“Back!” said the Skeleton form, stretching out his finger at Ned. “Your time has not yet come; but know, boy, I am your fate. Yes. Ha! ha! your fate!”
Ned, for a moment, felt slightly awed at the strange words spoken by the mysterious figure, who, with the light still playing about his head, stood regarding all with a terrible look.
“You lie!” replied Ned. “My fate is not in your hands, and I defy you. The Skeleton Crew shall find I have not gained my name of Wildfire Ned without being able to keep it.”
“The Red Man,” said the voice, “in the name of the Skeleton Crew, accept your challenge, and I now throw down my gage in token of defiance.”
So saying, the figure threw down a hard substance on the floor.
Wildfire Ned picked it up.
It was a glove, and inside a SKELETON HAND!
“Ha! ha! now follow me if you dare!” shouted the Red Man, clanking his chains.
“I do dare, and will,” said Ned, breaking from his uncle’s hold, and dashing through the window after the Skeleton.
“Follow, follow quickly!” cried Sir Richard.