The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1901-10-03

ically. Beside him, standing forward
ii the chariot, was young man in the
first flower of youth lie was driv-
ing. No novice he seemed, although
his handsome face was too finely
modelled for Babyionian. The
straight nose and delicatcly Cr.ved
lips proclaimed him of a dif"cent
race. He was evidently one of the
well-born, captive Jews, resident of
Babylon. His scarlet dress indicated
that he was in service at tho pairce.
They were going at Il rapid pace,
the king and Amytis keeping just
ahead of Arrion and Ther1istocles.
AS they reached broad bend in the
stream where the hard road-bed
widened suddenly, the chariots came
abreast. Amytis hailed them as they
drew beside her and laying the lash
Of her whip over her Cuivering horses,
she called challenge to the king and
20 ArriOn.
Faster, faster." her voice rang
out like a silver horn note above the
rushing of the CARROT wheels.
Faster, faster, else we reach not
Acadou ere the moon rise"
The beaters meanwhile scattered in
all directions in the thick iungles to
rouse the lions and drive them into
the open.
Suddenly there rose murmer like
a sigh, prolonged and melancholy. 1t
seemed at first like the night breeze
among the branches, but it broke off
short with descending scale. Then
it was repeated louder and louder,
five or six times.
at last" cried Arrion, starting to
his feet, "the lion!"
wait" answered ArtaxerXes, wait,
he may not be alone
Arion grasped Themistocles' hand in
uncomfortable excitement, while
\myts leaped to the side of her broth
or where he stood without, in the
broad flood of moonlight. a savage
oy lit up their two faces.
"Ah!" cried the king with delight,
they go to water, and, bark, how
many! We shall have merry sport to-
night"
The cries of the heaters grew louder
md the thunderous refrain had ceased
There was a noise of crushing reeds;
then suddenly a splendid lion dashed
from the jungle. He paused as he
zane into the flooding moonlight. His
rellow name swept the ground, and as
ne caught sight of his enemies he
L. - tpsht rN,
sound, reluctant, menacing.
Away! away" cried the king
"Megabysus, wilt thou mount with
ne? Alorus, go thou with Amytis
md see that thou protectest her"
The three chariots dashed at full
speed toward the lion. Arrion anC
| rhemistocles came close behind. The
hariots were fully equipped for the
| base. At each huntsman's side the
luiver filled with arrows was near tC
lis hand. and at the back long spear
vas fixed in its socket ready tC
| barry an attack from behind. Ar
| aXerNes was ahead. His guard knew
| Better than to attempt to attacl
| he prey before the monarch The
| trained horses were as eager for the
| light as were their masters. They
| dashed ahead without a sign of fear
| ach muscle straining to it's utmos
| speed, until they came within so yards
| If the crouching lion. Then with ;
| 'ruel tug at the reins ArtaXerxe
| brew them back upon their launches
! tossed the reins to Megabysus anC
set an arrow TO his bow Suddenly tn,
| ion leaped to his feet and with long
| aatlke bounds advanced to the attack
| The quiyering horses neighed will
| excitement, ArtaXerXes raised hi
| bow, and for an instant stood, silen
and immobile as a statue. Then h,
| let fly. The arrow sped straight t.
| The lions heart A shout arose from
| the guard. Once more the king
| vas foremost in the sport. Thu
,hariots of Amytis and Arrion drew
alongside. They hal not long to wait
or three more lions emerged togethe
rom the thicket and dashed toward
| them. ArtaXerXes stood motionles
| in his chariot awaiting this approach
lie had cast aside his bow and will
,areless courage stood until the lion
| we're close upon him.
THE king is rash tonight" whis
| oered Arrion to Themistocles. ''ant
hat lucky arrow has but made hin
| )ol;!er. He waits too long"
This time the lion who was neares
| the king came from the left anC
With a roar which rumbled through
| he air like thunder swerved suddenl,
md leaped upon the back of tn,
| harriet. The king turned with infnit
| .oolness to strike the foaming beast
then Megabysus, who was nearest an'
)aDic-stricken for the king, plunged
is dagger into the lions throat. Ar
| aXerxes' eyes blaZed fire.
"lIow darest thou?" he cried, "'twa
nine. BY all the gods, this shall cos
| thee dear
Megabysus blanched under hi
bronzed skin. He knew too late tina
an insult to his craftsmanship would
never be forgiven BY the jealous king
Fool" cried Amytis, shrilly, Fool
canst thou lesson Ms in huntsman
| Ship"