So he went up on the wall and said it was too dark to distinguish friends from foes and they must wait till daylight. The men shouted back that Liu Pei must be kept in ignorance and they begged him to let them in. Still Chʻê Chou hesitated. They shouted louder than ever to open the gate. Presently Chʻê girded on his armour, placed himself at the head of a company and went out. He galloped over the bridge, shouting, “Where is Wên-yüan?” Then lights blazed around and he recognised Kuan Yü with his sword drawn. “Wretch!” cried Kuan Yü. “You would plot to slay my brother, would you?” Chʻê Chou was too frightened to make good defence and he turned to re-enter the gate. But as he reached the drawbridge flights of arrows met him, wherefore he turned aside and galloped along under the wall. But Kuan Yü came quickly in pursuit. His sword was raised aloft and as it came down the fugitive fell to the earth. Kuan Yü cut off his head and returned, shouting, “I have slain the traitor. You others need not fear if you only surrender.” They threw aside their spears and gave in. As soon as the excitement had calmed Kuan Yü took the head to show Yüan-tê and told him the story of the plot. “But what will Tsʻao Tsʻao think of this?” said Yüan-tê. “And he may come.” “If he does we can meet him,” said Kuan Yü. But Yüan-tê was grieved beyond measure. When he entered the city the elders of the people knelt in the road to welcome him. When he reached his residence he found that Chang Fei had already exterminated the family of Chʻê Chou. Yüan-tê said, “We have slain one of his best friends and how will he stand that?” “Never mind!” cried Chʻên Têng. “I have a plan.” Just from grave danger extricated, An injured friend must be placated. The plan proposed by Chʻên Têng will be disclosed next. CHAPTER XXII. YÜAN AND TSʻAO BOTH TAKE THE FIELD: THE TWO BROTHERS CAPTURE TWO CAPTAINS. This was the plan proposed to Yüan-tê: “Yüan Shao is Tsʻao Tsʻao’s terror. He is strongly posted in an extensive district with a hundred legions of fighting men and many able officers. Write letters and pray him to rescue you.” Liu Pei replied, “But we have never had any dealings with each other and he is unlikely to do such a thing for one who has just destroyed his brother.” “There is some one here whose family have been on intimate terms with the Yüans for a hundred years. Shao would surely come if he wrote.” “And who is this?” “A man you know well and respect greatly; can you not guess?” “You surely mean Chêng Kʻang-chʻêng,” said Liu Pei suddenly. “That is he,” said Chʻên Têng smiling.