Tim sadly tried to lag behind, but Wildfire Ned would not allow him to do so.
“Here, Tim,” said Ned, producing a brandy-flask; “take a good suck at this; it will drive all the blue-devils out of you. Have courage, lad, no harm can possibly befal you.”
Tim liked the brandy, but did not much relish his young master’s stubborn resolution.
Nevertheless he had not got far upon the journey when his spirits began to rise rapidly, and his head became light and giddy.
He pulled out his sword in a very valorous manner, and made vicious cuts and slashes at the trees as he passed them, like a man valiantly fighting imaginary foes.
Ned perceived the effects the brandy had upon his servant, and gave him some more.
This had the desired effect of fortifying Master Tim with false courage.
Ere long he began to curse and swear at the Skeleton Crew and the Red Man of the Gibbet, in very loud tones.
After some time they approached the edge of the heath.
As they did so, the gibbet gradually came into view.