The Rajah's Fortress — page 149: what you’re looking at

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

140 THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. ain wall, a gigantic barrier that stretched, palisade- like, in one unbroken line along the dusky horizon, while the moon, just coming up threw a silvery glow of splendor over the grisly rocks and gloomy recesses that marked the dizzy summit. A little to the south could be seen the sweep that the mountain made when it curved outward, and in this direction Topee led the party across the plain, trampling down the long grass in front of him. The distance was much farther than it seemed, and it took a good hour of steady marching to reach the foot of the range. A low jungle skirted the base, and beyond the mountain rose in a@ succession of ledges, on which grew stunted pines. A short stop was made, and then Topee declared it was time to be off. Chutney briefly enjoined the strictest silence and caution on his men, and then, with arms in readiness, he followed the Chinaman. It was hard to realize that they were really so close to the home of the dreaded Pandy, for dur- ing the whole of the three days’ journey not a trace of an enemy had been seen. It seemed as though they were penetrating a primeval forest that had never known the foot of man. The utter silence was oppressive. Not a leaf rustled. Then adead limb cracked ever so slightly, and the Chinaman glided noiselessly back. “‘ Now come along me,” he whispered to Guy. ‘‘ Stoop head down. No dare breathe loud, see ?” COLUM 1OOO SS co