It consisted of the peculiar phrase "In-Or-In" done in black paint upon a muslin ground, and consequently seeming to be in need of a blotter.
It recurred to her mind, later that evening, when she happened to find herself alone with Sam in the library, and, in merest idle curiosity, she asked: "Sam, what does 'In-Or-In' mean ?" Sam, bending over an arithmetic, uncreased his brow till it became of a blank and marble smoothness.
"Ma'am ?" "What are those words on your flag ?" Sam gave her a long, cold, mystic look, rose to his feet and left the room with emphasis and dignity.

For a moment she was puzzled.

But Sam's older brother was this year completing his education at a university, and Mrs.Williams was not altogether ignorant of the obligations of secrecy imposed upon some brotherhoods; so she was able to comprehend Sam's silent withdrawal, and, instead of summoning him back for further questions, she waited until he was out of hearing and then began to laugh.
Sam's action was in obedience to one of the rules adopted, at his own suggestion, as a law of the order.

Penrod advocated it warmly.

From Margaret he had heard accounts of her friends in college and thus had learned much that ought to be done.