“They are, Most Noble President.”
“’Tis well. Seal the candidates that we may always know them!”
For an instant Bob, Ned and Jerry shrank back as they felt hot irons brought near their faces. There was a tingling sensation, and then a burning and itching. Jerry knew what had happened.
A warm iron had been brought near them that they might feel the heat. Then they were touched with a piece of ice, and some cow-itch rubbed on them. Cow-itch is a powder which stings like nettles, and is painful while it lasts. The more one rubs it the worse it burns.
“Keep your hands away from it,” advised Jerry in a low voice to his chums.
“Silence!” came the command.
There was a pause, and then a voice went on:
“They have been tested by fire, by water and by blood. So far all is well. Now for the merriment!”
Before the three candidates could move they were seized and their hands bound behind them.
“Run the course!” came the command, and they were pushed forward. The chums started off.