"No.34, give orders to-morrow that the works at Claughton and
Hicks stop till further orders."
"Brethren," said another voice, "I propose the expulsion from
this Union, of any member who shall be known to boast of his
superior ability, as to either the quantity or quality of work
he can do, either in public or private company. Is it your
pleasure?"
"It is our pleasure."
"Brethren," said a voice that seemed a presiding one, "before
we proceed to the receipt of the revenue from the different
districts of this lodge, there is I am informed a stranger
present, who prays to be admitted into our fraternity. Are
all robed in the mystic robe? Are all masked in the secret
mask?"
"All
"Then let us pray!" And thereupon after a movement which
intimated that all present were kneeling, the presiding voice
offered up an extemporary prayer of great power and even
eloquence. This was succeeded by the Hymn of Labour, and at
its conclusion the arms of the neophyte were unpinioned, and
then his eyes were unbandaged.
Mick found himself in a lofty and spacious room lighted with
many tapers. Its walls were hung with black cloth; at a table
covered with the same material, were seated seven persons in
surplices and masked, the president on a loftier seat; above
which on a pedestal was a skeleton complete.
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