'subject.' I kept an eye on him, followed him into a crowd, and--put the
money in my pocket."

This brief history of rascality brought smiles to the faces of all present.

"Here are five hundred dollars," said a third, bringing forward the cash;
"it was won at the 'table.'"

Twenty others made similar reports, and when all the funds were handed
over, there was more than seven thousand dollars for distribution and
twenty horses in the "stable" of the clan.

"An unusually profitable month's work," said the captain, when this branch
of the night's proceedings was finished. "I hope the brethren will not
weary in their efforts. What other business have we to transact? Are there
any cases of delinquency to report?"

"If your honor please," said one of the hard-featured fellows before
mentioned, "I perceive Amos Duval is not with us to-night. Can any of the
brethren give an excuse for his absence?"

In response to this inquiry, another of these ill-looking customers arose,
and made known his belief, that the said Amos was not to be relied
on--that, in his opinion, he was a traitor at heart, and would betray the
order at the first opportunity.

"Are you aware," said the captain, "of the grave nature of the accusation
you have made? Permit me to remind you, gentlemen, one and all, that it is
made a crime by our laws, punishable by death, for one brother to accuse
another falsely."