Page:Tarzan and the Ant Men.pdf/91

Rh tones they cast many backward glances in the direction of the ape-man. They were not afraid for themselves, for these warriors scarcely knew the meaning of fear. The question that caused them apprehension related to the wisdom of lead­ing among their people such a huge devourer of raw flesh, who, at a single hurried meal, had eaten the equivalent of a grown man.

The afternoon was drawing to a close when Tarzan discerned in the far distance what appeared to be a group of symmetrical, dome-shaped hillocks and later, as they approached these, he saw a body of mounted warriors galloping to meet them. From his greater height he saw these be­fore the others saw them, and attracting the offi­cer’s attention made signs apprising the latter of his discovery, but the oncoming warriors were hid­den from the view of their fellows by the inequali­ties of the ground.

Realizing this Tarzan stooped and, before the officer could guess his intention, had gathered ante­lope and rider gently in his powerful hands and lifted them high above the ground. For an in­stant consternation held the remaining warriors. Swords flashed and a warning cry arose and even the plucky pygmy in his grasp drew his own dimin­utive weapon; but a smile from the ape-man reassured them all, and an instant later the officer saw why Tarzan had raised him aloft. He called down to the others below him then and from their