The huge old building was surrounded by them.
The doors were smashed open.
In a few moments the clanging of arms and the report of pistols were heard on all sides.
But while this was taking place many good citizens were aroused from their slumbers by the noise and tumult, and stood at a respectful distance from the scene of combat, fearful to have anything to do or say in the matter.
For they were horrified to learn that it was none other than the famous Skeleton Crew and Captain Jack’s band who were fighting within.
This all could plainly perceive, for the skeleton forms of Death-wing’s crew were occasionally seen at the windows and on the roof in deadly struggle with the robbers.
But now a change came over the aspect of the whole scene; Wildfire Ned, with Lieutenant Garnet, Bob Bertram, and Tim, had heard of the atrocious robbery of and abduction of Nelly Harmer from the mansion of Colonel Blood.
On the instant they formed a strong patrol of citizens, and having well armed them, all marched through the streets on the look-out for any of Captain Jack’s notorious gang.
They were not aware of what Death-wing and his crew were doing that moment at the “Block-House,” but the distant hum of voices told them that something more than ordinary was transpiring down by the river bank.
“Come on,” said Ned to his patrol; “come on, my merry men. There is something up down by the river; who knows, it may be Captain Jack and his vagabond followers, after all? Come on, don’t let us give up our search for nothing. Follow me!”