Page:John Bunyan's Dream Story.djvu/100

96 there I gave you a gentle hint. I would have spoken plainer, but you are older than I."

"Well, good brother," said Christian, "I am truly sorry that I have led you out of the way. Pray, forgive me; I did not intend wrong."

"Certainly, I forgive you," said Hopeful, "and I believe that this shall be for our good."

"Let us go back again, and try to find the road," said Christian.

"Yes, let us go; but I will lead the way," said Hopeful.

"No, let me go first," said Christian.

"Indeed, I will go first," said Hopeful; "for you might miss the way again."

Then they heard in the darkness a voice saying, "Set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest."

But by this time the waters were risen very high, and they were in great danger. They started bravely back, however, feeling their way at every step. And the flood was so high that nine or ten times they came near being drowned.

At last, reaching the high ground, where there was a little shelter, they crouched down in a dry place to rest. And being very weary they fell asleep.