A new recruit has joined the ranks of the Jungle Patrol, but it’s clear he’s struggling to fit in with the tough unit. He’s constantly harassed by the sergeant, who is determined to “cure” him of his supposed ineptitude.

The patrol’s colonel admits he “let him in” even though the recruit failed the entrance trials. As it turns out, the young man has other qualities: he writes stories—and he’s good at it.

Soon, the patrol is sent on a very important mission. Edgar, as the young man is called, bungles things and becomes separated from the others.

Deep in the jungle he spots a figure he calls the “jungle man.” After observing and then cooperating with the Phantom—for it is he—everything turns out well in the end.

Some time later, Edgar—who is none other than Edgar Rice Burroughs—returns to the United States and begins writing a novel. Could this episode have provided the spark for the story of Tarzan of the Apes?