The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1914-12-04
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lcOpyright BY Harold MacarathI

hiding place; the palanquin tottered,
But the animal was not trying 10 get
inside; he was merely sharpening his
claws after the manner Of his kind,
claws which were sharp enough
heaven knew. since, regularly, once a
month the keepers filed them to needle
point.
An elephant trumpeted near by, and
kathlyn could have wept In despair.
Outside the wall were friends, doubt
less by this time joined by her father
and Ramabai. and all wondering where
she was. She dared not call out for
fear of attracting the leopards, whose
movements she could hear constantly;
the jar OF their padded feet as they
trotted under and about the palanquin.
the sniff-sniff of their wet noses, an
occasional yawnlng.
by and by her curiosity could not be
withstood, even though she might be
courting death. Cautiously and sound.
lessly she moved the curtain which
faced the wall. A mass of heavy vines
ran from the ground to the top Of this
wall. II only she could reach 1t; II
only she dared try! Presently the
keepers. armed with goads and ropes,
would be forthcoming, and all hope
of flight banished. Umballa, upon
close inspection, would recognize her
despite her darkened skin and Indian
dress.
From the other window she peered. !
There, In the path, were two leopards, !
boxing and frolcking in play. As she
watched always interested in the gam
bols Of such animals, she noticed that
two other leopards left off prowling, |
approached, sat upon their launches, |
and critically followed the friendly set
to. Then the other three seeking d. |
version, sauntered into view Kathlyn |
quickened with life and hope. The |
seven leopards we're at least half a
dozen yards away. 1t 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
creaked she was lost; for she would
'all into the hands of the keepers if
not under the merciless paws of the
cats.
But the longer she hestated the less
ime 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
rear She pressed it outward with a
low, steady movement. Fortunately
he dress of the Hindu was short,
above the ankles, and with
n her strong young body was free of
hose modern contrivances known as
orsets and stays
She sprang out, dashed for the vines,
nd drew herself up rapidly. In unison
he seven leopards whirled and few at
er. But the half dozen yards which
hey had first to cover to reach the
'all saved her. Up, up, desperately, l
idly, with a nervous energy which
i'd far more for her than her natural {
trength. The cats leaped and snarled q
her heels. She went on Beneath
er the leopards tore at the vines and I
nd tried to follow, one succeeding in /
caring her skirt with a desperate t
ash Of his paw. He lost his hold and 4
lmbled back among his mates. i
But every minute the vines, sturdy o
) they were, threatened to come tum- n
ling to the ground. n
Her long and lonely experiences &
the jungle had taught her the need f'
climbing quickly yet lightly She e
ing herself across the top of the "
all, exhausted. For the time being, e
least she was safe. She hung there Il
r few minutes till she had fully re-
vered her breath. Below the n