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MASTER ELECT OF NINE. 103
HISTORY.
G.\ 0.'. After the death of the Grand Master, the
assassins having made their escape, a great assem-
bly of Masons was convened by Bang Solomon, to
consult as to the best means of discovering and ap-
prehending them. Their deliberations were inter-
rupted by the entrance of a herdsman, who demanded
to speak to the king. On being admitted to
an interview, he acquainted King Solomon that he
had discovered persons concealed in a cave near the
coast of Joppa, answering the description given of
the traitors ; and he offered to conduct those whom
the king should select to the place of their conceal-
ment. This being communicated to the Masters,
they one and all eagerly requested to be made par-
ticipators in the vengeance due the assassins. Solomon
checked their ardor, declaring that only nine
should undertake the task ; and to avoid giving any
offence, ordered a selection of nine of the brethren
by lot, to accompany the stranger. At the first hour
of the night, the favorite of King S.\ and eight
others, conducted by the stranger, travelled onward
through a rough and dreary country toward the
coast of Joppa. On the way, the most ardent of the
nine, learning that the murderers were hidden in a
cavern not far from where they then were, pressed
on ahead, found the cavern, entered it with the shep-
herd, where, by the dim light of the lamp, he discov-
ered one of the assassins asleep, with a dagger at hia