As the Abyssinian tumbled from his saddle the possibility of escape
which was represented by the riderless horse electrified the ape-man
to instant action. Before the frightened beast could gather himself
for flight a naked giant was astride his back. A strong hand had
grasped his bridle rein, and the surprised Arab discovered a new
foe in the saddle of him, whom he had slain.

But this enemy wielded no sword, and his spear and bow remained upon
his back. The Arab, recovered from his first surprise, dashed in
with raised sword to annihilate this presumptuous stranger. He aimed
a mighty blow at the ape-man's head, a blow which swung harmlessly
through thin air as Tarzan ducked from its path, and then the Arab
felt the other's horse brushing his leg, a great arm shot out and
encircled his waist, and before he could recover himself he was
dragged from his saddle, and forming a shield for his antagonist
was borne at a mad run straight through the encircling ranks of
his fellows.

Just beyond them he was tossed aside upon the ground, and the last
he saw of his strange foeman the latter was galloping off across
the plain in the direction of the forest at its farther edge.

For another hour the battle raged nor did it cease until the last
of the Abyssinians lay dead upon the ground, or had galloped off
toward the north in flight. But a handful of men escaped, among
them Abdul Mourak.

The victorious raiders collected about the pile of golden ingots
which the Abyssinians had uncovered, and there awaited the return
of their leader. Their exultation was slightly tempered by the