If all that is said of them be true, and I can bring their spirit under control of mine, I can--" "Win the sestertii!" said Malluch, laughing.
"No," answered Ben-Hur, as quickly.

"I will do what better becomes a man born to the heritage of Jacob--I will humble mine enemy in a most public place.

But," he added, impatiently, "we are losing time.
How can we most quickly reach the tents of the sheik ?" Malluch took a moment for reflection.
"It is best we go straight to the village, which is fortunately near by; if two swift camels are to be had for hire there, we will be on the road but an hour." "Let us about it, then." The village was an assemblage of palaces in beautiful gardens, interspersed with khans of princely sort.

Dromedaries were happily secured, and upon them the journey to the famous Orchard of Palms was begun..