EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS
he saw something dark go through it and disappear. “What was that?” he demanded, nervously.
“That,” said Tarzan, “was the ghost of your grandfather. He came to tell me that you-and your wives and all your children would take sick and die if anything happens to me. He also brought the same message for Nyuto.”
The sentry trembled. “Call him back,” he begged, “and tell him that I had nothing to do with it. It is not I, but Nyuto, the chief, who is going to kill you.”
“I cannot call him back,” said Tarzan, “and so you had better tell Nyuto not to kill me.”
“I cannot see Nyuto until morning,” wailed the black. “Perhaps then it will be too late.”
“No,” said Tarzan. “The ghost of your grandfather will not do anything until tomorrow.”
Terrified, the sentry returned to his post where Tarzan heard him fearfully and excitedly discussing the matter with his companion until the ape-man finally dropped off to sleep again.
It was late the following morning before anyone entered the hut in which Tarzan was confined. Then came Lukedi with another gourd of milk. He was very much excited.
“Is what Ogonyo says true?” he demanded.
“Who is Ogonyo?” asked Tarzan.
“He was one of the warriors who stood guard here last night, and he has told Nyuto and all the village that he heard the ghost of his grandfather talking with you and that the ghost said that he would kill everyone in the village if you were harmed, and now everyone is afraid.”
“And Nyuto?” asked Tarzan.
“Nyuto is not afraid of anything,” said Lukedi.
“Not even of ghosts of grandfathers?” asked Tarzan.
“No. He alone of all the Bagegos is not afraid of the men of The Lost Tribe, and now he is very angry at you because you have frightened his people and this evening you are to be burned. Look!” And Lukedi pointed to the low doorway of the hut. “From here you can see them placing the stake to which you are to be bound, and the boys are in the forest gathering fagots.”
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