"I doubt," he said, "if he would even welcome Dejah Thoris' return, for it would mean another nearer the throne than he.
With you and Carthoris out of the way there would be little to prevent him from assuming the title of Jeddak, and you may rest assured that so long as he is supreme here there is no safety for either of you."
"There is a way," cried Hor Vastus, "to thwart him effectually and for ever."
"What?" I asked.
He smiled.
"I shall whisper it here, but some day I shall stand upon the dome of the Temple of Reward and shout it to cheering multitudes below."
"What do you mean?" asked Kantos Kan.
"John Carter, Jeddak of Helium," said Hor Vastus in a low voice.
The eyes of my companions lighted, and grim smiles of pleasure and anticipation overspread their faces, as each eye turned toward me questioningly. But I shook my head.