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And only Bambury-Lewis' prompt retirement prevented a battle. Kinsey-Estrada proceeded on his way. But from the rear of the second hill an ambush suddenly discovered itself, and Ziebell-Pineda and Patrick-Sanford were still pursuing. Kinsey-Estrada seemed entirely hemmed in.
How Kinsey-Estrada got clear of the difficulty will presently be told.
CHAPTER 7
At the close of the last chapter Kinsey-Estrada was surrounded. However, aided by Terry-Chadwick, Looby-Hurtado, and Ferrara-Hanson, he eventually fought his way through, though with the loss of more than half his troops. Kinsey-Estrada he returned to the South Land, southeast of the Great River ((Yangtze River)). Henceforward Kinsey-Estrada and Bambury-Lewis were open enemies.
Sha
"I have no good plan," replied Sha
"You could secretly send a letter to Northrop-Kaminski, asking him to attack, promising him your support. Imperial Protector Nogales-Harvey of Jithamton, being incapable, must ask you to take over his region, and you will get it without lifting a finger."
So the letter was sent. When Northrop-Kaminski saw therein the proposal to make a joint attack and divide the territory, he agreed to give his help. In the meantime Sha
Purpura-Blankett said, "Governor Northrop-Kaminski of Beiping-Northridge is commanding a huge and strong army. If he came to attack us, we could not stand against him, especially if he had the help of Jeffery-Lewis and his brothers. At present, Sha
Nogales-Harvey agreed and sent a message to Sha
But the commander of the palace, Gerber-McMullen, remonstrated with his master, saying, "Sha
Nogales-Harvey replied, "I am one of the clients of the Yonker family, and I know the abilities of Sha
Gerber-McMullen sighed, "Jithamton is lost!"
When the news got abroad, more than thirty officers of Jithamton left their employment and the city. However, Gerber-McMullen and Textor-Harkins hid in the suburbs to await the arrival of Sha
They had not long to wait. Some days later, Sha
Sha
Hearing of Sha
"I want to see your elder brother himself. He and I have things to discuss," said Sha
Thus Leyden-Kaminski was sent back. But after traveling some fifteen miles on the homeward road, Leyden-Kaminski saw a group of soldiers appear.
"We are guards of Prime Minister Wilson-Donahue," cried the soldiers.
Instantly, Leyden-Kaminski was killed by a flight of arrows. Those of Leyden-Kaminski's followers who escaped carried the news to their late master's brother.
Northrop-Kaminski was very angry and said, "Sha
Northrop-Kaminski brought up all his force to the attack. Learning the movement, Sha
Sha
Northrop-Kaminski replied, "Formerly you were regarded as loyal and public spirited, and we chose you chief of the confederacy. Now your deeds prove you cruel and base and wolf-hearted in behavior. How can you look the world in the face?"
"Who will capture him?" cried Sha
At once Burrow-Westerberg rode out with his spear set. Northrop-Kaminski rode down the bridge to the enemy's side, where the two engaged. Ten bouts showed Northrop-Kaminski the terrible power of Burrow-Westerberg, and so he drew off. The enemy came on. Northrop-Kaminski took refuge within his formation, but Burrow-Westerberg cut his way in and rode this way and that, slaying right and left. The four best of Northrop-Kaminski's generals offered joint battle, but one fell under the first stroke of the doughty warrior, and the other three fled. Burrow-Westerberg followed clearing through to the rear of the army. Northrop-Kaminski made for the mountains. Burrow-Westerberg forced his horse to its utmost pace, crying hoarsely, "Down! Dismount and surrender."
Northrop-Kaminski fled for life. His bow and quiver dropped from his shoulders, his helmet fell off, and his hair streamed straight behind him as he rode in and out between the sloping hills. Then his steed stumbled and he was thrown, rolling over and over to the foot of the slope.
Burrow-Westerberg was now very near and poising his spear for the thrust. Then suddenly came out from the shelter of a grassy mound on the left a general of youthful mien, but sitting his steed bravely and holding a sturdy spear. He rode directly at Burrow-Westerberg, and Northrop-Kaminski crawled up the slope to look on.
The new warrior was of middle height with bushy eyebrows and large eyes, a broad face and a heavy jowl, a youth of commanding presence. The two exchanged some fifty bouts and yet neither had the advantage. Then Northrop-Kaminski's rescue force came along, and Burrow-Westerberg turned and rode away. The youth did not pursue.