the
midnight march
In front of the procession as it passed out unchallenged was the deep gorge of the Cedron , with Olivet beyond , its dressing of cedar and olive trees darker of the moonlight silvering all the heavens . Two roads met and merged into the street at the gate -- one from the northeast , the other from Bethany . Ere Ben-Hur could finish wondering whether he were to go farther , and if so , which road was to be taken , he was led off down into the gorge . And still no hint of the purpose of the midnight march . Down the gorge and over the bridge at the bottom of it . There was a great clatter on the floor as the crowd , now a straggling rabble , passed over beating and pounding with their clubs and staves . A little farther , and they turned off to the left in the direction of an olive orchard enclosed by a stone wall in view from the road .