“How could you stand such a journey?” has been asked me time and again, and as many times have I answered, “The Lord gave me strength according as I needed it;” for I was unused to hardships and not any stronger than the majority of women. It is quite necessary on a journey like that to be patient, uncomplaining and not fretful, and the Lord is able to give us that kind of a disposition if we call upon him. Many of us would have turned back to Jerusalem willingly, but there was no such thing as going back after having once started. Onward was the cry, and if sickness came upon us we were carried along. If death should be the lot of any one a grave by the roadside would be the last resting place. Such graves were passed, and how sad we felt at the thought of some lonely pilgrim having been laid by the roadside. Each day some one of the women felt it almost impossible to go further; but it made no difference, they rode on and on, murmuring not in the least. I told you the roads were in a dreadful condition. The stones were so plentiful it was hard work to see the path much of the way. The horses walked with noses down, smelling as they walked along. In that way they found there truly was a path, and that other horses had gone over the same rocks. Many of the party had falls from their horses, but no one was hurt. All were so tired they scarcely knew what to do; but I was the only one who had given out. We had traveled thirty-four miles during that day and had been in the saddle almost eleven hours. Sinjal is the name of an Arab village, and on a high hill near by our tents were pitched that night. Owing to the fact that I was worn out, I saw nothing of the people or village. We were up the next morning early, not entirely rested; indeed, very far from it; but when ready to mount our horses I was delighted to find the saddle had been adjusted satisfactorily, thanks to my husband, who had insisted upon a change that I might not be compelled to ride in such misery another eleven hours. The fault lay in John; his back was not suited to the saddle, and the lack of flesh was supplied with padding; and ever after that I rode comfortably and never became exhausted again. All that day I was not able to guide my horse, because of extreme weakness; but faithful Yosef led John, and silently we went on. [Illustration] CHAPTER X. _Shiloh.—Jacob’s Well.—Tomb of Joseph.—Shechem.—Samaria.—Gibeah.—Dothan in the Distance.—Fountain of Gideon.—Shunem.—Shunammite’s Son.—Nain._ The country through which we passed was less stony, and the roads were more smooth and level. Horses and riders seemed glad for the change and enjoyed it immensely. Land was under better cultivation, for olive and fig trees were there, and everywhere were signs of thrift.