"What's that?"

"The first degree is next to nothing; only to get the fellows together to organize," said Scott, as he leaped upon a rock. "Come up here, Jones; I'll give you the first degree."

Jones joined the joker on the rock.

"Do you agree to vote for Cantwell, to say nothing to nobody, and never to eat soup with a darning-needle?" asked Scott, in a low tone.

"Of course I do," laughed Jones.

"Answer in these words:—

"To all these three I do agree."

Jones repeated the words in due form.

"All right. I appoint you R. P. F. pro tem."