The priests of Opar welcomed this suggestion with loud cries of
approval. To them it appeared nothing short of divine inspiration.
The influence of ages of unquestioning obedience to high priests
had made it seem impossible to them to question his authority; but
when they realized that they could force him to their will they
were as happy as children with new toys.

They rushed forward and seized Cadj. They talked in loud menacing
tones into his ear. They threatened him with bludgeon and knife
until at last he acquiesced in their demands, though sullenly, and
then Tarzan stepped close before Cadj.

"Priest," he said, "La goes back to her temple under the protection
of her priests and the threat of Tarzan of the Apes that whoever
harms her shall die. Tarzan will go again to Opar before the next
rains and if harm has befallen La, woe betide Cadj, the High Priest."

Sullenly Cadj promised not to harm his queen.

"Protect her," cried Tarzan to the other Oparians. "Protect her so
that when Tarzan comes again he will find La there to greet him."

"La will be there to greet thee," exclaimed the High Priestess,
"and La will wait, longing, always longing, until you come again.
Oh, tell me that you will come!"

"Who knows?" asked the ape-man as he swung quickly into the trees
and raced off toward the east.

For a moment La stood looking after him, then her head drooped, a