The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1894-06-21

Dapple, the faithful ass of Sancho
Panza, the squire. Here also hung
the celebrated Mambrino's helmet.
Everything being in order, many
new members were initiated. The fee
was large one, and the proceeds
were always used for banquets, etc.
Before the winter was over, more than
so members were taken into the lodge,
and the splendid banquets were nu-
merous. One account of the cere-
monies will be sufficient to show the
solemnity and moral teachings of the
order. The subject was a life insur-
auce agent from St. Paul, who came
up to write insurance on lives, which
he contended we're in danger on ac-
count of the Indians. Harry was his
first name. He is still living, and we
hope in good standing with the order.
He had arrived at McMillan's hotel,
intending to do business in his line.
We received notice from the landlord
that there was duck in the pond,
and this meant business. In due time
Harry opened out for business, but
was told that he could do nothing, as
everybody belonged to the Knights of
the Scarlet Plume, and a secret law
was against doing business with any
one outside of the order, and the pen
atty for violation was severe. He i'm
mediately demanded to become a
member. The Grand Gy. consented
to call a special meeting for the pur-
pose. The brethren were notified ,and
the temple was duly opened one even
ing shortly afterwards with every
member present. Harry was brought
in and paraded around the interior of
the temple. He was then informed
that the order was neither political or
sectarian, but purely a moral brother
hood for the aid of each other, their
widows and orphans. He was told
how the brotherhood had saved the
lives of many great men, many of
whom never existed, however. He was
then returned to the waiting room and
later duly returned to the temple, be-
ing led around the room to see, as his
conductor said, that there were no OBJ
structions. He was then told by the
Master Of Ceremonies that to prove
himself worthy he must pass around.
the room once again, and at intervals,
would pass twelve broadswords placed
one cubit high. He must step over
all, or he would be unworthy to con-
tinue in his search for the mysticisms
of the order. Around he started, his
conductor prompting him. He raised
foot. Matt Offerman tapped his
shins with lath. He was told a cit
tie higher" He stepped higher and
the lath was again brought into use,
and so on around the room. He was
then duly obligated and requested to
keep all things secret, after which he
was compelled to ride "Rosenate' and
be crowned with Mambrino's helmet.
"Rosenate' was constructed of one
slab from the saw mill and one buffalo
robe. The motive power was four
worthy brethren. After riding around
the temple, during which time one of
the brothers made an unearthly noise
on a dumb bell, and the bloodhound
growled and howled alternately, Har-
ry was allowed to dismount, and was
informed that he would now see Dap
pie, the identical ass owned by Sancho
Panza. When brought to light before
large mirror he found himself face
to face with Dapple. He was then
given the signs and pass word, and di-
rected to seat between the two Tenn
pie stewards,o of whom,i if he so desired,
he could make a request for further
degrees. This seat was a beautiful
crimson one, the stewards occupying
either end, and when Harry sat down
the seat gave away, and into bushel
tub of water he went. He was pulled
out, we'll soaked, amid great solemnity.
He never applied for the second de-
gree. Hardly any one did. Harry's
only pointed expression was "Now, I
will have my own life insured"