Oh! if I could save you, then I would be glad to show them how this daughter of my father can bear their torments." The Libyan ceased, grinding her teeth in impotent rage.

Then suddenly she leant towards her mistress, kissed her fiercely on the cheek and began to sob, slow, heavy sobs.
"Listen," said Rachel.

"The lions are roaring in their dens yonder." Nehushta lifted her head and hearkened as a hunter hearkens in the desert.

True enough, from near the great tower that ended the southern wall of the amphitheatre, echoed short, coughing notes and fierce whimperings, to be followed presently by roar upon roar, as lion after lion joined in that fearful music, till the whole air shook with the volume of their voices.
"Aha!" cried a keeper at the gate--not the Roman soldier who marched to and fro unconcernedly, but a jailor, named Rufus, who was clad in a padded robe and armed with a great knife.

"Aha! listen to them, the pretty kittens.