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Burroughs, Edgar Rice, 1875-1950

"Tarzan the Terrible"

"And I believe,
Om-at," concluded the Ho-don, "that he seeks Tarzan the Terrible."
At the sound of that name, the first intelligible word that had
fallen upon the ears of the stranger since he had come among them,
his face lightened. "Tarzan!" he cried, "Tarzan of the Apes!" and
by signs he tried to tell them that it was he whom he sought.
They understood, and also they guessed from the expression of his
face that he sought Tarzan from motives of affection rather than
the reverse, but of this Om-at wished to make sure. He pointed to
the stranger's knife, and repeating Tarzan's name, seized Ta-den
and pretended to stab him, immediately turning questioningly toward
the stranger.
The latter shook his head vehemently and then first placing a hand
above his heart he raised his palm in the symbol of peace.
"He is a friend of Tarzan-jad-guru," exclaimed Ta-den.
"Either a friend or a great liar," replied Om-at.
"Tarzan," continued the stranger, "you know him? He lives? O God,
if I could only speak your language." And again reverting to sign
language he sought to ascertain where Tarzan was. He would pronounce
the name and point in different directions, in the cave, down into
the gorge, back toward the mountains, or out upon the valley below,
and each time he would raise his brows questioningly and voice
the universal "eh?" of interrogation which they could not fail to
understand.


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