No two lions have identical characteristics, nor does the same lion
invariably act similarly under like circumstances. Whether it was
surprise, fear or caution which prompted the lion crouching ready
to spring upon the man, is immaterial--the fact remains that he did
not carry out his original design, he did not spring at the man at
all, but, instead, wheeled and sprang back into the reeds as Tarzan
arose and confronted him.

The ape-man shrugged his broad shoulders and looked about for his
companion. Werper was nowhere to be seen. At first Tarzan suspected
that the man had been seized and dragged off by another lion, but
upon examination of the ground he soon discovered that the Belgian
had gone away alone out into the plain.

For a moment he was puzzled; but presently came to the conclusion
that Werper had been frightened by the approach of the lion,
and had sneaked off in terror. A sneer touched Tarzan's lips as
he pondered the man's act--the desertion of a comrade in time of
danger, and without warning. Well, if that was the sort of creature
Werper was, Tarzan wished nothing more of him. He had gone, and
for all the ape-man cared, he might remain away--Tarzan would not
search for him.

A hundred yards from where he stood grew a large tree, alone upon
the edge of the reedy jungle. Tarzan made his way to it, clambered
into it, and finding a comfortable crotch among its branches,
reposed himself for uninterrupted sleep until morning.

And when morning came Tarzan slept on long after the sun had
risen. His mind, reverted to the primitive, was untroubled by any