The Rajah's Fortress — page 231: what you’re looking at

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

218 THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. object that stood in the center of the floor and reflected a phosphorescent glow from its polished brass barrels and wheels. “ So farso good,” thought Guy. ‘“ Thesituation begins to look hopeful.” The walls on all sides were hung with heavy curtains, reaching ten feet or more from the floor, and about them into the solid rock were fastened arms and shields that glittered with their own polished brilliancy. Opposite him, against the walls, were ranged long, familiar looking boxes, no doubt cases of plundered rifles, while to the right beyond the cannon what appeared to be masses of bedding could be indis- tinctly perceived. The coast was clear. There was no doubt of it. But how long it would remain clear was a dif- ferent matter. “ Be quick, now,” he whispered. “ Build your fire and melt the lead as soon as possible.” “ Allee yight,” Topee replied; and then Guy heard him slipping down the passage to join Chau- ner at the bottom. Now came the most trying time. It would re- quire at the least fifteen to twenty minutes before the lead could be ready. Would all pass off serenely in the meanwhile! Guy’s first intention had been to remain where he was, but as Topee’s fire began to blaze up he saw the necessity of dropping the curtain, and yet COLUM 1OOO SS co