Balthazar makes a return to the story at this point as well, and with an important character who is cut out of the movie entirely: his daughter Iras (though she does appear in the 1925 film version). They are sitting near a fountain in the stadium when Messala, recklessly driving his chariot, nearly careens into them. Ben Hur who, as mentioned, is in the stadium, leaps out in front of the horses and, using the extremely powerful grip developed by years at the oars, grabs the horses' bits and pulls them to a stop. Messala doesn't recognize him- it's been years, and he obviously thinks Judah is long dead- and speaks to him contemptuously, unbothered that he nearly ran down a bunch of people. Messala does, however, note that Iras is very beautiful in an exotic, Egyptian way, and introduces himself, showering all sorts of compliments upon her. She doesn't appear too interested, and instead beckons to Judah and asks him to bring her a cup of water. Messala is obviously displeased with the snub but laughs it off, promising that she'll see him again as he leaves. An elderly Balthazar thanks Ben Hur and invites him to dine that evening in the tent of Sheik Ilderim, with whom he's staying.
After taking his leave of Balthazar and Iras, Judah confides in Malluch, telling him his history and his plan to humiliate Massala in the circus, which Malluch thinks is a fine idea. In return, he tells Judah that he knows the Sheik slightly- through Simonides- and relates to him the story of Belthazar having some twenty seven years before followed a star to see a child prophesied to be King of the Jews. Judah is fascinated by this story, asking for details. Malluch accompanies Ben Hur to Sheik Ilderim's tent, introducing him, and then leaves to report to Simonides (and Esther). He tells them all that occurred, and that he believes Ben Hur's account of past events, and then relates Judah's plan to humiliate Messala in the Circus. Though still worried about Esther's future if he acknowledges Judah as the heir to the Hur title and fortune, Simonides is also gleeful at the thought of revenge being taken on those who destroyed the house of Hur, crippled him, and caused the death of his wife. He starts plotting how to best aid Judah's fledgling plan, ensuring it does the most damage to the Romans. Esther, on the other hand, pleads with her father to try to discourage Judah from racing, worried about his safety.
Unlike in the movie, Judah does not go reveal himself to Messala; rather, Messala is partying with friends when someone brings up the fact that young Arrius has arrived in Antioch. The description of him fits the man with whom he had the confrontation with at the fountain but- Messala reassures himself- that guy was a lowly Jew. That's just it, he's told: Arrius the younger was a Jewish galley slave who saved old Arrius' life and was adopted by him in return. Messala is starting to get a bad feeling about all this, but shrugs it off and continues with the drunken orgy.
Meanwhile at dinner, the Sheik has agreed to let Judah try out his horses the following day. Then he, Balthazar, and Judah begin talking of Balthazar's meeting of the Child destined to be King. Ben Hur of course has known of the promised Messiah all his life and wonders if the child- now man- wherever he is now is that Messiah, and if He will lead them from Roman occupation. If so, Judah muses, the preparation he himself has had in the Roman ways of war will certainly come in handy. As he takes his leave, Judah hears the sultry voice of Iras, singing, and it conjures up the image of her dramatic beauty. Almost immediately, he also recalls the sweet, lovely face of Simonides' daughter Esther and smiles at the memory.