The keepers pressed forward. "Mane of Thoos!" cried one, "it is the lion!"
They advanced slowly, watching the lion, looking to right and left. "It is dead!" exclaimed Pindes.
The three men examined the body of the dead beast, turning it over. "It has been stabbed to death," announced one of the keepers.
"The Galla slave had no weapon," said Pindes thoughtfully.
"The stranger carried a knife," a keeper reminded him.
"Whoever killed the lion must have fought it hand-to-hand," reflected Pindes aloud.
"Then he must be lying nearby dead or wounded, master."
"Search for him!" directed Pindes.
"He could have killed Phobeg with his bare hands that day that he threw him into the audience at the stadium," a keeper reminded the noble. "He carried him around as though Phobeg were a babe. He is very strong."
"What has that to do with the matter?" demanded Pindes irritably.