CHAPTER L.
IN WHICH THE SKELETON CREW ARE VERY BUSY, AND MAKE A RICH HAUL OF PLUNDER, LED ON BY DEATH-WING AND PHILLIP REDGILL.
IN WHICH THE SKELETON CREW ARE VERY BUSY, AND MAKE A RICH HAUL OF PLUNDER, LED ON BY DEATH-WING AND PHILLIP REDGILL.
“What would you have done without me?” said Death-wing to Phillip Redgill, when they were once more alone, and in confidential conversation.
“Why, I must have been hung, I suppose,” said Phillip, with an attempt at a smile.
“A prospect you much liked, I know.”
“Well, it must have been, had not your men rescued me.”
“I know it, and yet all through your career of villany you have looked upon me and my band as hardfisted, ungrateful scoundrels—I know you have.”
“Not so bad as that, quite.”
“Oh, yes, you have. I have heard and know more than you imagine about your doings about town. Had you not taken our oath years ago, not all England could have saved you from gracing a gallows.”
“Well, I know it, and am glad Ididtake the oath, but what do you require of me now?”
“Nay, we do not want you—it is you who need us.”
“How do you mean?”
“Have you forgotten your wife—is there not vengeance in your heart against Fumbleton, who has taken her from you?”
“There is, and against others besides him.”
“Who?”
“The two young Warbecks.”
“And no one else?”
“Yes, against old Sir Richard himself.”
“Do you contemplate killing them?”
“I do.”
“But how?”
“Through your aid, Death-wing.”
“And the price?”
“Half of all the estates which fall to me—Darlington Hall and all its fair domains.”
“But can you get them all at one stroke?”
“I can, for if these brats, Charley and Ned, are put out of the way, I am the sole heir, as I have said before.”
“Then, so be it—it shall be done,” said the grim chief, “but not yet.”
“Why not?”
“You must become a member of the Crew first—an active member, I mean—and then we can talk about it.”
“I am willing.”
“Then to try your courage, I will soon find fitting opportunities. Are you a good shot?”
“Capital.”
“And can handle your sword?”
“Like any gentleman.”
“’Tis well, but——”
He was about to say more, when two of the Crew entered the room.
“Well,” said Death-wing to them, “have you followed him?”
“Yes, both night and day.”
“What news?”
“He has found favour with the Dozen again, and to-night they have robbed Colonel Blood’s house of all its wealth.”
“And escaped?”
“Yes.”
“You followed them?”
“We did, and saw where they deposited their plunder.”
“Very good. What else?”
“They carried off Ellen Harmer with them, and Captain Jack is now in possession of the King’s signet ring.”
“Impossible!”
“No, Death-wing, it is quite correct.”
“How do you know?”
“I was in Captain Jack’s company to-night, and saw the ring upon his red, fat finger.”
“Explain yourself.”
“I knew the Darlington post-boy, and for a good price learned all the news; dressed myself up inhis clothes, and went into the very public-house where he and Bates were drinking.”
“Then he doesn’t seem to concern himself about apprehending Ned Warbeck, and casting him into prison?”
“Not the least, for he is now no longer captain of the Dozen, and Colonel Blood has offered a reward for his head, dead or alive.”
“Good news,” said Phillip, grinning like a fiend, “excellent news! I feel happy.”
“And who had the commission to capture him?”
“Bates, the new captain—the very man who helped to rob the colonel’s mansion.”
“What a couple of tricky villains,” said Phillip, biting his lip in rage and disappointment.
“When I found this out,” said the spy, “and had deceived them by telling the news I had heard from the true post-boy, I left the public-house.”
“And informed Colonel Blood of it all?”
“Yes; I wrote a note to the colonel on the instant, and delivered it myself. He had just returned home and found the havoc which had been made of his place. He was in a terrible rage.”
“Did he speak to you?”
“He did. And when—still in the clothes of the post-boy—I told him of the past murder at Darlington, he stormed and raved like a devil.”
“What then took place?”
“I did not remain in his sight long, for I was very anxious to come and tell you all the news, but still I watched all the movements.”
“Perfectly right.”
“The colonel went to the royal barracks and demanded a file of men to assist him in capturing the bold burglars.
“The officer in command refused.
“Colonel Blood stormed and raved like a madman.
“‘Where is the king?’ said he.
“‘Dancing in the ball-room.’
“‘Take my card to him,’ said Blood; ‘it is all-sufficient. He will be sure to see me.’
“‘Why not go up into the ball-room yourself?’ said the officer.
“I hid myself under a dark archway and listened to all that passed.
“Blood complained of his dress, and at last a second officer took up the card.
“In a few moments the king descended into the court-yard, apparently in a very bad temper.
“They walked towards the dark archway in which I was concealed.
“I heard all that passed between them.
“‘Well, Blood,’ said the king, in a cross mood, ‘what is the meaning of all this? You want a file of soldiers, I am told.’
“Colonel Blood explained all about the robbery, and swore in the king’s presence like a trooper.
“The king listened, smiled and frowned by turns, and at last said—
“‘Blood, what has become of that exquisite lass you abducted from Darlington? I am dying to see her.’
“The colonel changed colour, and stammered out some excuse.
“‘Nay, no apologies, colonel, and all that kind of thing; I want the girl, I tell you, and will have her. Is she safe?’
“‘Well, sire, I think there cannot be a doubt about it.
“‘She escaped twice or thrice, it is true; but I know where she is, I think, and it was more with an object to regain possession of her than anything else I wished to have a file of soldiers. But I want a search-warrant, signed by your majesty, for I fear me she has taken refuge in some noble’s house.’
“‘I have not got my seal ring to-night, Blood,’ said the king, with a bitter laugh. ‘No matter, take the soldiers, as many as you need; break open any house you come across, whether rich or poor, it doesn’t matter, so you find the girl and bring her to me.’
“‘Your majesty is very kind,’ said Blood, bowing.
“‘Not so kind as you think, perhaps, colonel.’
“‘Sire,’ said Blood, in surprise.
“‘Listen to me, Blood, kings can be deceived sometimes as well as other people.’
“‘I don’t understand you, sire.’
“‘I will explain myself; the girl escaped from your custody hence, you say?’
“‘She did.’
“‘When had you the maid last?’
“‘Well, not very long ago, sire.’
“‘No, I think not, not many hours ago, Blood.’
“‘Sire!’
“‘Nay, don’t stare in surprise. She was in your house this very night.’
“Blood turned pale; his deceit was now discovered, and he could not deny it; but, he said, with a bold front,
“‘Who has so deceived you, sire?’
“‘No one, Blood.’
“‘I have enemies who have circulated this report.’
“‘But Iknowit to be true.’
“‘You, sire?’
“‘Yes, me; I saw her in your house not three hours ago.’
“‘You did, most gracious prince?’
“‘Yes, and spoke to her.’
“The colonel bowed, he could not answer a word.
“‘Come,’ said the king, ‘no more deception, take the file of men you need—bring the wench to me ere sunrise, or you will incur my lasting displeasure.’
“So speaking, the king left the court-yard.”
“This is quite an adventure,” said Death-wing, “go on; what happened next?”
“Did they capture Captain Jack?” asked Phillip, in great impatience. “I hear the colonel shot the villain.”
“Listen,” said Death-wing, “and don’t speak Redgill. What occurred next?”
“Colonel Blood,” continued the spy, “hurried away with the soldiers, and ere long reached the public house.
“I followed them, and as we approached the place I ran forward and listened at the shutters.
“I could hear old Bates and Jack talking together in the parlor.
“There was not any one else in the house, for it was closed.
“I darted away into the darkness and watched.
“Blood did not at first wish to disclose his name, but at last he did so, and, as the publican was so obstinate, he burst in the door.
“The soldiers rushed in at one door, but Jack and Bates escaped the backway.
“I ran to intercept their flight, for I could hear the tilt of swords.
“When I got to the spot, two soldiers were then on the ground weltering in their blood.
“They had been killed by Jack and Bates.
“‘Help! help!’ cried Blood’s men; ‘up the street! after them! they have escaped! help! help!’