XXI. If the Grand Master die during his Mastership ; or by

sickness, or by being beyond sea, or any other way should be rendered uncapable of discharging his office, the Deputy, or in his absence the Senior Grand Warden, or in his absence the Junior, or in his absence any three present Masters of Lodges, shall join to congregate the Grand Lodge immedi- ately, to advise together upon that emergency, and to send two of their number to invite the last Grand Master* to re- sume his office, which now in course reverts to him ; or if he refuse, then the next last, and so backward ; but if no former Grand Master can be found, then the Deputy shall act as principal, until another is chosen ; or if there be no Deputy, then the oldest Master.