Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait121878roya).pdf/110

 throwing open the gates, they went forth to meet and admit the army into the city.

After being entertained by the generals, the abbot questioned them as to the position of the Eleuth Camp, and asked if any engagements had yet taken place. The generals replied; "The Eleuth soldiers are indeed fierce and brave, and their entrenchments are strong; daily have they attacked this city, and it is only by our exceeding watchfulness, and owing to the strength of our walls and the depth of our moat, that we have been able to defend it; and our only hope was, that our Sovereign Lord would send troops to save us. We trust that the abbot has discovered some excellent scheme, and brought brave soldiers with whom we may yet subdue these barbarians. Any movement on our part must be undertaken with the greatest wisdom and foresight, or it will be impossible to contend against the Eleuths." The abbot said: "You generals have been here some time, so of course you possess a knowledge as to the position of the enemy's camp and the means of approach thereto." General Lau-King replied "I have here, a map of the position, and if the master will look it over, he will see at a glance the whole situation in every particular." Having examined well the chart, the abbot said that he understood perfectly how he was placed; "to-morrow we will lead out our men, and find out what these barbarians are made of. I have a scheme for attacking them."

The next morning the gates were opened, and the army marched forth. On this being reported to the Eleuth general Pheⁿ Leng Thien, he buckled on his shield, and mounted his horse; but on seeing nothing but a crowd of shaven priests, he laughed, and mockingly said: "I little thought during the years the Emperor of the Middle Kingdom has claimed my obedience, that he was supported by an army of priests. If you really intend to retire from the world, why do you not keep your vows; how dare you measure yourselves against me?" The abbot in a loud voice replied; "Dog of a barbarian! the Chinese have nothing in common with you Eleuths, any more than with the lower animals; why will you rush into strife, and run blindly to your own destruction?" Pheⁿ Leng Thien, was greatly enraged at this, and shouted: "Will no one lay hands on this bald-headed priest"? One of the surrounding chiefs responding to the call, and being armed with a long sword, galloped forward with a shout; but from behind the abbot, Choa-Tek-Tiong appeared like a flash of lightning, and with a knife in each hand, closed with the horse-man. After thirty cuts and thrusts on either side, the issue was