dazzled by his glory, to put his plans into execution. He therefore summoned twelve heralds to his presence, and thus addressed them: "Heralds, go forth into the city, and proclaim to the people that I am their God! The earth is mine, and the nations of it are in my hands! I therefore am God of the earth, and they shall worship none other but me. Moreover, I command that in thirty days all the city come together to the temple of Zan, and there bow down themselves, and do sacrifice unto me!"

Having uttered these words, he arose, and leading Calmar by the hand, he strode through the hall. As he passed along, all present prostrated themselves before him, and remained in that position until he had disappeared through some rich hangings, which concealed the entrance to the interior of the palace.

CHAPTER V.

THE MASTER WHOM RIESEN SERVED.

THE feast was over, and all was still in that gorgeous palace; and, as Riesen slept in the arms of Calmar, it appeared to him as if a spirit stood at his side, and bade him arise and follow him. Then some strange spell, which he could not resist, seemed to compel his obedience. He followed that mysterious guide, and they floated forth upon the darkness. the darkness. He felt himself supported in mid-air, and borne on by some irresistible power. Fast, fast, they flew over the restOn they sped into boundless space;

less ocean.

on past glorious constellations; on past worlds, dwellings of happy beings, happy in their purity

and still in the image of God; on past worlds marred by evil; on past worlds in shapeless chaos; on into outer darkness; on, without pause or rest, they sped through black gloomy space.

What lurid glare was it that appeared in the distance? As they approached, Riesen observed that it was the reflection from a vast sea of fire, into which flowed many rivers of the same dire element. Its seething waves tossed and roared, and from it there arose, like the hot blast from a furnace, a sound of lamentation, and of wailing and woe.

This fiery ocean passed, they directed their course downwards, and relaxed their headlong speed. It was now that Riesen had leisure to observe that they were passing over a region of so strange an aspect that the sight of it filled him with amazement. It was adorned with groves, the trees of which were of silver and gold, while from their branches hung, instead of fruit, gems and precious stones of all colours. Amid these groves were fountains and cascades of fire, and through them also flowed those rivers of fire which he had before observed to empty themselves into the burning sea.

The effect of the light reflected from all these upon the trees and their fruits, was indescribably dazzling and beautiful. But that which arrested his attention more than all, was the manner in which these strange groves were adorned. Here and there stood groups of figures, carved in white marble; and, as the spirit now alighted, and led him forwards on foot, he had abundant opportunity to regard them attentively. The most terrible subjects had been chosen for those sculptures. Every crime which can be perpetrated was delineated in the almost breathing marble, and the gratification of every evil passion which the mind of man can harbour, was portrayed with a terrible fidelity. Men were represented as gratifying hatred, envy, jealousy, cruelty, pride, and all manner of base lusts, gluttony and drunkenness.

So perfectly executed were the sculptures, that they seemed themselves to perpetrate, instead of representing the perpetration of these crimes. The forms that moved to and fro amid these groves were wringing their hands, wailing and lamenting, while all they saw around them appeared to add to their torments. They, how

ever, took no notice of Riesen or his guide, but were absorbed in deep despair. Then Riesen inquired of the Spirit: "What wonderful gardens are these? Why has the Lord of them chosen such dire subjects for his statues, and why do those who inhabit so rich and wonderful a place abandon themselves to so deep a despair?"

Grimly smiled the Spirit, as he thus replied: "Mortal! ere long, thou will know more of these realms. This is the kingdom of my master, Baal, Prince of Darkness, and all that thou seest is his creation. As for these statues, they are monuments of his triumphs both in thy world and in others. He warreth always against good, and these are innumerable trophies of his victory over it."

"But," exclaimed Riesen, "who designed these fearful subjects ?"

They are the conception of men's hearts," replied the Spirit, with an exulting laugh," the fruits of Baal's cultivation. Dost thou recognise none of them, O man? Look upon yonder

group!"

Riesen started. A shudder ran through him as he gazed. It represented two figures chained