“A man who has this mark, branded in this place,” he said, covering his arm again, “is a member of the Brotherhood. A man who has been false to the Brotherhood is discovered sooner or later by the chiefs who know him⁠—presidents or secretaries, as the case may be. And a man discovered by the chiefs is dead. No human laws can protect him. Remember what you have seen and heard⁠—draw what conclusions you like⁠—act as you please. But, in the name of God, whatever you discover, whatever you do, tell me nothing! Let me remain free from a responsibility which it horrifies me to think of⁠—which I know, in my conscience, is not my responsibility now. For the last time I say it⁠—on my honour as a gentleman, on my oath as a Christian, if the man you pointed out at the Opera knows me , he is so altered, or so disguised, that I do not know him