The girl hesitated before replying, and then. "No," she said, "I
cannot speak of this thing, for if it be of sufficient importance
to elicit the interest of the gods then indeed would I be subject
to the wrath of my father should I discuss it."
"In the name of Jad-ben-Otho I command you to speak," said Tarzan.
"In the name of Jad-ben-Otho in whose hands lies the fate of Ta-den!"
The girl paled. "Have mercy!" she cried, "and for the sake of Ta-den
I will tell you all that I know."
"Tell what?" demanded a stern voice from the shrubbery behind them.
The three turned to see the figure of Ko-tan emerging from the
foliage. An angry scowl distorted his kingly features but at sight
of Tarzan it gave place to an expression of surprise not unmixed
with fear. "Dor-ul-Otho!" he exclaimed, "I did not know that it
was you," and then, raising his head and squaring his shoulders
he said, "but there are places where even the son of the Great God
may not walk and this, the Forbidden Garden of Ko-tan, is one."
It was a challenge but despite the king's bold front there was a
note of apology in it, indicating that in his superstitious mind
there flourished the inherent fear of man for his Maker. "Come,
Dor-ul-Otho," he continued, "I do not know all this foolish child
has said to you but whatever you would know Ko-tan, the king, will
tell you.
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