CHINESE SECRET SOCIETIES. 5 



Passing through the Circle, ont of the West door of the 

 " Pavilion," we reach the " Two Planked Bridge," guarded 

 by the spirits of deceased brethren, " Kiet-Beng-pu"(42) 

 and " Ban-Bua-beng , ,"*(43) whose "spirit throne" (44) or 

 tablet, is on the left side of the bridge-head. On this tablet 

 is the inscription. 



" When will the day of vengeance arrive ? 



Until then, we will cherish our resentment, though it he myriads 

 of years. 



The right hand plank of the Bridge is supposed to be of 

 copper, and that on the left, of iron. 



At the bridge-head is the couplet. 



" Staggering across, we leave no traces behind. 



" While all creation is silently expectant, seeing that the clay is al- 

 ready beginning to be red-§ 



In the centre of the Bridge, underneath. 



" A true prince will accomplish everything he takes in hand. 



" A true man will bring to perfection all he undertakes to do. 



On the Bridge, are hung, " Ang" (45) coin to the value 

 of 30,821«[[ cash, and underneath are three stepping- 

 stones, arranged in a triangular figure, over which we pass 

 to the "Fiery valley" (46) or " Bed Furnace," (47) guarded by 

 a malignant though just spirit, called the " Eed youth," (48) 

 who enviously scrutinises the hearts of all who approach 

 him, and mercilessly slays all traitors with his spear, and 

 consigns their souls to the flames. 



According" to the testimony of the Head men, many vic- 

 tims have fallen by his spear in Singapore. 



Having passed scatheless through this ordeal, we arrive at 

 the "Market of Universal Peace," (49) and the " Temple of 

 Virtue and Happiness," (50) which are at the end of our dan- 

 gerous journey. 



In the market is Chia-pang-heng (51) who sells the pre- 

 cious " Ang " fruits, of five kinds, and in the Temple, besides 

 the inscription already noticed on the ( Spirit throne of de- 

 ceased brethren," is the following couplet. 



" In this happy place, if there be any impurity, the wind will cleanse 

 it away. 



* Kiet-Ban, the associated myriads. 



§ ( Ang 7j»[£ red., and Ang YJfc the surname of the League.) 



If The character (" Ang" Vrfc ) is composed of the characters which 

 can represent 3-8-21. 



