He had no idea that, following the vessel he was helping drive, there was a great squadron close at hand and in beautiful order; no more did he know the object of which it was in pursuit.
When the sun, going down, withdrew his last ray from the cabin, the galley still held northward.

Night fell, yet Ben-Hur could discern no change.

About that time the smell of incense floated down the gangways from the deck.
"The tribune is at the altar," he thought.

"Can it be we are going into battle ?" He became observant.
Now he had been in many battles without having seen one.

From his bench he had heard them above and about him, until he was familiar with all their notes, almost as a singer with a song.