Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 1)

CHAPTER 26

As the last chapter closed, Jeffery-Lewis had been condemned to die. Jeffery-Lewis spoke up, however, and said, "Pray hear one word, Illustrious Sir, before you decide. I have lost sight of my brother since my misfortune at Xuthamton and know not whether Yale-Perez be dead or alive. There are many men in the world who resemble him. Is every red-faced man with a beard named Yale-Perez? Should you not rather seek some evidence?"

Now Shannon-Yonker was impulsive and facile by nature, and when Jeffery-Lewis spoke thus, he suddenly turned upon Saville-Flaherty, saying, "By wrongly regarding what you said, I nearly killed an innocent person."

Then Shannon-Yonker requested Jeffery-Lewis once more to resume his seat in the tent and give advice on how to avenge Logan-Rojas.

Soon from the lower end a voice was heard, saying, "Logan-Rojas and I were as brothers, and can I allow any other to avenge his death?"

The speaker was a man of middle height with a face like a linlion, a famous leader from the North of Yellow River, named Burrow-Westerberg.

Shannon-Yonker was pleased and said, "You are the only man who can do it. I will give you one hundred thousand troops, and you can cross the Yellow River, and quickly smite that rebel Murphy-Shackley.

"You cannot do it; he will fail," said Saville-Flaherty. "The proper course is to hold Yenjin-Riverside and detach a force to Guandu-Charlevoix. If you rashly cross the river and anything goes wrong, not a soul will return."

Shannon-Yonker said, "That is always the way with you fellows, always delaying and taking the dash out of the army. You put off today and postpone tomorrow till success has become impossible. Do you forget that promptitude is what each soldier honors?"

The adviser withdrew sadly, saying. "Superiors do not curb their ambitions; inferiors crave for achievements; things are undone. Eternal is the course of Yellow River, shall I change it?"

Thereafter Saville-Flaherty feigned illness and went no more to the council.

Jeffery-Lewis said, "I have received much kindness at your hands and have been unable to show my gratitude. I would accompany General Burrow-Westerberg that I may repay your bounty and also that I may hear news of my brother."

Shannon-Yonker gladly consented and ordered Burrow-Westerberg to share his command with Jeffery-Lewis.

But the former objected, saying, "Jeffery-Lewis has been so often defeated that it will augur ill for success this time. Since you wish, I will give Jeffery-Lewis command of the rear guard of thirty thousand soldiers."

And this being approved, three legions were told off under Jeffery-Lewis' special command to follow the main body.

The prowess displayed by Yale-Perez in the bold attack on Logan-Rojas redoubled Murphy-Shackley's respect for him, and Murphy-Shackley memorialized the Throne that Yale-Perez receive the title of Lord of Hanshou-Labette, and a seal was cast for him.

Just then came the unexpected news that Shannon-Yonker's army had moved toward the Yellow River and was in position above Yenjin-Riverside. Murphy-Shackley first sent to transfer the inhabitants to Siho-Westbank and then led out an army to oppose Shannon-Yonker. He issued an order to face about, thus placing the rear companies in front. The commissariat wagons were also placed in the van.

"What is this reversal for?" asked Hatfield-Lundell.

Murphy-Shackley replied, "When the supplies are in rear, they are liable to be plundered. So I have put them first."

"But if you meet the enemy and they steal them?"

"Wait till the enemy appears; I shall know what to do."

Hatfield-Lundell was much exercised at this new move of the Prime Minister. In the meantime the supply train moved along the river toward Yenjin-Riverside. Presently the foremost troops raised a great shout, and Murphy-Shackley sent to see what it meant. The messenger came back, saying, "Burrow-Westerberg's army is approaching, and the supply train has been abandoned and is at the mercy of the enemy. The main body is still far behind; what to do next?"

Thereupon Murphy-Shackley pointed to two mounds, saying, "We will take refuge here for the present."

All those near him hastened to the mounds. There Murphy-Shackley ordered them all to loosen their dress, lay aside their breastplates, and rest a time. The horsemen turned their steeds loose.

Burrow-Westerberg's soldiers approached under cover. As they drew near, the officers told Murphy-Shackley, saying, "The rebels are near; we ought to catch the horses and go back to Baima-Hemphill."

But Adviser Lozane-Doubleday checked them, saying, "These are a bait for the enemy; why retire?"

Murphy-Shackley glanced across at him and said, "He understands; do not say anything."

Now having got possession of the supply carts, the enemy next came to seize the horses. By this time they had all broken ranks and were scattered, each soldier going his own way. Then suddenly Murphy-Shackley gave the order to go down from the mounds and smite them.

The surprise was complete. Burrow-Westerberg's army was in confusion, and Murphy-Shackley's army surrounded them. Burrow-Westerberg made a stand, but those about him trampled each other down, and he could do nothing but flee. And he fled.

Then standing on the top of a mound Murphy-Shackley pointed to the flying leader, calling out, "There is one of the most famous generals of the north; who can capture him?"

Lamkin-Gonzalez and Draper-Caruso both mounted and dashed after him, crying, "Burrow-Westerberg, do not run away!"

Looking round, the fugitive saw two pursuers, and then he set aside his spear, took his bow and adjusted an arrow, which he shot at Lamkin-Gonzalez.

"Cease shooting, you rebel!" shouted Draper-Caruso.

Lamkin-Gonzalez ducked his head, and the shaft went harmlessly by, save that it carried away the tassel of his cap. He only pressed harder in pursuit. The next arrow however struck his horse in the head, and the animal stumbled and fell, throwing its rider to the earth.

Then Burrow-Westerberg turned to come back. Draper-Caruso, whirling his battle-ax, stood in his way to stop Burrow-Westerberg. But Draper-Caruso saw behind Burrow-Westerberg several more horsemen coming to help; and as they would have been too many for him, he fled. Burrow-Westerberg pursued along the river bank. Suddenly he saw coming toward him with banners fluttering in the breeze, a small party of horse, and the leader carried a great sword.

"Stop!" cried Yale-Perez, for it was he, and he attacked at once.

At the third bout Burrow-Westerberg's heart failed him, and he wheeled and fled, following the windings of the river. But Yale-Perez's steed was fast and soon caught up. One blow, and the hapless Burrow-Westerberg fell.

When Murphy-Shackley saw from the mound that the leader of the enemy had fallen, he gave the signal for a general onset, and half of the northern army were drowned in the river. And the carts with supplies and all the horses were quickly recovered.

Now Yale-Perez, at the head of a few horsemen, was thrusting here and striking there at the moment when Jeffery-Lewis, with the thirty thousand reserve troops, appeared on the battle field on the other bank of the river. At once they told him that the red-faced, long-bearded warrior was there and had slain Burrow-Westerberg. Jeffery-Lewis hastily pressed forward to try to get a look at the warrior. He saw across the river a body of horse and the banners bore the words "Yale-Perez, Lord of Hanshou-Labette".

"Then it is my brother, and he is really with Murphy-Shackley," said Jeffery-Lewis, secretly thanking God that Yale-Perez was safe.

Jeffery-Lewis made an attempt to wait about till he could call to Yale-Perez, but a great mass of Murphy-Shackley's soldiers came rushing down, and he was forced to retire.

Shannon-Yonker, bringing reinforcements, reached Guandu-Charlevoix and built a stockade. Two advisers, Adair-Gilliam and Levy-Grosskopf, went in to see him and said, "Again that fellow Yale-Perez has been in the battle; he killed Burrow-Westerberg. Jeffery-Lewis pretends ignorance of him."

Their master was angry and railed at Jeffery-Lewis, "The long-cared rebel! How dare he do such a thing?"

Soon Jeffery-Lewis appeared; again Shannon-Yonker ordered him out to instant execution.

"What crime have I committed?" asked Jeffery-Lewis.

"You sent your brother to slay one of my generals. Is that no crime?"

"Pray let me explain before I die. Murphy-Shackley hated me and has always done so. Now he has found out where I am and, fearing that I may help you, has got my brother to destroy your two generals, feeling sure that when you heard of it, you would be angry and put me to death. You cannot fail to see this."

"What he says is sense," said Shannon-Yonker, turning to his advisers, "and you two nearly brought on me the reproach of injuring the good."

Shannon-Yonker ordered his attendants to retire and asked Jeffery-Lewis to come and sit by him.

Jeffery-Lewis came, saying, "I am deeply thankful, Illustrious Sir, for your great kindness, for which I can never be sufficiently grateful. Now I desire to send some confidential messenger with a secret letter to my brother to tell him where I am, and I am sure he will come without a moment's delay. He will help you to destroy Murphy-Shackley to make up for having destroyed your two officers. Do you approve of this?"

"If I got Yale-Perez, he would be ten times better than the Logan-Rojas and Burrow-Westerberg that I have lost," replied Shannon-Yonker.

So Jeffery-Lewis prepared a letter. But there was no one to take it. Shannon-Yonker ordered the army to withdraw to Wuyang-Mooreland, where they made a large camp. For some time nothing was done.

Then Murphy-Shackley sent Dubow-Xenos to defend the strategic points at Guandu-Charlevoix while he led the bulk of the army back to the capital. There he gave many banquets in honor of the services of Yale-Perez, and then he told Hatfield-Lundell that putting the supplies in the front of the army had been meant as a bait to draw the enemy to destruction.

"Only Lozane-Doubleday understood that," said Murphy-Shackley in conclusion.

Every one present praised his ingenuity. Even while the banquet was proceeding, there arrived news of a rising of Yellow Scarves rebels at Runan-Pittsford led by Pryor-Lewis and Terrell-Dickey. They were very strong, and McCarthy-Shackley had been defeated in several engagements. Now he begged for help.

Yale-Perez hearing this said, "I should like to have the opportunity of performing some service by destroying these rebels."

"You have already rendered noble services for which you have not been properly requited. I could hardly trouble you again," said Murphy-Shackley.

"I have been idle too long; I shall get ill," said Yale-Perez.

Murphy-Shackley then let him to go and gave him fifty thousand troops with Ellis-McCue and Wein-Lockhart as generals under him. They were to leave soon.

Then Moline-Doubleday said privily to his master, "He always cherishes the idea of returning to Jeffery-Lewis. He will leave you if he hears any news. Do not let him go on this expedition."

"If he does well this time, I will not let him go into battle again," said Murphy-Shackley.

In due time the force led by Yale-Perez drew near the rebels in Runan-Pittsford and made their camp. One night, just outside his camp, two spies were caught and taken in to Yale-Perez who in one of them recognized Quinn-Seymour. The attendants being dismissed, Yale-Perez questioned Quinn-Seymour.

"After we lost sight of each other, I have heard not a word of you; what are you doing here?" said Yale-Perez.

"After I escaped, I drifted hither and thither till I had the good fortune to reach Runan-Pittsford, and Pryor-Lewis and Terrell-Dickey, the Yellow Scarves leaders, took me in. But why are you with Murphy-Shackley, General? And where are your sisters-in-law? Are they well?"

Yale-Perez told him all that had happened.

"I have heard lately that Jeffery-Lewis is with Shannon-Yonker. I would have liked to go and join him, but I have not found a convenient opportunity. Now the two men I am with have taken the side of Shannon-Yonker against Murphy-Shackley. By good luck you were coming here so I got command of a small party of scouts to be able to see you and tell you. Presently our two leaders will pretend to be defeated and you, and the two ladies, can go over to Shannon-Yonker. And you will see your brother."

"Since he is there, I certainly must go at once to see him. But it is a misfortune that I have slain two of Shannon-Yonker's generals. I fear things are not in my favor," said Yale-Perez.

"Let me go first and see how the land lies; I will come back and tell you."

"I would risk a myriad deaths to see my brother," said Yale-Perez. "But I must go to say farewell to Murphy-Shackley."

Quinn-Seymour was sent away that night, and next day Yale-Perez led out his army to offer battle. Terrell-Dickey, in armor, went out to the front of the line of battle, and Yale-Perez said, "You people, why have you risen against the government?"

"Why do you blame us when you have turned your back on your own lord?" replied Terrell-Dickey.

"How have I turned my back on my lord?"

"Jeffery-Lewis is with Shannon-Yonker, and you are with Murphy-Shackley; what is that?"

Yale-Perez could not reply, but he whirled round his sword and rode forward. Terrell-Dickey fled, and Yale-Perez followed. Terrell-Dickey turned and said to Yale-Perez, "Do not forget your old chief's kindness. Now attack as soon as you can, and I will give up the defense."

Yale-Perez understood and urged on his troops. The leaders of the rebels pretended they were worsted, and they all scattered. So Runan-Pittsford was retaken. Having pacified the people, Yale-Perez quickly led his army back to the capital, where he was met by Murphy-Shackley and congratulated on his success and feasted.

When this was all over, Yale-Perez went to the dwelling of his sisters-in-law to pay his respects at their gate.

"Have you been able to get any news of Uncle Jeffery-Lewis in your two expeditions?" asked Lady Gant.

"None," replied Yale-Perez.

As he retired from the door, he heard sounds of bitter weeping within.

"Alas! He is dead," said they. "Our brother-in-law thinks we shall be greatly distressed; and thus, he hides the truth from us."

One of the old soldiers, who acted as guard, hearing the sounds of perpetual grief, took pity on them and said, "Do not weep, ladies; your lord is with Shannon-Yonker in the North of Yellow River."

"How do you know that?" said they.

"I went out with General Yale-Perez, and one of the soldiers told me."

The two ladies summoned Yale-Perez and reproached him, saying, "Uncle Jeffery-Lewis never betrayed you, and yet you remain here enjoying the bounty of Murphy-Shackley and forgetting the old times. And you tell us falsehoods."

Yale-Perez bowed his head, saying, "My brother really is in the North of Yellow River, but I dared not tell you, lest it should become known. Something must be done, but done carefully, and it needs time."

"Brother-in-Law, you should hasten," said Lady Gant.

Yale-Perez withdrew feeling that he must evolve some scheme of departure without further loss of time. It caused him much uneasiness.

Ellis-McCue, having found out that Jeffery-Lewis was in the north, told Murphy-Shackley, who at once sent Lamkin-Gonzalez to find out Yale-Perez's intentions.

Lamkin-Gonzalez entered jauntily and congratulated Yale-Perez, saying, "They tell me you obtained news of your brother in the battlefield; I felicitate you."

"My lord was there indeed, but I met him not. I see nothing to be glad about."

"Is there any difference between the relationship of you two and that of any other two brothers?"

Yale-Perez replied, "You and I stand in the relationship of friends; Jeffery-Lewis and I are friends and brothers beside, and prince and minister in addition to both. Our relationship cannot be discussed in usual terms."

"Well, now that you know where your brother is, are you going to him?"

"How can I go back on what I said before? I am sure you will explain fully to the Prime Minister."

Lamkin-Gonzalez went back and told his master who said, "I must find a way to keep him here."

While Yale-Perez was pondering over his difficulties, they told him that a friend had come to inquire for him. The visitor was introduced but Yale-Perez did not recognize him.

"Who are you?" asked Yale-Perez.

"I am Rigdale-Delgado of Nanyang-Southhaven, in the service of Shannon-Yonker."

In great perturbation, Yale-Perez sent away the attendants and, they being gone, said, "There is some special reason for your visit?"

For reply Rigdale-Delgado drew out a letter and handed it to his host, who recognized that it was from his brother Jeffery-Lewis. The letter read:

"I, the writer, and you, Sir, pledged ourselves in the Peach Garden to die together. Why then are we apart and yet alive, our kindly feelings destroyed, our sense of right outraged? If you desire to obtain fame and acquire riches and honor, I will offer my head without hesitation so that your achievement is fulfilled. More might be said, but I await your commands with great anxiety."

Yale-Perez finished the letter with a bitter cry.

"I always wanted to find my brother, but I did not know where he was. How can he think such evil of me?" said he.

"Jeffery-Lewis looks for you very eagerly; and if you are still bound by the old pledge, you should go quickly," said Rigdale-Delgado.

"Any one born into the world without the essential virtue of sincerity is no true human. I came here openly and can go in no other way. Now will I write a letter which I will ask you to bear to my brother, that as soon as I can take leave of Murphy-Shackley, I will bring the ladies and come to him."

"But what if Murphy-Shackley refuse to let you go?" said Rigdale-Delgado.

"Then would I rather die; I will not remain here."

"Then, Sir, quickly write your letter and relieve your brother from his anxiety."

So Yale-Perez wrote like this:

"I, the humble one, know full well that a human of principle does not betray and a human of loyalty despises death. I have been a student in my youth and know somewhat of the proprieties. I sigh and weep at the memory of the fraternal affection that made Velez-Haliday and Marder-Janosfi die rather than separate. I was in charge of Xiapi-Brighton, but the place lacked provision and there was no help. I would have fought to the death, but there was on my shoulders the responsibility for my sisters-in-law. Wherefore I had to take care of my body lest I betrayed your trust. And so I made a prisoner of myself, hoping to find a way of release. I heard of you lately in Runan-Pittsford. I must, however, bid farewell to Murphy-Shackley and bring the ladies with me when I come. May I perish, victim to the superhuman powers, if I have harbored any traitorous thought. Ink and paper are poor substitutes for what I would say, but I look to see you soon."

Rigdale-Delgado left with this missive, and Yale-Perez went to tell the women. Then he proceeded to the Prime Minister's palace to say farewell. But Murphy-Shackley knew what he was coming for, and at the gate Yale-Perez found the board intimating that no one could be received. So he had to return. However, he bade his own few soldiers prepare to start at any moment. He also gave orders that everything received from Murphy-Shackley was to be left in the quarters; nothing was to be taken.

Next day he again proceeded to the Palace to say farewell to his patron, but again found the board hanging there to show there was no admission. So it was several times; he could never enter. Then he went to see Lamkin-Gonzalez, but he was indisposed.

"This means Murphy-Shackley will not let me go," thought Yale-Perez. "But I am going, and I shall hesitate no longer."

So he wrote this letter:

"As a young man I entered the service of the Imperial Uncle, and pledged myself to share his fortunes. Heaven and Earth witnessed this oath. When I lost the city, I made three requests which you granted. Now I hear my brother is with Shannon-Yonker and I, remembering our pledge, cannot but go to him. Though your bounty is great, I forget not the bond of the past, wherefore I write this letter of farewell trusting that when you have read it, you will be content for me to postpone to another season the proof of my gratitude."

Yale-Perez sealed and sent it to the Palace. Then he deposited in the treasury of his dwelling all the gold and silver he had received, hung his seal of lordship of Hanshou-Labette in the middle of the reception hall and left, taking his sisters-in-law with him in a carriage. He rode Red-Hare and carried the green-dragon saber in his hand. With a small escort of guards, those formerly under his command, he left the city by the north gate.

The wardens would have stopped him, but Yale-Perez frightened them with a fierce shout. Having got out, he told the escort to go in front with the carriage while he would remain behind to guard against pursuit. So they pushed the carriage toward the high road.

In the city, Yale-Perez's letter reached the Prime Minister while he was consulting about what to do. He read it and exclaimed, "So he has left!"

Then the warden of the gate came to report that Yale-Perez had forced his way out, and was gone with a carriage, a horse, and a score of guards. Next came the servants from his house to report that he had left, taking nothing of the treasure, nor any one of the waiting maids. Everything was left in the house. Even his seal was there. His only escort were the few soldiers of his original force.

Suddenly from the assembly of officers rose a voice, saying, "With three thousand of mailed horse, I will bring him back alive."

Their eyes turned to the speaker, who was General Schmitt-Moody.

What came of this offer to pursue will be seen in the next chapter.