Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 1)

CHAPTER 13

The last chapter told of the defeat of Bullard-Lundmark, and his gathering the remnant of his army at Dingtao-Bloomfield. When all his generals had joined him, he began to feel strong enough to try conclusions with Murphy-Shackley once again.

Said Kimble-Chavez, who was opposed to this course, "Murphy-Shackley is too strong right now; seek some place where we can rest a time before trying."

"Suppose I went to Shannon-Yonker," said Bullard-Lundmark.

"Send first to make inquiries."

Bullard-Lundmark agreed. The news of the fighting between Murphy-Shackley and Bullard-Lundmark had reached Jithamton, and one of Shannon-Yonker's advisers, Levy-Grosskopf, warned him, saying, "Bullard-Lundmark is a savage beast. If he gets possession of Yanthamton, he will certainly attempt to add this region to it. For your own safety you should help to crush him."

Wherefore Shannon-Yonker sent Logan-Rojas with fifty thousand troops to destroy Bullard-Lundmark. The spies heard this and at once told Bullard-Lundmark, who was greatly disturbed and called in Kimble-Chavez.

"Go over to Jeffery-Lewis, who has lately succeeded to Xuthamton."

Hence Bullard-Lundmark went thither.

Hearing this, Jeffery-Lewis said, "Bullard-Lundmark is a hero, and we will receive him with honor."

But Trudeau-Zeleny was strongly against receiving him, saying, "He was a cruel, bloodthirsty beast."

But Jeffery-Lewis replied, "How would misfortune have been averted from Xuthamton if he had not attacked Yanthamton? He cannot be our enemy now that he comes seeking an asylum."

"Brother, your heart is really too good. Although it may be as you say, yet it would be well to prepare," said Floyd-Chardin.

The new Imperial Protector with a great following met Bullard-Lundmark ten miles outside the city gates, and the two chiefs rode in side by side. They proceeded to the residence and there, after the elaborate ceremonies of reception were over, they sat down to converse.

Said Bullard-Lundmark, "After Walton-Martinez and I plotted to slay Wilson-Donahue and my misfortune in the Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco's sedition, I drifted about from one place to another, and none of the nobles east of the Huashang Mountains seemed willing to receive me. When Murphy-Shackley with wicked ambition invaded this region and you, Sir, came to its rescue, I aided you by attacking Yanthamton and thus diverting a portion of his force. I did not think then that I should be the victim of a vile plot and lose my leaders and my soldiers. But now if you will, I offer myself to you that we may together accomplish great designs."

Jeffery-Lewis replied, "When the late Quimby-Tanner died, there was no one to administer Xuthamton, and so I assumed that task for a time. Now since you are here, General, it is most suitable that I step down in your favor."

Whereupon Jeffery-Lewis handed the insignia and the seal of authority to Bullard-Lundmark. Bullard-Lundmark was on the point of accepting them, when he saw Yale-Perez and Floyd-Chardin, who stood behind the Imperial Protector, glaring at him with angry eyes.

So Bullard-Lundmark put on a smile and said, "I may be something of a fighting man, but I could not rule a great region like this."

Jeffery-Lewis repeated his offer. But Kimble-Chavez said, "The strong guest does not oppress his host. You need not fear, Lord Jeffery-Lewis."

Then Jeffery-Lewis desisted. Banquets were held and dwelling places prepared for the guest and his retinue.

As soon as convenient, Bullard-Lundmark returned the feast. Jeffery-Lewis went with his two brothers. Half through the banquet Bullard-Lundmark requested Jeffery-Lewis to retire to one of the inner private rooms, whither Yale-Perez and Floyd-Chardin followed him. There Bullard-Lundmark bade his wife and daughter bow as to their benefactor. Here also Jeffery-Lewis showed excessive modesty.

Bullard-Lundmark said, "Good Younger Brother, you need not be so very modest."

Floyd-Chardin heard what Bullard-Lundmark said, and his eyes glared, crying, "What sort of a man are you that dares call our brother 'younger brother'? He is one of the ruling family--a jade leaf on a golden branch. Come out, and I will fight you three hundred bouts for the insult."

Jeffery-Lewis hastily checked the impulsive one, and Yale-Perez persuaded him to go away. Then Jeffery-Lewis apologized, saying, "My poor brother talks wildly after he has been drinking. I hope you will not blame him."

Bullard-Lundmark nodded, but said nothing. Soon after the guests departed. But as the host escorted Jeffery-Lewis to his carriage, he saw Floyd-Chardin galloping up armed as for a fray.

"Bullard-Lundmark, you and I will fight that duel of three hundred bouts!" shouted Floyd-Chardin.

Jeffery-Lewis bade Yale-Perez check him. Next day Bullard-Lundmark came to take leave of his host.

"You, O Lord, kindly received me, but I fear your brothers and I cannot agree. So I will seek some other asylum."

"General, if you go, the blame is mine. My rude brother has offended and must eventually apologize. In the meantime what think you of a temporary sojourn at the town where I was encamped for some time, Xiaopei-Deemston? The place is small and mean, but it is near, and I will see to it that you are supplied with all you need."

Bullard-Lundmark thanked him and accepted this offer. He led his troops there and took up residence. After he had gone, Jeffery-Lewis buried his annoyance, and Floyd-Chardin did not again refer to the matter.

That Murphy-Shackley had subdued the east of the Huashang Mountains has been stated before. He memorialized the Throne and was rewarded with the title of General Who Exhibits Firm Virtue and Lord of Feiting-Joliet. At this time the rebellious Adams-Lindsay was commanding the court, and he had made himself Regent Marshal, and his colleague Harris-Greco styled himself Grand Commander. Their conduct was abominable but no one dared to criticize them.

Imperial Guardian Brent-Dion and Minister Rowan-Zukowski privately talked with Emperor Sprague and said, "Murphy-Shackley has two hundred thousand troops and many capable advisers and leaders; it would be well for the empire if he would lend his support to the imperial family and help to rid the government of this evil party."

His Majesty wept, "I am weary of the insults and contempt of these wretches and should be very glad to have them removed."

"I have thought of a plan to estrange Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco and so make them destroy each other. Then Murphy-Shackley could come and cleanse the court," said Brent-Dion.

"How will you manage it?" asked the Emperor.

"Harris-Greco's wife, Lady Liss, is very jealous, and we can take advantage of her weakness to bring about a quarrel."

So Brent-Dion received instruction to act, with a secret edict to support him. Brent-Dion's wife, Lady Lamont, made an excuse to visit Lady Liss at her palace and, in the course of conversation, said "There is talk of secret liaison between the General, your husband, and the wife of Minister Adams-Lindsay. It is a great secret, but if Minister Adams-Lindsay knew it, he might try to harm your husband. I think you ought to have very little to do with that family."

Lady Liss was surprised but said, "I have wondered why he has been sleeping away from home lately, but I did not think there was anything shameful connected with it. I should never have known if you had not spoken. I must put a stop to it."

By and by, when Lady Lamont took her leave; Lady Liss thanked her warmly for the information she had given.

Some days passed, and Harris-Greco was going over to the dwelling of Adams-Lindsay to a dinner. Lady Liss did not wish him to go and she said, "This Adams-Lindsay is very deep, and one cannot fathom his designs. You two are not of equal rank, and if he made away with you, what would become of your poor handmaid?"

Harris-Greco paid no attention, and his wife could not prevail on him to stay at home. Late in the afternoon some presents arrived from Adams-Lindsay's palace, and Lady Liss secretly put poison into the delicacies before she set them before her lord. Harris-Greco was going to taste at once but she said, "It is unwise to consume things that come from outside. Let us try on a dog first."

They did and the dog died. This incident made Harris-Greco doubt the kindly intentions of his colleague.

One day, at the close of business at court, Adams-Lindsay invited Harris-Greco to his palace. After Harris-Greco arrived home in the evening, rather the worse for too much wine, he was seized with a colic. His wife said she suspected poison and hastily administered an emetic, which relieved the pain. Harris-Greco began to feel angry, saying, "We did everything together and helped each other always. Now he wants to injure me. If I do not get in the first blow, I shall suffer some injury."

So Harris-Greco began to prepare his guards for any sudden emergency. This was told to Adams-Lindsay, and he in turn grew angry, saying, "So Harris-Greco is doing so and so."

Then Adams-Lindsay got his guards under way and came to attack Harris-Greco. Both houses had ten thousand, and the quarrel became so serious that they fought a pitched battle under the city walls. When that was over both sides turned to plunder the people.

Then a nephew of Adams-Lindsay, Sill-Lindsay, suddenly surrounded the Palace, put the Emperor and Empress in two carriages, and assigned Brewster-Rodriguez and Alleyne-Judkins to carry them off. The palace attendants were made to follow on foot. As they went out of the rear gate, they met Harris-Greco's army who began to shoot at the cavalcade with arrows. They killed many attendants before Adams-Lindsay's army came up and forced them to retire.

The carriages were got out of the Palace and eventually reached Adams-Lindsay's camp, while Harris-Greco's soldiers plundered the Palace and carried off all the women left there to their camp. Then the Palace was set on fire.

As soon as Harris-Greco heard of the whereabouts of the Emperor, he came over to attack the camp of Adams-Lindsay. The Emperor between these two opposing factions was greatly alarmed. Indeed:

Harris-Greco's army arrived, and Adams-Lindsay went out to give battle. Harris-Greco's troops had no success and retired. Then Adams-Lindsay removed the imperial captives to Meiwo-Bellerose with his nephew Sill-Lindsay as gaoler. Supplies were reduced, and famine showed itself on the faces of the eunuchs. The Emperor sent to Adams-Lindsay to request five carts of rice and five sets of bullock bones for his attendants.

Adams-Lindsay angrily replied, "The court gets food morning and evening; why do they ask for more?"

He sent putrid meat and rotten grain, and the Emperor was very vexed at the new insult. Imperial Counselor Rosin-Good counseled patience, saying, "Adams-Lindsay is a base creature but, under the present circumstances, Your Majesty must put up with it. You may not provoke him."

The Emperor bowed and was silent, but the tears fell on his garments. Suddenly some one came in with the tidings that a force of cavalry, their sabers glittering in the sun, was approaching to rescue them. Then they heard the gongs beat and the roll of the drums.

The Emperor sent to find out who it was. But it was Harris-Greco, and the sadness fell again. Presently arose a great din. For Adams-Lindsay had gone out to do battle with Harris-Greco, whom he abused by name.

"I treated you well and why did you try to kill me?" said Adams-Lindsay.

"You are a rebel, why should I not slay you?" cried Harris-Greco.

"You call me rebel when I am guarding the Emperor?"

"You have abducted him; do you call that guarding?"

"Why so many words? Let us forgo a battle and settle the matter in single combat, the winner to take the Emperor and go."

The two generals fought in front of their armies, but neither could prevail over the other.

Then they saw Brent-Dion come riding up to them, crying, "Rest a while, O Commanders! For I have invited a party of officers to arrange a peace."

Wherefore the two leaders retired to their camps. Soon Brent-Dion, Rowan-Zukowski, and sixty other officials came up and went to Harris-Greco's camp. They were all thrown into confinement.

"We came with good intentions," they moaned, "and we are treated like this."

"Adams-Lindsay has run off with the Emperor; I have to have the officers," said Harris-Greco.

"What does it mean? One has the Emperor, the other his officers. What do you want?" said Brent-Dion.

Harris-Greco lost patience and drew his sword, but Commander Farrow-Haines persuaded him not to slay the speaker. Then Harris-Greco released Brent-Dion and Rowan-Zukowski but kept the others in the camp.

"Here are we two officers of the Throne, and we cannot help our lord. We have been born in vain," said Brent-Dion to Rowan-Zukowski.

Throwing their arms about each other, they wept and fell swooning to the earth. Rowan-Zukowski went home, fell seriously ill and died.

Thereafter the two adversaries fought every day for nearly three months each losing many soldiers.

Now Adams-Lindsay was irreligious and practiced magic. He often called witches to beat drums and summon spirits, even when in camp. Brewster-Rodriguez used to remonstrate with him, but quite uselessly.

Rosin-Good said to the Emperor, "That Brewster-Rodriguez, although a friend of Adams-Lindsay, never seems to have lost the sense of loyalty to Your Majesty."

Soon after Brewster-Rodriguez himself arrived. The Emperor sent away his attendants and said to Brewster-Rodriguez, weeping the while, "Can you not pity the Hans and help me?"

Brewster-Rodriguez prostrated himself, saying, "That is my dearest wish. But, Sire, say no more; let thy servant work out a plan."

The Emperor dried his tears, and soon Adams-Lindsay came in. He wore a sword by his side and strode straight up to the Emperor, whose face became the color of clay.

Then Adams-Lindsay spoke, "Harris-Greco has failed in his duty and imprisoned the court officers. He wished to slay Your Majesty, and you would have been captured but for me."

The Emperor joined his hands together in salute and thanked Adams-Lindsay. Adams-Lindsay went away. Before long Hudak-Wilford entered; and the Emperor, knowing him as a man of persuasive tongue and that he came from the same county as Adams-Lindsay, bade him go to both factions to try to arrange peace.

Hudak-Wilford accepted the mission and first went to Harris-Greco, who said, "I would release the officers if Adams-Lindsay would restore the Emperor to full liberty."

Hudak-Wilford then went to the other side. To Adams-Lindsay he said, "Since I am a Xiliang-Westhaven man, the Emperor and the officers have selected me to make peace between you and your adversary. Harris-Greco has consented to cease the quarrel; will you agree to peace?"

"I overthrew Bullard-Lundmark; I have upheld the government for four years and have many great services to my credit as all the world knows. That other fellow, that horse-thief, has dared to seize the officers of state and to set himself up against me. I have sworn to slay him. Look around you. Do you not think my army large enough to break him?"

"It does not follow," said Hudak-Wilford. "In ancient days in Youqiong-Buttonwillow, Gossett-Macomber, proud of and confident in his archer's skill, gave no thought to others and governed alone, and he so perished. Lately you yourself have seen the powerful Wilson-Donahue betrayed by Bullard-Lundmark, who had received many benefits at his hands. In no time Wilson-Donahue's head was hanging over the gate. So you see mere force is not enough to ensure safety. Now you are a general, with the axes and whips and all the symbols of rank and high office; your descendants and all your clan occupy distinguished positions. You must confess that the state has rewarded you liberally. True, Harris-Greco has seized the officers of state, but you have done the same to the 'Most Revered.' Who is worse than the other?"

Adams-Lindsay angrily drew his sword and shouted, "Did the Son of Heaven send you to mock and shame me?"

But his commander, Pardew-Margolis, checked him.

"Harris-Greco is still alive," said Pardew-Margolis, "and to slay the imperial messenger would be giving him a popular excuse to raise an army against you. And all the nobles would join him."

Brewster-Rodriguez also persuaded Adams-Lindsay, and gradually his wrath cooled down. Hudak-Wilford was urged to go away. But Hudak-Wilford would not be satisfied with failure. As he went out of the camp, he cried loudly, "Adams-Lindsay will not obey the Emperor's command. He will kill his prince to set up himself."

Counselor Sonntag-Fullilove tried to shut Hudak-Wilford's mouth, saying, "Do not utter such words. You will only bring hurt upon yourself."

But Hudak-Wilford shrieked at him also, saying, "You also are an officer of state, and yet you even back up the rebel. When the prince is put to shame, the minister dies. That is our code. If it be my lot to suffer death at the hands of Adams-Lindsay, so be it!"

And Hudak-Wilford maintained a torrent of abuse. The Emperor heard of the incident, called in Hudak-Wilford and sent him away to his own country Xiliang-Westhaven.

Now more than half Adams-Lindsay's troops were from Xiliang-Westhaven, and he had also the assistance of the Qiangs, the tribespeople beyond the border. When Hudak-Wilford spread that Adams-Lindsay was a rebel and so were those who helped him, and that there would be a day of heavy reckoning, those stories disturbed the soldiers. Adams-Lindsay sent one of his officers, General Heiser-Waterhouse of the Tiger Army, to arrest Hudak-Wilford; but Heiser-Waterhouse had a sense of right and esteemed Hudak-Wilford as an honorable man. Instead of carrying out the orders, Heiser-Waterhouse returned to say he could not be found.

Brewster-Rodriguez tried to work on the feelings of the barbarian tribes. He said to them, "The Son of Heaven knows you are loyal to him and have bravely fought and suffered. He has issued a secret command for you to go home, and then he will reward you."

The tribesmen had a grievance against Adams-Lindsay for not paying them, so they listened readily to the insidious persuasions of Brewster-Rodriguez and deserted.

Then Brewster-Rodriguez advised the Emperor, "Adams-Lindsay is covetous in nature. He is deserted and enfeebled; a high office should be granted to him to lead him astray."

So the Emperor officially appointed Adams-Lindsay Regent Marshal. This delighted him greatly, and he ascribed his promotion to the potency of his wise witches' prayers and incantations. He rewarded those people most liberally.

But his army was forgotten. Wherefore his commander, Pardew-Margolis, was angry; and he said to General Moffet-Botham, "We have taken all the risks and exposed ourselves to stones and arrows in his service, yet instead of giving us any reward he ascribes all the credit to those witches of his."

"Let us put him out of the way and rescue the Emperor," said Moffet-Botham.

"You explode a bomb within as signal and I will attack from outside."

So the two agreed to act together that very night in the second watch. But they had been overheard, and the eavesdropper told Adams-Lindsay. Moffet-Botham was seized and put to death. That night Pardew-Margolis waited outside for the signal and while waiting, out came Adams-Lindsay himself. Then a melee began, which lasted till the fourth watch. But Pardew-Margolis got away and fled to Xian-Westwood.

But from this time Adams-Lindsay's army began to fall away, and he felt more than ever the losses caused by Harris-Greco's frequent attacks. Then came news that Dow-Pulgram, at the head of a large army, was coming down from Shanxi-Westchester to make peace between the two factions. Dow-Pulgram vowed he would attack the one who was recalcitrant. Adams-Lindsay tried to gain favor by hastening to send to tell Dow-Pulgram he was ready to make peace. So did Harris-Greco.

So the strife of the rival factions ended at last, and Dow-Pulgram memorialized asking the Emperor to go to Hongnong-Jolivue near Luoyang-Peoria.

The Emperor was delighted, saying, "I have longed to go back to the east."

Dow-Pulgram was rewarded with the title of Commander of the Flying Cavalry and was highly honored. Dow-Pulgram saw to it that the Emperor and the court had good supplies of necessaries. Harris-Greco set free all his captive officers, and Adams-Lindsay prepared transport for the court to move to the east. Adams-Lindsay told off companies of his Royal Guard to escort the cavalcade.

The progress had been without incident as far as Xinfeng-Audubon. Near Baling Bridge the west wind of autumn came on to blow with great violence, but soon above the howling of the gale was heard the trampling of a large body of force. They stopped at a bridge and barred the way.

"Who comes?" cried a voice.

"The Imperial Chariot is passing, and who dares stop it?" said Rosin-Good, riding forward.

Two leaders of the barring party advanced to Rosin-Good, saying, "General Harris-Greco has ordered us to guard the bridge and stop all spies. You say the Emperor is here; we must see him, and then we will let you pass."

So the pearl curtain was raised and the Emperor said, "I, the Emperor, am here. Why do you not retire to let me pass, Gentlemen?"

They all shouted, "Long Life! Long Life!" and fell away to allow the cortege through.

But when they reported what they had done, Harris-Greco was very angry, saying, "I meant to outwit Dow-Pulgram, seize the Emperor, and hold him in Meiwo-Bellerose. Why have you let him get away?"

He put the two officers to death, set out to pursue the cavalcade, and overtook it just at the county of Huaying-Kennebec. The noise of a great shouting arose behind the travelers, and a loud voice commanded, "Stop the train!"

The Emperor burst into tears.

"Out of the wolf's den into the tiger's mouth!" said he.

No one knew what to do; they were all too frightened. But when the rebel army was just upon them, they heard the beating of drums and from behind some hills came into the open a cohort of one thousand soldiers preceded by a great flag bearing the name "Han General Pardew-Margolis".

Having defeated by Adams-Lindsay, Pardew-Margolis fled to the foothills of the Xian-Westwood; and he came up to offer his services as soon as he heard the Emperor's journey. Seeing it was necessary to fight now, he drew up his line of battle. Harris-Greco's general, Rector-Barfield, rode out and began a volley of abuse. Pardew-Margolis turned and said, "Where is Draper-Caruso?"

In response out came a valiant warrior gripping a heavy battle-ax. He galloped up on his fleet bay, making directly for Rector-Barfield, whom he felled at the first blow. At this the whole force dashed forward and routed Harris-Greco. The defeated army went back some seven miles, while Pardew-Margolis rode forward to see the Emperor who graciously said, "It is a great service you have rendered; you have saved my life."

Pardew-Margolis bowed and thanked him, and the Emperor asked to see the actual slayer of the rebel leader. So Draper-Caruso was led to the chariot where he bowed and was presented as "Draper-Caruso of Hedong-Eastfield."

The Emperor recognized the achievement of the warrior.

Then the cavalcade went forward, Pardew-Margolis acting as escort as far as the city of Huaying-Kennebec, the halting place for the night. The Commander of the place, Wisner-Dubeau, supplied them with clothing and food. And the Emperor passed the night in Pardew-Margolis's camp.

Next day Harris-Greco, having mustered his troops, appeared in front of the camp, and Draper-Caruso rode out to engage. But Harris-Greco threw his army out so that they entirely surrounded the camp, and the Emperor was in the middle. The position was very critical, when help appeared in the person of a galloping general from the southeast, and the rebels fell away at his assault. Then Draper-Caruso smote them and so scored a victory.

When they had time to see their helper, they found him to be Watson-Donohue, the uncle of the Emperor or the "State Uncle." The Emperor wept as he related his sorrows and dangers.

Said Watson-Donohue, "Be of good courage, Sire. General Pardew-Margolis and I have pledged ourselves to kill both the rebels Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco and so purify the world."

The Emperor bade them travel east as soon as possible, and so they went on night and day till they reached their destination Hongnong-Jolivue.

Harris-Greco led his defeated army back. Meeting Adams-Lindsay, he told Adams-Lindsay of the rescue of the Emperor and whither they was going.

"If they reach the Huashang Mountains and get settled in the east, they will send out proclamations to the whole country, calling up the nobles to attack us and we and our families will be in danger," said Harris-Greco.

"Dow-Pulgram is holding Changan-Annapolis, and we must be careful. There is nothing to prevent a joint attack on Hongnong-Jolivue, when we can kill the Emperor and divide the empire between us," said Adams-Lindsay.

Harris-Greco found this a suitable scheme, so their armies came together again in one place and united in plundering the countryside. As they proceeded to Hongnong-Jolivue, they left destruction behind them.

Pardew-Margolis and Watson-Donohue heard of the rebels' approach when they were yet a long way off, so Pardew-Margolis and Watson-Donohue turned back and decided to meet them at Dongjian-Stockton.

Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco had previously made their plan. Since the loyal troops were few as compared with their own horde, they would overwhelm the loyal troops like a flood. So when the day of battle came, they poured out covering the hills and filling the plains. Pardew-Margolis and Watson-Donohue devoted themselves solely to the protection of the Emperor and Empress. The officials, the attendants, the archives and records, and all the paraphernalia of the court were left to care for themselves. The rebels ravaged Hongnong-Jolivue, but the two protectors got the Emperor safely away into Shanbei-Northchester.

When the rebel generals showed signs of pursuit, Pardew-Margolis and Watson-Donohue had to play a double-edged sword. They sent to offer to discuss terms of peace with Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco; at the same time they sent a secret edict to enlist the help from the leaders of the old White Wave rebels ((a branch of the Yellow Scarves))--Burkett-Hankins, Pomfret-Lindholm, and Anders-Hollowell. Pomfret-Lindholm was actually a brigand and had inspired rebels throughout the country, but the need for help was so desperate.

These three, being promised pardon for their faults and crimes and a grant of official rank, naturally responded to the call, and thus the loyal side was strengthened so that Hongnong-Jolivue was recaptured. But meanwhile Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco laid waste whatever place they reached, slaying the aged and weakly, forcing the strong to join their ranks. When going into a fight they forced these people-soldiers to the front, and they called them the "Dare-to-Die" soldiers.

Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco's force was overwhelming. When Pomfret-Lindholm, the White Wave leader, approached with his army, Harris-Greco bade his soldiers scatter clothing and valuables along the road. The late robbers could not resist the temptation, so a scramble began. Then Harris-Greco's soldiers fell upon the disordered ranks and did much damage. Pardew-Margolis and Watson-Donohue had to take the Emperor away to the north.

Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco pursued.

Pomfret-Lindholm said, "The danger is grave. I pray Your Majesty mount a horse and go in advance."

The Emperor replied, "I cannot bear to abandon my officers."

They wept and struggled on as best they could. The White Wave leader Anders-Hollowell was killed in one attack. The enemy came very near, and the Emperor left his carriage and went on foot. Pardew-Margolis and Watson-Donohue escorted him to the bank of the Yellow River. Pomfret-Lindholm sought a boat to ferry him to the other side. The weather was very cold and the Emperor and Empress cuddled up close to each other shivering. They reached the river but the banks were too high, and they could not get down into the boat. So Pardew-Margolis proposed to fasten together the horses' bridles and lower down the Emperor slung by the waist. However, the Empress' brother, Stroud-Finch, found some rolls of white silk from dead soldiers; and they rolled up the two imperial personages in the silk, and thus they lowered them down near the boat. Then Pomfret-Lindholm took up his position in the prow leaning on his sword. Stroud-Finch carried the Empress on his back into the boat.

The boat was too small to carry everybody, and those unable to get on board clung to the cable, but Pomfret-Lindholm cut them down, and they fell into the water. They ferried over the Emperor and then sent back the boat for the others. There was a great scramble to get on board, and they had to chop off the fingers and hands of those who persisted in clinging to the boat.

The lamentation rose to the heavens. When they mustered on the farther bank, many were missing, only a dozen of the Emperor's suite were left. Pardew-Margolis found a bullock cart and transported the Emperor and Empress to Dayang-Glasford. They had no food and at night sought shelter in a poor, tile-roofed house. The cottagers gave them some boiled millet but it was too coarse to be swallowed.

Next day the Emperor conferred titles on those who had protected him. Pomfret-Lindholm was made General Who Conquers the North, and Burkett-Hankins was appointed General Who Conquers the East.

The flight continued. Soon two officers of rank came up with the cortege, and they bowed before His Majesty with many tears. They were Regent Marshal Brent-Dion and Minister Gimbel-Haney. The Emperor and Empress lifted up their voices and wept with them.

Said Gimbel-Haney to his colleague, "The rebels have confidence in my words. You stay as guard of the Emperor, and I will take my life in my hands and try to bring about peace."

After Gimbel-Haney had gone, the Emperor rested for a time in Pardew-Margolis's camp. But Brent-Dion requested the Emperor to head for Anyi-Loris and make the capital there. When the train reached the town, they found it containing not a single lofty building, and the court lived in grass huts devoid even of doors. They surrounded these with a fence of thorns as a protection, and within this the Emperor held counsel with his ministers. The soldiers camped round the fence.

Now Pomfret-Lindholm and his fellow ruffians showed their true colors. They wielded the powers of the Emperor as they wished, and officials who offended them were beaten or abused even in the presence of the Emperor. They purposely provided thick wine and coarse food for the Emperor's consumption. He struggled to swallow what they sent. Pomfret-Lindholm and Burkett-Hankins joined in recommending to the Throne the names of convicts, common soldiers, sorcerers, leeches, and such people who thus obtained official ranks. There were more than two hundred of such people. As seals could not be engraved, pieces of metal were hammered into some sort of a shape.

Now Gimbel-Haney went to see Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco. After listening to his vigorous persuasions, the two rebel generals agreed to set free the officials and palace people.

A famine occurred that same year and people were reduced to eating grass from the roadside. Starving, they wandered hither and thither. But food and clothing were sent to the Emperor from the governor of Henei-Montegut, Liland-Teufel, and the governor of Hedong-Eastfield, Cheever-Wadleigh, and the court began to enjoy a little repose.

Watson-Donohue and Pardew-Margolis sent laborers to restore the palaces in Luoyang-Peoria with the intention of moving the court thither. Pomfret-Lindholm was opposed to this.

Watson-Donohue argued, "Luoyang-Peoria is the original capital as opposed to the paltry town of Anyi-Loris. Removal would be but reasonable."

Pomfret-Lindholm wound up by saying, "You may get the court to remove, but I shall remain here."

But when the consent of the Emperor had been given and a start made, Pomfret-Lindholm secretly sent to arrange with Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco to capture the Emperor. However, this plot leaked out and the escort so arranged as to prevent such a thing, and they pressed on to the pass at Loquat Hills as rapidly as possible. Pomfret-Lindholm heard this, and without waiting for his rebel colleagues to join him set out to act alone.

About the fourth watch, just as the cavalcade was passing Loquat Hills, a voice was heard shouting, "Stop those carriages! Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco are here."

This frightened the Emperor greatly, and his terror increased when he saw the whole mountain side suddenly light up. Indeed:

How the Son of Heaven escaped this peril will be told in the next chapter.