As a rule, there is no surer way to the dislike of men than to behave well where they have behaved badly.

In this instance, happily, Malluch was an exception to the rule.

The affair he had just witnessed raised Ben-Hur in his estimation, since he could not deny him courage and address; could he now get some insight into the young man's history, the results of the day would not be all unprofitable to good master Simonides.
On the latter point, referring to what he had as yet learned, two facts comprehended it all--the subject of his investigation was a Jew, and the adopted son of a famous Roman.

Another conclusion which might be of importance was beginning to formulate itself in the shrewd mind of the emissary; between Messala and the son of the duumvir there was a connection of some kind.

But what was it ?--and how could it be reduced to assurance?
With all his sounding, the ways and means of solution were not at call.