pardon thee.
Thy crime is not of the State, but of the Temple. Release him! Let him
go!'

Those close at hand heard the words of Saronia, and the news passed
round the great building like a flash of light, and a mighty shout of
consent rang out like the sound of stranded waves, for they loved Chios
at heart.

Even the dignity of the Proconsul forsook him for once. He arose, rushed
out, sprang into his chariot, and drove quickly to the house of Venusta.

* * * * *

Nika lay motionless in sleep, one hand hanging listlessly over the side
of an ebony couch; her hair, glinted with sunlight, partly hid her face.

The Roman whispered softly:

'Nika, Nika dearest, art thou better?'

Her eyes opened, and she looked up with a stolid gaze.

'Yes. What didst thou say?'

'Art thou better, Nika?'

'Perhaps so. I dreamt a lovely dream.'

'And what was it?'

'I saw Chios walking unfettered amongst the sons of Jove. He said, "I am
free; I will come to thee."'

'But he is not dead, my sweet girl.'

'Not dead? not dead?'

'No; he is pardoned.'

'Pardoned?' cried the maid, springing to her feet and looking around as
if still in a dream. 'Pardoned? Pardoned? Why? By whom?'

And her soul awoke to consciousness.

'By Saronia, the Arch-Priestess of the Temple,' said he.

'Saronia! Saronia again? Again?' Then the eyes of Nika fell, and a blush
like the first crimson streak of morning swept over her cheeks, and she
said: 'It must be so. Chios--Saronia.'

CHAPTER XXVII

ONE FOR ANOTHER

'Now thou art well again, Nika. After thou hast rested, come with me,
and see the sports. There will be rare tactics with the retiarii armed
with nets. One of the swiftest, most agile, will to-day compete with a
burly warrior. Beside, there will be a fight with beasts--a lion will be
loosed on a Christian. Come with me into the chariot. Let me escort thee
thither.'

'No; I am weary. Free from the long dreary sleep, I would now remain
here, thinking over the strange past. I wonder if Chios will call.'

'I cannot say, dear. I left him near the arena pretty well exhausted.'

'Well, go thou; enjoy the day. Thou lovest manly sports. As for me, I
will remain here and drink in the sunlight.'

'No; a little excitement may do thee good. The drive will invigorate
thee.'

'If I must, then let it be so,' replied the girl, and she ordered her
slaves to