She held back a moment, and followed me again.
I reached the square: the little army was gone! Its emptiness roused me.
Where were the Little Ones, HER Little Ones?
I had lost her children! I stared helpless about me, staggered to the pillar, and sank upon its base.
But as I sat gazing on the still countenance, it seemed to smile a live momentary smile.

I never doubted it an illusion, yet believed what it said: I should yet see her alive! It was not she, it was I who was lost, and she would find me! I rose to go after the Little Ones, and instinctively sought the gate by which we had entered.

I looked around me, but saw nothing of the leopardess.
The street was rapidly filling with a fierce crowd.

They saw me encumbered with my dead, but for a time dared not assail me.

Ere I reached the gate, however, they had gathered courage.