As he put his foot upon the first step with the confidence of one evidently accustomed to descend, Dick now silently glided behind the pillar, kept it between him and the light, and softly stepped farther into the interior, making for the next pillar, so as to place that between him and the new-comer, whose presence made him hold his scabbard raised in his left hand, prepared to bring the hilt of his sword ready for his right.
By this time the man had reached the floor of the great crypt, and, as if startled by some sound, he stopped short, and, raising the lamp high above his head, leaned forward, gazing straight in Dick’s direction, the lad as he peered round seeing the figure’s hand, in the faint light cast by the lamp, steal slowly towards his knife.
“He has seen me and means mischief,” said Dick to himself. “Well, let him come on; I have my sword.”
Chapter XXXVI.
Robbery.
“Yes, what is it?” said Hulton as an orderly tapped at the door when he was in earnest conversation with Wyatt and the doctor, evidently upon some question of great moment to them all. “His highness the Rajah has sent a messenger, sir. He wants to see Captain Wyatt directly.”
“That will do,” said Hulton, and the man saluted and left.
“Now,” continued Hulton, “what does this mean?”
“I don’t know,” said Wyatt grimly. “The plot is beginning to unfold. I believe there is some trap.”
“No, no,” cried Hulton. “I begin to feel that the Rajah is sincere.”