And he replied--whether in a dream or in reality, he was himself not perfectly satisfied--"Yes, I belong to that circle." Furthermore, the veiled figure said: "You were sent here with orders to make an exact report of all that occurs, to the circle director, and to submit to his will, in all things. Do you bear this in mind?" "I am the obedient servant of the Invisible," replied Jean, respectfully. "I will never forget my oath; if I did, punishment would overtake, and the just anger of the Invisible destroy me." "Did the circle-director show you the symbol of the brotherhood?" "Yes, he did." "Behold the symbol," said the veiled figure, and for a moment a little triangular plate of metal shone in his open hand. "I see it," replied Jean, rising, "and I know by this triangle that a brother of the higher degrees stands before me; I therefore salute you with reverence, brother superior." He bowed profoundly, but the veiled figure merely nodded in return. "Do you know the sign by which the master of the order, the grand kophta is recognized?" said he, in low and piercing tones. "I do," replied Jean, his voice almost inaudible, from inward agitation. The veiled figure thrust forth his hand from under the concealing mantle, and a large solitaire sparkled on his finger. "See, this is the sign," said he. Jean uttered a cry of astonishment, and sank on his knees. "Command me, almighty one," he murmured, "your slave has no will but yours." "Arise, and be my guide," commanded the veiled figure, and Jean stood up immediately. "Where shall I lead, my exalted master?" "Conduct me to the little room adjoining the laboratory of the present king, but by such a way that no human eye shall see, and no human ear hear me." "Then, I must first beg permission," said Jean, hurrying towards the door, "to assure myself that no one is in the hall." But the veiled figure followed, and held him back. "Why go that way?" he asked. "Why through the hall, when we can go through the door in the wall into the little passage that leads to the secret staircase?" "That is true; I had forgotten that," said Jean, trembling, and looking with surprise and terror at his superior, who was so well acquainted with this strange house that he knew the secret doors and staircases. "As my master pleases; here is the door." He pressed a small, almost imperceptible knob in the wall, and a little door sprang open.