"We came with Mr. Bluber on a scientific expedition," replied the Russian. "We have had a great deal of trouble. Our head-men, askari, and porters have mutinied and deserted. We are absolutely alone and helpless."
"Oi! Oi!" cried Bluber. "Safe us! Safe us! But keep dot lion avay. He makes me nerfous."
"He will not hurt you—unless I tell him to," said Tarzan.
"Den please don't tell him to," cried Bluber.
"Where do you want to go?" asked Tarzan.
"We are trying to get back to the coast," replied Kraski, "and from there to London."
"Come with me," said Tarzan, "possibly I can help you. You do not deserve it, but I cannot see white men perish here in the jungle."
They followed him toward the west, and that night they made camp beside a small jungle stream.
It was difficult for the four Londoners to accustom themselves to the presence of the great lion, and Bluber was in a state of palpable terror.
As they squatted around the fire after the evening meal, which Tarzan had provided, Kraski suggested that they set to and build some sort of a shelter against the wild beasts.
"It will not be necessary," said Tarzan. "Jad-bal-ja will guard you. He will sleep here beside Tarzan of the Apes, and what one of us does not hear the other will."
Bluber sighed. "Mein Gott!" he cried. "I should giff ten pounds for vun night's sleep."
