Androclus was a Roman slave. His master was very unkind and treated him cruelly. At last Androclus succeeded in making his escape to another country. He made his home in a forest for it was not safe for him to live near other people, as a large reward was always offered for the return of runaway slaves.
Androclus killed animals and birds for food and slept under trees. Once when he was hunting for some game he came upon a cave in the side of the mountain, and at once decided to make this his home.
Now, it happened that a fierce lion had also chosen this cave for his home, and while Androclus was making a bed out of some dry leaves, the lion entered. Androclus was much alarmed and felt sure he would be killed.
To his surprise the great beast made no attempt to harm him, but instead crept up close to him and held up a swollen paw in the center of which was a long thorn. Androclus took hold of the thorn and gently pulled it out. The grateful lion looked up at him as if to say: “I thank you, kind friend.” For a long time these two lived together as friends.
By and by some hunters came through the forest. They recognized Androclus as a runaway slave, and carried him back to his master who put him in prison. It was the custom of the Romans to assemble at a great theater to be amused. This theater was not like ours. They had no plays but instead had fights between men and beasts. Runaway slaves were often punished by being made to fight these wild animals.
Not long after Androclus was put in prison he was ordered to fight a fierce lion. When the day for the fight came the cage was opened, and the enraged lion started at him. The lion was growling and showing his sharp teeth. The brave slave faced him without flinching. Then the lion saw Androclus; instead of rushing at him to kill him, he crept gently up to him and licked his feet.
Androclus fell down on his knees and threw his arms around the neck of the lion. The surprised people asked for an explanation. Androclus told them how he had helped the lion when he was hurt, and how they had lived together in the cave. The people then commanded that Androclus be set free and ordered that the lion be given to him. After that Androclus was a freeman and was often seen walking on the streets of Rome followed by his lion which looked like a huge dog.
DIRTY TOM
In which a dirty little boy becomes a clean little boy and feels much better for it.