expression in a greater confidence in the man, and resulted in an
increased independence of action for Werper.

Achmet Zek took the Belgian into his confidence to a great extent,
and at last unfolded to him a pet scheme which the Arab had long
fostered, but which he never had found an opportunity to effect.
With the aid of a European, however, the thing might be easily
accomplished. He sounded Werper.

"You have heard of the man men call Tarzan?" he asked.

Werper nodded. "I have heard of him; but I do not know him."

"But for him we might carry on our 'trading' in safety and with
great profit," continued the Arab. "For years he has fought us,
driving us from the richest part of the country, harassing us, and
arming the natives that they may repel us when we come to 'trade.'
He is very rich. If we could find some way to make him pay us many
pieces of gold we should not only be avenged upon him; but repaid
for much that he has prevented us from winning from the natives
under his protection."

Werper withdrew a cigaret from a jeweled case and lighted it.

"And you have a plan to make him pay?" he asked.

"He has a wife," replied Achmet Zek, "whom men say is very beautiful.
She would bring a great price farther north, if we found it too
difficult to collect ransom money from this Tarzan."