To the last he kept a clear head and a good heart, and was successful.
One evening, in the year named, he sat in his arm-chair on the terrace of the warehouse.

Ben-Hur and Esther, and their three children, were with him.

The last of the ships swung at mooring in the current of the river; all the rest had been sold.

In the long interval between this and the day of the crucifixion but one sorrow had befallen them: that was when the mother of Ben-Hur died; and then and now their grief would have been greater but for their Christian faith.
The ship spoken of had arrived only the day before, bringing intelligence of the persecution of Christians begun by Nero in Rome, and the party on the terrace were talking of the news when Malluch, who was still in their service, approached and delivered a package to Ben-Hur.
"Who brings this ?" the latter asked, after reading.
"An Arab." "Where is he ?" "He left immediately." "Listen," said Ben-Hur to Simonides.
He read then the following letter: "I, Ilderim, the son of Ilderim the Generous, and sheik of the tribe of Ilderim, to Judah, son of Hur.
"Know, O friend of my father's, how my father loved you.

Read what is herewith sent, and you will know.