He was led now into an outer room by two solemn brothers.

Through the plank partition he could hear the murmur of many voices from the assembly within.

Once or twice he caught the sound of his own name, and he knew that they were discussing his candidacy.

Then there entered an inner guard with a green and gold sash across his chest.
"The Bodymaster orders that he shall be trussed, blinded, and entered," said he.
The three of them removed his coat, turned up the sleeve of his right arm, and finally passed a rope round above the elbows and made it fast.
They next placed a thick black cap right over his head and the upper part of his face, so that he could see nothing.

He was then led into the assembly hall.
It was pitch dark and very oppressive under his hood.