CHINESE SECRET SOCIETIES. 81 



together their soldiers and horses, and assemble brave heroes 

 from every quarter, in order to exterminate the treacherous offi- 

 cials, and wipe out the grievances and wrongs suffered by the 

 brethren. How excelleut were their intentions ! 



The priests agTeed with joy to the plan, and when the time 

 arrived, the mountain camp was broken up, and all proceeded 

 in order to the Hung Pavilion, where Kin-lam and his compa- 

 nions joined them. 



Without further delay, the whole party, being* arranged with 

 the proper ceremonies according to rank, sat down, and the 

 priests questioned Kin-lam as follows ; 



" What is the honourable surname and name of our honourable 

 Taoist brother, who has this day favoured us with his prssence, 

 and what instruction can be impart to us"? Kin-Ian answered; 

 " My unworthy surname is Tan, and my insignificant name is 

 Kin-lam ; formerly I was a high Minister at the Court of this 

 " Chheng" dynasty, and having gained high honours at the 

 Han-lim College, I was promoted to a seat at the Board of War. 

 Seeing that the reins of Government were in the hands of a 

 clique of treacherous Ministers, and worthless favourites, I re- 

 tired from office, and entered the Taoist priesthood." 



" Hearing that you virtuous and patriotic gentlemen, are 

 about to raise the banner of justice and righteousness, I wish to 

 join in your plans, and to assist in driving out the traitorous 

 officials, and in avenging the foul injuries you have received." 



All assembled were delighted, and cried with a loud voice ; 

 " Fortunate indeed is it, that the master is come to assist us ; 

 now certainly, the traitors must be exterminated, and our op- 

 pressions avenged ; we beg the master will at once divine for us 

 a lucky day, on which we may all renew our oath, and raise soldiers,, 

 for the great work." 



Kin-lam acceded to the request, and before the whole com- 

 pany assembled in the Hall, the 25th day of the 7th moon at 

 the hour Thiu, was the date chosen for the renewal of the oath, 

 by mixing blood. 



The 15th of the 8th moon was selected, as the day on which 

 to sacrifice to the standards, and put in motion the army. 



As a sign that these were auspicious dates, the Southern Sky 

 suddenly opened, and the characters Thien-yen-kok-sik : ( " A 

 pattern of the celestial Palace") were displayed. Kin-lam having 



