paths which was known in this part of the valley as "The Midway." Here
they saw a large number of pilgrims from the King's Highway who were
engaging in one or another of the endless amusements which can be
enjoyed without stepping altogether on the Broad Highway.
On this long Midway humanity swarmed by millions. Some, forgetful of
their vows, or regardless of their honor, stepped into the lower haunts
of vice, and offered sweet flowers of purity and fragrance in exchange
for dry and filthy husks from the floor of the stall. But Miss
Church-Member, in keeping with her moral character, did not surrender
her chastity, and although she had such continual fellowship with Mr.
World she yet held the respect of many other church-members; for it
was quite fashionable to belong to the church and still walk in the
ways of the world. Satan, under a hellish guise, offered to give, even
before death, handsome rewards to any church-member who succeeds in
carrying a certain amount of the world with him on his way to Heaven,
and multitudes were trying the experiment. Some, in hope of winning
larger prizes, were verily loaded down with the worrying weights of
the world.
Looking away from this immediate vicinity of the valley, any traveler
could see, far above the surrounding scenes, the "University of the
World," whose front buildings crested the mountain elevations for many
miles. This imposing sight had awakened the admiration of Mr. World
and his friend, and had it not been for the countless attractions of
the Midway they would have hurriedly pushed their way to the schools,
immediately after the aerial car had carried them over the proud domes
of the University and landed them in the vale.
During one of the darker periods which now and then cover the whole
Midway with its shadows, the two companions caught the flashes of
variously-colored lights which emanated from every part of the elevated
structure, making the entire mountain appear as if a vast crown of
nature were decked with dazzling diamonds rare.
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