The Rajah's Fortress — page 141: what you’re looking at

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

132 THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. “ By Jove, does Topee think we are insane? Are we to march our little army over that mountain, and take the place by storm?” exclaimed Guy, looking angrily at the Chinaman, who was squatted on the ground beside Jung, witha shrewd smile on his features. “Listen, sahib,” Jung replied calmly, “and I will tell you more. Right here ”—and he pointed to aspot at the base of the mountain—“ is a natural tunnel that leads directly through to the crsecent shaped valley. Day and night the entrances are guarded on both sides by armed dacoits, who let no one pass. Now listen, and I will relate to you the most wonderful thing of all. This whole region many, many years ago, wasruled over by the great King Mogok, the same who owned the great ruby mines that bear his name, and the place is called to this day the Caverns of Mogok, because the moun- tain is as a honeycomb, full of tunnels and deep caves. The stronghold of the dacoit chief is in a great mass of rocks that rise up from the center of the valley, and it is approached by underground passages, all of which are constantly watched over and guarded by powerful dacoits.” “Why, this is worse and worse,” cried Chutney. “ The Rock of Gibraltar could be easier taken.” Jung held up a warning finger. “ Now listen,sahib. A year ago, when on duty in one of the chambers of this rock fortress, he by accident discovered a loose slab of stone in the COLUM 1OOO SS co