Androcles was a slave who escaped from his master and fled to the forest. As he was wandering there, he came upon a lion lying down moaning and groaning. Seeing the lion in pain, he removed a huge thorn from the beast's paw, creating a friend for life. Androcles was eventually arrested and condemned to death in the arena. He would be thrown to a lion which was captured and not given food for several days. The Emperor and his courtiers came to see the spectacle. Androcles was led to the middle of the arena and so was the hungry lion. The lion roared and rushed towards its victim. As soon as he came near Androcles, the lion recognized him and licked Androcles’ hands like a friendly dog. Everyone was surprised. The emperor heard the whole story and pardoned Androcles and freed the lion to his native forest.

The most interesting moment in this story is __________________.