"Then it is not Fastus," said Hasta. "But it might be an assassin sent by him," suggested Praeclarus. "We shall be ready for him," said Tarzan. A moment later there appeared beyond the grating of the cell door the commander of the Colosseum guards, who had accompanied Fastus and who had stood between the prince and the prisoner. "Appius Applosus!" exclaimed Maximus Praeclarus. "He is no assassin, my friends." "I am not the assassin of your body, Praeclarus," said Applosus, "but I am indeed the assassin of your happiness." "What do you mean, my friend?" demanded Praeclarus. "In his anger Fastus told me more than he told you." "He told you what?" asked Praeclarus. "He told me that Dilecta had consented to become his wife only in the hope of saving her father and mother and you, Praeclarus, and your mother, Festivitas." "To call him swine is to insult the swine," said Praeclarus. "Take word to her, Applosus, that I would rather die than to see her wed to Fastus." "She knows that, my friend," said the officer, "but she thinks also of her father and her mother and yours." Praeclarus's chin dropped upon his chest. "I had forgotten that," he moaned. "Oh, there must be some way to stop it." "He is the son of Caesar," Applosus reminded him, "and the time is short." "I know it! I know it!" cried Praeclarus, "but it is too hideous. It cannot be." "This officer is your friend, Praeclarus?" asked Tarzan, indicating Appius Applosus. "Yes," said Praeclarus. "You would trust him fully?" demanded the ape-man. "With my life and my honor," said Praeclarus. "Tell him where your keys are and let him fetch them," said the ape-man. Praeclarus brightened instantly. "I had not thought of that," he cried, "but no, his life would be in jeopardy." "It already is," said Applosus. "Fastus will never forget or forgive what I said tonight. You, Praeclarus, know that I am already doomed. What keys do you want? Where are they? I will fetch them." "Perhaps not when you know what they are," said Praeclarus. "I can guess," replied Appius Applosus. "You have been in my apartments often, Applosus?" The other nodded affirmatively. "You recall the shelves near the window where my books lie?" "Yes." "The back of the third shelf slides to one side and behind it, in the wall, you will find the keys." "Good, Praeclarus. You shall have them," said the officer. The others watched the diminishing light as Appius Applosus departed along the corridor beneath the Colosseum. * * * * * The last day of the games had come. The bloodthirsty populace had gathered once more as eager and enthusiastic as though they were about to experience a new and unfamiliar thrill, their appetites swept as clean of the memories of the past week as were the fresh sands of the arena of the brown stains of yesterday.