58 



so that he prepares himself to return home, when,allat once, an affiliated appears and beckons 

 him to follow. 



At last they reach the place where the whole brotherhood is waiting for them: the myste- 

 rious encampment of the City of wittoios. 



"When all the new members, who have been called for that night, are together, they enter 

 the first gate of the camp, where they find themselves before the Vanguard, who asks them 

 their names and surnames, age and time of birth, all which is entered carefully in a book 

 kept for the purpose. 



The Vanguard then gives order to form the //bridge of swords." 



The brethern draw themselves up into a doublé row and, drawing their swords, which are 

 made of steel on the right wing, and copper on the left wing, they cross them in the air, form- 

 ing a bridge or arch. (*) The new members are then led by the affiliated underneath this 

 arch, which ceremony is called //Passing the bridge." ( 2 ) 



After the passing of the bridge, they have to pay a sum of 21 cash as first entry, which 

 money is received by the old SieJi-pang-Jiang. (Q. 180). 



The members now find themselves before the Hung-gate ( 3 ), which is guarded by the two ge- 

 nerals Wan-tao-lung and Wan-tao-fang \ 



These generals ask the Vanguard the names of the New horses. The Vanguard having satisfied 

 their demand, the generals enter to ask the Master's permission to introducé these members. 

 The Master having granted the request', they are allowed to pass, and are brought to the Hall 

 of Fidelity and Loyality ( 4 ), where again two generals, named Ching-ld-thicm and Chin-yzm-ching 

 keep guard, and ask the names of the members to be introduced. 



There, at last, the members are instructed in the tendency of the society; they are exhorted 

 to be faithful and loyal to the league to which they are about to be affiliated. 



The griefs against the Tartar dominion are enumerated, and promises given for those who 

 shall accomplish their duties faithfully; whilst fearful threats are pronounced against those 

 who should dare to refuse to enter the league. ( 5 ) 



The recruits now reach the Heaven and Earth circle: the last enclosure before the lodge, 

 and guarded by the two generals Wu-Jcan-rl and Wu-Jcin-lai. (Q. 222.) 



After having passed through, and gone across the surrounding moat or ditch (Q,. 255), they reach 

 the East-gate of the City of willows, guarded by Han-pkang. He leads them to the councilroom, 



f 1 ) Sometimes this „ arch of steel" is replaced by a piece of red cloth, under which the new members pass. 

 We have not been able to find out the meaning of the three stones which the initiated have in their 

 hands during this ceremony. (Compare Q. 202 & ff.) On Tab. II, fig. 3 we have given the engraving 

 of these stones, as we find it in the original drawing. 



( 2 ) 51 fe 



(3) See Tab. IV. ( 4 ) See Tab, V. 



( 5 ) Compare A. 214 h ff. 



