[CHAPTER VI.]
THE BATTLE OF THE BOOK.
For some time after Amer had gone through the experiences related in the last chapter, he felt the effects of his time in the cave of Spiritual Pride, and it was long before he regained the elasticity of spirit that was natural to him. He walked more cautiously and steadily, and kept a sharp look-out all round, lest the enemy should get the better of him, and in this way had many a victory, and was saved many a blow.
One day, when somewhat tired with his journey, he came across a woman leading a young girl by the hand.
A glance at the woman's face was enough to convince him that she had to do with the Radiant City, for her face was beautiful with a calm light upon it, which he knew could come from no other source.
Her name was Belthiah,* and the name of the girl Iddo.†
* Daughter of the Lord. † Loving.
"We are going the same way," she said, "and so long as our paths do not diverge, let us keep one another company."
Before long they came across the slow traveller again, still walking steadily and carefully towards the City.