A week passed, and Werper was no nearer the fulfillment of his plan,
in so far as he could judge, than upon the day of his arrival, but
at that very moment something occurred which gave him renewed hope
and set his mind upon an even greater reward than a woman's ransom.

A runner had arrived at the bungalow with the weekly mail, and
Lord Greystoke had spent the afternoon in his study reading and
answering letters. At dinner he seemed distraught, and early in the
evening he excused himself and retired, Lady Greystoke following
him very soon after. Werper, sitting upon the veranda, could
hear their voices in earnest discussion, and having realized that
something of unusual moment was afoot, he quietly rose from his
chair, and keeping well in the shadow of the shrubbery growing
profusely about the bungalow, made his silent way to a point beneath
the window of the room in which his host and hostess slept.

Here he listened, and not without result, for almost the first
words he overheard filled him with excitement. Lady Greystoke was
speaking as Werper came within hearing.

"I always feared for the stability of the company," she was
saying; "but it seems incredible that they should have failed for
so enormous a sum--unless there has been some dishonest manipulation."

"That is what I suspect," replied Tarzan; "but whatever the cause,
the fact remains that I have lost everything, and there is nothing
for it but to return to Opar and get more."

"Oh, John," cried Lady Greystoke, and Werper could feel the shudder