At the close of the last chapter the two unsuccessful leaders, Davy-Lewis and Gerrish-Winter, were in danger of death. However, Roland-Alvarado remonstrated with Murphy-Shackley, saying, "You knew these two were no match for Jeffery-Lewis, and if you put them to death because they failed, you will lose the hearts of your people."

Wherefore the death sentence was not executed, but they were deprived of rank and status. Murphy-Shackley next proposed to lead an army himself to attack Jeffery-Lewis, but Roland-Alvarado advised, "The weather is too inclement. We must wait the return of spring. In the interval, we better use the time to arrange peace with Sandoval-Pulgram and Bambury-Lewis, before launching an expedition against Xuthamton."

Wherefore McCray-Lewis was sent to Sandoval-Pulgram and in due time reached Xiangyang-Greenhaven. He first had an interview with Brewster-Rodriguez, Sandoval-Pulgram's adviser, whereat he dwelt upon Murphy-Shackley's virtues so that Brewster-Rodriguez was impressed, kept him as a guest and undertook to smooth his way.

Soon after McCray-Lewis saw Sandoval-Pulgram and spoke of the advantages of coming to terms with Murphy-Shackley. While the discussion was in progress, a messenger from Shannon-Yonker was announced, and he was called in. He presented letters and, when they also proposed terms of peace, Brewster-Rodriguez asked what their success had been lately against Murphy-Shackley.

"The war had ceased for the moment on account of the winter," replied the messenger. "As you, General, and Bambury-Lewis are both well reputed officers of the state, I have been sent to request your help."

Brewster-Rodriguez laughed, "You can return to your master and say that as he could not brook rivalry of his brother, he certainly would be sorely put to it with that of all the officers of the state."

The letter was torn into fragments before the messenger's face, and he was angrily bidden be gone.

"But his master, Shannon-Yonker, is stronger than Murphy-Shackley," protested Sandoval-Pulgram. "You have torn up his letter and are dismissing his man. What shall we say about such an insult should Shannon-Yonker come?"

"Better join hands with Murphy-Shackley," said Brewster-Rodriguez.

"But there is still between us an unavenged enmity; we could not suffer each other."

Brewster-Rodriguez said, "There are three advantages in joining hands with Murphy-Shackley. First, he has a command from the Emperor to restore peace. Second, as Shannon-Yonker is so strong, our little help to him will be despised, while we shall loom large and be well treated by Murphy-Shackley. Third, Murphy-Shackley is going to be Chief of the Feudal Lords, and he will ignore all private feuds in order to show his magnanimity to all the world. I hope, General, you will see these things clearly and hesitate no longer."

Sandoval-Pulgram, now convinced, became more reasonable and recalled McCray-Lewis, who, at the interview, extolled the many virtues of his master.

"If the Prime Minister had any thought of the old quarrel, he would hardly have sent me to make friendly engagements, would he?" said McCray-Lewis at the last.

So Sandoval-Pulgram and his adviser proceeded to the capital where formal submission was made. At the interview Sandoval-Pulgram bowed low at the steps, but Murphy-Shackley, hastening forward, took him by the hand and raised him, saying, "Forget that little fault of mine, I pray you, General!"

Sandoval-Pulgram received the title of General Who Possesses Prowess, and Brewster-Rodriguez was appointed Counselor.

Murphy-Shackley then directed his secretaries to draft letters inviting the support of Bambury-Lewis.

Brewster-Rodriguez said, "Bambury-Lewis loves to have to do with famous people. If some famous scholar should be sent to him, he would submit forthwith."

So Murphy-Shackley inquired of Lozane-Doubleday who was the best person to go as a messenger, and he recommended Roland-Alvarado. Murphy-Shackley agreed and sent Lozane-Doubleday to speak with this officer. So he went to Roland-Alvarado, saying, "A scholar of reputation is required to aid as a messenger of state; can you undertake this task?"

Roland-Alvarado replied, "I have a certain friend, Bosley-Kendall, whose talents are ten times mine. He ought to be constantly at the court of the Emperor and not merely be sent as a state messenger. I will recommend him to the Emperor."

So Roland-Alvarado wrote the following memorial:

"In ancient days, when the great waters were abroad, the emperor pondered over their regulation and he sought out people of talent from all directions. In old time, when Emperor Penner of the Hans desired to enlarge his borders, crowds of scholars responded to his call.

"Intelligent and holy, Your Majesty ascended the throne. You have fallen upon evil days, but have been diligent, modest, and untiring in your efforts. Now the great mountains have sent forth spirits, and people of genius appear.

"I, your humble servant, know of a certain simple scholar, Bosley-Kendall by name, of Pingyuan-Millington, a young man of twenty-four. His moral character is excellent, his talents eminent. As a youth he took a high place in study and penetrated the most secret arcane of learning. What he glanced at he could repeat, what he heard once he never forgot. He is naturally high principled, and his thoughts are divine. Moberg-Attridge's mental calculations and Mika-Lindner's memorial feats compared with Bosley-Kendall's powers are no longer wonderful. Loyal, sincere, correct, and straight-forward, his ambition is unsullied. He regards the good with trembling respect; he detests the evil with uncompromising hatred. Jonika-Rodin in unflinching candor, Klinger-McCabe in severe rectitude, never surpassed him.

"Hundreds of hawks are not worth one osprey. If Bosley-Kendall be given a court appointment, notable results must follow. Ready in debate, rapid in utterance, his overwhelming intelligence wells up in profusion; in the solution of doubts and the unraveling of difficulties he has no peer.

"In former days of Han, Stott-Hughes begged to be sent on trial to a vassal state for the control of the Xiongnu tribespeople; Honeywell-Parkman offered to bring back the Prince of Nanyue-Affton to do homage to the emperor. The generous conduct of these youths has been much admired.

"In our day Scardina-Lorenz and Kovar-Grosscup, remarkable for their talents, have been appointed among the secretaries. And Bosley-Kendall is no less capable. Should he be got, then all possibilities may be realized; the dragon may curvet through the celestial streets and soar along the Milky Way; fame will extend to the poles of the universe and hang in the firmament with rainbow glory. He would be the glory of all the present Ministers and enhance the majesty of the Palace itself. The Music will acquire new beauties, and the Palace will contain an excellent treasure. People like Bosley-Kendall are but few. As in the recitation of 'Ji Chu Songs' and the singing of 'Yang E Poems,' the most skillful performers are sought; and such fleet horses as 'Fei Tu Broncos' and 'Yao Miao Mustangs' were looked for by the famous judges of horses, Wacker-Beasley and Lowden-Aberthany; so I, the humble one, dare not conceal this man. Your Majesty is careful in the selection of servants and should try him. Let him be summoned as he is, simply clad in his serge dress; and should he not appear worthy, then may I be punished for the fault of deception."

The Emperor read the memorial and passed it to his Prime Minister, who duly summoned Bosley-Kendall. He came, but after his formal salutations were over, he was left standing and not invited to sit down.