Then was he, indeed, the old lion of Judea, ready to spring upon his prey.
"Stand them here before me," he growled, fiercely.
The conspirators were drawn up in line.

Torches were held before their faces.

Vergilius looked with pity at the terrified throng.

There were Lugar and two merchants he knew, and that chamberlain of Herod's palace who had taken him before the king.

There was also a famous young Roman athlete, whom Vergilius had first seen and admired at the circus in Rome, and who had lately been a member of the castle guard.