Gakdul, SundayUnfortunately, no doubt can now exist that General Gordon was among those massacred when Khartoum fell into the hands of the rebels. Natives who escaped describe him as having been killed in coming out of his house to rally his faithful troops, who were taken by surprise. They were cut down to a man. For hours the best part of the town was the scene of a merciless massacre. Even the women and children were not spared. All the notables, except the treacherous Pashas and their followers, were put to the sword.
All this seemed too probable from the first when Sir Charles Wilson, with his steamers, went up as far as Tuti and saw beyond the trees that the island, the streets of Khartoum, and the plains outside were crowded with dervishes with flaunting banners and no friendly sign was given from the Palace or Egyptian ensign was flying anywhere.
Had Gordon been holding the fortified monastery, as some averred, he would certainly have fired some shots as a signal to the steamers. Gordon’s other boats and naggars were seen lying beside the banks on the Omdurman side, which was occupied by rebels.
Gordon’s most trusted officer was true to the last, but doubts were entertained of the fidelity of Abdul Ahmed, the second in command, and he justified these by deserting.
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