# XXIV: The Tommies explained — Tarzan the Untamed

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

## What happens

Tarzan, Bertha Kircher, Lieutenant Smith-Oldwick, and Otobu are rescued by a British expedition. Bertha is revealed to be the Honorable Patricia Canby, a British intelligence agent, not a German spy. Tarzan declines to return to civilization, choosing to continue westward. The group later takes refuge in a gorge from pursuing Xujans and their lions, defending themselves in a narrow rock crevice.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Adaptation

The group rests and strategizes in the gorge, using a rock crevice for defense against lions and Xujans.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Bertha Kircher is initially suspected as a German spy but is revealed to be a loyal British agent.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Refuses to return to civilization; carries Bertha through the gorge; defends the group from lions.

### Fräulein Bertha Kircher

Revealed as British intelligence agent Patricia Canby; shows fortitude despite exhaustion.

### Lieutenant Harold Percy Smith-Oldwick

Wounded but insists on continuing; guards the north opening of the refuge.

### Otobu

Assists Smith-Oldwick; stands guard with spear.

### Colonel Capell

Commands the British expedition; reveals Bertha's true identity.

## Key lines

> “You are not dead,” he said to her, “nor is the lieutenant, nor Otobu, nor myself. One is either dead or alive, and until we are dead we should plan only upon continuing to live.”

Tarzan tells Bertha that as long as they are alive, they should focus on surviving rather than giving up.

_Tarzan's fatalistic jungle philosophy encourages perseverance._

> “She is the Honorable Patricia Canby,” said Capell, “one of the most valuable members of the British Intelligence Service attached to the East African forces.”

Colonel Capell reveals that Bertha Kircher is actually a British spy named Patricia Canby.

_Key revelation about Bertha's true allegiance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xxiv-the-tommies
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters