“It would be only a waste of time and energy. I have seen hundreds of such places where travelers have gone down, even under the sign of the Cross.” “Indeed, Mr. World, I feel as though I should stand here continually and speak words of personal warning to any one who might seem determined to walk in such a terrible path as this.” Her finger pointed to the spot where she had just seen the poor victim fall to rise no more. “Look yonder,” he hurriedly spoke, as he touched her arm. “Do you see that woman with her steps in the same direction? Now try your skill,” he added with more sneer than sympathy in his voice. She did not tarry to resent his attitude, but quickly went to the woman and asked her to pause a moment. “Are you willing to be saved from destruction?” earnestly asked Miss Church-Member. “I am safe enough,” was the indifferent reply. “You are now walking rapidly toward an awful death,” were her further words of warning. “What right have you to judge me,” she curtly replied, “since you also are on this Broad Highway? Have I not heard already the words from those who also wear the pilgrim’s robe, but who journey on the King’s Highway? Their words brought conviction to my heart and tears to my eyes, but your words only stir up my indignation.” “Why speak so unkindly to a friend? My only intention is to do you good. I just saw one who came to a horrible end by continuing a little farther in the same course that you are now pursuing.” Then did the wicked woman fly into a rage. “You need no more concern yourself about me. I have two eyes--as many as you have. Look to your own future, not mine; at your own steps, and not at another’s!” “Come,” impatiently spoke Mr. World, as he drew her by the arm, “it is just as I expected; let us get away from this sickly atmosphere.” But Miss Church-Member lingered only to see the heedless woman step to the last extreme and sink hopelessly, while her piteous cries for help came too late for any to rescue her. [Illustration: “Let us follow this shining path.” hopefully urged Miss Church-Member. But it is too rough and steep for Mr. World.] CHAPTER II. THE BY-PATH. 1. In their journey Mr. World and Miss Church-Member come to the By-Path leading to the King’s Highway; on this Miss Church-Member urges Mr. World to travel. He defers so decisive a step and defends his attitude by the use of sophistry. 2. Miss Church-Member, still hoping to win Mr. World to a better path, forsakes the King’s Highway and continues in his company. 3. A tilt with Blackana who defends Miss Church-Member for traveling on the Broad Highway.