“Yes, sir,” said Tim, meekly bowing, and trembling, as he saw the colonel’s blood mounting; “I stood on the door-step, and acted as commander-in-chief, cheering the lads on.” “I thought so,” said Colonel Blood, angrily. At the same time he rewarded Tim for his great valour by giving him a sound smack in the face, which knocked him right among the applauding crowd. This was more than Master Tim expected. But, for fear he’d get any more, Tim sneaked away among the crowd like a dog who has lost his tail. “Who is that I saw just now borne away upon a shutter?” said Colonel Blood. “That is one of the rascals who were in the Block-House, colonel,” said several. “Is he dead?” “Not quite, I think; but if he isn’t he ought to be, for I saw a sword go right through him.” “How did it happen?” “The unfortunate young man was making his escape from the Block-House with a female captive whom he claimed as his own, and was making his way off with her, when he was stopped by Wildfire Ned and challenged.” “Carrying off a female?” said Colonel Blood, in surprise. “Did any of you hear her name?” “Yes, colonel. I heard her name was Ellen Harmer.” “Ellen Harmer?” “The same.” “You are sure?” “Quite sure.” “And did this Ned Warbeck fight a duel with the wounded man?” “Yes. His name was Phillip Redgill.” “I have heard of him; as great a rascal as ever lived. And where was the maiden taken to?” “Nobody knows for certain, colonel. She was insensible when he took her away to a cottage near by, but when the fight was over he came with a coach and galloped away, no one knows whither.” “I’d give a hundred pounds to find where he has taken her to,” said Blood, with a bitter smile. “I am foiled again, and by a mere boy,” said he to himself; “but I must have her; yes, I will!” he thought. “Take care, Ned Warbeck, take care! you are treading on very dangerous ground when you cross my path. I am not to be trifled with. You may be brave, noble and handsome, but if you endeavour to thwart my plans, I will tread you under my heel like a worm!” There was nothing now to do upon the spot, so, crestfallen and in a rage, he returned with his soldiers, leaving it to the night-watch to keep order among the excited crowd. “I will go to the palace,” he said, “and will be the first to inform the king of this strange affair. It will be good excuse for me, for now I can tell the truth for once in my life, and say that in my absence Ellen Harmer was abducted from my mansion. Yes,” he thought, “I will go to the king at once, and be the first to inform him of all that has happened; he will be sure to believe me.” But Colonel Blood was not the first to see the king, as will quickly be seen; neither was he believed. CHAPTER XLVI. COLONEL BLOOD AND NED WARBECK. When Wildfire Ned had hurried away with Ellen Harmer from the scene of strife, he was careful that no one should know whither he had taken her.