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WORLDLY WISEMAN
29

"Well, then, I advise you to get rid of that burden as soon as possible," said Wiseman.

"That is just what I wish to do," answered Graceless. "But I cannot take it off myself, and there is no man in our country who can remove it. And that is why I am going to the wicket gate."

"Who told you to go there?"

"A good man who seemed to me very gentle and loving. His name is Evangelist."

Worldly Wiseman laughed. "He is a fine fellow, indeed, to be giving advice to others," he said. "Why, he knows nothing at all, and yet he pretends to know everything."

"Well, I felt sure that he knew how I might get rid of this burden," answered Graceless. "He showed me this road."

"And a pretty road it is," sneered Mr. Wiseman. "There is not a more dangerous way in all the world. You have already met with some of its difficulties; for I see that the mud of the Slough of Despond is upon you."

"Yes, and I came near being buried in its mire," said Graceless.

"Well, if you keep on in that same road, you will