“Stop! stop! good masters,” said several affrighted citizens. “Stay where you are; several of the king’s men have been murdered! The Skeleton Crew are out to-night; the demons, led on by Death-wing, are making sad havoc down by the river, and nothing can stop them!”
“The Skeleton Crew!” said Ned. “Hurrah, boys, hurrah! we have met them before, haven’t we, Garnet?”
“Yes, my brave lad; and I am willing to meet the scoundrels again, whether on land or sea. Lead on, Ned; lead on.”
With a loud shout Wildfire Ned and his followers rushed towards the scene of tumult.
The citizens made way for them, as, led on by Ned Warbeck, Garnet and Bob Bertram, the gallant band of young citizens and London Apprentices, ran towards the Block-House.
It was at this moment, and just as Ned Warbeck arrived on the scene of action, that the gate of the Block-House was hastily opened and closed again.
A man rushed forth, all bleeding, and with a sword in hand.
“She is mine! she is mine!” said he.
It was Phillip Redgill bearing away the unconscious form of Ellen Harmer from the Block-House!
“She is mine! she is mine!” he said, with savage oaths. “Make way there on your lives!”