He gave me a calm, but keen glance as I spoke.

“Well, Jim,” said he, “it’s a good comrade you’ve got for the weather that’s in it; but, in the manetime, to set you a dacent patthern, I’ll just take this myself,”—­saying which, with the jar still upon its side, and the fore-finger of his left hand in his neck, he swallowed the spirits—­“It’s the first I dhrank to-night,” he added, “nor would I dhrink it now, only to show you that I’ve heart an’ spirit to do the thing that we’re all bound an’ sworn to, when the proper time comes;” after which he laid down the glass, and turned up the jar, with much coolness, upon the altar.

During our conversation, those who had been summoned to this mysterious meeting were pouring in fast; and as each person approached the altar, he received from one to two or three glasses of whiskey, according as he chose to limit himself; but, to do them justice, there were not a few of those present, who, in despite of their own desire, and the Captain’s express invitation, refused to taste it in the house of God’s worship.  Such, however, as were scrupulous he afterwards recommended to take it on the outside of the chapel door, which they did, as, by that means, the sacrilege of the act was supposed to be evaded.

About one o’clock they were all assembled except six:  at least so the Captain asserted, on looking at a written paper.

“Now, boys,” said he in the same low voice, “we are all present except the thraitors, whose names I am goin’ to read to you; not that we are to count thim thraitors, till we know whether or not it was in their power to come.  Any how, the night’s terrible—­but, boys, you’re to know, that neither fire nor wather is to prevint you, when duly summoned to attind a meeting—­particularly whin the summons is widout a name, as you have been told that there is always something of consequence to be done thin.”

He then read out the names of those who were absent, in order that the real cause of their absence might be ascertained, declaring that they would be dealt with accordingly. |

After this, with his usual caution, he shut and bolted the door, and having put the key in his pocket, ascended the steps of the altar, and for some time traversed the little platform from which the priest usually addresses the congregation.

Until this night I had never contemplated the man’s countenance with any particular interest; but as he walked the platform, I had an opportunity of observing him more closely.  He was slight in person, apparently not thirty; and, on a first view, appeared to have nothing remarkable in his dress or features.  I, however, was not the only person whose eyes were fixed upon him at that moment; in fact, every one present observed him with equal interest, for hitherto he had kept the object of the meeting perfectly secret, and of course we all felt anxious to know it.  It was while he traversed the platform that I scrutinized