The narrative follows a young Tarzan, who, while growing up in the jungle, learns to create strong ropes from fibrous grass. His playful antics often lead to trouble, particularly with Tublat, his foster father, who harbors resentment towards him. As Tarzan matures into a powerful jungle male, he becomes the target of Bukawai, a jealous witch-doctor who seeks revenge after Tarzan humiliates him. One day, while hunting, Tarzan is caught in a violent storm that ultimately leads to his near-death when a tree is struck by lightning. Bukawai discovers Tarzan unconscious and, believing him dead, captures him with the intent to exact revenge. He binds Tarzan with the very rope the ape-man had crafted and takes him to a secluded volcanic crater, where he plans to let his hyenas feast on him. As Tarzan regains consciousness, he realizes his predicament but remains calm. He recalls his childhood experience with ropes and begins to work against his bindings, rubbing them against a tree until they weaken. Meanwhile, Bukawai, confident in his plan, falls asleep, underestimating Tarzan's resilience. The hyenas, driven by hunger, approach Tarzan, prompting him to act. He breaks free from his bonds just as the hyenas attack. A fierce struggle ensues, with Tarzan overpowering the beasts. Bukawai awakens to the chaos and rushes to intervene, but Tarzan swiftly turns the tables, capturing Bukawai and binding him in the same manner he had been restrained. In a twist of fate, Tarzan leaves Bukawai to face the hungry hyenas, who return to the crater, leaving the witch-doctor to confront the consequences of his malice. The story concludes with a sense of poetic justice, as Bukawai's own creations become his undoing, while Tarzan reaffirms his dominance in the jungle.
By Edgar Rice Burroughs · First published 1932 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action