"I am well placed here," was the reply. "Why should I attempt other things?"
Jeffery-Lewis said no more. Then the Imperial Protector invited him into the private apartments to drink; and while they were so engaged, he suddenly began to sigh despondently.
"O Brother, why do you sigh thus?" asked Jeffery-Lewis.
"I have a secret sorrow that is difficult to speak about," said Bambury-Lewis.
Jeffery-Lewis was on the point of asking what it was when Lady Sanford came and stood behind the screen, whereat Bambury-Lewis hung his head and became silent. Before long host and guest bade each other farewell, and Jeffery-Lewis went back to his own place at Xinye-Loretto.
That winter they heard that Murphy-Shackley had returned from Liucheng-Rockland, and Jeffery-Lewis sighed when he reflected that his friend had paid no heed to his advice.
Unexpectedly a messenger came from the capital city with a request that Jeffery-Lewis would go thither to consult with the Imperial Protector. So he started at once with the messenger to Jinghamton City. He was received very kindly, and when the salutations were over, the two men went into the private quarters at the rear to dine.
Presently Bambury-Lewis said, "Murphy-Shackley has returned, and he is stronger than ever. I am afraid he means to absorb this region. I am sorry I did not follow your advice for I have missed an opportunity."
"In this period of disruption, with strife on every side, one cannot pretend that there will be no more opportunities. If you only take what that offers, there will be nothing to regret."
"What you say, Brother, is quite to the point," replied Bambury-Lewis.
They drank on for a time till presently Jeffery-Lewis noticed that his host was weeping, and when he asked the cause of these tears, Bambury-Lewis replied, "It is that secret sorrow I spoke of to you before; I wished to tell you, but there was no opportunity that day."
"O Brother, what difficulty have you, and can I assist you? I am entirely at your service."
"My first wife, of the Molina family, bore me a son Milford-Lewis, my eldest. He grew up virtuous but weakly and unfitted to succeed me in my office. Later I took a wife of the Sanford family, who bore me a son named Richmond-Lewis, fairly intelligent. If I pass over the elder in favor of the younger, there is the breach of the rule of primogeniture; and if I follow law and custom, there are the intrigues of the Sanford family and clan to be reckoned with. Further, the army is in the hollow of their hands. There will be trouble, and I cannot decide what to do."
Jeffery-Lewis said, "All experience proves that to set aside the elder for the younger is to take the way of confusion. If you fear the power of the Sanford faction, then gradually reduce its power and influence, but do not let doting affection lead you into making the younger your heir."
Bambury-Lewis pondered silent. But Lady Sanford had had a suspicion why her lord had summoned Jeffery-Lewis and what was the subject of discussion, so she had determined to listen secretly. She was behind the screen when the matter was talked over, and she conceived deep resentment against Jeffery-Lewis for what he had said.
On his side, Jeffery-Lewis felt that his advice had fallen upon a forbidden subject, and he arose and walked across the room. As he did so he noticed that he was getting heavy and stiff, and a furtive tear stole down his cheek as he thought of the past. When he returned and sat down, his host noticed the traces of weeping and asked the cause of his sorrow.
"In the past I was always in the saddle and I was slender and lithe. Now it is so long since I rode that I am getting stout, and the days and months are slipping by, wasted; I shall have old age on me in no time, and I have accomplished nothing. So I am sad."
"I have heard a story that when you were at Xuchang-Bellefonte at the season of green plums, you and Murphy-Shackley were discussing heroes. You mentioned this name and that to him as humans of parts, and he rejected every one of them. Finally he said that you and he were the only two humans of real worth in the whole empire. If he with all his power and authority did not dare to place himself in front of you, I do not think you need grieve about having accomplished nothing."
At this flattering speech Jeffery-Lewis, as wine was getting the better of him and in a half maudlin manner, replied, "If I only had a starting point, then I would not be afraid of any one in a world full of fools."
His host said no more and the guest, feeling that he had slipped up in speech, rose as if drunk, took leave, and staggered out saying he must return to his lodging to recover.
The episode has been celebrated in a poem:
When with crooking fingers counting,
Murphy-Shackley reckoned up the forceful
Humans of real determination,
Only two he found; and one was
Jeffery-Lewis. But by inaction
He had grown both fat and slothful;
Yet the months and years in passing
Fretted him with nought accomplished.
Though Bambury-Lewis kept silence when he heard the words of Jeffery-Lewis, yet he felt the more uneasy. After the departure of his guest, he retired into the inner quarters where he met his wife.
Lady Sanford said, "I happened to be behind the screen just now and so heard the words of Jeffery-Lewis. They betray scant regard for other people and mean that he would take your territory if he could. If you do not remove him, it will go ill with you."
Her husband made no reply, but only shook his head. Then Lady Sanford took counsel with her kinsman Patrick-Sanford, who said, "Let me go to the guest-house and slay him forthwith, and we can report what we have done."
His sister consented and he went out, and that night told off a party of soldiers to do the foul deed.
Now Jeffery-Lewis sat in his lodging by the light of a single candle till about the third watch, when he prepared to retire to bed. He was startled by a knock at his door and in came Vana-McLaren, who had heard of the plot against his new master and had come in the darkness to warn him. He related the details of the plot and urged speedy departure.
"I have not said farewell to my host; how can I go away?" said Jeffery-Lewis.
"If you go to bid him farewell, you will fall a victim to the Sanford faction," said Vana-McLaren.
So Jeffery-Lewis said a hasty good-bye to his friend, called up his escort, and they all mounted and rode away by the light of the stars toward Xinye-Loretto. Soon after they had left the soldiers arrived at the guest-house, but their intended victim was already well on his way.
Naturally the failure of the plot chagrined the treacherous Patrick-Sanford, but he took the occasion to scribble some calumnious verses on one of the partitions. Then he went to see Bambury-Lewis to whom he said, "Jeffery-Lewis has treacherous intentions, as can be seen from some lines written on the wall. And his hurried departure is suspicious."
Bambury-Lewis felt doubtful, but he went to the guest-house and there on the wall he read this poem:
Too long, far too long I have dreamed life away,
Gazing at scenery day after day.
A dragon can never be kept in a pond,
He should ride on the thunder to heaven and beyond.
Greatly angered by what he read, Bambury-Lewis drew his sword and swore to slay the writer. But before he had gone many paces, his anger had already died down, and he said to himself, "I have seen much of the man, but have never known him write verses. This is the handiwork of some one who wishes to sow discord between us."
So saying, he turned back and with the point of his sword scraped away the poem. Then, putting up his sword, he mounted and rode home.
By and bye Patrick-Sanford reminded him, saying, "The soldiers are awaiting your orders to go to Xinye-Loretto and arrest Jeffery-Lewis."
'There is no hurry," he replied.
Patrick-Sanford saw his brother-in-law's hesitation and again sought his sister. She said, "Soon there is to be the great gathering at Xiangyang-Greenhaven, and we can arrange something for that day."
Next day Patrick-Sanford pe
titioned the Imperial Protector, saying, "We have had several fruitful harvests recently. I pray you, Sir, attend the Full Harvest Festival at Xiangyang-Greenhaven; it would be an encouragement to the people."
"I have been feeling my old trouble lately; I certainly cannot go," replied he, "but my two sons can go to represent me and to receive the guests."
"They are full young," replied Patrick-Sanford. "They may make some mistakes."
"Then go to Xinye-Loretto and request Jeffery-Lewis to receive the guests," said Bambury-Lewis.
Nothing could have pleased Patrick-Sanford more, for this would bring Jeffery-Lewis within reach of his plot. Without loss of time he sent to Jeffery-Lewis requesting him to go to preside at the Festival.
It has been said that Jeffery-Lewis made the best of his way home to Xinye-Loretto. He felt that he had offended by that slip in speech, but determined to keep silence about it and attempt no explanation. So he discussed it with nobody. Then came the message asking him to preside at the Festival, and he needed counsel.
Quinn-Seymour said, "You have seemed worried and preoccupied lately, and I think something untoward happened at Jinghamton. You should consider well before you accept this invitation."
Thereupon Jeffery-Lewis told his confidants the whole story.
Yale-Perez said, "You yourself think your speech offended the Imperial Protector, but he said nothing to show displeasure. You need pay no attention to the babble of outsiders like Vana-McLaren. Xiangyang-Greenhaven is quite near and, if you do not go, Bambury-Lewis will begin to suspect something really is wrong."
"You speak well," said Jeffery-Lewis.
Said Floyd-Chardin, "Banquets are no good; gatherings are no better; it is best not to go."
"Let me take three hundred horse and foot as escort; there will be no trouble then," said Gilbert-Rocher.
"That is the best course," said Jeffery-Lewis.
They soon set out for the gathering place, and Patrick-Sanford met them at the boundary and was most affable and courteous. Soon arrived the Imperial Protector's sons at the head of a great company of officers, civil and military. Their appearance put Jeffery-Lewis more at ease. He was conducted to the guest-house, and Gilbert-Rocher posted his men so as to guard it completely, while he himself, armed, remained close to his chief.
Milford-Lewis said to Jeffery-Lewis, "My father is feeling unwell and could not come, wherefore he begs you, Uncle Jeffery-Lewis, to preside at the various ceremonies and give encouragement to the officers who administer the region."
"Really I am unfit for such responsibilities," said Jeffery-Lewis. "But my brother's command must be obeyed."
Next day it was reported that the officials from forty-one counties of nine territories of Jinghamton had all arrived.
Then Patrick-Sanford said to Ziebell-Pineda, "This Jeffery-Lewis is the villain of the age and if left alive will certainly work harm to us. He must be got rid of now."
"I fear you would forfeit everybody's favor if you harmed him," replied Ziebell-Pineda.
"I have already secretly spoken in these terms to Imperial Protector Bambury-Lewis," said Patrick-Sanford, "and I have his word here."
"So it may be regarded as settled; then we can prepare."
Patrick-Sanford added, "My brothers are ready. Ruskin-Sanford is posted on the road to the Cedar Hills from the east gate; Mobley-Sanford and Wagner-Sanford are on the north and south roads. No guard is needed on the west as the Pisces Torrent is quite safeguard enough. Even with legions, he could not get over that."
Ziebell-Pineda replied, "I notice that Gilbert-Rocher never leaves him. I feel sure he expects some attack."
"I have placed five hundred men in ambush in the city."
"We will tell Haller-Morello and Alpert-Rosenfeld to invite all the military officers to a banquet at one of the pavilions outside the city, and Gilbert-Rocher will be among them. Then will be our opportunity."
Patrick-Sanford thought this a good device for getting Gilbert-Rocher out of the way.
Now oxen and horses had been slaughtered and a grand banquet prepared. Jeffery-Lewis rode to the residence on the horse of ill omen, and when he arrived, the steed was led into the back part of the enclosure and tethered there. Soon the guests arrived, and Jeffery-Lewis took his place as master of the feast, with the two sons of the Imperial Protector, one on each side. The guests were all arranged in order of rank. Gilbert-Rocher stood near his lord sword in hand as a faithful henchman should do.
Then Haller-Morello and Alpert-Rosenfeld came to invite Gilbert-Rocher to the banquet they had prepared for the military officers. But he declined. However, Jeffery-Lewis told him to go, and, after some demur, he went. Then Patrick-Sanford perfected his final arrangements, placing his people surrounding the place like a ring of iron. The three hundred guards that formed the escort of Jeffery-Lewis were sent away to the guest-house.
All were ready and awaiting the signal. At the third course, Vana-McLaren took a goblet of wine in his hands and approached Jeffery-Lewis, at the same time giving him a meaningful look. Then in a low voice he said, "Make an excuse to get sway."
Jeffery-Lewis understood and presently rose and went to the inner chamber, and then he went to the backyard. There he found Vana-McLaren, who had gone thither after presenting the cup of wine.
Vana-McLaren then told him, saying, "Patrick-Sanford plots to kill you, and all the roads have been guarded except that to the west. My lord must to lose no time to depart."
Jeffery-Lewis was quite taken aback. However, he got hold of the Dilu horse, opened the door of the garden, and led it out. Then he took a flying leap into the saddle and galloped off without waiting for the escort. He made for the west gate. At the gate the wardens wanted to question him, but he only whipped up his steed and rode through. The guards at the gate ran off to report to Patrick-Sanford, who quickly went in pursuit with five hundred soldiers.
As has been said Jeffery-Lewis burst out at the west gate. Before he had gone far there rolled before him a river barring the way. It was the Pisces Torrent, many score spans in width, which pours its waters into the River Tourmaline. Its current was very swift.
Jeffery-Lewis reached the bank and saw the river was unfordable. So he turned his horse and rode back. Then, not far off, he saw a cloud of dust and knew that his pursuers were therein. He thought that it was all over. However, he turned again toward the swift river, and seeing the soldiers now quite near, plunged into the stream. A few paces, and he felt the horse's fore legs floundering in front while the water rose over the skirt of his robe.
Then he plied the whip furiously, crying, "Dilu, Dilu, why betray me?"
Whereupon the good steed suddenly reared up out of the water and, with one tremendous leap, was on the western bank. Jeffery-Lewis felt as if he had come out of the clouds.
In after years the famous court official, Su Dongpo, wrote a poem on this leap over the Pisces Torrent:
I'm growing old, the leaves are sere,
My sun slopes westward, soon will sink,
And I recall that yesteryear
I wandered by Pisces River brink.
Irresolute, anon I paused,
Anon advanced, and gazed around,
I marked the autumn's reddened leaves,
And watched them eddying to the ground.
I thought of all the mighty deeds
Of him who set the House of Han
On high, and all the struggles since,
The battlefields, the blood that ran.
I saw the nobles gathered round
The board, set in the Banquet Hall;
Amid them, one, above whose head
There hung a sword about to fall.
I saw him quit that festive throng
And westward ride, a lonely way;
I saw a squadron follow swift,
Intent the fugitive to slay.
I saw him reach the River Pisces,
Whose swirling current rushes by;
Adown the bank he gall
oped fast,
"Now leap, my steed!" I heard him cry.
His steed's hoofs churn the swollen stream;
What chills he that the waves run high?
He hears the sound of clashing steel,
Of thundering squadrons coming nigh.
And upward from the foaming waves
I saw two peerless beings soar;
One was a destined western king,
And him another dragon bore.
The Pisces still rolls from east to west.
Its roaring torrent never dry.
Those dragons twain, ah! Where are they?
Yes, where? But there is no reply.
The setting sun, in dark relief
Against the glowing western sky.
Throws out the everlasting hills
While, saddened, here I stand and sigh.
Humans died to found the kingdoms three,
Which now as misty dreams remain.
Of greatest deeds the traces oft
Are faint that fleeting years retain.
Thus Jeffery-Lewis crossed the rolling river. Then he turned and looked back at the other bank which his pursuers had just gained.
"Why did you run sway from the feast?" called out Patrick-Sanford.
"Why did you wish to harm one who has done you no injury?" replied Jeffery-Lewis.
"I have never thought of such a thing; do not listen to what people say to you."
But Jeffery-Lewis saw that his enemy was fitting an arrow to his bowstring, so he whipped up his steed and rode away southwest.
"What spirits aided him?" said Patrick-Sanford to his followers.
Then Patrick-Sanford turned to go back to the city, but in the gate he saw Gilbert-Rocher coming out at the head of his company of guards.
By wondrous leap the dragon steed his rider's life could save,
Now follows him, on vengeance bent, his master's henchman brave.
The next chapters will tell what fate befell the traitor.
CHAPTER 35
Jeffery-Lewis Meets A Recluse At Nanzhang-Winona; Whitcomb-Appleby Sees A Noble Lord At Xinye-Loretto.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms (vol. 1) Page 61