TARZAN ESCAPES
as told in the Big Little Book
Chapter Fourteen - The Pigmies
At the sight of fire, the vampires, screeching, flew away as quickly as they head come. The safari was now surrounded by the Pigmies, grotesque, well-armed savages. A little man more elaborately dressed than the others, advanced towards Tarzan.
The Chief of the Pigmies and Tarzan went through a ritual of greeting.
Tarzan spoke his gratitude, and explained his desire to evade the Gabonis and lead the safari to civilization.
"Gaboni!" said the Pigmy Chief savagely.
All the small warriors brandished their weapons defiantly and roared disapproval at the name "Gaboni."
The Chief grunted in a friendly fashion to the safari. Jane advanced, holding out her arm with her fist clenched, in his method of greeting.
Then he spoke to Tarzan. The ape leader listened with interest.
Tarzan explained the Chieftain's speech.
"He say he show short way. Mountains here much water he make bridge across water."
The Pigmies led and the safari followed but when, at length, the Chief pointed to the bridge, they looked upon it dismally.
"We can't cross that!" Rita said hopelessly. "That bridge is for Pigmies!"
Indeed, the "bridge" was a flimsy thing; a rope, constructed of vines. Below the place where it spanned the water was a tremendous fall, from which rose a cloud of white spray and deafening sound.
Tarzan turned to Rita.
"Safe carry you."
Rita looked towards the bridge. The prospect was terrifying, but cowardice was not one of her sins. She nodded her head and Tarzan took her across.
Jane was ready to go next, when she noticed a bundle of provisions slipping away in the water. She called to Eric and then went to retrieve it.
Meanwhile Major Fry and Bomba dispatched the native carriers across, and then followed. Only Eric and Jane were left. Now they prepared to join the safari.
Half way over, the rope, which could hold no more, gave way.
"Jane!" Tarzan cried, watching with agonized eyes.
In horror the safari stared down the thundering waterfalls.