The Adventures of Kathlyn

Kathlyn Hare models a leopard in clay on her father's wild animal farm in California, where her unusual ability to calm dangerous creatures soon proves essential. When the leopard charges her younger sister Winnie, Kathlyn brings it under control. Colonel Hare, an experienced supplier of animals to zoos and circuses, is preparing another expedition when a jeweled medal recalls the royal title he received from the king of Allaha.

Harold MacGrath's adventure novel connects this family setting with pursuit and political conflict around a border kingdom. In a later scene, Kathlyn confronts Umballa from the back of a sacred white elephant while Bala Khan promises protection to her and her companions. Animal encounters, threats at fortified gates, and arguments over loyalty give the story its movement. Readers interested in early adventure fiction will find a resourceful central character whose confidence with animals becomes part of her response to danger.