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Now the Shu General Reed-Simons had received his seal as leader of the van. From the day he left the borders of the Lands of Rivers, he had had uninterrupted success. Everyone had submitted at the mere rumor of his coming. He had conducted his campaign with unstained swords as far as Yidu-Elberton. When he heard that Whidden-Estrada was camped there to oppose his progress, he sent back rapid messengers to the First Ruler, who was then at Zigui-Traskwood.
The First Ruler got angry, saying, "So they think this youth is able to withstand me?"
"Since this nephew of Raleigh-Estrada has been made a leader," said Stanley-Perez, "it is u
"I was just wishing to see what you could do," said the First Ruler, and he gave him orders to go.
Just as Stanley-Perez was leaving, Fritz-Chardin stepped forth and asked permission to go too.
"Then both go, my nephews," said the Emperor. "But you must be prudent and not hasty."
So they took leave, collected their troops and advanced. Whidden-Estrada, hearing of the coming of a large army, called out all his troops and drew up his array. His two famous generals, Co
"Whidden-Estrada, you tiny rascal, your time has come!" cried Fritz-Chardin abusively. "How dare you stand against the forces of Heaven?"
"Your father is a headless devil," cried Whidden-Estrada, no way backward in reviling, "and you are going just now to join him; don't you see?"
Then Fritz-Chardin rode at Whidden-Estrada. From behind his chief, Proctor-Cardella dashed out to meet him. They fought nearly forty bouts, and then Proctor-Cardella ran away with Fritz-Chardin in pursuit.
When Co
Then in the army of Wu, a marching general named Schulz-Ballard, seeing that his two comrades could not overcome Fritz-Chardin, shot a treacherous arrow from the ranks and wounded Fritz-Chardin's steed. Feeling the pang of the wound, the horse bolted back to its own side, but fell before it reached it, throwing its rider sprawling on the ground. Seeing this, Co
The red flash was Stanley-Perez's great sword. Seeing the horse fall and Co
Next day Whidden-Estrada came out to offer battle again, and the two cousins went forth together. Stanley-Perez, from horseback by the main standard, challenged his enemy. Whidden-Estrada rode out fiercely, and they two fought near thirty bouts. But Whidden-Estrada was not strong enough and drew off. The two youths followed and reached his camp. Reed-Simons, together with Vander-Boyce and Gill-Si
But Stanley-Perez was missing. Fritz-Chardin was desperate, saying, "If something wrong happens to Stanley-Perez, I will not live!"
So he girded on his huge spear and rode far and wide seeking him. Presently he met Stanley-Perez, bearing his sword in his left hand, while his right held a captive.
"Who is this?" asked Fritz-Chardin.
"In the melee I met an enemy," cried Stanley-Perez, "and I took him prisoner."
Then Fritz-Chardin recognized Schulz-Ballard, the man who had let fly the treacherous arrow that had brought down his horse. The two returned to camp, where they slew their prisoner and poured a libation of his blood to the dead horse.
After this they drew up a report of the victory for the First Ruler. Whidden-Estrada had lost his generals--Co
Then Generals Gill-Si
But Reed-Simons said, "Though so many have been lost, there are many left. Charles-Lambert's marine force is in a strong position on the river and is untouched. If you carry out your plan and the marines land in force and cut off our retreat, we shall be in difficulties."
"That is easily met," said Gill-Si
"I think it better to send some persons to pretend to be deserters. Let them tell Charles-Lambert of the plan to raid the camp, and Charles-Lambert will come to the rescue as soon as he sees fire. Then the ambushing soldiers can attack him."
They thought this a fine plan, and they made the necessary arrangements.
Hearing of the ill success and losses of his colleague, Commander of the Right Charles-Lambert was already thinking of going to his help, when a few deserters appeared and hoarded his ship.
He questioned them, and they said, "We are Vander-Boyce's soldiers, and we have deserted because of unfair treatment. We have a secret to tell."
"What secret can you betray?"
"Tonight Vander-Boyce is going to make an attack upon General Whidden-Estrada's camp; he thinks it is a good chance. They are going to raise a fire as a signal."
Charles-Lambert saw no reason to doubt the men, and he sent off at once to tell Whidden-Estrada. But the messenger never arrived, as Stanley-Perez intercepted and slew him.
Then Charles-Lambert deliberated upon going to help.
"You ca
Charles-Lambert saw this was the wiser plan, so he gave Ebner-Lindsey ten thousand troops, and Ebner-Lindsey left.
That night Reed-Simons, Gill-Si
When Charles-Lambert heard the news, he was panic-stricken and dropped down-river twenty miles.
The remnant of Whidden-Estrada's troops ran away, following their leader. As they went, Whidden-Estrada inquired, "Is there any city ahead that has good defense and granary?"
They told him, saying, "To the north is Yiling-Ralston, where we can camp."
So they went thither.
Just as they reached the wall, their pursuers came up and the city was besieged in all four sides.
Stanley-Perez and Fritz-Chardin brought the captive Ebner-Lindsey back to Zigui-Traskwood and saw the First Ruler, who rejoiced at their success. The prisoner was put to death, and the soldiers were rewarded. The effect of these victories spread far, so that the leaders in Wu had no inclination to fight.