It
seems Antipater has threatened him."
"Tell Cyran I would have her come to me. Then find my orderly and bid
him bring Appius hither by the way of Bethlehem. If he arrives there
before the end of the third watch he will see my fire-light on the
hill."
David left the scene as a powerful Thracian, standing by the arena's
gate, saluted the king. Entering, the gladiator engaged the lion with
his lance. Incautiously he pressed his weapon too far, drawing blood.
Before he could set his lance the wild foe was upon him. A leap into
the air, a double stroke of the right fore-paw, and down fell the
beast, while the man reeled, with rent tunic, and caught the side of
the arena. In a twinkling, as he clung feebly, he reddened from head
to toe. Three bestiarii had thrust in their lances and held the lion
back; others opened a gate and removed the dying gladiator. Herod,
leaning over, beckoned to the master of the games.
"A noble lion!" said he, his voice trembling. "Save him for the battle
of the pit."
Now, in pursuance of the order of the king, a pit had been dug and
walled with timber near that place where the fighter had met his death.
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