The Skeleton Crew; Or, Wildfire Ned — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

50 ) THE SKELETON CREW; OR, WILDFIRE NED, ane ‘On your life and honour?” he wrote again. “Yes, on my life and honour,” she answered, firmly, for a moment feeling re-assured by his change of manner, He now wrote on the tablet. “T am the slave of Colonel Blood ; they call me Sinbad, and am supposed even by my master to be both deaf and dumb ; but I am not.” ‘Not deaf and dumb?” she answered. ‘Then you knew the sounds of the bell I rang?” “T heard it,” he whispered, “and knew its meaning.” “My meaning ?”’ she asked, “Yes; and my master’s also, for he left word with his confidential valet-that directly you rang he should be summoned.” “ Hor what purpose ?”" “That I will afterwards explain. I knew that you had been abducted, and that when you had fully recovered from the drugs administered to you last night on the way hither you would ring the chamber bell. ‘“This bell I watched,’ said the Nubian, ‘‘ and muffied it in order that I might know when you had awoke from slumber, and forewarn you of all that is to happen to you this day.” “ Happen ?” said Ellen. ‘Yes, maiden ; look not surprised, you are not the first fair victim who has fallen into the treacherous fangs of my master, Colonel Blood.” “For what purpose, then, was I brought hither ? I have never harmed any one, What crime am I guilty of 2” “Your beauty is your only crime,’ the Nubian whispered, ‘He has brought you hither. as a fair one who may be dishonoured, and, thereafter, for a time pander to the lusts of the king, his master.” ‘“ Impossible !” Ellen gasped. “Nay, “tis true; but, remember, I have fore- warned you, and if you do but keep your promise I will be your friend ; in helping yon I seek my own revenge, I cannot tell you the horrid in- dignity which I have suffered at my master’s hands, but you may perhaps at some time learn it, In case you should need it, take this dagger ; con- ceal it in your fair bosom. But, hark! I hear some one approaching !”’ As quick as thought the Nubian crawled beneath the bed and listened, ’Twas Colonel Blood who stood at the door ! CHAPTER XVIII, IN WHICH CAPTAIN JACK MAKES AN UNEX- PECTED CALL AT MIDNIGHT. PHILLIP REDGILL was by far too weak from his - recent wound to keep his appointment with Captain Jack at the “Cat and Bagpipes” over the water, and therefore remained at home in his own snug apartments, surrounded as he was by every luxury and convenience. Richly attired gentlemen of gallant appearance called during the day to inquire after his health and condition. At night also many of tiem dropped in to have a chat, and crack a bottle of wine with tho invalid. Masque balls, marriages, elopements, and the latest court scandal were the topics of conversation with Redgill and his friends. The rattle of the dice-box, and shuffling of cards were the order of the evening among these gay revellers. Gayest of the gay, and loudest among them all, was Phillip Redgill, who, propped up with pillows on a luxurious sofa, joined the gamblers, and puffed a cigar with as much coolness as if nothing were the matter with him. a ™he hours flew by, and Phillip neglected his appointment with Captain Jack. ~ 2 When he occasionally thought of his promise, he only smiled as he reflected, “That long-legged devil recognised me. Well, chance makes us acquainted with queer people sometimes; that comes of getting into scrapes upon the road. I suppose he wants to borrow some money of me, that’s all. Well, well, he’s an ugly-looking rascal, though, and I like not his looks. I'll give that worthy a call to-morrow ; rt can’t meet him to night; if I were to take a sedan chair all that distance it would re-open this cursed wound that Wildfire Ned gave me ; d—m him !’’ During the night, other arrivals were announced, both lords and ladies of doubtful standing in society, brilliant in silks and paint. Music, light laughter, jokes, wit, and repartee, echoed through Phillip’s pleasant suite of rooms. Languishing smiles, whispered words, eloquent winks, nods, and pressure of the hand, passed and repassed from one to another. Some sang, others danced ; here was a boisterous wine party, and there a gossiping set. The hours flew by, nor did any one give heed to thought or care. Midnight chimed from the church towers. The half hour tolled. But the merry makers took no notice of the flight of time. One o’clock struck. A loud knock was heard at the door. A servant opened it. Captain Jack stood there, accompanied by several friends, They were comparatively well-dressed; but slightly the worse for liquor. «“ Who are you, gentlemen ?”’ the servant asked. “ We are——” Captain Jack began. “ No we ain’t,” replied Faulkner. “ Yes we are,’” said the captain, hiccupping. “ What, sirs ?”? asked the servant again. ‘Why, gentlemen, to be sure,”’ said Captain Jack, leaning against the door-post. “T perceive that,” the ‘servant replied; “but I fear me, sirs, you are somewhat the worse for liquor, and have missed your way, and called at the wrong mansion,” ““No, dam’me, if I haye1” said Captain Jack, “ How dare you say that I am the worse for liquor, knave ?” “T had better shut the door, gentlemen,” the servant said. “ And if you ‘do, I’ll brain you,” said Faulkner, with an oath. “Go andinform your master that I am here,” said Captain Jack. ‘If he can’t keep Ais appointment, why, then, I'll keep mine, for I have made up my mind long ago to visit him.” | “Yes, and tell him that we are here,’’ said Faulkner, and ‘ desire to see him,” ‘1 “Who shall T say, sir?” the puzzled servant answered, worl “Oh, say anything.” _ “Tell him that my Lord Smash and friends have called,” said Captain Jack, laughing. “ That's as good a name as any.” ret » e'vollal “ Just so,” another replied, ‘ Do you hear, varlet, announce Lord Smash and friends immediately.” Before the astonished servant could recover his breath, Captain Jack ‘and party pushed their way: SAA Gom Ehboo SH Gom