The Skeleton Crew; Or, Wildfire Ned — page 150: what you’re looking at

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

| 144 THE SKELETON CREW; OR, WILDFIRE NED. his clothes, and went into the very public-house where he-and Bates were drinking.” “Then he doesn’t seem to concern himself about apprehending Ned Warbeck, and casting him int prison ?” roo “Not the least, for he is now no longer captain of the Dozen, and Colonel Blood has offered a reward for his head, dead or alive.” “Good news,’ said Phillip, grinning like a fiend, “excellent news ! I feel happy.”’ ““And who had the commission to capture him ?” “Bates, the new captain—the very man who helped to rob the colonel’s mansion. “What a couple of tricky villains,” said Phillip, biting his lip in rage and disappointment. “When I found this out,” said the spy, “and had deceived them by telling the news I had heard from the true post-boy, I left the public-house.” “ And informed Colonel Blood of it all ?” “Yes ; I’wrote a note to the colonel on the in- stant, and delivered it myself. He had just returned bome and found the havoc which had been madé of his place, He was in a terrible rage.” ay ‘“‘Did he speak to you ?” “He did. And when—still in the clothes'of the post-boy—I ‘told him of’ the past murder at Dar- lington, he stormed and raved like a devil.” “‘ What then took place ?” f. “JT did not remain in his sight long, for I was very anxious to come and tell you all the news, but still I watched all the movements.” . “Perfectly right.” rip “The colonel, went to the royal barracks and demanded a file of men to assist him in capturing the bold burglars. ja J “The officer in command refused. “Colonel Blood stormed and raved like a mad- man, ““* Where is the king ?’ said he, “* Dancing in the ball-room.’ “Take my card to him,’ said Blood ; ‘it is all- sufficient, He will be sure to see me.’ “Why not go up into the ball-room yourself ?’ said the officer, “T hid myself under a dark archway and listened to all that passed. “Blood complained of his dress, and at last a second officer took up the card, “In a few moments the king descended into the court-yard, apparently in a very bad temper, “They walked towards the dark archway in which I was concealed. “T heard all that passed between them. “Well, Blood,’ said the king, in a cross mood, ‘what is the meaning of all this? You want a file of soldiers, I am told,’ ., ‘Colonel Blood explained all about the robbery, ‘and ‘swore in the king’s presence like a trooper, “The king listened, smiled and frowned by turns, and at last said— “* Blood, what has become of that exquisite lass you abducted from Darlington? Tam dying to see her,’ “The colonel changed colour, and stammered out some excuse. ““*Nay, no apologies, colonel, and all that kind of thing ; I want the girl, I tell you, and will have her, Is she safe ?’ “* Well, sire, I think there cannot be a doubt about it, «She escaped twice or thrice, it is true; but I know where she is, I think, and it was more with an object to:regain possession of her than anything {2 AU6 else I wished to have a file of soldiers. But I want a) search-warrant, signed by your majesty, for I fear me she has taken refuge in some noble’s house.’ “*T have not got my seal ring to-night, Blood,’ said the king, with a bitter laugh. ‘No matter, take the soldiers, as many as you need ; break open any house you come across, whether rich or poor, it doesn’t matter, so you find the girl and bring her to me.’ “¢Your majesty is very kind,’ said Blood, bowing. | “* Not so kind as you think, perhaps, colonel.’ “ ¢Sire,’ said Blood, in surprise. | ‘* Tisten to me, Blood, kings can be deceived some- times as well as other people,’ “<1 don’t understand you, sire.’ “YT will explain myself; the girl escaped from your custody hence, you say ? ” ¢ She did,’ “«¢ When had you the maid last ?’ ““* Well, not very long ago, sire.’ ““* No, I think not, not many hours ago, Blood.’ SOS ire tye yy *** Nay, don’t stare in surprise, house this very night.’ “ Blood turned pale; his deceit was now discovered, and he could not deny it; but, he said, with a bold front, “* Who has so deceived you, sire ?” **¢ No one, Blood.’ . ““T have enemies who ‘have circulated this report.’ . “* But I know it to be true.’ ‘© You, sire?” “Yes, me; I saw her in your house not three hours ago.’ “* You did, most gracious prince?’ ““« Yes, and spoke to her,’ “The colonel bowed, he could not answer a word. “¢*Come,’ said the king; ‘no more deception, take the file of men you need — bring the wench to me ere sunrise, or you will incur my lasting dis- pleasure,’ “So speaking, the king left the courtyard,” “This is quite an adventure,” said Death-wing, “go on; what happened next ?” ‘ Did they capture Captain Jack ?” asked Paillip, in great impatience. “I hear the colonel shot the villain.” “Listen,” said. Death-wing, “and don’t speak Redgill. What occurred next ? ” ; “Colonel Blood,” continued the spy, “hurried away with the soldiers, and ere long reached the public house. “TI followed them, and as we approached the place I ran forward and listened at the shutters, “ { could hear old Bates and Jack talking together in the parlor. “There was not any one else in the house, for it was closed. “T darted away into the darkness and watched. “Blood did not at first wish to disclose his name, but at last he did so, and, as the publican was so obstinate, he burst in the door. “The soldiers rushed in at one door, but Jack and Bates escaped the backway. “I ran to intercept their flight, for I could hear the tilt of swords. | ‘When I got to the spot, two soldiers were then on the ground weltering in their blood: “They had been killed by Jack and Bates. “Help ! help !’ cried Blood’s men ; up the street! after them! they have escaped ! help! help ]? She was in your =a Eomichooksnco