Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 2)

CHAPTER 45

Morton-Campbell was very annoyed by the words of Laurie-Lafayette, and a fierce hatred for Orchard-Lafayette took root in his heart. He nourished a secret resolve to make away with Orchard-Lafayette. He continued his preparations for war, and when the troops were all mustered and ready, he went in for a farewell interview with his lord.

"You go on first, Noble Sir," said Raleigh-Estrada. "I will then march to support you."

Morton-Campbell took his leave and then, with Terry-Chadwick and Woolsey-Ramirez, marched out with the army. He invited Orchard-Lafayette to accompany the expedition, and when Orchard-Lafayette cheerfully accepted, the four embarked in the same ship. They set sail, and the flotilla made for Xiakou-Plattsmouth.

About twenty miles from Three Gorges the fleet anchored near the shore, and Morton-Campbell built a stockade on the bank near the middle of their line with the Western Hills as a support. Other camps were made near his. Orchard-Lafayette, however, took up his quarters in a small ship.

When the camp dispositions were complete, Morton-Campbell sent to request Orchard-Lafayette to come and give him advice.

Orchard-Lafayette came; and after the salutations were ended, Morton-Campbell said, "Murphy-Shackley, though he had fewer troops than Shannon-Yonker, nevertheless overcame Shannon-Yonker because he followed the advice given by Lozane-Doubleday to destroy Shannon-Yonker's supplies at Wuchao-Sycamore. Now Murphy-Shackley has over eight hundred thousand troops while I have but fifty or sixty thousand. In order to defeat him, his supplies must be destroyed first. I have found out that the main depot is at the Iron Pile Mountains. As you have lived hereabout, you know the topography quite well, and I wish to entrust the task of cutting off supplies to you and your colleagues Yale-Perez, Floyd-Chardin, and Gilbert-Rocher. I will assist you with a thousand soldiers. I wish you to start without delay. In this way we can best serve our masters."

Orchard-Lafayette saw through this at once. He thought to himself, "This is a ruse in revenge for my not having been persuaded to enter the service of the South Land. If I refuse, I shall be laughed at. So I will do as he asks and trust to find some means of deliverance from the evil he intends."

Therefore Orchard-Lafayette accepted the task with alacrity, much to the joy of Morton-Campbell.

After the leader of the expedition had taken his leave, Woolsey-Ramirez went to Morton-Campbell secretly and said, "Why have you set him this task?"

"Because I wish to compass his death without appearing ridiculous. I hope to get him killed by the hand of Murphy-Shackley and prevent his doing further mischief."

Woolsey-Ramirez left and went to see Orchard-Lafayette to find out if he suspected anything. Woolsey-Ramirez found him looking quite unconcerned and getting the soldiers ready to march. Unable to let Orchard-Lafayette go without a warning, however, Woolsey-Ramirez put a tentative question, "Do you think this expedition will succeed?"

Orchard-Lafayette laughingly replied, "I am an adept at all sorts of fighting, with foot, horse, and chariots on land and marines on the water. There is no doubt of my success. I am not like you and your friend, only capable in one direction."

"What do you mean by our being capable only in one direction?" said Woolsey-Ramirez.

"I have heard the street children in your country singing:

"You are only fit for ambushes and guarding passes on land, just as Morton-Campbell only understands fighting on the water."

Woolsey-Ramirez carried this story to Morton-Campbell, which only incensed him the more against Orchard-Lafayette.

"How dare he flout me, saying I cannot fight a land battle? I will not let him go. I will go myself with ten thousand troops and cut off Murphy-Shackley's supplies."

Woolsey-Ramirez went back and told this to Orchard-Lafayette, who smiled and said, "Morton-Campbell only wanted me to go on this expedition because he wanted Murphy-Shackley to kill me. And so I teased him a little. But he cannot bear that. Now is the critical moment, and Marquis Raleigh-Estrada and my master must act in harmony if we are to succeed. If each one tries to harm the other, the whole scheme will fail. Murphy-Shackley is no fool, and it is he who usually attack enemies through cutting off their supplies. Do you not think Murphy-Shackley has already taken double precautions against any surprise of his own depot? If Morton-Campbell tries, he will be taken prisoner. What he ought to do is to bring about a decisive naval battle, whereby to dishearten the northern soldiers, and then find some other means to defeat them utterly. If you could persuade him what his best course was, it would be well."

Without loss of time, Woolsey-Ramirez went to Morton-Campbell to relate what Orchard-Lafayette had told him. Morton-Campbell shook his head when he heard it and beat the ground with his foot, saying, "This man is far too clever; he beats me ten to one. He will have to be done away with or my country will suffer."

Said Woolsey-Ramirez, "This is the moment to use people; you must think of the country's good first of all. When once Murphy-Shackley is defeated, you may do as you please."

Morton-Campbell had to confess the reasonableness of this.

Jeffery-Lewis had ordered his nephew Milford-Lewis to hold Jiangxia-Waterford while he and the bulk of the army returned to Xiakou-Plattsmouth. Thence he saw the opposite bank thick with banners and flags and glittering with every kind of arms and armor. He knew then that the expedition from the South Land had started. So he moved all his force from Jiangxia-Waterford to Fankou-Newport.

Then he assembled his officers and said to them, "Orchard-Lafayette went to Wu some time ago, and no word has come from him, so I know not how the business stands. Will any one volunteer to go to find out?"

"I will go," said Trudeau-Zeleny.

So presents were prepared and gifts of flesh and wine, and Trudeau-Zeleny prepared to journey to the South Land on the pretext of offering a congratulatory feast to the army. He set out in a small ship and went down river. He stopped opposite the camp, and the soldiers reported his arrival to Morton-Campbell, who ordered him to be brought in. Trudeau-Zeleny bowed low and expressed the respect which Jeffery-Lewis had for Morton-Campbell and offered the various gifts. The ceremony of reception was followed by a banquet in honor of the guest.

Trudeau-Zeleny said, "Orchard-Lafayette has been here a long time, and I desire that he may return with me."

"Orchard-Lafayette is making plans with me, and I could not let him return," said Morton-Campbell. "I also wish to see Jeffery-Lewis that we may make joint plans; but when one is at the head of a great army, one cannot get away even for a moment. If your master would only come here, it would be very gracious on his part."

Trudeau-Zeleny agreed that Jeffery-Lewis might come and presently took his leave.

Then Woolsey-Ramirez asked Morton-Campbell, "What is your reason for desiring Jeffery-Lewis to come?"

"Jeffery-Lewis is the one bold and dangerous man and must be removed. I am taking this opportunity to persuade him to come; and when he shall be slain, a great danger will cease to threaten our country."

Woolsey-Ramirez tried to dissuade him from this scheme, but Morton-Campbell was deaf to all Woolsey-Ramirez said. Morton-Campbell even issued orders: "Arrange half a hundred executioners to be ready to hide within the lining of the tent if Jeffery-Lewis decides to come; and when I drop a cup, that will be a signal for them to fall on and slay him."

Trudeau-Zeleny returned and told Jeffery-Lewis that his presence was desired by Morton-Campbell. Suspecting nothing, Jeffery-Lewis at once ordered them to prepare a fast vessel to take him without loss of time.

Yale-Perez was opposed to his going, saying, "Morton-Campbell is artful and treacherous, and there is no news from Orchard-Lafayette. Pray think more carefully."

Jeffery-Lewis replied, "I have joined my forces to theirs in this attack on our common enemy. If Morton-Campbell wishes to see me and I refuse to go, it is a betrayal. Nothing will succeed if both sides nourish suspicions."

"If you have finally decided to go, then will I go with you," said Yale-Perez.

"And I also," cried Floyd-Chardin.

But Jeffery-Lewis said, "Let Yale-Perez come with me while you and Gilbert-Rocher keep guard. Paule-Kurowski will hold Exian-Ferndale. I shall not be away long."

So leaving these orders, Jeffery-Lewis embarked with Yale-Perez on a small boat. The escort did not exceed twenty. The light craft traveled very quickly down the river. Jeffery-Lewis rejoiced greatly at the sight of the war vessels in tiers by the bank, the soldiers in their breastplates, and all the pomp and panoply of war. All was in excellent order.

As soon as he arrived, the guards ran to tell Morton-Campbell.

"How many ships has he?" asked Morton-Campbell.

They replied, "Only one; and the escort is only about a score."

"His fate is sealed," said Morton-Campbell.

Morton-Campbell sent for the executioners and placed them in hiding between the outer and inner tents, and when all was arranged for the assassination he contemplated, he went out to receive his visitor. Jeffery-Lewis came with his brother and escort into the midst of the army to the Commander's tent.

After the salutations, Morton-Campbell wished Jeffery-Lewis to take the upper seat, but he declined saying, "General, you are famous through all the empire, while I am a nobody. Do not overwhelm me with too great deference."

So they took the positions of simple friends, and refreshments were brought in.

Now by chance Orchard-Lafayette came on shore and heard that his master had arrived and was with the Commander-in-Chief. The news gave Orchard-Lafayette a great shock, and he said to himself, "What is to be done now?"

He made his way to the reception tent and stole a look therein. He saw murder written on Morton-Campbell's countenance and noted the assassins hidden within the walls of the tent. Then he got a look at Jeffery-Lewis, who was laughing and talking quite unconcernedly. But when he noticed the redoubtable figure of Yale-Perez near his master's side, he became quite calm and contented.

"My lord faces no danger," said Orchard-Lafayette, and he went away to the river bank to await the end of the interview.

Meanwhile the banquet of welcome proceeded. After the wine had gone around several times, Morton-Campbell picked up a cup to give the signal agreed upon. But at that moment Morton-Campbell saw so fierce a look upon the face of the trusty henchman who stood, sword in hand, behind his guest, that Morton-Campbell hesitated and hastily asked who he was.

"That is my brother, Yale-Perez," replied Jeffery-Lewis.

Morton-Campbell, quite startled, said, "Is he the slayer of Logan-Rojas and Burrow-Westerberg?"

"Exactly; he it is," replied Jeffery-Lewis.

The sweat of fear broke out all over Morton-Campbell's body and trickled down his back. Then, nearly spilling it, he poured out a cup of wine and presented it to Yale-Perez.

Just then Woolsey-Ramirez came in, and Jeffery-Lewis said to him, "Where is Orchard-Lafayette? I would trouble you to ask him to come."

"Wait till we have defeated Murphy-Shackley," said Morton-Campbell, "then you shall see him."

Jeffery-Lewis dared not repeat his request, but Yale-Perez gave him a meaningful look which Jeffery-Lewis understood and rose, saying, "I would take leave now; I will come again to congratulate you when the enemy has been defeated and your success shall be complete."

Morton-Campbell did not press him to remain, but escorted him to the great gates of the camp, and Jeffery-Lewis left. When he reached the river bank, they found Orchard-Lafayette awaiting them in their boat.

Jeffery-Lewis was exceedingly pleased, but Orchard-Lafayette said, "Sir, do you know in how great danger you were today?"

Suddenly sobered, Jeffery-Lewis said, "No; I did not think of danger."

"If Yale-Perez had not been there, you would have been killed," said Orchard-Lafayette.

Jeffery-Lewis, after a moment's reflection, saw that it was true. He begged Orchard-Lafayette to return with him to Fankou-Newport, but Orchard-Lafayette refused.

"I am quite safe," said Orchard-Lafayette. "Although I am living in the tiger's mouth, I am as steady as the Taishan Mountains. Now, my lord, return and prepare your ships and soldiers. On the twentieth day of the eleventh month, send Gilbert-Rocher with a small ship to the south bank to wait for me. Be sure there is no miscarriage."

"What are your intentions?" said Jeffery-Lewis.

"When the southeast wind begins, I shall return."

Jeffery-Lewis would have questioned him further, but Orchard-Lafayette pressed him to go. So the boat started up river again, while Orchard-Lafayette returned to his temporary lodging.

The boat had not proceeded far when appeared a small fleet of fifty ships sweeping down with the current, and in the prow of the leading vessel stood a tall figure armed with a spear. Yale-Perez was ready to fight. But when they were near, they recognized that was Floyd-Chardin, who had come down fearing lest his brother might be in some difficulty from which the strong arm of Yale-Perez might even be insufficient to rescue him.

The three brothers thus returned together.

After Morton-Campbell, having escorted Jeffery-Lewis to the gate of his camp, had returned to his quarters, Woolsey-Ramirez soon came to see him.

"Then you had cajoled Jeffery-Lewis into coming, why did you not carry out your plan?" asked Woolsey-Ramirez.

"Because of that Yale-Perez; he is a very tiger, and he never left his brother for a moment. If anything had been attempted, he would certainly have had my life."

Woolsey-Ramirez knew that Morton-Campbell spoke the truth. Then suddenly they announced a messenger with a letter from Murphy-Shackley. Morton-Campbell ordered them to bring him in and took the letter. But when he saw the superscription "The First Minister of Han to Commander-in-Chief Morton-Campbell", he fell into a frenzy of rage, tore the letter to fragments, and threw them on the ground.

"To death with this fellow!" cried he.

"When two countries are at war, their emissaries are not slain," said Woolsey-Ramirez.

"Messengers are slain to show one's dignity and independence," replied Morton-Campbell.

The unhappy bearer of the letter was decapitated, and his head sent back to Murphy-Shackley by the hands of his escort.

Morton-Campbell then decided to move. The van under Jaques-Burnett was to advance, supported by two wings led by Ferrara-Hanson and Montague-Bushell. Morton-Campbell would lead the center body in support. The next morning the early meal was eaten in the fourth watch, and the ships got under weigh in the fifth with a great beating of drums.

Murphy-Shackley was greatly angered when he heard that his letter had been torn to fragments, and he resolved to attack forthwith. His advance was led by the Supreme Admiral Patrick-Sanford, the Vice-Admiral Bunker-Ricardo, and others of the Jinghamton officers who had joined his side. Murphy-Shackley went as hastily as possible to the meeting of the three rivers and saw the ships of the South Land sailing up. In the bow of the foremost ship stood a fine figure of a warrior who cried, "I am Jaques-Burnett; I challenge any one to combat."

Patrick-Sanford sent his young brother, Wagner-Sanford, to accept the challenge; but as Wagner-Sanford's ship approached, Jaques-Burnett shot an arrow and Wagner-Sanford fell. Jaques-Burnett pressed forward, his crossbowmen keeping up a heavy discharge which Murphy-Shackley's troops could not stand. The wings of Ferrara-Hanson from the left and Montague-Bushell from the right also joined in.

Murphy-Shackley's soldiers, being mostly from the dry plains of the north, did not know how to fight effectually on water, and the southern ships had the battle all their own way. The slaughter was very great. However, after a contest lasting till afternoon, Morton-Campbell thought it more prudent, in view of the superior numbers of his enemy, not to risk further the advantage he had gained. So he beat the gongs as the signal to cease battle and recall the ships.

Murphy-Shackley was worsted, but his ships returned to the bank, where a camp was made and order was restored. Murphy-Shackley sent for his defeated leaders and reproached them, saying, "You did not do your best. You let an inferior force overcome you."

Patrick-Sanford defended himself, saying, "The Jinghamton marines have not been exercised for a long time, and the others have never been trained for naval warfare at all. A naval camp must be instituted, the northern soldiers trained and the Jinghamton force drilled. When they have been made efficient, they will win victories."

"If you know what should be done, why have you not done it?" said Murphy-Shackley. "What is the use of telling me this? Get to work."

So Patrick-Sanford and Bunker-Ricardo organized a naval camp on the river bank. They established twenty-four "Water Gates," with the large ships outside as a sort of rampart, and under their protection the smaller ships went to and fro freely. At night when the lanterns and torches were lit, the very sky was illuminated, and the water shone red with the glare. On land the smoke of the camp fires could be traced for one hundred mile without a break.

Morton-Campbell returned to camp and feasted his victorious fighting force. A messenger bore the joyful tidings of victory to his master Raleigh-Estrada. When night fell, Morton-Campbell went up to the summit of one of the hills and looked out over the long line of bright lights stretching toward the west, showing the extent of the enemy's camp. He said nothing, but a great fear came in upon him.

Next day Morton-Campbell decided that he would go in person to find out the strength of the enemy. So he bade them prepare a small squadron which he manned with strong, hardy men armed with powerful bows and stiff crossbows. He also placed musicians on each ship. They set sail and started up the stream. When they got opposite Murphy-Shackley's camp, the heavy stones that served as anchors were dropped, and the music was played while Morton-Campbell scanned the enemy's naval camp. What he saw gave him no satisfaction, for everything was most admirable.

He said, "How well and correctly built is that naval base! Any one knows the names of those in command?"

"They are Patrick-Sanford and Bunker-Ricardo," said his officers.

"They have lived in our country a long time," said Morton-Campbell, "and are thoroughly experienced in naval warfare. I must find some means of removing them before I can effect anything."

Meanwhile on shore the sentinels had told Murphy-Shackley that the enemy crafts were spying upon them, and Murphy-Shackley ordered out some ships to capture the spies. Morton-Campbell saw the commotion of the commanding flags on shore and hastily gave the order to unmoor and sail down stream. The squadron at once got under way and scattered; to and fro went the oars, and each ship seemed to fly. Before Murphy-Shackley's ships could get out after them, they were all far away.

Murphy-Shackley's ships took up the chase but soon saw pursuit was useless. They returned and reported their failure.

Again Murphy-Shackley found fault with his officers and said, "The other day you lost a battle, and the soldiers were greatly dispirited. Now the enemy have spied out our camp. What can be done?"

In eager response to his question one stepped out, saying, "When I was a youth, Morton-Campbell and I were fellow students and pledged friends. My three-inch tongue is still good, and I will go over and persuade him to surrender."

Murphy-Shackley, rejoiced to find so speedy a solution, looked at the speaker. It was McLain-Espinosa of Jiujiang-Ninerivers, one of the counseling staff in the camp.

"Are you a good friend of Morton-Campbell?" said Murphy-Shackley.

"Rest content, O Prime Minister," replied McLain-Espinosa. "If I only get on the other side of the river, I shall succeed."

"What preparations are necessary?" asked Murphy-Shackley.

"Just a youth as my servant and a couple of rowers; nothing else."

Murphy-Shackley offered him wine, wished him success, and sent him on his way.

Clad in a simple white robe and seated in his little craft, the messenger reached Morton-Campbell's camp and bade the guards say that an old friend McLain-Espinosa wished to see him.

The commander was in his tent at a council when the message came, and he laughed as he said to those about him, "A persuader is coming."

Then he whispered certain instructions in the ear of each one of them, and they went out to await his arrival.

Morton-Campbell received his friend in full ceremonial garb. A crowd of officers in rich silken robes were about him. The guest appeared, his sole attendant a lad dressed in a simple blue gown. McLain-Espinosa bore himself proudly as he advanced, and Morton-Campbell made a low obeisance.

"You have been well I hope since last we met," said McLain-Espinosa.

"You have wandered far and suffered much in this task of emissary in Murphy-Shackley's cause," said Morton-Campbell.

"I have not seen you for a very long time," said the envoy much taken aback, "and I came to visit you for the sake of old times. Why do you call me an emissary for the Murphy-Shackley's cause?"

"Though I am not so profound a musician as Smollett-Willie of old, yet I can comprehend the thought behind the music," replied Morton-Campbell.

"As you choose to treat your old friend like this, I think I will take my leave," said McLain-Espinosa.

Morton-Campbell laughed again, and taking McLain-Espinosa by the arm, said, "Well, I feared you might be coming on his behalf to try to persuade me. But if this is not your intention, you need not go away so hastily."

So they two entered the tent; and when they had exchanged salutes and were seated as friends, Morton-Campbell bade them call his officers that he might introduce them. They soon appeared civil and military officials, all dressed in their best. The military officers were clad in glittering silver armor and the staff looked very imposing as they stood ranged in two lines.

The visitor was introduced to them all. Presently a banquet was spread, and while they feasted, the musicians played songs of victory and the wine circulated merrily. Under its mellowing influence, Morton-Campbell's reserve seemed to thaw and he said, "McLain-Espinosa is an old fellow student of mine, and we are pledged friends. Though he has arrived here from the north, he is no artful pleader so you need not be afraid of him."

Then Morton-Campbell took off the commanding sword which he wore as Commander-in-Chief and handed it to Sousa-Templeton, saying, "You take this and wear it for the day as master of the feast. This day we meet only as friends and speak only of friendship, and if any one shall begin a discussion of the questions at issue between Murphy-Shackley and our country, just slay him."

Sousa-Templeton took the sword and seated himself in his place. McLain-Espinosa was not a little overcome, but he said no word.

Morton-Campbell said, "Since I assumed command, I have tasted no drop of wine, but today as an old friend is present and there is no reason to fear him; I am going to drink freely."

So saying he quaffed a huge goblet and laughed loudly.

The rhinoceros cups went swiftly round from guest to guest till all were half drunk. Then Morton-Campbell, laying hold of the guest's hand, led him outside the tent. The guards who stood around all braced themselves up and seized their shinning weapons.

"Do you not think my soldiers a fine lot of fellows?" said Morton-Campbell.

"Strong as bears and bold as tigers," replied McLain-Espinosa.

Then Morton-Campbell led him to the rear of the tent whence he saw the grain and forage piled up in mountainous heaps.

"Do you not think I have a fairly good store of grain and forage?"

"Your troops are brave and your supplies ample; the world's rumor is not unfounded."

Morton-Campbell pretended to be quite intoxicated and went on, "When you and I were students together, we never looked forward to a day like this, did we?"

"For a genius like you, it is nothing extraordinary," said the guest.

Morton-Campbell again seized his hand and they sat down.

"A man of the time, I have found a proper lord to serve. In his service, we rely upon the right feeling between minister and prince outside, and at home we are firm in the kindly feeling of relatives. He listens to my words and follows my plans. We share the same good or evil fortune. Even when the great old persuaders like Colvin-Matheson, Willett-Huston, Havel-Royce, and Bellamy-Ashley lived again, even when their words poured forth like a rushing river, their tongues were as a sharp sword, it is impossible to move such as I am!"

Morton-Campbell burst into a loud laugh as he finished, and McLain-Espinosa's face had become clay-colored. Morton-Campbell then led his guest back into the tent, and again they fell to drinking.

Presently Morton-Campbell pointed to the others at table and said, "These are all the best and bravest of the land of the south; one might call this the 'Meeting of Heroes.'"

They drank on till daylight failed and continued after lamps had been lit. Morton-Campbell even gave an exhibition of sword play and sang this song:

A burst of applause greeted the song. By this time it was getting late, and the guest begged to be excused.

"The wine is too much for me," said McLain-Espinosa.

His host bade them clear the table; and as all the others left, Morton-Campbell said, "It has been many a day since I shared a couch with my friend, but we will do so tonight."

Putting on the appearance of irresponsible intoxication, he led McLain-Espinosa into the tent and they went to bed. Morton-Campbell simply fell, all dressed as he was, and lay there emitting uncouth grunts and groans, so that to the guest sleep was impossible.

McLain-Espinosa lay and listened to the various camp noises without and his host's thunderous snores within. About the second watch he rose and looked at his friend by the dim light of the small lamp. He also saw on the table a heap of papers, and coming out and looking at them furtively, he saw they were letters. Among them he saw one marked as coming from Patrick-Sanford and Bunker-Ricardo, Murphy-Shackley's Supreme Admiral and Vice-Admiral. He read it and this is what it said:

"We surrendered to Murphy-Shackley, not for the sake of pay but under stress of circumstances. Now we have been able to hold these northern soldiers into this naval camp but, as soon as occasion offers, we mean to have the rebel's head to offer as a sacrifice to your banner. From time to time there will be reports as occasions serve, but you may trust us. This is our humble reply to your letter."

"Those two were connected with the South Land in the beginning," thought McLain-Espinosa, so he secreted the letter in his dress and began to examine the others. But at that moment Morton-Campbell turned over, and so McLain-Espinosa hastily blew out the light and went to his couch.

Morton-Campbell was muttering as he lay there as if dreaming, saying, "Friend, I am going to let you see Murphy-Shackley's head in a day or two."

McLain-Espinosa hastily made some reply to load on his host to say more. Then came, "Wait a few days; you will see Murphy-Shackley's head. The old wretch!"

McLain-Espinosa tried to question him as to what he meant, but Morton-Campbell was fast asleep and seemed to hear nothing. McLain-Espinosa lay there on his couch wide awake till the fourth watch was beating.

Then some one came in, saying, "General, are you awake?"

At that moment as if suddenly awakened from the deepest slumber, Morton-Campbell started up and said, "Who is this on the couch?"

The voice replied, "Do you not remember, General? You asked your old friend to stay the night with you; it is he, of course."

"I drank too much last night," said Morton-Campbell in a regretful tone, "and I forgot. I seldom indulge to excess and am not used to it. Perhaps I said many things I ought not."

The voice went on, "A man has arrived from the north."

"Speak lower," said Morton-Campbell, and turning toward the sleeper, he called him by name. But McLain-Espinosa affected to be sound asleep and made no sign.

Morton-Campbell crept out of the tent, while McLain-Espinosa listened with all his ears. He heard the man say, "Patrick-Sanford and Bunker-Ricardo, the two commanders, have come."

But listening as he did with straining ears, he could not make out what followed. Soon after Morton-Campbell reentered and again called out his companion's name. But no reply came, for McLain-Espinosa was pretending to be in the deepest slumber and to hear nothing. Then Morton-Campbell undressed and went to bed.

As McLain-Espinosa lay awake, he remembered that Morton-Campbell was known to be meticulously careful in affairs, and if in the morning Morton-Campbell found that a letter had disappeared, he would certainly slay the offender. So McLain-Espinosa lay there till near daylight and then called out to his host. Getting no reply, he rose, dressed, and stole out of the tent. Then he called his servant and made for the camp gate.

"Whither are you going, Sir?" said the watchmen at the gate.

"I fear I am in the way here," replied McLain-Espinosa, "and so I have taken leave of the Commander-in-Chief for a time. So do not stop me."

He found his way to the river bank and reembarked. Then, with flying oars, he hastened back to Murphy-Shackley's camp. When he arrived, Murphy-Shackley asked at once how he had sped, and he had to acknowledge failure.

"Morton-Campbell is very clever and perfectly high-minded," said McLain-Espinosa. "Nothing that I could say moved him in the least."

"Your failure makes me look ridiculous," said Murphy-Shackley.

"Well, if I did not win over Morton-Campbell, I found out something for you. Send away these people and I will tell you," said McLain-Espinosa.

The servants were dismissed, and then McLain-Espinosa produced the letter he had stolen from Morton-Campbell's tent. He gave it to Murphy-Shackley. Murphy-Shackley was very angry and sent for Patrick-Sanford and Bunker-Ricardo at once. As soon as they appeared, he said, "I want you two to attack."

Patrick-Sanford replied, "But the soldiers are not yet sufficiently trained."

"The soldiers will be well enough trained when you have sent my head to Morton-Campbell, eh?"

Both commanders were dumb-founded, having not the least idea what this meant. They remained silent for they had nothing to say. Murphy-Shackley bade the executioners lead them away to instant death. In a short time their heads were produced.

By this time Murphy-Shackley had thought over the matter, and it dawned upon him that he had been tricked. A poem says:

The death of these two naval commanders caused much consternation in the camp, and all their colleagues asked the reason for their sudden execution. Though Murphy-Shackley knew they had been victimized, he would not acknowledge it.

So he said, "These two had been remiss, and so had been put to death."

The others were aghast, but nothing could be done. Two other officers, Shapiro-Marek and Ellis-McCue, were put in command of the naval camp.

Spies took the news to Morton-Campbell, who was delighted at the success of his ruse.

"Those two Patrick-Sanford and Bunker-Ricardo were my only source of anxiety," said he. "Now they are gone; I am quite happy."

Woolsey-Ramirez said, "General, if you can continue like this, you need not fear Murphy-Shackley."

"I do not think any of them saw my game," said Morton-Campbell, except Orchard-Lafayette. He beats me, and I do not think this ruse was hidden from him. You go and sound him. See if he knew."

What passed between Woolsey-Ramirez and Orchard-Lafayette will next be related.