Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/351

Rh &quot;To you, also, son of Arrius, my congratulations. There is nothing now to prevent your meeting Messala. Every condition preliminary to the race is complied with. I have the assurance from the editor himself.&quot; &quot;I thank you, Malluch,&quot; said Ben-Hur.

Malluch proceeded:

&quot;Your color is white, and Messala's mixed scarlet and gold. The good effects of the choice are visible already. Boys are now hawking white ribbons along the streets; to-morrow every Arab and Jew in the city will wear them. In the Circus you will see the white fairly divide the galleries with the red.&quot;

&quot;The galleries—but not the tribunal over the Porta Pompæ.&quot;

&quot;No; the scarlet and gold will rule there. But if we win&quot;—Malluch chuckled with the pleasure of the thought—&quot;if we win, how the dignitaries will tremble! They will bet, of course, according to their scorn of everything not Roman—two, three, five to one on Messala, because he is Roman.&quot; Dropping his voice yet lower, he added, &quot;It ill becomes a Jew of good standing in the Temple to put his money at such a hazard; yet, in confidence, I will have a friend next behind the consul’s seat to accept offers of three to one, or five, or ten the madness may go to such height. I have put to his order six thousand shekels for the purpose.&quot;

&quot;Nay, Malluch,&quot; said Ben-Hur, &quot;a Roman will wager only in his Roman coin. Suppose you find your friend to-night, and place to his order sestertii in such amount as you choose. And look you, Malluch—let him be instructed to seek wagers with Messala and his supporters; Ilderim’s four against Messala’s.&quot;

Malluch reflected a moment.

&quot;The effect will be to centre interest upon your contest.&quot;

&quot;The very thing I seek, Malluch.&quot;

&quot;I see, I see.&quot;

&quot;Ay, Malluch; would you serve me perfectly, help me to fix the public eye upon our race—Messala’s and mine.&quot;

Malluch spoke quickly—&quot;It can be done.&quot; &quot;Then let it be done,&quot; said Ben-Hur.