shed,
the stealthy paws moved slowly. Soon it rolled upon its side, purring,
and seemed to caress the floor with head and paws--a trick to divert
the gaze of Vergilius. The Satanic eyes were ever on its foe. As the
beast lay there, twisting and turning, the black fur seemed to wrap it
in the gloom of Tartarus, and the fire of the burning lake to shine
through its eyes. While Vergilius stood motionless and alert, a slave
hurriedly entered the lion-house and spoke to Antipater.

"The imperator!" whispered the slave. "He cannot wait; he must see you
quickly."

"Where?"

"In the palace hall."

Antipater hurried away.

The slave-girl went close to the barred arena.

"Young master," said she, in quick and eager words, "the lamps are
burning dimmer. They will go out soon. It is a trick. You will not
be able to see and the leopard will rend you."

Antipater ran to the banquet-hall of his palace, where sat the emperor,
his chin resting thoughtfully on his hand. The great Augustus did not
look up nor even change his attitude as the son of Herod came near and
bowed low and called him father.

"I have a plan," said the emperor thoughtfully, "--a pretty plan, my
young prince of--of--"

"Judea?" suggested the young prince.

"Oh, well, it matters not," the great father went on. "You know that
fair Vergilius, son of Varro? A headstrong, foolish youth he is, and I
fear much that he is like to die shortly. What think you?"

The piercing eyes of Augustus were looking into those of the young man.

"My great father," said the latter, "I do not know."

"'Tis gross ignorance and unworthy of you," said Augustus, quickly, as
he rose. "Well, I have bethought me of a pretty plan. Your funeral
and his shall occur on the same day--a fine, great, amusing funeral,"
he added, thoughtfully. "It shall be so. Do not worry, I shall see
you well buried. Ah, you are most impolite. Why do you not ask me to
drink your health? My pretty prince, you look most ill and have need
of my good wishes."

"Dominus!" said the other, trembling with anxiety.

"Dominus!" the old emperor shouted, angrily. "Call me ass, if you
dare, but never call me 'Dominus.'"

"You honor me, great father," said the young man, his eyes staring with
terror, "but I beg you to excuse me for a little time."

"Ah, so you would leave me," said the sly emperor, in his mildest
tones. "A most inhospitable wretch, indeed."

The tall Jew was now pale with