# The Affair on the Liner explained — The Return of Tarzan

> Chapter companion for The Return of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/i-the-affair-on-the-liner
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters