the line of lofty wall and
grey turret, while above all appeared not only the graceful
pagodas, which have been for ages the boast of Soochow and the
dense foliage of secular trees--the invariable glory of Chinese
cities--but also the shimmering roofs of newly decorated palaces
confidently occupied by the vainglorious leaders of the
rebellion. The proximity of the rebel line became apparent with
surprising suddenness, for, following their usual custom, they
greeted the rising sun with a simultaneous display of gaudy
banners above the line of their entrenchments. The mud walls they
had thrown up in advance, scarcely distinguishable before, were
now marked out by thousands of flags of every colour from black
to crimson, whilst behind them rose the jangling roll of gongs,
and the murmurs of an invisible multitude."

Had Gordon been free to act, or even if he had possessed authority
over the two Chinese commanders, his plan of campaign would have been
simple and decisive. He would have effected a junction of his forces
with San Tajin; and having overwhelmed Chung Wang and his 18,000 men
with his combined army of double that strength, he would have appeared
at the head of his victorious troops before the bewildered garrison of
Wusieh. He would probably have thus terminated the campaign at a
stroke. Even the decisive defeat of Chung Wang alone might have
entailed the collapse of the cause now tottering to its fall. But
Major Gordon had to consider not merely the military quality of his
allies, but also their jealousies and differences. General Ching hated
San Tajin on private as well as on public grounds. He desired a
monopoly of the profit and honour of the campaign. His own reputation
would be made by the capture of Soochow. It would be diminished and
cast into the shade were another Imperial commander to defeat Chung
Wang and close the line of the Grand Canal. If Gordon detached himself
from General Ching, he could not feel sure what folly that jealous and
impulsive commander might not commit. He would certainly not pursue
the vigilant defence before Soochow necessary to guard the extensive
line of stockades, and to prevent its large garrison sallying out and
assailing his own rear. Gordon had consequently for these
considerations to abandon the tempting idea of crushing Chung Wang and
capturing the towns in the rear of Nanking, and to have recourse to
safe