This degree differs from the first or probationary degree in the fact that those upon whom it is conferred are of the better class of the masses, and take upon themselves a more binding oath, administered under circumstances intended to be more impressive in character. The candidate for this degree is brought blind-folded into the center of the Camp, and caused to kneel at an altar erected for the occasion, his right hand placed upon a Bible, and his left upon a human skull. The Commander then says: "Brethren, _must_ it be done?" The members respond, "_It must!_" and this in a tone intended to strike terror to the heart of the novitiate. The candidate, of course, has no knowledge of what is meant by the ominous "_Must it be done?_" and there is a mournful groaning in the response "_It must!_" indicating that a terrible experience awaits him, which the Brotherhood would gladly spare him if they could. A death-like silence ensues for a few moments, which seem ages to the candidate, and affords ample opportunity for his imagination to picture the unheard-of horrors through which he may possibly be called to pass. The silence is finally broken by the Commander, who says: "BRETHREN, this brother _now_ kneels at the altar of our faith, and asks to be bound to our fortunes by the more solemn and mysterious provisions of our Order. Fortunately for him in this hour of peril, he has been found worthy, and in commemoration of his being made one of the great 'Unknown Multitude,' I again ask, '_Must it be done?_'" The brethren, in solemn tones, again respond, "_It must!_" The Commander then says, in a stentorian tone of voice, "_Let the blood of the traitor be spilled: bring the victim forth._" The members here make a rustling noise, to resemble a struggle, a heavy blow is struck upon some appropriate substance, and a few drops of blood are trickled over the hand of the initiate that rests upon the skull. The brethren then surround him with knives and pistols presented in a circle about his head and neck, when the Commander then says: "Must I swear him by the oath that shall forever bind, and never be broken?" The brethren, placing their hands upon their left breasts, respond sepulchrally as before, "_Swear him!_" The Commander now addresses the candidate as follows: