Unbeknowst o sad Johnnie since he is so deeply depressed, his assistant engineer has climbed up into the cab and started up theGeneral""sengine.] Ben-Hur""s curiosity is aroused when he learns that Messala will race in Jerusalem""s circus.The Sheik tries to capitalize on Judah""s interest and asks again:Judah Ben-Hur, my people are praying for a man who can drive their team to victory over Messala."The preacher has his flock solemnly swear to abstain from all distilled liquors, including wine, beer and cider." She responded to him: "Gee, I don""t know.Maybe.This sure is a friendly town." Ned quickly apologized - and she was slightly hurt: "You mean the offer""s no good?" Then she added: "You must be looking for the lady of the house"; as "Matty" walked up to hem (and handed Mary Ann an envelope - a payoff?); after Mary Ann left, "Matty" explained that Mary Ann was "an old friend, she""s like a sister to me.