[Illustration:  (the key, as described in the text)]

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The outside lines represent the dimensions of the paper; the inside ones are the key, and the dotted ones, the section that is made of the whole for the purpose of keeping it secret, should any graceless Cowan ever get possession of the sacred ark, and attempt to rummage its contents.  The other part of the key x is made on the back of the same piece of paper, so that on putting them together, it shows equally plain.  It is said that these characters were used by Aaron Burr, in carrying on his treasonable practices, and by that means made public; since which time they have been written and read from left to right.  After the ceremonies are ended, the High Priest informs the candidates, in many or few words, according to his ability, that this degree owes its origin to Zerrubbabel and his associates, who rebuilt the temple by order of Cyrus, King of Persia.  He informs them that the discovery of the secret vault and the inestimable treasures, with the long lost word, actually took place in the manner represented in conferring this degree, and that it is the circumstance upon which the degree is principally founded.  The ceremony of closing a Chapter is precisely the same as at opening, to the raising of the living arch.  The companions join hands by threes, in the same manner, and say in concert, “As we three did agree the sacred word to keep, as we three did agree the sacred word to search, so we three do agree to close this royal arch.”  They then break without giving the word, as the High Priest reads the following prayer: 

“By the wisdom of the Supreme High Priest may we be directed, by His strength may we be enabled, and by the beauty of virtue may we be incited to perform the obligations here enjoined upon us; to keep inviolable the mysteries here unfolded to us, and invariably to practice all those duties out of the Chapter, which are inculcated in it. (Response.) So mote it be.  Amen.”

The High Priest then declares the Chapter closed in due form.

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KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS.

At the sound of the trumpet the line is formed.  Master of Calvary to the Sir Knight Warden, “When a Council of Knights of the Red Cross is about to be formed and opened, what is the first care?” Warden—­“To see the Council chamber duly guarded.”  M. C.—­“Please to attend to that part of your duty, see that the sentinels are at their respective posts, and inform the Captain of the Guards that we are about to open a Council of Knights of the Red Cross for the dispatch of business.”  W.—­“The sentinels are at their respective posts, and the Council chamber duly guarded.”  M. C.—­“Are