The CHAIRMAN. How long did the ceremony take?

Mr. NOON. It took, if I remember aright, from the morning about 10 or 11 o'clock, before we went out in the afternoon some time possibly.

The CHAIRMAN. Was there any change in your apparel in taking the ceremony?

Mr. NOON. I think that when a man enters into any organization, there are some matters associated with all organizations that are not public.

The CHAIRMAN. I am asking you about the ceremony you went through.

Mr. NOON. I should refuse to answer the question. Senator.

The CHAIRMAN. Why?

Mr. NOON. Because I think it would be improper to answer the question.

The CHAIRMAN. Why improper?

Mr. NOON. Because ii would In- endeavoring to reach, like any other secret organization, the form of the organization.

The CHAIRMAN. Then you regarded the organization at that time as a secret organisation, of course?

Mr. NOON. I did.

The CHAIRMAN. Was there any penalty attached to the disclosure of the ceremony?

Mr. NOON. Yes; there was a penalty.

The CHAIRMAN. What?

Mr. NOON. There was a penalty attached.

The CHAIRMAN. What was it?

Mr. NOON. That is like any other question; it would be the same question, and I would not desire to answer it — as to what the penalty was.

The CHAIRMAN. You decline to state what the penalty was?

Mr. NOON. Yes; I think it is proper not to answer it.

The CHAIRMAN. Was it a severe penalty?

Mr. NOON. Fairly severe. I presume it would be like any other organization.

The CHAIRMAN. I am not talking about other organizations. I am asking you about this. Was the penalty a severe penalty? Was it a penalty of expulsion?

Mr. NOON. I believe that is a question I would refuse to answer.

The CHAIRMAN. What do you say as to the penalty being the tearing out of the tongue or the tearing open of the breasts and taking out the vitals? What do you say about that?

Mr. NOON. I answer the same as the other — that is, I would refuse to answer it.

The CHAIRMAN. You decline to answer it?

Mr. NOON. I decline to answer.