A THE SECRET DIRECTORY. A ROMANCE OF HIDDEN HISTORY. BY MADELEIiNE VINTON PAHLGREN. PHILADELPHIA : H. L. KILNER & CO., PUBLISHERS. Copyright, 1896. BY MADELEINE VINTON DAHLGREN. All right* reserved. ILLUSTRATIONS. NO. PAGE I. LETTER OP MAZZINI . . . . .182 II. PICTURE OF MAZZINI . . . 185 III. PICTURE OF VILLA SPINOLA, MARSALA ROCK 214 iv. PICTURE OF GARIBALDI'S VILLA SPINOLA . 218 V. PICTURE OF VICTOR EMANUEL . . 250 VI. FLAG USED IN RECRUITING BRITISH LEGION 257 VII. FROM ORIGINAL LETTER OF ADMIRAL NAPIER 260 (3) 207227; CONTENTS. CHAPTER. PAGE. I. ADONH1RAM. A MARYLAND MANOR ... 7 II. ELSA, THE ZINGARA 30 III. MILES STAND1SH HYPNOTIZED 57 IV. SHIBBOLETH 80 V. THE ROYAL ARCH 108 VI. SEQUENCES OF HYPNOTISM 130 VII. THE MONK AND THE MASON. THE TWO PRIN- CIPLES 153 VIII. THE SECRET DIRECTORY 178 .IX. THE ROBBERY OF A KINGDOM 206 X. MAZZINI, VICTOR EMANUEL, THE BRITISH LE- GION .239 XI. ENTANGLEMENTS 272 XII. CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. THE ULTIMATE 301 (5) THE SECRET DIRECTORY. CHAPTER I. ADONHIKAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. FOUR guests made a small house-party, who were invited to enjoy for a week the hospitali- ties of a quaint old country-seat. These four charming people were so dissimilar in their every characteristic as to be, when brought together under one roof, especially inter- esting as distinctive types. Could the hostess who had made a life-study of character reading have had any such thought in view? The long June day was cloudless and serene, yet the mountain air was so exhilarating that a pedestrian excursion had been chosen in prefer- ence to a drive, or even a ride. The hostess however, was not so energetic as her young friends, and so excused herself. (7) 8 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Elsa Zigi and Captain Adonhiram led the way, while Grace Bellamy and Mr. Standish paused at every moment to admire some new glimpse of the ever-varying views of the far-famed Middletown valley. The old national road wound its serpentine way down a rather precipitous height, from whence enchanting vistas opened new delights. Since that tranquil summer day this beautiful valley has become classic, for the surging tides of deadly conflict have rolled their crimson sacrificial waves over its grassy dells and crested slopes. And yet, now once more, stillness and peace have fallen as a protecting mantle over the scene. Captain Adonhiram was of stature far beyond that of other men, and his splendidly developed frame, muscular, sinewy, lithe and powerful, gave the impression of a re-incarnated Roman gladi- ator, so said Mr. Miles Standish, with a slight, sarcastic intonation, as they saw his great figure sharply outlined in the clear atmosphere of the mountain top, striding, Krakenlike, onward. " That is scarcely just, Mr. Standish," said Grace Bellamy. " The superb poise of that intel- ADONHIRAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. 9 lectual head and the eagle glance of those blue- gray eyes mark the man as something higher than a mere wrestler of the arena. I venture to predict that when that giant shall bestir himself and put forth his strength it will be for power be- yond mere physical struggle." For an instant Miles Standish caught his breath as he looked at the graceful, intelligent and pleas- ing girl who gave such discriminating yet enthusi- astic praise of Adonhiram. " Could she, too, have been dominated by that remarkable man ? " thought he. It was plain to see that Elsa Zigi was en- thralled. Elsa, the passionate, sloe-eyed, capri- cious beauty it was fitting and in the nature of things. But the gentle, gracious Grace, why should the far-stretching dark wing of the condor over- shadow her life ? A week under the same roof and Miles Stand- ish had learned to know what might, perchance, only have been suspected through the whole course of a society season, that he would most particularly like to have Grace Bellamy as his best friend. 10 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Young hearts, a country-house, and mountain witchery are dangerous concomitants. Miles Standish had never been taught self-con- trol, for he was the only, much-petted child of wealthy parents, and since their death he had been quite his own master. Tims his passing fancies made a sort of erratic rule for him ; and as these thoughts beset him he gazed inquiringly at Grace, who was too sensitive not to feel that she was misunderstood. " Before us is an incomparable view," said Miles quietly, " and there is a pleasant seat under the leafy shade of this far-spreading oak. Let us rest here and enjoy the landscape." " Certainly," said Grace, with that refined can- dor, which was one of her chiefest charms. " It always pleases me well to hear you talk, al- though," she added, with a little laugh, "it is said, if not too trite to repeat, that conversation is a lost art." " That is said of conversation, Miss Bellamy," replied Standish, " but if I venture to talk to you about myself, for instance, could you pardon the egotism ? " " I am all attention," said the pretty listener, ADOJS HIRAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. 11 and the clear blue eyes, Miles thought, expressed interest. " Pray, dear Miss Bellamy," continued he, " don't think me namby-pamby when I beg to as- sure you what a great boon it would be to me, a man quite alone in the world, as I uni, if I could hope to be assisted by a good and a high-minded woman. In fact, may I call you Grace, and in so doing make the confession that I am very, very lonely. I am heart-lonely, Grace, and soul- lonely. I feel that I need your friendship, your dear companionship, and I may as well make an open confession and add that I need your love." While listening to this somewhat measured and indefinite love avowal, Grace, with a woman's quick intuition, felt that she was much more ready to give Miles Standish her friendship rather than her heart, and that actually it was a friend that he needed. So she very calmly answered : " We will call each other Miles and Grace, and we will be the very best friends possible, and you may talk to me about yourself whenever your moods tell you that you need my sympathetic confidence." 12 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " Yet," said Miles, taking her hand, and in a pleading tone, " nothing more, Grace ? " " Yes, and no," said she. " For the present it is enough for your happiness and mine. We will begin with a Platonic attachment " 4i Well," said Miles in a manly way, " I deserve to be on trial, Grace, and a probation will doubt- less be salutary, for I have been a woefully selfish fellow all my life, and you must help me, dear Grace, to reach a higher plane." There was silence interrupted by Miles. " Par- don me, Grace," he asked, " but am I not entitled to know this much? Do you love any other man ? " " I have promised } 7 ou my confidence," was the candid reply. " I have given my heart to no man." " Then for the present," said Miles kissing her hand, "I must be content." But he could not help adding, " Not even Adonhiram, Grace ? " Grace laughed. " Adonhiram ! He is a man to wonder at, to admire; but to love, never. He needs no woman's love, nor no man's love either. He needs but himself. He is all sufficient to him- self. He is Adonhiram." ADONHIRAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. 13 " How true, Grace, how discriminating," said Miles admiringly. " This man is indeed a study. He is more than that, he is a mystery. He speaks all the European languages with equal fluency. I have been told in Washington by diplomats that each language he used seemed to be his native tongue; and he is even familiar with the various patois of different countries. As a Harvard man," added Miles, " I can testify to his classical lingual acquirements, for the so-called dead languages he wields as living weapons adapted to his use. Then his large and varied information is surpris- ing ; law, medicine, the natural sciences, litera- ture, he seems alike conversant with. We have men in Washington splendidly equipped in their specialties, but where will you find a mind upon which is mapped out, as it were, the arcana of knowledge ? " I have heard it said that his blond beauty is that of the Dane, but for this there is no evi- dence." " He is cosmopolitan," said Grace. " Have you noticed Miles, that he uses no Christian name, but only signs himself Adonhiram." 14 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " It is true," said Miles ironically, " that he does not add ' RexJ but leaves it to be implied." " Such a man," said Grace, " is ' Rex in esse,' and this is what he means to be, in the sense of being a leader. I have never, Miles, analyzed a character with more curiosity, not even yours," she added with her delicious laugh that had both sense and nonsense in it. " And the analysis, Grace ? " " The result is antithesis, Miles. He is safe, and he is dangerous ; he is daring and he is most secre- tive ; he has terrible passions, held in check for his own purposes. His brain rules his conscience, his ambition, his heart. There are women, Miles, who have all these elemental forces, but their bodies are weak, and thus they lack motive power. But a man with a big body and a big brain can drive ahead." Saying which, made this college- trained New England girl sigh. " Grace," exclaimed Miles enthusiastically, "you ought to be an out-and-out Harvard pro- fessor, and teach logic, metaphysics and applied ethics. This man should feel flattered to claim so much of your attention. Did it ever occur to you that perhaps he was a Prince of Israel of pure ADONHIRAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. 15 descent ? His name is Hebrew and composite. Adon means the Lord, and Hiram the sovereign Master to whom all owe homage." " Why Miles," interrupted Grace, " your re- mark throws a flood of light upon the darkness. I have it. He is a Prince of Conspirators. He is a Grand Master of secret orders. We have no place for him, no need of him in America." " You may be right, brave orator," said Miles. " The only oath, binding on Americans should be, the Constitution ; and for a lover, allegiance to one fair enslaver." And as they rose to continue their walk, they became aware that Elsa and Adonhiram had dur- ing their protracted conversation disappeared from sight. "It is strange," reflected Grace, " that human interests always dominate all other emotions. We have been so occupied with each other and those other two, that we have ignored the passing hour as well as the exquisite views around us." Meantime Adonhiram had walked on so swiftly that poor Elsa was quite breathless as she kept pace with his rapid motion. She even imagined at times that she was being wilfully subjected 16 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. to this sort of treatment, and the mere suggestion sent hot flushes of anger coursing through every vein. " He knows me not," thought she. " This ruler of men, this Samson, may yet be shorn of his proud strength by the woman whose love he sets aside. I love him and love him madly, and yet, fool that I am, I know that he cares not for me. But for all that he must and shall be shackled with chains that will be woven in a network so fine that he can not see them, so strong that he can not break them." And thus thinking as she gazed at Adonhiram, he, unoccupied by thought of her, seemed ab- sorbed in the contemplation of the enchanting scenery around them. "Ah," thought Elsa, "if he would only hate me I could better bear it. Anything but this indif- ference." And so goaded by the swirl of her passionate nature, she exclaimed, " Captain Adonhiram you know much, and I can divine that in the secret conclave of men you are master, but he who bends not to woman's charms, he who seeks not woman's aid, must in the end fail." ADONHIRAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. 17 " Cassandra divineth well," said he unmoved, " but she gives but half the lesson. It is as old as the garden of Eden. Man on account of woman is driven from Paradise, and without her his destiny is incomplete. So with her he is lost, without her he is lost." Thus speaking they came to the steep slope of a shelving hillside where Elsa paused, saying, "Shall we stop here and await our friends? Is not the spot well chosen ? " she added in her rich vibrant voice, as she placed her jewelled hand lightly on that of Adonhiram with a sort of strok- ing, mesmeric caress from which he at once with- drew with a gesture of dissent. But she seemingly unaware of being repelled, now clasping her hands as if communing with the scene before them, said, "How beautiful! Below this voiceful mountain brook is so musical and most graceful as it runs its zigzag course along the grassy dell, enriching to a darker hue the sward of its banks, then scarcely have we seen it than by the caprice of an unexpected turn, it is lost to view." How skilful ! The slight magnetic touch had 2 18 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. failed, but the appeal to that Nature which he loved was responsive. He looked at the fair speaker with a certain approval. He would have been more or less than man could he have done otherwise. How alluring was her pose, a slight yet rounded and svelte figure, a dark olive com- plexion that gave interchanging pallor and color, masses of raven-black hair whose plaited strands were coiffed low in the neck so as to show in clear outline the contour of a shapely head ; and her marvelous eyes shone with a gleam, a depth, a scintillant motion that was weird and almost pain- ful. They were appellant and repellant. Adon- hiram caught their opalescent sheen and for one brief moment his heart throbs quickened and his brain reeled. With a slight shudder he turned quickly away, and was saved. " It is the dreaded evil eye," thought he, " fatal gift of the beautiful temptress. No Egyptian sorcery can work so baleful a spell," and not again did he look at her, although it required all the rare courage of his superb self-control to evade those penetrating, basilisk glances. ADONHIRAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. 19 With secret and increasing rage Elsa knew that she was not only foiled, but that she was under- stood. But she was an actress worthy of the world for a stage, and dissembling her bitterness, bending slightly forward as if enthused by the surrounding scene, she said as she pointed out new beauties, " Look at the rustic bridge under whose faint shadow the brooklet flashes, a mere quivering thread of dancing light. Ah, but one brief span of tempest and these now limpid waters rise surgeful into mountain torrents." " Thank Heaven that it is so," said Adonhiram in the clear tenor of his ringing tones. " Such is life, mild but torrential, its charms ever contrast- ing its sorrows. Motion mirrors the universe. Change is its great sequence." Elsa had inherited a wild and untutored love of nature, and she felt the deeper meaning of this man's utterances. " Your words," she said, " awaken strange moods within me. Pardon if I leave you for a brief space to await the others here, and seek alone the deeper shade of the darker woods below us." There was a narrow path down the declivity, doubtless oft trodden by the pattering bare feet of 20 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. mountain children who attended the schoolhouse in this mountain dell. The school was evidently over for the day, as the door was closed and all was still. The rudely constructed log building was propped up as it were by the supporting buttress of a big outside chimney roughly built of stone. Adonhiram saw Elsa stop for a moment on reaching the cabin and seat herself on the door- steps, slightly bending her head forward as if in deep thought. She made a picturesque figure there, placed in relief against the dark background of forest. " That schoolhouse is well placed," thought Adonhiram. "Nothing in this ravine to distract the attention of the urchins who here thumb the primer of man's device. They can dig away at the root of human acquirements undisturbed. Scarcely will there ever be seated upon those benches any tow headed boy with the impulse to climb to the topmost rung of the ladder whose first step is here planted. No. No. To every herd there is given but one leader." As this ambitious man who had stretched him- self at full length on the ground thus soliloquized, ADONHIRAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. 21 Elsa swiftly walked on and disappeared in the forest depths where with the assured step of one to whom the landmarks were familiar, she soon reached a log hut that leaned against the cleft of an overshadowing high rock. Standing on tiptoe she tapped thrice on the sill of a small window of four panes of glass ; when she at once heard within, the plodding step and careful planting of the cane, upon which a little old woman leaned heavily as she lifted the latch and cautiously held the door ajar. With a quick spring Elsa stood before her, see- ing whom, the old crone uttered a cry of delight, and bending over Elsa's extended hand eagerly kissed the dainty fingers again and again, with ex- clamations of love and respect. " Child of my foster child, joy of my fading eyes, Queen of the wandering tribes, of the noble race of Duke Andrew, love, obedience, homage." So saying the centenarian inclined her head reverently, for she was too stiff with age to kneel. " Mother, give me love," said Elsa, adding bitterly, " I need it," and throwing her arms 22 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. around Gertrude's neck she tenderly embraced her. Amid the gray shadows of the bare room the withered gipsy looked as if Time had ceased to take note of her. She had dried into that pe- culiar parchment, mummy-like look, that moun- taineers acquire who live in the open air, battle with the elements, and far outlive their genera- tion. Her aspect was as if the juices of kindly nature had dried up at their fountain source, and left her to eke out a galvanized life with some undertaker's fluid injected into the distended swollen veins to prevent decomposition. Did indeed the sluggish blood course through that frame ? Gertrude wore a blue stuff short gown with full wide skirt, and a faded red kerchief folded across her breast. Heavy silver hoops hung in the leathery thongs of ears, and around her skinny neck was clasped an amulet necklace of carved .moonstones that gave out a glinting glamour as of the faces of the dead. These grim ornaments placed in strange relief a withered face like a faded hickory nut, lighted with glowing coals of ADONHIRAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. 23 eyes sunk deep in their ashen sockets, yet whose pernicious oblique glances, were full of fire. How weird is extreme old age, when the gates of life stand ajar, and shrouded in sepulchral gloom these centenarians feebly move among the living, ever and anon giving forth some momen- tary uncanny flash of expiring life. And yet in the hard struggle to prolong life and span the centuries, men and women who could strengthen their souls for an upward flight, make of their God-given probationary time, a senseless, selfish record of body-worship. The thin lips trembled as she crooned, "And now may Gertrude go over the borderland, this once to have seen her child and her Queen. But how is this ? Star of our destinies, were you not sent with a fixed purpose to live among the race of the oppressor, and thus thwart the evil eye. How is this that Gertrude is sought for in her cave?" " Mother, I come to say I love you, and also to seek your aid," said Elsa. " I hold the hidden lore at the beck and call qf my sovereign," muttered Gertrude. " Does she seek like Saul of old to raise the sheeted dead ? " " My purpose is not so terrible," gasped Elsa 24 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. with a shudder. " Give me, oh Gertrude, power over the heart and will of man." " Power over the heart of man, Elsa, comes from above. We cannot reach so high. But power over the will of man, yes, we have charms which may lead him to yield this will." " Now all praise to the Zingari lore," cried Elsa. " Tell me quickly the secret, for time presses. Even now they may be seeking me." The old crone trembled violently, as with wail- ing voice and feeble rocking motion of her attenu- ated body, she lamented, "And must my Elsa meet her fate ? Must the evil eye that Haxa laid upon her as she was cradled in the swinging grape vine, and rested on her leafy bed that wild May night, when the old hag danced the Brocken and cast the devil's spell." "But, mother," said Elsa, interrupting her and gently patting her worn cheeks with caress- ing touch. " Hasten. My time is up. Tell me the secret." " Where are you staying, child ? " said Gertrude with concealed cunning, for she hated to give up her lore. "At the big stone house on the top of the hill, ADONHIRAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. 25 a guest with others, and only for a few days," said Elsa. " With the woman who as the world goes, owns the broad acres of the mountain?" asked Ger- trude. " But what care I one jot for their say- so ? " And as the gipsy rose to her feet she held her shrunken figure with a certain dignity of bear- ing quite surprising for one so aged. "If indeed," she continued, "the land as the eye measures it is hers by deed and parchment, it is ours by better right, Elsa, by virtue of the old Zingari title. We know the secrets of its rocks and caves and springs, and deep-hidden veins of richest ore and the sunken threads of its water courses, and its herbs for healing ; all these are ours. Ha, ha, whose deed covers the earth?" Elsa was afraid that extreme old age would, amid all this senile wandering, deprive her of the charm she sought, so she again said, this time with a tone of Command, "Gertrude keep me no longer waiting. I must know, and that at once the charm." Thus commanded by one to whom she owed allegiance, Gertrude reluctantly answered, " The spell, my child, must come from yourself. You 26 THE SECEET DIRECTORY. must will to enslave him. Then add to this strong power all the inward fire of your eye. Be all eye. Put your soul in this look. Hold firm to this silent charm. Then bind his will by slowly moving a finger an inch above the bare skin of his left wrist, or between his eyes above his forehead. While you do this, say three times to yourself the secret word, Abracadabra and then force down his mind to be your slave in whatever you bid him do. Show the Zingari skill, Elsa, to fix his eye firmly, while you make the mo- tions." At this moment as old Gertrude held her gaunt finger uplifted, and her hollow voice resounded through the empty room, Elsa's quick ear caught the sound of her own name reechoing through the forest glades. Placing a small silken purse filled with silver change in Gertrude's torpid hand, she said hurriedly, " Thanks, dear old mother. They call me and I must go at once." " Stay, child," cried the trembling crone, greatly excited, " I have a sure charm to make you un- seen by human eye." " No time, Mother, not now. Work your charms to aid me," and Elsa fled. ADONHIRAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. 27 " Woe, woe, to the race of Zingi," wailed Ger- trude, whose eyes took on a weary, glazed look, and her ashen lips grew rigid. " Woe to my Queen, for Haxa's curse is upon her. She is in the toils, and now I know by this sign that my end draws near. Yet I would not leave this shell, not yet. Eblis, stand back ; one more breath of life. Let me see the future. Elsa, come here. Ah, Eblis, no, that was not in the bond. Spare my Elsa, demon. Quick, the cave where I must die," and so with painful effort she dragged herself to the rock fissure of the rugged wall of stone that formed the farther end of the bleak room ; and as she reached that last bourne, her shrunken body fell under its heavy weight of years, arid the soul went forth, as she uttered with a loud cry, " Spare her, take me in her place, Eblis." She was dead. In the awful mystery of Eternity did not that last unselfish cry of abnegation, of vicarious atone- ment, of self-sacrifice for another, clear away the vast network of superstition, ignorance, race, heredity, and circumstance, that enshrouded this life from its inception to its close ? Did not her spirit stand free from its dire enthrallments? We 28 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. know that an all-wise, an all-merciful God held for her the even-handed scales of justice. Little recking the near tragedy that was being enacted, or mayhap its bearing on her own future, Elsa, swift of foot, hastened to meet those who sought her. Miles Standish and Grace Bellamy had found Adonhiram still stretched upon the ground. He arose as the} r approached, remarking as he did so, " It is restful, this contact with Mother Earth. We are born of her, yet we are to be her masters ; and the nearer one is to her bosom, the more freely she gives to us her secrets." " Where is Elsa ? " asked Grace. " She walks in the forest below," he answered. " She asked to be left alone. Not very compli- mentary, was it ? " he added with a smile. They all laughed at this. " But we must find her," said Grace, and so saying, they all three descended to the ravine, where not meeting her, they called loudly in the woods beyond. As Elsa met them, the usual pallor of her olive tinted cheeks had given place to a rich crimson glow, and there was an indefinable constraint in ADONHIRAM. A MARYLAND MANOR. 29 her manner, so that no one either questioned her or rallied her upon her absence ; and the little party wended their 'way homeward in silence. Were they subdued without knowing it, by the obscure influence of the mystery of life and death that was being enacted at so slight intervening space ? But so prolonged had been this summer's ramble that the sun now cast lengthened shadows athwart the broad expanse of hill and dale. By the time they reached the mountain summit, the heavens above and the valley below, clouds and uplifted cloudland, were alike irradiated by the glorious flood of glowing sunset fires. 30 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. CHAPTER II. ELSA. THE ZINGARA. ON the return of the little party that afternoon, letters awaited them which somewhat changed the plans of Grace Bellamy and Captain Adon- hiram. The Captain in bidding his hostess good night, and thanking her in courteous phrases for all the pleasure her kind hospitality had given him, re- gretted that an unexpected engagement must cut short so agreeable a visit, and compel him to leave in the morning ; indeed it was important that he should take the first train the next day. Grace Bellamy had heard that her mother was not well, and she asked Mrs. Percy if it would be quite right to go to Washington escorted by Cap- tain Adonhiram, as her mother would not approve of her traveling alone. So it was arranged that Captain Adonhiram was to be her escort as Mrs. Percy under the circumstances did not disap- prove. In order to catch the first train they ELSA. THE Z1NGARA. 31 must take an early breakfast, as it was an hour's drive to the station. It was a very sensible rule of this old manor, and one whick proved alike comfortable to hostess and guest, that whenever and at whatever time visitors found it desirable to leave, they were to be provided for without inter- ruption to the general rules of the house. So in this case an early breakfast was to be given, and no one disturbed. Miles Standish was not, as may be imagined, pleased with this new complication. Captain Adonhiram philosophically accepted the inevit- able. Elsa for some unexplained reason seemed content, and Grace was really distressed about her mother, and anxious to go so as to be with her. She was the only child of a widow, and when her father died, who had served his country with dis- tinction in Congress, leaving them free to choose a home that was most agreeable, they had lived long enough in Washington to understand that this beautiful city was the most desirable residence for an American. " How splendid," exclaimed Adonhiram as they rapidly descended the mountain canyon at early dawn the next morning, " the sun rising over the 32 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Maryland hills, beaming as a lover upon his best beloved, blending earth and sky in the rapture of the new awakening, touching with roseate tints the sombre pine forests, receiving the grateful in- cense of the picturesque Potomac as her waters greet his ardent rays in rising mists." " I can sympathize with you, Captain Adon- hiram in your love of nature," said Grace, pleased and surprised at his enthusiasm. " You may think my candor unseemly, but when I feel that my companion has a real appreciation of a beauti- ful view like the one before us, the highest enjoy- Tnent is silence. Words are so inadequate," and her fine eyes expressed the sincerity of her soul. Adonhiram smiled and assented in silence. He felt no fear of her ingenuous regard. " It is strange," thought he, " the passing inter- est this sensible, unaffected girl inspires. She does not care for me and her frankness is engag- ing." Adonhiram had not learned that the indiffer- ence of woman always piques a man. But he had avoided women, and in fact they made no part of a life occupied with the projects, schemes and day- dreams of an. adventurous career. ELSA. THE ZINGAKA. 33 But to return to the old manor which was one of Maryland's colonial homes said to have a his- tory attached to it, and it was e,ven hinted at, that it had a bedroom where one was not sure to pass a restful or an undisturbed night. Elsa had asked Mrs. Percy '" as a special favor " to allow her to occupy this so-called haunted room. Mrs. Percy replied, " You may, my dear Miss Zigi, find the room a pleasant one, and you may not be comfortable in it. The apartment is in itself very agreeable and habitable, but it has, like many queer people, its own idiosyncracies. There ex- ists, if I may so express it, an odyllic atmosphere in the place, which impresses some temperaments but does not affect others. After all it may be simply a matter of nerve perception, but to be frank 1 would particularly advise you not to tempt the surrounding influences whatever they are. I fancy that one of your imaginative disposi- tion might receive some disagreeable impression, and that would be painful to me as your friend and hostess. You may know that this mountain top is not exempt from the thralldom of supersti- tion, although it seems extraordinary that the 3 34 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. imagination of men should pervert that which God has made so beautiful. Yet all over the world the most superb mountain scenery seems to be weighed down by dismal stories of enchant- ments, and apparitions that take place in their midst. This locality has many such legends, that have probably arisen, in part at least, because for a century past it has been a favorite and chosen try sting place of the various gipsy tribes that have come over to America." " You must at least concede, Madarn," said Elsa with an involuntary curve of the lip, which did not escape the notice of Mrs. Percy, "that these people show good taste in the choice of their encampment." Mrs. Percy was aware that there was a mystery connected with the history of Elsa, who had a year previous taken a well appointed house in Washington with a matron as chaperon, of a most respectable family. There were rumors that this beautiful and accomplished girl had a romantic history. Some said that she was of noble lineage, and it was even hinted that she was the child of the morganatic marriage of a reigning Prince. Then again, others said that she had been stolen ELSA. THE ZINGARA. 35 by gipsies when an infant, and after some years liberated for a large ransom by a parent now de- ceased. Gipsies, however, had been seen at her house, ostensibly for fortune-telling. But as after all the only social cloud under which Elsa labored, was the ignorance of society as to her parentage and early surroundings, there was much in her favor to counterbalance this misfortune. She was handsome, of distinguished bearing, a most accomplished linguist, a graceful dancer, vivacious, and perfectly au fait as to all the convenances. Now Mrs. Percy had an assured position in Washington society, and she had what was more rare than social success, a kind heart and chari- table opinion of others. Perhaps at times she was unduly influenced by her feelings, and not suffi- ciently cautious. The sort of half sneer, the cutting innuendo, which she had heard applied to both Adonhiram and Elsa, had decided her with her usual gener- ous impulses to treat them both with particular consideration, and she always held an invitation to her country-seat as the most special compli- ment it was in her power to bestow. 36 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " To invite one's friends to dine with you in town, is a mark of respect," she would say, "but to ask them to make one of a family party at your country home is the most flattering compli- ment one can give : " and this is true, for the rural home is the home where one lives a real life ; but in the city one is transplanted, not growing into the soil with deep roots, but rather adapting oneself to extraneous conditions. As to Captain Adonhiram, he had appeared in Washington, it is true, rather suddenly ; but he came well introduced, bringing some very good letters of introduction to various well-known peo- ple there, and one in particular to Mrs. Percy from an English friend whom she greatly re- spected. These credentials were accepted and his personal accomplishments made him a very much sought for addition to society. But society is vastly more lenient toward men than women. In Washington any man once accepted by the coterie of fashion 'is in great danger of being quite spoiled by the endless invitations and attentions he receives. If he happens to be what is called a " ladies' man " he is inevitably ruined so far as to any future career of usefulness ; and for any edu- ELSA. THE ZINGARA. 37 cated American to lose the opportunity that the movement of the age gives him, is to say the least, a great misfortune. Fortunately for Adonhiram, but unfortunately for the so-called elite, he was confessedly indiffer- ent to women. He was seen at the best houses, and was naturally a conspicuous figure in a draw- ing-room, but it was observed that his time was given to men. By that spirit of contrariety which governs swelldom, this seeming apathy to feminine attrac- tions, made him malgre lui, an immense success. Society girls were determined to overcome his unconcern ; and while these capricious women turned coldly away from the immaculately gotten- up Mr. Nimbleshanks who would have bartered soul and body to win their favor, they lavished unheeded attentions upon Captain Adonhiram. Mrs. Percy was fastidious and conservative, and had invited these two persons about whom after all she knew very little, to her 'country house for the reasons given. After the conversation about the haunted chamber, Elsa still desiring to occtip}^ it, was duly installed, Grace venturing to peep in at the 38 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. gloaming hour in hopes, she said, of seeing Elsa carried up the wide-throated chimney on a broom stick ; and the assembled company each evening demanding the recital of thrilling adventures. Elsa's fertility of invention on these occasions was deemed quite surprising, as she had never hesitated when so called upon, to narrate some weird story to which even Adonhiram had listened with interest. He however had the impression that the fair raconteuse must at some time have had a close view of the wild and wandering life she so accur- ately described, of the perilous adventures of nomads of different countries. Yet all the story-telling skill of these stirring recitals would have produced a less thrilling sen- sation than the simple accounts of her nights in this room had she chosen to give them. Her mystic Zingari blood of lineal descent of the mythical Duke Andrew on her mother's side, her early training in the traditional occultism of the Zingi, her own turbulent, passionate nature, alike placed her as one who rests uneasily on the confines of the undefinable border land, rather than amid the actual world around her. In Elsa's infancy, a wise old Doctress of the ELSA. THE ZIKGARA. 39 Zingari had with many incantations and the ob- servance of their most solemn rites, given a horo- scope of the babe that caused much dismay, being received as true by the tribe. It was declared that she had one unlucky night fallen under the evil eye of Haxa who was their enemy, and that in the course of their wan- derings a great calamity was in store for her. As on account of her lineage many hopes centred on her future, the fates were again solemnly consulted when she attained womanhood, and the result was an oracular admonition which had been literally complied with by her leal sub- jects, although an unheard-of proceeding among the Zingari. The oracle commanded that Elsa's identity must for a time be veiled in order to elude the dis- astrous effects of the evil eye ; that she must be carefully instructed as a woman of high breeding should be, and during the terms of years when she was thought to be in clanger, she was to be placed under the trammels of conventional life. It was true that some of the old women shook their heads, and thought it the worst omen of all, when a Zingara princess was to be taught 40 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. other than the time -honored Romany lore ; but the influence of old Gertrude, foster mother to their Queen, prevailed, and Elsa was put in the bondage of civilized customs and another life. As might have been expected, the untamed instinct of her Zingara blood asserted itself in spite of all culture, and until Elsa had lost her wayward heart to Adonhiram all unsolicited by him, she had chafed sorely under the restraints of her surroundings. She would have been far happier leading the old tribal life and ruling her people now that her mother, the Queen, was dead, according to their own customs. It is scarcely to be wondered at then, if some uncanny Presence filled that chamber as soon as Elsa occupied it. To all things of noxious growth there are needed peculiar conditions for the fungus develop- ment ; and why not apply this principle to potencies invisible perhaps, but none the less in existence, or at least liable to be called into active operation by certain agencies. Whatever it was, there was an affinit} r in her nature that strongly developed the power of the ELSA. THE ZINGARA. 41 unseen, if spirit there was, imprisoned in that room. She was en rapport with the invisible, and actually revelled in the manifestations of an oc- cult agency that would have terrified others. There were the knocks clear and distinct and these rappings repeated thrice at intervals ; then stifled sighs and hard breathings that fanned her flushed cheeks ; aural phosphorescence that flashed in blue lights mid air ; and the sound of filter- ing sand which, striking a large mirror, would seem to break and fall in drifting masses. Surrounded by these disturbances her elfish na- ture was in its element. " I would not have missed this excitement," she said to herself, "for in the dreary tame life I am at present forced to lead, it stirs my blood and does me good. And I am well content to be sure of myself, and to assert my vital force. I can all the more surely wield the electric power Ger- trude bade me use. Did she not remember that the evil eye is my own proper birthright, if I choose to cast the spell ? " And so each night she willed herself to sleep, only she was careful to keep a light burning. Still she was in a manner conscious of troubled 42 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. dreams, and once even she was startled upon a sudden awakening, to feel an oppression on her chest that almost benumbed her energies. " Was this in the vast steppes of Russia," she thought, " I would fear the murderous and stealthy vampire ; but not here, no, not here." But in the midst of all these surroundings, that which really absorbed her thoughts was the rag- ing desire she had t(3 secure an influence over Adonhiram. To this end various projects were mentally discussed and each in turn abandoned. Finally the resolution to consult Gertrude was carried out, with what result we have seen. She was familiar with South Mountain forests, and she knew that Gertrude had retired to the cave-house where she rested secure. " The fools," soliloquized Elsa, " the cowardly idiots fear that den is haunted, and one might burrow there and be let alone till doomsday. And Gertrude is cunning and boasts of her charms to bring on spells, wasting, bad luck, and falling sickness ; and they deserve it all, the dolts, to let one poor old woman scare them so. Ha, ha," and the echoing walls said, " Ha, ha." After Elsa had that interview with Gertrude, ELSA. THE ZINGAEA. 43 she formed a strange and subtle plan, and as she was puzzled how to bring it about, the unexpected de- parture of Grace and Adonhiram, leaving her for a day alone at the Manor with Miles Standish, as- sisted her to carry her wish into execution. One has only to watch the currents and under- currents that direct human actions and the course of affairs taken at the ebb and flow of the great tide of events, to find that there are two things certain, two great factors. There is the over- ruling Providence of God for good, but there is also permitted for those who invite it, a very busy devil who appears at the needed moment to con- summate evil ends. If one but glances at the sickening details of crimes, of robberies, riots, murders, and all the horrid catalogue of depravity, it is awesome to notice, how inevitably opportunity aids the daring and the wicked. Thus low intrigue exists through that league with the powers of darkness that creates opportunity ; red handed violence has as its high abettor opportunity ; and thus also great achievements of pith and high purpose wait on op- portunity. Surely there is a God ; and there is as surely a personal devil. 44 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. In this wise, while Elsa was plotting how to ensnare Miles Standish that she might use him for her purpose, her familiar presented the oc- casion. She had despaired of gaining a magnetic in- fluence over Adonhiram, and understood that he too had the Oriental wisdom. She had tried mesmeric passes over his hand and been repulsed ; and he had turned away from her hypnotic glances and repelled her. This failure had decided her to try other methods to acquire power over this im- penetrable man. Elsa had skilled detectives among her intriguing subjects, and she had placed the most adroit to watch over Adonhiram's movements. Jealousy had at first prompted her, but it was soon evi- dent that she had no feminine rival. What then occupied the time not given to so- ciety by Adonhiram ? It was found that this man was most" high in command of secret orders, was of venerated position in Europe, and had doubtless come over to this country on a tour of inspection, and to unify and consolidate interests. If, as Kossuth declared, there must be a " soli- ELSA. THE ZLNGARA. 45 darity of humanity" how much more did the menacing activity of the age require a closer solidarity among the oath-bound. Behold the mission of Adonhiram. Truly had the loyal heart of Grace Bellamy spoken, when in her clear per- ception of this man's character she had said to Miles Standish, "America has no need of him." Having found out where there was a lodge that Adonhiram frequented, Elsa conceived the bold idea of hypnotizing Miles Standish, forcing him under the irresistible power of her will to attend these secret conclaves, and then make him report to her their proceedings. Thus having acquired the oath-bound secrets, and become acquainted with the dreaded mys- teries, she would threaten Adonhiram with an ex- posure which would be directly credited to him. She fondly hoped that in order to avert this dangerous scandal, he would be willing to unite their fortunes. None but the leader of a predatory nation would have dared this hazard, or hoped to escape with immunity for herself, in the entanglement of such a labyrinthine maze. "But," soliloquized she, "these sworn bands 46 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. reck not that the Zingari fear nothing. Have we not at our beck and call a legion of the fallen ? Do we not also, as they do, dwell in mystery and darkness ? Are not our homes if need be, in deeply riven caverns more sacredly concealed than their so-called mystic shrines? These know the bewilderment of words, for did they not spring into shape when the tower of Babel fell, and Phaleg, its impious architect, thought to scale the Heavens another way. Thus he reared a tower not built with hands, but cemented by obscure rites." Then rapturously carried onward by her heated imagination, she would dream of success, of re- uniting all the Zingari tribes in some far-off isle of the Eastern ocean, where as Sovereigns they could create an empire. "An august throne," she cried, "and enthroned by my side this majestic demigod, with absolute power of life and death. " Then shall we restore the hieroglyphic lore of Egypt, enter the forbidden domain of another world, subdue to our bidding the invisible hosts of the fallen, learn the hidden laws that control the animal kingdom, be like primal man rein- ELS A. THE ZINGARA. 47 stated as masters over all, but not like Adam and Eve were, subject to law. "We will be a law unto ourselves, and we shall have wrested the kingdom from Satan. " To gain all one must dare all. "And having dared all, in order that our Elysium may be endless, why not seize the ethereal fluid, master the principle of life, subdue the motive power, that ether which until now ever eludes and deludes, and gain for ourselves an im- mortal existence ?" Ah, crazed Elsa, these were the reflex thoughts of that fallen archangel who lost his seraphic estate through pride and ambition, who dragged a part of the angelic hosts downward in his fall, and who will never cease to entrap the unwary until the end of Time. Ah, poor Elsa ! And do not these raving aspirations embody the cravings, the license, the unbridled expecta- tions of this nineteenth century ? Behold in our very midst the prototypes, the cold assumptions of absolutism, the scoffings of so-called science against creative power; the impious uses of pre- ternatural forces, and the absence of humble trust in God. 48 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. But it was after all so slight a thing to bend Miles Standish to her purpose. She measured exactly what he was and who he was. She knew that the very strength of a New England man, of a Harvard man if you will have the fruit of the flower of Puritanism in its quintessence, was its weakness. To explain the seeming antithesis: He is a man trained to deify human intellect. He is taught to believe that under the protecting aegis of Minerva he is safe. Natural law is the golden calf of his worship. To this test he submits all things ; the natural, the preternatural, and the supernatural must all be welded into one ; and he accepts the lowest order of the universe as the final limit. His studied incredulity having deprived him of the higher law as a guide and sheet anchor, he easily falls into the snare of his own narrow con- clusions. And if forsooth, glimpses of that over- ruling higher law which he rejects reach him, still stooping to the contracted tests of natural law, he is adrift and makes shipwreck. Thus we see to our amazement, the acceptance of pagan ideas that have been weighed and found ELSA. THE ZINGARA. 49 wanting through the ages. What a curious pro- cession of shades comes up out of this recurrence to Orientalism. Theosophy, science of natural healing, mind reading, spiritualism lifted up for worship. Dangerous hypnotic influences are tam- pered with, so that the divine gift of free will may be enchained. Oh, poverty of human intelli- gence ! Why barter for this mess of pottage the sublime gift of faith in revelation ? When shall the learned learn that pride of intellect narrows the vision, and lucid humility alone dispels dark- ness and doubt. This gipsy girl knew that this educated man through not fearing to fall, would fall. Mrs. Percy breakfasted with her two remaining guests who were also to leave her on the morrow. As the understood custom of the house was to enjoy a home-freedom, she excused herself after this informal meal for an hour's quiet reading in the library, making the suggestion to her young friends that they should seek the pleasing calm of a woodbine covered arbor which was placed on a height near the Manor, so as to command an ex- ceptionally fine view of "the clustered spires of Middletown." 4 50 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " Only," she added with a tone of warning in her voice, " pray be careful after you leave the lawn and reach the entangling verdure of the for- est, to look out for snakes." " There would seem," said Miles, " to be now, as in primal days, a hidden danger in paradisaical delights." " It is true," sighed Mrs. Percy. " Safety no- where exists; so be warned." Was Mrs. Percy prophetic? Half an hour later found the two seated within the leafy screen in rustic armchairs, and spread out at their feet the enchanting view of Middle- town valley. This vale of Rasselas, enshrined by distant hills with their harmony of noble out- line, shaded by the nearer effects of vivid color- ing, and yet again relieved by picturesque con- trasts of placid and restful repose, was most fair. And for a space of time they enjoyed in silence this enchanting prospect. "The scene attracts," said Elsa, " with a mag- netism one feels, but can scarcely define. It is allied doubtless to that subtle mesmeric force of which one hears such surprising tilings." "I have no special interest in those phases of ELSA. THE ZINGARA. 51 phenomena," replied Miles carelessly. " Like quack medicines there is too great a risk in what is con- cealed." " The hypnotic power," said Elsa, " is said to work wonders, and control both physical and mental conditions. I suppose you are afraid of it." " Scarcely," answered Miles, somewhat nettled as every man gets, where the word fear comes in. " Why should I fear," he added, " any philosoph- ical investigation ? " " Perhaps not exactly as a science," replied Elsa. " I rather meant that you were a coward where practical tests would be tried." " Confound the girl," thought he. " What does she take me for ? " and he answered, " Of course not. If there is anything real in this influence, it must proceed from some use of electricity ; and if one chooses to try it, well, why not ? " " My ignorance is so great," said Elsa. " You must pardon me ; but I thought for instance a man might refuse to give up his will. Suppose for ex- ample that I, not knowing how to go about it, should try to hypnotize you. Could I do it unless you consented ? " and she fixed upon him the full 52 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. power of her remarkable eyes that shone and sparkled with scintillant light. " I should rather say not," said he mockingly. " I would like to meet the person who could mag- netize me without my consent," and he bent a curious regard upon Elsa at that moment. Miles had really but one image in his heart, and the thoughtful honest blue eyes of Grace held him captive, but as he met the flashing gaze of this siren, he felt strangely stirred to respond to their magnetic appeal. Elsa read his hesitancy, in the vacillation of his eye, when seizing his listless hand she begged him with irrepressible ardor to satisfy her curiosity and give his consent. Miles, no longer a free agent under the fascinat- ing power of that intense look, seemed somewhat bewildered and thrown off his guard ; and very foolishly answered " Do as you wish." Instantly she arose and with a sort of trium- phant sweep of her arm, she drew her finger over his forehead between the eyes, then taking his hand made the movements over the wrist, nor did her superstition allow her to forget the three repetitions of the mysterious Abracadabra, ELSA. THE ZINGAEA. 53 At the very first pass, Miles experienced such a tingling unpleasant sensation that his impulse was to object resolutely and assert himself. But a false shame held his resolution in check, and in the instant he hesitated, he was lost. A minute later, and the first shock was suc- ceeded by a spellbound lethargy. His ideas be- came confused, and he was painfully aware that his own identity was mixed up with that of Elsa in a way that deprived him of his individuality. The terrible thing, too, about this peculiar pain was, that although he feared the danger, he had absolutely no power of will to escape it. Like an ensnared bird under the deadly glare of the Coluber he was transfixed. He seemed to be striking out into space for the tangible, with- out any object to hold on to. "Am I dying?" he thought. " Yet no,'* he whispered, " I am my- self if I could but escape that phosphorescent gleam ;" to which his will answered, "Submit." Then Elsa spoke, and her cruel, cold voice, sounded to his dull ears as if from some great height, and she loomed way above him with a pale aureole shimmering around her head ; and her eyes, those awful eyes, shone down upon his 54 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. dimmed senses like frozen, fixed stars. They were burning cold. And as she spoke he received her words abjectly as commands. " Miles Standish," she said, " you will return instantly to the house, and say to Mrs. Percy that you are unexpectedly called away. Go at once to Washington. To-morrow I will meet you there. Call upon me at two o'clock. Make no other visits. Say not a word of this. Otherwise and in other things, you are a free agent till we meet. Go." She knew that her victim must remain hypno- tized until she reversed the magnetic passes and declared him free. So they parted. Poor Miles ! poor Miles ! That evening as they sat alone, Mrs. Percy could not but express her surprise and displeasure, at the strange lack of courtesy in what she con- sidered was the uncalled-for departure of Mr. Standish. " Indeed," she added, " he is the last man of my acquaintance whom I would expect could act in such an inexplicable way, for he was always care- ful and even punctilious as to all conventional ELSA. THE ZINGAKA. 55 points, in fact, I thought Mr. Standish a gentle- man." " A man in love, dear Mrs. Percy," said Elsa, laughing, " is a man in dreamland, and no longer a responsible agent ; and when Grace Bellamy left I fancy he also left in spirit;" and again she laughed very cheerily, but in some way Mrs. Percy felt repelled. As Elsa was to go at dawn the next day, she bade Mrs. Percy good night at an early hour, and declared to her with profuse thanks that she could never, never forget old South Mountain. When at last alone in her room, with uncon- trollable joy she swung her arms aloft and swayed her lithe body to and fro, with the wild movement of the fetish dancers, and in jubilant mutterings she repeated, " Thanks, Gertrude, thanks for the easy victory over the will of man. It was child's play. Avaunt, old Haxa. I hold my destiny in my own hands in spite of your hellish charms. I defy you and your brood." So saying, as she stood with menacing gesture and dishevelled hair before a swinging cheval- glass, her attention was arrested by a strange film that slowly gathered over the surface of the mir- 56 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. ror, when presently she saw distinctly outlined in its dim depths the aural form of Gertrude. It bent toward her with a nod of assent, then with a piteous wail dissolved into the ambient air. Elsa's face blanched; her trembling limbs re fused to support her, and she sank to the floor sobbing, " Now I know that Gertrude is dead." Was this an apparition, or an exaltation of an unduly heated imagination ? MILES STANDISH HYPNOTIZED. 57 CHAPTER III. MILES STANDISH HYPNOTIZED. E left Miles Standish under the very depress- ing influence of a new phase of cerebration, of which he was at the same time conscious and un- conscious ; that is, that the extent of hypnotic power to which he was subjected did not disturb other mental processes, except those impelled by positively imposed conditions. Until now, whatever may have been his opin- ions, or their bearing on his actions, he had al- ways been free to shape his conduct according to his own judgment. By inheritance, early train- ing and education, he was the logical sequence of a century of assertive force and of vigorous pro- test. His parents came of the staunchest Puritan- ism of New England. His mother proudly re- ferred to the first record of her race in America, as of one " John Winston, of Lynn, Gentleman," of a Huguenot family, who came over in 1648 ; but 58 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. the claim of his father bore the patent of May- flower ancestry, and lie loved to call his son Miles Standish the ninth. One would suppose that without titular distinc tions or a law of primogeniture, it would be diffi- cult to plant a family tree with deep roots in re- publican soil ; but such is not the case. It would rather seem that the highly oxygenated air of America is favorable to the spreading out of this particular tree to extraordinary dimensions, the prolific roots branching in the circumambient. Yet the men of the house of Standish, like in- numerable other scions of countless other old houses, had long ceased to hold to their tradi- tions ; and the bigotries of their forebears had crumbled into dust with their skeleton frames. As a matter of fact, out of the most rigid intoler- ance grew the worship of individualism. The new evangel proclaimed absolute liberty of thought, and entire freedom from all trammelling prejudice, and the rejection of the restraints of re- ligious creeds. The dictum of no man or bodies of men was to be received unchallenged, because it emasculates the intellect to be subservient. The revolt against Puritanism is typified by Inger- MILES STAND1SH HYPNOTIZED. 59 soil, whose Salem ancestors were of the strictest witch-ridden sect. Thus the denial of supernaturalism brings about the deification of private judgment. Miles lisped no prayers at the knee of his intel- ligent, wide-awake mother, who held so-called "ad- vanced" ideas; but he was taught from infancy by her, to think for himself, and try to be true to his own convictions. He was of Plato and Socrates, but not of the supernatural grace of Christ. As a child he was a lover of books, but was not dictated to in the choice of that which he read, although his mother did quietly put in his way her favorite authors, thus unwittingly violating her own rule of keeping the mind of her son free from bias. As a result of this mistaken course, Miles who was a student, grew up to be a thinker without a guide ; a mariner in life's ocean without chart or compass ; an original-minded man, perchance, who wished indeed to become a thought -leader, without himself knowing whither the mighty trend of affairs was directed. It was Phiethon driving the chariot of the Sun. 60 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Now, like Phsethon, alas, he had fallen into abysmal depths. Viewing Miles Standish as he had been, and Miles Standish as he now found himself, was most lamentable. His boast had been that he was free, and he was now in fetters. His special pride had been self-assertion ; and he was now by an act of his own free will held in abject, unreasoning, un- questioning compliance to the will of another. When in forced obedience to the voice that he had chosen to obey, Miles Standish turned away from that fateful South Mountain arbor, with slow and toilsome steps, he felt incapable of self- control ; and tumultuous emotions that tossed him to and fro, invaded the hitherto calm of his inner consciousness. Had he the power to analyze his sensations ? His moral perceptions were in a state of exalta- tion which made his protest against himself all the more painful. In bitter soliloquy lie asked himself, "Have I a double consciousness? Am I divided against myself? Bodily I feel as if I were floating in space, and these cold hands over which accursed passes were made, seem as if manacled in aural light, and chained by electric MILES STANDISH HYPNOTIZED. 61 force to do the bidding of her malefic, adamantine will. And back of this divided dual self, looms up a third consciousness, my accusing soul. " Oh, my soul, shall I implore that God whom until now I have ignored, to spare from the rav- ages of mesmeric power that immortal principle of my being ? Never before, oh God, have I so earnestly desired to guard the sacredness of my will." What a distressing night of strange and sad bewilderment ! And on the morrow at two o'clock he knew he must once again be at the beck and call of his tormentor. " Oh, my God," he groaned, " in pity have mercy and save me from myself." Thus at last in his awful dereliction in spite of all the axioms of philosophy, his hitherto dormant soul strove to rise to its Creator; for with free- will surrendered, stripped by a suicidal act of this Godlike gift, he knew his own powerlessness. And yet, how lightly are the evils attendant upon a yielding up of one's will considered. It is of frequent occurrence for an audience to watch with morbid curiosity, the vapid humiliations to which some selected unfortunate is subjected, 62 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. after he has relinquished his power of self posses- sion, and in place of such control, the mesmeric or hypnotic force of another will is displayed. It does not seem to be understood as a degradation to be stripped of the highest attribute of one's being. And why is so painful an exhibition of impotency tolerated ? Surely even from a scien- tific standpoint the dangers outweigh the benefits hoped for. Have we not already an evidence of this in the annals of crime ? The evening of Miles Standish's arrival in Washington, he was too dejected and perturbed to seek Grace Bellamy. He longed to meet the dear girl, and lie felt that he must derive conso- lation in presence of her clear intelligence ; yet he recoiled at the idea of meeting her in his pres- ent helplessness, and he asked himself if it were possible in the midst of such complications, to bear the calm and penetrating glances of those soulful eyes? During that night his sleep was filled with the disturbing potencies of eyes; the blue orbs of Grace looked upon him upbraiding him, but domi- nating their influence, was the all-pervading sheen of that basilisk gaze to which he ever seemed to MILES STANDISIt HYtNOTl2Et>. 63 succumb. At the moment that he was falling into cavernous space, hurled downward by flaming lobes of odylic light darting from Elsa's eyes, he would once more be sustained by the lambent flame and starry depths, of the heaven-sent eyes of Grace. And thus he awoke unrefreshed, having been agitated by the contending forces within him in sleep. With the uprising day, Miles Standish shook off the nightmare of darkness, and the electric sunbeams gave him something of the vitality he required. He gained the needed courage to de- cide to seek Grace, and confide to her his vast trouble, to advise with her ; and though shrinking at the thought of her contemptuous estimation of his vacillation, to beg her to assist him to throw off this dangerous and malign influence, that had been cast over him owing to his own heedless- ness. Fearing that if he made a haphazard call he might fail to see her, he wrote and dispatched a note at an early hour, begging an interview at such time as would best suit her convenience, not forgetting to inquire as to the state of her mother's 64 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. health, and he instructed his messenger to ask if there was an answer. Yes, there was a reply ; not exactly the dainty perfumed note a woman of fashion might send, but one written in legible well-formed characters, enclosed in a substantial square envelope, and it said : "DEAR MR. STANDISH : " Thanks for your kind en- quiries. Dear mother is very ailing, and the doc- tor advises that we leave town at once. I am very busy preparing for our hurried departure, as we wish to take an afternoon train. I shall be happy to see you at two o'clock, which is the only hour I can well command. Meantime " I am very sincerely yours, " GRACE BELLAMY." The pleasurable anticipation of the near meet- ing drove away all disquiet for the moment, and the morning hours went lightly by, Miles Stand ish only listening to the promptings of the heart, a lover's heart filled with but one image ; and tlie functions of memory were so impaired, that he even forgot why he had particularly needed to seek Grace. MILES STANDISH HYPNOTIZED. 65 He began too, mentally to make plans for the summer, depending on the movements of the woman who was so dear to him, and quite ready to follow her so soon as he could know where she was going. Strange to say his .mind sym- pathized and felt unclouded, for the happy thoughts that enlivened his imagination chased away previous gloom. In fact under the magic hypnotism of love, he quite forgot that he was no longer his own master. Thus, as the fated hour of two drew near, and Miles Standish was about to meet his engagement, he was suddenly overwhelmed, as a note delicately inscribed and perfumed, was handed to him. As he received the unwelcome missive, it brought with it the terrible realization of his slavery, and the painful recollection that at two o'clock he was compelled to meet his fate. The contents were already divined, and the unfortunate man scarcely needed to open the en- velope and read : " Be prompt to meet your obligation at two precisely, as I shall then expect you, and brook no delay. ELSA." 5 66 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. And now so strong was the effect of the im- posed cerebral condition, and so earnest the dis- sent of his intelligence against the tyranny of this dominating force, that a sort of extasis was pro- duced, and Miles Standish experienced a phenom- enon that is said to be peculiarly incidental to the dying, and his mind in its absorption seemed to be raised from his body, and he beheld himself double. The superior nature led by the alarmed soul be- came spontaneously clairvoyant, but it found it- self powerless to offer the necessary resistance, in- asmuch as all the organs formed for the subtle expression of the internal life of the spirit, all the senses that gave the only external communication through which the inner being could act, were under the absolute rule of the will; and that will, alas, he had given up to the hypnotic power of another will. The supremacy of free will controls the senses, the heart, and the soul of man, and woe betide the hour when this highest prerogative is violated. Then indeed the citadel falls, and the enemy en- ters in. Satan knows this. He knew it when he thereby compassed the primal fall. MILES STANDISH HYPNOTIZED. 67 Doubtless ill the interminable history of crime, the initial point can in every instance be found, where the will yielded to some outward sugges- tiveness of evil. The scriptural cases of possession stand upon the record of the nineteenth century, and who shall deny that they have ceased to exist ? The will is dethroned, and devils enter in and take possession. Possession of what? Of the will of man ; and what occurs ? chicanery, robbery, lust, rapine, murder. And who are the world's lead- ers ? The men of iron will. They magnetize the natious and own the earth. Thus with anguish such as only the lost soul may measure, and in the very dereliction of deso- lation did this miserable man mechanically wend his way to meet the tyrant power he had so heed- lessly accepted. He now comprehended that during life his soul was twofold in action ; one connected with the body that was being dragged along he knew not whither, deprived of its Godlike motor, and the other function separate from everything corpo- real. " Oh," he groaned, " could I but be released 68 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. from this damnable prison, I would hasten to pro- claim to the world the hideous dangers that do environ the heedless who submit to the mesmeric and hypnotic influence. Through its accursed power the Faquirs of India allow themselves in the trance state thus produced, to descend into living tombs. And this with them bears the mis- nomer of religious fervor." Still revolving these desperate thoughts in his heated imagination, he found himself in Elsa's presence. The Zingari race have an inherent love of dramatic effect, and Elsa had arrayed herself in some filmy tissue of India ; fold upon fold of web- like softness, encompassing her svelte and grace- ful figure, clasped with a scarlet cincture, golden fringed around her waist. A thread of gold, cres- cent shaped, confined the raven luxuriance of her braided tresses, giving in its mystic shape, a strange Pythian suggestiveness. The open windows of the large salon were darkened by closed Venetian shutters, and the rather dim uncertain light, was a welcome relief from the broad glare of the hot sun of June. The deadly pallor of Miles Standish and the MILES STANDISH HYPNOTIZED. 69 change wrought by twenty-four hours of mental agony was an evident surprise to Elsa, who had at first advanced with imperious mien and fixed gaze to meet her victim. She was quite unprepared to find so spiritual- ized an expression, with features sharply drawn and the introverted look that had taken the place of the whilom careless nonchalance. His countenance was more refined, and he was so interesting in this new phase to Elsa, that for a brief moment her grim designs upon the integ- rity of his character, faded or rather mellowed, into a personal regard for the man. She involun- tarily asked herself why a senseless passion for Adonhiram who avoided her, should make her so cruel to this charming boy ? The momentary weakening of her own will, as exercised over him, gave an instantaneous reflex power to his will, and he felt a thrill pervade his frame as if his confining deadening bonds were being loosened, and this sensation imparted a sym- pathetic upspringing movement to his soul. Under the influence of this renewed vital force, he gained the courage of remonstrance ; and kneeling before her as a captive in chains, he im 70 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. plored her to be merciful and restore him to him- self. As she passively listened to the eloquent appeal, Miles was conscious of some influx of his own will power, and he redoubled his en- treaties. " I beg you, as you yourself may hope for mercy hereafter," he urged, " be generous and make the reverse passes and set me free. Give me back to myself that I ma} r once more become my own master. Even at this very moment I have an un- fulfilled engagement with Miss Bellamy, which these cruel bonds in which you hold me, force me to break despite my own inclinations." The appeal was most unfortunate, for it in- furiated this capricious beauty. " Restore this slave his freedom, forsooth,'' thought she, " and to what end ? That he may subject himself to the wiles of another woman, and, in order that two inane lovers may act out their little life's drama, I am to lose the great re- sults I have in view. A thousand times no. What care I for him or for her, or for the vandal race of Saxons ? Did we not wander over the flower-laden plains of Persia speaking our ancient MILES STAND1SH HYPNOTIZED. 71 Romany chiv before they were ? No, our arts shall make them do our bidding." And in this malevolent mood she cast upon Miles the penetrating and pitiless look of her evil eye, repeating thrice slowly in inaudible tone the mystic Abracadabra, in which she had faith, and pinning him down with relentless determination, to be her slave. And the hapless victim became once more a pliant agent in her hands. He sighed, there was a quivering of the eyelids, and with drooping head, partially closed eyes, con- tracted facial muscles, and lips parted, he stood bent before her, the passive subject of her will. " I must now," she thought, " impose my sug- gestions fully upon him, while his mentality is de- pressed. Miles Standish," she said, " hold up your head, and look well into my eyes as I speak, that their luminous emanations may do their work. You wish your liberty. It is natural. When you shall have well met the conditions, and performed the task T shall assign to you, I will restore to you that which you so lightly and recklessly gave me through an overweening confidence in your- self. 72 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " Be true to me and to my wishes, and in the name of Samiel, I will be true to my promise to you. Listen. I must gain a power over Adon- hiram in order to obtain certain ends. " But that is nothing to you, except that accord- ing to the measure of your faithful usefulness, are you to expect final freedom at my hands. I will point out to you the means of accomplishment. Are you a Freemason ? " Miles Standish trembled as if in palsy. His will was in abeyance, but clouded as was his mentality, his intellect began to measure the precipice upon whose verge he stood. He strove to answer evasively as one who dares not to conceal facts, yet who shrinks to yield to the torturing inquisitorial demand. " I am," said he in a low voice, " a Phi Beta Kappa man." She nodded assent. " There is amongst us no longer an injunction of secrecy. This society is built upon philosophy. Jefferson, it is said, approved of us, but as far back as the time of Hancock and the elder Adams, when we were oath-bound, we were warned by these patriots against secret societies. We MILES STAND1SH HYPNOTIZED. 78 have our signs, grips, passwords, and jewel. The meaning of our mysteries is that we are to find our rule of life in philosophy, not religion. We do not say of Christ as brutally as did Voltaire, ' Ecrasez Vinfame ' ; but infidelity is the sequence of our doctrines. I speak openly inasmuch as you force me." " It is passing well," said Elsa, " but not what I asked you. Let me repeat. Are you a Free- mason ? No evasion this time." Miles Standish turned deadly pale ; but he was chained with the lightning rivets of an electric force that transcended oath bound limits. " Yes," he said. There was a gurgling sound, a spasmodic contraction of the throat. " It is well, and to the point," said Elsa. " I have now an immediate engagement, and can hear no more at present. You will return at eight this evening, and the post prandial entertainment will be delectable. Meantime, you are bound to me. See no one, until you return," and she dismissed her captive with a mocking laugh. " La pente gliss'ee " of sin is a rapid one. The first intention of Elsa had been to gain the heart of Adonhiram. In order to acquire the desired 74 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. ascendency, she had no other thought than to se- lect the most fitting instrument to work for her. She decided, as advised by Gertrude, to use hyp- notism for this purpose. She had no special ill- will against the man she had chosen as best suited. In fact, it was rather a matter of conven- ience. They were thrown together at the Manor and left there alone. The movements of Adon- hiram being in an eccentric orbit, time was press- ing. But insensibly there sprang up out of her wrongdoing against Miles Standish, a sentiment of malice in his regard. She could not endure that he should rejoice as the accepted lover of Grace Bellamy, or that she should enjoy a happi- ness denied to her. When, therefore, the engagement to meet Miss Bellamy was imprudently mentioned, Elsa deter- mined to frustrate their hopes. With this wicked design she dismissed Miles, but held him bound not to attempt a visit. Elsa had decided to go herself. Nor could this cruel intrigue be excused on account of jealous} 1 -, for no such extenuating motive existed. The moment her victim sorrowfully wended his way homeward, " dragging a lengthening chain " MILES STANDISH HYPNOTIZED. 75 with slow and toilsome steps, Elsa was rapidly driven to the home of Grace, where she arrived just in time for a hurried call before her de- parture. Grace was harassed. Her mother was ill, and she was fatigued by the hasty preparations for their journey, which had entirely devolved on her. She could not but feel that the non-appearance of her lover was a severe disappointment. It was perfectly inexplicable to her, why he had solicited an interview and then failed to come. And he knew, too, that she was about leaving town for an indefinite period of time. She was too loyal to her friend to attach blame to his conduct without hearing his explanation. But she was troubled. She feared and almost hoped, that he might be detained by some sudden indisposition. It is so much easier to bear, that those we care for should be sick bodily, rather than unworthy; physically, not morally ill. Grace had not until now acknowledged to herself that she was in love. It was not a part of her almost masculine educa- tion to yield to any weakness. It had rather pleased her fancy to be platonic, and to consider the softer emotions as illusions. 76 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Her present state of disquiet was therefore a revelation. She and Elsa had not been sympathetic, and Grace was rather surprised to receive Elsa's card. The two women were so totally unlike they could never have been specially friends, yet women are apt to admire other women of contrasting types, and Grace, who was very generous, thought Elsa sparkling and beautiful, unique and remarkably clever, as she was. The meeting was made cordial by Elsa, who was most effusive, and inquired with solicitude about Mrs. Bellamy. " I could not refrain, my dear Miss Bellamy," she said, "from making this short call before your departure, although I fear to trespass at such a moment upon your time. Where do you go ? " " Mother has not much strength," answered Grace, " and the doctor advises us to make the journey as little fatiguing as possible. We have taken a cottage at Berkeley Springs for the bene- fit of its incomparable bathing." " I may myself run up there for a week or so," said Elsa. " The place is interesting as one of the very first known among our springs." MFLES STANDISH HYPNOTIZED. 77 " I have been told," said Grace, " that in colo- nial days it was much frequented as a fashionable resort. My mother knows an old lady who was married when a very young girl to an enormously wealthy old planter. The bridal tour was made in great state with coach and four, and outriders in livery, and they went to Berkeley." " And it is of historic interest," added Elsa, "that the curative effect of these waters Avas so highly prized by the Indians that a certain radius of space around the springs was considered as neutral ground. Gipsies and Indians," she laugh- ingly said, " the true children of Nature know how to prize her sacred soil. But good-bye for the present. I must not now detain you. I had intended making a call at two o'clock, but just at that time Mr. Standish called, and he was so very agreeable ; in fact, he stayed so long that but you know how really fascinating he is. Good- bye, good-b} 7 e. Au revoir" And as the Zingara tripped lightly and exult- ingly into her carriage, Grace Bellamy with a dazed, pained look, and a heavy heart, slowly wended her way back to her mother's room. Yet even before she reached the apartment, her 78 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. clear judgment and loyalty rejected the instilled poison of distrust. "I cannot be thus mistaken in Miles," she soliloquized, "nor will I condemn him upon a seeming faithlessness. My note may have failed to reach him, or there must be some reason as yet unexplained." Yet in spite of all this generous construction, she felt deeply grieved and sorely mystified. Then turning from these sad thoughts, she de- voted herself to her mother's wants, and in an- other hour they left in the afternoon train. Nor could she refrain from hoping even at the last moment, that he would meet them at the station. "He does not even know," she thought, "where we have gone. Shall I send him our address? Scarcely," came the maidenly answer as unbidden blushes mantled her fair cheeks. " Seek- my friend I cannot. That were too humiliating for self-respect." As Elsa drove away she too said to herself, " This day's intrigue ends the romance of two fools. Their horoscope was not well drawn if they imagined that their stars would sing together for joy when mine is not in the ascendant. What MILES STANDISH HYPNOTIZED. 79 right have they to be happy, while the Zingara Queen sues in vain? Ah," she exclaimed with sudden access of fury, "did I for one moment suppose that Adonhiram cared for her, or for any woman, she should die the death." 80 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. CHAPTER IV. SHIBBOLETH. As the Israelites had their watchword and the uninitiated could be detected by the accentuation of a syllable, so have the oath-bound societies of the present day their " Shibboleth." Centuries come and centuries go, but the musty cobweb-veil of Isis, still shuts out the broad en- lightenment that the outspoken freedom encour- ages, which our republican institutions are in- tended to foster. Yet now and then, there are rents in this veil through which one may get a glimpse of the Shekinah within. Elsa proposed through hypnotism to explore these mysteries, and thus to reach the hidden life of Adonhiram, whom her detectives informed her, had come to this country on a mission connected with Masonry. Some years previous to the time about which we write, the whole country had been agitated by he sudden disappearance of one William Morgan, SHIBBOLETH. 81 who having betrayed the secrets of this oath- bound order, had met with an untimely fate as a terrible warning to all traitors. The excitement produced by the supposed mur- der of this unfortunate man, led to dissensions that required, even a score of years later, the pres- ence of one high in Masonry, with talent and in- vested authority to restore the ancient landmarks. But in spite of all the revelations that Morgan made, the attempt to unmask Masonry was not successful, and it is said that the book he pub- lished cannot now be found. However there re- sulted some literature on the subject from other sources, of more or less importance. But history in the hands of Time, finds the proper niche for acts of heroic endeavor, and William Morgan with John Brown, can not be forgotten as apostles of truth. They alike mark eras of revolt against oppression. The mild glow of a shaded lamp gave just light enough to distinguish objects as Miles Standish entered the drawing-room that evening, to meet the engagement Elsa had made for him. ^ 82 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. She was seated in an armchair not far from the lamp, and she placed her hypnotized subject near her in shadow, so that he could see her very clearly and be kept under the influence, if need be, of the fixed regard of her eyes. Elsa was satisfied to observe his mentality en- tirely amenable to her suggestions, and she at once commenced her inquisitorial demands, in the most imperious and exacting manner. " Miles Standish," she said, "I command you to tell me clearly and precisely, without evasion or mental reservation, the tilings I wish to know, and remember that no oath is binding if antagonized by hypnotism. It is necessary that I should know before I assign you your work, your present status and past relations to Freemasonry, and also your real opinions thereof. Begin at the beginning." Miles Standish was now a complete hypnotic type, and irresponsible. In his normal state he would have died rather than betray the oaths he had taken. As he sat there, he was a curious physiological study, with hands tightly closed, retaining sense impressions, and evincing no emotion. But the surprising psychical manifestation was his explicit SHIBBOLETH. 83 obedience to the suggestions of Elsa's will. He even seemed to divine her thoughts so as to fol- low their unspoken indications, and without the aid of directing words, to unmask his inner con- sciousness for her inspection. " My college experience," he said, " as a Phi Beta Kappa man, rather prepared me to become a Mason at an early age, and so soon as I was twenty-one, I entered a Lodge and was passed the first degree of ' Entered Apprentice.' " My imagination had been greatly excited on the subject. The profound and sustained mystery of the order, their claim of remote antiquity, the symbolic nature of their ceremonies, the grandilo- quent titles they assumed for themselves rivalling the proudest potentates, their invented historical origin, which vies with the wildest mythical fables, their secret signs, tokens, and grips, alike promised an inexhaustible mine of concrete lore. And most of all, it was my yearning for wisdom withheld from the uninitiated, the -^archaisms, that proved most attractive to me." " The impostors," cried Elsa, her face flushing. " Do they not know that only the Zingari have the true archaic tongue ? The Sanscrit as we 84 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. speak it is a dead letter to them. Well, you be- came an entered apprentice. Go on." " It takes seven Freemasons to constitute a Lodge," continued he, " and to initiate a candidate for this Degree. The room in which they meet, is supposed to represent the ground floor of Solomon's Temple. A Mason called the Tyler, stands without the door with a drawn sword in his hand, and this takes place in every meeting of every Lodge of whatever Degree." "A sword drawn against what ?" interrogated Elsa ironically. " Cowans and eavesdroppers," replied her sub- ject, " What are Cowans ? " asked she. " The word is in dispute," answered he, " but it is said to be a corruption of Chouans the loyalists, who were opposed to the Revolutionists as led by Robespierre and other Masons, so that Cowan be- came a synonym for anti Mason." " Go on," said Elsa. " When due precautions to insure secrecy have been taken, a Lodge of whatever Degree is said to be tyled.' " " Sounds mystic," interrupted she with a sneer. SHIBBOLETH. 85 " A catechetical examination then took place in which I was instructed how to answer," pro- ceeded he. "Of the more important, I noted that the signs of this Degree are three, viz: right angles, horizontals and perpendiculars, and the Master and Brethren gave them with precision. The balls given for voting were black and white. All the language used was figurative. Most of it referred to the figment of Solomon's Temple, as for instance the different corners of the Lodge are called West, East, South and North. "In the half hour allotted for refreshments everything has an assumed name. The table is crescent shaped, and the convives are seated on the outside. The service must be placed in three parallel lines, first plates, then bottles and glasses, then the platters and lights ; and every article has a symbolic name ; the lights are called stars, the knives swords, arid salt sand." " Oh," said Elsa, " it is a sort of puerile embodi- ment of the old and new dispensations, with hints of the Sacrament of Christ. One feels the hand of Voltaire in the finesse of making sacred things ridiculous." "Masonry," continued he, "refers principally 86 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. to the history of the Israelites, from the destruc- tion of the tower of Babel, the Noachite days, those of Moses and Aaron, and the building of the temple of Solomon, which fellow-Masons are forever emblematically rebuilding. The two Saint Johns, however, have been adopted out of the New Testament." " Well," said Elsa, " how were you mystically prepared as a candidate ? " "I was," replied he, "divested of my clothing and clad in a pair of old red drawers, being blindfolded, and a rope called a ' cable tow ' put around my neck. Then, after another long catechetical examination in which my answers were prompted, and a prayer in which Aaron's beard and the dew of Hermon on Zion were al- luded to, I was conducted hither and thither, to East and back again to West, and finally I was led up to the Altar, where with the palm of my left hand placed under the Bible, and the right hand on square and compass upon the altar, I repeated a long oath, the substance of which was that ' in presence of Almighty God ' I solemnly swore never to betray the secrets of Masonry, and binding myself under a penalty." SHIBBOLETH. 87 " What was the form of the penalty ? " inquired the inquisitor. " It was," answered the hypnotized Mason, without a trace of emotion, " to have my throat cut across from ear to ear, my tongue torn out by the roots, and my body buried in the rough sands of the sea ; and " Hold," cried Elsa. " You would die from the cutting of your throat, so never mind the rest of the penalty. Go on." " I was then instructed in my grip," calmly pro- ceeded he, " which is called ' Boaz,' and after that, the white apron was given me, which I was assured was more ancient than the Golden Fleece, or Roman Eagle, and more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other order. " After that I was lectured, instructed, and asked for the ' Metallic,' which meant some money ; put through the grip, the steps, the oath and the penalty anew ; pricked upon the left breast with a sharp pointed instrument, conducted to the East, ordered back to the West, prayed over, given the new name of ' Caution,' also the working tools of an Entered Apprentice, the gauge and gavel ; then presented metaphorically 88 THE SECRET DIRECTOEY. with three jewels, viz : a listening ear, a silent tongue, and a faithful heart. ' After that, I was taken out of the Lodge, in- vested with my own clothing, and returned for further examination. The password of Tubal Cain was given me, and I was instructed in the symbolic meaning of what I had seen, heard, and experienced, which was " Take breath," interrupted Elsa, laughing, "re- invest yourself with sanity. Don't symbolize all that hodgepodge, but tell me without figure of speech, what was at the root of it all. What did you learn that was real, out of all that mummery? This is a practical age, and when we go back to the Temple of Solomon we expect to dig out of its ruins some pure nuggets of gold. You have given me the Essence. What was the Quint- essence ? " Hypnotism spoke the truth and answered, " Nothing." Then Elsa very naturally inquired, " Since you learned nothing, and gained nothing, why did } 7 ou continue?" " Because," answered Miles, " I had now be- come a member of an oath-bound order, and I SHIBBOLETH. 89 could not well look back from the threshold. Be- sides, I always looked forward to an increase of ligJit which was promised." " What followed?" asked the Zingara. " After a time I became a candidate for the degree of Fellow Craft, the password of which is ' Shibboleth.' This is whispered from ear to ear, throughout the Lodge. " Being entered as a candidate for this new Degree, my eyes were bandaged as before, arid I was conducted round the Lodge from West to East twice, which is called * traveling,' and after no end of questions, I was put in a proper kneel- ing position to take the oath, which was very formidable, and there was a penalty." "Never mind the oath," said Elsa. " What was the penalty for its transgression ?" The hypnotic answered quietly, " To have iny left breast torn open, my heart and vitals taken from thence, thrown over my left shoulder, and carried to the valley of Jehoshaphat ; there " I am satisfied with that picturesque clause," laughed Elsa. " What next was done ? " " Then the Master said, "continued the hypnotic, " ' And God said, Let there be light, and there 90 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. was light,' whereupon the bandage was slipped from my eyes." " What did you see? " exclaimed Elsa. " I saw," said he, " one point of the compass ele- vated above the square." "Very impressive/' said she in an astonished tone, "{jo on." " I was then taught," he continued, " to wear my apron with one corner tucked under the apron string, and the tools of a Fellow Craft Mason were given to me. They were the plumb, square and level. I then listened to a long lecture about the building of Solomon's Temple, and two pillars of the hall, respectively named Bo;iz and Jachin were shown me, an explanation of their mystical meaning given, and also of the numbers three, five, and seven. I then heard a discourse about Jephtha, and the password Shibboleth, as also the declaration, that the letter G denoted God and Geometry. I was now a passed Fellow Crafts- man." " And how far were you advanced in wisdom ? " was Elsa's inflexible query. " But pass on to the next Degree, where perhaps more light will be made manifest," SHIBBOLETH. 91 When a man is hypnotized, he becomes a human automaton, and this phase of the influence was strongly exemplified in Miles Stan dish who now spoke, moved, and even seemed to think, mechan- ically. He had passed the first stage of conflict which produced painful emotions. Thus he pro- ceeded as if he were a piece of mechanism to give the recital of his initiation to the third De- gree, or that of Master Mason. " There was much," said he, " that was painful to my self-respect in this induction. " The Lodge was opened as in the preceding Degrees, and when all was ready, I was taken into the preparation room, and stripped of all my clothing. I was then invested in an old pair of drawers, which were fastened round my hips and rolled above the knee. Over this my shirt was slipped down around my body, which was left naked from the waist up. A cable tow was wound three times round my body, and my eyes were bandaged. I was then made to give three knocks at the door, which being opened, a long examina- tion took place in which my answers were prompted. The password of Tubal Cain was at this juncture whispered, and I was received by 92 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. pressing the points of the compass against my breast. "After which, I was conducted three times round the Lodge traveling with the Sun, and each time I passed the Warden and Master, I received first one, then two, and the third time three raps with the gavel. " During this ceremony, the most doleful pas- sages of Scripture were read to me, reminding me of my last end/' " Very suggestive, I have no doubt," said Elsa, "of what an unfaithful member might expect," and she smiled in a very provoking way. The face of the hypnotized, like a mirror, repeated her smile, presenting a curious pathological study. " Go on," she said. "I was then advanced up three steps of the Altar, made to kneel, raise both hands and arms, in a manner which is called ' giving the grand hailing sign of distress ' when with both hands brought down on the Bible, square and com- pass, the oath was administered. " This oath was longer, more complicated, and involved new and other obligations than those I had hitherto taken." SHIBBOLETH. 93 " Did any of its clauses," inquired Elsa, " relate to any particular classes of people?" " Yes," said Miles. " One was : Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not be at the initiating, passing or raising of an old man in dotage, a young man in non-age, a madman, a woman or a fool, and "Being a woman," said Elsa scornfully, "I find that clause wherein I am specified with the non- privileged classes of madmen and fools, very en- couraging. Pray, what was the penalty ? " "No less penalty," resumed the hypnotic, "than to have my body severed in two in the centre, and " "I am very merciful," said Elsa, "and alwa} T s satisfied by the time one is killed outright, and not so bloodthirsty as to wish to pile penalties on the murdered. So please desist and proceed." Without the change of a muscle, the subject continued, " The way to use the pass-grip of Tubal Cain was taught me, the Apron tied on with the flap down, and I was supplied with a trowel, in addition to the other tools of Masonry already given me. Upon my eyes being unbandaged I was shown both points of the compass as elevated 94 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. above the square, and this was explained to me as denoting that I had received more light in Ma- sonry." " How dazzling ! " cried Elsa. " After which the Master read me a charge," continued he, "and the Senior Deacon conducted me to the preparation room where I was rein- vested with my own clothing and returned to the Lodge for furthur instruction. The Lodge was called in their parlance, from labor to refreshment, and as the company were very merry, drinking and laughing, I supposed that they had finished with me. But never was man more disagreeably mistaken, for presently the Master with one rap of his gavel, reassembled the brethren who so in- stantly were seated, that I was left standing alone in the middle of the room. Whereupon I was seized, hoodwinked and made to kneel at the Al- tar, where I was bid to pray, as I had to prepare for a "very trying scene, in which I might meet with my death. When I rose from the Altar, I was taken by the arm and led several times around the Lodge. An extraordinary scene was then en- acted, in which it was explained to me, that I per- sonated Hiram-Abiff, who was murdered by three SHIBBOLETH. 95 ruffians in the Sanctum- Sanctorum of Solomon's Temple. " Thereupon I was assaulted by these three as- sassins, whose names were Jubela, Jubelo, and Jubelum, who seized me by the throat, dragged me about with violence, struck me with a twenty- four inch gauge across the throat, gave me a severe blow on the breast with the gavel, and finally knocked me a blow on the forehead that brought me to the iloor. I was then carried in a blanket to a corner of the room and covered up. " After which I was taken up by four Brother Masons, and carried in the blanket several times round the room, and finally deposited on the floor, with my feet to the East, and covered up with chairs and benches. I was declared to be in my grave, and a sprig of cassia was stuck down by my head. " The ruffians then held a long colloquy as to the proper disposition to be made of my body, in which they asserted among other things, that I had been dead so long that I began to smell a little. At this juncture there was a great shuffling of feet throughout the hall, and I was given to understand that King Solomon had arrived, and the three 96 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. knaves had fled. The shuffling was resumed, and it was announced that Hiram-Abiff was missing. A curious dramatic recital was then given, of the murder of Hiram-Abiff, when after a search, the grave was found, and prayers were said over me as if I were dead. " The performance ended by the Master seizing me by the ' lion's grip,' and raising me witli a strong pull to my feet ; and as he did so, he whispered in my ear, ' Mah-hah -bone,' giving me at the same time the Master's grip. "My eyes being uncovered, a lecture was given in which the events of my initiation were recapit- ulated, and their hidden meaning attempted to be explained. "Finally, I was told that I had taken the third degree or step in Masonry, and was thenceforth entitled to assist in any Masters' Lodge." " What a brutal and senseless exhibition," cried Elsa. " I do not wonder that men exclude women when they enact such puerilities." The subject made no comment whatever, but proceeded in his narrative in a purely mechan- SHIBBOLETH. 97 ical way as before, passing on to the recital of his initiation to the Fourth, or Mark Master's Degree. " The Lodge being tyled," he said, " and all precautions properly taken as in the preceding de- grees, and the password of 'Joppa' whispered, a colloquy was held as to the places assigned. The Brethren being clothed, that is having put on their aprons and jewels, the Lodge was declared duly opened. "The five signs of Mark Mason were thereupon given. Of these signs the second and the fourth alluded to the penalties of the obligation, to have the right hand struck off and the ear smote off. "I was after this taken into an adjoining room by the Senior Warden who pulled off his coat and rolling his shirt sleeves to the shoulder, directed me to do the same. After this he took a small block of white marble weighing about eleven pounds, and giving me a keystone of the same ma- terial and weight, we entered the Lodge as crafts- men from the quarries who were bringing up work for inspection. " Our entrance led to a lengthy examination car- ried on in the language of craftsmen which ended 7 98 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. in the rejection of my work, or piece of marble presented, as not having the proper mark upon it. At this time there was a great shuffling ot feet, and it was announced by the Senior Warden that the disturbance was caused because the craftsmen were impatient to receive their wages. There- upon, they all marched in procession by two and two, singing a song, to the tune of God save the King, that commenced : " 'Mark Masters, all appear Before the Chief Overseer, ' etc. " At the close of the second verse, each brother in turn walked up to a lattice window and thrust his hand through a hole in the window, when to every man was given a penny. I was the last, and when I put my hand in as I had seen the others do, my arm was suddenly seized and vio- lently drawn in up to the shoulder with angry exclamations of, 'An Impostor.' Whereupon a third person rushed forward with a drawn sword crying out, ' Strike off his hand,' while others called, ' Spare him ; he is not an impostor.' Finally upon my giving the sign of a fellow crafts- man Mason, my arm was released. SHIBBOLETH. 99 " I was then placed on trial, and informed that I had incurred the penalty to have my right hand struck off. After weighing all the evidence, I was let off with a good shaking, and conducted back to the preparation room. Here I was di- vested of my outer apparel, of my money and valuables, my breast was bared, and a cable tow was passed four times round my body. "On applying for readmission I was challenged, but finally the door was opened, my arms held firmly behind my back, and a chisel pressed against my breast ; then as the chisel was struck with a mallet the Senior Deacon exclaimed, ' As a Mark Master Mason we receive you upon the edge of the indenting chisel, and under the pressure of the mallet.' He then threw down these tools and seizing my cable tow, said, ' Follow me.' While I was thus conducted four times round the Lodge, passages from the Psalms and the Gospels were read aloud. " Presently I was made to ascend four steps of the Altar, and kneeling make my oath, which was in part a recapitulation of former oaths, with the penalty of hand and ear being chopped off." At this Elsa threw up her pretty digits like ex- 100 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. clamation points, and laughed derisively ; when her hypnotized subjrct reechoed her laugh. " Proceed," she said, nodding her head, and the monotone was resumed as if without interruption. " Money was then demanded of me, and indig- nation expressed because I had none. This new perplexity was met by someone slipping twenty- five cents in my pocket without my being aware of it ; and there was a renewal of assumed rage upon my being searched, when it was discovered. Finally the pass grip of Joppa was given me, and also a new name which none but Mark Masters receive. There is a circle of letters that is the mark of this degree, and each Mark Master Mason must place his own private mark, which may be any device he may choose, within the circle. The letters are the initials of the words Hiram, Tyrian, Widow's Son, Sent to King Solomon. " A long historical account was then read to me about the building of Solomon's Temple, and the meaning of their ceremonies as connected with this event. At the close of this lecture they all formed two and two and marched round the Lodge against the sun, at the same time singing a song about Hiram the Widow's son. SHIBBOLETH. 101 "At the conclusion of the song, there was a countermarch, during which each man stopped a second time at the lattice window, and received his penny. This payment produced a sort of strike, as the craftsmen were in revolt and dissatisfied with their pay. Upon which King Solomon read to them the twentieth chapter of St. Matthew, which brought about an amicable result. I was then declared to be a Mark Master Mason." "That was an amusing anachronism," said Elsa derisively. " When King Solomon read the New Testament to quell a riot. It is in keeping however, with the whole galimatias. Pray go on with the Arabian Nights." " The succeeding initiation," he continued, " was the Past Master's Degree. " A Master Mason cannot take the Master's Chair until he has received this Degree, which is generally conferred in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. " I was led into the Lodge where all were seated with their hats on, arid I took my chair without ceremony, when almost at once a note was handed, the right worshipful Master presiding, re- questing his instant presence at home on account 102 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. of a distressing accident. No one being willing to fill the Chair in the absence of the presiding officer, I was to my great surprise unanimously elected to occupy the place. " Whereupon I was conducted to the altar, and there kneeling with both hands placed on the Bible, square and compass, I took the oath with the penalty of having my tongue split from tip to root if I violated any part of my obligations. " Having kissed the book five times, the sign was given me, and I was conducted to the Oriental Chair of Solomon, which was placed in front of the Master's Chair. From this chair I was 'raised' and * seated ' several times by means of the Past Master's grip which was taught me. I was then led to the Master's Chair, where I was presented with the various implements of the craft, viz: the Bible, the square, the compasses, the rule, the line, and lastly the mallet, as the emblem of power. I was now left to the government of the Lodge. A scene of utter confusion at once arose in which I was made the target for the practical jokes of my fellow -craftsmen. The more I tried to restore order, the wilder rose the disorder. They danced, whistled, sang, scuffled SHIBBOLETH. 103 with each other, jumped about, made speeches, knocked down chairs, and benches, and finally assaulted me, jerked off my hat, and dragged me to the floor. At this critical moment, the Wor- shipful Master appeared, and informed me I could abdicate, which I was only too glad to do. " I was then addressed by the Master, who at once restored order, and who explained to me that the preceding scene was intended to convey an important lesson, viz : Never to accept an office or station for which I was not qualified. With this injunction, the Lodge was declared closed." " It is quite tiresome," said Elsa yawning, whereupon her subject also yawned to her great merriment. " I declare," she exclaimed, " you are my double. How many more degrees have you taken, or metaphorically speaking, how many bells jingle on your fool's cap ? " " One more only," he quietly replied, which answer renewed her mirth, and she decreed, " Let me have the full gamut." "I was later on," he said, " a candidate for the Most Excellent Master's Degree. The ceremony of opening this Lodge was similar to the others I have described. After all were seated, the Most 104 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Excellent Master gave the order that the brethren should assemble round the Altar, which they did kneeling in a circle on the left knee, and joining hands, each giving the right hand brother the left hand and the left hand brother the right hand. During which time Psalm XXIV. was read in a sonorous voice by the Most Excellent Master standing. " At the close of the reading he knelt, joined hands with the others, when they all lifted their hands as joined together up and down six times, keeping time as they did so, one, two, three ; one, two, three. This movement they called 'balanc- ing,' at the close of which they disengaged their hands and let them fall again. I was informed that this sign represented the astonishment of the Queen of Sheba, upon first viewing Solomon's Temple." " The pantomime is a very touching allusion to the Queen," exclaimed Elsa. "All the signs were then given," continued the hypnotized who heard all remarks unmoved. " I had been detained in the preparation room until now, when the Junior Deacon came for me, took off my coat and put a cable tow six times round SHIBBOLE1H. 105 my body. Six raps were then given for admit- tance, when being duly questioned, and my answer prompted, the password ' Haboni^ was whispered. This was succeeded by still other questions as to my fitness, when the door was fully opened and I was received by the Senior Deacon upon the Key- stone. The next ceremony was to walk me six times round the Lodge, during which a Psalm was read. This being ended, I was led from the South to the West, from thence to the East, then con- ducted back to the West, and thence back again to the East, and at each successive station there was a repetition of the same examination. Finally, I was placed upon the sixth step of the. Altar, kneeling, and with both hands on the Bible, square and compass, when the oath of the degree was administered, with the penalty of being torn asunder. After kissing the book six times, the sign, grip, and password of ' RaboniJ were given me. " Succeeding my initiation, there took place a celebration of the Cap-stone. The brethren formed a procession double file, marching six times round the Lodge, singing and giving all the signs. 106 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. "The two columns Jachin and Boaz were then brought forward and set in place, and a wooden arch put over them, in the centre of which was left a place for the Keystone, which was driven in position by six raps with the gavel. The crafts- men then moved round as before singing, and as they did so divested themselves of their jewels, aprons, sashes, etc., and hung them on the arch. "During all this time, the Ark which had been carried round by four Masons, was placed upon the Altar, and a pot of incense put on it. Every one stopped and all faced inwards to the Altar, and with upraised hands and upturned eyes sang a hymn which begins : " ' Almighty Jehovah, descend now and fill, This Lodge with thy glory,' etc., when all knelt and joined hands while the Scrip- ture was read. During the reading, burning gum camphor was thrown into the pot of incense, and while this illumination was in progress, the pro- cess of balancing was repeated six times, and again six times. The Lodge was then closed." There was silence. The hypnotized awaited suggestions, having finished his recital. SHIBBOLETH. 107 "If I were a Christian," said Elsa, "which I am not, I would consider the invocation of the awful Jehovah before such an altar a sacrilege. Have you applied for the next degree ? " asked she. " Yes," he answered. "Is there a Lodge held to-morrow night?" she inquired. "And could you then be admitted?" "I could," he replied. "Report to me then, no matter at what hour to-morrow night, after you receive this degree," she enjoined, "and do riot fail to give me an exact report of Adonhiram." 108 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. CHAPTER V. THE ROYAL ARCH. MILES STANDISH was now about to experience a new phase of the hypnotic power, and to un- dergo an ordeal more painful, than that to which he had hitherto been subjected In order to measure the extent of his suffering, it must be re- membered that although his mentality was de- pressed by the loss of will power, yet his intellect was not clouded so as to make him unconscious of right and wrong. Conscience, the faithful monitor of the soul, still guarded the immortal principle, although droop- ing, manacled, and deprived through the loss of will, of freedom. Doubtless one of the keenest pangs the lost must endure, is to find themselves forever chained with links of their own forging by the unrestricted acts of a free will. Thus it must in the committal of crime add to, rather than mitigate suffering, to know that the penalty is the consequence of deliberate choice. THE ROYAL ARCH. 109 Miles Standish had felt the deepest humiliation to find himself enslaved and compelled to the be- trayal of that which he had taken an oath never to reveal. The terrible tension of the power that impelled him produced a sort of apathy, and we have beheld him a mere human automaton, acting under the pressure of an electrical motor; but what was this painful strain to compare to that inflicted by the inexorable fiat under which he must now act? He was under an order that would force him to repair to the Lodge where he had hitherto met his brethren in good faith, with the base purpose of acting as a spy. He was ordered to seek initiation into the Royal Arch, the honored Seventh Degree, the mystic crowning of the other steps he had taken, and to take an oath with the purpose of betrayal. His powers of discrimination enabled him to look down into the apalling abyss, his soul recoiled from the defilement, his senses shuddered at the possible retributive danger he was about to incur, and yet he had no more power to avoid the peril than the frailest storm tossed bark once caught in the eddying circles of the awful maelstrom. Down, down, those swirling depths, he must sink. 110 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. All that day a dull sense of horror brooded over him, as the swift-rushing hours led him to his fate. How different had been his emotions on former occasions. Yet was he not to all outward seem- ing unchanged ? Perhaps ; yet the keen observer must have noted a peculiar expression and con- strained manner. As it was from the beginning, so it will be to the end ; time comes and time goes, and so at last the ordeal had to be met. A late hour in the evening that closed that dreary day, found him once again in Elsa's pres- ence. Arid she, the pitiless one, how had it fared with her? What had been her state of mind during the long watches of that night and day ? Never had Arachne woven closer web of stronger tex- ture, than the toils in which she held her spell- bound victim. And to what end? The hour of test was near at hand. Could she succeed through these means to establish the longed-for influence over Adonhiram ? All else was of little momen-t to her. A certain curiosity, call it feminine if you will, THE ROYAL AKCH. Ill but rather a trait belonging to human nature, had been piqued and gratified, on being told so many secrets. But having listened to the story, she was no longer especially interested. In fact, she was disappointed, for the ceremonial described, had been bare of picturesque effect to one of her ardent imagination. Compared to the wild turbulence of the Zingari life, to the free communings with Nature of these children of to-day without a morrow, the whole Masonic fabric of so-called symbolism, dwindled to small proportions. " I am in a way sorry to have heard these oath- bound secrets," she soliloquized. " They are so insipid. It is another illusion destroyed. " I had supposed that a sworn vow of secrecy concealed the mystical, and had even hoped to get some hints for our fortune-tellers. They march, it is true, from East to West, as in the Eleusinian mysteries, but they find no oracle be- yond. How could Adonhiram, the majestic, the demigod, force himself to submit to such rodo- montade ? " Yet why do I ask ? Do I not know that the majority of men are fools, while he is a born 112 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. leader ? Therefore he uses Masonry as a means to an end. If he has climbed this Jacob's ladder to the topmost rung, what power has he not seized ? " It is ever the same, humanity, the masses of men, bound in fetters of their own forging, and one Hercules unbound and dominant. The seeth- ing toilers are hypnotized by the one strong will that rolls ruthlessly over the prostrate. " Oh, cruel Fates, relent and unite us. Weld the Zingara Queen, whose inheritance is to reign, who knows naught of silly sympathies, who only wills, to her counterpart." And as she thus invoked her gods, she stood a living embodiment of that will power that lends wings to human endeavor, and gives it aerial flight. How beautiful she was, how fascinating, as she received her hypnotized slave with haughty con- descension. Her impatience had culminated as she awaited his coming, hour after hour. As he entered, she bade him welcome with mocking sal- utation. " Well done, Sir Knight of the Royal Arch," she exclaimed. "Tell me quickly, all; but first of #11, was Adonhiram there ? " THE BOYAL ARCH. 113 " He was," gasped he. Poor Miles ! physically exhausted, mentally desperate, he looked more like a galvanized corpse than a living man. His pallor startled Elsa. " My fated stars," thought she, " might free him from the citadel of life, and leave my purpose unfulfilled." She rose hastily, and pouring out a glass of cor- dial gave it with the suggestiveness of vigorous strength. He grew strong and commenced the story of the evening. " I have been this night," he said, " exalted to the Royal Arch. " In all the preceding steps the assemblies held are spoken of as Lodges ; but the meetings of this degree are called Chapters. " The Chapter officers are nine in number, and the first has the title of Most Excellent High Priest, the second King, and so on. The hall is an oblong square, and can be divided into sepa- rate apartments by four cross curtains or veils ; and is intended as a representation of the taber- nacle. " The Chapter was opened by a colloquy as to 8 114 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. the duties of its officers and their respective sta- tions. The Grand Masters were placed at the different veils, the High Priest in the divine Sanc- tum-Sanctorum, and at his right hand the King. " There were banners of different colors, but scarlet is distinctively that of the Royal Arch. " Upon opening the Chapter, the High Priest directed the companions to kneel upon the right knee in a circle round the Altar, leaving an open- ing for the High Priest, the King, and the Scribe. The High Priest, mitred and standing, read a chapter of the New Testament. After which the three took their places, kneeling in the circle, when the password, Raboni, was whispered from ear to ear, and they all balanced three times three, or nine times. Then they arose and in squads of three gave the grand omnific royal arch word. This was done by placing themselves so that their three right feet, their three right hands, and their three left hands each formed a triangle. They then balanced three times three, pronouncing in a low tone three times each, and separating the syl- lables, Jah-bah-lun, Je-ho-vah, G-o-d. " The Chapter was now declared ready for busi- ness, and for the reception of candidates. There THE ROYAL ARCH. 115 were two of us, and we were prepared by having our coats taken off, our eyes bandaged, and a rope coiled seven times around our bodies, being united, and some three feet of slack rope left be- tween us. After the usual questioning as to our fitness, as in other degrees, the password Raboni was whispered, and we were bidden to enter un- der a living arch. " We were blindfolded and had to stoop very low, as we had to pass tied together under the joined hands of the Assembly, who had formed in double line facing inwards, and thus created this living arch. As each man kneaded our necks and backs with his knuckles, we were soon prostrate on the floor, and dragged along by our ropes." " Did Adonhiram assist in this degrading func- tion ? " asked Elsa, unable longer to restrain her impatience in his regard. " He had not yet arrived," answered the hyp- notic. "It is well," said Elsa, "go on." " This painful ceremony completed, we were led to the Altar and the oath administered, which was of great length and began, * I, of iny own free will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God, 116 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. and this Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, erected to God and dedicated to Zerubbabel.' The oath was more binding if possible, and included addi- tional obligations to any previously taken, and the penalty to have my skull smote off and brains ex- posed to the scorching rays of the meridian sun. " After taking this oath, we kissed the Bible seven times, and while prayers were said we were conducted round the Chapter. Then verses from the third chapter of Exodus were read. " By the time this reading was finished, we had arrived in front of a representation of the burning bush spoken of in the chapter of the Bible just read ; when our eyes being uncovered, we beheld the High Priest behind the bush, personating Deity. He called to us loudly, ' Moses, Moses,' and we, being prompted, responded, ' Here am I.' Then the voice cried vehemently : ' Draw not nigh hither, put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thy standest is holy ground. I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abra- ham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' Upon which we were directed to kneel and cover our faces as if afraid to look upon God. After a space of time we were led three times round the THE ROYAL ARCH. 117 hall, during which the Bible was read to us de- scribing the destruction of Jerusalem. While this reading was going on, a scene of confusion was enacted, difficult to describe. There was an uproar, a general shouting, groaning, whistling, stamping of feet, throwing down benches and chairs, clashing of swords, and discharging of pis- tols, during which we were seized, thrown down, bound, and taken back into the preparation room. Presently we were hoodwinked anew, given the password, I am that I am, and reconducted stum- bling over what was called ' the rugged road,' which seemed to be a lot of broken chairs and logs of wood thrown upon the floor. From trav- ersing this rough road, we were again led under the living arch, which was this time made so low and toilsome, that we were literally dragged through by our ropes. During this distressing ordeal, the Scriptures were read to us and prayers recited. Meantime the veils were hung, and we were con- ducted to the outer veil, our bandages raised, and the password, Shem-Ham-Japhet, given us. We proceeded with permission to the second veil, where the password was Shem-Japhet and Adon- hiram." 118 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " A flood of light," cried Elsa. " His name is assumed and typical ; but go on." " At the third veil, the words were Haggai, Joshua, and Zerubbabel. Finally the fourth veil being drawn apart, we stood before the Grand Council, whom we saw by the light of burning incense from an urn on the Altar. Here we were interrogated and made to recapitulate the signs and passwords, from Entered Apprentice up to Royal Arch Mason, and furnished our working tools, the pick, crow and shovel. We were then led to a trapdoor, and asked if we were willing to penetrate this secret vault. Upon my agreeing to do so, I was separated from my companion, and a rope being coiled seven times round my body, two of the brethren lowered me some ten feet, after giving me the instruction to pull to the right whenever I wished to ascend. I found three small trying squares, and we repaired with these to the Grand Council. Again we were conducted to the vault, and I was a second time let down, and went beyond the first trapdoor, and at the bottom of this lower vault, I discovered a small box strangely wrought. The air in this vault was close and noisome, so that I hastened to give the THE ROYAL ARCH. 119 signal, and was immediately drawn out. When I presented this box of curious device and golden top to the High Priest, he rapturously cried out as if in great and glad surprise, ' This is the Ark of the Covenant of God.' " Upon raising the lid, an old and musty book was found, on seeing which he exclaimed, ' This is the book of the law, long lost, but now found. Holiness to the Lord.' And there was also in the Ark the golden pot of manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and a key to the ineffable characters of this degree. "Whereupon comparing with the key, the High Priest read, ' Deposited in the year three thou- sand by Solomon, King of Israel, Hiram King of Tyre, and Hiram-Abiff. And more precious than all,' the High Priest announced, ' Here are the three mysterious words placed in triangular form, viz : the name of God in Chaldaic, Hebrew and Syriac, which is our grand omnific royal arch word.' " The Chapter gathered round the Altar, in- tently considering the significance of this mystic cipher, and I was still standing near the High Priest, having just presented him the Ark, when I noticed an expression of glad surprise in the faces 120 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. of those about me, as a susurrant murmuring filled the hall, then there was a surcease of sound, and the Chapter quickly formed in a long double line, leaving the High Priest and King standing together at the foot of the Altar. I was so hur- riedly pushed back into my proper place, that for a moment I was bewildered, but almost at once I perceived why this silent homage was rendered, as I beheld the kingly Adonhiram, with solemn regal mien, pass onward to the Altar. He was deco- , rated as a Prince of Jerusalem, and wore a broad white ribbon bordered with black in a triangular form, and an ivory key therefrom suspended, with the figure Z upon it. His immense stature, noble proportions, stately bearing, and piercing regard made his presence felt. He bowed, facing the Altar, to the High Priest and the King, then turn- ing around saluted the Chapter with graceful courtesy. The High Priest accosted him with reverential words of welcome, giving him the title of Right Worshipful Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Master. Then he was enthroned." At this recital, Elsa's eyes blazed like fiery meteors, and she laughed aloud with a wild out- burst of joy,, THE ROYAL ARCH. 121 " I knew it," she said, " these titles are his by right, and more. He is King of Kings. You speak well, Miles Standish. Proceed." And he continued, "Upon being requested by the High Priest to address the Chapter, he rose and gave a discourse of much subtle force, oratorical eloquence, and mystical wisdom." " Tell me every word," urged Elsa. " I could scarce forget it," answered he. " Adonhiram said, ' Most Excellent Companions, and Brother Masons of the Royal Arch, I am in- deed fortunate to be united to this Chapter in America, by the ancient and mystic fraternal ties. It were needless to recapitulate to this Assembly the history of Masonry. We are of all Time. We are of those descend;! nts of Noah, who erected the temple of Belus on the plains of Sennam. Even the mighty Phaleg was our first architect. The pagans knew us as Titans in those ancient days ; and we were of Babylon, and ages later of Solomon's Temple ; of our first Master, Adon- hiram of Mount Libanus ; then of the Crusades ; and as the centuries looked down upon us, we were of Frederic of Prussia, and the French Revolution. 122 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " Verily, we are of that temple not made with hands, for our essence is symbolism of hidden form. Our foundation stone is well laid upon the moral law of God and human rights. Brothers and Companions, let us ever make it our aim to inculcate friendship, morality, brotherly love and charity. In order to do this effectively we must conform to our rule. The real craftsmen must be vigilant, and administer discipline judiciously. Having been duly raised through the suffrages of the order to the Supereminent Degree, I am familiar with the occultism of the Oriental rites and with all Masonic hieroglyphics. It is my province to see that the ancient landmarks shall be restored, and no innovations permitted, or Masonic emblems improperly classified. It is a part of my mission to establish between Europe and America, between the North and the South, the East and the West, a uniform standard. " Freemasonry must sooner or later, absorb and direct all philosophies, thrones, nations, and churches. Above all, the arrogant See of St. Peter must be humbled, the dogmatism of Rome succumb. The force of events is on our side ; for our ranks, serried, compact and oath-bound, can- THE ROYAL ARCH. 123 not be overcome. Like the hidden Octopus, we must seize everything that obstructs our path ; and not known till we are felt, once in possession never relax our grasp. Our rule must cover the earth. In Asia we hold the fabled lore of Egypt, and must dominate through superstition. In Europe we must foster a revolutionary spirit, and wield the masses as we have done, through our intrigues. And in America we cannot fail to gain an overmastering influence through the balance of power. The ramifications of American politics always tend to culminate in the one man rule or the election of a President. This is our opportu- nity in the United States, through unity and secrecy, to control the elective franchise. "'I must soon leave America, for I am once again needed in Europe, where we expect at a near day to rally to our standard various disturb- ing elements that require cohesion. My mission here as there, is to bring about the solidarity of humanity through Masonry.' " Scarcely had these utterances of the hypnotized man been given, and Elsa too absorbed to have caught other sounds, when the door was opened and Adonhjram entered. 124 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Elsa sprang to her feet with the startled cry, " Adonhiram ! " " Zingara," said he scornfully, " I know you well. Beware. Unchain the electrical forces through which you have bound this man. Through the Pythian and Egyptian lore that we hold in common, I know the hypnotism of India when I meet it. And I knew this night, when I beheld this subject in the Chapter of the Royal Arch, that my Brother was held in damnable chains. I have sought him and found him. Zin- gara, reverse your passes, and set him free." "Adonhiram," said Elsa, in pleading tones, " your sudden coming unnerved me ; and, and your coming at all, as you well know, is much to me. You ask for my slave whom I have bought with a price. What ransom, what guerdon do you offer me ? " " The reward of virtue, which is its own re- ward," he replied. " Not so, Adonhiram," said Elsa. " Mock me not with empty words. Ask your dual self what is it you seek. Look in the mirror of your soul, and you will find there enthroned, Ambition. Give in my keeping your other self, and he is yours." THE ROYAL ARCH. 125 "Neither yours nor mine, Zingara," he said, "but he must be his own. Restore him to him- self, or so help me God, I hold no commerce of speech with you. Until this act of justice is done, you shall be anathema to me ; " and he stood in wrath, as frigid as an adamantine pillar. " Cruel, most cruel," sobbed Elsa in a passion of tears. " Would that I could hate you. And yet what is this you ask, to me ? I have gained my ends. Adonhiram, I know your secrets. You cannot do without me." And approaching the hypnotized subject, she reversed her passes, say- ing as she did so, " Miles Standish, I, Elsa Zigi, restore you your will. Go forth a free man." And Adonhiram kindly taking him by the hand, said, " Go forth from hence quickly, Brother. You are your own master. Thank God." The sudden exit of Miles Standish liberated, was scarcely noticed by Elsa, as she turned to Adonhiram with the chiding words, " Thank not God, ingrate, thank me." " Elsa Zigi," he answered, " pity 'tis, you are not good, for you are gifted." And she replied, " I am but as yon are, Adon- hiram. We are mated. Turn from the fact as 126 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. you will. It is our destiny to reign together or to fall together. Shall it be earth made Paradise, or Hell ? A loveless ambition is your God. Ambi- tion with love is mine." AdonhiraiB was strangely moved. This woman repelled him, and yet drew him toward her. She was for him an accusing evil angel, that held the mirror of his unhallowed greed for power be- fore him, as none other had dared to do. Yet seeking to estrange her from himself, he asked, "Loves not the Zingara her own race? Let endeavor turn to them." " My race, Adonhiram," she answered with flashing eyes and cheeks aflame, " is my life. My destiny, as Queen of my people, is one with theirs. How I love to recall our history. We are, as are you Masons, of all days, of all times. From the tribes assembled by my ancestor Duke Andrew in 1417 ; from the Uxii who roamed the perfumed plains of Persia; from the dreamy Hindustanee, the neglected Sudas ; from those who retreated out of India after the devastations of Timur Beg ; from those who formed the scattered remnants of the Troglodytes, those Theban rock-dwellers; from all these gathering sources we come. THE ROYAL ARCH. 127 "Ah, the weird and mystic race," she sighed, clasping her jewelled hands in revery. " The blessed foster children of Nature, who dwell the nearest of all to her bosom. I love to picture them as they are ; tawny, sunburnt from contact with the elements ; with hunting dogs of keenest scent that are little less than human ; with im- petuous, revengeful moods, that sweep away like mountain torrents the smooth worn channels of civilization ; with mystifying palmistry to divine the fate and trouble the peace of mind of the un- wary ; with soothsaying to read temperament and disposition; with simulacra of corporeal things to assault the soul in sleep; with forbidden dealings of psychomancy that call up the shades of the dead ; what people are like unto my people ? Among the lower types of men, ecstasies may come at the hour of death. But we have the faculty to steep the soul in intoxicating fumes, that it mistakes for idealisms and visions. " Come, come, and share my power, Adonhiram. You cannot escape me if you would. I have your secrets. As an enemy I could expose you to the world." Adonhiram had listened with unfeigned ad- 128 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. miration to this vindication of her race ; but lie could not brook her apparent threat and he coldly made answer, " No one would believe you. You would be immured as a lunatic. Think not that Masonry can be weakened by aught the Zingari can say. No human power can break the strength of an oath-bound order. Think not to harm us, but lead your tribes into the universal Brother- hood we seek. Give up the traditions that have led you as a race apart, like a Gospel of hate." " Speak not to me of hate,'' she cried. " Why not hate? Banished in turn from Spain, France, Italy, England, Denmark, Sweden, the Nether- lands, Holland and Germany ; untouched alone by edict of ostracism in America, and even here shunned. But what is our domain ? It is revenge. Our oppressors fear us. They dread our incantations, our prophecies, our auspices, oracles, horoscopes and manifold curses. And they have reason. For hold we not of Mother Earth, her secrets hidden to the grosser mortals ? Do we not know how to find prophetic power in certain exhalations of the cavernous recesses, as did the Delphic oracles of old ? These were si- lenced ; but we, never." THE ROYAL ARCH. 129 " Elsa Zigi," said the Mason, " there is much to think of in all this. Oar order and your mythical traditions have more in common than I had dreamed of." So saying, and without word of parting, Adon- hirain went away. "A mountain of ice," murmured Elsa; "but the ardent sun overcomes the frigid. Would he but love rue, then, I could hate him as being like other men." 9 130 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. CHAPTER VI. SEQUENCES OF HYPNOTISM. MILES STANDISH had only been under the hypnotic influence somewhat over two days, yet so true is it. that time has a relative value as measured by events, that the occurrences of that short period had formed an epoch in his life. The baneful power that had held his will in bonds had been removed, and he was once more a free agent. What impression did he retain of that which had taken place as connected with this peculiar cerebral condition ? As a pathological effect of this strained and morbid state, his memory in relation to these events was a blank. As to other occurrences where his will had been left free by Elsa, he could distinctly recall what he had done. The result of this imperfect function, was a painful sense of in- consequence, as at every step, he was arrested by this limitation. He could not for instance, remember why he had SEQUENCES OF HYPNOTISM. 131 broken his engagement to meet Grace, nor recall what had actually transpired at that hour, because when he came to that point in his recollections when Elsa had assumed hypnotic control, the sequence of his actions was lost. Memory is the link that interchains the suc- cession of events, and where it fails to give co- herence, there is confusion. We stand in a dark room, all the objects with which we are familiar surround us, but light being withdrawn, we fail to discriminate. So hypnotism is mental darkness. That which transpires while under this influence, remains invisible to our apprehension. The next morning after his release from this enthrallment, as he paced his room in much agita- tion, trying in a dazed way to recall what his thoughts and actions had been, he was startled by the entrance of Adonhiram, who came into his room very quietly and unannounced, except by a tap at his door. At first he drew back rather frigidly at the un- expected interruption, but almost instantly re- membered the moments succeeding the reversal of the hypnotic passes by Elsa, when he felt sure this man had been his friend. Yet his thoughts 132 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. were so confused on the subject, that he could only extend his hand and say in a constrained way, "Captain Adonhirain, I am vaguely con- scious that you have befriended me, although strange to say, I scarcely know for what I am grateful, although a sentiment of. gratitude in- spires me to thank you." Adonhirain smiled as he said, " Your perplexity is quite natural. I found you a subject of the hypnotic influence of Elsa Zigi, who thought to use you for purposes of her own. In fact, she seems to have done so, as she tells me that through you, the secrets of Masonry have been made known to her." Adonhirain spoke with slow precision, scrutiniz- ing closely as he did so, the effect upon Miles Standish. " Impossible," exclaimed the accused man, with a pained and bewildered look. " I am incapable of so base an act." " I quite believe you," he replied, frankly giv- ing him his hand. " You have been ensnared and betrayed, but the only fault you have committed, was the weakness of subjecting yourself to the will of another." SEQUENCES OP HYPNOTISM. 133 " I was an idiot," said Standish, " I remember distinctly that I gave this woman permission to hypnotize me, because I felt quite sure of myself. But what dazes me is this, that after giving my consent, I really do not know what happened. As to my betrayal of an oath, it is too monstrous for credence. What do you know about it ? " " I would first remind you," answered the Mas- ter Mason, " of the Chapter held last evening." " I was not there," said Standish. " I only at- tend the Lodges, and not having as }*et received the Royal Arch, I could not have been present." " It is precisely as I thought," replied he. " You have been in the hypnotic trance, and while in this state you were initiated in the Royal Arch." " Who informed you?" asked Standish, in turn, sharply eyeing his interlocutor. " I met you there," said Adonhiram, " and I felt sure when I observed you, that you were irre- sponsible. After the Chapter was closed, I sought yon as quickl} 7 as I could get away, and I found you in the presence of this adept in the art, in a deep hypnotic trance, responding to her every suggestion." 134 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " God forbid," cried Standish, shuddering. " Instantly divining your desperate peril," con- tinued his friend, " I was so fortunate as to in- duce your enslaver to set you free." " Can it be ? " murmured Standish, as if in doubt of everything. " Yes, I left you there, Adonhiram. I remember going away, but I can- not understand why I went to see Elsa Zigi at all." " Naturally," replied he. " Bear in mind, Standish, that your memoiy is at fault as to what- ever affected you hypnotically." " But what of the painful accusation ? " asked he, passing his hand over his forehead, as if to brush away the cobweb meshes of confusion. "Let us go together and confront this woman. She must be made to withdraw such a statement. I can not suffer under this imputation ; no, not for one hour." And Standish rose as if to leave at once. " We will do nothing of the sort," said Adon- hiram careless!}', and seating himself in an arm- chair, he added, " I beg your pardon, Standish, but I scarcely find you an attentive host, to keep a man standing all this while." SEQUENCES OF HYPNOTISM. 135 " But," said Standish, who was now thoroughly aroused, " I must insist upon knowing what it all means. I can not endure even the momentary suspicion." " Well," said Adonhiram, " I had thought to spare you as much as possible, but if you will have it so, it is evident that when you were hyp- notized you responded to all the suggestions of your hypnotizer. But rest at ease, for no one knows anything of this but we three. I exoner- ate you from any motive of wrongdoing, and as the only object sought for, in using you as an in- strument, was to implicate me as a Mason, the en- tire plot fails." "Except with this result," said Standish, "that I shall ever henceforward, and forever, eschew and forswear, every phase of hypnotism." "You have indeed," said Adonhiram, "passed through a great danger ; you have been in one of life's terrible battles and survived." " With the deepest gratitude," said Standish, "for your generous aid. But," added he hesitat- ing, "there still remains another trouble." "What is it?" asked his friend. " I cannot put things together coherently, but 136 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. in some way, by some fatality I have failed to meet an engagement with Miss Bellamy. I am confident that unpleasant complications have arisen, but I cannot grasp the situation, and know how to correct the misunderstanding." " Is this a matter of special importance to you?" inquired Adonhiram, with more than pass- ing interest. "Of the very greatest importance," Standish earnestly exclaimed. " You have been more than a friend to me, you have saved me ; and I may say to you sacredly, I love this woman." " And she ? " asked Adonhiram deeply moved. " Is not indifferent to me." It was a strange dull pain, that struck the heart of this strong man, on hearing this avowal. He had not thought it possible that he could care for any woman. He knew that Grace Bellamy was indifferent to his affection, }*et he felt that she could in a way, at least understand him. To be comprehended, meant so much for him, for he stood apart among men, and was alone. What was it he so craved ? Companionship. Elsa Zigi repelled him. He admired her genius for in- trigue, and knew too, how useful in conspiracies SEQUENCES OF HYPNOTISM. 137 it could be made. Nor wivs he altogether un- moved by the turbulence of her passion for him. But it was one of the strong traits of his nature, that he could measure the force of temptation, and be able to resist it. He conquered, not be- cause he was indifferent, but because he had self- control. Yet he had his being among conspira- cies, and therefore plots and plans carried into his home life, had he ever thought of such a haven, would have wearied him. That which had at- tracted him in Grace was her singular candor, her intelligence arid straightforward uprightness. In her society he could have found, in the intervals of a stormy career, that peace and repose that gives strength to renew combat. "Yet," thought he, "what utter selfishness, even to wish to attach to my uncertain fate, one who could give me so much I need, but upon whom, I could never confer real happiness. Nor indeed a real name. It is best as it is, and were it otherwise, I can never be faithless to a trust, a confidence." During these moments of conflicting emotions Adonhiram had given no outward sign of the per- turbation he experienced, but rather seemed to be 138 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. in a calm revery. Thought spans time with in- credible swiftness. A man falls from a height, and in the act of falling, in the second of space during which he is meeting his doom, the joys, sorrows, sins of a lifetime stand before him. So this strong man, subduing himself with the effort of a brave will and a true intention to help a brother in need, inquired, " What is this compli- cation ? " "My strange trouble is this," explained Stand - ish, " that I can not put things together right. It is enough to set a man crazy where his dearest in- terests are at stake." "Never mind the sentiment," said Adonhiram drily. "Tell me the facts as straight as you can." Standish reddened, then bethought himself of the debt of gratitude due this man, and said : "All I know is, that Miss Bellani} 7 in reply to a note of mine, asking her if she would kindly men- tion a time when I could call, wrote me that in consequence of her mother's illness, they expected to leave town that day, but that she would see me at two o'clock. What followed I cannot recall, but I fear that I must have gone to see Elsa Zigi at that hour." SEQUENCES OF HYPNOTISM. 139 " That is unfortunate," remarked Adonhiram. " Where did Miss Bellamy go ? " " That I do not know," groaned Standish. " Have yon no means of finding out? " " The house is closed," replied Standish, " and the} r have evidently left town for the season. I am sure that I have failed in some way, and I may not be forgiven." " I will see what can be done," said Adonhiram kindly, " but meantime I must beg you to stay in your room to-day, and above all seek no interview from Elsa Zigi until you hear from me. I will let you know the moment I succeed, so possess your soul in peace." And with this parting admonition he went away. Adonhiram was quite sure that Elsa could un- ravel this mystery, and although he had not in- tended to trust himself in her presence again, he generously decided to incur the risk for a good purpose. It was scarcely high noon, and an early hour for a visit, when he alighted from a carriage at Elsa's door. At that very moment she was interviewing a swarthy Bohemian, whom she employed as an adroit and trained detective, to report to her the 140 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. movements of Adonhiram. The day was hot, as June days are apt to be in Washington, and she was seated near the closed Venetian of an open casement, as the carriage stopped at her door. Bochsa had just told her that an hour ago, Adonhiram was with Standish, and she was chid- ing him for not waiting till he went elsewhere, when to her amazement she saw him arrive. Silently dismissing her agent, by pointing to a side door whence he retreated, she drew around her in graceful folds a lace scarf that somewhat confined the flowing amplitude of her morning gown, and advanced to meet her welcome visitor. Her heart fluttered with the pleasing excitement, as she exclaimed, " What an unexpected pleas. lire." "You are indulgent," he said, "not to find the hour most untimely, but I feared that much delay might bring me disappointment. Society seems to make its flitting now/' " Truly," said Elsa, "it is well to seek change of air, and almost every one has left town." " Ah, indeed," said Adonhiram indifferently, " pray who have gone, and who remain ? " Elsa always mistrusted a direct question, and SEQUENCES OF HYPNOTISM. 141 evasively asked with a smile, " Do you know what are the plans of Mr. Standish ? " " Scarcely," he answered gravely. " I saw him a moment this morning. I fancy he will prefer to wait and find out where and when Miss Bellamy goes." Elsa laughed outright. " Grace Bellamy has left town with her sick mother," she said, " but I happen to know that she will not care to meet Mr. Standish." A flash of hope gave a quickened heart throb, but was as quickly repressed by the strong will of this man. He had promised himself not to yield to self-interest and he remained firm. " You are a real Sibyl," he said. " One who divines the unknown. Did you read their for- tunes, subtle enchantress?" " No, but I marred them," she said exultingly, unable to refrain from boasting of her skill to this man, whom she judged by herself as one given to shrewd designs. " I doubt it not," he assented. " It was the witchery of a spell." " What men might deem a conspiracy," she gleefully answered. 142 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. "A good plot is well worth the telling," he sug- gested. "And you shall hear it," was the gratified re- ply. "As you know I had hypnotized this man ; although at your behest, O tyrant of tyrants, I let him go free. But that is neither here nor there. It was amusing. I held him in leash as a cat might do when she plays with a mouse. I let him run a little way, and then I pulled him in again tight. It was rare sport. See, cruel man, what a sacrifice I made at your bidding." " One which I appreciate to the full extent," he said with a slight inclination of his head. " You know, Perfect and Sublime Master," she continued, " that when one is brewing a plot it thickens. Set the fire going, swing the kettle on the tripod over the coals, and the water boils. One has merely to look on, and the elements do the rest." " I have seen it well done in Zingari camps," he said. " Naughty man," she said chidingly, " I have half a mind not to tell you." " In that case you would punish yourself, which would pain me." SEQUENCES OP HYPNOTISM. 143 "Delightful. I will go on. You shall suffer no pain that Elsa can prevent. It so happened that I sent for Standish to come to me at two o'clock, and of course he had to obey. But he begged me to permit him to meet an engagement at that very hour with Grace Bellamy. He even admitted to me as a reason why I should be lenient, that he loved the girl, and more than this, that they loved each other. Adonhiram," she cried with an irre- sistible passionate outburst, " I must make an open confession. How could I endure to see these lovers happy, and and you so cruel cold, to me. It was all your fault." " The devil's fault," thought he with a sheer loathing of her moral deformity, allied to a lan- guorous stir of the senses that caused him affright. " Elsa," he expostulated, " upbraid me not. This is the story of two lovers." " No longer lovers," she cried. " I kept the drivelling boy in chains, and I met his engage- ment. I was there just in time to see her depart for Berkeley with her mother, and to let her know of his visit to me at that very hour." "And you did this thing, Elsa Zigi," said he, at once rising and holding himself erect. 144 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Elsa saw her mistake. " Assuredly," she said, " for a passing trial of their faith. Was it not well done ? " " To do evil that good may come," he said. " It was strangely clever. But where do you go ? " he asked, changing the subject, for he had now gained the exact information he needed. He now understood the diabolism of the estrangement, and could make the clear connection of events that Standish was unable to unravel ; and most im- portant of all, he had now learned where Grace Bellamy had gone. " I scarcely know as yet," said Elsa, " where I shall go. I have no plans. What are yours? " " I must shortly leave for Europe," he replied. " My departure is at best but a matter of days." " What place," she inquired, scarcely restrain- ing her agitation. " Probably Rome," he replied. " Pilgrims wend their way to St. Peter's you know." " And some are blessed while others are anath- ema," she replied derisively. "Elsa Zigi," he remonstrated, "gifted women should carry healing, not curses, on their wings." SEQUENCES OF HYPNOTISM. 145 And so saying without word of parting, he went away. "How fiercely I could hate him," she moaned with clenched hands interlocked, " were this tor- ture of his indifference at an end." An hour later, a note was handed Standish from his friend which read : " Await my coming in a day or two. All goes well." Adonhiram always made action wait upon re- solve, and that evening found him at Berkeley. The old hotel of these once famous baths is surrounded by a pleasant grove through which flows the limpid waters of a pretty brook, while the overhanging, densely -wooded hillside makes a leafy screen that protects the spot from the too- ardent sun rays, and in the glinting moonlight there are mystic shadows and faint outlines. Mrs. Bellamy already felt the restorative effect of these incomparable baths, whose etherial light- ness produces with the bather a curious incorpo- real feeling, as if floating in mid air. They had not succeeded in procuring a cottage and were at the hotel. Although it was early evening, the dancing in the ballroom was in progress, which Grace did 10 146 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. not feel disposed to enjoy. Her mother had re- tired to her room, and she sought for a brief res- pite, the pleasing repose of the now almost de- serted grounds, where however, still loitered those who preferred the open air. It was now the third day since they had so hurriedly left Washington, and she was still harassed by the apparent con- tradictions in the conduct of Miles Standish. No explanations had been received from him, but as she reminded herself, these could not be given, when he did not know where she was. Yet, to let him know, to address him a note, was under the circumstances quite impossible. Thus her thoughts traversed a circle, always returning to the starting point. Poor Grace was in deep trouble, but not utterly cast down, for in the midst of her perplexity she had an abiding faith in the loyalty of her friend. Her clear and just perceptions of his character, made her feel quite certain that what was to her inexplicable could not fail to be satis- factorily explained. But how tantalizing and wearing the prolonged waiting. Then, as she thought over and over again, the embarrassing situation, the parting words of Elsa, SEQUENCES OF HYPNOTISM. 147 and thoughts of Elsa, would present themselves with tormenting persistence. " Why should he not," she would ask herself, " be attracted by this beautiful and captivating woman, who has a witchery of manner and a beauty of person which I do not possess ? " Then her superior nature made clear response to the temptation of mistrust, by the reflection that her lover was true and loyal, and to be de- pended upon, " because in fact, he has told me he is mine." As thus in deep revery she walked up and down a somewhat retired path, she was not a little sur- pr.ised and indeed agitated, when Adonhiram un- expectedly joined her. And this man of action and firm purpose, he too had done brave battle with himself. " Could it have been otherwise," thought he. " Perhaps this feverish ambition that consumes me could have been held in check by the force of those en- dearing ties that give solace to the hearts of other men. And even now, I might have chosen per- sonal happiness to the grasping demands of am- bition. Suppose I find she cares not for him, why sacrifice this one hope of a lost mariner ? 148 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. But if as indeed it must be otherwise, and she has given him the treasury of her affections, then she will never know that I have cherished one thought of her." The men who command other men, whose lofty aspirations and high aims seek to control events, are out of the depth of their nature, the very men, who confide with simple faith in that woman who is most sympathetic to them. " Miss Bellamy," said Adonhiram bending to kiss the tips of her fingers, " this is a great pleas- ure to me." " A pleasure and a great surprise," answered Grace. " When did you leave Washington, Cap- tain Adonhiram ? " " Only a few hours ago," he replied. " I am about to leave America for an indefinite time, and may I venture to confess, that my object in com- ing here was to see you once more before my de- parture. In fact, to make my adieus in person." " This is most kind, Captain Adonhiram," said Grace, " and I appreciate the friendliness." The light was uncertain and he could not mark her expression, but the clear and unembarrassed tone of her voice, evinced that her words had their SEQUENCES OF HYPNOTISM. 149 exact meaning, in which there was not one shade of sentiment in his regard. " I accept the fiat," thought he, " and now I know for a certainty that it is not my destiny to know home life. I have always felt that my life must be cheerless." And he added without a change of intonation. " I am also charged to convey to you the kind remembrance of our friend Mr. Standish." " Yes," said she, and her voice trembled as she added, " When did you see him ? " "Ah," thought he, "that hesitating tone be- trays a heart throb. I saw him this morning," he answered, " and I left him if I may speak frankly, greatly agitated with the fear, that he by some mischance must have displeased you." " I do not understand," she said coldly, " why Mr. Standish should express such agitation to you, when he might so readily have made it known directly to me." " You are quite right," he said, " and under or- dinary circumstances, such action on his part might have been deemed indelicate." " And pray," she asked, " what extraordinary causes have intervened ? " 150 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. > " So strange, and yet so simple is the explana- tion," said he, " that it is difficult to make." "Your words," said she, "are riddles I cannot solve." " It is a story of hypnotism," he answered. " After we left South Mountain, it would seem that Elsa Zigi amused herself by hypnotizing Standish." " And he permitted her ! " she said scornfully. " His fault was that of overrating his own power of resistance and underrating the danger." " I understand," she replied quietly. " The day he arrived in Washington, she had not released him from this hypnotic spell ; and in order to try the extent of her power, she sent for him to go to her at two o'clock. ' He was under the constraint of her will, and he had to go." " Do you mean to assert as a fact," said she, "that a hypnotizer can exert such dangerous power ? " " I have no theories on this subject," he said. "It is bristling with facts. After she released him the following day, and lie could assert him- self, he at once recalled with great disquiet that he must have failed to meet an engagement to SEQUENCES OF HYPNOTISM. 151 call upon you at that hour. I assure you, he has only sentiments of aversion for Miss Zigi. As I happened to meet him when he made this con- strained visit, I immediately noticed that she had placed him in the hypnotic trance out of which I insisted she should release him ; and when later on I called at his rooms, he confided to me his distressing perplexity in your regard." " And why," she asked, " could not Mr. Standish have told me all this himself?" " He was made still more unhappy," he said, "by not knowing where you had gone." "And how did you know where I was?" she again asked. These direct questions gave Adonhiram a secret twinge of conscience, for he could not conceal from himself the true reason, that he had been unable to deny himself this last interview. Nor had he been entirely free from a faint hope in her regard. "I must be as downright as she is," he thought, "for she deserves candor. Elsa Zigi told me where you were," he answered, "and I feared from her manner, that she intended to make trouble, so I came here at once to make that which was doubtful clear." 152 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " Elsa Zigi is a wretch," exclaimed Grace with downright feminine vehemence, as she recalled her visit, and what she now knew must have been its purport. Nor did she escape a momentary feeling of jealousy in the aroused reflection. " You are safe," said Adonhiram sadly. " Why not be merciful ? You will doubtless meet Mr. Standish to-morrow. He is worthy of all re- gard." "And how can I express my gratitude to you, dear Captain Adonhiram ? " said Grace, with tears in her fine eyes, and tears that trembled in her voice. "My work here is ended," said he very gently. " We may never meet again ; but I pray you, think kindly of me as of a true friend; as of one, Grace Bellamy, who admires the candor of your pure nature, and will ever cherish an admiration for your womanly integrity." She held out her hand in reply, but he was gone. THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 153 CHAPTER VII. THE MONK AND THE MASON. THE TWO PRIN- CIPLES. AT the time our story opens, in the summer of 1859, the United States was at peace, but it was rather the lurid stillness that precedes the storm than a healthful calm. Washington during the winter of 1860 was marked by an unusual social brilliancy, and amid the gay round of dinners, receptions, and dances, it was impossible to realize that the country rested upon the seething volcanic fires of a rebel- lion so soon to burst forth, that would subject the whole country to the untold horrors of civil war. And in Southern Europe too, the tidal wave of revolution was at its height, and the long prepara- tion of Machiavellisrn and intrigue, leading to the so-called unification of Italy, was now ready to culminate in high-handed violence. Adonhiram's mission to America had not been in vain, for the leaders of the Secret Societies 154 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. that direct events, were instructed as far as was needful, as to the general plan, and these orga- nizers, acting in turn upon the serried phalanx they held in control, through this compact body of men, influenced the masses. Thus the popular mind was already captivated by the specious catchwords of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, that enlisted in advance the sympathy of America for the shameless robbery so long pre- pared for, and so soon to be consummated, of a friendly power. And even good people failed to see, when they rejoiced in the so called unification of Italy, that the end so ardently desired involved treachery, established rights violated, and the dishonorable theft of the Kingdom of Sicily. This much in 1859. In 1870, a robbery which for brutal turpitude, recalls the primal Satanic invasion. The almost warm, clear days of early January found Captain Adonhiram en voyage on his way back to London, where lie was looked for to take part in deliberations concerning the impending movements, in which it was designed that he should play an important role. THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 155 The glory, the majesty of the sea, always re- joiced Adonhiram. He was a tried sailor and the ocean his element. As often happens in this midwinter month, the sea was calm as if resting midway between the storms of December and February. One fine day, as he was taking his ease in a steamer chair, indulging in that full contentment of repose which follows and precedes stormy action, his attention was arrested by the near presence of a Franciscan monk who was evidently reading his office as he tranquilly paced the deck to and fro, with the recollected air of an anchorite, but the steady assured step of a mariner. He was of an imposing stature and not unlike Adon- hiram himself, in general build and personal ap- pearance, and as he strode the deck with an elastic easy movement, much as Adonhiram disliked monks and priests as such, he felt himself im- pelled by some mysterious attraction he could not understand, to this man. His coarse brown habit, with cowl and girdle, and sandaled feet, gave the monk an oriental picturesqueness that was fascinating. Assuredly he had touched some cherished recollection in the 156 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. heart of Adonhiram, for the latter evinced deep emotion as he closely scanned him with an increas- ing interest. "' Strange resemblance," muttered the Mason, recalling a never to-be-forgotten hour. " But why," thought he with the old bitterness against monasticism, "Why should I give more than a passing thought toward this wily son of Francis of Assisi, deluded follower of the poor fool, whose absurd tenets only serve to clog progress and de- base that pride of intellect we exult in, down to his own crazy standard of drivelling humility. We glory in self-deification ; these monks trample under foot the individual. No, no, it must ever be, as it has ever been, war between us, war of the two principles. But I will sound this fellow, for a monk at large and on his way to Rome, doubtless is an enemy to be watched and per- chance guarded against." How often it occurs, as if by a process of telep- athy, that when one is intently occupied with the thought of some one near, a semi-consciousness is produced. The monk as if divining Adonhiram's thoughts, suddenly turned toward him and their eyes met. THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 157 Again Adonhiram was troubled, for in the clear depths of those mild brown eyes, he saw the re- flection of that in his own past stormy life, which he never could recall without the deepest feel- ing. Adonhiram with a slight inclination of his head, pointed to a vacant chair near, and the monk whose intuitions were clear and unclouded by any self-interest, read in the wistful searching look bent upon him, an invitation to comradeship. He therefore frankly accepted the tacit request, and drawing the chair nearer, seated himself. At the moment he did so, the monk in turn gave a slight gesture of surprise, as his eye fell upon the signet ring of Adonhiram. It was a superb moonstone quaintly set, and upon its opalescent surface was engraved the double-headed eagle surmounted by a triangle, from which issued fervid rays, and within which were the mystic numbers thirty-three. Upon the scroll that the eagle held in his talons were thirt}-- three stars and the Ma/zinian legend : " Dei et Popoli" God and the people. "You wear," said the monk, "the signet ring of authority, of the Scottish rite, Rose-Croix, number 158 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. thirty-three. Of course you have had a mission to fulfill in America." " How so ? " answered the Mason impassively, but much wondering as to his interlocutor's source of knowledge. " The handwriting on the wall is plain to me," replied the Monk. " I was of the Rose-Croix, Scottish rite, number thirty-two. So we are both initiates into the higher mysteries." "And you are now?" queried the Mason with a scornful intonation he could not repress. " As you see me, thank God," answered the monk fervently, " an humble monk of the venera- ble order of St. Francis of Assisi." And Adonhiram could not refrain from saying, " And are you fully aware of your mortal peril as a renegade ? " Had an aureole of light fallen from Heaven upon the head of the monk, that his face there- upon shone with a holy shining, as he exclaimed, "If the dear Lord so wills, martyrdom." " It is sublime," thought Adonhiram, and yet again, memory led him back nearly a score of years to the memorable hour, when once before he had seen this same wrapt Heavenward look, THE TWO PEINC1PLES. 159 and he asked, " Pray be so good, the story of your life. Whence comes this madness ? " " It can be told in a few words," said the monk. " Pardon candor but I was as you are, in outer darkness, yet thinking I had the true wisdom as a torch-bearer of light, when the change came." "Too evasive," interjected the Mason sternly. " Give me facts, not opinions." "The facts are simply these," answered the monk patiently. "There were two of us, my brother and I." Adonhiram gave an involuntary start, which the monk perceiving asked, "Did you know him?" " Go on," replied the Mason, in a husky voice. " Yes, you must have known him," exclaimed the monk earnestly. " I feel sure that you knew him. Listen. My brother was first converted to the true faith, and receiving the grace from Heaven, he became a Franciscan monk. I was in the inner secret councils of the Grand Orient, as he had been, and I felt sure, knowing him as I did, that some superhuman motive must have filled his soul ; some powerful reason that I had never grasped, something that was worth know- ing, that could bring about so radical a change. 160 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. "I sought him in his retreat and found him con- sumed with holy zeal and possessed by a strange enthusiasm for a martyr's crown. Through the grace of God, ever blessed be His name, he ob- tained for me the gift of faith ; and we parted for all time. He was sent out on a mission to Monte- video, and there, there," added the monk, his voice sinking to an awed whisper, " God granted his longing desire. He gave his life to save a captive youth." Adonhiram's eyes filled with tears, as trembling with emotion he embraced the monk. " I was that captive," said he. Then after a pause he added, "Your noble brother offered his own life to save mine." " My martyr brother died to save his body," thought the monk, " it may be vouchsafed, that I complete the work and save his soul." And Adonhiram felt the strange spell of the monk's rapt expression as lie gazed upward, such as he had seen the brother's countenance assume, as the solemn hour preceding martyrdom, the same ecstatic radiance, the spiritualized appeal to the invisible. Could he ever forget it? THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 161 There was silence broken by the monk, who asked wistfully, " Pray tell me all." " It is your due," answered Adonhiram. " I was with Garibaldi in Montevideo in 1843, acting as his aid, at the time of the insurrection of Rosas. One day, being sent out to reconnoitre, I was captured by this fierce and cruel brigand chief just at nightfall. The band that captured me was scouring the plains outside of the city, and at the early dawn Rosas was to move onward. Short shrift was made of me. A grave was dug, and at daybreak I was to be shot. I could hear the dull thud of the grave-digging during the long watches of that night, and I knew the open trench was ready, into which my mangled body was so soon to fall. " I was nearly a score of years younger then than I am now, and it was bitter thus to die. Life is sweet to a boy of twenty. "The night sped on apace and was far spent, as I waited for the fatal sunrise in my guarded tent. The brooding moon hung low, as the heavy dark- ness that precedes the dawn, was upon us. Pres- ently I heard the rapid approach of some one on horseback. Oh, could it be Garibaldi come to the 11 162 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. rescue ? There was a moment's parley with the guard and in another instant a Franciscan monk drew aside the canvas and stood before me. 1 never knew his name, but he stood before me, of my own stature, and as I saw him in the dim light he resembled you. My faint hope of rescue was rudely dissipated, and I drew myself to my full height haughtily, as I said in defiant tones, 'No monk shall dare to shrive me. Begone.' " He seized my unwilling hand, as bending for- ward he whispered with passionate fervor, ' I come not to shrive but to save. Be quick, change clothes, take my horse, put spurs to his flanks, a race for life and you can reach your garrison.' 4 And you ? ' I asked. ' Ask no questions, go at once. No, stay. There is one promise. Swear never to act against Rome, and to respect the Holy Father.' I took the oath, and I made my escape. An hour later Rosas, in an access of rage, ordered the monk to be shot. He filled my open grave." " And won a martyr's crown. Thanks forever be to God. Amen," responded the monk with irrepressible enthusiasm. " But your vow ? " he added. " I hate monks and clericalism," the Mason said THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 163 bitterly with ground teeth. " But your brother's lifeblood has set the seal on my promise. I must say frankly, that I never did or could understand the motive that led to this sublime sacrifice, nor the reason why I was made to take the vow as a condition of my release. But be that as it may, life was much to me then, and I was and ever shall be grateful." "I bless you," said the monk, " for the honest recital, and I can now connect all the links. My brother was eager to win a martyr's crown, and God, through you, vouchsafed to grant his holy longing. He had been of the Secret Directory of the Grand Orient." Adonhiram gave an involuntary start. " As you doubtless now are," added the monk. " We are now talking as initiates of the highest orders, which you are and I was, and we may as well speak plainly, for you know, and I knpw, that there always exists one Secret Head, whose very name is unknown, except to the Secret Directory, but who to them, and to them alone, is known as the Patriarch ; and the names of this Directory are in turn unknown except in guarded gradations of Venerables. My brother had seen you with Gari- 164 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. baldi, who was from the first a warlike agent of this . Directory, to execute the decre'es of the Grand Orient. He knew that the fiat of the higher grades always meant revolution and venge- ance. Then he saw that you were brave and reckless of consequences, and must rise to do the work at Rome. In the sublime vicarious sacrifice of his life, my brother sought to guard the person of the Holy Father." The Mason made no reply, but light hitherto unknown struggled with the darkness of his soul. * * * * The ensuing day, this conversation of absorb- ing interest was renewed. Both men were of earnest convictions, and the peculiar tie that bound them made their discussions possible. Nor could there be betrayal, where both were fully in- itiated. " I have learned since yesterday," said the monk, " that you are called Captain Adonhiram ; and I infer from this cognomen that you are still in league with Garibaldi, and belong to the execu- tive arm of the Grand Orient, for the true Adon- hiram means, The Master to revenge'" 1 THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 165 " A merely symbolic phrase," said Adonhiram carelessly. " The three symbolical grades," said the monk, " are those of Apprentice, Companion and Master. If these symbols are purely allegorical, they are senseless ; but if they teach the lesson we know they teach, it is a frightful one. For you this false mask must long since have been torn away, and you must be a passed chemist in the awful laboratory of revolution." " Of course," remarked the Mason, " the action of secret societies like the occult alchemy of Na- ture, runs like a hidden vein of pure gold through all the pages of the history of modern times. One of our orators, Malapert, says truly, that ' since the eighteenth century nothing is done without the consent of the Masons.' We hold the key that unlocks all forces and explains the trend of events. History is a confused mass of facts without apparent motive unless our agency is taken into account." " Alas, it is all too true," said the monk sadly. " The emblematical three companions to be assas- sinated, are ever the same. They are religion, au- thority and government. Everywhere in Masonry 166 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. appear the two principles of good and evil. They are unceasingly personified in all the rites, and rise phoenix-like in endless shapes. It is an eter- nal procession of shades made manifest through Masonry. Thus we have, Osiris and Typhon ; Ormus and Ahrimane ; Pantheism and Atheism ; Solidarity and Fatality." " There is a God of Masonry," said Adonhiram. " He is Nature. He is known as the Grand Arch- itect of the universe." " Yes," said the monk. " He is known in many shapes. He is typified by Pan and Isis ; and the exponents of the morals of your sect, for heresy it is, are Helvetius, Voltaire, J. J. Rousseau, Did- erot, D'Alembert, Condorcet, Volney and a host of others." " In England and the United States," replied the Mason evasively. " Masoniy has given a place to the Bible in its ritual." " Doubtless," replied the monk, " the Bible is used with a Masonic interpretation, but in these two countries the position is isolated." " And in Germany likewise," added the Mason, " the Bible appears in the Lodges." " I am told," replied the monk with a smile, THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 167 "that the Holy Writ is replaced in German Chap- ters, by a book of blank leaves with the inscrip- tion God. It reminds one of the Athenian dedi- cation ' To the Unknown God.' ' "And yet," said Adonhiram, "what more rea- sonable or scientific worship can be found than is ours? We have to begin with, the very charac- teristic that your church claims as proof of its divine mission, unity." " And this very semblance of unit}V replied the monk, " is a menace to society, for it is pro- duced by the terror of oaths and penalties. This imitation of truth in the symbolic grades is one of the peculiar features of all secret societies, but in the higher grades, Isis is unveiled. Tertullian declares of the oath-bound orders, that from the second century, they imitated the ceremonies of the divine Sacraments. Thus we see at this day that they ascend grade by grade, to the impiety of the Rose-Croix and the Chevalier Kadoch. This is the explanation of the seemingly ridiculous ceremonies and often otherwise unmeaning ones of all the grades, that they are really intended to burlesque religion. The unity of Masonry rests in its being oath-bound, and its very preservation 168 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. depends on its terror-stricken secrecy. Yet after all, the rites differ. This is not the unity of God's truth." " Distort it as you will," interrupted Adonhiram, in an icy tone. " However much the ritual may vary, the principle remains always the same. The symbolic grades are the exterior life, but the higher orders of adepts have the interior life wherein rests the soul of Masonrj 1 -. It is the re- ligion of Humanity, and the Venerable preserves individualism, which your abhorred system of clericalism destroys ; while ours, is the true altar of Human Rights before which officiates the High Priest of Jehovah." "A Humanity," observed the monk, "put in the place of God. All the allegories of Masonry teach the deification of man. It is the echo down the ages of the first Satanic promise made to man- kind, ' You will become as Gods.' And the God thus adored is not the God of the Christians, but Nature, Pan, as grand architect of the universe." " And pray, what of our Apostolic Succession? Do you not find its existence in an unbroken chain in your learned investigations ? " asked the Mason scornfully. THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 169 " Your craft is ancient," answered the monk. " You are the successors of the priests of Heliop- olis, of the Magians, of the Chaldeans, of the Brahmanites, of the Gymnosophists, of the Druids. You are the heirs of the Sabeens and of Zoroaster. Like the fabled phrenix you arise pro- lific from the ashes of all sects. You reproduce the Persian mysteries of Mithras, the hieroglyphics of the Egyptian Isis, the occultism of the Grecian Eleusis." " Very good," laughed the Mason, " and we are prophets likewise. What of the dying prophecy of Jacques Molay ? " " Your sect has taken care to verify the predic- tion, for ever since that terrible utterance, the un- ceasing cry of vengeance resounds in your Lodges. Presently, you will have discrowned the last of the Bourbons." Adonhiram winced. " Can he know the plot ? " thought he. " But no, it is only the general drift that he notes," and he remarked sarcastically, "At least you must give us credit for good mem- ories. Like you Romanists, we do not forget our martyrs." " To revenge Jacques Molay after a lapse of 170 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. centuries," said the monk, " would be puerile in- deed, were it not for the terrible meaning involved, of destruction. Certainly you perpetuate hatreds, for instance in the symbols of the Rose-Croix, the punishment of Manes is typified, poor Manes who, failing to cure the son of the Persian King, was burnt alive upon pointes-de-roseaux. And you unite in the Rose-Croix, the old practices of alchemy of Manes, to the Rabbinical Cabala, and delude your adepts with promises of a mystic life disengaged from the senses." " Our antiquity is our boast," said the Mason, " but our mission is for all time, and our vast projects rest upon the firm triple foundation of ' Liberty, equality and fraternity. ' " These terms are illusive," answered the monk. " How can liberty exist when by secret oaths a blind obedience is exacted ? And when we pene- trate far enough, to know the reasons for this enforced obedience, we find when too late to safely withdraw, that the real end is the ruin of religion and government. " It is a Satanic liberty that demands absolute independence of all authority other than the Masonic despotism. Do you not see," added the THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 171 monk, " that like the serpent you always turn in the same circle ? Your projects are impossible to realize, a thousand times impossible. If you over- turn society you cannot rebuild except on the secure foundations of religion, and how can you reorganize without a Head ? How can you create order out of disorder without the subordination of control, and if you restrain you reestablish au- thority. Then, Headship anew exists. Again you drift directly into anarchy and the Commune. How will yqu keep the idle and the vicious in check ? " " We have," said the Mason, " a potent factor against misrule, in our contemplated alliance of universal republicanism. We expect to bring about a grand proletarian revolution which we will use as the powerful lever for an economic change. There are as you well know, correspond- ing tactics to use in different countries. In En- gland and the United States there are the agencies of Trades Unions ; in France workmen's syndi- cates ; and everywhere, local groups can be fused into corporations. Needed revolutions purify." " What is needed," replied the monk, sadly, "is reform, not revolution." 172 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " You do not put the question fairly," said Adonhiram. " We have to make a fight against the implacable enemies of humanity. Princes and priests are oppressors to be destroyed." " You remind me," said the monk, "of the doc- trines of your exponent Fichte, when he boldly declares, 'That all means are permitted, fire and sword, cunning and violence, poison and poignard. The end sanctifies the means,' he says." " But," said Adonhiram, " you lose sight of the grandeur of our fundamental idea of equality and fraternity, which must reorganize society on a natural basis. But why should we continue our discussion, for we can never agree." * * * * The sea remained calm, and the traversee was a rapid one. During the voyage, Adonhiram had been several times rather annoyed by the too near approach of a rather effeminate looking youth, who had, with seeming inadvertence during several of the conversations we have narrated, taken a chair rather uncomfortably near, yet whenever he had looked toward the young man, his pose and manner indicated entire indifference, and no farther thought was given to his movements, other perhaps than uncomplimentary mental comments THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 173 as to the general uufitness for any earthly uses, of that jeunesse doree of which this dapper little fel- low seemed an average type. He always reclined with averted eyes, and re- garded space in a vapid way. Although Adonhiram had each time resolved not to renew these controversies with the monk, yet whenever they met on the few successive days, the fascination of the contest was irresistible. "It is fortunate indeed," thought the Mason, " that this monk has a claim upon my gratitude stronger than the ties of Nature, or I would most certainly inform against him as a suspect." Then again, when he recalled the cruel decrees of the Carbonari, he doubted his moral right to protect him. Had he not heard his friend Mazzini declare, when they were in secret conclave, that " those who do not obey the orders of the secret societies shall be poignarded without mercy, same punishment for traitors, and if the guilty one escape, he shall be pursued without ceasing in every place and struck by an invisible hand, even were he in the arms of his mother, or in the taber- nacle of Christ." Nor was this 'law an idle figment, for he shud- 174 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. dered at the recollection of certain sentences passed in secret tribunals, which were later on carried into effect. Especially had this been the case with several tragedies enacted in France, for which Mazzini was condemned to death, did he ever appear in that country. The question would present itself with disagreeable force as to his right to protect a renegade under any circum- stances. " I would rather die the death than to betray him," was the response of his inner self, "and we may never meet again. Through his brother's heroism I live, and in his name I must repay the debt." Nor would lie in these self-incriminations, acknowledge the admiring regard with which the monk inspired him, as he would mentally exclaim, " He is so true, brave, disinterested and fervent." Their last conversation on the steamer, was as usual, a renewal of the same theme. " Why," inquired the monk, " should secret so- cieties exist in the United States except in the in- terests of Socialism ? In fact it is surprising that their existence should be tolerated in a free coun- try." " There are," said Adonhiram, " beneficent THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 175 reasons for such organizations, for instance alms- giving, and the mutual succor of its members, that enlist public sentiment in its behalf." The monk laughed. "And is it needed in order to be good," he said, " to be oath-bound under horrible penalties? Nor does almsgiving make part of the Mason's creed. In fact their expo- nents discourage the idea. It is passing strange that the danger to free institutions, of the forma- tion of an irresponsible state within a state, has not been fully understood." " It can not be said," replied Adonhiram, " that Freemasonry in the United States has been polit- ical in its aims." " Perhaps not as yet positively," answered the monk. " Their political action has been rather inferential, for while there are Masons in the op- posing political parties that control the elections, yet the point is made, that the candidates of either party must be Masons. Now such a state of things is inimical to freedom." " But," said Adonhiram, "you do not find Ma- sonry enter into public political debates." " This is absolutely of no consequence," said the monk, " for is it not a known fact that parliamen- 176 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. tary debates in England and Congressional de- bates in America, have but little real meaning. They are intended for the uninitiated." Both men laughed heartily, when the monk re- sumed, " There is every indication in the United States among the cognate Secret Societies such as the Odd Fellows and Knights Templars et id, that Masonry is in this way being simplified for the popular use. But this is only repeating history, as when Cromwell used Masonry to carry out his designs." "But this was in behalf of freedom," urged Adonhiram. " I do not agree with you," objected the monk, "for we evidently read history differently. But to return to America, I am glad to perceive that as yet, so far as I know, women are not members of Lodges, as they may be in Europe under certain conditions. We have at least escaped the inflic- tion in America of androgynous Lodges with their attendant scandals." "And why should not Eve play her part?" asked Adonhiram. ' Remember the old Masonic fable of Satan as Typhon, and Eve or Hava as the Apple Tree. How can there be a radical THE TWO PRINCIPLES. 177 reconstruction of all social order without wo- men ? " At this moment Adonhiram happening to turn round suddenly, beheld fixed upon him with a triumphant gleam,, the lurid eyes of the delicate stripling, who had unperceived approached so very close that he must have overheard, if not under- stood their conversation. The peculiar depth of the keen, fixed, passionate look, was uncomfortable, and moreover recalled eyes that he felt sure to have seen before. As the Mason walked abruptly away, mentally reproaching himself for being so indiscreet, the pale face of the listener flushed, and there was an indistinct ejaculation. "I can do better far, than to shadow him in man's attire. I can and will become a High Priestess of an Androgynous European Lodge, and do battle and conquer on his own chosen ground." 12 178 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. CHAPTER VIII. THE SECRET DIRECTORY. ALMOST all the affairs of this period of revolu- tion, were treated by secret communications be- tween the principal actors themselves, and we find that these conspirators who moved the hidden springs of action, flitted about from one European capital to another most often under assumed names, organizing their forces and directing antic- ipated uprisings. He who reads modern history without taking into account these machinations of the intriguing leaders of secret societies, reads blindly and to lit- tle purpose, but with this key to unlock obscure places, one can readily understand that the events that caused most surprise as being seemingly un- expected, had in reality been carefully prepared and were the natural effects of causes. It may be said in history as in nature, that Mmprevu does not exist ; and when one exclaims, THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 179 " Vimprevu, toujours fimprevu " it may be trans- lated, hidden causes, always hidden causes. In Southern Europe, certainly in Italy, at the time of which we write, the most powerful as well as the most dangerous combinations, hostile to the peace of society, were made by the Carbonari. This sect of Carbonari, although it may have claimed, through its Masonic affiliations a greater antiquity, was really selected as the most suitable revolutionary means, because it was intended to gain the middle and lower classes of people, and weld them for its purposes by oath-bound obliga- tions. The very name of Carbonari, meaning colliers or charcoal burners, indicates the nature of the union. The governing power over these rude masses of men was vested in three persons, who administered conjointly the three functions of the legislative, executive and the judicial. The Lodges were called Vendite, and the highest and final tribunal, was the judicial and called the Alta Vendite. These Vendite, corresponding to the Chapters of Masonry, were subdivided into numerous Barraches, each presided over as are the Masonic Lodges. But of course the despotic hidden power rested with the Alta Vendite, and 180 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. the head of this Directory, was the judicial Grand Master. After all, it is the same principle modi- fied in form somewhat, as Masonry. The organization is marvelously adapted to subserve revolutionary ends, for while the oath- bound masses are uninformed laboring men, or ambitious nobodies whom the cover of secrecy puffs up with an idea that they are making over society, yet the real, despotic, tyrannical irrespon- sible Head, is the Secret Directory of three, or perhaps in plenitude of absolutism, the Grand Master. Talk of the slavery of the one man rule over nations. It is a mere shadow compared to the Satanic power such a secret Head can wield. If a man wishes to put his head in. a noose and never be able to draw it out again without being strangled, he need only enroll himself as a mem- ber of an oath-bound band, or join some of these vendite. He will soon find if he is disappointed or disposed to be recalcitrant, that the harder he pulls the tighter the noose draws. In fact, secrecy, and the terror that secrecy in- spires, thus welds together as in a vise, masses of men all the world over. e<-*tt/\ O,, ,,'<- nvv, C/tf C, A f / v THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 183 There is only one power that dares fulminate against this subjection of the liberty of men, against this incubus that under false and specious pretenses holds humanity bound in fetters, and this voice is Rome. Rome against whom the powers of darkness can never prevail. The plot that had been so carefully laid, was now ready to culminate into action, and Adon- hiram's return from his mission to the United States was anxiously looked for. He had immediately upon his arrival at Hatch - ett's Hotel, Picadilly W., sent a message to a friend of the cause, to get the address of the Grand Master to whom he must at once report, and who he knew must be at that time in London under an assumed name. The answer was immediate, and from the Grand Master himself ; for the leaders of " united Italy" were on the alert. It read thus : * " MY DEAR FRIEND : " Why on earth don't you come to a friend instead of writing? Do come on *A verbatim copy of an unpublished letter of Mazzini. 184 THE SECRET DIEECTORY. Wednesday, to-morrow, at No. 2, Onslow Terrace, Brompton Road. Ask for Mr. Ernejii, and shake hands with your " JOSEPH MAZZINI. " Tuesday morning." At the appointed time, the two friends, mem- bers of the Secret Directory of Carbonari, High Priests of revolution, met with the triple symbolic embrace. The room was simply furnished, and much of its limited space taken up by a square carved oak centre table, filled with drawers, upon which rested some huge folios of manuscript books piled in good order, for even in little things there was system with this great organizer. Beside these ledgers were blank sheets of writing paper, and a large bronze inkstand in which was dipped ready for use, a goose quill pen. The books held records of much that, would make obscure points of modern history clear, but being constantly interspersed with the Masonic alphabet used by Secret Societies to veil their pur- poses, would, if captured by the police, have given but illusive information to the uninitiated. Leaning slightly, with elbow resting on the top THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 187 of a high backed oaken chair that was near the table, stood the Grand Master of the Carbonari and the brain leader of revolutionary Europe, the wonderful man whose history transcends romance. The son of a respectable physician of Genoa, and of a mother from whom he inherited great aspira- tions and extraordinary breadth of character, he gave in early youth evidence of surprising genius. As a student at the University of Genoa, then an advocate, then editor of a radical paper, he showed remarkable talent, but made himself ob- noxious to the established government. At twenty-two he joined the Carbonari, and at once found there the needed environment for the expansion of his peculiar gifts for intrigue. Condemned to the gallows by Carlo Alberto for inciting political revolution, then exiled, im- prisoned, and by a sudden turn of affairs elected by a secret assembly one of a Triumvir of Rome. Then later on, when Rome was guarded by French troops, escaping by means of an English passport, and emigrating to London, where unit- ing the proscribed of all countries, and under the tacit protection of Lord John Russell and Pal- 188 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. merston of the British ministry, he formed the " Central Committee of European Democracy." Sanguinary popular tumults, such as that of Milan in 1853, insurrections at Genoa, Livorna and Naples, were successively attributed to his Machiavellian genius. We now find him in 1859, this founder of " young Italy," this man of unyielding fanaticism, ever dominated by an inflexible hatred of royalty and the Church, using with matchless skill all the forces, of the world's Secret Societies which he had at his command, to enforce his conspiracies. He was a Deist and absolutely without moral principle, an astonishing embodiment of malefic intellect and diabolic idealism. Like the first Napolean who also made use of Secret Societies as a means to compass his ends, there was no limit to the evil forces he might have unchained, had success crowned his utmost grasp. As incarnations of vigorous, unscrupulous, far- reaching mentality, aiding restless ambition, these two men must ever stand as monumental prodi- gies of human genius, directed through hidden channels to evil ends. Mazzini in 1860, at the time we write about, THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 189 was fifty-two years of age, and consequently as to years at his prime, but the consuming fires within, had rapidly exhausted his vitality, and as he stood before his friend, after the first warm greeting, deep lines of thought marked his careworn visage. The expression of his eyes was introverted as of one who sought counsel from an inner conscious- ness, and from the high tribunal of his own superior intellectuality, directed the ways of men. He was tall, rather angular, but of flexible easy grace^ and he had that dome-like shape of head broadening out, that is so often seen in men of exalted talent. His pronounced aquiline nose was suggestive of the eagle's beak, and the heavy under jaw be- tokened inflexible will power. How was it that those who loved Mazzini wor- shipped him ? This influence was a kind of hypnotic grasp in which he held subject, those who came within the personal magnetism of his domineering determi- nation. Adonhiram was a man of fixed purpose, a leader of men, a born revolutionist, one who had in- herited insubordination of temperament. 190 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. But Adonhiram was led by Mazzini, and by Mazzini alone, and seemingly of his own accept- ance, growing out of his love for the man. The Italian had impressed upon this strong in- dividuality, his own unequaled, overmastering, in- exorable will. Addressing Adonhiram with the usual Carbonari term of comradeship, he said : " Good Cousin, like the stormy petrel you reap- pear upon the horizon as harbinger of the near- coming tempest; thrice welcome. " We are about to renew the glorious epochs of 1789, 1830, and 1848 ; to add 1860 to this bright constellation and to show how in the continuity of events, all revolutions are born of the same parents, animated by the same spirit. " The titanic dream,' the ' Unity of Italy ' matures to its realization. Well has Danton said, ' de Pandace, encore de Vaudace^ et tovjours de Vaudace? " As the opportunities take shape, we shall make sure, good Cousin, to execute the laws of fatality. After the harvest ripens one will no longer judge kings but kill them." "But Master and friend," interrupted Adon- THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 191 hiram startled, " that is the law of the Commune, the law of dynamite." " You mistake me/' said Mazzini, his brow dark- ening, "I hate Socialism, I ubhor the Com- mune. " The true principles of Masonry find their scientific, their philosophic development in the up- heavel of government and religion, because these are shackles to cast off. We must be free, but we do not accept the brutal sequences of Socialism, Communism, anarchy, nihilism." "Yet how are we to guard against the degrad- ing outcome ? " hesitatingly asked Adonhiram, Mazzini's eye kindled as if in anger, as he darted upon his co conspirator a keen, investigating look. "Good Cousin," he said slowly, "it is evident you have breathed your native air of freedom. But between us there can be no dissensions. " In the great future that is so near at hand, only three or four men will hold the cards. Let us fraternize and rule as one, while as many more may think they govern as choose to do so," and he smiled as he added in his own most winning way: " What we have to guard against is strife from 192 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. within, rather than enemies from without. Ton are my friend, I know I can trust." No one ever resisted that magnetic charm, nor did Adonhiram, for he warmly cried out, " True, dear Master as the needle to the pole." Mazzini's strained look relaxed, for he knew he had not expended that odic force in vain. He re sumed a frank cordial aspect of intimacy, as he said : '' Between us are no secrets. I shall speak openly. There are comrades in our very midst to be closely watched. " There is Bakounine. I believe the fellow to be a spy of Russia. He organizes, he is seemingly zealous, but his plans are but anarchistic traps that lead to an agrarian Commune. " There is Karl Marx, with a dangerous ac- tivity that only tends to disorganize. Weishaupt with his fine theories of the autonomy of the in- dividual and absolute atheism is not so harmful. All these men are with us so far as they dream only of revolution. " It is not our business to guard morality, but to prevent divisions. " Ah, how difficult this task," and with a pro- THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 193 found sigh he leaned back in his chair beside which he had been standing, as a momentary col- lapse as of intense discouragement seemed to over- come him. " Yet," in an instant he continued with de- cision, "we have but one aim, 'young Italy' God and the People ; but we know that God is the People." And again that sinister smile. "But time presses. Pray, good Cousin, give me the facts of the American mission. I believe you were known as Adonhiram." " I am well content with the results of my mission,'' replied Adonhiram. " I found the Lodges rapidly increasing in num- ber and influence, well conducted and holding fast to the ancient landmarks of good discipline. The popular mind in the United States has been well prepared by Masonry to endorse all our pro- posed movements regarding the unification of Italy. When the outburst comes, America will be found in sympathy." " Sympathy in revolution means help. It is well, and exactly as I expected of you," said Maz- zini, " and presently, after this movement, as we 13 194 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. near the centred point of Rome, we can organize in the United States ' a universal Republican Alli- ance.' " But did you prepare the way in other things, good cousin ? " "" I did," said Adonhiram. " I agitated the sub- ject of our Freemasons' schools, that is, I pointed out the advantage of compulsory state education, that suppresses all religious instruction, and of the excellence of youth dominating in a virile Republic. Nor did I forget to advocate the schools of both sexes." " You did right," exclaimed Mazzini, " the prin- ciple was recognized as far back as Robespierre, who insisted upon primary schools of both sexes and all ages." " I was also careful," continued Adonhiram, "in all my speeches made to the Chapters, who were everywhere convened to meet me, to enforce our ruling dogmas of solidarity, of humanitarian- ism, of cosmopolitanism. " I explained that these were the true Masonic ideas and contrasted sharply their breadth, with the narrowness of that tie binding only to one's country, called patriotism. THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 195 " The Mason, I told them again and again, knows no country, he knows only universal broth- erhood, and I dwelt upon the fact that in war, Masons must always meet as brothers, even were they in the act of mortal combat. I sought thus to uproot that so-called patriotism which is strong in American hearts, and in place of a narrow love of country and one's native land, to implant our higher and broader creed of universal republican- ism." "Well done," said Mazzini, approvingly, "good seed in good soil must bring forth a prolific har- vest. But what of that great power of first mag- nitude in a free country, the Press ? " " There was not much for me to do in that di- rection," answered Adonhiram, hesitatingly. " Having formerly been one of the guild, I had ready access among journalists. " I found them, as a class, a more high-minded body of men by far than the politicians ; and more liberal-minded to accept new issues in a spirit of fair discussion. " Yet, I must confess, that I was disappointed after all. The Press fails to grasp to the full measure its opportunities." 196 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " How so ? " asked Mazzini. " It is curious," said Adonhiram, reflectively, " but journalism in America fails to lead public opinion as it should do. " It is a good exponent of popular ideas, and follows with accuracy and admirable talent the in- dications of the actual state of public sentiment. But it does not form the national policy, nor re- form or initiate its movements. " I can not quite understand in what consists the restraining power. " I was repeatedly surprised when availing my- self of my signal advantages, I would venture to expostulate in this matter, with this or that great paper or magazine. I was invariably answered : ' Our clientele wish so and so,' or, ' All that does very well and may be true, but it is an idea over the heads of our subscribers,' or, ' Our paper is upheld by a large class of patrons who think dif- ferently.' " One sees that journalism carried on in this way, is an exponent of whatever class it may se- lect to represent, but in no case ever becomes a leader of public opinion." THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 197 " Can it be possible," asked Mazzini, " that our figment, the vox populi, really leads ? " " Not at all," replied Adonhiram, " America has her great men, who are something more than mere organizers, for they really control." " In such case," said Mazzini, " I see no reason why our organization should not prevail in Amer- ica to the needed extent. American institutions must readily lend themselves to revolutionary agi- tation. " But what of the women of the country ? Have Androgynous Lodges yet been formed ? Are women satisfied with a purely domestic life?" " Masonry in America," said Adonhiram, " would not as yet tolerate the female lodges, with the peculiar rites they introduce. " The matrons of the country, as a majority, do not ask for broader privileges than those grnnted them, but there exists an agitation and a restless- ness among many women that must ultimately favor our designs." " It is indeed well," said Mazzini. " We must at some time make a special crusade in order to change the present status of women in America, for there are no better agitators, once excited. 198 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. And now," said Mazzini, " for our work here. At this very hour the whirlwind we have sown is a ripe harvest of destruction. " Sicily is in the throes of revolution," he ex- claimed triumphantly. " Jacques Molay's ashes will once again be avenged, for another Bourbon is about to fall. " Yet," he added, sadly after a pause, " the com- ing victory is incomplete, for to gain this point we have to make concessions with a constitutional monarchy ; the star of the dynasty of Savoy is for the nonce in the ascendant. At first, we must ac- cept the Italian Unity under Victor Emanuel, who will stand back of us in this spoliation of lesser powers. " Garibaldi will come to the front, for he, the intellectual nullity, is the popular idol. " But the brains will move the automaton," and thus saying, Mazzini smiled cynically as he tapped his forehead with significance. There was silence. After a pause Mazzini re- sumed. " The daybreak of the Grand Orient is at hand. 1789 will be remembered as child's play compared with what is to come. THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 199 " By means of a complete organization, that barnacle called faith, must be wiped out ; by the skillful use of the passions of men, some embodi- ment of such a dream of universal domination :is the first Napoleon had, may still be incarnated, something that will realize what Rome may be pleased to call the coining of Anti Christ. If so be, a religion of Satan, that will upset superstition." Adonhiram thought that he loved Mazzini, and he most assuredly revered his grandeur of concep- tion, but at that moment he recalled the sublime enthusiasm of two other men, the Martyr and the Monk, and the involuntary comparison was not favorable to his chief. He was willing to put forth his utmost strength in behalf of the Master, he would work for a United Italy, yet there was a limit beyond which he could not pass. And he made answer, " In so much as I can do, I am ready to assist my old Captain, Garibaldi. What is to be my role ? " " Much, much," exclaimed the Grand Master. " You are needed everywhere. " The King is a moral coward. Cavour, I de- test. Garibaldi must have every plan prepared 200 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. for him, and get all the credit when he comes down like a Saxon battle axe with that brute force he wields. " In the first place, your nautical skill is needed, your experience as a sailor. " There are vessels now ready to transport troops to Sicily, that are, as a blind, spoken of as a squadron going to Montevideo ; for suspicion must be disarmed. " You are required in your capacity of Ameri- can citizen, not only to take charge of the revolu- tionary squadron, but to devise means in conse- quence of your citizenship, to enlist the United States government de facto, as partisans in this holy cause of young Italy and crusade against the Papacy. "And when this Sicilian Expedition will have gained Sicily for Victor Emanuel, there will still be other revolutionary work, which we may here in England plan and carry out. by the continued secret connivance of Palmerston and Lord John Russell. " One very vexatious thing, is the money ques- tion ; which, ignoble as it is, means much to us, unfortunately. THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 201 "The Jews must help us in that. Do not for- get when you are in Rome, that the Beni-Berita there, is a supreme revolutionary Tribunal. " The symbolical reconstruction of the Temple of Solomon, that the Masons have for centuries been engaged in, means the Judiazation of Chris- tianity. " The Jews understand this very well, and build great hopes upon it. They are always looking forward to its near fulfillment. " Did not the Jews in Germany proclaim that the First Napoleon was the Messiah of deliver- ance ? " " Had they said Anti-Christ," suggested Adon- hiram, " it would have been nearer right." " Their highest grade," continued Mazzini, " the grade of Misraim, clearly sets forth this expecta- tion in their rites. " In fact," said the Master, " so deep-rooted is this infatuation, that at times it makes me very uncomfortable." " Why should the superstitions of these people concern us? " asked Adonhiram. "Because," replied Mazzini, "the Secret Com- mittees are governed in great part by Jews who 202 THE SECRET DIEECTORY. are unknown to the masses of Masons, but who use our societies to bring about what they are pleased to call, 'the redemption of Israel.' Nor can we do without these bigots for we must have funds." " It would seem," remarked Adonhiram, " that although we are all working together, yet we have different aims." " After all," replied the Master drily, " the world is never governed by those who are ostensibly its leaders. " Yet, this is but the beginning. " The insurrection to succeed must be general. It must take place in Hungary, Poland, the Danubian provinces, and above all Venice is an objective point. My emissaries are ever} : where at work, and we will lead to a Universal Republican Democracy." He closed his eyes as if to take in the whole situation more clearly, and continued, " We have nothing to fear from France ; for has not my good Cousin Napoleon, obliged himself to become the testamentary executor of Orsini, whose father first put him under bonds as a Carbonaro. The fifteen months of grace that we gave my Cousin, in which THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 203 to prepare events for the Unity of Italy is at an end. " The interview that I had with the Emperor in '58 must be still fresh in his Majesty's mind," re- marked Adonhiram derisively. " Eugenie was present toward the close of our conversation, and upon being told by the Emperor that T was of the Secret Directory of the Grand Orient, she very naively inquired if there was no danger in being closeted with a revolutionist. Doubtless remem- bering the recent incident of Orsini. " The Emperor smiled and said, ' Orsini was one of us, and he found my star in the as- cendant.' ' " And yet," suggested Mazzini, " she must in her early youth have been familiar witli the presence of members of Secret Societies, for the house of Montijo was headquarters of Free- masonry, and of revolutionary plots as well, so it is said." And both friends laughed at some strain of recollection common to both. "When do you go?" asked Mazzini, abruptly. "At once," said Adonhiram. "Earth has no ties to trammel my movements. I am a true 204 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. High Priest of Masonry, and like a priest who has a higher mission, a celibate for a holy cause, and unshackled." " Then go," said the Grand Master with effusion, "oh, Adonhiram the Master to revenge, and may the glory of a sacred cause lead you onward, even as a pillar of fire by day and by night." So praying and again giving each other the triple embrace, these two conspirators parted. As the door closed upon the stately retreating form of Adonhiram, Mazzini, who was not in good bodily health, sank back into his chair with an air of ineffable weariness. The flush of enthusiasm subsided and was succeeded by a deadly pallor. " I do not half like certain moods of my good Cousin," soliloquized he. " He may not himself know it, but there is something that stands in the way of his ultimate performance. " Can it be possible that my friend is encumbered with a conscience ? " Can he never understand the true meaning of a future life, according to the splendid definition of Michelet, to be, ' the supreme individualization.' Glorious thought, that we are as Gods unto our- selves ; and as to that great all-omniverous THE SECRET DIRECTORY. 205 being they call God, that Pan, why, never-ending war. " I must look more closely to the direction of the Lodges, and affiliate them with the Grand Orient of Palermo. " Blessed be the day when United Italy can stand alone, without the hateful aid of English, French or Americans. "And if seas of blood will hasten the deliver- ance, let them roll." Then, he seemed to sleep. Thus ever was Joseph Mazzini, cold, perfidious, and sanguinary. 206 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. CHAPTER IX. THE HOBBERY OF A KINGDOM. THE pseudonym of Adonhiram, of whose mis. sion to America we have given glimpses, was used because indicative of a Masonic high degree, but was not the name by which he was known to the Secret Directory as one of their members. Ever concealing himself behind a self-imposed mask, he was recognized among his trans-Atlantic conspirators, as "the Admiral." At times he also bore the illustrious name of a maternal ancestor, but never amid the vicissitudes of a feverish career, was his noble paternal lineage divulged. In the course of this narrative he will be hence- forth spoken of by that cognomen of "the Ad- miral," by which he was best known. His man- ner of life might have been enfolded in one word, mystery. Thus his length of years ran their wandering measure like those shifting seashore sands which, THE ROBBERY OF A KINGDOM. 207 here to-day and gone to-morrow, leave no linger- ing trace to mark their onward sweep. His existence was a swirl of motion without re- pose. Belonging to all climes he had mastered all tongues. He scoffed at a career of monotonous phases, took all odds, dared all hazards, and ever held his own life- as a shuttlecock to be tossed hither and thither against the contending winds of outra- geous fortune. Encased in the triple armor wrought by the forces of a vigorous mentality, great physical strength and dominant will, he was a power. He really was, that which a Mason claims to be, a cosmopolite. And yet at heart he was loyal to America, and willing to forego the rank, emoluments, and privi- leges, attendant upon royal favor, rather than give up the still more highly prized title of an American citizen. His moods, like his life, were kaleidoscopic. One day foremost in brunt of battle, perchance the very next day an absorbed student of some complex mathematical problem. 208 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Then again a Naval commander, and perchance retiring from the quarter-deck to elaborate an in- ventive thought that may have been forced upon his teeming brain amid the very heat of action. Nor is this picture a highly wrought limning of the imagination, for this man actually played a more varied role than can well be described. He was of the Army and of the Navy, had taken courses of medical lectures as well as a hos- pital training, and had acquired legal lore, es- pecially as applied to questions of international law. Then ever and anon in the lull of revolutionary turbulence, like Mazzini, he was wont to become a journalist, wielding a weighty pen in the propa- gation of the Masonic creed, writing trenchant articles on various subjects, such as: "Compul- sory Education," " Law compelling Labor," "Abo- lition of Law of Entail," " Abolition of Death Penalty," " No Wills nor Testamentary Divi- sions," " Absolute Liberty for all Creeds, But no Religion to be Taught," "Easy Divorce," "Women to have equal Public Life with Men," "Androgy- nous Lodges," etc., etc. These, and various phases of the labor problem, THE ROBBERY OP A KINGDOM. 209 as well as other most intricate questions of Sociol- ogy, occupied his pen, and were treated with subtle skill from the Masonic standpoint of pagan ethics. The Admiral, although a bundle of inconsisten- cies, was of the best type of the modern revolu- tionist ; with an active brain, an ardent soul, and a wavering conscience that floated him he knew not whither, without compass. Bound by a creed that made him worship the Eijo without knowing it, because its religion was individualism. His imagination was filled with an inchoate mass of undigested theories looking to the eleva- tion of humanity, but based upon impossible con- ditions, and bearing in them no real redemptive qualities. Strange infatuation to wish to redeem humanity and begin by setting aside the Redeemer ! Incoherently sowing the whirlwind with his right hand, the while perchance doing gentle acts of kindness to the needy with his left, and plot- ting destruction in order to rebuild. Re-create upon what? Sophisms, fallacies. Such was the bosom friend of Mazzini, and the whilom aid of 210 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Garibaldi; the boasted cosmopolite who loved to claim American citizenship. Truly, in those days, in revolutionary Europe, it was a very convenient thing to be an American citizen ! Other conspirators tried the trick, and Gari- baldi, Crispi, Avezzana, and nearly all these Italian leaders had ready American passports, so as to claim American protection, if caught! Gab- bato il santo ! But of all these leaders not one was so dan- gerous as Mazzini. The Admiral, for instance, had naturally a warm heart, and the infirmitj^ of a quick, hot tem- per, which at times got beyond his control, and misled his judgment. Then being sincere, his diabolism was not a cold abstraction, as was that of his friend. His mistaken acts rather proceeded from that revolt of pride against authority, that fosters an untrammelled will. The Admiral's work for Italy had commenced when he went to Rome in 1849, a bearer of dis- patches to Mr. Cass, United States Minister, di- recting him to intervene with Oudinot in favor of THE ROBBERY OF A KINGDOM. 211 the Roman Republic, and thus he did good work at that time as a Carbonaro, for United Italy. Previous to these events he had been an aid of Garibaldi, helping him at Montevideo, in 1846. When in the November following this mission to Rome, being on board an American man-of- war, off Gibraltar, Garibaldi, Stagnetti and others arrived, fleeing from Rome, and were ordered away from the Rock by General Sir Robert Gardiner, the Governor, the Admiral took them on board the United States frigate, the Ports- mouth, where the Commodore at his instance, gave them the protection of the American flag. He thus saved the lives of these hunted fugi- tives, and for this service he received the follow- ing note of thanks : " GIBRALTAR, FEBRUARY 8, 1849. "DEAR * * * " I beg you to accept my grateful thanks for your kindness, and also please thank the Commodore for his protection under the American flag. " Your devoted " G. GARIBALDI." * *This is a verbatim copy of a letter sent by Garibaldi. 212 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. The intervening period had been full of hard work and now another harvest was ready after all the busy preparation ; a fresh outburst, the crisis of the downfall of another Bourbon. What open part was the Admiral now as- signed? Mazzini, as perfect Master of the Masonic chess- board, saw at once where to place him. When shortly after the interview of the two friends in London, and in pursuance of the plan then formed, the Admiral repaired to Genoa, Gari- baldi had already landed in Sicily, where he was besieging Palermo with a very inadequate force and the daily risk of defeat. Disaster just then would probably have put an end to the hopes of Sardinia and the unification of Italy. The situation was fraught with danger and no time to be lost. Two things were to be made use of in placing the Admiral at this critical moment : the well- known nautical skill of the man, and his American citizenship. In the now impending robbery of a kingdom, THE ROBBERY OF A KINGDOM. 215 these qualities were two important factors as we shall see. Upon the Admiral's arrival at Genoa, June 6th, he repaired at once to the Carbonari Lodge, where he found awaiting him an accredited and trusted 'agent of Garibaldi, with written authority to act for the General. This officer was an old acquaintance as he had had a command in the Roman Navy, in 1849, at Civita-Vecchia. He proposed that they should seek the unob- served quiet of Garibaldi's quarters at Villa Spinola, near Genoa, for an undisturbed confer- ence, and thither they repaired. As they approached the modest villa, the Ad- miral's quick eye noted its admirable adaptation for Garibaldi's purposes. He paused in contemplation, as his companion pointed out Marsala Rock at Quarto, near the landing and just jutting out from the shore from which Garibaldi had embarked the fifth of May 1860, for Sicily. Involuntarily he seated himself upon the near cliff in abstracted thought. Gazing at this place of embarkation, which like the heading of a new revolutionary chapter 216 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. loomed out, whose lurid lettering recalled plots and counterplots. The ever busy and more capable brain of Maz- zini had laid the train which the executive arm and rude force of Garibaldi had ignited into con- flagration. He smiled derisively as he thought of the vast difference between the two men, both of whom lie knew so well, he, their co-conspirator. " Have I not reason to understand," he solilo- quized, u that Garibaldi uses everybody whom lie encounters, that he swallows all the merit and the profit of the work which others do for him, and leaves no meed of recognition for them ? " How justly Pio Nono measured him, when he called him ' the most skillful comedian of the age.' "And he succeeds, this Cagliostro the second, for he is of a caliber to be better understood by the people than the intellectual Master. " The idiots whom he spiders into his web, have not the sense to know that they are caught." In the excitement of these distracting thoughts he suddenly exclaimed, " A curse on all the driv- elling cretins and hero worshippers, who fill every GARIBALDI'S ROOM, VILLA SPINOLA. QUARTO NEAR GENOA. THE ROBBERY OF A KINGDOM. 219 corner of this earth with their senseless enthusi- asm antagonizing every one, and everything, that typifies the ideal." At this moment the Admiral caught the fixed regard of his associate bent upon him, whose ex- pression betrayed a nascent suspicion that his ally must suddenly have gone crazy. Whereupon, with an ironical laugh, the Ad- miral arose and they approached the villa. Its only occupant then was the Captain, who now led thither the Admiral. It is a curious psychological fact, oft repeated, that when the mind is much occupied with mat- ters of deepest moment, the eye often notes inad- vertently, perhaps, with a strange particularity, surrounding objects that are in themselves most trivial. Thus the Admiral, while deeply revolving the situation he had come hither to discuss, took, as it were, an involuntary catalogue of the apartment. He had seated himself on an upholstered sofa which was placed before an oval table near the centre of the room, where evidently Garibaldi did his writing, for there was a bronze inkstand, a candlestick with several segars carelessly thrown 220 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. on its base, a small oval box for matches, while u cap and cane, three books and various papers were confusedly huddled together. In one corner of the room was a washstand with ewer, basin and towels, then on either side of the sofa were classic busts surmounting pedes tals. Some small pictures adorned the walls, and back of the sofa hung a goodly sized mirror, that through an open doorway reflected a bed, upon which had been heedlessly thrown a well-used Garibaldian red flannel shirt. Seven photo cards were mechanically counted, that were stuck in the lower part of the mirror frame, nor did a large tidy pinned over the back of the sofa, betraying a feminine hand, escape the casual inventory. " How very Italian it all is," said the Admiral, " confusion, elegance, art and women." "It is well said if not true," replied the Cap- tain, " but seriously, Admiral, you come to us none too soon, for you are woefully needed. I am deputed to confer with you, not only by the written request of Garibaldi, but in behalf of the different patriotic committees of Milan, Brescia, THE ROBBERY OF A KINGDOM. and Genoa, for we must have your instant coop- eration to get away from Genoa to Sicily, a body of three thousand five hundred men enrolled under Colonel Medici, to whom Garibaldi on leav- ing with the First Expedition, has entrusted the task of organizing and taking down the Second Expedition." "I am aware," said the Admiral, tersely, "of some of the complications. " Garibaldi, as usual, seems to have had more vigor than brains. " As might have been expected after the Gen- eral arrived in Sicily and his partial success, the Bourbon was on the alert." "It is indeed so," continued the Captain, "a Neapolitan squadron, the Fulminante, and several ships under Robert! and other officers, have been ordered to cruise from Cape Corso, over across to Pionbino channel, so as to intercept any reinforce- ments for Garibaldi." "At this very moment you are doubtless aware." interrupted the Admiral, " that the Fulminante and some frigates are cruising outside quite near to Genoa. The preparations for the departure of 222 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. the Second Expedition, being known and carefully watched outside as well as in Genoa." " And this is the very point," answered the Captain, " for Medici is much concerned as to his best course. Thanks to the intervention of the English and American Naval Commanders, Gari- baldi has succeeded in getting a short armistice between himself and the Commander of the Neapolitan troops acting against him in Sicily." " But of course," remarked the Admiral drily, " if Medici cannot get out, the end of the truce will find the General overpowered by the eight thousand or more of the Royal army in front of him. It is now thirty-one days since he left this port for Sicily. Do you know what is Garibaldi's actual force at this moment?" " He has," replied the Captain, " but eight hundred effective men left out of his original force of one thousand. Beside these troops, there are a large number of Picciotti and other Sicilian raw recruits." "These last," remarked the Admiral, " are of no use beyond that of presenting an imposing ap- pearance, and in face of regulars, and especially the Swiss marksmen of the Bourbon, of no use THE BOBBERY OP A KINGDOM. 223 whatever. That was all that was expected of them when our agents bribed them over. "Garibaldi should have known this, for in eighteen hundred and forty-nine, Poles, Hungar- ians, English, Americans, in a word foreigners, did nearly all the fighting, while the Romans looked on ; or those whom we won over fought discreetly. " Out of a population of one hundred and sixty thousand fighting men between twenty and sixty years of age, only seven or eight thousand took part ; the rest of the army of fourteen thousand being volunteers of other cities and estranieri, but of Romans, none." " Then," interposed the Captain, " to increase our perplexities, Garibaldi has no money, and but scant supplies of arms and ammunition, and no ships. " Both the Lombardo and Piemonte are at Marsala, the one sunk and the machinery of the other disabled. It is true, Garibaldi holds one part of Palermo, but the enemy still have all the forts which command the city ; as well as Mes- sina, Melazzo, and all the fortified places and 224 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. ports, besides having a large fleet of men-of-war and transports." " And your five committees, I dare say, are as a matter of course at loggerheads among them- selves," interjected the Admiral. "Dissensions have arisen," replied the Captain, " between Medici, Chief of the Ufizio Militare in Genoa, and the different administrative and finan- cial associations which were contributing to the cause. " The */Z Soccorso a Garibaldi,' directed by Bertani, the ' Societa Nazionale ' of Turin, the 4 Societa Siciliano? and ' Casa Centrale di Genova,' are all quarrelling. " To this, add the altercations among the various Piedmontese, Lombard, Genevese, Venetian and Sicilian committees as to which shall give orders. " Some are for a Republic, some for Sicilian autonomy, and some for landing in the Papal States." " This confusion must be stopped," cried the Admiral, "it prevents concerted action. " I am an American citizen and have no Italian politics to uphold. I belong to none of their cliques. THE ROBBERY OF A KINGDOM. 225 " By the Gods, I shall act" he exclaimed, bring- ing his clenched fist down on the table with a force that rattled off Garibaldi's cane and caused the pen in the bronze inkstand to topple over. " The sword is mightier than the pen this time, Admiral," interjected the deep voice of Medici, as he stood in the doorway, a heavily bearded man of sombre aspect and furtive look. " I bring a telegram from Garibaldi," he con- tinued, "not the first one either, to let us know that he is hard pressed. " I have actively drilled and organized my vol- unteers, but we cannot move. Even here in Genoa, the Spanish and Neapolitan Consuls are watching all my proceedings, and although Gari- baldi is secretly acting for the Sardinian Govern- ment, they are compelled, they say, to forbid my leaving under their flag." " Naturally," said the Admiral, ironically, " since Sicily and Sardinia happen to be friendly powers, and Victor Emanuel and Francesco are ' good Cousins ' though not exactly in the Carbonari sense." But the conspirators were too dejected to smile at this sally and the two men only earnestly en- 15 226 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. treated, saying, " At this most critical moment, Admiral, we look to you for succor." " And," replied he solemnly, " in the name of a universal brotherhood, and because we of the Carbonari have a common sacred cause, you shall have my life, good cousins, if need be. But I must first make my conditions clearly understood. " I am willing to undertake to run the Expedi- tion out of Genoa to Sicily, if I am given chief command." " You shall be the sole and chief Commander," replied Medici, " of any squadron you may raise." " And I," said the Captain, " will serve under you, if you will give me command of one of your ships." " Be in instant readiness, then," said the Ad- miral, very calmly, " for I shall sail in two days." The friends exchanged glances of amazed sur- prise, as the Admiral immediately absorbed in the work before him, hurriedly left the room, and hastened back to Genoa. The fact was, that hav- ing foreseen, he was prepared to meet just such a state of things as now existed, but he intended first to make the revolutionists realize their de- pendence on his superior skill arid resources. THE ROBBERY OF A KINGDOM. 227 The Admiral had private means which he had decided to use at this hazardous conjuncture, so as to insure the immediate success of so important an undertaking. Yet he fully relied on the kingly faith of Vic- tor Emanuel to reimburse these pecuniary losses after the acquisition of Sicily, forgetting that he who puts his faith in princes, who ignore their own treaty obligations, leans upon a broken reed. On that very day, Medici, Origoni, Guastalla and other parties went with the Admiral to the Consul General of France in Genoa, when the French steamships Helvetic, Amsterdam and Bel- zunce, were by him formally transferred to the Admiral as an American citizen. They then all repaired to the United States Consulate, where after careful examination, and receipt of copies for filing in the Consulate, the American Consul delivered to the Admiral the bill of sale, sailing license, etc., for the ships, which were then re-named respectively, Washing- ton, Franklin and Oregon, so as to Americanize them still more. Origoni and other duly naturalized American citizens, were then given command of the Oregon 228 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. and Franklin, the Admiral selecting the Washing- ton as his flagship. The United States flag was then hoisted over the ships, and preparations pushed for their departure. To speak plainly, it was a piratical squadron for the robbery of a friendly power, sent under the United States flag, and the covert protection of the Sardinian government. Facts are ugly things to deal with, and these are absolute and set down without extenuation. They come as sequences of the revolutionary creed, as defined by their own leaders who assert that " all is permitted, force, cunning, poniard, poison ; the end sanctifies the means." And now, before Medici and his Garibaldian reinforcement of three thousand five hundred men could be embarked, it was still necessary to em- ploy stratagem in order to elude the watchful at- tention of the Neapolitan cruisers. Accordingly, the ship " Charles and Jane " of Bath, Maine, was chartered to take eight hundred men to Sicily, the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars being duly deposited in case she was lost to her owners. She was to be sent out as a vanguard ship in THE ROBBERY OF A KINGDOM. 229 tow of Utile, in order to deceive the Neapoli- tan Navy into the idea that she formed the whole of the Second Expedition. Her troops were mostly Sardinian Bcrsaglieri. The ruse entirely succeeded, for the Neapolitan squadron raised the virtual blockade of Genoa and started in pursuit. On the night of the 8th of June, the " Charles and Jane " was dispatched and captured, as it was intended she should be, the next morning. And on the 9th, at midnight, the Washington and Oregon ran out safely and on to Cagliari and Sicily ; the Franklin having left previously for Leghorn, there to take on board the Tuscan con- tingent. Thus the Admiral sailed on the third day suc- ceeding this conference, with the second expedi- tion and successfully reached Sicily. The safe arrival of Medici with his reinforce- ments was the turning point in Garibaldi's enter- prise. The ships arrived at Castelamare near Palermo, where they landed the officers and men under Medici, as well as arms and ammunition. But it was not the Admiral's intention to per- mit any portion of the Expedition to be sacrificed. 230 . THE SECRET DIRECTORY. The " Charles and Jane " in tow of " ' Utile " had when captured been taken prisoners of war to Gaeta near Naples. But her Captains were instructed to appeal to the United States Envoy at Naples, against what the revolutionists were pleased to call the outrnge, against the United States flag, committed by the Neapolitan squadron in making that vessel and her tug prisoners of war. The Neapolitans very naturally insisted, that they were lawful prizes taken in the act of con- veying eight hundred armed troops to Sicily to aid the insurgents then in arms there, against the Neapolitan Government. But the American minister demanded their release intact, which was effected after a few days, when the two vessels continued their voyage to Sicily. The Admiral was conferring with Medici at Castelamare when these vessels were sighted. " Did I not promise you, Colonel," he said, "that I would have them here in time to take part in the near coming battle of Melazzo, which will free the Island from the Bourbon rule?" "It would seem," said Medici in his cynical THE ROBBERY OF A KINGDOM. 231 way, "that we Roman Carbonari are all American citizens, and our Eagle the Spread Eagle." " Be that as it may," answered the Admiral, "you certainly are indebted to being here at all, to its protection." * * * * * * " As the Admiral had predicted, the battle of Melazzo was a turning point. It had been fought and won, and night closed in upon the carnage of the day. During the fight, the Admiral had sent a mes- sage about the disposition of his ship to Garibaldi, but the man to whom he had entrusted it never returned. It was of pressing moment to be prepared to cooperate intelligently, if need be, and he deter- mined to go himself and confer with the General. But by the time he succeeded in finding Gari- baldi, it was three in the morning, and he descried him asleep on the steps of a church with his head pillowed on his saddle, and his slumbers were deep, for he was, of course, overcome with fatigue after the severe labors of the previous day; although the repose must have been life-giving, for he had won an enduring victory. 232 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. The Admiral was told that the General had left orders to be awakened at four, so he sat down on the portico, and waited until that time when he awoke him. In the first waking Garibaldi had evidently for- gotten his own order, and on being aroused glared angrily upon the intruder, and as those small bullet-like, quickly seeing, brown-hazel eyes flashed open, he spoke roughly and passionately. At once the Admiral instinctively felt that their friendship was broken, for he knew what the displeasure of Garibaldi meant, and that he never forgave any one who incurred his enmity from whatever cause. Nor did he ever allow any one to oppose, con- tradict, or differ in opinion from him on any topic. Knowing well his relentless temper, he there- fore felt, sure that by this seemingly trifling cause, their good feeling toward each other had been seriously strained ; so getting the needed orders as quickly as possible, he walked slowly and sadly u way. How busy was memory in that hour of forced retrospection. They had first met as forecastle sailors, he a wild boy, a runaway from home to en- THE ROBfcERY OP A KINGDOM. 233 list as a sailor, and Garibaldi eleven years his senior. Then he remembered him as a good boatswain, a chief mate, a master of a coasting craft. His ability as a seaman was of an inferior order, and not fitted for command of large craft. Of course he could splice, knot, reef and steer; yes, he said to himself, the man was a good inarlin- spike sailor, and nothing more. How much he must have exerted himself to have gained even such knowledge as he had acquired, for his educa- tion was of the elementary type. He had only served in naval warfare in the hand to hand, head over heels way, common to the small fighting of filibustering, and had no knowledge whatever of the science of maneuver- ing ships of war, or engaging them properly in action. He smiled when he recalled the vaunted naval engagements they had had in South America. These were confined to night surprises, and run- ning fights between them and easily worked small sloops or schooners, provided with a pivot gun and one or two carronades in broadside. In the river work, which was always the scene 234 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. of his exploits, he would keep his small craft in shoal water where his opponents could not go, and when hard pushed, beach, his craft and play horse-marine. Oh, how all this early life unrolled itself as of yesterday. Later on Garibaldi won his admiration, when they met as soldiers; then enlisting under him he became his aid. How dexterously the new General handled the broadsword, but with a straight sword at point and fence he was nowhere. As for Garibaldi's military capacity, it consisted in strategy. He had no tactics. The wine of youth stirred the blood of mature age, as the Admiral recalled the excitement of the feints, surprises, guet-a-pcns, then the sudden full gallop-charge ; flanking and turning a point on an opposing force, was Garibaldi's forte. What magnificent irregular clashes he had made with him, Bashi-Bazouk way ! Garibaldi had no equal at that sort of thing, at the head of one thousand men. He did not care to encumber himself with ar- THE EOBBERY OF A KINGDOM. 235 tillery, he deemed it slow old woman's work. But the horse and the sabre were his element. His strength lay in the terror inspired by his surprises between midnight and early dawn, when Nature sleeps hard and best. Then the) 7 ' would drop upon the sentries, overpower them, dash into camp slashing right and left, and secure retreat before the foe could form or hardly get to his arms. In. masterly retreat he was incomparable. No baggage, no commissariat, no impedimenta ; each man on his horse with pistols and off at a full gallop. Shrewd, penetrating in observation, dexterous in speech, cunning in thought, and cautious in act, Garibaldi was a plebeian Macchiavel. Thus the Admiral summed up this estimate of the General, and as his mental vision grew clearer, he remembered that Garibaldi never pardoned Mazzini because he appointed Roselli over him at Rome in 1849. " Why," groaned he, " should I hide from my- self what I know to be true, that Garibaldi really loathes the great Mazzini ? " Yes, loathes him because he is his superior, 236 TflE SECRET DIRECTORY. and because he is the man who really made him in 1849." Then passed before him in memory, a procession of the men, he knew that Garibaldi secretly de- tested. " Cavour, Brofferio, Guerrazi, Cialdini, Fanti, La Marmora, the King, and in the present revolu- tion after all, the men who have done the real fighting are the foreigners, Poles, Swiss, Hunga- rians, English, Americans, and Greeks. " In reality," he said to himself, " it is Cavour who has bought up, or won over, every leading Southern Italian, before Garibaldi appeared or acted, up to this near-coming final betrayal of Francesco II. " In Sicily all bought and paid for if not in money, in secured rank. Why even the figures are known in England, more than twelve million francs spent in Sicily, twenty-five million francs given to corrupt Neapolitan officials. " Cavour and the King of Sardinia pave their way with gold to victory." As thus past and present were borne in mental review, carelessly plodding along in the uncertain light that precedes an early dawn, not noting THE ItOBBERY OF A KINGDOM. 237 where he planted his steps, he came upon all the horrors of yesterday's battlefield. The dead and wounded seemed scarcely to have fallen before they were stripped, arms and ammunition in- cluded, and as his eye wandered over the storm- swept mangled-strewn scene, he stumbled, almost falling over a prostrate body on the verge of the battlefield. Arrested by the rude shock, he stooped to look, and beheld the fallen form of the very sailor he had dispatched with his message to Garibaldi when the fight was hottest. There he was dead, riddled with bullets, with the slip of paper addressed to the General, still pinned to the under side of his sailor jacket, il- legible with blood stains. And what was his share of glory ? No name, no epitaph, no fame ; dead, for hard, thankless, badly paid duty so-called duty. No cross of honor, no official recognition, dead in ob- scure silence, dead. What miserable sarcasm of fate! Here is one man not so unselfish, held up to the world's renown ; while this other one lies prone, a mere withered human weed, tossed by the up- 238 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. heavel of forces he never sought to shape, beyond the boundary of Time into the fathomless sea of Eternity. Oh, how inconsequent and senseless is the meed of praise given by man. THE BRITISH LEGION. 239 CHAPTER X. MAZZINI. VICTOR EMANUEL. THE BRITISH LE- GION. THE Admiral having subsequently sent under the United States flag four other expeditions of his steamers from Genoa to Leghorn, running them through the Neapolitan Blockading fleet, and carrying a total of nine thousand men to aid Garibaldi, now returned to Genoa where his serv- ices were most needed. He was met at once on his arrival there by the Revolutionary Committee of the Cause. " Well, what goes wrong ? " asked the Admiral. " We have no money, not a soldo. We are pen- niless," they answer, with rueful faces. " I will go at once to the King, if that be so," replied the Admiral. " If we cannot have open support, we have a right to expect the sinews of war." It was a short conference, and in an hour the Admiral was en route to Turin. 240 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. He had also sealed dispatches to deliver to Cavour. Arrived at Turin there was one greater than the King to be first consulted. The Master. He of the Secret Directory. In a small room of an obscure quarter of Turin, Mauro Mucchi was found. The two friends on meeting gave each other the triple embrace, with the enthusiasm that comes of success. The pale face of Mazzini, for he it was, flushed amid the interchange of warm congratulations. " I got your cipher, dear, good Cousin," he said, "just in time. I was on the point of joining you on board the Washington, when I re- ceived your warning. So, I am still here." For a moment there was silence, when with a sudden outburst of indignation, Mazzini resumed, " They are all Bourbons, the traitors to liberty ; but patience. The Cause knows how to bide its time. The Cause first, later on vengeance. Maz- zini after he is dead will live on as does Jacques Molay, live to revenge, until the last Bourbon ^hall have fallen." " It will not take so long," said the Admiral THE BRITISH LEGION. 241 ironically. " We are just now only swapping kings. We make them eat each other up. He of Sardinia swallows his cousin Francesco, and it suits us well during the process of digestion, to let Victor Emanuel fancy that he is standard bearer of so-called United Italy. Meantime, the Secret Directory bears in mind that he is also a Bour- bon. Chacun a son tour." "You are quite right," replied Mazzini, "Sar- dinia is but the puppet we use. It is Rome. Rome we must have. All roads are good that lead thither. The signet ring of the Fisherman means the moral mastery of the world." And the great conspirator's pallid face darkened, as if obscured by the shadowing wing of Eblis. The Admiral turned pale and was silent, for he was bound by that vow never to act against Rome, and he intended never to violate the oath made to the martyr, who gave his own life to save his. Again Mazzini's falcon eye noticed that pecul- iar expression of dissent. " There is a mystery," thought he, " about my friend that I cannot understand. He is caught in 16 242 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. meshes somewhere. Is a woman holding him back? " Pardon a friend the deep interest," asked the Chief. "Admiral, are you married?" This was an old ruse of his, to watch the effect of a blunt question abruptly put. " Master," answered the Admiral, gayly, " I am a cosmopolite. I am married according to our creed without benefit of clergy, to United Italy. She is fair, though not of good repute." " He cannot be fathomed at one dragging of the net," thought Mazzini, " and I like him the better for it. Tell me," he said, " how came about the King's treachery ? " " It is rather Cavour," replied the Admiral, " for as you know, he moves the chess board. " Our secret agent on Admiral Persano's fleet, tells me, that Cavour's public orders have been most astute for the role the Sardinian government is playing. " To begin with, Persano had orders which he was to show after Garibaldi sailed, to arrest the General, if he put into any port of the island of Sardinia. " Admiral Persano, not seeing the ruse, was THE BRITISH LEGION. 243 sorely puzzled. But he reasoned thus: 'Gari- baldi could scarcely have sailed without knowl- edge of the King's government.' So he returned to Cagliari and telegraphed to Cavour for more explicit instructions. " Cavour, in order to gain time, telegraphed back, asking the opinion of Persano, and while Persano was waiting and telegraphing, Garibaldi landed at Marsala." The two friends thereupon, laughed heartily. " Then Persano," continued the Admiral, " was greatly agitated, and cruised about aimlessly. " Upon this Cavour having gained the point, threw off the mask he wished to wear, until Gari- baldi had effected a landing, and wrote Persano to offer rewards and promotions to any officers of the Neapolitan Navy, who would assist to effect a rising in favor of the Cause. Whereupon, Per- sano at last clearly understood what he was ex- pected to do, and made ready to assist the in- surgents. " On June 13, Persano received a dispatch from Cavour that you were on board the Washington, and to arrest you, as your presence there would constrain the King to recall his Navy from Sicily. 244 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " Upon which Persano immediately went on shore, and saw Garibaldi, who promised to arrest you if you acted in opposition to the King, but de- clined to interfere merely on account of your presence on board my flagship. " I then sent you my cipher, and not any too soon, as Persano secretly searched all the ships of my Expedition for you. " Master," added the Admiral, " have you no fear here ? " " None whatever," was the calm reply of Maz- zini. " What Cavour was scheming to avoid, was the complication of my open presence on board your fleet. He would simply have held me cap- tive for a time, for the diplomatic effect, and pres- ently I would have returned to England. You must know that he would not have dared to do more than that. "But I do not exonerate him from the injustice of double-dealing, because he should have duly consulted me as to my arrest, nor shall I forget the treachery." " But one must give the devil his due," re- marked the Admiral, " and it can not be denied THE BRITISH LEGION. 245 that Cavour is most adroit ; " at which Mazziui winced, just a little. Then changing the subject, he said effusively, "But my good cousin, I must congratulate you warmly on your own splendid diplomacy in con- ducting five armed expeditions against a friendly power under the United States flag, and thus virtually you have committed that government, as a de facto partisan, to the present precarious cause of Italy. " Young Italy is greatly in your debt." " It was an experiment," said the Admiral, " which might have had a very different ending, for caught on the high seas I might have been held as a pirate." " But how did you manage to manipulate the Masonic sentiment in America, to have induced that Government, thus far to depart from its well- known foreign policy, and hold the famous Monroe doctrine in abeyance ? " And now doubtless you return to London in pursuance of our project." " At the present hour," replied the Admiral, "my mission is to see the King, and get more 246 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. money to keep us afloat. After which I shall be off at once for London." " Where I shall soon join you," said Mazzini, and they fraternally embraced as they parted. Arrived an hour later at the royal palace, the Admiral passed down the Boboli Garden and went directly to the King's private Cabinet, where Victor Emanuel most graciously received him. Even in his pleasant moods, the King was of most displeasing aspect, for although his brow was broad and ample, and the upper part of the head well shaped, yet the whole expression of the countenance was villainous, and indicative of vo- luptuous weakness and unscrupulous cunning. "In such a presence," thought the Admiral, " theories of heredity, propinquity and divine right, do not amount to much ; unless where the guinea stamp of excellence is set on the man him- self." " * I am delighted that you come from Gari- baldi," said his Majesty. " He is a brave and good man, but has around him bad people, even some of my officers whom I was forced to dismiss and who * This interview is a verbatim copy from notes taken at the time, of a conversation held with the King, THE BEITtSH LEGION. 247 have gone thither. He must keep his eyes open." Then he added, " I have been told that Gari- baldi found fifty millions in Palermo." "Not so, Sire," replied the Admiral. " When I left he had only fifty thousand francs." " I am also informed," said the King, " that the American ship was taken in Gaeta waters." " Not so, Sire," the Admiral again replied. " The Captain was within twelve miles of Cape Corso." "I am astounded," exclaimed His Majesty. The King then remarked, " Cavour has all along been striving to make himself a martyr. He has made rash and foolish promises to the Emperor at Plombieres." Then after a pause he continued, " At Plom- bieres he sold me. When I heard of the peace of Villa Franca I felt crazy and damned everything and everybody, Napoleon in particular." Then presently he added, " Not one of my ministers oppose me but Cavour, and he has already lost popularity. You see I keep him that he may lose more. He is an egotist. Cavour would like to be a General but he is afraid to 248 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. fight, or even sit on a horse," and the King laughed at this conceit in which the Admiral who was not a little diverted, joined. The Admiral seizing the occasion of His Majesty's hilarious mood, said, "Sire, I desire a pardon for a Lieutenant of the Navy who left his post, to embark with me on the Washington." " Tell me the name of this officer," said the King, "and I will both pardon him and decorate him." His Majesty then took the name of the renegade down in his memorandum book. " And, Sire, Bertani says there is no money." "I will give Bertani three .millions," the King replied, " and tell Garibaldi I will send Valerio as Dictator to Sicily. That scoundrelly Naples will now with its constitution, try to fawn on me. " Garibaldi must advance at once. "Admiral, I can never forget your great serv- ices. / owe you much, and /, as King, am grate- ful to you. If I can ever do anything for you let me know. I wish you every good fortune. " Have you no written despatches ? " "I have, Sire," said the Admiral, "several for Count Cavour, and here they are." Then the King said, " Let me see the writing." THE BRITISH LEGION. 251 The Admiral being so requested, produced the sealed letters which were private ones from Medici to Cavour. Upon which the King looking at the super- scription, said, " I am King. These are addressed to my minister and therefore I have a right to see them. Leave them with me for an hour. Defer your visit to Cavour, and I will send them to you at your hotel, when you can give them to Cavour. " Ah," again examining the chirography, " I think I know the writing. " Are you going to Rome ? Eh ? There will be a stir there soon, perhaps." " I go first to London, Sire," replied the Ad- miral. " Let me know how our affairs stand there when you go. " Stay," he added, " when you write me from Rome, address me, Cav Oerolamo, Trombone, Firenze" And so saying, Victor Emanuel handed to the Admiral an envelope with the above address, and also his photograph, and written upon it, Victor Emanuel. " Adieu, my friend," said the King, rising, 252 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " write to me or come to see me when you wish. I shall always be happy to see you." The Admiral then went to his hotel to await the despatches for Cavour, detained by His Majesty. In half an hour the King's Cameriere Cuisano, came to the hotel with the despatches enclosed in an envelope addressed to the Admiral, and sealed by the King with his signet, and also en- closing a note from the King, which said : " I send you herewith the two letters of Medici, that you will place in other envelopes and deliver to Cavour. " I have already given three millions scudi for Sicily, and I will also give two millions more to Bertani. Return immediately to Palermo, and say to Garibaldi that I will send him Valeric in place of Varina, and that he must at once advance, Francesco being about to give a constitution to the Neapolitans. " Your friend, " VICTOR EMANUEL." Upon receiving this letter, the Admiral reen- closed Medici's despatches and went to Cavour, who seemed to perceive that the envelopes had THE BRITISH LEGION. 253 been changed, but with his consummate astute- ness, after glancing over the papers with apparent indifference, asked the Admiral, " what political news he brought from Sicily ? " to which question the Admiral replied, that he " was not sent on a political mission and had no information to give." Cavour seemed vexed at this answer, and re- marked with asperity, " Perhaps, Admiral, you are a Mazzinian." To which he of the Secret Directory could not help replying, " Excellency, the Master of the Grand Orient must know, who are the friends of the Master of the Carbonari." Upon which Cavour, slightly bowing, arose, and the interview was abruptly terminated. The Admiral knew perfectly that Cavour, like Garibaldi, never forgave, and he was conscious that he was suspected with regard to the opening of those letters. But he disdained to exculpate himself, and by so doing inculpate the King. Nor was he mistaken in his judgment, for when the time came for public awards and the King suggested his name, neither Cavour nor Garibaldi 254 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. were willing that his services should have honor- able mention. So trivial often are the secret springs of action that shape events ; the aggregation of the records of individual lives forming history. The Admiral lost no time in reporting the King's orders, and a few days later found him once more in London, that central point of scheming revolution, and disturbing focus of the world's peace. The same tactics that had prevailed in securing the success of the so-called Second Expedition to Sicily, by placing it under the protection of the American flag, was now to be repeated in a differ- ent way, in order to arouse the sympathy of the English people in behalf of the cause. The Secret Directory had decided, and it was understood with the hidden connivance of Pal- merston and Russell, ministers of the Crown, to raise a force of one thousand men, to be called The British Garibaldian Legion, who were to be fully uniformed, armed and equipped, and sent to Sicily. Now these thousand men of the Legion as mere men, were of no special consequence to Sardinia, THE BRITISH LEGION. 255 but their presence there as a British Legion, would secure the appoggio mask of the English people to the cause, and help to impress it on the popular mind, that England was bringing about the unifi- cation of Italy ; in the same way that the Wash- ington, Franklin and Oregon in bearing the American flag, sheltered the cause under the pro- tection of the United States Government. The majority of these Mille were penniless, shiftless adventurers, with no military experience or knowledge, or social status, or position of any kind. They risked nothing, and had much to gain. Truly the simulated means of accomplishment were in strict keeping with a simulated cause, that while claiming to bring about the freedom of Italy, merely destroyed the autonomy of some smaller kingdoms, in order despotically to unify tkem into one. Whenever an evil or an unjust thing is to be accomplished, there is always a great blare of trumpets and grandiloquent phrasing. There are on these occasions, words that form the stereotype stock in trade of revolution, such as : humanity, liberty, freedom ; fraternity, 256 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. equality, solidarity, and universal brotherhood. These fair words so often prostituted to base uses, never fail to stir the human heart to its inner- most depths, because in their true meaning, they appeal to the most sacred and ennobling emotions of the soul. *####* Some time previous to the Admiral's arrival in London, No. 8 Salisbury Street, had been estab- lished as a recruiting depot, and a committee had been organized awaiting his coming. Yet when his master hand took the helm, he found everything in confusion, and by some hocus-pocus tricks, whatever funds had been col- lected had disappeared. There was much to be done, and short space of time to do it in. Members of the House of Commons were to be interviewed, editors of the press and corres- pondents to be interested, notices to be distributed which would excite sympathy for oppressed Italy and enthusiam for Garibaldi's movement, which was duly heralded as a noble, disinterested and spontaneous effort, of an enslaved people to free themselves. THE BRITISH LEGION. 257 Volunteers for this glorious cause had to be rapidly enlisted. The sobriquet of John Bull must have been given to the British from a way they have of butting head foremost against obstacles when- ever, whatever, rubs them up wrong way or right way, is flaunted before their eyes. Two flag staffs, tied together, the one flag in- scribed British Legion, the other with the in- spiriting battle cry, Italy, Victory, Garibaldi, with the added suggestiveness of the Garibaldian 17 258 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. red shirt, proved the stimulating red rag, needed to make John Bull pitch in and lock horns in this scrimmage. No wonder Garibaldi exclaimed in the full- ness of his overweening conceit, Son io, chi ho fatto V Italia.* The Admiral at once removed the Salisbury Street recruiting depot, to No. 147 Fleet Street, where it was established under the high-sounding name of " Headquarters of the British Legion." The important subject of want of funds was promptly met by his giving a personal guarantee for twelve thousand pounds, which was accepted. So successfully did the Admiral manipulate all resources and work every concurring circum- stance for the cause, that in the last days of Sep- tember, 1860, only two months after his arrival in London, the British Garibaldi Legion one thousand strong, was dispatched fully uniformed, armed and equipped, to Naples, in the steam transports Melazzo and Emperor. To be sure, the majority of these classic mille, were mere penniless, shiftless adventurers, with no military experience or knowledge, who risked * It is I who have made Italy. r < v-^ '-t^ c> / < 1^ THE BRITISH LEGION. 261 nothing and gained much, for the Expedition was really convoyed and protected by both Sardinian and British cruisers. But the great object was gained of landing a British Legion in Sicily, to fight for United Italy. But although the Legion might have been composed in great part of a nondescript lot of worthless scalawags, yet a real enthusiasm for the cause existed among many members of the aristocracy of England. Of this interest, the Admiral experienced various proofs. One notable case was that of a British Admiral, who wrote to him soon after he commenced re- cruiting operations, as follows : " Private and confidential. " Merchester, " Herrdean Hants. "AUGUST 15, '60. " I am anxious to assist Garibaldi if I can. If you will call on me on Friday at one o'clock, or on Saturday at ten in No. 15 Albemarle Street, I shall be glad to see you. " I remain your obednt servt, "Signed, CHAS. NAPIER, Admiral."* * Admiral Napier died Nov. 6, 1860. 262 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. At the specified time, the Admiral made the requested visit, when Sir Charles offered to take command of Garibaldi's fleet. The Admiral thereupon informed Sir Charles, that there was no fleet, save that which formed the Second Expedition, viz : the Washington, Franklin and Oregon, which he commanded. As the Admiral drew up and signed in dupli- cate, the final agreement for the steamers, he could not avoid remarking sarcastically, " After all, it is but a safe excursion party ! " The papers for the Melazzo read as follows: LONDON, Sept. 15, 1860. E. C. Cunard and Co. London, No. 32 King William Street, E. C. Liverpool and Paris. W. L. Arrowsrnith is owner of the steam screw Melazzo. The Admiral represents General Garibaldi. W. L. A. coals, officers, mans and victuals the vessel, and takes on board many as excursionists as can well be taken, which he agrees to deliver at the port selected by General Garibaldi, viz: Naples, rendezvous at Cagliara. The Admiral agrees to pay W. L. A. therefor, THE BRITISH LEGION. 263 six pounds sterling per man for every excursionist so taken on board, on arrival of vessel at port, the officers to be paid for at ten pounds per head as cabin passengers, thirteen first class. Admiral for General Garibaldi. Signed, W. L. ARROWSMITH, Owner of S. S. Melazzo. Under this contract or charter, 261 men and thirteen officers were taken on board this vessel, aild arrived at Cagliara, October first. Her orders were to proceed with all possible speed to Cagliara in the Island of Sardinia, and there await orders from General Garibaldi. Under a similar charter and orders, the Second Battalion of British Legion sailed on the Emperor, the 28th of September. " Were it not for the Cause," said the Admiral, to his confidential agent, with a deep drawn sigh, as they watched the last steamer until she disap- peared from the horizon, " this would scarcely be deemed a creditable page of history, which will record the fact, that three friendly powers, the United States, Great Britain and Sardinia, united in seizing unawares, the small kingdom of Sicily. " And I, as to my part, were it not for our 264 THE SECKET DIRECTORY. creed, that the end justifies the means, well, I could not respect myself." Thus although in the very flush of success, yet not pleased vvitli himself, or satisfied with the part lie had taken in these unsavory transactions, lie repaired to his rooms at Hatchett's Hotel, Pic- adilly W., where overcome by the reaction of so prolonged a strain, both physical and mental, he sought that repose which nature claims as her due. But complete rest of body and mind means peace of heart, and the Admiral had failed to secure that boon, in the intrigues and amid the surroundings in which he had been so actively engaged. The mirage of life's illusions obscures the path- way more or less for all, but in every life is vouch- safed at times glimpses of clearer light. Such an hour came to the Admiral, when hav- ing successfully accomplished the specific labor he had undertaken, he paused, as it were, to get a more extended view of the situation. So many conflicting thoughts oppressed him, and the work to which he had for so long a time given such zealous efforts, was presented to his mind as if by some other than himself and under THE BK1TISH LEGION. 265 such startling aspects, that he shrank back from himself, as from an unknown source. The soul is limitless and each being contains within its own essence, unfathomed depths that ever give back eager questionings from their abysmal soundings. So striking are these manifestations to the in- quiring soul that prayerfully pauses to take coun- sel of the immortal principle within, that in all ages the process of self communing has attracted the attention and the interest of the philosophic and the religious. In this weary hour of disillusions, as the veil was gently lifted and the Admiral beheld as in a distant mirror, a faint reflection of truths hereto- fore hidden by the thick mists of error, he felt, although he could not exactly comprehend why, that he was on the eve of changes he could neither understand nor measure. " Can it be," he asked himself, " that I have hitherto mistaken shams for realities? " After all is said, what is this great Sphinx we call the Cause ? " As he thus sought absolute truth, thousands of Protean shapes confronted him, and myriads of 266 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. clamorous voices confused his intelligence, for these were the very phantoms he had so long pur- sued as realities. Well might he sink back dismayed at the retro- spect. Then amid the dark groping and the perplexity, one distinct image impressed itself smiling wist- fully and sadly upon her wayward boy. "Mother," he groaned, "sweet, gentle Mother, stay near me, Mother, and help me to think justly, for I must begin as a child again. How was it that I first went astray from your teachings ? " As the light of this dear remembrance illumines his soul he sees more clearly. "Ah, yes, I was a wild, willful, runaway boy. It seems like yesterday. I know how I pained you, but you never knew how I loved you. " Then, ah, I see I was dragged along Ma- zeppa-like, torn asunder by the force of impetuous passions, that came in part with the onrush of a bounding, unrestrained manhood. " This was an inheritance from the Norse blood of my father, that brooked no control. "I sought excitement. The mystery of the THE BRITISH LEGION. 267 Masonic Lodges attracted me. I became oath- bound. "Then I determined to enlist others so as to rule over many. Of course, I at once saw that in a secret organization there must be an irresponsible multitude under the directing power of a leader. " From the first, I was not deceived. I waded resolutely through the innocuous symbolic trash of the first three orders. " I advanced steadily, becoming deeply in earn- est, as the real purpose unfolded itself. " If at times, I have dratvn back dismayed be- fore the ever impending sword of Damocles, the never ceasing cry of vengeance, the endless mach- inations upheld by terror, and made possible through secrecy, I have yet again as often strode relentlessly onward because there has been no stopping place, once caught in the swirl of the hidden whirlpool. " Where will it all end ? " As if in answer to this mental query, there came through one of those occult chains of con- current events we are pleased to call coincidence, a hurried knock at the door repeated quickly, nervously and impatiently. 268 THE SECKET DIKECTOKY. Before its sharp summons, the placid image of the kindly mother faded away into the dim past. As the Admiral opened the door, he could not in his great surprise but exclaim, " Elsa ! " Yes, it was Elsa transformed, with short hair in close curls, natty dress, bold air, swinging gait. He felt after the momentary shock, at the very first glance, that whatever might once have been this woman's capabilities for evil, that by some in- explicable change, they were vastly increased. She, however, as he stood irresolute, quickly closing the door, promptly gave him the triple Masonic embrace. " Salute me mystically, good cousin," she said. " I am High Priestess of an Androgynous Lodge, and as I stand before the Altar, the place at my side, of High Priest, I still keep vacant, for I await your coming. " Question me and you will at once perceive that I am an initiate. Ask me my duty ? I an- swer, To listen, to obey, to work and to be silent as to the mysteries of the order. My password is Eva. I am no longer Elsa. My Masonic name is Hava. Mother of Humanity. Ha ! ha ! "I now understand why you were Adonhiram, THE BRITISH LEGION. 269 and that to be a High Grade Mason, one must have a pseudonym. Our sacred woi-disfeixfeax,fum," and she laughed derisively. Suddenly, impetuously embracing him, she cried, " Receive, oh Venerable, the holy kiss of peace. I embrace you five times mystically. Thus we do in the Cabinet of Reflection ; and I am also full perfect mistress of the Garter, with all the Masonic privileges attached." Here she threw herself on a divan, and laughed hysterically ; then she arose and clasped his hand. The Admiral stood rigid and immovable. " Bah," she exclaimed with an offended air, re- treating and flinging off her hand which had grasped his Masonically, finger on finger so as to make the number five, "Bah, do you never melt? "At least you can respect me," she added coldly, "for I am to be dreaded. I have drained the cup of illusions to its bitter dregs. " My password for the inner sanctuary is Lamma Kabactani, and I bear the sacred word of At this the Admiral shuddered. "Well, what of it," she demanded fiercely, 270 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " Was I not first misled by you, yes you, to enter the Masonic order ? " Women do nothing by halves. " They are not inconsequential as are men. I have followed your principles of fraternity to their utmost outcome. Hear the Catechism. " Who is to blame for crime ? The Grand Architect of the Universe, is the answer. "What takes the place of the Great Usurper? Fatality, radical destruction, confusion, anarchy. When we meet again, you will find me Judith armed with a poniard." " Elsa," he said with deep emotion, " I beg, I implore you, desist ; go no higher." " You beg, you implore," she cried with disdain. " You who plot and counterplot ! You who are cruel and have no heart I While I am but a weak woman." " And your mission here ? " asked he. " A most merciful one," she replied. " I come to warn you. Your friend the Monk is in dan- ger." " How so," interrupted the Admiral hurriedly. " It cannot be." " It can be very well," she said, " and I THE BRITISH LEGION. 271 know what I know. Go at once to Rome, if you wish to save him, for the madman covets death there ; and you whom I love even to your friends, are an idiot to stand aloof from me. Share my life. Never mind the tiresome monkish fiction of marriage. Our destinies once united, and we would seize the Lnciferian thunderbolts, and rule over misrule. Think well on it." She was gone. "A frightful picture of a woman deformed," he exclaimed. " When such shall become the mothers of men, Satan will reign." 272 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. CHAPTER XI. ENTANGLEMENTS. WHILE the Admiral had decided in his own mind, rather to disassociate himself from the Secret Directory and return to America, than to become implicated in any conspiracy against the Pope, yet he continued to act with Mazzini for the unification of Italy, always making to him- self the mental reservation, that he would with- draw in case the personal freedom of the Holy Father should be in question. He had learned to understand that Garibaldi's schemes and plans, positively centred in his own glorification, that in fact his character was ab- solutely the reverse from the popular apprehen- sion of it, and he had ceased to hope from the action of this selfish egotist, any great uprising for the enfranchisement of humanity. He had already said to Mazzini, " We are but swapping Kings," but he was beginning to lose courage as to the final outcome of the whole ENTANGLEMENTS. 273 movement, for having no personal aggrandizement in view, his mental vision remained very clear. But there was one man who still inspired him with confidence, whom he looked upon as the em- bodiment of ideal aspirations, and to whom he confidently clung as the last plank against ship- wreck. This man whom he placed on a pedestal far above other men, was Mazzini. He could safely remain in Rome as an American citizen, and he was for every reason the most use- ful agent that either the King or Mazzini could employ to report progress and correctly measure the trend of events as they transpired. On this occasion, however, his first care was to avoid communicating with the secret agents who were busy preparing a near coming change, that is so far as Rome could be directly manip- *ulated. For after all, from first to last, it was scarcely in any one instance the Romans themselves who were engaged in revolution, but intriguing foreigners who made the Eternal City their camping ground. The Admiral's first duty was to seek tho 18 274 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Monk and warn him of the necessity of leaving Rome. Not knowing precisely how pressing might be the danger, but fearing from tlie communication of Elsa, that there was an already formed con- spiracy, which might have a near tragic ending, an hour after his arrival found the Admiral threading the labyrinthine streets framed in with houses of unequal height ; here were dens of misery, there splendid palaces, convents and busi- ness marts, in bewildering juxtaposition. " What picturesque contrasting effects," thought he, " what endless surprises. One can never get accustomed to Rome. " On the one side is the glory of art, on the other the irregularity of neglect." The Admiral remembered to have heard the Monk say that he often repaired to the church of S. Luigi, as he found an ever ready mission in the crowded quarter of that neighborhood. And now he passes with emotion the Riario palace, forever henceforth, linked with the sombre memories of Rossi's martyrdom, and with the awakened recollections came the bitter reflection, ENTANGLEMENTS. 275 that no cause could purify humanity that needs the assassin's blow. He was not jubilant as he recalled that episode of 1848, when a Sovereign Pontiff was in peril, whose loving and sympathetic heart perhaps mis- led his judgment,, in his deep anxiety to promote the general good, and this benign Pontiff was aided by a Minister who was a statesman, a scholar, and a staunch lover of freedom, of con- stitutional liberty. - And who were the Bersaylieri who committed the atrocious crime? Were these men not Carbonari ? At that moment of accusing conscience, he was not happy to remember the thronging events end- ing in Gaeta. How passing strange was the thought that Rossi fell not many paces distant from where Csesar fell. Weird meeting of the centuries ! Only the modern Brutus, more ignoble, but not less bloodthirsty, sits safely in his cabinet and calmly gives the signal that points the dagger of the hired bravo who does the damnable deed. Thus pondering, he mechanically entered the 276 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. church of San Luigi, and as he did so he felt for the first time, that the ever ready open portals of Rome's churches typify that ever-abounding love of the human race, that offers free and equal refuge to all men alike. A common consolation to all 'conditions and all the races of the Earth. Compared to this silent but gracious invitation to a universal Brotherhood, the blatant cry of the revolutionists of a fraternity upheld by hidden oaths and penalties, weighed but as dross against pure gold thrice refined. It was one of the many days of high festival that Rome celebrates, and the last lights were being extinguished on the Altar, as there still lingered here and there a worshipper. Kneeling within the Sanctuary was the Monk whom he sought, wrapt in the silent homage of thanksgiving and adoration, succeeding the Holy Sacrifice that he had just offered. How impressive was his recollected aspect, at once so calm, so composed, yet so ardent. " This man," thought the Admiral, " is no mere enthusiast, he measures the value of things, he is in earnest and believes in a higher life ; and I ENTANGLEMENTS. 277 may as well admit it to myself, his soul reaches upward toward an unseen ideal, not of this world. This is of a faith that makes Heaven of Earth." So weighing the motives that evidently sus- tained the Monk, his friend recognized of how lit- tle avail it would be to try and make him save himself. He saw once again reflected in that rapt up- ward look, the face of the dear saint who had died to save him, and lie felt that he would rather perish as an outcast, than that this heroic being should be sacrificed. Overcome . by these emotions so new to his hitherto darkened soul, he sank upon his knees, and having risen to the height of vicarious suffer- ing, the Carbonaro prayed. Nor did he ask for succor in cold Masonic phrasing addressed to the Architect of the Universe ; but he implored the God of his Mother, for light and guidance. And now, as the Monk turned to leave the Sanctuary, in order to meet the exacting and har- assing demands of the busy da} r 's work, as he passed hurriedty on to the door, he saw with an immense joy his kneeling friend. 278 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Bending over him and blessing him, the Mason receives the benediction with grateful recognition, and as he rises, the Monk and the Mason embraced each other, and arm in arm left the church. The Monk was the first to speak. " I knew it," he said. " Thank God." The Carbonaro had now regained the outer world, and already his soul, so long in fetters, was being dragged down to its former level. "Knew what?" he asked coldly. " Knew that my prayers would be answered, for prayer is never lost. Knew that my brother's sacri- fice was accepted and must bear fruit." "But you did not know," said the Mason half sarcastically, as he struggled to get the old mastery over himself, "that your own days are numbered, perchance not even days but hours," he added, as his voice sank to a whisper. " I sought you to beg you to leave Rome at once, to return to your mission in America. It is madness to stay here a single hour." " I expected as much," said the Monk calmly. " And since this is so, you must not be seen with me, or you too, may be in danger ; even you," he added, " would not escape suspicion. ENTANGLEMENTS. 279 " As to me, I go whenever and wherever my superiors send me. My vows ave like the Ma- sonic, triple in their nature. They are poverty, chastity, obedience. Of course I shall remain here until I am ordered elsewhere. " But whatever may become of me, whether I am to live or die, the dear Lord will bless you for this unselfish act. May God be with you, my friend." And so saying, he disappeared in one of those sudden curves of streets, made by the ungainly angles of some alleys that meet and diverge from this populous quarter of Campo di Fiori. "It is sublime," thought the Admiral. "This is the calm, yet fervent, martyr courage of the early Christians. " Mnzzini dares to go where he chooses, with a price set on his head, and I have bowed down to the bravery of. the man ; yet his firmness is only the boldness of bitter defiance, for he is absolute Master of oath bound bands, and he knows he is safe. " His daring conies of his awful power. " Of another stamp, is the calm deliberate ac- ceptance of death by this monk. His resigna- 280 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. tion to whatever God wills is heroic. But he shall not die if human help can save him." And thus resolving, the Carbonaro with a new and high motive for action, walks on rapidly, while he shapes some plan for immediate action. Nor did he notice in his abstraction that he was followed. Striding onward with the free and easy gait of the sailor, down the Via de Giubbonari, past the open space of S. Carlo into the Via del Pianto, n'or did the wonted glow of enthusiasm for Rienzi stir his soul as he passed by the little church of St. Angela, or under the low arches of the Por- tico of Octavia. Then threading through inter- secting streets, and past that epitome of ages, the Forum Roman um ; on under the arch of Titus, and pausing only beside the ruined walls of the Coliseum. Steadily, but often with panting breath and spent force, Elsa followed. Here, there, everywhere. But always in sight of the lode-star that guided her course. " Will he never weary ? " she said to herself. " It is ever the same elastic step that strained ENTANGLEMENTS. 281 my strength to keep pace with, that day on old South Mountain. "Ah, the day that Gertrude died, -the dear old fostermother, the only mother I ever knew. And why did I not stay with my race ? " But I shall lose sight of him in some sudden turning, if I think of aught else. "Where was I? ah, yes. His stride angered me that day, for I fancied he meant to avoid me. "I like it now, for I understand it as a phase of the man's power. A curse on woman's feeble- ness, and a double curse on the great cause un- known, that willed me to be a woman. We have heavy burdens and no strength to bear them. I hate to be a woman. A curse on fate. " There ! he hastens on under the Arch of Titus. No drop of Jew's blood courses through his veins, forsooth, or he would have turned aside. Nor in my veins either. I am of Ishmael. We children of Hagar hate the proud race of Jacob and of Isaac. Hasten the day when I can wreak my vengeance. Ha, ha, it is near at hand. The old Israelite, he is fast bound in the meshes I have woven. The Beni-Berath. It will be a dramatic scene, and perfect revenge for me and for my race." 282 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. At last he pauses under the grim shadow of the Coliseum that shattered stands like a tower of Babel, to mock the pride of man and give hoarse echoes of "passing away." " It is a type of the Masonic," muttered she. " The huge masonry that blends all ages, and means man's achievement mingling with decay." The Admiral leaned heavily as if needing strength for some half-formed purpose, against the outer wall of a gloomy arcade, his manly figure outlined with the chiara-oscura light of. Italy's deep blue sky, and strangely enough, there hung suspended, giving a similitude of art decoration over his head, a marvel of the wonderful flora peculiar to the spot, the drooping tendrils of a graceful vine, from which depended delicate flowerets that issued to the air from out a broken fissure, as if to give benediction to the tempest- tossed wayfarer. There was a slight rustling sound, such as the serpent gives forth as he traverses a leaf-strewn soil, and the Admiral looking up thereat, for the first time noticed Elsa. "Well?" he exclaimed in a tone of mingled inquiry and expostulation. ENTANGLEMENTS. 283 " Well," she echoed in a menacing tone. " As I forewarned you I am no longer Elsa, nor Hava. Behold in me Judith, she of the avenging poniard," and so saying, there swiftly flashed before his eyes the circling sweep of glittering steel. " Is that so?" he asked, unmoved and in frigid tone. " Pray, for whom ? When ? Where ? " " Listen," she faintly whispered. " He is doomed, and I am chosen for the deadly deed," and as she said so, she placed in his hand for in- spection, a slip of paper in the cipher he knew so well ; then seating herself on a fallen stone, laughed in derisive triumph, until the thousand, thousand, uncanny echoes, lingering amid dark crevices and sinking into sombre pits of caves, made fiendish refrain. What was there in the few written words this woman had handed him, that made his battle- scarred heart leap wildly, and his tumultuous surging veins swell to bursting? What was it that caused this well-worn wrestler in the world's arena to tremble and blanch witli livid pallor and a gathering film obscure his vision? It was the horrid shock of the sudden dethrone- ment of his soul's ideal. 284 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. The all too rude destruction of a cherished Ikon, for there he saw with his blurred eyes, in cipher, the hidden name, the name he most loved to honor, Mazzini. It was the Carbonari writ of condemnation, the Monk's death-warrant, to be executed by the furtive stab of this frail woman. " For what is this done ? " she asked mockingly, " for betrayal. This monk, this apostate Car- bonaro, was once as you are now, of the Secret Directory. He has become an open and avowed enemy. Were that all, little would Judith care for the striking deep the blow ; short shrift would be his. But for you, it is another thing. I pause " " And how comes it, Elsa," he asked, " that you should have fathomed this mystery of my life ? " " I might bewilder you," she answered haughtily, " but I scorn puerile deception. When I lie, it is for a real purpose. It is easily told. I stood near you on the ship in youth's attire, and I heard the story of the Monk who saved your life." " Thank God you overheard it," he exclaimed. "Rather thank Satan," she replied, "for the lucky, well-timed, eavesdropping." ENTANGLEMENTS. 285 But now reverting to the awful act of his chief, he said, gloomily, " And he signed this ? " " Your very bosom friend," she answered taunt- ingly. " It is assassination," he muttered. " No," said she calmly, " it is the doctrine of revenge carried out. It is salutary justice. I like it; no conscience, no scruples, no weakness holds me back. I crave the inexorable. I am only withheld by the shackles of love, passion, an all-consuming ardor for you. I 'shall spare him for you, though for the disobedience they kill me." What madness of overpowering emotion up- rooted the resolution of this Samson, as in a de- lirium of grateful joy, he enfolded in his arms and pressed to his heart, this woman whom in his soul he loathed. " Now let me die, yes swoon away and die, of this great rapture," she faintly whispered. And the interior voice of his soul chided his fal- tering will, and made answer, " Art thou crazed ? Fly the temptress." Whereupon breaking away as one in greatest peril, he fled. 286 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. An hour later and he had gained the sheltering privacy of his room at the hotel Minerva, where he bravely sought to view the whole situation as calmly as he could. The destruction of his idealisms was entire. In the great hurt of loss of faith in the one friend whom he trusted above all others, the aspirations of a lifetime were destroyed. Amid the feverish agitations of revolutionary excitements, he had never penetrated the decep- tive issues of a false creed. But now the whole subject presented itself in a strong and clear light, and he could not comprehend how he had hitherto been so blind as to accept so many fal- lacies as truth. To bring about universal enfranchisement, through secret and sanguinary plots, to be oath- bound in order to direct the more securely, secret combinations against authority and religion, to pull down in order to march onward ruthlessly, to invade a friendly kingdom, to desecrate in do- ing so the flag of his country by making it pirat- ical, to associate with banded cutthroats and bravos calling themselves liberals, he a gentleman, claiming a good old lineage. ENTANGLEMENTS. 287 As light from above irradiated his soul, its force illuminated every devious pathway of his almost for- gotten wanderings, until he stood as if exposed in the unbearable focus of some powerful burning lens. But there was no time now for self-accusation, for two lives both strangely bound up with his own, were at stake. " After I shall have saved the Franciscan, and sheltered Elsa from the death penalty that will be sure to follow her disobedience to this cruel edict, then I shall try and bring about some dis- entanglement of these chains that hold me closely bound." And as his thoughts measured the whole situa- tion, his full knowledge of all the perils that en- viron the recalcitrant Mason, made him realize his own deadly peril in the near future. The first immediate question was how to save the Monk. The only real ^safety was in a return to America, and this the Monk refused to do, ex- cept under orders from his spiritual superiors. A flashing idea decided him. "I know the American Minister very well," he said to himself, " and I will go instantly and ask for an audience of the Sovereign Pontiff. 288 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " Heaven will aid my good intention, and the Franciscan will go at once under obedience. "Elsa's peril will not commence until after it is known that the Monk has escaped." There was no time to be lost, and now that he had resolved what to do, the Admiral started to put his intention into immediate execution. As lie was hurriedly crossing the hall of en- trance, he was startled to hear the familiar voices of an episode in his American life, and looking round, beheld his quondam friends, engaged in that amicable controversy about nothing, that marks the lunar period called by way of antithesis doubtless, " honeymoon." " Miles, I cannot see the Rome of my imagina- tion, unless I can be presented to the Pope." " If that be so, Grace," he replied, " we will go at once to the American Minister and see what can be done." " And first of all," said the Admiral, advancing with extended hands, " you will not refuse to let an old friend congratulate you." " Our friend, our dear, dear friend," they both exclaimed with radiant pleasure, " the friend to whom we owe so much." And there was a ENTANGLEMENTS. 289 genuine warmth of greeting fresh from the heart. " When you see the American Minister," said the Admiral, " please have my name included with yours, and ask him to try and procure a speed} 7 audience for us all, as I must leave Rome at an early day, and I wish to have the pleasure of making one of your party." It was indeed a happiness when they procured the authorization duly signed, and the pleasing in- telligence that on the morrow the Sovereign Pon- tiff would give them audience. Never in the annals of history, has there been a more gracious, kindly, loving-hearted Sovereign, than was Pius the Ninth. Never anything more absurd than the pretexts used by intriguers, who at that time plotted to de- stroy the temporal power of a truly paternal gov- ernment, and replace that fatherly care with the selfish domination of the King of Sardinia. It was in keeping with the affable and amiable condescension that always sought the happiness of others without thought of self, that the Holy Father had at the intercession of the American 19 290 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Minister, consented to receive on the morrow, these Protestant Americans. As the Admiral knelt at the feet of Pius IX. he said hurriedly, and in a very low voice : " Holy Father, a Franciscan monk named Vauer, now at the Ara Coeli Convent, is marked for sud- den death. He refuses to leave Rome, knowing his peril, except under obedience." Bending an attentive ear, the Pontiff said in a low, melodious voice, " And you, my son, how comes it that you know of this ? " " As a Carbonaro, and of the Secret Directory, Holy Father," was the honest reply. " And you thus risk your own life in seeking to save the Monk," the generous Pontiff replied with effusion, his pale face slightly flushing. " Re- ceive, my son, the blessing of Christ's Vicar for this act of charity. Your soul will be saved in God's own good time. Go in peace," and placing his anointed hands upon the bowed head of the Carbonaro, the Conspirator was blessed. As when our Lord walked upon the storm- tossed waters, and calmed their violence, so there came with the fructifying grace of this blessing, a rest hitherto unknown to this troubled soul. ENTANGLEMENTS. 291 Oh, how sweet is peace, the divine repose that falls upon the weary heart when the Prince of Peace enters in. So intent had the Admiral been upon the one resolve to save the Franciscan, that the whole pathetic scene in which he had been an actor, passed before him as might some phantasmal illu- sion, and that marvelous voice whose resonant tones he had heard addressed to others, lingered long in his imagination as some musical refrain unconsciously repeated. Yet one thing he now felt certain of, that the Monk would be ordered to return to his American mission. He knew that he was saved, and that not even the desire to obtain the palm of martyr- dom, would infringe upon that first duty of obedi- ence. The Admiral was recalled to things around him by the clear, calm voice of Grace, as they entered their carriage to return to the hotel. " I feel that I shall see Rome more clearly now," she said, " for there is no logical sequence that makes Rome the central point of the Chris- tian world, without the Sovereign Pontiff." Miles looked at the Admiral as much as to say, 292 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " I am so proud of her, she ought to be a Har- vard professor," but having merely expressed that sentiment with his eyes, he said very sedately, " And I too, having freed myself from all se- cret societies, am also well content to have had the benign Pontiffs blessing." " Have you disassociated yourself from the Ma- sons ? " asked the Admiral. " I have," said Miles Stan dish, " upon a mature consideration of the whole subject." " And may I ask," said the Admiral, " what were your impelling motives ? I found in the United States thousands of men enrolled in the Masonic Lodges, especially those initiated only in the three first symbolic grades, who were in good faith, sincerely desiring to promote the general welfare of humanity, and affiliated with these or- ganizations that were more directly Masonic, other guilds bound together by secret ties, with a common motive, and that motive, whether mis- taken or laudable, was sincere." " Granted all that you say," said Miles, " and yet these Masonic bodies of men have actually as masses, no conception of the ultimate aims of ENTANGLEMENTS. 293 their Masonic leaders in Europe. It is a vast and dangerous network of entanglements. " In America the fact has not been appreciated, the historic fact, that Masonry is hydra-headed, and that being multiform, it is more or less dan- gerous according to the conditions. In the modern history of Europe for instance, Masonry has been the constant wet-nurse of revolution." " I am forced to admit it," replied the Admiral. " Any student of the historic events of the past two centuries, will find that this key unlocks many otherwise incomprehensible acts ; acts of sovereigns who once compromised, have been forced to accede to these hidden demands; acts of their cabinets from similar reasons ; acts of par- liamentary leaders, as well as sudden and seem- ingly incomprehensible popular uprisings, that one can trace to have been carefully elaborated con- spiracies, in the innermost councils of Secret So- cities." " I fear," said Grace, " that it will never be understood, that the voice of the people is a sheer popular fallacy, which means the voice of the leaders, made known through the people if you will. 294 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. The oracle speaks, but there is a hidden prompt- ing for its utterances." " My wife is quite right," said Miles approv- ingly. " There never was and there never will be a spontaneous outburst of the masses. These masses are to begin with like unleavened dough that must be kneaded and made yeasty be- fore it can ferment. " Now for this preparatory process, an oath- bound secret society controlled in fact by a hid- den power, does the work of uprising with almost absolute certainty." " You have thought deeply I perceive on this subject," said the Admiral, " and I am forced to confirm your conclusions. There is a saying that corporations are soulless, and this must apply with much greater force to all oath-bound, hidden organizations. But does the peril exist in the United States where the conditions vary so essentially from those in Europe ? " " It exists," replied Miles, " rather in the possi- bility of dangerous combinations, than in their actuality. "But he who is forewarned is forearmed. I am convinced that in order to preserve our liberties it ENTANGLEMENTS. 295 is essential that we discard all societies that hold within their constitutional laws, the elements of conspiracy. " I do not think that the youth of the country are sufficiently guarded against these dangers. " It can not indeed be too often repeated and inculcated in the minds of the young to whom especially, mystery is attractive, that in a free Republic there is no need whatever, direct or re- mote, for secrecy, and that that which is done in the dark, is on this account baleful. "No charity, no almsgiving, no mutual support, no good fellowship, needs for its perfect develop- ment, mystery, secrecy or oaths with penalties at- tached, as have the Masons." " It is strange," said Grace, who listened as she always did with attention and intelligence, "that men who join these societies fail to grasp their significance. Think of the power thus placed in the hands of unscrupulous leaders, the dangerous intrigues against Society and the State, the power that could thus be wielded through the press, and the difficulty, once thus usurped, of finding a mode of repression." When women think wisely, men are interested 296 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. listeners, and the two men gave the sensible re- marks of this clear-headed woman respectful con- sideration. "You may be surprised," said the Admiral, "to hear me say so, but I too am changing my opinions. I concur with you both, and so far as the United States is concerned I am prepared to go further and assert, that there, a state within a state, would be fatal. "Disunion which would seem to be threatening, we might overcome, but this would be dissolu- tion." Both Grace and Miles looked astonished to hear these sentiments expressed from such a source, and the Admiral, as if suddenly realizing that he had been thinking aloud, pressing their hands with friendl}' grasp, hurriedly left them ; nor did they meet again in Rome. There are moments in life that are epochs for Eternity, and out of these eventful heart conflicts, comes a growth not to be measured by time. The Admiral knew that one more sacred duty remained before he could be at liberty to think of himself, or to form his own plans. Elsa must be extricated. But this was some- ENTANGLEMENTS. 297 thing more difficult of accomplishment, and more uncertain, than had been the rescue of the Monk, even against his own will. Elsa having failed to execute the part assigned her, would now be dealt with according to their own terrible vows, and the Carbonaro knew that if she remained in Italy, or even in Europe, that it was only a matter of time as to when her death doom must be met. She had spared the Monk because of her wild passion for himself, and although his soul ab- horred her boldly proffered homage, yet his heart acknowledged the debt of gratitude that was her due. " A life for a life," he muttered, " is an eternal law. This woman has spared the Monk whose brother freely gave his own life to liberate me ; and shall I pause if need be, to give my life in order to deliver her ? " Strange entanglements of fate, that have woven their meshes so closely around me. " And after all is done, what is to be my own fate ? " And well might he ask himself this solemn question, for pitiless and terrible are the punish- 298 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. rnents that threaten the recalcitrant, by the Grand Orient and the Carbonari. And now that the scales had fallen from his hitherto bandaged, blinded eyes, how clearly he saw the whole scope of their diabolic schemes. Why was it, that he had never before meas- ured their infernal meaning and read between the lines ? " Thrice sodden fool that I have been," groaned he, " thus to have wasted the flower of my life in wrongdoing." Then when he contrasted the placid companion- ship of Miles Standish and his accomplished wife, a content based upon an enduring and mutual esteem, with the loneliness of his own turbulent career, and remembered that if securing happi- ness was a test of success and wisdom, he was forced to admit that his life had been a miserable failure. And yet he, like many other ardent men, had been misled by the high-sounding watchwords, to which each man gives the interpretation of his own idealisms. Satan understood the power of this sort of be- guilement, when in the garden of Eden he spoke ENTANGLEMENTS. 299 \ to the first of the human race of the " Tree of Life," knowing it to be the tree of death. In the clear mental review of his newly awakened perceptions, the Carbonaro sadly re- calls that the Masonic passwords, the symbols, the watchwords have always one meaning, vengeance ; and that the higher one rises in the secret orders, the more stringent and cruel are the vows. The Chevalier Kadosch on his first initiation, has the poniard placed in his hands ready to strike the deadly blow, and the most sacred words in- spire terror. In the very old English Masonic manuscripts, the Kadosch is called Killer, Assassin. These horrible maxims have their application, and nothing but the secrecy, the mystery, in which they have been and are enshrouded, have saved them from the execration of mankind. On the evening of the next day after the con- versation just given, there was to be held in a certain retired locality, a Carbonari Chapter for the consideration of much important business, at which the Grand Orient would also affiliate. At this time and place, the Admiral hoped to be able to anticipate, or to counteract any malign 300 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. scheme against Elsa's safety, and then try and in- duce her to leave Europe, where involved as she now was, in anarchistic plots, she would be sure, sooner or later, to perish miserably. As to his own action, he had decided to disen- gage himself from the danger of his position in Europe, by a return to America, so soon as Elsa's safety was secured. He knew that such and so great was her in- fatuation for him, that if she was made aware of his determination, she would go wherever he went, and it was with a sharp twinge of self-reproach, that he had to confess to himself, that it would be an untold relief to have her in some way discon- nected forever from his life. CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 301 CHAPTER XII. CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. THE ULTIMATE. IT was in the early evening of the succeeding day, that the Admiral filled with gloomy fore- bodings as to the possible outcome of the harass- ing complications that surrounded him, threaded the intricacies of the involved and tortuous maze of streets belonging to a quarter of Rome near the Ghetto, which was, as a matter of fact, with- drawn from official protection. Presently he turned into a long contracted street that ran parallel to the Tiber, from which diverged numerous deep lanes. It was a Mazzinian quarter, this street of Tan- ners, where nestled a revolutionary horde prone to revolt. At the very end of one of these narrow alleys, there rises to view, the sombre decadence of a palace, once the proud home of a family which in the lapse of centuries became extinct. This classic structure is now surrounded by 302 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. miserable hovels, that acutally lean against it for support. Yet the ancient edifice in spite of its incongru- ous and unsightly environment, still retains the dignity of the style of the Romans. Indeed the very squalor that hemmed it round, gave it the quaint picturesqueness of sharp con- trast. Passing under the arches of its ample portico, he entered a court of noble proportions still encircled by unbroken columns, under whose vaulted arcades, gay cavaliers and haughty dames no longer linger, except perchance in the dim shadows of a flitting border land. The massive walls of this antiquated building rise on the further side sheer from the Tiber, and are pierced here and there at odd intervals with inconceivably small window apertures. Below the foundation of the present pile, sunk under the burden of its ten centuries or more, and far below the water level, are underground stories, no one cares to know how many. Rapidly passing through this classic entrance, the Admiral traversed an inner court, from whence he ascended a marble stairway that led in CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 303 a long double flight one on either side, to a large triangular hall above. This was the Lodge of the secret meetings of the Carbonari of Rome, where surrounded by a swarming and excitable populace in sympathy with the Cause, any arrest sought to be made there, or any official inspection or interference would have been dangerous if not impossible. A place admirably chosen for the safe meeting of the Carbonari conspirators. On this evening a Chapter of unusual signifi- cance was to be held, inasmuch as it had been de- cided by the Secret Directory, that it would be a salutary object lesson for the furtherance of the Masonic discipline in general, to erect into a reli- gion under the very shadow of St. Peter's, the Car- bonari creed united to the dogmas of the Grand Orient, as had already been done by the Grand Orient in Paris. In effect the Masonic ceremonies of Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage, were that evening to be given by the High Priest from the Altar, and the whole proceedings were to be festively closed by a ball. By such a galimatias and its subsequent repeti- 304 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. tions, it was shrewdly supposed that the Secret Societies would be insensibly prepared for the contemplated demolition of the bulwarks of the ancient faith. The foundation stones of the new Temple of Solomon, were thus to be laid broad and deep as Hades, and the Carbonari mind accustomed to the indignities it was proposed at as early a day as practicable to heap upon the Sovereign Pontiff, in the usurpation of his rights as a temporal Prince. The Mazzinian plan which made a temporary puppet of Victor Emanuel, was far too compre- hensive to stop where they were with the robbery of Sicily. This beginning was but the first step that led to Venice, as well as the absorption of all the small kingdoms of Italy, but "chiefly of Rome. It was understood that to carry out the scheme of young Italy, both authority and religion must be made subservient, if not actually destroyed. To uproot reverence for the Sacraments by re- placing them with sacrilegious counterfeits, to poisoaa ttifoe minds ajid souls of the young by mak- ing $hena ,at an early age children of the Lodge CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 30 and not of the Church, to enlist woman in this nefarious crusade against all that is holy in her sacred rights as wife and mother, by sensuous and captivating appeals to the larger license of so-called freedom, were schemes, the outcome of the widely promulgated doctrines of Voltaire, of the illumin- ism of St. Martin, of Weishaupt, Mazzini. Karl Marx, Bakounine and other of their writers and leaders. In the day-dawn of a newborn light, these thoughts revolved in the mind of the Admiral, as he reached the door of the outer Lodge guarded as always by the Tyler, sword in hand. Giving the password of Nekam, or Vengeance he was at once admitted. Indeed he was well known. Even the trained and sated eye of the Admiral received a vivid impression, as the inner door of this so-called Hall of vengeance closed upon him. This Vendita or Lodge was an immense space of triangular form hung in red, bestrewn with an embroidery of black tears. At the apex of the triangle was an Altar of black marble, recalling the Mussulman holy stone, or Caaba, representing Divinity, which was cov- 20 306 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. ered with a red altar cloth, in the centre of which was wrought a poniard, dispersing nine flames of red light, with a border of black stars. This Altar was surmounted by a revolving burning bush in a circular framing, round which were depicted the twelve images of the Zodiac. At the right side of this pantheistic Altar, dedi- cated to the malign genius of revenge, stood a superb white marble nude figure of Isis unveiled, Goddess of Nature ; and placed on its triangular base, were the Masonic emblems of triangles, cir- cles, squares, many hieroglyphics, and the sacred numbers 3, 5, 7, 9, 12. At the left angle of this awful Altar, hung a picture of three heads surrounding a flaming poniard. When the Admiral entered, the horrid rites were in full progress, and the assembly presented a decidedly picturesque appearance as they stood in long rows, the men robed in black and their heads wrapped in many-folded red turbans of patriarchal form. The Vendita was androgynous, or composed of men and women. The women wore black dresses and the jewel of CBEEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 307 the poniard and Judith ; not the chaste Judith, but she the elect one, to revenge. Being an androgy- nous Lodge, the spaces were not divided by the points of compass as is usual in the Masonic Lodges, but by climate, that is, Asia, America, Africa, Europe. Each member held a poniard, and was decorated with a cordon rouge, passing from the left shoulder to the right hip, and suspended to it was a small gold poniard with silver blade ; and they had also white rosettes held in place by red ribbon. The Venerable Grand Master and the Grand Master Elect, were decorated with a large tricolor ribbon, cordon bleu and green mixed with yellow centre, with three jewels suspended, viz : an azure triangle, a golden sun, and a terrestial globe. Over the arched doorway of entrance, was a fine life-size painting of Saint Theobald their patron. The High Priest stood before the Altar, having just enacted the hideous parody of a sacred Chris- tian mystery, in a so-called communion, in which he had assumed to consecrate a mixture of milk, oil and wine, which was poured into a human skull, and placed on the altar called " Hiram." The entire Vendita had just partaken of the 308 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. host of farina, which was passed to each one pres- ent at the point of a golden trowel, when the so- called Sacramental wine was also taken from the Altar in its horrible cup and handed round. Each one of the Carbonari sipped of the mix- ture from the monstrous chalice, as if thereby to infuse a thirst for vengeance, like liquid consum- ing fire into every vein. As each man and woman drank damnation, a great hoarse cry arose, but not to Heaven, when they gave their communicating toast of "Venge- ance." Whereupon, downward sank that fierce prayer that could never rise to pierce the clouds, down through the stifling underground vaults, the humid reeking cellars, the noisome slimy depths, the caverns of the surging sea, until the innermost seething caldrons of hell reechoed " Vengeance." u Blessed be God," thought the Admiral, shud- deringly, " my late arrival spared me this sacri- legious mockery of the Last Supper." So thinking, having first retired into a small anteroom where he duly arrayed himself with the insignia of his rank, he dropped into his assigned place of honor as Sovereign Grand Commander. CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 309 "This mummery which was invented to terrify the masses," thought lie, " and to mould them to deeds of violence, is after all to my mind not so appalling, as the hideous Rose-Croix. There, the banquet table is in the form of a cross, the drink- ing cups are chalices, the feast day of days is Good Friday, the crucifix, emblem of our re- demption, is trampled under foot with loud cries of ' a bas VinfameJ and the secret word is Inri. " May God forgive me for ever having joined in this awful blasphemy and denial of Christ. " No wonder this black sin is the mystic veil that the highest initiate alone penetrates, for truly the Masonic work can go no further." Absorbed in these painful thoughts, he scarcely noticed the entrance of four young people of tender age, robed in red and white sashes. They were led to the Altar by the Venerable, and attended by two Carbonari, who were to stand as sponsors ; for these children were to receive Masonic baptism and confirmation as children of the Vendita. They walked arm in arm, boy and girl, two and two ; and standing at the foot of the Altar, were thus addressed by the High Priest who said : 310 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " The Priesthood takes the child in charge from its birth. " The Vendita should do no less. " We do not offer you religion, we offer you liberty." The voice of the Priest was here drowned by an uproarious round of applause. Hereupon the sponsors were spoken to by their Masonic names of Hiram and Judith, and asked : " Do you consent to take the place of father and mother, these natural guardians being dead? " Then they both exclaimed, " I do consent." " Do you promise to do your utmost to have these children given an education free from all prejudice, bias, or superstition, and in strict con- formity with the principles of Carbonarism ? " " I do promise," was the joint reply. " Then," declared the High Priest raising his hand as if in benediction, " in the name of the holy Trinity of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, and especially under the sacred aegis of liberty of conscience, we publicly declare these neophytes to be masonically baptized and respectively called each one after his or her patron saint, Reuben and CKEEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 311 Sappho, Karl Marx and Theobalda. Children of the Vendita rejoice." Then there was a renewed and still more clamorous outburst of applause. The children who trembled violently and looked frightened, were now bidden to kneel, when the High Priest once again addressed the Chapter. " Good Cousins, the Vendita says, Let little children come unto me, for of such is the swift- coming freedom of the human race, whose long suffering is nearly at an end. You are now, Reuben and Sappho, Karl Marx and Theobalda, admitted as candidates for initiation through the baptism which by the blessing of the great Archi- tect of the Universe you have just received. " You will now break the bread and drink the wine of our holy mysteries, and you will hence- forth in addition be invested with the Masonic jewel of the trowel, in token of your elevation and confirmation as wards of this Vendita." Thereupon, to each child was handed a small silver trowel, fastened to a red rosette. The High Priest then said: "Arise, children. In the triple names 3^011 are confirmed." These wards of the coming of anti-Christ, 312 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. pledges of Satan's kingdom on earth, were then conducted blindfolded and tear-stained to the outer street ; as the vaulted roof rang again with the wild heathen acclaim of the emancipation of the nineteenth century from the superannuated superstitions of the priests. The ribald shouts long lingered in the opening fissures and darksome crannies of the ancient Masonry, and in hoarse whisperings filled with their raucous noise, the network of subterranean passages, startling the skurrying pagan wraiths, from the uneasy sleep of centuries, as they sank deeper in their noisome beds of mold. There now succeeded the hush of intense ex- pectation, for it was whispered throughout the Vendita, that the crowning blow to the bigotry of the past was about to be given by the celebration of a Masonic marriage. The pleasing surprise of the joyful melody of some concerted stringed instruments placed in a concealed alcove, now delighted the ear, as a score of young maidens arrayed in ciel-bleu, ad- vanced toward the Altar, singing glad nuptial songs full of fire and passion, Sapphic hymns. Even the Admiral, who had been an apathetic CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 313 witness of the preceding ceremonies was not un- moved. " All the world loves a lover," and no one looks upon a bride with indifference. The bridal hour is the supreme hour when wo- man reigns. The sudden clash of cymbals produced wild ef- fects of Israel's triumph, and the epithalamium strains were filled .with the barbaric notes inter- mingled of the Zingari and Moorish airs. The effect was indescribable of this confused medley of the licentious joy of all nations. It was the uproar of the tower of Babel, within the Temple of Solomon, in her modern hall of venge- ance. It was the Saturnalia of the nineteenth century, leaning into the Chaos of a new, unmeasured, thousand years. The eagerly looked-for bride entered as the buoyant sounds, exultant filled the hall. She walked alone by the side of the groom, not lean- ing upon his arm, but in her sustained pose and almost defiant manner, proclaiming as it were, that she was a woman of the new evangel, the emancipated. 314 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. Yet oh, how transcendently beautiful she was. How graceful, how arrowy, how pliant and most enticing ! Arrayed in deep orange, lustrous satin, with diamond-clasped scarlet girdle, within whose zone rested a gleaming poniard, with wealth of price- less jewels flashing their iridescent light over the delicate rounded contour of bared arms and neck ; with crescent crown of opals tinting the masses of cherub's curls that crowned the dainty head with illusory rainbow colors ; casting lan- guorous glances not upon the chosen one at her side, but wantonly sent here, there, everywhere. Every man's heart throbbed the faster, as he felt the siren's alluring spell. Who was she ? Whence came she? Had the divine Cagliostro resuscitated a Venus or a Sappho to set the world aflame ? Only one being in all that assemblage knew this enchantress, as the Admiral with profound amaze- ment beheld in the bewitching bride, Elsa. Elsa to save whom he was there that night, thus to fulfil his last mission as a Carbonaro. Her triumphant glance met his inquiring eye as CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 315 she gazed upon him in response, with the old pas- sion of unconcealed love, and darted from him an oblique look of hate upon her companion. And lie, that other one ? Even the Admiral was disturbed by the presence, while the entire company of good cousins with bated breath remained immovable. There were awed whispers of, " It is the Beni- B6rath." Old, bent, bald, withered, without majesty or grace of person, his feeble body scarcely sup- ported the wonderful dome-shaped head, with its piercing eagle eyes like electric flames. The hooked aquiline nose told his race, and the ponderous under jaw betokened inflexible will. There were wondrous legends about this man. The common people said he was the old Assas- sin of the Mountains, while others, still believed him to be a re -in carnation of Manes, who ever directs the ebb and flow of the tide o events from some inaccessible eyrie. But the Admiral knew but too well who he was, and what he was, for twice, when with Maz- ziiii, he had sought him in stress of circumstance, 316 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. in his marvelous Cabinet, story upon story un- derground in this very palace. He was the one, to whom Mazzini bowed to, and dreaded this terrible old man. And what gave him this awesome power ? This Beni-Berath, who was never visible, but who was ever felt by the weight of his hidden hand. He held the sinews of war, his fiat decided, for he was the directing Head of the Universal Israel- itish Alliance. Judaism and Masonry run in parallel lines, and are and have been interdependent. The Jews even claim to have founded Masonry, and it may be so, for it bears their imprint. But be that as it may, the strong resemblance is suggestive. They are alike cosmopolitan. They have no nationality, but a strict solidarity of union, and they have a common ultimate aim. This man represented and he alone, the ninetieth degree of the rite of Misraim ; of the Supreme Council of the Egyptian rule of Misraim. If the grand work of Masonry is the figurative rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon, as is taught in every Masonic Lodge, from the very primer of CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 317 the Entered Apprentice, then the Beni-Berath was the chief builder of this structure, for the restoration of Judaism. Or if we grant that by a distorted meaning, tin's Temple typifies Nature, and the God they adore Nature, or Pan, this Israelite was still there, as the chosen exponent of the Grand Architect of the Universe. Again, substitute rights of man for law of God, and you yet found him at the foot of the Altar, erected in honor of these rights, ready to sustain them. The tumult of music had ceased as these two stood upon the first step of the Altar, where the High Priest awaited their coming and thus spoke : "Good Cousins, Hava and Beni-Berath, in the name of that emancipation of humanity we pray for, this Vendita congratulates you on this Ma- sonic union. " We bow before the sublime courage that tramples down the effete usages of drivelling tra- dition. No unbearable chains devised by the tyranny of clericalism will bind your lives, no civil contract obligates you. 318 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. " You are absolutely free. Your marriage rests solely on reciprocal love. " As our illustrious Bakounine forcibly says, * The union of the sexes is only an affair of mutual necessity.' " The clerical marriage on the contrary, is a slavery worse than death, if a mistake is made. "But you are not in fetters, for if you cease to love, I repeat it, that moment you are free. "Ours is simply the collectivity of productive forces, the solidarity of tastes and interests. " Hava, and Beni-Be'rath, what do you believe as to the indissolubility of marriage ? " They replied in unison : " We believe it to be contrary to the laws of nature and of reason." "And what then," asked the High Priest, "is the corrective?" They again replied with one voice, " Divorce." "Well done, good and faithful cousins, enter thou into the joys of the new dispensation," said the High Priest with hands raised in benediction, and all the Vendita shouted, " Well done." Then the High Priest descending from the Altar, embraced the bride Masonically. CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 319 The crowning act of irreligion, in striving to disintegrate society had taken place. As the plaudits of the Vendifca again broke forth, the Beni-Bi'rath suddenly turning his back upon the Altar, as one weary of masquerading, commanding silence with an imperious gesture, said in a strong harsh voice, as one with plenitude of power : " Good Cousins all, " The true Masonic secret has been given you in this ceremony, which is a protest against all authority, either of usage, of civil contract, or of religious tyranny. " One can go no higher, I hear you say. Yes, that is true, if one follows the sequences, which are the right of individual liberty to destroy life, if need be, whence argues Malthus. " Add to this grand philosophical freedom, one other right, and the emancipation of humanity is reached, the triumph of individualism complete. I mean the right of self-destruction. "As our great Voltaire remarks, 'Suicide is true grandeur of soul.' "And listen to our own Jean Witt: who callsit * never a crime, but work of courage and of free- 320 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. dom.' Yes, this refuge for the heavy-laden is within reach of all. It is the patei-exitus." 1 As the wicked old man gave forth these blas- phemous utterances in his strident tones, the Admiral, too deeply moved, and indignant to re- main longer, silently left the Lodge, then, there and forever. " I can no longer endure," he said to himself, "this travesty of all things sacred. A semblance of the Sacrements, and not once the name of God. This is the very Saturnalia of Satan. How can the nations be elevated amid such sombre and heathen rites ? Ah, at last I begin to understand why the lightning of revolutionary storms has for centu- ries played around the head of the Sovereign Pon- tiff, but must fall harmless until the days are ac- complished. " Yet this is the one dream of the sacrilegious Beni-Berath, the advent of a Masonic Pope, who will be anti-Christ, and foreshadow the End." Oppressed with the crowding thoughts that seemed to be the summing up of a lifetime, the Admiral repaired to the anteroom to divest himself forever of the senseless toggery he had so long accepted, and at first cherished as CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 321 expressive of idealisms, that were now rudely shattered. " Meaningless or worse," he groaned, as he laid each symbolical garment aside, one by one, "for if these have a meaning, it ends in subservience to Judaism. Why else this endless rebuilding of Solomon's Temple ? "Types and realities are alike a disappointment. Freedom forsooth. It is damnable servitude. " I will have none of it henceforth." In the Cabinet which the Admiral entered, he had at times made use of a sliding panel, that formed a concealed door which by a narrow spiral stairway, led to a winding passage and a small platform hall ; from whence two other tortuous flights of steps diverged, the one, conducting to the underground council chamber of Beni-Berath, and the other, he shuddered as he recalled the fact, terminating in a narrow landing covered by a trapdoor over an open-mouthed moat, having for its sole outlet, the deep waters and rapid cur- rent of the Tiber. Noticing this panel slightly displaced, he at once conjectured that the Beni-Be'rath must have ascended from the Cabinet below with Elsa, pre- 21 322 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. ceding their appearance at the mock ceremony he had witnessed. Suddenly, the door from the Lodge opened, and Elsa glided in. The scintillant eyes and waving movement again conveyed to his senses the re- semblance to the serpent's undulations; and as always, he avoided the charm of her fixed mag- netic gaze, for he knew and dreaded their power. Seizing his hand, she exclaimed, " I slipped away from the old demon, when he was sur- rounded by a cringing crowd of idiots. Hide me somewhere for I must talk with you." The Admiral unconsciously drew back the sliding panel, and taking up a dark lantern kept always trimmed and burning, they descended the stairway to the first platform. There as they paused, she sinking at his feet implored him, " Let us fly. I love you, only you." Stooping to raise her, he replied with gentle expostulation, "The bride of an hour!" "Bride," she cried. "What is a marriage with Divorce but a rope of sand. It is naught. I en- dured the mockery of the ceremony but for you." "For me?" he repeated in amazement. " Our moments are too fleeting for explana- CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 323 tion," she rejoined. "Your crazy visit to the Pope has made you a suspect. The old Jew has persecuted me with his proffers, and I have wormed secrets upon secrets out of him. " You think you are of the Secret Directory, but you are nothing but an arm used to strike, when this arch-devil and that other one, Mazzini, plan. " You acted like a madman when you got the Pope's blessing. Think you to be forgiven ? " The old assassin gave me this poniard for the Monk, but he has condoned my disobedience, if I give him myself; and while beguiling him, I have saved you for the time being." At this moment, the sliding panel was again displaced, and he of the Dread Council descended the stairway. The Admiral's first impulse was to use his superior strength, and kill him then and there, knowing full well that otherwise they were both lost. But Elsa, as if divining his thought, pushing him back into a dark niche in the wall, sprang past him and began rapidly to descend the steps toward the trapdoor. * 324 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. The Admiral, horrified to see her approaching the fatal spot, but fearing to precipitate a tragedy if he pursued, lost the one instant, in which per- haps he could have arrested her. Meantime Beni-Berath, for it was he, seeing only her, and blinded with rage, darted past the platform. A moment more, and the dark deed was done, as Elsa pausing on the last step, raised the glitter- ing poniard given her for murder, and plunging it to the hilt in the Monster's heart, drew it forth with a cry of rejoicing hate. Beni-Berath fell heavily, and plunging help- lessly forward on to the fatal trapdoor, it opened noiselessly, then closed again ; and he in whose wicked will a moment before, rested the fate of nations, was seen no more. While she, holding aloft the reeking dagger, cried aloud in her exultation : " Now love me, and fear me, as Judith ; for I have killed Holofornes." The Admiral made no reply, but lifting her in his arms carried her to the platform above. " Fly with your race," he urged, " to the ends of the Earth, ere this night's work can be avenged." CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 325 " Fly without you," she cried, " never. Oh, give me the heaven of your love. I cannot live without it," and she clasped him wildly within her ensanguined arms. Disengaging himself with a thrill of horror, without utterance of a word, he fled. "Oh, Gertrude," the murderess said, " Haxa has won. He hates me, but the glory of suicide awaits me. "Bride of death," she cried, "welcome the grave ; " and again the blood stained dagger did its work, as she fell pierced to the heart. It was thought best for the Cause, never to make known the disappearance of the Beni- Be'rath, whose name as " The Unseen One " in- spired all the more terror. The swift rolling Tiber told no tales. As to the Zingara, no questions were asked. Stripped of her jewels that went to fill the coffers of the Cause, her body was consigned by ruthless hands to the same eternal hiding place, whither she had sent her murdered spouse. Her people mourned her loss, and to this day, dolorous Romany ditties are sung of the fate of 326 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. their Queen, who is some day to reappear when freed from Haxa's, the Enchantress' spell. But to the world at large, she was but one more nameless outcast, missing. Short shrift for Time, but dolorous wailing for Eternity. Embarked from Genoa, the Monk and the quondam Mason strangely enough returned to- gether to America. The Monk under orders from his spiritual superiors. The whilom child of revolution, he of the Secret Directory, whose free and Quixotic lance had been poised from the dawn of early manhood, against every windmill of fancied op- pression, had resolved to begin anew on a higher plane the battle for true progress. At last the scales of error had fallen from his eyes, and he saw clearly that the especial danger of all modern phases of revolution was their per- sistent crusade against religion, and the conse- quent destruction from their very foundation, of law, order, and government. He also understood that the social forces arising out of this upheaval, lean toward paganism, with their outright declaration of pantheism. Their CREEDS AND. THEIR OUTCOME. 327 worship of individualism, their protean shapes of materialism, socialism, liberalism, and agnosticism. While he admitted these upspringing evils, he realized the almost impossibility of combating their prolific source in secret societies, because their system of attack arid defense, being un- known and carried out behind a mask, one cannot in the darkness surrounding their movements, de- tect the true from the false. A new light now uplifted his aspirations. During all the past turbulent years, a feverish thirst of adventure had tormented him and made incessant action a necessity. But with the peace that came of the new birth, he longed to be apart from men, and to seek the soothing solace of the wild woods, where the voices of Nature waited to illumine his soul. He was in nowise morbid or embittered, but in the wonderful transformation, a miracle of grace had been effected. He had grown humble. Virtue had taken root, and humility supplanted pride. Then he remembered the beautiful Blue Ridge with its mystic shading, its harmonies of outline, its melodies of coloring ; and building for himself 328 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. a log hut in their very deepest recesses, he re- newed in this nineteenth century, the anchorite's self-combat, and thenceforth led a hermit's life. Thus hourly, he gained control over his body, his sensual conditions and materialistic views. Then he grew into true wisdom, the arcana of the universe gave him ravishing glimpses of im- mortal joys. With clear insight he sees himself as nothing. The spiritual world whose sublimated delights are closed against the revolt of pride, opened to his longing, purified lowliness. There are states and conditions that approach near to, and trend toward the Unseen, fine sub- stances that apprehend the eternal archetypes. Inasmuch as every immortal holds within his essence, a resurrection germ with closed wings to be unfolded when freed from the control of the senses, so may we soar while still in the body, in proportion as we purify the sentient frame. So was it with this Christian warrior, who seek- ing the true, found the inner heart of Nature. The language of flowers, of birds, of all living things wherever the vital fluid permeated, became CREEDS AND THEIR OUTCOME. 329 an open book to him, a never-ending song of praise to God. Hitherto, he had only noted the surface of things, such as are cognizant to the senses ; but henceforth, like Saint Francis the seraphic man, through an influx of spiritual light, he seemed to have seized a portion of the connecting link be- tween the visible and the invisible. Then the ethereal became the rational. Thus a tree when growing absorbs solar rays, is dense and opaque, but in combustion reproduces light. His soul was afire with the love of God. Now and then the Monk was allowed to go and minister spiritual consolation to his neophyte, and on these rare occasions he noticed with increasing satisfaction the spiritualization and growth of his soul. At rare intervals Grace and Miles Standish communicated with the hermit through his friend the Monk. Nor did they cease to love him, although they never met. At last, the Monk having been sent to a remote mission, there came an interval of silence that 330 THE SECRET DIRECTORY. grew longer and longer, until unable to endure the anxious uncertainty, the friends to whom he was so dear, sought to find the spot consecrated by his holy life. The monk had attended his last hours, winged his flight heavenward through the fortifying grace of the Sacraments, and had placed over the lichen- covered grave, in form of cross, two moss-covered saplings, and upon a simple stone tablet at his head, an inscription. Grace and Miles stood beside the forest mound, where a trailing arbutus perfumed the air with bloom. They read with dimmed eyes the Monk's tribute, and Grace kneeling to pluck a tender flower sorrowfully said, as she re-read the inscrip- tion, " Here rests in blessed peace, after a stormy life, all that was mortal of this gifted son of the royal race of Gustavus Vasa." And the carved lettering was : "BERNARD ERRSSON. " Because he was humble his soul pleased God." THE END. OCTlgj SEP231 A 000 036 529 6 Uni\ Si