This last was employed for the benefit of Master Roderick Magsworth Bitts, Junior, on the Saturday following the flag-raising. He presented himself in Sam's yard, not for initiation, indeed--having no previous knowledge of the Society of the In-Or-In--but for general purposes of sport and pastime. At first sight of the shack he expressed anticipations of pleasure, adding some suggestions for improving the architectural effect. Being prevented, however, from entering, and even from standing in the vicinity of the sacred building, he plaintively demanded an explanation; whereupon he was commanded to withdraw to the front yard for a time, and the members held meeting in the shack. Roddy was elected, and consented to undergo the initiation. He was not the only new member that day. A short time after Roddy had been taken into the shack for the reading of the rixual and other ceremonies, little Maurice Levy entered the Williams' gate and strolled round to the backyard, looking for Sam. He was surprised and delighted to behold the promising shack, and, like Roddy, entertained fair hopes for the future. The door of the shack was closed; a board covered the window, but a murmur of voices came from within. Maurice stole close and listened. Through a crack he could see the flicker of a candle-flame, and he heard the voice of Penrod Schofield: “Roddy Bitts, do you solemnly swear?” “Well, all right,” said the voice of Roddy, somewhat breathless. “How many fingers you see before your eyes?” “Can't see any,” Roddy returned. “How could I, with this thing over my eyes, and laying down on my stummick, anyway?” “Then the time has come,” Penrod announced in solemn tones. “The time has come.” Whack! Evidently a broad and flat implement was thereupon applied to Roddy. “OW!” complained the candidate. “No noise!” said Penrod sternly, and added: “Roddy Bitts must now say the oath. Say exackly what I say, Roddy, and if you don't--well, you better, because you'll see! Now, say 'I solemnly swear--'” “I solemnly swear--” Roddy said. “To keep the secrets--” “To keep the secrets--” Roddy repeated. “To keep the secrets in infadelaty and violate and sanctuary.” “What?” Roddy naturally inquired. Whack! “OW!” cried Roddy. “That's no fair!” “You got to say just what _I_ say,” Penrod was heard informing him. “That's the rixual, and anyway, even if you do get it right, Verman's got to hit you every now and then, because that's part of the rixual, too. Now go on and say it. 'I solemnly swear to keep the secrets in infadelaty and violate and sanctuary.”' “I solemnly swear--” Roddy began. But Maurice Levy was tired of being no party to such fascinating proceedings, and he began to hammer upon the door. “Sam! Sam Williams!” he shouted. “Lemme in there! I know lots about 'nishiatin'. Lemme in!”