Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/453

Rh cloaked with clambering vines, and under a leaning cliff over on the left the mulberry grove had planted itself, proclaiming the spring which the party were seeking. And thither the guide conducted them, careless of whistling partridges and lesser birds of brighter hues roused whirring from the reedy coverts.

The water started from a crack in the cliff which some loving hand had enlarged into an arched cavity. Graven over it in bold Hebraic letters was the word. The graver had no doubt drunk there, and tarried many days, and given thanks in that durable form. From the arch the stream ran merrily over a flag spotted with bright moss, and leaped into a pool glassy clear; thence it stole away between grassy banks, nursing the trees before it vanished in the thirsty sand. A few narrow paths were noticeable about the margin of the pool; otherwise the space around was untrodden turf, at sight of which the guide was assured of rest free from intrusion by men. The horses were presently turned loose, and from the kneeling camel the Ethiopian assisted Balthasar and Iras; whereupon the old man, turning his face to the east, crossed his hands reverently upon his breast and prayed.

&quot;Bring me a cup,&quot; Iras said, with some impatience.

From the houdah the slave brought her a crystal goblet; then she said to Ben-Hur,

&quot;I will be your servant at the fountain.&quot; They walked to the pool together. He would have dipped the water for her, but she refused his offer, and, kneeling, held the cup to be filled by the stream itself; nor yet content, when it was cooled and overrunning, she tendered him the first draught.

&quot;No,&quot; he said, putting the graceful hand aside, and seeing only the large eyes half hidden beneath the arches of the upraised brows, &quot;be the service mine, I pray.&quot;

She persisted in having her way. &quot;In my country, son of Hur, we have a saying, Better a cup-bearer to the fortunate than minister to a king.&quot;

&quot;Fortunate!&quot; he said.

There were both surprise and inquiry in the tone of his voice and in his look, and she said quickly,