Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-07-27

stolen, and whose herdsmen were being
killed. The Arabs came out of their
goatskin tents and surrounded the SOL
diers, asking many questions in the native
tongue, for the soldiers were themselves
natives. Tarzan, who, by this time, with
quite a smattering of Arab, questioned
one of the younger men who had accom-
panied the sheik while the latter paid his
respects to Captain Gerard.
No. he had seen no party of six horse
men riding from the direction of Djelfa.
There were other oases scattered about
possibly they had been journeying to one
of these. Then there were the marauders
in the mountains above-they often rode
north to Bou Saada in small parties, and
even as far as Aumale and Bouira. It
might indeed have been a few marauders
returning to the band from a pleasure
trip to one of these cities.
Early the next morning Captain Gerard
split his command in two, giving Lieuten-
ant Gernois command of one party, while
he headed the other. They were to scour
the mountains upon opposite sides of the
plain.
And with which detachment will Mon
sieur Tarzan rlde?" asked the captain.
"Or maybe 1t is that monsieur does not
care to hunt marauders?"
"oh, shall be delighted to CO." Tarzan
hastened to explain. He was wondering
what excuse he could make to accom-
pany Gernois. His embarrassment was
short-lived, and was relieved from, a most
unexpected source. 1t was Gernois him
self who spoke.
IF my captain will forego the pleasure
Of Monsieur Tarzan's company for this
once, / shall esteem 1t an honor indeed
to have monsieur ride with me today"
he said, nor was his tone lacking in cor
diality. In fact, Tarzan imagined that he
had overdone 1t tri1e, but, even so. he
was both astounded and pleased, hasten
ing to express his delight at the arrange
ment.
And so II was that Lieutenant Gernols
and Tarzan rode off side by side at the
head OF the little detachment of spahis
Gernois' cordiality was short-lived No
sooner had they ridden out of sight OF
Captain Gerard and his men than he
lapsed once more into his accustomed
taciturnity. AS they advanced the ground
became rougher. Steadily 1t ascended
toward the mountains. into which they
hled through a narrow canyon close TO
noon. BY the side OF little rivulet Ger
nois called the midday halt Here the
men prepared and ate their frugal meal
and refilled their canteens.
After an hours rest they advanced
again along the canyon, until they pres
emily came to a little valley, from which
several rocky gorges diverged Here they
halted. while Gernois minutely ex-
amined the surrounding heights from the
centre Of the depression.
We shall separate here" he said, "sev-
eral riding into each OF these gorges," ana
then he commenced 10 detail his various
squads and issue Instructions to the nom
commissioned officers who were TO COM
mand them, When he had done he turned
20 Terzsn Monsieur viii be SO good as
to remain here until We return"
Tarzan demurrsd. but the officer cut him
short. There may be hghting for one OF
these sections" he said, "and troops can
not be embarrassed by civilian noneon-
batants during action"
But, my dear lieutenant" expostulated
Tarzan, Il am most ready and willing 10
place myself under command OF yourself
or any OF your sergeants or corporals,
and 70 hght IN the ranks as they direct
IL IS what i came for"
Il should be glad to think So" retorted
9ernpis, with a sneer he made no at
tempt 10 disguise Then. shortly: you
are under my orders. and they are that
you remain here until We return. let
thaf END the matter" and he turned ana
spurfed away AZ the head Of his men.
moment later Tarzan found himself
alone ia the midst Of a desolals moun-
tain fastness.
The sun was hot, 50 he sought the
shelter OF a nearby tree, where 10 tsth-
cred his horse, and sat down uDon tho
ground 70 smoke. EnWardly he swore AZ
Gefnoia for the trick he had played upon
hip- "A mean little revenge. Thought Tar
gan. ana tneni suddenly. Il occurred 70
HIM that fhe man aould not Is such a
iopi as % antasonlze him through
trivial annoy anee 1f 81 petty s dssarin-
pea 4asse nast ae lQnelhlas deeper