No traveller, indeed, appeared satisfied, and whenever their tracks
crossed, the unruly creatures were sure to jostle each other; but let
the accident happen as it would, every man laid the blame loudly on
his neighbour. They had also innumerable disputes concerning the
clouds and meteors of the sky; regarding the dust under their feet;
and more especially touching some glimpses of an azure heaven, which
they caught at times through the western mist. On that subject, the
fierceness of their debates was marvellous, and the clamour
occasionally became deafening; but the brothers observed that the
noisiest traveller generally came quietly out of the one mist, and
disappeared with as little tumult in the other.

'What think ye of these people?' said the stranger, when Christopher
and Hubert had gazed and wondered long.

'They are mad!' said Christopher, 'to give and take such trouble for
no end.'

'What grievous disturbance they make about so short a journey!' cried
Hubert. 'Good stranger, tell us of what Bedlam are they?'

'They belong to all the madhouses of the world,' said the stranger.

'But why are they here?--where are they going?--and what lies beyond
these mists?' cried the brothers in a breath.

'Dear brothers, who were so true and loving of old,' said the
stranger, 'concerning this matter, believe that you will learn
hereafter; for the present, know that this which ye have seen is the
great and busy road of life; but strive to become more wise and