The Rajah's Fortress — page 305: what you’re looking at

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

290 THE RAJAHS FORTRESS. lowed an interview with a friend outside. As the dacoit hesitated over Loyd’s request, a sudden trampmg of feet was heard down the corridor. Then a harsh voice called out some order, and in- stantly some confused sound of gruff voices was heard, a piteous cry, a wail of mingled terror and entreaty. Guy started, for the sound was strangely familiar. Then came the harsh voice again in commanding tones, and the same imploring cry repeated over and over, and each time coming closer, while the steady tramp of feet echoed louder and louder up the corridor. The guards outside quickly ranged themselves along the wall, in their haste forgetting to draw the dungeon door tight, and pressing their faces against the narrow opening the prisoners within awaited anxiously what was coming. Their suspense was brief. The sullen footsteps rapidly approached, and soon directly past the door- way marched half a dozen dacoits, among them one or two Chinamen. Close behind, with firm and steady tread, walked Jung Hadar, looking neither to right nor left, but staring haughtily and fearlessly before him. Hark! That piteous cry again; and now come two big guards, half dragging, half carrying the _ limp form of Topee. His yellow skin is drawn and pinched with agony, his eyes are glassy and swollen with terror, his limbs tremble and totter with fear, and from his blue, parted lips comes that heart- breaking cry, forced out by the near prospect of a terrible doom. Close behind are men with iron bars, and sharp- pointed spikes, dread implements of unknown in- tent. The end of the procession passes by, winding into COLUM 1OOO SS co