THE SKELETON CREW HOLD A MERRY MEETING—ADVENTURES OF THE GANG—DEATH-WING NARRATES HIS EXPERIENCE IN FRANCE, AND OF HIS ESCAPE FROM GAOL WHEN UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH. When the spies of the Skeleton Crew had told their tales, Death-wing much commended them for the prudence and caution with which they had proceeded in all they had done. “We will not stir out to-night,” said Death-wing, “there are too many on foot for us to do any business comfortably and quietly; besides, you know, comrades, Col. Blood will never be able to discover the hiding-place of the Dozen. When, therefore, this little affair has blown over and got cold by to-morrow night, we will give Captain Jack and his friends a call at their snug hiding-place, and secure everything.” “Bravo!” resounded on all sides. “To-morrow night, then, we will have ample revenge on the Dozen,” said Death-wing, “and punish the arch traitor Captain Jack as he deserves to be.” “What do you propose, Captain Death-wing?” asked Phillip Redgill. “I propose to-night to have a carouse, my lad, in honour of your joining our band.” “Bravo!” “Excellent!” “Bring out the wine, boys, and let us enjoy ourselves to-night, for perhaps in less than twenty-four hours more than one of us will be laid low.” “No fear of that, captain.” “I don’t know about that,” said Death-wing, “something strikes me that it will prove a desperate fight between us and old Bates’s men, for he may turn tail and get the king’s troops to assist him. Never mind, bring out the wine, and let us enjoy ourselves.” In a few moments the Skeleton Crew brought out a great number of bottles and glasses, and, sitting round the immense dining table, began to enjoy themselves in great glee. “Now,” said Death-wing, “as our new companion here, Phillip Redgill, hasn’t any clear notion of what he will have to do among us, let each of you advance and detail all you have done of late, either by my orders, or according to your own whims, that will give our novice a better idea than all the instructions in the world. Advance in order,” said Death-wing, “and stand at my right hand, so that all may hear and see.” As he spoke one of the crew advanced, and said, “I threw off my disguise and went to Barnet fair, where I fell in with two of Captain Jack’s band.” “It is against our rules to ‘work’ with any other band; but go on, let us hear,” said Death-wing. “We went to a farm-house, and stripped it of everything, and got clear away without being detected.” “Very good! cleverly done. What then?” “We were about to divide the spoil, but I drugged their wine and ran off with all the booty.” “Capital! it serves Captain Jack’s men right. What did the plunder consist of?” “Silver and gold coin, plate, fine linen, and such like. I brought it all safe away; it is here, stowed in the rendezvous.” “Is that all?” “It is.”