"It is known by us that this Saxon is to fight the great lion. Come."
The den was near and in it the lion was pacing to and fro.
"He is almost as large in body as was the ice bear," thought Ulric. "He standeth higher and his head is vast. He is a springing beast. He is stronger than the one we saw in Africa. I think he would fail if his heart were cloven. Now I will see the tiger."
Near was his den also, and he, too, walked to and fro, snarling fiercely, for he was hungry.
"O Abbas," said the keeper of the beasts to Ben Ezra, mistaking him, "thou art for Julius in this matter. What thinkest thou of thy Saxon? If he can meet a lion, can he fight, also, the tiger? How will he not be rent quickly when both are let loose upon him!"
"Silence, thou unwise one!" said Ben Ezra. "Is it for thee to let out this tiger?"
"That is my care," said the keeper. "I stand in this small box to throw open the door, and the tiger will be famished on the day of the games."
"Mark thou this thine instruction!" said Ben Ezra. "Wait thou not! Send out thy tiger when thou hearest the trumpet call for the lion. So shall Julius win two thousand sesterces. Hold not thy door till the lion be slain, lest thou be smitten with a sword. Thy life for it! The beasts go out together."
Ulric heard and he understood, for a fire flashed in his eyes, but he held his tongue. "I am to be torn without hope!" he thought. "I am betrayed by Abbas, but I know the thing in the mind of Ben Ezra. He doeth cunningly."
So they walked on across the arena, and as they went Ben Ezra stood still.