Those others had heard
the challenge and were now coming near. Antipater stood silent,
glaring, as had the leopard, with an evil leer at his foe, and thinking
no doubt of the warning of Augustus. The stiff, straight hairs in his
mustache quivered as he turned slowly, watchfully, towards the others,
who were now standing near. Since his funeral should occur on the same
day, how could he fight with Vergilius?
"You dare not," the latter added, fiercely; "and before these men I
denounce you as a coward--a coward who fears to raise a hand."
His arm was extended, his finger at the face of the Jew, now white with
passion. Half a moment passed in which there was no word.
"You living carrion!" said the young knight, turning and walking away.
"I am done with you."
He took the hand of the poor slave Cyran, and walked to the farther
side of the atrium. He turned, still white with anger as if
unsatisfied.
"Pet of harlots!" said he, fiercely. "It is time for some one to stand
for the honor of good women. If you do but speak her name again before
me I will run you through.
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