CHAPTER I.
The meeting took place in the khan of Bethany as appointed.
Thence Ben-Hur went with the Galileans into their country, where his exploits up in the old Market-place gave him fame and influence.

Before the winter was gone he raised three legions, and organized them after the Roman pattern.

He could have had as many more, for the martial spirit of that gallant people never slept.

The proceeding, however, required careful guarding as against both Rome and Herod Antipas.

Contenting himself for the present with the three, he strove to train and educate them for systematic action.