Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-11-13

never addressed, save in sepulchral tones
Having at length assembled flight of
stairs, Gill is now led by unaccountabe
wanderings through rooms and halls,
stumbling over chairs, scantling and pieces
OF wood on the floor, but never allowed to
fall, for two sturdy knights are at his
sides with firm hold of his arms. Next a
rope is fastened around his BODY and he
is drawn up into another apartment He
hears the tramPling Of many feet about
him, suppressed whispers and stern be-
hests. He is utterly confused. His es-
corts now let go of him, and he is COM
PEELED to grOpe alone for a while, though
never daring to stop for an instant, at the
peril OF being punched and pushed and
tripped, until in his frenzy he runs against
the wall and knocks himself down.
Gle is Immediately seized and thrown
upon a blanket which is a large canvas
with strap handles This is held BY ten
hardy fellows, who give it twitch and
send him into the air as if he were foot
ball. He is tossed in the blanket until
it ceases to be fun for the tOrmentorS
Then he is led into damp place where
he is subjected 10 the process of squirting
some caustic liquid from a syringe into
his mouth, and between the back of his
2eck and neither garments. Next, after a
series of perambulatiOns and difficulties,
he is halted and made to take most sol
emn oath never to divulge any of the Sc
Crets of the order, on penalty of having
lis heart cut out and his limbs torn from
his body. The members stand around at
tired in death 's-head masks, and weird
and fantastic costumes, with war-clubs in
their hands. A coffin rests near by, wide
open, and hung with all the solemn drape-
ry Of death. A huge green calcium light
is kindled, and, simultaneously with re-
moving the bandsge from the victims
eyes, musket is discharged, causing a
fearful report. The conclusion of sound,
the hideous glare, the unearthly and de
mOniac appearance Of everything around
him, together with his experience just be
fore are too much for human nature. and
Prof WilGer's physiology class, and are
prepared for such a contingency. The
patient is soon restored to animation.
The bandage is again placed over his
eyes, and he is laid IN the coffin. Gill is
nov prepared for the last rite and cere-
moRv of initiation into the noble order
and fellowship of the ,Omicron Epsilon
Society, namely, branding: The clothing
is rem Oved from the stomach; a heated
shove is brought nearly in contact with
the body, until the exposed part is heated
nearly to blister, whea suddenly piece
of ice IS clapped on. At this the initiated
yells outright. His arms are now loosen
ed. Another sharp repor is heard. The
tights are extinguished, ana Gill is left in
the cotfir alone. He rises with wall OF
despair that has no similit.sje in human
speech After shouting two or three times
for assistance, he sees light family gllim-
mering through the crevioes of door
which leads from the room he is in, with
er he goes and endeavors to rush in. But
the door is fastened. He calls aloud for
admission to the light. The door opens
slowly, and he is met by the decrkeeper
who ushers him in and presents him to
his new brethren of the fraternity"