Page:Tarzan and the Ant Men.pdf/128

122 outpost ahead of them they raced, deploying as they went.

Another thousand moved quickly toward the right and a third toward the left of the advance cavalry’s position following Tarzan’s announce­ment that the enemy had divided into two bodies just before it engaged the outpost, and that one of these was moving as though with the intention of turning the right flank of the main cavalry of Trohanadalmakus, while the other circled in the di­rection of the left flank.

"They are striking boldly and quickly for pris­oners," said the prince to Tarzan.

"Their second and third lines are ploying upon the center and moving straight for us," said Tar­zan. "They have reached the outpost, which is racing forward with them, giving battle vigor­ously with rapiers."

Komodoflorensal was dispatching messengers toward the rear. "It is thus that we fight," he said, evidently in explanation of the action of the outpost. "It is time that you returned to the rear, for in another few moments you will be sur­rounded by the enemy if you remain. When they reach us we, too, will turn and fight them hand-to-hand back toward the city. If it still is their intention to enter the city the battle will resemble more a race than aught else, for the speed will be too great for effective fighting; but if they have abandoned that idea and intend contenting