Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1896-09-10

me or my descendants and Surely
that is an evil omen ''Well, she added
with a sigh, what does it matter
where they set US when we are dead?'
Then we went on defiling before the
silent company OF the golden dead
till passing through a hall, we stood in
front of a little door over which burned
great lamps. This door was guarded
by two priests with drawn swords
which they pointed towards US a sign
that we should halt. Then the priests
who had escorted US so far fell back be
hind, and we were left alone.
Give the sign, keepers of the gate,
said Maya.
Thereupon one of the men with
drawn swords did so. and after few
moments delay the doors opened and
we entered the sanctuary.
In front of the altar was an open
space, and beyond its circle, each wear
ing the orders of his spiritual rank, sat
the Brethren Of the Heart. according
to their degree. 20 the number of thirty
six
Led by Maya, we advanced into the
open space before the altar, and stood
there in silence. At length one of the
brethren, he who sat nearest to the
door. rose, and. addressing Tilzal. said:
Keeper of the Heart, one who claims
to be of our company stands before you,
and with her two for whom she youches.
Be pleased to prove them by the voice
Of their sponsor, that their mouths may
be opened and their prayers come to
the ears OF the council"
At his words two of the brethren
rose and blindfolded the senior and my
self lestJve should see the sacred signs,
with all of which, indeed, was well ac-
quainted; but Maya they did not blind
fold. Then we heard Tikal asking:
How are yo1 named who are strange
to our eyes?" and the voice of Maya in
our ears cautioned US to be silent.
I'VE are named the Son of the Sea
and Ignatio the Wanderer," answered
the voice of Maya.
''SOn of the Sea and Ignatio the Wan
derer, why come you here" asked
Tikal, Through the gate on which is
written, Death TO the Stranger
Because we have prayer to utter,
an offering to make, and because, al
though we dwell in a far land, we are
the servants of the Heart" answered
Maya.
Then the various signs of the ritual
were made by Maya.
Strangers said Tikal, ''yOur mouths
are opened in the sanctuary according
to the ancient form. and it is lawful for
the council to listen to your prayer.
Speak then without Gear" Then l
spoke, saying:
Brethren. for so [ viii dare to call
You, seeing that / also. though stran-
ger, am of the Brotherhood of the
Heart, as can prove to you il need be,
ay, and higher in rank than any pres
ent here, unless it be you, o Keeper of
the Heart. On my own behalf, on be-
half of my brother, who also is OF our
company, and on behalf of Maya, the
Lady of the Heart. daughter of him
who ruled you, and hcircss to his pow
er, speak and make my prayer to you.
sit would seem that we three, to-
gether with Zibalbay, who is dead, and
therefore beyond your judgment, have
violated the laws Of this city. we by
daring to enter its gates, and Zibalbay
aud the Lady Maya by leading US 70
those gates. For this crime we should
have been put to death eight days ago
upon the pyramid had not the Lady
Maya claimed right to have our cause
aid before this high tribunal. In her
Ease, and in that of her father, this was
conceded, and l pray now that the
same clemency may be extended to me
Ind to my brother"
Upon what grounds do you claim
his, stranger?" asked Tikal.
Upon the ground that we are breth-
zen of the Utmost circle of the Heart,
Ind, therefore, have committed no
rhine in visiting this city. which is free
% us by the right of our rank and
,ffice."
Now there was murmur of true"
rom the council behind me. and Tikal
Llso said true" but added: IF you
ire brethren of the Utmost circle of the
Heart you are free from offense. but
irst you must prove that this is SO,
which as yet you have not done. A
brother of the Utmost circle knows its
mysteries, and can answer the secret
questions. Come. let us put you to the
est, but first let the white man be re-
moved from the sanctuary, for in this
natter each must answer for himself"
Accordingly the senior was led away,
md the doors having been closed and
he lamps shaded, the oldest and most
of the councillors stood for
ward and put to me the test with many
Iuestions, all of which / answered
eadily. Then they commanded me to
tand before the altar, and, as Keeper
f the Heart, to open the Heart in the
highest degree. This did also, though
Ifterward they told me that my ritual
Uttered in some particulars from their
,wn.
After that tool: up my parable and
Questioned them till at length none
ould answer me. no. not even
he high priest or Natal, and they con-
essed humbly that l was more in
tructed than any one of them, and be-
ause OF this from that day forward /
vas held in veneration in the City of
he Heart.
Now 1 was given a seat among the
brethren. the highest, indeed, after |
hose of the high priest and the great |
,ficers. and the senior was sent for.
He entered with dow ncast look, and |
While Maya and | watched him sadly his |
began. 1t was rot lcng.
AT the second question he Became |
'onfused, used angry language in |
spanish and English. and broke down. |
Brethren" said Tillal. and there was |
oy in his eye as he sPos-e. sit seems |
hat we need not trouble further with |
ity he has earned the penalty of death, |
" claiming to be one of our brother /
lood, whereas he scarcely knows the /
implest password. Is it your will that /
lie should be taken to his fate? If so, |
peak the word of doom"
Now Maya rose affrighted. and mo- |
ioning to her to be silent, l spoke, say
ng;
Hear me before that fatal word IS !
poken, which cannot be recalled! This |
nan s of our brotherhood, though he /
las not been admitted to the inner cir |
les, and has forgotten those of the !
mysteries which were taught to him az /
us initiation. Listen and | viii tell you !
lOvv he came 70 jOin the Order of the /