He was
therefore quick to note the evident though wordless resentment of
Ko-tan at the suggestion that he entirely relinquish his throne to
his guest. On the whole, however, the effect had been satisfactory
as he could see from the renewed evidence of awe upon the faces of
the warriors.
At Tarzan's direction the business of the court continued where
it had been interrupted by his advent. It consisted principally in
the settling of disputes between warriors. There was present one
who stood upon the step just below the throne and which Tarzan was
to learn was the place reserved for the higher chiefs of the allied
tribes which made up Ko-tan's kingdom. The one who attracted Tarzan's
attention was a stalwart warrior of powerful physique and massive,
lion-like features. He was addressing Ko-tan on a question that is
as old as government and that will continue in unabated importance
until man ceases to exist. It had to do with a boundary dispute
with one of his neighbors.
The matter itself held little or no interest for Tarzan, but
he was impressed by the appearance of the speaker and when Ko-tan
addressed him as Ja-don the ape-man's interest was permanently
crystallized, for Ja-don was the father of Ta-den. That the knowledge
would benefit him in any way seemed rather a remote possibility
since he could not reveal to Ja-don his friendly relations with
his son without admitting the falsity of his claims to godship.
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