"
"There is a way," cried Hor Vastus, "to thwart him effectually and
for ever."
"What?" I asked.
He smiled.
"I shall whisper it here, but some day I shall stand upon the dome
of the Temple of Reward and shout it to cheering multitudes below."
"What do you mean?" asked Kantos Kan.
"John Carter, Jeddak of Helium," said Hor Vastus in a low voice.
The eyes of my companions lighted, and grim smiles of pleasure and
anticipation overspread their faces, as each eye turned toward me
questioningly. But I shook my head.
"No, my friends," I said, smiling, "I thank you, but it cannot be.
Not yet, at least. When we know that Tardos Mors and Mors Kajak
are gone to return no more; if I be here, then I shall join you
all to see that the people of Helium are permitted to choose fairly
their next Jeddak. Whom they choose may count upon the loyalty
of my sword, nor shall I seek the honour for myself. Until then
Tardos Mors is Jeddak of Helium, and Zat Arras is his representative."
"As you will, John Carter," said Hor Vastus, "but--What was that?"
he whispered, pointing toward the window overlooking the gardens.
The words were scarce out of his mouth ere he had sprung to the
balcony without.
"There he goes!" he cried excitedly. "The guards! Below there!
The guards!"
We were close behind him, and all saw the figure of a man run
quickly across a little piece of sward and disappear in the shrubbery
beyond.
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