“True,” said Death-wing, “but you don’t know them so long or so well as I do. If these two notorious rascals find that their men have been all killed or disbanded, they will form another gang, most likely, and cause us more trouble than they are worth. No matter, let us hear what the scouts say. What direction has Colonel Blood and his soldiers taken?” “They have returned to barracks.” “And the Colonel?” “I saw him standing at the gate of his own house swearing like a madman at his ill-success.” “So much the better,” said Death-wing, laughing hoarsely, “if he has been disappointed we shall not be. Come, follow me.” With this command all the crew followed him silently, like so many shadows. They approached the outer walls of the timber-built dwelling, and crept out of view. They could hear the sounds of revelry within, and the tipsy chorus of unsuspecting drunkards. “Now,” said Death-wing. At the word of command he and his followers scaled the walls with the agility of monkeys. The next moment they descended into the spacious court-yard. The huge old building was surrounded by them. The doors were smashed open. In a few moments the clanging of arms and the report of pistols were heard on all sides. But while this was taking place many good citizens were aroused from their slumbers by the noise and tumult, and stood at a respectful distance from the scene of combat, fearful to have anything to do or say in the matter. For they were horrified to learn that it was none other than the famous Skeleton Crew and Captain Jack’s band who were fighting within. This all could plainly perceive, for the skeleton forms of Death-wing’s crew were occasionally seen at the windows and on the roof in deadly struggle with the robbers. But now a change came over the aspect of the whole scene; Wildfire Ned, with Lieutenant Garnet, Bob Bertram, and Tim, had heard of the atrocious robbery of and abduction of Nelly Harmer from the mansion of Colonel Blood. On the instant they formed a strong patrol of citizens, and having well armed them, all marched through the streets on the look-out for any of Captain Jack’s notorious gang. They were not aware of what Death-wing and his crew were doing that moment at the “Block-House,” but the distant hum of voices told them that something more than ordinary was transpiring down by the river bank. “Come on,” said Ned to his patrol; “come on, my merry men. There is something up down by the river; who knows, it may be Captain Jack and his vagabond followers, after all? Come on, don’t let us give up our search for nothing. Follow me!” “Stop! stop! good masters,” said several affrighted citizens. “Stay where you are; several of the king’s men have been murdered! The Skeleton Crew are out to-night; the demons, led on by Death-wing, are making sad havoc down by the river, and nothing can stop them!” “The Skeleton Crew!” said Ned. “Hurrah, boys, hurrah! we have met them before, haven’t we, Garnet?”