TARZAN ESCAPES

as told in the Big Little Book

Chapter Eleven - Cheetah Misbehaves

Together Tarzan and Jane looked upon the happiness and peace surrounding their home.

Suddenly there was a slight disturbance among the monkeys. It was Cheetah, who chattered, demanding their attention.

"She's just showing off," Jane smiled. "She's a little mischief. Some day she'll get herself into trouble."

"Cheetah!" Tarzan spoke sternly.

But the little chimpanzee paid no attention. In and out among the monkeys she raced, bumping rudely into another monkey who was busily engaged in nursing her baby.

"Cheetah!" Jane called reprovingly. "Shame on you. Come up here with us and be a good girl."

But Cheetah bamboled in all directions, behaving with all the self-conscious privilege of a court favorite.

The mischief-making was customary with Cheetah. But now, for some reason, Jane was worried.

"I'm going down and talk to her as long as she won't come up," Jane decided and clambered down to have a word with the little chimpanzee.

Cheetah, however, had other plans. Just when she seemed to be in reach of Jane's arms. she gave a sudden leap, eluding her pursuer.

"Stop, Cheetah," Jane tried to win her with gentle words. "This isn't a game, Cheetah. I want to talk with you."

But Cheetah raced ahead, in and out of the trees.

Finally the race led them to a portion of the pool which was not safe for swimming.

Here, in the mud, the great crocodiles basked by the score, Jane screamed a warning, but Cheetah, reckless with the chase, made straight for the pool, and was suddenly out of sight.

"Tarzan!" Jane cried for help. "Tarzan, hurry!"

Tarzan lifted his spear, and sprang out of the tree in answer to her call.

"Oh, Tarzan!" Jane wept as he came to the edge of the pool. "I can't find Cheetah anywhere. I think she must have fallen. "

A huge ugly head reared its head out of the water. But there was no sign of the little chimpanzee.

"Cheetah fall in?" Tarzan questioned unbelievingly.

"I don't know!" Jane cried. "But she isn't anywhere in sight."

The crocodile came closer. Tarzan lifted his spear. The ferocious looking beast advanced to the log upon which they stood.

Tensely Tarzn stood, taking careful aim at the crocodile.

Rigidly Jane stood at his side and gazed fearfully into the horrible mouth of the beast.

And, quietly, Cheetah climbed down from the tree overhead and stood at Jane's side, with a look of absolute indifference. Or perhaps it was innocence.

Jane was the first to see her.

"Why Cheetah!" she cried, torn between relief and exasperation.

At that same moment, Tarzan threw the spear. Roaring in pain, the crocodile swam away, and Tarzan looked first at Jane and then at Cheetah.

"Come," he said sternly. "We go."

Reaching home, they all went with one accord to their favorite spot in the tree.

Cheetah knew she had been naughty, for all her pretended unconcern. Now, to make friends again, she drew close to Tarzan, placing her arms about his neck.

Jane made the decision. Cheetah should not be punished this time.

"Cheetah be good girl?" Tarzan asked.

The chimpanzee snuggled closer to him.

Again all was peace and contentment.