"The place was a long, low room, below the level of the street, reached from the café by a winding staircase; stone oil-lamps, swinging from the ceiling, lighted it dimly, clouds of tobacco smoke thickened the atmosphere; bottles of red wine and tumblers were set out on a long table on which no cloth was laid.
"There were from twenty-five to thirty companions present—companions of all kinds and all social grades; companions who had all the appearance of prosperous professional men—doctors, lawyers, and magistrates—some of these, like myself, were in evening dress, with white gloves; companions who looked like working men; companions who looked like wandering Neapolitan mandolinists. It seemed strange that camaraderie should prevail among them; yet so it was. They sat round the table together clinking glasses, while I was placed on a high stool near the door awaiting the ceremony of my initiation. It was a very simple ceremony. The president of the assemblage rose and addressed me.
"'It is the rule,' he said, 'to require a new companion to prove himself by fighting a duel with some existing member of——'
"'I shall be most pleased,' I interposed. 'If you yourself, Signor President, will do me the great honour of encountering me, I will endeavour——'
"'In certain cases,' the president continued, 'the rule is waived. It is waived in your case, because you have already proved yourself.'
"'On two occasions, Signor President,' I reminded him.'
"'Precisely—on two occasions. Consequently the third proof is not required.'
"'You are quite sure, Signor President? I ask no favour. Rather than that any irregularity should be committed——'
"'There will be no irregularity. It will only be necessary for you to swear the oath. Repeat it after me.'
"He recited the formula, a short and simple one. I swore to be faithful to the Camorra, to keep its secrets, to obey its orders, to betray no companions to the police. And that was all.