He had scarcely come to an end of the verse, when at his elbow he heard a voice, and on looking round he saw a man dressed in a scarlet cloak trimmed with gold. Amer was so taken up with the grandeur of his appearance that he scarcely looked at his face, but when he did, he noticed that he was handsome, and had an aristocratic air about him, and his words, together with his appearance, took the lad's fancy at once. "You are making a good journey," said the stranger, "I have seldom seen a pilgrim to the Radiant City wear a happier expression. You have, doubtless, had some victory that has cheered you." "You are right," said Amer, colouring with pleasure, "I find the way easier than I had anticipated, and am not so bothered with the enemy as I expected." "I passed a pilgrim a few miles away," said the stranger, "walking along the path with pain; evidently he has not had the same good fortune as you have, and has had many a fall. It cheers one to see a young man full of health and vigour treading the path so steadily." "I am trusting the King," said Amer, "and have read that 'He shall give His angels charge over me that I dash not my foot against a stone.'" "And so you are able to make quicker progress," answered his companion, "and if it were not for your heavy armour you would be quicker still. Come; I am going the same way as you, and I will gladly take charge of some of your armour for you." "But have you none of your own to carry?" said Amer, surprised, supposing that his cloak covered it. "No," he said, "I am a man of peace. I dropped my armour long ago and find that I can do as well without it. Come," he added, "let me help you to carry your sword." "No," said Amer, remembering the warning of the Ambassador, "I will keep my sword, but if you are so kind as to lighten my burden by helping me to take off my shield for a bit I shall be glad. The day is hot and I have been walking so fast that it will be a comfort to get rid of it for a moment." "Stay," he said, as they reached the summit of the hill and the stranger made as if he was about to turn to the left, "I have been given directions never to lose sight of the Radiant City or I should lose my way. I must go straight on, neither turning to the right nor to the left."