And truly I was mortal stiff and did ache for a great while, and
this did be in part because that I had wrapped not the cloak about
me, ere I slept; for the Land was bitter cold and did make the
blood very chill.
Now when I had gone onward through six hours, I ate and drank;
for I did mind now to be wise and keep my strength good within me.
And I went onward again at a very great speed, and full of an
excitement. And surely, I did be glad at last that the tablets were
so easy gone in the mouth, and unfilling to the belly; for I had
been without power and patience to eat proper victual.
And at the tenth hour, I saw that there rose a red-shining out
of the Land before me, as that it came upward from a mighty pit.
And I made slow my way, and so, when I was gone on for two great
h
