lprit was able to feel the baseness of
his conduct. He eagerly accepted Gordon's proposal, though he was well
aware that almost certain death was in store. And his repentance was
real, and not merely the effect of a moment's shame, for when, some time
after, a forlorn hope was necessary to carry the stockades before
Soo-chow, Gordon, whose mind had been occupied with other things, had
entirely forgotten all about his promise. But though he did not
remember, the officer did, and claimed his right to lead. He was the
first man killed, but the stockades were carried, and after two months'
siege Soo-chow was won.

* * * * *

Nowhere during Gordon's service in China was the difference between East
and West more clearly shown than in the events that happened after the
capture of Soo-chow. Gordon respected his enemies, who had fought
bravely, and wished them to be granted favourable terms of surrender.
Moh Wang in particular, the captain of the city, had shown special skill
and courage, and before the town fell Gordon had obtained a promise
from Li Hung Chang that the Taeping commander's fate should be placed in
his hands. At a council held inside Soo-chow, Moh Wang desired to hold
out, but the other Wangs (or nobles) all voted for surrender, and at
length they began to quarrel. Moh Wang would not give way, and then Kong
Wang caught up his dagger and struck the first blow. The rest fell upon
Moh Wang, and dragged him from his seat, cutting off his head, which
they sent to Ching the general as a gift.

* * * * *

As plunder had been strictly forbidden by Gordon, he was very anxious to
give his soldiers two months' pay to make up; but one month's pay was
all he could obtain, and that with great difficulty, while the troops,
angry and disappointed, threatened to revolt and to march against Li
Hung Chang, as governor of the province. This was, however, stopped by
Gordon, who then went into the city to the house of Nar Wang, another
Taeping leader, whom he wished also to gain over. On the previous day he
had heard from Ching that at twelve o'clock on the morning of December 6
the Wangs had arranged to meet the governor and surrender Soo-chow, as
the emperor had consented to spare their lives and those of the
prisoners; so Gordon started early in order to catch Nar Wang before he
left, reaching Nar Wang's house just as he and the other Wangs were
mounting their horses