The Rajah's Fortress — page 154: what you’re looking at

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

THE RAJAH’'S FORTRESS. 143 “Now me gochin chin with dacoits. You bring , men right here; no noise. Me takee dacoit in bush. Givee drink. When me hittee this and this,” and he touched the flask against the metal cup, “then you slip in cavern glick.” “T understand,” said Guy, briefly. ‘“ When you rattle the cup and the flask it will mean that it is safe to go into the tunnel.” “ Yes, all right,” responded Topee. ‘“ You know velly well. Mego now,” and moving off from Guy a few paces, he purposely stepped on a dry branch or two and then broke through the jungle into the open. The three dacoits were on their feet in an instant, arms in hand, but Topee spoke to them, holding up his hands and then stalked right into their midst. An animated conversation ensued, in which Topee seemed to be trying to answer all three at once. Twice he pointed to the jungle, and the alarming suspicion entered Guy’s mind that perhaps the Chinaman was betraying them. It was quietly dispelled, for pulling out the flask suddenly, Topee waved it aloft, an act which called forth an approving murmur from the dacoits. What argument, cause or incentive Topee used to accomplish his purpose Guy never knew, but after a few emphatic words the three villainous looking dacoits followed him toward the thicket that lay on the opposite side of the cleared space. Before they had reached the edge Guy hastened COLUM 1OOO SS co