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. He traversed the lonely galleries of the Hall like a spirit, with noiseless step. He quietly went towards the stables to saddle his favourite horse. As he approached the stable door he was confronted by Tim, who looked more dead than alive. “I could not sleep, master,” said the groom, “the horrid sights as I have seen this ere night is enough to turn one grey.” “Nonsense,” said Ned, with a light laugh, “nonsense, lad, you see it hasn’t turned _me_ grey.” “No, sir, truly; but then you ain’t made like common folks; they say Wildfire Ned is all cast iron.” “Nonsense, Tim; it’s all a delusion to think that this Red Man of the Gibbet could leave his chains and go prowling about when he likes.” “No it ain’t, sir, all respect to you, sir. I’ve heard people say that at some seasons of the year he does leave his chains. If he could talk to me, as I rode home, he can do anything; that’s _my_ humble opinion.” “It can’t be true,” said Ned. “And, to prove it, I’ll wager a hundred gold pieces that if we ride over to the Lonely Heath this very night we shall find the gibbet tenanted as it always is.” “Ride over to the gibbet, master?” said Tim, in horror. “Surely, you can’t think of doing anything so rash, and to-night, too, when we know that all the country around is alive with that demon gang called the Skeleton Crew?” “Yes; but I do though, Tim. I shall mount my brave mare, Starlight, and go at once.” “Oh! master, pray don’t,” pleaded Tim; “I’m sure that some harm will befal you.” “And I’m equally sure none will. Prepare Starlight at once. Saddle the brown cob also.” “The brown cob, sir? You surely don’t want _two_ horses?” “Yes I do, Tim.”