Elbert County tribune and Elbert County banner., 1921-07-01

same moment the battle line Of Helium
| surged over the opposite breastwori<f
Of the Zodangans and In another mo-
ment they were being crushed II be-
tween two millstones. Nobly they
| fought, but In vain.
The plain befoN the city became 4
verftable shambles ere the last Zodan-
gan surrendered, but finally the car
mage ceased, the prisoners were
marched back to Helium. and we en-
tered the greater city's gates, huge
triumphal procession Of conquering
heroes.
The broad avenues were lined with
women and children, among which
were the few men whose duties neces-
STATED that they remain within the
city during the battle. We were greet
ed with IN endless round of applause
and showered with ornaments OF gold,
platinum. silver and precious Jewels.
The city had gone mad with joy.
My fierce Tharks caused the widest
excitement and enthusiasm. Never be-
fore had an armed body Of green war
riors entered the gates Of HelIum. and
that they came now as friends and al
lies filed the red men with rejoicing.
That my poor services to Dejah Tho
ris had become known to the Helium-
ties was evidenced by the loud crying
of my name, and by the loads of orna-
ments that were fastened upon me and
my huge thoat as we passed up the
avenues to the palace. for even In the
face of the ferocious appearance of
Woola the populace pressed close
about me.
At the top of the great steps lead
ing up to the main portals of the pal
ace stood the royal party, and as we
reached the lower steps one of their
number descended to meet us. He was
an almost perfect specimen of man
hood; tall. straight as an arrow, su-
perbly muscled and with the carriage
and bearing Of a ruler of men. I did
not need to be told that he was Tardos
Mors, jeddak Of Helium.
The first member of our party he
met was Tars Tarkas and his first
words sealed forever the new friend
ship between the races.
"That Tardos Mors," he said, earn
estly. ''may meet the greatest living
warrior of Barsoom is priceless
honor, but that he may lay his hand
on the shoulder of a friend and ally
is a far greater boon"
"Jeddak of Helium." returned Tars
Tarkas. at has remained for man of
another world to teach the green war
riors of Barsoom the meaning of
friendship; to him we owe the fact
that the hordes of Thark can under
stand you; that they can appreciate
and reciprocate the sentiments so
graciously expressed"
Tardos Mors then greeted each of
the green jeddaks and jeds, and to
each spoke words of friendship and
appreciation.
As he approached me he laid both
hands upon my shoulders.
welcome, my son." he said; shat
you are granted, gladly, and without
one word of opposition. the most
precious Jewel In all Helium, yes, in
all Barsoom, is sufficient earnest of
my esteem"
We were then presented to Mors
Kajak. Jed of lesser Helium, and IA
tner OF DeJan Inorls. be nad followed
close behind Tardos Mors and seemed
even more affected by the meeting
than had his father.
He tried dozen times to express
his gratitude to me, but his voice
choked with emotion and he could not
speak. and yet he had as I was to
later learn, reputation for ferocity
and fearlessness as fighter that was
remarkable even upon warlike Bar
SOON. In common with all Helium he
worshiped his daughter. nor could he
think of what she had escaped with
out deep emotion.