It was an ordinary subject for a picture of this kind, and Railsford might have thought nothing of it, had not his attention been attracted by some words inscribed in classic fashion against the figures of the actors in this little drama.
Under the central figure of the captive he read in Greek capitals the legend BIKEROS; over the head of his tall assailant was written BRANSKOMOS.

The person sitting and embracing the captive's knees was labelled KLIPSTONOS, while the mysterious figure in the rear, pointing out the dungeon, bore the name of MUNGEROS.

Over the door itself was written BOOTBOX.

Below the whole was written the first line of the Iliad, and in the corner, in minute characters, were the words, "S.
_Branscombe, inv.

et del_." Railsford stared at the strange work of art in blank amazement.