respectfully saluted by all his followers, and then, by two officials,
escorted to a carved seat, on a raised platform, at one end of the cave.
There was very little form or ceremony used on ordinary occasions, as it
was an established custom among the members of the Secret Clan to conduct
all their affairs on the most republican plan. In certain cases, the
captain's word was law, and the penalty of disobedience to it, death; but
all the laws, rules, and regulations of the order were passed by a vote of
the clan.

The captain himself was a full-sized and rather good looking man, with the
exception of a sinister expression of countenance, which instantly conveyed
the impression:--beware of him! Had Eveline been present, she would
instantly have recognized him as the stranger whom she had seen and heard
in conversation with Duffel.

After he had taken his seat, Duffel was placed in one at his right, and
another of the staff in one at his left hand.

"Is there any unfinished business before the order to-night?" demanded the
captain.

"None," replied an individual who acted as secretary.

"Any reports from committees?"

"I have one from the committee appointed to investigate the charge
preferred against Mayhew, of treason to the order. It is brief, as follows:
The committee, on whom was imposed the duty of investigating the charges
entered against Philip Mayhew, beg leave to report, that they have had his
case under strict advisement, and after a careful examination of all the