They addressed each other in muffled tones, with the result that the air seemed to be full of mysterious whisperings.

Had this poor band of condemned Christians entered the theatre in daylight, they would have been greeted with ironical cries and tauntings of "Dogs' meat!" and with requests that they should work a miracle and let the people see them rise again from the bellies of the lions.

But now, as their solemn song broke upon the silence, it was answered only by one great murmur, which seemed to shape itself to the words, "the Christians! The doomed Christians!" By the light of a single torch the band took their places.

Then once more they sang, and in that chastening hour the audience listened with attention, almost with respect.

Their chant finished, the bishop stood up, and, moved thereto by some inspiration, began to address the mighty throng, whom he could not see, and who could not see him.