Simon Magus motioned significantly to the governor.
“To the lion,” said Lelius, waving his hand.
“I defy you,” said the speaker, in a loud and stern voice—“I defy you to throw him to the lion.
“In the name of the Senate and people of Rome I warn you that this man, Beltrezzor of Persia, is a Roman citizen.”
Silence was partly restored; all eyes glaring upon the speaker as he continued.
“Not by birth nor by purchase, but by special decree of the Senate for commercial services rendered the Roman empire by this man, one of the wealthiest and [pg 343]noblest men of the East. I am his agent and correspondent for Antioch. I have seen him before. I know him, and I can prove what I say.”
“Release the Roman citizen,” said Lelius in a proud and haughty tone, rising from his seat.
Whilst he was speaking Beltrezzor sank gently to the ground. He had been released by an authority higher than that of Rome.
“He is dead!” exclaimed a thousand voices at once.
“He died of fear,” said Simon Magus.