[Illustration: THE QUACK DOCTORS.] _CANTO LIX._ Walking along the embankment he turns up a steep gulch to the right, and down through the purple light sees the region where the profane are punished as befits their crime. They are compelled to eat soap. Mr. Hunt learns that the worst type of profane man: He who swears regardless of the presence of ladies--won’t even say “Oh pshaw!” after he has been forced to eat soap for a few years. [Illustration] [Illustration: A SWEARING MAN FORCED TO EAT SOAP.] _CANTO LX._ Mr. Hunt holds a long discourse with Clawquick, who claims to be the oldest Demon in the region. He remembers well the terrible cold-snap of the year 1422. All Hell was frozen over. There was skating on the River Styx for several months and two thousand miles of steam-pipe burst. [Illustration: THE OLDEST INHABITANT.] [Illustration: THE PUBLIC SPITTER.] _CANTO LXI._ Mr. Hunt now looks down on a spacious valley in the center of which there stands a large stage. On this stage he sees a throng of weary looking souls dancing on tacks. These are the men who, though married and old enough to know better, were wont to secretly haunt the theatre and lavish affection, flowers and wine suppers on chorus girls. [Illustration] [Illustration: A LIVELY DANCE.] _CANTO LXII._ The explorer is now in the lowest depths. From a precipice of crimson rock he beholds the punishment of “bunco steerers.” He sees a howling group of souls huddled on the summit of a hill, from top to bottom of which is constructed a toboggan slide of sand-paper. As they stand cringing in fright, a Demon policeman yells: “Next!” and the foremost shuffles to the front and is given a shove that sends him whirling, yelling and rasping down the incline at a fearful speed. Arriving at the bottom he is immediately driven back and forced to repeat the act. Thus the performance continues throughout the centuries. [Illustration] [Illustration: SHOOTING THE INFERNAL SHUTE.] _CANTO LXIII._ After inspecting the kicking-machines in the department where “chronic grumblers” are punished Hiprah Hunt is overcome by the heat. He now concludes that he will not explore further. [Illustration] [Illustration: FOR CHRONIC GRUMBLERS.] _CANTO LXIV._ On recovering strength enough to enable him to make his way to an Incline Station, Mr Hunt returns to Satan’s office to express his thanks for the privilege of being permitted to explore and inspect his vast domain. The Arch-Fiend receives him courteously and tells him that he is much interested in the result of his labors, assuring him that he is appreciative of his desire to offset the tendency of modern thinkers to dispense entirely with future punishment. He prevails on Mr. Hunt to remain in the region till after the Annual Parade of Sinners. Mr. Hunt agrees to do so--and accepts the Chief’s invitation to be his guest while he reviews the procession. [Illustration] [Illustration: THE ANNUAL PARADE.]