CHINESE SECRET SOCIETIES. 15 



heroes. " 



" To overturn the Chheng and restore Beng is the 

 duty of all good men." 



" And their sincerity and loyalty will at last be rewarded 

 by rank and emolument." 



The catechism is continued to the length of 333 questions,* 

 to each of which the Vanguard must give suitable answers 

 and verses, describing the history and ceremonial of the 

 Society. It is really astonishing to hear a clever Sien Hong 

 give every answer and verse correctly, without referring to 

 a Book, or requiring any assistance from the Master, who has 

 the .Ritual before him on the altar. 



This part of the ceremony lasts nearly an hour, during 

 which time the Vanguard is kneeling before the spirits of the 

 five ancestors, who are supposed to have descended into their 

 tablet on the altar. 



The Sien-Seng now addresses the Sien-Hong as follows. 



" Having thoroughly examined you, I find that by your 

 satisfactory replies, you have proved yourself to be the real 

 Thien Ju-ang ; the five ancestors graciously accept your 

 answers and petition, so kotow, and return thanks for their 

 benevolent condescension." 



The vanguard having performed the " Kotow, " returns 

 thanks as follows. 



" I humbly thank the pure ( Beng ) spirits of our five 

 ancestors, and beg that they will assist the Ang children 

 to slay the Chheng. To-night having been permitted to 

 have an interview with the five Founders, I have a firm hope 

 that the spirits will help us to restore the great dynasty of 

 Beng." 



The Master then says ; " I now present you with this pre- 

 cious sword and a warrant ; all the candidates who are found 

 to be faithful and sincere, you may bring within the City 

 to take the oath of fidelity ; but those whom you may find 

 to be tratoirs you must take outside the Gate, and behead. " 

 Presenting the sword and warrant flag, he repeats this 

 verse. 



" The five Ancestors present you with this sword and 



commission. 

 " To be worn on your person while collecting material 



of war. 

 " And whilst gathering the brethren from within 

 the Four Seas. 



# See the "Hung League, 



