READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
XXVI
THE ZERO HOUR
WHEN Tarzan admitted this identity as Tharos Pthan,
Them boomed forth a shout of triumph.
"Ha! At last, imposter, you come face to face with your
master! Know you that Tario of Lothar is the true Tharos
Pthan, and all others who lay claim to being the mate of Issus
shall die!"
"If I am to die," said Tarzan, quietly, "then let it be at the
hands of Tario, if he is able to destroy me."
"Issus, herself, should decide who is her rightful mate,"
interposed Kar Komak.
"I am the only mate of her who sits upon the Golden
Throne at Tarnath," added Tarzan. "For her am I come to this
world."
Thum held his sides and guffawed out of the bottom side
of his chin, and some of the warriors behind him followed his
example, although there were others who still looked at Tarzan's
noble height and bearing with some misgivings.
"Enough!" exclaimed Thum, at last. "You are my prisoners.
Come!" Wherewith, he picked Tarzan up with one hand
and Kar Komak with the other, carrying them against his hips
as though they had been baby lambs.
The apeman became aware that this towering monstrosity
was not to be compared with the green men. His strength
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