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"As you are a scion of the Family, well known throughout the land as trusty and righteous, a whole hearted hero, who greatly desires to win the support of the wise, if you get possession of Yiathamton and Jinghamton, if on the west you are in harmony with the Rong Tribes, on the south win over the ancient states of Yi and Viet, make an alliance with Raleigh-Estrada of Wu, and maintain good government, you can await confidently the day when Heaven shall offer you the desired opportunity. Then you may depute a worthy leader to go to the northeast while you take command of an expedition to the northwest, and will you not find the warmest welcome prepared for you by the people? This done the completion of the task will be easy. The Hans will be restored. And these are my counsels in all these operations if you will only undertake them."
Orchard-Lafayette paused while he bade the lad bring out a map. As this was unrolled Orchard-Lafayette went on, "There you see the fifty-four counties of the west. Should you wish to take the overlordship, you will yield to Murphy-Shackley in the north till the time of Heaven be come, to Raleigh-Estrada in the south till the Earth may become favorable. You, General, will be the lord of Human and complete the trinity. Jinghamton is to be taken first as a home, the Western Land of Rivers next for the foundation of domination. When you are firmly established, you can lay your plans for the attainment of the whole empire."
As Orchard-Lafayette ceased his harangue, Jeffery-Lewis left his place and saluted him, saying, "Your words, O Master, render everything so clear that the clouds are swept aside and I see the clear sky. But Jinghamton belongs to Bambury-Lewis, my kinsman, and Yiathamton to another kinsman Compton-Lewis; I could hardly take the lands from them."
"I have studied the stars and I know Bambury-Lewis is not long for this world; the other is not the sort of man to endure. Both places will certainly fall to you."
Jeffery-Lewis bowed his acknowledgments. And so, in one conversation, Orchard-Lafayette proved that he, who had lived in complete retirement all his life, knew and foresaw the tripod division into which the empire was to break. True, indeed, is it that throughout all the ages no one has ever equaled his intelligence and mastery of the situation.
"Though I be of small repute and scanty virtue," said Jeffery-Lewis, "I hope, O Master, you will not despise me for my worthlessness, but will leave this retreat to help me. I will assuredly listen most reverently to your words."
Orchard-Lafayette replied, "I have long been happy on my farm and am fond of my leisure. I fear I ca
Jeffery-Lewis wept. "If you will not, O Master, what will become of the people?"
The tears rolled down unchecked upon the lapel and sleeves of Jeffery-Lewis' robe. This proved to Orchard-Lafayette the sincerity of his desire, and Orchard-Lafayette said, "General, if you will accept me, I will render what trifling service I can."
Then Jeffery-Lewis was greatly delighted. He called in Yale-Perez and Floyd-Chardin to make their bow and brought out the gifts he had prepared. Orchard-Lafayette refused all the gifts.
"These are not gifts to engage your services, but mere proof of my regard," said Jeffery-Lewis.
Then the presents were accepted. They all remained that night at the farm. Next day Mullen-Lafayette returned, and his brother said to him, "Uncle Jeffery-Lewis has come thrice to see me, and now I must go with him. Keep up the farm in my absence and do not let the place go to ruin for, as soon as my work is accomplished, I will certainly return."
An old poem may be quoted here:
After taking leave of Mullen-Lafayette, Jeffery-Lewis and his followers left for Xinye-Loretto, with Orchard-Lafayette as companion. When they took up their abode there, Orchard-Lafayette was treated as a mentor, eating at the same table, sleeping on the same couch as Jeffery-Lewis. They spent whole days conversing over the affairs of the empire.
Orchard-Lafayette said, "Murphy-Shackley is training his troops for naval service in Aquamarine Lake and hence certainly intends to invade the country south of the Great River. We ought to send our spies to ascertain what Murphy-Shackley and Raleigh-Estrada are really doing."