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THROUGH THE VALLEY OF SHADOW

NOW I saw in my dream that the pilgrims had come upon the borders of the Valley of the Shadow of Death. This valley was longer than the other, and it was strangely haunted with evil things. But the women and children went into it the more bravely because they had Greatheart for their guide.

The first sound they heard was a great groaning, which seemed to fill the whole place. Then they heard strange shouts and screams; and as they went farther, they felt the ground to shake under them, as if some hollow place was there.

"Oh, when shall we get through this doleful place?" asked one of the boys.

Then the guide took the two younger ones by the hand to lead them. "Be of good courage," he said

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