“That’s what it is really.” Brother Burges returned the gold pince-nez to their case and reshipped his silver spectacles. “Or that’s what it might be made with a little trouble. When I think of the possibilities of the Craft at this juncture I wonder——” He stared into the fire.
“I wonder, too,” said the Sergeant-Major slowly, “but—on the whole—I’m inclined to agree with you. We could do much with Masonry.”
“As an aid—as an aid—not as a substitute for Religion,” the Clergyman snapped.
“Oh, Lord! Can’t we give Religion a rest for a bit,” the Doctor muttered. “It hasn’t done so—I beg your pardon all around.”
The Clergyman was bristling. “Kamerad!” the wise Sergeant-Major went on, both hands up. “Certainly not as a substitute for a creed, but as an average plan of life. What I’ve seen at the front makes me sure of it.”
Brother Burges came out of his muse. “There ought to be a dozen—twenty—other Lodges in London every night; conferring degrees too, as well as instruction. Why shouldn’t the young men join? They practise what we’re always preaching. Well! Well! We must all do what we can. What’s the use of old Masons if they can’t give a little help along their own lines?”
“Exactly,” said the Sergeant-Major, turning on the Doctor. “And what’s the darn use of a Brother if he isn’t allowed to help?”
“Have it your own way then,” said the Doctor testily. He had evidently been approached before. He took something the Sergeant-Major handed to him and pocketed it with a nod. “I was wrong,” he said to me, “when I boasted of our independence. They get round us sometimes. This,” he slapped his pocket, “will give a banquet on Tuesday. We don’t usually feed at matinées. It will be a surprise. By the way, try another sandwich. The ham are best.” He pushed me a plate.
“They are,” I said. “I’ve only had five or six. I’ve been looking for them.”
“’Glad you like them,” said Brother Lemming. “Fed him myself, cured him myself—at my little place in Berkshire. His name was Charlemagne. By the way, Doc, am I to keep another one for next month?”