Tarzan the Untamed · Chapter 13 (2/2)

The aviator dug his toe into the ground and still looking down, blurted something which he evidently hated to say. “If it is a matter of living, old top,” he said, “er⁠—money, er⁠—you know⁠—”

Tarzan laughed. “No,” he said. “I know what you are trying to say. It is not that. I was born in the jungle. I have lived all my life in the jungle, and I shall die in the jungle. I do not wish to live or die elsewhere.”

The others shook their heads. They could not understand him.

“Go,” said the ape-man. “The quicker you go, the quicker you will reach safety.”

They walked to the plane together. Smith-Oldwick pressed the ape-man’s hand and clambered into the pilot’s seat. “Goodbye,” said the girl as she extended her hand to Tarzan. “Before I go won’t you tell me you don’t hate me any more?” Tarzan’s face clouded. Without a word he picked her up and lifted her to her place behind the Englishman. An expression of pain crossed Bertha Kircher’s face. The motor started and a moment later the two were being borne rapidly toward the east.

In the center of the meadow stood the ape-man watching them. “It is too bad that she is a German and a spy,” he said, “for she is very hard to hate.”