oday； when there is work to be done and glory to be gained？〃
〃Because the utmost caution is necessary。 They are retreating； and they will leave an ambush at every possible point。〃
〃I know that； and you need not be afraid。〃
〃Well； you wish to go and may； but whatever happens you must be prepared for。〃
〃A really noble man is prepared to sacrifice self for country。 Never mind what happens。〃
〃Then take five thousand troops and start。 Wei Ping shall follow with twenty thousand of horse and foot to deal with any ambush that may discover itself。 I will follow later with three thousand to help where need be。〃
So Zhang He set out and advanced quickly。
Ten miles out he heard a roll of drums； and suddenly appeared from a wood a cohort led by Wei Yan； who galloped to the front； crying； 〃Whither would you go； O rebel leader？〃
Zhang He swiftly turned and engaged Wei Yan； but after some ten passes Wei Yan fled。 Zhang He rode after Wei Yan along the road for ten miles and then stopped to observe。 As he saw no ambush； he turned again and resumed the pursuit。 All went well till he came to a slope； when there arose shouts and yells and another body of soldiers came out。
〃Zhang He； do not run away！〃 cried this leader； who was Guan Xing。
Guan Xing galloped close； and Zhang He did not flee。 They fought； and after half a score of passes Guan Xing seemed to have the worst of the encounter and fled。 Zhang He followed。 Presently they neared a dense wood。 Zhang He was fearful of entering in； so he sent forward scouts to search the thickets。 They could find no danger； and Zhang He again pursued。
But quite unexpectedly Wei Yan； who had formerly fled； got round ahead of Zhang He and now appeared again。 The two fought a half