Chapter 9 – The Theft of the Jewels begins with Werper spending two days searching for his group in the thick jungle, only to stumble upon the mutilated bodies of three non-slave members of his party. These bodies serve as a grim reminder of a deadly uprising by the enslaved members, who had sought freedom from their Arab master. The discovery sends a chill down Werper’s spine, revealing the dangerous and volatile nature of the jungle, while also leaving him thankful for his narrow escape from the same fate. His sense of unease grows as the environment continues to prove itself treacherous, but he remains determined to continue his quest, driven by his fear of what could happen if he lingers too long in such a hostile place. The jungle becomes not only a physical obstacle but also a psychological one for Werper, as his survival instincts battle against the growing threat around him.

Meanwhile, Tarzan, who had recently suffered a blow to the head, finds himself reverting to his primal instincts, shedding the layers of civilization he had once known. This transformation back into the wild man of the jungle makes him less concerned with human customs or the violent death surrounding him, instead focusing on what he knows best—survival. His ability to communicate in French, however, is a reminder of his past, showing that even as he embraces his wild nature, traces of his human upbringing remain. This duality in Tarzan’s character becomes evident as he speaks with Werper, navigating between his past life and the primal world he now inhabits. His shifting between languages highlights the tension between the two worlds he is caught between, giving him a complexity that is both fascinating and unnerving to those around him.

One evening, as they travel, Tarzan’s instinctive protection of a collection of gems intended for a necklace becomes a defining moment in his transformation. When Werper attempts to examine the jewels, Tarzan instinctively defends them, his primal fierceness on full display. This response strikes terror into Werper, who begins to view Tarzan not just as an amnesiac man but as a dangerous and unpredictable creature—far more of a beast than a human. The fear that grows within Werper reflects his growing realization that Tarzan, despite his human origins, is not a man to be easily understood or controlled. The tension between them rises as Werper grapples with his desire to steal the jewels and his growing fear of Tarzan’s unpredictable behavior, which complicates the situation further.

As they continue their journey, avoiding encounters with local warriors who are laden with treasure, they approach the Waziri plains. Werper’s obsession with the stolen jewels grows, and he begins to contemplate how he can use the situation to his advantage, oblivious to the dangers Tarzan’s feral nature presents. His thoughts are consumed with greed and the looming threat of the Waziri warriors, who are likely to pursue them once they realize what has happened to Lady Greystoke. The tension between the two companions heightens, as Werper’s moral blindness to the immediate threats around him contrasts sharply with Tarzan’s growing understanding of the jungle and its inhabitants. As Werper continues to plot, his desire for the jewels blinds him to the true consequences of his actions, setting the stage for conflict and betrayal.

Upon reaching the outskirts of the once peaceful valley, Werper and Tarzan discover the devastation left by Achmet Zek’s raiding party. The Greystoke bungalow, a symbol of Tarzan’s human life, lies in ruins, destroyed by the violence of the raiders. This destruction serves as a brutal reminder of the constant cycle of violence between the civilized world and the lawless jungle. The arrival of the Waziri warriors, returning to find their lands desecrated, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the conflict, as they vow to take revenge on those responsible. The vicious cycle of vengeance continues, as both the civilized and uncivilized worlds are bound by their thirst for retribution and dominance. The chapter underlines the ongoing conflict and the deep wounds caused by violence, showing the long-lasting impact on all involved.

As night falls, Werper’s thoughts turn back to the jewels, his obsession driving him to new levels of desperation. His plans to betray Tarzan to Achmet Zek begin to take shape, though he remains wary of the unpredictability of his feral companion. Despite the danger posed by Tarzan’s wild nature, Werper’s greed overrides his fear, leading him to carefully calculate his next move. The stark contrast between Werper’s deceitful scheming and Tarzan’s instinctive need for survival adds layers to the story. Tarzan’s simple practice of burying valuables for safekeeping, inspired by the Waziri’s precautionary measures, symbolizes his deepening connection to the jungle and its rules. As Werper waits for the right moment to strike, the tension between the two men grows, setting the stage for an impending clash that will reveal the true cost of their conflicting desires.