Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-03-01
Copyright by Frank A. Munscy Co.


hills lying far below me.
81 was upon the highest peak of a
lofty range. The fleet in the darkness
of the preceding night had barely
grazed the crest of the hills, and in the
brief span that they lowered close to
the surface the black guard had pitch
ed me. as he supposed, to my death.
"a few miles west of me was great
waterway. When reached it l found
that it belonged to Helium.
Here boat was procured for me-
The rest you know"
For many minutes none spoke.
Dejah Thoris in the clutches of the
Black Pirates! l shuddered at the
thought, but of a sudden the old fire
of an unconquerable self confidence
surged through me.
l sprang to my feet and, with back
thrown shoulders and upraised sword,
took a solemn VOW to reach. rescue
and revenge my princess.
A hundred swords leaped from 4
hundred scabbards, and a hundred
fighting men sprang to the table top
and pledged me their lives and for
tunes to the expedition. Already my
plans were formulated.
thanked each loyal friend and.
leaving Carthoris to entertain them.
withdrew to my own audience cham
ber with Kantos Kan. Tars Tarkas.
Xodar and Hor Vastus.
Here we discussed the details of
our expedition until long after dark.
Xodar was positive that Issus would
choose both Dejah Thoris and Thuvia
to serve her for year.
Fer that length of time at least
they will be comparatively SAFE" he
said, land we will at least know where
to look for them"
1t was estimated that 1t would re-
quire six months to complete our prep
arations 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, "if he would even
welcome Dejah Thoris' return, for II
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 may rest assured
that so long as he is supreme here
there is no safety for either Of YOU"
There is way" cried Hor yastus,
Ito thwart him effectually and for.
ever"
WHAT" l asked.
He smiled.
81 shall whisper it here, but some
day I shall stand upon the dome of the
temple of Reward and shout it to
cheering multitudes below"
what do you mean?" asked Kan
tos Kan.
John Carter, jeddak of Helum,'
said Hor Vastus in u low voice.
The eyes of my companions lighted,
and grim smiles OF pleasure and antic-
ipation overspread their faces as each
Ss c tdl heu lON uiu Lue quGSllOuluSly
But | shook my head.
NO. my friends" said. smiling. -
thank you. but it cannot be-not yet at
least. When we know that Tardos
Mors and Mors Kajak are gone to re.
turn no more, If l be here then, 7 shall
join you all TO see that the people of
Helium are permitted TO Choose fairly
their next jeddak
Whom they choose may count upon
the loyalty of my sword. nor shall l
seek the honor for myself. Until then
Tardos Mors is jeddak of Helium and
Eat Arras is his representative"
''As you will. John Carter" said Hor
Vastus. "But-what was thatT" he
whispered, pointing toward the win
dows overlooking the gardens.
The words were scarce out of his
mouth ere he had sprung to the bal
cOny without.
There he goes"" he cried. 1.-The
guards! Below there! The guardsr'