The Rajah's Fortress — page 167: what you’re looking at

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

156 THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. making the signal. His features were twisted into @ triumphant smile. “ Me foolee dacoit well. He no come back long while yet.” “Yes,” said Guy. “ That was cleverly done. And now what is the next step?” “ Waitee on daylight,” answered Topee, point- ing tothe ground, “ much serpent in jungle.” They had not long to wait, for the east was pale now, and presently the dawn came on rapidly, until the reflection of the sun was seen over the mountain behind them. They moved off cautiously, keeping well up along the slope. Topee carried a heavy stick, and he soon had use for it. The crevices of the rocks over which they were passing seemed to be alive with snakes, and great watchfulness was necessary to avoid being bitten. It was no wonder the dacoits shunned the jungle. To venture in with the low sandals they were ac- customed to wear would mean certain death. The serpents were of the most venomous kind, too, and Guy recognized among them the dreaded cobra, while Topee killed several little green snakes whose bite he assured Chutney was fatal in five minutes. When they had gone a quarter of a mile they reached a small open glade along the base of the mountain. A square-shaped rock was in the center, and COLUM 1OOO SS co