The Rajah's Fortress — page 212: what you’re looking at

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

THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. 201 chief was standing in the doorway. Loyd’s agi- tation had not escaped his notice. “Ts the sahib unwell ? ” he asked in a sleek, oily voice, that had a terrible, yet familiar ring to Guy’s ears. ‘ Hisskin is feverish and his eyes are glassy.” Where could this robber have acquired such per- fect English? Guy wondered. ‘¢ It is nothing,” stammered Loyd. “ I have lost —a piece of—tobacco. See-——I—I have tossed the leaves—in vain. Tobacco is not so—so plenty— that one can afford to lose a piece.” A moment’s silence, during which Guy could hear his heart thumping against his ribs. Would this feeble explanation satisfy the robber, or was dis- covery at hand ? The dacoit’s next words were more reassuring. “ You know somewhat of guns, do you not?” he asked, ignoring the subject of the tobacco. “ Of their construction ?” replied Loyd, briefly. ‘© Yes, a little.” ‘Very good. To-morrow at sunrise present your- self at the fortress. I haveacannon that is slightly out of order. I would have it repaired.” Loyd bowed in silent assent, and Guy fervently hoped the terrible visitor would depart. To his horror he made a step forward, coming so close that Guy could have reached out his hand and touched him. “ Sahib Terril,” he cried in a harsh, menacing COLUM 1OOO SS co