Page:Romance of the Three Kingdoms - tr. Brewitt-Taylor - Volume 1.djvu/355

 horsemen next, leaving a few men in the camp to beat the watches and maintain an appearance of occupation.

After travelling a short distance they passed some mounds. Suddenly torchesblazed out and on the summit stood one who shouted, “Do not let Liu Pei run away; I, the Minister, am here awaiting him.”

Liu Pei dashed along the first clear road he saw.

Chao Yün said, “Fear not, my lord, only follow me,” and setting his spear he galloped in front opening a lane as he went. Yüan-tê gripped his double sword and followed close. As they were winning through, Hsü Ch‘u came in pursuit and engaged Chao Yün, and two other companies bore down as well. Seeing the situation so desperate Yüan-tê plunged into the wilds and fled. Gradually the sounds of battle became fainter and died away while he went deeper and deeper into the hills, a single horseman fleeing for his life. He kept on his way till daybreak, when a company suddenly appeared beside the road. Yüan-tê saw these men with terror at first, but was presently relieved to find they were led by the friendly Liu P‘i. They were a company of his defeated men escorting the family of their chief. With them also were Sun Ch‘ien, Chien Yung and Mi Fang.

They told him that the attack on their city had been too strong to be resisted and so they had been compelled to abandon the defence, that the enemy had followed them and only Kuan’s timely arrival had saved them.

“I do not know where my brother is,” said Liu Pei.

“All will come right if you will push on,” said Liu P‘ei.

They pushed on. Before they had gone far the heating of drums was heard and suddenly appeared Chang Ho with a company of soldiers. He cried, “Liu Pei, quickly dismount and surrender.”

Yüan-tê was about to retire when he saw a red flag waving from a rampart on the hills and down came rushing another body of men under Kao Lan. Thus checked in front and his retreat cut off, Yüan-tê looked up to Heaven and cried, “O Heaven, why am I brought to this state of misery? Nothing is left me now but death.” And he drew his sword to slay himself.

But Liu P‘i stayed his hand saying, “Let me try to fight a way out and save you.”

As he spoke Kao Lan’s force was on the point of engaging his. The two leaders met and in the third bout Liu P‘i was cut down. Liu Pei at once rushed up to fight, but just then there was sudden confusion in the rear ranks of the opponents and a warrior dashed up and thrust at Kao Lan with his spear. Kao Lan fell from his steed. The newcomer was Chao Yün.

His arrival was most opportune. He urged forward his steed thrusting right and left, and the enemy’s ranks broke and