The Rajah's Fortress — page 308: what you’re looking at

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

THE RAJAHS FORTRESS. 293 the dacoits shoved him roughly aside, and in an in- stant the door had closed behind them and they stood in the corridor. The guards lazily made way for them, regarding Guy with but little interest, a fact which he noted as favorable. Then he followed his conductor quickly down the corridor. They made two turns, the last one bringing them before a pair of heavy doors which stood slightly ajar, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of sunlight and green trees without. Then his guide flung open a door on the left that he had not observed and motioned him to enter. As he stepped over the portal the door was tightly closed behind him and he found himself in a large apartment furnished with several couches, a chair or two, and a table on which rested a lamp burning dimly. A man sat on a couch on the opposite side of the room, and as Guy entered he turned up the lamp, revealing by the act the dark features of Dalo. For a brief space the two confronted each other, the Hindoo calm and severe, Guy scornful and indig- nant. Dalo broke the silence. “Pray be seated,’’ he said, with an appealing gesture. ‘“In the presence of traitors I prefer to stand,’’ answered Guy, curtly, struggling hard to keep down his rising anger. The Hindoo’s face flushed a shade darker, but he kept his temper. ‘*As the sahib pleases,’’ he said, briefly. ‘‘Are you surprised, Sahib Chutney, that I have sent for you ?”’ ‘*Surprised!’’ and Guy laughed scornfully. ‘‘I am surprised at nothing, you murderer, assassin—’’ ‘Stop!’ commanded Dalo, sternly. ‘‘I was justi- COLUM 1OOO SS co