"I doubt not ye be also cowards." All drew back save Antipater and a huge Scythian bandit.

They drew broadswords and rushed together, fighting with terrific energy.

The Scythian fell in a moment.

One after another four conspirators came to battle with their chief, but each went down before his terrible attack.
Some asked for mercy as they fell, but all perished by the hand of him they had sought to serve.

Held for the battle of the pit, the young Roman whom Vergilius had recognized in the council chamber advanced to meet Herod's son.