devil in the cunning, cruel brain of the great beast might send it
hither and thither hunting through the forest for those who escaped
its first charge, or the beast might pass on without returning--no
one might guess which.

"I cannot love you, La," said Tarzan in a low voice. "I do not know
why, for you are very beautiful. I could not go back and live in
Opar--I who have the whole broad jungle for my range. No, I cannot
love you but I cannot see you die beneath the goring tusks of mad
Tantor. Cut my bonds before it is too late. Already he is almost
upon us. Cut them and I may yet save you."

A little spiral of curling smoke rose from one corner of the
pyre--the flames licked upward, crackling. La stood there like a
beautiful statue of despair gazing at Tarzan and at the spreading
flames. In a moment they would reach out and grasp him. From
the tangled forest came the sound of cracking limbs and crashing
trunks--Tantor was coming down upon them, a huge Juggernaut of the
jungle. The priests were becoming uneasy. They cast apprehensive
glances in the direction of the approaching elephant and then back
at La.

"Fly!" she commanded them and then she stooped and cut the bonds
securing her prisoner's feet and hands. In an instant Tarzan
was upon the ground. The priests screamed out their rage and
disappointment. He with the torch took a menacing step toward La
and the ape-man. "Traitor!" He shrieked at the woman. "For this
you too shall die!" Raising his bludgeon he rushed upon the High
Priestess; but Tarzan was there before her. Leaping in to close
quarters the ape-man seized the upraised weapon and wrenched it