It was a terrible shriek, truly; more like that of a fiend than anything else.
What now followed was more horrible still, and caused Wildfire Ned to pause from sheer astonishment.
As the shriek came from the skeleton there suddenly sprang forward more than a dozen forms, and dashed in between the Red Man of the Gibbet and his pursuer.
With wild shrieks and yells the Skeleton Crew formed a circle round the Red Man, and in a second seemed to vanish into air!
Astounded at what he had seen, Wildfire Ned stood gazing like one just recovering from a trance, and observed not the approach of Sir Richard and his friends, who now rushed upon the scene, fearful for Ned’s fate.
“Return, lad, return!” said Sir Richard, with a tremulous voice. “This night has been one of horrors; I fear for your safety. Whether they be men or devils, it matters not; but of this rest assured, they are bent on your destruction.”
A grim smile played upon Ned’s features as he was reluctantly led back to the hall by Sir Richard and a large troop of friends.
When left alone to his own thoughts, and in the silence of his chamber, Wildfire Ned began to ponder on all that he had seen and heard.
“This is a terrible state of things; but I will not sleep this night until I learn more of this strange horrible mystery, if it costs me my life.”
When all was silent in the Hall, Ned buckled on his sword, and slowly left his chamber.