The others looked their astonishment and incredulity; but of the
fact that it was indeed a lion they were not left long in doubt.
Presently the bushes parted and the creature stepped out in full
view, facing them. It was a magnificent beast, large and beautifully
maned, with the brilliant leopard spots of its kind well marked and
symmetrical. For a moment it eyed them and then, still chafing at
the loss of its prey earlier in the morning, it charged.

The Pal-ul-donians unslung their clubs and stood waiting the onrushing
beast. Tarzan of the Apes drew his hunting knife and crouched in
the path of the fanged fury. It was almost upon him when it swerved
to the right and leaped for Om-at only to be sent to earth with
a staggering blow upon the head. Almost instantly it was up and
though the men rushed fearlessly in, it managed to sweep aside their
weapons with its mighty paws. A single blow wrenched O-dan's club
from his hand and sent it hurtling against Ta-den, knocking him
from his feet. Taking advantage of its opportunity the lion rose
to throw itself upon O-dan and at the same instant Tarzan flung
himself upon its back. Strong, white teeth buried themselves in
the spotted neck, mighty arms encircled the savage throat and the
sinewy legs of the ape-man locked themselves about the gaunt belly.

The others, powerless to aid, stood breathlessly about as the great
lion lunged hither and thither, clawing and biting fearfully and
futilely at the savage creature that had fastened itself upon him.
Over and over they rolled and now the onlookers saw a brown hand
raised above the lion's side--a brown hand grasping a keen blade.
They saw it fall and rise and fall again--each time with terrific
force and in its wake they saw a crimson stream trickling down ja's