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.