underworld.

But whether happy or sorrowful, I was always interested, for the
strange contrasts and the ever-varying characteristics and lives
of the inhabitants always compelled attention, interest and
thought. There is much in this underworld to terrorise, but
there is also much to inspire.

Horrible speech and strange tongues are heard in it, accents of
sorrow and bursts of angry sound prevail in it.

Drunkenness, debauchery, crime and ignorance are never absent;
and in it men and women grown old in sin and crime spend their
last evil days. The whining voice of the professional mendicant
is ever heard in its streets, for its poverty-stricken
inhabitants readily respond to every appeal for help.

So it is full of contrasts; for everlasting toil goes on, and the
hum of industry ever resounds. Magnificent self-reliance is
continually exhibited, and self-denial of no mean order is the
rule.

The prattle of little children and the voice of maternal love
make sweet music in its doleful streets, and glorious devotion
dignifies and illumines the poorest homes.

But out of the purlieus of this netherworld strange beings issue
when the shades of evening fall.

Men whose hands are against every man come forth to deeds of