It was by mistake that Mr. World got into this place. The door opened
to admit a few "Unfortunates," as they were called by the attendants,
and Mr. World, standing near by, entered without permission.
He was no sooner inside the door than he was frantically seized by a
sunken-eyed creature.
"O man of health, deliver me from this inner eating and from the grave
that opens to me its mouldy mouth!" was the heart-rending cry that
grated on the ears of Mr. World.
Another, hearing this pleading cry, came rushing toward the same spot
and sobbed piteously:
"Oh! Mr. World, have pity on me! I had help when I had means and
vitality. Oh! give me some relief now."
Mr. World was so terror-stricken that he could not speak, but struggled
with all his might to escape from the place.
He gained double strength, but of no use. These two men imagined that
they had a claim on him by reason of his name, and therefore held on
with tightening grasp. For a moment Mr. World ceased his struggling
and looked at his two pitiable beseechers.
"I can give you nothing. Why torment me thus?" he tremblingly gasped
with abated breath.
"In our better days we gave all we had to the world and now we need
help.
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