The Rajah's Fortress — page 131: what you’re looking at

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

122 THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. trained especially for the purpose, and we have rough roads through the valley. Then about every three months we haul our catches to a point where two mountain streams unite and form the Kurna- puli River, and from there they are taken on flat boats down to the Bay of Bengal. It is nearly ‘time now to make another trip. A convoy of men always come up from the coast withthe flat boats, for the tribes along the river are very dangerous, and would make short work of the party if it was not sufficiently protected.” “ But what water was that we crossed last night ?” asked Melton. “Tl show you in a minute. First take a look at this stockade. You see there’s a platform runs along its whole length just high enough for a man to see over. Now observe those small cannon posted every dozen yards. They look out through loopholes, and would do good service in case of an attack. It’s best to be on the safe side, for this place is in the very midst of the dacoits, and one can never tell what is going to happen. Nowcome this way.” He led Melton through the yard and into the small court again, where they ascended to the roof of the house by a ladder that Melton had not observed before. “ Look around you,” said Bolton, and as Melton slowly turned his gaze from side to side he burst into an exclamation of astonishment and delight. COLUM 1OOO SS co