
An experienced big‑game hunter is preparing for another African safari when a curious letter arrives, pulling his attention away from lions and antelope. The missive mentions a strange, rhythmic ticking heard beneath the desert sands, sparking his restless imagination. Investigating the source, he uncovers a small wooden box containing an old telegraph instrument, still clicking away in the quiet night. This unexpected find turns a routine hunt into the first clue of something far stranger than any animal he has chased.
Compelled to follow the faint hum of the device, he begins to question what lies beneath the barren surface. The desert’s silence gives way to whispers of a hidden world, promising dangers and wonders unlike any he has known. As he prepares to descend into the unknown, alliances with unexpected companions and encounters with hostile forces loom on the horizon. The stage is set for a perilous trek that will test his skill, courage, and the very limits of his imagination.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (309K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Judith Boss
Release date
1996-07-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1875–1950
Best known for creating Tarzan and John Carter, this hugely popular adventure writer helped shape early science fiction and fantasy. His stories mixed jungle action, lost worlds, and interplanetary romance in a way that still feels energetic today.
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