Each had seen a star, out of which a voice had bidden them go to Jerusalem and ask, Where is he that is born King of the Jews ?' They obeyed.

From Jerusalem they were led by a star to Bethlehem, where, in a cave, they found a child newly born, which they fell down and worshipped; and after worshipping it, and giving it costly presents, and bearing witness of what it was, they took to their camels, and fled without pause to the sheik, because if Herod--meaning him surnamed the Great--could lay hands upon them, he would certainly kill them.

And, faithful to his habit, the sheik took care of them, and kept them concealed for a year, when they departed, leaving with him gifts of great value, and each going a separate way." "It is, indeed, a most wonderful story," Ben-Hur exclaimed at its conclusion.

"What did you say they were to ask at Jerusalem ?" "They were to ask, 'Where is he that is born King of the Jews ?'" "Was that all ?" "There was more to the question, but I cannot recall it." "And they found the child ?" "Yes, and worshipped him." "It is a miracle, Malluch." "Ilderim is a grave man, though excitable as all Arabs are.

A lie on his tongue is impossible." Malluch spoke positively.