Good point Allan about the seals in the master.  I have received a lot of
good inputs.  Still keep going back to the fact that the original failure
still seems to be present without any leak indications.  At least now, I
have a good reading on the level in the tank so I can determine if any fluid
is being lost anywhere.  Can't see any leaks and the pressure on the pedal
seems to start firm and with use goes more and more soft until I hit some
mechanical stop with the pedal.  Guess I need to experiment more with the
system to see if I can uncover any more clues.

Thanks for all the inputs.  Keep any additional ideas coming.

William