in an
almost unintelligible jargon, led the helpless visitors from one point
of interest to another, showing them in turn broken columns, the seats
of the Vestals, dilapidated stone staircases, the "Fosse des Lions" and
the "Podium des Cesars." Maximilian and Valentine were filled with
unspeakable awe and admiration as they contemplated the remnants of
ancient grandeur, and mentally peopled the wondrous Colosseum with
contending gladiators, stately Patricians and the applauding herd of
sanguinary Plebeians, Mme. Morrel shuddering as she thought of the
thousands of high-bred dames and beautiful maidens who in the old days
had pitilessly turned down their thumbs as a signal for the taking of
human life! Although the moon was brilliant and flooded the antique
amphitheatre with argentine light, the guides carried torches, which
served to spread a flickering and wan illumination through the dark
recesses of the cavernous vomitariums, now the refuge of bats, owls,
goats and serpents.

As they were passing through a long and unusually sombre gallery, the
guides suddenly paused with a simultaneous cry and began making the sign
of the cross. Maximilian and Valentine halted in affright, the former
hurriedly drawing a small pistol to defend his wife and himself against
the unknown and mysterious danger. They glanced about them but could see
nothing, the torches revealing only huge stones and dust-covered vaults.
M. Morrel demanded of the guides what was the cause of their terror, but
for some moments could glean no intelligence from their vague,
unintelligible replies. At last one of the cicerones managed to explain
that they had seen the maniac! This was comforting information to the
visitors! A maniac at large and ranging at night about amid the
Colosseum's ruins! Valentine, trembling with fear, clung to her husband
for protection.

"Is it a man or a woman?" asked Maximilian of one of the guides.

"A man, signor."

"Is he violent, dangerous?"

"No, signor, neither; but his appearance gives one a terrible shock, he
is so wild-looking, and, besides, he mutters fearful curses! Holy
Virgin, protect us!"

Maximilian felt his curiosity aroused; a strange desire took possession
of him to see and speak with this singular madman, who frequented the
gladiators' courts and muttered fearful curses to the broken columns of
the Colosseum.

"Where is the maniac now?" he demanded of the guides. "Do you see him?"

"Heaven forbid!" re