* * *
"What does this * * * denote?"
"Plenty."
"How is it represented?"
"By a sheaf of corn suspended near a waterfall."
"How did it originate?"
"It originated in consequence of a quarrel that long existed between Jephtha, judge of Israel, and the Ephraimites. The Ephraimites were a wicked, stubborn and rebellious people, whom Jephtha strove to subdue by lenient means, but all to no avail. They became highly incensed because they were not called to share in the rich spoils of the Ammonitish war, raised an exceeding great army, crossed over the river Jordan, came down upon Jephtha and gave him battle. Jephtha, being apprised of their approach, called out the mighty men of Gilead and put the Ephraimites to flight. And to make his victory secure, he placed guards at all the passes on the river Jordan, giving them this password: Shibboleth. The Ephraimites, being of a different tribe and dialect, could not pronounce the word Shibboleth, but called it Sibboleth, which trifling defect proved them enemies, and there fell at that time forty and two thousand."
"The * * * and * * * with the explanation are correct. You have my permission to pass the outer door."
This brings us to the inner door of the M. C., which we find partly open but more strictly tiled by the S. W. We will see if we can gain admission.
"Who comes here?"
"A young F. C., on his way to the M. C., to have his name enrolled among the workmen, and to be taught the wages of a F. C."
"How do you expect to pass the inner door?"
"By the true * * * and * * * of a F. C."
"Give them."