CHAPTER XIV.
THE BRIDAL BALL—UNEXPECTED VISITORS—THE DREAD ALARM—THE MUFFLED PEAL OF BELLS.
THE BRIDAL BALL—UNEXPECTED VISITORS—THE DREAD ALARM—THE MUFFLED PEAL OF BELLS.
Wildfire Ned, Bob Bertram, Lieut. Garnet, and the brave old innkeeper, followed the Skeleton Band as far as they possibly could, but, as we have said, soon lost sight of their grim and bloodthirsty enemies.
The sailors, meanwhile, acting under Garnet’s orders, now returned to the burning tavern and exerted themselves with great courage and labour to extinguish the flames.
This they succeeded in doing to some great extent, and soon were joined by crowds from the village of Darlington, who had been attracted to the spot by the lurid glare in the sky.
The spirit-room of the tavern was saved, and all it contained, but little else.
Old Nettles, the landlord—for such was his right name—was too much overjoyed at vanquishing the Skeleton Crew to think much of his loss, particularly as Lieutenant Garnet had informed him that he would be recompensed by the king himself for all he had lost, and much more given to him besides, for so bravely fighting in the cause of law and order against Death-wing’s friends.
Full of joy, and not caring a button for his wounds, he helped to gather up all the stock which had been saved, and, amid loud applause, distributed ales, wines, and spirits in abundance to all comers.
The sailors were in their glory, and drank health and long life to Nettles, landlord of the “Grapes,” in many a flowing tankard, and many a brimming glass sparkling with good old Jamaica rum, as they merrily squatted on the green grass smoking their pipes.
Among others who had hurried to the scene of conflict, with his servants well armed (but who by accident arrived too late), was young Lord Walton, from the Abbey, some five miles away.
The old marquis, his father, had a large party of lords and ladies assembled at the Abbey that night to celebrate the marriage of his only daughter, Lady Julia.
Lord Walton, the son, however, did not remain a moment in the ball-room when it was whispered to him that the Skeleton Crew were abroad.
Unknown to any one, he gathered together a band of trusty servants and hurried forth to lend his aid.
But if he arrived too late, he greatly admired the courage and daring of those who had so long contended with the Crew; and in token of his admiration invited Lieutenant Garnet, Wildfire Ned, and Bob Bertram to pass the rest of the night at the Abbey, and partake of the hospitality there, and join in the merry marriage dance.
This just suited the three heroes, and with little pressing they accepted the invitation, particularly as this was the last night which Wildfire Ned intended to pass on shore.
He was to join Lieutenant Garnet’s ship on the morrow, for on the spot the brave sailor offered Ned a commission as midshipman, which he readily accepted.
Away then they sped across the country and soon reached Walton Abbey, when the soft crash of music, and the gliding of graceful figures past the many windows, proclaimed that the marriage festivity was at its height.
When the truth was told about Wildfire Ned and the others, and of their gallantry in dispersing the Skeleton Crew, every one was amazed, and fairdames smiled on Ned as he gaily whirled in the dreamy mazes of the dance.
But soon a change came o’er the festive scene.
The bells of the village church, with muffled peals, suddenly broke forth upon the night with a discordant funereal clang.
The dance was stopped.
All looked amazed.
Young Lord Walton entreated all to be calm, and meanwhile with an old and trusty servant went to the entrance hall to ascertain the cause of a sudden noise heard there.
The doors were flung open.
There stood before him a grim sight.
Death-wing, among his mounted band, with torch and link in hand, all in a blaze of lurid light, in a hoarse voice, demanded admittance to the ball.
For a moment the young lord remained motionless.
He could scarcely believe the evidence of his own eyesight.
He had often heard of the Skeleton Crew before, but had never seen anything of them.
Until that night he looked upon that band as a myth, believed in only by the dull and ignorant rustics around him.
Had not the story come from the lips of young Warbeck and Lieutenant Garnet, who had more than once encountered those grim creatures, he would have still believed that they were all imaginary creatures.
But here was proof positive of their existence.
The hair of the old servant who accompanied the young lord to the hall door stood up with fright as he looked out upon the ghastly gang before him, and his knees began to tremble.
“Who and what are ye?” asked the young lord, in firm and determined tones.
“Death-wing and his crew,” was the hoarse response.
“What want ye here, at this hour of the night?”
“Open wide the door,” said a chorus of Skeletons.
“Stand back,” said young Walton, as he drew his sword, and flourished it; “the first of ye that stirs shall perish!”
A coarse laugh was the only response.
In a second Death-wing, with a heavy blow, knocked young Walton senseless to the floor.
The old butler fell flat upon his face with horror in the entrance hall.
Before they entered the Skeleton Crew threw their torches in a heap upon the ground, and walked boldly into the hall.
Some few of them remained behind to mind the horses.
All was now darkness.
On the first landing Death-wing halted, and directed his men to enter the rooms to the right and left.
One of these rooms was at that moment being prepared for the bridal supper, and many servants were engaged in laying out the tables with costly plate.
Two or three Skeletons entered.
The servants gave a loud shout of terror, and vanished through an opposite door.
They made their way at a terrific pace towards the ball-room.
“What means all this commotion?” said the marquis.
“Where is my son?” demanded the marchioness.
“My brother, has aught happened to him?” said the trembling bride.
Before any explanation could be given one of the doors opened, and in rushed several of the Skeleton Crew.
On the instant they were confronted by Wildfire Ned, Lieutenant Garnet, and Bob, and most of the gentlemen present, who whipped out their swords, and darted at the grim intruders.
Some of the ladies fainted.
One or two old gentlemen jumped on the window-sills out of danger.
Others tried to escape.
But, as they rushed in one direction out of harm’s way, other doors opened and different parties of the Skeleton Crew came into view.
All was a scene of terror and confusion.
It seemed to the affrighted assembly as if the dead had risen from their graves.
The combat was fierce and fiery.
The bridegroom was one of the first to fall in the melee.
Lady Julia ran forward to assist him.
On the instant, however, and unperceived by the many, Death-wing advanced with hasty strides, seized the bride, and carried her from the room.
This was the sole object of Death-wing in making his visit.
When it was accomplished he darted down stairs, with the fair one fainting in his arms, and mounted his horse.
A shrill cry he gave, which was recognised by all his followers, as he mounted his strong horse, and galloped away.
His band understood the manœuvre, and as quickly as they could, fought their way towards the entrance-hall, leaped upon their horses, and flew away like the wind, with wild shouts of triumph.
“Pursue! pursue!” shouted Ned, fierce with anger.
His advice was followed on the instant.
Horses were called for; but the terrified servants were loth to come forth from their hiding-places to answer the summons.
They had madly rushed to all manner of places for concealment.
Some had made their way to the top of the mansion, and there concealed themselves behind chimney-pots, and even in the deep rain gutters.
One or two had actually climbed up chimneys, and were almost smothered in soot.
“Anywhere! anywhere!” was the cry among them.
Somewhere or anywhere to hide, so as to be out of sight and reach of Death-wing’s awful band.
More than one had locked themselves into pantries, among the plates, dishes, and so forth, and great was the crash of valuable earthenware.
No one among the whole household seemed to care what they did or what they broke, so that they could get out of the way.
A fat footman who had rushed to the coal-cupboard, found it occupied by another corpulent servant, who had managed to squeeze himself in there.
Dirty as he was, he darted into the beautiful bridal chamber, turned down the bed-clothes, and tumbled in boots and all!
With this state of confusion reigning, therefore, it was impossible for Wildfire Ned, Garnet, or any one else, to get their horses quick enough to pursue the villains with any chance of success.
Bob Bertram was foremost at the stables.
There were more than twenty horses there, besides his own, and those of his friends.
He ran hither and thither, busy with hands and voice, and ere long a party of gentlemen started inhot pursuit, led on by Wildfire Ned, who, with loud shouts, dashed spurs into Starlight, and was foremost of them all.