TABLE OF CONTENTS. IN THE DAYS OF THE TAIPINGS. BOOK I. THE.TRIADS AT SHANGHAI. 1853-1855. CHAPTER PAGE I.My Forbears and My Upbringing II.My Career is Determined....·· 7 III.I am Launched at Shanghai,....…… 12 IV.I am Married....… 20 V.The Calm before the Storm ............. 26 VI.The Rebels seize Shanghai City.·· 31 VII.We Rescue the Taotai.................... 40 VIII.I am Introduced to Good Society ,… 49 IX.I Revisit my Home ..................... 58 X.The Customs Authorities are in Difficulties.. 66 XI.Our Encounter with.the Soldiers ......... 76 XII.I meet Mr.Alcock ..................... 86 XIII.The Assault on the City ................ 93 XIV.The Governor.receives Me................ 100 XV.A Country-house Visit................... 108 XVI.Mr.Murphy Enters on the Scene..........118 XVII.The Battle of Muddy Flat.................128 XVIII.Probity and Vigilance in the Customs.......137 XIX.The French Intervene ................... 147 XX.The Triads evacuate Shanghai ............156 ()