The Rajah's Fortress — page 282: what you’re looking at

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

THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. 269 same contents, and Guy began to think that Pandy ‘had acquired possession of all the metal ware in Burma. The fifth chest was unusually heavy, and by the time they got it under the lamp, Topee and Wood were perspiring liberally. When the lock was brok- en and the lid raised, a heavy paper covering was revealed, and when Guy tore this impatiently loose, he stepped back in amazement. It was full to the brim with coins, both gold and silver, English guineas and sovereigns, American eagles, ancient Hindoo coins stamped with figures of the god Brahma, Spanish doubloons, French na- poleons, German ducats and silver coins of all kinds. It was a king’s ransom in itself, and with a thrill in his heart, Guy plunged his hands into the glittering mass again and again. Then he straightened up suddenly and slammed down the lid with a bang. _ “Take it away,’’ he said half angrily. ‘‘It can’t purchase us one breath of pure air.”’ Topee was all a shiver with excitement and his eyes followed the chest anxiously as it was shoved back under the curtain. It wasa mystery how the dacoit ever amassed such a varied store of wealth. The money was mostly of old coinage and in per- fect condition. ‘*It’s my opinion,’’ said Forbes, ‘‘that he brought it with him from India after the mutiny. It was the remnant of his vast fortune, perhaps.’’ ‘“Tt’s not likely to do us any good, though,’’ ob- served Guy. ‘‘Bringon another chest now. We must take a complete inventory of stock while we are at it.’’ Number six was dragged out, and when broken open proved to be filled up with a varied collection of fine arms. There were oriental daggers in every COLUM 1OOO co