They pursued him, Lü Pu taking the lead. Two of Tsʻao’s lieutenants attacked the pursuers but could not check them. Tsʻao went away north. But from behind some hills came out more of Lü Pu’s army and as they could not be beaten off Tsʻao sought safety in the west. Here again his retreat was barred. The fight became desperate. Tsʻao Tsʻao dashed at the enemy’s array. The din was terrible. Arrows fell like pelting rain upon them and they could make no headway. He was desperate and cried out in fear, “Who can save me?” Then from the crush dashed out Tien Wei with his double lance, crying “Fear not, my master.” He leapt from his steed, leaned his double lance against a wall and laid hold of a handful of darts. Turning to his followers he said, “When the ruffians are at ten paces, call out to me.” Then he set off with mighty strides, plunging forward careless of the flying arrows. Lü Pu’s horsemen followed and when they got near the followers shouted, “Ten paces!” “Five, then call!” shouted back Tien Wei, and went on. Presently, “Five paces!” Then Tien Wei spun round and flung the darts. With every fling a man fell from the saddle and never a dart missed. Having thus slain half a score the remainder fled and Tien quickly remounted his steed, set his twin lance and rushed again into the fight with a vigour that none could withstand. One by one his opponents yielded and he was able to lead Tsʻao Tsʻao safely out of the press of battle. Tsʻao and his captains went to their camp. But as evening fell the noise of pursuit fell on their ears and soon appeared Lü Pu himself. “Tsʻao, you rebel, do not flee!” shouted he as he approached with his halberd ready for a thrust. All stopped and looked in each others’ faces: the men were weary, their steeds spent. Fear smote them and they looked around for some place of refuge. You may lead your lord safely out of the press, But what if the enemy follow? We cannot say here what Tsʻao Tsʻao’s fate was, but the next chapter will relate. CHAPTER XII. THE PREFECT TʻAO THRICE OFFERS HIS CHARGE: TSʻAO TSʻAO FIGHTS A GREAT BATTLE. The last chapter closed with Tsʻao Tsʻao in great danger. However, help came. Hsiahou Tun with a small body of soldiers found his chief, checked the pursuit, and fought with Lü Pu till dusk. Rain fell in torrents swamping everything and as the daylight waned they drew off and Tsʻao Tsʻao reached camp. He rewarded Tien Wei richly and advanced him in rank.