The Skeleton Crew; Or, Wildfire Ned — page 68: what you’re looking at

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

= ry .. i = _ $e 62 THE SKELETON CREW; OR, WILDFIRE NED. eee ss __itintitnes Bang ! crash! were the sounds repeated, ‘“‘ very one to his post |” Whiz—bang! came another shot, and almost frightened off all the hair from Tim’s head, as he stood tied to the mast, and unable to move. ‘Who are they? Can you make them out?” shouted out Death-wing to his crew. ‘(A frigate is bearing down to windward of us.” “Steer the ‘Phantom’ in towards the shore! Double shot your guns! ’Tis the ‘Diamond ’—I can make her out through the fog. Fire away! Never surrender! Up with the black flag !” The fight now became hot and desperate. Canzrons flashed and roared, but still the frigate did not approach any nearer. In truth, she could not do so, They were too near land, and the ‘“ Phantom ” was of a much lighter draught, and could draw less water, Hence it was that Death-wing had the advantage of his enemy, for he now neared’ the land, and seemed bent upon stranding his vessel and escaping rather than surrender, But he was much mistaken. Although it was the “ Diamond” frigate he was fighting, he little dreamt what was in store for his crew. Althovgh now the shots of the frigate took but little effect from the increasing distance, Death-wing was surrounded with dangers, Lieutenant Garnet with one boat, Wildfire Ned with another, were pulling through the fog ata desperate rate towards the “ Phantom ’’ to cut it out from grounding, and were followed by Bob Bertram in a third, all of which were crowded with brave blue-jackets. : When least expected, Death-wing heard the gallant shouts of his fearless foes. ‘Let every one arm to the tecth!’’ he said, ‘Stand ready to resist boarders !” Another loud shout was given by the blue-jackets as they pulled towards the vessel, “Pour broadsides cf grape into them !” said Death-wing, In a second the boats bumped against the ship's sides and were made fast. “They are upon us!” saidiDeath-wing, brandish- ing his sword. In a second the gallant tars swarmed on to the ship’s decks. ‘he first to spring among the Skeleton Crew was Wildfire Ned. With a loud shout he dashed at Death-wing and cleaved him to the deck ! Wildfire Ned was quickly followed by Lieu- tenant Garnet, who, at the head of his brave boat’s crew, cut their way up on to the decks, And close at his heels followed Bob Bertram, sup- ported by a strong body, The fighting was now dieadful on all sides. Wherever Wildfire Ned dashed he left behind him dozens of victims, F Tim was in great danger, both from friend and oe, Glancing shots, and accidental strokes from swords and cutlasses came very near him, By continual shouting he attracted the attention of Bob Bertram, who immediately cut the ropes and set him free, Tim took advantage of his liberty to conceal himself as best he could under the bulwarks. er ee A Be _ But he amused himself very greatly by pounding on the skull of one of Death-wing’s band, who had been literally smashed to atoms by Wildfire Ned's blows. 3 The Skeleton Crew, finding that their vessel must now be stranded, and no hope remained of saving her, determined to blow her up. “ Fire the magazine |” roared Death-wing, high above the din of battle. “Blow Wildfire Ned and his followers to atoms !”! “Hal ha! so you are getting something for yourself this time, eh ?” said ‘Tim, as he recognized Death-wing’s yoice; ‘‘bnut you don’t catch me staying here if there’s anything of that sorf going to take place.” So saying, Master Tim crawled over the vessel’s side, and got into one of the boats, and jlay there very snugly ont of harm’s way. Wildfire Ned, however, had a terrible task before him. Ile wanted to find the missing bride. He searched through the ezbin. But no trace of ker could be found. Not to be foiled he looked everywhere. : “ Blow up the magazine!” roared Death-wing again. As he spoke, a terrible thought crossed Ned’s mind, ‘‘ Perhaps the fiends have placed the young bride there !” The thought was almost too horrible. } With desperation and vengeance in his face, Wild- fire Ned leaped into the hold below, sword in hand. Led by instinct, but why he knew not, Ned rushed madly to the stern of the vessel. In the lower hold he perceived a long fusee burning. There remained but two or three inches of it. In a few seconds it would reach the powder. “°Tis for life or death,” said Ned, With a fearful leap he descended into the lower hold All was pitch-darkness around him. Save the bright red fusce spluttering and burning not a glimmer of light could be seen. He groped his way along the bottom of the ship, But when least he expected it, he was grasped by a skeleton hand ! With an oath, Wildfire Ned drew his dirk. A terrible conflict ensued. One minute more, and the magazine would explode. “We shall die together, young Warbeck !”’ said the skeleton. And now began a duel which never had equal before, In that dark hold they struggled for mastery. It was a terrific struggle. At last, with a mighty effort, Wildfire Ned snatched up a small hatchet which his foe had let fall. With one fearful blow he crushed in the skull of his grim enemy. With a loud shout and laugh of triumph Wildfire Ned ran towards the deadly fusee, The sparks were even then sputtering near to some waste powder, In a second more all would be lost, He fell upon the fusee | He quenched its flame carefully in his hand, ne ee eee : : $$$ LL LE LLL LA ALOE LAL A micboo S (E(0) (E(0)