“Why in course I will,” said Tim. “But it did appear to me all so very strange like. I can’t understand it. What! you leave the Hall, and all for nothing?” said Tim, in great surprise. “Never mind being surprised at all about it,” said Wildfire Ned, biting his lips. “I’m going to leave, so that’s quite sufficient explanation. I’ve got a good sum of money of my own in my pocket, so have resolved to go to sea, and chase those Skeleton Pirates we have heard so much of. Will you come, Tim?” “Yes, young master, in course I will. I’d go to the devil with you, thee knows. (But, for all that, thought Tim, I don’t much care about facing them terrible skeletons led on by that awful wretch called Death-wing.)” Few words were passed by Ned. He mounted his famous mare “Starlight,” and, followed by Tim, galloped away towards the village of Darlington. “Tim, are you brave?” said Wildfire Ned, grinning, as they rode along side by side. “Brave, master Ned, why of course I am. I’d face the very devil if I had any one to back me. I always feel safe when I’m with you.” “Well, do you know what I’m going to do?” “No, master.” “You know Bob Bertram?” “The old farmer’s son, sir? Yes, sir; and a fine good-hearted young fellow he is as ever was born.” “I’m glad to hear you say so, Tim; and glad also, to think you like him so much, for he, also, is coming with us.” “Him, master?” said Tim, in surprise. “Why, how can that be? He’s in the round-house, and accused of murdering his old father. But he didn’t do it, I’ll swear,” said Tim to himself. “He _couldn’t_ do it. Bob Bertram’s heart is too good for any such bloody work as that, or else I’m no judge of human nature.” “Right, Tim; you are right, my lad,” said Ned, who had overheard his servant mumbling to himself. “And I feel proud to think your opinion about that murder is the same as mine; but, then, you know, he’ll never suffer; he’s going to escape to-night.” “Escape, master! Why, I have heard that he’s guarded night and day. It were even whispered that some officers of the crown were coming down to take him down to London.” “I have heard all that, also,” said Ned, laughing; “but when they _do_ come, the bird will have flown. Do you see these, Tim?” said Ned, displaying a pair of pistols, “Do you see these?” “Yes, master.” “Well, we call these things ‘barking irons,’ and if the two officers won’t behave themselves, and act civilly towards us when we call, why then you must blow the brains out of one, while I do the same to the other.” Ned said this very coolly, but Tim’s eyes rolled in fright at the bare idea of bloodshed. He did not give utterance to his fears, however, but jogged along by his young master’s side. Ere long they approached the village, and Wildfire Ned leaped from his mare. Tim did likewise, and both nags were tethered to a roadside post.