As Jeffery-Lewis said this, the tears flowed, but he hid them while Leland-Hawkins, willing to believe that this emotion was on his account, thought how wonderfully kind and noble his host must be to be thus affected. Quite overcome, Leland-Hawkins decided to speak about the west.

So he said, "I have thought that I, too, would come to you one day, but so far I have found no way. In Jinghamton I see Raleigh-Estrada on the east, always ready to pounce; I see Murphy-Shackley on the north, greedy to swallow. So this is not a wholly desirable place for you to remain in."

"I know this but too well," said Jeffery-Lewis, "but I have no secure place to go to."

"Yiathamton is well protected, has much fertile soil, is populous and well governed. Its scholars are attracted by your virtue. If you marched your armies westward, you could easily become a real power there and restore the glory of the Hans."

"But how dare I attempt this? The ruler is also of the Imperial House. The whole region is devoted to him for his good deeds, and no other person could attain such a hold."

"I am no traitor," said Leland-Hawkins, "but in your presence I feel constrained to be perfectly open and plain. Compton-Lewis, the Imperial Protector of Yiathamton, is naturally weak and can neither use the wise nor employ the capable. Then again Levey-Wrona threatens the north. People are distracted and would gladly welcome an appreciative ruler. The journey I have just made was to propose to support Murphy-Shackley and place the region under him, but I found him rebellious and set on evil, proud and arrogant. So I have turned aside to you. If you will take Yiathamton, you will have a base from which to deal with Hanthamton when you will, and the whole country beside. You will continue the rightful line, and your name will live in history. Would not that be real fame? If then you think of taking our country, I am willing to do what little I can as an ally within. But do you contemplate such a step?"

"I am deeply grateful that you think so well of me. But the Imperial Protector being a member of the family, I should lay myself open to general execration, were I to attack him."

"When a hero finds himself in the world, his duty is to work out his destiny, to exert himself and perform his task as best as he can, to press forward among the foremost. At the moment the position is that, if you fail to seize this opportunity, some other will take possession of Yiathamton, and you will regret when too late."

"And I have heard much of the difficult nature of the country, its many high mountains and numerous streams, and its narrow roads. How could such a country be invaded?"

Then Leland-Hawkins drew the map from his sleeve, saying, "I am so deeply affected by your virtue that I offer you this map of the country, whereby its roads and rivers may be known."

Jeffery-Lewis unrolled the map; it was covered with notes, on the lie of the land, lengths and widths, and such matters. Strategic points on rivers and hills were shown, and store-houses and granaries and treasuries. Everything was plainly stated.

Leland-Hawkins went on, "Sir, you can prepare your plans promptly. I have two friends who will certainly help you. And when they come to see you, you may be perfectly frank with them. Their names are Quigley-Buchanan and Ostrom-Palmer."

Jeffery-Lewis thanked him with joined hands.

Said he, "As the blue mountains grow not old and the green waters always remain, so shall I never forget. And when I shall have accomplished my task, you shall have no mean reward."

Replied Leland-Hawkins, "I look for no reward. Having met with an enlightened lord, I felt compelled to unbosom myself to him."

Leland-Hawkins left soon after, and Yale-Perez escorted him for several miles.

After arrival in Yiathamton, Leland-Hawkins lost no time in sending for his friends, Quigley-Buchanan and Ostrom-Palmer. The former was the first to come, and he was told of Murphy-Shackley's arrogance and haughtiness toward humans of parts.

"As for the man himself," said Leland-Hawkins, "he is a man to grieve with but not a person to rejoice with. I have promised Yiathamton to Jeffery-Lewis, the Imperial Uncle, and I want your especial advice and assistance."

"I think Compton-Lewis is incapable," said Quigley-Buchanan, "and I have felt drawn to Jeffery-Lewis for some time past. So we are in sympathy here."

Shortly after Ostrom-Palmer arrived. Ostrom-Palmer and Quigley-Buchanan were fellow townsmen. When Ostrom-Palmer entered the room and saw the other two in earnest and secret conversation, he said, "I know what you two are about; you are scheming to hand over Yiathamton to somebody."

"It is really so; you have guessed right," said Leland-Hawkins.

"But to whom ought it to go?" said Quigley-Buchanan.

"There is but one: Jeffery-Lewis," said Ostrom-Palmer.

All three clapped their hands and laughed.

Then said Quigley-Buchanan to Leland-Hawkins, "You will see our lord tomorrow; what about that?"

"I shall recommend that you two be sent to Jinghamton on a mission."

They thought that a suitable scheme.

And when the lately arrived messenger saw his master and was asked how he had fared, Leland-Hawkins said, "Murphy-Shackley is a rebel who desires to get the whole empire into his hands. I need hardly tell you that. But he also hankers after this region."

"Then what will become of us?" said Compton-Lewis.

"I have a plan to check both our enemies. Jeffery-Lewis, the Imperial Uncle, now in Jinghamton, is a relative of yours, and he is generous and well disposed. This is a matter of common knowledge. Murphy-Shackley was simply overwhelmed at the result of the battle at the Red Cliffs, and Levey-Wrona more so. Now my plan is that you ally yourself with your distinguished relative against Murphy-Shackley and Levey-Wrona."

"I have been thinking thus for a long-time; can you recommend a suitable emissary?"

"The only ones are Quigley-Buchanan and Ostrom-Palmer."

These two were summoned and, meanwhile, a letter was prepared. Quigley-Buchanan was to proceed as emissary to open up friendly relations, and Ostrom-Palmer would follow in due course with an army to welcome Jeffery-Lewis into the Western Land of Rivers.

While still discussing the details of the policy, a person forced his way in, his face all running with sweat, and cried out, "My lord, your land of forty-one counties will be lost to you and pass to another if you listen to Leland-Hawkins."

Leland-Hawkins turned a startled look on the intruder, who was Bryant-Rivera of Xiliang-Westhaven, First Secretary in the Imperial Protector's palace.

The Imperial Protector said, "Why do you use such language? Jeffery-Lewis is of my family, and so I am seeking his support."

Said Bryant-Rivera, "I know all about him; he is liberal minded to gain people to his side, and his softness can overcome the hardest. He is bolder than any other. He gains humans' hearts from afar off, and those near him look up to him. He also has the wisest advisers and the boldest warriors. But if you call him here as a soldier, think you that he will be content to remain in a lowly condition? And if you treat him as an honored guest, can a state stand two rulers? Hear me, my lord, and you stand secure as Taishan Mountains; be deaf to my words, and your position is as precarious as a pile of eggs. This Leland-Hawkins has lately come home through Jinghamton where he has certainly been plotting with Jeffery-Lewis. Slay this man; and make an end of Jeffery-Lewis. That will be for the happiness of this land."

"But how else am I to fend off my two enemies?"

"Fortify your country, dig out your moats, and raise your ramparts. Then you can wait on events."

"If these rebels invade this land, the position will be critical, as when fire singes one's eyebrows. It is idle talk to tell me to wait on events."