The beast paused; it roared once again at the brave man who dared stand against it; and then it drew back and came no farther.
They went on again, and Greatheart led them as before. And now a vast pit yawned before them and seemed to cover the whole road; and a great mist and darkness fell around them.
"Stand still, and wait," said Greatheart. And as they stood and trembled, a light shone through the darkness, and they saw their way clearly past the mouth of the pit.
So on they went; and one of the boys said, "When shall we see the end of this valley?"
"Look well to your feet," said the guide; "for you are among the snares and the pitfalls."
They looked to their feet, and went on; but they were much troubled by the snares.
At length they drew towards the end of the valley; and there they saw a cave where in former times many giants dwelt. But now the worst of these giants had grown so old and feeble that they could do nothing but sit in the door of the cave and grin at the pilgrims who were passing.
Suddenly, however, one giant who was younger than
