The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1933-06-16
CHAPTER I
The Initiation

confines Of the University of Philadel-
phia campus, suggested that 1t was de-
serted. Outside, in the darkness of
the street, no lights were visible.
though it was scarcely more than nine
o'clock in the evening. Along the
curb, the sole indication Of habitation
was a parked, luxurious and expensive
yellow roadster, fitted with every mod
ern device and improvement.
Within, too, strange, forlorn silence
proclaimed the house to be vacant.
Yet one chamber, on the right side of
the building, hidden from the street by
the adjacent alley, was occupied,
crowded with people. 1t was long
bare room, of rough wood, in imitation
of hunting lodge, with beamed cell
ing, supported by heavy timber trusses.
Three windows, covered by blinds low
cred to the stills, overlooked the alley
on the right.
Perhaps the most conspicuous ar
ticle in the room was raised altar be-
fore the rear wall. OF carved mahog-
any wood, it stood upon a dais of
white stone that reached the floor by
q single step. A figure posed behind
1t, tall and imposing, as he lowered
above every one else present. He wore
q long black gown, frightened about the
waist by black cord. 1t hid his en-
tire body, while an attached hood
masked his head and features; only
mis- eyes visible through two narrow
Sits in the c0wl. Below him, on the
step leading from the dais, two other
figures faced the length Of the cham
Der, one on either side of him. Sim
alarly CARRIED, their robes were blue,
however. A large book of vellum,
richly bound, lay open on the altar.
On the floor, at the foot OF the plat
form, group was arranged in long
line. turned toward 1t. Twenty hooded
and gowned shapes, their costumes al
ternated in color; half of them were
yellow. and the rest flowing white. But
whereas the yellow-cloaked figures
stood upright and unrestrained. their
alternate companions In white all knelt
on the hard unpublished floor. Bent
slightly forward, they seemed to bow
In submission. They were blindfolded
and cords bound their hands tightly
behind their backs. Each had jew
eled gold pin, in the shape of clover
leaf, uniformly attached to the white
robe at the level of the breast Be
hind them was another group, larger
In number; 1t, however, was seated
on chairs, ranged in wide semicircle
from the right wall of the room to the
left, and almost back. to the entrance.
Its members were unvaryingly dressed
in the same yellow garments Of the
standing, motionless images within its
arc.
A solitary figure in gray stood alone,
keeping vigil beside the door at the
front.
1t was weird and fantastic tableau,
cts uncanniness accentuated by the
utter stiffness and the darkness. The
only light came from two large can
dies, set in long brass candlesticks on
the pedestals on each side of the altar.
For long solemn moment the silence
continued, then the black figure behind
the altar broke it. Evidently directing
the bizarre spectacle, he addressed the
group at his feet. In a sepulchral
voice, he read from the volume be-
fore him the solemn ritual of the Mu
Beta Sigma fraternity, ending with
the solemn words:
@Like fond father, the fraternity
welcomes you; and in return, you
promise that loyalty. obedience and
support which are the obligations of
every son."
Slowly his voice died away and he
closed the book. With precision, he
raised his eyes toward the seated line
OF yellow-robed figures in the semi
circle behind the PLEDGES and their
sponsors; he addressed them directly.
Sand now brothers-those who are
near-come forward; prepare the in
itiates for their final rites, to induct
them into the folds of Mu Beta Sigma
To the white gowns, he said: "Hold
yourselves in readiness for the last
mysteries"
At his words Of command, ten spec
tators in yellow left their chairs, one
approaching each of the kneeling group
at the altar step. Bending over them,
they unbound the cords that fastened
their wrists behind them. There was
some delay, as he who bowed above
the fifth of the ten initiates appeared
to meet difficulty, in the darkness, in
loosening his knots. While the subject
of his efforts braced himself stiffly, he
struggled, Swallowed, over the fettered
hands. Finally successful In freeing
them, he placed the cord on the floor
as his associates had already done
then he retreated one step into line
with them, awaiting the black leaders
next order.
It came after a solemn pause.
-'Brethren, now remove their blind
folds"
They performed this direction more
promptly, and returned again to their
empty. places In the circle OF chairs.
At the same time, the two members in
blue robes on the altar steps descended