Preparation for their return to the Temple being completed, their readiness was again communicated as before and to the solemn but inspiring Andante of Faust they began to wind through a path of serpentine evolutions. On their journey many strange and threatening voices came to their ears, some cursing their undertaking and advising them to return before too late, some whispering that they were about to step into an abyss or to encounter dire disaster. But by the guidance and occasional prod by the trident of timid and erratic disciples they proceeded onward with cautious steps. When almost at the end of their journey, however, there was a sharp cry from one of the applicants which caused the procession to halt.
Lady Rosa Redmont Davitt, the daughter of an Irish noble,—a comely girl, with laughing eyes, full of wit and humor and with a strong combative instinct, withal very popular at the seminary—gave vent to her distress in a piquant but pleasing accent:
“Ouch! Your Riverence,” said she, “It is not that I moind to ride the wild billy goat, or am afraid to swallow the serpints, but divil a bit I can shtand this pinching of my goide, your Riverince; my back is almost bhlack and bhlue.”
“It is well that thou hast spoken,” said the Priestess; “it was because of thy untractable erratic steps and non-susceptibility to the promptings of thy guide that thou hast suffered, for according to the ratio of the loyalty and sensitiveness to her touch, thy sufferings will come to an end. Follow thou, then, fair maid, with keen perception to the subtle touch of thy guide. Supreme Guide of the order of D. N. A. let the procession proceed.”
The march having been resumed and finished, they stood thus blindfolded before the High Priestess in order to be tested for courage and fortitude. Each applicant was led by the guide before her, who, for fortitude, administered the angle worm, and for courage trailed the mouse over their limbs. It is perhaps unnecessary to mention that macaroni was substituted for the angle worm and that an artificial mouse served as a lively rodent.
When these sacred and solemn rites were performed the applicants were taken through numerous evolutions of a march to the centre of the room, in front of a table, whereon rested in the folds of American and British colors the Constitution and By-laws of the Order. There the oath of Allegiance was administered and at a thunderous outburst of music, the bandages were cut asunder and the applicants found themselves in the glow of a diffused light. Standing in the middle of the room, surrounded by rows of graceful girls arrayed in immaculate Grecian costumes, were all the other members of the Order. While the High Priestess, majestically waving her sceptred arm, proclaimed them tried and true members of D. N. A.
The ceremonies were concluded by the singing of the National Anthems.