But sometimes the flying criminal fell under the hand of the avenger at the very door, when one more brave stride, one more brief second of time would have brought his feet upon the sacred ground and barred him against all harm.

Where did these isolated pagans get this idea of a City of Refuge--this ancient Oriental custom?
This old sanctuary was sacred to all--even to rebels in arms and invading armies.

Once within its walls, and confession made to the priest and absolution obtained, the wretch with a price upon his head could go forth without fear and without danger--he was tabu, and to harm him was death.
The routed rebels in the lost battle for idolatry fled to this place to claim sanctuary, and many were thus saved.
Close to the corner of the great inclosure is a round structure of stone, some six or eight feet high, with a level top about ten or twelve in diameter.

This was the place of execution.

A high palisade of cocoanut piles shut out the cruel scenes from the vulgar multitude.