CHAPTER 11 -The beasts of Tarzan

In Chapter 11 of “The Beasts of Tarzan,” after burying the loyal Kincaid’s cook, Tarzan relentlessly continues his pursuit of Rokoff, now certain that his wife, Jane, is once again in the Russian’s clutches. The jungle presents Tarzan with numerous challenges, including confusing trails and a severe storm that wipes away any tracks left by Rokoff’s party. For a week, heavy rains and winds hinder Tarzan’s progress, making him feel lost in the jungle for the first time. He worries for Jane and their son, imagining the horrors they might be enduring at the hands of Rokoff.

Determined to locate Rokoff, Tarzan decides to head northeast, hoping to encounter natives who could provide information. He soon finds a village, but the inhabitants flee, fearing him due to Rokoff’s warnings of a “white devil” and his demonic pack. Tarzan captures a young warrior who, under duress, reveals that Rokoff had indeed passed through, turning the locals against Tarzan with tales of terror. The village chief, M’ganwazam, sees an opportunity to claim the reward for Tarzan’s death and shifts from hostility to hospitality, hoping to trap Tarzan.

Tarzan’s instincts alert him to danger, and he narrowly avoids an assassination attempt in his hut, realizing too late M’ganwazam’s duplicity. An old woman, Tambudza, whom Tarzan had previously shown kindness, warns him of the plot on his life, explaining that M’ganwazam is eager to collect a reward by killing him. She reveals that Rokoff hasn’t traveled far and offers to lead Tarzan to him. Unseen by them, the chief’s son, Buulaoo, overhears their conversation, likely planning to use the information against Tambudza.

This chapter, rich with pursuit and intrigue, highlights Tarzan’s struggle against both human treachery and the merciless jungle, further complicating his quest to rescue his family. The introduction of local politics and betrayal adds depth to the narrative, showcasing Tarzan’s reliance on both his primal instincts and the unexpected kindness of strangers.