The bridge was nothing but a natural arch of rock, about a foot wide, with no protection on either side. At so giddy a height was it that he nearly fainted at the sight. It seemed to him that it was impossible not to fall, and to cross it was to court death. Moreover as he stood leaning on his sword at the edge of the gorge across which he had to go, he became aware that the rocks and cliffs were riddled with caves, and far down below he caught sight of small figures moving in and out of them, figures which, as his eyes became accustomed to the dim light, he saw were clad in darkness and gloom.
They were in a state of excitement, as if preparing for a great event, for they were running to and fro, intent on some business. It would be into their care he would be hurled were he to lose his footing.
Looking still more steadily down, he became aware of what looked like a regiment of armed soldiers about half-way down the cliff, and their armour he recognised as that of the soldiers of Spiritual Pride, red and gold. These were not busy as those further down seemed to be, but were standing perfectly still, with bows and arrows in their hands, the arrows being directed towards the narrow bridge across which Amer's path lay.
At the sight his courage failed,
"I must perish! I must perish!" he cried, while the veins stood out on his forehead like cords, so great was his fear and anguish of mind.
At these words he suddenly felt his ankles twitched and on looking down he beheld his old enemies, the Morbids, clinging about him. But with a sudden angry blow from his sword they fled. He would have nothing to do with them.
He looked around for a way of escape. Could he have missed his path? Was there not the choice of an easier road? not perhaps so honourable but less terrifying by which he might avoid the bridge? But no! There was no sign of any other way but that which he felt he could not possibly take.
Then he bethought him of his Guide Book. Was there any word therein which might comfort him in this great strait? And there he found that instead of one passage there were many which seemed exactly to fit his need: they were as follows:—
"'Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold him with the right hand of my righteousness.'"
"'I will guide thee with mine eye.' 'Looking unto Jesus.'"