“‘He has joined a band of ruffians who have assumed the singular and horrible disguise of skeleton men. Emma and I were sitting at our bed-room window, and could not sleep. We espied two men dressed in skeleton garb hiding in the shrubbery. We heard them conversing together, and learnt that they intended to carry Emma and myself away, and to murder all who opposed them. I did not stop an instant, for I and cousin crept from our room, saddled two horses, and galloped hither for protection. But just as we were crossing the hill-top, I espied a large troop of these demon-like horsemen approaching, and could hear them singing a song, in which they praised Redgill, their leader and chief, and swore to have the life’s blood of some one they called the King’s Bastard, but what it meant I knew not.’ “‘Enough, daughter,’ said the old man, drawing his sword. ‘Ere these bloodthirsty fiends can arrive, we will fly with the wounded youth.’ “In a short time a carriage and four was provided. “Lawrence was placed in it. “With a strong guard of mounted men around, in front, and behind it, the carriage drove off towards the sea coast, Clare and Lady Bray, being inside, acting as nurses to the wounded youth.” Wildfire Ned had read this much of his father’s exciting history, when a side door was suddenly opened. Before he could say a word, Captain Jack stood before him, laughing. CHAPTER XXXIV. CAPTAIN JACK PAYS NED WARBECK AN UNEXPECTED VISIT—THE REVELATION. “Who the devil are you?” said Ned, rising hastily, and drawing a pistol. “Who the devil are you? What do you want, and where do you come from? Answer instantly, or a bullet shall whistle through your head.” “Put down your pistol, my brave lad,” said Captain Jack, smiling. “My name is Captain Jack. I am one of the crown officers; in other words, a detective, and am just come from one of the strongest prisons in the kingdom.” “Indeed! and what has all that to do with me?” “A great deal, as you will quickly hear.” “And how gained you admittance into this library?” “By a secret door, as you perceive.” “I never knew that one existed.” “No; but _I_ did,” said Captain Jack, smiling. “I know all about this house, as well as I do about the ins and out of Darlington Hall.” “Indeed!” “Yes; a friend of yours informed me.” “A friend of mine? Nay, he must have been an enemy.” “Well, enemy, then, if you like. I daresay you remember his name.” “I cannot guess.” “Phillip Redgill.” “The wretch!” “Yes; he’s all that, and more; but I think his career of crime is well nigh ended. He is in gaol.” “I need not ask for what, perhaps?” “Murder, Ned Warbeck—murder is his crime.” “And how came you to ferret out all his villany?” “I have had my eye on him for a long time. When the fruit was ripe we plucked it. Ha! ha! he is safe enough now.” “And what are the number of charges against him?” “A dozen or more.”