CHAPTER XXIV.

Kar-sing-foo.--Christmas in Ti-pingdom.--Works of Art.--Dangerous Companions.--Narrow Escape.--Retribution.--Adieu to Ti-pingdom.--Mr. White's Case.--The Neutrality Ordnance.--Order of July 9th, 1864.--Intended Return to England.--Particulars of the Siege of Soo-chow.--Strength of the Garrison.--The Assault described.--The Nar-wang's Treachery.--Its Cause.--Major Gordon's Report.--The _Friend of China_.--Gordon's Report continued.--Narrative by an Eye-Witness.--The Soo-chow Tragedy.--Major Gordon.--His Conduct.--Gordon's Letter to Sir F. Bruce.--Analysis thereof.--Newspaper Extract.--Gordon's "Reasons" refuted.--Analysis Continued.--Gordon's "Personal Considerations."--His Motives explained.--Newspaper Extracts.--Sir F. Bruce's Despatch.--Its Analysis.--Falsity of Gordon's Statements.--How proved.--Extract from the _Times_.--Deductions 694