Publisher's Synopsis
It was not until late the following afternoon that Tarzan saw anything more of thefellow passengers into the midst of whose affairs his love of fair play had thrust him. Andthen he came most unexpectedly upon Rokoff and Paulvitch at a moment when of all othersthe two might least appreciate his company.They were standing on deck at a point which was temporarily deserted, and as Tarzancame upon them they were in heated argument with a woman. Tarzan noted that she wasrichly appareled, and that her slender, well-modeled figure denoted youth; but as she washeavily veiled he could not discern her features.The men were standing on either side of her, and the backs of all were toward Tarzan, so that he was quite close to them without their being aware of his presence. He noticedthat Rokoff seemed to be threatening, the woman pleading; but they spoke in a strangetongue, and he could only guess from appearances that the girl was afraid.Rokoff's attitude was so distinctly filled with the threat of physical violence that theape-man paused for an instant just behind the trio, instinctively sensing an atmosphere ofdanger. Scarcely had he hesitated ere the man seized the woman roughly by the wrist, twisting it as though to wring a promise from her through torture. What would havehappened next had Rokoff had his way we may only conjecture, since he did not have hisway at all. Instead, steel fingers gripped his shoulder, and he was swung unceremoniouslyaround, to meet the cold gray eyes of the stranger who had thwarted him on the previousday."SAPRISTI!" screamed the infuriated Rokoff. "What do you mean? Are you a fool thatyou thus again insult Nikolas Rokoff?""This is my answer to your note, monsieur," said Tarzan, in a low voice. And then hehurled the fellow from him with such force that Rokoff lunged sprawling against the rail."Name of a name!" shrieked Rokoff. "Pig, but you shall die for this," and, springing to hisfeet, he rushed upon Tarzan, tugging the meanwhile to draw a revolver from his hip pocket.The girl shrank back in terror."Nikolas!" she cried. "Do not-oh, do not do that. Quick, monsieur, fly, or he will surelykill you!" But instead of flying Tarzan advanced to meet the fellow. "Do not make a fool ofyourself, monsieur," he sai
