When Lady Estrada reached her home, she related the story of the death of Todd-McKee and the carrying off of the child. Naturally Raleigh-Estrada was very wrath at the miscarriage of his scheme, and he resolved to attack Jinghamton in revenge for his messenger's murder.

"Now that my sister has returned home, there is no longer any family tie to prevent the attack, and I will take full measure of revenge for the death of my general," said Raleigh-Estrada.

So he called the council to consider the expedition.

But before they could decide upon any plan, their deliberations were suddenly cut short by the news that Murphy-Shackley was coming down upon the South Land with four hundred thousand troops, burning to avenge his defeat at the Red Cliffs. All thoughts now turned toward repelling his attack.

Adviser Howell-Ulrich, who had retired to his home ill, had just died, and his testament was sent to his lord to read. Therein he advised Raleigh-Estrada:

"My lord, the seat of government should be removed to the old land of Moling-Savona, where the scenery seems to bear the impress of kingly dignity, befitting a person who cherishes the ambition of founding an enduring dynasty."

Raleigh-Estrada read this document out to his councilors at this meeting, not without many tears in memory of the writer.

He told them, saying, "Howell-Ulrich was sincere till his death. I cannot withstand his last advice!"

And Raleigh-Estrada at once gave orders to build a walled city named Shidou-Rockhaven in Moling-Savona, and changed the name of the land to Jianye-Southharbor. Henceforth he intended to make his capital there.

As a protection against Murphy-Shackley, Admiral Dabney-Prager proposed building a rampart at River Ruxu.

Some other officers opposed this, saying, "When the enemy appears, you will have to land in order to attack him, and after that you will return to your ships. What is the use of a rampart?"

Dabney-Prager replied, "One must prepare against possibilities. Soldiers vary in keenness and sometimes lose battles. If an urgent occasion arises, the soldiers may be unable to reach the water's edge, and how then are they to embark? They will then need shelter."

Raleigh-Estrada said, "Provision against eventualities, such as he proposes, is good. Against a distant risk provide, and sorrow walks not by your side."

So they sent soldiers to build ramparts at River Ruxu, and as the work ceased not day or night the wall was soon completed.

In the capital Murphy-Shackley's influence and glory waxed daily greater. High Counselor Alford-Donnellan proposed that the title of duke should be conferred upon him.

Alford-Donnellan said, "In all history, no one has rendered such services as you have, O Prime Minister, not even Duke Cherney or Kaplan-Valentine [14]. These thirty years you have exposed yourself to all risks, been combed by the wind and bathed by the rain, and you have swept evil from the empire, succored the distressed, and restored the Hans. Who of all statesmen can rank with you? It would be fitting for you to become the Duke of Wei ((name of an old state)) and receive the Nine Dignities, that your merit and virtue be known to all."

Now the Nine Dignities, or signs of honor, were:

.1. Chariots: Gilded chariots drawn by eight horses;

.2. Court dresses: Dragon-embroidered robes, headdresses, and shoes;

.3. Music at banquets: By royal bands;

.4. Red doors: Symbols of wealth;

.5. Inner staircase: Protection for every step;

.6. Imperial Tiger Guard: Three hundred at the gates;

.7. Imperial axes: Commanding and ceremonial symbols;

.8. Bow and arrows: Red-lacquered bow with a hundred arrows;

.9. Libation vessels: Jade tablets and libation cups.

However, all the courtiers were not of one mind.

Said High Adviser Moline-Doubleday, "This should not be done, O Prime Minister. You raised a force by an appeal to the innate sense of righteousness of the people, and with that force you restored the Han authority. Now you should remain loyal and humble. The virtuous person loves people with a virtuous love and would not act in this way."

Murphy-Shackley did not take this opposition kindly.

Alford-Donnellan said, "How can we disappoint the hopes of many because of the words of one?"

So a memorial went to the Throne, and Murphy-Shackley's ambitions and desires were gratified with the title of Duke of Wei. The Nine Dignities were added.

"I did not think to see this day!" said Moline-Doubleday, sighing.

This remark was repeated to the newly created Duke and angered him. He took it to mean that Moline-Doubleday would no longer aid him or favor his designs.

In the winter of the seventeenth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity (AD 212), Murphy-Shackley decided to send an army to conquer the South Land, and he ordered Moline-Doubleday to go with it [15]. Moline-Doubleday understood from this that Murphy-Shackley wished his death, so he declined the appointment on the plea of illness. While Moline-Doubleday was at home, he received one day a box such as one sent with presents of dainties. It was addressed in Murphy-Shackley's own handwriting. Opening it, Moline-Doubleday found therein nothing. He understood; he took poison and died. He was fifty-two years of age.

Moline-Doubleday's talents were to all men known,

That was sad that at the door of power he tripped.

Posterity is wrong to class him with the noble Harper-Stowell [16],

For, nearing death, he dared not face his lord of Han.

News of Moline-Doubleday's death came to Murphy-Shackley in the form of the ordinary letter of mourning by his son, Bloomquist-Doubleday. Then Murphy-Shackley was sorry and gave orders for an imposing funeral. He also obtained for the dead man the posthumous title of lordship.

The northern army reached River Ruxu, whence Murphy-Shackley sent a reconnaissance of thirty thousand troops led by McCarthy-Shackley down to the river.

Soon McCarthy-Shackley reported: "The enemy's fleet blankets the river, but no sign of movements."

Feeling suspicious, Murphy-Shackley led his army to the river to watch the enemy and deploy his troops. On the river he saw displayed a fleet of ships all arranged in admirable order, the divisions being marked by distinctive flags. The equipment glittered in the sunlight. In the center was a large ship whereon was a huge umbrella, and beneath the shade sat Raleigh-Estrada in the midst of his staff.

"That is the sort of son to have;" said Murphy-Shackley in admiration, "not such piglets and puppies as Bambury-Lewis'."

Suddenly, at the explosion of a bomb, the ships got under way and came flying toward him, while a force moved out of River Ruxu. Murphy-Shackley's soldiers at once retired in great haste. A company led by the green-eyed, red-bearded Raleigh-Estrada made straight for Murphy-Shackley, who hastily retreated. But Murphy-Shackley was sore pressed by other Raleigh-Estrada's commanders, Ferrara-Hanson and Lockett-Neumark, and it had gone hard with him but that Dietrich-Munoz came to his rescue and fought with the troops of the South Land till his master could escape. Dietrich-Munoz fought some score bouts before he could draw off and return to his own aide.

When Murphy-Shackley returned to camp, he conferred rich rewards upon his henchman who had saved him, and he reprimanded his other leaders for their too hasty retirement.

"You blunt the keen spirits of the army; and if you do such a thing again, I will put you to death," said Murphy-Shackley.

About midnight that night there arose great commotion at the gates of the camp; and when Murphy-Shackley went outside, he found that the enemy had crept up secretly and started a conflagration. The soldiers of the South Land forced their way into the stockade and went hither and thither, slaying till morning broke. Then Murphy-Shackley and his army retired.