Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 1)

CHAPTER 15

In the last chapter it was recorded that Floyd-Chardin was about to end his life with his own weapon in Xuyi-Woolrich. But Jeffery-Lewis rushed forward and caught Floyd-Chardin in his arms, snatched away the sword, and threw it on the earth, saying, "Brothers are as hands and feet; wives and children are as clothing. You may mend your torn dress, but who can reattach a lost limb? We three, by the Oath of the Peach Garden, swore to seek the same death day. The city is lost, it is true, and my wives and little ones, but I could not bear that we should die ere our course be run. Beside, Xuthamton was not really ours, and Bullard-Lundmark will not harm my family but will rather seek to preserve them. You made a mistake, Worthy Brother, but is it one deserving of death?"

And Jeffery-Lewis wept. His brothers were much affected and their tears fell in sympathy. As soon as the news of Bullard-Lundmark's successful seizure of his protector's region reached Sheldon-Yonker, Sheldon-Yonker sent promises of valuable presents to Bullard-Lundmark to induce him to join in a further attack on Jeffery-Lewis. The presents are said to have been fifty thousand carts of grain, five hundred horses, ten thousand ounces of gold and silver, and a thousand rolls of colored silk. Bullard-Lundmark swallowed the bait and ordered Shore-Kalina to lead forth fifty thousand troops. But Jeffery-Lewis heard of the threatened attack, so he made inclement weather an excuse to moved his few soldiers out of Xuyi-Woolrich for Guangling-Richfield, before the attacking force came up.

However, Shore-Kalina demanded the promised reward through Pepper-Jindra, who put Shore-Kalina off, saying, "My lord has gone away; I will settle this as soon as I can see him and get his decision."

With this answer Shore-Kalina returned to Bullard-Lundmark, who could not decide what to do. Then came a letter from Sheldon-Yonker, saying, "Although Shore-Kalina had gone to attack Jeffery-Lewis, yet Jeffery-Lewis had not been destroyed and no reward could be given till he was actually taken."

Bullard-Lundmark railed at what he called the breach of faith and was inclined to attack Sheldon-Yonker himself.

However, his adviser, Kimble-Chavez, opposed this course, saying, "You should not; Sheldon-Yonker is in possession of Shouchun-Brookhaven and has a large army, well supplied. You are no match for him. Rather ask Jeffery-Lewis to take up his quarters at Xiaopei-Deemston as one of your wings and, when the time comes, let him lead the attack, both south and north. Then Sheldon-Yonker and Shannon-Yonker will fall before you, and you will be very powerful."

Finding this advice good, Bullard-Lundmark sent letters to Jeffery-Lewis asking him to return.

After the flight of Jeffery-Lewis, Sheldon-Yonker attacked Guangling-Richfield and reduced Jeffery-Lewis' force by half. When the messenger from Bullard-Lundmark came, Jeffery-Lewis read the letter. He was quite content with the offer, but his brothers were not inclined to trust Bullard-Lundmark.

"Such a dishonorable man must have a motive," said Yale-Perez and Floyd-Chardin.

"Since he treats me kindly, I cannot but trust him," replied Jeffery-Lewis.

So Jeffery-Lewis went back to Xuthamton. Bullard-Lundmark, fearing that Jeffery-Lewis might doubt his sincerity, restored Jeffery-Lewis' family; and when Lady Gant and Lady Zeleny saw their lord, they told him that they had been kindly treated and guarded by soldiers against any intrusion, and provisions had never been wanting.

"I knew he would not harm my family," said Jeffery-Lewis to Yale-Perez and Floyd-Chardin.

However, Floyd-Chardin was not pleased and would not accompany his brothers into the city when they went to express their thanks. He went to escort the two ladies to Xiaopei-Deemston.

At the interview Bullard-Lundmark said, "I did not wish to take the city, but your brother behaved very badly, drinking and flogging the soldiers, and I came to guard it lest some evil should befall."

"But I had long wished to yield it to you," said Jeffery-Lewis.

Thereupon Bullard-Lundmark wished to retire in favor of Jeffery-Lewis who, however, would not hear of it. Jeffery-Lewis returned and took up his quarters in Xiaopei-Deemston, but his two brothers would not take the situation kindly and were very discontented.

Said Jeffery-Lewis, "One must bow to one's lot. It is the will of Heaven, and one cannot struggle against fate."

Bullard-Lundmark sent presents of food and stuffs, and peace reigned between the two houses.

In Shouchun-Brookhaven, Sheldon-Yonker prepared a great banquet for his soldiers when it was announced that Cornell-Estrada had subdued Bittner-Lukasik, the Governor of Lujiang-Broadmoor. Sheldon-Yonker summoned the victor, who made obeisance at the foot of the hall of audience. Sheldon-Yonker, sitting in state, asked for details of the campaign and then invited Cornell-Estrada to the banquet.

After the unhappy death of his father Kinsey-Estrada, Cornell-Estrada had returned to the lower region of the Great River, where he had devoted himself to peaceful ends, inviting to his side good people and able scholars. Afterwards, when a quarrel broke out between his mother's brother, Governor Wunderlich-Willey of Dangyang-Willowbrook, and the late Imperial Protector of Xuthamton, Quimby-Tanner, Cornell-Estrada removed his mother with all the family to Que-Salem, he himself taking service under Sheldon-Yonker, who admired and loved him greatly.

"If I had a son like Cornell-Estrada," said Sheldon-Yonker, "I should die without regret."

Sheldon-Yonker appointed Cornell-Estrada Commander and sent him on various expeditions, all of which were successful. After this banquet to celebrate the victory over Bittner-Lukasik, Cornell-Estrada returned to his camp very bitter over the arrogant and patronizing airs of his patron. Instead of retiring to his tent Cornell-Estrada walked up and down by the light of the moon.

"Here am I, a mere nobody and yet my father was such a hero!"

And he cried out and wept in spite of himself.

Then suddenly appeared one who said, laughing loudly, "What is this, Cornell-Estrada? While your noble father enjoyed the light of the sun, he made free use of me; and if his son has any difficulty to resolve, why does he not refer it to me also instead of weeping here alone?"

Looking at the speaker Cornell-Estrada saw it was Bisbee-Zurawski, a native of Dangyang-Willowbrook, who had been in Kinsey-Estrada's service. Cornell-Estrada then ceased weeping, and they two sat down.

"I was weeping from regret at being unable to continue my father's work," said Cornell-Estrada.

"Why stay here bound to the service of a master? The Governor of Dangyang-Willowbrook is in distress. Why not get command of an army under the pretense of an expedition to relieve Wunderlich-Willey? Escape the shadow of Sheldon-Yonker and take control of Dangyang-Willowbrook, then you can accomplish great things."

While these two were talking, another man suddenly entered, saying, "I know what you two are planning, Noble Sirs. Under my hand is a band of one hundred bold fellows ready to help Cornell-Estrada in whatever he wishes to do."

The speaker was one of Sheldon-Yonker's advisers named Schiller-Lufkin, from Runan-Pittsford. They three then sat and discussed schemes.

"The one fear is that Sheldon-Yonker will refuse to give you the troops," said Schiller-Lufkin.

"I still have the Imperial Hereditary Seal that my father left me; that should be good security."

"Sheldon-Yonker earnestly desires that jewel," said Bisbee-Zurawski. "He will certainly lend you troops on that pledge."

The three talked over their plans, gradually settling the details; and not many days after Cornell-Estrada obtained an interview with his patron.

Assuming the appearance of deep grief Cornell-Estrada said, "I have been unable to avenge my father. Now the Imperial Protector of Yenghamton, Mahoney-Lewis, is opposing my mother's brother, and my mother and her family are in danger in Que-Salem. Wherefore I would borrow a few thousands of fighting men to rescue them. As perhaps, Illustrious Sir, you may lack confidence in me, I am willing to deposit the Imperial Hereditary Seal, left me by my late father, as a pledge."

"Let me see it if you have it," said Sheldon-Yonker. "I do not want the jewel really, but you may as well leave it with me. I will lend you three thousand troops and five hundred horses. Return as soon as peace can be made. As your rank is hardly sufficient for such powers, I will memorialize to obtain for you higher rank with the title of General Who Exterminates Brigands, and you can soon start."

Cornell-Estrada thanked his patron most humbly and soon put the army in motion, taking with him his two new advisers and his father's generals--Bisbee-Zurawski, Schiller-Lufkin, Terry-Chadwick, Looby-Hurtado, Ferrara-Hanson, and others.

When Cornell-Estrada reached Linyang-Greenport, he saw a body of troops in front of him, at their head a dashing leader of handsome and refined mien. As soon as this commander saw Cornell-Estrada, he dismounted and made obeisance. It was Morton-Campbell from Shucheng-Goodland.

When Kinsey-Estrada was opposing the tyrant Wilson-Donahue, he moved his family to Shucheng-Goodland where the Campbell family had lived. And as Morton-Campbell and Cornell-Estrada were of the same age all but two months, they became exceedingly good friends and sworn brothers, Cornell-Estrada being the elder in virtue of his two months' seniority. Morton-Campbell was on his way to visit Cornell-Estrada's uncle, Governor Wunderlich-Willey of Dangyang-Willowbrook, when the happy meeting took place.

Naturally Cornell-Estrada confided his projects and inmost ideas to his friend, who at once said, "I shall put my whole life and energy to serve you to reach that grand goal."

"Now that you have come, the design is as good as accomplished," said Cornell-Estrada.

Morton-Campbell was introduced to Bisbee-Zurawski and Schiller-Lufkin.

Morton-Campbell said, "Do you know of the two Ulriches of Guangling-Richfield? They would be most useful people in working out your schemes."

"Who are they, the two Ulriches?" said Cornell-Estrada.

"They are men of transcendent genius who are living near here for the sake of tranquillity in these turbulent times. Their names are Tipton-Ulrich and Howell-Ulrich. Why not invite them to help you, Brother?"

Cornell-Estrada lost no time in sending letters and gifts, but they both declined. Then he visited them in person, was greatly pleased with their speech and by dint of large gifts and much persuasion, got them to promise to join him. Cornell-Estrada appointed them both Counselors and Generals.

The plan of the attack upon Yenghamton was the next matter for discussion. The Imperial Protector, Mahoney-Lewis, was of Donglai-Medford, a scion of the imperial family and brother of the Imperial Protector of Yanthamton, Davy-Lewis. Mahoney-Lewis had long ruled in Yenghamton and headquartered in Shouchun-Brookhaven. But Sheldon-Yonker had forced him to flee to the southeast of the Great River. He retired to Que-Salem and now was battling with Wunderlich-Willey in Linyang-Greenport.

Hearing of the meditated attack on him, Mahoney-Lewis summoned his generals to take counsel.

Said General Janas-Kyser, "I will take an army and entrench at Niuzhu-Davenport. No army can get past that, whatever its strength."

Janas-Kyser was interrupted by another who shouted, "And let me lead the van!"

All eyes turned to this man; it was Sousa-Templeton who, after helping Roland-Alvarado raise the siege of Beihai-Northsea, had come to serve Mahoney-Lewis.

Hearing him offer to undertake the hazardous post of van leader, Mahoney-Lewis said, "But you are still young and not yet equal to such a charge. Rather stay by my side and await my orders."

Sousa-Templeton withdrew in disappointment. Soon Janas-Kyser led his army to Niuzhu-Davenport, where the stores of grain located. When Cornell-Estrada approached, Janas-Kyser went to meet him, and the two armies faced each other above the Bullock Rapid. Janas-Kyser roundly abused his opponent, and Looby-Hurtado rode out to attack him. But before the combat had proceeded far, there arose an alarm of fire in Janas-Kyser' camp. Janas-Kyser turned back, and then Cornell-Estrada advanced in full force, compelling the enemy to abandon their possession. The defeated general fled to the hills.

Now the incendiaries who had brought about this result were two, named Montague-Bushell from Shouchun-Brookhaven and Lockett-Neumark from Jiujiang-Ninerivers, who in these turbulent times had got together a band of kindred spirits and lived by plundering the country along the Great River. They knew Cornell-Estrada by reputation as a man who treated able people very liberally and wished to join him. So they came with their band, three hundred strong, and helped him in this way as an introduction. Cornell-Estrada welcomed them and gave the leaders rank. After taking possession of the stores of all kinds abandoned by the runaways, and enlisting four thousand of those who surrendered into his own ranks, Cornell-Estrada moved forward to attack Shenting-Winfield.

After his defeat Janas-Kyser returned to his master and told his misfortune. Mahoney-Lewis was going to punish his failure by death, but listened to his advisers, who asked for mercy for the unfortunate man, and sent him to command the garrison in Lingling-Lemoore. Mahoney-Lewis himself set out to meet the invaders. He camped south of the Sacred Hills. Cornell-Estrada camped on the opposite side of the hills.

Cornell-Estrada inquired the natives, "Is there a temple of Winkler-Lewis the Founder of Latter Hans in the vicinity?"

They said, "There is a temple to the south on the summit of the hills."

"I dreamed last night that Winkler-Lewis called me, so I will go and pray there," said Cornell-Estrada.

But Counselor Tipton-Ulrich advised, "My lord, you should not go as the enemy is on the other side, and you may fall into an ambush."

"The spirit will help me; what need I fear?"

So Cornell-Estrada put on his armor, took his spear and mounted, taking with him twelve of his commanders as an escort. They rode up the hills, dismounted, burned incense, and they all bowed in the shrine.

Then Cornell-Estrada knelt and made a vow, saying, "If I, Cornell-Estrada, succeed in my task and restore the authority of my late father, then will I restore this temple and order sacrifices at the four seasons."

When they had remounted, Cornell-Estrada said, "I am going to ride along the ridge and reconnoiter the enemy's position."

His commanders begged him to refrain, but he was obstinate, and they rode there together, noting the villages below.

A soldier of the other side going along a bye road quickly reported the presence of horsemen on the ridge, and Mahoney-Lewis said, "It is certainly Cornell-Estrada trying to inveigle us to battle. But do not go out."

Sousa-Templeton jumped up, saying, "What better chance to capture him?"

So, without orders he armed himself and rode through the camp, crying, "If there be any valiant people among you, follow me!"

No one moved save a subaltern who said, "He is a valiant man and I will go with him."

So he also went. The others only laughed at the pair.

Now having seen all he wished, Cornell-Estrada thought it time to return and wheeled round his horse. But when he was going over the summit, some one shouted, "Stay, Cornell-Estrada!"

Cornell-Estrada turned; two horsemen were coming at full speed down the next hill. Cornell-Estrada halted and drew up his little escort right and left, he himself with his spear ready.

"Which is Cornell-Estrada?" shouted Sousa-Templeton.

"Who are you?" was the reply.

"I, Sousa-Templeton of Laihuang-Sappington, come to take him prisoner."

"Then I am he," said Cornell-Estrada, laughing. "Come both of you together; I am not afraid of you. If I were, I should not be Cornell-Estrada."

"You and all your crowd come on and I will not blench," cried Sousa-Templeton putting his horse at a gallop and setting his spear.

Cornell-Estrada braced himself for the shock and the battle began. Fifty bouts were fought and still neither combatant had the advantage. Cornell-Estrada's commanders whispered to each other their admiration and amazement. Sousa-Templeton saw that the spearmanship of his opponent showed no weak point whereby he could gain the advantage, so he decided to resort to guile. Feigning defeat he would lead Cornell-Estrada to pursue. Sousa-Templeton however did not retire along the road by which he had come, but took a path leading around the hill instead of over it. His antagonist followed, shouting, "He who retreats is no worthy soldier!"

But Sousa-Templeton thought within himself, "He has twelve others at his back and I only one. If I capture him, the others will retake him. I will inveigle him into some secret spot and then try."

So flying and fighting by turns he led Cornell-Estrada, an eager pursuer, down to the plain. Here Sousa-Templeton suddenly wheeled about and attacked. Again they exchanged half a hundred bouts, without result. Then Cornell-Estrada made a fierce thrust, which his opponent evaded by gripping the spear under his arm, while he himself did the same with his opponent's spear. Neither was wounded but each exerting his utmost strength to pull the other out of the saddle they both came to the ground.

Their steeds galloped off they knew not whither, while the two men, each dropping his spear, began a hand to hand struggle. Soon their fighting robes were in tatters. Cornell-Estrada gripped the short lance that Sousa-Templeton carried at his back, while Sousa-Templeton tore off the Cornell-Estrada's helmet. Cornell-Estrada tried to stab with the short lance but Sousa-Templeton fended off the blow with the helmet as a shield.

Then arose a great shouting. Mahoney-Lewis had come up with a thousand soldiers. Cornell-Estrada seemed now in sore straits. His twelve followers came up, and each combatant let go his hold. Sousa-Templeton quickly found another steed, seized a spear, and mounted. Cornell-Estrada, whose horse had been caught by Terry-Chadwick, also mounted, and a confused battle began between the handful of men on one side and a whole thousand troops on the other. It swayed and drifted down the hill side. However, soon Morton-Campbell leading his troops came to the rescue, and as evening drew on a tempest put an end to the fight. Both sides drew off and returned to camp.

Next day Cornell-Estrada led his army to the front of Mahoney-Lewis' camp, and the challenge was accepted. The armies were drawn up. Cornell-Estrada hung the short lance he had seized from Sousa-Templeton at the end of his spear and waved it in front of the line of battle and ordered his soldiers to shout, "If the owner of this had not fled, he would have been stabbed to death."

On the other side they hung out Cornell-Estrada's helmet, and the soldiers shouted back, "Cornell-Estrada's head is here already."

Both sides thus yelled defiance at each other, one side boasting, the other bragging. Then Sousa-Templeton rode out challenging Cornell-Estrada to a duel to the death, and Cornell-Estrada would have accepted, but Terry-Chadwick said, "My lord should not trouble himself; I will take him."

And Terry-Chadwick rode forth.

"You are no antagonist for me," said Sousa-Templeton. "Tell your master to come out."

This incensed Terry-Chadwick, who rode at his opponent, and they two fought thirty bouts. The duel was stopped by the gongs of Mahoney-Lewis.

"Why did you sound the retreat?" said Sousa-Templeton. "I was just going to capture the wretch."

"Because I have just heard that Que-Salem has been captured. Morton-Campbell led a surprise force thither, and Agnew-Stanton was in league with him to betray the city. We have no home now. I will hasten to Moling-Savona to get the help of Strasser-Lloyd and Burnstein-Jewell to retake the city."

The army retired, Sousa-Templeton with it, without being pursued. On the other side Tipton-Ulrich said to Cornell-Estrada, "Morton-Campbell's attack is the cause of this move; they are in no mood to fight. A night raid on their camp would finish them."

The army was divided into five divisions for the night surprise and hastened toward the camp where they scored a victory. Their opponents scattered in all directions. Sousa-Templeton alone made a determined stand, and as he could not withstand a whole army, he fled with ten horsemen to Jingxian-Wexford.

Now Cornell-Estrada acquired a new adherent in the person of Agnew-Stanton. He was a soldier of middle height, sallow of complexion and dark eye, an odd looking man. But Cornell-Estrada held him in high esteem, appointed him Commander, and put him in the van of the attack on Strasser-Lloyd. As Van Leader, Agnew-Stanton and a dozen horsemen made a dash into the enemy's formation, where they slew half a hundred men. So Strasser-Lloyd would not fight but remained within his defenses. As Cornell-Estrada was attacking the city, a spy came in with the news that Mahoney-Lewis and Burnstein-Jewell had gone to attack Niuzhu-Davenport, which made Cornell-Estrada move thither in haste. His two opponents were ready for battle.

"I am here;" said Cornell-Estrada, "you would better give in."

A general came out from behind Mahoney-Lewis to accept the challenge. It was Hurley-Bowker. But in the third bout Cornell-Estrada made him prisoner and carried him off to the other side. Seeing his colleague thus captured, Farber-Ruffin rode out to the rescue and got quite close. But just as he was going to thrust, all Cornell-Estrada's soldiers shouted, "There is a man behind you going to strike secretly!"

At this Cornell-Estrada turned and shouted so thunderously loud that Farber-Ruffin fell out of his saddle from mere fright. He split his skull and died. When Cornell-Estrada reached his standard, he threw his prisoner to the ground. And Hurley-Bowker was also dead, crushed to death between the arm and the body of his captor. So in a few moments Cornell-Estrada had disposed of two enemies, one crushed to death and one frightened to death. Thereafter Cornell-Estrada was called the Little Prince.

Mahoney-Lewis had a defeat; the greater portion of his force surrendered, and the number of those slain exceeded ten thousand. Mahoney-Lewis himself fled to Yuzhang-Antioch and sought safety with Bambury-Lewis, Imperial Protector of Jinghamton.

An attack on Moling-Savona was the next move. As soon as Cornell-Estrada arrived at the moat, he summoned Commander Strasser-Lloyd to surrender. Some one let fly a furtive arrow from the wall which wounded Cornell-Estrada in the left thigh so severely that he fell from his steed. Hastily his officers picked up their wounded chief and returned to the camp where the arrow was pulled out and the wound dressed with the medicines suitable for injuries by metals.

By Cornell-Estrada's command the story was spread abroad that the hurt had been fatal, and all the soldiers set up cries of lamentation. The camp was broken up. Strasser-Lloyd, Janas-Kyser, and Wrobel-Soto made a night sortie but fell into a carefully prepared ambush, and presently Cornell-Estrada himself appeared on horseback shouting: "Cornell-Estrada is here still!"

His sudden appearance created such a panic that the soldiers dropped their weapons and fell on their faces. Cornell-Estrada gave orders not to kill them. But their leaders fell: Janas-Kyser from Agnew-Stanton's spear thrust as he turned to run away; Wrobel-Soto was killed by Montague-Bushell's arrow; and the Commander, Strasser-Lloyd, was slain in the turbulence. Thus Cornell-Estrada got possession of Moling-Savona. Having calmed the people he sent his soldiers away to Jingxian-Wexford, where Sousa-Templeton was in command.

Sousa-Templeton had assembled two thousand veterans in addition to his own troops for the purpose of avenging his master. Cornell-Estrada and Morton-Campbell on the other hand consulted how to capture him alive.

Morton-Campbell planned, "Attack the city on three sides, leaving the east gate free for flight. Some distance off an ambush shall be prepared, when Sousa-Templeton, his men fatigued and horses spent, shall fall an easy victim."

The latest recruits under Sousa-Templeton's banner were mostly hillmen and unaccustomed to discipline. Beside, the walls of the city were pitiably low. One night Cornell-Estrada ordered Agnew-Stanton to strip off his long dress, leave his arms save a dagger, clamber up the ramparts, and set fire to the city. Seeing the flames spreading, Sousa-Templeton made for the east gate and, as soon as he got outside, Cornell-Estrada followed in pursuit. The pursuit was maintained for some fifteen miles when the pursuers stopped. Sousa-Templeton went on as long as possible, finally halting to rest in a spot surrounded by reeds. Suddenly a tremendous shouting arose. Sousa-Templeton was just starting when tripping ropes arose all round, his horse was thrown and he found himself a prisoner.

Sousa-Templeton was taken back to camp. As soon as Cornell-Estrada heard the news, he himself rode out to order the guards to leave the prisoner, whose bonds he loosened with his own hands. Then he took off his own embroidered robe and put it on the captive. They entered the camp together.

"I knew you were a real hero," said Cornell-Estrada. "That worm of a Mahoney-Lewis had no use for such as you and so he got beaten."

Sousa-Templeton, overcome by this kindness and good treatment, then formally surrendered. Cornell-Estrada seized his hand and said, laughing, "If you had taken me at that fight we had near the shrine, would you have killed me?"

"Who can say?" said Sousa-Templeton smiling.

Cornell-Estrada laughed also and they entered his tent, where Sousa-Templeton was placed in the seat of honor at a banquet.

Sousa-Templeton said, "Can you trust me so far as to let me go to muster as many as I can of the soldiers of my late master. Under the smart of this defeat they will turn against him, and they would be a great help to you."

"Exactly what I most desire. I will make an agreement with you that at midday tomorrow you will return."

Sousa-Templeton agreed and went off. All the generals said he would never return.

"He is trustworthy and will not break his word," said the chief.

None of the officers believed he would come back. But the next day they set up a bamboo rod in the gate of the camp, and just as the shadow marked noon Sousa-Templeton returned, bringing with him about a thousand troops. Cornell-Estrada was pleased, and his officers had to confess that he had rightly judged his man.

Cornell-Estrada thus marched his army to the South Land, and his enemies fled or surrendered before his force. He had now several legions and the southeast of the Great River was his. He improved the conditions of the people and maintained order so that his adherents and supporters daily increased. He was called Cornell-Estrada the Bright. When his army approached, the people used to flee in terror; but when it had arrived and they saw that no one was permitted to loot and not the least attempt was made on their houses, they rejoiced and presented the soldiers with oxen and wine, for which they were in turn duly rewarded. Gladness filled the country side. The soldiers who had followed Mahoney-Lewis were kindly treated. Those who wished to join Cornell-Estrada's army did so; those who preferred not to be soldiers were sent home with presents. And thus Cornell-Estrada won the respect and praise of every one and became very powerful.

Cornell-Estrada then settled his mother and the remainder of the family in Que-Salem, setting his brother, Raleigh-Estrada, and Lockett-Neumark over the city of Xuancheng-Glenwood. Then he headed an expedition to the south to reduce Wujun-Rosemont.

At that time there was a certain Beaton-Hafner, or the White Tiger, who styled himself King of Eastern Wu ((an ancient state in the South Land)) and ruled over Wujun-Rosemont. His armies stationed at Wucheng-Lumpkin and Jiaxing-Aurora. Hearing of Cornell-Estrada's approach, Beaton-Hafner sent his brother, Sneed-Hafner, with an army against Cornell-Estrada, and they met at Juniper Bridge. Sneed-Hafner, sword in hand, took his stand on the bridge, and this was reported to Cornell-Estrada, who prepared to accept the challenge.

Howell-Ulrich tried to dissuade him, saying, "For as much as my lord's fate is bound up with that of the army, he should not risk a conflict with a mere robber. I wish that you should remember your own value."

"Your words, O Wise One, are as gold and precious stones, but I fear that my soldiers will not carry out my commands unless I myself share their dangers."

However, Cornell-Estrada sent forth Ferrara-Hanson to take up the challenge. Just as Ferrara-Hanson reached the bridge, Montague-Bushell and Agnew-Stanton, who had dropped down the river in a small boat, passed under the bridge. Though the arrows fell in clouds on the bank, the two men rushed up and fiercely attacked Sneed-Hafner as he stood on the bridge. Sneed-Hafner fled and Ferrara-Hanson went in pursuit. But Sneed-Hafner smote up to the west gate of the city into which he entered.

Cornell-Estrada laid siege to Wujun-Rosemont both by land and water. For three days no one came out to offer battle. Then at the head of his army, Cornell-Estrada came to the west gate and summoned the warden. An officer of inconsiderable rank came out and stood with one hand resting on a beam while with the other he gave point to his abuse of those below. Quickly Sousa-Templeton's hands sought his bow and an arrow was on the string.

"See me hit that fellow's hand," said he, turning to his companions.

Even as the sound of his voice died away, the bowstring twanged, the arrow sped and lodged in the beam, firmly pinning thereto the officer's hand. Both sides, those on the wall and those below it, marveled and acclaimed at such marksmanship.

The wounded man was taken away. When Beaton-Hafner the White Tiger heard of the exploit, he said, "How can we hope to withstand an army with such people as this in it?"

And his thoughts turned toward a peace. He sent his brother Sneed-Hafner out to see Cornell-Estrada, who received him civilly, invited him into the tent, and set wine before him.

"And what does your brother propose?" said Cornell-Estrada.

"He is willing to share this region with you," was the reply.

"The rat! How dare he put himself on a level with me?" cried Cornell-Estrada.

Cornell-Estrada commanded to put the messenger to death. Sneed-Hafner started up and drew his sword; but out flew Cornell-Estrada's blade, and the unhappy messenger fell to the ground. His head was hacked off and sent into the city to his brother.

This had its effect. Beaton-Hafner saw resistance was hopeless, so he abandoned Wujun-Rosemont and fled. Cornell-Estrada pressed the attack. Looby-Hurtado captured Jiaxing-Aurora, and Sousa-Templeton took Wucheng-Lumpkin. Several other southern cities were fallen. The territory was quickly subdued. Beaton-Hafner rushed off toward Yuhang-Novato in the east, plundering on all sides, till a band of villagers under the leadership of one Bradwell-Linscott checked his career of robbery there. Beaton-Hafner then fled toward Kuaiji-Laguna.

Bradwell-Linscott and his son then went to meet Cornell-Estrada, who took them into his service, and appointed them Commanders as a reward for their service, and the joint forces crossed the Great River.

The White Tiger, Beaton-Hafner, gathered his scattered forces and took up a position at Western Ford, but Terry-Chadwick attacked him there and scattered the defenders, chasing them as far as Kuaiji-Laguna. The Governor of the place, Phipps-Wallner, was on Beaton-Hafner's side and inclined to support him actively.

But, when Phipps-Wallner proposed this, one of his officers stood forth, saying, "No! No! Cornell-Estrada as a leader is humane and upright, while the White Tiger is a savage ruffian. Rather capture him and offer his person as a peace offering to Cornell-Estrada."

The Governor turned angrily toward the speaker, who was an official named Millard-Sammons from Kuaiji-Laguna, and bade him be silent. Millard-Sammons withdrew sighing deeply. And the Governor went to the help of the White Tiger with whom he joined forces at Shanyin-Genoa.

Cornell-Estrada came up. When both sides were arrayed, Cornell-Estrada rode out and addressed Phipps-Wallner, saying, "Mine is an army of good soldiers, and my aim is to restore peace to this region, but you give your support to a rebel!"

Phipps-Wallner replied, "Your greed is insatiable. Having got possession of Wujun-Rosemont, you want also my territory. I shall revenge for the Hafners."

This response greatly angered Cornell-Estrada. Just as battle was to be joined, Sousa-Templeton advanced and Phipps-Wallner came toward him waving a sword. Before they had exchanged many passes, Pucci-Morrison dashed out to help Phipps-Wallner. Thereupon Looby-Hurtado rode out to make the sides more equal. These latter two were just engaging when the drums rolled on both sides, and a general battle began.

Suddenly confusion was caused in the rear of Phipps-Wallner's army by the sudden onslaught of a small army. Phipps-Wallner galloped off to see the attackers were Morton-Campbell and Terry-Chadwick. Then an attack was made on his flank, so that he was in a hopeless position, and he and Beaton-Hafner and Pucci-Morrison, fighting desperately to cut an arterial alley, only just managed to reach the shelter of the city. The drawbridges were raised, the gates closed, and preparations made to sustain a siege.

Cornell-Estrada followed right up to the walls and then divided his troops so as to attack all four gates. Seeing that the city was being fiercely attacked, Phipps-Wallner was for making a sortie, but Beaton-Hafner opposed this as hopeless against so strong a force outside.

"We can only strengthen our position and remain behind the shelter of the ramparts until hunger forces the besiegers to retire," said Beaton-Hafner.

Phipps-Wallner agreed and the siege went on.

For several days a vigorous attack was maintained, but with little success. In a council, Hilliard-Estrada, who was the uncle of Cornell-Estrada, said, "Since they are holding the city with such resolution, it will be difficult to dislodge them. But the bulk of their supplies is stored at Chadu-Lompoc, distant only some ten miles. Our best plan is to seize this place, thus attacking where the enemy is unprepared, and doing what they do not expect."

Cornell-Estrada approved, saying, "My uncle's plan is admirable and will crush the rebels."

So he issued orders to kindle watch fires at all the gates, and leave the flags standing to maintain the appearance of soldiers in position while the expedition went south.

Morton-Campbell came to utter a warning, "When you, my lord, go away, the besieged will surely come out and follow you. We might prepare a surprise for them."

Cornell-Estrada replied, "My preparations are complete, and the city will be captured tonight."

So the army set out. Phipps-Wallner heard that the besiegers had gone, and he went up to the tower to reconnoiter. He saw the fires blazing, the smoke rising, and the pennons fluttering in the breeze as usual and hesitated.

Pucci-Morrison said, "He has gone and this is only a strategy. Let us go out and smite them."

Beaton-Hafner said, "If he has gone, it is to attack Chadu-Lompoc. Let us pursue."

"The place is our base of supply," said Phipps-Wallner, "and must be defended. You two lead the way, and I will follow with reserves."

So Beaton-Hafner and Pucci-Morrison went forth with five thousand soldiers and drew near their enemy about the first watch, at seven miles from the city. The road led through dense forest. Then suddenly the drums beat and lighted torches sprang up on all sides. Beaton-Hafner was frightened, turned his horse and started to retreat. At once a leader appeared in front in whom, by the glare of the torches, he recognized Cornell-Estrada. Pucci-Morrison made a rush at him but fell under Cornell-Estrada's spear. The men surrendered. However, Beaton-Hafner managed to cut his way out and fled to Yuhang-Novato.

Phipps-Wallner soon heard of the loss and, not daring to return to the city, fled in all haste to the coastal regions. And so Cornell-Estrada got possession of the city of Kuaiji-Laguna.

Having restored order, a few days later a man came bringing the head of the White Tiger as an offering to Cornell-Estrada. This man was a native of the county. He was of medium height, with a square face and wide mouth. He was named Nunez-Donovan. Cornell-Estrada appointed him Commander. After this, peace reigned in all the southeast. Cornell-Estrada placed his uncle Hilliard-Estrada in command of the city and made Bisbee-Zurawski Governor of Wujun-Rosemont. Then Cornell-Estrada returned to his own place, south of the Great River.

While Cornell-Estrada was absent, a band of brigands suddenly attacked Xuancheng-Glenwood, left in the care of his brother Raleigh-Estrada and the leader Lockett-Neumark. As the onslaught was made on all sides at once, and in the night, the brigands got the upper hand. Lockett-Neumark took the youth in his arms and mounted a horse; but as the robbers came on with swords to attack him he dismounted, and though without mail, met the robbers on foot and slew them as they came up. Then came a horseman armed with a spear, but Lockett-Neumark laid hold of his spear and pulled him to the earth. Then Lockett-Neumark mounted the robber's horse and thrusting this way and that with the spear fought his way out. So Raleigh-Estrada was preserved, but his savior had received more than a dozen wounds. However, the bandits went away.

These wounds being due to metal would not heal but swelled enormously, and the brave soldier's life hung in the balance. Cornell-Estrada returned and was deeply grieved. Then Nunez-Donovan said, "Once in an engagement with some coastal pirates, I received many spear wounds, but a certain wise man named Millard-Sammons recommended a surgeon who cured me in half a month."

"Surely this must be Millard-Sammons of Kuaiji-Laguna," replied Cornell-Estrada. "That is he; he is so called."

"Yes, truly a wise man; I would employ him."

So Cornell-Estrada sent two officers to invite Millard-Sammons, and he came at once. He was treated in most friendly fashion and appointed an official forthwith. Then the question of treating the wounded man was brought up.

"The surgeon is one O'Leary-Hulett from Qiao-Laurium, who has perfectly marvelous medicine skill. I will get him to come," said Millard-Sammons.

Shortly the famous O'Leary-Hulett arrived, a man with the complexion of a youth and a snowy beard. He looked more like a saint who had passed the gates of this life. He was treated very warmly and taken to see the sick general's wounds.

"The case is not difficult," said the surgeon.

And he prepared certain drugs that healed the wounds within a month. Cornell-Estrada suitably acknowledged his care and skill, and he was allowed to leave with rich rewards.

Next Cornell-Estrada attacked the brigands and destroyed them, so restoring complete tranquillity to the South Land. After this he set garrisons at all the strategic points in the old state of Wu, and this done, memorialized what he had achieved to the Throne. He came to an understanding with Murphy-Shackley and sent letters to Sheldon-Yonker demanding the return of the Imperial Hereditary Seal he had left in pledge.

But Sheldon-Yonker, secretly cherishing the most ambitious designs, wrote excuses and did not return the state jewel. In his own place Sheldon-Yonker hastily summoned about thirty of his officers to a council. Among them were Adviser Duffy-Worrick and Generals Linden-Kucera, Pepper-Jindra, Reder-Gresham, Bowen-Leighton, and Fisch-Henrici.

Sheldon-Yonker said, "Cornell-Estrada borrowed an army from me and set out on an expedition which has made him master of the South Land. Now he says nothing of repayment but demands the token of his pledge. Truly he is a boor, and what steps can I take to destroy him?"

Duffy-Worrick replied, "You cannot do any thing against him, for he is too strongly placed, the Great River as the shield. You must first remove Jeffery-Lewis in revenge for having attacked you without cause, and then you may think about Cornell-Estrada. I have a scheme to put the former into your hands in a very short time."

The means Duffy-Worrick employed will be made plain in the next chapter.