The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-06-04

pants commenced. A British and a
Scythian chariot, which were to race
against each other without more com
petitors. attracted much attention,
with their contrasted teams and driv-
ers from the utmost West and East
None of those entered for any other
event excited so much interest as did
the 32 gladiators whose combat
was TO close the days show. They
were to fight In pairs, sixteen on each
side of the arena, and the victor OF
each pair was TO face the victor
nearest him. and the victors were thus
to pair of and fight again till only
one remained. All we're armed and he'll
meted with hidden faces. The favor.
| ite in the betting was n professional
from Rome n Roman by race. and a
lighter whose fame had spread through
the empire. He now appeared at
| Treves for the first time. The only
man seriously backed TO win against
him was a big Gau. also well known,
and one who had beaten many an ad-
versary. At the very first sight of the
| 32, these favorites were well liked.
but most of all was interest centered
In a graceful, well-knit youngster. one
of the last pair. as they marched along
In the procession. II was whispered
that he was Greek Greek gladiat-
crs were rare I'm any part of the EN-.
| pire, and II was years since one had
fought at Treves. This man had that
bearing which wins sympathy. and In
few moments half the men AMI all
the women we're talking Of him
and wishing him good luck. Not much
betting was done in his favor. but
even the hackers of other contestants
inwardly hoped or openly wished that
he might get off easily If defeated.
The show passed off much like other
shows. One animal fight which was
wholly novel at Treves was that of n
herd of some fifty dog-faced balloons
against successive single large beasts,
of which they disposed with surpris-
ing celerity. A beautiful leopard, chi
We'd all about the sand by these grin
ming manlike devils, made desperate
efforts to escape. She essayed n pro-
clutched the parapet from which she
sprang into the seats of the German
chieftains. This created some excite
ment. and hurricane of cheers when
one blonde, pink-skinned young giant
of them. hIs blood spattering his fell
lows, deliberately strangled her to
death in spite of her clawings and
hurled the carcass back into the en-
closure.
At last came the thirty.two of whom
thirty.one might die. The Roman was
among the sixteen on the side beneath
the ladies' benches. The young Greek
and the Gaul were on the other side,
below the seats of the Germans. In
the first round the Gaul was over-con-
fident. and suffered a flesh-wound in
the knee. He won his bout, and so
did the Greek and the Roman. II be-
fell so that for the last round save one
the Roman survived, cool and un-
wounded, and the young Greek faced
the Gaul Of the defeated men who
were merely wounded, some had been
spared. and some dispatched, accord
ing to the favor or disfavor of the
spectators nearest them.
The Romans adversary grappled
him, and was hacked 10 pieces at half
arms length after a long fight. The
Gaul had fallen to a third wound al
most before the Roman had shortened
his sword grip TO begin dealing with
his man. Each set of victors had
had a Drief breathing time, helmets on.
The audience rustled and buzzed
while the Roman got his breath. IL
was hot and dusty mid-afternoon, but
no one left. Even the gaudily painted
awning-poles afar and aloft were hill
by agile enthusiasts of the mob, who
had swarmed up them and were hold
ing on with legs and arms.
The Roman being less fresh of the
two. the other crossed the arena, pass
ing through wicket in the wall divid-
ing the space. and faced his adversary
below the ladies' seats. The rustling
ceased. The clash of sword and shield
in every parry could be heard by the
| farm-laborers at the north end of the
CIRCUS. ne WOHleu espeCidlly, NUM-
BILE. and great, were wrought up with
interest for the younger man.
The fight was not long. His second
wound brought the lad to the ground.
The Roman set his foot on the fallen
chest, raised his sword and shield over
his head and saluted the editor and
the spectators. Then, blinded by
sweat. he pitched off his big helmet,
shifted his grip of his sword and began
to roll his eyes along the benches to
see what he must do with his fallen
! foe. Every woman, child, and man
was standing, every thumb pointed
down. The fainting boy might have
heard the cries of the friendly folk.
The gladiator looked first towards the
north. Before he turned towards the
editors stand half the theatre saw his
Excellency. his face perfectly express
sionless, his hand resting on the vel
vet-covered rail before him, the thumb