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the time the couriers departed from Messala’s door with the despatches (it being yet the early morning hour), Ben-Hur entered Ilderim’s tent. He had taken a plunge into the lake, and breakfasted, and appeared now in an under-tunic, sleeveless, and with skirt scarcely reaching to the knee.

The sheik saluted him from the divan.

&quot;I give thee peace, son of Arrius,&quot; he said, with admiration, for, in truth, he had never seen a more perfect illustration of glowing, powerful, confident manhood. &quot;I give thee peace and good-will. The horses are ready, I am ready. And thou?&quot;

&quot;The peace thou givest me, good sheik, I give thee in return. I thank thee for so much good-will. I am ready.&quot;

Ilderim clapped his hands.

&quot;I will have the horses brought. Be seated.&quot;

&quot;Are they yoked?&quot;

&quot;No.&quot;

&quot;Then suffer me to serve myself,&quot; said Ben-Hur. &quot;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.&quot;

&quot;And the chariot?&quot; asked the shiek.

&quot;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.&quot;

Ilderim’s wonder was aroused, and he summoned a servant immediately.

&quot;Bid them bring the harness for the four,&quot; he said—&quot;the harness for the four, and the bridle for Sirius.&quot;

Ilderim then arose.