Still, the association would not entertain the application until the money was present.

Even then a single adverse vote killed the application.

Every member had to vote 'Yes' or 'No' in person and before witnesses; so it took weeks to decide a candidacy, because many pilots were so long absent on voyages.

However, the repentant sinners scraped their savings together, and one by one, by our tedious voting process, they were added to the fold.

A time came, at last, when only about ten remained outside.