23 – A Night of Terror

In the chapter “A Night of Terror” from Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar, Jane Clayton endures a harrowing ordeal. After spending a restless night perched in a tree, at dawn, she mistakes Abdul Mourak, the Abyssinian leader, for her ally, soon realizing her grave error as he and his troops capture her. Despite her pleas for mercy, Abdul Mourak coldly informs her that he plans to present her to his emperor, dashing any hope of freedom or justice.

The narrative then shifts to Abdul Mourak’s camp, where the group, lost and far from their intended path, makes a night encampment in the waterless, hungry jungle. Their presence attracts lions, whose terrifying roars and subsequent attack create chaos. In the turmoil, Jane narrowly escapes death multiple times, witnessing the horror as lions maul men and horses alike. The scene is one of primal fear, as the camp becomes a battleground for survival against the fierce predators.

Simultaneously, Tarzan and Werper, captured and bound in another location, experience their own night of terror. Tarzan manages to free himself with his immense strength and summons a group of apes for rescue. However, the apes’ entry into the camp terrifies the soldiers further. Amidst the confusion, a wounded ape, Chulk, inadvertently provides Werper with a pouch believed to contain the jewels of Opar.

Seizing the opportunity, Werper’s avarice is rekindled at the prospect of possessing the jewels. His previous intentions, momentarily influenced by the genuine concern shown by Jane, are abandoned for his greed. As Tarzan aids in his release, Werper cunningly secures the pouch, envisaging a fortune within his grasp once more.

As they set off to find Jane, distant sounds of conflict suggest she’s in immediate danger, prompting Tarzan to rush towards the disturbance, leaving Werper with a chance to escape. Werper seizes this moment, driven by fear and greed, planning to evade Tarzan and keep the jewels for himself.

This chapter juxtaposes human greed and betrayal against the backdrop of the savage and indifferent forces of nature. It highlights Tarzan’s heroism and relentless pursuit to rescue Jane, while Werper’s actions underline human frailty and self-serving motivations amidst life-threatening adversity.