g into the arena--that, and that only may save her," answered
Titanus. "But the conditions are hard, so hard that I may say the case
is well-nigh hopeless, and the man that would undertake it would either
be a fool, impelled by inordinate greed, or filled with god-like
self-sacrifice. Neither shield, nor spear, nor sword--nothing but a
bronze dagger is to be allowed her defender, should one come forward,
and he is to be naked but for a slight girdle around his loins."

"Is there no man compelled to fight, oh father?"

"No one, my son. The defence is voluntary. Both Demonicus and
Telassar volunteered; the former is dead, and I fear the latter will
back out. Who else would venture, I know not."

"Father," said the boy, in a trembling tone, yet with a ring of purpose
in it, "wilt thou permit my absence for a little time?"

"Certainly, my son: it was in my mouth to bid thee look into the street
for a little time; or if thy desire be to speak a word with mother thou
mayest, but tell my name to the _designator_ (seat-attendant).
'Titanus' is enough."

Carnion disappeared.

CHAPTER VIII.

WAITING FOR THE VICTIM.

On the departure of Tharsos, Myrtis had turned and said--

"Thy brother's signal, as thou hast told me, Coryna. Come! let us go."

"It is, but--not yet, dear Myrtis," was the answer in a voice of gentle
firmness.

"And in the face of thy brother's strong desire thou art waiting to
witness the foul torture and death of a lady refined and good--our
fellow-countrywoman too!"

"I shall not behold that," replied the maiden with earnest, hopeful
light in her dark hazel eyes: "some brave man will appear; but if not,
then I shall turn my back or fly when"--She dared not finish, and
Myrtis added--

"When the lion springs. Oh! my Coryna, let us go. This is the work of
demons."

"I cannot, Myrtis, I cannot. I shall know the end sooner here."

"There can be but one end, my dear. The cruel crafty managers, bribed
to get rid of the maiden without more delay, as Tharsos informed thee,
planned this well. What man with a mere dagger could slay a lion? A
naked man too. Coryna, the whole work is contemptible, contemptible!"
And the deep blue eyes of Myrtis flashed forth her scorn, as she looked
down into the arena and scanned it swiftly round till her attention
rested anxiously at the eastern end.

"The Romans love effect," Coryna answered bitterly, as she
unconsciously twisted her long gold neckl