Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 2)

CHAPTER 65

It was Ewing-Miller who thus opposed sending help to Compton-Lewis. Then Cotton-Mallory rose and said, "I have been the recipient of much kindness from my lord, which I feel I can never repay adequately. Now let me lead an army to take Artemisia Pass and capture Jeffery-Lewis. Then, my lord, Compton-Lewis will surely lose his twenty counties, and they shall be yours."

This offer rejoiced Levey-Wrona, who sent away Bryant-Rivera without an answer and told off twenty thousand for Cotton-Mallory to lead. Krause-Dudley was too ill to take part in the expedition, so he remained in Hanthamton. Levey-Wrona ordered Herring-Foster to be Army Supervisor. Cotton-Mallory and Winston-Mallory chose the day to march to Artemisia Pass.

Meanwhile, the messenger sent by Quigley-Buchanan had returned to Luocheng-Concord to report: "Heywood-Vesely advised Compton-Lewis to set fire to all the plains and valleys between the capital and the invaders, as well as the granaries, to move sway the people, and to stand solely on the defensive."

This news caused Jeffery-Lewis and Orchard-Lafayette great anxiety, for it would be a grave danger to them. However, Quigley-Buchanan was more sanguine.

"Do not be anxious," said he, "the plan would be extremely harmful, but it will not be carried out. Compton-Lewis will not do that."

Surely enough, very soon they heard that Compton-Lewis had not adopted the suggestion; he would not remove the people. It was a great relief to Jeffery-Lewis

Then said Orchard-Lafayette, "Now let us capture Mianzhu-Greenwich quickly, for, that done, Chengdu-Wellesley is as good as ours."

Jeffery-Lewis therefore told off Sheffield-Maddox and Oakley-Dobbins to advance first. When Commander of Mianzhu-Greenwich, Skaggs-Carrillo, heard of their advance, he ordered Finney-Schuster to go out to stop them, and Finney-Schuster led out three thousand troops. The two sides being arrayed, Sheffield-Maddox rode out and fought some half hundred bouts with Finney-Schuster. Neither was able to claim a victory, and so Orchard-Lafayette from the midst of the host ordered them to beat the gongs to cease from battle.

When Sheffield-Maddox had got back to his side again, he said, "O Instructor, why did you sound the retirement just as I was getting the better of my opponent?"

"Because I saw that Finney-Schuster was not to be overcome by mere force. Tomorrow you shall fight again, and then you shall lead him into the hills by the ruse of pretended defeat. There will be a surprise awaiting him."

Sheffield-Maddox agreed to try this plan, and so on the morrow accepted Finney-Schuster's challenge when it was offered. After about the tenth bout, Sheffield-Maddox and his troops pretended to be worsted and ran. Finney-Schuster pursued and was quickly lured into the mountains. Suddenly his danger flashed into his mind, and he turned to go back.

But he found Oakley-Dobbins' troops drawn up across his path, while Orchard-Lafayette from a hill top near by cried, "You would better yield; if not, there are bows and crossbows on both sides of you--all ready to avenge the death of our Smiddy-Lindquist."

Finney-Schuster dropped off his horse, threw aside his armor, and offered submission. Not a soldier of his had been hurt. The prisoner was conducted to Jeffery-Lewis, who was very affable and so won Finney-Schuster's heart that Finney-Schuster offered to try to seduce Skaggs-Carrillo from his allegiance.

"Though he is related to Compton-Lewis, yet Skaggs-Carrillo and I are very close friends. Let me go and persuade him."

Wherefore Finney-Schuster was sent back to the city to induce his chief to come over to Jeffery-Lewis' side. Finney-Schuster talked to such effect of the kindness and virtues of Jeffery-Lewis that Skaggs-Carrillo was won over, opened the city gates, and admitted the invaders.

As soon as Jeffery-Lewis had entered Mianzhu-Greenwich, he set out his forces to take the capital.

While thus engaged, a hasty messenger came to tell of the doings at Artemisia Pass: "There suddenly appeared an army from the east under Cotton-Mallory, Winston-Mallory, and Herring-Foster. They are attacking, and the Pass will certainly be lost if help is not sent quickly."

"We need both Floyd-Chardin and Gilbert-Rocher for this," remarked Orchard-Lafayette. "Then we could oppose successfully."

"But Gilbert-Rocher is away," said Jeffery-Lewis. "However, Floyd-Chardin is here. Let us send him quickly."

"Do not say anything, my lord," said Orchard-Lafayette. "Let me stir him to fight his noblest."

But as soon as Floyd-Chardin heard of the danger, he came rushing in, shouting, "I must say farewell, Brother! I am off to fight Cotton-Mallory."

However, Orchard-Lafayette made as if he heard not and said to Jeffery-Lewis, "That Cotton-Mallory has invaded Artemisia Pass, and we have no one to drive him back. Nobody can stand up to him, unless we can get Yale-Perez from Jinghamton. Yale-Perez could do it."

"Why do you despise me, O Instructor?" cried Floyd-Chardin. "Did I not once drive back a whole army with my mere voice? Think you that I mind a stupid fool like Cotton-Mallory?"

Orchard-Lafayette said, "Yes, Floyd-Chardin; but when you forced back the waters and broke the bridge in the Long Slope, you succeeded because your enemies were doubtful. If they had known, General, you would not have come off so easily. All the world knows this Cotton-Mallory and has heard about his six battles at River Taurus; and how he made Murphy-Shackley cut off his beard and throw away his robe. Cotton-Mallory very nearly slew Murphy-Shackley too. This is no lightsome task like that, and even Yale-Perez might fail."

"All I care for is to go, and if I do not overcome this fellow, I will take the consequences."

"Well, if you will put that in writing, you may lead the attack. And I will ask our lord to lead another army to back you up this time. He can leave the defense of this town to me till Gilbert-Rocher returns."

"I also want to go," said Oakley-Dobbins.

Oakley-Dobbins was allowed to go with five hundred of light horse in advance of Floyd-Chardin. Jeffery-Lewis marched third. Oakley-Dobbins and his scouts soon arrived at Artemisia Pass and there fell in with Herring-Foster. They engaged; but after a few bouts Herring-Foster fled.

At this success Oakley-Dobbins was seized with ambition to rival it and try to snatch the credit that would fall to Floyd-Chardin. So he pursued. But he presently came across a line of battle all drawn up, the commander being Winston-Mallory. Oakley-Dobbins, thinking it was the redoubtable Cotton-Mallory, rode toward him whirling his sword. Soon Winston-Mallory turned and ran away, and Oakley-Dobbins followed him. However, Winston-Mallory presently turned back and shot an arrow, which wounded Oakley-Dobbins in the left arm, so that he left the pursuit and turned his face the other way. Then Winston-Mallory came after him and chased Oakley-Dobbins nearly up to the Pass.

Here Winston-Mallory was suddenly confronted by a fierce thunder-roaring leader who dashed down from the Pass as on a flying steed.

It was Floyd-Chardin, who had just arrived. Hearing the noise of battle below the Pass, Floyd-Chardin had come to learn what it meant and saw the arrow wound Oakley-Dobbins. Soon Floyd-Chardin was in the saddle and off to the rescue; but before he engaged, he would ascertain if the foe was worthy of his steel.

"Who are you? Tell your name," cried Floyd-Chardin, "then I may fight with you."

"I am Winston-Mallory of Xiliang-Westhaven."

"As you are not Cotton-Mallory, go away quickly, for you are no match for me. You may bid Cotton-Mallory himself come, and tell him that Floyd-Chardin of Yan is here."

"How dare you treat me with contempt?" cried Winston-Mallory in hot anger, and he came galloping up with his spear set ready to thrust. But after a half score bouts he fled.

Floyd-Chardin was about to pursue when a rider came up to him hastily, crying, "Do not pursue, my brother."

The rider was Jeffery-Lewis and Floyd-Chardin stopped. The two returned together to the Pass.

"I knew your impulsive temper, and so I followed you. Since you have got the better of him, you may well rest and recuperate for the fight tomorrow with Cotton-Mallory."

The rolling of drums at dawn next day declared the arrival of Cotton-Mallory. Jeffery-Lewis looked at the array from a point of vantage and saw Cotton-Mallory emerge from the shadow of his great standard. Cotton-Mallory wore a lion helmet, and his belt was clasped with the shaggy head of a wild beast. His breastplate was silver and his robe of white. As his dress and bearing were so extraordinary, so were his abilities superior. And Jeffery-Lewis looked at him, sighing admiringly.

"He justifies what people say," said Jeffery-Lewis, "Handsome Cotton-Mallory."

Floyd-Chardin was for going down at once, but his brother once more checked him, saying, "No; not yet. Avoid the first keenness of his fighting ardor."

Thus below was Cotton-Mallory challenging Floyd-Chardin, while, above, Floyd-Chardin was fretting at being unable to settle Cotton-Mallory. Time after time Floyd-Chardin was setting out, but each time his brother checked him. And so it continued till past midday, when Jeffery-Lewis, noticing signs of fatigue and weariness among Cotton-Mallory's army, decided that it was time to let Floyd-Chardin try his fortune. Whereupon Jeffery-Lewis chose out five hundred horsemen to accompany his brother and let the party go.

Cotton-Mallory seeing Floyd-Chardin coming with so small a force, signaled with his spear to his array to retire a bowshot, and Floyd-Chardin's troops halted. When all his troops had taken their places, Floyd-Chardin set octane-serpent halberd and rode out.

"Do you know who I am?" shouted Floyd-Chardin. "I am Floyd-Chardin of Yan!"

Cotton-Mallory replied, "My family having been noble for many generations; I am not likely to know any rustic dolts!"

This reply upset Floyd-Chardin, and in a moment the two steeds were rushing toward each other, both men with poised spears. The fight began and continued for a hundred bouts. Neither had the advantage.

"A veritable tiger of a leader," sighed Jeffery-Lewis.

But Jeffery-Lewis felt that Floyd-Chardin was running a risk, wherefore he sounded the gong as a signal to cease the fight. And each drew off to his own side. Floyd-Chardin rested his steed for a time, then, leaving his helmet, he wound a turban about his head, mounted, and rode out to renew the fight. Cotton-Mallory also came out, and the duel continued.

Presently Jeffery-Lewis thought his brother in danger. So he girded on his armor and went down into the plain. He watched till they had fought another hundred bouts, and then as both seemed to wax fiercer than ever, he gave the signal again to cease the battle. Both drew off and returned each to his own side.

It was then getting late, and Jeffery-Lewis said to his brother, "You would better retire for today; he is a terrible opponent. Try him again tomorrow."

But Floyd-Chardin's spirit was roused, and was it likely that such advice would be palatable?

"No," shouted he, "I will die and not come back!"

"But it is late; you cannot go on fighting," said Jeffery-Lewis.

"Let them bring torches, and we will have a night battle," said Floyd-Chardin.

Cotton-Mallory having mounted a fresh steed, now rode out and shouted, "Dare you try a night battle, Floyd-Chardin?"

Floyd-Chardin's excitement rose higher. He hastily changed horses with his brother and rode forth.

"If I do not capture you, I will not go back to the Pass," said Floyd-Chardin.

"And if I do not overcome you, I will not return to the camp," said Cotton-Mallory.

Both sides cheered. They lit many thousand torches till it seemed as light as day, and the two great generals went to the front to fight. At the twentieth bout Cotton-Mallory turned his steed and tied.

"Whither are you going?" called out Floyd-Chardin.

The fact was that Cotton-Mallory had begun to see he could not win in direct and simple combat, so he thought to try a ruse. By a false flight, as though he knew he had lost, he would inveigle Floyd-Chardin into pursuit. He picked up a copper mace secretly and kept a careful watch on his opponent for the most favorable moment to strike. But Cotton-Mallory's flight only put Floyd-Chardin upon his guard, and when the moment came for the blow with the mace he dodged, so that the weapon flew harmlessly past his ear. Then Floyd-Chardin turned his horse. Whereupon Cotton-Mallory began to pursue. Then Floyd-Chardin pulled up, took his bow, fitted an arrow to the string, and let fly at Cotton-Mallory. But Cotton-Mallory also dodged, and the arrow flew by. Then each returned to his own side.

Then Jeffery-Lewis came out to the front of his battle line and called out, "Note well, O Cotton-Mallory, that I, who have never treated people other than with kindness and justice and truth and sincerity, swear that I will not take advantage of your period of repose to pursue or attack. Wherefore you may rest awhile in peace."

Cotton-Mallory, hearing these words, withdrew guarding the rear, and the other generals one by one returned, while Jeffery-Lewis drew off his army toward the Pass.

Early next day Floyd-Chardin was once more going down out of the Pass to fight, when they told him that the Directing Instructor had arrived. Jeffery-Lewis went to receive him, and Orchard-Lafayette at once began to speak of Cotton-Mallory.

"He is the most terrible leader of the age; if he fights a desperate battle with Floyd-Chardin, loss of a general will ensue. So I have come as quickly as I could. I left Mianzhu-Greenwich in the safe hands of Gilbert-Rocher and Sheffield-Maddox. I think I have a little ruse left that will bring Cotton-Mallory over to our side."

"Now I have seen the man. I greatly admire him," said Jeffery-Lewis. "If we could only win him over!"

"Then listen, my lord," said Orchard-Lafayette. "Levey-Wrona greatly desires the title of 'Prince of Hanthamton.' Among his most intimate subordinates, I know Brickley-Foster open to bribery. So we will send a person secretly to see him and give him gold and silver and so win his support. This done, we will write to Levey-Wrona and tell him that you are set upon taking Yiathamton from its present ruler, which will give an opportunity to wipe out the enmity he has so long nourished against Compton-Lewis, and that the reward of his remaining firmly on our side to the end will be that you will memorialize the Throne for the coveted title for him. This will make him order Cotton-Mallory to return, and, when that is done, I shall find a means of winning him over."

Jeffery-Lewis wrote a letter and sent it by the hand of Quinn-Seymour together with gold and pearls. Quinn-Seymour went by secret roads to give these to Brickley-Foster. And when he found Brickley-Foster and explained his mission in private, he was quickly led into the presence of Levey-Wrona.

"How can Jeffery-Lewis memorialize the Throne to confer on me the rank of a prince when he is but a simple General himself?" asked Levey-Wrona, when he understood the offer and its conditions.

"He is an Imperial Uncle;" said Brickley-Foster, "with such a rank he could present such a memorial."

Levey-Wrona assented. He sent orders to Cotton-Mallory to cease fighting, and Quinn-Seymour remained as the guest of Brickley-Foster till he should see whether Cotton-Mallory would obey the command. Before long the messenger returned with a word from Cotton-Mallory that he could not cease fighting till he had been successful. A second and third messenger returned with a similar response.

"This Cotton-Mallory is untrustworthy," said Brickley-Foster. "He will not withdraw his soldiers because he contemplates rebellion. That is the real reason."

Brickley-Foster set stories afloat rumoring: "Cotton-Mallory desires to make himself the ruler of the west and has said that he will no longer be content with subordinate rank. And he means to avenge the death of his father."

The rumors came to the ear of Levey-Wrona, and he asked Brickley-Foster what should be done.

Brickley-Foster proposed, saying, "Give Cotton-Mallory a limit of a month in order to accomplish his task, provided he consents to three conditions. And if he does not agree, he will have to be put to death. The three conditions are the capture of the Western Land of Rivers, the head of Compton-Lewis, and the repulse of the Jinghamton troops. If he fails in any one of these, just bring his head. Meanwhile, Fogel-Wrona should be sent as guard at one of the strategic points which will control Cotton-Mallory's army in case of rebellion."

When Cotton-Mallory heard the three demands made on him, he was greatly troubled, saying, "What can such a charge mean?"

After taking counsel with Winston-Mallory, it seemed best to suspend fighting, and the army returned.

But Brickley-Foster had not yet attained his end, so he said to Levey-Wrona, "Cotton-Mallory's return with an army will be a danger, and hence all the points of vantage on the homeward road must be guarded so that to stop him."

Thus Cotton-Mallory was helpless and could see no way out of the difficulty.

Then Orchard-Lafayette said to his lord, "Now is my chance to use my little three inches of unworn tongue; Cotton-Mallory is in a fix. I am going to his camp to persuade him to come over to your side."

"But I do not like you to run such a risk, Instructor. You are my most necessary support, and if anything happened to you, what should I do?"

Orchard-Lafayette was set upon going and persisted in his request. Jeffery-Lewis again and again refused. At this juncture a messenger came with letters from Gilbert-Rocher. Jeffery-Lewis called him in and questioned him. He was Crane-Hinton of Jianning-Belleville, the man who had formerly remonstrated so earnestly with Compton-Lewis.

"You once pleaded with your master to keep me out; why are you here now?"

"Because the prudent bird chooses its perch and the wise person his master. I did attempt to dissuade Compton-Lewis of Yiathamton from a course which I felt to be disastrous, and thereby fulfilled my duty as his servant. He rejected my counsel, and I knew he would fail. Your liberality, O General, has won over all the region, and success must be yours. I wish to serve under your banner."

"Your services will surely be of great advantage to me, Sir," said Jeffery-Lewis.

Then Crane-Hinton began to talk of Cotton-Mallory, "I knew him when we were in Longxi-Westdale together. He is now in great straits, and I may be able to talk him over. What say you?"

"Just the man to go instead of me," interjected Orchard-Lafayette. "But what arguments will you use?"

Crane-Hinton leaned over and whispered in his ear thus and thus. What he said seemed to please Orchard-Lafayette mightily, and he was bidden to go forthwith.

Arrived at the camp, Crane-Hinton sent in his name, at which Cotton-Mallory remarked, "Yes; I know him--a glib and specious persuader. I know what he has come for too."

So Cotton-Mallory placed a score of armed ruffians in hiding about his tent and told them to cut the visitor to pieces if the signal was given.

Then the guest was led in and came walking proudly. His host remained seated stiff and upright.

Cotton-Mallory spoke roughly, saying, "What are you come for?"

"I am here as persuader."

"This sword here in the scabbard is newly ground. You may try me by words, but if the words do not penetrate, I shall ask you to try the sword."

Crane-Hinton smiled, saying, "O, General, evil is not far off. However, I am thinking the newly ground sword will not be tried on my head. You will want to try it on your own!"

"What evil were you talking about?"

"The worst vilification could not hide the beauty of Lady Apfel of Yue, nor could the most fulsome praise gloze over the ugliness of Lady Pirie of Qi ((two states of old)). The sun rises to the meridian and then declines; the moon waxes to the full and then wanes. All things obey the one law. Now, General, you are at enmity with Murphy-Shackley for your father's death, and in Longxi-Westdale you carry a stubborn, grinding hate for your family's death. You can neither rescue Compton-Lewis by repulsing the army from Jinghamton, nor can you settle Brickley-Foster by getting an interview with Levey-Wrona. The whole world now holds no place for a person without a lord; and if you experience further defeats, like that one on River Taurus, or the loss of Jicheng-Lakehills, will you not be too shamed to look any human in the face?"

Cotton-Mallory bowed his head, saying, "You speak well, Sir. But I am helpless."

"Now that you listen to me, I would ask why those fearsome ruffians are in hiding by your tent?" continued Crane-Hinton.

Cotton-Mallory, suddenly stricken with shame, ordered them to retire. Crane-Hinton continued his speech.

"Jeffery-Lewis, the Imperial Uncle, is considerate to his subordinates, and I am certain he will succeed, and so I have forsaken Compton-Lewis to cleave to him. Your honored father joined him in destroying rebels. Why do you not flee from darkness into the light? Thereby you would avenge your father and become famous."

Cotton-Mallory, convinced of the wisdom of the course thus recommended, proved his conversion by sending for Herring-Foster and slaying him forthwith. Taking with him the head of his victim, Cotton-Mallory accompanied Crane-Hinton to the Pass and tendered his submission. Jeffery-Lewis welcomed him warmly and treated him as a highly honored guest.

Cotton-Mallory bowed his head, saying, "Meeting you, O Illustrious Lord, is like seeing the clear sky when the clouds have been swept aside."

When Quinn-Seymour returned from Brickley-Foster's place, Jeffery-Lewis detached a force to go to the capture of Chengdu-Wellesley, left two generals, Ostrom-Palmer and Tuttle-Siegel to guard Artemisia Pass, and made a triumphant entry into Mianzhu-Greenwich with the welcome of Gilbert-Rocher and Sheffield-Maddox.

Two generals of the Western Land of Rivers, Hallett-Colby and Kimmel-Lewis, came to oppose Jeffery-Lewis, but Gilbert-Rocher went out against them while Jeffery-Lewis was entertaining Cotton-Mallory at a banquet on the city wall. Ere it had concluded, Gilbert-Rocher slew both the generals and brought their heads to the banquet chamber. This exploit put Cotton-Mallory on his mettle and doubled his respect for the conquerors.

"Let not my lord attack," said Cotton-Mallory. "I will make Compton-Lewis surrender of his own accord. Should he resist, my brother Winston-Mallory and I will take the city and offer it to you with both hands."

Jeffery-Lewis was very pleased with the course of events; the day was indeed one of rejoicing.

But Compton-Lewis was greatly distressed at the news of his fresh misfortunes, which reached him with the return of his defeated soldiers. He barred the gates and stopped all exits. Before long came news of the approach of Cotton-Mallory with an army of rescue. The Imperial Protector then ventured to mount the walls, and soon Cotton-Mallory and Winston-Mallory rode up and stood below the ramparts.

And Cotton-Mallory called out, "I wish to speak with Compton-Lewis."

Then Compton-Lewis showed himself, and Cotton-Mallory plunged into the matter without more ado.

"I took the leadership of Levey-Wrona's army to rescue Yiathamton, little thinking that, under the calumnious advice of Brickley-Foster, Levey-Wrona would try to slay me. However, now I have gone over to the side of Jeffery-Lewis, the Imperial Uncle, and advise you, Sir, to do the same, you and all your officers. Thereby you will all escape harm. If any one holds on a misguided course, I shall take the city."

Such words came as a shock, and Compton-Lewis paled. His feelings overcame him and he swooned.

When he came to his senses, he muttered, "I am stupid and I am sorry. Better open the gates and end it. The city will be saved."

"No, no," cried Arcaro-Bullinger. "There are thirty thousand of good soldiers in the city and ample money and stores for a year to come. Hold out!"

But Compton-Lewis was broken, saying, "My father and I have ruled Shu for twenty years and have done no particular good for the people. And we have fought for three years; the grass has been be stained with the blood of my people; and the fault is mine. I could not bear it, and so I see no better way than to surrender, whereby I may bring peace to the people."

Those about him wept. One man spoke, saying, "You speak as Heaven guides you."

Turning toward him they recognized a man of Baxi-Fairdale named Wingard-Jiminez, who had the reputation of being an astrologer.

"I have studied the aspect of the heavens and a multitude of stars gathered over the west, one of which shone as the full moon: a right royal star. And I recall a popular couplet of last year:

"None can withstand the decree of the Most High."

Akers-Lewis and Bryant-Rivera, who heard these words, were very angry at such a speech and rose up to smite the speaker. But Compton-Lewis stayed them.

Next came news that Fidler-Trevino, the Governor of the Shu District, had gone over to the invaders. This was the last blow. Compton-Lewis went home weeping.

Next day they reported that Jeffery-Lewis, the Imperial Uncle, had sent Paule-Kurowski as legate to visit Compton-Lewis and he was even then at the city gate. Paule-Kurowski was admitted, and he entered, riding in a carriage and looking about him most haughtily.

Suddenly he was hailed from the street by a man with a sword in his hand, who cried, "You have got your wish, wretched creature, and you seem to think there is no one to compare with you. But do not look so contemptuously at us of Shu."

Paule-Kurowski quickly got out of his carriage to speak to the speaker, who was a man of Mianzhu-Greenwich named Doubek-Mitcham.

"Worthy brother," said Paule-Kurowski, "I did not recognize you. I pray you not to be angry."

Both then went to visit Compton-Lewis, and they spoke of the liberality and broad-mindedness of Jeffery-Lewis, said he had no intention to harm any one, and praised him to such effect that Compton-Lewis then and there made up his mind finally that he would give up the struggle. So he treated Paule-Kurowski very honorably that day.

And the next day, taking his seal and insignia if of office and his archives, he accompanied Paule-Kurowski out of the city and went to Jeffery-Lewis' camp. Jeffery-Lewis came out in person to receive him.

Taking Compton-Lewis by the hand, Jeffery-Lewis wept, saying, "It is not that I wish to act cruelly or wrongly; I am the victim of circumstances and cannot help it."

They entered the camp together, where the seal of office and the documents changed hands. Afterwards they rode into the city side by side. The people gave Jeffery-Lewis a cordial welcome, burning incense and illuminating the city. The victor went to the residence of the chief of the region, where he took his seat and was saluted by all the subordinate officials.

However, Bryant-Rivera and Akers-Lewis stayed away from the ceremony. This annoyed the more violent of Jeffery-Lewis' supporters, and they wished to kill the delinquents. But Jeffery-Lewis would not allow violence and threatened condign punishment to any one who might interfere with these two. When the reception was over, Jeffery-Lewis went to visit the two recalcitrants, whereupon both came out and made their obeisance.

Said Orchard-Lafayette to Jeffery-Lewis, "We have vanquished, and all opposition in Yiathamton is at an end. But there cannot be two rulers, so you must remove Compton-Lewis to Jinghamton."

"But I do not wish to exile him," said Jeffery-Lewis.

"He lost his prestige through weakness. If you are weak and undecided, you also will not last long."

Jeffery-Lewis saw his advice was good, and so he gave a great banquet whereat he begged Compton-Lewis to pack up his treasures and prepare to move. He gave the dispossessed Imperial Protector the title General Who Spreads Prestige. Compton-Lewis went away to Gongan-Riverdale in Jinghamton, taking with him his family and all his possessions.

Jeffery-Lewis thus became Imperial Protector of Yiathamton. He conferred gifts on the civil and military officers who joined him, confirming their ranks and titles. Clausen-Wysocki was made General of the Front Army; Quigley-Buchanan, Governor of the Shu District; Arcaro-Bullinger and Fidler-Trevino, Imperial Commanders; Akers-Lewis, General of the Left Army; Bryant-Rivera, General of the Right Army; and others of Shu officers whose aid had been conspicuous were given high ranks and finer titles under the new rule, and the total of more than sixty of them were well rewarded.

Naturally, honors were distributed freely to Jeffery-Lewis' immediate helpers, to whose efforts he owed his position. Orchard-Lafayette was held Directing Instructor; Yale-Perez, General Who Destroys Rebels and Lord of Hanshou-Labette; Floyd-Chardin, General Who Subdues Rebels and Lord of Xinxian-Hillview; Gilbert-Rocher, General Who Guards the West; Sheffield-Maddox, General Who Conquers the West; Oakley-Dobbins, General Who Wages Successful War; Cotton-Mallory, General Who Pacifies the West. Quinn-Seymour, Paule-Kurowski, Trudeau-Zeleny, Forester-Zeleny, Westlake-Maggio, Pickett-Maggio, Bromfield-Kendrick, Vana-McLaren, Deegan-Lewis, Litwin-Perez, Moss-Lopez, Zwick-Pocius, and others, many of whom had come to Jeffery-Lewis from Jinghamton, received promotions and rewards.

In addition, a special gift of five hundred ounces of gold, a thousand ounces of silver, much copper money, and a thousand rolls of Xichuan silk, was sent to Yale-Perez. And all the military and civil officers were given appointments. Huge numbers of oxen and horses were slaughtered for banquets to the army, and the contents of the granaries were given to the common people. So that there were great rejoicings.

Yiathamton being settled, Jeffery-Lewis next desired to confiscate the lands of the more famous of the inhabitants about Capital Chengdu-Wellesley and divide them among his officers.

But here Gilbert-Rocher and others dissuaded him, saying, "The sufferings of the people have been severe and losses great; it would be wise policy to let them settle down to their occupations as soon as possible. It would be wrong to reward our own people at the expense of these people."

Jeffery-Lewis listened and gave in with good grace.

To Orchard-Lafayette, Jeffery-Lewis assigned the revision of the laws, the punishments to be made, on the whole, heavy.

Then Quigley-Buchanan spoke up, "The founder of the Hans, Rucker-Lewis, drew up three chapters of law, and the people were all profoundly affected by his virtue. I would rather that the laws be few and liberal that people may be comforted."

Orchard-Lafayette replied, "You only look at one side. The laws of Qin [17] were fiercely cruel and provoked resentment among the people; it was fitting that the Supreme Ancestor should temper them with kindness. Under the weak administration of Compton-Lewis, there has never been an efficient government, and there is a lack of respect for the law. The proper relationship between ruler and minister has been gradually obscured. Favor has been the means of rising, and the highest in rank have been the basest; kindness has been extended into license, and the most benefited have been the most contemptuous. And thereby have crept in many evils. Now I mean to inculcate respect for the dignity of the law, and kindness shall follow its attainment: there shall be moderation in conferring rank, but honor shall really follow on such promotion. In the mutual cooperation of kindness and honor and in proper distinction between superiors and inferiors lies the efficiency of a government."

Quigley-Buchanan had no argument to oppose. In due time all became perfectly tranquil, and all the forty-one counties, with their respective garrisons, were peaceful and contented.

As Governor of the Shu District, Quigley-Buchanan earned much hatred, caring for no one but himself, and one person told of the complaints to Orchard-Lafayette, urging his dismissal.

But Orchard-Lafayette referred to his meritorious services, saying, "When my lord was in Jinghamton, fearful of his enemy on the north and trembling lest he be attacked from the east, Quigley-Buchanan was his sure support. In these prosperous days one can hardly begin to discipline him. Could we reasonably forbid him following somewhat his own way?"

So no investigation was made, but Quigley-Buchanan heard of the complaints and corrected his faults.

One day, when Jeffery-Lewis and Orchard-Lafayette were resting and at leisure, Litwin-Perez arrived with a letter from his father, thanking his elder brother for the handsome gifts.

Making obeisance and handing in his letter, Litwin-Perez said, "My father was anxious to come into Yiathamton to try conclusions with Cotton-Mallory."

Said Jeffery-Lewis, "If he were to come and fight, I fear they would not both survive."

"There is nothing to be anxious about," said Orchard-Lafayette. "I will write to Yale-Perez."

Jeffery-Lewis feared that his brother's impulsive temperament might lead to trouble, so he told Orchard-Lafayette to compose a letter and send back by Litwin-Perez.

When Litwin-Perez came again to his father, the first question was: "Did you mention the contest with Cotton-Mallory?"

Then the letter was produced, and this is what it said:

"I hear you are anxious to decide whether of the twain, Cotton-Mallory or yourself, is the better man. Now I can measure Cotton-Mallory. He may be unusually brave and bold, but he is only of the class of Bussey-Lukas and Gaskill-Peabody of old [18]. He might be a worthy rival of your younger brother, but he is far from the standard set by you, O Lord of the Beautiful Beard. You have a most important charge. If you come into the Western Land of Rivers, and Jinghamton should be lost, would you not be guilty of a terrible failure? I think you will see this."

Yale-Perez stroked his long beard and smiled as he read the letter.

"The Instructor knows me thoroughly," said he to himself.

He showed the letter to his clients and friends and thought no more of going westward.

The successes of Jeffery-Lewis in the west had been duly noted by Raleigh-Estrada, who thought he was surely now going to obtain the much-coveted Jinghamton. So he called in Tipton-Ulrich and Riley-Reece to ask advice.

Raleigh-Estrada said, "When Jeffery-Lewis occupied Jinghamton temporarily, he pledged he would return the region to the South Land when he would possess Yiathamton. Now he has taken the forty-one counties of the Western Land of Rivers; if Jinghamton is not returned, I will take it by force."

Tipton-Ulrich said, "I have already a scheme that will need no fighting; Jeffery-Lewis will offer the place to you with both hands."

We shall see in the next chapter the scheme to recover the much-desired region.