The Skeleton Crew; Or, Wildfire Ned — page 48: what you’re looking at

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

stars that he was now safe, and, as he turned his eyes upwards, he plainly saw the two skeletons looking down upon him. But they did not perceive him. They gave up the search, thinking that their intended victim had escaped by crawling out on to a large branch, and then dropping to the ground among the combatants on every side. momentary glory, had serious misgivings as to how he should escape. He could not get up again, for his own weight in his descent had forced him down, with a little squeezing, but it could not force him up again | “I’m doomed!” groaned Tim, in his dismal incarceration; ‘‘and shall be stifled, or die of hunger here.” His position, it must be confessed, was an un- enviable one. ‘ T’m in a living tomb,” he groaned, and as the rats, mice, insects and other creeping things now began to nibble him in every part of the body, and with great industry, he shouted out with horror and positive pain. Crouched up as he was, and sitting almost like a tailor upon his curled-up legs, he had no power to move, Wherever he thrust forth his hand it came in contact with some slimy, creeping thing, which made the blood curdle in his veins. To add to his misery, he now heard the voices of Wildfire Ned, Bob Bertram and Lieutenant Garnet shouting to their followers in tones of triumph. Next followed a rousing cheer from the lusty sailors as they left the spot in pursuit of their grim and stubborn enemies. Tim shouted again and again with his utmost power. But his yoice died away, and was not heard in the noise and confusion which reigned on every side. “T’m lost! I'm lost !’’ he cried, and gave way to despair, All was now quiet around the old cypress tree. Save the crackling of the burning dwellings and the sharp cries of many who were weunded, poor Tim heard nothing. He resigned himself meekly and humbly to die. “Tf I had only acted bravely,” he thought, “ this misfortune wouldn’t have happened to me. . But how could I help it? Wildfire Ned is a perfect devil, and don’t care any more for a sword-cut than I would for a flea-bite. This all comes of being a coward,” he groaned. “ Curse the Skeleton rascals ! D—n this tree which offered me protection! If I could only get out of this stifling hole, I’d give——” * What! what would you give?” asked a solemn voice near to him, Tim began to shiver in every limb, “Was that a voice I heard?” he sighed. it cannot be ; it must have been all im——” ‘‘ Reality !’”’ interrupted the voice. For a moment the frightened prisoner dared not move. “°Tis the devil,” he muttered, Before he could utter another word Tim felt the earth moving from under him. With a groan he endeayoured to cling to the inside of the tree. The effort was vain, When least expected he felt himself gradually going. At last he suddenly fell into a cave some twenty feet below | ‘“ No, - eS They left the tree; and Tim, all alone in his © THE SKELETON CREW; OR, WILDFIRE NED, ee ee aa CHAPTER XIV. THE BRIDAL BALL—UNEXPECTED VISITORS—THE DREAD ALARM—THE MUFFLED PEAL OF BELLS. WILDFIRE NED, Bob Bertram, Lieut. Garnet, and the brave old innkeeper, followed the Skeleton Band as far 48 they possibly could, but, as we have said, soon lost sight of their grim and bloodthirsty enemies, The sailors, meanwhile, acting under Garnet’s orders, now returned to the burning taverr and exerted themselves with great courage and labour to extinguish the flames, This they succeeded in doing to some great ex- tent, and soon were joined by crowds from the village of Darlington, who had been attracted to the spot by the lurid glare in the sky. The spirit-room of the tavern was saved, and all it contained, but little else. Old Nettles, the landlord—for such was his right name—was too much overjoyed at vanquishing the Skeleton Crew to think much of his loss, particu- larly as Lieutenant Garnet had informed him that he would be recompensed by the king himself for all he had lost, and much more given to him be- sides, for so bravely fighting in the cause of law and order against Death-wing’s friends, Full of joy, and not caring a button for his wounds, he helped to gather up all the stock which had been saved, and, amid loud applause, distributed ales, wines, and spirits in abundance to all comers, The sailors were in their glory, and drank health and long life to Nettles, landlord of the ‘“ Grapes,” in many a flowing tankard, and many a brimming glass sparkling with good old Jamaica rum, as they merrily squatted on the green grass smoking their pipes. Among others who had hurried to the scene of conflict, with his servants well armed (but who by accident arrived too late), was young Lord Walton, from the Abbey, some five miles away. _ The old marquis, his father, had a large party of lords and ladies assembled at the Abbey that night to celebrate the marriage of his only daughter, Lady Julia. | Lord Walton, the son, however, did not remain a moment in the ball-room when it was whispered to him that the Skeleton Crew were abroad, Unknown to any one, he gathered together a band of trusty servants and hurried forth to lend his aid, But if he arrived too late, he greatly admired the courage and daring of those who had so long contended with the Crew; and in token of his admiration invited Lieutenant Garnet, Wildfire Ned, and Bob Bertram to pass the rest of the night at the Abbey, and partake of the hospitality there, and join in the merry marriage dance. This just suited the three heroes, and with little pressing they accepted the invitation, particularly as this was the last night which Wildfire Ned in- tended to pass on shore, He was to join Lieutenant Garnet’s ship on the morrow, for on the spot the brave sailor offered Ned a commission as midshipman, which he readily accepted, Away then they sped across the country and soon reached Walton Abbey, when the soft crash of music, and the gliding of graceful figures past the many windows, proclaimed that the marriage festivity was at its height. When the truth was told about Wildfire Ned and the others, and of their gallantry in dispersing the Skeleton Orew, every one was amazed, and foir ee (E(0) micboo q5j (E(0) nA