lf down to rest.

The first surprise of the assembly at the apathy of the lion soon grew
into resentment at its cowardice; and the populace already merged their
pity for the fate of Glaucus into angry compassion for their own
disappointment. The editor called the keeper.

"How is this? Take the goad, prick him forth, and then close the door of
the den."

As the keeper, with some fear, but more astonishment, was preparing to
obey, a loud cry was heard at one of the entrances of the arena; there
was a confusion--a bustle--voices of remonstrance suddenly breaking
forth, and suddenly silenced at the reply. All eyes turned in wonder at
the interruption, toward the quarter of disturbance; the crowd gave way,
and suddenly Sallust appeared on the senatorial benches, his hair
disheveled,--breathless--half exhausted. He cast his eyes hastily round
the ring. "Remove the Athenian," he cried. "Haste,--he is innocent.
Arrest Arbaces the Egyptian. He is the murderer of Apaecides."

"Art thou mad, O Sallust?" said the praetor, rising from his seat. "What
means this raving?"

"Remove the Athenian. Quick! or his blood be on your head. Praetor, delay
and you answer with your own life to the Emperor. I bring with me the
eye-witness to the death of Apaecides. Room there--stand back--give way.
People of Pompeii, fix every eye on Arbaces--there he sits. Room there
for the priest Calenus."

"The priest Calenus,--Calenus," cried the mob. "Is it he?"

"It is the priest Calenus," said the praetor. "What hast thou to say?"

"Arbaces of Egypt is the murderer of Apaecides, the priest of Isis; these
eyes saw him deal the blow. It is from the dungeon into which he plunged
me--it is from the darkness and horror of a death by famine--that the
gods have raised me to proclaim his crime. Release the Athenian--he is
innocent."

"A miracle--a miracle," shouted the people. "Remove the Athenian.
Arbaces to the lion!"

"Officers, remove the accused Glaucus--remove, but guard him yet," said
the praetor.

"Calenus, priest of Isis, thou accusest Arbaces of the murder of
Apaecides?"

"I do."

"Thou didst behold the deed?"

"Praetor--with these eyes--"

"Enough at present--the details must be reserved for more suiting time
and place. Ho! guards--remove Arbaces--guard Calenus! Sallust, we hold
you responsible for your accusation. Let the sports be resumed."

"To the lion with the Egyptian!" cried the people.

With that cry up sprang--on moved--