I have the assurance from the editor himself." "I thank you, Malluch," said Ben-Hur.
Malluch proceeded: "Your color is white, and Messala's mixed scarlet and gold.

The good effects of the choice are visible already.

Boys are now hawking white ribbons along the streets; tomorrow every Arab and Jew in the city will wear them.

In the Circus you will see the white fairly divide the galleries with the red." "The galleries--but not the tribunal over the Porta Pompae." "No; the scarlet and gold will rule there.

But if we win"-- Malluch chuckled with the pleasure of the thought--"if we win, how the dignitaries will tremble! They will bet, of course, according to their scorn of everything not Roman--two, three, five to one on Messala, because he is Roman." Dropping his voice yet lower, he added, "It ill becomes a Jew of good standing in the Temple to put his money at such a hazard; yet, in confidence, I will have a friend next behind the consul's seat to accept offers of three to one, or five, or ten--the madness may go to such height.