guard on the lower stairs; and from that point on we fair hacked our way
through.

Well, no need to describe the fight. For a time I thought we were gone;
the guards had a cunningly devised labyrinth on the second floor, and
attacked us from holes in a false ceiling, so that we suffered heavily
at first. But I saw what was amiss, and shouted to my men to clear away
the timbers; and after that it was clear work. I lost forty men before
the guard was disposed of. The emperor I finished myself; he dodged
right spryly for a time, but at last I caught him and tossed him to the
foot of the upper stairs. And there he still lies for none of my men
would touch him, nor would I. We covered him with quicklime and some
earth.

As soon as we had taken care of those who were not too far gone, I
called the men together and caused a round of spirits to be served. Then
we all feasted on the emperor's store, and soon were feeling like
ourselves.

"Men," I said impressively, "I am proud of ye. Never did an emperor have
such a dangerous gang of bullies!"

At that they all grinned happily, and I added: "And 'tis a fine staff of
generals that ye'll make!"

Need I say more? Those men would have overturned the palace for me had I
said the word. As it was, they obeyed my next orders in such a spirit
that success was assured from the first.

First, using the dead emperor's name, I caused the various chiefs to be