hes.

"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.

Immediately every one unmasked; Devilsdust came forward, and taking Mick
by the hand led him to the President, who received him pronouncing some
mystic rhymes. He was covered with a robe and presented with a torch,
and then ranged in order with his companions. Thus terminated the
initiation of Dandy Mick into a TRADES UNION.

Book 4 Chapter 5

"His lordship has not yet rung his bell, gentlemen."

It was the valet of Lord Milford that spoke, addressing from the door of
a house in Belgrave Square, about noon, a deputation from the National
Convention, consisting of two of its delegates, who waited on the young
viscount in common with other members of the legislature, in order
to call his particular attention to the National Petition which the
Convention had prepared, and which in the course of the session was to
be presented by one of the members for Birmingham.

"I fear we are too early for these fine birds," said one delegate to the
other. "Who is next on our list?"

"No. 27, -- Street, close by; Mr THOROUGH BASE: he ought to be with the
people, for his father was only a fiddler; but I understand he is quite
an aristocrat and has married a widow of quality."

"Well, knock."

Mr Thorough Base was not at home; had received the card of the delegates
apprising him of the honour of their intended visit, but had made up his
mind on the subject.

No.18 in the same street received them more courteously. Here resided
Mr KREMLIN, who after listening with patience if not with interest,
to their statement, apprised them that forms of government were