Ay, by the sword of Solomon! doth my messenger seek favor for me of Caesar, that will he get.

Yet nothing--nothing ?" And Ben-Hur would answer, "Nay, sheik, have I not thy hand and heart?
Let thy increase of power and influence inure to the King who comes.

Who shall say it was not allowed thee for him?
In the work I am going to, I may have great need.

Saying no now will leave me to ask of thee with better grace hereafter." In the midst of a controversy of the kind, two messengers arrived--Malluch and one unknown.

The former was admitted first.
The good fellow did not attempt to hide his joy over the event of the day.
"But, coming to that with which I am charged," he said, "the master Simonides sends me to say that, upon the adjournment of the games, some of the Roman faction made haste to protest against payment of the money prize." Ilderim started up, crying, in his shrillest tones, "By the splendor of God! the East shall decide whether the race was fairly won." "Nay, good sheik," said Malluch, "the editor has paid the money." "'Tis well." "When they said Ben-Hur struck Messala's wheel, the editor laughed, and reminded them of the blow the Arabs had at the turn of the goal." "And what of the Athenian ?" "He is dead." "Dead!" cried Ben-Hur.
"Dead!" echoed Ilderim.