"Is this really your opinion, brothers?" Montbarts asked. "Do you accept my proposal such as I made it, and as William Drake has modified it?"
"We accept it so," the filibusters replied with one voice.
"Very good. Still I think that this chief, to whom you refer, should be unanimously elected by us; that his authority may be taken from him at a meeting of the assembly by a majority of voices, if he do not strictly fulfil the conditions he has accepted; that, as guardian of the treasury, he must always be ready to furnish his accounts, and that his appointment should not exceed five years, unless renewed."
"All that is fair," said Red Stocking; "no one can understand the general good better than you, brother."
"Hence," David remarked, "we shall be partners; no quarrel, no dissension can well be possible among us."
"While ostensibly retaining our free will and most complete independence," Belle Tête reminded.
"Yes," Montbarts replied.
"Now, brothers," said Drake, rising, and doffing his cap, "listen to me: I, William Drake, swear on my faith and honour, the most complete devotion to the association of the Twelve, submitting myself beforehand to undergo the punishment my brothers may please to inflict on me, even death, if I were to betray the secret of the Association, and break my oath. Heaven help me!"
After Drake each filibuster uttered the same oath in a firm voice, and with a solemn accent.
They resumed their seats.