which they already staggered, with
dust and rubbish, which they collected from all sides; and far more
were endeavouring to pile up the scattered stones and thorns on their
equally burdened neighbours. All this time, the air was filled with a
clamour of complaints, generally referring to their tracks and
burdens; and Christopher and Hubert remarked with amazement, that it
was by no means those who had the roughest track, or the heaviest bale
to carry, that travelled most laboriously, or seemed least content
with the journey.

No traveller, indeed, appeared satisfied, and whenever their tracks
crossed, the unruly creatures were sure to jostle each other; but let
the accident happen as it would, every man laid the blame loudly on
his neighbour. They had also innumerable disputes concerning the
clouds and meteors of the sky; regarding the dust under their feet;
and more especially touching some glimpses of an azure heaven, which
they caught at times through the western mist. On that subject, the
fierceness of their debates was marvellous, and the clamour
occasionally became deafening; but the brothers observed that the
noisiest traveller generally came quietly out of the one mist, and
disappeared with as little tumult in the other.

'What think ye of these people?' said the stranger, when Christopher
and Hubert had gazed and wondered long.

'They are mad!' said Christopher, 'to give and take such trouble for
no end.'

'What grievous disturbance they make about so short a journey!' cried
Hubert. 'Good stranger, tell us of what Bedlam are they?'

'They belong to all the madhouses of the world,' said the stranger.

'But why are they here?--where are they going?--and what lies beyond
these mists?' cried the brothers in a breath.

'Dear brothers, who were so true and loving of old,' said the
stranger, 'concerning this matter, believe that you will learn
hereafter; for the present, know that this which ye have seen is the
great and busy road of life; but strive to become more wise and
prudent travellers, and see that ye fall not out by the way.'

As he ceased, a gleam of sunshine broke through the twilight, and fell
full upon him. In its brightness, the noble aspect did not alter, but
grew more familiar to their eyes; and Christopher and Hubert knew at
the same moment that he was none other than their brother Gottleib.
Both sprang to embrace him, but the way, the travellers, and Gottleib,
vanished from them. They looke