f this degree. Most Illustrious strikes three times nine
and declares Lodge open. A triple triangle is placed on a Bible.

LECTURE.--Question--Are you an intimate Secretary? Answer--I am.

Q. How were you received? A. By curiosity.

Q. Explain that. A. Being placed among the guards in the anti-chamber,
a brother, representing the King of Tyre, hastily made his way through
the guards, with a countenance expressive of anger, and entered the
hall of audience, leaving the door partly open; curiosity led me to
the door to observe what passed within.

Q. Was you perceived by them? A. I was. Hiram, King of Tyre, hearing
the noise I made, suddenly turned his head and discovered me. He
exclaimed to Solomon, "My brother, there is a listener." Solomon
replied, "It is impossible, since the guards are without."

Q. What followed? A. Hiram, without replying, rushed to the door, and
dragging me into the Lodge, exclaimed, "Here he is." Solomon inquired,
"What shall we do with him?" Hiram laid his hand on his sword, and
answered, "Let him be delivered into the custody of the guards, that
we may determine what punishment we shall inflict upon him, for this
offence." Solomon then struck on the table which stood before him,
whereupon the guards entered, and saluting the Lodge, received this
order from him: "Take this prisoner, secure him, and let him be
forthcoming when called for."

Q. Were those Guards Intimate Secretaries or Perfect Masters? A. Of
that I was then ignorant, but I am now convinced that I was the first
that was made an Intimate Secretary.

Q. What followed? A. I was conducted out of the hall of audience, and
detained in the custody of the guards, until a second alarm from
within caused them to return with me into the hall; when, the guards
taking their seats around me, I was thus addressed by Solomon: "I
have, by my entreaties, prevailed upon my worthy ally, Hiram, King of
Tyre, whom your vain curiosity had offended, to pardon you, and
receive you into favor, etc.; are you willing to take an obligation to
that effect?" which question I answered in the affirmative, and then
received at the altar the obligation of this degree.

Q. Repeat the obligation (same as Perfect Master). A. Under penalty of
having my body quartered. So help me, etc.

Q. What did the Master then communicate to you? A. He addressed me
thus: "My brother, I receive you an Intimate Secretary, on your having
promised to be faithful," etc., and the