Among the idlers about the train, most of whom were puffing
cigars which they had lighted at the flame of the crater, I was
perplexed to notice several who, to my certain knowledge, had
heretofore set forth by railroad for the Celestial City. They looked
dark, wild, and smoky, with a singular resemblance, indeed, to the
native inhabitants; like whom, also, they had a disagreeable
propensity to ill-natured gibes and sneers, the habit of which had
wrought a settled contortion of their visages. Having been on speaking
terms with one of these persons- an indolent, good-for-nothing fellow,
who went by the name of Take-it-easy- I called him, and inquired
what was his business there.
"Did you not start," said I, "for the Celestial City?"
"That's a fact," said Mr. Take-it-easy, carelessly puffing some
smoke into my eyes. "But I heard such bad accounts, that I never
took pains to climb the hill, on which the city stands. No business
doing- no fun going on- nothing to drink, and no smoking allowed-
and a thrumming of church-music from morning till night! I would not
stay in such a place, if they offered me house-room and living free."
"But, my good Mr. Take-it-easy," cried I, "why take up your
residence here, of all places in the world?"
"Oh," said the loafer, with a grin, "it is very warm hereabouts,
and I meet with plenty of old acquaintances, and altogether the
place suits me.
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