The Return of Tarzan · Chapter
VII: The Dancing Girl of Sidi Aissa explained
Tarzan's first mission as a secret agent takes him to Algeria, where he is tasked with surveilling Lieutenant Gernois, a French officer suspected of treason.
What happens
Tarzan's first mission as a secret agent takes him to Algeria, where he is tasked with surveilling Lieutenant Gernois, a French officer suspected of treason. After a month of uneventful observation, Gernois is transferred south to Bou Saada. Tarzan accompanies the detachment, and during a stop at Sidi Aissa, he encounters a mysterious stranger who seems familiar. At a local café, an Ouled-Nail dancer warns Tarzan that two men plan to harm him. Later, an Arab insults him, leading to a brawl when several men attack Tarzan and his servant Abdul.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Betrayal
Tarzan's mission involves spying on a suspected traitor, and he himself operates under a false identity as an American hunter.
Survival and Physical Prowess
Tarzan's physical strength is demonstrated when he knocks out an Arab aggressor with a single punch, and he prepares to defend himself against multiple attackers.
Colonialism and Otherness
The chapter highlights the tension between European colonizers and native Algerians, with Tarzan as an outsider navigating Arab culture and facing hostility as a 'Christian dog.'
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
On his first mission as a secret agent, Tarzan poses as an American hunter in Algeria to surveil Lieutenant Gernois.
- Lieutenant Gernois
The French officer under suspicion of treason; Tarzan observes him meeting a mysterious stranger at Bouira and Sidi Aissa.
- Abdul
A young Arab servant and interpreter hired by Tarzan; he warns Tarzan about a suspicious follower and assists during the altercation.
- Kadour ben Saden
A sheik from whom Tarzan buys a horse; he dines with Tarzan and invites him to hunt in his desert domain.
- Captain Gerard
A French officer and friend of Tarzan who facilitates Tarzan's travel to Bou Saada.
Key passages
“Tarzan’s first mission did not bid fair to be either exciting or vastly important.”
Tarzan's initial assignment seemed unlikely to be thrilling or significant.
Sets the tone for the chapter's undercover espionage plot.
“There is a certain lieutenant of spahis whom the government had reason to suspect of improper relations with a great European power.”
The government suspected a spahi lieutenant of having unauthorized dealings with a major European nation.
Introduces the central conflict of the mission.
“At first I promised to lure you to them, but you have been kind, and I cannot do it. Go quickly, before they find that I have failed them.”
I initially agreed to lead you into a trap, but your kindness has changed my mind. Leave now before they realize I didn't follow through.
The dancer's warning reveals a plot against Tarzan.
“He says that besides being a dog yourself that you are the son of one, and that your grandmother was a hyena. Incidentally you are a liar.”
He calls you a dog, the son of a dog, and says your grandmother was a hyena, and also calls you a liar.
The Arab's insults escalate the confrontation.