READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
seem to be heir to many names, only one of which you might
recognize." Tarzan was considering the admonitions of Kar
Komak. Of all roles possible to assume, there was one in particular
which seemed most likely to gain him allegiance on the
part of any red warrior such as this fine looking panthan
beside him. "Men call me Tharos Pthan." he added.
The reaction of this red man, however, was not what he
had anticipated. The man sprang to his feet, and instantly,
Tarzan found the keen point of a long-sword at his throat. He
could not recall ever having looked into a more threatening
pair of steal grey eyes.
"Good"! exclaimed the latter. "Tario is one who claims
that distinction. You must be the other of whom I have heard.
It is well! I have wanted to meet both of you. If I can destroy
you, then you are a lie. If I cannot destroy you, then the
prophecy has come true—and I, for one, will be your most
faithful ally! But I must know the truth!"
Tarzan returned him a quiet smile. "Is this the code of a
warrior?" he asked, looking at the long, keen blade thrust at
him. "I am unarmed. If you would reduce your armaments to
mine, I might be vouchsafed a basis for argument."
John Carter raised his brows. "You beg for advantage?"
he queried. "If you are the promised deity, Tharos Pthan,
then you are thrice-armed, my friend! It is I who have the
disadvantage, even with this blade at your throat!"
Tarzan moved more quickly than even the Warlord was
prepared for. Faster than the eye could follow, his hand shot
upward, deflecting the sword point for one split second. In the
next instant, he tripped his antagonist and had him unarmed.
Instead of paling in fright, however, the other grinned
confidently. He grasped Tarzan, preparatory to overcoming
his attack with superior strength. But then, his face clouded
with puzzlement, for the apeman took hold of his arms and
pinned them with apparent ease.
"This is amazing!" John Carter said, then, "Your quick-
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