Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-04-25
MISCELLANY.
THE MASONIC PASSWORD.

Curiosity and timidity are the twoimportant
traits in the character Of Ralph Shoogey. The
former quality, some years ago, made him de-
sirous of learning the secret of the Masonic
Fraternity; but as he had heard that hot grid
irons and pugnacious goats with sharp horns,
were made use of during the ceremony OF ini-
tiation, Ralph's timidity warned him that as he
was not copper -bottorned, be shculd first strive
TO ascertain, if possible, whether buck-goats
and red-hot spears and gridirons formed indis-
pensablc adjuncts in the mysterious ordeal Of
Masonry. To satisfy himself on this point, he
endeavored to pump" an intimate personal
friend, Jacob Sleeton, whom he knew to be a
Mason.
"Now, Jacob" said he during conversa-
ton on the mysterious subject, 81 would like
to become member of the fraternity, bat for
doing so think you ought to tell Inc some
thing about them. Do they really brand you
with hot gndiron, aud u SO, ON !" iias r~-s :.
the body2
Like all Nasons. when such questions are
asked, Jacob would smile, and say, "After you
shall have taken the first three degrees, you
will know all about it, can't answer your
interrogatons.
For long time Ralph tried to worm out
something concerning the fraternity, but in
vain. On every possible opportunity he would
renew the attempt, until, at last Jacob became
oiTendedat Ralphs 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 renewed his IN
quiries.
ard give fifty dollars if knew the signs and
password. If you tell me the password and
grip, I'll promise never to ask you another
question in regard to the secrets OF Masonry.
Come. now, Jacob, you've known me since
was a boy, and you ought to be aware that 1t
am little curious never blab VIII you
tell me? Surely you don't doubt your old
schoolfellow. Out with the password and
promise you that I'll bea 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 il 'pumping" Lis
Masonic friend.
When Ralph had completed his last SEN
tence, which was spoken In loud tone, Jacob
turned his head, thinking that the words might
have been heard by a gentleman who happened
to be walking behind them;
This gentleman proved to he a Mr.. Hinslow,
who but few weeks before had been dismissed
from his position as keeper in The B. Hospital,
charged with stealing spoons. Although per-
sonaliy unacquaintei with Mr. Hinsiow. Jacob
knew him by sight; ne had been pointed out
to him by member Of the Common Council,
Of which Jacob was also a. that time member
The charges against Mr. Hinslow had not
yet been proved, but committee OF the Com
anon Council was to inquire into the case at an
early day, and Jacob had been appointed a
member of tha. committee.
The last question proponnded by Ralph
ancered Jacob, and as he turned his eyes aud
beheld the man who had stolen the spoons, al
idea Immediately entered his mind. He con
ceived an admirable plan for Furnishing t.alPh,
and resolved to instantly put it into execution.
"If / tell you the password" said Jacob,
purposely slackening bis pace to allow Dir.
Hinslow to pass before them, ''if | te!l you the
Masonic password, you promise never 70 iivnlgs
it-pot even 70 brother 2"
Never exclaimed Ralph, e1ritingly,
thinking that at last his curiosity was to be
satisfied.
Upon your soul you swe.r it 2
Upon my soul, I swear it. responded
Ralph. as he put his hand 70 his iace AID
scratched his nose to hide a smile.
By this time Mr.. Hin,lcw had passed on be-
fore them, leaving Ralph aud Jacob about three
yards behind.
you'll never utter il in the ehesriugof rnap,
woman or beas. p asked Jacob.
BY ths grsst God, 'olennlT svssrF