Cold perspiration oozed from their brows.
They trembled with awe, as, turning to the window, they saw a strange-like Will-o’-the-Wisp light dancing in the distant gloom.
Another moment, and the casement was dashed open.
Then a sound as of the clanking of chains and bones was heard, and a hollow voice saying,
“Behold, I am the Red Man of the Gibbet!”
The Will-o’-the-Wisp light still danced round about, and in the centre stood the skeleton of the Red Man.
“What art thou?” said Sir Richard, fear, like an electric shot, passing through his frame.
The figure remained silent.
“Speak,” said Wildfire Ned, “or my sword shall find out if you are man or devil!”
Saying so, Ned advanced towards the horrid shape at the casement.