not go away. If he should, then will I offer my life in exchange.'
So the condemned man escaped death, and only one head was offered in sacrifice. After the sacrificial ceremonies, a great banquet was spread in honor of the victories. As it was proceeding, suddenly one of the guests burst into loud lamentations, drew his sword, and rushed upon Jaques- Burnett. Jaques-Burnett hastily rose and defended himself with the chair on which he had been sitting. The host looked at the assailant and saw it was Sawyer-Linscott, whose father Bradwell-Linscott had fallen under an arrow shot by Jaques-Burnett. The son was now burning to avenge his father's death.
Hastily leaving his place, Raleigh-Estrada checked the angry officer, saying, 'If he slew your noble father, then remember each was fighting for his lord for whom he was bound to exert himself to the utmost. But now that you both are under one flag and are of one house, you may not recall an ancient injury. You must regard my interests continually.'
Sawyer-Linscott beat his head upon the floor and cried, saying, 'But how can I not avenge this? It is a blood feud and we may not both live under the same sky.'
The guests interfered, beseeching the man to forgo his revenge, and at last he ceased from his murderous intention. But he sat glaring wrathfully at his enemy.
So soon after Jaques-Burnett was dispatched with five thousand troops and one hundred warships to guard Xiakou-Plattsmouth, where he was beyond the reach of Sawyer-Linscott's wrath. Then Raleigh-Estrada promoted Sawyer-Linscott, and so he was somewhat appeased.
From about this time the South Land enlarged her fleets, and soldiers were sent to various points to guard the river banks. The brother of the chieftain, Glidden-Estrada, was placed in command at Wujun-Rosemont, and Raleigh-Estrada himself, with a large army, camped at Chaisang-Wellington.
Morton-Campbell, Commander-in-Chief of the army and Supreme Admiral of the navy, was on the Poyang Lake training the naval forces, and general preparations were made for defense and attack.
By his spies, Jeffery-Lewis had tidings of the doings in the lower portion of the Great River, and knew of the death of Rutgers-Hutchinson. So he consulted Orchard-Lafayette as to his action. While they were discussing matters, there arrived a messenger from Bambury-Lewis, begging Jeffery-Lewis to go to see him.
Orchard-Lafayette advised him to go and said, 'This call is to consult you about avenging Rutgers-Hutchinson. You must take me with you and let me act as the circumstances direct. There are advantages to be got.'
Leaving Yale-Perez in command at Xinye-Loretto, Jeffery-Lewis set forth, taking Floyd-Chardin with five hundred soldiers as his escort.
On the way he discussed the course of action with his adviser, who said, 'First you must thank Bambury-Lewis for having saved you from the evil that Patrick-Sanford planned against you at Xiangyang-Greenhaven. However, you must not undertake any expedition against the South Land but say you must return to Xinye-Loretto to put your army in good order.'
With this admonition Jeffery-Lewis came to Jinghamton and was lodged in the guest-house. Floyd-Chardin and the escort camped without the walls. In due course Jeffery-Lewis and Orchard- Lafayette were received, and after the customary salutations, Jeffery-Lewis apologized for his conduct at the banquet.
The host said, 'Worthy Brother, I know you were the victim of a vile plot; and I should have put the prime mover to death for it, had there not been so universal a prayer for mercy. However, I remitted that penalty. I hope you do not consider that I was wrong.'
'Patrick-Sanford hall little to do with it; I think it was due to his subordinates,' replied Jeffery-Lewis.
Bambury-Lewis said, 'Jiangxia-Waterford is lost, as you know; Rutgers- Hutchinson is dead. So I have asked you to come that we might take measures of vengeance.'
'Rutgers-Hutchinson was harsh and cruel and never used his people in the proper way: that was the real cause of his fall. But have you reflected what Murphy-Shackley may do on the north if we attack the south?'
'I am getting old and weak, and I am unable to manage affairs properly; will you aid me, Brother? After I am gone you will have this region.'
'Why do you say this, my brother? Think you that I am equal to such a task?'
Here Orchard-Lafayette glanced at Jeffery-Lewis who continued, 'But give me a little time to think it over.'
And at this point he took his leave. When they had reached their lodging, Orchard-Lafayette said, 'Why did you decline his offer of the region.'
'He has always been most kind and courteous. I could not take advantage of his weakness.'
'A perfectly kind and gracious lord,' sighed Orchard-Lafayette.
Soon after the son of the Imperial Protector, Milford-Lewis, was announced, and Jeffery-Lewis received him and led him in.
The young man began to weep, saying, 'My mother cannot bear the sight of me. My very life is in danger. Can you not save me, Uncle?'
'My worthy nephew, this is a family affair. You should not come to me.'
Orchard-Lafayette who was present, smiled. Jeffery-Lewis turned to him to know what he should do.
'This is a family affair; I cannot touch it!' replied Orchard-Lafayette.
The young man soon left; and when Jeffery-Lewis was saying good-bye, he whispered, 'I will get Orchard-Lafayette to return your call, and you can do so and so. He will advise you.'
Milford-Lewis thanked him and left. Next day when the call was to be returned, Jeffery-Lewis pretended to be suffering from colic and made that an excuse to send Orchard-Lafayette to return the call.
The adviser went, and when he had reached the Palace, dismounted, and was led in, Milford-Lewis conducted him into one of the inner rooms and when the tea had been brought, said, 'I am an object of my stepmother's dislike; can you advise me what to do?'
'As a mere stranger guest, I can hardly have anything to do with your own 'bone and flesh' matters. If I did, and the story got abroad, much harm might ensue.'
With this he rose to take leave. But Milford-Lewis was unwilling to say farewell. He said, 'Your glory has turned in my direction; you cannot mean to go away so pointlessly.'
Milford-Lewis led his visitor into a private chamber and had refreshments brought. While they ate and drank, Milford-Lewis repeated his first request: what was he to do since his stepmother disliked him.
'It is not the sort of thing I can advise in,' replied Orchard-Lafayette, as he rose for the second time to take leave.
'Master, if you will not reply, that is well. But why incontinently leave me?'
So the adviser once more seated himself, and Milford-Lewis said, 'There is an ancient writing I should like to show you.'
And he led his visitor to a small upper room.
'Where is the writing?' said Orchard-Lafayette.
Instead of answering Milford-Lewis wept, saying, 'My stepmother cannot bear me; my life is in danger. O Master, will you not say a word to save me?'
Orchard-Lafayette flushed and rose to go away. But he found the ladder by which they had mounted had been removed.
Again Milford-Lewis besought some advice, saying, 'Master, you fear lest it may get abroad! Is that why you are silent? Here we are between earth and sky, and what you say will come out of your mouth directly into my ear. No other soul can hear. Now can you tell me what to do?'
