# XVI: The Secret Way explained — Tarzan the Terrible

> Chapter companion for Tarzan the Terrible by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_terrible_se/chapters/xvi-the-secret-way
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_terrible_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_terrible_se/chapters