Jungle Tales Of Tarzan

Tarzan na Selva

Edgar Rice Burroughs

ESL Easy Read

Reading Comprehension B1 • Original Text • Português Support

SAMPLE

Copyright

Fonte original — domínio público

Esta edição ESL Easy Read foi adaptada a partir de Jungle Tales Of Tarzan, de Edgar Rice Burroughs, publicado originalmente em 1916.

A obra original encontra-se em domínio público e pode ser utilizada, reproduzida, distribuída e adaptada de acordo com a legislação aplicável.

Autor

Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950)

Estados Unidos

Esta obra foi publicada originalmente em 1916.

Nos Estados Unidos, obras publicadas antes de 1930 encontram-se normalmente em domínio público.

Com base no ano de publicação disponível, esta obra encontra-se em domínio público nos Estados Unidos desde 1º de janeiro de 2012.

Brasil

Autor: Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950)

De acordo com a Lei nº 9.610/1998, os direitos patrimoniais expiram 70 anos após a morte do autor, contados a partir de 1º de janeiro do ano seguinte ao falecimento.

Edgar Rice Burroughs faleceu em 1950.

Situação no Brasil: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Portugal

Autor: Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950)

De acordo com o Código do Direito de Autor e dos Direitos Conexos, a proteção patrimonial dura 70 anos após a morte do autor.

Edgar Rice Burroughs faleceu em 1950.

Situação em Portugal: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Dados da publicação original

Obra original: Jungle Tales Of Tarzan

Autor: Edgar Rice Burroughs

Primeira publicação: 1916

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Introdução

Como ler este livro

Cada livro desta coleção é apresentado em um nível de leitura simplificada, de acordo com o CEFR — Quadro Europeu Comum de Referência para Línguas.

A2 — Básico: indicado para leitores que já compreendem frases simples, vocabulário frequente e textos curtos sobre situações do cotidiano.

B1 — Intermediário: indicado para leitores que conseguem compreender as ideias principais de textos claros e acompanhar uma narrativa com vocabulário e estruturas de dificuldade moderada.

B2 — Intermediário avançado: indicado para leitores que já conseguem compreender textos mais complexos, acompanhar descrições detalhadas e reconhecer uma variedade maior de vocabulário e estruturas gramaticais.

Este livro foi adaptado para o nível B1.

Assim, você pode começar a lê-lo mesmo sem dominar completamente o inglês. O texto foi simplificado para facilitar a compreensão, preservando a história, os personagens e os acontecimentos principais da obra original.

Como usar as notas

No texto de leitura simplificada, cada parágrafo possui um link Pt/En. Esse link abre uma nota com a tradução em português do texto simplificado e o trecho correspondente no texto original em inglês.

No texto original em inglês, o link PT leva diretamente ao parágrafo correspondente na versão em português. Na tradução portuguesa, o link En retorna ao parágrafo correspondente no texto original.

A tradução para o português é feita a partir do texto em inglês simplificado, e não diretamente do texto original. O objetivo é ajudar você a compreender com precisão a frase simplificada que está estudando naquele momento.

O texto original em inglês é apresentado separadamente para a etapa seguinte do aprendizado, quando você já estiver preparado para ler e comparar a obra em sua forma original.

Cada nota contém links que permitem retornar exatamente ao parágrafo que você estava lendo.

Como usar o glossário

Na última parte do livro, o Glossary: New Words reúne, em ordem alfabética, palavras mais complexas ou menos frequentes presentes no texto simplificado de nível B1. Essas palavras aparecem em itálico no texto.

Cada entrada apresenta pronúncia, tradução em português, explicação simples em inglês, frase de exemplo e até cinco frases reais do livro.

O link Back to B1 retorna exatamente à frase correspondente na versão simplificada.

Depois do texto simplificado, o livro apresenta também o texto original completo em inglês e a versão completa em português.

Sobre este livro

Jungle Tales of Tarzan é uma coletânea de doze contos vagamente conectados, ambientados na selva africana, cronologicamente situados durante o início da vida adulta de Tarzan, entre a morte de sua mãe adotiva, a macaca Kala, e sua ascensão como líder da tribo de macacos. As histórias exploram a vida de Tarzan como um jovem criado por macacos, lidando com sua identidade dupla como humano e membro da comunidade símia. Personagens principais incluem Tarzan, seu amigo macaco Taug, a macaca Teeka e várias criaturas da selva. Os conflitos frequentemente surgem da luta de Tarzan para reconciliar sua inteligência e emoções humanas com as leis severas da selva, bem como suas interações com outras tribos e animais selvagens. O cenário é a densa e indomada selva africana, vividamente descrita com seus perigos e belezas. A progressão segue as aventuras de Tarzan, cada conto um episódio autossuficiente que constrói seu caráter e compreensão do mundo. O tom literário é aventureiro e romântico, com foco em ação, sobrevivência e o contraste entre civilização e natureza. Burroughs emprega um estilo narrativo direto e envolvente que enfatiza a proeza física e o crescimento moral de Tarzan.

Nota editorial

A tradução para o português e a versão Reading Comprehension B1 foram geradas com apoio de inteligência artificial e submetidas a revisão editorial.

Em caso de dúvida ou observações, fale conosco.

MicMac from Las Vegas LLC
Contato: admin@micmacfromlasvegas.com

Outros livros e materiais

Materiais e outros livros da série ESL Easy Read:

Coleção A Selva de Burroughs

Tarzan of the Apes

The Return Of Tarzan

The Beasts Of Tarzan

The Son Of Tarzan

Tarzan and the Jewels Of Opar

Jungle Tales Of Tarzan

Tarzan The Untamed

Tarzan The Terrible

Tarzan and the Golden Lion

Tarzan and the Ant Men

Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle

Jungle Tales Of Tarzan — ESL Easy Read

Tarzan and the City of Gold

Tarzan and the Lion Man

Tarzan and the Lost Empire

Tarzan at the Earth's Core

Tarzan the Invincible

Tarzan Triumphant

The Tarzan Twins

V21 Popup Test

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Reading Comprehension B1

1 - Tarzan's First Love

2 - The Capture of Tarzan

Tarzan's First Love

Pt/En Teeka was resting comfortably in the shade of the tropical forest. She looked very pretty. Tarzan of the Apes was sitting on a branch in a nearby tree, watching her.

Pt/En Tarzan was resting on a tree branch. Sunlight came through the leaves and made patterns on his brown skin. His body was relaxed and graceful. He looked thoughtful, and his intelligent gray eyes were watching Teeka with deep feeling. He looked like a god from ancient times.

Pt/En You would not guess that he was raised by a hairy ape. Since his parents died in their cabin near the jungle, his only friends were the apes of Kerchak's tribe. He knew only these apes.

Pt/En If you could read Tarzan's thoughts about Teeka, you would not believe his true story. His thoughts did not show that he was born to an English lady or that his father was an English nobleman from an old family.

Pt/En Tarzan did not know the truth about his past. He did not know he was John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, a member of the British Parliament. Even if he had known, he would not have understood.

Pt/En Yes, Teeka was very beautiful!

Pt/En Mothers are always beautiful, but Teeka was beautiful in a special, hard-to-explain way. Tarzan was starting to feel this in a simple way.

Pt/En Tarzan and Teeka had been friends for many years. Teeka was still playful, but other young apes her age were becoming grumpy. Tarzan thought that he liked Teeka so much because they were the only ones who still enjoyed playing together like before.

Pt/En Today, Tarzan looked at Teeka and noticed her appearance for the first time. He usually only thought about how well she could play games like tag and hide-and-seek. Tarzan scratched his head and sighed. He felt sad because Teeka was so beautiful. He wished he had thick hair like her, but his own skin felt ugly to him. He had hoped he would grow hair like his family, but he knew this would not happen.

Pt/En Teeka also had nice teeth, and her face looked good with her eyebrows, nose, and mouth. Tarzan tried to make his mouth look round and puff out his cheeks while winking, but he knew he could not do it as charmingly as Teeka.

Pt/En Tarzan watched Teeka that afternoon and wondered about something. A young male ape, Taug, who was looking for food near a tree, walked slowly towards Teeka. Other apes in the tribe were resting or moving slowly in the hot jungle. Tarzan had not been interested when other apes went near Teeka, but he felt tense when Taug stopped beside her and sat down close to her.

Pt/En Tarzan had always liked Taug. They had played together since they were young. They often sat by the water, ready to catch fish with their quick hands when the fish came near the surface for insects.

Pt/En Together, they had also played tricks on Tublat and teased Numa, the lion. So, Tarzan wondered why he felt his neck hairs stand up just because Taug was sitting close to Teeka.

Pt/En It was true that Taug was not a playful ape anymore. When he showed his big teeth, he looked strong and serious, not like when he and Tarzan wrestled as friends. The Taug of today was a big, quiet, and serious ape. However, he and Tarzan had never fought.

Pt/En For a few minutes, Tarzan watched Taug move closer to Teeka. He saw Taug gently touch Teeka's shoulder with his large hand. Then, Tarzan moved quietly to the ground and walked towards them.

Pt/En Tarzan showed his anger by snarling and growling. Taug looked up with tired eyes. Teeka watched Tarzan. It is not clear if she understood why Tarzan was upset. But she was a female, so she reached out and scratched Taug behind his ear.

Pt/En When Tarzan saw Teeka, she became very important to him. She was the most wonderful thing in the world. Tarzan decided he would fight Taug or anyone else to keep her as his own.

Pt/En Tarzan of the Apes moved closer to Taug. He was ready to fight, with his muscles tight and his body turned. He looked at Taug with his sharp eyes, and his growls became louder.

Pt/En Taug stood up on his short legs. His fur bristled, and he showed his fighting teeth. He also moved closer to Tarzan, walking stiffly and growling.

Pt/En The ape-man spoke in the deep sounds of the great apes. He said that Teeka belonged to Tarzan.

Pt/En The bull ape answered that Teeka was Taug's.

Pt/En Thaka, Numgo, and Gunto heard the growling of the two young bulls. They looked up, feeling a little bored but also interested. They were sleepy, but they knew a fight was happening. This would make their usual jungle life more exciting.

Pt/En Tarzan had a rope made of grass and a hunting knife from his father, whom he never knew. Taug respected the sharp metal knife that the ape-boy used well. Tarzan had used it to kill Tublat, his foster father, and Bolgani, the gorilla. Taug approached carefully, looking for a chance to attack. Tarzan, being smaller and less strong naturally, also moved cautiously.

Pt/En For a while, it seemed like the argument would end like most arguments in the tribe, with one ape losing interest and leaving. This might have happened if the reason for the fight was different. But Teeka liked the attention and that the two young apes were fighting because of her. This had never happened to her before. She had seen other apes fight for older females and had wished for a day when apes would fight and bleed for her.

Pt/En So, Teeka sat down and insulted both apes equally. She called them cowards and used bad names, comparing them to a snake and a hyena. She said she would tell Mumga to punish them. Mumga was very old, could not climb trees anymore, and had lost her teeth, so she could only eat bananas and worms.

Pt/En The other apes heard and laughed, which made Taug very angry. Taug suddenly attacked Tarzan, but Tarzan quickly jumped to the side. Tarzan then moved like a cat, turning and jumping back close to Taug. Tarzan raised his knife and tried to hit Taug's neck. Taug turned to avoid the knife, and it only cut his shoulder lightly.

Pt/En When Teeka saw the blood, she cried out happily. She thought this was very exciting and looked around to see if others saw it. Teeka felt very proud at that moment.

Pt/En Teeka was too busy feeling proud to notice leaves moving in the tree above her. The wind was not moving them. If she had looked up, she might have seen a body hiding there and yellow eyes looking down hungrily. But Teeka did not look up.

Pt/En Taug moved back, still angry and growling because of his wound. Tarzan followed him, shouting insults and waving his knife. Teeka moved away from under the tree to stay near the fight.

Pt/En The branch above Teeka moved slightly as the watcher moved on it. Taug stopped and got ready to fight again. He was angry, with foam on his lips. He lowered his head and stretched out his arms, ready to charge. Taug thought he would win if he could grab Tarzan. Taug felt Tarzan's fighting style was not fair because Tarzan kept jumping away.

Pt/En Tarzan had not yet fought a big ape in a serious fight, only in play. So, he was not sure if it was safe to use his strength in a fight for life. He was not afraid, because Tarzan did not know fear. He was careful because he wanted to stay safe. He only took risks when he thought it was needed, and then he would do anything.

Pt/En His way of fighting was best for his body and his tools. His teeth were strong, but not as good as the big apes' teeth for fighting. By moving quickly and staying out of reach, Tarzan could hurt his enemy a lot with his sharp knife. At the same time, he could avoid many dangerous hurts that would happen if a big ape caught him.

Pt/En Taug attacked and made loud noises like a bull. Tarzan moved quickly from side to side. He shouted angry words at Taug and cut him with his knife sometimes.

Pt/En The fighting stopped sometimes. The two fighters stood, breathing hard and looking at each other. They were thinking and getting ready for the next attack. During one of these breaks, Taug looked past Tarzan. Suddenly, Taug's face changed. His anger disappeared and was replaced by fear.

Pt/En Taug made a sound that all the apes knew. He turned and ran away. There was no need to ask him why. His cry warned them that their old enemy was near.

Pt/En Tarzan and the other apes began to run to a safe place. While running, Tarzan heard a panther scream and a female ape cry out in fear. Taug also heard the sounds, but he continued to run away.

Pt/En But Tarzan, the ape-boy, acted differently. He looked back to see if any ape was in danger from the hunting animal. What he saw made him look very shocked and afraid.

Pt/En It was Teeka who screamed in fear as she ran across a small open area towards the trees. Sheeta, the panther, was chasing her with easy, smooth jumps. Sheeta was not in a hurry because he was sure he would catch her. Even if Teeka reached the trees first, the panther believed she could not climb high enough to escape him.

Pt/En Tarzan knew Teeka was going to die. He shouted to Taug and the other strong male apes to help Teeka. At the same time, Tarzan ran towards the chasing panther, getting his rope ready. Tarzan understood that if the strong male apes were angry, no animal in the jungle, not even the lion Numa, would want to fight them. He believed that if all the apes present attacked Sheeta, the panther would run away to save himself.

Pt/En Taug and the other apes heard Tarzan, but no one came to help him or Teeka. Sheeta was getting very close to Teeka.

Pt/En The ape-boy ran after the panther. He shouted loudly at the panther to stop it from attacking Teeka. He wanted Teeka to climb higher in the trees, where the panther could not go. The ape-boy called the panther bad names and told it to fight him. But the panther continued to chase Teeka, which was very close to being caught.

Pt/En Tarzan was running fast and getting closer to the panther. However, he was not sure he could reach the panther before it caught Teeka. Tarzan held his grass rope in his hand and swung it above his head. He did not want to miss his throw because the distance was much longer than he had practiced. The panther was as far away as his rope, but he had to try. He could not reach the panther by running, so he had to throw his rope.

Pt/En Teeka jumped for a low branch of a big tree. The panther leaped behind her. At that moment, the ape-boy's grass rope flew through the air. The rope became a straight line, and the loop of the rope briefly hung over the panther's head and open mouth. Then, the rope landed perfectly around the panther's neck. Tarzan quickly pulled the rope tight. He got ready for the panther to pull back when it felt the rope.

Pt/En The rope stopped the panther just before it reached Teeka. The rope tightened, and the big animal fell onto its back. The panther quickly got up. Its eyes were angry, its tail moved fast, and its mouth was open. It made loud, angry sounds because it was upset and disappointed.

Pt/En The panther saw the ape-boy, who was the reason for its failure. The ape-boy was less than forty feet away. The panther then ran towards him.

Pt/En Tarzan made sure Teeka was safe in a tree. The leopard, Sheeta, was now attacking. Tarzan knew it was dangerous to fight Sheeta because the leopard was very strong. He could not escape to the trees in time. Tarzan had to face the leopard. He held his hunting knife, but it seemed very small and weak against Sheeta's big teeth and sharp claws. Tarzan was brave, like his ancestors who fought bravely in the past.

Pt/En Other apes watched from the trees. They shouted at Sheeta and gave advice to Tarzan. Teeka was scared and asked the male apes to help Tarzan. But the male apes were busy giving advice and making faces. They thought Tarzan was not a real ape, so they did not want to risk their lives for him.

Pt/En Sheeta was very close to Tarzan. But suddenly, Tarzan was not there. The ape-boy was faster than the big cat. He jumped to the side just as Sheeta's claws tried to grab him. Sheeta fell to the ground, and Tarzan ran towards the nearest tree to be safe.

Pt/En The leopard quickly got up and chased Tarzan again. A rope Tarzan was using was dragging on the ground. Sheeta ran around a small bush, but the rope caught on it. This sudden stop made Sheeta fall. Tarzan then quickly climbed high into a small tree where Sheeta could not follow.

Pt/En From the tree, Tarzan threw small sticks and shouted at the angry leopard. The other apes also threw fruits and branches at Sheeta. Sheeta became very angry and finally managed to bite through the rope. The leopard looked at the apes for a moment, then screamed with anger and ran away into the jungle.

Pt/En After half an hour, the tribe was eating again. Their lives were usually quiet. Tarzan fixed most of his rope and made a new loop. Teeka sat near him, showing she had chosen him.

Pt/En Taug watched them sadly. When Taug came near, Teeka showed her teeth and growled. Tarzan also showed his teeth and snarled. But Taug did not start a fight. He seemed to understand that Teeka had chosen Tarzan, and he had lost the fight for her.

Pt/En Later that day, Tarzan fixed his rope and climbed into the trees to hunt. He needed meat more than the others. While they ate fruits, plants, and insects, Tarzan spent a lot of time hunting animals. Their meat gave him the energy he needed to build his strong body.

Pt/En Taug saw Tarzan leave. Then, Taug hunted for food closer and closer to Teeka. He was only a few feet away. When he looked at her secretly, he saw she was watching him and did not look angry.

Pt/En Taug puffed out his chest and moved on his short legs, making low sounds. He showed his teeth. Teeka noticed his large, beautiful fangs. She also looked at his strong forehead and short, powerful neck. She thought he was a very beautiful ape.

Pt/En Taug felt pleased because Teeka looked at him with admiration. He walked around proudly. He began to think about his own good qualities and compare them to his rival's.

Pt/En Taug grunted because there was no comparison. He thought his beautiful coat was much better than Tarzan's plain, bare skin. He also thought his wide nostrils were more attractive than Tarzan's small nose. Taug believed his own red-rimmed eyes were beautiful, as he had seen them in pools of water.

Pt/En The large ape, Taug, moved closer to Teeka and sat next to her. When Tarzan returned from hunting soon after, he saw Teeka happily scratching Taug's back.

Pt/En Tarzan was upset. Neither Taug nor Teeka saw him as he moved through the trees into the clearing. He watched them for a moment. Then, with a sad expression, he turned and disappeared back into the thick forest.

Pt/En Tarzan wanted to be far away from what was making him unhappy. He felt the first pain of lost love and did not understand why. He thought he was angry with Taug, but he could not understand why he ran away instead of fighting Taug, who had ruined his happiness.

Pt/En He was angry with Teeka. But he kept thinking about how beautiful she was. He felt he loved her and wanted her very much.

Pt/En The ape-boy wanted to be loved. From when he was a baby until Kala died from an arrow, she was the only person he had ever loved.

Pt/En Kala loved her adopted son in her own wild way, and Tarzan loved her back. His love was like that of other jungle animals. He only understood how much he loved his mother when she was gone.

Pt/En He had hoped Teeka could be like Kala, someone to care for and be close to. But his dream was broken. He felt pain in his chest. He thought Teeka caused this pain, especially when he remembered her with Taug.

Pt/En Tarzan shook his head and made a sound. He swung through the jungle. The more he thought about what had happened, the more he started to dislike women.

Pt/En Two days later, he was still hunting by himself. He felt very sad and unhappy, but he decided he would never go back to his tribe. He did not want to see Taug and Teeka together all the time. While he was swinging on a large branch, a lion named Numa and a lioness named Sabor walked below him. Sabor leaned on Numa and playfully bit his cheek, like a gentle touch. Tarzan sighed and threw a nut at them.

Pt/En Later, he saw some of Mbonga's warriors. He was about to put his rope around the neck of one warrior who was a little away from the others. But then he became interested in what the men were doing. They were building a cage on the path and covering it with leaves and branches. When they finished, the cage was hard to see.

Pt/En Tarzan wondered why they built the cage. He also wondered why they walked back towards their village after finishing it.

Pt/En It had been a while since Tarzan had visited the village of the black people. He used to watch them from the safety of the tall trees above their wall. He watched their activities, especially because the person who killed Kala had come from among them.

Pt/En Even though he hated them, Tarzan enjoyed watching the people in the village. He especially liked their dances, where fires lit up their bodies as they moved and jumped, pretending to fight. He followed the warriors back towards their village hoping to see a dance, but he was disappointed because there was no dance that night.

Pt/En Tarzan watched from his tree. He saw small groups of people sitting by small fires. They were talking about what happened that day. In darker parts of the village, he saw couples talking and laughing. Each couple had a young man and a young woman.

Pt/En Tarzan thought about Teeka. That night, as he slept in the big tree above the village, Teeka was in his thoughts. He also dreamed about her and about the young men and women talking and laughing together.

Pt/En Taug was hunting alone and was far from his group. He walked on an elephant path, but found it blocked by plants. Taug was a strong and angry ape. When something stopped him, he used his strength to get past it. He tore into the plants, but then found himself in a strange place that he could not leave, even though he tried very hard.

Pt/En Taug bit and hit the plants blocking his way. He became very angry, but it did not help. He finally understood he had to go back. But when he tried, he was surprised to see that another barrier had fallen behind him while he was fighting the first one. Taug was trapped. He fought hard to escape until he was too tired, but he could not get free.

Pt/En The next morning, some people from Mbonga's village went to the place where they had set a trap the day before. High in the trees above them, a young, tall boy watched with curiosity. A monkey named Manu chattered at Tarzan as he passed. The monkey held its small brown baby close, but it was not afraid of Tarzan. Tarzan laughed when he saw this, but then his face became sad and he sighed deeply.

Pt/En A colorful bird walked proudly in front of its plain-colored mate. Tarzan felt that everything in the jungle was reminding him that he had lost Teeka. He had seen these things every day before, but they had not bothered him then.

Pt/En When the people reached the trap, Taug made a lot of noise. He grabbed the bars of his cage and shook them hard. He roared and growled loudly. The people were happy because they had caught Taug, even though they did not build the trap for him.

Pt/En Tarzan heard the loud voice of a great ape. He quickly went around the trap to get downwind. He smelled the air to find the smell of the prisoner. Soon, he recognized the familiar smell. It told Tarzan who was caught: Taug. He was alone.

Pt/En Tarzan smiled as he watched to see what the people would do to their prisoner. He thought they would kill him right away. Tarzan smiled again. Now he could have Teeka for himself. He saw the warriors remove the screen from the cage. They tied ropes to it and pulled the cage away on a path towards their village.

Pt/En Tarzan watched until his rival, Taug, disappeared from sight. Taug was still hitting the cage bars and growling angrily. Then, Tarzan turned and quickly swung away to look for the tribe and Teeka.

Pt/En While travelling, Tarzan found Sheeta and his family in a small, wild place. The big cat was lying on the ground. The female cat was cleaning the soft fur on his neck with her paw on his face.

Pt/En Tarzan ran very fast through the forest and soon found the ape tribe. He saw them before they saw him because he moved very quietly. He saw Kamma and her mate eating together, and Teeka eating alone. Tarzan thought she would not eat alone for long, and he jumped down to join them.

Pt/En The apes were surprised and made angry and scared noises. Tarzan had surprised them. They were also very nervous, and their neck hair stayed up for a long time after they saw who had arrived.

Pt/En Tarzan saw that when he arrived suddenly, the apes always became nervous and worried. They needed to smell him many times to be sure it was Tarzan before they felt calm again.

Pt/En Tarzan moved past the other apes towards Teeka. But as he got closer, she moved away from him.

Pt/En Tarzan spoke to Teeka. He told her that he was Tarzan and that she belonged to him. He said he had come for her.

Pt/En The ape came nearer. She looked at him very carefully. Then she smelled him to be very sure about him.

Pt/En The ape asked where Taug was.

Pt/En Tarzan replied that the Gomangani had Taug and that they would kill him.

Pt/En Tarzan saw that the she-ape looked sad and worried when he told her about Taug. She came close and snuggled against him, and Tarzan put his arm around her.

Pt/En Tarzan noticed how different his smooth, brown arm looked against Teeka's dark, hairy fur. He thought about other animal couples, like lions or birds, where the male and female looked more alike. He realized the difference between him and Teeka was much bigger than between other animal pairs.

Pt/En Tarzan felt confused because something seemed wrong. He moved away from Teeka. He stood up tall and hit his chest with his fists. Then, he shouted a loud, wild cry like a strong ape. The other apes looked at him, curious. But Tarzan had not killed anything, and no one had made him angry. They went back to eating, but they watched him to see if he would suddenly go crazy.

Pt/En While the others watched, Tarzan climbed into a nearby tree and disappeared. After that, they forgot about him, even Teeka.

Pt/En Mbonga's warriors, who were black men, were working hard and sweating. They were moving slowly towards their village and rested often. The wild animal in the cage growled and roared loudly whenever they moved it. It hit the bars and its mouth was wet with saliva. Its noise was very frightening.

Pt/En The warriors had almost finished their journey. They were taking a final rest before continuing to the clearing where their village was. If they had walked just a few more minutes, they would have left the forest. Then, what happened would probably not have happened.

Pt/En Someone moved quietly in the trees above. This person looked carefully at the cage and counted the men. This smart and brave person thought about how successful a plan might be if it was tried.

Pt/En Tarzan watched the men resting in the shade. They were tired, and some were already sleeping. He moved closer, stopping just above them without making a sound. He waited patiently like a wild animal. Soon, only two men were awake, and one of them was starting to sleep.

Pt/En Tarzan got ready to move. At the same time, the man who was awake got up and walked to the back of the cage. Tarzan followed him from above. Taug, the ape, watched the man and made quiet angry sounds. Tarzan worried that Taug would wake up the sleeping men.

Pt/En Tarzan quietly whispered Taug's name so the man would not hear. He told Taug to be quiet, and Taug stopped making sounds.

Pt/En The man went to the back of the cage and looked at how the door was closed. While he was there, the animal above him jumped from the tree onto his back. Sharp fingers grabbed his throat, stopping his cry of fear. Strong teeth bit his shoulder, and powerful legs wrapped around his body.

Pt/En The man was very scared and tried to remove the thing that was clinging to him. He fell to the ground and rolled around, but the strong grip of the thing became tighter.

Pt/En The man's mouth opened wide, his tongue came out, and his eyes looked like they would pop out. The strong fingers continued to squeeze him harder.

Pt/En Taug watched the fight. He probably wondered why Tarzan was attacking the man. Taug remembered his own fight with Tarzan. Now, he saw the man become weak and then lie still.

Pt/En Tarzan jumped away from the man and went to the cage door. He quickly untied the ropes holding it shut. Taug could only watch; he could not help. Tarzan opened the door a little, and Taug crawled out. Tarzan wanted to attack the sleeping men to get revenge, but Tarzan stopped him.

Pt/En Instead, Tarzan pulled the dead man into the cage and put him against the bars. Then, Tarzan closed the door and tied it again with the ropes.

Pt/En Tarzan smiled happily as he worked. He enjoyed tricking the people from Mbonga's village. He thought about how scared they would be when they woke up and found a dead body in the cage. They had put the big ape there just a short time before.

Pt/En Tarzan and Taug climbed into the trees together. The strong ape's rough fur touched the smooth skin of the young English boy as they moved through the old jungle.

Pt/En Tarzan told Taug to go back to Teeka. He said that Teeka belonged to Taug and that he did not want her.

Pt/En Taug asked Tarzan if he had found another female.

Pt/En The ape-boy moved his shoulders up and down, which showed he did not know or did not care.

Pt/En Someone told Tarzan that all the animals and birds in the jungle have a partner of their own kind. For example, lions have lions, and monkeys have monkeys. But Tarzan, who is a man, was told that he had no partner. He was told to go back to Teeka, but he would go alone because he was a man.

The Capture of Tarzan

Pt/En In the hot and wet jungle, black warriors were working hard. They used spears to dig the ground and their hands to remove the earth from a path. They often stopped to rest and talk and laugh near the hole they were digging.

Pt/En Their long shields made of buffalo skin and their spears were leaning against nearby trees. Sweat shone on their dark skin, showing their strong muscles, which were healthy and perfect.

Pt/En A reed buck was walking carefully on the path towards water. It stopped when it heard loud laughter. For a moment, it stood very still, but then it turned and ran away quickly and quietly because it was scared of the men.

Pt/En About a hundred yards away, deep in the thick jungle, Numa the lion heard the noise. Numa had eaten a lot and was woken up by the sound. He smelled the reed buck and the man. But Numa was full, so he made a low sound, got up, and walked away.

Pt/En Birds with bright feathers and loud sounds flew between trees. Small monkeys made noise and moved in the branches above the dark-skinned men. However, the men felt alone. The busy jungle, full of many animals and plants, felt like a very empty place, like a big, crowded city.

Pt/En But were the men really alone?

Pt/En From a branch above, a young man with gray eyes watched everything the men did. He was very interested. He felt anger inside, but he wanted to learn why the men were working so hard. These were the same kind of men who had killed his mother, Kala. He felt they were enemies, but he enjoyed watching them to learn more about how people behaved.

Pt/En He watched them dig a deep hole across the path, wide enough for all six workers. Tarzan did not understand why they were doing such a big job. He was even more confused when they put sharp wooden stakes in the bottom of the hole. His confusion grew when they placed light poles across the hole and covered it with leaves and dirt, hiding their work.

Pt/En When they finished, they looked at their work with happiness. Tarzan looked too. Even for him, it was hard to see any sign that the old path had been changed.

Pt/En Tarzan was thinking very hard about why the pit was covered. He let the people go to their village without scaring them, which he usually did. He enjoyed scaring them and used it to get revenge.

Pt/En Tarzan could not understand the mystery of the hidden pit because the ways of the people were new to him. They had only recently come into his jungle. The animals, like the lion Numa and the elephant Tantor, did not know how to deal with these humans who walked upright. The animals were slowly learning about humans, often with bad results.

Pt/En After the people left, Tarzan went to the pit. He smelled it carefully and walked around the edge. He dug away a little earth to see a wooden bar. He touched it and thought about it for a few minutes. Then, he covered it up again, making it look as it did before. After that, he climbed back into the trees and went to find his ape family, the tribe of Kerchak.

Pt/En Tarzan crossed the path of Numa, the lion. He threw a fruit at the lion's face and insulted him, calling him names. Numa looked up with hate, growling and moving his tail. But Numa knew from before that he could not reach Tarzan. So, Numa went into the bushes to hide. Tarzan shouted more insults and made a face at the lion before continuing his journey.

Pt/En A mile later, Tarzan smelled a familiar strong smell. He saw a large, gray-black shape moving on the jungle path below him. Tarzan broke a small tree branch. The loud snap made the large animal stop. It raised its trunk to smell the air for an enemy and looked around with its small eyes for the cause of the noise.

Pt/En Tarzan laughed and moved closer, standing above the elephant's head.

Pt/En Tarzan called out to Tantor, the elephant. He said that Bara, a deer, was braver than Tantor. Tarzan explained that Tantor was the strongest animal in the jungle, but he was still afraid of small noises like a broken twig.

Pt/En Tantor made a rumbling sound. His trunk and ears came down, and his tail stopped moving nervously. He was still looking for Tarzan. Soon, Tarzan jumped down onto Tantor's head. He stretched out and tapped the elephant's thick skin with his toes. He scratched the skin under Tantor's ears and talked to him about jungle news, as if the elephant understood everything.

Pt/En Tarzan could make Tantor understand many things. Even though the elephant did not understand the jungle gossip, he stood with blinking eyes and a gently moving trunk. He seemed to listen carefully. In fact, Tantor enjoyed Tarzan's friendly voice and the way he touched him behind his ears. He liked being close to Tarzan, who had been fearless even as a child when he first met the great elephant.

Pt/En Over the years, Tarzan learned he could control his strong friend. Tantor would come when Tarzan called him from far away. When Tarzan sat on his head, Tantor would walk through the jungle wherever Tarzan wanted him to go. This was like the power of a human mind controlling an animal. It worked well, even though neither Tarzan nor Tantor fully understood why.

Pt/En Tarzan and Tantor stayed together for a long time. They did not worry about time. Their main goal was to find food. Tarzan could eat many different things, so finding food was easier for him than for Tantor. Tantor only ate certain parts of trees, and only at certain times of the year.

Pt/En Tantor spent a lot of his life eating to get energy. Animals that are not as smart often spend most of their time looking for food or digesting it. This leaves them little time for other things. This is why they have not developed as quickly as humans, who have more time to think about other matters.

Pt/En Tarzan was happy with Tantor. He did not understand why, but as a human, he wanted to care for someone. His ape friends were now too rough. He still played with younger apes, but they were not calm companions. Tantor was like a calm, strong mountain. Tarzan liked to sit on him and share his feelings. Tantor seemed to understand. Tarzan loved Tantor the most since Kala was gone. He was not sure if Tantor felt the same way.

Pt/En Tarzan finally left Tantor to search for food in the trees because his stomach was hungry. This is a very strong need in the jungle. Tantor continued his journey alone in the other direction.

Pt/En Tarzan searched for food for an hour. He found fruits and berries. He usually hunted for meat, but today he could not find any.

Pt/En Tarzan walked in the jungle and thought about his day. He remembered visiting Tantor the elephant and saw the digging people and the strange, covered pit they left. He wondered many times what the pit was for. He used his brain to think and make his own decisions, which was easier because he did not listen to other people's ideas.

Pt/En While Tarzan thought about the covered pit, he suddenly imagined a large, dark animal walking. He felt a sudden fear. He decided to run away quickly through the trees. He ran before he fully understood why the pit was dangerous.

Pt/En Tarzan moved quickly through the jungle. He swung from tree branches and ran on the ground over fallen leaves. He climbed back into the trees to move faster where the plants on the ground were too thick.

Pt/En Tarzan was in a hurry and forgot to be careful. He was so worried that he ran into a large, open area without trees. He did not think about what might be waiting for him there.

Pt/En He was halfway across the clearing when he saw some birds fly up. Tarzan immediately turned away because he knew the birds meant a dangerous animal was near. At the same time, Buto the rhinoceros got up and ran towards him. Buto the rhinoceros charges without a clear direction. He cannot see well and it is hard to know if he is scared or angry. It is very dangerous if Buto charges someone, because they could be hurt badly.

Pt/En A rhinoceros named Buto was walking towards Tarzan. The rhino saw Tarzan and made a loud noise before charging. Small birds flew around the rhino, and monkeys in the trees made noise and ran away because of the angry rhino. Tarzan, however, seemed calm.

Pt/En Tarzan stood in the path of the charging rhino. He did not have time to climb trees for safety, and he did not want to stop his journey. Tarzan had met this rhino before and did not think it was dangerous.

Pt/En The rhino attacked with its horn, but Tarzan jumped quickly onto the rhino's back. Then, he jumped off behind the animal and ran towards the trees like a fast deer.

Pt/En Buto was angry and confused because Tarzan had disappeared. The rhino turned and charged in a different direction, away from where Tarzan was running. Tarzan reached the trees safely and continued his journey through the forest.

Pt/En Further along the path, an elephant named Tantor was walking. In front of Tantor, a dark-skinned man was hiding and listening. Soon, the man heard a sound he was waiting for: the noise of an elephant getting closer.

Pt/En Other warriors watched from different parts of the jungle. They sent secret signals to each other. The signals told them that their target was moving. They quickly went to the path where Tantor the elephant would pass. They hid in trees upwind, so Tantor would not smell them. They waited quietly. Soon, they saw the big elephant. He had a lot of valuable ivory on his tusks, which made them feel greedy.

Pt/En As soon as Tantor passed them, the warriors climbed down from the trees. They stopped being quiet and started clapping and shouting. For a moment, Tantor the elephant stopped. He lifted his trunk and tail, and his ears stood up. Then, he continued quickly along the path. He was moving towards a hidden pit with sharp stakes in the ground.

Pt/En The shouting warriors followed Tantor, making him run fast. His quick escape meant he could not look carefully at the ground. Tantor, the elephant, could have fought back and scared them away, but instead, he ran like a scared animal. He was running towards a dangerous trap.

Pt/En Tarzan of the Apes followed far behind them. He ran through the jungle very fast and quietly. He had heard the warriors shouting and understood what was happening. Tarzan made a loud cry that echoed in the jungle. But Tantor, who was very scared, did not hear him, or was too afraid to stop.

Pt/En The giant elephant was now very close to the hidden danger in his path. The warriors were sure they would catch him. They shouted and danced behind him, waving their spears. They were happy because they expected to get the valuable ivory and a lot of elephant meat that night.

Pt/En They were so happy celebrating that they did not see Tarzan pass above them. Tantor the elephant also did not see or hear Tarzan, even when Tarzan tried to tell him to stop.

Pt/En Tantor was very close to falling into a pit with sharp stakes. Tarzan ran quickly through the trees to get in front of the elephant. At the edge of the pit, Tarzan dropped to the ground in the middle of the path. Tantor was almost on him before his poor eyes could see his old friend.

Pt/En Tarzan shouted for Tantor to stop, and the big animal stopped when he saw Tarzan's hand raised.

Pt/En Tarzan moved some branches that were hiding the pit. When Tantor saw the pit, he understood what was happening.

Pt/En Tarzan told Tantor to fight because people were coming after him. But Tantor was a very nervous elephant, and he was already scared.

Pt/En A pit was in front of the animal, but it did not know how far away it was. Thick jungle was on both sides. The large animal made a loud noise, turned quickly, and pushed through the thick plants that would have stopped any other animal.

Pt/En Tarzan stood at the edge of the pit and watched the elephant run away. He knew that people would arrive soon, so he wanted to leave. As Tarzan stepped forward, the ground near the pit broke. He tried hard to jump away, but it was too late. He fell down into the pit towards sharp sticks at the bottom.

Pt/En When the people arrived a moment later, they saw that the elephant had escaped because the hole in the pit's cover was too small for it. They first thought the elephant had put a foot in and then pulled back. But when they looked into the pit, they were surprised to see a large, naked white man lying quietly at the bottom.

Pt/En Some of the people had seen this man before and were afraid, thinking he had magical powers. But others wanted to capture him as an enemy. These people jumped into the pit and carried Tarzan out.

Pt/En Tarzan had no cuts from the sharp sticks. His only injury was a swollen spot at the back of his head, which showed he had hit the side of a stake when he fell. This made him unconscious. The people quickly tied him up before he could wake up, because they respected this strange man who lived with apes.

Pt/En The people carried him a short way towards their village. Suddenly, Tarzan's eyes opened. He looked around, confused. Then he understood his difficult situation. He was used to solving problems by himself. So, he thought about how he could escape using only his own strength and skills.

Pt/En He did not try to break his ropes while they carried him, because he was afraid they would get worried and tie him even tighter. Soon, his captors saw he was awake. They did not want to carry a heavy man in the hot jungle, so they put him on his feet. They made him walk with them, sometimes pushing him with their spears. They were superstitious and seemed a little afraid of him.

Pt/En When they saw that he did not show any pain when they poked him, they were even more amazed. They started to believe that this strange white man was a supernatural being and could not feel pain.

Pt/En As they got close to their village, they shouted happily like successful warriors. By the time they arrived at the entrance, dancing and waving their spears, many people from the village were waiting. They wanted to greet the warriors and hear about their adventure.

Pt/En When the villagers saw the prisoner, they became very excited. Their mouths fell open in surprise and disbelief. For a long time, they had been very scared of a strange, white demon. Few people had seen it and lived to tell the story. Warriors had disappeared from paths near the village, and later, their bodies would fall into the village street at night, as if from the sky.

Pt/En This scary animal came into the village huts at night. It killed people and then left. It left behind strange and frightening signs that showed it had a weird sense of humor.

Pt/En But now they had caught him! He could not scare them anymore. They slowly understood this. A woman screamed and hit the ape-man. Others followed her, and soon Tarzan of the Apes was surrounded by angry, shouting people who were fighting and scratching him.

Pt/En Then Mbonga, the chief, arrived. He put his spear on the shoulders of his people and made them move away from their captive.

Pt/En The chief said they would keep him until night.

Pt/En Far away in the jungle, Tantor the elephant stopped being scared. He listened carefully. It is not likely that he was looking for Tarzan or remembering the help Tarzan had given him. Elephants usually do not help people, even if the people have been kind to them. So, it is unlikely that Tantor would have been brave enough to face his fear of the black people to save Tarzan.

Pt/En He heard the angry shouts of the villagers softly. He turned as if he was scared and wanted to run away. But something made him stop. He turned again, lifted his trunk, and made a loud, sharp sound.

Pt/En Then he stood and listened.

Pt/En In the village far away, where Mbonga had made things calm again, the people could hardly hear Tantor's voice. But Tarzan of the Apes, with his good hearing, understood its message.

Pt/En His captors were taking him to a hut to keep him safe and guarded. They knew he would be tortured and killed later. He stopped when he heard Tantor's call. He lifted his head and made a very loud scream. This scream scared the superstitious villagers and made the warriors guarding him jump back, even though his arms were tied behind him.

Original English Text

1 - Tarzan's First Love

2 - The Capture of Tarzan

Tarzan's First Love

PT TEEKA, STRETCHED AT luxurious ease in the shade of the tropical forest, presented, unquestionably, a most alluring picture of young, feminine loveliness. Or at least so thought Tarzan of the Apes, who squatted upon a low-swinging branch in a near-by tree and looked down upon her.

PT Just to have seen him there, lolling upon the swaying bough of the jungle-forest giant, his brown skin mottled by the brilliant equatorial sunlight which percolated through the leafy canopy of green above him, his clean-limbed body relaxed in graceful ease, his shapely head partly turned in contemplative absorption and his intelligent, gray eyes dreamily devouring the object of their devotion, you would have thought him the reincarnation of some demigod of old.

PT You would not have guessed that in infancy he had suckled at the breast of a hideous, hairy she-ape, nor that in all his conscious past since his parents had passed away in the little cabin by the landlocked harbor at the jungle's verge, he had known no other associates than the sullen bulls and the snarling cows of the tribe of Kerchak, the great ape.

PT Nor, could you have read the thoughts which passed through that active, healthy brain, the longings and desires and aspirations which the sight of Teeka inspired, would you have been any more inclined to give credence to the reality of the origin of the ape-man. For, from his thoughts alone, you could never have gleaned the truth -- that he had been born to a gentle English lady or that his sire had been an English nobleman of time-honored lineage.

PT Lost to Tarzan of the Apes was the truth of his origin. That he was John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, with a seat in the House of Lords, he did not know, nor, knowing, would have understood.

PT Yes, Teeka was indeed beautiful!

PT Of course Kala had been beautiful -- one's mother is always that -- but Teeka was beautiful in a way all her own, an indescribable sort of way which Tarzan was just beginning to sense in a rather vague and hazy manner.

PT For years had Tarzan and Teeka been play-fellows, and Teeka still continued to be playful while the young bulls of her own age were rapidly becoming surly and morose. Tarzan, if he gave the matter much thought at all, probably reasoned that his growing attachment for the young female could be easily accounted for by the fact that of the former playmates she and he alone retained any desire to frolic as of old.

PT But today, as he sat gazing upon her, he found himself noting the beauties of Teeka's form and features -- something he never had done before, since none of them had aught to do with Teeka's ability to race nimbly through the lower terraces of the forest in the primitive games of tag and hide-and-go-seek which Tarzan's fertile brain evolved. Tarzan scratched his head, running his fingers deep into the shock of black hair which framed his shapely, boyish face -- he scratched his head and sighed. Teeka's new-found beauty became as suddenly his despair. He envied her the handsome coat of hair which covered her body. His own smooth, brown hide he hated with a hatred born of disgust and contempt. Years back he had harbored a hope that some day he, too, would be clothed in hair as were all his brothers and sisters; but of late he had been forced to abandon the delectable dream.

PT Then there were Teeka's great teeth, not so large as the males, of course, but still mighty, handsome things by comparison with Tarzan's feeble white ones. And her beetling brows, and broad, flat nose, and her mouth! Tarzan had often practiced making his mouth into a little round circle and then puffing out his cheeks while he winked his eyes rapidly; but he felt that he could never do it in the same cute and irresistible way in which Teeka did it.

PT And as he watched her that afternoon, and wondered, a young bull ape who had been lazily foraging for food beneath the damp, matted carpet of decaying vegetation at the roots of a near-by tree lumbered awkwardly in Teeka's direction. The other apes of the tribe of Kerchak moved listlessly about or lolled restfully in the midday heat of the equatorial jungle. From time to time one or another of them had passed close to Teeka, and Tarzan had been uninterested. Why was it then that his brows contracted and his muscles tensed as he saw Taug pause beside the young she and then squat down close to her?

PT Tarzan always had liked Taug. Since childhood they had romped together. Side by side they had squatted near the water, their quick, strong fingers ready to leap forth and seize Pisah, the fish, should that wary denizen of the cool depths dart surfaceward to the lure of the insects Tarzan tossed upon the face of the pool.

PT Together they had baited Tublat and teased Numa, the lion. Why, then, should Tarzan feel the rise of the short hairs at the nape of his neck merely because Taug sat close to Teeka?

PT It is true that Taug was no longer the frolicsome ape of yesterday. When his snarling-muscles bared his giant fangs no one could longer imagine that Taug was in as playful a mood as when he and Tarzan had rolled upon the turf in mimic battle. The Taug of today was a huge, sullen bull ape, somber and forbidding. Yet he and Tarzan never had quarreled.

PT For a few minutes the young ape-man watched Taug press closer to Teeka. He saw the rough caress of the huge paw as it stroked the sleek shoulder of the she, and then Tarzan of the Apes slipped catlike to the ground and approached the two.

PT As he came his upper lip curled into a snarl, exposing his fighting fangs, and a deep growl rumbled from his cavernous chest. Taug looked up, batting his blood-shot eyes. Teeka half raised herself and looked at Tarzan. Did she guess the cause of his perturbation? Who may say? At any rate, she was feminine, and so she reached up and scratched Taug behind one of his small, flat ears.

PT Tarzan saw, and in the instant that he saw, Teeka was no longer the little playmate of an hour ago; instead she was a wondrous thing -- the most wondrous in the world -- and a possession for which Tarzan would fight to the death against Taug or any other who dared question his right of proprietorship.

PT Stooped, his muscles rigid and one great shoulder turned toward the young bull, Tarzan of the Apes sidled nearer and nearer. His face was partly averted, but his keen gray eyes never left those of Taug, and as he came, his growls increased in depth and volume.

PT Taug rose upon his short legs, bristling. His fighting fangs were bared. He, too, sidled, stiff-legged, and growled.

PT "Teeka is Tarzan's,"said the ape-man, in the low gutturals of the great anthropoids.

PT "Teeka is Taug's,"replied the bull ape.

PT Thaka and Numgo and Gunto, disturbed by the growlings of the two young bulls, looked up half apathetic, half interested. They were sleepy, but they sensed a fight. It would break the monotony of the humdrum jungle life they led.

PT Coiled about his shoulders was Tarzan's long grass rope, in his hand was the hunting knife of the long-dead father he had never known. In Taug's little brain lay a great respect for the shiny bit of sharp metal which the ape-boy knew so well how to use. With it had he slain Tublat, his fierce foster father, and Bolgani, the gorilla. Taug knew these things, and so he came warily, circling about Tarzan in search of an opening. The latter, made cautious because of his lesser bulk and the inferiority of his natural armament, followed similar tactics.

PT For a time it seemed that the altercation would follow the way of the majority of such differences between members of the tribe and that one of them would finally lose interest and wander off to prosecute some other line of endeavor. Such might have been the end of it had the CASUS BELLI been other than it was; but Teeka was flattered at the attention that was being drawn to her and by the fact that these two young bulls were contemplating battle on her account. Such a thing never before had occurred in Teeka's brief life. She had seen other bulls battling for other and older shes, and in the depth of her wild little heart she had longed for the day when the jungle grasses would be reddened with the blood of mortal combat for her fair sake.

PT So now she squatted upon her haunches and insulted both her admirers impartially. She hurled taunts at them for their cowardice, and called them vile names, such as Histah, the snake, and Dango, the hyena. She threatened to call Mumga to chastise them with a stick -- Mumga, who was so old that she could no longer climb and so toothless that she was forced to confine her diet almost exclusively to bananas and grub-worms.

PT The apes who were watching heard and laughed. Taug was infuriated. He made a sudden lunge for Tarzan, but the ape-boy leaped nimbly to one side, eluding him, and with the quickness of a cat wheeled and leaped back again to close quarters. His hunting knife was raised above his head as he came in, and he aimed a vicious blow at Taug's neck. The ape wheeled to dodge the weapon so that the keen blade struck him but a glancing blow upon the shoulder.

PT The spurt of red blood brought a shrill cry of delight from Teeka. Ah, but this was something worth while! She glanced about to see if others had witnessed this evidence of her popularity. Helen of Troy was never one whit more proud than was Teeka at that moment.

PT If Teeka had not been so absorbed in her own vaingloriousness she might have noted the rustling of leaves in the tree above her -- a rustling which was not caused by any movement of the wind, since there was no wind. And had she looked up she might have seen a sleek body crouching almost directly over her and wicked yellow eyes glaring hungrily down upon her, but Teeka did not look up.

PT With his wound Taug had backed off growling horribly. Tarzan had followed him, screaming insults at him, and menacing him with his brandishing blade. Teeka moved from beneath the tree in an effort to keep close to the duelists.

PT The branch above Teeka bent and swayed a trifle with the movement of the body of the watcher stretched along it. Taug had halted now and was preparing to make a new stand. His lips were flecked with foam, and saliva drooled from his jowls. He stood with head lowered and arms outstretched, preparing for a sudden charge to close quarters. Could he but lay his mighty hands upon that soft, brown skin the battle would be his. Taug considered Tarzan's manner of fighting unfair. He would not close. Instead, he leaped nimbly just beyond the reach of Taug's muscular fingers.

PT The ape-boy had as yet never come to a real trial of strength with a bull ape, other than in play, and so he was not at all sure that it would be safe to put his muscles to the test in a life and death struggle. Not that he was afraid, for Tarzan knew nothing of fear. The instinct of self-preservation gave him caution -- that was all. He took risks only when it seemed necessary, and then he would hesitate at nothing.

PT His own method of fighting seemed best fitted to his build and to his armament. His teeth, while strong and sharp, were, as weapons of offense, pitifully inadequate by comparison with the mighty fighting fangs of the anthropoids. By dancing about, just out of reach of an antagonist, Tarzan could do infinite injury with his long, sharp hunting knife, and at the same time escape many of the painful and dangerous wounds which would be sure to follow his falling into the clutches of a bull ape.

PT And so Taug charged and bellowed like a bull, and Tarzan of the Apes danced lightly to this side and that, hurling jungle billingsgate at his foe, the while he nicked him now and again with his knife.

PT There were lulls in the fighting when the two would stand panting for breath, facing each other, mustering their wits and their forces for a new onslaught. It was during a pause such as this that Taug chanced to let his eyes rove beyond his foeman. Instantly the entire aspect of the ape altered. Rage left his countenance to be supplanted by an expression of fear.

PT With a cry that every ape there recognized, Taug turned and fled. No need to question him -- his warning proclaimed the near presence of their ancient enemy.

PT Tarzan started to seek safety, as did the other members of the tribe, and as he did so he heard a panther's scream mingled with the frightened cry of a she-ape. Taug heard, too; but he did not pause in his flight.

PT With the ape-boy, however, it was different. He looked back to see if any member of the tribe was close pressed by the beast of prey, and the sight that met his eyes filled them with an expression of horror.

PT Teeka it was who cried out in terror as she fled across a little clearing toward the trees upon the opposite side, for after her leaped Sheeta, the panther, in easy, graceful bounds. Sheeta appeared to be in no hurry. His meat was assured, since even though the ape reached the trees ahead of him she could not climb beyond his clutches before he could be upon her.

PT Tarzan saw that Teeka must die. He cried to Taug and the other bulls to hasten to Teeka's assistance, and at the same time he ran toward the pursuing beast, taking down his rope as he came. Tarzan knew that once the great bulls were aroused none of the jungle, not even Numa, the lion, was anxious to measure fangs with them, and that if all those of the tribe who chanced to be present today would charge, Sheeta, the great cat, would doubtless turn tail and run for his life.

PT Taug heard, as did the others, but no one came to Tarzan's assistance or Teeka's rescue, and Sheeta was rapidly closing up the distance between himself and his prey.

PT The ape-boy, leaping after the panther, cried aloud to the beast in an effort to turn it from Teeka or otherwise distract its attention until the she-ape could gain the safety of the higher branches where Sheeta dared not go. He called the panther every opprobrious name that fell to his tongue. He dared him to stop and do battle with him; but Sheeta only loped on after the luscious titbit now almost within his reach.

PT Tarzan was not far behind and he was gaining, but the distance was so short that he scarce hoped to overhaul the carnivore before it had felled Teeka. In his right hand the boy swung his grass rope above his head as he ran. He hated to chance a miss, for the distance was much greater than he ever had cast before except in practice. It was the full length of his grass rope which separated him from Sheeta, and yet there was no other thing to do. He could not reach the brute's side before it overhauled Teeka. He must chance a throw.

PT And just as Teeka sprang for the lower limb of a great tree, and Sheeta rose behind her in a long, sinuous leap, the coils of the ape-boy's grass rope shot swiftly through the air, straightening into a long thin line as the open noose hovered for an instant above the savage head and the snarling jaws. Then it settled -- clean and true about the tawny neck it settled, and Tarzan, with a quick twist of his rope-hand, drew the noose taut, bracing himself for the shock when Sheeta should have taken up the slack.

PT Just short of Teeka's glossy rump the cruel talons raked the air as the rope tightened and Sheeta was brought to a sudden stop -- a stop that snapped the big beast over upon his back. Instantly Sheeta was up -- with glaring eyes, and lashing tail, and gaping jaws, from which issued hideous cries of rage and disappointment.

PT He saw the ape-boy, the cause of his discomfiture, scarce forty feet before him, and Sheeta charged.

PT Teeka was safe now; Tarzan saw to that by a quick glance into the tree whose safety she had gained not an instant too soon, and Sheeta was charging. It was useless to risk his life in idle and unequal combat from which no good could come; but could he escape a battle with the enraged cat? And if he was forced to fight, what chance had he to survive? Tarzan was constrained to admit that his position was aught but a desirable one. The trees were too far to hope to reach in time to elude the cat. Tarzan could but stand facing that hideous charge. In his right hand he grasped his hunting knife -- a puny, futile thing indeed by comparison with the great rows of mighty teeth which lined Sheeta's powerful jaws, and the sharp talons encased within his padded paws; yet the young Lord Greystoke faced it with the same courageous resignation with which some fearless ancestor went down to defeat and death on Senlac Hill by Hastings.

PT From safety points in the trees the great apes watched, screaming hatred at Sheeta and advice at Tarzan, for the progenitors of man have, naturally, many human traits. Teeka was frightened. She screamed at the bulls to hasten to Tarzan's assistance; but the bulls were otherwise engaged -- principally in giving advice and making faces. Anyway, Tarzan was not a real Mangani, so why should they risk their lives in an effort to protect him?

PT And now Sheeta was almost upon the lithe, naked body, and -- the body was not there. Quick as was the great cat, the ape-boy was quicker. He leaped to one side almost as the panther's talons were closing upon him, and as Sheeta went hurtling to the ground beyond, Tarzan was racing for the safety of the nearest tree.

PT The panther recovered himself almost immediately and, wheeling, tore after his prey, the ape-boy's rope dragging along the ground behind him. In doubling back after Tarzan, Sheeta had passed around a low bush. It was a mere nothing in the path of any jungle creature of the size and weight of Sheeta -- provided it had no trailing rope dangling behind. But Sheeta was handicapped by such a rope, and as he leaped once again after Tarzan of the Apes the rope encircled the small bush, became tangled in it and brought the panther to a sudden stop. An instant later Tarzan was safe among the higher branches of a small tree into which Sheeta could not follow him.

PT Here he perched, hurling twigs and epithets at the raging feline beneath him. The other members of the tribe now took up the bombardment, using such hard-shelled fruits and dead branches as came within their reach, until Sheeta, goaded to frenzy and snapping at the grass rope, finally succeeded in severing its strands. For a moment the panther stood glaring first at one of his tormentors and then at another, until, with a final scream of rage, he turned and slunk off into the tangled mazes of the jungle.

PT A half hour later the tribe was again upon the ground, feeding as though naught had occurred to interrupt the somber dullness of their lives. Tarzan had recovered the greater part of his rope and was busy fashioning a new noose, while Teeka squatted close behind him, in evident token that her choice was made.

PT Taug eyed them sullenly. Once when he came close, Teeka bared her fangs and growled at him, and Tarzan showed his canines in an ugly snarl; but Taug did not provoke a quarrel. He seemed to accept after the manner of his kind the decision of the she as an indication that he had been vanquished in his battle for her favors.

PT Later in the day, his rope repaired, Tarzan took to the trees in search of game. More than his fellows he required meat, and so, while they were satisfied with fruits and herbs and beetles, which could be discovered without much effort upon their part, Tarzan spent considerable time hunting the game animals whose flesh alone satisfied the cravings of his stomach and furnished sustenance and strength to the mighty thews which, day by day, were building beneath the soft, smooth texture of his brown hide.

PT Taug saw him depart, and then, quite casually, the big beast hunted closer and closer to Teeka in his search for food. At last he was within a few feet of her, and when he shot a covert glance at her he saw that she was appraising him and that there was no evidence of anger upon her face.

PT Taug expanded his great chest and rolled about on his short legs, making strange growlings in his throat. He raised his lips, baring his fangs. My, but what great, beautiful fangs he had! Teeka could not but notice them. She also let her eyes rest in admiration upon Taug's beetling brows and his short, powerful neck. What a beautiful creature he was indeed!

PT Taug, flattered by the unconcealed admiration in her eyes, strutted about, as proud and as vain as a peacock. Presently he began to inventory his assets, mentally, and shortly he found himself comparing them with those of his rival.

PT Taug grunted, for there was no comparison. How could one compare his beautiful coat with the smooth and naked hideousness of Tarzan's bare hide? Who could see beauty in the stingy nose of the Tarmangani after looking at Taug's broad nostrils? And Tarzan's eyes! Hideous things, showing white about them, and entirely unrimmed with red. Taug knew that his own blood-shot eyes were beautiful, for he had seen them reflected in the glassy surface of many a drinking pool.

PT The bull drew nearer to Teeka, finally squatting close against her. When Tarzan returned from his hunting a short time later it was to see Teeka contentedly scratching the back of his rival.

PT Tarzan was disgusted. Neither Taug nor Teeka saw him as he swung through the trees into the glade. He paused a moment, looking at them; then, with a sorrowful grimace, he turned and faded away into the labyrinth of leafy boughs and festooned moss out of which he had come.

PT Tarzan wished to be as far away from the cause of his heartache as he could. He was suffering the first pangs of blighted love, and he didn't quite know what was the matter with him. He thought that he was angry with Taug, and so he couldn't understand why it was that he had run away instead of rushing into mortal combat with the destroyer of his happiness.

PT He also thought that he was angry with Teeka, yet a vision of her many beauties persisted in haunting him, so that he could only see her in the light of love as the most desirable thing in the world.

PT The ape-boy craved affection. From babyhood until the time of her death, when the poisoned arrow of Kulonga had pierced her savage heart, Kala had represented to the English boy the sole object of love which he had known.

PT In her wild, fierce way Kala had loved her adopted son, and Tarzan had returned that love, though the outward demonstrations of it were no greater than might have been expected from any other beast of the jungle. It was not until he was bereft of her that the boy realized how deep had been his attachment for his mother, for as such he looked upon her.

PT In Teeka he had seen within the past few hours a substitute for Kala -- someone to fight for and to hunt for -- someone to caress; but now his dream was shattered. Something hurt within his breast. He placed his hand over his heart and wondered what had happened to him. Vaguely he attributed his pain to Teeka. The more he thought of Teeka as he had last seen her, caressing Taug, the more the thing within his breast hurt him.

PT Tarzan shook his head and growled; then on and on through the jungle he swung, and the farther he traveled and the more he thought upon his wrongs, the nearer he approached becoming an irreclaimable misogynist.

PT Two days later he was still hunting alone -- very morose and very unhappy; but he was determined never to return to the tribe. He could not bear the thought of seeing Taug and Teeka always together. As he swung upon a great limb Numa, the lion, and Sabor, the lioness, passed beneath him, side by side, and Sabor leaned against the lion and bit playfully at his cheek. It was a half-caress. Tarzan sighed and hurled a nut at them.

PT Later he came upon several of Mbonga's black warriors. He was upon the point of dropping his noose about the neck of one of them, who was a little distance from his companions, when he became interested in the thing which occupied the savages. They were building a cage in the trail and covering it with leafy branches. When they had completed their work the structure was scarcely visible.

PT Tarzan wondered what the purpose of the thing might be, and why, when they had built it, they turned away and started back along the trail in the direction of their village.

PT It had been some time since Tarzan had visited the blacks and looked down from the shelter of the great trees which overhung their palisade upon the activities of his enemies, from among whom had come the slayer of Kala.

PT Although he hated them, Tarzan derived considerable entertainment in watching them at their daily life within the village, and especially at their dances, when the fires glared against their naked bodies as they leaped and turned and twisted in mimic warfare. It was rather in the hope of witnessing something of the kind that he now followed the warriors back toward their village, but in this he was disappointed, for there was no dance that night.

PT Instead, from the safe concealment of his tree, Tarzan saw little groups seated about tiny fires discussing the events of the day, and in the darker corners of the village he descried isolated couples talking and laughing together, and always one of each couple was a young man and the other a young woman.

PT Tarzan cocked his head upon one side and thought, and before he went to sleep that night, curled in the crotch of the great tree above the village, Teeka filled his mind, and afterward she filled his dreams -- she and the young black men laughing and talking with the young black women.

PT Taug, hunting alone, had wandered some distance from the balance of the tribe. He was making his way slowly along an elephant path when he discovered that it was blocked with undergrowth. Now Taug, come into maturity, was an evil-natured brute of an exceeding short temper. When something thwarted him, his sole idea was to overcome it by brute strength and ferocity, and so now when he found his way blocked, he tore angrily into the leafy screen and an instant later found himself within a strange lair, his progress effectually blocked, notwithstanding his most violent efforts to forge ahead.

PT Biting and striking at the barrier, Taug finally worked himself into a frightful rage, but all to no avail; and at last he became convinced that he must turn back. But when he would have done so, what was his chagrin to discover that another barrier had dropped behind him while he fought to break down the one before him! Taug was trapped. Until exhaustion overcame him he fought frantically for his freedom; but all for naught.

PT In the morning a party of blacks set out from the village of Mbonga in the direction of the trap they had constructed the previous day, while among the branches of the trees above them hovered a naked young giant filled with the curiosity of the wild things. Manu, the monkey, chattered and scolded as Tarzan passed, and though he was not afraid of the familiar figure of the ape-boy, he hugged closer to him the little brown body of his life's companion. Tarzan laughed as he saw it; but the laugh was followed by a sudden clouding of his face and a deep sigh.

PT A little farther on, a gaily feathered bird strutted about before the admiring eyes of his somber-hued mate. It seemed to Tarzan that everything in the jungle was combining to remind him that he had lost Teeka; yet every day of his life he had seen these same things and thought nothing of them.

PT When the blacks reached the trap, Taug set up a great commotion. Seizing the bars of his prison, he shook them frantically, and all the while he roared and growled terrifically. The blacks were elated, for while they had not built their trap for this hairy tree man, they were delighted with their catch.

PT Tarzan pricked up his ears when he heard the voice of a great ape and, circling quickly until he was down wind from the trap, he sniffed at the air in search of the scent spoor of the prisoner. Nor was it long before there came to those delicate nostrils the familiar odor that told Tarzan the identity of the captive as unerringly as though he had looked upon Taug with his eyes. Yes, it was Taug, and he was alone.

PT Tarzan grinned as he approached to discover what the blacks would do to their prisoner. Doubtless they would slay him at once. Again Tarzan grinned. Now he could have Teeka for his own, with none to dispute his right to her. As he watched, he saw the black warriors strip the screen from about the cage, fasten ropes to it and drag it away along the trail in the direction of their village.

PT Tarzan watched until his rival passed out of sight, still beating upon the bars of his prison and growling out his anger and his threats. Then the ape-boy turned and swung rapidly off in search of the tribe, and Teeka.

PT Once, upon the journey, he surprised Sheeta and his family in a little overgrown clearing. The great cat lay stretched upon the ground, while his mate, one paw across her lord's savage face, licked at the soft white fur at his throat.

PT Tarzan increased his speed then until he fairly flew through the forest, nor was it long before he came upon the tribe. He saw them before they saw him, for of all the jungle creatures, none passed more quietly than Tarzan of the Apes. He saw Kamma and her mate feeding side by side, their hairy bodies rubbing against each other. And he saw Teeka feeding by herself. Not for long would she feed thus in loneliness, thought Tarzan, as with a bound he landed amongst them.

PT There was a startled rush and a chorus of angry and frightened snarls, for Tarzan had surprised them; but there was more, too, than mere nervous shock to account for the bristling neck hair which remained standing long after the apes had discovered the identity of the newcomer.

PT Tarzan noticed this as he had noticed it many times in the past -- that always his sudden coming among them left them nervous and unstrung for a considerable time, and that they one and all found it necessary to satisfy themselves that he was indeed Tarzan by smelling about him a half dozen or more times before they calmed down.

PT Pushing through them, he made his way toward Teeka; but as he approached her the ape drew away.

PT "Teeka,"he said,"it is Tarzan. You belong to Tarzan. I have come for you."

PT The ape drew closer, looking him over carefully. Finally she sniffed at him, as though to make assurance doubly sure.

PT "Where is Taug?"she asked.

PT "The Gomangani have him,"replied Tarzan."They will kill him."

PT In the eyes of the she, Tarzan saw a wistful expression and a troubled look of sorrow as he told her of Taug's fate; but she came quite close and snuggled against him, and Tarzan, Lord Greystoke, put his arm about her.

PT As he did so he noticed, with a start, the strange incongruity of that smooth, brown arm against the black and hairy coat of his lady-love. He recalled the paw of Sheeta's mate across Sheeta's face -- no incongruity there. He thought of little Manu hugging his she, and how the one seemed to belong to the other. Even the proud male bird, with his gay plumage, bore a close resemblance to his quieter spouse, while Numa, but for his shaggy mane, was almost a counterpart of Sabor, the lioness. The males and the females differed, it was true; but not with such differences as existed between Tarzan and Teeka.

PT Tarzan was puzzled. There was something wrong. His arm dropped from the shoulder of Teeka. Very slowly he drew away from her. She looked at him with her head cocked upon one side. Tarzan rose to his full height and beat upon his breast with his fists. He raised his head toward the heavens and opened his mouth. From the depths of his lungs rose the fierce, weird challenge of the victorious bull ape. The tribe turned curiously to eye him. He had killed nothing, nor was there any antagonist to be goaded to madness by the savage scream. No, there was no excuse for it, and they turned back to their feeding, but with an eye upon the ape-man lest he be preparing to suddenly run amuck.

PT As they watched him they saw him swing into a near-by tree and disappear from sight. Then they forgot him, even Teeka.

PT Mbonga's black warriors, sweating beneath their strenuous task, and resting often, made slow progress toward their village. Always the savage beast in the primitive cage growled and roared when they moved him. He beat upon the bars and slavered at the mouth. His noise was hideous.

PT They had almost completed their journey and were making their final rest before forging ahead to gain the clearing in which lay their village. A few more minutes would have taken them out of the forest, and then, doubtless, the thing would not have happened which did happen.

PT A silent figure moved through the trees above them. Keen eyes inspected the cage and counted the number of warriors. An alert and daring brain figured upon the chances of success when a certain plan should be put to the test.

PT Tarzan watched the blacks lolling in the shade. They were exhausted. Already several of them slept. He crept closer, pausing just above them. Not a leaf rustled before his stealthy advance. He waited in the infinite patience of the beast of prey. Presently but two of the warriors remained awake, and one of these was dozing.

PT Tarzan of the Apes gathered himself, and as he did so the black who did not sleep arose and passed around to the rear of the cage. The ape-boy followed just above his head. Taug was eyeing the warrior and emitting low growls. Tarzan feared that the anthropoid would awaken the sleepers.

PT In a whisper which was inaudible to the ears of the Negro, Tarzan whispered Taug's name, cautioning the ape to silence, and Taug's growling ceased.

PT The black approached the rear of the cage and examined the fastenings of the door, and as he stood there the beast above him launched itself from the tree full upon his back. Steel fingers circled his throat, choking the cry which sprang to the lips of the terrified man. Strong teeth fastened themselves in his shoulder, and powerful legs wound themselves about his torso.

PT The black in a frenzy of terror tried to dislodge the silent thing which clung to him. He threw himself to the ground and rolled about; but still those mighty fingers closed more and more tightly their deadly grip.

PT The man's mouth gaped wide, his swollen tongue protruded, his eyes started from their sockets; but the relentless fingers only increased their pressure.

PT Taug was a silent witness of the struggle. In his fierce little brain he doubtless wondered what purpose prompted Tarzan to attack the black. Taug had not forgotten his recent battle with the ape-boy, nor the cause of it. Now he saw the form of the Gomangani suddenly go limp. There was a convulsive shiver and the man lay still.

PT Tarzan sprang from his prey and ran to the door of the cage. With nimble fingers he worked rapidly at the thongs which held the door in place. Taug could only watch -- he could not help. Presently Tarzan pushed the thing up a couple of feet and Taug crawled out. The ape would have turned upon the sleeping blacks that he might wreak his pent vengeance; but Tarzan would not permit it.

PT Instead, the ape-boy dragged the body of the black within the cage and propped it against the side bars. Then he lowered the door and made fast the thongs as they had been before.

PT A happy smile lighted his features as he worked, for one of his principal diversions was the baiting of the blacks of Mbonga's village. He could imagine their terror when they awoke and found the dead body of their comrade fast in the cage where they had left the great ape safely secured but a few minutes before.

PT Tarzan and Taug took to the trees together, the shaggy coat of the fierce ape brushing the sleek skin of the English lordling as they passed through the primeval jungle side by side.

PT "Go back to Teeka,"said Tarzan."She is yours. Tarzan does not want her."

PT "Tarzan has found another she?"asked Taug.

PT The ape-boy shrugged.

PT "For the Gomangani there is another Gomangani,"he said;"for Numa, the lion, there is Sabor, the lioness; for Sheeta there is a she of his own kind; for Bara, the deer; for Manu, the monkey; for all the beasts and the birds of the jungle is there a mate. Only for Tarzan of the Apes is there none. Taug is an ape. Teeka is an ape. Go back to Teeka. Tarzan is a man. He will go alone."

The Capture of Tarzan

PT THE BLACK WARRIORS labored in the humid heat of the jungle's stifling shade. With war spears they loosened the thick, black loam and the deep layers of rotting vegetation. With heavy-nailed fingers they scooped away the disintegrated earth from the center of the age-old game trail. Often they ceased their labors to squat, resting and gossiping, with much laughter, at the edge of the pit they were digging.

PT Against the boles of near-by trees leaned their long, oval shields of thick buffalo hide, and the spears of those who were doing the scooping. Sweat glistened upon their smooth, ebon skins, beneath which rolled rounded muscles, supple in the perfection of nature's uncontaminated health.

PT A reed buck, stepping warily along the trail toward water, halted as a burst of laughter broke upon his startled ears. For a moment he stood statuesque but for his sensitively dilating nostrils; then he wheeled and fled noiselessly from the terrifying presence of man.

PT A hundred yards away, deep in the tangle of impenetrable jungle, Numa, the lion, raised his massive head. Numa had dined well until almost daybreak and it had required much noise to awaken him. Now he lifted his muzzle and sniffed the air, caught the acrid scent spoor of the reed buck and the heavy scent of man. But Numa was well filled. With a low, disgusted grunt he rose and slunk away.

PT Brilliantly plumaged birds with raucous voices darted from tree to tree. Little monkeys, chattering and scolding, swung through the swaying limbs above the black warriors. Yet they were alone, for the teeming jungle with all its myriad life, like the swarming streets of a great metropolis, is one of the loneliest spots in God's great universe.

PT But were they alone?

PT Above them, lightly balanced upon a leafy tree limb, a gray-eyed youth watched with eager intentness their every move. The fire of hate, restrained, smoldered beneath the lad's evident desire to know the purpose of the black men's labors. Such a one as these it was who had slain his beloved Kala. For them there could be naught but enmity, yet he liked well to watch them, avid as he was for greater knowledge of the ways of man.

PT He saw the pit grow in depth until a great hole yawned the width of the trail -- a hole which was amply large enough to hold at one time all of the six excavators. Tarzan could not guess the purpose of so great a labor. And when they cut long stakes, sharpened at their upper ends, and set them at intervals upright in the bottom of the pit, his wonderment but increased, nor was it satisfied with the placing of the light cross-poles over the pit, or the careful arrangement of leaves and earth which completely hid from view the work the black men had performed.

PT When they were done they surveyed their handiwork with evident satisfaction, and Tarzan surveyed it, too. Even to his practiced eye there remained scarce a vestige of evidence that the ancient game trail had been tampered with in any way.

PT So absorbed was the ape-man in speculation as to the purpose of the covered pit that he permitted the blacks to depart in the direction of their village without the usual baiting which had rendered him the terror of Mbonga's people and had afforded Tarzan both a vehicle of revenge and a source of inexhaustible delight.

PT Puzzle as he would, however, he could not solve the mystery of the concealed pit, for the ways of the blacks were still strange ways to Tarzan. They had entered his jungle but a short time before -- the first of their kind to encroach upon the age-old supremacy of the beasts which laired there. To Numa, the lion, to Tantor, the elephant, to the great apes and the lesser apes, to each and all of the myriad creatures of this savage wild, the ways of man were new. They had much to learn of these black, hairless creatures that walked erect upon their hind paws -- and they were learning it slowly, and always to their sorrow.

PT Shortly after the blacks had departed, Tarzan swung easily to the trail. Sniffing suspiciously, he circled the edge of the pit. Squatting upon his haunches, he scraped away a little earth to expose one of the cross-bars. He sniffed at this, touched it, cocked his head upon one side, and contemplated it gravely for several minutes. Then he carefully re-covered it, arranging the earth as neatly as had the blacks. This done, he swung himself back among the branches of the trees and moved off in search of his hairy fellows, the great apes of the tribe of Kerchak.

PT Once he crossed the trail of Numa, the lion, pausing for a moment to hurl a soft fruit at the snarling face of his enemy, and to taunt and insult him, calling him eater of carrion and brother of Dango, the hyena. Numa, his yellow-green eyes round and burning with concentrated hate, glared up at the dancing figure above him. Low growls vibrated his heavy jowls and his great rage transmitted to his sinuous tail a sharp, whiplike motion; but realizing from past experience the futility of long distance argument with the ape-man, he turned presently and struck off into the tangled vegetation which hid him from the view of his tormentor. With a final scream of jungle invective and an apelike grimace at his departing foe, Tarzan continued along his way.

PT Another mile and a shifting wind brought to his keen nostrils a familiar, pungent odor close at hand, and a moment later there loomed beneath him a huge, gray-black bulk forging steadily along the jungle trail. Tarzan seized and broke a small tree limb, and at the sudden cracking sound the ponderous figure halted. Great ears were thrown forward, and a long, supple trunk rose quickly to wave to and fro in search of the scent of an enemy, while two weak, little eyes peered suspiciously and futilely about in quest of the author of the noise which had disturbed his peaceful way.

PT Tarzan laughed aloud and came closer above the head of the pachyderm.

PT "Tantor! Tantor!"he cried."Bara, the deer, is less fearful than you -- you, Tantor, the elephant, greatest of the jungle folk with the strength of as many Numas as I have toes upon my feet and fingers upon my hands. Tantor, who can uproot great trees, trembles with fear at the sound of a broken twig."

PT A rumbling noise, which might have been either a sign of contempt or a sigh of relief, was Tantor's only reply as the uplifted trunk and ears came down and the beast's tail dropped to normal; but his eyes still roved about in search of Tarzan. He was not long kept in suspense, however, as to the whereabouts of the ape-man, for a second later the youth dropped lightly to the broad head of his old friend. Then stretching himself at full length, he drummed with his bare toes upon the thick hide, and as his fingers scratched the more tender surfaces beneath the great ears, he talked to Tantor of the gossip of the jungle as though the great beast understood every word that he said.

PT Much there was which Tarzan could make Tantor understand, and though the small talk of the wild was beyond the great, gray dreadnaught of the jungle, he stood with blinking eyes and gently swaying trunk as though drinking in every word of it with keenest appreciation. As a matter of fact it was the pleasant, friendly voice and caressing hands behind his ears which he enjoyed, and the close proximity of him whom he had often borne upon his back since Tarzan, as a little child, had once fearlessly approached the great bull, assuming upon the part of the pachyderm the same friendliness which filled his own heart.

PT In the years of their association Tarzan had discovered that he possessed an inexplicable power to govern and direct his mighty friend. At his bidding, Tantor would come from a great distance -- as far as his keen ears could detect the shrill and piercing summons of the ape-man -- and when Tarzan was squatted upon his head, Tantor would lumber through the jungle in any direction which his rider bade him go. It was the power of the man-mind over that of the brute and it was just as effective as though both fully understood its origin, though neither did.

PT For half an hour Tarzan sprawled there upon Tantor's back. Time had no meaning for either of them. Life, as they saw it, consisted principally in keeping their stomachs filled. To Tarzan this was a less arduous labor than to Tantor, for Tarzan's stomach was smaller, and being omnivorous, food was less difficult to obtain. If one sort did not come readily to hand, there were always many others to satisfy his hunger. He was less particular as to his diet than Tantor, who would eat only the bark of certain trees, and the wood of others, while a third appealed to him only through its leaves, and these, perhaps, just at certain seasons of the year.

PT Tantor must needs spend the better part of his life in filling his immense stomach against the needs of his mighty thews. It is thus with all the lower orders -- their lives are so occupied either with searching for food or with the processes of digestion that they have little time for other considerations. Doubtless it is this handicap which has kept them from advancing as rapidly as man, who has more time to give to thought upon other matters.

PT However, these questions troubled Tarzan but little, and Tantor not at all. What the former knew was that he was happy in the companionship of the elephant. He did not know why. He did not know that because he was a human being -- a normal, healthy human being -- he craved some living thing upon which to lavish his affection. His childhood playmates among the apes of Kerchak were now great, sullen brutes. They felt nor inspired but little affection. The younger apes Tarzan still played with occasionally. In his savage way he loved them; but they were far from satisfying or restful companions. Tantor was a great mountain of calm, of poise, of stability. It was restful and satisfying to sprawl upon his rough pate and pour one's vague hopes and aspirations into the great ears which flapped ponderously to and fro in apparent understanding. Of all the jungle folk, Tantor commanded Tarzan's greatest love since Kala had been taken from him. Sometimes Tarzan wondered if Tantor reciprocated his affection. It was difficult to know.

PT It was the call of the stomach -- the most compelling and insistent call which the jungle knows -- that took Tarzan finally back to the trees and off in search of food, while Tantor continued his interrupted journey in the opposite direction.

PT For an hour the ape-man foraged. A lofty nest yielded its fresh, warm harvest. Fruits, berries, and tender plantain found a place upon his menu in the order that he happened upon them, for he did not seek such foods. Meat, meat, meat! It was always meat that Tarzan of the Apes hunted; but sometimes meat eluded him, as today.

PT And as he roamed the jungle his active mind busied itself not alone with his hunting, but with many other subjects. He had a habit of recalling often the events of the preceding days and hours. He lived over his visit with Tantor; he cogitated upon the digging blacks and the strange, covered pit they had left behind them. He wondered again and again what its purpose might be. He compared perceptions and arrived at judgments. He compared judgments, reaching conclusions -- not always correct ones, it is true, but at least he used his brain for the purpose God intended it, which was the less difficult because he was not handicapped by the second-hand, and usually erroneous, judgment of others.

PT And as he puzzled over the covered pit, there loomed suddenly before his mental vision a huge, gray-black bulk which lumbered ponderously along a jungle trail. Instantly Tarzan tensed to the shock of a sudden fear. Decision and action usually occurred simultaneously in the life of the ape-man, and now he was away through the leafy branches ere the realization of the pit's purpose had scarce formed in his mind.

PT Swinging from swaying limb to swaying limb, he raced through the middle terraces where the trees grew close together. Again he dropped to the ground and sped, silently and light of foot, over the carpet of decaying vegetation, only to leap again into the trees where the tangled undergrowth precluded rapid advance upon the surface.

PT In his anxiety he cast discretion to the winds. The caution of the beast was lost in the loyalty of the man, and so it came that he entered a large clearing, denuded of trees, without a thought of what might lie there or upon the farther edge to dispute the way with him.

PT He was half way across when directly in his path and but a few yards away there rose from a clump of tall grasses a half dozen chattering birds. Instantly Tarzan turned aside, for he knew well enough what manner of creature the presence of these little sentinels proclaimed. Simultaneously Buto, the rhinoceros, scrambled to his short legs and charged furiously. Haphazard charges Buto, the rhinoceros. With his weak eyes he sees but poorly even at short distances, and whether his erratic rushes are due to the panic of fear as he attempts to escape, or to the irascible temper with which he is generally credited, it is difficult to determine. Nor is the matter of little moment to one whom Buto charges, for if he be caught and tossed, the chances are that naught will interest him thereafter.

PT And today it chanced that Buto bore down straight upon Tarzan, across the few yards of knee-deep grass which separated them. Accident started him in the direction of the ape-man, and then his weak eyes discerned the enemy, and with a series of snorts he charged straight for him. The little rhino birds fluttered and circled about their giant ward. Among the branches of the trees at the edge of the clearing, a score or more monkeys chattered and scolded as the loud snorts of the angry beast sent them scurrying affrightedly to the upper terraces. Tarzan alone appeared indifferent and serene.

PT Directly in the path of the charge he stood. There had been no time to seek safety in the trees beyond the clearing, nor had Tarzan any mind to delay his journey because of Buto. He had met the stupid beast before and held him in fine contempt.

PT And now Buto was upon him, the massive head lowered and the long, heavy horn inclined for the frightful work for which nature had designed it; but as he struck upward, his weapon raked only thin air, for the ape-man had sprung lightly aloft with a catlike leap that carried him above the threatening horn to the broad back of the rhinoceros. Another spring and he was on the ground behind the brute and racing like a deer for the trees.

PT Buto, angered and mystified by the strange disappearance of his prey, wheeled and charged frantically in another direction, which chanced to be not the direction of Tarzan's flight, and so the ape-man came in safety to the trees and continued on his swift way through the forest.

PT Some distance ahead of him Tantor moved steadily along the well-worn elephant trail, and ahead of Tantor a crouching, black warrior listened intently in the middle of the path. Presently he heard the sound for which he had been hoping -- the cracking, snapping sound which heralded the approach of an elephant.

PT To his right and left in other parts of the jungle other warriors were watching. A low signal, passed from one to another, apprised the most distant that the quarry was afoot. Rapidly they converged toward the trail, taking positions in trees down wind from the point at which Tantor must pass them. Silently they waited and presently were rewarded by the sight of a mighty tusker carrying an amount of ivory in his long tusks that set their greedy hearts to palpitating.

PT No sooner had he passed their positions than the warriors clambered from their perches. No longer were they silent, but instead clapped their hands and shouted as they reached the ground. For an instant Tantor, the elephant, paused with upraised trunk and tail, with great ears up-pricked, and then he swung on along the trail at a rapid, shuffling pace -- straight toward the covered pit with its sharpened stakes upstanding in the ground.

PT Behind him came the yelling warriors, urging him on in the rapid flight which would not permit a careful examination of the ground before him. Tantor, the elephant, who could have turned and scattered his adversaries with a single charge, fled like a frightened deer -- fled toward a hideous, torturing death.

PT And behind them all came Tarzan of the Apes, racing through the jungle forest with the speed and agility of a squirrel, for he had heard the shouts of the warriors and had interpreted them correctly. Once he uttered a piercing call that reverberated through the jungle; but Tantor, in the panic of terror, either failed to hear, or hearing, dared not pause to heed.

PT Now the giant pachyderm was but a few yards from the hidden death lurking in his path, and the blacks, certain of success, were screaming and dancing in his wake, waving their war spears and celebrating in advance the acquisition of the splendid ivory carried by their prey and the surfeit of elephant meat which would be theirs this night.

PT So intent were they upon their gratulations that they entirely failed to note the silent passage of the man-beast above their heads, nor did Tantor, either, see or hear him, even though Tarzan called to him to stop.

PT A few more steps would precipitate Tantor upon the sharpened stakes; Tarzan fairly flew through the trees until he had come abreast of the fleeing animal and then had passed him. At the pit's verge the ape-man dropped to the ground in the center of the trail. Tantor was almost upon him before his weak eyes permitted him to recognize his old friend.

PT "Stop!"cried Tarzan, and the great beast halted to the upraised hand.

PT Tarzan turned and kicked aside some of the brush which hid the pit. Instantly Tantor saw and understood.

PT "Fight!"growled Tarzan."They are coming behind you."But Tantor, the elephant, is a huge bunch of nerves, and now he was half panic-stricken by terror.

PT Before him yawned the pit, how far he did not know, but to right and left lay the primeval jungle untouched by man. With a squeal the great beast turned suddenly at right angles and burst his noisy way through the solid wall of matted vegetation that would have stopped any but him.

PT Tarzan, standing upon the edge of the pit, smiled as he watched Tantor's undignified flight. Soon the blacks would come. It was best that Tarzan of the Apes faded from the scene. He essayed a step from the pit's edge, and as he threw the weight of his body upon his left foot, the earth crumbled away. Tarzan made a single Herculean effort to throw himself forward, but it was too late. Backward and downward he went toward the sharpened stakes in the bottom of the pit.

PT When, a moment later, the blacks came they saw even from a distance that Tantor had eluded them, for the size of the hole in the pit covering was too small to have accommodated the huge bulk of an elephant. At first they thought that their prey had put one great foot through the top and then, warned, drawn back; but when they had come to the pit's verge and peered over, their eyes went wide in astonishment, for, quiet and still, at the bottom lay the naked figure of a white giant.

PT Some of them there had glimpsed this forest god before and they drew back in terror, awed by the presence which they had for some time believed to possess the miraculous powers of a demon; but others there were who pushed forward, thinking only of the capture of an enemy, and these leaped into the pit and lifted Tarzan out.

PT There was no scar upon his body. None of the sharpened stakes had pierced him -- only a swollen spot at the base of the brain indicated the nature of his injury. In the falling backward his head had struck upon the side of one of the stakes, rendering him unconscious. The blacks were quick to discover this, and equally quick to bind their prisoner's arms and legs before he should regain consciousness, for they had learned to harbor a wholesome respect for this strange man-beast that consorted with the hairy tree folk.

PT They had carried him but a short distance toward their village when the ape-man's eyelids quivered and raised. He looked about him wonderingly for a moment, and then full consciousness returned and he realized the seriousness of his predicament. Accustomed almost from birth to relying solely upon his own resources, he did not cast about for outside aid now, but devoted his mind to a consideration of the possibilities for escape which lay within himself and his own powers.

PT He did not dare test the strength of his bonds while the blacks were carrying him, for fear they would become apprehensive and add to them. Presently his captors discovered that he was conscious, and as they had little stomach for carrying a heavy man through the jungle heat, they set him upon his feet and forced him forward among them, pricking him now and then with their spears, yet with every manifestation of the superstitious awe in which they held him.

PT When they discovered that their prodding brought no outward evidence of suffering, their awe increased, so that they soon desisted, half believing that this strange white giant was a supernatural being and so was immune from pain.

PT As they approached their village, they shouted aloud the victorious cries of successful warriors, so that by the time they reached the gate, dancing and waving their spears, a great crowd of men, women, and children were gathered there to greet them and hear the story of their adventure.

PT As the eyes of the villagers fell upon the prisoner, they went wild, and heavy jaws fell open in astonishment and incredulity. For months they had lived in perpetual terror of a weird, white demon whom but few had ever glimpsed and lived to describe. Warriors had disappeared from the paths almost within sight of the village and from the midst of their companions as mysteriously and completely as though they had been swallowed by the earth, and later, at night, their dead bodies had fallen, as from the heavens, into the village street.

PT This fearsome creature had appeared by night in the huts of the village, killed, and disappeared, leaving behind him in the huts with his dead, strange and terrifying evidences of an uncanny sense of humor.

PT But now he was in their power! No longer could he terrorize them. Slowly the realization of this dawned upon them. A woman, screaming, ran forward and struck the ape-man across the face. Another and another followed her example, until Tarzan of the Apes was surrounded by a fighting, clawing, yelling mob of natives.

PT And then Mbonga, the chief, came, and laying his spear heavily across the shoulders of his people, drove them from their prey.

PT "We will save him until night,"he said.

PT Far out in the jungle Tantor, the elephant, his first panic of fear allayed, stood with up-pricked ears and undulating trunk. What was passing through the convolutions of his savage brain? Could he be searching for Tarzan? Could he recall and measure the service the ape-man had performed for him? Of that there can be no doubt. But did he feel gratitude? Would he have risked his own life to have saved Tarzan could he have known of the danger which confronted his friend? You will doubt it. Anyone at all familiar with elephants will doubt it. Englishmen who have hunted much with elephants in India will tell you that they never have heard of an instance in which one of these animals has gone to the aid of a man in danger, even though the man had often befriended it. And so it is to be doubted that Tantor would have attempted to overcome his instinctive fear of the black men in an effort to succor Tarzan.

PT The screams of the infuriated villagers came faintly to his sensitive ears, and he wheeled, as though in terror, contemplating flight; but something stayed him, and again he turned about, raised his trunk, and gave voice to a shrill cry.

PT Then he stood listening.

PT In the distant village where Mbonga had restored quiet and order, the voice of Tantor was scarcely audible to the blacks, but to the keen ears of Tarzan of the Apes it bore its message.

PT His captors were leading him to a hut where he might be confined and guarded against the coming of the nocturnal orgy that would mark his torture-laden death. He halted as he heard the notes of Tantor's call, and raising his head, gave vent to a terrifying scream that sent cold chills through the superstitious blacks and caused the warriors who guarded him to leap back even though their prisoner's arms were securely bound behind him.

Versão em Português

1 - O Primeiro Amor de Tarzan

2 - A Captura de Tarzan

O Primeiro Amor de Tarzan

En Teeka estava estirada luxuosamente à sombra da floresta tropical, apresentando uma imagem sedutora de encanto juvenil feminino. Pelo menos, essa era a opinião de Tarzan, o macaco, que estava sentado em um galho baixo de uma árvore próxima, olhando para ela.

En Se você o tivesse visto relaxando no galho oscilante de um gigante da selva, sua pele morena manchada pela luz equatorial brilhante que filtrava através do dossel de folhas acima, seu corpo gracioso relaxado, sua cabeça bem torneada voltada em pensamento e seus olhos cinzentos inteligentes fixos sonhadoramente no objeto de sua devoção, você o teria considerado a reencarnação de um semideus antigo.

En Você não poderia ter adivinhado que, quando bebê, ele havia mamado no seio de uma horrenda e peluda macaca, nem que, desde que seus pais morreram na pequena cabana junto ao porto sem saída para o mar na beira da selva, ele não conhecera outros companheiros senão os machos sombrios e as fêmeas rosnadoras da tribo de Kerchak, o grande macaco.

En Mesmo se você pudesse ler os pensamentos que percorriam aquele cérebro ativo e saudável — os anseios, desejos e aspirações inspirados pela visão de Teeka — você ainda assim dificilmente acreditaria na verdade da origem do homem-macaco. Seus pensamentos sozinhos nunca revelariam que ele havia nascido de uma gentil dama inglesa ou que seu pai era um nobre inglês de linhagem antiga.

En Tarzan ignorava sua verdadeira origem. Ele não sabia que era John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, com um assento na Câmara dos Lordes, e mesmo se soubesse, não teria entendido o que isso significava.

En Era inegável: Teeka era verdadeiramente bonita.

En Claro, Kala tinha sido bonita — a mãe de alguém sempre é — mas Teeka possuía uma beleza única e indescritível que Tarzan estava apenas começando a perceber de forma vaga e nebulosa.

En Por muitos anos, Tarzan e Teeka foram companheiros de brincadeiras. Enquanto outros jovens macacos da idade dela se tornavam mal-humorados e taciturnos, Teeka permanecia brincalhona. Tarzan provavelmente pensava que seu crescente apego por ela era simplesmente porque eles sozinhos ainda desejavam brincar como antes.

En Naquele dia, enquanto Tarzan estava sentado observando Teeka, ele começou a notar as belezas de sua forma e feições — algo que nunca havia feito antes, já que seu foco sempre estivera na habilidade dela para brincar. Ele coçou a cabeça e suspirou. A recém-descoberta beleza dela tornou-se seu desespero. Ele invejava sua bela pelagem; sua própria pele lisa e morena ele odiava. Há muito esperava crescer cabelo como seus irmãos e irmãs, mas recentemente abandonara esse sonho.

En Os dentes grandes de Teeka, embora não tão grandes quanto os dos machos, ainda eram impressionantes em comparação com os fracos dentes brancos de Tarzan. Suas sobrancelhas salientes, nariz largo e chato e boca — Tarzan frequentemente tentava imitar sua expressão fofa de inflar as bochechas e piscar, mas sentia que nunca conseguiria fazê-lo de forma tão irresistível quanto ela.

En Tarzan observou Teeka naquela tarde, sentindo-se curioso. Um jovem macaco chamado Taug, que procurava comida preguiçosamente sob as folhas úmidas perto de uma árvore, moveu-se desajeitadamente em direção a ela. Os outros macacos da tribo de Kerchak se moviam sem energia no calor do meio-dia. Tarzan não se interessara quando outros passavam perto de Teeka, mas agora suas sobrancelhas se contraíram e seus músculos se tensionaram ao ver Taug parar ao lado dela e se agachar.

En Tarzan sempre gostou de Taug. Eles brincaram juntos desde a infância, sentados lado a lado perto da água, usando seus dedos rápidos para pegar peixes quando eles vinham à superfície atrás dos insetos que Tarzan jogava.

En Juntos, eles provocaram Tublat e implicaram com Numa, o leão. Então por que Tarzan sentia os pelos da nuca se eriçarem simplesmente porque Taug se sentou perto de Teeka?

En Era verdade que Taug já não era mais o macaco brincalhão de antes. Quando seus músculos de rosnar mostravam suas enormes presas, ninguém podia imaginar que ele estava de bom humor como quando ele e Tarzan lutavam. O Taug de hoje era um enorme e mal-humorado macaco, sombrio e intimidador. No entanto, ele e Tarzan nunca haviam brigado.

En Por alguns minutos, o jovem homem-macaco observou Taug se aproximar de Teeka. Ele viu a carícia áspera da pata grande acariciando o ombro macio da fêmea. Então Tarzan dos Macacos deslizou como um gato até o chão e se aproximou deles.

En À medida que se aproximava, seu lábio superior se curvou em um rosnado, mostrando seus dentes de luta, e um profundo rosnado saiu de seu peito. Taug olhou para cima, piscando seus olhos injetados. Teeka ergueu-se ligeiramente e olhou para Tarzan. Se ela entendia a causa de sua agitação era incerto. Mas, sendo fêmea, ela estendeu a mão e coçou Taug atrás de uma de suas pequenas e achatadas orelhas.

En Tarzan viu Teeka, e naquele momento ela não era mais a pequena companheira de brincadeiras de uma hora atrás. Em vez disso, ela era uma coisa maravilhosa, a mais maravilhosa do mundo, uma posse pela qual Tarzan lutaria até a morte contra Taug ou qualquer um que questionasse seu direito de possuí-la.

En Curvado, com os músculos tensos e um grande ombro virado para o jovem touro, Tarzan se aproximou de lado. Seu rosto estava parcialmente desviado, mas seus olhos cinzentos e atentos nunca deixaram Taug. À medida que se aproximava, seus rosnados se tornavam mais profundos e altos.

En Taug ergueu-se sobre suas pernas curtas, eriçado. Seus dentes de luta estavam à mostra. Ele também se aproximou de lado, com as pernas rígidas, e rosnou.

En Usando os grunhidos baixos dos grandes símios, o homem-macaco declarou que Teeka pertencia a Tarzan.

En O macaco-velho respondeu que Teeka pertencia a Taug.

En Thaka, Numgo e Gunto, despertados pelos rosnados dos dois jovens machos, olharam para cima com uma mistura de apatia e interesse. Sonolentos como estavam, reconheceram a perspectiva de uma briga, que aliviaria a monotonia de sua mundana existência na selva.

En Tarzan carregava sua longa corda de capim enrolada nos ombros e segurava a faca de caça que pertencera a seu pai, a quem nunca conheceu. Na mente de Taug, havia grande respeito por aquela lâmina de metal afiada, que o menino-macaco manejava com habilidade. Com ela, Tarzan matara Tublat, seu feroz pai adotivo, e Bolgani, o gorila. Ciente desses feitos, Taug aproximou-se cautelosamente, circulando Tarzan em busca de uma abertura. Tarzan, tornado cuidadoso por seu tamanho menor e armas naturais inferiores, empregou táticas semelhantes.

En Por um tempo, pareceu que a disputa terminaria como a maioria dos desentendimentos tribais, com um deles eventualmente perdendo o interesse e indo embora. Esse poderia ter sido o resultado se a causa da briga fosse outra coisa. Mas Teeka estava lisonjeada pela atenção e pelo fato de aqueles dois jovens machos estarem contemplando uma batalha por sua causa. Nada assim jamais acontecera na curta vida de Teeka. Ela vira outros machos lutando por fêmeas mais velhas, e no fundo de seu coração selvagem, ela ansiava pelo dia em que as gramíneas da selva seriam avermelhadas por um combate mortal por sua causa.

En Ela então se agachou sobre as patas traseiras e insultou ambos os admiradores imparcialmente, lançando provocações sobre sua covardia e chamando-os de nomes vis como Histah, a cobra, e Dango, a hiena. Ameaçou chamar Mumga para puni-los com um pedaço de pau — Mumga, que era tão velha que não conseguia mais subir em árvores e tão desdentada que sua dieta consistia quase inteiramente de bananas e larvas.

En Taug ficou furioso quando os macacos que assistiam riram. Ele avançou contra Tarzan, mas Tarzan rapidamente desviou, então girou de volta com agilidade felina para perto. Com sua faca de caça erguida, ele atingiu o pescoço de Taug. Taug virou-se para evitar a lâmina, e ela apenas raspou seu ombro.

En Ao ver o sangue, Teeka soltou um grito de alegria. Ela achou isso emocionante e olhou ao redor para ver se outros tinham notado, sentindo-se imensamente orgulhosa, mais do que até mesmo Helena de Troia.

En Teeka estava ocupada demais com seu orgulho para notar as folhas farfalhando acima dela; não havia vento para movê-las. Se ela tivesse olhado para cima, teria visto um corpo esguio agachado sobre ela com olhos amarelos famintos olhando para baixo. Mas ela não olhou.

En Ferido, Taug recuou com um rosnado terrível. Tarzan o perseguiu, gritando insultos e ameaçando-o com sua faca. Teeka saiu de debaixo da árvore para ficar perto dos lutadores.

En O galho acima de Teeka curvou-se ligeiramente com o peso do observador escondido. Taug parou e se preparou para outro ataque. Espuma cobria seus lábios e saliva escorria de suas mandíbulas. Ele abaixou a cabeça e abriu os braços, pronto para avançar. Ele acreditava que se conseguisse agarrar a pele macia de Tarzan, venceria. Taug achava o estilo de luta de Tarzan injusto porque Tarzan não se aproximava, em vez disso saltava para fora do alcance das mãos fortes de Taug.

En Tarzan nunca havia realmente testado sua força contra um macaco adulto, exceto durante brincadeiras. Ele não tinha certeza se era seguro lutar por sua vida. No entanto, ele não estava com medo; o medo era desconhecido para ele. A cautela vinha de seu instinto de sobrevivência, não do medo. Ele só corria riscos quando necessário, e quando o fazia, não se continha.

En Seu estilo de luta se adequava ao seu corpo e armas. Embora seus dentes fossem fortes e afiados, eles não eram páreo para as presas dos grandes macacos. Movendo-se rapidamente e mantendo-se fora do alcance de seu oponente, Tarzan podia usar sua longa e afiada faca para causar grande dano, evitando os ferimentos perigosos que viriam se um macaco o pegasse.

En Taug avançou, rugindo como um touro. Tarzan se movia agilmente de um lado para o outro, gritando insultos da selva, e ocasionalmente cortando Taug com sua faca.

En A luta tinha pausas em que ambos ficavam parados recuperando o fôlego, frente a frente, se preparando para o próximo ataque. Durante uma dessas pausas, Taug olhou para além de seu oponente. Imediatamente toda a sua expressão mudou. Sua raiva desapareceu e foi substituída pelo medo.

En Com um grito que todos os macacos conheciam, Taug se virou e fugiu. Não havia necessidade de perguntar por quê. Seu grito avisava que seu antigo inimigo estava próximo.

En Tarzan e os outros macacos começaram a fugir. Enquanto corria, ele ouviu o grito de uma pantera misturado com o grito aterrorizado de uma macaca fêmea. Taug também ouviu os sons, mas não parou sua fuga.

En No entanto, o menino-macaco agiu de forma diferente. Ele olhou para trás para ver se algum de sua tribo estava sendo perseguido pelo predador, e o que viu encheu seus olhos de horror.

En Foi Teeka quem gritou de terror enquanto corria por uma pequena clareira em direção às árvores do outro lado, porque Sheeta, a pantera, saltava atrás dela com saltos fáceis e graciosos. Sheeta parecia sem pressa; sua refeição estava garantida, porque mesmo que a macaca chegasse primeiro às árvores, ela não conseguiria subir alto o suficiente para escapar de suas garras antes que ele a pegasse.

En Tarzan percebeu que Teeka morreria. Ele gritou para Taug e os outros touros se apressarem para ajudá-la, e ao mesmo tempo correu em direção à fera perseguidora, desenrolando sua corda enquanto avançava. Tarzan sabia que, uma vez que os grandes touros se enfurecessem, ninguém da selva — nem mesmo Numa, o leão — iria querer enfrentá-los, e que se todos os membros da tribo presentes hoje atacassem juntos, Sheeta, a pantera, certamente se viraria e fugiria para salvar sua vida.

En Taug e os outros ouviram, mas ninguém veio ajudar Tarzan ou resgatar Teeka, e Sheeta estava rapidamente diminuindo a distância até sua presa.

En Saltando atrás da pantera, o menino-macaco gritou na tentativa de distraí-la de Teeka. Ele queria dar tempo para a fêmea-macaco subir para galhos mais altos, onde a pantera não seguiria. Ele gritou insultos e desafiou a pantera a lutar com ele. Mas a pantera continuou perseguindo Teeka, que quase foi pega.

En Tarzan não estava muito atrás e estava ganhando terreno, mas a distância era curta, e ele mal esperava alcançar o carnívoro antes que ele capturasse Teeka. Enquanto corria, ele balançava sua corda de capim acima da cabeça. Ele não queria arriscar errar, porque a distância era muito maior do que ele jamais havia arremessado, exceto na prática. Ele estava tão longe de Sheeta quanto o comprimento de sua corda, mas não tinha outra escolha. Ele não poderia alcançar a fera a tempo, então teve que tentar um arremesso.

En No momento em que Teeka saltou para um galho baixo de uma grande árvore, e Sheeta ergueu-se atrás dela em um salto longo e suave, a corda de grama do menino-macaco disparou pelo ar. Ela se esticou em uma linha fina, e o laço aberto pairou por um instante sobre a cabeça e as mandíbulas rosna-doras da pantera. Então, ele se ajustou perfeitamente em torno do pescoço fulvo. Tarzan rapidamente torceu a mão e puxou o laço com força, preparando-se para o impacto quando Sheeta puxasse contra a corda.

En Pouco antes do corpo brilhante de Teeka, as garras da pantera rasgaram o ar enquanto a corda se apertava e parava Sheeta de repente. A parada jogou a grande fera de costas. Num instante, Sheeta se levantou com olhos furiosos, cauda agitada e boca aberta, de onde saíam gritos terríveis de raiva e decepção.

En A pantera viu o menino-macaco, que havia causado seu problema, a menos de quarenta pés de distância, e ele avançou.

En Tarzan rapidamente confirmou a segurança de Teeka na árvore enquanto Sheeta lançava um ataque. Reconhecendo a inutilidade de uma batalha desigual, ele não teve escolha senão manter sua posição. Com apenas uma faca de caça contra os dentes e garras do leopardo, ele enfrentou a carga com a mesma coragem estoica que havia caracterizado seus antepassados em derrotas passadas.

En Da segurança das árvores, os grandes macacos observavam, gritando insultos a Sheeta e oferecendo conselhos a Tarzan. Teeka, aterrorizada, instou os machos a ajudá-lo. No entanto, os machos estavam ocupados gritando e fazendo caretas. Eles raciocinaram que Tarzan, por não ser um verdadeiro Mangani, não valia o risco.

En Conforme Sheeta se aproximava do ágil homem-macaco, Tarzan desapareceu. Mais rápido que a pantera, ele desviou para o lado no momento em que as garras estavam prestes a atingi-lo. Sheeta caiu ao lado, e Tarzan correu em direção à árvore mais próxima para se proteger.

En A pantera se recuperou rapidamente e virou para perseguir, com a corda de Tarzan arrastando atrás. Ao girar, Sheeta passou por um arbusto baixo; a corda prendeu e o parou abruptamente. Tarzan aproveitou a oportunidade para subir em uma pequena árvore onde Sheeta não poderia segui-lo.

En Empoleirado acima, Tarzan atirou galhos e insultos no felino enfurecido. Os outros macacos se juntaram, jogando frutas e galhos até que Sheeta, enlouquecido, rompeu a corda com os dentes. Após um olhar furioso, a pantera gritou e recuou para a densa selva.

En Após meia hora, a tribo retomou a alimentação como se nada tivesse interrompido suas vidas monótonas. Tarzan havia consertado a maior parte de sua corda e estava fazendo um novo laço, enquanto Teeka se agachava perto dele, indicando claramente sua escolha.

En Taug os observava com ressentimento. Uma vez, quando se aproximou, Teeka mostrou os dentes e rosnou, e Tarzan exibiu seus caninos em um ronco hostil; no entanto, Taug não iniciou uma briga. Ele parecia aceitar, à maneira de sua espécie, a decisão da fêmea como um sinal de que havia perdido a disputa por seu afeto.

En Mais tarde naquele dia, após consertar sua corda, Tarzan subiu nas árvores para caçar. Ele precisava de carne mais do que os outros. Enquanto eles se contentavam com frutas, ervas e besouros – facilmente encontrados com pouco esforço –, Tarzan passava um tempo considerável perseguindo animais de caça, cuja carne sozinha satisfazia sua fome e alimentava os músculos poderosos que se desenvolviam diariamente sob sua pele lisa e morena.

En Taug observou ele partir, então se aproximou casualmente de Teeka enquanto forrageava. Logo ele estava a poucos metros dela. Quando olhou para ela secretamente, viu que ela o estava avaliando e não mostrava sinais de raiva.

En Taug expandiu seu peito largo e se pavoneou sobre suas pernas curtas, emitindo estranhos sons de rosnado. Ele ergueu os lábios para mostrar os dentes. Como aqueles dentes eram grandes e bonitos! Teeka não pôde deixar de notar. Ela também admirou suas sobrancelhas proeminentes e seu pescoço curto e poderoso. Que criatura magnífica ele era!

En Taug se sentiu lisonjeado pela admiração aberta nos olhos dela. Ele andou orgulhosamente, como um pavão, e começou a listar mentalmente suas próprias qualidades, comparando-as com as de seu rival.

En Taug grunhiu, pois não via comparação. Como alguém poderia comparar seu lindo pelo com a pele lisa e nua e feia de Tarzan? Quem poderia ver beleza no nariz pequeno de Tarzan depois de ver as narinas largas de Taug? E os olhos de Tarzan eram horríveis, com o branco aparecendo e sem bordas vermelhas. Taug sabia que seus próprios olhos vermelhos eram lindos, pois os vira refletidos em poças.

En O macho se aproximou de Teeka e finalmente se agachou ao lado dela. Quando Tarzan voltou da caça um pouco depois, viu Teeka coçando contentemente as costas de seu rival.

En Tarzan ficou enojado. Nem Taug nem Teeka o viram enquanto ele balançava pelas árvores até a clareira. Ele parou por um momento, olhando para eles; então, com uma careta triste, virou-se e desapareceu no emaranhado denso de folhas e musgo de onde havia vindo.

En Tarzan queria ficar o mais longe possível da fonte de sua dor de coração. Ele estava sentindo as primeiras dores do amor decepcionado e não entendia completamente o que havia de errado com ele. Pensava que estava com raiva de Taug, então não conseguia entender por que havia fugido em vez de lutar contra aquele que destruíra sua felicidade.

En Embora acreditasse estar zangado com Teeka, o pensamento de sua beleza continuava a perturbá-lo, e ele só conseguia vê-la como o ser mais desejável do mundo, sob a luz do amor.

En O menino-macaco anseava por afeto. Desde sua infância até a morte dela pela flecha envenenada de Kulonga, Kala havia sido a única fonte de amor que o menino inglês jamais conhecera.

En Kala amava seu filho adotivo de sua maneira selvagem e feroz, e Tarzan a amava de volta, embora demonstrasse isso não mais do que qualquer outra criatura da selva. Foi somente após a perda dela que ele compreendeu a profundidade de seu apego por ela, a quem considerava sua mãe.

En Ele imaginara recentemente Teeka como um substituto para Kala — alguém por quem lutar, caçar e acariciar. Mas agora essa visão estava destruída. Uma dor cresceu dentro de seu peito. Ele colocou a mão sobre o coração, confuso. Culpava vagamente Teeka. Quanto mais se lembrava de vê-la com Taug, mais seu coração doía.

En Tarzan balançou a cabeça e rosnou. Ele balançou-se mais adiante pela selva, e enquanto viajava e ruminava sobre suas queixas, aproximou-se de se tornar um misógino completo.

En Dois dias depois, ele continuou caçando sozinho, sentindo-se melancólico e profundamente infeliz. Estava resolvido a nunca mais retornar à tribo, pois não suportava a imagem de Taug e Teeka juntos. Enquanto balançava em um grande galho, viu o leão Numa e a leoa Sabor passando abaixo dele. Sabor encostou-se em Numa e mordeu brincando sua bochecha, numa meia carícia. Tarzan suspirou e atirou uma noz neles.

En Mais tarde, ele encontrou vários guerreiros negros de Mbonga. Ele estava prestes a passar seu laço em volta do pescoço de um que estava separado dos outros, mas então ficou curioso sobre o que os homens estavam fazendo. Eles estavam construindo uma gaiola na trilha e cobrindo-a com galhos folhados. Ao finalizar, a estrutura ficou quase invisível.

En Tarzan imaginou qual seria o propósito da gaiola e por que, depois de terminá-la, os homens se viraram e seguiram de volta pela trilha em direção à sua aldeia.

En Já fazia algum tempo desde que Tarzan visitara os negros e os observara do abrigo das grandes árvores que pendiam sobre sua paliçada. Ele observava as atividades de seus inimigos, entre os quais estava o assassino de Kala.

En Embora os odiasse, Tarzan encontrava considerável entretenimento em observar sua vida diária na aldeia, especialmente suas danças. Durante estas, a luz do fogo brilhava contra seus corpos nus enquanto saltavam, viravam e torciam em uma guerra simulada. Na esperança de testemunhar tal espetáculo, ele seguiu os guerreiros de volta à aldeia, mas ficou decepcionado — não houve dança naquela noite.

En De sua posição oculta na árvore, Tarzan observou pequenos grupos sentados ao redor de pequenas fogueiras, conversando sobre os acontecimentos do dia. Nas partes mais escuras da aldeia, ele notou casais rindo e conversando, cada um formado por um jovem e uma jovem.

En Tarzan inclinou a cabeça e pensou. Naquela noite, enquanto dormia enrolado na forquilha da grande árvore acima da aldeia, sua mente estava cheia de Teeka, e mais tarde ela apareceu em seus sonhos, junto com os jovens e as jovens rindo e conversando.

En Taug estava caçando sozinho e havia se afastado muito do resto da tribo. Ele se movia lentamente por uma trilha de elefantes quando descobriu que ela estava bloqueada por arbustos. Taug, agora totalmente crescido, era um macaco de mau humor e agressivo. Sempre que algo o impedia, ele só pensava em usar sua força e fúria. Então, ao encontrar o bloqueio, ele rasgou as folhas com raiva, apenas para se encontrar em uma toca estranha, completamente preso apesar de suas violentas tentativas de avançar.

En Mordendo e batendo na barreira, Taug ficou terrivelmente irritado, mas isso não adiantou. Finalmente, ele percebeu que teria que voltar. No entanto, quando tentou, ficou desanimado ao descobrir que outra barreira havia caído atrás dele enquanto ele atacava a primeira. Taug estava preso. Ele lutou desesperadamente por sua liberdade até ficar exausto, mas tudo foi em vão.

En Na manhã seguinte, um grupo de homens da aldeia de Mbonga partiu em direção à armadilha que haviam construído no dia anterior. Acima deles, nas árvores, um jovem gigante nu observava, cheio de curiosidade selvagem. Um macaco chamado Manu tagarelava e repreendia enquanto Tarzan passava; embora não tivesse medo do familiar menino-macaco, o macaco segurou seu pequeno companheiro marrom mais perto. Tarzan riu ao ver isso, mas seu riso foi rapidamente seguido por uma expressão triste e um suspiro profundo.

En Um pássaro de cores vivas desfilava diante de sua companheira sóbria. Para Tarzan, parecia que toda a selva conspirava para lembrá-lo de que havia perdido Teeka, embora ele tivesse testemunhado tais cenas diariamente sem notá-las antes.

En Quando os negros chegaram à armadilha, Taug causou um grande alvoroço. Ele agarrou as barras de sua prisão e as sacudiu furiosamente, rugindo e grunhindo ferozmente. Os negros ficaram empolgados, pois embora não tivessem projetado a armadilha para este homem-macaco peludo, estavam muito satisfeitos com sua captura.

En Tarzan aguçou os ouvidos ao som de um grande macaco. Ele rapidamente contornou para ficar a favor do vento da armadilha e cheirou o ar em busca do odor do prisioneiro. Logo suas narinas sensíveis captaram um cheiro familiar que lhe disse exatamente quem era o cativo, tão claramente como se tivesse visto Taug com seus próprios olhos. Sim, era Taug, e ele estava sozinho.

En Tarzan sorriu ao se aproximar, curioso para ver o que os negros fariam com seu prisioneiro. Ele tinha certeza de que o matariam imediatamente. Tarzan sorriu novamente, percebendo que agora poderia ter Teeka para si sem nenhum rival. Ele observou enquanto os guerreiros negros removiam a tela da gaiola, amarravam cordas a ela e a arrastavam pela trilha em direção à sua aldeia.

En Tarzan observou até que seu rival desaparecesse de vista, ainda batendo nas barras de sua prisão e rugindo sua fúria e ameaças. Então o menino-macaco se virou e balançou rapidamente para longe, indo em busca da tribo e de Teeka.

En Durante sua viagem, Tarzan encontrou inesperadamente Sheeta e sua família em uma pequena clareira coberta de vegetação. O grande felino estava deitado, esticado no chão, enquanto sua companheira, com uma pata sobre o rosto feroz do parceiro, lambia o pelo macio e branco de sua garganta.

En Tarzan correu tão rápido que parecia voar pela floresta, e logo alcançou a tribo. Ele os viu antes que o vissem, porque nenhuma criatura na selva se movia mais silenciosamente que Tarzan. Ele observou Kamma e seu companheiro comendo lado a lado, seus corpos peludos se tocando. Ele também viu Teeka se alimentando sozinha. Tarzan pensou que ela não ficaria sozinha por muito tempo, e então saltou entre eles.

En Os macacos pularam alarmados, fazendo sons raivosos e medrosos porque Tarzan os assustou. No entanto, havia mais do que apenas surpresa nervosa por trás dos pelos eriçados em seus pescoços, que permaneceram erguidos muito depois de reconhecerem o recém-chegado.

En Tarzan notou isso, como já havia feito muitas vezes antes: sempre que ele aparecia de repente entre eles, os macacos ficavam nervosos e agitados por um tempo. Todos precisavam cheirá-lo várias vezes para confirmar que era realmente Tarzan antes de se acalmarem.

En Ele abriu caminho entre os macacos e foi em direção a Teeka, mas quando se aproximou, ela se afastou.

En Tarzan declarou a Teeka que ele era Tarzan, que ela era dele e que ele tinha vindo buscá-la.

En A macaca aproximou-se mais, examinando-o atentamente. Por fim, cheirou-o, buscando certeza absoluta.

En Ela perguntou sobre o paradeiro de Taug.

En Tarzan respondeu que os Gomangani tinham capturado Taug e pretendiam matá-lo.

En Enquanto Tarzan contava o destino de Taug, ele observou um olhar de anseio e tristeza nos olhos da macaca. Mesmo assim, ela se aproximou e aninhou-se contra ele, e Tarzan, Lorde Greystoke, envolveu-a com seu braço.

En Tarzan percebeu como o braço liso e moreno dele parecia notavelmente diferente do corpo escuro e peludo de Teeka. Ele pensou em outros casais de animais — como Sheeta e sua companheira, ou Manu e sua fêmea — onde o macho e a fêmea pareciam naturalmente semelhantes. Até mesmo leões e leoas, exceto pela juba, eram parecidos. As diferenças entre machos e fêmeas em outras espécies não eram tão extremas quanto as entre Tarzan e Teeka.

En Tarzan se sentiu confuso. Algo estava errado. Ele tirou o braço do ombro de Teeka e se afastou lentamente. Ela inclinou a cabeça e olhou para ele. Tarzan se levantou, bateu no peito e soltou um grito de desafio feroz e vitorioso. A tribo se virou para olhar, mas como ele não tinha matado nada e não enfrentava nenhum inimigo, eles voltaram a se alimentar, embora ficassem de olho nele caso ele enlouquecesse de repente.

En Enquanto observavam, Tarzan balançou para uma árvore próxima e desapareceu. Depois disso, eles se esqueceram dele, até mesmo Teeka.

En Os guerreiros negros de Mbonga, suando com o trabalho árduo e descansando com frequência, avançavam lentamente em direção à aldeia. A fera selvagem em sua jaula primitiva rosnava e rugia sempre que a moviam, batendo nas barras e espumando pela boca. Seu barulho era aterrorizante.

En Eles quase haviam completado a jornada e estavam fazendo uma pausa final antes de seguir para a clareira onde ficava a aldeia. Mais alguns minutos os teriam tirado da floresta, e então provavelmente o infeliz evento não teria ocorrido.

En Uma figura silenciosa se movia entre as árvores acima deles. Olhos afiados examinaram a jaula e contaram os guerreiros. Uma mente corajosa e astuta considerou as chances de sucesso de um certo plano.

En Tarzan observou os homens negros descansando. Eles estavam cansados, e vários já dormiam. Ele se aproximou, parando diretamente acima deles sem fazer barulho. Esperou com a paciência infinita de um caçador. Logo, apenas dois guerreiros estavam acordados, e um deles cochilava.

En Tarzan se preparou e, enquanto isso, o homem negro acordado se levantou e foi para a parte de trás da jaula. O menino-macaco o seguiu de cima. Taug observou o guerreiro e fez sons baixos e ameaçadores. Tarzan temia que Taug acordasse os homens adormecidos.

En Em uma voz baixa demais para o homem negro ouvir, Tarzan sussurrou o nome de Taug e lhe disse para ficar em silêncio. Taug parou de rosnar.

En O homem negro foi para a parte de trás da jaula e verificou as travas da porta. Enquanto estava ali, a criatura acima saltou da árvore em suas costas. Dedos como ferro apertaram sua garganta, sufocando o grito que subia aos seus lábios. Dentes poderosos morderam seu ombro, e pernas fortes se enrolaram ao redor de seu corpo.

En O homem negro aterrorizado tentou remover a criatura silenciosa que estava agarrada a ele. Ele caiu no chão e rolou, mas os dedos poderosos apenas apertaram seu aperto mortal.

En A boca do homem se abriu, sua língua inchada ficou para fora, e seus olhos saltaram das órbitas, mas os dedos implacáveis continuaram a apertar mais forte.

En Taug observou a luta sem fazer barulho. Em sua mente selvagem, ele provavelmente se perguntava por que Tarzan estava atacando o homem negro. Taug não havia esquecido sua recente briga com o menino-macaco nem o motivo dela. Agora ele viu o corpo do Gomangani ficar mole, tremer convulsivamente e então ficar imóvel.

En Tarzan saltou para longe de sua vítima e correu para a porta da jaula. Com dedos rápidos, ele trabalhou nas cordas que seguravam a porta fechada. Taug só podia observar; ele não podia ajudar. Logo Tarzan empurrou a porta para cima alguns pés, e Taug rastejou para fora. O macaco queria atacar os negros adormecidos para liberar sua raiva, mas Tarzan não permitiu.

En Em vez disso, o menino-macaco arrastou o corpo do homem negro para dentro da jaula e o encostou nas barras laterais. Então ele baixou a porta e amarrou as cordas como estavam antes.

En Tarzan trabalhava com um sorriso feliz, porque um de seus passatempos favoritos era provocar o povo da vila de Mbonga. Ele imaginava como eles ficariam aterrorizados quando acordassem e encontrassem o corpo morto de seu companheiro preso na jaula onde haviam deixado o grande macaco em segurança apenas alguns minutos antes.

En Tarzan e Taug subiram nas árvores juntos. O pelo áspero do feroz macaco roçou a pele lisa do nobre inglês enquanto eles se moviam lado a lado pela antiga selva.

En Tarzan disse a Taug para voltar para Teeka, dizendo que ela pertencia a Taug e que ele não a queria.

En Taug perguntou a Tarzan se ele tinha encontrado outra fêmea.

En O menino-macaco deu de ombros, demonstrando indiferença.

En Ele explicou que toda criatura na selva tinha um parceiro de sua própria espécie, exceto Tarzan. Ele aconselhou Tarzan a voltar para Teeka, mas Tarzan, sendo homem, escolheu ir sozinho.

A Captura de Tarzan

En Guerreiros negros trabalhavam duro no calor úmido da selva. Usando lanças de guerra, eles soltavam o solo escuro e as camadas de plantas em decomposição, depois retiravam a terra de uma antiga trilha de caça. Frequentemente paravam para se agachar, descansar e conversar, rindo enquanto trabalhavam ao lado do poço que estavam cavando.

En Seus longos escudos feitos de grossa pele de búfalo e suas lanças estavam encostados em árvores próximas. O suor brilhava em sua pele negra, revelando os músculos ondulados abaixo, saudáveis e fortes da natureza.

En Um antílope dos juncos andando cautelosamente em direção à água parou quando uma explosão de risada o assustou. Ficou imóvel por um momento, suas narinas se movendo, então se virou e fugiu silenciosamente da aterrorizante presença de homens.

En A cem metros de distância, no fundo da selva emaranhada, Numa, o leão, ergueu a cabeça. Ele tinha comido bem até quase o amanhecer, e o barulho o despertou. Ele cheirou o ar, captando o cheiro do antílope dos juncos e dos homens. Mas estava satisfeito, então com um baixo grunhido de desgosto, levantou-se e se esgueirou.

En Pássaros com penas brilhantes e gritos ásperos disparavam de árvore em árvore. Macacos pequenos tagarelavam e reclamavam enquanto balançavam nos galhos acima dos guerreiros negros. No entanto, os homens se sentiam sozinhos; a selva repleta de vida era um dos lugares mais solitários do universo, muito parecida com as ruas lotadas de uma grande cidade.

En Mas será que estavam realmente sozinhos?

En Acima deles, um jovem de olhos cinzentos equilibrava-se levemente em um galho de árvore, observando cada movimento deles com intensa atenção. Um ódio contido ardia sob seu desejo de entender o propósito do trabalho dos homens negros. Eles eram do tipo que havia matado sua amada Kala; ele só podia sentir inimizade por eles, mas gostava de observá-los, faminto por mais conhecimento sobre os costumes humanos.

En Ele viu a cova ficar mais funda até que um grande buraco se abriu através da trilha, largo o suficiente para conter todos os seis escavadores de uma vez. Tarzan não conseguia adivinhar a razão de tanto trabalho. Quando eles cortaram estacas longas, afiadas na ponta, e as colocaram em pé no fundo da cova, sua admiração aumentou. Não foi satisfeita nem mesmo quando eles colocaram varas leves sobre a cova e cuidadosamente arranjaram folhas e terra para esconder completamente o trabalho que os homens negros haviam feito.

En Quando terminaram, inspecionaram seu trabalho com evidente satisfação, e Tarzan também o inspecionou. Mesmo para seu olho experiente, quase não havia sinal de que a antiga trilha de caça havia sido perturbada.

En Tarzan estava tão profundamente absorto em pensar sobre o propósito do poço coberto que permitiu que os homens negros voltassem para sua aldeia sem suas provocações habituais. Ele frequentemente aterrorizava o povo de Mbonga, encontrando tanto vingança quanto grande prazer nisso.

En Por mais que tentasse, Tarzan não conseguia entender o mistério do poço escondido, porque os costumes dos homens negros ainda eram estranhos para ele. Eles tinham entrado em sua selva recentemente, os primeiros de sua espécie a desafiar o antigo domínio dos animais. O leão Numa, o elefante Tantor, os grandes macacos e todas as outras criaturas estavam aprendendo sobre essas criaturas eretas lentamente, e sempre com seu próprio pesar.

En Depois que os homens negros partiram, Tarzan desceu facilmente para a trilha. Ele circulou a borda do poço, farejando desconfiado. Agachando-se, raspou um pouco de terra para expor uma das barras transversais. Cheirou-a, tocou-a e estudou-a cuidadosamente por vários minutos. Então, cobriu-a novamente com cuidado, arrumando a terra exatamente como os negros haviam feito. Depois, subiu de volta nas árvores e partiu em busca dos grandes macacos da tribo de Kerchak.

En Uma vez ele cruzou a trilha de Numa, o leão. Ele parou para atirar uma fruta mole no rosto rosna-dor de seu inimigo, provocando-o e insultando-o, chamando-o de comedor de carniça e irmão de Dango, a hiena. Numa olhou para a figura dançante acima dele, seus olhos verde-amarelados ardendo de ódio concentrado. Rosnados baixos sacudiram suas mandíbulas pesadas, e sua grande raiva fez sua cauda sinuosa chicotear para frente e para trás. Mas sabendo por experiência passada que discutir com o homem-macaco à distância era inútil, ele logo se virou e desapareceu na vegetação emaranhada. Com um grito final de insultos da selva e uma careta de macaco para seu inimigo que partia, Tarzan seguiu seu caminho.

En Mais um quilômetro adiante, um vento que mudou trouxe um odor familiar e pungente às suas narinas aguçadas. Logo ele viu uma enorme forma cinza-escura avançando constantemente pela trilha da selva abaixo dele. Tarzan agarrou e quebrou um galho de árvore pequeno. Com o súbito estalo, a criatura pesada parou. Suas grandes orelhas se moveram para frente, e sua longa e flexível tromba ergueu-se rapidamente, balançando de um lado para o outro para captar o cheiro de um inimigo. Dois olhinhos fracos espiaram desconfiados e inutilmente ao redor, procurando a fonte do barulho que perturbara sua jornada pacífica.

En Tarzan riu alto e se aproximou, posicionando-se diretamente acima da cabeça do elefante.

En Tarzan gritou para Tantor, dizendo que Bara, o cervo, era menos medroso do que ele. Lembrou a Tantor que, apesar de ser a criatura mais poderosa da selva, com força igual à de muitos leões, ainda tremia ao som de um galho quebrado.

En Tantor fez um som estrondoso, que poderia expressar desprezo ou alívio. Ele baixou a tromba e as orelhas e abaixou o rabo, mas seus olhos continuaram procurando por Tarzan. Logo o homem-macaco saltou levemente sobre sua cabeça larga, esticou-se, bateu com os dedos descalços na pele grossa, coçou a pele sob as grandes orelhas e falou sobre fofocas da selva como se o elefante entendesse cada palavra.

En Tarzan conseguia fazer Tantor entender muitas coisas, e embora a conversa fiada da selva estivesse além do grande elefante, ele ficava parado com olhos piscando e tromba balançando suavemente, parecendo absorver cada palavra. Na verdade, ele apreciava a voz amigável de Tarzan e as mãos que acariciavam atrás de suas orelhas, e a proximidade do homem que, quando criança destemida, o abordara pela primeira vez, assumindo a mesma amizade que enchia seu próprio coração.

En Ao longo dos anos, Tarzan descobriu que possuía um poder inexplicável para comandar e dirigir seu poderoso amigo. Ao seu chamado, Tantor vinha de uma grande distância e, quando Tarzan se sentava em sua cabeça, o elefante se movia pesadamente pela selva para onde seu cavaleiro ordenasse. Esse era o poder da mente humana sobre o animal, eficaz mesmo que nenhum dos dois compreendesse totalmente sua origem.

En Tarzan ficou deitado nas costas de Tantor por meia hora. Nenhum dos dois prestava atenção ao tempo. Para eles, a vida era principalmente sobre encontrar o suficiente para comer. Era mais fácil para Tarzan do que para Tantor porque Tarzan podia comer muitos tipos de alimento. Tantor só podia comer partes específicas das árvores, e apenas em certas épocas do ano.

En Tantor precisava passar a maior parte da vida comendo o suficiente para sustentar seu grande corpo. Muitos animais estão tão ocupados encontrando comida ou digerindo-a que têm pouco tempo para qualquer outra coisa. Isso pode ser o motivo pelo qual não progrediram tão rápido quanto os humanos, que têm mais tempo para pensar.

En Tarzan não se incomodava com tais pensamentos. Ele simplesmente se sentia feliz na companhia do elefante sem entender por quê. Como ser humano, ele precisava dar afeto. Seus antigos companheiros macacos haviam se tornado sombrios e rudes. Os macacos mais jovens eram brincalhões, mas não pacíficos. Tantor, no entanto, era calmo e firme. Tarzan encontrava conforto em deitar na cabeça de Tantor e compartilhar seus sentimentos nas grandes orelhas do elefante. Entre todas as criaturas da selva, Tarzan amava Tantor mais depois de perder Kala. Ele às vezes se perguntava se Tantor sentia o mesmo.

En Eventualmente, a fome chamou Tarzan de volta às árvores em busca de comida, enquanto Tantor seguiu seu próprio caminho na direção oposta.

En Por uma hora, Tarzan procurou comida. Ele encontrou um ninho com ovos frescos, e também comeu frutas, bagas e banana-da-terra à medida que as encontrava. Ele preferia carne, mas naquele dia não conseguiu caçar nenhuma.

En Enquanto Tarzan se movia pela selva, sua mente ativa estava ocupada não apenas com a caça, mas também com muitos outros pensamentos. Ele frequentemente recordava eventos de dias e horas anteriores. Ele reviveu sua visita a Tantor, pensou nos homens negros cavando e se perguntou sobre o estranho buraco coberto que eles haviam deixado. Ele se perguntou repetidamente qual poderia ser o propósito daquilo. Ele comparou o que havia visto e fez julgamentos. Ele comparou esses julgamentos e chegou a conclusões, que nem sempre estavam corretas, mas pelo menos ele usou seu cérebro como a natureza pretendia. Isso foi mais fácil para ele porque ele não era prejudicado pelas opiniões de segunda mão e muitas vezes equivocadas dos outros.

En Enquanto ele refletia sobre o buraco coberto, uma enorme forma cinza-escura apareceu de repente em sua mente, movendo-se pesadamente por uma trilha na selva. Tarzan imediatamente ficou tenso com um medo repentino. Na vida do homem-macaco, decisão e ação geralmente aconteciam ao mesmo tempo, e assim ele já estava correndo pelos galhos frondosos antes de ter compreendido totalmente o propósito do buraco.

En Ele balançava de galho em galho, correndo pelos níveis médios da floresta onde as árvores cresciam próximas umas das outras. Então ele desceu ao chão e correu silenciosamente e com leveza sobre o tapete de folhas mortas, apenas para pular de volta para as árvores quando o sub-bosque denso impossibilitava mover-se rapidamente no chão.

En Em sua ansiedade, ele jogou a cautela ao vento. O cuidado da besta se perdeu na lealdade do homem. E assim foi que ele entrou em uma grande clareira, completamente desprovida de árvores, sem pensar no que poderia estar esperando por ele ali ou na borda mais distante.

En Ele estava no meio do caminho quando meia dúzia de pássaros tagarelas surgiu de um tufo de capim alto a poucos metros à sua frente. Tarzan imediatamente se desviou, porque sabia bem que tipo de criatura aqueles pequenos sentinelas anunciavam. Ao mesmo tempo, Buto, o rinoceronte, ergueu-se sobre suas pernas curtas e carregou furiosamente. Buto carrega de maneira desordenada. Com seus olhos fracos, ele enxerga mal mesmo a curtas distâncias, e é difícil dizer se seus avanços erráticos vêm do pânico enquanto tenta escapar ou do mau humor que as pessoas geralmente lhe atribuem. A questão faz pouca diferença para quem Buto carrega, porque se ele pegar e arremessar a pessoa, é provável que nada mais a interesse depois.

En Naquele dia, Buto, o rinoceronte, por acaso carregou diretamente contra Tarzan. Seus olhos fracos avistaram o inimigo e, com uma série de bufidos, ele carregou. Pequenos pássaros voavam ao seu redor, e macacos nas árvores gritavam e fugiam para cima. Apenas Tarzan permaneceu calmo e indiferente.

En Tarzan ficou diretamente no caminho da investida. Não havia tempo para escapar para as árvores, nem ele queria atrasar sua jornada. Ele já havia encontrado a besta estúpida antes e a desprezava.

En Buto o alcançou, com a cabeça baixa e o chifre pesado pronto para seu trabalho mortal, mas quando ele golpeou para cima, acertou apenas o ar. Tarzan saltou como um gato para o largo dorso do rinoceronte, então pulou para o chão atrás dele e correu rapidamente para as árvores.

En Irritado e confuso com o desaparecimento de sua presa, Buto girou e carregou freneticamente em outra direção, não em direção a Tarzan. Assim, o homem-macaco alcançou as árvores em segurança e continuou seu caminho rápido pela floresta.

En À frente, Tantor, o elefante, movia-se constantemente pela trilha bem desgastada. Agachado na frente dele, um guerreiro negro ouvia atentamente. Logo ele ouviu os sons de estalos e rangidos que sinalizavam a aproximação de um elefante.

En Guerreiros observavam de outras partes da selva. Eles usavam sinais baixos para informar uns aos outros que a presa estava se movendo. Rapidamente se reuniram perto da trilha, escondendo-se em árvores a favor do vento de onde Tantor passaria. Esperaram silenciosamente, e logo viram um grande elefante carregando muito marfim em suas presas, o que os deixou animados e gananciosos.

En Assim que Tantor passou por eles, os guerreiros desceram das árvores. Eles não estavam mais em silêncio, mas batiam palmas e gritavam no chão. Por um momento, Tantor parou, levantando sua tromba e cauda, com as orelhas eretas. Então ele continuou pela trilha em um ritmo rápido e arrastado, indo direto para a cova escondida com estacas afiadas.

En Os guerreiros gritando o seguiram, instando-o a correr mais rápido para que ele não pudesse examinar o chão cuidadosamente. Tantor, que poderia ter se virado e atacado seus inimigos com uma única investida, fugiu como um cervo assustado, correndo em direção a uma morte dolorosa e cruel.

En Atrás de todos eles veio Tarzan dos Macacos, correndo pela selva com a velocidade de um esquilo. Ele ouvira os gritos dos guerreiros e sabia o que significavam. Ele deu um chamado alto que ecoou pela selva, mas Tantor, em seu pânico, ou não ouviu ou estava com muito medo de parar.

En Agora o elefante gigante estava a apenas alguns metros da armadilha escondida em seu caminho. Os guerreiros, certos do sucesso, gritavam e dançavam atrás dele, balançando suas lanças e celebrando antecipadamente o valioso marfim e a carne abundante que em breve teriam.

En Eles estavam tão absortos em comemorar que não notaram Tarzan se movendo silenciosamente por cima. Tantor também não conseguiu vê-lo ou ouvi-lo, mesmo quando Tarzan gritou para ele parar.

En Com apenas mais alguns passos, Tantor teria caído sobre as estacas afiadas. Tarzan correu pelas árvores até ficar ao lado do elefante em fuga e depois seguiu em frente. Na beira da cova, ele pulou no chão no meio do caminho. Tantor quase o atropelou antes que seus olhos fracos permitissem reconhecer seu velho amigo.

En Tarzan gritou para Tantor parar, e o grande elefante parou ao ver sua mão erguida.

En Tarzan se virou e chutou para o lado alguns arbustos que escondiam a cova. Imediatamente, Tantor a viu e entendeu.

En Tarzan rosnou para Tantor lutar, alertando que homens vinham por trás. Mas Tantor, um feixe de nervos, agora estava quase em pânico de terror.

En O poço se abria diante dele, embora ele não pudesse avaliar sua profundidade. De ambos os lados se estendia a selva primitiva intocada. Com um guincho, a grande besta virou bruscamente e abriu caminho ruidosamente através da densa parede de plantas emaranhadas que teria parado qualquer outro animal.

En Tarzan ficou na borda, sorrindo enquanto observava a fuga indigna de Tantor. Ele sabia que os negros chegariam em breve, então decidiu sair. Deu um passo, mas ao transferir o peso, o chão cedeu. Ele tentou desesperadamente pular para frente, mas falhou. Caiu para trás na cova, em direção às estacas afiadas no fundo.

En Quando os negros chegaram um momento depois, viram de longe que Tantor havia escapado, porque o buraco na cobertura da cova era pequeno demais para um elefante. Eles primeiro pensaram que o elefante havia colocado um pé e depois puxado de volta. Mas quando chegaram à borda e olharam para baixo, ficaram pasmos ao ver a forma nua de um gigante branco imóvel no fundo.

En Alguns deles já tinham visto esse deus da floresta antes e recuaram com medo, acreditando que ele possuía poderes demoníacos. Mas outros, focados apenas em capturar um inimigo, avançaram. Eles pularam na cova e carregaram Tarzan para fora.

En Seu corpo não tinha cicatrizes; nenhuma das estacas afiadas o perfurou. O único sinal de ferimento era um inchaço na parte de trás da cabeça, onde ela bateu no lado de uma estaca durante a queda, deixando-o inconsciente. Os negros logo notaram isso e amarraram seus braços e pernas antes que ele acordasse, pois haviam aprendido a respeitar o estranho homem-besta que vivia entre os macacos.

En Depois de o terem carregado apenas uma curta distância em direção à aldeia, as pálpebras do homem-macaco tremeram e se abriram. Ele olhou em volta confuso por um momento, então recuperou a consciência total e percebeu o perigo de sua situação. Acostumado desde a infância a depender inteiramente de suas próprias habilidades, ele não buscou ajuda externa, mas concentrou-se em como poderia escapar usando apenas sua própria força e inteligência.

En Ele se absteve de testar suas cordas enquanto os negros o carregavam, temendo que eles ficassem alarmados e as apertassem mais. Logo seus captores notaram que ele estava consciente e, como tinham pouco desejo de carregar um homem pesado pelo calor da selva, fizeram-no levantar-se e forçaram-no a andar entre eles, ocasionalmente picando-o com suas lanças, mas mostrando claros sinais do medo supersticioso que ele inspirava neles.

En Quando perceberam que suas picadas não produziam sinais visíveis de dor, seu temor aumentou até que pararam de cutucá-lo completamente, parcialmente convencidos de que aquele estranho gigante branco era um ser sobrenatural imune ao sofrimento.

En Ao se aproximarem da aldeia, ergueram os gritos triunfantes de guerreiros vitoriosos, de modo que, quando chegaram ao portão, dançando e brandindo suas lanças, uma grande multidão de homens, mulheres e crianças se reuniu para recebê-los e ouvir a história de suas façanhas.

En Quando os aldeões viram o prisioneiro, explodiram em excitação, com as bocas abertas de espanto e incredulidade. Durante meses viveram em constante medo de um estranho demônio branco, vislumbrado por poucos que sobreviveram para descrevê-lo. Guerreiros haviam desaparecido de trilhas quase à vista da aldeia, até mesmo entre seus companheiros, tão misteriosamente como se tivessem sido engolidos pela terra, e depois, à noite, seus corpos mortos caíam, como se do céu, na rua da aldeia.

En Essa criatura aterrorizante tinha entrado nas cabanas da vila à noite, matado e desaparecido. Nas cabanas, junto aos corpos, ele deixou sinais estranhos e assustadores que sugeriam um senso de humor bizarro.

En Agora, no entanto, ele estava sob o controle deles. Ele não podia mais assustá-los. Lentamente, eles começaram a entender isso. Uma mulher gritou e correu para frente, batendo no rosto do homem-macaco. Outros a seguiram, e logo Tarzan estava cercado por uma multidão de nativos que lutavam, arranhavam e gritavam.

En Então Mbonga, o chefe, chegou. Ele colocou sua lança firmemente sobre os ombros de seu povo e os forçou a se afastar do prisioneiro.

En Ele disse que o manteriam até o anoitecer.

En Longe, na selva, Tantor, o elefante, tinha parado de ter medo. Ele ficou com as orelhas eriçadas e a tromba se movendo. O que passava por sua mente selvagem? Será que ele estava procurando por Tarzan? Será que ele lembrava do favor que o homem-macaco lhe fizera? Não havia dúvida de que lembrava. Mas ele sentia gratidão? Teria arriscado a vida para salvar Tarzan se soubesse do perigo? A maioria duvidaria. Qualquer pessoa familiarizada com elefantes duvidaria. Caçadores ingleses na Índia frequentemente diziam que nunca tinham ouvido falar de um elefante indo ajudar um homem em perigo, mesmo que o homem tivesse sido gentil com ele. Portanto, era improvável que Tantor superasse seu medo instintivo de homens negros para ajudar Tarzan.

En Os gritos irritados dos aldeões chegaram suavemente aos seus ouvidos aguçados. Ele girou como se assustado, pensando em fugir. Mas algo o segurou, então ele se virou novamente, levantou sua tromba e soltou um grito agudo.

En Então ele ficou parado e escutou.

En Na aldeia distante onde Mbonga havia restaurado a calma, os negros mal podiam ouvir a voz de Tantor. Mas os ouvidos aguçados de Tarzan captaram claramente seu significado.

En Seus captores o levavam para uma cabana onde ele seria mantido e vigiado, aguardando as festividades noturnas que terminariam em sua morte dolorosa. Ele parou quando ouviu o chamado de Tantor, levantou a cabeça e emitiu um grito aterrorizante. Esse grito gelou os aldeões supersticiosos e fez os guerreiros recuarem, mesmo com seus braços amarrados firmemente atrás das costas.

Tarzan's First Love

Português

Teeka estava estirada luxuosamente à sombra da floresta tropical, apresentando uma imagem sedutora de encanto juvenil feminino. Pelo menos, essa era a opinião de Tarzan, o macaco, que estava sentado em um galho baixo de uma árvore próxima, olhando para ela.

Original English

TEEKA, STRETCHED AT luxurious ease in the shade of the tropical forest, presented, unquestionably, a most alluring picture of young, feminine loveliness. Or at least so thought Tarzan of the Apes, who squatted upon a low-swinging branch in a near-by tree and looked down upon her.

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Português

Se você o tivesse visto relaxando no galho oscilante de um gigante da selva, sua pele morena manchada pela luz equatorial brilhante que filtrava através do dossel de folhas acima, seu corpo gracioso relaxado, sua cabeça bem torneada voltada em pensamento e seus olhos cinzentos inteligentes fixos sonhadoramente no objeto de sua devoção, você o teria considerado a reencarnação de um semideus antigo.

Original English

Just to have seen him there, lolling upon the swaying bough of the jungle-forest giant, his brown skin mottled by the brilliant equatorial sunlight which percolated through the leafy canopy of green above him, his clean-limbed body relaxed in graceful ease, his shapely head partly turned in contemplative absorption and his intelligent, gray eyes dreamily devouring the object of their devotion, you would have thought him the reincarnation of some demigod of old.

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Português

Você não poderia ter adivinhado que, quando bebê, ele havia mamado no seio de uma horrenda e peluda macaca, nem que, desde que seus pais morreram na pequena cabana junto ao porto sem saída para o mar na beira da selva, ele não conhecera outros companheiros senão os machos sombrios e as fêmeas rosnadoras da tribo de Kerchak, o grande macaco.

Original English

You would not have guessed that in infancy he had suckled at the breast of a hideous, hairy she-ape, nor that in all his conscious past since his parents had passed away in the little cabin by the landlocked harbor at the jungle's verge, he had known no other associates than the sullen bulls and the snarling cows of the tribe of Kerchak, the great ape.

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Português

Mesmo se você pudesse ler os pensamentos que percorriam aquele cérebro ativo e saudável — os anseios, desejos e aspirações inspirados pela visão de Teeka — você ainda assim dificilmente acreditaria na verdade da origem do homem-macaco. Seus pensamentos sozinhos nunca revelariam que ele havia nascido de uma gentil dama inglesa ou que seu pai era um nobre inglês de linhagem antiga.

Original English

Nor, could you have read the thoughts which passed through that active, healthy brain, the longings and desires and aspirations which the sight of Teeka inspired, would you have been any more inclined to give credence to the reality of the origin of the ape-man. For, from his thoughts alone, you could never have gleaned the truth -- that he had been born to a gentle English lady or that his sire had been an English nobleman of time-honored lineage.

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Português

Tarzan ignorava sua verdadeira origem. Ele não sabia que era John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, com um assento na Câmara dos Lordes, e mesmo se soubesse, não teria entendido o que isso significava.

Original English

Lost to Tarzan of the Apes was the truth of his origin. That he was John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, with a seat in the House of Lords, he did not know, nor, knowing, would have understood.

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Português

Era inegável: Teeka era verdadeiramente bonita.

Original English

Yes, Teeka was indeed beautiful!

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Português

Claro, Kala tinha sido bonita — a mãe de alguém sempre é — mas Teeka possuía uma beleza única e indescritível que Tarzan estava apenas começando a perceber de forma vaga e nebulosa.

Original English

Of course Kala had been beautiful -- one's mother is always that -- but Teeka was beautiful in a way all her own, an indescribable sort of way which Tarzan was just beginning to sense in a rather vague and hazy manner.

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Português

Por muitos anos, Tarzan e Teeka foram companheiros de brincadeiras. Enquanto outros jovens macacos da idade dela se tornavam mal-humorados e taciturnos, Teeka permanecia brincalhona. Tarzan provavelmente pensava que seu crescente apego por ela era simplesmente porque eles sozinhos ainda desejavam brincar como antes.

Original English

For years had Tarzan and Teeka been play-fellows, and Teeka still continued to be playful while the young bulls of her own age were rapidly becoming surly and morose. Tarzan, if he gave the matter much thought at all, probably reasoned that his growing attachment for the young female could be easily accounted for by the fact that of the former playmates she and he alone retained any desire to frolic as of old.

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Português

Naquele dia, enquanto Tarzan estava sentado observando Teeka, ele começou a notar as belezas de sua forma e feições — algo que nunca havia feito antes, já que seu foco sempre estivera na habilidade dela para brincar. Ele coçou a cabeça e suspirou. A recém-descoberta beleza dela tornou-se seu desespero. Ele invejava sua bela pelagem; sua própria pele lisa e morena ele odiava. Há muito esperava crescer cabelo como seus irmãos e irmãs, mas recentemente abandonara esse sonho.

Original English

But today, as he sat gazing upon her, he found himself noting the beauties of Teeka's form and features -- something he never had done before, since none of them had aught to do with Teeka's ability to race nimbly through the lower terraces of the forest in the primitive games of tag and hide-and-go-seek which Tarzan's fertile brain evolved. Tarzan scratched his head, running his fingers deep into the shock of black hair which framed his shapely, boyish face -- he scratched his head and sighed. Teeka's new-found beauty became as suddenly his despair. He envied her the handsome coat of hair which covered her body. His own smooth, brown hide he hated with a hatred born of disgust and contempt. Years back he had harbored a hope that some day he, too, would be clothed in hair as were all his brothers and sisters; but of late he had been forced to abandon the delectable dream.

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Português

Os dentes grandes de Teeka, embora não tão grandes quanto os dos machos, ainda eram impressionantes em comparação com os fracos dentes brancos de Tarzan. Suas sobrancelhas salientes, nariz largo e chato e boca — Tarzan frequentemente tentava imitar sua expressão fofa de inflar as bochechas e piscar, mas sentia que nunca conseguiria fazê-lo de forma tão irresistível quanto ela.

Original English

Then there were Teeka's great teeth, not so large as the males, of course, but still mighty, handsome things by comparison with Tarzan's feeble white ones. And her beetling brows, and broad, flat nose, and her mouth! Tarzan had often practiced making his mouth into a little round circle and then puffing out his cheeks while he winked his eyes rapidly; but he felt that he could never do it in the same cute and irresistible way in which Teeka did it.

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Português

Tarzan observou Teeka naquela tarde, sentindo-se curioso. Um jovem macaco chamado Taug, que procurava comida preguiçosamente sob as folhas úmidas perto de uma árvore, moveu-se desajeitadamente em direção a ela. Os outros macacos da tribo de Kerchak se moviam sem energia no calor do meio-dia. Tarzan não se interessara quando outros passavam perto de Teeka, mas agora suas sobrancelhas se contraíram e seus músculos se tensionaram ao ver Taug parar ao lado dela e se agachar.

Original English

And as he watched her that afternoon, and wondered, a young bull ape who had been lazily foraging for food beneath the damp, matted carpet of decaying vegetation at the roots of a near-by tree lumbered awkwardly in Teeka's direction. The other apes of the tribe of Kerchak moved listlessly about or lolled restfully in the midday heat of the equatorial jungle. From time to time one or another of them had passed close to Teeka, and Tarzan had been uninterested. Why was it then that his brows contracted and his muscles tensed as he saw Taug pause beside the young she and then squat down close to her?

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Português

Tarzan sempre gostou de Taug. Eles brincaram juntos desde a infância, sentados lado a lado perto da água, usando seus dedos rápidos para pegar peixes quando eles vinham à superfície atrás dos insetos que Tarzan jogava.

Original English

Tarzan always had liked Taug. Since childhood they had romped together. Side by side they had squatted near the water, their quick, strong fingers ready to leap forth and seize Pisah, the fish, should that wary denizen of the cool depths dart surfaceward to the lure of the insects Tarzan tossed upon the face of the pool.

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Português

Juntos, eles provocaram Tublat e implicaram com Numa, o leão. Então por que Tarzan sentia os pelos da nuca se eriçarem simplesmente porque Taug se sentou perto de Teeka?

Original English

Together they had baited Tublat and teased Numa, the lion. Why, then, should Tarzan feel the rise of the short hairs at the nape of his neck merely because Taug sat close to Teeka?

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Português

Era verdade que Taug já não era mais o macaco brincalhão de antes. Quando seus músculos de rosnar mostravam suas enormes presas, ninguém podia imaginar que ele estava de bom humor como quando ele e Tarzan lutavam. O Taug de hoje era um enorme e mal-humorado macaco, sombrio e intimidador. No entanto, ele e Tarzan nunca haviam brigado.

Original English

It is true that Taug was no longer the frolicsome ape of yesterday. When his snarling-muscles bared his giant fangs no one could longer imagine that Taug was in as playful a mood as when he and Tarzan had rolled upon the turf in mimic battle. The Taug of today was a huge, sullen bull ape, somber and forbidding. Yet he and Tarzan never had quarreled.

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Português

Por alguns minutos, o jovem homem-macaco observou Taug se aproximar de Teeka. Ele viu a carícia áspera da pata grande acariciando o ombro macio da fêmea. Então Tarzan dos Macacos deslizou como um gato até o chão e se aproximou deles.

Original English

For a few minutes the young ape-man watched Taug press closer to Teeka. He saw the rough caress of the huge paw as it stroked the sleek shoulder of the she, and then Tarzan of the Apes slipped catlike to the ground and approached the two.

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Português

À medida que se aproximava, seu lábio superior se curvou em um rosnado, mostrando seus dentes de luta, e um profundo rosnado saiu de seu peito. Taug olhou para cima, piscando seus olhos injetados. Teeka ergueu-se ligeiramente e olhou para Tarzan. Se ela entendia a causa de sua agitação era incerto. Mas, sendo fêmea, ela estendeu a mão e coçou Taug atrás de uma de suas pequenas e achatadas orelhas.

Original English

As he came his upper lip curled into a snarl, exposing his fighting fangs, and a deep growl rumbled from his cavernous chest. Taug looked up, batting his blood-shot eyes. Teeka half raised herself and looked at Tarzan. Did she guess the cause of his perturbation? Who may say? At any rate, she was feminine, and so she reached up and scratched Taug behind one of his small, flat ears.

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Português

Tarzan viu Teeka, e naquele momento ela não era mais a pequena companheira de brincadeiras de uma hora atrás. Em vez disso, ela era uma coisa maravilhosa, a mais maravilhosa do mundo, uma posse pela qual Tarzan lutaria até a morte contra Taug ou qualquer um que questionasse seu direito de possuí-la.

Original English

Tarzan saw, and in the instant that he saw, Teeka was no longer the little playmate of an hour ago; instead she was a wondrous thing -- the most wondrous in the world -- and a possession for which Tarzan would fight to the death against Taug or any other who dared question his right of proprietorship.

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Português

Curvado, com os músculos tensos e um grande ombro virado para o jovem touro, Tarzan se aproximou de lado. Seu rosto estava parcialmente desviado, mas seus olhos cinzentos e atentos nunca deixaram Taug. À medida que se aproximava, seus rosnados se tornavam mais profundos e altos.

Original English

Stooped, his muscles rigid and one great shoulder turned toward the young bull, Tarzan of the Apes sidled nearer and nearer. His face was partly averted, but his keen gray eyes never left those of Taug, and as he came, his growls increased in depth and volume.

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Português

Taug ergueu-se sobre suas pernas curtas, eriçado. Seus dentes de luta estavam à mostra. Ele também se aproximou de lado, com as pernas rígidas, e rosnou.

Original English

Taug rose upon his short legs, bristling. His fighting fangs were bared. He, too, sidled, stiff-legged, and growled.

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Português

Usando os grunhidos baixos dos grandes símios, o homem-macaco declarou que Teeka pertencia a Tarzan.

Original English

"Teeka is Tarzan's,"said the ape-man, in the low gutturals of the great anthropoids.

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Português

O macaco-velho respondeu que Teeka pertencia a Taug.

Original English

"Teeka is Taug's,"replied the bull ape.

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Português

Thaka, Numgo e Gunto, despertados pelos rosnados dos dois jovens machos, olharam para cima com uma mistura de apatia e interesse. Sonolentos como estavam, reconheceram a perspectiva de uma briga, que aliviaria a monotonia de sua mundana existência na selva.

Original English

Thaka and Numgo and Gunto, disturbed by the growlings of the two young bulls, looked up half apathetic, half interested. They were sleepy, but they sensed a fight. It would break the monotony of the humdrum jungle life they led.

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Português

Tarzan carregava sua longa corda de capim enrolada nos ombros e segurava a faca de caça que pertencera a seu pai, a quem nunca conheceu. Na mente de Taug, havia grande respeito por aquela lâmina de metal afiada, que o menino-macaco manejava com habilidade. Com ela, Tarzan matara Tublat, seu feroz pai adotivo, e Bolgani, o gorila. Ciente desses feitos, Taug aproximou-se cautelosamente, circulando Tarzan em busca de uma abertura. Tarzan, tornado cuidadoso por seu tamanho menor e armas naturais inferiores, empregou táticas semelhantes.

Original English

Coiled about his shoulders was Tarzan's long grass rope, in his hand was the hunting knife of the long-dead father he had never known. In Taug's little brain lay a great respect for the shiny bit of sharp metal which the ape-boy knew so well how to use. With it had he slain Tublat, his fierce foster father, and Bolgani, the gorilla. Taug knew these things, and so he came warily, circling about Tarzan in search of an opening. The latter, made cautious because of his lesser bulk and the inferiority of his natural armament, followed similar tactics.

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Português

Por um tempo, pareceu que a disputa terminaria como a maioria dos desentendimentos tribais, com um deles eventualmente perdendo o interesse e indo embora. Esse poderia ter sido o resultado se a causa da briga fosse outra coisa. Mas Teeka estava lisonjeada pela atenção e pelo fato de aqueles dois jovens machos estarem contemplando uma batalha por sua causa. Nada assim jamais acontecera na curta vida de Teeka. Ela vira outros machos lutando por fêmeas mais velhas, e no fundo de seu coração selvagem, ela ansiava pelo dia em que as gramíneas da selva seriam avermelhadas por um combate mortal por sua causa.

Original English

For a time it seemed that the altercation would follow the way of the majority of such differences between members of the tribe and that one of them would finally lose interest and wander off to prosecute some other line of endeavor. Such might have been the end of it had the CASUS BELLI been other than it was; but Teeka was flattered at the attention that was being drawn to her and by the fact that these two young bulls were contemplating battle on her account. Such a thing never before had occurred in Teeka's brief life. She had seen other bulls battling for other and older shes, and in the depth of her wild little heart she had longed for the day when the jungle grasses would be reddened with the blood of mortal combat for her fair sake.

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Português

Ela então se agachou sobre as patas traseiras e insultou ambos os admiradores imparcialmente, lançando provocações sobre sua covardia e chamando-os de nomes vis como Histah, a cobra, e Dango, a hiena. Ameaçou chamar Mumga para puni-los com um pedaço de pau — Mumga, que era tão velha que não conseguia mais subir em árvores e tão desdentada que sua dieta consistia quase inteiramente de bananas e larvas.

Original English

So now she squatted upon her haunches and insulted both her admirers impartially. She hurled taunts at them for their cowardice, and called them vile names, such as Histah, the snake, and Dango, the hyena. She threatened to call Mumga to chastise them with a stick -- Mumga, who was so old that she could no longer climb and so toothless that she was forced to confine her diet almost exclusively to bananas and grub-worms.

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Português

Taug ficou furioso quando os macacos que assistiam riram. Ele avançou contra Tarzan, mas Tarzan rapidamente desviou, então girou de volta com agilidade felina para perto. Com sua faca de caça erguida, ele atingiu o pescoço de Taug. Taug virou-se para evitar a lâmina, e ela apenas raspou seu ombro.

Original English

The apes who were watching heard and laughed. Taug was infuriated. He made a sudden lunge for Tarzan, but the ape-boy leaped nimbly to one side, eluding him, and with the quickness of a cat wheeled and leaped back again to close quarters. His hunting knife was raised above his head as he came in, and he aimed a vicious blow at Taug's neck. The ape wheeled to dodge the weapon so that the keen blade struck him but a glancing blow upon the shoulder.

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Português

Ao ver o sangue, Teeka soltou um grito de alegria. Ela achou isso emocionante e olhou ao redor para ver se outros tinham notado, sentindo-se imensamente orgulhosa, mais do que até mesmo Helena de Troia.

Original English

The spurt of red blood brought a shrill cry of delight from Teeka. Ah, but this was something worth while! She glanced about to see if others had witnessed this evidence of her popularity. Helen of Troy was never one whit more proud than was Teeka at that moment.

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Português

Teeka estava ocupada demais com seu orgulho para notar as folhas farfalhando acima dela; não havia vento para movê-las. Se ela tivesse olhado para cima, teria visto um corpo esguio agachado sobre ela com olhos amarelos famintos olhando para baixo. Mas ela não olhou.

Original English

If Teeka had not been so absorbed in her own vaingloriousness she might have noted the rustling of leaves in the tree above her -- a rustling which was not caused by any movement of the wind, since there was no wind. And had she looked up she might have seen a sleek body crouching almost directly over her and wicked yellow eyes glaring hungrily down upon her, but Teeka did not look up.

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Português

Ferido, Taug recuou com um rosnado terrível. Tarzan o perseguiu, gritando insultos e ameaçando-o com sua faca. Teeka saiu de debaixo da árvore para ficar perto dos lutadores.

Original English

With his wound Taug had backed off growling horribly. Tarzan had followed him, screaming insults at him, and menacing him with his brandishing blade. Teeka moved from beneath the tree in an effort to keep close to the duelists.

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Português

O galho acima de Teeka curvou-se ligeiramente com o peso do observador escondido. Taug parou e se preparou para outro ataque. Espuma cobria seus lábios e saliva escorria de suas mandíbulas. Ele abaixou a cabeça e abriu os braços, pronto para avançar. Ele acreditava que se conseguisse agarrar a pele macia de Tarzan, venceria. Taug achava o estilo de luta de Tarzan injusto porque Tarzan não se aproximava, em vez disso saltava para fora do alcance das mãos fortes de Taug.

Original English

The branch above Teeka bent and swayed a trifle with the movement of the body of the watcher stretched along it. Taug had halted now and was preparing to make a new stand. His lips were flecked with foam, and saliva drooled from his jowls. He stood with head lowered and arms outstretched, preparing for a sudden charge to close quarters. Could he but lay his mighty hands upon that soft, brown skin the battle would be his. Taug considered Tarzan's manner of fighting unfair. He would not close. Instead, he leaped nimbly just beyond the reach of Taug's muscular fingers.

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Português

Tarzan nunca havia realmente testado sua força contra um macaco adulto, exceto durante brincadeiras. Ele não tinha certeza se era seguro lutar por sua vida. No entanto, ele não estava com medo; o medo era desconhecido para ele. A cautela vinha de seu instinto de sobrevivência, não do medo. Ele só corria riscos quando necessário, e quando o fazia, não se continha.

Original English

The ape-boy had as yet never come to a real trial of strength with a bull ape, other than in play, and so he was not at all sure that it would be safe to put his muscles to the test in a life and death struggle. Not that he was afraid, for Tarzan knew nothing of fear. The instinct of self-preservation gave him caution -- that was all. He took risks only when it seemed necessary, and then he would hesitate at nothing.

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Português

Seu estilo de luta se adequava ao seu corpo e armas. Embora seus dentes fossem fortes e afiados, eles não eram páreo para as presas dos grandes macacos. Movendo-se rapidamente e mantendo-se fora do alcance de seu oponente, Tarzan podia usar sua longa e afiada faca para causar grande dano, evitando os ferimentos perigosos que viriam se um macaco o pegasse.

Original English

His own method of fighting seemed best fitted to his build and to his armament. His teeth, while strong and sharp, were, as weapons of offense, pitifully inadequate by comparison with the mighty fighting fangs of the anthropoids. By dancing about, just out of reach of an antagonist, Tarzan could do infinite injury with his long, sharp hunting knife, and at the same time escape many of the painful and dangerous wounds which would be sure to follow his falling into the clutches of a bull ape.

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Português

Taug avançou, rugindo como um touro. Tarzan se movia agilmente de um lado para o outro, gritando insultos da selva, e ocasionalmente cortando Taug com sua faca.

Original English

And so Taug charged and bellowed like a bull, and Tarzan of the Apes danced lightly to this side and that, hurling jungle billingsgate at his foe, the while he nicked him now and again with his knife.

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Português

A luta tinha pausas em que ambos ficavam parados recuperando o fôlego, frente a frente, se preparando para o próximo ataque. Durante uma dessas pausas, Taug olhou para além de seu oponente. Imediatamente toda a sua expressão mudou. Sua raiva desapareceu e foi substituída pelo medo.

Original English

There were lulls in the fighting when the two would stand panting for breath, facing each other, mustering their wits and their forces for a new onslaught. It was during a pause such as this that Taug chanced to let his eyes rove beyond his foeman. Instantly the entire aspect of the ape altered. Rage left his countenance to be supplanted by an expression of fear.

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Português

Com um grito que todos os macacos conheciam, Taug se virou e fugiu. Não havia necessidade de perguntar por quê. Seu grito avisava que seu antigo inimigo estava próximo.

Original English

With a cry that every ape there recognized, Taug turned and fled. No need to question him -- his warning proclaimed the near presence of their ancient enemy.

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Português

Tarzan e os outros macacos começaram a fugir. Enquanto corria, ele ouviu o grito de uma pantera misturado com o grito aterrorizado de uma macaca fêmea. Taug também ouviu os sons, mas não parou sua fuga.

Original English

Tarzan started to seek safety, as did the other members of the tribe, and as he did so he heard a panther's scream mingled with the frightened cry of a she-ape. Taug heard, too; but he did not pause in his flight.

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Português

No entanto, o menino-macaco agiu de forma diferente. Ele olhou para trás para ver se algum de sua tribo estava sendo perseguido pelo predador, e o que viu encheu seus olhos de horror.

Original English

With the ape-boy, however, it was different. He looked back to see if any member of the tribe was close pressed by the beast of prey, and the sight that met his eyes filled them with an expression of horror.

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Português

Foi Teeka quem gritou de terror enquanto corria por uma pequena clareira em direção às árvores do outro lado, porque Sheeta, a pantera, saltava atrás dela com saltos fáceis e graciosos. Sheeta parecia sem pressa; sua refeição estava garantida, porque mesmo que a macaca chegasse primeiro às árvores, ela não conseguiria subir alto o suficiente para escapar de suas garras antes que ele a pegasse.

Original English

Teeka it was who cried out in terror as she fled across a little clearing toward the trees upon the opposite side, for after her leaped Sheeta, the panther, in easy, graceful bounds. Sheeta appeared to be in no hurry. His meat was assured, since even though the ape reached the trees ahead of him she could not climb beyond his clutches before he could be upon her.

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Português

Tarzan percebeu que Teeka morreria. Ele gritou para Taug e os outros touros se apressarem para ajudá-la, e ao mesmo tempo correu em direção à fera perseguidora, desenrolando sua corda enquanto avançava. Tarzan sabia que, uma vez que os grandes touros se enfurecessem, ninguém da selva — nem mesmo Numa, o leão — iria querer enfrentá-los, e que se todos os membros da tribo presentes hoje atacassem juntos, Sheeta, a pantera, certamente se viraria e fugiria para salvar sua vida.

Original English

Tarzan saw that Teeka must die. He cried to Taug and the other bulls to hasten to Teeka's assistance, and at the same time he ran toward the pursuing beast, taking down his rope as he came. Tarzan knew that once the great bulls were aroused none of the jungle, not even Numa, the lion, was anxious to measure fangs with them, and that if all those of the tribe who chanced to be present today would charge, Sheeta, the great cat, would doubtless turn tail and run for his life.

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Português

Taug e os outros ouviram, mas ninguém veio ajudar Tarzan ou resgatar Teeka, e Sheeta estava rapidamente diminuindo a distância até sua presa.

Original English

Taug heard, as did the others, but no one came to Tarzan's assistance or Teeka's rescue, and Sheeta was rapidly closing up the distance between himself and his prey.

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Português

Saltando atrás da pantera, o menino-macaco gritou na tentativa de distraí-la de Teeka. Ele queria dar tempo para a fêmea-macaco subir para galhos mais altos, onde a pantera não seguiria. Ele gritou insultos e desafiou a pantera a lutar com ele. Mas a pantera continuou perseguindo Teeka, que quase foi pega.

Original English

The ape-boy, leaping after the panther, cried aloud to the beast in an effort to turn it from Teeka or otherwise distract its attention until the she-ape could gain the safety of the higher branches where Sheeta dared not go. He called the panther every opprobrious name that fell to his tongue. He dared him to stop and do battle with him; but Sheeta only loped on after the luscious titbit now almost within his reach.

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Português

Tarzan não estava muito atrás e estava ganhando terreno, mas a distância era curta, e ele mal esperava alcançar o carnívoro antes que ele capturasse Teeka. Enquanto corria, ele balançava sua corda de capim acima da cabeça. Ele não queria arriscar errar, porque a distância era muito maior do que ele jamais havia arremessado, exceto na prática. Ele estava tão longe de Sheeta quanto o comprimento de sua corda, mas não tinha outra escolha. Ele não poderia alcançar a fera a tempo, então teve que tentar um arremesso.

Original English

Tarzan was not far behind and he was gaining, but the distance was so short that he scarce hoped to overhaul the carnivore before it had felled Teeka. In his right hand the boy swung his grass rope above his head as he ran. He hated to chance a miss, for the distance was much greater than he ever had cast before except in practice. It was the full length of his grass rope which separated him from Sheeta, and yet there was no other thing to do. He could not reach the brute's side before it overhauled Teeka. He must chance a throw.

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Português

No momento em que Teeka saltou para um galho baixo de uma grande árvore, e Sheeta ergueu-se atrás dela em um salto longo e suave, a corda de grama do menino-macaco disparou pelo ar. Ela se esticou em uma linha fina, e o laço aberto pairou por um instante sobre a cabeça e as mandíbulas rosna-doras da pantera. Então, ele se ajustou perfeitamente em torno do pescoço fulvo. Tarzan rapidamente torceu a mão e puxou o laço com força, preparando-se para o impacto quando Sheeta puxasse contra a corda.

Original English

And just as Teeka sprang for the lower limb of a great tree, and Sheeta rose behind her in a long, sinuous leap, the coils of the ape-boy's grass rope shot swiftly through the air, straightening into a long thin line as the open noose hovered for an instant above the savage head and the snarling jaws. Then it settled -- clean and true about the tawny neck it settled, and Tarzan, with a quick twist of his rope-hand, drew the noose taut, bracing himself for the shock when Sheeta should have taken up the slack.

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Português

Pouco antes do corpo brilhante de Teeka, as garras da pantera rasgaram o ar enquanto a corda se apertava e parava Sheeta de repente. A parada jogou a grande fera de costas. Num instante, Sheeta se levantou com olhos furiosos, cauda agitada e boca aberta, de onde saíam gritos terríveis de raiva e decepção.

Original English

Just short of Teeka's glossy rump the cruel talons raked the air as the rope tightened and Sheeta was brought to a sudden stop -- a stop that snapped the big beast over upon his back. Instantly Sheeta was up -- with glaring eyes, and lashing tail, and gaping jaws, from which issued hideous cries of rage and disappointment.

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Português

A pantera viu o menino-macaco, que havia causado seu problema, a menos de quarenta pés de distância, e ele avançou.

Original English

He saw the ape-boy, the cause of his discomfiture, scarce forty feet before him, and Sheeta charged.

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Português

Tarzan rapidamente confirmou a segurança de Teeka na árvore enquanto Sheeta lançava um ataque. Reconhecendo a inutilidade de uma batalha desigual, ele não teve escolha senão manter sua posição. Com apenas uma faca de caça contra os dentes e garras do leopardo, ele enfrentou a carga com a mesma coragem estoica que havia caracterizado seus antepassados em derrotas passadas.

Original English

Teeka was safe now; Tarzan saw to that by a quick glance into the tree whose safety she had gained not an instant too soon, and Sheeta was charging. It was useless to risk his life in idle and unequal combat from which no good could come; but could he escape a battle with the enraged cat? And if he was forced to fight, what chance had he to survive? Tarzan was constrained to admit that his position was aught but a desirable one. The trees were too far to hope to reach in time to elude the cat. Tarzan could but stand facing that hideous charge. In his right hand he grasped his hunting knife -- a puny, futile thing indeed by comparison with the great rows of mighty teeth which lined Sheeta's powerful jaws, and the sharp talons encased within his padded paws; yet the young Lord Greystoke faced it with the same courageous resignation with which some fearless ancestor went down to defeat and death on Senlac Hill by Hastings.

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Português

Da segurança das árvores, os grandes macacos observavam, gritando insultos a Sheeta e oferecendo conselhos a Tarzan. Teeka, aterrorizada, instou os machos a ajudá-lo. No entanto, os machos estavam ocupados gritando e fazendo caretas. Eles raciocinaram que Tarzan, por não ser um verdadeiro Mangani, não valia o risco.

Original English

From safety points in the trees the great apes watched, screaming hatred at Sheeta and advice at Tarzan, for the progenitors of man have, naturally, many human traits. Teeka was frightened. She screamed at the bulls to hasten to Tarzan's assistance; but the bulls were otherwise engaged -- principally in giving advice and making faces. Anyway, Tarzan was not a real Mangani, so why should they risk their lives in an effort to protect him?

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Português

Conforme Sheeta se aproximava do ágil homem-macaco, Tarzan desapareceu. Mais rápido que a pantera, ele desviou para o lado no momento em que as garras estavam prestes a atingi-lo. Sheeta caiu ao lado, e Tarzan correu em direção à árvore mais próxima para se proteger.

Original English

And now Sheeta was almost upon the lithe, naked body, and -- the body was not there. Quick as was the great cat, the ape-boy was quicker. He leaped to one side almost as the panther's talons were closing upon him, and as Sheeta went hurtling to the ground beyond, Tarzan was racing for the safety of the nearest tree.

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Português

A pantera se recuperou rapidamente e virou para perseguir, com a corda de Tarzan arrastando atrás. Ao girar, Sheeta passou por um arbusto baixo; a corda prendeu e o parou abruptamente. Tarzan aproveitou a oportunidade para subir em uma pequena árvore onde Sheeta não poderia segui-lo.

Original English

The panther recovered himself almost immediately and, wheeling, tore after his prey, the ape-boy's rope dragging along the ground behind him. In doubling back after Tarzan, Sheeta had passed around a low bush. It was a mere nothing in the path of any jungle creature of the size and weight of Sheeta -- provided it had no trailing rope dangling behind. But Sheeta was handicapped by such a rope, and as he leaped once again after Tarzan of the Apes the rope encircled the small bush, became tangled in it and brought the panther to a sudden stop. An instant later Tarzan was safe among the higher branches of a small tree into which Sheeta could not follow him.

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Português

Empoleirado acima, Tarzan atirou galhos e insultos no felino enfurecido. Os outros macacos se juntaram, jogando frutas e galhos até que Sheeta, enlouquecido, rompeu a corda com os dentes. Após um olhar furioso, a pantera gritou e recuou para a densa selva.

Original English

Here he perched, hurling twigs and epithets at the raging feline beneath him. The other members of the tribe now took up the bombardment, using such hard-shelled fruits and dead branches as came within their reach, until Sheeta, goaded to frenzy and snapping at the grass rope, finally succeeded in severing its strands. For a moment the panther stood glaring first at one of his tormentors and then at another, until, with a final scream of rage, he turned and slunk off into the tangled mazes of the jungle.

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Português

Após meia hora, a tribo retomou a alimentação como se nada tivesse interrompido suas vidas monótonas. Tarzan havia consertado a maior parte de sua corda e estava fazendo um novo laço, enquanto Teeka se agachava perto dele, indicando claramente sua escolha.

Original English

A half hour later the tribe was again upon the ground, feeding as though naught had occurred to interrupt the somber dullness of their lives. Tarzan had recovered the greater part of his rope and was busy fashioning a new noose, while Teeka squatted close behind him, in evident token that her choice was made.

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Português

Taug os observava com ressentimento. Uma vez, quando se aproximou, Teeka mostrou os dentes e rosnou, e Tarzan exibiu seus caninos em um ronco hostil; no entanto, Taug não iniciou uma briga. Ele parecia aceitar, à maneira de sua espécie, a decisão da fêmea como um sinal de que havia perdido a disputa por seu afeto.

Original English

Taug eyed them sullenly. Once when he came close, Teeka bared her fangs and growled at him, and Tarzan showed his canines in an ugly snarl; but Taug did not provoke a quarrel. He seemed to accept after the manner of his kind the decision of the she as an indication that he had been vanquished in his battle for her favors.

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Português

Mais tarde naquele dia, após consertar sua corda, Tarzan subiu nas árvores para caçar. Ele precisava de carne mais do que os outros. Enquanto eles se contentavam com frutas, ervas e besouros – facilmente encontrados com pouco esforço –, Tarzan passava um tempo considerável perseguindo animais de caça, cuja carne sozinha satisfazia sua fome e alimentava os músculos poderosos que se desenvolviam diariamente sob sua pele lisa e morena.

Original English

Later in the day, his rope repaired, Tarzan took to the trees in search of game. More than his fellows he required meat, and so, while they were satisfied with fruits and herbs and beetles, which could be discovered without much effort upon their part, Tarzan spent considerable time hunting the game animals whose flesh alone satisfied the cravings of his stomach and furnished sustenance and strength to the mighty thews which, day by day, were building beneath the soft, smooth texture of his brown hide.

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Português

Taug observou ele partir, então se aproximou casualmente de Teeka enquanto forrageava. Logo ele estava a poucos metros dela. Quando olhou para ela secretamente, viu que ela o estava avaliando e não mostrava sinais de raiva.

Original English

Taug saw him depart, and then, quite casually, the big beast hunted closer and closer to Teeka in his search for food. At last he was within a few feet of her, and when he shot a covert glance at her he saw that she was appraising him and that there was no evidence of anger upon her face.

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Português

Taug expandiu seu peito largo e se pavoneou sobre suas pernas curtas, emitindo estranhos sons de rosnado. Ele ergueu os lábios para mostrar os dentes. Como aqueles dentes eram grandes e bonitos! Teeka não pôde deixar de notar. Ela também admirou suas sobrancelhas proeminentes e seu pescoço curto e poderoso. Que criatura magnífica ele era!

Original English

Taug expanded his great chest and rolled about on his short legs, making strange growlings in his throat. He raised his lips, baring his fangs. My, but what great, beautiful fangs he had! Teeka could not but notice them. She also let her eyes rest in admiration upon Taug's beetling brows and his short, powerful neck. What a beautiful creature he was indeed!

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Português

Taug se sentiu lisonjeado pela admiração aberta nos olhos dela. Ele andou orgulhosamente, como um pavão, e começou a listar mentalmente suas próprias qualidades, comparando-as com as de seu rival.

Original English

Taug, flattered by the unconcealed admiration in her eyes, strutted about, as proud and as vain as a peacock. Presently he began to inventory his assets, mentally, and shortly he found himself comparing them with those of his rival.

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Português

Taug grunhiu, pois não via comparação. Como alguém poderia comparar seu lindo pelo com a pele lisa e nua e feia de Tarzan? Quem poderia ver beleza no nariz pequeno de Tarzan depois de ver as narinas largas de Taug? E os olhos de Tarzan eram horríveis, com o branco aparecendo e sem bordas vermelhas. Taug sabia que seus próprios olhos vermelhos eram lindos, pois os vira refletidos em poças.

Original English

Taug grunted, for there was no comparison. How could one compare his beautiful coat with the smooth and naked hideousness of Tarzan's bare hide? Who could see beauty in the stingy nose of the Tarmangani after looking at Taug's broad nostrils? And Tarzan's eyes! Hideous things, showing white about them, and entirely unrimmed with red. Taug knew that his own blood-shot eyes were beautiful, for he had seen them reflected in the glassy surface of many a drinking pool.

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Português

O macho se aproximou de Teeka e finalmente se agachou ao lado dela. Quando Tarzan voltou da caça um pouco depois, viu Teeka coçando contentemente as costas de seu rival.

Original English

The bull drew nearer to Teeka, finally squatting close against her. When Tarzan returned from his hunting a short time later it was to see Teeka contentedly scratching the back of his rival.

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Português

Tarzan ficou enojado. Nem Taug nem Teeka o viram enquanto ele balançava pelas árvores até a clareira. Ele parou por um momento, olhando para eles; então, com uma careta triste, virou-se e desapareceu no emaranhado denso de folhas e musgo de onde havia vindo.

Original English

Tarzan was disgusted. Neither Taug nor Teeka saw him as he swung through the trees into the glade. He paused a moment, looking at them; then, with a sorrowful grimace, he turned and faded away into the labyrinth of leafy boughs and festooned moss out of which he had come.

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Português

Tarzan queria ficar o mais longe possível da fonte de sua dor de coração. Ele estava sentindo as primeiras dores do amor decepcionado e não entendia completamente o que havia de errado com ele. Pensava que estava com raiva de Taug, então não conseguia entender por que havia fugido em vez de lutar contra aquele que destruíra sua felicidade.

Original English

Tarzan wished to be as far away from the cause of his heartache as he could. He was suffering the first pangs of blighted love, and he didn't quite know what was the matter with him. He thought that he was angry with Taug, and so he couldn't understand why it was that he had run away instead of rushing into mortal combat with the destroyer of his happiness.

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Português

Embora acreditasse estar zangado com Teeka, o pensamento de sua beleza continuava a perturbá-lo, e ele só conseguia vê-la como o ser mais desejável do mundo, sob a luz do amor.

Original English

He also thought that he was angry with Teeka, yet a vision of her many beauties persisted in haunting him, so that he could only see her in the light of love as the most desirable thing in the world.

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Português

O menino-macaco anseava por afeto. Desde sua infância até a morte dela pela flecha envenenada de Kulonga, Kala havia sido a única fonte de amor que o menino inglês jamais conhecera.

Original English

The ape-boy craved affection. From babyhood until the time of her death, when the poisoned arrow of Kulonga had pierced her savage heart, Kala had represented to the English boy the sole object of love which he had known.

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Português

Kala amava seu filho adotivo de sua maneira selvagem e feroz, e Tarzan a amava de volta, embora demonstrasse isso não mais do que qualquer outra criatura da selva. Foi somente após a perda dela que ele compreendeu a profundidade de seu apego por ela, a quem considerava sua mãe.

Original English

In her wild, fierce way Kala had loved her adopted son, and Tarzan had returned that love, though the outward demonstrations of it were no greater than might have been expected from any other beast of the jungle. It was not until he was bereft of her that the boy realized how deep had been his attachment for his mother, for as such he looked upon her.

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Português

Ele imaginara recentemente Teeka como um substituto para Kala — alguém por quem lutar, caçar e acariciar. Mas agora essa visão estava destruída. Uma dor cresceu dentro de seu peito. Ele colocou a mão sobre o coração, confuso. Culpava vagamente Teeka. Quanto mais se lembrava de vê-la com Taug, mais seu coração doía.

Original English

In Teeka he had seen within the past few hours a substitute for Kala -- someone to fight for and to hunt for -- someone to caress; but now his dream was shattered. Something hurt within his breast. He placed his hand over his heart and wondered what had happened to him. Vaguely he attributed his pain to Teeka. The more he thought of Teeka as he had last seen her, caressing Taug, the more the thing within his breast hurt him.

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Português

Tarzan balançou a cabeça e rosnou. Ele balançou-se mais adiante pela selva, e enquanto viajava e ruminava sobre suas queixas, aproximou-se de se tornar um misógino completo.

Original English

Tarzan shook his head and growled; then on and on through the jungle he swung, and the farther he traveled and the more he thought upon his wrongs, the nearer he approached becoming an irreclaimable misogynist.

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Português

Dois dias depois, ele continuou caçando sozinho, sentindo-se melancólico e profundamente infeliz. Estava resolvido a nunca mais retornar à tribo, pois não suportava a imagem de Taug e Teeka juntos. Enquanto balançava em um grande galho, viu o leão Numa e a leoa Sabor passando abaixo dele. Sabor encostou-se em Numa e mordeu brincando sua bochecha, numa meia carícia. Tarzan suspirou e atirou uma noz neles.

Original English

Two days later he was still hunting alone -- very morose and very unhappy; but he was determined never to return to the tribe. He could not bear the thought of seeing Taug and Teeka always together. As he swung upon a great limb Numa, the lion, and Sabor, the lioness, passed beneath him, side by side, and Sabor leaned against the lion and bit playfully at his cheek. It was a half-caress. Tarzan sighed and hurled a nut at them.

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Português

Mais tarde, ele encontrou vários guerreiros negros de Mbonga. Ele estava prestes a passar seu laço em volta do pescoço de um que estava separado dos outros, mas então ficou curioso sobre o que os homens estavam fazendo. Eles estavam construindo uma gaiola na trilha e cobrindo-a com galhos folhados. Ao finalizar, a estrutura ficou quase invisível.

Original English

Later he came upon several of Mbonga's black warriors. He was upon the point of dropping his noose about the neck of one of them, who was a little distance from his companions, when he became interested in the thing which occupied the savages. They were building a cage in the trail and covering it with leafy branches. When they had completed their work the structure was scarcely visible.

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Português

Tarzan imaginou qual seria o propósito da gaiola e por que, depois de terminá-la, os homens se viraram e seguiram de volta pela trilha em direção à sua aldeia.

Original English

Tarzan wondered what the purpose of the thing might be, and why, when they had built it, they turned away and started back along the trail in the direction of their village.

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Português

Já fazia algum tempo desde que Tarzan visitara os negros e os observara do abrigo das grandes árvores que pendiam sobre sua paliçada. Ele observava as atividades de seus inimigos, entre os quais estava o assassino de Kala.

Original English

It had been some time since Tarzan had visited the blacks and looked down from the shelter of the great trees which overhung their palisade upon the activities of his enemies, from among whom had come the slayer of Kala.

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Português

Embora os odiasse, Tarzan encontrava considerável entretenimento em observar sua vida diária na aldeia, especialmente suas danças. Durante estas, a luz do fogo brilhava contra seus corpos nus enquanto saltavam, viravam e torciam em uma guerra simulada. Na esperança de testemunhar tal espetáculo, ele seguiu os guerreiros de volta à aldeia, mas ficou decepcionado — não houve dança naquela noite.

Original English

Although he hated them, Tarzan derived considerable entertainment in watching them at their daily life within the village, and especially at their dances, when the fires glared against their naked bodies as they leaped and turned and twisted in mimic warfare. It was rather in the hope of witnessing something of the kind that he now followed the warriors back toward their village, but in this he was disappointed, for there was no dance that night.

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Português

De sua posição oculta na árvore, Tarzan observou pequenos grupos sentados ao redor de pequenas fogueiras, conversando sobre os acontecimentos do dia. Nas partes mais escuras da aldeia, ele notou casais rindo e conversando, cada um formado por um jovem e uma jovem.

Original English

Instead, from the safe concealment of his tree, Tarzan saw little groups seated about tiny fires discussing the events of the day, and in the darker corners of the village he descried isolated couples talking and laughing together, and always one of each couple was a young man and the other a young woman.

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Português

Tarzan inclinou a cabeça e pensou. Naquela noite, enquanto dormia enrolado na forquilha da grande árvore acima da aldeia, sua mente estava cheia de Teeka, e mais tarde ela apareceu em seus sonhos, junto com os jovens e as jovens rindo e conversando.

Original English

Tarzan cocked his head upon one side and thought, and before he went to sleep that night, curled in the crotch of the great tree above the village, Teeka filled his mind, and afterward she filled his dreams -- she and the young black men laughing and talking with the young black women.

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Português

Taug estava caçando sozinho e havia se afastado muito do resto da tribo. Ele se movia lentamente por uma trilha de elefantes quando descobriu que ela estava bloqueada por arbustos. Taug, agora totalmente crescido, era um macaco de mau humor e agressivo. Sempre que algo o impedia, ele só pensava em usar sua força e fúria. Então, ao encontrar o bloqueio, ele rasgou as folhas com raiva, apenas para se encontrar em uma toca estranha, completamente preso apesar de suas violentas tentativas de avançar.

Original English

Taug, hunting alone, had wandered some distance from the balance of the tribe. He was making his way slowly along an elephant path when he discovered that it was blocked with undergrowth. Now Taug, come into maturity, was an evil-natured brute of an exceeding short temper. When something thwarted him, his sole idea was to overcome it by brute strength and ferocity, and so now when he found his way blocked, he tore angrily into the leafy screen and an instant later found himself within a strange lair, his progress effectually blocked, notwithstanding his most violent efforts to forge ahead.

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Português

Mordendo e batendo na barreira, Taug ficou terrivelmente irritado, mas isso não adiantou. Finalmente, ele percebeu que teria que voltar. No entanto, quando tentou, ficou desanimado ao descobrir que outra barreira havia caído atrás dele enquanto ele atacava a primeira. Taug estava preso. Ele lutou desesperadamente por sua liberdade até ficar exausto, mas tudo foi em vão.

Original English

Biting and striking at the barrier, Taug finally worked himself into a frightful rage, but all to no avail; and at last he became convinced that he must turn back. But when he would have done so, what was his chagrin to discover that another barrier had dropped behind him while he fought to break down the one before him! Taug was trapped. Until exhaustion overcame him he fought frantically for his freedom; but all for naught.

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Português

Na manhã seguinte, um grupo de homens da aldeia de Mbonga partiu em direção à armadilha que haviam construído no dia anterior. Acima deles, nas árvores, um jovem gigante nu observava, cheio de curiosidade selvagem. Um macaco chamado Manu tagarelava e repreendia enquanto Tarzan passava; embora não tivesse medo do familiar menino-macaco, o macaco segurou seu pequeno companheiro marrom mais perto. Tarzan riu ao ver isso, mas seu riso foi rapidamente seguido por uma expressão triste e um suspiro profundo.

Original English

In the morning a party of blacks set out from the village of Mbonga in the direction of the trap they had constructed the previous day, while among the branches of the trees above them hovered a naked young giant filled with the curiosity of the wild things. Manu, the monkey, chattered and scolded as Tarzan passed, and though he was not afraid of the familiar figure of the ape-boy, he hugged closer to him the little brown body of his life's companion. Tarzan laughed as he saw it; but the laugh was followed by a sudden clouding of his face and a deep sigh.

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Português

Um pássaro de cores vivas desfilava diante de sua companheira sóbria. Para Tarzan, parecia que toda a selva conspirava para lembrá-lo de que havia perdido Teeka, embora ele tivesse testemunhado tais cenas diariamente sem notá-las antes.

Original English

A little farther on, a gaily feathered bird strutted about before the admiring eyes of his somber-hued mate. It seemed to Tarzan that everything in the jungle was combining to remind him that he had lost Teeka; yet every day of his life he had seen these same things and thought nothing of them.

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Português

Quando os negros chegaram à armadilha, Taug causou um grande alvoroço. Ele agarrou as barras de sua prisão e as sacudiu furiosamente, rugindo e grunhindo ferozmente. Os negros ficaram empolgados, pois embora não tivessem projetado a armadilha para este homem-macaco peludo, estavam muito satisfeitos com sua captura.

Original English

When the blacks reached the trap, Taug set up a great commotion. Seizing the bars of his prison, he shook them frantically, and all the while he roared and growled terrifically. The blacks were elated, for while they had not built their trap for this hairy tree man, they were delighted with their catch.

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Português

Tarzan aguçou os ouvidos ao som de um grande macaco. Ele rapidamente contornou para ficar a favor do vento da armadilha e cheirou o ar em busca do odor do prisioneiro. Logo suas narinas sensíveis captaram um cheiro familiar que lhe disse exatamente quem era o cativo, tão claramente como se tivesse visto Taug com seus próprios olhos. Sim, era Taug, e ele estava sozinho.

Original English

Tarzan pricked up his ears when he heard the voice of a great ape and, circling quickly until he was down wind from the trap, he sniffed at the air in search of the scent spoor of the prisoner. Nor was it long before there came to those delicate nostrils the familiar odor that told Tarzan the identity of the captive as unerringly as though he had looked upon Taug with his eyes. Yes, it was Taug, and he was alone.

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Português

Tarzan sorriu ao se aproximar, curioso para ver o que os negros fariam com seu prisioneiro. Ele tinha certeza de que o matariam imediatamente. Tarzan sorriu novamente, percebendo que agora poderia ter Teeka para si sem nenhum rival. Ele observou enquanto os guerreiros negros removiam a tela da gaiola, amarravam cordas a ela e a arrastavam pela trilha em direção à sua aldeia.

Original English

Tarzan grinned as he approached to discover what the blacks would do to their prisoner. Doubtless they would slay him at once. Again Tarzan grinned. Now he could have Teeka for his own, with none to dispute his right to her. As he watched, he saw the black warriors strip the screen from about the cage, fasten ropes to it and drag it away along the trail in the direction of their village.

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Português

Tarzan observou até que seu rival desaparecesse de vista, ainda batendo nas barras de sua prisão e rugindo sua fúria e ameaças. Então o menino-macaco se virou e balançou rapidamente para longe, indo em busca da tribo e de Teeka.

Original English

Tarzan watched until his rival passed out of sight, still beating upon the bars of his prison and growling out his anger and his threats. Then the ape-boy turned and swung rapidly off in search of the tribe, and Teeka.

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Português

Durante sua viagem, Tarzan encontrou inesperadamente Sheeta e sua família em uma pequena clareira coberta de vegetação. O grande felino estava deitado, esticado no chão, enquanto sua companheira, com uma pata sobre o rosto feroz do parceiro, lambia o pelo macio e branco de sua garganta.

Original English

Once, upon the journey, he surprised Sheeta and his family in a little overgrown clearing. The great cat lay stretched upon the ground, while his mate, one paw across her lord's savage face, licked at the soft white fur at his throat.

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Português

Tarzan correu tão rápido que parecia voar pela floresta, e logo alcançou a tribo. Ele os viu antes que o vissem, porque nenhuma criatura na selva se movia mais silenciosamente que Tarzan. Ele observou Kamma e seu companheiro comendo lado a lado, seus corpos peludos se tocando. Ele também viu Teeka se alimentando sozinha. Tarzan pensou que ela não ficaria sozinha por muito tempo, e então saltou entre eles.

Original English

Tarzan increased his speed then until he fairly flew through the forest, nor was it long before he came upon the tribe. He saw them before they saw him, for of all the jungle creatures, none passed more quietly than Tarzan of the Apes. He saw Kamma and her mate feeding side by side, their hairy bodies rubbing against each other. And he saw Teeka feeding by herself. Not for long would she feed thus in loneliness, thought Tarzan, as with a bound he landed amongst them.

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Português

Os macacos pularam alarmados, fazendo sons raivosos e medrosos porque Tarzan os assustou. No entanto, havia mais do que apenas surpresa nervosa por trás dos pelos eriçados em seus pescoços, que permaneceram erguidos muito depois de reconhecerem o recém-chegado.

Original English

There was a startled rush and a chorus of angry and frightened snarls, for Tarzan had surprised them; but there was more, too, than mere nervous shock to account for the bristling neck hair which remained standing long after the apes had discovered the identity of the newcomer.

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Português

Tarzan notou isso, como já havia feito muitas vezes antes: sempre que ele aparecia de repente entre eles, os macacos ficavam nervosos e agitados por um tempo. Todos precisavam cheirá-lo várias vezes para confirmar que era realmente Tarzan antes de se acalmarem.

Original English

Tarzan noticed this as he had noticed it many times in the past -- that always his sudden coming among them left them nervous and unstrung for a considerable time, and that they one and all found it necessary to satisfy themselves that he was indeed Tarzan by smelling about him a half dozen or more times before they calmed down.

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Português

Ele abriu caminho entre os macacos e foi em direção a Teeka, mas quando se aproximou, ela se afastou.

Original English

Pushing through them, he made his way toward Teeka; but as he approached her the ape drew away.

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Português

Tarzan declarou a Teeka que ele era Tarzan, que ela era dele e que ele tinha vindo buscá-la.

Original English

"Teeka,"he said,"it is Tarzan. You belong to Tarzan. I have come for you."

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Português

A macaca aproximou-se mais, examinando-o atentamente. Por fim, cheirou-o, buscando certeza absoluta.

Original English

The ape drew closer, looking him over carefully. Finally she sniffed at him, as though to make assurance doubly sure.

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Português

Ela perguntou sobre o paradeiro de Taug.

Original English

"Where is Taug?"she asked.

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Português

Tarzan respondeu que os Gomangani tinham capturado Taug e pretendiam matá-lo.

Original English

"The Gomangani have him,"replied Tarzan."They will kill him."

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Português

Enquanto Tarzan contava o destino de Taug, ele observou um olhar de anseio e tristeza nos olhos da macaca. Mesmo assim, ela se aproximou e aninhou-se contra ele, e Tarzan, Lorde Greystoke, envolveu-a com seu braço.

Original English

In the eyes of the she, Tarzan saw a wistful expression and a troubled look of sorrow as he told her of Taug's fate; but she came quite close and snuggled against him, and Tarzan, Lord Greystoke, put his arm about her.

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Português

Tarzan percebeu como o braço liso e moreno dele parecia notavelmente diferente do corpo escuro e peludo de Teeka. Ele pensou em outros casais de animais — como Sheeta e sua companheira, ou Manu e sua fêmea — onde o macho e a fêmea pareciam naturalmente semelhantes. Até mesmo leões e leoas, exceto pela juba, eram parecidos. As diferenças entre machos e fêmeas em outras espécies não eram tão extremas quanto as entre Tarzan e Teeka.

Original English

As he did so he noticed, with a start, the strange incongruity of that smooth, brown arm against the black and hairy coat of his lady-love. He recalled the paw of Sheeta's mate across Sheeta's face -- no incongruity there. He thought of little Manu hugging his she, and how the one seemed to belong to the other. Even the proud male bird, with his gay plumage, bore a close resemblance to his quieter spouse, while Numa, but for his shaggy mane, was almost a counterpart of Sabor, the lioness. The males and the females differed, it was true; but not with such differences as existed between Tarzan and Teeka.

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Português

Tarzan se sentiu confuso. Algo estava errado. Ele tirou o braço do ombro de Teeka e se afastou lentamente. Ela inclinou a cabeça e olhou para ele. Tarzan se levantou, bateu no peito e soltou um grito de desafio feroz e vitorioso. A tribo se virou para olhar, mas como ele não tinha matado nada e não enfrentava nenhum inimigo, eles voltaram a se alimentar, embora ficassem de olho nele caso ele enlouquecesse de repente.

Original English

Tarzan was puzzled. There was something wrong. His arm dropped from the shoulder of Teeka. Very slowly he drew away from her. She looked at him with her head cocked upon one side. Tarzan rose to his full height and beat upon his breast with his fists. He raised his head toward the heavens and opened his mouth. From the depths of his lungs rose the fierce, weird challenge of the victorious bull ape. The tribe turned curiously to eye him. He had killed nothing, nor was there any antagonist to be goaded to madness by the savage scream. No, there was no excuse for it, and they turned back to their feeding, but with an eye upon the ape-man lest he be preparing to suddenly run amuck.

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Português

Enquanto observavam, Tarzan balançou para uma árvore próxima e desapareceu. Depois disso, eles se esqueceram dele, até mesmo Teeka.

Original English

As they watched him they saw him swing into a near-by tree and disappear from sight. Then they forgot him, even Teeka.

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Português

Os guerreiros negros de Mbonga, suando com o trabalho árduo e descansando com frequência, avançavam lentamente em direção à aldeia. A fera selvagem em sua jaula primitiva rosnava e rugia sempre que a moviam, batendo nas barras e espumando pela boca. Seu barulho era aterrorizante.

Original English

Mbonga's black warriors, sweating beneath their strenuous task, and resting often, made slow progress toward their village. Always the savage beast in the primitive cage growled and roared when they moved him. He beat upon the bars and slavered at the mouth. His noise was hideous.

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Português

Eles quase haviam completado a jornada e estavam fazendo uma pausa final antes de seguir para a clareira onde ficava a aldeia. Mais alguns minutos os teriam tirado da floresta, e então provavelmente o infeliz evento não teria ocorrido.

Original English

They had almost completed their journey and were making their final rest before forging ahead to gain the clearing in which lay their village. A few more minutes would have taken them out of the forest, and then, doubtless, the thing would not have happened which did happen.

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Português

Uma figura silenciosa se movia entre as árvores acima deles. Olhos afiados examinaram a jaula e contaram os guerreiros. Uma mente corajosa e astuta considerou as chances de sucesso de um certo plano.

Original English

A silent figure moved through the trees above them. Keen eyes inspected the cage and counted the number of warriors. An alert and daring brain figured upon the chances of success when a certain plan should be put to the test.

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Português

Tarzan observou os homens negros descansando. Eles estavam cansados, e vários já dormiam. Ele se aproximou, parando diretamente acima deles sem fazer barulho. Esperou com a paciência infinita de um caçador. Logo, apenas dois guerreiros estavam acordados, e um deles cochilava.

Original English

Tarzan watched the blacks lolling in the shade. They were exhausted. Already several of them slept. He crept closer, pausing just above them. Not a leaf rustled before his stealthy advance. He waited in the infinite patience of the beast of prey. Presently but two of the warriors remained awake, and one of these was dozing.

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Português

Tarzan se preparou e, enquanto isso, o homem negro acordado se levantou e foi para a parte de trás da jaula. O menino-macaco o seguiu de cima. Taug observou o guerreiro e fez sons baixos e ameaçadores. Tarzan temia que Taug acordasse os homens adormecidos.

Original English

Tarzan of the Apes gathered himself, and as he did so the black who did not sleep arose and passed around to the rear of the cage. The ape-boy followed just above his head. Taug was eyeing the warrior and emitting low growls. Tarzan feared that the anthropoid would awaken the sleepers.

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Português

Em uma voz baixa demais para o homem negro ouvir, Tarzan sussurrou o nome de Taug e lhe disse para ficar em silêncio. Taug parou de rosnar.

Original English

In a whisper which was inaudible to the ears of the Negro, Tarzan whispered Taug's name, cautioning the ape to silence, and Taug's growling ceased.

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Português

O homem negro foi para a parte de trás da jaula e verificou as travas da porta. Enquanto estava ali, a criatura acima saltou da árvore em suas costas. Dedos como ferro apertaram sua garganta, sufocando o grito que subia aos seus lábios. Dentes poderosos morderam seu ombro, e pernas fortes se enrolaram ao redor de seu corpo.

Original English

The black approached the rear of the cage and examined the fastenings of the door, and as he stood there the beast above him launched itself from the tree full upon his back. Steel fingers circled his throat, choking the cry which sprang to the lips of the terrified man. Strong teeth fastened themselves in his shoulder, and powerful legs wound themselves about his torso.

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Português

O homem negro aterrorizado tentou remover a criatura silenciosa que estava agarrada a ele. Ele caiu no chão e rolou, mas os dedos poderosos apenas apertaram seu aperto mortal.

Original English

The black in a frenzy of terror tried to dislodge the silent thing which clung to him. He threw himself to the ground and rolled about; but still those mighty fingers closed more and more tightly their deadly grip.

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Português

A boca do homem se abriu, sua língua inchada ficou para fora, e seus olhos saltaram das órbitas, mas os dedos implacáveis continuaram a apertar mais forte.

Original English

The man's mouth gaped wide, his swollen tongue protruded, his eyes started from their sockets; but the relentless fingers only increased their pressure.

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Português

Taug observou a luta sem fazer barulho. Em sua mente selvagem, ele provavelmente se perguntava por que Tarzan estava atacando o homem negro. Taug não havia esquecido sua recente briga com o menino-macaco nem o motivo dela. Agora ele viu o corpo do Gomangani ficar mole, tremer convulsivamente e então ficar imóvel.

Original English

Taug was a silent witness of the struggle. In his fierce little brain he doubtless wondered what purpose prompted Tarzan to attack the black. Taug had not forgotten his recent battle with the ape-boy, nor the cause of it. Now he saw the form of the Gomangani suddenly go limp. There was a convulsive shiver and the man lay still.

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Português

Tarzan saltou para longe de sua vítima e correu para a porta da jaula. Com dedos rápidos, ele trabalhou nas cordas que seguravam a porta fechada. Taug só podia observar; ele não podia ajudar. Logo Tarzan empurrou a porta para cima alguns pés, e Taug rastejou para fora. O macaco queria atacar os negros adormecidos para liberar sua raiva, mas Tarzan não permitiu.

Original English

Tarzan sprang from his prey and ran to the door of the cage. With nimble fingers he worked rapidly at the thongs which held the door in place. Taug could only watch -- he could not help. Presently Tarzan pushed the thing up a couple of feet and Taug crawled out. The ape would have turned upon the sleeping blacks that he might wreak his pent vengeance; but Tarzan would not permit it.

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Português

Em vez disso, o menino-macaco arrastou o corpo do homem negro para dentro da jaula e o encostou nas barras laterais. Então ele baixou a porta e amarrou as cordas como estavam antes.

Original English

Instead, the ape-boy dragged the body of the black within the cage and propped it against the side bars. Then he lowered the door and made fast the thongs as they had been before.

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Português

Tarzan trabalhava com um sorriso feliz, porque um de seus passatempos favoritos era provocar o povo da vila de Mbonga. Ele imaginava como eles ficariam aterrorizados quando acordassem e encontrassem o corpo morto de seu companheiro preso na jaula onde haviam deixado o grande macaco em segurança apenas alguns minutos antes.

Original English

A happy smile lighted his features as he worked, for one of his principal diversions was the baiting of the blacks of Mbonga's village. He could imagine their terror when they awoke and found the dead body of their comrade fast in the cage where they had left the great ape safely secured but a few minutes before.

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Português

Tarzan e Taug subiram nas árvores juntos. O pelo áspero do feroz macaco roçou a pele lisa do nobre inglês enquanto eles se moviam lado a lado pela antiga selva.

Original English

Tarzan and Taug took to the trees together, the shaggy coat of the fierce ape brushing the sleek skin of the English lordling as they passed through the primeval jungle side by side.

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Português

Tarzan disse a Taug para voltar para Teeka, dizendo que ela pertencia a Taug e que ele não a queria.

Original English

"Go back to Teeka,"said Tarzan."She is yours. Tarzan does not want her."

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Português

Taug perguntou a Tarzan se ele tinha encontrado outra fêmea.

Original English

"Tarzan has found another she?"asked Taug.

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Português

O menino-macaco deu de ombros, demonstrando indiferença.

Original English

The ape-boy shrugged.

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Português

Ele explicou que toda criatura na selva tinha um parceiro de sua própria espécie, exceto Tarzan. Ele aconselhou Tarzan a voltar para Teeka, mas Tarzan, sendo homem, escolheu ir sozinho.

Original English

"For the Gomangani there is another Gomangani,"he said;"for Numa, the lion, there is Sabor, the lioness; for Sheeta there is a she of his own kind; for Bara, the deer; for Manu, the monkey; for all the beasts and the birds of the jungle is there a mate. Only for Tarzan of the Apes is there none. Taug is an ape. Teeka is an ape. Go back to Teeka. Tarzan is a man. He will go alone."

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The Capture of Tarzan

Português

Guerreiros negros trabalhavam duro no calor úmido da selva. Usando lanças de guerra, eles soltavam o solo escuro e as camadas de plantas em decomposição, depois retiravam a terra de uma antiga trilha de caça. Frequentemente paravam para se agachar, descansar e conversar, rindo enquanto trabalhavam ao lado do poço que estavam cavando.

Original English

THE BLACK WARRIORS labored in the humid heat of the jungle's stifling shade. With war spears they loosened the thick, black loam and the deep layers of rotting vegetation. With heavy-nailed fingers they scooped away the disintegrated earth from the center of the age-old game trail. Often they ceased their labors to squat, resting and gossiping, with much laughter, at the edge of the pit they were digging.

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Português

Seus longos escudos feitos de grossa pele de búfalo e suas lanças estavam encostados em árvores próximas. O suor brilhava em sua pele negra, revelando os músculos ondulados abaixo, saudáveis e fortes da natureza.

Original English

Against the boles of near-by trees leaned their long, oval shields of thick buffalo hide, and the spears of those who were doing the scooping. Sweat glistened upon their smooth, ebon skins, beneath which rolled rounded muscles, supple in the perfection of nature's uncontaminated health.

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Português

Um antílope dos juncos andando cautelosamente em direção à água parou quando uma explosão de risada o assustou. Ficou imóvel por um momento, suas narinas se movendo, então se virou e fugiu silenciosamente da aterrorizante presença de homens.

Original English

A reed buck, stepping warily along the trail toward water, halted as a burst of laughter broke upon his startled ears. For a moment he stood statuesque but for his sensitively dilating nostrils; then he wheeled and fled noiselessly from the terrifying presence of man.

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Português

A cem metros de distância, no fundo da selva emaranhada, Numa, o leão, ergueu a cabeça. Ele tinha comido bem até quase o amanhecer, e o barulho o despertou. Ele cheirou o ar, captando o cheiro do antílope dos juncos e dos homens. Mas estava satisfeito, então com um baixo grunhido de desgosto, levantou-se e se esgueirou.

Original English

A hundred yards away, deep in the tangle of impenetrable jungle, Numa, the lion, raised his massive head. Numa had dined well until almost daybreak and it had required much noise to awaken him. Now he lifted his muzzle and sniffed the air, caught the acrid scent spoor of the reed buck and the heavy scent of man. But Numa was well filled. With a low, disgusted grunt he rose and slunk away.

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Português

Pássaros com penas brilhantes e gritos ásperos disparavam de árvore em árvore. Macacos pequenos tagarelavam e reclamavam enquanto balançavam nos galhos acima dos guerreiros negros. No entanto, os homens se sentiam sozinhos; a selva repleta de vida era um dos lugares mais solitários do universo, muito parecida com as ruas lotadas de uma grande cidade.

Original English

Brilliantly plumaged birds with raucous voices darted from tree to tree. Little monkeys, chattering and scolding, swung through the swaying limbs above the black warriors. Yet they were alone, for the teeming jungle with all its myriad life, like the swarming streets of a great metropolis, is one of the loneliest spots in God's great universe.

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Português

Mas será que estavam realmente sozinhos?

Original English

But were they alone?

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Português

Acima deles, um jovem de olhos cinzentos equilibrava-se levemente em um galho de árvore, observando cada movimento deles com intensa atenção. Um ódio contido ardia sob seu desejo de entender o propósito do trabalho dos homens negros. Eles eram do tipo que havia matado sua amada Kala; ele só podia sentir inimizade por eles, mas gostava de observá-los, faminto por mais conhecimento sobre os costumes humanos.

Original English

Above them, lightly balanced upon a leafy tree limb, a gray-eyed youth watched with eager intentness their every move. The fire of hate, restrained, smoldered beneath the lad's evident desire to know the purpose of the black men's labors. Such a one as these it was who had slain his beloved Kala. For them there could be naught but enmity, yet he liked well to watch them, avid as he was for greater knowledge of the ways of man.

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Português

Ele viu a cova ficar mais funda até que um grande buraco se abriu através da trilha, largo o suficiente para conter todos os seis escavadores de uma vez. Tarzan não conseguia adivinhar a razão de tanto trabalho. Quando eles cortaram estacas longas, afiadas na ponta, e as colocaram em pé no fundo da cova, sua admiração aumentou. Não foi satisfeita nem mesmo quando eles colocaram varas leves sobre a cova e cuidadosamente arranjaram folhas e terra para esconder completamente o trabalho que os homens negros haviam feito.

Original English

He saw the pit grow in depth until a great hole yawned the width of the trail -- a hole which was amply large enough to hold at one time all of the six excavators. Tarzan could not guess the purpose of so great a labor. And when they cut long stakes, sharpened at their upper ends, and set them at intervals upright in the bottom of the pit, his wonderment but increased, nor was it satisfied with the placing of the light cross-poles over the pit, or the careful arrangement of leaves and earth which completely hid from view the work the black men had performed.

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Português

Quando terminaram, inspecionaram seu trabalho com evidente satisfação, e Tarzan também o inspecionou. Mesmo para seu olho experiente, quase não havia sinal de que a antiga trilha de caça havia sido perturbada.

Original English

When they were done they surveyed their handiwork with evident satisfaction, and Tarzan surveyed it, too. Even to his practiced eye there remained scarce a vestige of evidence that the ancient game trail had been tampered with in any way.

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Português

Tarzan estava tão profundamente absorto em pensar sobre o propósito do poço coberto que permitiu que os homens negros voltassem para sua aldeia sem suas provocações habituais. Ele frequentemente aterrorizava o povo de Mbonga, encontrando tanto vingança quanto grande prazer nisso.

Original English

So absorbed was the ape-man in speculation as to the purpose of the covered pit that he permitted the blacks to depart in the direction of their village without the usual baiting which had rendered him the terror of Mbonga's people and had afforded Tarzan both a vehicle of revenge and a source of inexhaustible delight.

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Português

Por mais que tentasse, Tarzan não conseguia entender o mistério do poço escondido, porque os costumes dos homens negros ainda eram estranhos para ele. Eles tinham entrado em sua selva recentemente, os primeiros de sua espécie a desafiar o antigo domínio dos animais. O leão Numa, o elefante Tantor, os grandes macacos e todas as outras criaturas estavam aprendendo sobre essas criaturas eretas lentamente, e sempre com seu próprio pesar.

Original English

Puzzle as he would, however, he could not solve the mystery of the concealed pit, for the ways of the blacks were still strange ways to Tarzan. They had entered his jungle but a short time before -- the first of their kind to encroach upon the age-old supremacy of the beasts which laired there. To Numa, the lion, to Tantor, the elephant, to the great apes and the lesser apes, to each and all of the myriad creatures of this savage wild, the ways of man were new. They had much to learn of these black, hairless creatures that walked erect upon their hind paws -- and they were learning it slowly, and always to their sorrow.

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Português

Depois que os homens negros partiram, Tarzan desceu facilmente para a trilha. Ele circulou a borda do poço, farejando desconfiado. Agachando-se, raspou um pouco de terra para expor uma das barras transversais. Cheirou-a, tocou-a e estudou-a cuidadosamente por vários minutos. Então, cobriu-a novamente com cuidado, arrumando a terra exatamente como os negros haviam feito. Depois, subiu de volta nas árvores e partiu em busca dos grandes macacos da tribo de Kerchak.

Original English

Shortly after the blacks had departed, Tarzan swung easily to the trail. Sniffing suspiciously, he circled the edge of the pit. Squatting upon his haunches, he scraped away a little earth to expose one of the cross-bars. He sniffed at this, touched it, cocked his head upon one side, and contemplated it gravely for several minutes. Then he carefully re-covered it, arranging the earth as neatly as had the blacks. This done, he swung himself back among the branches of the trees and moved off in search of his hairy fellows, the great apes of the tribe of Kerchak.

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Português

Uma vez ele cruzou a trilha de Numa, o leão. Ele parou para atirar uma fruta mole no rosto rosna-dor de seu inimigo, provocando-o e insultando-o, chamando-o de comedor de carniça e irmão de Dango, a hiena. Numa olhou para a figura dançante acima dele, seus olhos verde-amarelados ardendo de ódio concentrado. Rosnados baixos sacudiram suas mandíbulas pesadas, e sua grande raiva fez sua cauda sinuosa chicotear para frente e para trás. Mas sabendo por experiência passada que discutir com o homem-macaco à distância era inútil, ele logo se virou e desapareceu na vegetação emaranhada. Com um grito final de insultos da selva e uma careta de macaco para seu inimigo que partia, Tarzan seguiu seu caminho.

Original English

Once he crossed the trail of Numa, the lion, pausing for a moment to hurl a soft fruit at the snarling face of his enemy, and to taunt and insult him, calling him eater of carrion and brother of Dango, the hyena. Numa, his yellow-green eyes round and burning with concentrated hate, glared up at the dancing figure above him. Low growls vibrated his heavy jowls and his great rage transmitted to his sinuous tail a sharp, whiplike motion; but realizing from past experience the futility of long distance argument with the ape-man, he turned presently and struck off into the tangled vegetation which hid him from the view of his tormentor. With a final scream of jungle invective and an apelike grimace at his departing foe, Tarzan continued along his way.

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Português

Mais um quilômetro adiante, um vento que mudou trouxe um odor familiar e pungente às suas narinas aguçadas. Logo ele viu uma enorme forma cinza-escura avançando constantemente pela trilha da selva abaixo dele. Tarzan agarrou e quebrou um galho de árvore pequeno. Com o súbito estalo, a criatura pesada parou. Suas grandes orelhas se moveram para frente, e sua longa e flexível tromba ergueu-se rapidamente, balançando de um lado para o outro para captar o cheiro de um inimigo. Dois olhinhos fracos espiaram desconfiados e inutilmente ao redor, procurando a fonte do barulho que perturbara sua jornada pacífica.

Original English

Another mile and a shifting wind brought to his keen nostrils a familiar, pungent odor close at hand, and a moment later there loomed beneath him a huge, gray-black bulk forging steadily along the jungle trail. Tarzan seized and broke a small tree limb, and at the sudden cracking sound the ponderous figure halted. Great ears were thrown forward, and a long, supple trunk rose quickly to wave to and fro in search of the scent of an enemy, while two weak, little eyes peered suspiciously and futilely about in quest of the author of the noise which had disturbed his peaceful way.

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Português

Tarzan riu alto e se aproximou, posicionando-se diretamente acima da cabeça do elefante.

Original English

Tarzan laughed aloud and came closer above the head of the pachyderm.

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Português

Tarzan gritou para Tantor, dizendo que Bara, o cervo, era menos medroso do que ele. Lembrou a Tantor que, apesar de ser a criatura mais poderosa da selva, com força igual à de muitos leões, ainda tremia ao som de um galho quebrado.

Original English

"Tantor! Tantor!"he cried."Bara, the deer, is less fearful than you -- you, Tantor, the elephant, greatest of the jungle folk with the strength of as many Numas as I have toes upon my feet and fingers upon my hands. Tantor, who can uproot great trees, trembles with fear at the sound of a broken twig."

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Português

Tantor fez um som estrondoso, que poderia expressar desprezo ou alívio. Ele baixou a tromba e as orelhas e abaixou o rabo, mas seus olhos continuaram procurando por Tarzan. Logo o homem-macaco saltou levemente sobre sua cabeça larga, esticou-se, bateu com os dedos descalços na pele grossa, coçou a pele sob as grandes orelhas e falou sobre fofocas da selva como se o elefante entendesse cada palavra.

Original English

A rumbling noise, which might have been either a sign of contempt or a sigh of relief, was Tantor's only reply as the uplifted trunk and ears came down and the beast's tail dropped to normal; but his eyes still roved about in search of Tarzan. He was not long kept in suspense, however, as to the whereabouts of the ape-man, for a second later the youth dropped lightly to the broad head of his old friend. Then stretching himself at full length, he drummed with his bare toes upon the thick hide, and as his fingers scratched the more tender surfaces beneath the great ears, he talked to Tantor of the gossip of the jungle as though the great beast understood every word that he said.

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Português

Tarzan conseguia fazer Tantor entender muitas coisas, e embora a conversa fiada da selva estivesse além do grande elefante, ele ficava parado com olhos piscando e tromba balançando suavemente, parecendo absorver cada palavra. Na verdade, ele apreciava a voz amigável de Tarzan e as mãos que acariciavam atrás de suas orelhas, e a proximidade do homem que, quando criança destemida, o abordara pela primeira vez, assumindo a mesma amizade que enchia seu próprio coração.

Original English

Much there was which Tarzan could make Tantor understand, and though the small talk of the wild was beyond the great, gray dreadnaught of the jungle, he stood with blinking eyes and gently swaying trunk as though drinking in every word of it with keenest appreciation. As a matter of fact it was the pleasant, friendly voice and caressing hands behind his ears which he enjoyed, and the close proximity of him whom he had often borne upon his back since Tarzan, as a little child, had once fearlessly approached the great bull, assuming upon the part of the pachyderm the same friendliness which filled his own heart.

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Português

Ao longo dos anos, Tarzan descobriu que possuía um poder inexplicável para comandar e dirigir seu poderoso amigo. Ao seu chamado, Tantor vinha de uma grande distância e, quando Tarzan se sentava em sua cabeça, o elefante se movia pesadamente pela selva para onde seu cavaleiro ordenasse. Esse era o poder da mente humana sobre o animal, eficaz mesmo que nenhum dos dois compreendesse totalmente sua origem.

Original English

In the years of their association Tarzan had discovered that he possessed an inexplicable power to govern and direct his mighty friend. At his bidding, Tantor would come from a great distance -- as far as his keen ears could detect the shrill and piercing summons of the ape-man -- and when Tarzan was squatted upon his head, Tantor would lumber through the jungle in any direction which his rider bade him go. It was the power of the man-mind over that of the brute and it was just as effective as though both fully understood its origin, though neither did.

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Português

Tarzan ficou deitado nas costas de Tantor por meia hora. Nenhum dos dois prestava atenção ao tempo. Para eles, a vida era principalmente sobre encontrar o suficiente para comer. Era mais fácil para Tarzan do que para Tantor porque Tarzan podia comer muitos tipos de alimento. Tantor só podia comer partes específicas das árvores, e apenas em certas épocas do ano.

Original English

For half an hour Tarzan sprawled there upon Tantor's back. Time had no meaning for either of them. Life, as they saw it, consisted principally in keeping their stomachs filled. To Tarzan this was a less arduous labor than to Tantor, for Tarzan's stomach was smaller, and being omnivorous, food was less difficult to obtain. If one sort did not come readily to hand, there were always many others to satisfy his hunger. He was less particular as to his diet than Tantor, who would eat only the bark of certain trees, and the wood of others, while a third appealed to him only through its leaves, and these, perhaps, just at certain seasons of the year.

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Português

Tantor precisava passar a maior parte da vida comendo o suficiente para sustentar seu grande corpo. Muitos animais estão tão ocupados encontrando comida ou digerindo-a que têm pouco tempo para qualquer outra coisa. Isso pode ser o motivo pelo qual não progrediram tão rápido quanto os humanos, que têm mais tempo para pensar.

Original English

Tantor must needs spend the better part of his life in filling his immense stomach against the needs of his mighty thews. It is thus with all the lower orders -- their lives are so occupied either with searching for food or with the processes of digestion that they have little time for other considerations. Doubtless it is this handicap which has kept them from advancing as rapidly as man, who has more time to give to thought upon other matters.

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Português

Tarzan não se incomodava com tais pensamentos. Ele simplesmente se sentia feliz na companhia do elefante sem entender por quê. Como ser humano, ele precisava dar afeto. Seus antigos companheiros macacos haviam se tornado sombrios e rudes. Os macacos mais jovens eram brincalhões, mas não pacíficos. Tantor, no entanto, era calmo e firme. Tarzan encontrava conforto em deitar na cabeça de Tantor e compartilhar seus sentimentos nas grandes orelhas do elefante. Entre todas as criaturas da selva, Tarzan amava Tantor mais depois de perder Kala. Ele às vezes se perguntava se Tantor sentia o mesmo.

Original English

However, these questions troubled Tarzan but little, and Tantor not at all. What the former knew was that he was happy in the companionship of the elephant. He did not know why. He did not know that because he was a human being -- a normal, healthy human being -- he craved some living thing upon which to lavish his affection. His childhood playmates among the apes of Kerchak were now great, sullen brutes. They felt nor inspired but little affection. The younger apes Tarzan still played with occasionally. In his savage way he loved them; but they were far from satisfying or restful companions. Tantor was a great mountain of calm, of poise, of stability. It was restful and satisfying to sprawl upon his rough pate and pour one's vague hopes and aspirations into the great ears which flapped ponderously to and fro in apparent understanding. Of all the jungle folk, Tantor commanded Tarzan's greatest love since Kala had been taken from him. Sometimes Tarzan wondered if Tantor reciprocated his affection. It was difficult to know.

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Português

Eventualmente, a fome chamou Tarzan de volta às árvores em busca de comida, enquanto Tantor seguiu seu próprio caminho na direção oposta.

Original English

It was the call of the stomach -- the most compelling and insistent call which the jungle knows -- that took Tarzan finally back to the trees and off in search of food, while Tantor continued his interrupted journey in the opposite direction.

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Português

Por uma hora, Tarzan procurou comida. Ele encontrou um ninho com ovos frescos, e também comeu frutas, bagas e banana-da-terra à medida que as encontrava. Ele preferia carne, mas naquele dia não conseguiu caçar nenhuma.

Original English

For an hour the ape-man foraged. A lofty nest yielded its fresh, warm harvest. Fruits, berries, and tender plantain found a place upon his menu in the order that he happened upon them, for he did not seek such foods. Meat, meat, meat! It was always meat that Tarzan of the Apes hunted; but sometimes meat eluded him, as today.

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Português

Enquanto Tarzan se movia pela selva, sua mente ativa estava ocupada não apenas com a caça, mas também com muitos outros pensamentos. Ele frequentemente recordava eventos de dias e horas anteriores. Ele reviveu sua visita a Tantor, pensou nos homens negros cavando e se perguntou sobre o estranho buraco coberto que eles haviam deixado. Ele se perguntou repetidamente qual poderia ser o propósito daquilo. Ele comparou o que havia visto e fez julgamentos. Ele comparou esses julgamentos e chegou a conclusões, que nem sempre estavam corretas, mas pelo menos ele usou seu cérebro como a natureza pretendia. Isso foi mais fácil para ele porque ele não era prejudicado pelas opiniões de segunda mão e muitas vezes equivocadas dos outros.

Original English

And as he roamed the jungle his active mind busied itself not alone with his hunting, but with many other subjects. He had a habit of recalling often the events of the preceding days and hours. He lived over his visit with Tantor; he cogitated upon the digging blacks and the strange, covered pit they had left behind them. He wondered again and again what its purpose might be. He compared perceptions and arrived at judgments. He compared judgments, reaching conclusions -- not always correct ones, it is true, but at least he used his brain for the purpose God intended it, which was the less difficult because he was not handicapped by the second-hand, and usually erroneous, judgment of others.

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Português

Enquanto ele refletia sobre o buraco coberto, uma enorme forma cinza-escura apareceu de repente em sua mente, movendo-se pesadamente por uma trilha na selva. Tarzan imediatamente ficou tenso com um medo repentino. Na vida do homem-macaco, decisão e ação geralmente aconteciam ao mesmo tempo, e assim ele já estava correndo pelos galhos frondosos antes de ter compreendido totalmente o propósito do buraco.

Original English

And as he puzzled over the covered pit, there loomed suddenly before his mental vision a huge, gray-black bulk which lumbered ponderously along a jungle trail. Instantly Tarzan tensed to the shock of a sudden fear. Decision and action usually occurred simultaneously in the life of the ape-man, and now he was away through the leafy branches ere the realization of the pit's purpose had scarce formed in his mind.

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Português

Ele balançava de galho em galho, correndo pelos níveis médios da floresta onde as árvores cresciam próximas umas das outras. Então ele desceu ao chão e correu silenciosamente e com leveza sobre o tapete de folhas mortas, apenas para pular de volta para as árvores quando o sub-bosque denso impossibilitava mover-se rapidamente no chão.

Original English

Swinging from swaying limb to swaying limb, he raced through the middle terraces where the trees grew close together. Again he dropped to the ground and sped, silently and light of foot, over the carpet of decaying vegetation, only to leap again into the trees where the tangled undergrowth precluded rapid advance upon the surface.

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Português

Em sua ansiedade, ele jogou a cautela ao vento. O cuidado da besta se perdeu na lealdade do homem. E assim foi que ele entrou em uma grande clareira, completamente desprovida de árvores, sem pensar no que poderia estar esperando por ele ali ou na borda mais distante.

Original English

In his anxiety he cast discretion to the winds. The caution of the beast was lost in the loyalty of the man, and so it came that he entered a large clearing, denuded of trees, without a thought of what might lie there or upon the farther edge to dispute the way with him.

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Português

Ele estava no meio do caminho quando meia dúzia de pássaros tagarelas surgiu de um tufo de capim alto a poucos metros à sua frente. Tarzan imediatamente se desviou, porque sabia bem que tipo de criatura aqueles pequenos sentinelas anunciavam. Ao mesmo tempo, Buto, o rinoceronte, ergueu-se sobre suas pernas curtas e carregou furiosamente. Buto carrega de maneira desordenada. Com seus olhos fracos, ele enxerga mal mesmo a curtas distâncias, e é difícil dizer se seus avanços erráticos vêm do pânico enquanto tenta escapar ou do mau humor que as pessoas geralmente lhe atribuem. A questão faz pouca diferença para quem Buto carrega, porque se ele pegar e arremessar a pessoa, é provável que nada mais a interesse depois.

Original English

He was half way across when directly in his path and but a few yards away there rose from a clump of tall grasses a half dozen chattering birds. Instantly Tarzan turned aside, for he knew well enough what manner of creature the presence of these little sentinels proclaimed. Simultaneously Buto, the rhinoceros, scrambled to his short legs and charged furiously. Haphazard charges Buto, the rhinoceros. With his weak eyes he sees but poorly even at short distances, and whether his erratic rushes are due to the panic of fear as he attempts to escape, or to the irascible temper with which he is generally credited, it is difficult to determine. Nor is the matter of little moment to one whom Buto charges, for if he be caught and tossed, the chances are that naught will interest him thereafter.

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Português

Naquele dia, Buto, o rinoceronte, por acaso carregou diretamente contra Tarzan. Seus olhos fracos avistaram o inimigo e, com uma série de bufidos, ele carregou. Pequenos pássaros voavam ao seu redor, e macacos nas árvores gritavam e fugiam para cima. Apenas Tarzan permaneceu calmo e indiferente.

Original English

And today it chanced that Buto bore down straight upon Tarzan, across the few yards of knee-deep grass which separated them. Accident started him in the direction of the ape-man, and then his weak eyes discerned the enemy, and with a series of snorts he charged straight for him. The little rhino birds fluttered and circled about their giant ward. Among the branches of the trees at the edge of the clearing, a score or more monkeys chattered and scolded as the loud snorts of the angry beast sent them scurrying affrightedly to the upper terraces. Tarzan alone appeared indifferent and serene.

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Português

Tarzan ficou diretamente no caminho da investida. Não havia tempo para escapar para as árvores, nem ele queria atrasar sua jornada. Ele já havia encontrado a besta estúpida antes e a desprezava.

Original English

Directly in the path of the charge he stood. There had been no time to seek safety in the trees beyond the clearing, nor had Tarzan any mind to delay his journey because of Buto. He had met the stupid beast before and held him in fine contempt.

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Português

Buto o alcançou, com a cabeça baixa e o chifre pesado pronto para seu trabalho mortal, mas quando ele golpeou para cima, acertou apenas o ar. Tarzan saltou como um gato para o largo dorso do rinoceronte, então pulou para o chão atrás dele e correu rapidamente para as árvores.

Original English

And now Buto was upon him, the massive head lowered and the long, heavy horn inclined for the frightful work for which nature had designed it; but as he struck upward, his weapon raked only thin air, for the ape-man had sprung lightly aloft with a catlike leap that carried him above the threatening horn to the broad back of the rhinoceros. Another spring and he was on the ground behind the brute and racing like a deer for the trees.

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Português

Irritado e confuso com o desaparecimento de sua presa, Buto girou e carregou freneticamente em outra direção, não em direção a Tarzan. Assim, o homem-macaco alcançou as árvores em segurança e continuou seu caminho rápido pela floresta.

Original English

Buto, angered and mystified by the strange disappearance of his prey, wheeled and charged frantically in another direction, which chanced to be not the direction of Tarzan's flight, and so the ape-man came in safety to the trees and continued on his swift way through the forest.

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Português

À frente, Tantor, o elefante, movia-se constantemente pela trilha bem desgastada. Agachado na frente dele, um guerreiro negro ouvia atentamente. Logo ele ouviu os sons de estalos e rangidos que sinalizavam a aproximação de um elefante.

Original English

Some distance ahead of him Tantor moved steadily along the well-worn elephant trail, and ahead of Tantor a crouching, black warrior listened intently in the middle of the path. Presently he heard the sound for which he had been hoping -- the cracking, snapping sound which heralded the approach of an elephant.

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Português

Guerreiros observavam de outras partes da selva. Eles usavam sinais baixos para informar uns aos outros que a presa estava se movendo. Rapidamente se reuniram perto da trilha, escondendo-se em árvores a favor do vento de onde Tantor passaria. Esperaram silenciosamente, e logo viram um grande elefante carregando muito marfim em suas presas, o que os deixou animados e gananciosos.

Original English

To his right and left in other parts of the jungle other warriors were watching. A low signal, passed from one to another, apprised the most distant that the quarry was afoot. Rapidly they converged toward the trail, taking positions in trees down wind from the point at which Tantor must pass them. Silently they waited and presently were rewarded by the sight of a mighty tusker carrying an amount of ivory in his long tusks that set their greedy hearts to palpitating.

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Português

Assim que Tantor passou por eles, os guerreiros desceram das árvores. Eles não estavam mais em silêncio, mas batiam palmas e gritavam no chão. Por um momento, Tantor parou, levantando sua tromba e cauda, com as orelhas eretas. Então ele continuou pela trilha em um ritmo rápido e arrastado, indo direto para a cova escondida com estacas afiadas.

Original English

No sooner had he passed their positions than the warriors clambered from their perches. No longer were they silent, but instead clapped their hands and shouted as they reached the ground. For an instant Tantor, the elephant, paused with upraised trunk and tail, with great ears up-pricked, and then he swung on along the trail at a rapid, shuffling pace -- straight toward the covered pit with its sharpened stakes upstanding in the ground.

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Português

Os guerreiros gritando o seguiram, instando-o a correr mais rápido para que ele não pudesse examinar o chão cuidadosamente. Tantor, que poderia ter se virado e atacado seus inimigos com uma única investida, fugiu como um cervo assustado, correndo em direção a uma morte dolorosa e cruel.

Original English

Behind him came the yelling warriors, urging him on in the rapid flight which would not permit a careful examination of the ground before him. Tantor, the elephant, who could have turned and scattered his adversaries with a single charge, fled like a frightened deer -- fled toward a hideous, torturing death.

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Português

Atrás de todos eles veio Tarzan dos Macacos, correndo pela selva com a velocidade de um esquilo. Ele ouvira os gritos dos guerreiros e sabia o que significavam. Ele deu um chamado alto que ecoou pela selva, mas Tantor, em seu pânico, ou não ouviu ou estava com muito medo de parar.

Original English

And behind them all came Tarzan of the Apes, racing through the jungle forest with the speed and agility of a squirrel, for he had heard the shouts of the warriors and had interpreted them correctly. Once he uttered a piercing call that reverberated through the jungle; but Tantor, in the panic of terror, either failed to hear, or hearing, dared not pause to heed.

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Português

Agora o elefante gigante estava a apenas alguns metros da armadilha escondida em seu caminho. Os guerreiros, certos do sucesso, gritavam e dançavam atrás dele, balançando suas lanças e celebrando antecipadamente o valioso marfim e a carne abundante que em breve teriam.

Original English

Now the giant pachyderm was but a few yards from the hidden death lurking in his path, and the blacks, certain of success, were screaming and dancing in his wake, waving their war spears and celebrating in advance the acquisition of the splendid ivory carried by their prey and the surfeit of elephant meat which would be theirs this night.

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Português

Eles estavam tão absortos em comemorar que não notaram Tarzan se movendo silenciosamente por cima. Tantor também não conseguiu vê-lo ou ouvi-lo, mesmo quando Tarzan gritou para ele parar.

Original English

So intent were they upon their gratulations that they entirely failed to note the silent passage of the man-beast above their heads, nor did Tantor, either, see or hear him, even though Tarzan called to him to stop.

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Português

Com apenas mais alguns passos, Tantor teria caído sobre as estacas afiadas. Tarzan correu pelas árvores até ficar ao lado do elefante em fuga e depois seguiu em frente. Na beira da cova, ele pulou no chão no meio do caminho. Tantor quase o atropelou antes que seus olhos fracos permitissem reconhecer seu velho amigo.

Original English

A few more steps would precipitate Tantor upon the sharpened stakes; Tarzan fairly flew through the trees until he had come abreast of the fleeing animal and then had passed him. At the pit's verge the ape-man dropped to the ground in the center of the trail. Tantor was almost upon him before his weak eyes permitted him to recognize his old friend.

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Português

Tarzan gritou para Tantor parar, e o grande elefante parou ao ver sua mão erguida.

Original English

"Stop!"cried Tarzan, and the great beast halted to the upraised hand.

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Português

Tarzan se virou e chutou para o lado alguns arbustos que escondiam a cova. Imediatamente, Tantor a viu e entendeu.

Original English

Tarzan turned and kicked aside some of the brush which hid the pit. Instantly Tantor saw and understood.

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Português

Tarzan rosnou para Tantor lutar, alertando que homens vinham por trás. Mas Tantor, um feixe de nervos, agora estava quase em pânico de terror.

Original English

"Fight!"growled Tarzan."They are coming behind you."But Tantor, the elephant, is a huge bunch of nerves, and now he was half panic-stricken by terror.

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Português

O poço se abria diante dele, embora ele não pudesse avaliar sua profundidade. De ambos os lados se estendia a selva primitiva intocada. Com um guincho, a grande besta virou bruscamente e abriu caminho ruidosamente através da densa parede de plantas emaranhadas que teria parado qualquer outro animal.

Original English

Before him yawned the pit, how far he did not know, but to right and left lay the primeval jungle untouched by man. With a squeal the great beast turned suddenly at right angles and burst his noisy way through the solid wall of matted vegetation that would have stopped any but him.

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Português

Tarzan ficou na borda, sorrindo enquanto observava a fuga indigna de Tantor. Ele sabia que os negros chegariam em breve, então decidiu sair. Deu um passo, mas ao transferir o peso, o chão cedeu. Ele tentou desesperadamente pular para frente, mas falhou. Caiu para trás na cova, em direção às estacas afiadas no fundo.

Original English

Tarzan, standing upon the edge of the pit, smiled as he watched Tantor's undignified flight. Soon the blacks would come. It was best that Tarzan of the Apes faded from the scene. He essayed a step from the pit's edge, and as he threw the weight of his body upon his left foot, the earth crumbled away. Tarzan made a single Herculean effort to throw himself forward, but it was too late. Backward and downward he went toward the sharpened stakes in the bottom of the pit.

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Português

Quando os negros chegaram um momento depois, viram de longe que Tantor havia escapado, porque o buraco na cobertura da cova era pequeno demais para um elefante. Eles primeiro pensaram que o elefante havia colocado um pé e depois puxado de volta. Mas quando chegaram à borda e olharam para baixo, ficaram pasmos ao ver a forma nua de um gigante branco imóvel no fundo.

Original English

When, a moment later, the blacks came they saw even from a distance that Tantor had eluded them, for the size of the hole in the pit covering was too small to have accommodated the huge bulk of an elephant. At first they thought that their prey had put one great foot through the top and then, warned, drawn back; but when they had come to the pit's verge and peered over, their eyes went wide in astonishment, for, quiet and still, at the bottom lay the naked figure of a white giant.

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Português

Alguns deles já tinham visto esse deus da floresta antes e recuaram com medo, acreditando que ele possuía poderes demoníacos. Mas outros, focados apenas em capturar um inimigo, avançaram. Eles pularam na cova e carregaram Tarzan para fora.

Original English

Some of them there had glimpsed this forest god before and they drew back in terror, awed by the presence which they had for some time believed to possess the miraculous powers of a demon; but others there were who pushed forward, thinking only of the capture of an enemy, and these leaped into the pit and lifted Tarzan out.

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Português

Seu corpo não tinha cicatrizes; nenhuma das estacas afiadas o perfurou. O único sinal de ferimento era um inchaço na parte de trás da cabeça, onde ela bateu no lado de uma estaca durante a queda, deixando-o inconsciente. Os negros logo notaram isso e amarraram seus braços e pernas antes que ele acordasse, pois haviam aprendido a respeitar o estranho homem-besta que vivia entre os macacos.

Original English

There was no scar upon his body. None of the sharpened stakes had pierced him -- only a swollen spot at the base of the brain indicated the nature of his injury. In the falling backward his head had struck upon the side of one of the stakes, rendering him unconscious. The blacks were quick to discover this, and equally quick to bind their prisoner's arms and legs before he should regain consciousness, for they had learned to harbor a wholesome respect for this strange man-beast that consorted with the hairy tree folk.

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Português

Depois de o terem carregado apenas uma curta distância em direção à aldeia, as pálpebras do homem-macaco tremeram e se abriram. Ele olhou em volta confuso por um momento, então recuperou a consciência total e percebeu o perigo de sua situação. Acostumado desde a infância a depender inteiramente de suas próprias habilidades, ele não buscou ajuda externa, mas concentrou-se em como poderia escapar usando apenas sua própria força e inteligência.

Original English

They had carried him but a short distance toward their village when the ape-man's eyelids quivered and raised. He looked about him wonderingly for a moment, and then full consciousness returned and he realized the seriousness of his predicament. Accustomed almost from birth to relying solely upon his own resources, he did not cast about for outside aid now, but devoted his mind to a consideration of the possibilities for escape which lay within himself and his own powers.

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Português

Ele se absteve de testar suas cordas enquanto os negros o carregavam, temendo que eles ficassem alarmados e as apertassem mais. Logo seus captores notaram que ele estava consciente e, como tinham pouco desejo de carregar um homem pesado pelo calor da selva, fizeram-no levantar-se e forçaram-no a andar entre eles, ocasionalmente picando-o com suas lanças, mas mostrando claros sinais do medo supersticioso que ele inspirava neles.

Original English

He did not dare test the strength of his bonds while the blacks were carrying him, for fear they would become apprehensive and add to them. Presently his captors discovered that he was conscious, and as they had little stomach for carrying a heavy man through the jungle heat, they set him upon his feet and forced him forward among them, pricking him now and then with their spears, yet with every manifestation of the superstitious awe in which they held him.

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Português

Quando perceberam que suas picadas não produziam sinais visíveis de dor, seu temor aumentou até que pararam de cutucá-lo completamente, parcialmente convencidos de que aquele estranho gigante branco era um ser sobrenatural imune ao sofrimento.

Original English

When they discovered that their prodding brought no outward evidence of suffering, their awe increased, so that they soon desisted, half believing that this strange white giant was a supernatural being and so was immune from pain.

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Português

Ao se aproximarem da aldeia, ergueram os gritos triunfantes de guerreiros vitoriosos, de modo que, quando chegaram ao portão, dançando e brandindo suas lanças, uma grande multidão de homens, mulheres e crianças se reuniu para recebê-los e ouvir a história de suas façanhas.

Original English

As they approached their village, they shouted aloud the victorious cries of successful warriors, so that by the time they reached the gate, dancing and waving their spears, a great crowd of men, women, and children were gathered there to greet them and hear the story of their adventure.

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Português

Quando os aldeões viram o prisioneiro, explodiram em excitação, com as bocas abertas de espanto e incredulidade. Durante meses viveram em constante medo de um estranho demônio branco, vislumbrado por poucos que sobreviveram para descrevê-lo. Guerreiros haviam desaparecido de trilhas quase à vista da aldeia, até mesmo entre seus companheiros, tão misteriosamente como se tivessem sido engolidos pela terra, e depois, à noite, seus corpos mortos caíam, como se do céu, na rua da aldeia.

Original English

As the eyes of the villagers fell upon the prisoner, they went wild, and heavy jaws fell open in astonishment and incredulity. For months they had lived in perpetual terror of a weird, white demon whom but few had ever glimpsed and lived to describe. Warriors had disappeared from the paths almost within sight of the village and from the midst of their companions as mysteriously and completely as though they had been swallowed by the earth, and later, at night, their dead bodies had fallen, as from the heavens, into the village street.

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Português

Essa criatura aterrorizante tinha entrado nas cabanas da vila à noite, matado e desaparecido. Nas cabanas, junto aos corpos, ele deixou sinais estranhos e assustadores que sugeriam um senso de humor bizarro.

Original English

This fearsome creature had appeared by night in the huts of the village, killed, and disappeared, leaving behind him in the huts with his dead, strange and terrifying evidences of an uncanny sense of humor.

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Português

Agora, no entanto, ele estava sob o controle deles. Ele não podia mais assustá-los. Lentamente, eles começaram a entender isso. Uma mulher gritou e correu para frente, batendo no rosto do homem-macaco. Outros a seguiram, e logo Tarzan estava cercado por uma multidão de nativos que lutavam, arranhavam e gritavam.

Original English

But now he was in their power! No longer could he terrorize them. Slowly the realization of this dawned upon them. A woman, screaming, ran forward and struck the ape-man across the face. Another and another followed her example, until Tarzan of the Apes was surrounded by a fighting, clawing, yelling mob of natives.

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Português

Então Mbonga, o chefe, chegou. Ele colocou sua lança firmemente sobre os ombros de seu povo e os forçou a se afastar do prisioneiro.

Original English

And then Mbonga, the chief, came, and laying his spear heavily across the shoulders of his people, drove them from their prey.

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Português

Ele disse que o manteriam até o anoitecer.

Original English

"We will save him until night,"he said.

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Português

Longe, na selva, Tantor, o elefante, tinha parado de ter medo. Ele ficou com as orelhas eriçadas e a tromba se movendo. O que passava por sua mente selvagem? Será que ele estava procurando por Tarzan? Será que ele lembrava do favor que o homem-macaco lhe fizera? Não havia dúvida de que lembrava. Mas ele sentia gratidão? Teria arriscado a vida para salvar Tarzan se soubesse do perigo? A maioria duvidaria. Qualquer pessoa familiarizada com elefantes duvidaria. Caçadores ingleses na Índia frequentemente diziam que nunca tinham ouvido falar de um elefante indo ajudar um homem em perigo, mesmo que o homem tivesse sido gentil com ele. Portanto, era improvável que Tantor superasse seu medo instintivo de homens negros para ajudar Tarzan.

Original English

Far out in the jungle Tantor, the elephant, his first panic of fear allayed, stood with up-pricked ears and undulating trunk. What was passing through the convolutions of his savage brain? Could he be searching for Tarzan? Could he recall and measure the service the ape-man had performed for him? Of that there can be no doubt. But did he feel gratitude? Would he have risked his own life to have saved Tarzan could he have known of the danger which confronted his friend? You will doubt it. Anyone at all familiar with elephants will doubt it. Englishmen who have hunted much with elephants in India will tell you that they never have heard of an instance in which one of these animals has gone to the aid of a man in danger, even though the man had often befriended it. And so it is to be doubted that Tantor would have attempted to overcome his instinctive fear of the black men in an effort to succor Tarzan.

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Português

Os gritos irritados dos aldeões chegaram suavemente aos seus ouvidos aguçados. Ele girou como se assustado, pensando em fugir. Mas algo o segurou, então ele se virou novamente, levantou sua tromba e soltou um grito agudo.

Original English

The screams of the infuriated villagers came faintly to his sensitive ears, and he wheeled, as though in terror, contemplating flight; but something stayed him, and again he turned about, raised his trunk, and gave voice to a shrill cry.

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Português

Então ele ficou parado e escutou.

Original English

Then he stood listening.

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Português

Na aldeia distante onde Mbonga havia restaurado a calma, os negros mal podiam ouvir a voz de Tantor. Mas os ouvidos aguçados de Tarzan captaram claramente seu significado.

Original English

In the distant village where Mbonga had restored quiet and order, the voice of Tantor was scarcely audible to the blacks, but to the keen ears of Tarzan of the Apes it bore its message.

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Português

Seus captores o levavam para uma cabana onde ele seria mantido e vigiado, aguardando as festividades noturnas que terminariam em sua morte dolorosa. Ele parou quando ouviu o chamado de Tantor, levantou a cabeça e emitiu um grito aterrorizante. Esse grito gelou os aldeões supersticiosos e fez os guerreiros recuarem, mesmo com seus braços amarrados firmemente atrás das costas.

Original English

His captors were leading him to a hut where he might be confined and guarded against the coming of the nocturnal orgy that would mark his torture-laden death. He halted as he heard the notes of Tantor's call, and raising his head, gave vent to a terrifying scream that sent cold chills through the superstitious blacks and caused the warriors who guarded him to leap back even though their prisoner's arms were securely bound behind him.

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Glossary: New Words

Words introduced by the simplified reading. Each entry shows up to five real sentences from this book; every Back to B1 link opens the exact sentence in the simplified version.

anymore ˌɛniˈmɔːr (12)

Português: mais

Simple English: No longer; not now.

Example: I don't live there anymore.

Uses in this book:

1. It was true that Taug was not a playful ape anymore. Back to B1

2. Mumga was very old, could not climb trees anymore, and had lost her teeth, so she could only eat bananas and worms. Back to B1

3. He could not scare them anymore. Back to B1

4. He told Tarzan to sleep and not to bother him anymore.

5. Teeka and Taug, Gazan's parents, did not worry about Tarzan anymore.

area ˈɛəriə (26)

Português: área

Simple English: a space or part of a place

Example: She ran across a small open area.

Uses in this book:

1. It was Teeka who screamed in fear as she ran across a small open area towards the trees. Back to B1

2. He was so worried that he ran into a large, open area without trees. Back to B1

3. They pushed Tarzan into the open area where the villagers shouted when they saw him.

4. He knew it was only a short distance into the forbidden area.

5. The tracks led to the entrance of a cave in a rocky area between two hills.

arrive əˈraɪv (3)

Português: chegar

Simple English: to come to a place

Example: People would arrive soon.

Uses in this book:

1. He knew that people would arrive soon, so he wanted to leave. Back to B1

2. He listened carefully to the jungle, waiting for Tantor to arrive.

3. Pacco the zebra was the first to arrive.

attractive əˈtræktɪv (1)

Português: atraente

Simple English: Nice or good looking, causing interest.

Example: The promises were attractive to young men.

Uses in this book:

1. He also thought his wide nostrils were more attractive than Tarzan's small nose. Back to B1

bigger ˈbɪɡər (1)

Português: maior

Simple English: larger in size

Example: Other, bigger animals did not bother him.

Uses in this book:

1. He realized the difference between him and Teeka was much bigger than between other animal pairs. Back to B1

bleed bliːd (2)

Português: sangrar

Simple English: to lose blood from the body

Example: Apes fought and bled for her.

Uses in this book:

1. She had seen other apes fight for older females and had wished for a day when apes would fight and bleed for her. Back to B1

2. Numa's claws only scratched Gunto's arm, making it bleed a little.

blocking ˈblɒkɪŋ (1)

Português: bloqueando

Simple English: stopping the way

Example: The ape was blocking his way to escape.

Uses in this book:

1. Taug bit and hit the plants blocking his way. Back to B1

bothered ˈbɒðərd (3)

Português: incomodado

Simple English: to feel worried or upset

Example: He was not bothered by the noise outside.

Uses in this book:

1. He had seen these things every day before, but they had not bothered him then. Back to B1

2. The noise bothered Tarzan, so he decided to leave for a short time, hoping the crying would stop.

3. Flies bothered his face, but he lazily used a leaf to brush them away.

charmingly ˈtʃɑːrmɪŋli (1)

Português: encantadoramente

Simple English: in a pleasant and attractive way

Example: She smiled charmingly at the guests.

Uses in this book:

1. Tarzan tried to make his mouth look round and puff out his cheeks while winking, but he knew he could not do it as charmingly as Teeka. Back to B1

city ˈsɪti (2)

Português: cidade

Simple English: a large town with many people and buildings

Example: New York is a busy city.

Uses in this book:

1. The busy jungle, full of many animals and plants, felt like a very empty place, like a big, crowded city. Back to B1

2. This shows how fame and power can change quickly, in any place, whether it is a modern city or the jungle.

clapping ˈklæpɪŋ (1)

Português: batendo palmas

Simple English: Hitting your hands together to show you like something.

Example: They started clapping after the play ended.

Uses in this book:

1. They stopped being quiet and started clapping and shouting. Back to B1

claws klɔːz (15)

Português: garras

Simple English: Sharp nails on animals' feet or hands.

Example: The cat used its claws to climb the tree.

Uses in this book:

1. He held his hunting knife, but it seemed very small and weak against Sheeta's big teeth and sharp claws. Back to B1

2. He jumped to the side just as Sheeta's claws tried to grab him. Back to B1

3. He tried to hit Tarzan with his claws, which would have hurt him badly if they had landed.

4. He only wanted to hurt Tarzan with his claws and teeth.

5. Tarzan swung in front of Sheeta's claws, and a hind paw cut his leg badly.

colorful ˈkʌlərfəl (2)

Português: colorido

Simple English: having many bright colors

Example: The forest was full of colorful birds.

Uses in this book:

1. A colorful bird walked proudly in front of its plain-colored mate. Back to B1

2. Tarzan thought the Tarmangani's colorful clothes and strange hats were very odd and funny.

comfortably ˈkʌmfərtəbli (2)

Português: confortavelmente

Simple English: In a way that feels good and relaxed.

Example: He sat comfortably in the big chair.

Uses in this book:

1. Teeka was resting comfortably in the shade of the tropical forest. Back to B1

2. He got a sleeping mat and placed it so he could watch Tarzan's revenge comfortably.

confused /kənˈfjuːzd/ (15)

Português: confuso; confundido; baralhado

Simple English: Feeling uncertain because something is unclear or hard understand.

Example: He felt confused after reading the instructions multiple times without clarity.

Uses in this book:

1. Tarzan felt confused because something seemed wrong. Back to B1

2. He was even more confused when they put sharp wooden stakes in the bottom of the hole. Back to B1

3. Buto was angry and confused because Tarzan had disappeared. Back to B1

4. He looked around, confused. Back to B1

5. Tarzan was confused.

crazy ˈkreɪzi (1)

Português: louco

Simple English: very strange or wild

Example: The deck of the ship seemed like a crazy place.

Uses in this book:

1. They went back to eating, but they watched him to see if he would suddenly go crazy. Back to B1

dig dɪg (2)

Português: cavar

Simple English: To make a hole in the ground.

Example: They dig to plant a tree.

Uses in this book:

1. They used spears to dig the ground and their hands to remove the earth from a path. Back to B1

2. He watched them dig a deep hole across the path, wide enough for all six workers. Back to B1

digesting daɪˈdʒɛstɪŋ (1)

Português: digerindo

Simple English: Breaking down food in the body.

Example: The animal is digesting its food.

Uses in this book:

1. Animals that are not as smart often spend most of their time looking for food or digesting it. Back to B1

disbelief ˌdɪsbɪˈlif (1)

Português: descrença

Simple English: Not able to believe what happens.

Example: She looked at the surprise with disbelief.

Uses in this book:

1. Their mouths fell open in surprise and disbelief. Back to B1

Dislike /dɪsˈlaɪk/ (7)

Português: antipatia; desagrado; desagrada

Simple English: The feeling of not liking someone or something.

Example: I have a strong dislike for cold weather and prefer sunny days.

Uses in this book:

1. The more he thought about what had happened, the more he started to dislike women. Back to B1

2. Tarzan himself felt a strong dislike for snakes, perhaps from his human ancestors.

3. This made him dislike humans even more.

4. However, he felt a strong dislike for the Gomangani, partly because they had killed Kala.

5. He felt a strange dislike for the way they treated Numa.

downwind ˌdaʊnˈwɪnd (1)

Português: a favor do vento

Simple English: in the direction the wind is blowing

Example: The smoke blew downwind of the camp.

Uses in this book:

1. He quickly went around the trap to get downwind. Back to B1

dug dʌɡ (3)

Português: cavou

Simple English: past of dig; to make a hole in the ground

Example: He dug a hole to plant the tree.

Uses in this book:

1. He dug away a little earth to see a wooden bar. Back to B1

2. He dug a hole and buried them in the mud.

3. He dug it up and ate it in a tree.

echoed ˈɛkoʊd (4)

Português: ressoou

Simple English: a sound repeated after the original sound

Example: Her voice echoed through the empty hall.

Uses in this book:

1. Tarzan made a loud cry that echoed in the jungle. Back to B1

2. The loud cry of Tarzan echoed through the jungle.

3. Their loud roars echoed through the forest as they arrived.

4. The sounds of the fighters echoed through the jungle.

energy ˈɛnərdʒi (3)

Português: energia

Simple English: Power to do physical or mental work.

Example: She saved her energy and her voice.

Uses in this book:

1. Their meat gave him the energy he needed to build his strong body. Back to B1

2. Tantor spent a lot of his life eating to get energy. Back to B1

3. The energy of her youth was gone.

eyebrows ˈaɪˌbraʊzɪz (1)

Português: sobrancelhas

Simple English: The lines of hair above your eyes.

Example: His eyes shone from under thick eyebrows.

Uses in this book:

1. Teeka also had nice teeth, and her face looked good with her eyebrows, nose, and mouth. Back to B1

feathers ˈfɛðərz (2)

Português: penas

Simple English: soft, light parts that cover birds' bodies

Example: The bird has colorful feathers.

Uses in this book:

1. Birds with bright feathers and loud sounds flew between trees. Back to B1

2. They looked frightening with paint and feathers.

grab /ɡræb/ (11)

Português: agarrar; pegue; pegar

Simple English: To take someone or something suddenly or violently.

Example: She decided to grab her bag and leave quickly.

Uses in this book:

1. Taug thought he would win if he could grab Tarzan. Back to B1

2. He jumped to the side just as Sheeta's claws tried to grab him. Back to B1

3. He thought he could quickly jump, grab his meal, and escape before the other apes could stop him.

4. One ape was trying to grab Taug, who was hanging.

5. He tried to grab something to stop himself from falling.

grabbed ˈɡræbd (27)

Português: agarrou

Simple English: took hold of something quickly

Example: He grabbed the book from the table.

Uses in this book:

1. He grabbed the bars of his cage and shook them hard. Back to B1

2. Sharp fingers grabbed his throat, stopping his cry of fear. Back to B1

3. Tantor grabbed another warrior and then another from near the ape-man.

4. Just as the ape grabbed Taug, Tarzan jumped to the branch next to the attacker and hit him hard, knocking him off.

5. He moved quickly and grabbed another branch lower down.

grumpy ˈɡrʌmpi (1)

Português: mal-humorado

Simple English: often unhappy or angry

Example: He is grumpy when he does not sleep well.

Uses in this book:

1. Teeka was still playful, but other young apes her age were becoming grumpy. Back to B1

halfway ˈhæfˌweɪ (1)

Português: na metade

Simple English: in the middle of a distance or time

Example: She is halfway to school.

Uses in this book:

1. He was halfway across the clearing when he saw some birds fly up. Back to B1

happily ˈhæpɪli (5)

Português: felizmente

Simple English: in a happy way

Example: She smiled happily at the good news.

Uses in this book:

1. When Teeka saw the blood, she cried out happily. Back to B1

2. When Tarzan returned from hunting soon after, he saw Teeka happily scratching Taug's back. Back to B1

3. Tarzan smiled happily as he worked. Back to B1

4. As they got close to their village, they shouted happily like successful warriors. Back to B1

5. Tarzan left with his new rope, and Gazan happily dragged the old one behind him.

job dʒɒb (3)

Português: trabalho

Simple English: a task or work to do

Example: Tarzan did not understand why they were doing such a big job.

Uses in this book:

1. Tarzan did not understand why they were doing such a big job. Back to B1

2. He was partly tricked into believing his own magic and faced this new demon who was threatening his profitable job.

3. He liked this job because Gazan was always surprising and fun.

jump dʒʌmp (9)

Português: pular

Simple English: to move by pushing yourself up

Example: He tried hard to jump away.

Uses in this book:

1. He tried hard to jump away, but it was too late. Back to B1

2. This scream scared the superstitious villagers and made the warriors guarding him jump back, even though his arms were tied behind him. Back to B1

3. He thought he could quickly jump, grab his meal, and escape before the other apes could stop him.

4. He was surprised when he saw Teeka jump onto the snake.

5. After trying several times, Tarzan managed to get free and jump to the ground, away from the powerful movements of the dying snake.

jumping ˈdʒʌmpɪŋ (4)

Português: pulando

Simple English: Moving off the ground quickly with both feet.

Example: She saw the ape jumping very quickly.

Uses in this book:

1. Tarzan then moved like a cat, turning and jumping back close to Taug. Back to B1

2. Taug felt Tarzan's fighting style was not fair because Tarzan kept jumping away. Back to B1

3. Although Tibo had climbed trees before, the thought of jumping from branch to branch through the forest, like Tarzan had done to bring him there, terrified him.

4. He threw a spear at the lion while it was jumping.

jumps dʒʌmps (1)

Português: saltos

Simple English: moves made by pushing high off the ground

Example: Sheeta was chasing her with smooth jumps.

Uses in this book:

1. Sheeta, the panther, was chasing her with easy, smooth jumps. Back to B1

lit lɪt (3)

Português: iluminado

Simple English: made light or made something bright

Example: Fires lit up their bodies during the dances.

Uses in this book:

1. He especially liked their dances, where fires lit up their bodies as they moved and jumped, pretending to fight. Back to B1

2. A sudden flash from the fire lit up the strange woman.

3. The fire also lit up Tarzan, showing his light brown body in the dark.

loop luːp (2)

Português: laço

Simple English: a curved or circle-shaped line

Example: She tied the rope in a loop.

Uses in this book:

1. The rope became a straight line, and the loop of the rope briefly hung over the panther's head and open mouth. Back to B1

2. Tarzan fixed most of his rope and made a new loop. Back to B1

nice naɪs (5)

Português: bom

Simple English: Pleasant or attractive.

Example: The room looks very nice and clean.

Uses in this book:

1. Teeka also had nice teeth, and her face looked good with her eyebrows, nose, and mouth. Back to B1

2. A nice, cool wind made the hot sun feel better.

3. Finally, they found two male apes eating in a nice, open area.

4. She did not look nice, but through her angry and bloody face, they could see she was beautiful.

5. The elephant stood still, enjoying Tarzan's company and the nice scratching.

onto ˈɑntu (24)

Português: em cima de

Simple English: moving to a higher position on something

Example: The cat jumped onto the table.

Uses in this book:

1. The rope tightened, and the big animal fell onto its back. Back to B1

2. While he was there, the animal above him jumped from the tree onto his back. Back to B1

3. Soon, Tarzan jumped down onto Tantor's head. Back to B1

4. The rhino attacked with its horn, but Tarzan jumped quickly onto the rhino's back. Back to B1

5. As soon as Tarzan avoided Sheeta's attack, he jumped onto the panther's back.

Parliament /ˈpɑːrləmənt/ (1)

Português: Parlamento; assembleia

Simple English: Elected representatives who create and amend laws.

Example: Parliament meets regularly to discuss and pass new pieces of legislation.

Uses in this book:

1. He did not know he was John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, a member of the British Parliament. Back to B1

partner ˈpɑːrtnər (3)

Português: companheiro

Simple English: a person you work or live with

Example: She is a good partner in their business.

Uses in this book:

1. Someone told Tarzan that all the animals and birds in the jungle have a partner of their own kind. Back to B1

2. But Tarzan, who is a man, was told that he had no partner. Back to B1

3. He realized that as a man, he must be alone and could not have a partner.

patterns ˈpætərnz (2)

Português: padrões

Simple English: regular shapes or designs

Example: The sunlight made patterns on the floor.

Uses in this book:

1. Sunlight came through the leaves and made patterns on his brown skin. Back to B1

2. The firelight made his dark skin shine and highlighted the strange patterns painted on his face and body.

plants plænts (16)

Português: plantas

Simple English: living things like trees and flowers

Example: The garden has many different plants.

Uses in this book:

1. While they ate fruits, plants, and insects, Tarzan spent a lot of time hunting animals. Back to B1

2. He walked on an elephant path, but found it blocked by plants. Back to B1

3. He tore into the plants, but then found himself in a strange place that he could not leave, even though he tried very hard. Back to B1

4. Taug bit and hit the plants blocking his way. Back to B1

5. The busy jungle, full of many animals and plants, felt like a very empty place, like a big, crowded city. Back to B1

pop pɒp (1)

Português: sair de repente

Simple English: to come out suddenly or quickly

Example: His eyes looked like they would pop out.

Uses in this book:

1. The man's mouth opened wide, his tongue came out, and his eyes looked like they would pop out. Back to B1

pretending prɪˈtɛndɪŋ (1)

Português: fingir

Simple English: acting as if something is true, but it is not

Example: They were pretending to fight.

Uses in this book:

1. He especially liked their dances, where fires lit up their bodies as they moved and jumped, pretending to fight. Back to B1

qualities ˈkwɒlətiz (1)

Português: qualidades

Simple English: features or characteristics of a person or thing

Example: She has many good qualities like kindness and honesty.

Uses in this book:

1. He began to think about his own good qualities and compare them to his rival's. Back to B1

ruined ˈruːɪnd (3)

Português: arruinado

Simple English: damaged badly or completely spoiled

Example: The storm ruined their holiday plans.

Uses in this book:

1. He thought he was angry with Taug, but he could not understand why he ran away instead of fighting Taug, who had ruined his happiness. Back to B1

2. Now, the witch-doctor's reputation would be ruined if anyone saw what Mbonga saw.

3. Annoyed that his plan for entertainment was ruined, he quickly turned and jumped away into the darkness.

scare skɛər (9)

Português: assustar

Simple English: To make someone feel afraid.

Example: Because Kerchak was their leader, they could scare other tribes away from their jungle area.

Uses in this book:

1. He could not scare them anymore. Back to B1

2. He hoped this would scare Tarzan away, but it did not.

3. He also liked to scare the black people from the Gomangani tribe when they were by the river, washing or playing.

4. He wanted to scare them, but then he had a new idea.

5. Tibo had also heard stories about this dangerous "white forest god" who had killed warriors and secretly entered villages at night to steal things and scare people.

scary ˈskɛri (16)

Português: assustador

Simple English: Causing fear or fright.

Example: A scary panther's cry came from the jungle.

Uses in this book:

1. This scary animal came into the village huts at night. Back to B1

2. They were very nervous because of the witch-doctor's scary tricks.

3. After finishing, he stood in a way that he hoped would look very scary.

4. She thought the jungle had many scary, unknown things that could harm people, more frightening than lions or leopards.

5. Suddenly, she heard a loud, scary roar behind her.

shape /ʃeɪp/ (4)

Português: forma; moldar

Simple English: The form of something.

Example: The box has a square shape.

Uses in this book:

1. He saw a large, gray-black shape moving on the jungle path below him. Back to B1

2. In the bright firelight, people saw a large shape above the wall.

3. He turned quickly and was surprised to see the large, hairy shape of Bolgani, the gorilla, standing in the doorway.

4. But this time Bolgani did not change his shape as he slowly walked towards the young ape-man.

share ʃɛər (1)

Português: compartilhar

Simple English: to use or have something with others

Example: They share their food with friends.

Uses in this book:

1. Tarzan liked to sit on him and share his feelings. Back to B1

shouting ˈʃaʊtɪŋ (12)

Português: gritando

Simple English: speaking very loudly to express emotions

Example: He was shouting insults during the fight.

Uses in this book:

1. Tarzan followed him, shouting insults and waving his knife. Back to B1

2. They stopped being quiet and started clapping and shouting. Back to B1

3. The shouting warriors followed Tantor, making him run fast. Back to B1

4. He had heard the warriors shouting and understood what was happening. Back to B1

5. Others followed her, and soon Tarzan of the Apes was surrounded by angry, shouting people who were fighting and scratching him. Back to B1

situation ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən (9)

Português: situação

Simple English: a set of conditions at a specific time

Example: He understood his difficult situation.

Uses in this book:

1. Then he understood his difficult situation. Back to B1

2. He stood still for a moment, thinking how he could use the situation and the interruption to his advantage.

3. Tarzan understood the situation clearly.

4. He had been scared then, but his current situation was much worse.

5. But his hunger and thirst were almost forgotten because he was so afraid of his situation.

special ˈspɛʃəl (12)

Português: especial

Simple English: different and better than usual

Example: Teeka was beautiful in a special way.

Uses in this book:

1. Mothers are always beautiful, but Teeka was beautiful in a special, hard-to-explain way. Back to B1

2. To say "he-boy", he had to add special ape sounds before the word and letters.

3. He saw that the local people were afraid of it and moved away, as if it had special, mysterious powers.

4. Soon, Tarzan noticed that the special person was talking, and everyone listened quietly.

5. Then, the witch-doctor sprinkled this special water on the chests and foreheads of the three young men.

squeeze skwiːz (1)

Português: apertar

Simple English: to press something firmly

Example: She squeezed the lemon to get juice.

Uses in this book:

1. The strong fingers continued to squeeze him harder. Back to B1

tapped tæpt (1)

Português: tocou levemente

Simple English: to touch something lightly

Example: He tapped the elephant's skin with his toes.

Uses in this book:

1. He stretched out and tapped the elephant's thick skin with his toes. Back to B1

target /ˈtɑːrɡɪt/ (1)

Português: alvo; destino; meta

Simple English: To aim attacks at a specific object or location.

Example: The military must target specific locations to minimize civilian casualties.

Uses in this book:

1. The signals told them that their target was moving. Back to B1

tie taɪ (6)

Português: amarrar

Simple English: To fasten something with a string or rope.

Example: Please tie your shoes before running.

Uses in this book:

1. He did not try to break his ropes while they carried him, because he was afraid they would get worried and tie him even tighter. Back to B1

2. They led him to a stake and prepared to tie him for a ritual.

3. The men could get the ape-man down, but they could not keep him down to tie him up.

4. He knew the rope he used to tie the lion would also hold him.

5. They saw that the rope used to tie the bait was used to tie Rabba Kega's body.

tools tuːlz (1)

Português: ferramentas

Simple English: Objects used to do a job or work.

Example: He used many tools to fix the chair.

Uses in this book:

1. His way of fighting was best for his body and his tools. Back to B1

untied ʌnˈtaɪd (2)

Português: desamarrado

Simple English: Not tied or fastened.

Example: He quickly untied the ropes.

Uses in this book:

1. He quickly untied the ropes holding it shut. Back to B1

2. He untied it and slowly lowered the ape down.

upset /ʌpˈsɛt/ (7)

Português: chateado; aborrecido; transtornado

Simple English: To make someone feel unhappy or disturbed emotionally.

Example: He was upset when he lost his favorite toy during the game.

Uses in this book:

1. It is not clear if she understood why Tarzan was upset. Back to B1

2. It made loud, angry sounds because it was upset and disappointed. Back to B1

3. Tarzan was upset. Back to B1

4. He was used to seeing death in the jungle and was not too upset, even if someone he knew was in danger.

5. He was upset because he had lost a fight for leadership of another tribe a week before.

upwind ʌpˈwɪnd (1)

Português: contra o vento

Simple English: In the direction from which the wind is blowing

Example: They walked upwind to avoid the bad smell.

Uses in this book:

1. They hid in trees upwind, so Tantor would not smell them. Back to B1

valuable /ˈvæljuəbəl/ (3)

Português: valioso; precioso

Simple English: Worth a lot of money or importance significantly.

Example: Her advice was very valuable for my career development.

Uses in this book:

1. He had a lot of valuable ivory on his tusks, which made them feel greedy. Back to B1

2. They were happy because they expected to get the valuable ivory and a lot of elephant meat that night. Back to B1

3. Bukawai knew his medicine was valuable and he wanted to get as much money as possible before he gave it to her.

winking ˈwɪŋkɪŋ (1)

Português: piscar

Simple English: closing and opening one eye quickly

Example: She was winking to say hello.

Uses in this book:

1. Tarzan tried to make his mouth look round and puff out his cheeks while winking, but he knew he could not do it as charmingly as Teeka. Back to B1

woke woʊk (11)

Português: acordaram

Simple English: to stop sleeping

Example: They woke early in the morning.

Uses in this book:

1. He thought about how scared they would be when they woke up and found a dead body in the cage. Back to B1

2. When Tarzan woke up, the sun was high.

3. Numa, a lion, woke up because of a noise nearby.

4. The noise woke Bukawai.

5. Manu the monkey woke Tarzan up by dropping old bean pods on his face from a tree.

woken ˈwoʊkən (2)

Português: acordados

Simple English: past participle of wake; to be caused to stop sleeping

Example: She was woken by the loud noise.

Uses in this book:

1. Numa had eaten a lot and was woken up by the sound. Back to B1

2. Just as he decided to give in to sleep, he was woken up by the cabin door opening.

workers ˈwɜːrkərz (1)

Português: trabalhadores

Simple English: people who do work or jobs

Example: Six workers dug a hole on the path.

Uses in this book:

1. He watched them dig a deep hole across the path, wide enough for all six workers. Back to B1

wrestled ˈrɛsəld (1)

Português: lutou

Simple English: fought by holding and trying to control someone

Example: They wrestled as friends.

Uses in this book:

1. When he showed his big teeth, he looked strong and serious, not like when he and Tarzan wrestled as friends. Back to B1