The Rajah's Fortress — page 173: what you’re looking at

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

162 THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. when that individual appeared at the mouth in a very muddy and disordered condition. ‘* Welly bad news,” he cried with a ghastly countenance. ‘“ Heap roof fallee in. Big pile dirt and stone. No go past.” “Show me the place,” said Guy, and lighting a candle for himself, he followed Topee into the cavern. They passed through a large roomy space just inside, and then turned off into a narrow passage, with low ceilings and a damp, slippery floor. _ ‘Twenty feet beyond they came toa halt. Before them was a heap of rubbish completely blocking the passage. How far it extended could not be told. The rainy season had probably caused a cave in, and for the present access to the fortress was cut off. Guy made his way back to the light. The others were dumfounded at the disaster and were inclined to abandon the expedition and go back. Jung and Topee held out with Guy. They had some experience with caverns, and declared that the obstacles could be removed in a short time. “ We'll try it,” said Chutney after some hesita- tion. ‘ Let every man throw off his baggage and set to work. We will reach the fortress yet.” COLUM 1OOO SS co