"Are you free from any anterior engagement or if made will you break it if contrary to this new pledge?"
"I am ready."
Turning to the chiefs, the Master said:
"Brothers, this man speaks the truth. I invited him to be one of ours. A great grief binds him to our cause by the ties of hatred. He has already done much for the Revolution and may do more. I propose him, and answer for him in the past, the present and the future."
"Receive him," said all the six.
The presiding officer raised his hand and said in a slow and solemn voice:
"In the name of the Architect of the Universe, swear to break all carnal bonds still binding you to parents, sister, brother, wife, kinsmen, mistress, kings, benefactors, and to whomsoever you have promised faith, obedience, service or gratitude."
Billet repeated in a voice as firm as the speaker's.
"Good! henceforth you are freed from the so-called oath of allegiance made to the country and the laws. Swear therefore to reveal to your new chief what you see and do, hear or learn, read or divine, and moreover to seek out and find which is not offered to the sight."
"I swear," said Billet.