gives you
this sign. Yes, my dear brothers, I must begin to call you so, all the
good in this world has been wrought by Freemasons; for those who have
wrought it have all been Freemasons at heart, if not in reality. But
I'll say no more. Brother Weidmann will tell you all. Now go! I must be
off to the castle. It has come at last."

Once up at the castle, the Major wandered about, saying to himself,
over and over again,--

"If the Builder of all the worlds will only suffer me to hold together!
I want this and one thing more, and then I shall be satisfied!"

* * * * *

Men are coming and going; workmen are hammering; the Major's long
cherished wish is fulfilled. There is to be a great Masonic celebration
at the castle, and what a celebration! Eric, Roland, and Adams are to
be received into the order.

From all the surrounding country, men came flocking to the castle. The
Major went with Roland, the Architect with Adams, the Banker, who, with
his daughter-in-law, was visiting at Villa Eden, accompanied Eric. At
the castle, the three separated, and each was taken into a room by
himself. Presently the Major came to Roland, and took away all the
money and jewelry he had about him. Shortly after, men appeared who
bandaged the eyes of each of the candidates. They were then conducted
through long passages, up stairs and down, until they seemed to emerge
into the open air. At last, they were told to stop, and sternly
reproved for venturing to intrude here; but they remained firm.

Roland was comforted by the sound of Weidmann's voice, although it
seemed to come from a great distance. The latter said that their being
led blindfold by friends who saw, signified that they must learn to
trust those who were pledged to afford them guidance and protection in
life. Voices now called out, that it was time to removed the bandages.

"No," cried a powerful voice: "Roland, I cannot admit you."

Roland did not know this voice. What did it mean? What was required of
him?

"Back, back! you stand on the brink of an abyss!" was shouted on all
sides.

Roland's knees shook. The first voice continued,--

"Roland, are you ready to renounce all that you now possess, or will
ever call your own, to become naked, poor, and helpless as you were by
nature? Will you relinquish all your wealth, whether justly or unjustly
acquired? Speak!"

"Speak, speak!" cried a chorus of voices. "Will you become poor?"

"