He looked about him as if to note the temper of his audience. There was no dissatisfaction. Most of the men were already tired of the quiet times since the elections, and welcomed this chance of action. No question of its propriety seemed to enter their heads. They acted like machines, ready to come and go as their master sent them. “Now,” continued the patroon. “In accordance with our general custom we shall take the oath of service together. “Edward Baine, stand forth. Do you solemnly swear to remain true to the brotherhood of the Red Band, to advance its interests with your life, so help you God?” “I do, Amen.” The oath was next administered to Harold Bromm. After that a clause was inserted binding the men to obey the orders of these two ringleaders. One after another the members of the band bound themselves to this new venture. At last there were but three left, myself and two others. I wondered whether the patroon intended to send me along with the rest on this mutinous expedition. “Dick Ramsey, do you solemnly swear—” The oath was duly sworn to. “Barnard Lee—” He likewise assented to the oath. All eyes turned upon me. The others looked expectant as if they too had thought of the same question that I had just put to myself. Perhaps even the patroon did not know what he would do till the moment came. He looked at me as if in deliberation with himself. There was a long pause, then I heard my name. “Henrie St. Vincent, do you solemnly swear to remain true to the brotherhood of the Red Band, to advance its interest with your life, to obey Edward Baine and Harold Bromm in all things as they may command, so help you God?” “I do not.” The silence of amazement followed. I could not forbear to smile at the look on every face. Only the patroon appeared as if he had expected my answer. He was angry rather than surprised. “Why not?” he cried petulantly. “Why not, St. Vincent?” “I do not care to leave Yorke,” I answered. “This duty is not within my understanding of what I promised when I took service. If you wish it, I will withdraw from the Red Band, but—” “Withdraw! Such a thing was never heard of.” There was a murmur of discontent throughout the room. Some spoke openly and bade me remember Ronald Guy. Disobedience had been a part of his offense. I was standing close to the patroon and spoke to him so that no one else could hear what I said. “Do you intend to treat me as you treated your—” I was on the point of saying “your son,” but he cut me short. “No, no, if you don’t want to go you need not. No one shall go against his will. Never mind, my men; you will lose a good blade, but I shall gain one. I really need him here after all. It cost me an effort to make up my mind to let him go.”