that it was she who carried the tale that brought
death and torture upon her he loved."

We sat silent for a few moments, she wrapped
in the gloomy thoughts of her terrible past, and I
in pity for the poor creatures whom the heartless,
senseless customs of their race had doomed to
loveless lives of cruelty and of hate. Presently
she spoke.

" John Catter, if ever a real man walked the
cold, dead bosom of Barsoom you are one. I know
that I can trust you, and because the knowledge
may some day help you or him or Dejah Thoris
or myself, I am going to tell you the name of my
father, nor place any restrictions or conditions upon
your tongue. When the time comes, speak the
truth if it seems best to you. I trust you because
I know that you are not cursed with the terrible
trait of absolute and unswerving truthfulness,
that you could lie like one of your own Virginia
gentlemen if a lie would save others from sorrow
or suffering. My father's name is Tars Tarkas."

-169-