He walked boldly into the house, opened the parlour door hastily, and entered the apartment.
Ellen had been on her knees praying, and her face was deadly pale.
She started suddenly as she saw the handsome stranger enter.
“Fly! fly for your life, fair maid,” said Blood, in accents of alarm.
“What means this intrusion, sir?” said Ellen, drawing herself up to her full height, and with a proud look. “What means this strange intrusion?”
“It means this, Miss Harmer, that the village has been set upon by that desperate gang called the Skeleton Crew, and that they are intent upon murdering all who oppose them. Fly! I beg of you, do not delay a single instant, or all may be lost!”
“Sir!” cried Ellen, half aloud, distrustful of her own senses, and yet knowing not whether to believe or disbelieve the colonel’s words.
“Nay, stop not to parley, dear Ellen,” said Blood, taking her by the hand; “there is not a single moment to be lost in explanation. Feel satisfied that what I say is true. Your father has sent me; he begged of me to conduct you to a place of safety until such times as the horrible Skeleton Band should have departed again.”
“Sir, all this may be true, but how am I to know it for a certainty?”
“Nay; do not hesitate: Your very life may depend upon it.”