The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-04-22

even wished to adopt him as mem Der of the tribe, and there was for some time a half formed resolution in the ape-man's mind to accept and re main forever with these wild people, whom he understood and who seem ed to understand him. His friendship and liking for the girl were potent fac tors in urging him toward an aff1rma- tive decision.
 Had she been a man, he argued, he should not have hesftated, for it would have meant friend after his own heart, with whom he could ride and hunt at will, but as 1t was they would be lhedged by the conventionalities that are even more strictly observed by the wild nomads of the desert than by their more civilized brothers and sis ters. And in little while she would be married to one of these swarthy warriors, and there would be an end to their friendship. So he decided against the sheik's proposal, though he remained aeweek as his guest.
 When he left Kadour ben Saden fifty white robed warriors rode with him to Bou Saada. While they were mounting in the douar of Kadour ben Saden the morning of their departure the girl came to bid farewell to Tar Kan
 CT have prayed that you would re- main with uS,'' she said simply, as he leaned from lis saddle to clasp her hand in farewell, teand now shall pray that you will return"
 There was an expression of wistful- ness in her beautiful eyes, and a pa thetic droop at the corners of her mouth Tarzaa was touched
 @ seWho knows g' and then he turned and rode after the departing Arabs.
 Outside Bou Saada he bade Kadour ben Saden and his men goodby, for there were reasons which made him wish to make his entry into the town as secret as possible, and when he had explained them to the sheik the latter concurred in his decision. sThe Arabs were to enter Bou Saada ahead of him, saying nothing as to his pres ence with them. Later Tarzan would ceme in alone and go directly to an oo- scure native inn.
 Thus making his entrance after dark as he did. he was not seen by any one who knew him and reached the inn un- observed After dining with Kadour ben Saden as his guest he went to his former hotel by roundabout way and, coming in by rear entrance, sought the proprietor, who seemed much surprised to see him alive.
 Yes. there was mail for monsieur; he would fetch. it. No, he would men tfon monsieur s return to no one. Pres ent1y he returned with packet of let ters. One was an order from his SUI perioF to lay off on his present work and hasten to Cape Town by the first steamer he could get His further in- structions would be awaiting him there in the hands Of another agent whose name and address were given. That was aIl-brief but explicit Tarzans ar ranged to leave Bou Saada early the next nnorntng Then he started for the garrison to see Captain Gerard, who the hotel man had told him had returned with his detachment the pre- v1ous day.
 He found the officer in his quarters He was filled with surprise and pleas ure at seeing Tarzan alive and. well, ssWhen Lieutenant Gernois returned and reported that he had not found you at the spot that you had chosen to remain while the detachment was searched the mountains for days. Then came word that you had been killed and eaten by lion. As proof your gun was brought to us Your horse had returned to camp the second day after your disappearance. We could not doubt, Lieutenant Gernois was grief stricken. He took all the blame upon himself 1t was he who insisted on carrying on the search himself It was he who found the Arab with your gun. He will be de lighted to know that you are safe-''
 sDoubtIess,' said Tarzan. with a grim smile.
 7ssHe is down in the town now or l should send for him. continued Gap tain Gevard- .sI shall tell him as soon as he returns. ,,