Article I. Believing, as we firmly do, that all monarchies and aristocracies are bound to be overthrown, the government of this society shall be democratic. The majority shall always rule.
Article II. No boy shall be admitted as a member of this society, who has once proved unfaithful to his promise, or who shall not bind himself to obey all its rules and regulations, strive to promote peace and harmony among the members, and carefully guard all its secrets from outsiders.
Article III. In order to fully carry out the objects of this society, every member, upon admittance, shall receive the appointment of corporal. All Night-hawks shall be officers in the line of promotion, and daring exploits shall not be passed unnoticed.
Article IV. New members may be admitted by any two officers of higher rank than captain, upon recommendation of at least two members in good standing.
Article V. When any member is known to be in trouble, it shall be the duty of all to hasten to his relief. As prosperity makes friends, and adversity tries them, all good Night-hawks will stick to each other through thick and thin. No member, who refuses to render prompt assistance to a companion in adversity shall be considered a good Night-hawk.
Article VI. This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of all the members of the society.
“There!” said Tom, when he had finished reading the document, “do you again promise to faithfully obey this constitution?”
“Yes,” replied Martin, “I’ll stick to what I said in the first place. But I don’t see what good such a society will do us here.”
“There’s no knowing what may turn up,” said Tom. “You may see the use of it before you are many weeks older. Now I will give you a certificate. As you are a stranger here, you won’t know the village boys when you meet them; so, besides the signs and pass-words which we shall teach you presently, it will be necessary for you to have something to show.”
As Tom spoke, he drew his memorandum-book from his pocket, and, tearing out a leaf, handed it to Miller, who drew up the following certificate of membership: