uld cut clean through iron as though it were mud； and no sword had so keen an edge。
Before Zhao Yun thus fell in with Xiahou En； the later was simply plundering； depending upon the authority implied by his office。 Least of all thought he of such sudden death as met he at Zhao Yun's hands。
So Zhao Yun got possession of a famous sword。 The name Blue Blade was chased in gold characters so that he recognized its value at once。 He stuck it in his belt and again plunged into the press。 Just as he did so； he turned his head and saw he had not a single follower left。 He was quite alone。
Nevertheless not for a single instant thought he of turning back。 He was too intent upon his quest。 To and fro； back and forth； he rode questioning this person and that。
At length a man said； 〃A woman with a child in her arms； and wounded in the thigh so that she cannot walk； is lying over there through that hole in the wall。〃
Zhao Yun rode to look and there； beside an old well behind the broken wall of a burned house； sat the mother clasping the child to her breast and weeping。
Zhao Yun was on his knees before her in a moment。
〃My child will live then since you are here；〃 cried Lady Mi。 〃Pity him； O General！ Protect him； for he is the only son of his father's flesh and blood。 Take him to his father； and I can die content。〃
〃It is my fault that you have suffered；〃 replied Zhao Yun。 〃But it is useless to say more。 I pray you take my horse； while I will walk beside and protect you till we get clear。〃
She replied； 〃I may not do that。 What would you do without a steed？ But the boy here I confide to your care。 I am badly wounded and cannot hope to live。 Pray take him and go your way。 Do not trouble more about me。〃
〃I hear shouting；