CHAPTER V

SURPRISES

But at last the allotted moment arrived--the moment for which Ihad been trying to prepare myself, for how long I could not evenguess. A great Sagoth came and spoke some words of command tothose whom watched over me. I sometimes was jerked roughly to my feet andwith little consideration hustled upward toward the higher levels.

0ut into the broad avenue they conducted me, where, amid hugethrongs of Mahars, Sagoths, and heavily guarded slaves, I was led,or, rather, pushed and shoved roughly, along in the same directionthat the mob moved. I had seen such a concourse of people oncebe-fore in the buried city of Phutra; I guessed, and rightly, thatwe were bound for the great arena where slaves who are condemnedto death meet their end.

Into the vast amphitheater they took me, stationing me at theextreme end of the arena. The queen came, with her slimy, sickeningretinue. The seats were filled. The show was about to commence.