the clan.

The captain himself was a full-sized and rather good looking man, with the
exception of a sinister expression of countenance, which instantly conveyed
the impression:--beware of him! Had Eveline been present, she would
instantly have recognized him as the stranger whom she had seen and heard
in conversation with Duffel.

After he had taken his seat, Duffel was placed in one at his right, and
another of the staff in one at his left hand.

"Is there any unfinished business before the order to-night?" demanded the
captain.

"None," replied an individual who acted as secretary.

"Any reports from committees?"

"I have one from the committee appointed to investigate the charge
preferred against Mayhew, of treason to the order. It is brief, as follows:
The committee, on whom was imposed the duty of investigating the charges
entered against Philip Mayhew, beg leave to report, that they have had his
case under strict advisement, and after a careful examination of all the
evidence, and a patient hearing of his own allegations, found him guilty as
charged. He will give the order no more trouble--his tongue is silenced!

"B. HUBBEL, _Ch'n._"

The report was accepted, and the committee discharged. No other written
report was made, and the captain said:

"The secretary will burn the parchment containing the report just read, in
the presence of all the brethren, that they may know nothing remains on
record, which, under any possible contingency that might arise, could be
used against them."

The paper was burned, as directed, in accordance with the usages of the
order.

"What success have the brethren had in the way of _business_ since our last
meeting?"

"I have taken two horses," said one; "they are both in the stable of the
order."

"I have taken one horse and fifty dollars," said another; and as he spoke,
he walked up and laid down a pile of money on a salver, prepared for the
purpose, in front of the captain. All moneys were placed there for
distribution.

"Well done, Simon! How did you get the money? No foul play, I hope?"

"No, your honor; I was at Louisville, and saw the money paid to a
'subject.' I kept an eye on him, followed him into a crowd, and--put the
money in my pocket."

This brief history of rascality brought smiles to the faces of all present.

"Here are five hundred dollars," said a third, bringing forward the cash;
"it was won at the 'table.'"

Twenty others made similar repor