CHAPTER 6 -The beasts of Tarzan

In Chapter 6 of “The Beasts of Tarzan,” titled “A Hideous Crew,” the journey of Tarzan, Mugambi, Akut, Sheeta, and the savage apes progresses as they venture towards the open sea in a war-canoe, navigating through a break in the reef amidst challenging waves. The journey, initially smooth, soon becomes tumultuous as the apes aboard are thrown into panic by the rough seas, threatening to capsize their canoe. However, Tarzan and Akut manage to restore order, and the apes adapt to their maritime surroundings.

Upon reaching closer to the shore as night falls, their canoe capsizes, but all manage to reach safety. While the apes and Mugambi settle by a fire, Tarzan and Sheeta venture into the jungle, hunting a bull buffalo in a display of their primal prowess and synergy. After feasting, they return to the group, leading them towards the Ugambi River in search of natives for information about Rokoff, Tarzan’s adversary, and the kidnapped child, Jack.

The narrative shifts to Kaviri, a local chief, who, spurred by the sighting of Tarzan’s crew, believes them to be another threat similar to a previous white man (Rokoff), who had brought violence and abduction to his people. Kaviri sets out with war canoes to attack but is astounded and overpowered by the ferocity of Tarzan’s bestial crew. After a fierce confrontation, where Tarzan’s jungle allies display their formidable prowess, Kaviri finds himself captive and converses with Tarzan, learning of his quest to find the very man (Rokoff) he despises. Tarzan discovers from Kaviri that a white man, woman, and child, likely being pursued by Rokoff, had passed through the area earlier.

This revelation fuels Tarzan’s fears for his son’s safety and sets the stage for his continued quest, further into the heart of darkness along the Ugambi, with the unexpected but solid alliance of Kaviri’s men propelled by a mutual enmity for Rokoff. Spanning a blend of intense action, the dynamics of trust and betrayal, and the primal bond between man and beast, this chapter crucially bridges Tarzan’s savage prowess with his paternal instincts, amplifying his determination to vanquish Rokoff and recover his child.