* * * * * INTIMATE SECRETARY. OPENING.--Most Illustrious Master knocks nine.--Marshal rises. Master says, "Are we all Intimate Secretaries?" Answer--We are, Most Illustrious. Q. Your place? A. In the anti-chamber at the head of the guards. Q. Your business there? A. To see that the hall of audience is duly guarded. Q. How are we guarded? A. By Perfect Masters. The Most Illustrious says, "I appoint Brother ----, Lieutenant of the Guards, to aid you in the execution of your duty. Repair to your station and see that none approach without permission." The guards then fall on their right knees, cross their hands in such a manner that their thumbs touch their temples, and repeat in a low voice, Jeva (pron. Je-vau), thrice, and then retire. Solomon then strikes twice nine, upon which Hiram rises; they make signs of former degrees with twenty signs of this degree. Most Illustrious strikes three times nine and declares Lodge open. A triple triangle is placed on a Bible. LECTURE.--Question--Are you an intimate Secretary? Answer--I am. Q. How were you received? A. By curiosity. Q. Explain that. A. Being placed among the guards in the anti-chamber, a brother, representing the King of Tyre, hastily made his way through the guards, with a countenance expressive of anger, and entered the hall of audience, leaving the door partly open; curiosity led me to the door to observe what passed within. Q. Was you perceived by them? A. I was. Hiram, King of Tyre, hearing the noise I made, suddenly turned his head and discovered me. He exclaimed to Solomon, "My brother, there is a listener." Solomon replied, "It is impossible, since the guards are without." Q. What followed? A. Hiram, without replying, rushed to the door, and dragging me into the Lodge, exclaimed, "Here he is." Solomon inquired, "What shall we do with him?" Hiram laid his hand on his sword, and answered, "Let him be delivered into the custody of the guards, that we may determine what punishment we shall inflict upon him, for this offence." Solomon then struck on the table which stood before him, whereupon the guards entered, and saluting the Lodge, received this order from him: "Take this prisoner, secure him, and let him be forthcoming when called for." Q. Were those Guards Intimate Secretaries or Perfect Masters? A. Of that I was then ignorant, but I am now convinced that I was the first that was made an Intimate Secretary.