to the
collar. The traces of the yokesteeds they hitched to the axle;
those of the trace-mates to the top rim of the chariot-bed.
There remained then but the adjustment of the lines, which,
judged by the modern devices, was not the least curious part of
the method. For this there was a large ring at the forward extremity
of the pole; securing the ends to that ring first, they parted the
lines so as to give one to each horse, and proceeded to pass them
to the driver, slipping them separately through rings on the inner
side of the halters at the mouth.

With this plain generalization in mind, all further desirable
knowledge upon the subject can be had by following the incidents
of the scene occurring.

The other contestants had been received in silence; the last comer
was more fortunate. While moving towards the stand from which we are
viewing the scene, his progress was signalized by loud demonstrations,
by clapping of hands and cheers, the effect of which was to centre
attention upon him exclusively. His yoke-steeds, it was observed,
were black, while the trace-mates were snow-white. In conformity
to the exacting canons of Roman taste, they had all four been
mutilated; that is to say, their tails had been clipped, and,
to complete the barbarity, their shorn manes were divided into
knots tied with flaring red and yellow ribbons.

In advancing, the stranger at length reached a point where the
chariot came into view from the stand, and its appearance would of
itself have justified the shouting. The wheels were very marvels of
construction. Stout bands of burnished bronze reinforced the hubs,
otherwise very light; the spokes were sections of ivory tusks,
set in with the natural curve outward to perfect the dishing,
considered important then as now; bronze tires held the fellies,
which were of shining ebony. The axle, in keeping with the wheels,
was tipped with heads of snarling tigers done in brass, and the bed
was woven of willow wands gilded with gold.

The coming of the beautiful horses and resplendent chariot drew
Ben-Hur to look at the driver with increased interest.

Who was he?

When Ben-Hur asked himself the question first, he could not see
the man's face, or even his full figure; yet the air and manner
were familiar, and pricked him keenly with a reminder of a period
long gone.

Who could it be?

Nearer now, and the horses approaching at a trot. From the shouting
and the gorgeousness of the turnout, it