A god, Ko-tan reasoned, could experience all the pleasure without
the headache, but for the immediate present he must think of the
necessary dignities and honors to be accorded his immortal guest.
No foot other than a king's had touched the surface of the apex
of the pyramid in the throneroom at A-lur during all the forgotten
ages through which the kings of Pal-ul-don had ruled from its high
eminence. So what higher honor could Ko-tan offer than to give place
beside him to the Dor-ul-Otho? And so he invited Tarzan to ascend
the pyramid and take his place upon the stone bench that topped it.
As they reached the step below the sacred pinnacle Ko-tan continued
as though to mount to his throne, but Tarzan laid a detaining hand
upon his arm.
"None may sit upon a level with the gods," he admonished, stepping
confidently up and seating himself upon the throne. The abashed
Ko-tan showed his embarrassment, an embarrassment he feared to
voice lest he incur the wrath of the king of kings.
"But," added Tarzan, "a god may honor his faithful servant by
inviting him to a place at his side. Come, Ko-tan; thus would I
honor you in the name of Jad-ben-Otho."
The ape-man's policy had for its basis an attempt not only to
arouse the fearful respect of Ko-tan but to do it without making
of him an enemy at heart, for he did not know how strong a hold
the religion of the Ho-don had upon them, for since the time that
he had prevented Ta-den and Om-at from quarreling over a religious
difference the subject had been utterly taboo among them.
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