The Rajah's Fortress — page 264: what you’re looking at

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

THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. 251 ‘The dacoits have learned a severe lesson,” he said grimly. ‘They won’t try those tactics over again.” ¢ What will they do next?” asked Guy. ‘“T don’t know,” Loyd replied, “unless they send to the fortress for powder and blow up the barrier. It’s ten to one they do that very thing too.” “ Then our time has come,” said Guy. “ There can hardly be many of the dacoits left at the fortress.” “ You'll not find a better opportunity,” said Loyd. “But some one must remain here to keep up appearances. Who is willing to do that?” “T will, sahibs,” said Jung Hadar, who had overheard the discussion and now came forward out of the shadows of the cavern. “You!” exclaimed Guy in amazement. “Yes,” said Jung, quietly. I will remain here and prevent the enemy from making an entrance.” “But how will you join us again? We may have fought our way clear out of the fortress when you are ready to leave.” “We can easily arrange that,” said Loyd, inter- rupting him. “Let the Hindoo remain here for about half an hour and defend the place. One man can easily doit. That will give us plenty of time, and then he can join us. Ifthe enemy come at his heels we can easily stop up the hole so they can’t open it. You see our only object in keeping a man here is to prevent the dacoits from discovering our tricks and rushing back to the fortress to cut us off.” COLUM 1OOO SS co