I have put to his order six thousand shekels for the purpose." "Nay, Malluch," said Ben-Hur, "a Roman will wager only in his Roman coin.

Suppose you find your friend to-night, and place to his order sestertii in such amount as you choose.

And look you, Malluch--let him be instructed to seek wagers with Messala and his supporters; Ilderim's four against Messala's." Malluch reflected a moment.
"The effect will be to centre interest upon your contest." "The very thing I seek, Malluch." "I see, I see." "Ay, Malluch; would you serve me perfectly, help me to fix the public eye upon our race--Messala's and mine." Malluch spoke quickly--"It can be done." "Then let it be done," said Ben-Hur.
"Enormous wagers offered will answer; if the offers are accepted, all the better." Malluch turned his eyes watchfully upon Ben-Hur.
"Shall I not have back the equivalent of his robbery ?" said Ben-Hur, partly to himself.

"Another opportunity may not come.

And if I could break him in fortune as well as in pride! Our father Jacob could take no offence." A look of determined will knit his handsome face, giving emphasis to his further speech.
"Yes, it shall be.