_Fourth Article_--He that does not come at the precise hour of meeting the blackmailers on the day set for duty will be punished without warning. If he gives an explanation acceptable to the society, he will be reinstated; otherwise, he will not participate at the next division of funds. _Fifth Article_--A recruit is entitled to one-fifth of the spoils procured by or through him for the society. _Sixth Article_--The society cannot proceed in any matter without the consent of all the companions; the opposition of a single vote is enough to dead-lock the proceedings, provided the reasons given by the dissenter are satisfactory and convincing to the society. _Seventh Article_--If a companion arrives once the council is in session, his presence cannot alter the agreements entered into. _Eighth Article_--Every meeting called is to be known to those on duty that day, at least twenty-four hours beforehand, except in unusual cases. _Ninth Article_--It is to the disposition exclusively of the head of the society to establish the place and day of meeting without objection. CHAPTER XXI "THE VERMILION FLOWER ON THE BIG TOE" Q. Where have you acquired the S? [The by-laws.] A. Under the Cedar Plains, and passing from the hole of the Beanstalk, I saw three lamps lighted and one in the center that could hardly stand. Q. Who has formed the plan of S? A. Fernando Misprizzi. Q. Is he dead or alive? A. He lives always, even after the end of the world. Q. Since when have you acquired the Sgarro? A. Since the scientific tree was planted in the hole. Q. With what is the hole covered? A. With a very fine carpet where the (Camorrists) blackmailers play. Q. What is enclosed in this hole? A. The Penny of Crime denied, fought for, and regained. Q. How do you demonstrate crime? A. Give me a sheet of paper and you will see. Q. What does the head of crime wear? A. A silk handkerchief with five knots and the Penny denied, fought for, and regained. Q. How many weapons are there? A. Thirteen. Five knives--four pairs and one separate, five packs of cards, three of which are for the ordinary blackmailing and two for the blackmailing of the experienced; stiletto, small tapper, and razor. Q. Where have you drawn? (blood). A. From the right thumb of the right hand. Q. What does an experienced blackmailer bear? A. A star in front of him (on his forehead) and a vermilion flower on the big toe of the left foot. Q. How many kinds of blackmail are there? A. Three--ordinary blackmail that becomes all blackmailers by turn, bold blackmail which is "that denied, fought for, and regained," and high blackmail that belongs to the supreme initiated blackmailers. Q. What does a highly initiated blackmailer especially bear? A. A pair of small scissors, a silver needle, pins, cotton and taffeta. CHAPTER XXII THE GENTLE ART OF WRITING "BLACK-HAND" LETTERS