Thus he spoke, and disappeared.
“Ned Warbeck triumph! never!” said Death-wing, with an oath.
“Never!” shouted all assembled, brandishing swords, daggers, guns, pikes, and all sorts of deadly weapons.
“Let our bones be ground down to powder ere the hated house of Warbeck shall triumph! Victory or death!” said Death-wing. “Comrades, swear!”
Each and all raised a goblet, filled to the brim, and swore, “For victory or death!”
At that moment, however, and as if by magic, all assembled dropped their goblets, and started from their seats.
A loud shout outside rent the air.
“It is Warbeck and his followers; to arms, men, to arms,” said Death-wing; “spare no living soul; each of you seek out Ned Warbeck, for if he falls we shall triumph.”
It must be explained that after making all preparations, Ned Warbeck had issued orders that as the church clocks chimed half-past eleven o’clock all the detachments of London Apprentices should march towards Smithfield, and there join Lieutenant Garnet and Bob Bertram, each of whom had a company of stalwart fellows under his command.