The Skeleton Crew; Or, Wildfire Ned — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

THE SKELETON CREW}; OR, WILDFIRE NED. 21 CHAPTER VIII. RELEASE Ol" BOB—CAPTAIN JACK’S BAND—THE ‘UNEXPECTED! ARRIVAL — THE QUARREL — THIRTEEN DEATH WARRANTS~—FLIGHT OF THE THIEF-TAKERS, Bos the outcast, as. we have -seen, was thrown into prison, and safely guarded by the village authorities. As may be supposed, poor Bob was almost turned crazy by the terrible event, and walked up and down his prison cell looking pale, thoughtful, and miserable. _He protested his innocence on all occasions. Many believed that the murderers or murderer would in time be traced to the far-famed Skeleton Crew, who prowled around the neighbouring coasts, The keepér of the village prison was a timid old man, and much feared that the red-hot zeal on the part of some of Bob’s symnathisers might lead them on to attack the gaol, perhaps attempt a rescue. This so weighed upon the chief constable’s mind that he wrote off to London, begging of the authori- ties there to take the case in hand. In accordance with the wishes of the village authorities a party of men were sent down to Darlington for the purpose of conducting Rambling Bob to London. The party consisted ‘of seven mounted men, all armed to the teeth, who arrived in the village one evening, several days after the commission of the murder, They pulled up their horses, and alighted at the “Red Lion ” public-house, With many loud words, a great deal of bombastic talk and swearing, they clattered about the inn yard, shouting to the ostlers and servants in such a grand style that old Hornblower, the publican, began to think that perhaps his visitors were none other than royal personages, or nobles, at least. Old Horo (the “blower” always being left out in common discourse) was very much mistaken ; the new arrivals were none other than six thief- takers, and as big rogues and rascals as ever sftrad- aie horses, or swaggered about with swords at their eels, They were dressed in their best, however, and seemed very flush of money ; how they got it will be seen hereafter. ~ They rang the bells loudly, shouted and swore right and left until old Horn and his servants were almost driven mad. ‘“ Who be they ?” asked the ostler. “Don’t know, lad; but suppose they're very great folks,” “They ride good nags, anyhow.” “And kick up a darned big fuss, too, hear ’em ?” ‘“They be Londoners,” said the housemaid ; “I can tell by their talk, and they allers do make a “noise when they goes in the country.” ‘“ What do they want down here, I wonder?” ‘*Can’t tell ; but they ask for the best beds in the inn, and the best wine in the cellar, so they mun have plenty of money.” While the servants were thus talking among themselves the old landlord and his kitchen domestics were busy in providing supper for the hungry travellers. ' ‘““Boots”’ was nearly run off his legs, ‘and dida't know what-to do first. He became confused, and forgot half of what he was told. “ Flere, lad,”’.said one, ‘bring me some brandy, Quick. Hot, mind !”’ Can’t ye Hot sir? With or with- “ Brandy, sir, yes, sir. ! sir, Brandy hot without, sir? out? Just so, Thank’ee, sir,” And off he shot. But before he had fairly closed the door, “Here! hi! waiter! quick!’ said another. “Mulled port forme. Quick, for your life! I’m almost frozen to death !” “Port, sir? Yes, sir. Mulled, sir? Thank’ee, sir.” . Off he went; but the bell was rung violehtly again. “ Here! hi! waiter !” “ Come here, lad |” “7 want you, do you hear?” * Serve me first.” “No; J gave my order first,” “No you didn’t.” * Spiced ale.”’ “Bring mea chop in less than five minutes, or I'll cut your head off !” “My brandy and water, you idiot !” “Tfmy hot spiced ale doesn’t appear in three minutes by the clock, I’ll blow the rascal’s brains out.” “Will you never let me have my brandy and water, you villain?” “ Cut the rascal’s ear off,” “‘ How’s my horse getting on?” “Let my bed be warmed.” “Not mine, stupid ; his, mind.,”’ * Where’s the landlord ?”’ “Brandy !” ‘Ale! “Rum!” “ Bottle of wine ! “Beefsteaks!” “A chop for me!” ‘*Clean my boots!” ‘*See to my horse!’ “Long pipes!” “Stir up this fire !” “Put more coals on !” ,“‘ How long’s supper going to be?” These and such-like orders rung in the bewildered ears of Nat the boots, He rushed hither and thither like a wild man all of a sweat. He forgot half his orders, and so mixed {up the others that he was kicked and cuffed about like a foot-ball by the noisy and by no means polite strangers, Take them altogether this half-dozen were as ugly and as villanous-looking a lot as could be well met with anywhere. They all had the marks of rogues and cut- throats engrayen on their countenances. Some were decorated with black patches across the forehead, over the eye, or on their high cheek bones, One or two were minus an eye, One individual’s nose was almost level with his face. Several had part of their front teeth knocked out ; but each had big thick fists, with which from time to time they struck the table until they made the glasses dance and ring again. Loud and coarse was their laughter, and when they smiled at any passing joke or observation, their countenances were more like those of hyenas just about feeding time than human beings. The recognised leader of this desperate half- dozen was called Captain Jack, an individual of great strength, who delighted in much swearing and obscene conversation. Jack what, no one knew for certain, not even those who employed him. When at last supper was provided for this very select and genteel party they set to work vigorously with knives and forks, and soon demolished a huge amount of meat and vegetables, more than would have sufficed for any ordinary supper party of twenty individuals.