CHAPTER IX.
Next morning, about the second hour, two men rode full speed to the doors of Ben-Hur's tents, and dismounting, asked to see him.
He was not yet risen, but gave directions for their admission.
"Peace to you, brethren," he said, for they were of his Galileans, and trusted officers.

"Will you be seated ?" "Nay," the senior replied, bluntly, "to sit and be at ease is to let the Nazarene die.

Rise, son of Judah, and go with us.
The judgment has been given.

The tree of the cross is already at Golgotha." Ben-Hur stared at them.
"The cross!" was all he could for the moment say.
"They took him last night, and tried him," the man continued.
"At dawn they led him before Pilate.

Twice the Roman denied his guilt; twice he refused to give him over.