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The Celestial Railroad
Besides,theoldfellowhadenteredsoheartilyintotheancientfeudwithPrinceBeelzebubthathewouldhavebeenperpetuallyatblowsorilllanguagewithsomeoftheprince’ssubjects,andthushaveembroiledusanew.So,onthewhole,wewerenotsorrywhenhonestGreatheartwentofftotheCelestialCityinahuffandleftusatlibertytochooseamoresuitableandaccommodatingman.Yondercomestheengineerofthetrain.Youwillprobablyrecognizehimatonce."
Theengineatthismomenttookitsstationinadvanceofthecars,looking,Imustconfess,muchmorelikeasortofmechanicaldemonthatwouldhurryustotheinfernalregionsthanalaudablecontrivanceforsmoothingourwaytotheCelestialCity.Onitstopsatapersonagealmostenvelopedinsmokeandflame,which,nottostartlethereader,appearedtogushfromhisownmouthandstomachaswellasfromtheengine’sbrazenabdomen.
"Domyeyesdeceiveme?"criedI."Whatonearthisthis!Alivingcreature?Ifso,heisownbrothertotheengineheridesupon!"
"Poh,poh,youareobtuse!"saidMr.Smooth-it-away,withaheartylaugh."Don’tyouknowApollyon,Christian’soldenemy,withwhomhefoughtsofierceabattleintheValleyofHumiliation?Hewastheveryfellowtomanagetheengine;andsowehavereconciledhimtothecustomofgoingonpilgrimage,andengagedhimaschiefengineer."
"Bravo,bravo!"exclaimedI,withirrepressibleenthusiasm;"thisshowstheliberalityoftheage;thisproves,ifanythingcan,thatallmustyprejudicesareinafairwaytobeobliterated.
