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[So Tu Mu. Li Ch'uan says: "Set fire to the camp, and kill the

soldiers" (when they try to escape from the flames). Pan Ch'ao,

sent on a diplomatic mission to the King of Shan-shan [see XI. §

51, note], found himself placed in extreme peril by the

unexpected arrival of an envoy from the Hsiung-nu [the mortal

enemies of the Chinese]. In consultation with his officers, he

exclaimed: "Never venture, never win! [1] The only course open to

us now is to make an assault by fire on the barbarians under

cover of night, when they will not be able to discern our

numbers. Profiting by their panic, we shall exterminate them

completely; this will cool the King's courage and cover us with

glory, besides ensuring the success of our mission.' The officers

all replied that it would be necessary to discuss the matter

first with the Intendant. Pan Ch'ao then fell into a passion: 'It

is today,' he cried, 'that our fortunes must be decided!