A loud fanfare on a trumpet echoed across the amphitheater, and into the narrow corridor whence Nick Carter and his companions were looking into the arena.
“Fish!” ejaculated Patsy Garvan, with a pitiful attempt at facetiousness.
“Keep quiet, Patsy,” reproved Chick. “This is no time to be funny.”
“Listen!” whispered Nick Carter sternly.
There was another trumpet blast, and then the voice of Calaman was heard, somewhere above them, proclaiming, in a loud voice, the usual challenge of the Golden Scarab.
“Does any man dare challenge the Golden Scarab of Shangore to mortal combat? A touch of its horns means death. Is there any one bold enough to join issue with this antagonist? If so, he is welcome, and may the fates give victory to the better fighter!”
This was the regulation phrasing of the challenge, as it was sent forth at each succeeding Festival of the Golden Scarab. Calaman rattled it off as mechanically as an auctioneer runs through the merits of a “lot” for which he knows in advance there will be no bids.
There was a pause. Then the voice of Calaman once more rang through the amphitheater.
“The lists are open to all comers,” he added.
Not a sound was heard, and then there was a surprise! Jai Singh, with a bound, reached the opening of the tunnel and sprang into the arena, in front of the throne of Calaman.