20 – Jane Clayton Again a Prisoner

In chapter 20 of “Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar,” titled “Jane Clayton Again a Prisoner,” Jane finds herself deceived by Albert Werper, who pretends to be her ally. Initially relieved at his presence, believing him to be a friend, she is unaware of his part in her previous captivities. Werper, disguised in his concern, discusses their escape plan, aiming to reach the camp of raiders before the news of their leader, Achmet Zek’s, death is known. Unbeknownst to Jane, Werper had a hidden motive; he was searching for a pouch of jewels stolen from him but finds nothing.

As they journey towards the raider’s camp, Werper’s concern for his missing jewels is evident, leaving Jane unsuspecting of his deceitful nature. Upon arrival at the camp, Werper’s audacity and fabricated story convince the raiders to let them in, including Mohammed Beyd, who takes charge. Jane, once again a prisoner, is reassured by Werper’s false promises of an escape plan. In the meantime, Werper grapples with his increasing infatuation for Jane and contemplates eliminating Mohammed Beyd to keep the nonexistent jewels to himself.

The narrative unfolds with Mohammed Beyd’s growing ambition to possess Jane for himself, plotting Werper’s murder to gain both her and the jewels. He reveals to Jane Werper’s true identity and intentions, shattering her trust in Werper and leaving her feeling utterly betrayed and hopeless.

The chapter intricately portrays the web of deceit woven around Jane, highlighting her vulnerability amidst the villainous ambitions of Werper and Mohammed Beyd. Werper’s internal conflict, torn between his greed for the jewels and his lust for Jane, sets the stage for a tense drama of survival and betrayal. Jane’s predicament worsens as she finds herself doubting the intentions of Werper, her supposed savior, all while being propositioned by Mohammed Beyd, who seeks to win her over with lies about Werper’s treachery. The chapter closes with Jane’s situation growing increasingly dire, encapsulating her in a trap of deception and looming threats as she contemplates her grim future.