Q. To what did they allude?  A. To the nine arches which led from the palace of Solomon to the secret vault, and the nine arches of the temple of Enoch.

Q.—­How were they answered?  A. By three times three from within.

Q.—­What followed?  A. I was asked, “Who comes there?”

Q.—­Your answer?  A. Several I. of B.’s, I. K.’s, and Grand Master Architects solicit the honor of being admitted into the secret vault under the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Q. What was then said to you?  A. I was told to wait until the Most Potent had been informed of my request, and his answer returned.

Q. What was his answer?  A. My brethren, your request cannot now be granted.

Q. What followed?  A. We were conducted back to the anti-chamber, when the nine masters entered and thus addressed us:  “My brethren, our Most Potent Master requests Grand Master Architects, Joabert, Stokin, and Gibulum to attend in the audience chamber,” whereupon we were introduced into the presence of Solomon, who thus addressed us:  “My brethren, you know that in digging for a foundation for the temple, we found the ruins of an ancient edifice.  Among the ruins, we have already discovered much treasure which has been deposited in the secret vault.  Are you willing to make further researches among the ancient ruins, and report to us your discoveries?”

Q. What was your answer.  A. We are.

Q. What followed?  A. We were conducted to the ruins, and commenced our labors.  Among the rubbish we discovered a large iron ring, fixed in a cubic stone, which we raised with much difficulty.  Upon examining the same, we discovered an inscription, of the meaning of which we were ignorant.  Beneath the stone, a deep and dismal cavern appeared.

Q. Did you enter that cavern?  A. I did.

Q. In what manner?  A. A rope was fastened ’round my body, and descending, I found myself in an arched vault, in the floor of which was a secret opening, through which I also descended, and in like manner through a third; being in third vault, I found there was an opening for descending still further, but being afraid of pursuing my search, I gave a signal and was hoisted by my two companions.  I then recounted to them what I had seen, and proposed to them to descend by turns, which they refused; upon this I determined to descend again, and told them that through every arch I passed, I would gently shake the rope.  In this manner I descended from arch to arch, until I was lowered into the sixth arch, when, finding there was still another opening, my heart failed me, and giving the signal, I was again pulled up.  I acquainted my two companions with the particulars of my second descent, and now earnestly urged that one of them should go down, as I was very much fatigued; but, terrified at my relation, they both refused.  I then received fresh courage, went down a third time, taking a lighted flambeau in my hand.  When I had descended into