citement. My head seemed as if it
were ready to burst. I felt that I was going mad. The trees and
everything else appeared to be moving about in great confusion. Those
same symptoms which I experienced after falling among the rocks of
Sageland returned. My body seemed to be dividing into several parts and
then becoming one again. I tried to control myself but without avail.
All of a sudden I saw standing before me two Arlettas, one at the right
hand and the other at the left. The one at the right I instantly
recognized as the great Sagewoman, while on the left stood the girl
Arletta. They were facing and pointing in opposite directions. Looking
to my right I saw a path running up a steep hill which seemed almost
impossible to climb and upon which was inscribed the word strength. To
my left I observed a path running down the hill upon which was written
the word weakness. At the top of the hill everything looked bright and
cheerful and orderly, while at the bottom darkness and confusion
prevailed. Above the extreme top, as though stamped in space like a
great rainbow, these words appeared: Natural Law, Wisdom, Love for
Others. At the bottom, and almost obscured in the gloom, I faintly
discerned the following: Religion, Ignorance, Love of Self.

As I stood speechless at this wonderful vision everything suddenly
became dark and I knew no more.

CHAPTER XXXII

The next impression my memory has any record of was a huge ocean
steamer, floating away upon the deep. Great volumes of smoke were
pouring forth from its smoke-stacks as it majestically glided over the
water. Upon its many decks were hundreds of human beings, scattered
about in little groups, gaily chatting and enjoying to the fullest
extent the delight experienced by an ocean voyage. Among all of the
happy faces, however, there was one that appeared sad and forlorn. It
was the face of a beautiful young woman, standing alone against the
railing of the promenade deck, who was weeping in silence. As she raised
her eyes and looked in my direction, I instantly recognized the girl
Arletta, and realized that she was leaving me forever. And then, like
one in a dream, I held out my hands and mutely implored her to return.
She appeared to be within a short distance and looking straight at me,
but still made no sign of recognition. I could not understand the reason
for such coldness on her part, and in astonishment rubbed my eyes and
looked again, when lo and behold, she had