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.
Pages:
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50