n to sniff the still,
white, helpless-like figure, and to seize the flank.
The time for action had come. Swiftly Tharsos drew his arm, and with
terrific force thrust the dagger right into the would-be devourer's
heart!
With a mighty yell the lion leaped into the air, and fell heavily
across the body of its destroyer--a dangerous struggle or two, and it
was dead!
Then was the stratagem understood, and when it was coupled with the
name and rank of the self-sacrificing victor, a thundering shout of
applause filled the amphitheatre.
"Well done! brave Tharsos," said the Emperor proudly to the
distinguished noblemen around him, who were all delighted, Servilius
excepted, who vainly strove to conceal his deep displeasure.
Looking deliberately across the arena, the emperor caught Titanus' eye
and smiled. That valiant officer rose up and saluted his sovereign
with becoming dignity and grace.
"Oh father, what a grand fight," exclaimed Carnion, "and the Christian
lady is free!"
"Yes, my son," replied the trustful soldier, resting back upon the
chair for a moment with unutterable satisfaction, for the honor of his
friend was upheld, and the virtuous maiden was saved.
The vast multitude were greatly gratified in their feeling of the
sensational. Yet a few were stirred to better thoughts and high
resolves, who would never otherwise be influenced. Thus in the
providence of God does the wrath of man work out His purpose and praise.
The applause was at its height. But, strange to say, Tharsos moved
not. The officials that had gone to his aid removed the huge dead lion
from his body. Still Tharsos moved not. Something appeared to be
wrong, and the great noise stopped. The spectators leaned forward and
looked anxious. Was the dauntless destroyer himself destroyed? The
attendants turned him tenderly over--when, alas! there was a frightful
gash in his naked side, from which the blood was flowing freely into
the sand. His face and lips were white, with an expression of peace,
as if in death.
Titanus, deeply anxious, arose and hastened away to get the best
physician he could find. As he disappeared he glanced upward to the
colonnade, but Coryna, the sister, was gone.
Carnion remained to see more of the stricken man, and of the pale woman
in the centre, silent, unnoticed, and alone.
Promptly but gently the attendants lifted up Tharsos and carried him
from the arena. And as he passed from their sight th
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