A short distance before us rose a few low, rocky hills. Toward
these our captors urged us, and after a short time led us through
a narrow pass into a tiny, circular valley. Here they got down
to work, and we were soon convinced that if we were not to die to
make a Roman holiday, we were to die for some other purpose. The
attitude of our captors altered immediately as they entered the
natural arena within the rocky hills. Their laughter ceased. Grim
ferocity marked their bestial faces--bared fangs menaced us.

We were placed in the center of the amphitheater--the thousand
creatures forming a great ring about us. Then a wolf-dog was
brought--hyaenadon Perry called it--and turned loose with us inside
the circle. The thing's body was as large as that of a full-grown
mastiff, its legs were short and powerful, and its jaws broad
and strong. Dark, shaggy hair covered its back and sides, while
its breast and belly were quite white. As it slunk toward us it
presented a most formidable aspect with its upcurled lips baring
its mighty fangs.

Perry was on his knees, praying. I stooped and picked up a small
stone. At my movement the beast veered off a bit and commenced
circling us. Evidently it had been a target for stones before.
The ape-things were dancing up and down urging the brute on with
savage cries, until at last, seeing that I did not throw, he charged
us.

At Andover, and later at Yale, I had pitched on winning ball teams.
My speed and control must both have been above the ordinary, for I
made such a record during my senior year at college that overtures
were made to me in behalf of one of the great major-league teams;