“Nay, let not that be your vain excuse,” said Ned; “old or young I defy you, and in token of my eternal hatred take that,” said he, at the same moment throwing his glove at the skeleton face. “Impudent varlet!” was the angry rejoinder. “It seems as if your footsteps were purposely directed across my path. I know, I feel, that eternal, unquenchable hatred exists between us, and yet not now would I cross swords with ye. But think not, bold youth, that I reject your gauge of battle. No, I accept it. Beneath the old oak, on the moor, meet me in an hour.” “I will; and with greater pleasure than e’er I did aught in all my life.” “Until the hour, then, adieu! You will, of course, come alone?” “I will.” These few angry words were quickly spoken, and before any one could well realize the fact, the two grim skeletons disappeared. They mounted two horses that stood outside the inn door, and vanished like the wind. “Thank heavens, they are gone!” the publican gasped. “Amen!” groaned Tim. “But you surely will not keep your promise with the grim rascals?” said Bob. “I most surely shall,” said Ned. “But they mean you mischief,” said the publican, “you will never return alive.” “You need not fear.” “But, brave youth, I _do_ fear; you know not so much of these awful creatures as I do.” “Perhaps not, but I shall very shortly,” said Ned, laughing. “Why, that old oak tree on the heath is the favourite spot of Death-wing, their chief.” “So much the better, the sooner I shall make his acquaintance, then; that’s all.” “But there are, at least, a dozen dead men hanging on the leafless branches; all have fallen victims to Death-wing’s sword, and now hang rotting in the sun.” “So I have heard! Will you be kind enough to show me the way thither, landlord?” asked Ned, smiling. “_Me!_ lord bless the lad, I wouldn’t go near that tree for all the gold in England; no one ever comes back alive from that spot.” “Then I will go alone.” “Nay, stay!” “You must not go, Ned,” said Bob. “Why throw yourself in the way of those bloodthirsty scoundrels? If you do go, I must accompany you, and so will your groom, eh Tim?” “Y-e-e-s!” groaned Tim, who was rubbing his sore bones with a very rueful face. “I don’t mind if I go to the devil, for I’m going there very fast it seems to me.” With a face flushed with excitement, and eyes sparkling with delight at the prospect of encountering some one of the Skeleton Crew in mortal combat, Wildfire Ned rose from his seat and paced the room. Before he was perceived Ned left the apartment in a free and easy manner, as if merely going into the back yard. Bob Bertram never imagined that Ned had any intentions of going forth alone. The old landlord saw him mount his horse, and turned pale as he thought of the great danger into which the bold, rash youth was about to plunge.