Q. What followed? A. I was conducted out of the hall of audience, and detained in the custody of the guards, until a second alarm from within caused them to return with me into the hall; when, the guards taking their seats around me, I was thus addressed by Solomon: "I have, by my entreaties, prevailed upon my worthy ally, Hiram, King of Tyre, whom your vain curiosity had offended, to pardon you, and receive you into favor, etc.; are you willing to take an obligation to that effect?" which question I answered in the affirmative, and then received at the altar the obligation of this degree. Q. Repeat the obligation (same as Perfect Master). A. Under penalty of having my body quartered. So help me, etc. Q. What did the Master then communicate to you? A. He addressed me thus: "My brother, I receive you an Intimate Secretary, on your having promised to be faithful," etc., and then gave me the signs, words, and tokens of this degree. Q. Give me the signs? A. The first alludes to the penalty made by clenching the right hand, and drawing it from the left shoulder to the right hip. The second is the one made at opening by guards. Q. Give me the token? A. Made by joining right hands, and turning them downwards thrice, saying, the first time, Berith--the second time, Nedir--and the third time, Shelemoth. Q. Give me the pass-words? A. Joabert, response Terbel. The first is the name of the listener; the second, of the captain of the guards. Q. Give me the mysterious word? A. Jeva (pronounced Je-vau). Q. What was then done to you? A. I was invested with the jewel and apron of this degree, and was thus addressed by the Master: "The color of your ribbon is intended to remind you of the blood of Hiram Abiff, the last drop of which he chose to spill, rather than betray his trust; may you be equally faithful. The triple triangle is emblematical of the three theological virtues, faith, hope and charity; it is also emblematical of the three masons who were present at the opening of the first lodge of Intimate Secretaries, to wit: Solomon, King of Israel; Hiram, King of Tyre, and Joabert, a favorite of King Solomon." Q. What then followed? A. I was ordered to salute the King of Tyre as an Intimate Secretary, and attend to the instruction of this degree. Q. To what does the three times nine allude in this degree? A. To the twenty-seven lamps with which the hall of audience was enlightened. Q. What is signified by the letter J which you perceive in the clouds? A. It is the initial of the ineffable name as known by us. Q. What is represented by the door? A. The door by which they entered from the palace. Q. Why was the hall of audience furnished with black hangings strewed with tears? A. To represent the grief of Solomon, for the unhappy fate of Hiram Abiff. Q. What is meant by the A and the two P's in the triangle? A. Alliance, promise and perfection. Q. Give me the history of this degree. A. Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees, and fir trees, etc.