This was so unexpected by Jack and Alick that the former, for a moment, could not answer, and the latter began to titter in the background.
“Did you come to rob me?” the old man asked, in a determined voice.
“No—that is to say, not that exactly, but—”
“Well, no ‘buts’ for me—what do you want?” said the old man, advancing towards Captain Jack.
In an instant the night-cap and dressing-gown, the false wig, moustache, and stooping gait disappeared like magic, and, to Captain Jack’s horror, he stood before no less a person than the terrible Death-wing.
“Death-wing!” gasped Captain Jack, staggering back.
“Yes—Death-wing—no one else!” repeated a dozen voices behind him.
On turning round Captain Jack perceived that he was surrounded by no less than a dozen of the Skeleton Crew!
Before he could say a word, two of the grim gentlemen took the astonished officer by the scruff of the neck, and held him out at arm’s length.
“Where is Alick?” gasped Captain Jack.