The Ghost of Guir House

Continuing their walk, they followed an avenue of dazzling beauty,

which led to a green hill overlooking the town, upon which stood a

temple of transcendent splendor. The sunlight flashed upon its marble

walls and chevaux de frise of minarets. Paul was filled with

amazement, and demanded an explanation.

"Let us climb the hill and see for ourselves," answered his guide,

leading the way.

Crowds of people passed in and out through the open portals of the

temple; and when sufficiently near, Paul read the inscription above

the principal entrance: "In Commemoration of the Birth of Human Liberty."

"I am as puzzled as ever," he declared, with a look of resignation.

"It is the most stupendous and remarkable edifice I ever beheld!"

They passed up by a marble terrace and entered the building through

an archway so wide and lofty that it might have spanned many ordinary

houses. Windows of jeweled glass scattered a thousand tints over

walls and columns of barbaric splendor, where encrusted gems of every

hue, scintillating with strange fires, were grouped in dazzling

mosaics portraying historic scenes in endless pageant. It was a

miracle of art and trembling iridescence. White pillars, set with

jewels, rose and branched above their heads like the spreading boughs

of gigantic trees. The throng of humanity surged hither and thither,

and yet so vast was the nave of the temple that nowhere was it

crowded. Paul clung closely to his comrade's arm, fearful lest his

only friend in this strange world should be lost to him. On they

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.