There was a low murmur of applause.
"He is of stout heart," said the voice.

"Can you bear pain ?" "As well as another," he answered.
"Test him!" It was all he could do to keep himself from screaming out, for an agonizing pain shot through his forearm.

He nearly fainted at the sudden shock of it; but he bit his lip and clenched his hands to hide his agony.
"I can take more than that," said he.
This time there was loud applause.

A finer first appearance had never been made in the lodge.

Hands clapped him on the back, and the hood was plucked from his head.