The Rajah's Fortress — page 124: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS, 115 curtain lies the kitchen. Mike is a great hand at cooking.” This last fact Melton had already discovered for himself, as his ninth biscuit and third plate of ven- Ison testified. After supper a pipe or two was smoked in company with McGore, but as soon as a little clock on the mantel struck nine the Irish- man rose and put on his belt. ‘ Time to make the rounds, is it, Mike?” suid Bolton. “I reckon you can manage yourself to- night, as I have company, can’t you?” “ Certainly, sorr, certainly; good-night.” * Good-night, Mike,” said Bolton. ‘See that the men are all in bed.” “ All right, sorr, I will,” and pulling the door shut, Mike departed with a lighted lantern. Bolton laughed at Melton’s look of mystification, but did not offer to enlighten him. ‘You can look around the place in the morning,” he said. ‘ ButI see you are sleepy and worn out. I will show you your room.” He lit a small lamp, and blowing out the large one opened another door that Melton had noticed, and ushered him into a small apartment furnished with a chair and a table, and a bunk built into the wall. “ This was formerly Mike’s room,” said Bolton. “ But of late he has been compelled to sleep in the men’s quarter. My own room is just next. Not a very big castle, is it? A one-story building COLUM 1OOO SS co