h his trusty
sword, he waited a final spring. The lion came down as before, but this
time Macer's aim was true. The sword pierced his heart. The enormous
beast fell, writhing in pain. Rising again to his feet, he ran across
the arena, and with a last roar he fell dead by the bars at which he had
entered.

Macer was now led away, and the Batavian reappeared. The Romans required
variety. A small tiger was let loose upon the Batavian and was
vanquished. A lion was then set upon him. He was extremely fierce,
although of only ordinary size. It was evident that the Batavian was not
at all equal to Macer. The lion made a spring and was wounded, but on
making a second attack, he caught his opponent and literally tore him to
pieces. Upon this Macer was sent out again, and killed this lion easily.

And now, while Macer stood there the recipient of unbounded applause, a
man entered from the opposite side. It was the African. His arm had not
been bound up, but hung down by his side covered with blood. He
staggered toward Macer with painful steps. The Romans knew that he had
been sent out to be killed. The wretch knew it himself also, for as he
drew near to his antagonist he dropped his sword, and cried out in a
kind of desperation,

"Quick! kill me, and put me out of pain."

To the amazement of all, Macer stepped back and flung down his sword.
The spectators stared and wondered. Still more amazed were they when
Macer turned toward the emperor and stretched out his hands.

"August Emperor," he cried, "I am a Christian. I will fight wild beasts,
but I will not raise my hand against a fellow-man. I can die, but I will
not kill."

Whereupon a mighty murmur arose.

"What does he say?" cried Marcellus. "A Christian! when did that happen?"

"I heard," said Lucullus, "that he was visited in his cell by some of
these wretched Christians, and joined their contemptible sect. They are
made up of the offscouring of man kind. It is very probable that he is a
Christian."

"And will he incur death rather than fight?"

"That is the way with these fanatics."

Rage took the place of surprise in the fierce multitude. They were
indignant that a mere gladiator should dare to disappoint them. The
attendants rushed out to interfere. The fight must go on. If Macer would
not fight he should take the consequences.

But he was firm. Unarmed, he advanced toward the African, whom he could
have slain even then with a blow of his fist. The face of