The Connecticut labor news., 1921-10-14
"A Princess of Mars" lIIlIlNN by EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS NNIMINN
Copyright, A. C. McClurg & Company.


 Tardos Mors. jeddak of Heiufn.
 In the distance lay our fleet Of transports, with the thoats of the green warriors. where they had re- mained during the battle. Without landing stages 1t was 10 be a difficult matter to unload these beasts upon the open plain, but there was nothing else for it. and so we put out for point about ten miles from the city and be- gan the task.
 AS soon as the last thoat was un- loaded Tars Tarkas gave the command to advance, and in three parties we crept upon the Zodangan camp from the north, the south and the east.
 About mile from the main camp we encountered their outpOsts and, as had been prearranged, accepted this as the signal to charge. With wild. ferocious cries and amidst the nasty sQuealing of battle-enraged thoats we bore down upon the Zodangans.
 We did not catch them mapping, but found a well-entrenched battle line confronting us. Time after time we were repulsed until, toward noon, l began to fear for the result of the bat tie. The forces from Helium had not arrived, nor could we receive any word from them.
 Just at noon we heard heavy firing all along the line between the Zodan- gans and the cities, and we knew then that our much-needed re-enforcements had come.
 To oY,l-a nr6 charge, and once more the mighty thoats bore their terrible riders against the ramparts of the enemy. At the same moment the battle line of Helium surged over the opposite breastwOrks of the Zodangans and in another mo- ment they were being crushed as be- tween two millstones. Nobly they fought, but in vain.
 The plain before the city became a veritable 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 trlumphal procession of conquering heroes
 The broad avenues were lined with women and children, among which were the few men whose duties neces- sitated that they remain within the city during the battle. We were greet ed with an 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 ai- lies filled the red men with rejoicing.
 That my poor services to Dejah Tho ris had become known to the Helium- ites 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 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 far greater boon."
 "Jeddak of Helium," returned Tars Tarkas. 'it has remained for a 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; that 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 fa- ther of Dejah Thoris. He had followed close behind TardOs Mors and seemed even more affected by the meeting than had his father.
 He tried a 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, a reputation for ferocity and fearlessness as a 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.
 CHAPTER XVII.