What
had he done? What had he done? He remembered past kindnesses. He
remembered how Sahira had been saved from a life of sorrow and shame
by Aurelius Lucanus. How had he repaid him? By treachery and evil. For
the first time in his life, Alyrus was conscious of sin. The
Christian's God! Who was He? Could he avenge? A horrible coldness
enveloped him. He could not move. Then he knew nothing more.
But Sahira, not noticing that her father was ill, was looking down at
the white group, now kneeling on the ground, while the white-haired
elder prayed, with arms up-raised.
There was another shout.
Martius who had never felt cooler in his life, saw Lycias and touched
Marcus on the arm.
"Come," he said. "We are not far from the entrance. Quick!"
Martius seized Virgilia in his arms; Marcus led his mother and
Hermione.
It was but a step, a moment and they were by the side of Lycias.
Hermione was fainting. The gladiator lifted her as easily as if she
were a child.
"Follow me," said Lycias, striding before them.
Dazed, scarcely knowing where they were or what they were doing, the
women, clinging to the men; walked along the narrow way.
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