Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-04-23
THE MASONIC PASSWORD.

Curiosity and tmldlty are the TWO I'M
portant traits in the character of Ralph
Sloogey. The former quality, some years
ago, made him desirous of learning the
secret of the Masonic fraternity; but
as he ha6 heard that hot gridirons and
pugnacious goats with sharp horns are
made use of during the ceremony of
initiation, Ralph's timidity warned him
that, as he was not copper bottomed, he
should strive to ascertain, if possible,
whether buckgoats, red-hot spears and
gridiroas formed Indispensable adjuncts
in the mysterious ordeal of masonry.
To satisfy himself on this point, he en-
deavored to pump" an intimate per
sonal friend, Jacob Sleeton, whom he
knew to be Mason.
"Now Jacob" said he, during the
conversation on the mysterious subject,
II 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 them
with hot gridron and if so, on what
part of the bodyY'
Like all Masons 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. cant answer your interrogations.
For long time Ralph tried to worm
out something concerning the fraternity
but in vain. On every possible opportu-
nifty, he would renew the attempt, until,
at last, Jacob become offended at Ralph
persistency, and determined to punish
him.
Early one morning as Ralph and Jacob
were hurrying down town to their respec-
tive places of business, the former re-
newed his inquiries.
"Td give fifty dollars if | knew the
signs and password. If you'll tell me
about the password and grip III promise
never to ask you another word in regard
to the secrets of Masonry. Come, now,
Jacob, you have known me since was
a boy, and you ought to know that if
am a little curious, l never blab. Will
you tell me2 Surely you don't doubt
your old schoolfellow j? Out with the
password, and promise you will be as
mum as a mouse.
Were it not for the sake of old friend
ship, Jacob would have long before put
an end to such impertinent queries; !. but
having failed to do so, the inquisitous
Ralph imagined that he would Ie at last
successful in pumping" his Masonic
friend.
When Ralph had completed his last
sentence, which was spoken in loud
tone, Jacob turned his head, thinking
that the words might have been over
heard by gentleman who happened to
be walking behind them.
This gentleman proved to be a Mr.,
Hinslow, who a few weeks before had
been dismissed from his position as clerk
in the B. hospital charged with steal
ing spoons. Although personally unac-
ou ainted with Mr.. Hinslow, Jacob knew
him by sight; he had been pointed out
to him by member OF the Common
Council, of which body Jacob was at
that time a member.
The charges against Mr.. Hinslow had
not yet been proved; but committee OF
the Common Council was to inquire into
the case at an early day, and Jacob had
been appointed a member of that COM
mittee.
The last question propounded by
Ralph angered Jacob, and as he turned
his eyes and beheld the man who had
stolen the spoons, an idea Immediately
entered his mind. He conceived, an ad.
mirable plan for furnishing Ralph, and
instantly resolved to put it in execution.
"If / tell you the Masonic password,
said Jacob, purposely slackening his
mace TO allow Mr.. Hinslow TO pass before
Them, "if tell you the password you
promise never to divulge it-not even to
a brother 2
Never p exclaimed Ralph, exulting-
ly, thinking that at last his curiosity was
to be satisfied. "a,
"Upon your soul, you swear it p
Upon my soul, | swear itr re-
snonded Ralph, as he put his hand to his
face and scratched his nose to hide
smile.
BY this time Mr.. Hinslow passed on
before them, leaving Ralph and Jacob
abott three yards behind.
"You will never utter IL in the hearing
of man. woman or beast asked Jacob.
"Bv the great God solemnly swear
q" l thiuk that can trust you. Well
Ralph. am about to make known to you
one OF the great secrets Of Masonry.
When you wish to form the acquaintance
Of a Mason, all you have 10 do is to
whisper in bis ear the mysterious pass
word. That password is-spoons
spoons o that bel CALCULATED
Ralph, as a smile on his face was dis
placed BY frown.
Il tell you iruly-ihe Masonic pass
word il fDoonS
"Spoonsi Hal hal ha " and Ralph
made a feeble attempt to laugh. Spoons
that's he'll Of q password fou must
think Tn conioundsd fool
sTm in earnest, Ralph. When Masons