Disclaimer: I own neither Tarzan nor Thomas The Tank Engine. No copyright infringement is intended by this work.

Chapter 1

A PLAN FOR AN EXPLORATION

After Tarzan and Jane saved the gorillas from Clayton, they married each other and started living in the treehouse made by Tarzan's parents with the professor's camp nearby. Since that time, many events had befallen them, but the events that were going to take place were going to be different from all that had happened till now.

One morning, after they'd had their breakfast, Tarzan and Jane were thinking out what to do for the rest of the day. You see, while living in a jungle, there are times when you just cannot think what to do to pass your time.

"I was wondering, Tarzan, is there a place in this jungle that you haven't explored till now?" asked Jane.

"It's strange you should mention such a thing." he answered. "You see, just yesterday, I was thinking of such a place. It's further up the coastline in a part I have never explored. You see, when I was young, I used to hear strange noises coming from that place. So I stayed away from that part of the coast and didn't go near it if I could help it.

"Noises? What kind?"

"Well, you see, there were shrieks so loud that we could here them right where we lived. And then there were hissings and breathings. And yes, there were roars and crashes and bangs also. We couldn't make out for the world of us exactly what kind of creature lived there. So Kerchak forbade us all to go to that place.

Jane was a little alarmed.

"Tarzan!" she exclaimed, "You make it sound as if that place was haunted!

"Haunted? What's haunted?" there were a lot of things he didn't know even now.

"Well, never mind." she said. "I'll explain later. But it's strange that I haven't heard a single noise till now. And I've been living here for an year!"

Tarzzan laughed.

"That's because that place is further away from this house. And anyway, those noises stopped coming many years ago. Maybe, whatever lived there died.

Jane couldn't help feeling a little relieved by this piece of news. But she considered the matter. "Do you think that monster, or whatever that was, deserted the place and went somewhere else?"

"I don't know." said Tarzan. "It's no business of mine. But if you want we can visit that place today.

"Oh, I would like a bit of adventure. she said. "We haven't had one for a long time now. And yes, we can ask Daddy to come too. Maybe, he can find a scientific solution...

"Hello, you two! Have you planned to go out today or are you going to sit here all day long?"

It was Turk, Tarzan's best friend and cousin. Turk was one of the most boysterous gorillas Jane knew. Now she came in the house with a leap and a jump [not a skip and a jump, mind you] and enlivened the atmosphere at once.

Tarzan told her. "We're going to the place from where all those noises used to come from. The place near the coastline, Don't you remember?"

"You mean the place where something lived that made more noise than an elephant's trumpet? she asked him.

"Yes, that place. he said. "Would you like to come?"

"That reminds me," Jane put in, "Where's Tantor?"

"Oh, he is waiting outside for you two to come out." Turk told her. "But don't tell him where we're going or else he'll hide himself in the remotest part of the jungle."

Tantor the elephant was a complete coward from all outside appearances. It was true that he was one of the biggest elephants of the jungle, but it was also true that he had almost all the phobias of the world. But when his friends were in danger, his bravery came out unexpectedly.

When Tarzan, Jane and Turk went outside, Tantor was waiting for them.

"Hello." he said, "I thought you were never coming out. Have you planned to do something today?

Turk took it upon herself to handle the situation. "Er-well, you see, we're going to a place where we never went before."

Tantor was interested. "Oh really?" he said. "Which place is that?"

Turk laughed sheepishly. "Oh, don't worry." she said. "You'll know when we'll reach there."

When they reached the professor's camp, they told him about the place where Tarzan had heard interesting noises a long time ago. Thankfully Tantor didn't get suspicious at that time or else he hadn't gone with them at all. But as it happened, he went alright. The professor, on his part, was interested, and agreed to accompany them on this exploration.

At last, there party was complete and they set off for the mysterious place.