paw of Sheeta's mate across Sheeta's face--no incongruity
there. He thought of little Manu hugging his she, and how the one
seemed to belong to the other. Even the proud male bird, with his gay
plumage, bore a close resemblance to his quieter spouse, while Numa,
but for his shaggy mane, was almost a counterpart of Sabor, the
lioness. The males and the females differed, it was true; but not with
such differences as existed between Tarzan and Teeka.

Tarzan was puzzled. There was something wrong. His arm dropped from
the shoulder of Teeka. Very slowly he drew away from her. She looked
at him with her head cocked upon one side. Tarzan rose to his full
height and beat upon his breast with his fists. He raised his head
toward the heavens and opened his mouth. From the depths of his lungs
rose the fierce, weird challenge of the victorious bull ape. The tribe
turned curiously to eye him. He had killed nothing, nor was there any
antagonist to be goaded to madness by the savage scream. No, there was
no excuse for it, and they turned back to their feeding, but with an
eye upon the ape-man lest he be preparing to suddenly run amuck.

As they watched him they saw him swing into a near-by tree and
disappear from sight. Then they forgot him, even Teeka.

Mbonga's black warriors, sweating beneath their strenuous task, and
resting often, made slow progress toward their village. Always the
savage beast in the primitive cage growled and roared when they moved
him. He beat upon the bars and slavered at the mouth. His noise was
hideous.

They had almost completed their journey and were making their final
rest before forging ahead to gain the clearing in which lay their
village. A few more minutes would have taken them out of the forest,
and then, doubtless, the thing would not have happened which did happen.

A silent figure moved through the trees above them. Keen eyes
inspected the cage and counted the number of warriors. An alert and
daring brain figured upon the chances of success when a certain plan
should be put to the test.

Tarzan watched the blacks lolling in the shade. They were exhausted.
Already several of them slept. He crept closer, pausing just above
them. Not a leaf rustled before his stealthy advance. He waited in
the infinite patience of the beast of prey. Presently but two of the
warriors remained awake, and one of these was dozing.

Tarzan of the Apes gathered himself, and as he did so t