Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/132

128 a lane called Deadman's-lane. so called because of the murders that are commonly done there; and this Little-faith, going on pilgrimage as we do now, chanced to sit down there and sleep. Now there happened at that time to come down the lane from Broadwaygate three sturdy rogues, and their names were Faint-heart, Mistrust, and Guilt, three brothers; and they espying Little-faith where he was, came galloping up with speed. Now the good man was just awakened from his sleep, and was getting up to go on his journey. So they came up all to him, and with threatening language bid him. stand. At this Little-faith looked as white as a sheet, and had neither power to fight nor fly. Then said Faint-heart, Deliver thy purse; but he making no haste to do it (for he was loath to lose his money), Mistrust ran up to him, and thrusting his hand into his pocket, pulled out thence a bag of silver. Then he cried out, "Thieves, thieves!" With that Guilt, with a great club that was in his hand, struck Little-faith on the head, and with that blow felled him flat to the ground, where he lay bleeding as one that would bleed to death. All this while the thieves stood by. But at last, hearing that some were upon the road, and fearing lest it should be one Great-«grace, that dwells in the town of; Good-conﬁdence, they betook themselves to their heels, and left this good man to shift for himself. Now, after a while, Little~faith came to himself, and getting up, made shift to scramble on his way. This was the story.

Hope. But did they take from him all that ever he had?

Chr. No: the place Where his jewels were they never ransacked; so those he kept still. But, as I was told, the good man was much afflicted for his loss, for the thieves had got most of his spending-money. That which they got not (as I said) were jewels; also he had a little odd, money left, but scarce enough to bring him to his