“Why, that young Wildfire devil as came galloping and pistolling and slashing among us single-handed.” “Who could it have been?” said Redgill. “Was he near _my_ size?” “No, less than you; not near so strong; but, lor bless yer, he’s as active as a cat, and rode a splendid mare he called Starlight.” “Starlight?” said Redgill. “There is but one mare of that name around Darlington, and that one belongs to——” “Wildfire Ned,” said young Warbeck, entering at the moment. Redgill turned pale as death, and averted his face. Tim and Bob Bertram were overjoyed at this unlooked for arrival. Captain Jack and his party were thunderstruck. “The devil!” “’Tis he!” “The very one I spoke of.” “Edward Warbeck, gentlemen, at your service,” said Wildfire Ned, bowing. “Cut the brat in two!” said old Bates, with his eyes glaring in anger like two live coals. “Cut the brat in two.” “Blow out his brains—the bastard!” said Phillip Redgill, feeling safe among so many friends. “Blow out the bastard’s brains!” he said, in a hissing tone. “Down with him!” “Spare him not!” “H-o-l-d!” said Wildfire Ned, in a loud tone, and waving his hand in command. “H-o-l-d! I say! The first man that stirs shall fall by my sword.” These words were said in such a clear, ringing tone, and with an air of such cool defiance that Captain Jack and his followers were astounded. Without a word of apology, Wildfire Ned cut the rope that bound Bob Bertram, and then said to Captain Jack— “You are the leader of this party?” “I am,” was the gruff reply. “How dare you interfere with our prisoner, then? We are officers of justice.” “_In_justice, you should have said,” Ned coolly replied, laughing, “and if you are not all hung within a week you owe it to _my_ clemency.” “To _you_?” said Bates, with a curling lip. “Yes, to me, old man; nay, don’t growl so. I fear you not, you cannot bite any one. Think yourself very lucky that I do not punish your insolence on the spot.” Ned’s manner was so firm, cool, and brave, that it seemed to act like a spell on all present, for no one moved from where they stood or sat, but looked on with surprise and curiosity at what then took place. Walking up to Redgill, Ned said, calmly, but in tones which all could hear— “We have met again.” “We have,” was the hoarse response of the dark villain, as he curled his lip in demon-like scorn. “You called me bastard,” said Wildfire Ned, in a tone of fiery anger, “this is my answer!” So speaking, he slapped Redgill in the face, and then spat upon him. “Hollo! what’s all this?” “He’s struck our friend.” “Knock the brat down,” said one and another. “Keep your places,” said Ned, with a look of scorn; “the first man of you that dare interfere in this quarrel shall in less than a minute lie at my feet a bleeding corpse!” Throwing off his cloak, he stood before Phillip Redgill, sword in hand.