Ned’s manner was so firm, cool, and determined, that the two astonished officers were compelled to obey him. Reluctantly they rose, and hobbled after each other into the cell. Ned turned the key upon them, and there left them alone in their glory. “If either of you make any noise for the next half-hour I’ll clip your ears off,” said Ned, as he walked coolly away. He had not gone many yards ere both of the officers began to bawl at the top of their voices. Ned returned to them, and just placed the muzzle of his pistol between the bars, when the two officers fell upon their knees and sued for mercy in a very humble manner. “I only asked you to remain quiet for half-an-hour before,” said he, “but now listen to me; if either of you make the slightest noise for the next twelve hours I will blow your brains out. Remember, and rest assured if you do not obey me this time both of you are dead men.” Ned left them a second time, but did not forget to bolt and bar and lock every door, so that it was a matter almost of impossibility for either of them to escape or even be heard by any one passing outside. In less than half-an-hour Wildfire Ned, Bob Bertram and Tim were on their way to the sea-coast. But ere they reached their journey’s end a strange adventure happened to Wildfire Ned. Each of them were well mounted, and they galloped along the road at a merry pace. Bob Bertram was in ecstacies at his unlooked-for liberation, and swore eternal friendship and fidelity to Wildfire Ned. He told Ned all, or at least as much as he knew, about his father’s murder, and what had happened to him on that eventful night. He also described the stranger who had exchanged clothes with him so minutely that Ned could not, or at least did not, for a moment hesitate to say that Redgill was the man, for he knew that from the garments Bob was then wearing. He did not say much to Bob concerning it, however, but bit his lip, and vowed to have revenge on Redgill the first opportunity that offered. The three riders stopped at a roadside inn, and knocked up the landlord. The old man opened his door with a trembling hand, and in the course of conversation informed his guests that they must beware of the Skeleton Crew, for a party of that terrible band had called there that very night, ransacked and robbed the place of all it had, and were well-nigh murdering everybody. “Was Death-wing, their chief, along with them?” asked Ned. “He was,” said the old publican, shaking; “but oh! young man, don’t smile, for if you had been as close to, and seen as much on ’em as I have to-night, you would tremble in your shoes.” “_I?_” said Wildfire Ned, laughing boisterously. “Not I, landlord, you are much mistaken. Nothing in the world would give me greater pleasure than to meet this same Death-wing to-night.” “You?” said the publican, aghast. “Rash youth, beware!”