EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS
“If I remain here,” said Tarzan, “and it should be discovered that you had befriended me, would not the anger of the Emperor fall upon you?”
Maximus Praeclarus shrugged. “I am daily expecting that,” he said; “not because of you, but because the son of the Emperor wishes to marry Dilecta. Sublatus needs no further excuse to destroy me. I should be no worse off were he to learn that I have befriended you than I now am.”
“Then, perhaps, I may be of service to you if I remain,” said Tarzan.
“I do not see how you can do anything but remain,” said Praeclarus. “Every man, woman, and child in. Castra Sanguinarius will be on the lookout for you, for Sublatus has offered a huge reward for your capture, and besides the inhabitants of the city there are thousands of black barbarians outside the walls who will lay aside every other interest to run you down.”
“Twice today you have seen how easily I can escape from the soldiers of Sublatus,” said Tarzan, smiling. “Just as easily can I leave the city and elude the barbarians in the outer villages.”
“Then why do you remain?” demanded Praeclarus.
“I came here searching for the son of a friend,” replied Tarzan. “Many weeks ago the young man started out with an expedition to explore the Wiramwazi Mountains in which your country is located. His people deserted him upon the outer slopes, and I am convinced that he is somewhere within the range and very possibly in this canyon. If he is here and alive, he will unquestionably come sooner or later to your city where, from the experience that I have gained, I am sure that he will receive anything but friendly treatment from your Emperor. This is the reason that I wish to remain somewhere in the vicinity, and now that you have told me that you are in danger, I may as well remain in your home where it is possible I may have an opportunity to reciprocate your kindness to me.”
“If the son of your friend is in this end of the valley, he will be captured and brought to Castra Sanguinarius,” said Maximus Praeclarus, “and when that occurs I shall know of
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