Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/151

Rh blage, Arrius, somewhat impatient, spent much time on deck. He took note diligently of matters pertaining to his ship, and as a rule was well pleased. In the cabin, swinging in the great chair, his thought continually reverted to the rower on number sixty.

&quot;Knowest thou the man just come from yon bench?&quot; he at length asked of the hortator.

A relief was going on at the moment.

&quot;From number sixty?&quot; returned the chief.

&quot;Yes.&quot;

The chief looked sharply at the rower then going forward.

&quot;As thou knowest,&quot; he replied, &quot;the ship is but a month from the maker’s hand, and the men are as new to me as the ship.&quot;

&quot;He is a Jew,&quot; Arrius remarked, thoughtfully.

&quot;The noble Quintus is shrewd.&quot;

&quot;He is very young,&quot; Arrius continued.

&quot;But our best rower,&quot; said the other. &quot;I have seen his oar bend almost to breaking.&quot;

&quot;Of what disposition is he?&quot;

&quot;He is obedient; further I know not. Once he made request of me.&quot;

&quot;For what?&quot;

&quot;He wished me to change him alternately from the right to the left.&quot;

&quot;Did he give a reason?&quot;

&quot;He had observed that the men who are confined to one side become misshapen. He also said that some day of storm or battle there might be sudden need to change him, and he might then be unserviceable.&quot;

&quot;Perpol! The idea is new. What else hast thou observed of him?&quot;

&quot;He is cleanly above his companions.&quot;

&quot;In that he is Roman,&quot; said Arrius, approvingly. &quot;Have you nothing of his history?&quot;

&quot;Not a word.&quot;

The tribune reflected awhile, and turned to go to his own seat.

&quot;If I should be on deck when his time is up,&quot; he paused to say, &quot;send him to me. Let him come alone.&quot;