“Yes, you must be sworn in, Mr Banks; it’s the rule.”
“Swear me in, then,” said Banks, contemptuously.
Several of the men then advanced, and Banks and Podmore were seized, while Slee began to place a folded handkerchief across the former’s eyes.
“What do you mean by this mummery?” exclaimed the foreman; and he tried to drag away the handkerchief, but was stopped.
“This is part of the formula for the administration of the oath,” said Barker. “Kneel down. Now bring forward the swords.”
Two of the men came forward with the swords, which had been extracted from their hiding-place, and as Joe Banks was half forced into a kneeling position, they were held crossed over his head.
“Silence!” exclaimed Barker. “Now, you swear.”
“Curse your childish folly!” cried Banks, starting up, tearing the bandage from his eyes, and sending the cross swordsmen flying. “Ye’re worse than a set o’ bairns in their play-a.”
“Haw—haw—haw!” laughed Big Harry. “I niver see such a siaght in my liafe.”
“I swear to be faithful brother to you,” exclaimed Banks, “and to fight with you against all our enemies.”