The Rajah's Fortress — page 80: what you’re looking at

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

THE RAJAH’S FORTRESS. 71 sentry started back in wonder. He was a tall bronzed Sepoy, and instead of the Englishmen he had expected to see, here was one of his own race. Dalo had only time to note that the deck was nearly empty, save for two or three soldiers, when a young English officer came forward, and eagerly inquired what news he brought. « It is bad, sahib,” said Dalo, saluting. ‘ There is fighting in the town, and the English troops are in danger. Two hours ago I came from Balet along with an Englishsahib. His name was Forbes. A mile from here the dacoits came out in a boat, and the Englishman was killed. I myself was shot in the arm, as you see, and my hand was cut witha knife, but I escaped by swimming, and found the log again. Butthere dare be no delay, sahib, for the English ” The officer interrupted him with a short laugh. “ Did you suppose we would lie here idle in hear- ing of all that firing? Our whole force is at Balet by this time, I hope. You see the river bends in a half circle, and just a mile or two across the forest lies the town,” and he pointed over towards the shore. ‘* Luckily we had a man aboard who knew the short cut, and he offered to lead the party. They have gone in force, elephant battery and all, and if Cubit is in danger they will soon turn the scale. But you are a brave fellow to come down here on such a perilous journey. Go below and COLUM 1OOO SS co