es look all the more sorrowful as
she gazed at John wistfully. It was Clare, the Prince's only sister.

As they entered the room the King made a sign to the doctor, who shook
his head sadly. The King crossed to the bed and bent down over his
son, touching the cold face. But it did not change. Neither the lips
nor eyelids trembled, and John could see no sign of life in that still
body. How different, he thought suddenly, from the vigorous figure
which had wrestled with him in the forest. How different that face
from the one which had looked back at him triumphantly after the arrow
had struck the poor deer!

"He does not hear nor see," said the King gloomily. "He scarcely
breathes. What will you do?"

John hesitated. He had made no plan; he hardly knew with what hope the
Hermit had summoned him and his pets thither. It seemed a hopeless
task.

The King frowned at his daughter. "Why is this girl allowed here?" he
said gruffly. "Leave the room."

"Oh, Sire," pleaded the little Princess, with tears in her eyes,
"please let me stay! When my brother is so ill, surely my place is at
his side. I will be quite still, indeed I will. Only do not send me
away!"

John looked at her and thought how like a gentle little animal she was,
so timid, and with such large, beseeching eyes. John had never known
any little girls. Now he thought they would be very pleasant things to
have in an animal kingdom.

"Please let her stay, King," he said gently. "She can do no harm."

"Very well. Let her stay," said the King impatiently. "But what will
you do? What magic have you, boy?"

Suddenly John had an impulse. He stepped forward with the squirming
kittens and laid them on the velvet coverlet close by the Prince's
marble hand. The doctor arose with a cry of horror; the attendants
rushed forward. The little Princess drew a long breath. But the King
raised his hand.

"Let the boy alone," he commanded. "Even this madness shall be
humored. There is no hope now but in him."

The kittens began to frisk and gambol about the velvet, and the old
cat, with a contented purr, jumped up beside them. She was tired, poor
thing, and glad to find a soft bed. At that moment those who were
watching saw a change come upon the Prince's face. His eyelids
quivered. His lips moved slightly. The King raised his hands and
trembled.

Then began a frolic upon that royal bed such as for ten years had not
been seen in all the ki