As for myself, I constantly dwelt upon the ghastly plight of the two poor girls.

I resolved that, with God's help, I would vanquish my huge enemy and rescue them from their dreadful position.

I was in splendid condition, with muscles like steel from incessant walking.

At length the warriors squatted down upon the ground in the form of a crescent, the chiefs in the foreground, and every detail of the struggle that followed was observed with the keenest interest.
I was anxious not to lose a single moment.

I felt that if I thought the matter over I might lose heart, so I suddenly bounded into the arena.