All maintained a solemn silence, listening to the words of the President, who held a mallet in his hand.

Let into the wall was a star-shaped light.

At one side of the table was a small carpet with various figures worked upon it, at the other was something resembling an altar on which lay a Testament and a skull.

Round it stood seven large candlesticks like those used in churches.

Two of the brothers led Pierre up to the altar, placed his feet at right angles, and bade him lie down, saying that he must prostrate himself at the Gates of the Temple.