ad to use all his
strength to keep upon his feet; but soon he mastered the tricks that
the wrestler was using against him. Then the Cretan left aside his
tricks and began to use all his strength to throw Theseus.

Steadily Theseus stood and the Cretan wrestler was spent and gasping in
the effort to throw him. Then Theseus made him feel his grip. He bent
him backward, and then, using all his strength suddenly, forced him to
the ground. All were filled with wonder at the strength and power of
this youth from overseas.

Food and wine were given the youths and maidens of Athens, and they
with Theseus were let wander through the grounds of the palace. But
they could make no escape, for guards followed them and the way to the
ships was filled with strangers who would not let them pass. They
talked to each other about the Minotaur, and there was fear in every
word they said. But Theseus went from one to the other, telling them
that perhaps there was a way by which he could come to the monster and
destroy it. And the youths and maidens, remembering how he had
overthrown the lordly wrestler, were comforted a little, thinking that
Theseus might indeed be able to destroy the Minotaur and so save all of
them.

IV

Theseus was awakened by some one touching him. He arose and he saw a
dark-faced servant, who beckoned to him. He left the little chamber
where he had been sleeping, and then he saw outside one who wore the
strange dress of the Cretans.

When Theseus looked full upon her he saw that she was none other than
the daughter of King Minos. "I am Ariadne," she said, "and, O youth
from Greece, I have come to save you from the dread Minotaur."

He looked upon Ariadne's strange face with its long, dark eyes, and he
wondered how this girl could think that she could save him and save the
youths and maidens of Athens from the Minotaur. Her hand rested upon
his arm, and she led him into the chamber where Minos had sat. It was
lighted now by many little lamps.

"I will show the way of escape to you," said Ariadne.

Then Theseus looked around, and he saw that none of the other youths
and maidens were near them, and he looked on Ariadne again, and he saw
that the strange princess had been won to help him, and to help him
only.

"Who will show the way of escape to the others?" asked Theseus.

"Ah," said the Princess Ariadne, "for the others there is no way of
escape."

"Then," said Theseus, "I will not leave the youths and