The Rajah's Fortress — page 163: what you’re looking at

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

152 THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. clusion that the Chinaman had assisted Shere Ali to drain the flask. The scoundrels no doubt were going off to lurk about the captured town. Atall events that meant so many less dacoits to contend against, though how many still remained at home at the fortress was only a matter of conjecture. At Topee’s suggestion they now made their way out into the main tunnel again and took their places on the rope. Then the Chinaman led off with a rapidity that showed his intention to make up for lost time, and proved him to be thoroughly acquainted with the passage, for he never flagged once, but pulled them on relentlessly. They were nearly through now, and Topee en- joined strict silence, though Guy could see nothing ahead but the pitchy darkness. Presently a couple of stars, shining in a bit of moonlit sky, came in sight ahead, and Topee, bidding all remain where they were, hurried forward. He was gone but a short time. “Well, is the coast clear?” Guy asked im- patiently. ‘“‘ Coastee clear,” replied Topee. ‘One man’s there. Big fellow. He sleepee tight.” “ He is sleeping, is he ? Then all will go well. Come in. Don't waste any time.” “ Go slowee,” cautioned the Chinaman. ‘“ Man wake easy.” It was but a short distance to the end of the COLUM 1OOO SS co