M. 0. — Bros. Overseers ! when we were selected by the

W. M. to aid in the work confided to his care, charge of
the three gates was entrusted to us, with ample instruc-
tions as to our several duties, notwithstanding these in-
structions you have allowed this stone to pass your re-
spective gates, though it in no way answers to our plans
and descriptions, I am bound, therefore, not only to reject
it, but to demand an explanation of this neglect of your
duties, and your reasons for permitting this stone to i3ass
your inspection.

J. 0. — I confess that I did allow the stone to be re-
ceived at the South Gate, but before permitting the
Candidate to enter I informed him that the work was not
of the description I had orders to pass, although from the
skill displayed in its execution, and from its beauty and

60 THE MARK MASTEr's DEGREE.

workmanship, I felt unwilling to reject it on my own
responsibility, and allowed it to pass the South Gates, but
did not give him the Pass Word.

S. 0. — ^Prompted by the same feelings which actuated
my Bro. J. Overseer, I jnade similar observations to the
Craftsman, and not willing to undertake the responsibility
of rejecting the stone I left him free to return or pass on to
the East Gate, if willing to incur the risk, but refused to
give him the Pass Word; to which his work did not
entitle him.