Q. Your business there?  A. To see that the hall of audience is duly guarded.

Q. How are we guarded?  A. By Perfect Masters.

The Most Illustrious says, “I appoint Brother ——­, Lieutenant of the Guards, to aid you in the execution of your duty.  Repair to your station and see that none approach without permission.”  The guards then fall on their right knees, cross their hands in such a manner that their thumbs touch their temples, and repeat in a low voice, Jeva (pron.  Je-vau), thrice, and then retire.  Solomon then strikes twice nine, upon which Hiram rises; they make signs of former degrees with twenty signs of this degree.  Most Illustrious strikes three times nine and declares Lodge open.  A triple triangle is placed on a Bible.

Lecture.—­Question—­Are you an intimate Secretary?  Answer—­I am.

Q. How were you received?  A. By curiosity.

Q. Explain that.  A. Being placed among the guards in the anti-chamber, a brother, representing the King of Tyre, hastily made his way through the guards, with a countenance expressive of anger, and entered the hall of audience, leaving the door partly open; curiosity led me to the door to observe what passed within.

Q. Was you perceived by them?  A. I was.  Hiram, King of Tyre, hearing the noise I made, suddenly turned his head and discovered me.  He exclaimed to Solomon, “My brother, there is a listener.”  Solomon replied, “It is impossible, since the guards are without.”

Q. What followed?  A. Hiram, without replying, rushed to the door, and dragging me into the Lodge, exclaimed, “Here he is.”  Solomon inquired, “What shall we do with him?” Hiram laid his hand on his sword, and answered, “Let him be delivered into the custody of the guards, that we may determine what punishment we shall inflict upon him, for this offence.”  Solomon then struck on the table which stood before him, whereupon the guards entered, and saluting the Lodge, received this order from him:  “Take this prisoner, secure him, and let him be forthcoming when called for.”

Q. Were those Guards Intimate Secretaries or Perfect Masters?  A. Of that I was then ignorant, but I am now convinced that I was the first that was made an Intimate Secretary.

Q. What followed?  A. I was conducted out of the hall of audience, and detained in the custody of the guards, until a second alarm from within caused them to return with me into the hall; when, the guards taking their seats around me, I was thus addressed by Solomon:  “I have, by my entreaties, prevailed upon my worthy ally, Hiram, King of Tyre, whom your vain curiosity had offended, to pardon you, and receive you into favor, etc.; are you willing to take an obligation to that effect?” which question I answered in the affirmative, and then received at the altar the obligation of this degree.

Q. Repeat the obligation (same as Perfect Master).  A. Under penalty of having my body quartered.  So help me, etc.