You will put the liquor on the table,
Brother Scanlan, and we will drink to our worthy brother."
McMurdo's coat had been brought to him; but before putting it on
he examined his right arm, which still smarted heavily. There on
the flesh of the forearm was a circle with a triangle within it,
deep and red, as the branding iron had left it. One or two of
his neighbours pulled up their sleeves and showed their own lodge
marks.
"We've all had it," said one; "but not all as brave as you over
it."
"Tut! It was nothing," said he; but it burned and ached all the
same.
When the drinks which followed the ceremony of initiation had all
been disposed of, the business of the lodge proceeded. McMurdo,
accustomed only to the prosaic performances of Chicago, listened
with open ears and more surprise than he ventured to show to what
followed.
"The first business on the agenda paper," said McGinty, "is to
read the following letter from Division Master Windle of Merton
County Lodge 249. He says:
"Dear Sir:
"There is a job to be done on Andrew Rae of Rae & Sturmash, coal
owners near this place. You will remember that your lodge owes
us a return, having had the service of two brethren in the matter
of the patrolman last fall.
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