The Rajah's Fortress — page 145: what you’re looking at

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

136 THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. “ That ought to work,” said Guy, thoughtfully. “ What do you think, Jack?” “ Tt’s the best that could be done,” replied Carew. «“ It would never do to murder the guards, or even carry them off. They must be outwitted in some way, and Topee’s plan is a good one. They all know him, of course.” “Tt sounds well,” said Guy. “Is it a long journey from here, Topee? ” The Chinaman shook his head. “ Not welly. Start allee same sundown. Twe hour’s fore daylight reach place.” “ Very good,” said Guy, * we will start at sun- set to-night.” Guy had ample opportunity for reflection as the day passed on, and he had to admit to himself that the chances were terribly against them. It was a year since Topee had been inside the fortress, for of late he had simply been a member of one of the numerous dacoit bands residing at Balet when not off on a raid. What changes might not have taken place since that time! The cavern perhaps had been dis- covered by others and was no longer a secret. Then that passage of the tunnel! What un- known perils might lurk in hiding there ? It was too late to back out, however, nor indeed did Guy wish to do so. He was actuated by a stern sense of duty, for if the dacoit chief should turn out to be really Nana Sahib, the sacrifice of a COLUM 1OOO SS co