But their weapons did not seem to make any impression upon the Skeleton Crew.
Guns and pistols were fired at them, but all in vain.
The clash of swords and the gleam of daggers was heard and seen on every hand.
More than one of the gallant sailors was struck down by their ghostly foes.
“Death to them all, and spare not!” shouted Death-wing, the Skeleton Chief, with a loud laugh of triumph.
His ponderous sword swept through the air like a lightning flash.
On all sides he cut with unerring aim; but though he assailed Wildfire Ned with the fury of a demon, he could not slay him.
In rage and disappointment he growled, “This brat must have a charmed life; on to him, men, on to him, cut him limb from limb!”
With a shout of defiance Wildfire Ned met the onslaught of more of the Skeleton Crew.
But he handled his sword with such quickness and precision that he gallantly beat them back.