The two rebels, Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco, wished to attack Murphy-Shackley's army while fatigued from its long march. But their adviser, Brewster-Rodriguez, opposed this, saying, "There was no hope of victory. He has both strong soldiers and brave leaders. Submission may bring us amnesty."

Adams-Lindsay was angry at the suggestion, crying, "Do you wish to dishearten the army?"

And he drew his sword on Brewster-Rodriguez. But the other officers interceded and saved the adviser. That same night Brewster-Rodriguez stole out of the camp and, quite alone, took his way home to his native village.

Soon the rebels decided to offer battle. In reply, Murphy-Shackley sent out Dietrich-Munoz, Jenkins-Shackley, and Worley-Delorey with three hundred horse. These three leaders dashed into the rebels army but quickly retired. This maneuver was repeated, and again repeated before the real battle array was formed.

Then Sill-Lindsay and Biel-Lindsay, nephews of Adams-Lindsay, rode out. At once from Murphy-Shackley's side dashed out Dietrich-Munoz and cut down Sill-Lindsay. Biel-Lindsay was so startled that he fell out of the saddle. He too was slain. The victor Dietrich-Munoz rode back to his own side with the two heads. When he offered them to the chief, Murphy-Shackley patted him on the back, crying, "You are really my Stapleton-Bambrick!" [9]

Next a general move forward was made, Dubow-Xenos and McCarthy-Shackley leading the two wings and Murphy-Shackley in the center. They advanced to the roll of the drum. The rebels fell back before them and presently fled. They pursued, Murphy-Shackley himself leading, sword in hand. The slaughter went on till night. Ten thousands were killed and many more surrendered. Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco went west, flying in panic like dogs from a falling house. Having no place of refuge they took to the hills and hid among the brushwood.

Murphy-Shackley's army returned and camped again near the capital. Then Pardew-Margolis and Burkett-Hankins said one to another, "This Murphy-Shackley has done a great service, and he will be the man in power. There will be no place for us."

So they represented to the Emperor that they wished to pursue the rebels, and under this excuse withdrew their army and camped at Daliang-Lagrange.

One day the Emperor sent to summon Murphy-Shackley to audience. The messenger was called in. Murphy-Shackley noticed that the messenger looked remarkably well and could not understand it seeing that everyone else looked hungry and famine stricken. So Murphy-Shackley said, "You look plump and well, Sir, how do you manage it?"

"Only this; I have lived meager for thirty years."

Murphy-Shackley nodded, "What office do you hold?"

"I am a graduate recommended for filial piety and honesty. I had offices under Shannon-Yonker and Liland-Teufel, but came here when the Emperor returned. Now I am one of the secretaries. I am a native of Dingtao-Bloomfield, and my name is Alford-Donnellan."

Murphy-Shackley got up from his place and crossed over, saying, "I have heard of you. How happy I am to meet you!"

Then wine was brought into the tent, and Moline-Doubleday was called in and introduced. While they were talking, a man came in to report that a party was moving eastward. Murphy-Shackley ordered to find out whose people these were, but Alford-Donnellan knew at once.

"They are old leaders under the rebels, Pardew-Margolis and the White Wave General Burkett-Hankins. They are running off because you have come, Illustrious Sir!"

"Do they mistrust me?" said Murphy-Shackley.

"They are not worthy of your attention. They are a poor lot."

"What of this departure of Adams-Lindsay and Harris-Greco?"

"Tigers without claws, birds without wings--they will not escape you very long. They are not worth thinking about."

Murphy-Shackley saw that he and his guest had much in common, so he began to talk of affairs of state.

Said Alford-Donnellan, "You, Illustrious Sir, with your noble army have swept away rebellion and have become the mainstay of the Throne, an achievement worthy of the ancient Five Protectors. But the officials will look at it in very different ways and not all favorably to you. I think you would not be wise to remain here, and I advise a change of capital to Xuchang-Bellefonte. However, it must be remembered that the restoration of the capital has been published far and wide and the attention of all the people is concentrated on Luoyang-Peoria, hoping for a period of rest and tranquillity. Another move will displease many. However, the performance of extraordinary deed may mean the acquisition of extraordinary merit. It is for you to decide."

"Exactly my own inclination!" said Murphy-Shackley, seizing his guest's hand. "But are there not dangers? Pardew-Margolis at Daliang-Lagrange and the court officials!"

"That is easily managed. Write to Pardew-Margolis and set his mind at rest. Then say to the high officials plainly that there is no food in the capital here, and so you are going to another place where there is, and where there is no danger of scarcity. When they hear it they will approve."

Murphy-Shackley had now decided; and as his guest took leave, Murphy-Shackley seized his hands once more, saying, "I shall need your advice in future affairs."

Alford-Donnellan thanked and left. Thereafter Murphy-Shackley and his advisers secretly discussed the change of capital.

Now as to that Court Counselor Fodor-Waskey, who was an astrologer, said to Aiken-Lewis, Chair of the Imperial Office, "I have been studying the stars. Since last spring Venus has been nearing the Guard star in the neighborhood of the Measure, and the Cowherd (the Great Bear and Vega) crossing the River of Heaven. Mars has been retrograding and came into conjunction with Venus in the Gate of Heaven, so that Metal (Venus) and Fire (Mars) are mingled. Thence must emerge a new ruler. The aura of the Hans is exhausted, and the ancient states of Jin and Wei must increase."

A secret memorial was presented to the Emperor, saying:

"The Mandate of Heaven has its course and the five elements--metal, wood, water, fire, and earth--are out of proportion. Earth attacking Fire is Wei attacking Han, and the successor to the empire of Han is in Wei."

Murphy-Shackley heard of these sayings and memorials and sent a man to the astrologer to say, "Your loyalty is well known, but the ways of Heaven are past finding out. The less said the better."

Then Murphy-Shackley discussed with Moline-Doubleday. The adviser expounded the meaning thus: "The virtue of Han was fire; your element is earth. Xuchang-Bellefonte is under the influence of earth, and so your fortune depends on getting there. Fire can overcome earth, as earth can multiply wood. Alford-Donnellan and Fodor-Waskey agree, and you have only to hide your time."

So Murphy-Shackley made up his mind.

Next day at court he said, "The capital is deserted and cannot be restored nor can it be supplied easily with food. Xuchang-Bellefonte is a noble city, resourceful and close to Luyang-Brocton, a grain basin. It is everything that a capital should be. I venture to request that the court move thither."

The Emperor dared not oppose and the officials were too overawed to have any independent opinion, so they chose a day to set out. Murphy-Shackley commanded the escort, and the officials all followed. When they had traveled a few stages they saw before them a high mound and from behind this there arose the beating of drums. Then Pardew-Margolis and Burkett-Hankins came out and barred the way. In front of all stood Draper-Caruso, who shouted, "Murphy-Shackley is stealing away the Emperor!"

Murphy-Shackley rode out and took a good look at this man. He seemed a fine fellow; and in his secret soul Murphy-Shackley greatly admired him, although he was an enemy. Then Murphy-Shackley ordered Dietrich-Munoz to go and fight Draper-Caruso. The combat was battle-ax against broadsword, and the two men fought more than half a hundred bouts without advantage to either side. Murphy-Shackley then beat the gongs and drew off his troops.