The braver the soldier, the more conquests he had over his foes, the brighter he kept his breastplate, the more humble he became, and the less inclined he was to speak of himself or of his attainments. There were some with whom Amer came in contact who surprised him with long stories of their prowess, of the help they had given to strangers on the road, of the victories they had obtained over Temper or Discontent and other enemies; but he began to notice that when they spoke much about themselves, he often met them again on the road in a very sad condition, as they were an easy prey to the many enemies that were always on the watch to take some mean advantage of the pilgrims. Besides, Amer, knowing what bragging had done for him, could not but fear for them. The two friends rested in the green pastures and drank deep of the still waters, and so their strength, which had been much tried during the fierce battle of the way, was renewed, their shields and breastplates shone brightly, their shoes were easy to their feet, and their helmets covered their heads from the heat of the sun. But the soldiers of the King never have much time to rest, and Amer began to notice that every now and then Heman's hand went to his sword suddenly, as if he felt an enemy near him. The lad would have liked to have asked him what enemy was annoying him, but his companion was a silent man, and never cared to talk of himself; indeed Amer had noticed that when the conversation came round to something connected with his friend's own personal history, he visibly shrank. The lad was also aware that he knew very little of the inner history of his friend, and that many an enemy met Heman of which he (Amer) was unconscious, so that occasionally he was startled by an exclamation at his side. Once when he had imagined from the radiance on his friend's face that he was having a time of peace, the lad was surprised at noticing a sudden change of expression crossing it, as Heman said sternly, speaking to some invisible foe, "'Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me,'" and at the same time his sword was plucked out of its scabbard and held up in a threatening attitude. After these encounters with his foes Heman's shield blazed with light, and a brightness from the Radiant City played across his face. Amer himself had an easier time of it, and he supposed that the probable cause was, that being somewhat weak and unstable, the King had surrounded him with his hosts to protect him from the enemy that was surely on the watch. It was just as they left the green pastures and still waters, that Heman and Amer caught sight of a sad looking little figure a few yards in front of them. It was that of Iddo. She was walking in a dejected attitude, and apparently unaware that just above her was an angel with a drawn sword, warding off an enemy who was doing his best to get her into his clutches.