He was to join Lieutenant Garnet’s ship on the morrow, for on the spot the brave sailor offered Ned a commission as midshipman, which he readily accepted.
Away then they sped across the country and soon reached Walton Abbey, when the soft crash of music, and the gliding of graceful figures past the many windows, proclaimed that the marriage festivity was at its height.
When the truth was told about Wildfire Ned and the others, and of their gallantry in dispersing the Skeleton Crew, every one was amazed, and fair dames smiled on Ned as he gaily whirled in the dreamy mazes of the dance.
But soon a change came o’er the festive scene.
The bells of the village church, with muffled peals, suddenly broke forth upon the night with a discordant funereal clang.
The dance was stopped.
All looked amazed.
Young Lord Walton entreated all to be calm, and meanwhile with an old and trusty servant went to the entrance hall to ascertain the cause of a sudden noise heard there.
The doors were flung open.
There stood before him a grim sight.