W. S. (William Shuler) Harris
Miss Church-Member was excited by this unusual show of brilliancy, and
nothing on the lower level could any longer hold her attention.
"How can we best rise to that glorious summit?" she inquired with a
glow of enthusiasm.
"Ah," smiled Mr. World, "surely we need not think of walking up this
mountain. Have you forgotten the obliging attendant who advised us as
we stood on the beautiful tower? Did he not direct us to take the
Mountain Trolley?"
Without delay they sought the Midway station, entered one of the
up-to-date cars, and instead of going directly to the mountain top
they were surprised to find that they were being carried into the
bowels of the mountain.
"Whence go we dashing through the dark?" asked the terror-stricken
Miss Church-Member as she held fast to Mr. World.
But ere her escort could answer they came into an immense cavern dimly
lighted. The car stopped at a station called Rest, and a voice announced
in distinct tones: "Come, ye troubled or distressed, and ye who are
disgraced! Here linger in this underground school and learn of the
rest that is for the weary."
"What is your wish?" courteously asked Mr. World.
"I am neither in trouble nor in disgrace. Why should I tarry?"
"Only to see the lower schools before we go to the higher," was his
winning answer.
They alighted and walked forth in the dismal light. They could readily
discern strangely shaped buildings of a costly type. The air was
stifling, and everything wore a melancholy dress; yet, withal, there
was a pleasing charm about the place. Some secret touch in the doleful
music, or some bright tinge to the ominous shadows, awakened a curiosity
and a hope in the visitors that prevented them from leaving the cavern
at once.
In a half-decided mood Mr. World and Miss Church-Member meandered
through this sickly region, and had decided to leave the place when
they saw this illuminated motto over a massive arch:
TO ALL WHO ARE DISGRACED! THE SHORTEST ROUTE TO REST! (ENTRANCE.)
A genial attendant informed Mr. World that visitors were welcome, but
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