cution。 However； the notables and chiefs interceded； and the death penalty was remitted； but the unhappy leader was severely beaten； one hundred strokes with the heavy staff。
The chiefs were mostly on the side of the beaten general and against the King's policy。
They went to the tent of Dongtu Na and said； 〃Though we live in the Mang country； we have never had any thoughts of rebellion against the Imperial Government； nor has the Middle Kingdom ever encroached upon our land。 We must own that Meng Huo's superior power forced us into this rising； and we could not help ourselves。 Zhuge Liang is too clever for us； and no one can guess what he may do。 Even Cao Cao and Sun Quan fear him； how much more must we？ Moreover； we have received kindness at his hands and owe him our lives。 We ought to show our gratitude。 Now let us at all risks slay this Meng Huo and submit to Zhuge Liang so that our people may not suffer。〃
Dongtu Na said； 〃I do not know your inner sentiments。〃
At this； all those who had been prisoners and released cried with one voice； 〃We desire to go to Meng Huo。〃
Thereupon Dongtu Na took in his hand a sharp sword； placed himself at the head of more than a hundred malcontents； and rushed into the great camp。 At that moment Meng Huo was； as usual； intoxicated and lay in his tent。 The mutineers rushed in。 They found two generals on guard。
〃You also received kindness from Zhuge Liang and ought to repay it；〃 cried Dongtu Na。
They replied； 〃You do not have to slay him。 Let us carry him a prisoner to the Prime Minister。〃
So they bound the King securely； took him down to the river； and crossed in a boat to the northern bank。 There they halted； while they sent a messenger to Zhuge Liang。
Now Zhuge Liang knew wh