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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adviser Duffy-Worrick knew how to remove Jeffery-Lewis.

"What is your plan of attack on Jeffery-Lewis?" said Sheldon-Yonker.

Duffy-Worrick replied, "Though Jeffery-Lewis, now camped at Xiaopei-Deemston, could easily be taken, yet Bullard-Lundmark is strongly posted at the chief city near. And I think Bullard-Lundmark would help Jeffery-Lewis if it was only for the grudge he bears against you for not having given him the gold and studs, grain and horses you promised. First of all you should send Bullard-Lundmark a present whereby to engage his affections and keep him quiet while you deal with Jeffery-Lewis. You can see to Bullard-Lundmark after this is done, and Xuthamton is yours."

Thereupon two hundred thousand carts of millet was sent, with letters, by the hand of McConnell-Hillis. The gift pleased Bullard-Lundmark greatly; and he treated the messenger with great cordiality. Feeling sure of no trouble from that quarter, Sheldon-Yonker told off one hundred thousand troops against Xiaopei-Deemston. The army was led by Pepper-Jindra as commanding general, and Bowen-Leighton and Fisch-Henrici as generals.

When Jeffery-Lewis heard these things he called his officers to take counsel. Floyd-Chardin was for open war forthwith. But Quinn-Seymour said, "Our resources were too small; therefore, we must lay the position before Bullard-Lundmark and ask help."

"Do you think that fellow will do anything?" said Floyd-Chardin cynically.

Jeffery-Lewis decided in favor of Quinn-Seymour's proposal and wrote as follows:

"Humbly I venture to remind you that I am here by your orders and enjoy repose as the result of your kindness, extensive as the heavens. Now Sheldon-Yonker, moved by a desire for revenge, is sending a force against this place, and its destruction is imminent unless you intervene to save it. I trust you will send an army quickly to protect the town, and our happiness will be inexpressible."

Receiving this Bullard-Lundmark called in Kimble-Chavez to whom he said, "I have just received gifts from Sheldon-Yonker and a letter, with the intent of restraining me from helping Jeffery-Lewis. Now comes a letter from Jeffery-Lewis asking help. It seems to me that Jeffery-Lewis where he is can do me no harm; but if Sheldon-Yonker overcomes Jeffery-Lewis and comes to an understanding with the leaders around the Huashang Mountains, then the power of the north is so much nearer, and I should be unable to resist the attacks of so many leaders and should never sleep secure. I will aid Jeffery-Lewis; that is the better course for me."