Chapter 10 – Achmet Zek Sees the Jewels begins with Achmet Zek anxiously waiting for his lieutenant, Albert Werper, to return while Jane Clayton remains captive in the raiders’ camp. Despite being injured, Mugambi remains undeterred in his mission to track down the raiders and rescue Jane. Jane, though captive, refuses to lose hope, holding tightly to the belief that Tarzan’s strength and instinct will bring him to her aid. Meanwhile, Werper, having fled the jungle, returns to camp and begins spinning a story about treasure hidden by the Waziri, intending to manipulate Achmet Zek into focusing on the treasure instead of Jane. Zek, eager for more wealth, believes Werper’s tale and decides to send him north with Jane, planning to sell her while he focuses on recovering the hidden treasure. This decision, rooted in greed, creates a rift between the two men, revealing the fragility of their already tenuous trust.

As Werper prepares to leave, his thoughts shift toward the jewels he secretly plans to keep for himself. The jewels, which he had stolen from Opar, are still hidden away, and he begins to fantasize about escaping with them and starting a new life, free and rich. However, his moment of self-congratulation is abruptly interrupted when he notices Achmet Zek’s reflection behind him in a polished mirror. It is in this moment that Werper realizes his betrayal has been discovered, and danger is no longer an abstract concept—it is real and immediate. Though panic sets in, Werper hides his fear, pretending to rest for the night, fully aware that his life and the jewels are both in jeopardy. The suspense builds, as Werper struggles to maintain his composure while knowing that both his treasure and his life hang by a thread.

Later that night, Achmet Zek, acting on his suspicion, enters Werper’s tent with the intent to kill him and take the jewels. Upon finding a cleverly arranged dummy in Werper’s bed, Zek’s rage intensifies. Enraged by the betrayal, he orders a search and mobilizes his men to track down the fleeing Werper under the cover of darkness. In the midst of this chaos, Mugambi, having been watching from the jungle’s edge, sees an opportunity and infiltrates the camp. While Zek and his men are distracted, Mugambi moves silently, looking for Jane or any valuable information that might help her escape. His bravery and cunning present a stark contrast to the desperation and greed driving Zek and Werper, adding depth to the narrative as Mugambi remains focused on his mission to protect Jane.

The jungle becomes a battleground of both physical and moral conflict, where the stakes are high and the motivations are complicated. Mugambi’s unwavering loyalty and resolve stand in stark opposition to the corruption and treachery that drive both Zek and Werper. While Jane remains trapped, her strength and endurance are bolstered by her unshaken faith in Tarzan, who represents hope in the face of overwhelming danger. This moral contrast highlights the tension between right and wrong in the harsh jungle environment, where survival often requires a balance of strength and integrity. Greed drives Zek to madness, and Werper’s duplicity continues to unravel his plans, yet it is Mugambi’s silent bravery and devotion to Jane that emerge as a moral center in the chaos. These contrasting characters create a rich narrative, where every decision has consequences, and each character’s true intentions are tested in the crucible of the jungle.

As the chapter progresses, the boundaries between predator and prey become increasingly blurred. Werper, once a manipulative figure, now becomes the hunted, fleeing from the very people he once sought to deceive. Zek, blinded by his desire for wealth, grows more unstable, failing to recognize the fractures within his own camp. Mugambi, operating under the cover of night, takes on a pivotal role, drawing closer to Jane with every step. The jungle, vast and indifferent, becomes a constant reminder that no one truly controls it—they are merely surviving within it. Every action carries risk, and each decision will either bring them closer to their goal or pull them further into danger. This chapter intricately builds the tension, setting the stage for the inevitable confrontation that will challenge each character’s strength, resolve, and survival instincts.

In this chapter, themes of betrayal, greed, and resilience are brought to the forefront. The stolen jewels, once symbols of immense wealth, now represent the desperation of those who seek them, and their impact reaches beyond the desire for riches. Werper’s escape and cunning highlight the fleeting nature of loyalty among thieves, and the fragility of trust in a world driven by selfishness. Jane’s unwavering belief in Tarzan and Mugambi’s determined bravery provide a counterbalance to the chaos around them. As the pursuit continues and the jungle grows darker, the story sets the stage for further tests of character, where each individual will confront their own moral compass in the face of survival. The unresolved tension and the constant shifting of alliances promise more intrigue and adventure in the chapters to come.