The Chinese are wont to associate themselves together, even if they do not mingle much with men of other nations.

They have their gatherings for social purposes and for improvement and pastime, and, like the Anglo-Saxon and the Latin races, they have their mystic signs and passwords.

Of course we were not permitted to enter the _Chee Kung Tong_ Hall, however much we desired to cross its mysterious threshold.

The door was well guarded, and Chinamen passing in had to give assurance that they were entitled to the privilege.

On the night when the detective from Police Headquarters accompanied us we made an attempt to enter a Chinese gambling house.