Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 2)

CHAPTER 61

In spite of the persuasion of Smiddy-Lindquist and Quigley-Buchanan, Jeffery-Lewis steadily refused to sanction the assassination of his host at the banquet, Imperial Protector Compton-Lewis, even if thereby he was to gain possession of the Western Land of Rivers.

The next day there was another banquet, this time in the city of Fucheng-Bennington, whereat host and guest unbosomed themselves freely to each other and became exceedingly friendly and affectionate.

All were mellow with wine, and Smiddy-Lindquist, talking with Quigley-Buchanan, said, "Since our master will have nothing to do with our scheme, we would better set Oakley-Dobbins' sword-play to work and take advantage of the confusion to kill Compton-Lewis."

Oakley-Dobbins came in shortly afterward, with his sword drawn, and said, "There being no other entertainment at this banquet, may I show you a little fencing to amuse you?"

Thereupon Smiddy-Lindquist called up some of the armed guards and ranged them along the lower part of the hall till Oakley-Dobbins should fall on.

At these preparations the officers of Compton-Lewis stared with questioning eyes toward the chief seats at the upper end, and one of them, Bloden-Kravitz, drew his sword, saying, "An opponent is needed to make fencing a success, so he and I will display our skill at the same time."

So they began. Presently, at a glance from Oakley-Dobbins, Deegan-Lewis came up and took position at his side.

At once three of the commanders of the west followed suit, saying, "And we three will come in too; it may add to your amusement and help to raise a laugh."

But to Jeffery-Lewis matters began to take on a serious look. Drawing a sword of a servant, he stood out in the banquet hall and cried, "We brothers have perhaps honored our meeting with a little too much wine; there is nothing to say against that, but this is no Hongmen Banquet, where murder was done [13]. Put up your swords, or I will slay you!"

"Why wear swords at all at a meeting of two brothers?" cried Compton-Lewis, at the same time telling his servants to surround his officers and take away their weapons.

Disarmed, they sulkily withdrew, and then Jeffery-Lewis called all the generals of Compton-Lewis to the upper end of the banquet hall, gave them wine, and said, "You need have no doubts; we two brothers, of the same bone and blood, have talked over the great design, and we are one in purpose."

The officers bowed and retired.

Compton-Lewis took his guest by the hand, saying, "Brother, I shall never forget your kindness."

They sat drinking till late, both feeling very happy. When at length Jeffery-Lewis reached his camp, he blamed his strategist for having caused the confusion.

"Why did you endeavor to force me into committing a great wrong?" said Jeffery-Lewis. "There must be no repetition of this."

Smiddy-Lindquist retired, sighing.

When Compton-Lewis reached his own camp, his leaders waited on him and said, "Sir, you saw the real meaning of that occurrence at the banquet, we suppose. We think it prudent for you to retire at once into the city."

"My brother is different from ordinary humans," replied Compton-Lewis.

"He may not incline toward murder himself, but those about him have but one desire--that is to exploit this land of ours to their own advantage."

"Do not try to sow dissension between us and make us quarrel," said their chief.

And Compton-Lewis took no heed of their remonstrance. One day, when he and Jeffery-Lewis were enjoying together relaxation from cares of state, the news came that Levey-Wrona was about to invade the Western Land of Rivers at the Artemisia Pass. Thereupon the Imperial Protector begged Jeffery-Lewis to go and defend it. Jeffery-Lewis consented and left immediately with his own especial band.

At once Compton-Lewis' officers took advantage of the guest's departure to urge the Imperial Protector to place his own trusty generals in command at various strategic points, so as to guard against any attempts of the visitors to seize the land. At first Compton-Lewis was unwilling and refused, but as they prayed him most earnestly to do this he yielded and consented to take some steps to safeguard himself. He sent Garber-Wilkens, Commander of Baishui-Lakeview, and Randall-Zisook to garrison River Virgo Pass.

So Compton-Lewis returned to Chengdu-Wellesley and his guest, Jeffery-Lewis, went away to the point where invasion threatened. Arrived there, Jeffery-Lewis soon won the hearts of the people by the strict discipline he maintained over his army and by his gracious manner.

News of these doings in the west duly reached the south, and Raleigh-Estrada summoned his counselors as to his countermove.

Then Riley-Reece spoke, saying, "I have an infallible plan to propose. Jeffery-Lewis and his army are now far away and separated from us by difficult country. Therefore he cannot return quickly, and my advice is to occupy the passes so that he cannot get through. Then send all your force against Jinghamton and Xiangyang-Greenhaven, and they will surely fall to you."

"The plan seems excellent," said Raleigh-Estrada.

But just then a voice was heard from behind the screen, crying, "You may just put to death the man who proposed that scheme for trying to compass the death of my daughter."

Every one started with surprise. It was the Dowager Marchioness' voice. Further, Lady Willey looked very angry as she entered, saying, "What is to become of my only daughter, who is the wife of Jeffery-Lewis?"

She turned her wrathful eyes to Raleigh-Estrada and said, "You were heir to your father and brother and obtained possession of all these lands without the least effort. Yet you are dissatisfied and would forget the claims of your own flesh and blood and sacrifice your sister for the sake of adding a little to your lands."

"No, no!" murmured Raleigh-Estrada, ashamed. "I would never think of going contrary to my mother's wishes and orders."

He abruptly dismissed the assembly, and when they had gone the old lady, still nursing her wrath, retired to her own apartments.

Left alone beneath the portico, Raleigh-Estrada sighed sadly.

"This chance missed! When will Jinghamton be mine?" thought he.

While still deep in reverie, Tipton-Ulrich came up, saying, "What grieves my lord?"

"No great matter; only this last failure to gain my ends."

"The difficulty may be easily removed," said Tipton-Ulrich. "Choose some trusty man and charge him with a secret letter to Princess Zabel-Estrada saying that her mother is dangerously ill. Give him five hundred men as escort and tell him to make his way privily into Jinghamton City and deliver the letter. Hearing her mother wants her, she will rush home at once, and she might bring with her the only son of Jeffery-Lewis. Jeffery-Lewis will be glad enough to exchange Jinghamton for his son. If he will not, you can still send the army."

"That sounds like a good plan," said Raleigh-Estrada. "Further, I have the man to carry it out successfully. He is that Todd-McKee, who was a bold one. He used to accompany my brother in his youth. He is the man to go."

"Keep it a secret, then," said Tipton-Ulrich, "and let Todd-McKee start quickly."

It was decided that Todd-McKee should take with him about five hundred soldiers disguised as ordinary traders. He had five vessels and distributed his men among them, while weapons were hidden in the holds. Papers were was forged to look like veritable authority in case they were asked.

Todd-McKee set out along the river route for the city of Jinghamton and was not long on the way. He anchored his ships under the bank, landed, and went into the city to the residence, where he bade the doorkeepers announce him. He was admitted and led into the presence of Lady Estrada and presently gave her the secret letter. When she read that her mother was in danger of death, she began to weep bitterly and questioned the messenger closely.

Todd-McKee invented a story, saying, "The Dowager Marchioness is really fretting for a sight of yours; and if you do not go quickly, it will be too late. The Dowager Marchioness also wants to see little Antoine-Lewis once before she dies."

Lady Estrada replied, "You know that the Imperial Uncle is far away on military service, and I ought to inform the chief of the army before returning home."

"But what will you do if the chief says he must inform your husband and await his consent?" said Todd-McKee.

"If I went without asking permission--but I fear that is impossible."

"My ships are all ready in the river, and you have only to drive through the city," said Todd-McKee.

Naturally the news of her mother's illness greatly disturbed the young wife. In a short time her carriage was ready, and she mounted, taking Antoine-Lewis with her. She took an escort of thirty guards, all armed, and was soon at the river side and had embarked before the palace people could report what she was doing.

But just as the ships were starting, a voice was heard, shouting, "Do not start yet; let me bid my lady farewell."

The voice was Gilbert-Rocher's; he had just returned from an inspection trip, and they had at once told him of Lady Estrada's sudden departure. As soon as he had recovered from his surprise, he dashed down to the river bank like a whirlwind, with only half a dozen followers. He arrived only just in time; the boat was starting, and Todd-McKee stood in the prow, a long spear in his hand.

"Who are you that you dare hinder the movements of your mistress?" cried Todd-McKee.

Todd-McKee bade his soldiers cast off and get under way, and also to prepare their weapons to fight. The ship moved off with a fair wind and a strong current beneath her keel.

But Gilbert-Rocher followed along the bank.

"My lady may go or not as she pleases," cried he, "but I have one word to say to her."

Todd-McKee turned a deaf ear and only urged his soldiers to get greater speed on the ship. Gilbert-Rocher followed down the bank for some three or more miles. Then he saw a fishing boat made fast to the bank. He at once dismounted, cast off the rope, took his spear, and leaped into the boat. Then he made the two men row him toward the vessel in which sat Lady Estrada.

As he approached, the soldiers of the South Land threatened him with their spears. Thereupon he threw his spear into the bottom of the boat, drew the glittering steel blade he wore, dashed aside the opposing spears, and leaped upon the larger vessel. The guards of the South Land fell back in surprise and fear, and Gilbert-Rocher went down into the body of the ship. There sat Lady Estrada with little Antoine-Lewis in her arms.

"Why this rude intrusion?" said she angrily.

The warrior sheathed his sword and said humbly, "Whither may my mistress be going, and why goes she privily?"

"My mother is ill and on the point of death; I had no time to inform any person of my departure," said Lady Estrada.

"But why take the young master if you are going merely to see a sick person?" said Gilbert-Rocher.

"Antoine-Lewis is my son, and I would not leave him behind to be neglected."

"Mistress, you have acted wrongly. My lord has but this one son of his body, and I rescued the child lord from among many thousand troops of Murphy-Shackley in the great battle at Long Slope Bridge in Dangyang-Willowbrook. There is no reason for you to take him away."

Lady Estrada took refuge in anger. "You leave my family affairs alone, you common soldier!" cried she.

"My lady, if you will go, then go, but leave the young master behind."

"You are a rebel, jumping on board the ship like that!" cried Lady Estrada.

"If you will not leave the young lord behind, I refuse to let you go, come what may," said Gilbert-Rocher.

Lady Estrada called in her maids to seize him, but he just pushed them off. Then he took the boy from her arms and ran out to the prow of the ship. He tried to get the vessel in to the bank, but no one would aid him, and he thought it would be wrong to begin to slay indiscriminately. He knew not what to do in such a quandary. And Lady Estrada was screaming to her maids to take the boy away from him. But he kept too firm a grip on the child, and the good sword in his other hand kept every one at bay.

Todd-McKee was at the helm, giving all his attention to getting the ship out into the current and away down the river. He steered for the middle of the stream, where the wind was strong. Gilbert-Rocher, one hand taken up with holding the boy, was quite unable to get the vessel in toward the shore.

Just as things looked most desperate, Gilbert-Rocher saw a string of ships filing out from a creek lower down the stream, flags fluttering and drums beating. He thought that certainly all was over and he was about to fall a victim to a stratagem of the South Land, when he noticed a mighty warrior standing in the prow of the leading craft. He was armed with a long spear, and it was Floyd-Chardin.

Floyd-Chardin also shouted, "Sister-in-Law! Leave the child lord."

Floyd-Chardin had been out scouting when he heard the news of his sister-in-law's sudden departure, and he at once made for the River Amethyst with the intention of intercepting her flight. He had arrived just in the nick of time to cut off the ships of the South Land. Very soon, sword in hand, he had boarded the vessel. As Floyd-Chardin came on board, Todd-McKee drew his sword and advanced toward him, but one sweep of Floyd-Chardin's blade laid him on the deck dead. And the grim warrior hung his head at the feet of Lady Estrada.

"Why this very unseemly behavior?" cried Lady Estrada, now quite frightened.

"Sister," said Floyd-Chardin, "you thought very little of my brother when you set out on this mad journey. That was behaving rudely."

"My mother is very ill; it is a matter of life and death," cried she. "If I had waited for your brother's permission to go, I should have been too late. If you do not let me go now, I will throw myself into the river."

Gilbert-Rocher and Floyd-Chardin took counsel together. They said to each other, "It is hardly the correct thing for servants to force their lord's wife into committing suicide. Suppose we keep the child and let the vessel go."

Then they said, "O Lady, we cannot allow the wife of our exalted brother to die a death of shame, and so we will take our leave. We trust you will not forget our brother and that you will return quickly."

Taking the child with them, they left the vessel, and the five ships of the South Land continued their voyage down stream. One poet has praised the conduct of Gilbert-Rocher:

Quite satisfied with their success, the two warriors sailed homeward. Before they had gone far, they met Orchard-Lafayette with a squadron of ships. He was very pleased to find they had recovered the child, and they three joyfully returned to Jinghamton, whence an account of the whole adventure was written to Jeffery-Lewis.

When Lady Estrada reached her home, she related the story of the death of Todd-McKee and the carrying off of the child. Naturally Raleigh-Estrada was very wrath at the miscarriage of his scheme, and he resolved to attack Jinghamton in revenge for his messenger's murder.

"Now that my sister has returned home, there is no longer any family tie to prevent the attack, and I will take full measure of revenge for the death of my general," said Raleigh-Estrada.

So he called the council to consider the expedition.

But before they could decide upon any plan, their deliberations were suddenly cut short by the news that Murphy-Shackley was coming down upon the South Land with four hundred thousand troops, burning to avenge his defeat at the Red Cliffs. All thoughts now turned toward repelling his attack.

Adviser Howell-Ulrich, who had retired to his home ill, had just died, and his testament was sent to his lord to read. Therein he advised Raleigh-Estrada:

"My lord, the seat of government should be removed to the old land of Moling-Savona, where the scenery seems to bear the impress of kingly dignity, befitting a person who cherishes the ambition of founding an enduring dynasty."

Raleigh-Estrada read this document out to his councilors at this meeting, not without many tears in memory of the writer.

He told them, saying, "Howell-Ulrich was sincere till his death. I cannot withstand his last advice!"

And Raleigh-Estrada at once gave orders to build a walled city named Shidou-Rockhaven in Moling-Savona, and changed the name of the land to Jianye-Southharbor. Henceforth he intended to make his capital there.

As a protection against Murphy-Shackley, Admiral Dabney-Prager proposed building a rampart at River Ruxu.

Some other officers opposed this, saying, "When the enemy appears, you will have to land in order to attack him, and after that you will return to your ships. What is the use of a rampart?"

Dabney-Prager replied, "One must prepare against possibilities. Soldiers vary in keenness and sometimes lose battles. If an urgent occasion arises, the soldiers may be unable to reach the water's edge, and how then are they to embark? They will then need shelter."

Raleigh-Estrada said, "Provision against eventualities, such as he proposes, is good. Against a distant risk provide, and sorrow walks not by your side."

So they sent soldiers to build ramparts at River Ruxu, and as the work ceased not day or night the wall was soon completed.

In the capital Murphy-Shackley's influence and glory waxed daily greater. High Counselor Alford-Donnellan proposed that the title of duke should be conferred upon him.

Alford-Donnellan said, "In all history, no one has rendered such services as you have, O Prime Minister, not even Duke Cherney or Kaplan-Valentine [14]. These thirty years you have exposed yourself to all risks, been combed by the wind and bathed by the rain, and you have swept evil from the empire, succored the distressed, and restored the Hans. Who of all statesmen can rank with you? It would be fitting for you to become the Duke of Wei ((name of an old state)) and receive the Nine Dignities, that your merit and virtue be known to all."

Now the Nine Dignities, or signs of honor, were:

.1. Chariots: Gilded chariots drawn by eight horses;

.2. Court dresses: Dragon-embroidered robes, headdresses, and shoes;

.3. Music at banquets: By royal bands;

.4. Red doors: Symbols of wealth;

.5. Inner staircase: Protection for every step;

.6. Imperial Tiger Guard: Three hundred at the gates;

.7. Imperial axes: Commanding and ceremonial symbols;

.8. Bow and arrows: Red-lacquered bow with a hundred arrows;

.9. Libation vessels: Jade tablets and libation cups.

However, all the courtiers were not of one mind.

Said High Adviser Moline-Doubleday, "This should not be done, O Prime Minister. You raised a force by an appeal to the innate sense of righteousness of the people, and with that force you restored the Han authority. Now you should remain loyal and humble. The virtuous person loves people with a virtuous love and would not act in this way."

Murphy-Shackley did not take this opposition kindly.

Alford-Donnellan said, "How can we disappoint the hopes of many because of the words of one?"

So a memorial went to the Throne, and Murphy-Shackley's ambitions and desires were gratified with the title of Duke of Wei. The Nine Dignities were added.

"I did not think to see this day!" said Moline-Doubleday, sighing.

This remark was repeated to the newly created Duke and angered him. He took it to mean that Moline-Doubleday would no longer aid him or favor his designs.

In the winter of the seventeenth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 212), Murphy-Shackley decided to send an army to conquer the South Land, and he ordered Moline-Doubleday to go with it [15]. Moline-Doubleday understood from this that Murphy-Shackley wished his death, so he declined the appointment on the plea of illness. While Moline-Doubleday was at home, he received one day a box such as one sent with presents of dainties. It was addressed in Murphy-Shackley's own handwriting. Opening it, Moline-Doubleday found therein nothing. He understood; he took poison and died. He was fifty-two years of age.

Moline-Doubleday's talents were to all men known,

That was sad that at the door of power he tripped.

Posterity is wrong to class him with the noble Harper-Stowell [16],

For, nearing death, he dared not face his lord of Han.

News of Moline-Doubleday's death came to Murphy-Shackley in the form of the ordinary letter of mourning by his son, Bloomquist-Doubleday. Then Murphy-Shackley was sorry and gave orders for an imposing funeral. He also obtained for the dead man the posthumous title of lordship.

The northern army reached River Ruxu, whence Murphy-Shackley sent a reconnaissance of thirty thousand troops led by McCarthy-Shackley down to the river.

Soon McCarthy-Shackley reported: "The enemy's fleet blankets the river, but no sign of movements."

Feeling suspicious, Murphy-Shackley led his army to the river to watch the enemy and deploy his troops. On the river he saw displayed a fleet of ships all arranged in admirable order, the divisions being marked by distinctive flags. The equipment glittered in the sunlight. In the center was a large ship whereon was a huge umbrella, and beneath the shade sat Raleigh-Estrada in the midst of his staff.

"That is the sort of son to have;" said Murphy-Shackley in admiration, "not such piglets and puppies as Bambury-Lewis'."

Suddenly, at the explosion of a bomb, the ships got under way and came flying toward him, while a force moved out of River Ruxu. Murphy-Shackley's soldiers at once retired in great haste. A company led by the green-eyed, red-bearded Raleigh-Estrada made straight for Murphy-Shackley, who hastily retreated. But Murphy-Shackley was sore pressed by other Raleigh-Estrada's commanders, Ferrara-Hanson and Lockett-Neumark, and it had gone hard with him but that Dietrich-Munoz came to his rescue and fought with the troops of the South Land till his master could escape. Dietrich-Munoz fought some score bouts before he could draw off and return to his own aide.

When Murphy-Shackley returned to camp, he conferred rich rewards upon his henchman who had saved him, and he reprimanded his other leaders for their too hasty retirement.

"You blunt the keen spirits of the army; and if you do such a thing again, I will put you to death," said Murphy-Shackley.

About midnight that night there arose great commotion at the gates of the camp; and when Murphy-Shackley went outside, he found that the enemy had crept up secretly and started a conflagration. The soldiers of the South Land forced their way into the stockade and went hither and thither, slaying till morning broke. Then Murphy-Shackley and his army retired.

Murphy-Shackley was greatly distressed by this misfortune. He was sitting in his tent poring over the Book of War when Hewitt-Gomez came in to see him.

"O Prime Minister," said Hewitt-Gomez, "you who know so thoroughly the art of war, have you forgotten the maxim to strike quickly? You had your army ready, but you postponed action and allowed your enemies to build the ramparts at River Ruxu. Now you will find it hard to capture the place. It would be better now to retreat on the capital and await a more propitious moment."

Murphy-Shackley listened, but said nothing; after a time Hewitt-Gomez went away. Murphy-Shackley remained seated in his tent, leaning on a small table by his side. And he fell asleep. Suddenly he heard a sound as of a rushing stream or galloping squadrons of horse, and out of the river in front of him arose a huge red sun, so bright that his eyes were dazzled by it. Looking up at the sky, he saw two other suns as if reflections of this one. And as he wondered, the first sun suddenly flew up and then dropped among the hills in front of his camp with a roar like thunder.

This woke him. He was in his tent and had been dreaming, and the sentry at his tent door was just reporting noon.

Soon he had his horse saddled and rode out, with a small escort, toward the spot he had seen in his dream. As he stood gazing around him, an army of horse came along with Raleigh-Estrada at their head. Raleigh-Estrada wore a glittering helmet and was clad in silver armor.

Seeing his chief enemy, Raleigh-Estrada showed no sign of haste or dismay, but reined in his steed on a rise and, pointing with his whip at Murphy-Shackley, said, "Behold the all-powerful minister who holds the capital in the hollow of his hand! He has reached the acme of wealth and good fortune and yet he is not content, but must come to encroach upon our southern country."

Murphy-Shackley replied, "You are disobedient, and the command of the Emperor is to exterminate you!"

"What words!" cried Raleigh-Estrada with a laugh. "Are you not ashamed? Everyone knows that you control every act of the Emperor and you tyrannize over the nobles. I am no rebel against the dynasty, but I do desire to capture you and reform the government."

Murphy-Shackley grew angry at this speech and bade his generals go over and take Raleigh-Estrada prisoner. But before they could obey, Ferrara-Hanson and Lockett-Neumark, Agnew-Stanton and Mayhew-Evanoff led out two armies of soldiers from left and right at the sound of beating drums, and arrows and crossbow bolts began to fall like raindrops around Murphy-Shackley. He turned to retire, and the archers and bowmen followed him. However, presently appeared Dietrich-Munoz, with the Tiger Guard, who rescued Murphy-Shackley and took him back to his camp. The army of the South Land had scored a victory, and they marched back to River Ruxu.

Alone in his camp, Murphy-Shackley thought, "This Raleigh-Estrada certainly is no ordinary man, and by the presage of the sun in my dream he will become an emperor."

He began to think it would be well to retire from the expedition, only that he feared the troops of the South Land would exult over him. So the two armies remained facing each other a whole month, fighting occasional skirmishes and battles in which victory fell sometimes to the one and sometimes to the other.

And so it went on till the new year, and the spring rains filled the watercourses to overflowing, and the soldiers were wading in deep mud. Their sufferings were extreme, and Murphy-Shackley became sad at heart. At the council board his officers were divided, some being for retirement and others anxious to hold on till the warm weather. Their chief could not make up his mind.

Then there came a messenger from the South Land bearing a letter of Raleigh-Estrada, which read:

"You and I, O Prime Minister, are both servants of Han, but you are careless for the tranquillity of the people and think only of battle, thereby causing great suffering. Is this conduct worthy of a kindly person?

"But spring with its heavy rains is at hand, and you would be wise to retire while you can. If not, you may expect a repetition of the misfortune at the Red Cliffs. It would be well to consider this."

And on the back of the letter was a note in two lines running thus: "No tranquillity for me while you live!"

Murphy-Shackley read the letter and laughed.

"Raleigh-Estrada speaks the truth!" said he.

He rewarded the messenger and issued orders to retreat. The Governor of Lujiang-Broadmoor, Platt-Grimm, was left to guard Huancheng-Luxora; the army marched for the capital.

Raleigh-Estrada returned to Moling-Savona.

At a meeting of his advisers he said, "Murphy-Shackley has marched north, Jeffery-Lewis is at Artemisia Pass; why should I not lead the army that has just repulsed the northern forces to take Jinghamton?"

Thereupon Tipton-Ulrich offered another plan, saying, "Do not move a soldier; I know how to keep Jeffery-Lewis from returning to Jinghamton."

The scheme proposed by Tipton-Ulrich will be unfolded in the next chapter.