The Royal Slave

After Kathlyn's seemingly marvelous escape from the Temple of the Lion, where she almost became a victim of fanatical men, not to remark the hungry and marauding lion, she is still followed by the wild beasts that rove in that vicinity in search of prey. She realizes her peril through some keen second sense, and eventually makes her way by woodcraft to a tree, at the base of which is an idol. This being in the nature of a votive shrine. It is frequently visited by the Pilgrims and pious Parsees, who offer prayers for protection from the beasts of the jungle and also leave peace offerings in the form of food. Above in the branches of this spreading tree is propped a rude hunting booth, where the native hunters have been accustomed to watch in security for the stalking game that prey upon one another in the depths of the jungle. This umbrageous tree seems to have kindly shadows, and Kathlyn takes refuge among its branches, exhausted after her terrible flight through the tangled woodlands. Unarmed, she realizes that she must now depend upon her woodcraft and fleetness of foot to avoid the dangerous inhabitants of that neighborhood. With this idea in view, she weaves for herself a dress of fibrous grass that blends with the flora and the branches of the trees, just as the markings of many wild animals does, comporting with their environment, giving them unconscious security. She completes this garment none too soon, when the carnivora which has been upon her trail, rounds up at the base of the tree and settles down with fearful roars and snarling, warning her that it is time for her to look to her safety. She is so surprised that in her haste to get away she drops her tattered and discolored temple gown, fleeing further into the depths of the everglades in her new garb blending so well with the surroundings that it helps to conceal her whereabouts. Bruce, the American hunter, who accomplished Kathlyn's rescue in the amphitheater from the forty hungry lions, has been hot upon her trail since the stampede of elephants drew them far apart. Undeterred, however, he has penetrated the depths of the jungle, followed her from the Burning Gat to the ruined temple, and now to the base of the tree, where he finds her torn and discarded garment. He is encouraged to continue his search with greater zeal. In the interim, some passing traders lose an elephant that has strayed far afield to feed and give chase. The elephant becomes panicky and in its flight almost knocks down