"I shall not behold that," replied the maiden with earnest, hopeful light in her dark hazel eyes: "some brave man will appear; but if not, then I shall turn my back or fly when"--She dared not finish, and Myrtis added-- "When the lion springs. Oh! my Coryna, let us go. This is the work of demons." "I cannot, Myrtis, I cannot. I shall know the end sooner here." "There can be but one end, my dear. The cruel crafty managers, bribed to get rid of the maiden without more delay, as Tharsos informed thee, planned this well. What man with a mere dagger could slay a lion? A naked man too. Coryna, the whole work is contemptible, contemptible!" And the deep blue eyes of Myrtis flashed forth her scorn, as she looked down into the arena and scanned it swiftly round till her attention rested anxiously at the eastern end. "The Romans love effect," Coryna answered bitterly, as she unconsciously twisted her long gold necklace around her thumb,--"The solitary fight will be a striking contrast to the battle that has been." "There will be no fight, my dear. Who would take such a risk for a woman, a Christian too? But I shall wait with thee, Coryna, and get a glimpse of the poor maiden, and let us hope that her God will help her." Coryna did not speak, but her expressive face told her gratitude and hope. The conversation was stopped by the loud blast of trumpets, indicating that another awful act was to begin; and the great hum of voices ceased. The sand was clear of everything, as if a bare, vast, oval table, and all faces were turned toward the eastern extremity of the arena, morbidly hungering for more scenes of skill and blood. CHAPTER IX. IN THE ARENA. Pathema was taken from prison, where she had been shut up for a long time; and the officer in charge was about to open a small door into the arena to lead her in, when a dark-haired boy, the son of illustrious parents, came forward with tears streaming down his noble face, and presented her with a cluster of white lilies. Accepting the flowers speechlessly but gracefully, the doomed maiden bent down with a full heart and kissed him. The lilies reminded her of Him who was made perfect through suffering, and they gave her renewed strength. "Thy name, my darling?" "Carnion," was the answer, broken and low. Stooping down, Pathema put a gentle trembling arm around the boy and kissing him again, she said-- "My lovely one, God bless thee!" The guard in uniform opened the door and led the innocent victim into the great arena. "The maiden comes: see, yonder," said Coryna, looking intently towards her. Myrtis spoke not, but strained her eyes to see. The Christian maiden approached slowly in charge of the guard till she was placed in front of the pavilion where sat the emperor, clothed in a purple robe and on his head a laurel crown. Leaving her there, the guard withdrew without delay that the keeper might unbar a heavy iron gate for the wild beast to enter in and devour.