Page:Tarzan and the Lost Empire.pdf/101

“Is this the barbarian?” she asked of Mpingu.

“It is he,” replied the black.

“Tell him that I am Festivitas, the mother of Maximus Praeclarus,” the woman directed Mpingu, “and that I welcome him here in the name of my son.”

Through Mpingu, Tarzan acknowledged the greetings of Festivitas and thanked her for her hospitality, after which she instructed one of her slaves to conduct the stranger to the apartments that were placed at his disposal.

It was late afternoon before Maximus Praeclarus returned to his home, going immediately to Tarzan’s apartments. With him was the same black who had acted as interpreter in the morning.

“I am to remain here with you,” said the black to Tarzan, “as your interpreter and servant.”

“I venture to say,” said Praeclarus through the interpreter, “that this is the only spot in Castra Sanguinarius that they have not searched for you and there are three centuries combing the forests outside the city, though by this time Sublatus is convinced that you have escaped. We shall keep you here in hiding for a few days when, I think, I can find the means to get you out of the city after dark.”

The ape-man smiled. “I can leave whenever I choose,” he said, “either by day or by night, but I do not choose to leave until I have satisfied myself that the man for whom I am searching is not here. But, first, let me thank you for your kindness to me, the reason for which I cannot understand.”

“That is easily explained,” said Praeclarus. “The young woman whom you saved from attack this morning is Dilecta, the daughter of Dion Spendidus. She and I are to be married. That, I think, will explain my gratitude.”

“I understand, "said Tarzan, “and I am glad that I was fortunate enough to come upon them at the time that I did.”

“Should you be captured again, it will not prove so fortunate for you,” said Praeclarus, “for the man from whom you saved Dilecta is Fastus, the son of Sublatus, and now the Emperor will have two indignities to avenge; but if you remain here you will be safe, for our slaves are loyal and there is little likelihood that you will be discovered.”