Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-07-10
CHAPTER XVIII
kidnanned.

once within the palace drew Sola to
" the dining hail. and when she had
greeted her father after the formal man.
ner of the green men. she told the story
of the pilgrimage and capture of Dejah
Thorls.
For many minutes none spoke.
Dejah Thoris in the clutches of the First
Born! shuddered at the thought, but of
a sudden the old fiPe of an unconquerable
self-confdence surged through me.
sprang to my feet, and with back
thrown shoulders and upraised sword took
n solemn vow to reach, rescue and revenge
my princess.
A hundred swords leaped from a hun
dred scabbards, and n hundred fighting men
sprang to the tabletop and pledged me
their lives and fortunes to the expedition.
Already my plans were formulated.
thanked each loyal friend, and, leaving
Carthors to entertain them, withdrew to
my own audience chamber with Kantos
Kan, Tars Tarkas. Xodar and Hor Vastus.
Here we discussed the details Of our ex-
pedition until long after dark. Xodar was
positive that Issus would choose both Dejah
Thoris and Thuvia to serve her for a year.
For that length of time at least they
will be comparatively safe" he said "and
we will at least know where to look for
them"
In the matter of equipping a feet to
enter Omean. the details were left to Kantos
Kan and Nodar.
The former agreed to take such vessels
as we required into dock as rapidly as
possible. where Xodar would direct theIE
equipment with water propeIlers.
II was estimated that IL would REQUIRE
six months to complete our preparations In
view of the fact that the utmost secrecy
must be maintained to keep the project from
the ears of Eat Arras.
Kantos Kan was confident now that the
mans ambitions were fully aroused and
that nothing short of the title, Jeddak Of
Helium, would satisfy him.
Il doubt" he said, III he would even
welcome Dejah Thoris' return, for 1t would
mean another nearer the throne than he
With you and Carthoris out OF the way
there would be little to prevent him from
assuming the title of jeddak, and you
supreme here there is no safety for either
'There iss way" cried Hor Vastus. ito
thwart him efrectually and forever"
"What2" l asked.
He smiled
II shall whisper it here. but some day
1 shall stand upon the dome Of the Temple
of Reward and shout it to cheering multi
tudes below
what do you mean?" asked Kantos Kan.
'JOhn NdIAeIB Jtuudh OF I1elluills sara
Hor Vastus in low voice
The eyes OF my companions lighted and
grim smiles of pleasure and anticipation
overspread their faces, as each eye turned
toward me questioningly.
But l shook my head.
"No, my friends" / said, smiling II
thank you. but 1t cannot be. Not yet at
least When we know that Tardos Mors
and AIors Kajak are gone TO return no
more, IL be here then, l shall Join you
all TO see that the people OF Helum are
permitted to choose fairly their next jeddak.
''Whom they choose may count upon the
loyalty OF my sword nor shall seek the
honor for myself. Until than TaTdOs Mors
is Jeddak of Helium and Eat Arras is his
representative
"As you will. John Carter" said Hor
Vastus. 'sBut-what was that9" he whis-
pered pointing toward the window over
looking the gardens,
The words were scarce out OF his mouth
ere he had sprang to the balcony without.
There he goes !" he cried. The guards
Below there The guards ,"
CONTINUED TOMORROW