“Any reports from committees?”

“I have one from the committee appointed to investigate the charge preferred against Mayhew, of treason to the order.  It is brief, as follows:  The committee, on whom was imposed the duty of investigating the charges entered against Philip Mayhew, beg leave to report, that they have had his case under strict advisement, and after a careful examination of all the evidence, and a patient hearing of his own allegations, found him guilty as charged.  He will give the order no more trouble—­his tongue is silenced!

“B.  HUBBEL, Ch’n.”

The report was accepted, and the committee discharged.  No other written report was made, and the captain said: 

“The secretary will burn the parchment containing the report just read, in the presence of all the brethren, that they may know nothing remains on record, which, under any possible contingency that might arise, could be used against them.”

The paper was burned, as directed, in accordance with the usages of the order.

“What success have the brethren had in the way of business since our last meeting?”

“I have taken two horses,” said one; “they are both in the stable of the order.”

“I have taken one horse and fifty dollars,” said another; and as he spoke, he walked up and laid down a pile of money on a salver, prepared for the purpose, in front of the captain.  All moneys were placed there for distribution.

“Well done, Simon!  How did you get the money?  No foul play, I hope?”

“No, your honor; I was at Louisville, and saw the money paid to a ‘subject.’  I kept an eye on him, followed him into a crowd, and—­put the money in my pocket.”

This brief history of rascality brought smiles to the faces of all present.

“Here are five hundred dollars,” said a third, bringing forward the cash; “it was won at the ‘table.’”

Twenty others made similar reports, and when all the funds were handed over, there was more than seven thousand dollars for distribution and twenty horses in the “stable” of the clan.

“An unusually profitable month’s work,” said the captain, when this branch of the night’s proceedings was finished.  “I hope the brethren will not weary in their efforts.  What other business have we to transact?  Are there any cases of delinquency to report?”

“If your honor please,” said one of the hard-featured fellows before mentioned, “I perceive Amos Duval is not with us to-night.  Can any of the brethren give an excuse for his absence?”

In response to this inquiry, another of these ill-looking customers arose, and made known his belief, that the said Amos was not to be relied on—­that, in his opinion, he was a traitor at heart, and would betray the order at the first opportunity.

“Are you aware,” said the captain, “of the grave nature of the accusation you have made?  Permit me to remind you, gentlemen, one and all, that it is made a crime by our laws, punishable by death, for one brother to accuse another falsely.”