“‘Yes.’
“‘I refused him thrice.’
“‘I know it; what of that?’
“‘He has joined a band of ruffians who have assumed the singular and horrible disguise of skeleton men. Emma and I were sitting at our bed-room window, and could not sleep. We espied two men dressed in skeleton garb hiding in the shrubbery. We heard them conversing together, and learnt that they intended to carry Emma and myself away, and to murder all who opposed them. I did not stop an instant, for I and cousin crept from our room, saddled two horses, and galloped hither for protection. But just as we were crossing the hill-top, I espied a large troop of these demon-like horsemen approaching, and could hear them singing a song, in which they praised Redgill, their leader and chief, and swore to have the life’s blood of some one they called the King’s Bastard, but what it meant I knew not.’
“‘Enough, daughter,’ said the old man, drawing his sword. ‘Ere these bloodthirsty fiends can arrive, we will fly with the wounded youth.’
“In a short time a carriage and four was provided.
“Lawrence was placed in it.
“With a strong guard of mounted men around, in front, and behind it, the carriage drove off towards the sea coast, Clare and Lady Bray, being inside, acting as nurses to the wounded youth.”
Wildfire Ned had read this much of his father’s exciting history, when a side door was suddenly opened.
Before he could say a word, Captain Jack stood before him, laughing.