ipful Master is made acquainted with his request
and his answer returned." The Junior Warden returns him to the Right
Worshipful Master, where the same questions are asked and answers
returned, as at the door. The Right Worshipful Master then says,
"Since he comes endowed with the necessary qualifications, let him
enter in the name of the Lord, and take heed on what he enters.
[Previous to the candidate's entering, one of the brethren, who is
best qualified for the station, is selected and furnished with an
engraving chisel and mallet, and placed near the door, so that when
the candidate enters, it is on the edge of an engraving chisel, under
the pressure of the mallet. As this is the business of no particular
officer, we have, for convenience, styled him executioner.] Brother,
it becomes my duty to put a mark on you, and such a one, too, as you
will probably carry to your grave." Places the edge of the chisel near
his left breast and makes several motions with the mallet, as though
he was about to strike upon the head of the chisel. Executioner--"This
is a painful undertaking; I do not feel able to perform it, Right
Worshipful (turning to the Right Worshipful Master); this task is too
painful; I feel that I cannot perform it; I wish the Right Worshipful
would select some other brother to perform it in my stead." R. W.
M.--"I know the task is unpleasant, and a painful one; but as you have
undertaken to perform it, unless some other brother will volunteer his
service and take your place, you must proceed." Exec--"Brother
(calling the name), will you volunteer your service and take my
place?" Brother--"I cannot consent to do it (after several
solicitations and refusals)." Exec.--"Right Worshipful, no brother
feels willing to volunteer his services, and I declare I feel
unwilling and unable to perform it." R. W. M.--"As no brother feels
disposed to take your station, it becomes your duty to perform it
yourself." Exec. (taking his station) "Brethren, support the candidate
(several take hold of the candidate); brother (naming some physician
or surgeon), will you assist?" Doctor (stepping up)--"Brethren, it
becomes necessary that we should have a bowl, or some other vessel, to
receive the blood." A bowl is presented, having the appearance of
blood upon it, and is held in a suitable position to receive the
blood; the surgeon places his fingers on the left breast of the
candidate, and gives counsel where it would be advisable to