The Return of Tarzan · Chapter
The Affair on the Liner explained
Tarzan, contemplating his return to the jungle, witnesses a plot by Nikolas Rokoff and Alexis Paulvitch to frame Count de Coude for cheating at cards.
What happens
Tarzan, contemplating his return to the jungle, witnesses a plot by Nikolas Rokoff and Alexis Paulvitch to frame Count de Coude for cheating at cards. Tarzan intervenes, exposing the scheme and earning the count's gratitude, while also making a dangerous enemy of Rokoff.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Betrayal
Rokoff and Paulvitch conspire to frame Count de Coude for cheating at cards, using a planted object and false accusations.
Honor and Chivalry
Tarzan defends the count's honor by exposing the plot, and de Coude challenges the accuser to a duel.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Observes the card game and intervenes to expose Rokoff's plot against Count de Coude.
- Nikolas Rokoff
Masterminds the plot to frame Count de Coude and threatens Tarzan afterward.
- Alexis Paulvitch
Acts as Rokoff's confederate in the card game scheme.
- Count Raoul de Coude
The target of Rokoff's plot; grateful to Tarzan for clearing his name.
- Countess Olga de Coude
Discusses the incident with her husband and shows concern about Rokoff's presence.
Key passages
“Had it not been for this utter stranger, they had succeeded, for who would have accepted my unsupported word against the damning evidence of those cards hidden on my person?”
Without Tarzan's intervention, the frame-up would have worked because no one would believe the count over the planted evidence.
Count de Coude acknowledges Tarzan's crucial role in saving his reputation.
“Monsieur will have ample opportunity to regret his interference in the affairs of others.”
Rokoff warns Tarzan that he will suffer consequences for meddling.
Rokoff's threat foreshadows future conflict.