Each candidate is in the custody of an Arabic soldier
They are seated and a drawing of lots takes place if 
there is more than one candidate and each takes his 
turn for initiation. They are put throuh blindfolded, 
1, 2, and .3 etc. according to number, six being the 
highest number actually initiated any one night. The 
others if any are secretly taken aside, the blinder re-
moved, and they witness the initiation of the others 
and have only to take the obligations themselves. 
In the Preparation Room they are told: A rough 
and rugged road is before you, and it is beset with
danger and with difficulties. Your life will be 
threatened, and vou may loose it. But remember those 
who die in the faith, will be resurrected in glory; there-
fore summon to your aid courage,-that truly Masonic
qualification, that puts on a fearless and courageous 
attitude; that scorns the acts of a coward, who but apes
the conduct of a hero. Therefore suffer yourselves to 
be initiated with all the forms and ceremonies of this
ancient and honorable institution. Do you all assent 
to this trial of fortitude-that truly Masonic qualifi-
cation? 
Candidates-I do. 
Nos. 1, 2 and 3 are first led into the room with 
hands pinioned behind them, blindfolded: when they 
are put on the journey over the "Hot Sands," [rugged 
road] each with an Arab Soldier on each side, pricking
him with his saber to hurry him along, and when one 
falls down a whack with the flat of a saber causes him
to arise. After they have gone around two or three 
times, two are selected to escape enemies who they are