walked; Ah Ben having an air of long familiarity with the scene,
while Paul was dazed and bewildered. Occasionally they would stop to
examine some object of special interest or to take in with
comprehensive view the marvels surrounding them. But the temple was
too grand, too glorious for a hasty appreciation of its wonders.

Entering an elevator, they ascended to the roof and stepped out upon
a mosaic pavement of transparent tiles. Looking over the parapet,
they beheld a country of vast extent, where field, forest, and
watercourse combined in a landscape of rare beauty. Beneath lay the
marble city with its palaces, parks, and fountains. In the distance
were shadowy hills and gleaming lights; and above, a sky whose
singular purity was reflected over all. The height was great, but the
roof so extensive that it seemed more like some elevated plateau than
a part of a building. A multitude of spires rose upon every side like
inverted icicles, and Paul was amazed to discover an inscription at
the base of each.

"I have a distinct impression of the meaning," he said, looking up at
his guide; "but how, I can not tell."

"Yes," answered the old man solemnly, "you now perceive that this
stupendous temple commemorates the birth of liberty, or the death of
superstitions, and the consequent liberation of the human mind from
the slavery of false belief. The temple itself is a monument to the
whole, while each minaret commemorates the downfall of some
scientific dogma, and the consequent release of the human mind from
its thralldom. The limit of man's power over his environment has been
extended again and again; and even in your day, Mr. Henley, you have
witnessed such marvelous advances as have adduced the aphorism, that