A Princess of Mars - Page 76/143

"John Carter, if ever a real man walked the cold, dead bosom of Barsoom

you are one. I know that I can trust you, and because the knowledge

may someday help you or him or Dejah Thoris or myself, I am going to

tell you the name of my father, nor place any restrictions or

conditions upon your tongue. When the time comes, speak the truth if

it seems best to you. I trust you because I know that you are not

cursed with the terrible trait of absolute and unswerving truthfulness,

that you could lie like one of your own Virginia gentlemen if a lie

would save others from sorrow or suffering. My father's name is Tars

Tarkas."