h discouraged because of the way. Wherefore, still
as they went on, they wished for a better way.

Now, a little before them, there was on the left hand of
the road a meadow, and a stile to go over into it; and that 10
meadow is called Bypath Meadow. Then said Christian
to his fellow, "If this meadow lieth along by our wayside,
let us go over into it." Then he went to the stile to see,
and behold a path lay along by the way on the other side
of the fence. 15

"'Tis according to my wish," said Christian; "here is
the easiest going; come, good Hopeful, and let us go over."

"But how if this path should lead us out of the way?"

"That is not likely," said the other. "Look, doth it
not go along by the wayside?"

So Hopeful, being persuaded by his fellow, went after
him over the stile. When they were gone over, and were 5
got into the path, they found it very easy for their feet;
and withal they, looking before them, espied a man walking
as they did, and his name was Vain-Confidence: so
they called after him, and asked him whither that way
led. 10

He said, "To the Celestial Gate."

"Look," said Christian, "did not I tell you so? By
this you may see we are right."

So they followed, and he went before them. But,
behold, the night came on, and it grew very dark; so that 15
they who were behind lost sight of him that went before.
He, therefore, that went before--Vain-Confidence by
name--not seeing the way before him, fell into a deep
pit and was dashed in pieces with his fall.

Now Christian and his fellow heard him fall; so they 20
called to know the matter. But there was no answer,
only they heard a groan.

Then said Hopeful, "Where are we now?"

Then was his fellow silent, as mistrusting that he had
led him out of the way; and now it began to rain and 25
thunder and lightning in a most dreadful manner, and the
water rose amain, by reason of which the way of going
back was very dangerous.

Yet they adventured to go back; but it was so dark
and the flood so high, that in their going back they had 30
like to have been drowned nine or ten times. Neither
could they, with all the skill they had, get back again to
the stile that night. Wheref