Lu-don, the
high priest, has planned to seize the palace and destroy the loyal
warriors that Mo-sar may be made king--Mo-sar who will be the tool
and creature of Lu-don. Follow me. There is no time to lose if you
would prevent the traitors whom Lu-don has organized in the city
from entering the palace by a secret way and overpowering Ja-don
and the faithful band within."
For a moment they hesitated. At last one spoke. "What guarantee
have we," he demanded, "that it is not you who would betray us and
by leading us now away from the fighting in the banquet hall cause
those who fight at Ja-don's side to be defeated?"
"My life will be your guarantee," replied Tarzan. "If you find
that I have not spoken the truth you are sufficient in numbers to
execute whatever penalty you choose. But come, there is not time
to lose. Already are the lesser priests gathering their warriors
in the city below," and without waiting for any further parley
he strode directly toward them in the direction of the gate upon
the opposite side of the courtyard which led toward the principal
entrance to the palace ground.
Slower in wit than he, they were swept away by his greater initiative
and that compelling power which is inherent to all natural leaders.
And so they followed him, the giant ape-man with a dead tail dragging
the ground behind him--a demi-god where another would have been
ridiculous.
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