Tome，DejahThoriswasallthatwasperfect；allthatwasvirtuousandbeautifulandnobleandgood。Ibelievedthatfromthebottomofmyheart，fromthedepthofmysoulonthatnightinKoradasIsatcross-leggeduponmysilkswhilethenearermoonofBarsoomracedthroughthewesternskytowardthehorizon，andlightedupthegoldandmarble，andjeweledmosaicsofmyworld-oldchamber，andIbelieveittodayasIsitatmydeskinthelittlestudyoverlookingtheHudson。Twentyyearshaveintervened；fortenofthemI
livedandfoughtforDejahThorisandherpeople，andfortenIhaveliveduponhermemory。
ThemorningofourdepartureforTharkdawnedclearandhot，asdoallMartianmorningsexceptforthesixweekswhenthesnowmeltsatthepoles。
IsoughtoutDejahThorisinthethrongofdepartingchariots，butsheturnedhershouldertome，andIcouldseetheredbloodmounttohercheek。WiththefoolishinconsistencyofloveIheldmypeacewhenImighthavepleadignoranceofthenatureofmyoffense，oratleastthegravityofit，andsohaveeffected，atworst，ahalfconciliation。
MydutydictatedthatImustseethatshewascomfortable，andsoIglancedintoherchariotandrearrangedhersilksandfurs。IndoingsoInotedwithhorrorthatshewasheavilychainedbyoneankletothesideofthevehicle。
\"Whatdoesthismean？\"Icried，turningtoSola。
\"Sarkojathoughtitbest，\"sheanswered，herfacebetokeningherdisapprovaloftheprocedure。
ExaminingthemanaclesIsawthattheyfastenedwithamassivespringlock。
\"Whereisthekey，Sola？Letmehaveit。”
\"Sarkojawearsit，JohnCarter，\"sheanswered。
IturnedwithoutfurtherwordandsoughtoutTarsTarkas，towhomIvehementlyobjectedtotheunnecessaryhumiliationsandcruelties，astheyseemedtomylover\'seyes，thatwerebeingheapeduponDejahThoris。
\"JohnCarter，\"heanswered，\"ifeveryouandDejahThorisescapetheTharksitwillbeuponthisjourney。Weknowthatyouwillnotgowithouther。Youhaveshownyourselfamightyfighter，andwedonotwishtomanacleyou，soweholdyoubothintheeasiestwaythatwillyetensuresecurity。
Ihavespoken。”
Isawthestrengthofhisreasoningataflash，andknewthatitwerefutiletoappealfromhisdecision，butIaskedthatthekeybetakenfromSarkojaandthatshebedirectedtoleavetheprisoneraloneinfuture。
\"Thismuch，TarsTarkas，youmaydoformeinreturnforthefriendshipthat，Imustconfess，Ifeelforyou。”
\"Friendship？\"hereplied。\"Thereisnosuchthing，JohnCarter；buthaveyourwill。IshalldirectthatSarkojaceasetoannoythegirl，andImyselfwilltakethecustodyofthekey。”
\"Unlessyouwishmetoassumetheresponsibility，\"Isaid，smiling。
Helookedatmelongandearnestlybeforehespoke。
\"WereyoutogivemeyourwordthatneitheryounorDejahThoriswouldattempttoescapeuntilafterwehavesafelyreachedthecourtofTalHajusyoumighthavethekeyandthrowthechainsintotheriverIss。”
\"Itwerebetterthatyouheldthekey，TarsTarkas，\"IrepliedHesmiled，andsaidnomore，butthatnightasweweremakingcampIsawhimunfastenDejahThoris\'fettershimself。
WithallhiscruelferocityandcoldnesstherewasanundercurrentofsomethinginTarsTarkaswhichheseemedeverbattlingtosubdue。Coulditbeavestigeofsomehumaninstinctcomebackfromanancientforbeartohaunthimwiththehorrorofhispeople\'sways!
AsIwasapproachingDejahThoris\'chariotIpassedSarkoja，andtheblack，venomouslooksheaccordedmewasthesweetestbalmIhadfeltformanyhours。Lord，howshehatedme!
Itbristledfromhersopalpablythatonemightalmosthavecutitwithasword。
AfewmomentslaterIsawherdeepinconversationwithawarriornamedZad；abig，hulking，powerfulbrute，butonewhohadnevermadeakillamonghisownchieftains，andasecondnameonlywiththemetalofsomechieftain。ItwasthiscustomwhichentitledmetothenamesofeitherofthechieftainsIhadkilled；infact，someofthewarriorsaddressedmeasDotarSojat，acombinationofthesurnamesofthetwowarriorchieftainswhosemetalIhadtaken，or，inotherwords，whomIhadslaininfairfight。
AsSarkojatalkedwithZadhecastoccasionalglancesinmydirection，whilesheseemedtobeurginghimverystronglytosomeaction。Ipaidlittleattentiontoitatthetime，butthenextdayIhadgoodreasontorecallthecircumstances，andatthesametimegainaslightinsightintothedepthsofSarkoja\'shatredandthelengthstowhichshewascapableofgoingtowreakherhorridvengeanceonme。
DejahThoriswouldhavenoneofmeagainonthisevening，andthoughIspokehernamesheneitherreplied，norconcededbysomuchastheflutterofaneyelidthatsherealizedmyexistence。InmyextremityIdidwhatmostotherloverswouldhavedone；Isoughtwordfromherthroughanintimate。
InthisinstanceitwasSolawhomIinterceptedinanotherpartofcamp。
\"WhatisthematterwithDejahThoris？\"Iblurtedoutather。
\"Whywillshenotspeaktome？\"
Solaseemedpuzzledherself，asthoughsuchstrangeactionsonthepartoftwohumanswerequitebeyondher，asindeedtheywere，poorchild。
\"Shesaysyouhaveangeredher，andthatisallshewillsay，exceptthatsheisthedaughterofajedandthegrand-
daughterofajeddakandshehasbeenhumiliatedbyacreaturewhocouldnotpolishtheteethofhergrandmother\'ssorak。”
Iponderedoverthisreportforsometime，finallyasking，\"Whatmightasorakbe，Sola？\"
\"Alittleanimalaboutasbigasmyhand，whichtheredMartianwomenkeeptoplaywith，\"explainedSola。
Notfittopolishtheteethofhergrandmother\'scat!ImustrankprettylowintheconsiderationofDejahThoris，I
thought；butIcouldnothelplaughingatthestrangefigureofspeech，sohomelyandinthisrespectsoearthly。Itmademehomesick，foritsoundedverymuchlike\"notfittopolishhershoes。”Andthencommencedatrainofthoughtquitenewtome。Ibegantowonderwhatmypeopleathomeweredoing。
Ihadnotseenthemforyears。TherewasafamilyofCartersinVirginiawhoclaimedcloserelationshipwithme；
Iwassupposedtobeagreatuncle，orsomethingofthekindequallyfoolish。Icouldpassanywherefortwenty-fivetothirtyyearsofage，andtobeagreatunclealwaysseemedtheheightofincongruity，formythoughtsandfeelingswerethoseofaboy。TherewastwolittlekiddiesintheCarterfamilywhomIhadlovedandwhohadthoughttherewasnooneonEarthlikeUncleJack；Icouldseethemjustasplainly，asIstoodthereunderthemoonlitskiesofBarsoom，andIlongedforthemasIhadneverlongedforanymortalsbefore。Bynatureawanderer，Ihadneverknownthetruemeaningofthewordhome，butthegreathalloftheCartershadalwaysstoodforallthattheworddidmeantome，andnowmyheartturnedtowarditfromthecoldandunfriendlypeoplesIhadbeenthrownamongst。FordidnotevenDejahThorisdespiseme!Iwasalowcreature，solowinfactthatIwasnotevenfittopolishtheteethofhergrandmother\'scat；andthenmysavingsenseofhumorcametomyrescue，andlaughingIturnedintomysilksandfursandsleptuponthemoon-hauntedgroundthesleepofatiredandhealthyfightingman。
Webrokecampthenextdayatanearlyhourandmarchedwithonlyasinglehaltuntiljustbeforedark。Twoincidentsbrokethetediousnessofthemarch。Aboutnoonweespiedfartoourrightwhatwasevidentlyanincubator，andLorquasPtomeldirectedTarsTarkastoinvestigateit。Thelattertookadozenwarriors，includingmyself，andweracedacrossthevelvetycarpetingofmosstothelittleenclosure。
Itwasindeedanincubator，buttheeggswereverysmallincomparisonwiththoseIhadseenhatchinginoursatthetimeofmyarrivalonMars。
TarsTarkasdismountedandexaminedtheenclosureminutely，finallyannouncingthatitbelongedtothegreenmenofWarhoonandthatthecementwasscarcelydrywhereithadbeenwalledup。
\"Theycannotbeaday\'smarchaheadofus，\"heexclaimed，thelightofbattleleapingtohisfierceface。
Theworkattheincubatorwasshortindeed。Thewarriorstoreopentheentranceandacoupleofthem，crawlingin，soondemolishedalltheeggswiththeirshort-swords。
Thenremountingwedashedbacktojointhecavalcade。
DuringtherideItookoccasiontoaskTarsTarkasiftheseWarhoonswhoseeggswehaddestroyedwereasmallerpeoplethanhisTharks。
\"InoticedthattheireggsweresomuchsmallerthanthoseIsawhatchinginyourincubator，\"Iadded。
Heexplainedthattheeggshadjustbeenplacedthere；but，likeallgreenMartianeggs，theywouldgrowduringthefive-yearperiodofincubationuntiltheyobtainedthesizeofthoseIhadseenhatchingonthedayofmyarrivalonBarsoom。
Thiswasindeedaninterestingpieceofinformation，forithadalwaysseemedremarkabletomethatthegreenMartianwomen，largeastheywere，couldbringforthsuchenormouseggsasIhadseenthefour-footinfantsemergingfrom。Asamatteroffact，thenew-laideggisbutlittlelargerthananordinarygooseegg，andasitdoesnotcommencetogrowuntilsubjectedtothelightofthesunthechieftainshavelittledifficultyintransportingseveralhundredsofthematonetimefromthestoragevaultstotheincubators。
ShortlyaftertheincidentoftheWarhooneggswehaltedtoresttheanimals，anditwasduringthishaltthatthesecondoftheday\'sinterestingepisodesoccurred。Iwasengagedinchangingmyridingclothsfromoneofmythoatstotheother，forIdividedtheday\'sworkbetweenthem，whenZadapproachedme，andwithoutawordstruckmyanimalaterrificblowwithhislong-sword。
IdidnotneedamanualofgreenMartianetiquettetoknowwhatreplytomake，for，infact，IwassowildwithangerthatIcouldscarcelyrefrainfromdrawingmypistolandshootinghimdownforthebrutehewas；buthestoodwaitingwithdrawnlong-sword，andmyonlychoicewastodrawmyownandmeethiminfairfightwithhischoiceofweaponsoralesserone。
Thislatteralternativeisalwayspermissible，thereforeI
couldhaveusedmyshort-sword，mydagger，myhatchet，ormyfistshadIwished，andbeenentirelywithinmyrights，butIcouldnotusefirearmsoraspearwhileheheldonlyhislong-sword。
IchosethesameweaponhehaddrawnbecauseIknewhepridedhimselfuponhisabilitywithit，andIwished，ifI
worstedhimatall，todoitwithhisownweapon。Thefightthatfollowedwasalongoneanddelayedtheresumptionofthemarchforanhour。Theentirecommunitysurroundedus，leavingaclearspaceaboutonehundredfeetindiameterforourbattle。
Zadfirstattemptedtorushmedownasabullmightawolf，butIwasmuchtooquickforhim，andeachtimeI
side-steppedhisrusheshewouldgolungingpastme，onlytoreceiveanickfrommysworduponhisarmorback。Hewassoonstreamingbloodfromahalfdozenminorwounds，butIcouldnotobtainanopeningtodeliveraneffectivethrust。Thenhechangedhistactics，andfightingwarilyandwithextremedexterity，hetriedtodobysciencewhathewasunabletodobybrutestrength。Imustadmitthathewasamagnificentswordsman，andhaditnotbeenformygreaterenduranceandtheremarkableagilitythelessergravitationofMarslentmeImightnothavebeenabletoputupthecreditablefightIdidagainsthim。
Wecircledforsometimewithoutdoingmuchdamageoneitherside；thelong，straight，needle-likeswordsflashinginthesunlight，andringingoutuponthestillnessastheycrashedtogetherwitheacheffectiveparry。FinallyZad，realizingthathewastiringmorethanI，evidentlydecidedtocloseinandendthebattleinafinalblazeofgloryforhimself；
justasherushedmeablindingflashoflightstruckfullinmyeyes，sothatIcouldnotseehisapproachandcouldonlyleapblindlytoonesideinanefforttoescapethemightybladethatitseemedIcouldalreadyfeelinmyvitals。
Iwasonlypartiallysuccessful，asasharppaininmyleftshoulderattested，butinthesweepofmyglanceasIsoughttoagainlocatemyadversary，asightmetmyastonishedgazewhichpaidmewellforthewoundthetemporaryblindnesshadcausedme。There，uponDejahThoris\'chariotstoodthreefigures，forthepurposeevidentlyofwitnessingtheencounterabovetheheadsoftheinterveningTharks。
TherewereDejahThoris，Sola，andSarkoja，andasmyfleetingglancesweptoverthemalittletableauwaspresentedwhichwillstandgraveninmymemorytothedayofmydeath。
AsIlooked，DejahThoristurneduponSarkojawiththefuryofayoungtigressandstrucksomethingfromherupraisedhand；somethingwhichflashedinthesunlightasitspuntotheground。ThenIknewwhathadblindedmeatthatcrucialmomentofthefight，andhowSarkojahadfoundawaytokillmewithoutherselfdeliveringthefinalthrust。
AnotherthingIsaw，too，whichalmostlostmylifeformethenandthere，forittookmymindforthefractionofaninstantentirelyfrommyantagonist；for，asDejahThorisstruckthetinymirrorfromherhand，Sarkoja，herfacelividwithhatredandbaffledrage，whippedoutherdaggerandaimedaterrificblowatDejahThoris；andthenSola，ourdearandfaithfulSola，sprangbetweenthem；thelastIsawwasthegreatknifedescendinguponhershieldingbreast。
Myenemyhadrecoveredfromhisthrustandwasmakingitextremelyinterestingforme，soIreluctantlygavemyattentiontotheworkinhand，butmymindwasnotuponthebattle。
Werushedeachotherfuriouslytimeaftertime，\'tilsuddenly，feelingthesharppointofhisswordatmybreastinathrustIcouldneitherparrynorescape，Ithrewmyselfuponhimwithoutstretchedswordandwithalltheweightofmybody，determinedthatIwouldnotdiealoneifIcouldpreventit。Ifeltthesteeltearintomychest，allwentblackbeforeme，myheadwhirledindizziness，andIfeltmykneesgivingbeneathme。
CHAPTERXV
SOLATELLSMEHERSTORY
Whenconsciousnessreturned，and，asIsoonlearned，Iwasdownbutamoment，Isprangquicklytomyfeetsearchingformysword，andthereIfoundit，buriedtothehiltinthegreenbreastofZad，wholaystonedeadupontheochremossoftheancientseabottom。AsIregainedmyfullsensesIfoundhisweaponpiercingmyleftbreast，butonlythroughthefleshandmuscleswhichcovermyribs，enteringnearthecenterofmychestandcomingoutbelowtheshoulder。
AsIhadlungedIhadturnedsothathisswordmerelypassedbeneaththemuscles，inflictingapainfulbutnotdangerouswound。
RemovingthebladefrommybodyIalsoregainedmyown，andturningmybackuponhisuglycarcass，Imoved，sick，sore，anddisgusted，towardthechariotswhichboremyretinueandmybelongings。AmurmurofMartianapplausegreetedme，butIcarednotforit。
BleedingandweakIreachedmywomen，who，accustomedtosuchhappenings，dressedmywounds，applyingthewonderfulhealingandremedialagentswhichmakeonlythemostinstantaneousofdeathblowsfatal。GiveaMartianwomanachanceanddeathmusttakeabackseat。Theysoonhadmepatchedupsothat，exceptforweaknessfromlossofbloodandalittlesorenessaroundthewound，Isufferednogreatdistressfromthisthrustwhich，underearthlytreatment，undoubtedlywouldhaveputmeflatonmybackfordays。
AssoonastheywerethroughwithmeIhastenedtothechariotofDejahThoris，whereIfoundmypoorSolawithherchestswathedinbandages，butapparentlylittletheworseforherencounterwithSarkoja，whosedaggeritseemedhadstrucktheedgeofoneofSola\'smetalbreastornamentsand，thusdeflected，hadinflictedbutaslightfleshwound。
AsIapproachedIfoundDejahThorislyingproneuponhersilksandfurs，herlitheformwrackedwithsobs。Shedidnotnoticemypresence，nordidshehearmespeakingwithSola，whowasstandingashortdistancefromthevehicle。
\"Issheinjured？\"IaskedofSola，indicatingDejahThorisbyaninclinationofmyhead。
\"No，\"sheanswered，\"shethinksthatyouaredead。”
\"Andthathergrandmother\'scatmaynowhavenoonetopolishitsteeth？\"Iqueried，smiling。
\"Ithinkyouwrongher，JohnCarter，\"saidSola。\"Idonotunderstandeitherherwaysoryours，butIamsurethegranddaughteroftenthousandjeddakswouldnevergrievelikethisoveranywhoheldbutthehighestclaimuponheraffections。Theyareaproudrace，buttheyarejust，asareallBarsoomians，andyoumusthavehurtorwrongedhergrievouslythatshewillnotadmityourexistenceliving，thoughshemournsyoudead。
\"TearsareastrangesightuponBarsoom，\"shecontinued，\"andsoitisdifficultformetointerpretthem。Ihaveseenbuttwopeopleweepinallmylife，otherthanDejahThoris；
oneweptfromsorrow，theotherfrombaffledrage。Thefirstwasmymother，yearsagobeforetheykilledher；theotherwasSarkoja，whentheydraggedherfrommetoday。”
\"Yourmother!\"Iexclaimed，\"but，Sola，youcouldnothaveknownyourmother，child。”
\"ButIdid。Andmyfatheralso，\"sheadded。\"Ifyouwouldliketohearthestrangeandun-Barsoomianstorycometothechariottonight，JohnCarter，andIwilltellyouthatofwhichIhaveneverspokeninallmylifebefore。Andnowthesignalhasbeengiventoresumethemarch，youmustgo。”
\"Iwillcometonight，Sola，\"Ipromised。\"BesuretotellDejahThorisIamaliveandwell。Ishallnotforcemyselfuponher，andbesurethatyoudonotletherknowIsawhertears。
IfshewouldspeakwithmeIbutawaithercommand。
Solamountedthechariot，whichwasswingingintoitsplaceinline，andIhastenedtomywaitingthoatandgallopedtomystationbesideTarsTarkasattherearofthecolumn。
Wemadeamostimposingandawe-inspiringspectacleaswestrungoutacrosstheyellowlandscape；thetwohundredandfiftyornateandbrightlycoloredchariots，precededbyanadvanceguardofsometwohundredmountedwarriorsandchieftainsridingfiveabreastandonehundredyardsapart，andfollowedbyalikenumberinthesameformation，withascoreormoreofflankersoneitherside；thefiftyextramastodons，orheavydraughtanimals，knownaszitidars，andthefiveorsixhundredextrathoatsofthewarriorsrunningloosewithinthehollowsquareformedbythesurroundingwarriors。Thegleamingmetalandjewelsofthegorgeousornamentsofthemenandwomen，duplicatedinthetrappingsofthezitidarsandthoats，andinterspersedwiththeflashingcolorsofmagnificentsilksandfursandfeathers，lentabarbaricsplendortothecaravanwhichwouldhaveturnedanEastIndianpotentategreenwithenvy。
Theenormousbroadtiresofthechariotsandthepaddedfeetoftheanimalsbroughtforthnosoundfromthemoss-
coveredseabottom；andsowemovedinuttersilence，likesomehugephantasmagoria，exceptwhenthestillnesswasbrokenbythegutturalgrowlingofagoadedzitidar，orthesquealingoffightingthoats。ThegreenMartiansconversebutlittle，andthenusuallyinmonosyllables，lowandlikethefaintrumblingofdistantthunder。
Wetraversedatracklesswasteofmosswhich，bendingtothepressureofbroadtireorpaddedfoot，roseupagainbehindus，leavingnosignthatwehadpassed。Wemightindeedhavebeenthewraithsofthedeparteddeaduponthedeadseaofthatdyingplanetforallthesoundorsignwemadeinpassing。ItwasthefirstmarchofalargebodyofmenandanimalsIhadeverwitnessedwhichraisednodustandleftnospoor；forthereisnodustuponMarsexceptinthecultivateddistrictsduringthewintermonths，andeventhentheabsenceofhighwindsrendersitalmostunnoticeable。
Wecampedthatnightatthefootofthehillswehadbeenapproachingfortwodaysandwhichmarkedthesouthernboundaryofthisparticularsea。Ouranimalshadbeentwodayswithoutdrink，norhadtheyhadwaterfornearlytwomonths，notsinceshortlyafterleavingThark；but，asTarsTarkasexplainedtome，theyrequirebutlittleandcanlivealmostindefinitelyuponthemosswhichcoversBarsoom，andwhich，hetoldme，holdsinitstinystemssufficientmoisturetomeetthelimiteddemandsoftheanimals。
Afterpartakingofmyeveningmealofcheese-likefoodandvegetablemilkIsoughtoutSola，whomIfoundworkingbythelightofatorchuponsomeofTarsTarkas\'trappings。
Shelookedupatmyapproach，herfacelightingwithpleasureandwithwelcome。
\"Iamgladyoucame，\"shesaid；\"DejahThorissleepsandIamlonely。Mineownpeopledonotcareforme，JohnCarter；
Iamtoounlikethem。Itisasadfate，sinceImustlivemylifeamongstthem，andIoftenwishthatIwereatruegreenMartianwoman，withoutloveandwithouthope；butI
haveknownloveandsoIamlost。
\"Ipromisedtotellyoumystory，orratherthestoryofmyparents。FromwhatIhavelearnedofyouandthewaysofyourpeopleIamsurethatthetalewillnotseemstrangetoyou，butamonggreenMartiansithasnoparallelwithinthememoryoftheoldestlivingThark，nordoourlegendsholdmanysimilartales。
\"Mymotherwasrathersmall，infacttoosmalltobeallowedtheresponsibilitiesofmaternity，asourchieftainsbreedprincipallyforsize。ShewasalsolesscoldandcruelthanmostgreenMartianwomen，andcaringlittlefortheirsociety，sheoftenroamedthedesertedavenuesofTharkalone，orwentandsatamongthewildflowersthatdeckthenearbyhills，thinkingthoughtsandwishingwisheswhichIbelieveIaloneamongTharkianwomentodaymayunderstand，foramInotthechildofmymother？
\"Andthereamongthehillsshemetayoungwarrior，whosedutyitwastoguardthefeedingzitidarsandthoatsandseethattheyroamednotbeyondthehills。TheyspokeatfirstonlyofsuchthingsasinterestacommunityofTharks，butgradually，astheycametomeetmoreoften，and，aswasnowquiteevidenttoboth，nolongerbychance，theytalkedaboutthemselves，theirlikes，theirambitionsandtheirhopes。
Shetrustedhimandtoldhimoftheawfulrepugnanceshefeltforthecrueltiesoftheirkind，forthehideous，lovelesslivestheymusteverlead，andthenshewaitedforthestormofdenunciationtobreakfromhiscold，hardlips；butinsteadhetookherinhisarmsandkissedher。
\"Theykepttheirloveasecretforsixlongyears。She，mymother，wasoftheretinueofthegreatTalHajus，whileherloverwasasimplewarrior，wearingonlyhisownmetal。
HadtheirdefectionfromthetraditionsoftheTharksbeendiscoveredbothwouldhavepaidthepenaltyinthegreatarenabeforeTalHajusandtheassembledhordes。
\"TheeggfromwhichIcamewashiddenbeneathagreatglassvesseluponthehighestandmostinaccessibleofthepartiallyruinedtowersofancientThark。Onceeachyearmymothervisiteditforthefivelongyearsitlaythereintheprocessofincubation。Shedarednotcomeoftener，forinthemightyguiltofherconscienceshefearedthathereverymovewaswatched。Duringthisperiodmyfathergainedgreatdistinctionasawarriorandhadtakenthemetalfromseveralchieftains。Hisloveformymotherhadneverdiminished，andhisownambitioninlifewastoreachapointwherehemightwrestthemetalfromTalHajushimself，andthus，asruleroftheTharks，befreetoclaimherashisown，aswellas，bythemightofhispower，protectthechildwhichotherwisewouldbequicklydispatchedshouldthetruthbecomeknown。
\"Itwasawilddream，thatofwrestingthemetalfromTalHajusinfiveshortyears，buthisadvancewasrapid，andhesoonstoodhighinthecouncilsofThark。Butonedaythechancewaslostforever，insofarasitcouldcomeintimetosavehislovedones，forhewasorderedawayuponalongexpeditiontotheice-cladsouth，tomakewaruponthenativesthereanddespoilthemoftheirfurs，forsuchisthemannerofthegreenBarsoomian；hedoesnotlaborforwhathecanwrestinbattlefromothers。
\"Hewasgoneforfouryears，andwhenhereturnedallhadbeenoverforthree；foraboutayearafterhisdeparture，andshortlybeforethetimeforthereturnofanexpeditionwhichhadgoneforthtofetchthefruitsofacommunityincubator，theegghadhatched。Thereaftermymothercontinuedtokeepmeintheoldtower，visitingmenightlyandlavishinguponmethelovethecommunitylifewouldhaverobbedusbothof。Shehoped，uponthereturnoftheexpeditionfromtheincubator，tomixmewiththeotheryoungassignedtothequartersofTalHajus，andthusescapethefatewhichwouldsurelyfollowdiscoveryofhersinagainsttheancienttraditionsofthegreenmen。
\"Shetaughtmerapidlythelanguageandcustomsofmykind，andonenightshetoldmethestoryIhavetoldtoyouuptothispoint，impressinguponmethenecessityforabsolutesecrecyandthegreatcautionImustexerciseaftershehadplacedmewiththeotheryoungTharkstopermitnoonetoguessthatIwasfurtheradvancedineducationthanthey，norbyanysigntodivulgeinthepresenceofothersmyaffectionforher，ormyknowledgeofmyparentage；andthendrawingmeclosetohershewhisperedinmyearthenameofmyfather。
\"Andthenalightflashedoutuponthedarknessofthetowerchamber，andtherestoodSarkoja，hergleaming，balefuleyesfixedinafrenzyofloathingandcontemptuponmymother。Thetorrentofhatredandabuseshepouredoutuponherturnedmyyoungheartcoldinterror。
Thatshehadheardtheentirestorywasapparent，andthatshehadsuspectedsomethingwrongfrommymother\'slongnightlyabsencesfromherquartersaccountedforherpresencethereonthatfatefulnight。
\"Onethingshehadnotheard，nordidsheknow，thewhisperednameofmyfather。Thiswasapparentfromherrepeateddemandsuponmymothertodisclosethenameofherpartnerinsin，butnoamountofabuseorthreatscouldwringthisfromher，andtosavemefromneedlesstortureshelied，forshetoldSarkojathatshealoneknewnorwouldsheeventellherchild。
\"Withfinalimprecations，SarkojahastenedawaytoTalHajustoreportherdiscovery，andwhileshewasgonemymother，wrappingmeinthesilksandfursofhernightcoverings，sothatIwasscarcelynoticeable，descendedtothestreetsandranwildlyawaytowardtheoutskirtsofthecity，inthedirectionwhichledtothefarsouth，outtowardthemanwhoseprotectionshemightnotclaim，butonwhosefaceshewishedtolookoncemorebeforeshedied。
\"Aswenearedthecity\'ssouthernextremityasoundcametousfromacrossthemossyflat，fromthedirectionoftheonlypassthroughthehillswhichledtothegates，thepassbywhichcaravansfromeithernorthorsouthoreastorwestwouldenterthecity。Thesoundsweheardwerethesquealingofthoatsandthegrumblingofzitidars，withtheoccasionalclankofarmswhichannouncedtheapproachofabodyofwarriors。Thethoughtuppermostinhermindwasthatitwasmyfatherreturnedfromhisexpedition，butthecunningoftheTharkheldherfromheadlongandprecipitateflighttogreethim。
\"Retreatingintotheshadowsofadoorwaysheawaitedthecomingofthecavalcadewhichshortlyenteredtheavenue，breakingitsformationandthrongingthethoroughfarefromwalltowall。Astheheadoftheprocessionpassedusthelessermoonswungclearoftheoverhangingroofsandlitupthescenewithallthebrilliancyofherwondrouslight。
Mymothershrankfurtherbackintothefriendlyshadows，andfromherhidingplacesawthattheexpeditionwasnotthatofmyfather，butthereturningcaravanbearingtheyoungTharks。Instantlyherplanwasformed，andasagreatchariotswungclosetoourhidingplacesheslippedstealthilyinuponthetrailingtailboard，crouchinglowintheshadowofthehighside，strainingmetoherbosominafrenzyoflove。
\"Sheknew，whatIdidnot，thatneveragainafterthatnightwouldsheholdmetoherbreast，norwasitlikelywewouldeverlookuponeachother\'sfaceagain。Intheconfusionoftheplazashemixedmewiththeotherchildren，whoseguardiansduringthejourneywerenowfreetorelinquishtheirresponsibility。Wewereherdedtogetherintoagreatroom，fedbywomenwhohadnotaccompaniedtheexpedition，andthenextdaywewereparceledoutamongtheretinuesofthechieftains。
\"Ineversawmymotherafterthatnight。ShewasimprisonedbyTalHajus，andeveryeffort，includingthemosthorribleandshamefultorture，wasbroughttobearuponhertowringfromherlipsthenameofmyfather；butsheremainedsteadfastandloyal，dyingatlastamidstthelaughterofTalHajusandhischieftainsduringsomeawfultortureshewasundergoing。
\"Ilearnedafterwardsthatshetoldthemthatshehadkilledmetosavemefromalikefateattheirhands，andthatshehadthrownmybodytothewhiteapes。Sarkojaalonedisbelievedher，andIfeeltothisdaythatshesuspectsmytrueorigin，butdoesnotdareexposeme，atthepresent，atallevents，becauseshealsoguesses，Iamsure，theidentityofmyfather。
\"Whenhereturnedfromhisexpeditionandlearnedthestoryofmymother\'sfateIwaspresentasTalHajustoldhim；
butneverbythequiverofamuscledidhebetraytheslightestemotion；onlyhedidnotlaughasTalHajusgleefullydescribedherdeathstruggles。Fromthatmomentonhewasthecruelestofthecruel，andIamawaitingthedaywhenheshallwinthegoalofhisambition，andfeelthecarcassofTalHajusbeneathhisfoot，forIamassurethathebutwaitstheopportunitytowreakaterriblevengeance，andthathisgreatloveisasstronginhisbreastaswhenitfirsttransfiguredhimnearlyfortyyearsago，asIamthatwesithereupontheedgeofaworld-oldoceanwhilesensiblepeoplesleep，JohnCarter。”
\"Andyourfather，Sola，ishewithusnow？\"Iasked。
\"Yes，\"shereplied，\"buthedoesnotknowmeforwhatI
am，nordoesheknowwhobetrayedmymothertoTalHajus。
Ialoneknowmyfather\'sname，andonlyIandTalHajusandSarkojaknowthatitwasshewhocarriedthetalethatbroughtdeathandtortureuponherheloved。”
Wesatsilentforafewmoments，shewrappedinthegloomythoughtsofherterriblepast，andIinpityforthepoorcreatureswhomtheheartless，senselesscustomsoftheirracehaddoomedtolovelesslivesofcrueltyandofhate。
Presentlyshespoke。
\"JohnCarter，ifeverarealmanwalkedthecold，deadbosomofBarsoomyouareone。IknowthatIcantrustyou，andbecausetheknowledgemaysomedayhelpyouorhimorDejahThorisormyself，Iamgoingtotellyouthenameofmyfather，norplaceanyrestrictionsorconditionsuponyourtongue。Whenthetimecomes，speakthetruthifitseemsbesttoyou。ItrustyoubecauseIknowthatyouarenotcursedwiththeterribletraitofabsoluteandunswervingtruthfulness，thatyoucouldlielikeoneofyourownVirginiagentlemenifaliewouldsaveothersfromsorroworsuffering。
Myfather\'snameisTarsTarkas。”
CHAPTERXVI
WEPLANESCAPE
TheremainderofourjourneytoTharkwasuneventful。
Weweretwentydaysupontheroad，crossingtwoseabottomsandpassingthroughoraroundanumberofruinedcities，mostlysmallerthanKorad。TwicewecrossedthefamousMartianwaterways，orcanals，so-calledbyourearthlyastronomers。Whenweapproachedthesepointsawarriorwouldbesentfaraheadwithapowerfulfieldglass，andifnogreatbodyofredMartiantroopswasinsightwewouldadvanceascloseaspossiblewithoutchanceofbeingseenandthencampuntildark，whenwewouldslowlyapproachthecultivatedtract，and，locatingoneofthenumerous，broadhighwayswhichcrosstheseareasatregularintervals，creepsilentlyandstealthilyacrosstothearidlandsupontheotherside。Itrequiredfivehourstomakeoneofthesecrossingswithoutasinglehalt，andtheotherconsumedtheentirenight，sothatwewerejustleavingtheconfinesofthehigh-walledfieldswhenthesunbrokeoutuponus。
Crossinginthedarkness，aswedid，Iwasunabletoseebutlittle，exceptasthenearermoon，inherwildandceaselesshurtlingthroughtheBarsoomianheavens，lituplittlepatchesofthelandscapefromtimetotime，disclosingwalledfieldsandlow，ramblingbuildings，presentingmuchtheappearanceofearthlyfarms。Thereweremanytrees，methodicallyarranged，andsomeofthemwereofenormousheight；
therewereanimalsinsomeoftheenclosures，andtheyannouncedtheirpresencebyterrifiedsquealingsandsnortingsastheyscentedourqueer，wildbeastsandwilderhumanbeings。
OnlyoncedidIperceiveahumanbeing，andthatwasattheintersectionofourcrossroadwiththewide，whiteturnpikewhichcutseachcultivateddistrictlongitudinallyatitsexactcenter。Thefellowmusthavebeensleepingbesidetheroad，for，asIcameabreastofhim，heraisedupononeelbowandafterasingleglanceattheapproachingcaravanleapedshriekingtohisfeetandfledmadlydowntheroad，scalinganearbywallwiththeagilityofascaredcat。
TheTharkspaidhimnottheslightestattention；theywerenotoutuponthewarpath，andtheonlysignthatIhadthattheyhadseenhimwasaquickeningofthepaceofthecaravanaswehastenedtowardtheborderingdesertwhichmarkedourentranceintotherealmofTalHajus。
NotoncedidIhavespeechwithDejahThoris，asshesentnowordtomethatIwouldbewelcomeatherchariot，andmyfoolishpridekeptmefrommakinganyadvances。
Iverilybelievethataman\'swaywithwomenisininverseratiotohisprowessamongmen。Theweaklingandthesapheadhaveoftengreatabilitytocharmthefairsex，whilethefightingmanwhocanfaceathousandrealdangersunafraid，sitshidingintheshadowslikesomefrightenedchild。
JustthirtydaysaftermyadventuponBarsoomweenteredtheancientcityofThark，fromwhoselong-forgottenpeoplethishordeofgreenmenhavestoleneventheirname。
ThehordesofTharknumbersomethirtythousandsouls，andaredividedintotwenty-fivecommunities。Eachcommunityhasitsownjedandlesserchieftains，butallareundertheruleofTalHajus，JeddakofThark。FivecommunitiesmaketheirheadquartersatthecityofThark，andthebalancearescatteredamongotherdesertedcitiesofancientMarsthroughoutthedistrictclaimedbyTalHajus。
Wemadeourentryintothegreatcentralplazaearlyintheafternoon。Therewerenoenthusiasticfriendlygreetingsforthereturnedexpedition。Thosewhochancedtobeinsightspokethenamesofwarriorsorwomenwithwhomtheycameindirectcontact，intheformalgreetingoftheirkind，butwhenitwasdiscoveredthattheybroughttwocaptivesagreaterinterestwasaroused，andDejahThorisandIwerethecentersofinquiringgroups。
Weweresoonassignedtonewquarters，andthebalanceofthedaywasdevotedtosettlingourselvestothechangedconditions。Myhomenowwasuponanavenueleadingintotheplazafromthesouth，themainarterydownwhichwehadmarchedfromthegatesofthecity。Iwasatthefarendofthesquareandhadanentirebuildingtomyself。ThesamegrandeurofarchitecturewhichwassonoticeableacharacteristicofKoradwasinevidencehere，only，ifthatwerepossible，onalargerandricherscale。Myquarterswouldhavebeensuitableforhousingthegreatestofearthlyemperors，buttothesequeercreaturesnothingaboutabuildingappealedtothembutitssizeandtheenormityofitschambers；
thelargerthebuilding，themoredesirable；andsoTalHajusoccupiedwhatmusthavebeenanenormouspublicbuilding，thelargestinthecity，butentirelyunfittedforresidencepurposes；
thenextlargestwasreservedforLorquasPtomel，thenextforthejedofalesserrank，andsoontothebottomofthelistoffivejeds。
Thewarriorsoccupiedthebuildingswiththechieftainstowhoseretinuestheybelonged；or，iftheypreferred，soughtshelteramonganyofthethousandsofuntenantedbuildingsintheirownquarteroftown；eachcommunitybeingassignedacertainsectionofthecity。Theselectionofbuildinghadtobemadeinaccordancewiththesedivisions，exceptinsofarasthejedswereconcerned，theyalloccupyingedificeswhichfrontedupontheplaza。
WhenIhadfinallyputmyhouseinorder，orratherseenthatithadbeendone，itwasnearingsunset，andIhastenedoutwiththeintentionoflocatingSolaandhercharges，asIhaddetermineduponhavingspeechwithDejahThorisandtryingtoimpressonherthenecessityofouratleastpatchingupatruceuntilIcouldfindsomewayofaidinghertoescape。IsearchedinvainuntiltheupperrimofthegreatredsunwasjustdisappearingbehindthehorizonandthenIspiedtheuglyheadofWoolapeeringfromasecond-
storywindowontheoppositesideoftheverystreetwhereIwasquartered，butnearertheplaza。
WithoutwaitingforafurtherinvitationIboltedupthewindingrunwaywhichledtothesecondfloor，andenteringagreatchamberatthefrontofthebuildingwasgreetedbythefrenziedWoola，whothrewhisgreatcarcassuponme，nearlyhurlingmetothefloor；thepooroldfellowwassogladtoseemethatIthoughthewoulddevourme，hisheadsplitfromeartoear，showinghisthreerowsoftusksinhishobgoblinsmile。
Quietinghimwithawordofcommandandacaress，I
lookedhurriedlythroughtheapproachinggloomforasignofDejahThoris，andthen，notseeingher，Icalledhername。
Therewasanansweringmurmurfromthefarcorneroftheapartment，andwithacoupleofquickstridesIwasstandingbesideherwhereshecrouchedamongthefursandsilksuponanancientcarvedwoodenseat。AsIwaitedsherosetoherfullheightandlookingmestraightintheeyesaid:
\"WhatwouldDotarSojat，Thark，ofDejahThorishiscaptive？\"
\"DejahThoris，IdonotknowhowIhaveangeredyou。
Itwasfurtherestfrommydesiretohurtoroffendyou，whomIhadhopedtoprotectandcomfort。Havenoneofmeifitisyourwill，butthatyoumustaidmeineffectingyourescape，ifsuchathingbepossible，isnotmyrequest，butmycommand。Whenyouaresafeoncemoreatyourfather\'scourtyoumaydowithmeasyouplease，butfromnowonuntilthatdayIamyourmaster，andyoumustobeyandaidme。”
ShelookedatmelongandearnestlyandIthoughtthatshewassofteningtowardme。
\"Iunderstandyourwords，DotarSojat，\"shereplied，\"butyouIdonotunderstand。Youareaqueermixtureofchildandman，ofbruteandnoble。IonlywishthatImightreadyourheart。”
\"Lookdownatyourfeet，DejahThoris；itliestherenowwhereithaslainsincethatothernightatKorad，andwhereitwilleverliebeatingaloneforyouuntildeathstillsitforever。”
Shetookalittlesteptowardme，herbeautifulhandsoutstretchedinastrange，gropinggesture。
\"Whatdoyoumean，JohnCarter？\"shewhispered。
\"Whatareyousayingtome？\"
\"IamsayingwhatIhadpromisedmyselfthatIwouldnotsaytoyou，atleastuntilyouwerenolongeracaptiveamongthegreenmen；whatfromyourattitudetowardmeforthepasttwentydaysIhadthoughtnevertosaytoyou；
Iamsaying，DejahThoris，thatIamyours，bodyandsoul，toserveyou，tofightforyou，andtodieforyou。OnlyonethingIaskofyouinreturn，andthatisthatyoumakenosign，eitherofcondemnationorofapprobationofmywordsuntilyouaresafeamongyourownpeople，andthatwhateversentimentsyouharbortowardmetheybenotinfluencedorcoloredbygratitude；whateverImaydotoserveyouwillbepromptedsolelyfromselfishmotives，sinceitgivesmemorepleasuretoserveyouthannot。”
\"Iwillrespectyourwishes，JohnCarter，becauseI
understandthemotiveswhichpromptthem，andIacceptyourservicenomorewillinglythanIbowtoyourauthority；
yourwordshallbemylaw。IhavetwicewrongedyouinmythoughtsandagainIaskyourforgiveness。”
FurtherconversationofapersonalnaturewaspreventedbytheentranceofSola，whowasmuchagitatedandwhollyunlikeherusualcalmandpossessedself。
\"ThathorribleSarkojahasbeenbeforeTalHajus，\"shecried，\"andfromwhatIheardupontheplazathereislittlehopeforeitherofyou。”
