On each side of
the skeleton was a man robed and masked, holding a drawn
sword; and on each of Mick was a man in the same garb holding
a battle-axe. On the table was the sacred volume open, and at
a distance, ranged in order on each side of the room, was a
row of persons in white robes and white masks, and holding
torches.
"Michael Radley," said the President. "Do you voluntarily
swear in the presence of Almighty God and before these
witnesses, that you will execute with zeal and alacrity, as
far as in you lies, every task and injunction that the
majority of your brethren testified by the mandate of this
grand committee, shall impose upon you, in futherance of our
common welfare, of which they are the sole judges; such as the
chastisement of Nobs, the assassination of oppressive and
tyrannical masters, or the demolition of all mills, works and
shops that shall be deemed by us incorrigible. Do you swear
this in the presence of Almighty God and before these
witnesses?"
"I do swear it," replied a tremulous voice.
"Then rise and kiss that book."
Mick slowly rose from his kneeling position, advanced with a
trembling step, and bending, embraced with reverence the open
volume.
Pages:
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388