He was not impatient, or vexed, or doubtful.

The sheik would be heard from, at least.
Indeed, whether it was from satisfaction with the performance of the four, or the refreshment there is in cold water succeeding bodily exercise, or supper partaken with royal appetite, or the reaction which, as a kindly provision of nature, always follows depression, the young man was in good-humor verging upon elation.
He felt himself in the hands of Providence no longer his enemy.

At last there was a sound of horse's feet coming rapidly, and Malluch rode up.
"Son of Arrius," he said, cheerily, after salutation, "I salute you for Sheik Ilderim, who requests you to mount and go to the city.

He is waiting for you." Ben-Hur asked no questions, but went in where the horses were feeding.

Aldebaran came to him, as if offering his service.
He played with him lovingly, but passed on, and chose another, not of the four--they were sacred to the race.