“Galen bought her from the man at the price of an ape, and tried to have her educated as a servant, but she was a wild creature and could not be taught much.  In some way or other the people in charge of the amphitheater got possession of her, and I heard that she was to figure in the games at an approaching great occasion.  I was shocked and grieved to hear this, for I had taken an interest in the girl, and I knew what it meant for her to take part in the games in the arena.  I tried to buy her, but it was of no use:  she was wanted for a particular purpose.  On the day she was to appear in the arena I was there.”

“I don’t see how thee could do it,” said Mrs. Crowder, her face quite pale.

“People’s sensibilities were different in those days,” said her husband.  “I don’t suppose I could do such a thing now.  After a time she was brought out and left entirely alone in the middle of the great space.  She was nearly frightened to death by the people and the fear of some unknown terror.  Trembling from head to foot, she looked from side to side, and at last sank crouching on the ground.  Everybody was quiet, for it was not known what was to happen next.  Then a grating sound was heard, with the clank of an iron door, and a large brown bear appeared in the arena.  The crouching African fixed her eyes upon him, but did not move.

[Illustration:  “‘The crouching African fixed her eyes upon him.’”]

“The idea of a combat between this tender girl and a savage bear could not be entertained.  What was about to occur seemed simply a piece of brutal carnage, with nothing to make it interesting.  A great many people expressed their dissatisfaction.  The hard-hearted populace, even if they did not care about fair play in their games, did desire some element of chance which would give flavor to the cruelty.  But here was nothing of the sort.  It would have been as well to feed the beast with a sheep.

“The bear, however, seemed to look upon the performance as one which would prove very satisfactory.  He was hungry, not having had anything to eat for several days, and here was an appetizing young person waiting for him to devour her.

“He had fixed his eyes upon her the moment he appeared, and had paid no attention whatever to the crowds by which he was surrounded.  He gave a slight growl, the hair on his neck stood up, and he made a quick movement toward the girl.  But she did not wait for him.  Springing to her feet, she fled, the bear after her.

“Now followed one of the most exciting chases ever known in the history of the Roman amphitheater.  That frightened girl, as swift as a deer, ran around and around the vast space, followed closely by her savage pursuer.  But although he was active and powerful and unusually swift for a bear, he could not catch her.

“Around and around she went, and around went the red-eyed beast behind her; but he could not gain upon her, and she gave no sign that her strength was giving out.