tory. This last apartment is hung with black, sprinkled with
tears, "death's heads," "cross bones," and "skeletons." The throne is
in the East, elevated by seven steps. On the throne is the chair of
state, lined with black satin, flamed with red. Before the chair is a
table covered with black satin, strewed with tears. On this cloth, in
front, is a "death's head" and "cross bones;" over the "death's head"
is the letter I; and under the "cross bones" is the letter M. On the
table is placed a naked sword, a buckler, a sceptre, a balance, and a
book containing the statutes of the order. In the West is placed
another table covered with crimson, bordered with black, and strewed
with tears; on the front of this cloth are the letters N. K. M. K. in
gold.

DRESS AND STATIONS OF OFFICERS.--The "Sovereign of Sovereigns" is
dressed in royal robes, and seated in the chair of state. The
Lieutenant Commanders dressed like the modern princes of Europe, and
seated at the table in the West; their swords are crossed on the
table. The Minister of State is placed at the Sovereign's right hand.
The Grand Chancellor stands on the left hand of the Sovereign. Next to
the Minister of State is placed the Grand Secretary. Next to the Grand
Chancellor is placed the Grand Treasurer. Below the last named
officers are placed on one side the Standard Bearer, the Grand Master
Architect, and the Captain of the Guards. Below these officers are
placed six members dressed in red, without aprons, wearing the jewel
of the order, suspended on the breast by a black ribbon.

COLLAR OF THE ORDER.--The collar is black, and edged with silver. On
its point is embroidered in red a Teutonic cross. On the middle of the
cross is a double headed eagle in silver. The collar is lined with
scarlet, on which is embroidered a black Teutonic cross. Around the
waist is girded a black sash, embroidered with silver. The cross is
embroidered on that part of the girdle which is in front.

JEWEL.--The jewel is a golden Teutonic cross.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATE.--The candidate who receives this degree
must be faithfully examined in the previous degree prior to admission.
The Master of Ceremonies will acquaint him with the pass-word, which
he is to give to the Lieutenant Commander. The Master of Ceremonies
will then lead him to the Sovereign of Sovereigns.

OPENING AND CLOSING.--The Sovereign of Sovereigns says, "Sal ix." The
Lieutenants reply, "Noni." They then together say,