The only difference was in the reply given to the word “One.” Paget had responded “Five.” The newcomer answered “Six.”
There was a prolonged wait after the sixth man had been accepted by the challenger. Then came another tapping. The new entrant replied “Seven” to the word “One.” He was accepted.
The challenger walked backward to the far side of the room and raised both hands. Paget followed the example of the others as they sat on stools near the walls of the room.
“WE are the Silent Seven,” said the central figure, in a low-pitched voice. Every word was audible; some peculiar acoustic condition of the room gave the tone an awe-inspiring sound.
“The Silent Seven,” repeated the others, in a whisper.
“We command the Faithful Fifty,” came the voice.
“The Faithful Fifty,” was the whispering echo.
“Our identities are unknown,” declared the speaker. “Each of us was appointed by the founder of our order — he who first was Number One.
“Should new members be needed, I shall appoint them. Their names will be known to me alone. That is my oath.”
“You have declared the oath of Number One,” was the response.