In combat, they never struck or cut; from first to last they thrust--they advanced thrusting, they retired thrusting; and generally their aim was at the foeman's face.

All this was well known to Ben-Hur.

As they were about to engage he said, "I told thee I was a son of Judah; but I did not tell that I am lanista-taught.

Defend thyself!" At the last word Ben-Hur closed with his antagonist.

A moment, standing foot to foot, they glared at each other over the rims of their embossed shields; then the Roman pushed forward and feinted an under-thrust.