Finally, just before
dawn, he relinquished his immediate effort and sought rest in a
friendly tree crotch in the safety of the middle terrace.
Once again was the sun high when Tarzan awoke, rested and refreshed.
Keen to the necessities of the moment he made no effort to locate
his jailers lest in the act he might apprise them of his movements.
Instead he sought cautiously and silently to melt away among the
foliage of the trees. His first move, however, was heralded by a
deep bellow from below.
Among the numerous refinements of civilization that Tarzan had
failed to acquire was that of profanity, and possibly it is to be
regretted since there are circumstances under which it is at least
a relief to pent emotion. And it may be that in effect Tarzan
resorted to profanity if there can be physical as well as vocal
swearing, since immediately the bellow announced that his hopes
had been again frustrated, he turned quickly and seeing the hideous
face of the gryf below him seized a large fruit from a nearby
branch and hurled it viciously at the horned snout. The missile
struck full between the creature's eyes, resulting in a reaction
that surprised the ape-man; it did not arouse the beast to a show
of revengeful rage as Tarzan had expected and hoped; instead the
creature gave a single vicious side snap at the fruit as it bounded
from his skull and then turned sulkily away, walking off a few
steps.
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