“You are very kind, indeed,” she said. “Please carry these books carefully, as I prize them very highly.” As they pushed their way up the hill, I looked at Blackana who, with his eyes fixed upon me, sat as cold and motionless as a statue. “Tell me,” I asked, “why Satan has falsified so greatly to Miss Church-Member.” Blackana, with a show of uneasiness, answered interrogatively: “Wherein has he falsified?” “Did he not just inform Miss Church-Member that there is no way of reaching the King’s Highway from the place where she had been standing? He well knew that there is a way opened by the Prince of the House of David. Why did he not tell her?” Blackana again grinned horribly while my indignation waxed stronger. Then came his pertinent reply: “My master is about his own business; that is why he is so successful in his work. It is not his business to point people away from his kingdom; his delight is rather in leading them upon his own Highway.” “Oh! for the voice of a thousand trumpets, that I might reach the ear of Miss Church-Member, and break unto her the words of truth and life. See how she walks on between those two fiends, ever nearing an awful destruction, yet vainly imagining, through the deceitfulness of her advisers, that she is nearing the place where she can, with greater ease, leave her present course and join her comrades on the Shining Path. Oh, that I could send a messenger, good and swift, in her pursuit!” “Rest in ease, anxious mortal; she will get all necessary advice from her two friends,” replied Blackana with a sardonic grin. I could no longer look into his face, for I was filled with contempt. I turned my eyes to see poor Miss Church-Member still struggling up the Hill of Remorse. When the top was finally reached I heard Mr. World congratulating her: “Well done, noble woman! You have fought Remorse until you have mastered it. The pains and pangs incident to this climbing are over, and if you should come to another hill you will ascend it with more ease. Look about you at these cool mountain resorts called Apathy, and join me in a needed recreation as we mingle with the merry multitudes amongst these shady bowers.” She needed no second invitation, being glad to seek relief in forgetfulness of her guilt. As they went to their pleasures, Satan vanished to give attention to others who were ascending the same Hill of Remorse, some in a sullen mood and some with wails of anguish on their lips. The delightful resorts of Apathy were now quieting the mind of Miss Church-Member, for the attractions on the mountain top were so numerous and so ingeniously arranged that, as she gave full attention to them, she no longer suffered any pangs of remorse. On this plateau, so full of charms for every sense, I saw bands of music; gardens of shady retreat where one might while away the weary hours in gentle dalliance; and cooling fountains throwing forth their busy sprays.