It was useless to continue on that road so Kuan Yü proposed to go back and they retook the road. Two days later they heard the thunder of battle behind some hills. Hastening to the top they beheld the government soldiers suffering great loss and they saw the countryside was full of Yellow Turbans. On their banners were the words, “Celestial Duke,” writ large. “We will attack this Chang Chio,” said Yüan-tê and they galloped out to join in the battle. Chang Chio had worsted Tung Cho and was following up his advantage. He was in hot pursuit when the three brothers dashed into his army, threw his ranks into confusion and drove him back. Then they returned with the rescued general to his camp. “What officers have you?” asked Tung Cho, when he had leisure to speak to the brothers. “None,” was the reply. And Tung treated them with disrespect. Yüan-tê retired calmly, but Chang Fei was furious. “We have just rescued this menial in a bloody fight,” cried he, “and now he is rude to us! Nothing but his death can slake my anger.” He would have dashed into the tent and slain the insulter had not his elder brothers held him back. As it was in olden time so it is to-day, The simple wight may merit well, officialdom holds sway; Chang Fei, the blunt and hasty, where can you find his peer? But slaying the ungrateful would mean many deaths a year. Tung Cho’s fate will be unrolled in later chapters. CHAPTER II. AN OFFICIAL IS THRASHED; UNCLE HO PLOTS TO KILL THE EUNUCHS. It must here be told who this Tung Cho was. Cho, or Chung-ying, was born in the west at Lintʻao in modern Shênsi. His father was a prefect. He himself was arrogant and overbearing. But the day he had treated the three brothers with contumely had been his last had not the two elders restrained their wrathful brother. “Remember he has the government commission;” said Yüan-tê, “who are we to judge and slay?” “It is bitter to take orders from such a wretch; I would rather slay him. You may stay here an you wish to, but I will seek some other place.” “We three are one in life and in death; there is no parting for us. We will all go hence.” So spake Yüan-tê and his brother was satisfied. Wherefore all three set out and lost no time in travelling till they came to Chu Chien, who received them well and accepted their aid in attacking Chang Pao.