“Proud indeed, for our master has given us encomiums for the splendid work accomplished. You see, Mr. World, it is a settled fact that young people will sin, notwithstanding all the influence exerted to the contrary. Such as we can persuade we take under our direction, and try, as soon as possible, to harden them in personal crime. Our physicians have special medicines to inflame their propensities, so that they may, by continual burning, consume themselves and spare the youth from otherwise being tormented day and night in these flames of passion. Are you so dull, Mr. World, that you cannot grasp such self-evident truth?”
“It seems now somewhat clearer to my mind, but still my eyes behold such horrid scenes around me.”
“I cannot question that,” continued the smooth-tongued agent of darkness, “yet what you see are but the lower stages. If you could look beyond these dark corridors and see the types of womanhood which grow out of this under-soil, you would no longer breathe in doubt or look with shuddering frame on scenes around you. All good things come forth through putrefaction. Then why should you despise the putrefaction? Be content, Mr. World, and as you walk along the path of life, remember this great College underground, and recommend its salient features to the rising generation. You have signed the pledge and promised to aid this secret working band. So do it with a vim, keeping in view the blossoms and the fruit of after-growth.”
Mr. World was completely won by this false and devilish reasoning, and looked on the whole program of shame quite philosophically.
He took full cognizance of the far-reaching effects of this section and, after an interview with one of the head physicians, he proceeded to visit the next section.
But what he saw there will not be told. No pen can describe and no tongue relate the loathsome filth of this last stage of immorality. An awful stench filled the air arising from medicines of last resort and from the putrefying flesh that clothed the living skeletons.
It was by mistake that Mr. World got into this place. The door opened to admit a few “Unfortunates,” as they were called by the attendants, and Mr. World, standing near by, entered without permission.
He was no sooner inside the door than he was frantically seized by a sunken-eyed creature.
“O man of health, deliver me from this inner eating and from the grave that opens to me its mouldy mouth!” was the heart-rending cry that grated on the ears of Mr. World.
Another, hearing this pleading cry, came rushing toward the same spot and sobbed piteously: