ice, meanness,
cunning, hypocrisy, all excite and feed upon the miserable votary who
works by the task and not by the hour. A man who earns by piece-work
forty shillings per week, the usual wages for day-work being twenty,
robs his fellows of a week's employment; therefore I denounce John
Briars."

"Let it go forth," said the other voice; "John Briars is denounced.
If he receive another week's wages by the piece, he shall not have the
option of working the week after for time. No.87, see to John Briars."

"I denounce Claughton and Hicks," said another voice.

"Why?"

"They have removed Gregory Ray from being a superintendent, because he
belonged to this lodge."

"Brethren, is it your pleasure that there shall be a turn out for ten
days at Claughton and Hicks?"

"It is our pleasure," cried several voices.

"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. 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 torc