TARZAN ESCAPES

as told in the Big Little Book

Chapter Six - Cousins

Jane looked fixedly at Major Fry, and under her level gaze, he relaxed his gun-hold.

"Sorry," he murmured, "to have killed — a friend."

Jane made an instant decision: she did not like, did not trust Major Fry. Looking away from him, her gazed rested upon the "white woman," and she gave a cry of recognition.

"Why — Rita!"

"No one else but " Rita remarked with no great show of affection.

But Eric in no way concealed his delight. Taking Jane by the shoulders he beamed into her face, ready to embrace her.

"Jane dear," he spoke warmly, "It's wonderful to find you. That's the reason we're here, you know."

With a frown, Tarzan struck Eric's arms away.

Very emphatically Tarzan said but one word.

"No!"

"Oh, it's all right, Tarzan," Jane explained, smiling. "he's my cousin family understand? My family your family, too. Eric, this is Tarzan. Shake hands, Tarzan. You must be friends."

Although still frowning, Tarzan awkwardly extended his hand and went through the friendly gesture. Jane continued introductions.

"And this is Rita."

The unconventional circumstances in no way hindered Rita. Gracefully she stepped forward and smiled up at Tarzan, who returned her look with one of frank inspection.

"Woman," Tarzan said gravely.

"Yes," Rita smiled engagingly. "Rita."

In a subtle manner her smile was flattery and Tarzan's frown cleared for the first time. He smiled back at Rita.

Jane turned to introduce Major Fry, and realized she did not know his name.

"Oh, excuse me, Jane," Eric said, "This is Major Fry."

Jane acknowledged with a nod and the Major extended his hand to Tarzan.

Gravely Tarzan looked at Major Fry. Instinctively he knew this was no friend.

Although the man's hand was extended, his smile was one of genial condescension bestowed upon an idiot or freak.

Tarzan shook his head. "No like," he told Jane.

There was an awkward moment. Rigidly Major Fry held out his hand, the smile stiffening on his lips.

"Tarzan," Jane begged softly.

To please her Tarzan took the Major's hand.

Suddenly, one of the natives who had been stationed in a tree cried out in frantic pain. An arrow had struck him, and he crashed down through the tree with a sickening thud. Fry swung his rifle, ready to shoot, but there was nothing in sight.

The natives murmured in fear.

Tarzan knelt to examine the dead man.

"Poison," he said, pointing to the death-dealing arrow.

Bomba now came close to the stricken native. With a look of horror, he recognized the arrow.

"Gabonis!" he said in great fear.

"Look!" Rita screamed in sudden fright. "Look — there!"

From the jungle came the beating of drums, the death music that preceded the Gaboni attacks. Shoulder to shoulder, their faces painted in white streaks, their spears uplifted to throw, the Gaboni warriors advanced.