diversity, sauntered into view. Kathlyn quickened with life and hope.
The seven leopards were at least half a dozen yards away. It was but a
step to the vines sprawling over the wall.

To think that all depended upon the handle of the palanquin door! If
it opened without noise there was a chance. If it creaked she was
lost; for she would fall into the hands of the keepers if not under the
merciless paws of the cats.

But the longer she hesitated the less time she would have. Bravely,
then, she tried her hand upon the door handle and slowly but firmly
turned it. There was no sound that she could hear. She pressed it
outward with a slow steady movement. Fortunately the dress of the
Hindu was short, somewhat above the ankles, and within her strong young
body was free of those modern contrivances known as corsets and stays.

She sprang out, dashed for the vines and drew herself up rapidly. In
unison the seven leopards whirled and flew at her. But the half a
dozen yards which they had first to cover to reach the wall saved her.
Up, up, desperately, wildly, with a nervous energy which did far more
for her than her natural strength. The cats leaped and snarled at her
heels. She went on. Beneath her the leopards tore at the vines and
tried to follow, one succeeding in tearing her skirt with a desperate
slash of his paw. He lost his hold and tumbled back among his mates.

But every minute the vines, sturdy as they were, threatened to come
tumbling to the ground.

Her long and lonely experiences in the jungle had taught her the need
of climbing quickly yet lightly. She flung herself across the top of
the wall, exhausted. For the time being, at least, she was safe. She
hung there for a few minutes till she had fully recovered her breath.
Below the leopards were still leaping and striking futilely! and even
in her terror she could not but admire their grace and beauty. And,
oddly, she recalled the pet at home. Doubtless by this time he had
fallen back into his savage state.

When she dared risk it she gained a securer position on the wall and
sat up, flinging her legs over the side of it. She saw things in a bit
of blur at first, her heart had been called upon so strenuously; but
after a little objects resumed their real shapes, and she espied the
two elephants. She called, waving her hands.

"It is Kathlyn!" cried Bruce.

"Kit!" shouted the colonel, who shared the howdah with Bruce. "Kit,
hang on for