“How many fingers you see before your eyes?”
“Can't see any,” Roddy returned. “How could I, with this thing over my eyes, and laying down on my stummick, anyway?”
“Then the time has come,” Penrod announced in solemn tones. “The time has come.”
Whack!
Evidently a broad and flat implement was thereupon applied to Roddy.
“OW!” complained the candidate.
“No noise!” said Penrod sternly, and added: “Roddy Bitts must now say the oath. Say exackly what I say, Roddy, and if you don't—well, you better, because you'll see! Now, say 'I solemnly swear—'”
“I solemnly swear—” Roddy said.
“To keep the secrets—”
“To keep the secrets—” Roddy repeated.