there he gave him respectful salutation, and then they sat down face to face.
The man said, “I just heard you inquiring about the road to Liangshan Marsh, and about engaging a boat. That is a stronghold of some robbers, so why are you going there?”
“I will tell you all about it,” said Lin Chong. “The police are doing their utmost to capture me, and as I have no safe place to go to, I am going to join the band of the fine fellows at that mountain stronghold.”
“As matters are like this,” said the man, “there will certainly be a man who will recommend you to the robbers.”
Lin Chong said, “A friend of mine at Cangzhou in the Henghai County has given me an introduction.”
“Perhaps he is Chai Jin, the ‘Small Whirlwind’?”
“How do you know that?”
“Chai Jin is on friendly terms with the chief of the bandits at the mountain stronghold, and correspondence has been continually passing between them,” said the man. “Previously when Wang Lun failed to pass an examination he went with Du Qian to Chai Jin’s house, and lived there for several days. When they left Chai Jin gave them money to cover their traveling expenses, and so they are beholden to him.”
Upon hearing this Lin Chong saluted, and said, “Although I have eyes I do not recognize your eminence. I request your name.”
The man again saluted before replying, “I am an agent of the robber chief Wang. My name is Zhu Gui, but the robbers call me ‘Dry Land Crocodile.’ My native place is Yishui County in Yizhou Prefecture. I had an order from the mountain stronghold to open a wine shop here so that I could spy and listen to the conversation of the merchants and others who pass this way. If I hear of any valuables I go and report them to the headquarters on the mountain. If the traveler has no valuable I let him go. But if he has money I either hypnotize him or kill him outright, then cut up the flesh and salt it, and boil the fat into oil for use in the lamps. I heard you inquiring the road to Liangshan Marsh so I did not treat you in that way. Also I saw you write your name on the wall, and I had heard of you as a great hero from the men who had passed this way from the Eastern Capital, but I had not expected to meet you. An introduction from Squire Chai Jin combined with your wide-spread reputation will insure you having a responsible position under our chief Wang.” He then prepared some fish, meat, and other food, and entertained Lin Chong. Both of them sat in the arbor at the side of the lake drinking and eating until midnight.
Lin Chong asked whether they could get a boat to take them across. Zhu Gui assured him that he could get a boat, and he need not worry. They could stay there until daybreak, and then depart. So they both went to their rooms for a sleep.
At daybreak Zhu Gui called Lin Chong, and after washing they had their breakfast consisting of wine and meat. It was not yet very bright. Zhu Gui opened the windows of the arbor, and taking a bow decorated with magpies, he shot an arrow, which had a whistle attached, across the water to a spot where the reeds were flat with the ground.
Lin Chong asked what was the purpose of shooting the arrow.
“That is a signal to the stronghold,” said Zhu Gui. “A boat will be sent very soon.”
In a short time they saw about five bandits in a boat emerge from the reeds on the other side, and they quickly rowed the boat across to the arbor. Lin Chong picked up his baggage and weapons, and was conducted on to the boat by Zhu Gui. The bandits rowed the boat across to the other side, and brought it to the Jinsha Bank. Upon touching the bank Zhu Gui conducted Lin Chong ashore. The robbers carried Lin Chong’s baggage and weapons, and the party started off to ascend a hill that was there. On both sides of the road Lin Chong noticed that there were large trees of enormous girth, and halfway up the hill they passed an arbor which was lavishly gilded. Upon turning a corner they came to a barrier where there were arranged many spears, broad swords, two edged swords, halberds, bows, crossbows, short spears, and all around were round logs, and bowlders for rolling down the hill against an ascending foe. The bandits went inside to report their arrival. The two men, Zhu Gui and Lin Chong, entered the stronghold, and advanced between two rows of armed bandits who had their flag flying. After passing through two more barriers they came to the gate of the stronghold. Lin Chong saw that there was a drilling ground as flat as a looking-glass and with a circumference of about 1,958 yards and surrounding the spot on all sides were lofty, majestic cliffs. On two sides were small buildings, and in front was the principal entrance. Zhu Gui conducted Lin Chong to the Assembly Hall where in the principal seat was Wang Lun, at his right hand sat Du Qian the “Sky Feeler,” and on his left sat Song Wan.
Zhu Gui and Lin Chong both stepped forward, saluted and called out “nuo” to attract attention, and the latter took up his position slightly at one side and behind Zhu Gui, who introduced him, “This is Drill Instructor Lin Chong of the Imperial Guards from the Eastern Capital, commonly known as ‘Leopard’s Head.’ Because of the enmity of Marshal Gao Qiu, he was branded and banished to Cangzhou, and while there the army fodder depot in his charge was burnt down. Because he had killed three men he fled to Squire Chai Jin, with whom he is on very friendly terms. The latter has written a letter of introduction for you.”
Lin Chong took the letter out of his breast pocket, and handed it to Wang Lun who requested him to be seated on the fourth chair, and Zhu Gui to be seated on the fifth chair. Wang Lun then ordered wine to be brought, and after they had drunk three cups each he asked about the health of Squire Chai Jin.
Lin Chong replied that Chai went hunting every day.
After asking the question Wang Lun thought of the time when he was only a poor scholar, and being without luck, he had come there with Du Qian to join the bandits. Afterwards they had been joined by Song Wan, with many men and horses. He had no special ability, and Du Qian and Song Wan had only common military skill. This man had been a Drill Instructor and he must have great military skill. If they admitted him he would soon see their weakness, and take advantage of it, and in case of a fight how could they overcome him? Should they decline to receive him he would be angry. But if they offered excuse, then he would go away and they would avoid any trouble. But that would look as though they had forgotten the kind treatment they had from Squire Chai Jin. However under the present circumstances they could not allow him to stay here. He therefore told his followers to prepare a feast, and invited Lin Chong to take part in it. All the five men dined together, and when they had finished Wang Lun told the servants to bring a tray with fifty taels of silver, and two rolls of coarse silk cloth. Upon their arrival he stood up and said: “Squire Chai has written us a letter introducing you, and recommending that you should join our band, but unfortunately we are short of rations, and the rooms are in disorder; our followers are very few; and I am afraid that your prospect would be spoiled by staying here. We hope you will not laugh at our small presents or be offended but we hope that you will be able to find a bigger stronghold than this where you can stay.”
Lin Chong replied, “I request you to listen to what I have to say now. I heard of your great reputation over three hundred li away, and I have come a long distance to find a refuge under your roof. Relying on the influence of Squire Chai I fled to your stronghold to join your band. Although I have no ability I hope that you will allow me to stay here as without flattering I can say that I am willing to die in case of danger. I did not come here for money, and therefore I hope the chief will take my request into favorable consideration.”
“This is only a small place, and we cannot afford to keep you here,” said Wang Lun. “Don’t think we have any other reason.”
Zhu Gui remonstrated with Wang Lun, “Elder brother, please allow me to speak on this matter. If our supply of food is small we can borrow some from the neighboring villages and distant market towns; as for dwelling, there is enough
