Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/173

Rh &quot;The trinket hath its uses,&quot; said Arrius next. &quot;I have property and money. I am accounted rich even in Rome. I have no family. Show the ring to my freedman, who hath control in my absence; you will find him in a villa near Misenum. Tell him how it came to thee, and ask any thing, or all he may have; he will not refuse the demand. If I live, I will do better by thee. I will make thee free, and restore thee to thy home and people; or thou mayst give thyself to the pursuit that pleaseth thee most. Dost thou hear!&quot;

&quot;I could not choose but hear.&quot;

&quot;Then pledge me. By the gods—&quot;

&quot;Nay, good tribune, I am a Jew.&quot;

&quot;By thy God, then, or in the form most sacred to those of thy faith—pledge me to do what I tell thee now, and as I tell thee; I am waiting, let me have thy promise.&quot;

&quot;Noble Arrius, I am warned by thy manner to expect something of gravest concern. Tell me thy wish first.&quot;

&quot;Wilt thou promise then?&quot;

&quot;That were to give the pledge, and— Blessed be the God of my fathers! yonder cometh a ship!&quot;

&quot;In what direction?&quot;

&quot;From the north.&quot;

&quot;Canst thou tell her nationality by outward signs?&quot;

&quot;No. My service hath been at the oars.&quot;

&quot;Hath she a flag?&quot;

&quot;I cannot see one.&quot;

Arrius remained quiet some time, apparently in deep reflection.

&quot;Does the ship hold this way yet?&quot; he at length asked.

&quot;Still this way.&quot;

&quot;Look for the flag now.&quot;

&quot;She hath none.&quot;

&quot;Nor any other sign?"

&quot;She hath a sail set, and is of three banks, and cometh swiftly—that is all I can say of her.&quot;

&quot;A Roman in triumph would have out many flags. She must be an enemy. Hear now,&quot; said Arrius, becoming grave again, &quot; hear, while yet I may speak. If the galley be a pirate, thy life is safe; they may not give thee