obedience to the prophetic warning of Christ.

It is two o'clock when we reach the Jordan Valley, at a point a little
south of Beth-shan, which is on the west side of the river. We now turn
northward and pursue our way steadily near the mountains until after
five o'clock; then we turn toward the river, which we reach at sun-down.

The Jordan Valley is covered with a growth of thorn said to be like
that used in the crowning of Christ at the time of his mock-trial. We
eat of a delicious yellow berry now ripening on these thorns. We pass
two or three small villages, the names of which I could not learn. We
cross a number of small streams this afternoon, the largest of which is
the Tayibeh. All of these streams are thickly lined with reeds and pink
oleander; so thick is this growth in some places that the streams are
completely hidden. Our Arab guide springs down into each of these
water-brooks and hands drink to us, but he drinks, I think, after the
manner of the drinking of "Gideon's three hundred," in the time of
their being tested; that is, by a quick movement of the hand throwing
water into his mouth.

Pushing rapidly across the open valley we startle gazelles from their
hiding-places among the reeds. Then, near the river, we pass several
encampments of Bedouins whose tents are black as those of Kedar. At
last, after being in the saddle all of ten hours, just at sun-set, we
reach the Jordan at the bridge of Jisr el Mejamia, six miles south of
the Sea of Galilee. Just across on the other side of the river we shall
tarry through the night.

The way has been long and trying. I am very weary. But, now, just
before me the Jordan--sacred stream! And then, on the other side, rest!
Happy, soul-cheering thought!

"At the Bridge"

CHAPTER VIII.

The bridge of Jisr el Mejamia was at the time of my visit the only
available one for travel between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.
It is a stone bridge and was built by the Romans nearly, or quite, two
thousand years ago. It could scarcely be crossed by carriages at
present as the ascent to the highest point is by a kind of step
arrangement. It even seemed a wise precaution for us not to attempt to
ride over on horse-back--the stones were very smooth and slippery. The
present name of the structure means "bridge of the messengers," and it
was so named because here messengers from various points in the land
used to meet to exchange messages.

I am glad to reach this