Edgar Allan Poe's playful use of the word "mason" in his short story, "The Cask of Amontillado," is one of my favorite double meanings in all literature. During their trek into the catacombs, Fortunato asks Montressor if he is "of the brotherhood." When Montressor fails to understand, Fortunato asks if he is a Mason--a Free Mason (the mysterious and ancient fraternal organization). Montressor replies that he is. Fortunato asks for a password sign, and when he does, Montressor produces a trowel. Fortunato thinks Montressor is jesting, but for Montressor, it is his sign of masonry; the trowel, a mason's (bricklayer's) tool, will soon be used to seal Fortunato within the walls.
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