Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1867-07-06
TALES AND SKETCHES.
The Masonic Password.

Curiosity and tinidity are two import
ant traits in the character of Ralph Sloo-
gey. The former quality some years ago
made him desrous of learning the secret of
tue Masonic Fraternity; but as he had
heard that hot grid and pugnacious
goats with sharp horns are made use of
during the ceremony of initiation, Raph's
timidity warned him that, as he was not
copper. bottomed, be would first strive to
ascertain, if possible whether buck goats
and red-hot spears and grid.irons formed
indispensable adjuncts in the mysterious
ordeal of Masonry. To satisfy himself on
this point. he endeavored to pump" an in
innate personal friend, Jacob Sl,eton, whom
lie knew to be Mason.
"Now, Jacob" said he, during a CONVEX
sation on this mysterious subject, II would
like to become a member of the fraternity,
but, before doing so, think you ought to
tell me something about them. Do they
really brand you with hot gridiron 2 and
if so, on what particular part of the body 2"
Like all Masons, when such questions are
asked, Jacob would smile, and say, after
you shall have taken the three first degrees,
you'll know all about it. l can't answer
your interrogatories."
For long time Ralph tried to worm out
something concerning the fraternity, but in
vain. On every possible opportunity be
would renew the attempt, until at last Jacob
became offended at Ralph's persistency, and
! determined to punish him.
| Early one morning, as Ralph and Jacob
were hurrying down Grand street to their
respective places of business, the former re-
newed his inquiries.
"I'd give fifty dollars if knew the signs
and password. If you tell me about the
password and grip, I'll promise never to ask
yon another question in regard to the secrets
of Masonry. Come now, Jacob-you've
known me since l was boy, and you ought
to be aware that if am little curious
never blsb. Will you tell met Out with
the password, and promise you that I'll be
as mum as mouse"
Were it not for the sake of old friendship,
jacob would have long before put an end TO
such impertinent queries but having failed
to do so, the inquisitive Ralph imagined
that he would at last he successful in pump
ing" his Masonic friend.
When Ralph had completed his last SEN
tcnce, which was spoken in a loud tone,
Jacob had turned his head, thinking tha;
the words might have been overheard by a
gentleman who. happened to be walking
behind them.
This gentleman proved to be Mr.. Hins-
low, who few weeks before had been dis
missed from his position as keeper in B--s
Hospital, charged with stealing spoons
Although personally unacquainted with Mr.
Hinslow, Jacob knew him by sight-he had
been pointed out to him by member of the
Common Council, of which Jacob was al
that time member.
The charge against Mr.. Hinslow had moi
| I,ut nf hs
Common Council was to inquire into the
case at an early day, and Jacob had been
appointed a member of that committee.
The last question propounded by Ralph
angered Jacob, and as he turned his eye ano
beheld the man who had stolen the spoons
an idea Immediately entered his mind. ii,
conceived an admirable plan for Furnishing
Ralph, and resolved to Immediately put i
into execution"
"If tell you the password" said jacob
purposely slackening his pace to allow lIins
low to pass before them. IF tell you th,
Masonic passw ord, will you promise neve
to diyulge it-nct even to a brother Z"
"Never |" exclaimed Ralph, exultingly
believing that at last his curiosity was to b
satisfied. E
"Upon your sodl, you swear it ~
upon my soul, / swear it ]" responded
I Ralph, as he put his hand to his face
scratching his nose to hide smile.
BY this time Mr.. Hiuslow had passed o.
before him, leaving Ralph and Jacob abou
a two yards behind.
"You'll never utter it in the hearing Q
man, woman or beast Z" asked Jacob.
, "By the great God, solemnly swear
y said Ralph.
II think that can trust you. Wei
Ralph sloogey, ! am about to make know