"Every Cantwell man may join our society; no one else," said Scott, after he had told them the name. "All right." "And we will give them the first degree at once." "What's that?" "The first degree is next to nothing; only to get the fellows together to organize," said Scott, as he leaped upon a rock. "Come up here, Jones; I'll give you the first degree." Jones joined the joker on the rock. "Do you agree to vote for Cantwell, to say nothing to nobody, and never to eat soup with a darning-needle?" asked Scott, in a low tone. "Of course I do," laughed Jones. "Answer in these words:-- "To all these three I do agree." Jones repeated the words in due form. "All right. I appoint you R. P. F. _pro tem._" "R. P. F.! What does that mean?" "I can't tell you till you have taken your second degree; only remember the letters. Now, bring the fellows to me, one at a time." Wainwright was the next one, who was obligated in the same manner, and Jones was instructed to tell the candidates what to say in token of their assent. "To all these three, I do agree," replied Wainwright. "I declare you a Bangwhanger, and appoint you L. P. F." "What does that mean?" demanded the initiate. "We can't tell you till you take your second degree," replied Jones. In half an hour fifty had joined the association. The third one was appointed I. L. M., and the fourth; O. L. M. Thus far only those who were known to be ready to vote for Cantwell were invited to join; and those who were admitted formed a ring to keep the outsiders at a reasonable distance. But there were plenty of applicants, and the number increased as those outside of the circle heard the laughter of those on the rock. If Scott was at the bottom of the affair, it was fun. One after another the R. P. F. and the L. P. F. continued to bring in the candidates. "Do you agree to vote for Cantwell, to--" "No; I don't agree to that," interposed one of them. "Turn him out!" added Scott. "R. P. F., do your duty." This duty was a very simple one, and consisted only in leading the refractory applicant outside of the ring. A dozen more that followed, and had before refused to commit themselves, promptly agreed to all the conditions. All on the island had joined except about twenty, who had been turned out; but so great was the curiosity of some of these, that they promised to accept the conditions, if admitted. "Bangwhangers, I congratulate you on your admission to this honorable and most respectable order," said Scott, when all who wished to join had been admitted. "But there may be some black sheep among you, and the obligation will be repeated;" and he repeated again, loud enough for all to hear him, "All that agree will repeat the couplet in due form, and sit down on the ground. Officers, turn out every fellow that don't sit down." "All down!" shouted the students, and all of them suited the action to the word.