READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
Directly overhead was a long, black battle cruiser. It had
come to a halt and now floated serenely above them on its
buoyancy tanks. Men could be seen boarding a smaller
landing craft which had been lowered over its side.
"They have no doubt spotted our flier," observed Tarzan,
calmly.
"I can interpret its colors and its device," said Kar
Komak. "It is of the Holy Alliance—from Tarnath!"
Tarzan's lips curved in a grim smile. "Well, my friend?
We hardly look like Therns just now. If they succeed in
capturing us, do you know what little story might gain us
some advantage with them? We could try to flee, or fight. I'll
rely on your experience and I am with you in whatever you
suggest. We must act quickly."
An idea suddenly came to Kar Komak, and he smiled the
happy smile of a warrior who is about to assail his enemy.
"Suppose we reveal our true identities," he suggested.
Tarzan raised his brows. "What would it gain us? They
know nothing on this world of Tarzan of the Apes."
"Not Tarzan," corrected Kar Komak, "but Tharos Pthan."
The apeman's brow furrowed. "I do not understand.
Why?"
"Don't you see? It would accelerate our entrance into
Tarnath. I am sure that Tario, especially, would wish to
preserve both of us long enough to attend to our destruction
personally. All I ask is to be brought into his presence."
"I see," smiled Tarzan. "It is better to attack the commander
rather than his army."
"I would rely on my own special powers and yours to
take advantage of any chance opportunity which might then
arise."
"It is a gamble with but one trial," mused the apeman.
"Certainly the most dangerous of all possible plans, but the
most direct. It is to my liking."
"For Helium, then!" exclaimed Kar Komak, placing his
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