Page:Karel Čapek - The Absolute at Large (1927).djvu/150



, what do you see in the East?" asked the Worshipful Master. He was dressed all in black, wore the white leather apron, and held the silver gavel in his hand.

"I see the Masters assembled in the Temple and ready for labour," said the Senior Warden.

The Worshipful Master gave a knock with his gavel.

"Brother Junior Warden, what do you see in the West?"

"I see the Masters assembled in the Temple and ready for labour."

The Worshipful Master knocked three times with his gavel. "Let the labour begin."

The Brothers of the Free French Masonic Lodge, "The Hammer and Star," took their seats, never taking their eyes off the Worshipful Master, G. H. Bondy, who had called them together at such an unusual time. The lodge was as quiet as a church between the black-draped walls with the maxims of the craft woven in the hangings. Bondy, the Worshipful Master, was pale and thoughtful.