his step, but when midway of the plain he discovered standing alone
such a tree as best suited him for a night's abode, swung lightly
to its branches and, presently, a comfortable resting place.

Here he ate the flesh of Bara and when satisfied carried the balance
of the carcass to the opposite side of the tree where he deposited
it far above the ground in a secure place. Returning to his crotch
he settled himself for sleep and in another moment the roars of
the lions and the howlings of the lesser cats fell upon deaf ears.

The usual noises of the jungle composed rather than disturbed the
ape-man but an unusual sound, however imperceptible to the awakened
ear of civilized man, seldom failed to impinge upon the consciousness
of Tarzan, however deep his slumber, and so it was that when the
moon was high a sudden rush of feet across the grassy carpet in
the vicinity of his tree brought him to alert and ready activity.
Tarzan does not awaken as you and I with the weight of slumber still
upon his eyes and brain, for did the creatures of the wild awaken
thus, their awakenings would be few. As his eyes snapped open,
clear and bright, so, clear and bright upon the nerve centers of his
brain, were registered the various perceptions of all his senses.

Almost beneath him, racing toward his tree was what at first glance
appeared to be an almost naked white man, yet even at the first
instant of discovery the long, white tail projecting rearward did
not escape the ape-man. Behind the fleeing figure, escaping, came
Numa, the lion, in full charge. Voiceless the prey, voiceless the
killer; as two spirits in a dead world the two moved in silent
swiftness toward the culminating tragedy of this grim race.