Shouts and cries came faintly from a distance.

Timokles rushed toward the rocky plateau.
"Stop, Christian, stop!" cried his enemy, leaping forward with outstretched hand.
But Timokles fled, stumbling over stones.

On came his enemy's swift leap behind.

A piercing cry, as of some one in agony, rang from the desert's distance.

Timokles sped faster.
"Stop!" commanded the voice of the runner behind.