he was an outraged lover.
Thus, as Kar Komak drew his sword to slay him, Tarzan
faced him with a strange smile of amusement, for he was
thinking that La had been withholding information from him.
She had not told him of this young and ardent suitor!
"Kar Komak!" cried La. "Stay! You know not what you
do!" She was angered by his untimely interruption and
frightened by his intention, for Tarzan was unarmed save for
his hunting knife.
"It is unfortunate," smiled Kar Komak, grimly, "that you
have chosen this man. Know you that none may claim you but
myself!"
La drew herself up indignantly. "By what right do you
make such a claim? I do not belong to you!"
"Ah—but I created you, for but one purpose, my
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