The guide's story told, Tarzan was conducted into the courtyard
where he was held while one of the warriors entered the palace,
evidently with the intention of notifying Ko-tan. Fifteen minutes
later a large warrior appeared, followed by several others, all of
whom examined Tarzan with every sign of curiosity as they approached.
The leader of the party halted before the ape-man. "Who are you?"
he asked, "and what do you want of Ko-tan, the king?"
"I am a friend," replied the ape-man, "and I have come from the
country of Jad-ben-Otho to visit Ko-tan of Pal-ul-don."
The warrior and his followers seemed impressed. Tarzan could see
the latter whispering among themselves.
"How come you here," asked the spokesman, "and what do you want of
Ko-tan?"
Tarzan drew himself to his full height. "Enough!" he cried. "Must
the messenger of Jad-ben-Otho be subjected to the treatment that
might be accorded to a wandering Waz-don? Take me to the king at
once lest the wrath of Jad-ben-Otho fall upon you."
There was some question in the mind of the ape-man as to how far
he might carry his unwarranted show of assurance, and he waited
therefore with amused interest the result of his demand. He did not,
however, have long to wait for almost immediately the attitude of
his questioner changed. He whitened, cast an apprehensive glance
toward the eastern sky and then extended his right palm toward
Tarzan, placing his left over his own heart in the sign of amity
that was common among the peoples of Pal-ul-don.
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