servant, the son of Shealtiel, and will make thee as a signet; for I
have chosen thee." [See Haggai, chap. ii. ver. 23.]

Q. What followed? A. We then passed to the fourth Veil, where, after
answering the same questions, and giving the sign, words, and signet
last received, we were admitted to the presence of the Grand Council,
where the High Priest made the same demands as were made at the Veils,
and received the same answers.

Q. What did the High Priest further demand of you? A. The signs from
Entered Apprentice to Most Excellent Master in succession.

Q. What did he then say to you? A. He said we were truly three worthy
Most Excellent Masters, commended us for our zeal and disinterestedness,
and asked what part of the work we were willing to undertake.

Q. Your answer? A. That we were willing to undertake any service,
however servile or dangerous, for the sake of forwarding so great and
noble an undertaking.

Q. What followed? A. We were then furnished with a pick-axe, spade and
crow, and were directed to repair to the northwest corner of the ruins
of the old temple and commence removing the rubbish, to lay the
foundation of the new, and to observe and preserve everything of
importance and report to the Grand Council. We accordingly repaired to
the place, and after laboring several days, we discovered what seemed
a rock, but on striking it with the crow, it gave a hollow sound, and
upon closer examination, we discovered in it an iron ring, by help of
which we succeeded in removing it from its place, when we found it to
be the keystone of an arch, and through the aperture there appeared to
be an immense vault curiously arched. We then took the stone and
repaired to the Grand Council, and presented it for their inspection.

Q. What did the Grand Council then say to you? A. They told us that
the stone contained the mark of our ancient Grand Master, Hiram Abiff;
that it was truly a fortunate discovery, and that without doubt the
vault contained things of the utmost consequence to the craft. They
then directed us to repair again to the place and continue our
researches.

Q. What followed? A. We returned again to the place and agreed that
one of our number should descend by means of a rope, the middle of
which was fixed firmly around his body, and if he wished to descend,
he was to pull the rope in his right hand, if to ascend, that in his
left. He accordingly descended, and in groping about, he found what
appear