The Shasta courier., 1867-12-21
COURIER.
The Masonic Password.

Curiosity and timdity are the two impor
tant traits in the character of Ralph Slogey.
The former character, some years ago, made
him desirous of learning the secret of the
Masonic Fraternity but as he had heard
that hot gridrons, and pugnacious goats
with sharp horns are made use of during the
ceremony of initiation. Ralph's timldity
warned him that, as he was not copper bot
toned he should first strive to ascertain, if
possible, whether buck goats and red hot
spears and gridirons formed indispensable
adjuucts in the mysterious ordeal of Mason
ry. To satisfy himself on this point he en-
deavored to pump" an intimate personal
friend, Jacob Slecton, whom be knew to be
d Mason.
Now, Jacob" said he, during a CONVEX
sation on the mysterious subject" | would
like to become member of the fraternity
but, before doing so, | think you ought to
| tell me something about them Do they
really brand you with a hot grdiron? and If
so on what part of the body ?"
Like all Masons when such questions are
asked, Jacob would smile and say, After
you shall have taken the three first degrees,
you will know all about it. | can't answer
your interrogations."
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 become offended at Ralph's persistency
and determined to punish him.
Early one mCrning as Ralph and Jacob
were hurrying down Grand street to their
respective places of business, the former re
newed his inquiries.
'Fd give fifty dollars if knew the signs
and password. If y1u tell me about the
password and grip. I'll promise never to ask
you another question in regard to the secrets
of Masonry. Come, now, Jacob-you We
known me since | was a boy, and you ought
to be aware that if | am IA little curious, |
never blab. VIII you tell me? Surely you
don't doubt your old school fellow? Out
with the password, and | promise you that
I'll be as mum as a mouse" -
Were it not for the sake of old friendship,
Jacob would have long before put an end to
such imper inent queries but having failed
to do so, the inqusitive Raj ph imagined that
he would at least be successful in pump
ing" his 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 be overheard by gentleman
who happened to be walking behind them.
This gentleman proved to be a Mr.. Hin
slow, who few weeks before had been dis
missed IRON bis position as keeper in the
Hospital, charged with stealing
spoons. Although personally unacquainted
with Mr.. Hinslow, Jacob knew him by
slght; he had been pointed out to him by u
member OF the Common Council, of W hch
body Jacob also at that time a member.
The charges against Mr.. Hinslow had not
vet been proved but committee of the
Common Council was to inquire into he case
at an early day, and Jacob had been appoint
ed member of that committee.
The last question propounded by Ralph
anpered Jacob, and as he turned bis ewes
and beheld the man who had stolen the
spoons, an idea Immediately entered his
mind He conceived an admirable plan for
furnishing Ralph, and resolved to instantly
put it in execution.
. If tell you the password" said Jacob,
purposely slackening his pace to allow Mr.
IinsIow to pass befUre them, - if tell you
the Mas password you promise never to
diyulge it-not even to Il brother ?"
Never - exclaimed Ralph, exultingly,
thinking that at last his curiosity was to be
satisfied.
Upon your soul, you swear it?"
Upon my SOUL swear it !" responded
Ralph, as be put his hand to his face and
scratched his nose to hide smile.
By this time Mr. IIinslow had passed on
before them, leaving Ralph and Jacob about
three yards behind.
You'll never utter it in the hearing of
man, woman, or beast - asked Jacob.
by the great God, / solemnly swear ~
L think that can trust you. Well.
Ralph, | am about to make known to you
nf, of fba
you wish to form the acquaintance of
Mason, all you hav, to do is to whisper in
his ear the mysterious password.
That password is SPOONS ~ #.
Spoons o that be-?" calculated
Ralph as a smile on his face was displaced
bv frown.
81 tell you truly-the Masonic password
is spoons.
Spoons Ha! hal ha !" and Ralph
made feeble attempt to laugh. Spoons
that's a HI If IL password? You must
think I'm confaunded fool ~
b 8 I'm in earnest. Ralph When Masons
get into difficulty, and need assistance, they
r ar out the word spoons three tines
Were you to say spoons three tines. even
here, On the public street, and Mason
should hear you, be would Immediately rush
to your assistance, thinking that you needed
it,
Rail- h did not believe him and to show
that he could not be SO easily guiled, he roar
| ed out at the top of his voice
'.Spoons Spoons! Spoons ~
Ere the second syllable had passed his
mouth, Mr. Hinslow turned round and faced
Ralph.
You said spoons. did you? Take
that, and tIat" As he spoke, Hinslow
struck Ralph between the eyes, and then
under the ear, the second blow knocking the
inquisitive man off his feet, so that he tell to
the pavement completely stunned.
"I'1l give you spoons roared the excited
Hinslow as he advanced and repeatedly
kicked the PROSTATE man.
A. Ralph made no effort to rise. the en-.
ragged Hinslow soon tired of kicking him
and slowly passed on, occasionally looking
behind to see if Ralph were following to
obtain satisfaction.
Ralph did not require satisfaction, thiking