They had not been long in this position when Wildfire Ned starting from his slumber, thought he heard a distant rattling of chains!
His first impulse was to seize a pistol, and then to listen more attentively to the sound.
All was silent for a short time, and Ned was induced to think he was labouring under the effects of a dream.
He was half disposed to resume his seat, when he was again startled by the same noise, which this time seemed much nearer.
Surprised but not alarmed, he gave Tim a hearty shake to awake him, and beckoned him to take up the remaining pistol.
He himself seized the sword, which he replaced in the scabbard and girt to his side.
They now distinctly heard footsteps.
A moment after, they saw in a corner of the room the shadow of a tall man!
Tim drew near to Ned Warbeck, his master, and silently pointed to this apparition, which now seemed to have stopped!
They were not left long in this suspense.