Tarzan the Terrible · Chapter
XVI: The Secret Way explained
Tarzan escapes the gryf pool and finds a secret passage into the temple.
What happens
Tarzan escapes the gryf pool and finds a secret passage into the temple. Overhearing a plot, he disguises himself as a priest and learns that Jane has been taken by Mo-sar. He rescues Pan-at-lee and O-lo-a from an attacker, then pursues Mo-sar to save his mate, rallying loyal warriors against Lu-don's conspiracy.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, the dramatic climax occurs because Tarzan’s relentless search brings him within literal sight…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Survival and Adaptation
Tarzan adapts to the temple's secret passages, uses disguise, and leverages his wits to overcome overwhelming odds.
- Power and Corruption
Lu-don's plot to install Mo-sar as king illustrates the corrupting influence of power and religious manipulation.
- Love and Loyalty
Tarzan's unwavering determination to rescue Jane drives his actions, while Pan-at-lee and O-lo-a show loyalty to each other.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Escapes the gryf pool, dons a priest disguise, rescues Pan-at-lee and O-lo-a, and pursues Mo-sar to save Jane.
- Jane Clayton
Mentioned as having been taken by Mo-sar to Tu-lur; Tarzan's primary objective to rescue her.
- Pan-at-lee
Rescued by Tarzan from Bu-lot; provides information about Jane's abduction.
- O-lo-a
Present in the chamber with Pan-at-lee; attacked by Bu-lot and rescued by Tarzan.
- Mo-sar
Abducts Jane and plans to take her to Tu-lur; ally of Lu-don in the conspiracy.
- Lu-don
High priest plotting to seize the palace and make Mo-sar king; overheard by Tarzan.
- Ja-don
Mentioned as the rightful king by Tarzan; loyal warriors are defending him in the banquet hall.
- Ko-tan
Reported slain; his death is used by Tarzan to rally support for Ja-don.
Key passages
“Stop! I am the Dor-ul-Otho and I come to you with a word from Ja-don, who it is my father's will shall be your king now that Ko-tan is slain.”
Tarzan commands the warriors to halt, claiming divine authority and announcing Ja-don as the new king.
Tarzan uses his assumed identity to rally support and expose Lu-don's conspiracy.
“My life will be your guarantee. If you find that I have not spoken the truth you are sufficient in numbers to execute whatever penalty you choose.”
Tarzan offers his life as collateral to prove his honesty about Lu-don's plot.
Demonstrates Tarzan's confidence and leadership in a tense situation.
“Tell me, how I may know this city of Tu-lur? It lies upon the south shore of the second lake below A-lur, the lake that is called Jad-in-lul.”
Tarzan asks for directions to Tu-lur and is told it is on the southern shore of Lake Jad-in-lul.
Provides geographical context for Tarzan's pursuit of Mo-sar.
