The third day of the journey the party nooned by the river Jabbok, where there were a hundred or more men, mostly of Peraea, resting themselves and their beasts.

Hardly had they dismounted, before a man came to them with a pitcher of water and a bowl, and offered them drink; as they received the attention with much courtesy, he said, looking at the camel, "I am returning from the Jordan, where just now there are many people from distant parts, travelling as you are, illustrious friend; but they had none of them the equal of your servant here.

A very noble animal.

May I ask of what breed he is sprung ?" Balthasar answered, and sought his rest; but Ben-Hur, more curious, took up the remark.
"At what place on the river are the people ?" he asked.
"At Bethabara." "It used to be a lonesome ford," said Ben-Hur.

"I cannot understand how it can have become of such interest." "I see," the stranger replied; "you, too, are from abroad, and have not heard the good tidings." "What tidings ?" "Well, a man has appeared out of the wilderness--a very holy man--with his mouth full of strange words, which take hold of all who hear them.