“Is he dead?”

“Not quite, I think; but if he isn’t he ought to be, for I saw a sword go right through him.”

“How did it happen?”

“The unfortunate young man was making his escape from the Block-House with a female captive whom he claimed as his own, and was making his way off with her, when he was stopped by Wildfire Ned and challenged.”

“Carrying off a female?” said Colonel Blood, in surprise. “Did any of you hear her name?”

“Yes, colonel. I heard her name was Ellen Harmer.”

“Ellen Harmer?”

“The same.”

“You are sure?”

“Quite sure.”