“_Seventhly:_ We are sworn to bring about such changes as shall elevate a Republic to supreme power, and for this purpose are solemnly pledged to destroy the present Monarchy.” “These,” said Sergius Thord, “are the principal objects of our Society’s work. There are other points to be considered, but these are sufficient for the present. I will now read the rules, which each member of our Brotherhood must follow if he would serve us faithfully.” He turned over another leaf of the parchment scroll he held, and continued, reading very slowly and distinctly: “_Rule 1_.--Each member of the Revolutionary Committee shall swear fidelity to the Cause, and pledge himself to maintain inviolable secrecy on all matters connected with his membership and his work for the Society. “_Rule 2_.--No member shall track, follow, or enquire into the movements of any other member. “_Rule 3_.--Once in every month all members are expected to meet together at a given place, decided upon by the Chief of the Committee at the previous meeting, when business will be discussed, and lots drawn, to determine the choice of such members as may be fitted to perform such business. “_Rule_ 4.--No member shall be bound to give his address, or to state where he travels, or when or how he goes, as in all respects save that of his membership he is a free man. “_Rule_ 5.--In this same respect of his membership, he is bound to appear, or to otherwise report himself once a month at the meeting of the Committee. Should he fail to do so either by person, or by letter satisfactorily explaining his absence, he will be judged as a traitor, and dealt with accordingly. “_Rule_6.--In the event of any member being selected to perform any deed involving personal danger or loss to himself, the rest of the members are pledged to shelter him from the consequences of his act, and to provide him with all the necessaries of life, till his escape from harm is ensured and his safety guaranteed.” “You have heard all now,” said Thord, as he laid aside the parchment scroll; “Are you still willing to take the oath?” “Entirely so!” rejoined Pasquin Leroy cheerfully; “You have but to administer it.” Here a man, who had been sitting in a dark corner apart from the table, with his head buried in his hands, suddenly looked up, showing a thin, fine, eager face, a pair of wild eyes, and a tumbled mass of dark curly hair, plentifully sprinkled with grey. “Ah!” he cried,--“Now comes the tragic moment, when the spectators hold their breath, and the blue flame is turned on, and the man manages the lime-light so that its radiance shall fall on the face of the chief actor--or Actress! And the bassoons and ‘cellos grumble inaudible nothings to the big drum! Administer the oath, Sergius Thord!” A smile went the round of the company. “Have you only just wakened up from sleep, Paul Zouche?” asked Zegota.