What is a secret society? Describe the role of the Ancient order of freemen in Vermissa Valley? Do you think a secret society should exist in reality also?

A secret society, in the context of this story, is a fraternity or "brotherhood" of men. The Ancient Order of Freemen is based on the Masonic Order. In this case, the group is called the Scowrers which really is an organized criminal gang. I am really not sure about these ancient orders of men. I suppose that if they do nothing illegal, there isn't a problem with them.