The Rajah's Fortress — page 162: what you’re looking at

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

THE RAJAH'S FORTRESS. 151 mans, Shans from the Karen Hills, and a sprink- ling of villainous-faced Chinese. All were men of great stature and strength, most of them hideous with scars. They carried guns, and some bore in addition long spears and swords. There were in all two or three dozen, and they passed by with a quick, noiseless tread, followed by half a dozen more torch bearers who brought up the rear. Strange to say, not a man glanced to right or left. All kept their eyes fixed gloomily ahead. A brief silence followed their passage, and then Guy rose and slipped out to the entrance. The lights were just vanishing over the crest of the ridge. : ‘© What does all that mean ?”’ asked Carew, com- ing forward and talking in tremulous tones. “ It must be an expedition of some kind, Chutney!” “ That’s what it is,” said Guy. ‘ They are out on some mischief, you may be sure. But, by Jove, I wonder if Pandy was in that party!” he added in sudden alarm. ‘“ Pandy no there,” spoke up Topee in the dark- ness. “ He no gosuch way. Shere Ali say mens go punish whitee fellow name Bolton. Me no tink they come soon like this.” . + How is that?” asked Guy. ‘“ They are going to punish a man named Bolton, you say, Topee. There are no white men in this part of the country.” Topee tried to explain, but became somewhat muddled in the attempt, and Guy came to the con- COLUM 1OOO SS co