Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/358

Rh air of business, &quot;that there was great discomfort in the palace because offers on Messala were going without takers. The gods, you know, must have sacrifices; and here am I. You see my color; let us to the matter. Odds first, amounts next. What will you give me?&quot;

The audacity seemed to stun his hearers.

&quot;Haste!&quot; he said. &quot;I have an engagement with the consul.&quot;

The spur was effective.

&quot;Two to one,&quot; cried half a dozen in a voice.

&quot;What!&quot; exclaimed the purveyor, astonished. &quot;Only two to one, and yours a Roman!&quot;

&quot;Take three, then.&quot;

&quot;Three say you—only three—and mine but a dog of a Jew! Give me four.&quot;

&quot;Four it is,&quot; said a boy, stung by the taunt.

&quot;Five—give me five,&quot; cried the purveyor, instantly.

A profound stillness fell on the assemblage.

&quot;The consul—your master and mine is waiting for me.&quot;

The inaction became awkward to the many.

&quot;Give me five—for the honor of Rome, five.&quot;

&quot;Five let it be,&quot; said one in answer.

There was a sharp cheer—a commotion and—Messala himself appeared.

&quot;Five let it be,&quot; he said.

And Sanballat smiled, and made ready to write.

&quot;If Cæsar die to-morrow,&quot; he said, &quot;Rome will not be all bereft. There is at least one other with spirit to take his place. Give me six.&quot;

&quot;Six be it,&quot; answered Messala.

There was another shout louder than the first.

&quot;Six be it,&quot; repeated Messala. &quot;Six to one—the difference between a Roman and a Jew. And, having found it, now, O redemptor of the flesh of swine, let us on. The amount—and quickly. The consul may send for thee, and I will then be bereft.&quot;

Sanballlat took the laugh against him coolly, and wrote, and offered the writing to Messala.

&quot;Read, read!&quot; everybody demanded.