And who were the enemy?
And what if they were friends, brethren, countrymen?
The reader, carrying the suggestion forward, will see the necessity which governed the Roman when, in such emergencies, he locked the hapless wretches to their seats.
There was little time, however, for such thought with them.

A sound like the rowing of galleys astern attracted Ben-Hur, and the Astroea rocked as if in the midst of countering waves.

The idea of a fleet at hand broke upon him--a fleet in manoeuvre--forming probably for attack.

His blood started with the fancy.
Another signal came down from the deck.

The oars dipped, and the galley started imperceptibly.