Cheyenne Wells record., 1921-07-28
CHAPTER VI.
With OeJah ThorIs,

With OeJah Thorlo.
As we reached the open the two fe-
male guards who had been detailed to
watch over Dejah Thoris hurried up
and made as though to assume custody
of her once more. The poor child
sArank against me and I felt her two
little hands fold tightly over my arm.
Waving the women away. informed
them that Sola would attend the cap
tive hereafter. Sarkoja merely gave
- an ugly look and departed to hatch
Up dsviltries against us. ....
I soon found Sola and explained to
her that wished her to guard Dejah
Thoris as she had guarded me: that I
wished her to find other quarters
where they would not be molested BY
earkoja. and finally informed her
hat ! myself would take up my quar-
tsrs among the men.
sYou are q great chieftaIn now. John
Carter" she said. land must do your
bidding, though indeed am glad to do
it under any circumstances. The man
wAoss metal you carry was young. but
- was q great warrior. and had by his
psomotions and kills won his way close
= the rank Of Tars Tarkas. who. as
you know, IL second to Lorquas Ptomel
solg. You are eleventh. there are but
ten chieftains In this community who
rank you In prowsss."
"And II should kill Lorquas Pto-
melr I asked.
.You would be nrst. John Carter;
bot you may only win that honor by
the will Of the entire council that Lor-
Quas Ptomel meet you In combat. or
should he attack you, you may kill him
Ia self-defenss. and thus win first
place."
I laughed, and changed the subject.
I had no particular desire to kill Lor.
auas Ptomel, and less to be jed
among the Tharks.
I accompanied Sola and Dejah Thor
= in q search for new quarters, which
W found In q building near the audi
snce chamber and Of far more preten.
ttous architecture than our former
habitation. We. also found In this
building real sleeping apartments with
ancient beds Of highly wrought metal
swinging from enormous gold chains
depending from the marble ceilings.
The decoration Of the walls was most
elaborate and. unlike the frescoes In
the other buildings had examined.
portrayed many human figures in the
compositions. These were Of people
like myself, and of a much lighter col
e than Dejah Thoris. They were clad
n graceful, flowing robes. highly orna-
snented with metal and Jewels. and
their luxuriant hair was Of a beautiful
golden and reddish bronze. The men
were beardless and only few wore
arms. The scenes depleted for the
most part q fair-skinned, fair-haired
people at play.
Dejah Thoris clasped her hands
with on exclamation Of rapture as she
gazed upon these magnificent works Of
art. wrought by people long extinct;
while Sola, on the other hand. appar-
emily did not see them.
We decided to use this room. on the
second floor and overlooking the plaza.
for Dejah Thoris and Sola. and an
ether room edjoining and in the rear
fer cooking and supplies. then dis
patched Sola to bring the bedding and
such food and utensils as she might
need, telling her that would guard
Oe1ah Thoris until her return.
As Sola departed Dejah Thoris
turned to me with q faint smile.
"And to whore, then, would your pris-
soer escape should you leave her. un-
less II was to follow you and crave
your protection, and ask your pardon
for the cruel thoughts she has har-
bofsd against yoa thess past few
1aysf'
Yea are right" answered. "thsre
= - escape t. sithae e % unless We
- tsOseA0.s