Brother of the Third Degree: Chapter III. Princess Louise

We crossed the Atlantic, reached Liverpool, and took the train for London without incident of note.

Garcia was a most interesting companion, possessed of extensive knowledge and well informed in the ways of the world.

As though to stimulate my aspirations, he talked much of the mysterious Brotherhood to which he and my parents belonged.

Many were the stories he told of the exalted wisdom and wonderful powers of the members of the higher degrees.

Nothing was more interesting to me, as I had sow become fully imbued with occult ideas and had determined to do all within my power to learn and master the mysteries of the hidden side of nature.

I noticed, however, as with my parents, all information was strictly confined within certain limits, beyond which he would never go, and he Always diverted the conversation when thus pursued.

Pale as death, a beautiful woman with braced feet pulled on the reins with all her power, and with wonderful presence of mind kept the frightened animals in the middle of the street. But her strength would not suffice to stay them, as, covered with foam, their iron-shod hoofs struck fire upon the granite paving.

"Can't some one stop them? My God! they go right toward the monument! Oh, horror! ’Tis death!"

Just then a tall cloaked figure stepped hurriedly from the frightened crowd, and rushed out directly

I was no less dumbfounded than those around, and stood speechless, a strange sensation pervading my being. As the crowd commenced to recover itself, Garcia grasped my hand and hurried me along to escape it.

"What?" I asked.

"That man was an adept," whispered Garcia, "and as the lady was the queen's favorite daughter, we may expect great changes in governmental circles.

"The Masters do all within their power to aid the world in its upward evolution, and, working through human instruments, seize all opportunities for the accomplishment of this end. It is only on the most exceptional occasions that they would use the powers here demanded."

In reply to my further questioning, he said: "Await developments, and then my explanations will be more intelligible."

On the following morning we started for France. As we boarded the cars for our station I bought a Daily Times; and there, in full-face type, side by side upon the front page, were the headings:

Strange and Miraculous Escape!

PRINCESS LOUISE BY SOME MYSTERY OF MAGIC SAVED FROM A MANGLING DEATH.

Princess Louise. who, as all know, is a most

WHICH MEANS THE END OF ENGLISH POWER IN THE EAST.

JNO. CLARK RUSSELL LEAVES AS SPECIAL ENVOY FOR INDIA, AND THE NEW PREMIER TAKES HIS SEAT TO-DAY.

Then followed a lengthy account of startling and unexpected political changes.

Garcia had also bought a paper and read the articles. Seeing my inquiring looks, he glanced searchingly around and commenced in a low tone as follows:

"My brother, do you think the material world is ruled by law and the social world is left to chance? Do you think that human evolution has no guidance, or that it is ruled direct by God? If the latter, you are in error. God, the Infinite Spirit, while pervading all, is far beyond all earth affairs. But between us and the Supreme are many grades of beings—superior men, heroes, demi-gods and gods—and each host of these works through those below. Kings, Queens, Presidents and Rulers are not always so by chance; they never are in periods of transition, when great changes are impending, for they are but instruments

"Then they must fall; for, in the words of Hugo, 'they displease God,' and must become once more but men.

"These men are sometimes evil, but evil men are often, in the end, unconscious instruments for bringing good."

Just then a stranger took a seat near by, and Garcia immediately changed the subject of conversation.

We crossed the strait and proceeded on toward Paris. The crowd prevented further conversation, but I was busy thinking. The Brotherhood had now become the almost constant subject of my thoughts, and I was longing for an opportunity to learn more concerning their mysterious powers and society.