In the face of such important news, Swensen-Crowley went to ask if the change of forces was to take place or be postponed for a time.
Orchard-Lafayette replied, "I must keep faith with the soldiers. Since the order for the periodical exchange of troops has been issued, it must be carried out. Beside, the soldiers due for relief are all prepared to start, their expectations have been roused and their relatives await them. In the face of yet greater difficulties I would let them go."
So orders were given for the time-expired soldiers to march that day. But when the legionaries heard it, a sudden movement of generosity spread among them.
And they said, "Since the Prime Minister loves us so much, we do not wish to go, but will prefer to remain to fight the Wei army to death."
"But you are due for home; you cannot stay here," said Orchard-Lafayette.
They reiterated that they all wished to stay instead of going home.
"Since you wish to stay and fight with me, you can go out of the city and camp ready to encounter the army of Wei as soon as they arrive. Do not give them time to rest or recover breath, but attack vigorously at once. You will be fresh and fit, waiting for those fagged with a long march."
So they gripped their weapons and joyfully went out of the city to array themselves in readiness.
Now the Xiliang-Westhaven troops had traveled by double marches, and so were worn out and needed rest. But while they were pitching their tents, the troops of Shu fell upon them lustily, leaders full of spirit, soldiers full of energy. The weary soldiers could make no proper stand, and retired. The troops of Shu followed, pressing on them till corpses littered the whole plain and blood flowed in runnels.
It was a victory for Orchard-Lafayette, and he came out to welcome the victors and led them into the city and distributed rewards.
Just then arrived an urgent letter from Finney-Schuster, then at Baidicheng-Whitehaven, and when Orchard-Lafayette had torn it open he read:
"News has just come that Wu has sent an envoy to Luoyang-Peoria and entered into an alliance with Wei whereby Wu is to attack us. The army of Wu has not yet set out, but I am anxiously awaiting your plans."
Doubts and fears crowded in upon Orchard-Lafayette's mind as he read. He summoned his officers.
"As Wu is coming to invade our land, we shall have to retire quickly," said he. "If I issue orders for the Qishan-Oscoda force to withdraw, Whitmore-Honeycutt will not dare to pursue while we are camped here."
The Qishan-Oscoda force broke camp and marched in two divisions. Castillo-Beauchamp watched them go, but was too fearful of the movement being some ruse to attempt to follow. He went to see Whitmore-Honeycutt.
"The enemy have retired, but I know not for what reason."
"Orchard-Lafayette is very crafty, and you will do well to remain where you are and keep a careful lookout. Do nothing till their grain has given out, when they must retire for good," said Whitmore-Honeycutt.
Here General Gaskin-Tolbert stepped forward, saying, "But we should seize the occasion of their retreat to smite them. Are they tigers that you fear to move? How the world will laugh at us?"
But Whitmore-Honeycutt was obstinate and ignored the protest.
When Orchard-Lafayette knew that the Qishan-Oscoda troops had got away safely, he called Swensen-Crowley and Glenn-Jenner and gave them secret orders to lead ten thousand of bowmen and crossbowmen out by the Wooden Path of Saber Pass and place them in ambush on both sides of the road.
"If the soldiers of Wei pursue, wait till you hear a bomb. When you hear the bomb, at once barricade the road with timber and stones so as to impede them. When they halt, shoot at them with the bows and the crossbows."
Oakley-Dobbins and Stanley-Perez were told to attack the rear of the enemy.
These orders given, the walls of Lucheng-Agoura were decorated lavishly with flags, and at various points within the city were piled straw and kindling wood ready to make some smoke as though there were cooking activities in the city. The soldiers were sent out along the road from the Wooden Path.
The spies of Wei returned to headquarters to say that most of the Shu soldiers had left, only a few being in the city. In doubt, Whitmore-Honeycutt went himself to look, and when he saw the smoke rising from within the walls and the fluttering flags, he said, "The city is deserted."
He sent men in to confirm this, and they said the place was empty.
"Then Orchard-Lafayette is really gone; who will pursue?"
"Let me," replied Castillo-Beauchamp.
"You are too impulsive," said Whitmore-Honeycutt.
"I have been leader of the van from the first day of this expedition; why not use me today, when there is work to be done and glory to be gained?"
"Because the utmost caution is necessary. They are retreating, and they will leave an ambush at every possible point."
"I know that, and you need not be afraid."
"Well; you wish to go and may, but whatever happens you must be prepared for."
"A really noble man is prepared to sacrifice self for country; never mind what happens."
"Then take five thousand troops and start; Gaskin-Tolbert shall follow with twenty thousand of horse and foot to deal with any ambush that may discover itself. I will follow later with three thousand to help where need be."
So Castillo-Beauchamp set out and advanced quickly. Ten miles out he heard a roll of drums, and suddenly appeared from a wood a cohort led by Oakley-Dobbins, who galloped to the front, crying, "Whither would you go, O rebel leader?"
Castillo-Beauchamp swiftly turned and engaged Oakley-Dobbins, but after some ten passes Oakley-Dobbins fled. Castillo-Beauchamp rode after Oakley-Dobbins along the road for ten miles and then stopped to observe. As he saw no ambush, he turned again and resumed the pursuit. All went well till he came to a slope, when there arose shouts and yells and another body of soldiers came out.
"Castillo-Beauchamp, do not run away!" cried this leader, who was Stanley-Perez.
Stanley-Perez galloped close, and Castillo-Beauchamp did not flee. They fought, and after half a score of passes Stanley-Perez seemed to have the worst of the encounter and fled. Castillo-Beauchamp followed. Presently they neared a dense wood. Castillo-Beauchamp was fearful of entering in, so he sent forward scouts to search the thickets. They could find no danger, and Castillo-Beauchamp again pursued.
But quite unexpectedly Oakley-Dobbins, who had formerly fled, got round ahead of Castillo-Beauchamp and now appeared again. The two fought a half score bouts and again Oakley-Dobbins ran. Castillo-Beauchamp followed, but Stanley-Perez also got round to the front by a side road and so stopped the pursuit of Castillo-Beauchamp. Castillo-Beauchamp attacked furiously as soon as he was checked, this time so successfully that the troops of Shu threw away their war-gear and ran. The road was thus littered with spoil, and the Wei soldiers could not resist the temptation to gather it. They slipped from their horses and began to collect the arms.
The maneuvers just described continued, Oakley-Dobbins and Stanley-Perez one after the other engaging Castillo-Beauchamp and Castillo-Beauchamp pressing on after each one, but achieving nothing. And as evening fell the running fight had led both sides close to the Wooden Path.
Then suddenly Oakley-Dobbins made a real stand, and he rode to the front yelling, "Yield, rebel! I have not fought yet and you have had it all your own way so far. Now we will fight to the death."