Page:Frank Owen - The Scarlett Hill, 1941.djvu/83

RV 78 (PORTRAIT OF AN EMPEROR) to this mightiest of generals. Duke Bonimet swelled with pride as the text was read to him. It had been written by Chang himself in graceful brush strokes on silk. It was a forceful document. Its strength lay in its humility. It practically amounted to complete surrender. The great Chang Shou-kuei wished to crawl under his thumb. It was a pleasurable item to chew on. Completely forgotten were all the tales he had heard of the previous exploits of Chang, the Conqueror. How upon occasion he had removed the tongues of his enemies to prevent them from talking. Now Chang was a craven figure, he wished to bow at the feet of Duke Bonimet. Yes, Chang Shou-kuei was a craven but he was a craven who controlled vast stocks of food and was the lord of great wealth. Later, after certain festivities were over, Duke Bonimet would seize all the food he needed. For if a man be hungry, he who can appease that hunger will control the man. And it had been long since his people had feasted to excess. A well-fed army takes many prisoners but loses no battles. No man of earth stood in a more enviable position than Duke Bonimet. He could afford to be gracious. So he set a day for the coming of Governor Chang, a day that would mark the beginning of a period of festivities. No one of his people would work. All the hours would be given up to pleasure.

And Duke Bonimet waited impatiently for the arrival of his guests, the auspicious occasion of which was set at no great distance. From watch-towers his sentries scanned the horizon and even attempted to peer over RV 78 (78)