The words that met his glance were these:—
"'My Grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'"
Meanwhile Amer made his way up the hill. His sword was hanging loosely by his side, and not seeing any enemy in sight, he took off his helmet and carried it in his hand. His mind was full of his victories over the enemy who had accosted him twice during his journey up the hill. As he found himself nearing the top, so full of congratulations was he, and so glad that it had not been his fate to make so slow a journey as the traveller he had passed, that he began to sing. And the words he sang were some that he had seen in the Guide Book, and which seemed appropriate to his present state.
"'In my prosperity I said, I shall never be removed: Thou Lord, of Thy goodness hast made my hill so strong.'"
He had scarcely come to an end of the verse, when at his elbow he heard a voice, and on looking round he saw a man dressed in a scarlet cloak trimmed with gold. Amer was so taken up with the grandeur of his appearance that he scarcely looked at his face, but when he did, he noticed that he was handsome, and had an aristocratic air about him, and his words, together with his appearance, took the lad's fancy at once.
"You are making a good journey," said the stranger, "I have seldom seen a pilgrim to the Radiant City wear a happier expression. You have, doubtless, had some victory that has cheered you."
"You are right," said Amer, colouring with pleasure, "I find the way easier than I had anticipated, and am not so bothered with the enemy as I expected."
"I passed a pilgrim a few miles away," said the stranger, "walking along the path with pain; evidently he has not had the same good fortune as you have, and has had many a fall. It cheers one to see a young man full of health and vigour treading the path so steadily."
"I am trusting the King," said Amer, "and have read that 'He shall give His angels charge over me that I dash not my foot against a stone.'"
"And so you are able to make quicker progress," answered his companion, "and if it were not for your heavy armour you would be quicker still. Come; I am going the same way as you, and I will gladly take charge of some of your armour for you."