“What, the brown cob for the Red Man of the Gibbet,” said Tim, aghast. “You surely ain’t going to take a moonlight ride with such a horrible devil as he is.” “True, Tim, I am not,” said Ned, laughing; “the brown cob is for yourself.” “For me?” said Tim, rolling his eyes. “Yes, you. Come, be quick. Let us start off at once.” With many groans, Tim prepared the horses, and ere many minutes had elapsed, both master and servant were on their way to the heath. 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. Tim’s courage now began to ooze out of his toes, and he rode very close to his brave young master, but somewhat behind him. “There it is, Tim,” said Ned, pointing to the gibbet in the distance. “Can’t you hear the creaking sound of its rusty iron as it sways to and fro?” “Y-e-e-s,” answered Tim, and his teeth began to chatter. “Y-e-e-s, young master, I do; but if you haven’t any objection, I’ll stay where I am until you return.” “But I _have_ objections, Tim, and very grave ones. Haven’t you promised to go to sea with me, and brave all the dangers and perils of the ocean?” “True, sir but I didn’t bargain to go and confront living devils though,” groaned Tim. “Very well, then, it is in order to make you accustomed to strange sights and strengthen your nerves, that I brought you with me to-night.” “Very kind of you, sir,” said Tim; “very indeed; but I thinks as how I’ve seen enough of strange sights to-night to strengthen my nerves for ever, if it’s all the same to you, sir.” It was all to no purpose, Ned would not allow Tim to remain behind on any consideration, but smiled, as he cast a sidelong glance at his servant’s long, pale face. They had now approached within a few yards of the gibbet, and stopped to gaze at it. “I told you how it was,” said Ned, laughing. “It must have been all a trick, or delusion. Why here is the Red Man safe and sound in his iron gibbet; he couldn’t be in two places at once.”