The chance-shot fired by the villainous but keen-sighted Umballah, makes a bone-bruise upon the fair arm of Kathlyn. This, however, does not stop her flight, or militate against the escape of herself, her daring companion, Bruce, and her father, Col. Hare, who escaped from prison through the machinations of the clever Pundita and met them at the appointed rendezvous; before the vengeful Prince and his creatures started in pursuit. Fortunately, the escaping party is accompanied by Ramabai and his faithful wife, Pundita, who are now Kathlyn's staunchest friends and of incalculable assistance in every emergency. Presently they emerge from the jungle and see far out on the plains the white towers and shining minarets standing silhouetted against the sky, Alhabad, the walled city of the desert. They approach the town and are received by sentinels at the gates and are conducted into the presence of the Rajah. This functionary, in addition to being commander of the city, has a more important office as keeper of the Sacred White Elephant, which is frequently sent on pilgrimages to nearby cities to be worshiped by the natives. It is one of the precious possessions of the place, hence the walled city, and many savage guardians that look after its chief treasure. The Sacred Elephant is presumably returning from a visitation where it has been the guest of honor, when a fierce band of brigands that inhabit the hills lying along the desert, decide to capture it and convey it to a rival Maharajah across the distant desert. Fortunately, the sacred charge arrives within the walled city before the brigands attain its possession. They, however, are resourceful and have other means at their command, as they know the attendants of the elephant are weary of their duties and will take to their favorite dissipation of opium smoking. The brigands outside the walls await their opportunity and when it comes they knock down and bind the guards at the gate, enter the Rajah's premises and carry away the precious animated object of worship. About this time Kathlyn and her entourage arrive in the city and the next morning are informed by the commotion of the great loss. Bruce, through Ramabai, is put in touch with the situation; likewise, Kathlyn, and they immediately offer assistance if reciprocal aid is given in the form of a military convoy, which is readily granted. Kathlyn is rushed out into the desert on the back of a wild camel, and from this gazeboo sweeps the horizon with her binoculars. Following her is a large train led by Bruce, together with the savage soldiery picturesque in their Oriental accouterments. Cleverly disposing the force, Kathlyn and a few of her followers go forward while the troops are concealed. They meet the brigands and pretend to be friendly, giving them quantities of opium as peace offerings. The brigands are disarmed by this kindness and are soon stupefied into security through the influence of the narcotic. As they are helpless, it is a comparatively easy matter to get the Sacred Elephant. On their way back to the walled city, they meet Umballah, who has been reinforced for the pursuit, but, his soldiers, in superstitious fear, bow before the Sacred Elephant, so that Kathlyn and her party are allowed to proceed on their way. It is some time before Umballah, furious over the attitude of his men, rallies them and induces them to move forward. When they arrive at the gates of the walled city, they are denied entrance by the soldiers of the Rajah, and Umballah returns sullenly to Allaba in defeat. The following day Kathlyn and her party again start on their way to the coast, and, strangely enough, are captured by the self-same band of brigands from whom they secured the animated sacred symbol. Kathlyn, her father and Bruce are tied to a tiger cart of the brigands. The chief, searching Col. Hare, finds his medal and knows at once that he has captured the White King. Thereupon he sends a messenger forward to Allaha, demanding as a ransom from Umballah, three bags of silver. A few days later Umballah arrives in haste with his silver, but asks only for Col. Hare, as a prisoner, earnestly requesting that Bruce and Kathlyn be fed to the tigers.