He must not fall into the jaws of this fearful beast! To be caught in this death-trap, and be torn to pieces! It must not be! He did not regret that he had avowed his belief in Christ.

He would do such a thing again, if necessary.

No less, there grew within him a determination to ward off this beast as long as possible.
"Oh, Lord, help me! Deliver me!" whispered Timokles.
They turned another corner, and once more the two enemies proceeded down the treacherous wall through which Timokles had entered the room.

Even as he retreated, Timokles with a last hope kept one hand pushing against this wall.

But they reached the other corner, and turned, without any revelation of an opening.