He is manlier! He is worth more! He has kept his body stronger and his
wits more nimble! He will get you! By the Dioscuri, he will get you!
I will bet a talent that he gets you--and I hope he does! You hold your
spear the way a woman holds a distaff--but observe the way he gathers
all his strength in readiness to leap instantly in any direction! Ah!"

The leopard made a feint, perhaps to test the swiftness of the spear-
point. Leaping like a flash of light, he seemed to change direction in
mid-air, the point missing him by half a hand's breadth. One terrific
claw, outreaching as he turned, ripped open Varronius' tunic and brought
a little stream of crimson trickling down his left arm.

"Good!" Commodus remarked. "First blood to the braver! Who would like
to bet with me?"

"I!" Varronius retorted from between set teeth, his eyes fixed on the
leopard that had recommenced his swift strategic to-and-fro stalking
movement.

"I have betted you the consulship already. Who else wants to bet?"
asked Commodus.

Before any one could answer the leopard sprang in again at Varronius,
who stepped aside and drove his spear with very well timed accuracy.
Only force enough was lacking. The point slit the leopard's skin and
made a stinging wound along the beast's ribs, turning him the way a
spur-prick turns a horse. His snarl made Varronius step back another
pace or two, neglecting his chance to attack and drive the spear-point
home. The infuriated leopard watched him for a moment, ears back, tail
spasmodically twitching, then shot to one side and charged straight at