READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
almost in a whisper, "In case we should become separated and
something should happen to me, I would like you to know the
hiding place of an article which may be of great value some
day." Whereupon, he told him of the Great Star of Issus and
how he had hidden it in the mouth of the gargoyle above the
entrance to Tario's chambers in the palace at Lothar.
The news of this ancient jewel excited Kar Komak
greatly. "By Issus!" he exclaimed. "Do you know what this
means? It means you are actually the genuine Tharos Pthan!
Do you not recall the legend? It makes mention of the Great
Star of Issus, which Tharos Pthan was to place upon the brow
of Issus in the final hour of fulfillment!"
Tarzan smiled. "How inconsiderate of me to thus thwart
the plan of the ages. I have neglected to bring it along with
me."
"The legend says that it is twice the size of a man's eye."
Tarzan sobered. "And so it is. I find myself confused by
the mysterious portents and signs of the times here upon
Barsoom. The diadem of which I speak actually originated on
this planet, yet I have brought it here from my own world.
Then, too, the history of La is equally mysterious."
"She may indeed be Issus," commented Kar Komak,
gloomily. "Perhaps it is foolish of me to presume to stand in
the way of that which is written. You are Tharos Pthan, and
so you are her mate."
"No, my friend. My mate is here above us in Zumor,"
answered the apeman.
Kar Komak shook his head, stubbornly. "That union is
only a temporary thing of the mortal world. When your hour
of destiny arrives, Tharos Pthan, you shall be enthroned in
eternity with the living goddess, Issus herself, whom I have
presumed to call 'my princess.' What a fool I have been."
Tarzan frowned as he observed the genuine anguish
written in his companion's noble features. "This business is
becoming quite grave," he remarked. "Perhaps I should take
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