“You have heard of the Skeleton Crew, I know,” said the chief aloud, “and that they neither fear man nor devil?” “We have,” said several; “quite true.” “I wish the devil had him, though,” groaned poor Tim. “And,” continued he, “you have heard that the chief is cruel, and has no mercy to his enemies.” “I wish I only had the luck to be one of his best friends at this particular moment,” sighed Roger, trembling. “But you see,” said the chief, “I am not cruel, or I would have hanged you all without giving a moment’s warning.” “Cursed perlite!” said Tim, under his breath. “And, to show you that I am not as bad as people say I am, I’ll give you all a chance as to who dies first, provided——” “What?” gasped several, eagerly. “You will answer me one question.” “What is it, oh, most mighty and merciful skeleton?” sighed Roger. “What is it?” “Who considers himself to be the greatest rogue among you all?” asked the chief. “Be careful how you answer.” A long, solemn and awful pause followed this ominous and all-important question. The grim chief need not have warned them to be careful. They were very careful indeed, and took a long, long time to consider. “It won’t do for me to answer,” thought the trembling servants, “for they will be sure to commence hanging the biggest rogues first.” “So there is no rogue at all among you, I find, eh? Ha! ha! Well, then, who thinks himself the most pious among you? Tell me that.” Roger was about to reply, but the words stuck fast in his throat, as he thought, “If I answer, they will do for me first as the best prepared to die; no, no, he don’t entrap me with his puzzling questions.” So thought the rest.
Prev.
Back
Top