Here in the moonlight was seen the flash of swords, and heard the deep guttural curses of the antagonists.
“We must get out of this at all cost,” said Captain Jack to Faulkner; “all our chaps are wounded; we must beat a retreat once. Get our horses, Faulkner.”
Captain Jack vaulted upon one animal, Faulkner did so upon another.
Just when about to start off, they were surprised to see a horseman approaching at a terrific gallop.
In his arms he held a lovely female, whose snow-white garments were streaming in the wind.
It was Colonel Blood with Ellen Harmer!
In about five minutes Captain Jack and Faulkner were seized with horror at what they then saw.
Colonel Blood’s carriage, with its skeleton coachman and footman, and with weird-wild skeleton forms inside, dashed past the inn door in pursuit, waving their bony arms and shrieking most hideously.
This strange, unearthly spectacle seemed to fill all with horror.
Even Wildfire Ned desisted from the combat and gazed steadfastly upon the grim cortége as it passed the inn.