known whom I think that I should never fear--it is strange, too, for
you are very strong. I wondered at the ease with which you handled
Nikolas and Paulvitch that night in my cabin. It was marvellous."
As Tarzan was leaving her a short time later he wondered a little
at the clinging pressure of her hand at parting, and the firm
insistence with which she exacted a promise from him that he would
call again on the morrow.

The memory of her half-veiled eyes and perfect lips as she had stood
smiling up into his face as he bade her good-by remained with him
for the balance of the day. Olga de Coude was a very beautiful
woman, and Tarzan of the Apes a very lonely young man, with a
heart in him that was in need of the doctoring that only a woman
may provide.

As the countess turned back into the room after Tarzan's departure,
she found herself face to face with Nikolas Rokoff.

"How long have you been here?" she cried, shrinking away from him.

"Since before your lover came," he answered, with a nasty leer.

"Stop!" she commanded. "How dare you say such a thing to me--your
sister!"

"Well, my dear Olga, if he is not your lover, accept my apologies;
but it is no fault of yours that he is not. Had he one-tenth
the knowledge of women that I have you would be in his arms this
minute. He is a stupid fool, Olga. Why, your every word and act
was an open invitation to him, and he had not the sense to see it."