And now, while Macer stood there the recipient of unbounded applause, a man entered from the opposite side. (From Chapter One). "Lord Jesus receive my spirit--" The words were drowned in a torrent of blood, and this humble but bold witness for Christ passed away from earth to join the noble army of martyrs.
Seizing his sword in a firm grasp, he struck Macer to the heart.
Surprise, joy, and triumph gleamed in his sinister eyes.
The face of the African was like that of a fiend.
Unarmed, he advanced toward the African, whom he could have slain even then with a blow of his fist.
But he was firm.
If Macer would not fight he should take the consequences.
The fight must go on.
The attendants rushed out to interfere.
They were indignant that a mere gladiator should dare to disappoint them.
It is very probable that he is a Christian." "And will he incur death rather than fight?" "That is the way with these fanatics." Rage took the place of surprise in the fierce multitude.
They are made up of the offscouring of man kind. "A Christian! when did that happen?" "I heard," said Lucullus, "that he was visited in his cell by some of these wretched Christians, and joined their contemptible sect. "What does he say?" cried Marcellus.
I can die, but I will not kill." Whereupon a mighty murmur arose.
I will fight wild beasts, but I will not raise my hand against a fellow-man. "August Emperor," he cried, "I am a Christian.
Still more amazed were they when Macer turned toward the emperor and stretched out his hands.
The spectators stared and wondered.
The wretch knew it himself also, for as he drew near to his antagonist he dropped his sword, and cried out in a kind of desperation, "Quick! kill me, and put me out of pain." To the amazement of all, Macer stepped back and flung down his sword.
The Romans knew that he had been sent out to be killed.
He staggered toward Macer with painful steps.
His arm had not been bound up, but hung down by his side covered with blood.
It was the African.
And now, while Macer stood there the recipient of unbounded applause, a man entered from the opposite side
