Be seated." "Are they yoked ?" "No." "Then suffer me to serve myself," said Ben-Hur.

"It is needful that I make the acquaintance of thy Arabs.

I must know them by name, O sheik, that I may speak to them singly; nor less must I know their temper, for they are like men: if bold, the better of scolding; if timid, the better of praise and flattery.

Let the servants bring me the harness." "And the chariot ?" asked the sheik.
"I will let the chariot alone to-day.

In its place, let them bring me a fifth horse, if thou hast it; he should be barebacked, and fleet as the others." Ilderim's wonder was aroused, and he summoned a servant immediately.
"Bid them bring the harness for the four," he said--"the harness for the four, and the bridle for Sirius." Ilderim then arose.
"Sirius is my love, and I am his, O son of Arrius.