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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Guy Fawkes, by William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Guy Fawkes
+       or The Gunpowder Treason
+
+Author: William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+Illustrator: George Cruikshank
+
+Release Date: October 13, 2011 [EBook #37750]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GUY FAWKES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Cicconetti, KD Weeks and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: Some obvious typographical errors have been
+corrected, and several inconsistent spellings regularized. Please see
+the Transcriber's end notes for details.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Execution of Guy Fawkes]
+
+
+
+
+                         GUY FAWKES
+
+                             OR
+
+                   THE GUNPOWDER TREASON
+
+                  _AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE_
+
+                             BY
+                WILLIAM HARRISON AINSWORTH
+
+
+      With Illustrations on Steel by George Cruikshank
+
+
+                           LONDON
+              GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS, Limited
+
+                 BROADWAY HOUSE, LUDGATE HILL
+
+
+
+
+                LONDON AND COUNTY PRINTING WORKS,
+                  BAZAAR BUILDINGS, LONDON, W.C.
+
+
+
+
+                              TO
+
+                           MRS. HUGHES,
+
+                      KINGSTON LISLE, BERKS.
+
+
+MY DEAR MRS. HUGHES,
+
+You are aware that this Romance was brought to a close during my last
+brief visit at Kingston Lisle, when the time necessary to be devoted to
+it deprived me of the full enjoyment of your society, and, limiting my
+range--no very irksome restriction,--to your own charming garden and
+grounds, prevented me from accompanying you in your walks to your
+favourite and beautiful downs. This circumstance, which will suffice to
+give it some interest in your eyes by associating it with your
+residence, furnishes me with a plea, of which I gladly avail myself, of
+inscribing it with your name, and of recording, at the same time, the
+high sense I entertain of your goodness and worth, the value I set upon
+your friendship,--a friendship shared in common with some of the most
+illustrious writers of our time,--and the gratitude I shall never cease
+to feel for attentions and kindnesses, little less than maternal, which
+I have experienced at your hands.
+
+In the hope that you may long continue to diffuse happiness round your
+own circle, and contribute to the instruction and delight of the many
+attached friends with whom you maintain so active and so interesting a
+correspondence; and that you may live to see your grandsons fulfil their
+present promise, and tread in the footsteps of their high-minded and
+excellent-hearted father,--and of _his_ father! I remain
+
+                    Your affectionate and obliged friend,
+
+                           W. HARRISON AINSWORTH.
+
+
+
+      KENSAL MANOR HOUSE, HARROW ROAD,
+              _July 26, 1841_.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The tyrannical measures adopted against the Roman Catholics in the early
+part of the reign of James the First, when the severe penal enactments
+against recusants were revived, and with additional rigour, and which
+led to the remarkable conspiracy about to be related, have been so
+forcibly and faithfully described by Doctor Lingard,[1] that the
+following extract from his history will form a fitting introduction to
+the present work.
+
+"The oppressive and sanguinary code framed in the reign of Elizabeth,
+was re-enacted to its full extent, and even improved with additional
+severities. Every individual who had studied or resided, or should
+afterwards study or reside in any college or seminary beyond the sea,
+was rendered incapable of inheriting, or purchasing, or enjoying lands,
+annuities, chattels, debts, or sums of money, within the realm; and as
+missionaries sometimes eluded detection under the disguise of tutors, it
+was provided that no man should teach even the rudiments of grammar in
+public or in private, without the previous approbation of the diocesan.
+
+"The execution of the penal laws enabled the king, by an ingenious
+comment, to derive considerable profit from his past forbearance. It was
+pretended that he had never forgiven the penalties of recusancy; he had
+merely forbidden them to be exacted for a time, in the hope that this
+indulgence would lead to conformity; but his expectations had been
+deceived; the obstinacy of the Catholics had grown with the lenity of
+the sovereign; and, as they were unworthy of further favour, they should
+now be left to the severity of the law. To their dismay, the legal fine
+of twenty pounds per lunar month was again demanded, and not only for
+the time to come, but for the whole period of the suspension; a demand
+which, by crowding thirteen payments into one, reduced many families of
+moderate incomes to a state of absolute beggary. Nor was this all. James
+was surrounded by numbers of his indigent countrymen. Their habits were
+expensive, their wants many, and their importunities incessant. To
+satisfy the more clamorous, a new expedient was devised. The king
+transferred to them his claims on some of the more opulent recusants,
+against whom they were at liberty to proceed by law, in his name, unless
+the sufferers should submit to compound, by the grant of an annuity for
+life, or the immediate payment of a considerable sum. This was at a time
+when the jealousies between the two nations had reached a height, of
+which, at the present day, we have but little conception. Had the money
+been carried to the royal coffers, the recusants would have had
+sufficient reason to complain; but that Englishmen should be placed by
+their king at the mercy of foreigners, that they should be stripped of
+their property to support the extravagance of his Scottish minions, this
+added indignity to injustice, exacerbated their already wounded
+feelings, and goaded the most moderate almost to desperation." From this
+deplorable state of things, which is by no means over-coloured in the
+above description, sprang the Gunpowder Plot.
+
+The county of Lancaster has always abounded in Catholic families, and at
+no period were the proceedings of the ecclesiastical commissioners more
+rigorous against them than at that under consideration. Manchester, "the
+Goshen of this Egypt," as it is termed by the fiery zealot, Warden
+Heyrick, being the place where all the recusants were imprisoned, the
+scene of the early part of this history has been laid in that town and
+its immediate neighbourhood. For the introduction of the munificent
+founder of the Blue Coat Hospital into a tale of this description I
+ought, perhaps, to apologize; but if I should succeed by it in arousing
+my fellow-townsmen to a more lively appreciation of the great benefits
+they have derived from him, I shall not regret what I have written.
+
+In Viviana Radcliffe I have sought to portray the loyal and devout
+Catholic, such as I conceive the character to have existed at the
+period. In Catesby, the unscrupulous and ambitious plotter, masking his
+designs under the cloak of religion. In Garnet, the subtle, and yet
+sincere Jesuit. And in Fawkes the gloomy and superstitious enthusiast.
+One doctrine I have endeavoured to enforce throughout,--TOLERATION.
+
+From those who have wilfully misinterpreted one of my former
+productions, and have attributed to it a purpose and an aim utterly
+foreign to my own intentions, I can scarcely expect fairer treatment for
+the present work. But to that wider and more discriminating class of
+readers from whom I have experienced so much favour and support, I
+confidently commit this volume, certain of meeting with leniency and
+impartiality.
+
+[1] Vide _History of England_, vol. ix. New Edition.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+                                                                 PAGE
+
+ DEDICATION                                                        iii
+
+ PREFACE                                                             v
+
+
+                      Book the First.
+
+                         THE PLOT.
+
+ CHAPTER
+
+   I.   AN EXECUTION IN MANCHESTER, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE
+         SEVENTEENTH CENTURY                                         1
+
+  II.   ORDSALL CAVE                                                10
+
+ III.   ORDSALL HALL                                                12
+
+  IV.   THE SEARCH                                                  26
+
+   V.   CHAT MOSS                                                   31
+
+  VI.   THE DISINTERMENT                                            49
+
+  VII.  DOCTOR DEE                                                  50
+
+ VIII.  THE MAGIC GLASS                                             56
+
+   IX.  THE PRISON ON SALFORD BRIDGE                                62
+
+    X.  THE FATE OF THE PURSUIVANT                                  66
+
+   XI.  THE PILGRIMAGE TO SAINT WINIFRED'S WELL                     71
+
+  XII.  THE VISION                                                  83
+
+ XIII.  THE CONSPIRATORS                                            87
+
+  XIV.  THE PACKET                                                  98
+
+   XV.  THE ELIXIR                                                 105
+
+  XVI.  THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH AT MANCHESTER                        115
+
+ XVII.  THE RENCOUNTER                                             129
+
+ XVIII. THE EXPLANATION                                            131
+
+   XIX. THE DISCOVERY                                              133
+
+    XX. THE DEPARTURE FROM THE HALL                                139
+
+
+                        Book the Second.
+
+                         THE DISCOVERY.
+
+     I. THE LANDING OF THE POWDER                                  147
+
+    II. THE TRAITOR                                                156
+
+   III. THE ESCAPE PREVENTED                                       163
+
+    IV. THE MINE                                                   169
+
+     V. THE CAPTURE OF VIVIANA                                     179
+
+    VI. THE CELLAR                                                 187
+
+   VII. THE STAR-CHAMBER                                           195
+
+  VIII. THE JAILER'S DAUGHTER                                      198
+
+    IX. THE COUNTERPLOT                                            212
+
+    X. WHITE WEBBS                                                 220
+
+    XI. THE MARRIAGE IN THE FOREST                                 228
+
+   XII. THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER                                      237
+
+  XIII. THE FLIGHT OF THE CONSPIRATORS                             245
+
+   XIV. THE EXAMINATION                                            255
+
+
+                        Book the Third.
+
+                       THE CONSPIRATORS.
+
+     I. HOW GUY FAWKES WAS PUT TO THE TORTURE                      262
+
+    II. SHOWING THE TROUBLES OF VIVIANA                            274
+
+   III. HUDDINGTON                                                 278
+
+    IV. HOLBEACH                                                   292
+
+     V. THE CLOSE OF THE REBELLION                                 294
+
+    VI. HAGLEY                                                     304
+
+   VII. VIVIANA'S LAST NIGHT AT ORDSALL HALL                       313
+
+  VIII. HENDLIP                                                    319
+
+    IX. WHITEHALL                                                  327
+
+     X. THE PARTING OF VIVIANA AND HUMPHREY CHETHAM                331
+
+    XI. THE SUBTERRANEAN DUNGEON                                   332
+
+   XII. THE TRAITOR BETRAYED                                       336
+
+  XIII. THE TRIAL                                                  341
+
+   XIV. THE LAST MEETING OF FAWKES AND VIVIANA                     344
+
+    XV. SAINT PAUL'S CHURCHYARD                                    347
+
+   XVI. OLD PALACE YARD                                            352
+
+  XVII. THE LAST EXECUTION                                         355
+
+
+
+
+GUY FAWKES.
+
+
+
+
+Book the First.
+
+THE PLOT.
+
+      Their searches are many and severe. They come either in the night
+      or early in the morning, and ever seek their opportunity, when the
+      Catholics are or would be best occupied, or are likely to be worse
+      provided or look for nothing. They willingliest come when few are
+      at home to resist them, that they may rifle coffers, and do what
+      they list. They lock up the servants, and the mistress of the
+      house, and the whole family, in a room by themselves, while they,
+      like young princes, go rifling the house at their will.
+
+                            _Letter to Vers'egan, ap. Stonyhurst MSS._
+
+      What a thing is it for a Catholic gentleman to have his house
+      suddenly beset on all sides with a number of men in arms, both
+      horse and foot! and not only his house and gardens, and such
+      enclosed places all beset, but all highways laid, for some miles
+      near unto him, that none shall pass, but they shall be examined!
+      Then are these searchers oft-times so rude and barbarous, that, if
+      the doors be not opened in the instant they would enter, they
+      break open the doors with all violence, as if they were to sack a
+      town of enemies won by the sword.
+
+                                              _Father Gerard's MS._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+AN EXECUTION IN MANCHESTER, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+
+More than two hundred and thirty-five years ago, or, to speak with
+greater precision, in 1605, at the latter end of June, it was rumoured
+one morning in Manchester that two seminary priests, condemned at the
+late assizes under the severe penal enactments then in force against the
+Papists, were about to suffer death on that day. Attracted by the
+report, large crowds flocked towards the place of execution, which, in
+order to give greater solemnity to the spectacle, had been fixed at the
+southern gate of the old Collegiate Church, where a scaffold was
+erected. Near it was a large blood-stained block, the use of which will
+be readily divined, and adjoining the block, upon a heap of blazing
+coals, smoked a caldron filled with boiling pitch, intended to receive
+the quarters of the miserable sufferers.
+
+The place was guarded by a small band of soldiers, fully accoutred in
+corslets and morions, and armed with swords, half-pikes, and calivers.
+Upon the steps of the scaffold stood the executioner,--a square-built,
+ill-favoured personage, busied in arranging a bundle of straw upon the
+boards. He was dressed in a buff jerkin, and had a long-bladed,
+two-edged knife thrust into his girdle. Besides these persons, there was
+a pursuivant,--an officer appointed by the Privy Council to make search
+throughout the provinces for recusants, Popish priests, and other
+religious offenders. He was occupied at this moment in reading over a
+list of suspected persons.
+
+Neither the executioner nor his companions appeared in the slightest
+degree impressed by the butcherly business about to be enacted; for the
+former whistled carelessly as he pursued his task, while the latter
+laughed and chatted with the crowd, or jestingly pointed their
+matchlocks at the jackdaws wheeling above them in the sunny air, or
+perching upon the pinnacles and tower of the neighbouring fane. Not so
+the majority of the assemblage. Most of the older and wealthier families
+in Lancashire still continuing to adhere to the ancient faith of their
+fathers, it will not be wondered that many of their dependents should
+follow their example. And, even of those who were adverse to the creed
+of Rome, there were few who did not murmur at the rigorous system of
+persecution adopted towards its professors.
+
+At nine o'clock, the hollow rolling of a muffled drum was heard at a
+distance. The deep bell of the church began to toll, and presently
+afterwards the mournful procession was seen advancing from the
+market-place. It consisted of a troop of mounted soldiers, equipped in
+all respects like those stationed at the scaffold, with their captain at
+their head, and followed by two of their number with hurdles attached to
+their steeds, on which were tied the unfortunate victims. Both were
+young men--both apparently prepared to meet their fate with firmness and
+resignation. They had been brought from Radcliffe Hall--an old moated
+and fortified mansion belonging to a wealthy family of that name,
+situated where the close, called Pool Fold, now stands, and then
+recently converted into a place of security for recusants; the two other
+prisons in Manchester--namely, the New Fleet on Hunt's Bank, and the
+gaol on Salford Bridge,--not being found adequate to the accommodation
+of the numerous religious offenders.
+
+By this time, the cavalcade had reached the place of execution. The
+soldiers drove back the throng with their pikes, and cleared a space in
+front of the scaffold; when, just as the cords that bound the limbs of
+the priests were unfastened, a woman in a tattered woollen robe, with a
+hood partially drawn over her face,--the features of which, so far as
+they could be discerned, were sharp and attenuated,--a rope girded round
+her waist, bare feet, and having altogether the appearance of a sister
+of Charity, sprang forward, and flung herself on her knees beside them.
+
+Clasping the hem of the garment of the nearest priest, she pressed it to
+her lips, and gazed earnestly at him, as if imploring a blessing.
+
+"You have your wish, daughter," said the priest, extending his arms over
+her. "Heaven and our lady bless you!"
+
+The woman then turned towards the other victim, who was audibly reciting
+the _Miserere_.
+
+"Back, spawn of Antichrist!" interposed a soldier, rudely thrusting her
+aside. "Don't you see you disturb the father's devotions? He has enough
+to do to take care of his own soul, without minding yours."
+
+"Take this, daughter," cried the priest who had been first addressed,
+offering her a small volume, which he took from his vest, "and fail not
+to remember in your prayers the sinful soul of Robert Woodroofe, a
+brother of the order of Jesus."
+
+The woman put out her hand to take the book; but before it could be
+delivered to her, it was seized by the soldier.
+
+"Your priests have seldom anything to leave behind them," he shouted,
+with a brutal laugh, "except some worthless and superstitious relic of a
+saint or martyr. What's this? Ah! a breviary--a mass-book. I've too much
+regard for your spiritual welfare to allow you to receive it," he added,
+about to place it in his doublet.
+
+"Give it her," exclaimed a young man, snatching it from him, and handing
+it to the woman, who disappeared as soon as she had obtained possession
+of it.
+
+The soldier eyed the new-comer as if disposed to resent the
+interference, but a glance at his apparel, which, though plain, and of a
+sober hue, was rather above the middle class, as well as a murmur from
+the crowd, who were evidently disposed to take part with the young man,
+induced him to stay his hand. He, therefore, contented himself with
+crying, "A recusant! a Papist!"
+
+"I am neither recusant nor Papist, knave!" replied the other, sternly;
+"and I counsel you to mend your manners, and show more humanity, or you
+shall find I have interest enough to procure your dismissal from a
+service which you disgrace."
+
+This reply elicited a shout of applause from the mob.
+
+"Who is that bold speaker?" demanded the pursuivant from one of his
+attendants.
+
+"Humphrey Chetham of Crumpsall," answered the man: "son to one of the
+wealthiest merchants of the town, and a zealous upholder of the true
+faith."
+
+"He has a strange way of showing his zeal," rejoined the pursuivant,
+entering the answer in his note-book. "And who is the woman he
+befriended?"
+
+"A half-crazed being called Elizabeth Orton," replied the attendant.
+"She was scourged and tortured during Queen Elizabeth's reign for
+pretending to the gift of prophecy, and was compelled to utter her
+recantation within yonder church. Since then she has never opened her
+lips."
+
+"Indeed," exclaimed the pursuivant: "I will engage to make her speak,
+and to some purpose. Where does she live?"
+
+"In a cave on the banks of the Irwell, near Ordsall Hall," replied the
+attendant. "She subsists on the chance contributions of the charitable;
+but she solicits nothing,--and, indeed, is seldom seen."
+
+"Her cave must be searched," observed the pursuivant; "it may be the
+hiding-place of a priest. Father Campion was concealed in such another
+spot at Stonor Park, near Henley-on-Thames, where he composed his
+'_Decem Rationes_;' and, for a long time, eluded the vigilance of the
+commissioners. We shall pass it in our way to Ordsall Hall to-night,
+shall we not?"
+
+The attendant nodded in the affirmative.
+
+"If we surprise Father Oldcorne," continued the pursuivant, "and can
+prove that Sir William Radcliffe and his daughter, both of whom are
+denounced in my list, are harbourers and shelterers of recusants, we
+shall have done a good night's work."
+
+At this moment, an officer advanced, and commanded the priests to ascend
+the scaffold.
+
+As Father Woodroofe, who was the last to mount, reached the uppermost
+step, he turned round and cried in a loud voice, "Good people, I take
+you all to witness that I die in the true Catholic religion, and that I
+rejoice and thank God with all my soul, that he hath made me worthy to
+testify my faith therein by shedding my blood in this manner." He then
+advanced towards the executioner, who was busied in adjusting the cord
+round his companion's throat, and said, "God forgive thee--do thine
+office quickly;" adding in a lower tone, "_Asperge me, Domine; Domine,
+miserere mei!_"
+
+And, amid the deep silence that ensued, the executioner performed his
+horrible task.
+
+The execution over, the crowd began to separate slowly, and various
+opinions were expressed respecting the revolting and sanguinary
+spectacle just witnessed. Many, who condemned--and the majority did
+so--the extreme severity of the laws by which the unfortunate priests
+had just suffered, uttered their sentiments with extreme caution; but
+there were some whose feelings had been too much excited for prudence,
+and who inveighed loudly and bitterly against the spirit of religious
+persecution then prevailing; while a few others of an entirely opposite
+persuasion looked upon the rigorous proceedings adopted against the
+Papists, and the punishment now inflicted upon their priesthood, as a
+just retribution for their own severities during the reign of Mary. In
+general, the common people entertained a strong prejudice against the
+Catholic party,--for, as it has been shrewdly observed, "they must have
+some object to hate; heretofore it was the Welsh, the Scots, or the
+Spaniards, but now in these latter times only the Papists;" but in
+Manchester, near which, as has been already stated, so many old and
+important families, professing that religion, resided, the case was
+widely different; and the mass of the inhabitants were favourably
+inclined towards them. It was the knowledge of this feeling that induced
+the commissioners, appointed to superintend the execution of the
+enactments against recusants, to proceed with unusual rigour in this
+neighbourhood.
+
+The state of the Roman Catholic party at the period of this history was
+indeed most grievous. The hopes they had indulged of greater toleration
+on the accession of James the First, had been entirely destroyed. The
+persecutions, suspended during the first year of the reign of the new
+monarch, were now renewed with greater severity than ever; and though
+their present condition was deplorable enough, it was feared that worse
+remained in store for them. "They bethought themselves," writes Bishop
+Goodman, "that now their case was far worse than in the time of Queen
+Elizabeth; for they did live in some hope that after the old woman's
+life, they might have some mitigation, and even those who did then
+persecute them were a little more moderate, as being doubtful what times
+might succeed, and fearing their own case. But, now that they saw the
+times settled, having no hope of better days, but expecting that the
+uttermost rigour of the law should be executed, they became desperate:
+finding that by the laws of the kingdom their own lives were not
+secured, and for the carrying over of a priest into England it was no
+less than high treason. A gentlewoman was hanged only for relieving and
+harbouring a priest; a citizen was hanged only for being reconciled to
+the Church of Rome; besides, the penal laws were such, and so executed,
+that they could not subsist. What was usually sold in shops and usually
+bought, this the pursuivant would take away from them as being Popish
+and superstitious. One knight did affirm that in one term he gave twenty
+nobles in rewards to the door-keeper of the Attorney-General; another
+did affirm, that his third part which remained unto him of his estate
+did hardly serve for his expense in law to defend him from other
+oppressions; besides their children to be taken from home, to be brought
+up in another religion. So they did every way conclude that their estate
+was desperate; they could die but once, and their religion was more
+precious unto them than their lives. They did further consider their
+misery; how they were debarred in any course of life to help themselves.
+They could not practise law,--they could not be citizens,--they could
+have no office; they could not breed up their sons--none did desire to
+match with them; they had neither fit marriages for their daughters,
+nor nunneries to put them into; for those few which are beyond seas are
+not considerable in respect of the number of recusants, and none can be
+admitted into them without great sums of money, which they, being
+exhausted, could not supply. The Spiritual Court did not cease to molest
+them, to excommunicate them, then to imprison them; and thereby they
+were utterly disenabled to sue for their own." Such is a faithful
+picture of the state of the Catholic party at the commencement of the
+reign of James the First.
+
+Pressed down by these intolerable grievances, is it to be wondered at
+that the Papists should repine,--or that some among their number, when
+all other means failed, should seek redress by darker measures? By a
+statute of Elizabeth, all who refused to conform to the established
+religion were subjected to a fine of twenty pounds a lunar month; and
+this heavy penalty, remitted, or rather suspended, on the accession of
+the new sovereign, was again exacted, and all arrears claimed. Added to
+this, James, whose court was thronged by a host of needy Scottish
+retainers, assigned to them a certain number of wealthy recusants, and
+empowered them to levy the fines--a privilege of which they were not
+slow to avail themselves. There were other pains and penalties provided
+for by the same statute, which were rigorously inflicted. To withdraw,
+or seek to withdraw another from the established religion was accounted
+high treason, and punished accordingly; to hear mass involved a penalty
+of one hundred marks and a year's imprisonment; and to harbour a priest,
+under the denomination of a tutor, rendered the latter liable to a
+year's imprisonment, and his employer to a fine of ten pounds a-month.
+Impressed with the belief that, in consequence of the unremitting
+persecutions which the Catholics underwent in Elizabeth's time, the
+religion would be wholly extirpated, Doctor Allen, a Lancashire divine,
+who afterwards received a cardinal's hat, founded a college at Douay,
+for the reception and education of those intending to take orders. From
+this university a number of missionary priests, or seminarists, as they
+were termed, were annually sent over to England; and it was against
+these persons, who submitted to every hardship and privation, to danger,
+and death itself, for the welfare of their religion, and in the hope of
+propagating its doctrines, that the utmost rigour of the penal
+enactments was directed. Among the number of seminarists despatched from
+Douay, and capitally convicted under the statute above-mentioned, were
+the two priests whose execution has just been narrated.
+
+As a portion of the crowd passed over the old bridge across the Irwell
+connecting Manchester with Salford, on which stood an ancient chapel
+erected by Thomas de Booth, in the reign of Edward the Third, and
+recently converted into a prison for recusants, they perceived the
+prophetess, Elizabeth Orton, seated upon the stone steps of the
+desecrated structure, earnestly perusing the missal given her by Father
+Woodroofe. A mob speedily collected round her; but, unconscious
+seemingly of their presence, the poor woman turned over leaf after leaf,
+and pursued her studies. Her hood was thrown back, and discovered her
+bare and withered neck, over which her dishevelled hair streamed in long
+sable elf-locks. Irritated by her indifference, several of the
+by-standers, who had questioned her as to the nature of her studies,
+began to mock and jeer her, and endeavoured, by plucking her robe, and
+casting little pebbles at her, to attract her attention. Roused at
+length by these annoyances, she arose; and fixing her large black eyes
+menacingly upon them, was about to stalk away, when they surrounded and
+detained her.
+
+"Speak to us, Bess," cried several voices. "Prophesy--prophesy."
+
+"I _will_ speak to you," replied the poor woman, shaking her hand at
+them, "I _will_ prophesy to you. And mark me, though ye believe not, my
+words shall not fall to the ground."
+
+"A miracle! a miracle!" shouted the by-standers. "Bess Orton, who has
+been silent for twenty years, has found her tongue at last."
+
+"I have seen a vision, and dreamed a dream," continued the prophetess.
+"As I lay in my cell last night, meditating upon the forlorn state of
+our religion, and of its professors, methought nineteen shadowy figures
+stood before me--ay, nineteen--for I counted them thrice--and when I
+questioned them as to their coming,--for my tongue at first clove to the
+roof of my mouth, and my lips refused their office,--one of them
+answered, in a voice which yet rings in my ears, 'We are the chosen
+deliverers of our fallen and persecuted church. To us is intrusted the
+rebuilding of her temples,--to our hands is committed the destruction of
+our enemies. The work will be done in darkness and in secret,--with toil
+and travail,--but it will at length be made manifest; and when the hour
+is arrived, our vengeance will be terrible and exterminating.' With
+these words, they vanished from my sight. Ah!" she exclaimed, suddenly
+starting, and passing her hand across her brow, as if to clear her
+sight, "it was no dream--no vision. I see one of them now."
+
+"Where? where?" cried several voices.
+
+The prophetess answered by extending her skinny arm towards some object
+immediately before her.
+
+All eyes were instantly turned in the same direction, when they beheld a
+Spanish soldier--for such his garb proclaimed him--standing at a few
+paces' distance from them. He was wrapped in an ample cloak, with a
+broad-leaved steeple-crowned hat, decorated with a single green feather,
+pulled over his brows, and wore a polished-steel brigandine, trunk hose,
+and buff boots drawn up to the knees. His arms consisted of a brace of
+petronels thrust into his belt, whence a long rapier depended. His
+features were dark as bronze, and well-formed, though strongly marked,
+and had an expression of settled sternness. His eyes were grey and
+penetrating, and shaded by thick beetle-brows; and his physiognomy was
+completed by a black peaked beard. His person was tall and erect, and
+his deportment soldier-like and commanding. Perceiving he had become an
+object of notice, the stranger cast a compassionate look at the
+prophetess, who still remained gazing fixedly at him, and throwing her a
+few pieces of money, strode away.
+
+Watching his retreating figure till it disappeared from view, the crazed
+woman tossed her arms wildly in the air, and cried, in a voice of
+exultation, "Did I not speak the truth?--did I not tell you I had seen
+him? He is the deliverer of our church, and is come to avenge the
+righteous blood which hath been this day shed."
+
+"Peace, woman, and fly while there is yet time," cried the young man who
+had been designated as Humphrey Chetham. "The pursuivant and his
+myrmidons are in search of you."
+
+"Then they need not go far to find me," replied the prophetess. "I will
+tell them what I told these people, that the day of bloody retribution
+is at hand,--that the avenger is arrived. I have seen him twice,--once
+in my cave, and once again here,--even where you stand."
+
+"If you do not keep silence and fly, my poor creature," rejoined
+Humphrey Chetham, "you will have to endure what you suffered years
+ago,--stripes, and perhaps torture. Be warned by me--ah! it is too late.
+He is approaching."
+
+"Let him come," replied Elizabeth Orton, "I am ready for him."
+
+"Can none of you force her away?" cried Humphrey Chetham, appealing to
+the crowd; "I will reward you."
+
+"I will not stir from this spot," rejoined the prophetess, obstinately;
+"I will testify to the truth."
+
+The kind-hearted young merchant, finding any further attempt to preserve
+her fruitless, drew aside.
+
+By this time, the pursuivant and his attendants had come up. "Seize
+her!" cried the former, "and let her be placed within this prison till I
+have reported her to the commissioners. If you will confess to me,
+woman," he added in a whisper to her, "that you have harboured a priest,
+and will guide us to his hiding-place, you shall be set free."
+
+"I know of no priests but those you have murdered," returned the
+prophetess, in a loud voice, "but I will tell you something that you wot
+not of. The avenger of blood is at hand. I have seen him. All here have
+seen him. And you shall see him--but not now--not now."
+
+"What is the meaning of this raving?" demanded the pursuivant.
+
+"Pay no heed to her talk," interposed Humphrey Chetham; "she is a poor
+crazed being, who knows not what she says. I will be surety for her
+inoffensive conduct."
+
+"You must give me surety for yourself, sir," replied the pursuivant. "I
+have just learnt that you were last night at Ordsall Hall, the seat of
+that 'dangerous temporiser,'--for so he is designated in my
+warrant,--Sir William Radcliffe. And if report speaks truly, you are not
+altogether insensible to the charms of his fair daughter, Viviana."
+
+"What is this to thee, thou malapert knave?" cried Humphrey Chetham,
+reddening, partly from anger, partly, it might be, from another emotion.
+
+"Much, as you shall presently find, good Master
+Wolf-in-sheep's-clothing," retorted the pursuivant; "if you prove not a
+rank Papist at heart, then do I not know a true man from a false."
+
+This angry conference was cut short by a piercing scream from the
+prophetess. Breaking from the grasp of her captors, who were about to
+force her into the prison, she sprang with a single bound upon the
+parapet of the bridge; and utterly regardless of her dangerous position,
+turned, and faced the soldiers, who were struck mute with astonishment.
+
+"Tremble!" she cried, in a loud voice,--"tremble, ye evil-doers! Ye who
+have despoiled the house of God,--have broken his altars,--scattered his
+incense,--slain his priests. Tremble, I say. The avenger is arrived. The
+bolt is in his hand. It shall strike king, lords, commons,--all! These
+are my last words,--take them to heart."
+
+"Drag her off!" roared the pursuivant, furiously.
+
+"Use care--use gentleness, if ye are men!" cried Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"Think not you can detain me!" cried the prophetess. "Avaunt, and
+tremble!"
+
+So saying she flung herself from the parapet.
+
+The height from which she fell was about fifty feet. Dashed into the air
+like jets from a fountain by the weight and force of the descending
+body, the water instantly closed over her. But she rose to the surface
+of the stream, about twenty yards below the bridge.
+
+"She may yet be saved," cried Humphrey Chetham, who with the by-standers
+had hurried to the side of the bridge.
+
+"You will only preserve her for the gallows," observed the pursuivant.
+
+"Your malice shall not prevent my making the attempt," replied the young
+merchant. "Ha! assistance is at hand."
+
+The exclamation was occasioned by the sudden appearance of the soldier
+in the Spanish dress, who rushed towards the left bank of the river,
+which was here, as elsewhere, formed of red sandstone rock, and
+following the course of the current, awaited the next appearance of the
+drowning woman. It did not occur till she had been carried a
+considerable distance down the stream, when the soldier, swiftly
+divesting himself of his cloak, plunged into the water, and dragged her
+ashore.
+
+"Follow me," cried the pursuivant to his attendants. "I will not lose my
+prey."
+
+But before he gained the bank of the river, the soldier and his charge
+had disappeared, nor could he detect any traces of them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+ORDSALL CAVE.
+
+
+After rescuing the unfortunate prophetess from a watery grave in the
+manner just related, the soldier snatched up his cloak, and, taking his
+dripping burthen in his arms, hurried swiftly along the bank of the
+river, until he came to a large cleft in the rock, into which he crept,
+taking the prophetess with him, and thus eluded observation. In this
+retreat he continued upwards of two hours, during which time the poor
+creature, to whom he paid every attention that circumstances would
+admit, had so far recovered as to be able to speak. But it was evident
+that the shock had been too much for her, and that she was sinking fast.
+She was so faint that she could scarcely move; but she expressed a
+strong desire to reach her cell before she breathed her last. Having
+described its situation as accurately as she could to the soldier--who
+before he ventured forth peeped out to reconnoitre--he again raised her
+in his arms, and by her direction struck into a narrow lane skirting the
+bank of the river.
+
+Pursuing this road for about half a mile, he arrived at the foot of a
+small knoll, covered by a clump of magnificent beech-trees, and still
+acting under the guidance of the dying woman, whose voice grew more
+feeble each instant, he mounted it, and from its summit took a rapid
+survey of the surrounding country. On the opposite bank of the river
+stood an old hall, while further on, at some distance, he could perceive
+through the trees the gables and chimneys of another ancient mansion.
+
+"Raise me up," said Elizabeth Orton, as he lingered on this spot for a
+moment. "In that old house, which you see yonder, Hulme Hall, I was
+born. I would willingly take one look at it before I die."
+
+[Illustration: Guy Fawkes in Ordsall Cave]
+
+"And the other hall, which I discern through the trees, is Ordsall, is
+it not?" inquired the soldier.
+
+"It is," replied the prophetess. "And now let us make what haste we can.
+We have not far to go; and I feel I shall not last long."
+
+Descending the eminence, and again entering the lane, which here made a
+turn, the soldier approached a grassy space, walled in on either side by
+steep sandstone rocks. At the further extremity of the enclosure, after
+a moment's search, by the direction of his companion, he found, artfully
+concealed by overhanging brushwood, the mouth of a small cave. He crept
+into the excavation, and found it about six feet high, and of
+considerable depth. The roof was ornamented with Runic characters and
+other grotesque and half-effaced inscriptions, while the sides were
+embellished with Gothic tracery, amid which the letters I.H.S., carved
+in ancient church text, could be easily distinguished. Tradition
+assigned the cell to the priests of Odin, but it was evident that
+worshippers at other and holier altars had more recently made it their
+retreat. Its present occupant had furnished it with a straw pallet, and
+a small wooden crucifix fixed in a recess in the wall. Gently depositing
+her upon the pallet, the soldier took a seat beside her on a stone slab
+at the foot of the bed. He next, at her request, as the cave was
+rendered almost wholly dark by the overhanging trees, struck a light,
+and set fire to a candle placed within a lantern.
+
+After a few moments passed in prayer, the recluse begged him to give her
+the crucifix that she might clasp it to her breast. This done, she
+became more composed, and prepared to meet her end. Suddenly, as if
+something had again disturbed her, she opened wide her glazing eyes, and
+starting up with a dying effort, stretched out her hands.
+
+"I see him before them!" she cried. "They examine him--they adjudge him!
+Ah! he is now in a dungeon! See, the torturers advance! He is placed on
+the rack--once--twice--thrice--they turn the levers! His joints snap in
+their sockets--his sinews crack! Mercy! he confesses! He is led to
+execution. I see him ascend the scaffold!"
+
+"Whom do you behold?" inquired the soldier, listening to her in
+astonishment.
+
+"His face is hidden from me," replied the prophetess; "but his figure is
+not unlike your own. Ha! I hear the executioner pronounce his name. How
+are you called?"
+
+"GUY FAWKES," replied the soldier.
+
+"It is the name I heard," rejoined Elizabeth Orton.
+
+And, sinking backward, she expired.
+
+Guy Fawkes gazed at her for some time, till he felt assured that the
+last spark of life had fled. He then turned away, and placing his hand
+upon his chin, became lost in deep reflection.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+ORDSALL HALL
+
+
+Soon after sunset, on the evening of the events previously related, the
+inmates of Ordsall Hall were disturbed and alarmed (for in those times
+of trouble any casual disturbance at night was sufficient to occasion
+alarm to a Catholic family) by a loud clamour for admittance from some
+one stationed at the farther side of the moat, then, as now, surrounding
+that ancient manorial residence. The drawbridge being raised, no
+apprehension was entertained of an attempt at forcible entrance on the
+part of the intruder, who, so far as he could be discerned in the
+deepening twilight, rendered yet more obscure by the shade of the trees
+under which he stood, appeared to be a solitary horseman. Still, for
+fear of a surprise, it was judged prudent by those inside the hall to
+turn a deaf ear to the summons; nor was it until it had been more than
+once repeated in a peremptory tone, that any attention was paid to it.
+The outer gate was then cautiously opened by an old steward, and a
+couple of serving-men, armed with pikes and swords, who demanded the
+stranger's business, and were answered that he desired to speak with Sir
+William Radcliffe. The steward rejoined that his master was not at home,
+having set out the day before for Chester: but that even if he were, he
+would take upon himself to affirm that no audience would be given, on
+any pretence whatever, to a stranger at such an unseasonable hour. To
+this the other replied, in a haughty and commanding voice, that he was
+neither a stranger to Sir William Radcliffe, nor ignorant of the
+necessity of caution, though in this instance it was altogether
+superfluous; and as, notwithstanding the steward's assertion to the
+contrary, he was fully persuaded his master _was_ at home, he insisted
+upon being conducted to him without further parley, as his business
+would not brook delay. In vain the steward declared he had spoken the
+truth. The stranger evidently disbelieved him; but, as he could obtain
+no more satisfactory answer to his interrogations, he suddenly shifted
+his ground, and inquired whether Sir William's daughter, Mistress
+Viviana, was likewise absent from home.
+
+"Before I reply to the question, I must know by whom and wherefore it is
+put?" returned the steward, evasively.
+
+"Trouble not yourself further, friend, but deliver this letter to her,"
+rejoined the horseman, flinging a packet across the moat. "It is
+addressed to her father, but there is no reason why she should not be
+acquainted with its contents."
+
+"Take it up, Olin Birtwissel," cried the steward, eyeing the packet
+which had fallen at his feet suspiciously; "take it up, I say, and hold
+it to the light, that I may consider it well before I carry it to our
+young mistress. I have heard of strange treacheries practised by such
+means, and care not to meddle with it."
+
+"Neither do I, good Master Heydocke," replied Birtwissel. "I would not
+touch it for a twelvemonth's wages. It may burst, and spoil my good
+looks, and so ruin my fortunes with the damsels. But here is Jeff
+Gellibronde, who, having no beauty to lose, and being, moreover, afraid
+of nothing, will pick it up for you."
+
+"Speak for yourself, Olin," rejoined Gellibronde, in a surly tone. "I
+have no more fancy for a shattered limb, or a scorched face, than my
+neighbours."
+
+"Dolts!" cried the stranger, who had listened to these observations with
+angry impatience, "if you will not convey my packet, which has nothing
+more dangerous about it than an ordinary letter, to your mistress, at
+least acquaint her that Mr. Robert Catesby, of Ashby St. Legers, is
+without, and craves an instant speech with her."
+
+"Mr. Catesby!" exclaimed the steward, in astonishment. "If it be indeed
+your worship, why did you not declare yourself at once?"
+
+"I may have as good reason for caution as yourself, Master Heydocke,"
+returned Catesby, laughing.
+
+"True," rejoined the steward; "but, methinks it is somewhat strange to
+find your worship here, when I am aware that my master expected to meet
+you, and certain other honourable gentlemen that you wot of, at a place
+in a clean opposite direction, Holywell, in Flintshire."
+
+"The cause of my presence, since you desire to be certified of the
+matter, is simply this," replied Catesby, urging his steed towards the
+edge of the moat, while the steward advanced to meet him on the opposite
+bank, so that a few yards only lay between them; "I came round by
+Manchester," he continued, in a lower tone, "to see if any assistance
+could be rendered to the unfortunate fathers Woodroofe and Forshawe; but
+found on my arrival this morning that I was too late, as they had just
+been executed."
+
+"Heaven have mercy on their souls!" ejaculated Heydocke, shuddering, and
+crossing himself. "Yours was a pious mission, Mr. Catesby. Would it had
+been availing!"
+
+"I would so, too, with all my soul!" rejoined the other, fervently; "but
+fate ordained it otherwise. While I was in the town, I accidentally
+learnt from one, who informed me he had just parted with him, that your
+master was at home; and, fearing he might not be able to attend the
+meeting at Holywell, I resolved to proceed hither at nightfall, when my
+visit was not likely to be observed; having motives, which you may
+readily conjecture, for preserving the strictest secrecy on the
+occasion. The letter was prepared in case I should fail in meeting with
+him. And now that I have satisfied your scruples, good master steward,
+if Sir William be really within, I pray you lead me to him forthwith. If
+not, your young mistress may serve my turn, for I have that to say which
+it imports one or other of them to know."
+
+"In regard to my master," replied the steward, "he departed yesterday
+for Chester, on his way to join the pilgrimage to St. Winifred's Well,
+as I have already assured your worship. And whoever informed you to the
+contrary, spoke falsely. But I will convey your letter and message to my
+young mistress, and on learning her pleasure as to receiving you, will
+instantly return and report it. These are dangerous times, your worship;
+dangerous times. A good Catholic knows not whom to trust, there are so
+many spoilers abroad."
+
+"How, sirrah!" cried Catesby, angrily, "do you apply that observation to
+me?"
+
+"Far be it from me," answered Heydocke, respectfully, "to apply any
+observation that may sound offensive to your worship, whom I know to be
+a most worthy gentleman, and as free from heresy, as any in the kingdom.
+I was merely endeavouring to account for what may appear my over-caution
+in detaining you where you are, till I learn my lady's pleasure. It is a
+rule in this house not to lower the drawbridge without orders after
+sunset; and I dare not, for my place, disobey it. Young Mr. Humphrey
+Chetham, of Crumpsall, was detained in the like manner no later than
+last night; and he is a visitor," he added, in a significant tone, "who
+is not altogether unwelcome to my mistress--ahem! But duty is no
+respecter of persons; and in my master's absence my duty is to protect
+his household. Your worship will pardon me."
+
+"I will pardon anything but your loquacity and tediousness," rejoined
+Catesby, impatiently. "About your errand quickly."
+
+"I am gone, your worship," returned the steward, disappearing with his
+companions.
+
+Throwing the bridle over his horse's neck, and allowing him to drink his
+fill from the water of the moat, and afterwards to pluck a few mouthfuls
+of the long grass that fringed its brink, Catesby abandoned himself to
+reflection. In a few moments, as the steward did not return, he raised
+his eyes, and fixed them upon the ancient habitation before
+him,--ancient, indeed, it was not at this time, having been in a great
+measure rebuilt by its possessor, Sir William Radcliffe, during the
+latter part of the reign of Elizabeth, in the rich and picturesque style
+of that period. Little could be distinguished of its projecting and
+retiring wings, its walls decorated with black and white chequer-work,
+the characteristic of the class of architecture to which it belonged,
+or of its magnificent embayed windows filled with stained glass; but the
+outline of its heavy roof, with its numerous gables, and groups of tall
+and elaborately-ornamented chimneys, might be distinctly traced in
+strong relief against the warm and still-glowing western sky.
+
+Though much gone to decay, grievously neglected, and divided into three
+separate dwelling-houses, Ordsall Hall still retains much of its
+original character and beauty; and viewed at the magic hour above
+described, when the changes produced by the lapse of years cannot be
+detected, it presents much the same striking appearance that it offered
+to the gaze of Catesby. Situated on the north bank of the Irwell, which
+supplies the moat with a constant stream of fresh water, it commands on
+the south-west a beautiful view of the winding course of the river, here
+almost forming an island, of Trafford Park and its hall, of the woody
+uplands beyond it, and of the distant hills of Cheshire. The mansion
+itself is an irregular quadrangle, covering a considerable tract of
+ground. The gardens, once exquisitely laid out in the formal taste of
+Elizabeth's days, are also enclosed by the moat, surrounding (except in
+the intervals where it is filled up) a space of some acres in extent. At
+the period of this history, it was approached on the north-east by a
+noble avenue of sycamores, leading to within a short distance of its
+gates.
+
+As Catesby surveyed this stately structure, and pondered upon the wealth
+and power of its owner, his meditations thus found vent in words:--"If I
+could but link Radcliffe to our cause, or win the hand of his fair
+daughter, and so bind him to me, the great attempt could not fail. She
+has refused me once. No matter. I will persevere till she yields. With
+Father Oldcorne to back my suit, I am assured of success. She is
+necessary to my purpose, and shall be mine."
+
+Descended from an ancient Northamptonshire family, and numbering among
+his ancestry the well-known minister of the same name who flourished in
+the reign of Richard the Third, Robert Catesby,--at this time about
+forty,--had in his youth led a wild and dissolute life; and though bred
+in the faith of Rome, he had for some years abandoned its worship. In
+1580, when the Jesuits, Campion and Persons, visited England, he was
+reconciled to the church he had quitted, and thenceforth became as
+zealous a supporter and promoter of its doctrines as he had heretofore
+been their bitter opponent. He was now actively engaged in all the
+Popish plots of the period, and was even supposed to be connected with
+those designs of a darker dye which were set on foot for Elizabeth's
+destruction,--with Somerville's conspiracy,--with that of Arden and
+Throckmorton,--the latter of whom was his uncle on the maternal
+side,--with the plots of Bury and Savage,--of Ballard,--and of
+Babington. After the execution of the unfortunate Queen of Scots, he
+devoted himself to what was termed the Spanish faction, and endeavoured
+carry out the schemes of a party, who, distrusting the vague promises of
+James, were anxious to secure the succession to a Catholic,--the Infanta
+of Spain, or the Duke of Parma. On the insurrection of the Earl of
+Essex, he took part with that ill-fated nobleman; and, though he escaped
+condign punishment for the offence, he was imprisoned and heavily fined.
+
+From this time his career ran in darker channels. "Hunger-starved for
+innovation," as he is finely described by Camden,--imbued with the
+fiercest religious fanaticism,--eloquent, wily, resolute,--able alike to
+delude the powerful and intimidate the weak,--he possessed all the
+ingredients of a conspirator. Associating with men like himself, of
+desperate character and broken fortunes, he was ever on the look out for
+some means of retrieving his own condition, and redressing the wrongs of
+his church. Well informed of the actual state of James's sentiments,
+when, on that monarch's accession, confident hopes were entertained by
+the Romanists of greater toleration for their religion, Catesby was the
+first to point out their mistake, and to foretel the season of terrible
+persecution that was at hand. On this persecution he grounded his
+hopes--hopes, never realized, for the sufferers, amid all the grievances
+they endured, remained constant in their fidelity to the throne--of
+exciting a general insurrection among the Catholics.
+
+Disappointed in this expectation,--disappointed, also, in his hopes of
+Spain, of France, and of aid from Rome, he fell back upon himself, and
+resolved upon the execution of a dark and dreadful project which he had
+long conceived, and which he could execute almost single-handed, without
+aid from foreign powers, and without the co-operation of his own party.
+The nature of this project, which, if it succeeded, would, he imagined,
+accomplish all or more than his wildest dreams of ambition or fanaticism
+had ever conceived, it will be the business of this history to develope.
+Without going further into detail at present, it may be mentioned that
+the success of the plot depended so entirely on its secrecy, and so well
+aware was its contriver of the extraordinary system of espionage carried
+on by the Earl of Salisbury and the Privy Council, that for some time he
+scarcely dared to trust it out of his keeping. At length, after much
+deliberation, he communicated it to five others, all of whom were bound
+to silence by an oath of unusual solemnity; and as it was necessary to
+the complete success of the conspiracy that its outbreak should be
+instantaneously followed by a rise on the part of the Catholics, he
+darkly hinted that a plan was on foot for their deliverance from the
+yoke of their oppressors, and counselled them to hold themselves in
+readiness to fly to arms at a moment's notice. But here again he failed.
+Few were disposed to listen to him; and of those who did, the majority
+returned for answer, "that their part was endurance, and that the only
+arms which Christians could use against lawful powers in their severity
+were prayers and tears."
+
+Among the Popish party of that period, as in our own time, were ranked
+many of the oldest and most illustrious families in the
+kingdom,--families not less remarkable for their zeal for their religion
+than, as has before been observed, for their loyalty;--a loyalty
+afterwards approved in the disastrous reign of James the Second by their
+firm adherence to what they considered the indefeasible right of
+inheritance. Plots, indeed, were constantly hatched throughout the
+reigns of Elizabeth and James, by persons professing the religion of
+Rome; but in these the mass of the Catholics had no share. And even in
+the seasons of the bitterest persecution, when every fresh act of
+treason, perpetrated by some lawless and disaffected individual, was
+visited with additional rigour on their heads,--when the scaffold reeked
+with their blood, and the stake smoked with their ashes,--when their
+quarters were blackening on the gates and market-crosses of every city
+in the realm,--when their hearths were invaded, their religion
+proscribed, and the very name of Papist had become a by-word,--even in
+those terrible seasons, as in the season under consideration, they
+remained constant in their fidelity to the crown.
+
+From the troubled elements at work, some fierce and turbulent spirits
+were sure to arise,--some gloomy fanatics who, having brooded over their
+wrongs, real or imaginary, till they had lost all scruples of
+conscience, hesitated at no means of procuring redress. But it would be
+unjust to hold up such persons as representatives of the whole body of
+Catholics. Among the conspirators themselves there were redeeming
+shades. All were not actuated by the same atrocious motives. Mixed
+feelings induced Catesby to adopt the measure. Not so Guy Fawkes, who
+had already been leagued with the design. One idea alone ruled him. A
+soldier of fortune, but a stern religious enthusiast, he supposed
+himself chosen by Heaven for the redemption of his Church, and cared not
+what happened to himself, provided he accomplished his (as he conceived)
+holy design.
+
+In considering the causes which produced the conspiracy about to be
+related, and in separating the disaffected party of the Papists from the
+temperate, due weight must be given to the influence of the priesthood.
+Of the Romish clergy there were two classes--the secular priests, and
+the Jesuits and missionaries. While the former, like the more moderate
+of the laity, would have been well-contented with toleration for their
+religion, the latter breathed nothing but revenge, and desired the utter
+subversion of the existing government,--temporal as well as
+ecclesiastical. Men, for the most part, of high intellectual powers, of
+untiring energy, and unconquerable fortitude, they were enabled by
+their zeal and ability to make many proselytes. By their means, secret
+correspondence was carried on with the different courts of Europe; and
+they were not without hope that, taking advantage of some favourable
+crisis, they should yet restore their church to its former supremacy. To
+these persons,--who held as a maxim, "_Qui religionem Catholicam deserit
+regnandi jus omne amisit_,"--Catesby and his associates proved ready and
+devoted agents. Through their instrumentality, they hoped to accomplish
+the great work of their restoration. To Father Garnet, the provincial of
+the English Jesuits, of whom it will be necessary to speak more fully
+hereafter, the plot had been revealed by Catesby under the seal of
+confession; and, though it subsequently became a question whether he was
+justified in withholding a secret of such importance to the state, it is
+sufficient for the present purpose to say that he did withhold it. For
+the treasonable practices of the Jesuits and their faction some
+palliation may perhaps be found in the unrelenting persecution to which
+they were subjected; but if any excuse can be admitted for them, what
+opinion must be formed of the conduct of their temperate brethren?
+Surely, while the one is condemned, admiration may be mingled with the
+sympathy which must be felt for the unmerited sufferings of the other!
+
+From the foregoing statement, it will be readily inferred that Sir
+William Radcliffe, a devout Catholic, and a man of large possessions,
+though somewhat reduced by the heavy fines imposed upon him as a
+recusant, must have appeared an object of importance to the
+conspirators; nor will it be wondered at, that every means were used to
+gain him to their cause. Acting, however, upon the principles that
+swayed the well-disposed of his party, the knight resisted all these
+overtures, and refused to take any share in proceedings from which his
+conscience and loyalty alike revolted. Baffled, but not defeated,
+Catesby returned to the charge on a new point of assault. Himself a
+widower (or supposed to be so), he solicited the hand of the lovely
+Viviana Radcliffe, Sir William's only child, and the sole heiress of his
+possessions. But his suit in this quarter was, also, unsuccessful. The
+knight rejected the proposal, alleging that his daughter had no
+inclination to any alliance, inasmuch as she entertained serious
+thoughts of avowing herself to heaven. Thus foiled, Catesby ostensibly
+relinquished his design.
+
+Shortly before the commencement of this history, a pilgrimage to Saint
+Winifred's Well, in Flintshire, was undertaken by Father Garnet, the
+provincial of the Jesuits before mentioned, in company with several
+distinguished Catholic personages of both sexes, and to this ceremonial
+Sir William and his daughter were urgently bidden. The invitation was
+declined on the part of Viviana, but accepted by the knight, who, though
+unwilling to leave home at a period of so much danger, or to commit his
+daughter to any care but his own, even for so short a space, felt it to
+be his duty to give countenance by his presence to the ceremonial.
+
+Accordingly, he departed for Chester on the previous day, as stated by
+the steward. And, though Catesby professed ignorance on the subject, and
+even affirmed he had heard to the contrary, it may be doubted whether he
+was not secretly informed of the circumstance, and whether his arrival,
+at this particular conjuncture, was not preconcerted.
+
+Thus much in explanation of what is to follow. The course of Catesby's
+reflections was cut short by the return of the steward, who, informing
+him that he had his mistress's commands to admit him, immediately
+lowered the drawbridge for that purpose. Dismounting, and committing his
+steed to one of the serving-men, who advanced to take it, Catesby
+followed his conductor through a stone gateway, and crossing the garden,
+was ushered into a spacious and lofty hall, furnished with a long massy
+oak table, at the upper end of which was a raised dais. At one side of
+the chamber yawned a huge arched fire-place, garnished with enormous
+andirons, on which smouldered a fire composed of mixed turf and wood.
+Above the chimney-piece hung a suit of chain-armour, with the
+battle-axe, helmet, and gauntlets of Sir John Radcliffe, the first
+possessor of Ordsall, who flourished in the reign of Edward the First:
+on the right, masking the entrance, stood a magnificent screen of carved
+oak.
+
+Traversing this hall, Heydocke led the way to another large apartment;
+and placing lights on a Gothic-shaped table, offered a seat to the
+new-comer, and departed. The room in which Catesby was left was termed
+the star-chamber--a name retained to this day--from the circumstance of
+its ceiling being moulded and painted to resemble the heavenly vault
+when studded with the luminaries of night. It was terminated by a
+deeply-embayed window filled with stained glass of the most gorgeous
+colours. The walls, in some places, were hung with arras, in others,
+wainscoted with dark lustrous oak, embellished with scrolls, ciphers,
+and fanciful designs. The mantel-piece was of the same solid material,
+curiously carved, and of extraordinary size. It was adorned with the
+armorial bearings of the family--two bends engrailed, and in chief a
+label of three,--and other devices and inscriptions. The hearth was
+considerably raised above the level of the floor, and there was a
+peculiarity in the construction of the massive wooden pillars flanking
+it, that attracted the attention of Catesby, who rose with the intention
+of examining them more narrowly, when he was interrupted by the entrance
+of the lady of the mansion.
+
+Advancing at a slow and dignified pace, Viviana Radcliffe courteously
+but gravely saluted her guest; and, without offering him her hand,
+motioned him to a chair, while she seated herself at a little distance.
+Catesby had seen her twice before; and whether the circumstances under
+which they now met might have caused some change in her demeanour he
+could not tell, but he thought her singularly altered. A year ago, she
+had been a lively, laughing girl of seventeen, with a bright brown skin,
+dark flowing tresses, and eyes as black and radiant as those of a gipsy.
+She was now a grave, collected woman, infinitely more beautiful, but
+wholly changed in character. Her complexion had become a clear,
+transparent white, and set off to great advantage her large, luminous
+eyes, and jetty brows. Her figure was tall and majestic; her features
+regular, delicately formed, and of the rarest and proudest class of
+beauty. She was attired in a dress of black wrought velvet, entirely
+without ornament except the rosary at her girdle, with a small ebony
+crucifix attached to it. She wore a close-fitting cap, likewise of black
+velvet, edged with pearls, beneath which her raven tresses were gathered
+in such a manner as to display most becomingly the smooth and snowy
+expanse of her forehead. The gravity of her manner, not less than her
+charms of person, seem to have struck Catesby mute. He gazed on her in
+silent admiration for a brief space, utterly forgetful of the object of
+his visit, and the part he intended to play. During this pause, she
+maintained the most perfect composure, and fixing her dark eyes full
+upon him, appeared to await the moment when he might choose to open the
+conversation.
+
+Notwithstanding his age, and the dissolute and distracted life he had
+led, Catesby was still good-looking enough to have produced a favourable
+impression upon any woman easily captivated by manly beauty. The very
+expression of his marked and peculiar physiognomy,--in some degree an
+index to his character,--was sufficient to rivet attention; and the
+mysterious interest generally inspired by his presence was not
+diminished on further acquaintance with him. Though somewhat stern in
+their expression, his features were strikingly handsome, cast in an oval
+mould, and clothed with the pointed beard and trimmed mustaches
+invariably met with in the portraits of Vandyck. His frame was strongly
+built, but well proportioned, and seemed capable of enduring the
+greatest fatigue. His dress was that of an ordinary gentleman of the
+period, and consisted of a doublet of quilted silk, of sober colour and
+stout texture; large trunk-hose swelling out at the hips; and buff
+boots, armed with spurs with immense rowels. He wore a high and
+stiffly-starched ruff round his throat; and his apparel was completed by
+a short cloak of brown cloth, lined with silk of a similar colour. His
+arms were rapier and poniard, and his high-crowned plumed hat, of the
+peculiar form then in vogue, and looped on the "leer-side" with a
+diamond clasp, was thrown upon the table.
+
+Some little time having elapsed, during which he made no effort to
+address her, Viviana broke silence.
+
+"I understood you desired to speak with me on a matter of urgency, Mr.
+Catesby," she remarked.
+
+"I did so," he replied, as if aroused from a reverie; "and I can only
+excuse my absence of mind and ill manners, on the plea that the
+contemplation of your charms has driven all other matter out of my
+head."
+
+"Mr. Catesby," returned Viviana, rising, "if the purpose of your visit
+be merely to pay unmerited compliments, I must at once put an end to
+it."
+
+"I have only obeyed the impulse of my heart," resumed the other,
+passionately, "and uttered what involuntarily rose to my lips. But," he
+added, checking himself, "I will not offend you with my admiration. If
+you have read my letter to your father, you will not require to be
+informed of the object of my visit."
+
+"I have not read it," replied Viviana, returning him the packet with the
+seal unbroken. "I can give no opinion on any matter of difficulty. And I
+have no desire to know any secret with which my father might not desire
+me to be acquainted."
+
+"Are we overheard?" inquired Catesby, glancing suspiciously at the
+fire-place.
+
+"By no one whom you would care to overhear us," returned the maiden.
+
+"Then it is as I supposed," rejoined Catesby. "Father Oldcorne is
+concealed behind that mantel-piece?"
+
+Viviana smiled an affirmative.
+
+"Let him come forth, I pray you," returned Catesby. "What I have to say
+concerns him as much as yourself or your father; and I would gladly have
+his voice in the matter."
+
+"You shall have it, my son," replied a reverend personage, clad in a
+priestly garb, stepping from out one side of the mantel-piece, which
+flew suddenly open, disclosing a recess curiously contrived in the
+thickness of the wall. "You shall have it," said Father Oldcorne, for he
+it was, approaching and extending his arms over him. "Accept my blessing
+and my welcome."
+
+Catesby received the benediction with bowed head and bended knee.
+
+"And now," continued the priest, "what has the bravest soldier of our
+church to declare to its lowliest servant?"
+
+Catesby then briefly explained, as he had before done to the steward,
+why he had taken Manchester in his route to North Wales; and, after
+lamenting his inability to render any assistance to the unfortunate
+priests, he went on to state that he had accidentally learnt, from a few
+words let fall by the pursuivant to his attendant, that a warrant had
+been sent by the Earl of Salisbury for Sir William Radcliffe's arrest.
+
+"My father's arrest!" exclaimed Viviana, trembling violently.
+"What--what is laid to his charge?"
+
+"Felony," rejoined Catesby, sternly--"felony, without benefit of
+clergy--for so it is accounted by the present execrable laws of our
+land,--in harbouring a Jesuit priest. If he is convicted of the offence,
+his punishment will be death--death on the gibbet, accompanied by
+indignities worse than those shown to a common felon."
+
+"Holy Virgin!" ejaculated Father Oldcorne, lifting up his hands, and
+raising his eyes to heaven.
+
+"From what I gathered, the officers will visit this house to-night,"
+continued Catesby.
+
+"Our Lady be praised, they will not find him!" cried Viviana, who had
+been thrown into an agony of distress. "What is to be done in this
+frightful emergency, holy father?" she added, turning to the priest,
+with a supplicating look.
+
+"Heaven only knows, dear daughter," replied Oldcorne. "You had better
+appeal for counsel to one who is more able to afford it than I am,--Mr.
+Catesby. Well aware of the crafty devices of our enemies, and having
+often eluded their snares himself, he may enable you to escape them. My
+own course is clear. I shall quit this roof at once, deeply and bitterly
+regretting that by entering it, I have placed those whom I hold so dear,
+and from whom I have experienced so much kindness, in such fearful
+jeopardy."
+
+"Oh, no, father!" exclaimed Viviana, "you shall not go."
+
+"Daughter," replied Oldcorne, solemnly, "I have long borne the cross of
+Christ,--have long endured the stripes, inflicted upon me by the
+adversaries of our faith, in patience; and my last actions and last
+breath shall testify to the truth of our holy religion. But, though I
+could endure aught on my own account, I cannot consent to bring misery
+and destruction upon others. Hinder me not, dear daughter. I will go at
+once."
+
+"Hold, father!" interposed Catesby. "The step you would take may bring
+about what you are most anxious to avoid. If you are discovered and
+apprehended in this neighbourhood, suspicion will still attach to your
+protectors, and the secret of your departure will be wrung from some of
+the more timid of the household. Tarry where you are. Let the pursuivant
+make his search. I will engage to baffle his vigilance."
+
+"He speaks the truth, dear father," returned Viviana. "You must
+not--shall not depart. There are plenty of hiding-places, as you know,
+within the mansion. Let them be as rigorous as they may in their search,
+they will not discover you."
+
+"Whatever course you adjudge best for the security of others, I will
+pursue," rejoined Oldcorne, turning to Catesby. "Put me out of the
+question."
+
+"My opinion has already been given, father," replied Catesby. "Remain
+where you are."
+
+"But, if the officers should ascertain that my father is at Chester,
+and pursue him thither?" cried Viviana, suddenly struck by a new cause
+of alarm.
+
+"A messenger must be immediately despatched after him to give him
+warning," returned Catesby.
+
+"Will you be that messenger?" asked the maiden, eagerly.
+
+"I would shed my heart's best blood to pleasure you," returned Catesby.
+
+"Then I may count upon this service, for which, rest assured, I will not
+prove ungrateful," she rejoined.
+
+"You may," answered Catesby. "And yet I would, on Father Oldcorne's
+account, that my departure might be delayed till to-morrow."
+
+"The delay might be fatal," cried Viviana. "You must be in Chester
+before that time."
+
+"Doubt it not," returned Catesby. "Charged with your wishes, the wind
+shall scarcely outstrip my speed."
+
+So saying, he marched irresolutely towards the door, as if about to
+depart, when, just as he had reached it, he turned sharply round, and
+threw himself at Viviana's feet.
+
+"Forgive me, Miss Radcliffe," he cried, "if I once again, even at a
+critical moment like the present, dare to renew my suit. I fancied I had
+subdued my passion for you, but your presence has awakened it with
+greater violence than ever."
+
+"Rise, sir, I pray," rejoined the maiden, in an offended tone.
+
+"Hear me, I beseech you," continued Catesby, seizing her hand. "Before
+you reject my suit, consider well that in these perilous seasons, when
+no true Catholic can call his life his own, you may need a protector."
+
+"In the event you describe, Mr. Catesby," answered Viviana, "I would at
+once fulfil the intention I have formed of devoting myself to Heaven,
+and retire to the convent of Benedictine nuns, founded by Lady Mary
+Percy, at Brussels."
+
+"You would much more effectually serve the cause of your religion by
+acceding to my suit," observed Catesby, rising.
+
+"How so?" she inquired.
+
+"Listen to me, Miss Radcliffe," he rejoined, gravely, "and let my words
+be deeply graven upon your heart. In your hands rests the destiny of the
+Catholic Church."
+
+"In mine!" exclaimed Viviana.
+
+"In yours," returned Catesby. "A mighty blow is about to be struck for
+her deliverance."
+
+"Ay, marry, is it," cried Oldcorne, with sudden fervour. "Redemption
+draweth nigh; the year of visitation approacheth to an end; and
+jubilation is at hand. England shall again be called a happy realm, a
+blessed country, a religious people. Those who knew the former glory of
+religion shall lift up their hands for joy to see it returned again.
+Righteousness shall prosper, and infidelity be plucked up by the root.
+False error shall vanish like smoke, and they which saw it shall say
+where is it become? The daughters of Babylon shall be cast down, and in
+the dust lament their ruin. Proud heresy shall strike her sail, and
+groan as a beast crushed under a cart-wheel. The memory of novelties
+shall perish with a crack, and as a ruinous house falling to the ground.
+Repent, ye seducers, with speed, and prevent the dreadful wrath of the
+Powerable. He will come as flame that burneth out beyond the furnace.
+His fury shall fly forth as thunder, and pitch upon their tops that
+malign him. They shall perish in his fury, and melt like wax before the
+fire."
+
+"Amen!" ejaculated Catesby, as the priest concluded. "You have spoken
+prophetically, father."
+
+"I have but recited a prayer transmitted to me by Father Garnet,"
+rejoined Oldcorne.
+
+"Do you discern any hidden meaning in it?" demanded Catesby.
+
+"Yea, verily my son," returned the priest. "In the '_false error
+vanishing like_ SMOKE,'--in the '_house perishing with a_ CRACK,'--and
+in the '_fury flying forth as_ THUNDER,'--I read the mode the great work
+shall be brought about."
+
+"And you applaud the design?" asked Catesby, eagerly.
+
+"_Non vero factum probo, sed eventum amo_," rejoined the priest.
+
+"The secret is safe in your keeping, father?" asked Catesby, uneasily.
+
+"As if it had been disclosed to me in private confession," replied
+Oldcorne.
+
+"Hum!" muttered Catesby. "Confessions of as much consequence to the
+state have ere now been revealed, father."
+
+"A decree has been passed by his holiness, Clement VIII., forbidding all
+such revelations," replied Oldcorne. "And the question has been recently
+propounded by a learned brother of our order, Father Antonio Delrio,
+who, in his Magical Disquisitions, putteth it thus:--'Supposing a
+malefactor shall confess that he himself or some other has laid
+GUNPOWDER, or the like combustible matter, under a building--'"
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Catesby, starting.
+
+"--'And, unless it be taken away,'" proceeded the priest, regarding him
+fixedly, "'the whole house will be burnt, the prince destroyed, and as
+many as go into or out of the city will come to great mischief or
+peril!'"[2]
+
+"Well!" exclaimed Catesby.
+
+"The point then arises," continued Oldcorne, "whether the priest may
+make use of the secret thus obtained for the good of the government, and
+the averting of such danger; and, after fully discussing it, Father
+Delrio decides in the negative."
+
+"Enough," returned Catesby.
+
+"By whom is the blow to be struck?" asked Viviana, who had listened to
+the foregoing discourse in silent wonder.
+
+"By me," answered Catesby. "It is for you to nerve my arm."
+
+"You speak in riddles," she replied. "I understand you not."
+
+"Question Father Oldcorne, then, as to my meaning," rejoined Catesby;
+"he will tell you that, allied to you, I could not fail in the
+enterprise on which I am engaged."
+
+"It is the truth, dear daughter," Oldcorne asseverated.
+
+"I will not inquire further into this mystery," returned Viviana, "for
+such it is to me. But, believing what you both assert, I answer, that
+willingly as I would lay down my life for the welfare of our holy
+religion, persuading myself, as I do, that I have constancy enough to
+endure martyrdom for its sake,--I cannot consent to your proposal. Nay,
+if I must avouch the whole truth," she continued, blushing deeply, "my
+affections are already engaged, though to one with whom I can never hope
+to be united."
+
+"You have your answer, my son," observed the priest.
+
+Catesby replied with a look of the deepest mortification and
+disappointment; and, bowing coldly to Viviana, said, "I now depart to
+obey your behests, Miss Radcliffe."
+
+"Commend me in all duty to my dear father," replied Viviana, "and
+believe that I shall for ever feel bound to you for your zeal."
+
+"Neglect not all due caution, father," observed Catesby, glancing
+significantly at Oldcorne. "Forewarned, forearmed."
+
+"Doubt me not, my son," rejoined the Jesuit. "My prayers shall be for
+you.
+
+                Gentem auferte perfidam
+                Credentium de finibus,
+                Ut Christo laudes debitas
+                Persolvamus alacriter."
+
+After receiving a parting benediction from the priest, Catesby took his
+leave. His steed was speedily brought to the door by the old steward;
+and mounting it, he crossed the drawbridge, which was immediately raised
+behind him, and hastened on his journey.
+
+[2] Confitetur maleficus se vel alium posuisse pulverem vel quid aliud
+sub tali limine, et nisi tollantur domum comburendam, principem
+interiturum, quotquot urbem egredienturque in magnam perniciem aut
+periculum venturos.--DELRIO _Disq. Mag._, lib. vi. cap. i. [_Edit._
+1600.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE SEARCH.
+
+
+Immediately after Catesby's departure, Heydocke was summoned to his
+mistress's presence. He found her with the priest, and was informed that
+in all probability the house would be visited that night by the
+messengers of the Privy Council. The old steward received the
+intelligence as he might have done his death-warrant, and looked so
+bewildered and affrighted, that Viviana half repented having acquainted
+him with it.
+
+"Compose yourself, Master Heydocke," she said, trying to reason him out
+of his fears; "the search may not take place. And if it does, there is
+nothing to be alarmed at. I am not afraid, you perceive."
+
+"Nothing to be alarmed at, my dear young lady!" gasped the steward. "You
+have never witnessed a midnight search for a priest by these ruffianly
+catchpoles, as I have, or you would not say so. Father Oldcorne will
+comprehend my uneasiness, and excuse it. The miscreants break into the
+house like robbers, and treat its inmates worse than robbers would treat
+them. They have no regard for decency,--no consideration for sex,--no
+respect for persons. Not a chamber is sacred from them. If a door is
+bolted, they burst it open; a cabinet locked, they tarry not for the
+key. They pull down the hangings, thrust their rapier-points into the
+crevices of the wainscot, discharge their fire-arms against the wall,
+and sometimes threaten to pull down the house itself, if the object of
+their quest be not delivered to them. Their oaths, abominations, and
+menaces are horrible; and their treatment of females, even of your
+degree, honoured mistress, too barbarous to relate. Poor Lady Nevil died
+of the fright she got by such a visit at dead of night to her residence
+in Holborn. Mrs. Vavasour, of York, lost her senses; and many others
+whom I could mention have been equal sufferers. Nothing to be alarmed
+at! Heaven grant, my dear, dear young lady, that you may never be
+fatally convinced to the contrary!"
+
+"Suppose my apprehensions are as great as your own, Master Heydocke,"
+replied Viviana, who, though somewhat infected by his terrors, still
+maintained her firmness; "I do not see how the danger is to be averted
+by idle lamentations and misgivings. We must meet it boldly; and trust
+to Him who is our only safeguard in the hour of peril, for protection.
+Do not alarm the household, but let all retire to rest as usual."
+
+"Right, daughter," observed the priest. "Preparations for resistance
+would only excite suspicion."
+
+"Can you depend on the servants, in case they are examined?" asked
+Viviana of the steward, who by this time had partially recovered his
+composure.
+
+"I think so," returned Heydocke; "but the threats of the officers are so
+dreadful, and their conduct so violent and outrageous, that I can
+scarcely answer for myself. I would not advise your reverence to remain
+in that hiding-place," he added, pointing to the chimney-piece; "they
+are sure to discover it."
+
+"If not here, where shall I conceal myself?" rejoined Oldcorne,
+uneasily.
+
+"There are many nooks in which your reverence might hide," replied the
+steward; "but the knaves are so crafty, and so well experienced in their
+vocation, that I dare not recommend any of them as secure. I would
+advise you to remain on the watch, and, in case of alarm, I will conduct
+you to the oratory in the north gallery, adjoining Mistress Viviana's
+sleeping-chamber, where there is a panel in the wall, known only to
+myself and my master, opening upon a secret passage running many hundred
+yards underground, and communicating with a small outbuilding on the
+other side of the moat. There is a contrivance in this passage, which I
+will explain to your reverence if need be, which will cut off any
+possibility of pursuit in that quarter."
+
+"Be it so," replied the priest. "I place myself in your hands, good
+Master Heydocke, well assured of your fidelity. I shall remain
+throughout the night in this chamber, occupied in my devotions."
+
+"You will suffer me to pray with you, father, I trust?" said Viviana.
+
+"If you desire it, assuredly, dear daughter," rejoined Oldcorne; "but I
+am unwilling you should sacrifice your rest."
+
+"It will be no sacrifice, father, for I should not slumber, even if I
+sought my couch," she returned. "Go, good Heydocke. Keep vigilant watch:
+and, if you hear the slightest noise without, fail not to give us
+warning."
+
+The steward bowed, and departed.
+
+Some hours elapsed, during which nothing occurred to alarm Viviana and
+her companion, who consumed the time in prayer and devout conversation;
+when, just at the stroke of two,--as the former was kneeling before her
+spiritual adviser, and receiving absolution for the slight offences of
+which a being so pure-minded could be supposed capable,--a noise like
+the falling of a bar of iron was heard beneath the window. The priest
+turned pale, and cast a look of uneasiness at the maiden, who said
+nothing, but snatching up the light, and motioning him to remain quiet,
+hurried out of the room in search of the steward. He was nowhere to be
+found. In vain, she examined all the lower rooms,--in vain, called to
+him by name. No answer was returned.
+
+Greatly terrified, she was preparing to retrace her steps, when she
+heard the sound of muttered voices in the hall. Extinguishing her light,
+she advanced to the door, which was left ajar, and, taking care not to
+expose herself to observation, beheld several armed figures, some of
+whom bore dark lanterns, while others surrounded and menaced with their
+drawn swords the unfortunate steward. From their discourse she
+ascertained that, having thrown a plank across the moat, and concealed
+themselves within the garden until they had reconnoitred the premises,
+they had contrived to gain admittance unperceived through the window of
+a small back room, in which they had surprised Heydocke, who had fallen
+asleep on his post, and captured him. One amongst their number, who
+appeared to act as leader, and whom, from his garb, and the white wand
+he carried, Viviana knew must be a pursuivant, now proceeded to
+interrogate the prisoner. To every question proposed to him the steward
+shook his head; and, in spite of the threats of the examinant, and the
+blows of his followers, he persisted in maintaining silence.
+
+"If we cannot make this contumacious rascal speak, we will find others
+more tractable," observed the pursuivant. "I will not leave any corner
+of the house unvisited; nor a soul within it unquestioned. Ah! here they
+come!"
+
+As he spoke, several of the serving-men, with some of the female
+domestics, who had been alarmed by the noise, rushed into the hall, and
+on seeing it filled with armed men, were about to retreat, when they
+were instantly seized and detained. A scene of great confusion now
+ensued. The women screamed and cried for mercy, while the men struggled
+and fought with their captors. Commanding silence at length, the
+pursuivant proclaimed in the King's name that whoever would guide him to
+the hiding-place of Father Oldcorne, a Jesuit priest, whom it was known,
+and could be proved, was harboured within the mansion, should receive a
+free pardon and reward; while those who screened him, or connived at his
+concealment, were liable to fine, imprisonment, and even more severe
+punishment. Each servant was then questioned separately. But, though all
+were more or less rudely dealt with, no information could be elicited.
+
+Meanwhile, Viviana was a prey to the most intolerable anxiety. Unable to
+reach Father Oldcorne without crossing the hall, which she did not dare
+to attempt, she gave him up for lost; her sole hope being that, on
+hearing the cries of the domestics, he would provide for his own safety.
+Her anxiety was still farther increased when the pursuivant, having
+exhausted his patience by fruitless interrogatories, and satisfied his
+malice by frightening two of the females into fits, departed with a
+portion of his band to search the house, leaving the rest as a guard
+over the prisoners.
+
+Viviana then felt that, if she would save Father Oldcorne, the attempt
+must be made without a moment's delay, and at any hazard. Watching her
+opportunity, when the troopers were occupied,--some in helping
+themselves to such viands and liquors as they could lay hands
+upon,--some in searching the persons of the prisoners for amulets and
+relics,--while others, more humane, were trying to revive the swooning
+women, she contrived to steal unperceived across the lower end of the
+hall. Having gained the passage, she found to her horror that the
+pursuivant and his band were already within the star-chamber. They were
+sounding the walls with hammers and mallets, and from their
+exclamations, she learnt that they had discovered the retreat behind the
+fire-place, and were about to break it open.
+
+"We have him," roared the pursuivant, in a voice of triumph. "The old
+owl's roost is here!"
+
+Viviana, who stood at the door, drew in her breath, expecting that the
+next moment would inform her that the priest was made captive. Instead
+of this, she was delighted to find, from the oaths of rage and
+disappointment uttered by the troopers, that he had eluded them.
+
+"He must be in the house, at all events," growled the pursuivant; "nor
+is it long since he quitted his hiding-place, as this cushion proves. We
+will not go away without him. And now, let us proceed to the upper
+chambers."
+
+Hearing their footsteps approach, Viviana darted off, and quickly
+ascending the principal staircase, entered a long corridor. Uncertain
+what to do, she was about to proceed to her own chamber, and bar the
+door, when she felt her arm grasped by a man. With difficulty repressing
+a shriek, she strove to disengage herself, when a whisper told her it
+was the priest.
+
+"Heaven be praised!" cried Viviana, "you are safe. How--how did you
+escape?"
+
+"I flew upstairs on hearing the voices," replied Oldcorne. "But what has
+happened to the steward?"
+
+"He is a prisoner," replied Viviana.
+
+"All then is lost, unless you are acquainted with the secret panel he
+spoke of in the oratory," rejoined Oldcorne.
+
+"Alas! father, I am wholly ignorant of it," she answered. "But, come
+with me into my chamber; they will not dare to invade it."
+
+"I know not that," returned the priest, despairingly. "These
+sacrilegious villains would not respect the sanctity of the altar
+itself."
+
+"They come!" cried Viviana, as lights were seen at the foot of the
+stairs. "Take my hand--this way, father."
+
+They had scarcely gained the room, and fastened the door, when the
+pursuivant and his attendants appeared in the corridor. The officer, it
+would seem, had been well instructed where to search, or was
+sufficiently practised in his duty, for he proceeded at once to several
+hiding-places in the different chambers which he visited. In one room he
+detected a secret staircase in the wall, which he mounted, and
+discovered a small chapel built in the roof. Stripping it of its altar,
+its statue of the Virgin, its crucifix, pix, chalice, and other
+consecrated vessels, he descended, and continued his search. Viviana's
+chamber was now the only one unvisited. Trying the door, and finding it
+locked, he tapped against it with his wand.
+
+"Who knocks?" asked the maiden.
+
+"A state-messenger," was the reply. "I demand entrance in the King's
+name."
+
+"You cannot have it," she replied. "It is my sleeping-chamber."
+
+"My duty allows me no alternative," rejoined the pursuivant, harshly.
+"If you will not admit me quietly, I must use force."
+
+"Do you know to whom you offer this rudeness?" returned Viviana. "I am
+the daughter of Sir William Radcliffe."
+
+"I know it," replied the pursuivant; "but I am not exceeding my
+authority. I hold a warrant for your father's arrest. And, if he had not
+been from home, I should have carried him to prison along with the
+Jesuit priest whom, I suspect, is concealed within your chamber. Open
+the door, I command you; and do not hinder me in the execution of my
+duty."
+
+As no answer was returned to the application, the pursuivant commanded
+his men to burst open the door; and the order was promptly obeyed.
+
+The chamber was empty.
+
+On searching it, however, the pursuivant found a door concealed by the
+hangings of the bed. It was bolted on the other side, but speedily
+yielded to his efforts. Passing through it, he entered upon a narrow
+gallery, at the extremity of which his progress was stopped by another
+door, likewise fastened on the further side. On bursting it open, he
+entered a small oratory, wainscoted with oak, and lighted by an oriel
+window filled with stained glass, through which the newly-risen moon was
+pouring its full radiance, and discovered the object of his search.
+
+"Father Oldcorne, I arrest you as a Jesuit and a traitor," shouted the
+pursuivant, in a voice of exultation. "Seize him!" he added, calling to
+his men.
+
+"You shall not take him," cried Viviana, clinging despairingly to the
+priest, who offered no resistance, but clasped a crucifix to his breast.
+
+"Leave go your hold, young mistress," rejoined the pursuivant, grasping
+Oldcorne by the collar of his vestment, and dragging him along; "and
+rest thankful that I make you not, also, my prisoner."
+
+"Take me; but spare him!--in mercy spare him!" shrieked Viviana.
+
+"You solicit mercy from one who knows it not, daughter," observed the
+priest. "Lead on, sir. I am ready to attend you."
+
+"Your destination is the New Fleet, father," retorted the pursuivant, in
+a tone of bitter raillery; "unless you prefer the cell in Radcliffe Hall
+lately vacated by your saintly predecessor, Father Woodroofe."
+
+"Help! help!" shrieked Viviana.
+
+"You may spare your voice, fair lady," sneered the pursuivant. "No help
+is at hand. Your servants are all prisoners."
+
+The words were scarcely uttered, when a sliding panel in the wall flew
+open, and Guy Fawkes, followed by Humphrey Chetham, and another
+personage, sprang through the aperture, and presented a petronel at the
+head of the pursuivant.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+CHAT MOSS.
+
+
+The pursuivant was taken so completely unawares by the sudden appearance
+of Guy Fawkes and his companions, that he made no attempt at resistance.
+Nor were his attendants less confounded. Before they recovered from
+their surprise, Humphrey Chetham seized Viviana in his arms, and darting
+through the panel, called to the priest to follow him. Father Oldcorne
+was about to comply, when one of the soldiers, grasping the surcingle at
+his waist, dragged him forcibly backwards. The next moment, however, he
+was set free by Guy Fawkes, who, felling the man to the ground, and
+interposing himself between the priest and the other soldier, enabled
+the former to make good his retreat. This done, he planted himself in
+front of the panel, and with a petronel in each hand, menaced his
+opponents.
+
+"Fly for your lives!" he shouted in a loud voice to the others. "Not a
+moment is to be lost. I have taken greater odds, and in a worse cause,
+and have not been worsted. Heed me not, I say. I will defend the passage
+till you are beyond reach of danger. Fly!--fly!"
+
+"After them!" vociferated the pursuivant, stamping with rage and
+vexation; "after them instantly! Hew down that bold traitor. Show him no
+quarter. His life is forfeit to the king. Slay him as you would a dog!"
+
+But the men, having no fire-arms, were so much intimidated by the fierce
+looks of Guy Fawkes, and the deadly weapons he pointed at their heads,
+that they hesitated to obey their leader's injunctions.
+
+"Do you hear what I say to you, cravens?" roared the pursuivant. "Cut
+him down without mercy."
+
+"They dare not move a footstep," rejoined Guy Fawkes, in a decisive
+tone.
+
+"Recreants!" cried the pursuivant, foaming with rage, "is my prey to be
+snatched from me at the very moment I have secured it, through your
+cowardice? Obey me instantly, or, as Heaven shall judge me, I will
+denounce you to my Lord Derby and the Commissioners as aiders and
+abettors in Father Oldcorne's escape!--and you well know what your
+punishment will be if I do so. What!--are you afraid of one man?"
+
+"Our pikes are no match for his petronels," observed the foremost
+soldier, sullenly.
+
+"They are not," rejoined Guy Fawkes; "and you will do well not to compel
+me to prove the truth of your assertion. As to you, Master Pursuivant,"
+he continued, with a look so stern that the other quailed before it,
+"unwilling as I am to shed blood, I shall hold your life, if I am
+compelled to take it, but just retribution for the fate you have brought
+upon the unfortunate Elizabeth Orton.
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed the pursuivant, starting. "I thought I recognised you.
+You are the soldier in the Spanish garb who saved that false prophetess
+from drowning."
+
+"I saved her only for a more lingering death," rejoined Guy Fawkes.
+
+"I know it," retorted the pursuivant. "I found her dead body when I
+visited her cell on my way hither, and gave orders to have it interred
+without coffin or shroud in that part of the burial-ground of the
+Collegiate Church in Manchester reserved for common felons."
+
+"I know not what stays my hand," rejoined Guy Fawkes, fiercely. "But I
+am strongly tempted to give you a grave beside her."
+
+"I will put your daring to the proof!" cried the pursuivant, snatching a
+pike from one of his followers, and brandishing it over his head. "Throw
+down your arms, or you die!"
+
+"Back!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, presenting a petronel at him, "or I lodge
+a bullet in your brain."
+
+"Be advised by me, and rush not on certain destruction, good Master
+Pursuivant," said the foremost soldier, plucking his mantle. "I see by
+his bloodthirsty looks that the villain is in earnest."
+
+"I hear footsteps," cried the other soldier; "our comrades are at hand."
+
+"Then it is time for me to depart," cried Guy Fawkes, springing through
+the secret door, and closing it after him.
+
+"Confusion!" exclaimed the pursuivant; "but he shall not escape. Break
+open the panel."
+
+The order was promptly obeyed. The men battered the stout oak board,
+which was of great thickness, with their pikes, but it resisted every
+effort, nor was it until the arrival of a fresh band of soldiers with
+lights, mallets, chisels, and other implements suitable to the purpose,
+that it could be forced open. This accomplished, the pursuivant,
+commanding his attendants to follow him, dashed through the aperture. As
+they proceeded singly along the narrow passage, the roof became so low
+that they were compelled to adopt a stooping posture. In this manner
+they hurried on until their further progress was stopped by a massive
+stone door, which appeared to descend from above by some hidden
+contrivance, no trace of bolt or other fastening being discernible. The
+flag fitted closely in channels in the walls, and had all the appearance
+of solid masonry. After examining this obstacle for a moment, the
+pursuivant was convinced that any attempt to move it would be
+impracticable, and muttering a deep execration, he gave the word to
+return.
+
+"From the course it appears to take," he observed, "this passage must
+communicate with the garden,--perhaps with the further side of the moat.
+We may yet secure them, if we use despatch."
+
+To return to the fugitives. On arriving at the point where the stone
+door was situated, which he discovered by the channels in the wall
+above-mentioned, Guy Fawkes searched for an iron ring, and, having found
+it, drew it towards him, and the ponderous flag slowly dropped into its
+place. He then groped his way cautiously along in the dark, until his
+foot encountered the top of a ladder, down which he crept, and landed on
+the floor of a damp deep vault. Having taken the precaution to remove
+the ladder, he hastened onwards for about fifty yards, when he came to a
+steep flight of stone steps, distinguishable by a feeble glimmer of
+light from above, and mounting them, emerged through an open trap-door
+into a small building situated at the western side of the moat, where,
+to his surprise and disappointment, he found the other fugitives.
+
+"How comes it you are here?" he exclaimed, in a reproachful tone. "I
+kept the wolves at bay thus long, to enable you to make good your
+retreat."
+
+"Miss Radcliffe is too weak to move," replied Humphrey Chetham; "and I
+could not persuade Father Oldcorne to leave her."
+
+"I care not what becomes of me," said the priest. "The sooner my painful
+race is run the better. But I cannot--will not abandon my dear charge
+thus."
+
+"Think not of me, father, I implore you," rejoined Viviana, who had sunk
+overpowered with terror and exhaustion. "I shall be better soon. Master
+Chetham, I am assured, will remain with me till our enemies have
+departed, and I will then return to the hall."
+
+"Command me as you please, Miss Radcliffe," replied Humphrey Chetham.
+"You have but to express a wish to insure its fulfilment on my part."
+
+"Oh! that you had suffered Mr. Catesby to tarry with us till the
+morning, as he himself proposed, dear daughter," observed the priest,
+turning to Viviana.
+
+"Has Catesby been here?" inquired Guy Fawkes, with a look of
+astonishment.
+
+"He has," replied Oldcorne. "He came to warn us that the hall would be
+this night searched by the officers of state; and he also brought word
+that a warrant had been issued by the Privy Council for the arrest of
+Sir William Radcliffe."
+
+"Where is he now?" demanded Fawkes, hastily.
+
+"On the way to Chester, whither he departed in all haste, at Viviana's
+urgent request, to apprise her father of his danger," rejoined the
+priest.
+
+"This is strange!" muttered Guy Fawkes. "Catesby here, and I not know
+it!"
+
+"He had a secret motive for his visit, my son," whispered Oldcorne,
+significantly.
+
+"So I conclude, father," replied Fawkes, in the same tone.
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe," murmured Humphrey Chetham, in low and tender
+accents, "something tells me that this moment will decide my future
+fate. Emboldened by the mysterious manner in which we have been brought
+together, and you, as it were, have been thrown upon my protection, I
+venture to declare the passion I have long indulged for you;--a passion
+which, though deep and fervent as ever agitated human bosom, has
+hitherto, from the difference of our rank, and yet more from the
+difference of our religious opinions, been without hope. What has just
+occurred,--added to the peril in which your worthy father stands, and
+the difficulties in which you yourself will necessarily be
+involved,--makes me cast aside all misgiving, and perhaps with too much
+presumption, but with a confident belief that the sincerity of my love
+renders me not wholly undeserving of your regard, earnestly solicit you
+to give me a husband's right to watch over and defend you."
+
+Viviana was silent. But even by the imperfect light the young merchant
+could discern that her cheek was covered with blushes.
+
+"Your answer?" he cried, taking her hand.
+
+"You must take it from my lips, Master Chetham," interposed the priest;
+"Viviana Radcliffe never can be yours."
+
+"Be pleased to let her speak for herself, reverend sir," rejoined the
+young merchant, angrily.
+
+"I represent her father, and have acquainted you with his
+determination," rejoined the priest. "Appeal to her, and she will
+confirm my words."
+
+"Viviana, is this true?" asked Chetham. "Does your father object to your
+union with me?"
+
+Viviana answered by a deep sigh, and gently withdrew her hand from the
+young merchant's grasp.
+
+"Then there is no hope for me?" cried Chetham.
+
+"Alas! no," replied Viviana; "nor for me--of earthly affection. I am
+already dead to the world."
+
+"How so?" he asked.
+
+"I am about to vow myself to Heaven," she answered.
+
+"Viviana!" exclaimed the young man, throwing himself at her feet,
+"reflect!--oh! reflect, before you take this fatal--this irrevocable
+step."
+
+"Rise, sir," interposed the priest, sternly; "you plead in vain. Sir
+William Radcliffe will never wed his daughter to a heretic. In his name
+I command you to desist from further solicitation."
+
+"I obey," replied Chetham, rising.
+
+"We lose time here," observed Guy Fawkes, who had been lost for a moment
+in reflection. "I will undertake to provide for your safety, father.
+But, what must be done with Viviana? She cannot be left here. And her
+return to the hall would be attended with danger."
+
+"I will not return till the miscreants have quitted it," said Viviana.
+
+"Their departure is uncertain," replied Fawkes. "When they are baulked
+of their prey they sometimes haunt a dwelling for weeks."
+
+"What will become of me?" cried Viviana, distractedly.
+
+"It were vain, I fear, to entreat you to accept an asylum with my father
+at Clayton Hall, or at my own residence at Crumpsall," said Humphrey
+Chetham.
+
+"Your offer is most kind, sir," replied Oldcorne, "and is duly
+appreciated. But Viviana will see the propriety--on every account--of
+declining it."
+
+"I do; I do," she acquiesced.
+
+"Will you entrust yourself to my protection?" observed Fawkes.
+
+"Willingly," replied the priest, answering for her. "We shall find some
+place of refuge," he added, turning to Viviana, "where your father can
+join us, and where we can remain concealed till this storm has blown
+over."
+
+"I know many such," rejoined Fawkes, "both in this county and in
+Yorkshire, and will guide you to one."
+
+"My horses are at your service," said Humphrey Chetham. "They are tied
+beneath the trees in the avenue. My servant shall bring them to the
+door," and, turning to his attendant, he gave him directions to that
+effect. "I was riding hither an hour before midnight," he continued,
+addressing Viviana, "to offer you assistance, having accidentally heard
+the pursuivant mention his meditated visit to Ordsall Hall, to one of
+his followers, when, as I approached the gates, this person," pointing
+to Guy Fawkes, "crossed my path, and, seizing the bridle of my steed,
+demanded whether I was a friend to Sir William Radcliffe. I answered in
+the affirmative, and desired to know the motive of his inquiry. He then
+told me that the house was invested by a numerous band of armed men, who
+had crossed the moat by means of a plank, and were at that moment
+concealed within the garden. This intelligence, besides filling me with
+alarm, disconcerted all my plans, as I hoped to have been beforehand
+with them--their inquisitorial searches being generally made at a late
+hour, when all the inmates of a house intended to be surprised are
+certain to have retired to rest. While I was bitterly reproaching myself
+for my dilatoriness, and considering what course it would be best to
+pursue, my servant, Martin Heydocke, son to your father's old steward,
+who had ridden up at the stranger's approach, informed me that he was
+acquainted with a secret passage communicating beneath the moat with the
+hall. Upon this, I dismounted; and fastening my horse to a tree, ordered
+him to lead me to it without an instant's delay. The stranger, who gave
+his name as Guy Fawkes, and professed himself a stanch Catholic, and a
+friend of Father Oldcorne, begged permission to join us, in a tone so
+earnest, that I at once acceded to his request. We then proceeded to
+this building, and after some search discovered the trap-door. Much time
+was lost, owing to our being unprovided with lights, in the subterranean
+passage; and it was more than two hours before we could find the ring
+connected with the stone door, the mystery of which Martin explained to
+us. This delay we feared would render our scheme abortive, when, just as
+we reached the panel, we heard your shrieks. The spring was touched,
+and--you know the rest."
+
+"And shall never forget it," replied Viviana, in a tone of the deepest
+gratitude.
+
+At this juncture, the tramp of horses was heard at the door; and the
+next moment it was thrown open by the younger Heydocke, who, with a
+look, and in a voice of the utmost terror, exclaimed, "They are
+coming!--they are coming!"
+
+"The pursuivant?" cried Guy Fawkes.
+
+"Not him alone, but the whole gang," rejoined Martin. "Some of them are
+lowering the drawbridge, while others are crossing the plank. Several
+are on horseback, and I think I discern the pursuivant amongst the
+number. They have seen me, and are hurrying in this direction."
+
+As he spoke, a loud shout corroborated his statement.
+
+"We are lost!" exclaimed Oldcorne.
+
+"Do not despair, father," rejoined Guy Fawkes. "Heaven will not abandon
+its faithful servants. The Lord will deliver us out of the hands of
+these Amalekites."
+
+"To horse, then, if you would indeed avoid them," urged Humphrey
+Chetham. "The shouts grow louder. Your enemies are fast approaching."
+
+"Viviana," said Guy Fawkes, "are you willing to fly with us?"
+
+"I will do anything rather than be left to those horrible men," she
+answered.
+
+Guy Fawkes then raised her in his arms, and sprang with his lovely
+burthen upon the nearest charger. His example was quickly followed by
+Humphrey Chetham, who, vaulting on the other horse, assisted the priest
+to mount behind him. While this took place, Martin Heydocke darted into
+the shed, and instantly bolted the door.
+
+It was a beautiful moonlight night, almost as bright as day, and the
+movements of each party were fully revealed to the other. Guy Fawkes
+perceived at a glance that they were surrounded; and, though he had no
+fears for himself, he was full of apprehension for the safety of his
+companion. While he was debating with himself as to the course it would
+be best to pursue, Humphrey Chetham shouted to him to turn to the left,
+and started off in that direction. Grasping his fair charge, whom he had
+placed before him on the saddle, firmly with his left arm, and wrapping
+her in his ample cloak, Guy Fawkes drew his sword, and striking spurs
+into his steed, followed in the same track.
+
+The little fabric which had afforded them temporary shelter, it has
+already been mentioned, was situated on the west of the hall, at a short
+distance from the moat, and was screened from observation by a small
+shrubbery. No sooner did the fugitives emerge from this cover, than loud
+outcries were raised by their antagonists, and every effort was made to
+intercept them. On the right, galloping towards them on a light but
+swift courser, taken from Sir William Radcliffe's stables, came the
+pursuivant, attended by half-a-dozen troopers, who had accommodated
+themselves with horses in the same manner as their leader. Between them
+and the road leading to Manchester, were stationed several armed men on
+foot. At the rear, voices proclaimed that others were in full pursuit;
+while in front, a fourth detachment menaced them with their pikes. Thus
+beset on all sides, it seemed scarcely possible to escape. Nothing
+daunted, however, by the threats and vociferations with which they were
+received, the two horsemen boldly charged this party. The encounter was
+instantaneous. Guy Fawkes warded off a blow, which, if it had taken
+effect, must have robbed Viviana of life, and struck down the fellow who
+aimed it. At the same moment, his career was checked by another
+assailant, who, catching his bridle with the hook of his pike, commanded
+him to surrender. Fawkes replied by cleaving the man's staff asunder,
+and, having thus disembarrassed himself, was about to pursue his
+course, when he perceived that Humphrey Chetham was in imminent danger
+from a couple of soldiers who had stopped him, and were trying to
+unhorse his companion. Riding up to them, Guy Fawkes, by a vigorous and
+well-directed attack, speedily drove them off; and the fugitives, being
+now unimpeded, were enabled to continue their career.
+
+The foregoing occurrences were witnessed by the pursuivant with the
+utmost rage and vexation. Pouring forth a torrent of threats and
+imprecations, he swore he would never rest till he had secured them, and
+urging his courser to its utmost speed, commanded his men to give chase.
+
+Skirting a sluice, communicating between the Irwell and the moat,
+Humphrey Chetham, who, as better acquainted with the country than his
+companions, took the lead, proceeded along its edge for about a hundred
+yards, when he suddenly struck across a narrow bridge covered with sod,
+and entered the open fields. Hitherto Viviana had remained silent.
+Though fully aware of the risk she had run, she gave no sign of
+alarm--not even when the blow was aimed against her life; and it was
+only on conceiving the danger in some degree past, that she ventured to
+express her gratitude.
+
+"You have displayed so much courage," said Guy Fawkes, in answer to her
+speech, "that it would be unpardonable to deceive you. Our foes are too
+near us, and too well mounted, to make it by any means certain we shall
+escape them,--unless by stratagem."
+
+"They are within a hundred yards of us," cried Humphrey Chetham,
+glancing fearfully backwards. "They have possessed themselves of your
+father's fleetest horses; and, if I mistake not, the rascally pursuivant
+has secured your favourite barb."
+
+"My gentle Zayda!" exclaimed Viviana. "Then indeed we are lost. She has
+not her match for speed."
+
+"If she bring her rider to us alone, she will do us good service,"
+observed Guy Fawkes, significantly.
+
+The same notion, almost at the same moment, occurred to the pursuivant.
+Having witnessed the prowess displayed by Guy Fawkes in his recent
+attack on the soldiers, he felt no disposition to encounter so
+formidable an opponent single-handed; and finding that the high-mettled
+barb on which he was mounted, by its superior speed and fiery temper,
+would inevitably place him in such a dilemma, he prudently resolved to
+halt, and exchange it for a more manageable steed.
+
+This delay was of great service to the fugitives, and enabled them to
+get considerably ahead. They had now gained a narrow lane, and, tracking
+it, speedily reached the rocky banks of the Irwell. Galloping along a
+foot-path that followed the serpentine course of the stream for a
+quarter of a mile, they arrived at a spot marked by a bed of osiers,
+where Humphrey Chetham informed them there was a ford.
+
+Accordingly, they plunged into the river, and while stemming the
+current, which here ran with great swiftness, and rose up above the
+saddles, the neighing of a steed was heard from the bank they had
+quitted. Turning at the sound, Viviana beheld her favourite courser on
+the summit of a high rock. The soldier to whom Zayda was intrusted had
+speedily, as the pursuivant foresaw, distanced his companions, and chose
+this elevated position to take sure aim at Guy Fawkes, against whom he
+was now levelling a caliver. The next moment a bullet struck against his
+brigandine, but without doing him any injury. The soldier, however, did
+not escape so lightly. Startled by the discharge, the fiery barb leaped
+from the precipice into the river, and throwing her rider, who was borne
+off by the rapid stream, swam towards the opposite bank, which she
+reached just as the others were landing. At the sound of her mistress's
+voice she stood still, and allowed Humphrey Chetham to lay hold of her
+bridle; and Viviana declaring she was able to mount her, Guy Fawkes, who
+felt that such an arrangement was most likely to conduce to her safety,
+and who was, moreover, inclined to view the occurrence as a providential
+interference in their behalf, immediately assisted her into the saddle.
+
+Before this transfer could be effected, the pursuivant and his
+attendants had begun to ford the stream. The former had witnessed the
+accident that had befallen the soldier from a short distance; and, while
+he affected to deplore it, internally congratulated himself on his
+prudence and foresight. But he was by no means so well satisfied when he
+saw how it served to benefit the fugitives.
+
+"That unlucky beast!" he exclaimed. "Some fiend must have prompted me to
+bring her out of the stable. Would she had drowned herself instead of
+poor Dickon Duckesbury, whom she hath sent to feed the fishes! With her
+aid, Miss Radcliffe will doubtless escape. No matter. If I secure Father
+Oldcorne, and that black-visaged trooper in the Spanish garb, who, I'll
+be sworn, is a secret intelligencer of the pope, if not of the devil, I
+shall be well contented. I'll hang them both on a gibbet higher than
+Haman's."
+
+And muttering other threats to the same effect, he picked his way to the
+opposite shore. Long before he reached it, the fugitives had
+disappeared; but on climbing the bank, he beheld them galloping swiftly
+across a well-wooded district steeped in moonlight, and spread out
+before his view, and inflamed by the sight he shouted to his attendants,
+and once more started in pursuit.
+
+Cheered by the fortunate incident above related, which, in presenting
+her with her own steed in a manner so surprising and unexpected, seemed
+almost to give her assurance of deliverance, Viviana, inspirited by the
+exercise, felt her strength and spirits rapidly revive. At her side rode
+Guy Fawkes, who ever and anon cast an anxious look behind, to ascertain
+the distance of their pursuers, but suffered no exclamation to escape
+his lips. Indeed, throughout the whole affair, he maintained the reserve
+belonging to his sombre and taciturn character, and neither questioned
+Humphrey Chetham as to where he was leading them, nor proposed any
+deviation from the route he had apparently chosen. To such remarks as
+were addressed to him, Fawkes answered in monosyllables; and it was only
+when occasion required, that he volunteered any observation or advice.
+He seemed to surrender himself to chance. And perhaps, if his bosom
+could have been examined, it would have been found that he considered
+himself a mere puppet in the hands of destiny.
+
+In other and calmer seasons, he might have dwelt with rapture on the
+beautiful and varied country through which they were speeding, and which
+from every knoll they mounted, every slope they descended, every glade
+they threaded, intricacy pierced, or tangled dell tracked, presented new
+and increasing attractions. This charming district, since formed into a
+park by the Traffords, from whom it derives its present designation, was
+at this time,--though part of the domain of that ancient family,--wholly
+unenclosed. Old Trafford Hall lies (for it is still in existence,) more
+than a mile nearer to Manchester, a little to the east of Ordsall Hall;
+but the modern residence of the family is situated in the midst of the
+lovely region through which the fugitives were riding.
+
+But, though the charms of the scene, heightened by the gentle medium
+through which they were viewed, produced little effect upon the iron
+nature of Guy Fawkes, they were not without influence on his companions,
+especially Viviana. Soothed by the stillness of all around her, she
+almost forgot her danger; and surrendering herself to the dreamy
+enjoyment generally experienced in contemplating such a scene at such an
+hour, suffered her gaze to wander over the fair woody landscape before
+her, till it was lost in the distant moonlit wolds.
+
+From the train of thought naturally awakened by this spectacle, she was
+roused by the shouts of the pursuers; and, glancing timorously behind
+her, beheld them hurrying swiftly along the valley they had just
+quitted. From the rapidity with which they were advancing, it was
+evident they were gaining upon them, and she was about to urge her
+courser to greater speed, when Humphrey Chetham laid his hand upon the
+rein to check her.
+
+"Reserve yourself till we gain the brow of this hill," he remarked; "and
+then put Zayda to her mettle. We are not far from our destination."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Viviana. "Where is it?"
+
+"I will show it to you presently," he answered.
+
+Arrived at the summit of the high ground, which they had been for some
+time gradually ascending, the young merchant pointed out a vast boggy
+tract, about two miles off, in the vale beneath them.
+
+"That is our destination," he said.
+
+"Did I not hold it impossible you could trifle with me at such a time as
+this, I should say you were jesting," rejoined Viviana. "The place you
+indicate, unless I mistake you, is Chat Moss, the largest and most
+dangerous marsh in Lancashire."
+
+"You do not mistake me, neither am I jesting, Viviana," replied the
+young merchant, gravely. "Chat Moss _is_ the mark at which I aim."
+
+"If we are to cross it, we shall need a Will-o'-the-wisp to guide us,
+and some friendly elf to make firm the ground beneath our steeds,"
+rejoined Viviana, in a slightly-sarcastic tone.
+
+"Trust to me and you shall traverse it in safety," resumed Humphrey
+Chetham.
+
+"I would sooner trust myself to the pursuivant and his band, than
+venture upon its treacherous surface," she replied.
+
+"How is this, young sir?" interposed Guy Fawkes, sternly. "Is it from
+heedlessness or rashness that you are about to expose us to this new
+danger?--which, if Viviana judges correctly, and my own experience of
+such places inclines me to think she does so,--is greater than that
+which now besets us."
+
+"If there is any danger I shall be the first to encounter it, for I
+propose to act as your guide," returned Humphrey Chetham, in an offended
+tone. "But the treacherous character of the marsh constitutes our
+safety. I am acquainted with a narrow path across it, from which the
+deviation of a foot will bring certain death. If our pursuers attempt to
+follow us their destruction is inevitable. Viviana may rest assured I
+would not needlessly expose so dear a life as hers. But it is our best
+chance of safety."
+
+"Humphrey Chetham is in the right," observed the priest. "I have heard
+of the path he describes; and if he can guide us along it, we shall
+effectually baffle our enemies."
+
+"I cry you mercy, sir," said Viviana. "I did not apprehend your meaning.
+But I now thankfully resign myself to your care."
+
+"Forward, then," cried the young merchant. And they dashed swiftly down
+the declivity.
+
+Chat Moss, towards which they were hastening, though now drained, in
+part cultivated, and traversed by the busiest and most-frequented
+railroad in England, or the world, was, within the recollection of many
+of the youngest of the present generation, a dreary and almost
+impassable waste. Surveyed from the heights of Dunham, whence the
+writer has often gazed upon it, envying the plover her wing to skim over
+its broad expanse, it presented with its black boggy soil, striped like
+a motley garment, with patches of grey, tawny, and dunnish red, a
+singular and mysterious appearance. Conjecture fixes this morass as the
+site of a vast forest, whose immemorial and Druid-haunted groves were
+burnt by the Roman invaders; and seeks to account for its present
+condition by supposing that the charred trees--still frequently found
+within its depths--being left where the conflagration had placed them,
+had choked up its brooks and springs, and so reduced it to a general
+swamp. Drayton, however, in the following lines from the Faerie Land,
+places its origin as far back as the Deluge:--
+
+                    ----Great Chat Moss at my fall
+      Lies fall of turf and marl, her unctuous mineral;
+      And blocks as black as pitch, with boring augers found,
+      There at the General Flood supposed to be drown'd.
+
+But the former hypothesis appears the more probable. A curious
+description of Chat Moss, as it appeared at the time of this history, is
+furnished by Camden, who terms it, "a swampy tract of great extent, a
+considerable part of which was carried off in the last age by swollen
+rivers with great danger, whereby the rivers were infected, and great
+quantities of fish died. Instead thereof is now a valley watered by a
+small stream; and many trees were discovered thrown down, and lying
+flat, so that one may suppose when the ground lay neglected, and the
+waste water of brooks was not drained off into the open valleys, or
+their courses stopped by neglect or desolation, all the lower grounds
+were turned into swamps, (which we call _mosses_,) or into pools. If
+this was the case, no wonder so many trees are found covered, and, as it
+were, buried in such places all over England, but especially here. For
+the roots being loosened by too excessive wet, they must necessarily
+fall down and sink in so soft a soil. The people hereabouts search for
+them with poles and spits, and after marking the place, dig them up and
+use them for firing, for they are like torches, equally fit to burn and
+to give light, which is probably owing to the bituminous earth that
+surrounds them, whence the common people suppose them firs, though Cæsar
+denies that there were such trees in Britain."
+
+But, though vast masses of the bog had been carried off by the Irwell
+and the Mersey, as related by Camden, the general appearance of the
+waste,--with the exception of the valley and the small stream,--was much
+the same as it continued to our own time. Its surface was more broken
+and irregular, and black gaping chasms and pits filled with water and
+slime as dark-coloured as the turf whence it flowed, pointed out the
+spots where the swollen and heaving swamp had burst its bondage. Narrow
+paths, known only to the poor turf-cutters and other labourers who dwelt
+upon its borders, and gathered fuel with poles and spits in the manner
+above described, intersected it at various points. But as they led in
+many cases to dangerous and deep gulfs, to dismal quagmires and
+fathomless pits; and, moreover, as the slightest departure from the
+proper track would have whelmed the traveller in an oozy bed, from
+which, as from a quicksand, he would have vainly striven to extricate
+himself,--it was never crossed without a guide, except by those familiar
+with its perilous courses. One painful circumstance connected with the
+history of Chat Moss remains to be recorded--namely, that the attempt
+made to cultivate it by the great historian Roscoe,--an attempt since
+carried out, as has already been shown, with complete success,--ended in
+a result ruinous to the fortunes of that highly-gifted person, who, up
+to the period of this luckless undertaking, was as prosperous as he was
+meritorious.
+
+By this time the fugitives had approached the confines of the marsh. An
+accident, however, had just occurred, which nearly proved fatal to
+Viviana, and, owing to the delay it occasioned, brought their pursuers
+into dangerous proximity with them. In fording the Irwell, which, from
+its devious course, they were again compelled to cross, about a quarter
+of a mile below Barton, her horse missed its footing, and precipitated
+her into the rapid current. In another instant she would have been borne
+away, if Guy Fawkes had not flung himself into the water, and seized her
+before she sank. Her affrighted steed, having got out of its depth,
+began to swim off, and it required the utmost exertion on the part of
+Humphrey Chetham, embarrassed as he was by the priest, to secure it. In
+a few minutes all was set to rights, and Viviana was once more placed on
+the saddle, without having sustained further inconvenience than was
+occasioned by her dripping apparel. But those few minutes, as has been
+just stated, sufficed to bring the pursuivant and his men close upon
+them; and as they scrambled up the opposite bank, the plunging and
+shouting behind them told that the latter had entered the stream.
+
+"Yonder is Baysnape," exclaimed Humphrey Chetham, calling Viviana's
+attention to a ridge of high ground on the borders of the waste. "Below
+it lies the path by which I propose to enter the moss. We shall speedily
+be out of the reach of our enemies."
+
+"The marsh at least will hide us," answered Viviana, with a shudder. "It
+is a terrible alternative."
+
+"Fear nothing, dear daughter," observed the priest. "The saints, who
+have thus marvellously protected us, will continue to watch over us to
+the end, and will make the path over yon perilous waste as safe as the
+ground on which we tread."
+
+"I like not the appearance of the sky," observed Guy Fawkes, looking
+uneasily upwards. "Before we reach the spot you have pointed out, the
+moon will be obscured. Will it be safe to traverse the moss in the
+dark?"
+
+"It is our only chance," replied the young merchant, speaking in a low
+tone, that his answer might not reach Viviana's ears; "and after all,
+the darkness may be serviceable. Our pursuers are so near, that if it
+were less gloomy, they might hit upon the right track. It will be a risk
+to us to proceed, but certain destruction to those who follow. And now
+let us make what haste we can. Every moment is precious."
+
+The dreary and fast darkening waste had now opened upon them in all its
+horrors. Far as the gaze could reach appeared an immense expanse, flat
+almost as the surface of the ocean, and unmarked, so far as could be
+discerned in that doubtful light, by any trace of human footstep or
+habitation. It was a stern and sombre prospect, and calculated to
+inspire terror in the stoutest bosom. What effect it produced on Viviana
+may be easily conjectured. But her nature was brave and enduring, and,
+though she trembled so violently as scarcely to be able to keep her
+seat, she gave no utterance to her fears. They were now skirting that
+part of the morass since denominated, from the unfortunate speculation
+previously alluded to, "Roscoe's Improvements." This tract was the worst
+and most dangerous portion of the whole moss. Soft, slabby, and
+unsubstantial, its treacherous beds scarcely offered secure footing to
+the heron that alighted on them. The ground shook beneath the fugitives
+as they hurried past the edge of the groaning and quivering marsh. The
+plover, scared from its nest, uttered its peculiar and plaintive cry;
+the bittern shrieked; other night-fowl poured forth their doleful notes;
+and the bull-frog added its deep croak to the ominous concert. Behind
+them came the thundering tramp and loud shouts of their pursuers. Guy
+Fawkes had judged correctly. Before they reached Baysnape the moon had
+withdrawn behind a rack of clouds, and it had become profoundly dark.
+Arrived at this point, Humphrey Chetham called to them to turn off to
+the right.
+
+"Follow singly," he said, "and do not swerve a hair's breadth from the
+path. The slightest deviation will be fatal. Do you, sir," he added to
+the priest, "mount behind Guy Fawkes, and let Viviana come next after
+me. If I should miss my way, do not stir for your life."
+
+The transfer effected, the fugitives turned off to the right, and
+proceeded at a cautious pace along a narrow and shaking path. The ground
+trembled so much beneath them, and their horses' feet sank so deeply in
+the plashy bog, that Viviana demanded, in a tone of some uneasiness, if
+he was sure he had taken the right course?
+
+"If I had not," replied Humphrey Chetham, "we should ere this have found
+our way to the bottom of the morass."
+
+As he spoke, a floundering plunge, accompanied by a horrible and
+quickly-stifled cry, told that one of their pursuers had perished in
+endeavouring to follow them.
+
+"The poor wretch is gone to his account," observed Viviana, in a tone of
+commiseration. "Have a care!--have a care, lest you share the same
+fate."
+
+"If I can save you, I care not what becomes of me," replied the young
+merchant. "Since I can never hope to possess you, life has become
+valueless in my eyes."
+
+"Quicken your pace," shouted Guy Fawkes, who brought up the rear. "Our
+pursuers have discovered the track, and are making towards us."
+
+"Let them do so," replied the young merchant. "They can do us no farther
+injury."
+
+"That is false!" cried the voice of a soldier from behind. And, as the
+words were uttered, a shot was fired, which, though aimed against
+Chetham, took effect upon his steed. The animal staggered, and his rider
+had only time to slide from his back when he reeled off the path, and
+was ingulfed in the marsh.
+
+Hearing the plunge of the steed, the man fancied he had hit his mark,
+and hallooed in an exulting voice to his companions. But his triumph was
+of short duration. A ball from the petronel of Guy Fawkes pierced his
+brain, and dropping from his saddle, he sank, together with his horse,
+which he dragged along with him into the quagmire.
+
+"Waste no more shot," cried Humphrey Chetham; "the swamp will fight our
+battles for us. Though I grieve for the loss of my horse, I may be
+better able to guide you on foot."
+
+With this, he seized Viviana's bridle, and drew her steed along at a
+quick pace, but with the greatest caution. As they proceeded, a light
+like that of a lantern was seen to rise from the earth, and approach
+them.
+
+"Heaven be praised!" exclaimed Viviana: "some one has heard us, and is
+hastening to our assistance."
+
+"Not so," replied Humphrey Chetham. "The light you behold is an _ignis
+fatuus_. Were you to trust yourself to its delusive gleam, it would lead
+you to the most dangerous parts of the moss."
+
+And, as if to exhibit its real character, the little flame, which
+hitherto had burnt as brightly and steadily as a wax-candle, suddenly
+appeared to dilate, and assuming a purple tinge, emitted a shower of
+sparks, and then flitted rapidly over the plain.
+
+"Woe to him that follows it!" cried Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"It has a strange unearthly look," observed Viviana, crossing herself.
+"I have much difficulty in persuading myself it is not the work of some
+malignant sprite."
+
+"It is only an exhalation of the marsh," replied Chetham. "But, see!
+others are at hand."
+
+Their approach, indeed, seemed to have disturbed all the weird children
+of the waste. Lights were seen trooping towards them in every direction;
+sometimes stopping, sometimes rising in the air, now contracting, now
+expanding, and when within a few yards of the travellers, retreating
+with inconceivable swiftness.
+
+"It is a marvellous and incomprehensible spectacle," remarked Viviana.
+
+"The common folk hereabouts affirm that these Jack-o'-lanterns, as they
+term them, always appear in greater numbers when some direful
+catastrophe is about to take place," rejoined the young merchant.
+
+"Heaven avert it from us," ejaculated Viviana.
+
+"It is an idle superstition," returned Chetham. "But we must now keep
+silence," he continued, lowering his voice, and stopping near the
+charred stump of a tree, left, it would seem, as a mark. "The road turns
+here; and, unless our pursuers know it, we shall now quit them for ever.
+We must not let a sound betray the course we are about to take."
+
+Having turned this dangerous corner in safety, and conducted his
+companions as noiselessly as possible for a few yards along the cross
+path, which being much narrower was consequently more perilous than the
+first, Humphrey Chetham stood still, and, imposing silence upon the
+others, listened to the approach of their pursuers. His prediction was
+speedily and terribly verified. Hearing the movement in advance, but
+unable to discover the course taken by the fugitives, the unfortunate
+soldiers, fearful of losing their prey, quickened their pace, in the
+expectation of instantly overtaking them. They were fatally undeceived.
+Four only of their number, besides their leader, remained,--two having
+perished in the manner heretofore described. The first of these,
+disregarding the caution of his comrade, laughingly urged his horse into
+a gallop, and, on passing the mark, sunk as if by magic, and before he
+could utter a single warning cry, into the depths of the morass. His
+disappearance was so instantaneous, that the next in order, though he
+heard the sullen plunge, was unable to draw in the rein, and was
+likewise ingulfed. A third followed; and a fourth, in his efforts to
+avoid their fate, backed his steed over the slippery edge of the path.
+Only one now remained. It was the pursuivant, who, with the prudence
+that characterized all his proceedings, had followed in the rear. He was
+so dreadfully frightened, that, adding his shrieks to those of his
+attendants, he shouted to the fugitives, imploring assistance in the
+most piteous terms, and promising never again to molest them, if they
+would guide him to a place of safety. But his cries were wholly
+unheeded; and he perhaps endured in those few minutes of agony as much
+suffering as he had inflicted on the numerous victims of his barbarity.
+It was indeed an appalling moment. Three of the wretched men had not yet
+sunk, but were floundering about in the swamp, and shrieking for help.
+The horses, as much terrified as their riders, added their piercing
+cries to the half-suffocated yells. And, as if to make the scene more
+ghastly, myriads of dancing lights flitted towards them, and throwing an
+unearthly glimmer over this part of the morass, fully revealed their
+struggling figures. Moved by compassion for the poor wretches, Viviana
+implored Humphrey Chetham to assist them, and, finding him immovable,
+she appealed to Guy Fawkes.
+
+"They are beyond all human aid," the latter replied.
+
+"Heaven have mercy on their souls!" ejaculated the priest "Pray for
+them, dear daughter. Pray heartily, as I am about to do." And he recited
+in an audible voice the Romish formula of supplication for those _in
+extremis_.
+
+Averting her gaze from the spectacle, Viviana joined fervently in the
+prayer.
+
+By this time two of the strugglers had disappeared. The third, having
+freed himself from his horse, contrived for some moments, during which
+he uttered the most frightful cries, to keep his head above the swamp.
+His efforts were tremendous, but unavailing, and served only to
+accelerate his fate. Making a last desperate plunge towards the bank
+where the fugitives were standing, he sank above the chin. The
+expression of his face, shown by the ghastly glimmer of the fen-fires,
+as he was gradually swallowed up, was horrible.
+
+"_Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine_," exclaimed the priest.
+
+"All is over," cried Humphrey Chetham, taking the bridle of Viviana's
+steed, and leading her onwards. "We are free from our pursuers."
+
+"There is one left," she rejoined, casting a look backwards.
+
+"It is the pursuivant," returned Guy Fawkes, sternly. "He is within
+shot," he added, drawing his petronel.
+
+"Oh, no--no!--in pity spare him!" cried Viviana. "Too many lives have
+been sacrificed already."
+
+"He is the cause of all the mischief," answered Guy Fawkes, unwillingly
+replacing the petronel in his belt, "and may live to injure you and your
+father."
+
+"I will hope not," rejoined Viviana; "but, spare him!--oh, spare him!"
+
+"Be it as you please," replied Guy Fawkes. "The marsh, I trust, will not
+be so merciful."
+
+With this, they slowly resumed their progress. On hearing their
+departure, the pursuivant renewed his cries in a more piteous tone than
+ever; but, in spite of the entreaties of Viviana, nothing could induce
+her companions to lend him assistance.
+
+For some time they proceeded in silence, and without accident. As they
+advanced, the difficulties of the path increased, and it was fortunate
+that the moon, emerging from the clouds in which, up to this moment, she
+had been shrouded, enabled them to steer their course in safety. At
+length, after a tedious and toilsome march for nearly half a mile, the
+footing became more secure, the road widened, and they were able to
+quicken their pace. Another half mile landed them upon the western bank
+of the morass. Viviana's first impulse was to give thanks to Heaven for
+their deliverance, nor did she omit in her prayer a supplication for the
+unfortunate beings who had perished.
+
+Arrived at the point now known as Rawson Nook, they entered a lane, and
+proceeded towards Astley Green, where perceiving a cluster of thatched
+cottages among the trees, they knocked at the door of the first, and
+speedily obtained admittance from its inmates, a turf-cutter and his
+wife. The man conveyed their steeds to a neighbouring barn, while the
+good dame offered Viviana such accommodation and refreshment as her
+humble dwelling afforded. Here they tarried till the following evening,
+as much to recruit Miss Radcliffe's strength, as for security.
+
+At the young merchant's request, the turf-cutter went in the course of
+the day to see what had become of the pursuivant. He was nowhere to be
+found. But he accidentally learned from another hind, who followed the
+same occupation as himself, that a person answering to the officer's
+description had been seen to emerge from the moss near Baysnape at
+daybreak, and take the road towards Manchester. Of the unfortunate
+soldiers nothing but a steel cap and a pike, which the man brought away
+with him, could be discovered.
+
+After much debate, it was decided that their safest plan would be to
+proceed to Manchester, where Humphrey Chetham undertook to procure them
+safe lodgings at the Seven Stars,--an excellent hostel, kept by a worthy
+widow, who, he affirmed, would do anything to serve him. Accordingly,
+they set out at nightfall,--Viviana taking her place before Guy Fawkes,
+and relinquishing Zayda to the young merchant and the priest. Shaping
+their course through Worsley, by Monton Green and Pendleton, they
+arrived in about an hour within sight of the town, which then,--not a
+tithe of its present size, and unpolluted by the smoky atmosphere in
+which it is now constantly enveloped,--was not without some pretensions
+to a picturesque appearance. Crossing Salford Bridge, they mounted
+Smithy-Bank, as it was then termed, and proceeding along Cateaton-street
+and Hanging Ditch, struck into Whithing (now Withy) Grove, at the right
+of which, just where a few houses were beginning to straggle up Shude
+Hill, stood, and still stands, the comfortable hostel of the Seven
+Stars. Here they stopped, and were warmly welcomed by its buxom
+mistress, Dame Sutcliffe. Muffled in Guy Fawkes's cloak, the priest
+gained the chamber to which he was ushered unobserved. And Dame
+Sutcliffe, though her Protestant notions were a little scandalized at
+her dwelling being made the sanctuary of a Popish priest, promised, at
+the instance of Master Chetham, whom she knew to be no favourer of
+idolatry in a general way, to be answerable for his safety.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE DISINTERMENT.
+
+
+Having seen every attention shown to Viviana by the hostess,--who, as
+soon as she discovered that she had the daughter of Sir William
+Radcliffe of Ordsall, under her roof, bestirred herself in right earnest
+for her accommodation,--Humphrey Chetham, notwithstanding the lateness
+of the hour,--it was past midnight,--expressed his determination to walk
+to his residence at Crumpsall, to put an end to any apprehension which
+might be entertained by the household at his prolonged absence.
+
+With this view, he set forth; and Guy Fawkes, who seemed to be
+meditating some project which he was unwilling to disclose to the
+others, quitted the hostel with him, bidding the chamberlain sit up for
+him, as he should speedily return. They had not gone far when he
+inquired the nearest way to the Collegiate Church, and was answered that
+they were then proceeding towards it, and in a few moments should arrive
+at its walls. He next asked the young merchant whether he could inform
+him which part of the churchyard was allotted to criminals. Humphrey
+Chetham, somewhat surprised by the question, replied, "At the
+north-west, near the charnel," adding, "I shall pass within a short
+distance of the spot, and will point it out to you."
+
+Entering Fennel Street, at the end of which stood an ancient cross, they
+soon came in sight of the church. The moon was shining brightly, and
+silvered the massive square tower of the fane, the battlements,
+pinnacles, buttresses, and noble eastern window, with its gorgeous
+tracery. While Guy Fawkes paused for a moment to contemplate this
+reverend and beautiful structure, two venerable personages, having long
+snowy beards, and wrapped in flowing mantles edged with sable fur,
+passed the end of the street. One of them carried a lantern, though it
+was wholly needless, as it was bright as day; and as they glided
+stealthily along, there was something so mysterious in their manner,
+that it greatly excited the curiosity of Guy Fawkes, who inquired from
+his companion if he knew who they were.
+
+"The foremost is the warden of Manchester, the famous Doctor Dee,"
+replied Humphrey Chetham, "divine, mathematician, astrologer,--and if
+report speaks truly, conjuror."
+
+"Is that Doctor Dee?" cried Guy Fawkes, in astonishment.
+
+"It is," replied the young merchant: "and the other in the Polish cap is
+the no-less celebrated Edward Kelley, the doctor's assistant, or, as he
+is ordinarily termed, his seer."
+
+"They have entered the churchyard," remarked Guy Fawkes. "I will follow
+them."
+
+"I would not advise you to do so," rejoined the other. "Strange tales
+are told of them. You may witness that it is not safe to look upon."
+
+The caution, however, was unheeded. Guy Fawkes had already disappeared,
+and the young merchant, shrugging his shoulders, proceeded on his way
+towards Hunt's Bank.
+
+On gaining the churchyard, Guy Fawkes perceived the warden and his
+companion creeping stealthily beneath the shadow of a wall in the
+direction of a low fabric, which appeared to be a bone-house, or
+charnel, situated at the north-western extremity of the church. Before
+this building grew a black and stunted yew-tree. Arrived at it, they
+paused, and looked round to see whether they were observed. They did
+not, however, notice Guy Fawkes, who had concealed himself behind a
+buttress. Kelley then unlocked the door of the charnel, and brought out
+a pickaxe and mattock. Having divested himself of his cloak, he
+proceeded to shovel out the mould from a new-made grave at a little
+distance from the building. Doctor Dee stood by, and held the lantern
+for his assistant.
+
+Determined to watch their proceedings, Guy Fawkes crept towards the
+yew-tree, behind which he ensconced himself. Kelley, meanwhile,
+continued to ply his spade with a vigour that seemed almost
+incomprehensible in one so far stricken in years, and of such infirm
+appearance. At length he paused, and kneeling within the shallow grave,
+endeavoured to drag something from it. Doctor Dee knelt to assist him.
+After some exertion, they drew forth the corpse of a female, which had
+been interred without coffin, and apparently in the habiliments worn
+during life. A horrible suspicion crossed Guy Fawkes. Resolving to
+satisfy his doubts at once, he rushed forward, and beheld in the ghastly
+lineaments of the dead the features of the unfortunate prophetess,
+Elizabeth Orton.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+DOCTOR DEE.
+
+
+"How now, ye impious violators of the tomb! ye worse than
+famine-stricken wolves, that rake up the dead in churchyards!" cried
+Guy Fawkes, in a voice of thunder, to Doctor Dee and his companion; who,
+startled by his sudden appearance, dropped the body, and retreated to a
+short distance. "What devilish rites are ye about to enact, that ye thus
+profane the sanctity of the grave?"
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes discovers Doctor Dee & Edward Kelley
+disintering the body of Elizabeth Orton_]
+
+"And who art thou that darest thus to interrupt us?" demanded Dee,
+sternly.
+
+"It matters not," rejoined Fawkes, striding towards them. "Suffice it
+you are both known to _me_. You, John Dee, warden of Manchester, who
+deserve to be burnt at the stake for your damnable practices, rather
+than hold the sacred office you fill; and you, Edward Kelley, his
+associate, who boast of familiar intercourse with demons, and, unless
+fame belies you, have purchased the intimacy at the price of your soul's
+salvation. I know you both. I know, also, whose body you have
+disinterred--it is that of the ill-fated prophetess, Elizabeth Orton.
+And if you do not instantly restore it to the grave whence you have
+snatched it, I will denounce you to the authorities of the town."
+
+"Knowing thus much, you should know still more," retorted Doctor Dee,
+"namely, that I am not to be lightly provoked. You have no power to quit
+the churchyard--nay, not so much as to move a limb without my
+permission."
+
+As he spoke, he drew from beneath his cloak a small phial, the contents
+of which he sprinkled over the intruder. Its effect was wonderful and
+instantaneous. The limbs of Guy Fawkes stiffened where he stood. His
+hand remained immovably fixed upon the pommel of his sword, and he
+seemed transformed into a marble statue.
+
+"You will henceforth acknowledge and respect my power," he continued.
+"Were it my pleasure, I could bury you twenty fathoms deep in the earth
+beneath our feet; or, by invoking certain spirits, convey you to the
+summit of yon lofty tower," pointing to the church, "and hurl you from
+it headlong. But I content myself with depriving you of motion, and
+leave you in possession of sight and speech, that you may endure the
+torture of witnessing what you cannot prevent."
+
+So saying, he was about to return to the corpse with Kelley, when Guy
+Fawkes exclaimed, in a hollow voice,
+
+"Set me free, and I will instantly depart."
+
+"Will you swear never to divulge what you have seen?" demanded Dee,
+pausing.
+
+"Solemnly," he replied.
+
+"I will trust you, then," rejoined the Doctor;--"the rather that your
+presence interferes with my purpose."
+
+Taking a handful of loose earth from an adjoining grave, and muttering a
+few words, that sounded like a charm, he scattered it over Fawkes. The
+spell was instantly broken. A leaden weight seemed to be removed from
+his limbs. His joints regained their suppleness, and with a convulsive
+start, like that by which a dreamer casts off a nightmare, he was
+liberated from his preternatural thraldom.
+
+"And now, begone!" cried Doctor Dee, authoritatively.
+
+"Suffer me to tarry with you a few moments," said Guy Fawkes, in a
+deferential tone. "Heretofore, I will freely admit, I regarded you as an
+impostor; but now I am convinced you are deeply skilled in the occult
+sciences, and would fain consult you on the future."
+
+"I have already said that your presence troubles me," replied Doctor
+Dee. "But if you will call upon me at the College to-morrow, it may be I
+will give you further proofs of my skill."
+
+"Why not now, reverend sir?" urged Fawkes. "The question I would ask is
+better suited to this dismal spot and witching hour, than to daylight
+and the walls of your study."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Dee. "Your name?"
+
+"Guy Fawkes," replied the other.
+
+"Guy Fawkes!" echoed the Doctor, starting. "Nay, then, I guess the
+nature of the question you would ask."
+
+"Am I then known to you, reverend sir?" inquired Fawkes, uneasily.
+
+"As well as to yourself--nay, better," answered the Doctor. "Bring the
+lantern hither, Kelley," he continued, addressing his companion. "Look!"
+he added, elevating the light so as to throw it upon the countenance of
+Fawkes: "it is the very face,--the bronzed and strongly-marked
+features,--the fierce black eye,--the iron frame, and foreign garb of
+the figure we beheld in the show-stone."
+
+"It is," replied Kelley. "I could have singled him out amid a thousand.
+He looked thus as we tracked his perilous course, with his three
+companions, the priest, Chetham, and Viviana Radcliffe, across Chat
+Moss."
+
+"How have you learned this?" cried Guy Fawkes, in amazement.
+
+"By the art that reveals all things," answered Kelley.
+
+"In proof that your thoughts are known to me," observed Dee, "I will
+tell you the inquiry you would make before it is uttered. You would
+learn whether the enterprise on which you are engaged will succeed."
+
+"I would," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Yet more," continued Dee. "I am aware of the nature of the plot, and
+could name to you all connected with it."
+
+"Your power is, indeed, wonderful," rejoined Fawkes in an altered tone.
+"But will you give me the information I require?"
+
+"Hum!" muttered Dee.
+
+"I am too poor to purchase it," proceeded Fawkes, "unless a relic I have
+brought from Spain has any value in your eyes."
+
+[Illustration: _Doctor Dee, in conjunction with his Seer Edward Kelley,
+exhibiting his magical skill to Guy Fawkes_]
+
+"Tush!" exclaimed Dee, angrily. "Do you suppose I am a common juggler,
+and practise my art for gain?"
+
+"By no means, reverend sir," said Fawkes. "But I would not willingly put
+you to trouble without evincing my gratitude."
+
+"Well, then," replied Dee, "I will not refuse your request. And yet I
+would caution you to beware how you pry into the future. You may repent
+your rashness when it is too late."
+
+"I have no fear," rejoined Fawkes. "Let me know the worst."
+
+"Enough," answered Dee. "And now listen to me. That carcass having been
+placed in the ground without the holy rites of burial being duly
+performed, I have power over it. And, as the witch of Endor called up
+Samuel, as is recorded in Holy Writ,--as Erichtho raised up a corpse to
+reveal to Sextus Pompeius the event of the Pharsalian war,--as Elisha
+breathed life into the nostrils of the Shunamite's son,--as Alcestis was
+invoked by Hercules,--and as the dead maid was brought back to life by
+Apollonius Thyaneus,--so I, by certain powerful incantations, will
+allure the soul of the prophetess, for a short space, to its former
+tenement, and compel it to answer my questions. Dare you be present at
+this ceremony?"
+
+"I dare," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Follow me, then," said Dee. "You will need all your courage."
+
+Muttering a hasty prayer, and secretly crossing himself, Guy Fawkes
+strode after him towards the grave. By the Doctor's directions, he, with
+some reluctance, assisted Kelley to raise the corpse, and convey it to
+the charnel. Dee followed, bearing the lantern, and, on entering the
+building, closed and fastened the door.
+
+The chamber in which Guy Fawkes found himself was in perfect keeping
+with the horrible ceremonial about to be performed. In one corner lay a
+mouldering heap of skulls, bones, and other fragments of mortality; in
+the other a pile of broken coffins, emptied of their tenants, and reared
+on end. But what chiefly attracted his attention, was a ghastly
+collection of human limbs, blackened with pitch, girded round with iron
+hoops, and hung, like meat in a shambles, against the wall. There were
+two heads, and, though the features were scarcely distinguishable, owing
+to the liquid in which they had been immersed, they still retained a
+terrific expression of agony. Seeing his attention directed to these
+revolting objects, Kelley informed him they were the quarters of the two
+priests who had recently been put to death, which had been left there
+previously to being placed on the church-gates. The implements, and some
+part of the attire used by the executioner in his butcherly office, were
+scattered about, and mixed with the tools of the sexton; while in the
+centre of the room stood a large wooden frame supported by trestles. On
+this frame, stained with blood and smeared with pitch, showing the
+purpose to which it had been recently put, the body was placed. This
+done, Doctor Dee set down the lantern beside it; and, as the light fell
+upon its livid features, sullied with earth, and exhibiting traces of
+decay, Guy Fawkes was so appalled by the sight that he half repented of
+what he had undertaken.
+
+Noticing his irresolution, Doctor Dee said, "You may yet retire if you
+think proper."
+
+"No," replied Fawkes, rousing himself; "I will go through with it."
+
+"It is well," replied Dee. And he extinguished the light.
+
+An awful silence now ensued, broken only by a low murmur from Doctor
+Dee, who appeared to be reciting an incantation. As he proceeded, his
+tones became louder, and his accents those of command. Suddenly, he
+paused, and seemed to await a response. But, as none was made, greatly
+to the disappointment of Guy Fawkes, whose curiosity, notwithstanding
+his fears, was raised to the highest pitch, he cried, "Blood is wanting
+to complete the charm."
+
+"If that is all, I will speedily supply the deficiency," replied Guy
+Fawkes; and, drawing his rapier, he bared his left arm, and pricked it
+deeply with the point of the weapon.
+
+"I bleed now," he cried.
+
+"Sprinkle the corpse with the ruddy current," rejoined Doctor Dee.
+
+"Your commands are obeyed," replied Fawkes. "I have placed my hand on
+its breast, and the blood is flowing upon it."
+
+Upon this the Doctor began to mutter an incantation in a louder and more
+authoritative tone than before. Presently, Kelley added his voice, and
+they both joined in a sort of chorus, but in a jargon wholly
+unintelligible to Guy Fawkes.
+
+All at once a blue flame appeared above their heads, and, slowly
+descending, settled upon the brow of the corpse, lighting up the sunken
+cavities of the eyes, and the discoloured and distorted features.
+
+"The charm works," shouted Doctor Dee.
+
+"She moves! she moves!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes. "She is alive!"
+
+"Take off your hand," cried the Doctor, "or mischief may ensue." And he
+again continued his incantation.
+
+"Down on your knees!" he exclaimed, at length, in a terrible voice. "The
+spirit is at hand."
+
+There was a rushing sound, and a stream of dazzling lightning shot down
+upon the corpse, which emitted a hollow groan. In obedience to the
+Doctor's commands, Guy Fawkes had prostrated himself on the ground: but
+he kept his gaze steadily fixed on the body, which, to his infinite
+astonishment, slowly arose, until it stood erect upon the frame. There
+it remained perfectly motionless, with the arms close to the sides, and
+the habiliments torn and dishevelled. The blue light still retained its
+position upon the brow, and communicated a horrible glimmer to the
+features. The spectacle was so dreadful that Guy Fawkes would fain have
+averted his eyes, but he was unable to do so. Doctor Dee and his
+companion, meanwhile, continued their invocations, until, as it seemed
+to Fawkes, the lips of the corpse moved, and an awful voice exclaimed,
+"Why have you called me?"
+
+"Daughter!" replied Doctor Dee, rising, "in life thou wert endowed with
+the gift of prophecy. In the grave, that which is to come must be
+revealed to thee. We would question thee."
+
+"Speak, and I will answer," replied the corpse.
+
+"Interrogate her, my son," said Dee, addressing Fawkes, "and be brief,
+for the time is short. So long only as that flame burns have I power
+over her."
+
+"Spirit of Elizabeth Orton," cried Guy Fawkes, "if indeed thou standest
+before me, and some demon hath not entered thy frame to delude me,--by
+all that is holy, and by every blessed saint, I adjure thee to tell me
+whether the scheme on which I am now engaged for the advantage of the
+Catholic Church will prosper?"
+
+"Thou art mistaken, Guy Fawkes," returned the corpse. "Thy scheme is not
+for the advantage of the Catholic Church."
+
+"I will not pause to inquire wherefore," continued Fawkes. "But, grant
+that the means are violent and wrongful, will the end be successful?"
+
+"The end will be death," replied the corpse.
+
+"To the tyrant--to the oppressors?" demanded Fawkes.
+
+"To the conspirators," was the answer.
+
+"Ha!" ejaculated Fawkes.
+
+"Proceed, if you have aught more to ask," cried Dr. Dee. "The flame is
+expiring."
+
+"Shall we restore the fallen religion?" demanded Fawkes.
+
+But before the words could be pronounced the light vanished, and a heavy
+sound was heard, as of the body falling on the frame.
+
+"It is over," said Doctor Dee.
+
+"Can you not summon her again?" asked Fawkes, in a tone of deep
+disappointment. "I had other questions to ask."
+
+"Impossible," replied the Doctor. "The spirit is fled, and will not be
+recalled. We must now commit the body to the earth. And this time it
+shall be more decently interred."
+
+"My curiosity is excited,--not satisfied," said Guy Fawkes. "Would it
+were to occur again!"
+
+"It is ever thus," replied Doctor Dee. "We seek to know that which is
+interdicted,--and quench our thirst at a fountain that only inflames our
+curiosity the more. Be warned, my son. You are embarked on a perilous
+enterprise, and if you pursue it, it will lead you to certain
+destruction."
+
+"I cannot retreat," rejoined Fawkes, "and would not, if I could. I am
+bound by an oath too terrible to be broken."
+
+"I will absolve you of your oath, my son," said Dr. Dee, eagerly.
+
+"You cannot, reverend sir," replied Fawkes. "By no sophistry could I
+clear my conscience of the ties imposed upon it. I have sworn never to
+desist from the execution of this scheme, unless those engaged in it
+shall give me leave. Nay, so resolved am I, that if I stood alone I
+would go on."
+
+As he spoke, a deep groan issued from the corpse.
+
+"You are again warned, my son," said Dee.
+
+"Come forth," said Guy Fawkes, rushing towards the door, and throwing it
+open. "This place stifles me."
+
+The night has already been described as bright and beautiful. Before him
+stood the Collegiate Church bathed in moonlight. He gazed abstractedly
+at this venerable structure for a few moments, and then returned to the
+charnel, where he found Doctor Dee and Kelley employed in placing the
+body of the prophetess in a coffin, which they had taken from a pile in
+the corner. He immediately proffered his assistance, and in a short
+space the task was completed. The coffin was then borne towards the
+grave, at the edge of which it was laid while the burial-service was
+recited by Doctor Dee. This ended, it was lowered into its shallow
+resting-place, and speedily covered with earth.
+
+When all was ready for their departure, the Doctor turned to Fawkes,
+and, bidding him farewell, observed,
+
+"If you are wise, my son, you will profit by the awful warning you have
+this night received."
+
+"Before we part, reverend sir," replied Fawkes, "I would ask if you know
+of other means whereby an insight may be obtained into the future?"
+
+"Many, my son," replied Dee. "I have a magic glass, in which, with due
+preparation, you may behold exact representations of coming events. I am
+now returning to the College, and if you will accompany me, I will show
+it to you."
+
+The offer was eagerly accepted, and the party quitted the churchyard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE MAGIC GLASS.
+
+
+The old College of Manchester occupied, as is well known, the site of
+the existing structure, called after the benevolent individual by whom
+that admirable charity was founded, and whom we have ventured to
+introduce in this history,--the Chetham Hospital. Much, indeed, of the
+ancient building remains; for though it was considerably repaired and
+enlarged, being "very ruinous and in great decay," at the time of its
+purchase in 1654, by the feoffees under Humphrey Chetham's will, from
+the sequestrators of the Earl of Derby's estates, still the general
+character of the fabric has been preserved, and several of its chambers
+retained. Originally built on the foundation of a manor-house
+denominated The Baron's Hall,--the abode of the Grelleys and the De la
+Warrs, lords of Manchester,--the College continued to be used as the
+residence of the warden and fellows of the Collegiate Church until the
+reign of Edward the First, when that body was dissolved. On the
+accession, however, of Mary, the College was re-established; but the
+residence of the ecclesiastical body being removed to a house in
+Deansgate, the building was allowed to become extremely dilapidated, and
+was used partly as a prison for recusants and other offenders, and
+partly as a magazine for powder. In this state Dr. Dee found it when he
+succeeded to the wardenship in 1595, and preferring it, notwithstanding
+its ruinous condition, to the house appointed for him elsewhere, took up
+his abode within it.
+
+Situated on a high rock, overhanging the river Irk--at that time a clear
+stream, remarkable for the excellence of its fish,--and constructed
+entirely of stone, the old College had then, and still has to a certain
+extent, a venerable and monastic appearance. During Dee's occupation of
+it, it became a sort of weird abode in the eyes of the vulgar, and many
+a timorous look was cast at it by those who walked at eventide on the
+opposite bank of the Irk. Sometimes the curiosity of the watchers was
+rewarded by beholding a few sparks issue from the chimney, and now and
+then, the red reflection of a fire might be discerned through the
+window. But generally nothing could be perceived, and the building
+seemed as dark and mysterious as its occupant.
+
+One night, however, a loud explosion took place,--so loud, indeed, that
+it shook the whole pile to its foundation, dislodged one or two of the
+chimneys, and overthrew an old wall, the stones of which rolled into the
+river beneath. Alarmed by the concussion, the inhabitants of Hunt's Bank
+rushed forth, and saw, to their great alarm, that the wing of the
+college occupied by Doctor Dee was in flames. Though many of them
+attributed the circumstance to supernatural agency, and were fully
+persuaded that the enemy of mankind was at that instant bearing off the
+conjuror and his assistant, and refused to interfere to stop the
+conflagration, others, more humane and less superstitious, hastened to
+lend their aid to extinguish the flames. On reaching the College, they
+could scarcely credit their senses on finding that there was no
+appearance of fire; and they were met by the Doctor and his companion at
+the gates, who informed them that their presence was unnecessary, as all
+danger was over. From that night Doctor Dee's reputation as a wizard
+was firmly established.
+
+At the period of this history, Doctor Dee was fast verging on eighty,
+having passed a long life in severe and abstruse study. He had travelled
+much, had visited most of the foreign courts, where he was generally
+well received, and was profoundly versed in mathematics, astronomy, the
+then popular science of judicial astrology, and other occult learning.
+So accurate were his calculations esteemed, that he was universally
+consulted as an oracle. For some time, he resided in Germany, where he
+was invited by the Emperor Charles the Fifth, and retained by his
+brother and successor, Ferdinando. He next went to Louvain, where his
+reputation had preceded him; and from thence to Paris, where he lectured
+at the schools on geometry, and was offered a professorship of the
+university, but declined it. On his return to England in 1551, he was
+appointed one of the instructors of the youthful monarch, Edward the
+Sixth, who presented him with an annual pension of a hundred marks. This
+he was permitted to commute for the rectory of Upton-upon-Severn, which
+he retained until the accession of Mary, when being charged with
+devising her Majesty's destruction by enchantments,--certain waxen
+images of the Queen having been found within his abode,--he was thrown
+into prison, rigorously treated, and kept in durance for a long period.
+At length, from want of sufficient proof against him, he was liberated.
+
+Dee shared the common fate of all astrologers: he was alternately
+honoured and disgraced. His next patron was Lord Robert Dudley
+(afterwards the celebrated Earl of Leicester), who, it is well-known,
+was a firm believer in the superstitious arts to which Dee was addicted,
+and by whom he was employed, on the accession of Elizabeth, to erect a
+scheme to ascertain the best day for her coronation. His prediction was
+so fortunate that it procured him the favour of the Queen, from whom he
+received many marks of regard. As it is not needful to follow him
+through his various wanderings, it may be sufficient to mention, that in
+1564 he proceeded to Germany on a visit to the Emperor Maximilian, to
+whom he dedicated his "_Monas Hieroglyphica_;" that in 1571 he fell
+grievously sick in Lorrain, whither two physicians were despatched to
+his aid by Elizabeth; and that on his recovery he returned to his own
+country, and retired to Mortlake, where he gathered together a vast
+library, comprising the rarest and most curious works on all sciences,
+together with a large collection of manuscripts.
+
+While thus living in retirement, he was sought out by Edward Kelley, a
+native of Worcestershire, who represented himself as in possession of an
+old book of magic, containing forms of invocation, by which spirits
+might be summoned and controlled, as well as a ball of ivory, found in
+the tomb of a bishop who had made great progress in hermetic
+philosophy, which was filled with the powder of projection. These
+treasures Kelley offered to place in the hands of the Doctor on certain
+conditions, which were immediately acquiesced in, and thenceforth Kelley
+became a constant inmate in his house, and an assistant in all his
+practices. Shortly afterwards, they were joined by a Polish nobleman,
+Albert de Laski, Palatine of Suabia, whom they accompanied to Prague, at
+the instance of the Emperor Rodolph the Second, who desired to be
+initiated into their mysteries. Their reception at this court was not
+such as to induce a long sojourn at it; and Dee having been warned by
+his familiar spirits to sell his effects and depart, complied with the
+intimation, and removed to Poland. The same fate attended him here. The
+nuncio of the Pope denounced him as a sorcerer, and demanded that he
+should be delivered up to the Inquisition. This was refused by the
+monarch; but Dee and his companion were banished from his dominions, and
+compelled to fly to Bohemia, where they took refuge in the castle of
+Trebona, belonging to Count Rosenberg. Shortly afterwards, Dee and
+Kelley separated, the magical instruments being delivered to the former,
+who bent his course homewards; and on his arrival in London was warmly
+welcomed by the Queen. During his absence, his house at Mortlake had
+been broken open by the populace, under the pretence of its being the
+abode of a wizard, and rifled of its valuable library and
+manuscripts,--a loss severely felt by its owner. Some years were now
+passed by Dee in great destitution, during which he prosecuted his
+studies with the same ardour as before, until at length in 1595, when he
+was turned seventy, fortune again smiled upon him, and he was appointed
+to the wardenship of the College at Manchester, whither he repaired, and
+was installed in great pomp.
+
+But his residence in this place was not destined to be a tranquil one.
+His reputation as a dealer in the black art had preceded him, and
+rendered him obnoxious to the clergy, with whom he had constant
+disputes, and a feud subsisted between him and the fellows of his
+church. It has already been mentioned that he refused to occupy the
+house allotted him, but preferred taking up his quarters in the old
+dilapidated College. Various reasons were assigned by his enemies for
+this singular choice of abode. They affirmed--and with some reason--that
+he selected it because he desired to elude observation,--and that his
+mode of life, sufficiently improper in a layman, was altogether
+indecorous in an ecclesiastic. By the common people he was universally
+regarded as a conjuror--and many at first came to consult him; but he
+peremptorily dismissed all such applicants; and, when seven females,
+supposed to be possessed, were brought to him that he might exercise his
+power over the evil spirits, he refused to interfere. He also publicly
+examined and rebuked a juggler, named Hartley, who pretended to magical
+knowledge. But these things did not blind his enemies, who continued to
+harass him to such a degree, that he addressed a petition to James the
+First, entreating to be brought to trial, when the accusations preferred
+against him might be fully investigated, and his character cleared. The
+application, and another to the like effect addressed to parliament,
+were disregarded. Dee had not been long established in Manchester when
+he was secretly joined by Kelley, and they recommenced their search
+after the grand secret,--passing the nights in making various alchymical
+experiments, or in fancied conferences with invisible beings.
+
+Among other magical articles possessed by Doctor Dee was a large globe
+of crystal, which he termed the Holy Stone, because he believed it had
+been brought him by "angelical ministry;" and "in which," according to
+Meric Casaubon, "and out of which, by persons qualified for it, and
+admitted to the sight of it, all shapes and figures mentioned in every
+action were seen, and voices heard." The same writer informs us it was
+"round-shaped, of a pretty bigness, and most like unto crystal." Dee
+himself declared to the Emperor Rodolph, "that the spirits had brought
+him a stone of that value that no earthly kingdom was of such worthiness
+as to be compared to the virtue and dignity thereof." He was in the
+habit of daily consulting this marvellous stone, and recording the
+visions he saw therein, and the conferences he held through it with the
+invisible world.
+
+Followed by Guy Fawkes and Kelley, the Doctor took his way down Long
+Mill Gate, and stopping at an arched gateway on the left, near which, on
+the site of the modern structure, stood the public school, founded a
+century before by Hugh Oldham, Bishop of Exeter,--he unlocked a small
+wicket, and entered a spacious court, surrounded on one side by high
+stone walls, and on the other by a wing of the College.
+
+Conducting his guest to the principal entrance of the building, which
+lay at the farther end of the court, Doctor Dee ushered him into a large
+chamber, panelled with oak, and having a curiously-moulded ceiling,
+ornamented with grotesque sculpture. This room, still in existence, and
+now occupied by the master of the school, formed Doctor Dee's library.
+Offering Fawkes a chair, the Doctor informed him that when all was
+ready, Kelley should summon him, and, accompanied by his assistant, he
+withdrew. Half an hour elapsed before Kelley returned. Motioning Guy
+Fawkes to follow him, he led the way through several intricate passages
+to a chamber which was evidently the magician's sacred retreat. In a
+recess on one side stood a table, covered with cabalistic characters and
+figures, referring to the celestial influences. On it was placed the
+holy stone, diffusing such a glistening radiance as is emitted by the
+pebble called cat's-eye. On the floor a wide circle was described, in
+the rings of which magical characters, resembling those on the table,
+were traced. In front stood a brasier, filled with flaming coals; and
+before it hung a heavy black curtain, appearing to shroud some mystery
+from view.
+
+Desiring Fawkes to place himself in the centre of the circle, Doctor Dee
+took several ingredients from a basket handed him by Kelley, and cast
+them into the brasier. As each herb or gum was ignited, the flame
+changed its colour; now becoming crimson, now green, now blue, while
+fragrant or noxious odours loaded the atmosphere. These suffumigations
+ended, Dee seated himself on a chair near the table, whither he was
+followed by Kelley, and commanding Fawkes not to move a footstep, as he
+valued his safety, he waved his wand, and began in a solemn tone to
+utter an invocation. As he continued, a hollow noise was heard overhead,
+which gradually increased in loudness, until it appeared as if the walls
+were tumbling about their ears.
+
+"The spirits are at hand!" cried Dee. "Do not look behind you, or they
+will tear you in pieces."
+
+As he spoke, a horrible din was heard, as of mingled howling, shrieking,
+and laughter. It was succeeded by a low faint strain of music, which
+gradually died away, and then all was silent.
+
+"All is prepared," cried Dee. "Now, what would you behold?"
+
+"The progress of the great enterprise," replied Fawkes.
+
+Doctor Dee waved his wand. The curtains slowly unfolded, and Guy Fawkes
+perceived as in a glass a group of dark figures; amongst which he
+noticed one in all respects resembling himself. A priest was apparently
+proposing an oath, which the others were uttering.
+
+"Do you recognise them?" said Doctor Dee.
+
+"Perfectly," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Look again," said Dee.
+
+As he spoke the figures melted away, and a new scene was presented on
+the glass. It was a gloomy vault, filled with barrels, partly covered
+with fagots and billets of wood.
+
+"Have you seen enough?" demanded Dee.
+
+"No," replied Fawkes, firmly. "I have seen what is past. I would behold
+that which is to come."
+
+"Look again, then," rejoined the Doctor, waving his wand.
+
+For an instant the glass was darkened, and nothing could be discerned
+except the lurid flame and thick smoke arising from the brasier. The
+next moment, an icy chill shot through the frame of Guy Fawkes as he
+beheld a throng of skeletons arranged before him. The bony fingers of
+the foremost of the grisly assemblage were pointed towards an indistinct
+object at its feet. As this object gradually became more defined, Guy
+Fawkes perceived that it was a figure resembling himself, stretched upon
+the wheel, and writhing in the agonies of torture.
+
+He uttered an exclamation of terror, and the curtains were instantly
+closed.
+
+Half an hour afterwards, Guy Fawkes quitted the College, and returned to
+the Seven Stars.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE PRISON ON SALFORD BRIDGE.
+
+
+On the following morning, Guy Fawkes had a long and private conference
+with Father Oldcorne. The priest appeared greatly troubled by the
+communication made to him, but he said nothing, and was for some time
+lost in reflection, and evidently weighing within himself what course it
+would be best to pursue. His uneasiness was not without effect on
+Viviana Radcliffe, and she ventured at last to inquire whether he
+apprehended any new danger.
+
+"I scarcely know what I apprehend, dear daughter," he answered. "But
+circumstances have occurred which render it impossible we can remain
+longer in our present asylum with safety. We must quit it at nightfall."
+
+"Is our retreat then discovered?" inquired Viviana, in alarm.
+
+"Not as yet, I trust," replied Oldcorne; "but I have just ascertained
+from a messenger that the pursuivant, who, we thought, had departed for
+Chester, is still lingering within the town. He has offered a large
+reward for my apprehension, and having traced us to Manchester, declares
+he will leave no house unsearched till he finds us. He has got together
+a fresh band of soldiers, and is now visiting every place he thinks
+likely to afford us shelter."
+
+"If this is the case," rejoined Viviana, "why remain here a single
+moment? Let us fly at once."
+
+"That would avail nothing,--or rather, it would expose us to fresh risk,
+dear daughter," replied Oldcorne. "Every approach to the town is
+guarded, and soldiers are posted at the corners of the streets, who stop
+and examine each suspected person."
+
+"Heaven protect us!" exclaimed Viviana.
+
+"But this is not all," continued the priest. "By some inexplicable and
+mysterious means, the designs of certain of the most assured friends of
+the catholic cause have come to the knowledge of our enemies, and the
+lives and safeties of many worthy men will be endangered: amongst
+others, that of your father."
+
+"You terrify me!" cried Viviana.
+
+"The rack shall force nothing from me, father," said Fawkes, sternly.
+
+"Nor from me, my son," rejoined Oldcorne. "I have that within me which
+will enable me to sustain the bitterest agonies that the persecutors of
+our Church can inflict."
+
+"Nor shall it force aught from me," added Viviana. "For, though you have
+trusted me with nothing that can implicate others, I plainly perceive
+some plot is in agitation for the restoration of our religion, and I
+more than suspect Mr. Catesby is its chief contriver."
+
+"Daughter!" exclaimed Oldcorne, uneasily.
+
+"Fear nothing, father," she rejoined. "As I have said, the rack shall
+not force me to betray you. Neither should it keep me silent when I feel
+that my counsel--such as it is--may avail you. The course you are
+pursuing is a dangerous and fatal one; dangerous to yourselves, and
+fatal to the cause you would serve. Do not deceive yourselves. You are
+struggling hopelessly and unrighteously, and Heaven will never assist an
+undertaking which has its aim in the terrible waste of life you
+meditate."
+
+Father Oldcorne made no reply, but walked apart with Guy Fawkes; and
+Viviana abandoned herself to sorrowful reflection.
+
+Shortly after this, the door was suddenly thrown open, and Humphrey
+Chetham rushed into the room. His looks were full of apprehension, and
+Viviana was at no loss to perceive that some calamity was at hand.
+
+"What is the matter?" she cried, rising.
+
+"The pursuivant and his men are below," he replied. "They are
+interrogating the hostess, and are about to search the house. I managed
+to pass them unperceived."
+
+"We will resist them to the last," said Guy Fawkes, drawing a petronel.
+
+"Resistance will be in vain," rejoined Humphrey Chetham. "They more than
+treble our number."
+
+"Is there no means of escape?" asked Viviana.
+
+"None whatever," replied Chetham. "I hear them on the stairs. The
+terrified hostess has not dared to deny you, and is conducting them
+hither."
+
+"Stand back!" cried Guy Fawkes, striding towards the door, "and let me
+alone confront them. That accursed pursuivant has escaped me once. But
+he shall not do so a second time."
+
+"My son," said Oldcorne, advancing towards him; "preserve yourself, if
+possible. Your life is of consequence to the great cause. Think not of
+us--think not of revenging yourself upon this caitiff. But think of the
+high destiny for which you are reserved. That window offers a means of
+retreat. Avail yourself of it. Fly!--Fly!"
+
+"Ay, fly!" repeated Viviana. "And you, Humphrey Chetham,--your presence
+here can do no good. Quick!--they come!"
+
+"Nothing should induce me to quit you at such a moment, Viviana,"
+replied Chetham, "but the conviction that I may be able to liberate you,
+should these miscreants convey you to prison."
+
+"Fly!--fly, my son," cried Oldcorne. "They are at the door."
+
+Thus urged, Guy Fawkes reluctantly yielded to Oldcorne's entreaties and
+sprang through the window. He was followed by Chetham. Viviana darted to
+the casement, and saw that they had alighted in safety on the ground,
+and were flying swiftly up Shude Hill. Meanwhile, the pursuivant had
+reached the door, which Chetham had taken the precaution to fasten, and
+was trying to burst it open. The bolts offered but a feeble resistance
+to his fury, and the next moment he dashed into the room, at the head of
+a band of soldiers.
+
+"Seize them!" he cried. "Ha!" he added, glancing round the room with a
+look of disappointment, "where are the others? Where is the soldier in
+the Spanish garb? Where is Humphrey Chetham? Confess at once, dog!" he
+continued, seizing the priest by the throat, "or I will pluck the secret
+from your breast."
+
+"Do not harm him," interposed Viviana. "I will answer the question. They
+are fled."
+
+"Fled!" echoed the pursuivant in consternation. "How?"
+
+"Through that window," replied Viviana.
+
+"After them!" cried the pursuivant to some of his attendants. "Take the
+soldier, dead or alive! And now," he continued, as his orders were
+obeyed, "you, Father Oldcorne, Jesuit and traitor; and you, Viviana
+Radcliffe, his shelterer and abettor, I shall convey you both to the
+prison on Salford Bridge. Seize them, and bring them along."
+
+"Touch me not," rejoined Viviana, pushing the men aside, who rudely
+advanced to obey their leader's command. "You have no warrant for this
+brutality. I am ready to attend you. Take my arm, father."
+
+Abashed at this reproof, the pursuivant stalked out of the room.
+Surrounded by the soldiers, Viviana and the priest followed. The sad
+procession was attended by crowds to the very door of the prison, where,
+by the pursuivant's commands, they were locked in separate cells.
+
+The cell in which Viviana was confined was a small chamber at the back
+of the prison, and on the upper story. It had a small grated window
+overlooking the river. It has already been mentioned that this prison
+was originally a chapel built in the reign of Edward the Third, and had
+only recently been converted into a place of security for recusants. The
+chamber allotted to Viviana was contrived in the roof, and was so low
+that she could scarcely stand upright in it. It was furnished with a
+chair, a small table, and a straw pallet.
+
+The hours passed wearily with Viviana as they were marked by the
+deep-toned clock of the Collegiate Church, the tall tower of which
+fronted her window. Oppressed by the most melancholy reflections, she
+was for some time a prey almost to despair. On whatever side she looked,
+the prospect was equally cheerless, and her sole desire was that she
+might find a refuge from her cares in the seclusion of a convent. For
+this she prayed,--and she prayed also that Heaven would soften the
+hearts of her oppressors, and enable those who suffered to endure their
+yoke with patience. In the evening provisions were brought her, and
+placed upon the table, together with a lamp, by a surly looking gaoler.
+But Viviana had no inclination to eat, and left them untouched. Neither
+could she prevail upon herself to lie down on the wretched pallet, and
+she therefore determined to pass the night in the chair.
+
+After some hours of watchfulness, her eyelids closed, and she continued
+to slumber until she was aroused by a slight noise at the window.
+Starting at the sound, she flew towards it, and perceived in the gloom
+the face of a man. She would have uttered a loud cry, when the
+circumstances of her situation rushed to her mind, and the possibility
+that it might be a friend checked her. The next moment satisfied her
+that she had acted rightly. A voice, which she recognised as that of
+Humphrey Chetham, called to her by name in a low tone, bidding her fear
+nothing, as he was come to set her free.
+
+"How have you managed to reach this window?" asked Viviana.
+
+"By a rope ladder," he answered. "I contrived in the darkness to clamber
+upon the roof of the prison from the parapets of the bridge, and, after
+securing the ladder to a projection, dropped the other end into a boat,
+rowed by Guy Fawkes, and concealed beneath the arches of the bridge. If
+I can remove this bar so as to allow you to pass through the window,
+dare you descend the ladder?"
+
+"No," replied Viviana, shuddering. "My brain reels at the mere idea."
+
+"Think of the fate you will escape," urged Chetham.
+
+"And what will become of Father Oldcorne?" asked Viviana. "Where is he?"
+
+"In the cell immediately beneath you," replied Chetham.
+
+"Can you not liberate him?" she continued.
+
+"Assuredly, if he will risk the descent," answered Chetham, reluctantly.
+
+"Free him first," rejoined Viviana, "and at all hazards I will accompany
+you."
+
+The young merchant made no reply, but disappeared from the window.
+Viviana strained her gaze downwards; but it was too dark to allow her to
+see anything. She, however, heard a noise like that occasioned by a
+file; and shortly afterwards a few muttered words informed her that the
+priest was passing through the window. The cords of the ladder shook
+against the bars of her window,--and she held her breath for fear. From
+this state of suspense she was relieved in a few minutes by Humphrey
+Chetham, who informed her that Oldcorne had descended in safety, and was
+in the boat with Guy Fawkes.
+
+"I will fulfil my promise," replied Viviana, trembling; "but I fear my
+strength will fail me."
+
+"You had better find death below than tarry here," replied Humphrey
+Chetham, who as he spoke was rapidly filing through the iron bar. "In a
+few minutes this impediment will be removed."
+
+The young merchant worked hard, and in a short time the stout bar
+yielded to his efforts.
+
+"Now, then," he cried, springing into the room, "you are free."
+
+"I dare not make the attempt," said Viviana; "my strength utterly fails
+me."
+
+"Nay, then," he replied; "I will take the risk upon myself. You must not
+remain here."
+
+So saying, he caught her in his arms, and bore her through the window.
+
+With some difficulty, and no little risk, he succeeded in gaining a
+footing on the ladder. This accomplished, he began slowly to descend.
+When half way down, he found he had overrated his strength, and he
+feared he should be compelled to quit his hold; but, nerved by his
+passion, he held on, and making a desperate effort, completed the
+descent in safety.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE FATE OF THE PURSUIVANT.
+
+
+Assisted by the stream, and plying his oars with great rapidity, Guy
+Fawkes soon left the town far behind him; nor did he relax his exertions
+until checked by Humphrey Chetham. He then ceased rowing, and directed
+the boats towards the left bank of the river.
+
+"Here we propose to land," observed the young merchant to Viviana. "We
+are not more than a hundred yards from Ordsall Cave, where you can take
+refuge for a short time, while I proceed to the Hall, and ascertain
+whether you can return to it with safety."
+
+"I place myself entirely in your hands," she replied; "but I fear such a
+course will be to rush into the very face of danger. Oh! that I could
+join my father at Holywell! With him I should feel secure."
+
+"Means may be found to effect your wishes," returned Humphrey Chetham;
+"but, after the suffering you have recently endured, it will scarcely be
+prudent to undertake so long a journey without a few hours' repose.
+To-morrow,--or the next day,--you may set out."
+
+"I am fully equal to it now," rejoined Viviana, eagerly; "and any
+fatigue I may undergo will not equal my present anxiety. You have
+already done so much for me, that I venture to presume still further
+upon your kindness. Provide some means of conveyance for me and for
+Father Oldcorne to Chester, and I shall for ever be beholden to you."
+
+"I will not only do what you desire, Viviana, if it be possible,"
+answered Chetham; "but, if you will allow me, I will serve as your
+escort."
+
+"And I, also," added Guy Fawkes.
+
+"All I fear is, that your strength may fail you," continued the young
+merchant, in a tone of uneasiness.
+
+"Fear nothing then," replied Viviana. "I am made of firmer material than
+you imagine. Think only of what _you_ can do, and doubt not my ability
+to do it, also."
+
+"I ever deemed you of a courageous nature, daughter," observed Oldcorne;
+"but your resolution surpasses my belief."
+
+By this time the boat had approached the shore. Leaping upon the rocky
+bank, the young merchant assisted Viviana to land, and then performed
+the same service for the priest. Guy Fawkes was the last to disembark;
+and, having pulled the skiff aground, he followed the others, who waited
+for him at a short distance. The night was profoundly dark, and the path
+they had taken, being shaded by large trees, was scarcely discernible.
+Carefully guiding Viviana, who leaned on him for support, the young
+merchant proceeded at a slow pace, and with the utmost caution.
+Suddenly, they were surprised and alarmed by a vivid blaze of light
+bursting through the trees on the left.
+
+"Some building must be on fire!" exclaimed Viviana.
+
+"It is Ordsall Hall,--it is your father's residence," cried Humphrey
+Chetham.
+
+"It is the work of that accursed pursuivant, I will be sworn," said Guy
+Fawkes.
+
+"If it be so, may Heaven's fire consume him!" rejoined Oldcorne.
+
+"Alas! alas!" cried Viviana, bursting into tears, "I thought myself
+equal to every calamity; but this new stroke of fate is more than I can
+bear."
+
+As she spoke, the conflagration evidently increased. The sky was
+illumined by the red reflection of the flames; and as the party hurried
+forward to a rising ground, whence a better view could be obtained of
+the spectacle, they saw the dark walls of the ancient mansion apparently
+wrapped in the devouring element.
+
+"Let us hasten thither," cried Viviana, distractedly.
+
+"I and Guy Fawkes will fly there," replied the young merchant, "and
+render all the assistance in our power. But, first, let me convey you to
+the cave."
+
+More dead than alive, Viviana suffered herself to be borne in that
+direction. Making his way over every impediment, Chetham soon reached
+the excavation; and depositing his lovely burthen upon the stone couch,
+and leaving her in charge of the priest, he hurried with Guy Fawkes
+towards the Hall.
+
+On arriving at the termination of the avenue, they found, to their great
+relief, that it was not the main structure, but an outbuilding which was
+in flames, and from its situation the young merchant conceived it to be
+the stables. As soon as they made this discovery, they slackened their
+pace, being apprehensive, from the shouts and other sounds that reached
+them, that some hostile party might be among the assemblage. Crossing
+the drawbridge--which was fortunately lowered,--they were about to shape
+their course towards the stables, which lay at the further side of the
+Hall, when they perceived the old steward, Heydocke, standing at the
+doorway and wringing his hands in distraction. Humphrey Chetham
+immediately called to him.
+
+"I should know that voice!" cried the old man, stepping forward. "Ah!
+Mr. Chetham, is it you? You are arrived at a sad time, sir--a sad
+time--to see the old house, where I have dwelt, man and boy, sixty years
+and more, in flames. But one calamity has trodden upon the heels of
+another. Ever since Sir William departed for Holywell nothing has gone
+right--nothing whatever. First, the house was searched by the pursuivant
+and his gang; then, my young mistress disappeared; then it was rifled by
+these plunderers; and now, to crown all, it is on fire, and will
+speedily be burnt to the ground."
+
+"Say not so," replied the young merchant. "The flames have not yet
+reached the Hall; and, if exertion is used, they may be extinguished
+without further mischief."
+
+"Let those who have kindled them extinguish them," replied Heydocke,
+sullenly. "I will not raise hand more."
+
+"Who are the incendiaries?" demanded Fawkes.
+
+"The pursuivant and his myrmidons," replied Heydocke. "They came here
+to-night; and after ransacking the house under pretence of procuring
+further evidence against my master, and carrying off everything valuable
+they could collect--plate, jewels, ornaments, money, and even
+wearing-apparel,--they ended by locking up all the servants,--except
+myself, who managed to elude their vigilance,--in the cellar, and
+setting fire to the stables."
+
+"Wretches!" exclaimed Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"Wretches, indeed!" repeated the steward. "But this is not all the
+villany they contemplate. I had concealed myself in the store-room,
+under a heap of lumber, and in searching for me they chanced upon a
+barrel of gunpowder--"
+
+"Well!" interrupted Guy Fawkes.
+
+"Well, sir," pursued Heydocke, "I heard the pursuivant remark to one of
+his comrades, 'This is a lucky discovery. If we can't find the steward,
+we'll blow him and the old house to the devil.' Just then, some one came
+to tell him I was hidden in the stables, and the whole troop adjourned
+thither. But being baulked of their prey, I suppose, they wreaked their
+vengeance in the way you perceive."
+
+"No doubt," rejoined Humphrey Chetham. "But they shall bitterly rue it.
+I will myself represent the affair to the Commissioners."
+
+"It will be useless," groaned Heydocke. "There is no law to protect the
+property of a Catholic."
+
+"Where is the barrel of gunpowder you spoke of?" asked Guy Fawkes, as if
+struck by a sudden idea.
+
+"The villains took it with them when they quitted the store-room,"
+replied the steward. "I suppose they have got it in the yard."
+
+"They have lighted a fire which shall be quenched with their blood,"
+rejoined Fawkes, fiercely. "Follow me. I may need you both."
+
+So saying, he darted off, and turning the corner, came in front of the
+blazing pile. Occupying one side of a large quadrangular court, the
+stables were wholly disconnected with the Hall, and though the fire
+burnt furiously, yet as the wind carried the flames and sparks in a
+contrary direction, it was possible the latter building might escape if
+due precaution were taken. So far, however, from this being the case, it
+seemed the object of the bystanders to assist the progress of the
+conflagration. Several horses, saddled and bridled, had been removed
+from the stable, and placed within an open cowhouse. To these Guy Fawkes
+called Chetham's attention, and desired him and the old steward to
+secure some of them. Hastily giving directions to Heydocke, the young
+merchant obeyed,--sprang on the back of the nearest courser, and seizing
+the bridles of two others, rode off with them. His example was followed
+by Heydocke, and one steed only was left. Such was the confusion and
+clamour prevailing around, that the above proceeding passed unnoticed.
+
+Guy Fawkes, meanwhile, ensconcing himself behind the court-gate, looked
+about for the barrel of gunpowder. For some time he could discover no
+trace of it. At length, beneath a shed, not far from him, he perceived a
+soldier seated upon a small cask, which he had no doubt was the object
+he was in search of. So intent was the man upon the spectacle before
+him, that he was wholly unaware of the approach of an enemy; and
+creeping noiselessly up to him, Guy Fawkes felled him to the ground with
+a blow from the heavy butt-end of his petronel. The action was not
+perceived by the others; and carrying the cask out of the yard, Fawkes
+burst in the lid, and ascertained that the contents were what they had
+been represented. He then glanced around, to see how he could best
+execute his purpose.
+
+On the top of the wall adjoining the stables he beheld the pursuivant,
+with three or four soldiers, giving directions and issuing orders.
+Another and lower wall, forming the opposite side of the quadrangle, and
+built on the edge of the moat, approached the scene of the fire, and on
+this, Guy Fawkes, with the barrel of gunpowder on his shoulder, mounted.
+Concealing himself behind a tree which overshadowed it, he watched a
+favourable moment for his enterprise.
+
+He had not to wait long. Prompted by some undefinable feeling, which
+caused him to rush upon his destruction, the pursuivant ventured upon
+the roof of the stables, and was followed by his companions. No sooner
+did this occur, than Guy Fawkes dashed forward, and hurled the barrel
+with all his force into the midst of the flames, throwing himself at the
+same moment into the moat. The explosion was instantaneous and
+tremendous;--so loud as to be audible even under the water. Its effects
+were terrible. The bodies of the pursuivant and his companions were
+blown into the air, and carried to the further side of the moat. Of
+those standing before the building, several were destroyed, and all more
+or less injured. The walls were thrown down by the concussion, and the
+roof and its fiery fragments projected into the moat. An effectual stop
+was put to the conflagration; and, when Guy Fawkes rose to the boiling
+and agitated surface of the water, the flames were entirely
+extinguished. Hearing groans on the opposite bank of the moat, he forced
+his way through the blazing beams, which were hissing near him; and
+snatching up a still burning fragment, hastened in the direction of the
+sound. In the blackened and mutilated object that met his gaze, he
+recognised the pursuivant. The dying wretch also recognised him, and
+attempted to speak; but in vain--his tongue refused its office, and with
+a horrible attempt at articulation, he expired.
+
+Alarmed by the explosion, the domestics,--who it has already been
+mentioned were confined in the cellar;--were rendered so desperate by
+their fears, that they contrived to break out of their prison, and now
+hastened to the stables to ascertain the cause of the report. Leaving
+them to assist the sufferers, whose dreadful groans awakened some
+feelings of compunction in his iron breast, Guy Fawkes caught the
+steed,--which had broken its bridle and rushed off, and now stood
+shivering, shaking, and drenched in moisture near the drawbridge,--and,
+mounting it, galloped towards the cave.
+
+At its entrance, he was met by Humphrey Chetham and Oldcorne, who
+eagerly inquired what had happened.
+
+Guy Fawkes briefly explained.
+
+"It is the hand of Heaven manifested by your arm, my son," observed the
+priest. "Would that it had stricken the tyrant and apostate prince by
+whom our church is persecuted! But his turn will speedily arrive."
+
+"Peace, father!" cried Guy Fawkes, sternly.
+
+"I do not lament the fate of the pursuivant," observed Humphrey Chetham.
+"But this is a frightful waste of human life--and in such a cause!"
+
+"It is the cause of Heaven, young sir," rejoined the priest, angrily.
+
+"I do not think so," returned Chetham; "and, but for my devotion to
+Viviana, I would have no further share in it."
+
+"You are at liberty to leave us, if you think proper," retorted the
+priest, coldly.
+
+"Nay, say not so, father," interposed Viviana, who had been an
+unobserved listener to the foregoing discourse. "You owe your life--your
+liberty, to Mr. Chetham."
+
+"True, daughter," replied the priest. "I have been too hasty, and
+entreat his forgiveness."
+
+"You have it, reverend sir," rejoined the young merchant. "And now,
+Master Heydocke," he added, turning to the steward, "you may return to
+the Hall with safety. No one will molest you more, and your presence may
+be needed."
+
+"But my young mistress--" said Heydocke.
+
+"I am setting out for Holywell to join my father," replied Viviana. "You
+will receive our instructions from that place."
+
+"It is well," returned the old man, bowing respectfully. "Heaven shield
+us from further misfortune!"
+
+Humphrey Chetham having assisted Viviana into the saddle, and the rest
+of the party having mounted, they took the road to Chester, while
+Heydocke returned to the Hall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE PILGRIMAGE TO ST. WINIFRED'S WELL.
+
+
+Early on the following morning, the party, who had ridden hard, and had
+paused only for a short time at Knutsford to rest their steeds,
+approached the ancient and picturesque city of Chester. Skirting its
+high, and then partly fortified walls, above which appeared the massive
+tower of the venerable cathedral, they passed through the east-gate, and
+proceeding along the street deriving its name from that entrance, were
+about to halt before the door of a large hostel, called the Saint
+Werburgh's Abbey, when, to their great surprise, they perceived Catesby
+riding towards them.
+
+"I thought I could not be mistaken," cried the latter, as he drew near
+and saluted Viviana. "I was about to set out for Manchester with a
+despatch to you from your father, Miss Radcliffe, when this most
+unexpected and fortunate encounter spares me the journey. But may I ask
+why I see you here, and thus attended?" he added, glancing uneasily at
+Humphrey Chetham.
+
+A few words from Father Oldcorne explained all. Catesby affected to bend
+his brow, and appear concerned at the relation. But he could scarcely
+repress his satisfaction.
+
+"Sir William Radcliffe _must_ join us now," he whispered to the priest.
+
+"He must--he _shall_," replied Oldcorne, in the same tone.
+
+"Your father wishes you to join him at Holt, Miss Radcliffe," remarked
+Catesby, turning to her, "whence the pilgrimage starts to-morrow for
+Saint Winifred's Well. There are already nearly thirty devout persons
+assembled."
+
+"Indeed!" replied Viviana. "May I inquire their names."
+
+"Sir Everard and Lady Digby," replied Catesby; "the Lady Anne Vaux and
+her sister, Mrs. Brooksby; Mr. Ambrose Rookwood and his wife, the two
+Winters, Tresham, Wright, Fathers Garnet and Fisher, and many others, in
+all probability unknown to you. The procession started ten days ago from
+Gothurst, in Buckinghamshire, Sir Everard Digby's residence, and
+proceeded from thence by slow stages to Norbrook and Haddington, at each
+of which houses it halted for some days. Yesterday, it reached Holt, and
+starts, as I have just told you, to-morrow for Holywell. If you are so
+disposed, you will be able to attend it."
+
+"I will gladly do so," replied Viviana. "And since I find it is not
+necessary to hurry forward, I will rest myself for a short time here."
+
+So saying, she dismounted, and the whole party entered the hostel.
+Viviana withdrew to seek a short repose, and glance over her father's
+letter, while Catesby, Guy Fawkes, and Oldcorne, were engaged in deep
+consultation. Humphrey Chetham, perceiving that his attendance was no
+further required, and that he was an object of suspicion and dislike to
+Catesby,--for whom he also entertained a similar aversion,--prepared to
+return. And when Viviana made her appearance, he advanced to bid her
+farewell.
+
+"I can be of no further service to you, Viviana," he said, in a
+mournful tone; "and as my presence might be as unwelcome to your father,
+as it seems to be to others of your friends, I will now take my leave."
+
+"Farewell, Mr. Chetham," she replied. "I will not attempt to oppose your
+departure; for, much as I grieve to lose you--and that I do so these
+tears will testify,--I feel that it is for the best. I owe you
+much--more--far more than I can ever repay. It would be unworthy in me,
+and unfair to you, to say that I do not, and shall not ever feel the
+deepest interest in you; that, next to my father, there is no one whom I
+regard--nay, whom I love so much."
+
+"Love! Viviana?" echoed the young merchant, trembling.
+
+"Love, Mr. Chetham," she continued, turning very pale; "since you compel
+me to repeat the word. I avow it boldly, because--" and her voice
+faltered,--"I would not have you suppose me ungrateful, and because I
+never can be yours."
+
+"I will not attempt to dissuade you from the fatal determination you
+have formed of burying your charms in a cloister," rejoined Humphrey
+Chetham. "But, oh! if you _do_ love me, why condemn yourself--why
+condemn me to hopeless misery?"
+
+"I will tell you why," replied Viviana. "Because you are not of my
+faith; and because I never will wed a heretic."
+
+"I am answered," replied the young merchant, sadly.
+
+"Mr. Chetham," interposed Oldcorne, who had approached them unperceived;
+"it is in your power to change Viviana's determination."
+
+"How?" asked the young merchant, starting.
+
+"By being reconciled to the Church of Rome."
+
+"Then it will remain unaltered," replied Chetham, firmly.
+
+"And, if Mr. Chetham would consent to this proposal, _I_ would not,"
+said Viviana. "Farewell," she added, extending her hand to him, which he
+pressed to his lips. "Do not let us prolong an interview so painful to
+us both. The best wish I can desire for you is, that we may never meet
+again."
+
+Without another word, and without hazarding a look at the object of his
+affections, Chetham rushed out of the room, and mounting his horse, rode
+off in the direction of Manchester.
+
+"Daughter," observed Oldcorne, as soon as he was gone, "I cannot too
+highly approve of your conduct, or too warmly applaud the mastery you
+display over your feelings. But----" and he hesitated.
+
+"But what, father?" cried Viviana, eagerly. "Do you think I have done
+wrong in dismissing him?"
+
+"By no means, dear daughter," replied the priest. "You have acted most
+discreetly. But you will forgive me if I urge you--nay, implore you not
+to take the veil; but rather to bestow your hand upon some Catholic
+gentleman----"
+
+"Such as Mr. Catesby," interrupted Viviana, glancing in the direction
+of the individual she mentioned, who was watching them narrowly from the
+further end of the room.
+
+"Ay, Mr. Catesby," repeated Oldcorne, affecting not to notice the
+scornful emphasis laid on the name. "None more fitting could be found,
+nor more worthy of you. Our Church has not a more zealous servant and
+upholder; and he will be at once a father and a husband to you. Such a
+union would be highly profitable to our religion. And, though it is well
+for those whose hearts are burthened with affliction, and who are unable
+to render any active service to their faith, to retire from the world,
+it behoves every sister of the Romish Church to support it at a juncture
+like the present, at any sacrifice of personal feeling."
+
+"Urge me no more, father," replied Viviana, firmly. "I will make every
+sacrifice for my religion, consistent with principle and feeling. But I
+will not make this; neither am I required to make it. And I beg you will
+entreat Mr. Catesby to desist from further importunity."
+
+Oldcorne bowed and retired. Nor was another syllable exchanged between
+them prior to their departure.
+
+Crossing the old bridge over the Dee, then defended at each extremity by
+a gate and tower, the party took the road to Holt, where they arrived in
+about an hour. The recent conversation had thrown a restraint over them,
+which was not removed during the journey. Habitually taciturn, as has
+already been remarked, Guy Fawkes seemed gloomier and more thoughtful
+than ever; and though he rode by the side of Viviana, he did not
+volunteer a remark, and scarcely appeared conscious of her presence.
+Catesby and Oldcorne kept aloof, and it was not until they came in sight
+of the little town which formed their destination that the former
+galloped forward, and striking into the path on the right, begged
+Viviana to follow him. A turn in the road shortly afterwards showed them
+a large mansion screened by a grove of beech-trees.
+
+"That is the house to which we are going," observed Catesby.
+
+And as he spoke, they approached a lodge, the gates of which being
+opened by an attendant, admitted them to the avenue.
+
+Viviana's heart throbbed with delight at the anticipated meeting with
+her father; but she could not repress a feeling of anxiety at the
+distressing intelligence she had to impart to him. As she drew near the
+house she perceived him walking beneath the shade of the trees with two
+other persons; and quickening her pace, sprang from her steed, and
+almost before he was aware of it was in his arms.
+
+"Why do I see you here so unexpectedly, my dear child?" cried Sir
+William Radcliffe, as soon as he had recovered from the surprise which
+her sudden appearance occasioned him. "Mr. Catesby only left this
+morning, charged with a letter entreating you to set out without
+delay,--and now I behold you. What has happened?"
+
+Viviana then recounted the occurrences of the last few days.
+
+"It is as I feared," replied Sir William, in a desponding tone. "Our
+oppressors will never cease till they drive us to desperation!"
+
+"They will not!" rejoined a voice behind him. "Well may we exclaim with
+the prophet--'How long, O Lord, shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear?
+Shall I cry out to thee suffering violence, and thou wilt not save? Why
+hast thou showed me iniquity and grievance, to see rapine and injustice
+before me? Why lookest thou upon them that do unjust things, and holdest
+thy peace when the wicked devoureth the man that is more just than
+himself?'"
+
+Viviana looked in the direction of the speaker and beheld a man in a
+priestly garb, whose countenance struck her forcibly. He was rather
+under the middle height, of a slight spare figure, and in age might be
+about fifty. His features, which in his youth must have been pleasing,
+if not handsome, and which were still regular, were pale and emaciated;
+but his eye was dark, and of unusual brilliancy. A single glance at this
+person satisfied her it was Father Garnet, the provincial of the English
+Jesuits; nor was she mistaken in her supposition.
+
+Of this remarkable person, so intimately connected with the main events
+of the history about to be related, it may be proper to offer some
+preliminary account. Born at Nottingham in 1554, in the reign of Queen
+Mary, and of obscure parentage, Henry Garnet was originally destined to
+the Protestant Church, and educated, with a view to taking orders, at
+Winchester school, whence it was intended he should be removed in due
+course to Oxford. But this design was never carried into effect.
+Influenced by motives, into which it is now scarcely worth while
+inquiring, and which have been contested by writers on both sides of the
+question, Garnet proceeded from Winchester to London, where he engaged
+himself as corrector of the press to a printer of law-books, named
+Tottel, in which capacity he became acquainted with Sir Edward Coke and
+Chief Justice Popham,--one of whom was afterwards to be the leading
+counsel against him, and the other his judge. After continuing in this
+employment for two years, during which he had meditated a change in his
+religion, he went abroad, and travelling first to Madrid, and then to
+Rome, saw enough of the Catholic priesthood to confirm his resolution,
+and in 1575 he assumed the habit of a Jesuit. Pursuing his studies with
+the utmost zeal and ardour at the Jesuits' College, under the celebrated
+Bellarmine, and the no less celebrated Clavius, he made such progress,
+that upon the indisposition of the latter, he was able to fill the
+mathematical chair. Nor was he less skilled in philosophy, metaphysics,
+and divinity; and his knowledge of Hebrew was so profound that he taught
+it publicly in the Roman schools.
+
+To an enthusiastic zeal in the cause of the religion he had espoused,
+Garnet added great powers of persuasion and eloquence,--a combination of
+qualities well fitting him for the office of a missionary priest; and
+undismayed by the dangers he would have to encounter, and eager to
+propagate his doctrines, he solicited to be sent on this errand to his
+own country. At the instance of Father Persons, he received an
+appointment to the mission in 1586, and he secretly landed in England in
+the same year. Braving every danger, and shrinking from no labour, he
+sought on all hands to make proselytes to the ancient faith, and to
+sustain the wavering courage of its professors. Two years afterwards, on
+the imprisonment of the Superior of the Jesuits, being raised to that
+important post, he was enabled to extend his sphere of action; and
+redoubling his exertions in consequence, he so well discharged his
+duties, that it was mainly owing to him that the Catholic party was kept
+together during the fierce persecutions of the latter end of Elizabeth's
+reign.
+
+Compelled to personate various characters, as he travelled from place to
+place, Garnet had acquired a remarkable facility for disguise; and such
+was his address and courage, that he not unfrequently imposed upon the
+very officers sent in pursuit of him. Up to the period of Elizabeth's
+demise, he had escaped arrest; and, though involved in the treasonable
+intrigue with the king of Spain, and other conspiracies, he procured a
+general pardon under the great seal. His office and profession naturally
+brought him into contact with the chief Catholic families throughout the
+kingdom; and he maintained an active correspondence with many of them,
+by means of his various agents and emissaries. The great object of his
+life being the restoration of the fallen religion, to accomplish this,
+as he conceived, great and desirable end, he was prepared to adopt any
+means, however violent or obnoxious. When, under the seal of confession,
+Catesby revealed to him his dark designs, so far from discouraging him,
+all he counselled was caution. Having tested the disposition of the
+wealthier Romanists to rise against their oppressors, and finding a
+general insurrection, as has before been stated, impracticable, he gave
+every encouragement and assistance to the conspiracy forming among the
+more desperate and discontented of the party. At his instigation, the
+present pilgrimage to Saint Winifred's Well was undertaken, in the hope
+that, when so large a body of the Catholics were collected together,
+some additional aid to the project might be obtained.
+
+One of the most mysterious and inexplicable portions of Garnet's history
+is that relating to Anne Vaux. This lady, the daughter of Lord Vaux of
+Harrowden, a rigid Catholic nobleman, and one of Garnet's earliest
+patrons and friends, on the death of her father, in 1595, attached
+herself to his fortunes,--accompanied him in all his missions,--shared
+all his privations and dangers,--and, regardless of calumny or reproach,
+devoted herself entirely to his service. What is not less singular, her
+sister, who had married a Catholic gentleman named Brooksby, became his
+equally zealous attendant. Their enthusiasm produced a similar effect on
+Mr. Brooksby; and wherever Garnet went, all three accompanied him.
+
+By his side, on the present occasion, stood Sir Everard Digby. Accounted
+one of the handsomest, most accomplished, and best-informed men of his
+time, Sir Everard, at the period of this history only twenty-four, had
+married, when scarcely sixteen, Maria, heiress of the ancient and
+honourable family of Mulshoe, with whom he obtained a large fortune, and
+the magnificent estate of Gothurst, or Gaythurst, in Buckinghamshire.
+Knighted by James the First at Belvoir Castle, on his way from Scotland
+to London, Digby, who had once formed one of the most brilliant
+ornaments of the court, had of late in a great degree retired from it.
+"Notwithstanding," writes Father Greenway, "that he had dwelt much in
+the Queen's court, and was in the way of obtaining honours and
+distinction by his graceful manners and rare parts, he chose rather to
+bear the cross with the persecuted Catholics, _et vivere abjectus in
+domo Domini_, than to sail through the pleasures of a palace and the
+prosperities of the world, to the shipwreck of his conscience and the
+destruction of his soul." Having only when he completed his minority
+professed the Catholic religion, he became deeply concerned at its
+fallen state, and his whole thoughts were bent upon its restoration.
+This change in feeling was occasioned chiefly, if not altogether, by
+Garnet, by whom his conversion had been accomplished.
+
+Sir Everard Digby was richly attired in a black velvet doublet, with
+sleeves slashed with white satin, and wore a short mantle of the same
+material, similarly lined. He had the enormous trunk hose, heretofore
+mentioned as the distinguishing peculiarity of the costume of the
+period, and wore black velvet shoes, ornamented with white roses. An
+ample ruff encircled his throat. His hat was steeple-crowned, and
+somewhat broader in the leaf than was ordinarily worn, and shaded with a
+plume of black feathers. His hair was raven black, and he wore a pointed
+beard, and moustaches. His figure was tall and stately, and his features
+grave and finely formed.
+
+By this time the group had been joined by the others, and a friendly
+greeting took place. Guy Fawkes was presented by Catesby to Sir William
+Radcliffe and Sir Everard Digby. To Garnet he required no introduction,
+and Father Oldcorne was known to all. After a little further
+conversation, the party adjourned to the house, which belonged to a
+Welsh Catholic gentleman, named Griffiths, who, though absent at the
+time, had surrendered it to the use of Sir Everard Digby and his
+friends.
+
+On their entrance, Viviana was introduced by her father to Lady Digby,
+who presided as hostess, and welcomed her with great cordiality. She was
+then conducted to her own room, where she was speedily joined by Sir
+William; and they remained closeted together till summoned to the
+principal meal of the day. At the table, which was most hospitably
+served, Viviana found, in addition to her former companions, a large
+assemblage, to most of whom she was a stranger, consisting of Anne Vaux,
+Mr. Brooksby and his wife, Ambrose Rookwood, two brothers named Winter,
+two Wrights, Francis Tresham,--persons of whom it will be necessary to
+make particular mention hereafter,--and several others, in all amounting
+to thirty.
+
+The meal over, the company dispersed, and Viviana and her father,
+passing through an open window, wandered forth upon a beautiful and
+spreading lawn, and thence under the shade of the beech-trees. They had
+not been long here, anxiously conferring on recent events, when they
+perceived Garnet and Catesby approaching.
+
+"Father, dear father!" cried Viviana, hastily, "I was about to warn you;
+but I have not time to do so now. Some dark and dangerous plot is in
+agitation to restore our religion. Mr. Catesby is anxious to league you
+with it. Do not--do not yield to his solicitations!"
+
+"Fear nothing on that score, Viviana," replied Sir William, "I have
+already perplexities enow, without adding to them."
+
+"I will leave you, then," she replied. And, as soon as the others came
+up, she made some excuse for withdrawing, and returned to the house. The
+window of her chamber commanded the avenue, and from it she watched the
+group. They remained for a long time pacing up and down, in earnest
+conversation. By and by, they were joined by Oldcorne and Fawkes. Then
+came a third party, consisting of the Winters and Wrights; and, lastly,
+Sir Everard Digby and Tresham swelled the list.
+
+The assemblage was then harangued by Catesby, and the most profound
+attention paid to his address. Viviana kept her eye fixed upon her
+father's countenance, and from its changing expression inferred what
+effect the speech produced upon him. At its conclusion, the assemblage
+separated in little groups; and she perceived, with great uneasiness,
+that Father Garnet passed his arm through that of her father, and led
+him away. Some time elapsed, and neither of them re-appeared.
+
+"My warning was in vain; he _has_ joined them!" she exclaimed.
+
+"No, Viviana!" cried her father's voice behind her. "I have _not_ joined
+them. Nor _shall_ I do so."
+
+"Heaven be praised!" she exclaimed, flinging her arms around his neck.
+
+Neither of them were aware that they were overheard by Garnet, who had
+noiselessly followed Sir William into the room, and muttered to himself,
+"For all this, he _shall_ join the plot, and she _shall_ wed Catesby."
+
+He then coughed slightly, to announce his presence; and, apologizing to
+Viviana for the intrusion, told her he came to confess her previously to
+the celebration of mass, which would take place that evening, in a small
+chapel in the house. Wholly obedient to the command of her spiritual
+advisers, Viviana instantly signified her assent; and, her father having
+withdrawn, she laid open the inmost secrets of her heart to the Jesuit.
+Severely reprobating her love for a heretic, before he would give her
+absolution, Garnet enjoined her, as a penance, to walk barefoot to the
+holy well on the morrow, and to make a costly offering at the shrine of
+the saint. Compliance being promised to his injunction, he pronounced
+the absolution, and departed.
+
+Soon after this, mass was celebrated by Garnet, and the sacrament
+administered to the assemblage.
+
+An hour before daybreak, the party again assembled in the chapel, where
+matins were performed; after which, the female devotees, who were
+clothed in snow-white woollen robes, with wide sleeves and hoods, and
+having large black crosses woven in front, retired for a short time, and
+re-appeared, with their feet bared, and hair unbound. Each had a large
+rosary attached to the cord that bound her waist.
+
+Catesby thought Viviana had never appeared so lovely as in this costume;
+and as he gazed at her white and delicately formed feet, her small
+rounded ankles, her dark and abundant tresses falling in showers almost
+to the ground, he became more deeply enamoured than before. His
+passionate gaze was, however, unnoticed, as the object of it kept her
+eyes steadily fixed on the ground. Lady Digby, who was a most beautiful
+woman, scarcely appeared to less advantage; and, as she walked side by
+side with Viviana in the procession, the pair attracted universal
+admiration from all who beheld them.
+
+Everything being at last in readiness, and the order of march fully
+arranged, two youthful choristers, in surplices, chanting a hymn to
+Saint Winifred, set forth. They were followed by two men bearing silken
+banners, on one of which was displayed the martyrdom of the saint whose
+shrine they were about to visit, and on the other a lamb carrying a
+cross; next came Fathers Oldcorne and Fisher, each sustaining a large
+silver crucifix; next, Garnet alone, in the full habit of his order;
+next, the females, in the attire before described, and walking two and
+two; next, Sir Everard Digby and Sir William Radcliffe; and lastly, the
+rest of the pilgrims, to the number of fourteen. These were all on foot.
+But at the distance of fifty paces behind them rode Guy Fawkes and
+Catesby, at the head of twenty well-armed and well-mounted attendants,
+intended to serve as a guard in case of need.
+
+In such order, this singular procession moved forward at a slow pace,
+taking its course along a secluded road leading to the ridge of hills
+extending from the neighbourhood of Wrexham to Mold, and from thence, in
+an almost unbroken chain, to Holywell.
+
+Along these heights, whence magnificent views were obtained of the broad
+estuary of the Dee and the more distant ocean, the train proceeded
+without interruption; and though the road selected was one seldom
+traversed, and through a country thinly peopled, still, the rumour of
+the pilgrimage having gone abroad, hundreds were stationed at different
+points to behold it. Some expressions of disapprobation were
+occasionally manifested by the spectators; but the presence of the large
+armed force effectually prevented any interference.
+
+Whenever such a course could be pursued, the procession took its way
+over the sward. Still the sufferings of the females were severe in the
+extreme; and before Viviana had proceeded a mile, her white, tender feet
+were cut and bruised by the sharp flints over which she walked; every
+step she took leaving a bloody print behind it. Lady Digby was in little
+better condition. But such was the zeal by which they, in common with
+all the other devotees following them, were animated, that not a single
+murmur was uttered.
+
+Proceeding in this way, they reached at mid-day a small stone chapel on
+the summit of the hill overlooking Plas-Newydd, where they halted, and
+devotions being performed, the females bathed their lacerated limbs in a
+neighbouring brook, after which they were rubbed with a cooling and
+odorous ointment. Thus refreshed, they again set forward, and halting a
+second time at Plas-Isaf, where similar religious ceremonies were
+observed, they rested for the day at a lodging prepared for their
+reception in the vicinity of Mold.
+
+The night being passed in prayer, early in the morning they commenced
+their march in the same order as before. When Viviana first set her feet
+to the ground, she felt as if she were treading on hot iron, and the
+pain was so excruciating, that she could not repress a cry.
+
+"Heed not your sufferings, dear daughter," observed Garnet,
+compassionately; "the waters of the holy fountain will heal the wounds
+both of soul and body."
+
+Overcoming her agony by a powerful effort, she contrived to limp
+forward; and the whole party was soon after in motion. Halting; for two
+hours at Pentre-Terfyn, and again at Skeviog, the train, towards
+evening, reached the summit of the hill overlooking Holywell, at the
+foot of which could be seen the ruins of Basingwerk Abbey, and the roof
+of the ancient chapel erected over the sacred spring. At this sight,
+those who were foremost in the procession fell on their knees; and the
+horsemen dismounting, imitated their example. An earnest supplication to
+Saint Winifred was then poured forth by Father Garnet, in which all the
+others joined, and a hymn in her honour chanted by the choristers.
+
+Their devotions ended, the whole train arose, and walked slowly down the
+steep descent. As they entered the little town, which owes its name and
+celebrity to the miraculous spring rising within it, they were met by a
+large concourse of people, who had flocked from Flint, and the other
+neighbouring places to witness the ceremonial. Most of the inhabitants
+of Holywell, holding their saintly patroness in the deepest veneration,
+viewed this pilgrimage to her shrine as a proper tribute of respect,
+while those of the opposite faith were greatly impressed by it. As the
+procession advanced, the crowd divided into two lines to allow it
+passage, and many fell on their knees imploring a blessing from Garnet,
+which he in no instance refused. When within a hundred yards of the
+sacred well, they were met by a priest, followed by another small train
+of pilgrims. A Latin oration having been pronounced by this priest, and
+replied to in the same language by Garnet, the train was once more put
+in motion, and presently reached the ancient fabric built over the
+sacred fountain.
+
+The legend of Saint Winifred is so well known, that it is scarcely
+necessary to repeat it. For the benefit of the uninformed, however, it
+may be stated that she flourished about the middle of the seventh
+century, and was the daughter of Thewith, one of the chief lords of
+Wales. Devoutly educated by a monk named Beuno, who afterwards received
+canonization, she took the veil, and retired to a small monastery (the
+ruins of which still exist), built by her father near the scene of her
+subsequent martyrdom. Persecuted by the addresses of Caradoc, son of
+Alan, Prince of Wales, she fled from him to avoid his violence. He
+followed, and inflamed by fury at her resistance, struck off her head.
+For this atrocity, the earth instantly opened and swallowed him alive,
+while from the spot where the head had fallen gushed forth a fountain of
+unequalled force and purity, producing more than a hundred tons a
+minute. The bottom of this miraculous well is strewn with pebbles
+streaked with red veins, in memory of the virgin saint from whose blood
+it sprung. On its margin grows an odorous moss, while its gelid and
+translucent waters are esteemed a remedy for many disorders.
+Winifred's career did not terminate with her decapitation.
+Resuscitated by the prayers of Saint Beuno, she lived many years a life
+of the utmost sanctity, bearing, as a mark of the miracle performed in
+her behalf, a narrow crimson circle round her throat.
+
+Passing the chapel adjoining the well, built in the reign of Henry the
+Seventh by his mother, the pious Countess of Richmond, the pilgrims came
+to the swift clear stream rushing from the well. Instead of ascending
+the steps leading to the edifice built over the spring, they plunged
+into the stream, and crossing it entered the structure by a doorway on
+the further side. Erected by the Countess of Richmond at the same period
+as the chapel, this structure, quadrangular in form, and of great
+beauty, consists of light clustered pillars and mouldings, supporting
+the most gorgeous tracery and groining, the whole being ornamented with
+sculptured bosses, pendent capitals, fretwork, niches, and tabernacles.
+In the midst is a large stone basin, to receive the water of the
+fountain, around which the procession now grouped, and as soon as all
+were assembled, at the command of Father Garnet they fell on their
+knees.
+
+It was a solemn and striking sight to see this large group prostrated
+around that beautiful fountain, and covered by that ancient
+structure,--a touching thing to hear the voice of prayer mingling with
+the sound of the rushing water. After this, they all arose. A hymn was
+then chanted, and votive offerings made at the shrine of the saint. The
+male portion of the assemblage then followed Garnet to the chapel, where
+further religious rites were performed, while the female devotees,
+remaining near the fountain, resigned themselves to the care of several
+attendants of their own sex, who, having bathed their feet in the water,
+applied some of the fragrant moss above described to the wounds; and,
+such was the faith of the patients, or the virtue of the application,
+that in a short time they all felt perfectly restored, and able to join
+their companions in the chapel. In this way the evening was spent, and
+it was not until late that they finished their devotions, and departed
+to the lodgings provided for them in the town.
+
+Impressed with a strange superstitious feeling, which he could scarcely
+acknowledge to himself, Guy Fawkes determined to pass the night near the
+well. Accordingly, without communicating his intention to his
+companions, he threw a small knapsack over his shoulder, containing a
+change of linen, and a few articles of attire, and proceeded thither.
+
+It was a brilliant moonlight night, and, as the radiance, streaming
+through the thin clustered columns of the structure, lighted up its
+fairy architecture, and fell upon the clear cold waves of the fountain,
+revealing the blood-streaked pebbles beneath, the effect was
+inexpressibly beautiful. So charmed was Guy Fawkes by the sight, that he
+remained for some time standing near the edge of the basin, as if
+fascinated by the marvellous spring that boiled up and sparkled at his
+feet. Resolved to try the efficacy of the bath, he threw off his clothes
+and plunged into it. The water was cold as ice; but on emerging from it
+he felt wonderfully refreshed. Having dressed himself, he wrapped his
+cloak around him, and, throwing himself on the stone floor, placed the
+knapsack under his head, and grasping a petronel in his right hand, to
+be ready in case of a surprise, disposed himself to slumber.
+
+[Illustration: _Vision of Guy Fawkes at Saint Winifred's Well_]
+
+Accustomed to a soldier's couch, he soon fell asleep. He had not long
+closed his eyes when he dreamed that from out of the well a female
+figure, slight and unsubstantial as the element from which it sprang,
+arose. It was robed in what resembled a nun's garb; but so thin and
+vapoury, that the very moonlight shone through it. From the garments of
+the figure, as well as from the crimson circle round its throat, he knew
+that it must be the patroness of the place, the sainted Winifred, that
+he beheld. He felt no horror, but the deepest awe. The arm of the figure
+was raised,--its benignant regards fixed upon him,--and, as soon as it
+gained the level of the basin, it glided towards him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE VISION.
+
+
+Before daybreak on the following morning, Garnet, who had been engaged
+in earnest conference with Catesby during the whole of the night,
+repaired to the sacred spring for the purpose of bathing within it, and
+performing his solitary devotions at the shrine of the saint. On
+ascending the steps of the structure, he perceived Guy Fawkes kneeling
+beside the fountain, apparently occupied in prayer; and, being unwilling
+to disturb him, he paused. Finding, however, after the lapse of a few
+minutes, that he did not move, he advanced towards him, and was about to
+lay his hand upon his shoulder, when he was arrested by the very
+extraordinary expression of his countenance. His lips were partly open,
+but perfectly motionless, and his eyes, almost starting from their
+sockets, were fixed upon the boiling waters of the spring. His hands
+were clasped, and his look altogether was that of one whose faculties
+were benumbed by awe or terror.
+
+Aware of the fanatical and enthusiastical character of Fawkes, Garnet
+had little doubt that, by keeping long vigil at the fountain, he had
+worked himself into such a state of over-excitement as to imagine he
+beheld some preternatural appearance; and it was with some curiosity
+that he awaited the result. Glancing in the same direction, his eye
+rested upon the bottom of the well, but he could discern nothing except
+the glittering and blood-streaked pebbles, and the reflection of the
+early sunbeams that quivered on its steaming surface. At length, a
+convulsion passed over the frame of the kneeler, and heaving a deep sigh
+he arose. Turning to quit the spring, he confronted Garnet, and
+demanded, in a low voice--
+
+"Have you likewise seen the vision, father?"
+
+Garnet made no reply, but regarded him steadfastly.
+
+"Has the blessed Winifred appeared to you, I say?" continued Fawkes.
+
+"No," answered Garnet; "I am but just come hither. It is for you, my
+son,--the favoured of Heaven,--for whom such glorious visions are
+reserved. I have seen nothing. How did the saint manifest herself to
+you?"
+
+"In her earthly form," replied Fawkes; "or rather, I should say, in the
+semblance of the form she bore on earth. Listen to me, father. I came
+hither last night to make my couch beside the fountain. After plunging
+into it, I felt marvellously refreshed, and disposed myself to rest on
+that stone. Scarcely had my eyes closed when the saintly virgin appeared
+to me. Oh! father, it was a vision of seraphic beauty, such as the eye
+of man hath seldom seen!"
+
+"And such only as it is permitted the elect of Heaven to see," observed
+Garnet.
+
+"Alas! father," rejoined Guy Fawkes, "I can lay little claim to such an
+epithet. Nay, I begin to fear that I have incurred the displeasure of
+Heaven."
+
+"Think not so, my son," replied Garnet, uneasily. "Relate your vision,
+and I will interpret it to you."
+
+"Thus then it was, father," returned Fawkes. "The figure of the saint
+arose from out the well, and gliding towards me laid its finger upon my
+brow. My eyes opened, but I was as one oppressed with a nightmare,
+unable to move. I then thought I heard my name pronounced by a voice so
+wondrously sweet that my senses were quite ravished. Fain would I have
+prostrated myself, but my limbs refused their office. Neither could I
+speak, for my tongue was also enchained."
+
+"Proceed, my son," observed Garnet; "I am curious to know what ensued."
+
+"Father," replied Guy Fawkes, "if the form I beheld was that of Saint
+Winifred,--and that it was so, I cannot doubt,--the enterprise on which
+we are engaged will fail. It is _not_ approved by Heaven. The vision
+warned me to desist."
+
+"You cannot desist, my son," rejoined Garnet, sternly. "Your oath binds
+you to the project."
+
+"True," replied Fawkes; "and I have no thought of abandoning it. But I
+am well assured it will not be successful."
+
+"Your thinking so, my son, will be the most certain means of realizing
+your apprehensions," replied Garnet, gravely. "But let me hear the exact
+words of the spirit. You may have misunderstood them."
+
+"I cannot repeat them precisely, father," replied Fawkes; "but I could
+not misapprehend their import, which was the deepest commiseration for
+our forlorn and fallen church, but a positive interdiction against any
+attempt to restore it by bloodshed. 'Suffer on,' said the spirit; 'bear
+the yoke patiently, and in due season God will avenge your wrongs, and
+free you from oppression. You are thus afflicted that your faith may be
+purified. But if you resort to violence, you will breed confusion, and
+injure, not serve, the holy cause on which you are embarked.' Such,
+father, was the language of the saint. It was uttered in a tone so
+tender and sympathizing, that every word found an echo in my heart, and
+I repented having pledged myself to the undertaking. But, when I tell
+you that she added that all concerned in the conspiracy should perish,
+perhaps you may be deterred from proceeding further."
+
+"Never!" returned Garnet. "Nor will I suffer any one engaged in it to
+retreat. What matter if a few perish, if the many survive? Our blood
+will not be shed in vain, if the true religion of God is restored. Nay,
+as strongly as the blessed Winifred herself resisted the impious
+ravisher, Caradoc, will I resist all inducements to turn aside from my
+purpose. It may be that the enterprise _will_ fail. It may be that we
+_shall_ perish. But if we die thus, we shall die as martyrs, and our
+deaths will be highly profitable to the Catholic religion."
+
+"I doubt it," observed Fawkes.
+
+"My son," said Garnet, solemnly, "I have ever looked upon you as one
+destined to be the chief agent in the great work of redemption. I have
+thought that, like Judith, you were chosen to destroy the Holofernes who
+oppresses us. Having noted in you a religious fervour, and resolution
+admirably fitting you for the task, I thought, and still think you
+expressly chosen by Heaven for it. But, if you have any misgiving, I
+beseech you to withdraw from it. I will absolve you from your oath; and,
+enjoining you only to strictest secrecy, will pray you to depart at
+once, lest your irresolution should be communicated to the others."
+
+"Fear nothing from me, father," rejoined Fawkes. "I have no
+irresolution, no wavering, nor shall any engaged with us be shaken by my
+apprehension. You have asked me what I saw and heard, and I have told
+you truly. But I will speak of it no more."
+
+"It will be well to observe silence, my son," answered Garnet; "for
+though you, like myself, are unnerved, its effect on others might be
+injurious. But you have not yet brought your relation to an end. How did
+the figure disappear?"
+
+"As it arose, father," replied Fawkes. "Uttering in a sweet but solemn
+voice, which yet rings in my cars, the words, 'Be warned!' it glided
+back to the fountain, whose waves as it approached grew still, and
+gradually melted from my view."
+
+"But when I came hither, you appeared to be gazing at the spring," said
+Garnet. "What did you then behold?"
+
+"My first impulse on awakening about an hour ago," replied Fawkes, "was
+to prostrate myself before the fountain, and to entreat the intercession
+of the saint, who had thus marvellously revealed herself to me. As I
+prayed, methought its clear lucid waters became turbid, and turned to
+the colour of blood."
+
+"It is a type of the blood of slaughtered brethren of our faith, which
+has been shed by our oppressors," rejoined Garnet.
+
+"Rather of our own, which shall be poured forth in this cause," retorted
+Fawkes. "No matter. I am prepared to lose the last drop of mine."
+
+"And I," said Garnet; "and, I doubt not, like those holy men who have
+suffered for their faith, that we shall both win a crown of martyrdom."
+
+"Amen!" exclaimed Fawkes. "And you think the sacrifice we are about to
+offer will prove acceptable to God?"
+
+"I am convinced of it, my son," answered Garnet. "And I take the sainted
+virgin, from whose blood this marvellous spring was produced, to witness
+that I devote myself unhesitatingly to the project, and that I firmly
+believe it will profit our church."
+
+As he spoke, a singular circumstance occurred, which did not fail to
+produce an impression on both parties,--especially Guy Fawkes. A violent
+gust of wind, apparently suddenly aroused, whistled through the slender
+columns of the structure, and catching the surface of the water dashed
+it in tiny waves against their feet.
+
+"The saint is offended," observed Fawkes.
+
+"It would almost seem so," replied Garnet, after a pause. "Let us
+proceed to the chapel, and pray at her shrine. We will confer on this
+matter hereafter. Meantime, swear to me that you will observe profound
+secrecy respecting this vision."
+
+"I swear," replied Guy Fawkes.
+
+At this moment, another and more violent gust agitated the fountain.
+
+"We will tarry here no longer," said Garnet, "I am not proof against
+these portents of ill."
+
+So saying, he led the way to the chapel. Here they were presently joined
+by several of the female devotees, including Viviana, Anne Vaux, and
+Lady Digby. Matins were then said, after which various offerings were
+made at the shrine of the saint. Lady Digby presented a small tablet set
+in gold, representing on one side the martyrdom of Saint Winifred, and
+on the other the Salutation of our Lady. Anne Vaux gave a small
+enamelled cross of gold; Viviana a girdle of the same metal, with a
+pendant sustaining a small Saint John's head surrounded with pearls.
+
+"Mine will be a poor soldier's offering," said Guy Fawkes, approaching
+the shrine, which was hung around with the crutches, staves, and
+bandages of those cured by the healing waters of the miraculous spring.
+"This small silver scallop-shell, given me by a pilgrim, who died in my
+arms near the chapel of Saint James of Compostella, in Spain, is the
+sole valuable I possess."
+
+"It will be as acceptable as a more costly gift, my son," replied
+Garnet, placing it on the shrine.
+
+Of all the offerings then made, that silver scallop-shell is the only
+one preserved.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE CONSPIRATORS.
+
+
+On Viviana's return from her devotions, she found her father in the
+greatest perturbation and alarm. The old steward, Heydocke, who had
+ridden express from Ordsall Hall, had just arrived, bringing word that
+the miserable fate of the pursuivant and his crew had aroused the whole
+country; that officers, attended by a strong force, and breathing
+vengeance, were in pursuit of Sir William Radcliffe and his daughter;
+that large sums were offered for the capture of Guy Fawkes and Father
+Oldcorne; that most of the servants were imprisoned; that he himself had
+escaped with great difficulty; and that, to sum up this long catalogue
+of calamities, Master Humphrey Chetham was arrested, and placed in the
+New Fleet. "In short, my dear young mistress," concluded the old man,
+"as I have just observed to Sir William, all is over with us, and there
+is nothing left but the grave."
+
+"What course have you resolved upon, dear father," inquired Viviana,
+turning anxiously to him.
+
+"I shall surrender myself," he answered. "I am guilty of no crime, and
+can easily clear myself from all imputation."
+
+"You are mistaken," she replied. "Do not hope for justice from those who
+know it not. But, while the means of escape are allowed you, avail
+yourself of them."
+
+"No, Viviana," replied Sir William Radcliffe, firmly; "my part is taken.
+I shall abide the arrival of the officers. For you, I shall intrust you
+to the care of Mr. Catesby."
+
+"You cannot mean this, dear father," she cried, with a look of distress.
+"And, if you do, I will never consent to such an arrangement."
+
+"Mr. Catesby is strongly attached to you, child," replied Sir William,
+"and will watch over your safety as carefully as I could do myself."
+
+"He may be attached to me," rejoined Viviana, "though I doubt the
+disinterestedness of his love. But nothing can remove my repugnance to
+him. Forgive me, therefore, if, in this one instance, I decline to obey
+your commands. I dare not trust myself with Mr. Catesby."
+
+"How am I to understand you?" inquired Sir William.
+
+"Do not ask me to explain, dear father," she answered, "but imagine I
+must have good reason for what I say. Since you are resolved upon
+surrendering yourself, I will go into captivity with you. The
+alternative is less dreadful than that you have proposed."
+
+"You distract me, child," cried the knight, rising and pacing the
+chamber in great agitation. "I cannot bear the thought of your
+imprisonment. Yet if I fly, I appear to confess myself guilty."
+
+"If your worship will intrust Mistress Viviana with me," interposed the
+old steward, "I will convey her whithersoever you direct,--will watch
+over her day and night,--and, if need be, die in her defence."
+
+"Thou wert ever a faithful servant, good Heydocke," rejoined Sir
+William, extending his hand kindly to him, "and art as true in adversity
+as in prosperity."
+
+"Shame to me if I were not," replied Heydocke, pressing the knight's
+fingers to his lips and bathing them in his tears. "Shame to me if I
+hesitated to lay down my life for a master to whom I owe so much."
+
+"If it is your pleasure, dear father," observed Viviana, "I will
+accompany Master Heydocke; but I would far rather be permitted to remain
+with you."
+
+"It would avail nothing," replied Sir William, "we should be separated
+by the officers. Retire to your chamber, and prepare for instant
+departure; and, in the mean while, I will consider what is best to be
+done."
+
+"Your worship's decision must be speedy," observed Heydocke; "I had only
+a few hours' start of the officers. They will be here ere long."
+
+"Take this purse," replied Sir William, "and hire three of the fleetest
+horses you can procure, and station yourself at the outskirts of the
+town, on the road to Saint Asaph. You understand."
+
+"Perfectly," replied Heydocke. And he departed to execute his master's
+commands, while Viviana withdrew to her own chamber.
+
+Left alone, the knight was perplexing himself as to where he should
+shape his course, when he was interrupted by the sudden entrance of
+Catesby and Garnet.
+
+"We have just met your servant, Sir William," said the former, "and have
+learnt the alarming intelligence he has brought."
+
+"What is your counsel in this emergency, father?" said Radcliffe,
+appealing to Garnet.
+
+"Flight,--instant flight, my son," was the answer.
+
+"My counsel is resistance," said Catesby. "We are here assembled in
+large numbers, and are well armed. Let us await the arrival of the
+officers, and see whether they will venture to arrest you."
+
+"They will arrest us all, if they have force sufficient to do so,"
+replied Garnet; "and there are many reasons, as you well know, why it is
+desirable to avoid any disturbance at present."
+
+"True," replied Catesby. "What say you then," he continued, addressing
+Radcliffe, "to our immediate return to Holt, where means may be found to
+screen you till this storm is blown over?"
+
+Sir William having assented to the proposal, Catesby instantly departed
+to acquaint the others, and, as soon as preparations could be made, and
+horses procured, the whole party composing the pilgrimage quitted
+Holywell, and, ascending the hill at the back of the town, took the
+direction of Mold, where they arrived, having ridden at a swift pace, in
+about half an hour. From thence they proceeded, without accident or
+interruption, to the mansion they had recently occupied near Holt. On
+reaching it, all the domestics were armed, and certain of their number
+stationed at the different approaches to the house to give the alarm in
+case of the enemy's appearance. But as nothing occurred during the
+night, the fears of Sir William and his friends began in some degree to
+subside.
+
+About noon, on the following day, as Guy Fawkes, who ever since the
+vision at Saint Winifred's Well had shunned all companionship, walked
+forth beneath the avenue alone, he heard a light step behind him, and,
+turning, beheld Viviana. Gravely bowing, he was about to pursue his
+course, when quickening her pace she was instantly by his side.
+
+"I have a favour to solicit," she said.
+
+"There is none I would refuse you," answered Fawkes, halting; "but,
+though I have the will, I may not have the power to grant your request."
+
+"Hear me, then," she replied, hurriedly. "Of all my father's friends--of
+all who are here assembled, you are the only one I dare trust,--the only
+one from whom I can hope for assistance."
+
+"I am at once flattered and perplexed by your words, Viviana," he
+rejoined; "nor can I guess whither they tend. But speak freely. If I
+cannot render you aid, I can at least give you counsel."
+
+"I must premise, then," said Viviana, "that I am aware from certain
+obscure hints let fall by Father Oldcorne, that you, Mr. Catesby, and
+others are engaged in a dark and dangerous conspiracy."
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe," returned Guy Fawkes, sternly, "you have once before
+avowed your knowledge of this plot. I will not attempt disguise with
+you. A project is in agitation for the deliverance of our fallen church;
+and, since you have become acquainted with its existence--no matter
+how--you must be bound by an oath of secrecy, or," and his look grew
+darker, and his voice sterner, "I will not answer for your life."
+
+"I will willingly take the oath, on certain conditions," said Viviana.
+
+"You must take it unconditionally," rejoined Fawkes.
+
+"Hear me out," said Viviana. "Knowing that Mr. Catesby and Father Garnet
+are anxious to induce my father to join this conspiracy, I came hither
+to implore you to prevent him from doing so."
+
+"Were I even willing to do this,--which I am not," replied Fawkes, "I
+have not the power. Sir William Radcliffe would be justly indignant at
+any interference on my part."
+
+"Heed not that," replied Viviana. "You, I fear, are linked to this
+fearful project beyond the possibility of being set free. But he is not.
+Save him! save him!"
+
+"I will take no part in urging him to join it," replied Fawkes. "But I
+can promise nothing further."
+
+"Then mark me," she returned; "if further attempts are made by any of
+your confederates to league him with their plot, I myself will disclose
+all I know of it."
+
+"Viviana," rejoined Fawkes, in a threatening tone, "I again warn you
+that you endanger your life."
+
+"I care not," she rejoined; "I would risk twenty lives, if I possessed
+them, to preserve my father."
+
+"You are a noble-hearted lady," replied Fawkes, unable to repress the
+admiration inspired by her conduct; "and if I can accomplish what you
+desire, I will. But I see not how it can be done."
+
+"Everything is possible to one of your resolution," replied Viviana.
+
+"Well, well," replied Fawkes, a slight smile crossing his rugged
+features; "the effort at least shall be made."
+
+"Thanks! thanks!" ejaculated Viviana; and, overcome by her emotion, she
+sank half-fainting into his arms.
+
+While he held her thus, debating within himself whether he should convey
+her to the house, Garnet and Catesby appeared at the other end of the
+avenue. Their surprise at the sight was extreme; nor was it less when
+Viviana, opening her eyes as they drew near, uttered a slight cry, and
+disappeared.
+
+"This requires an explanation," said Catesby, glancing fiercely at
+Fawkes.
+
+"You must seek it, then, of the lady," rejoined the latter, moodily.
+
+"It will be easily explained, I have no doubt," interposed Garnet. "Miss
+Radcliffe was seized with a momentary weakness, and her companion
+offered her support."
+
+"That will scarcely suffice for me," cried Catesby.
+
+"Let the subject be dropped for the present," rejoined Garnet,
+authoritatively. "More important matter claims our attention. We came to
+seek you, my son," he continued, addressing Fawkes. "All those engaged
+in the great enterprise are about to meet in a summer-house in the
+garden."
+
+"I am ready to attend you," replied Fawkes. "Will Sir William Radcliffe
+be there?"
+
+"No," replied Garnet; "he has not yet joined us. None will be present at
+this meeting but the sworn conspirators."
+
+With this, the trio took their way towards the garden, and proceeding
+along a walk edged with clipped yew-trees, came to the summer-house,--a
+small circular building overrun with ivy and creepers, and ornamented in
+front by two stone statues on pedestals. Here they found Sir Everard
+Digby, Ambrose Rookwood, Francis Tresham, Thomas and Robert Winter, John
+and Christopher Wright, awaiting their arrival.
+
+The door being closed and bolted, Garnet, placing himself in the midst
+of the assemblage, said, "Before we proceed further, I will again
+administer the oath to all present." Drawing from his vest a primer, and
+addressing Sir Everard Digby, he desired him to kneel, and continued
+thus in a solemn tone, "You shall swear by the Blessed Trinity, and by
+the sacrament you propose to receive, never to disclose directly nor
+indirectly, by word or circumstance, the matter that shall be proposed
+to you to keep secret, nor desist from the execution thereof, until the
+rest shall give you leave."
+
+"I swear," replied Digby, kissing the primer.
+
+The oath was then taken in like manner by the others. This done, Catesby
+was about to address the meeting, when Tresham, glancing uneasily at the
+door, remarked, "Are you assured we have no eavesdroppers?"
+
+"I will keep watch without," rejoined Fawkes, "if you have any fears."
+
+"It were better," replied Robert Winter. "We cannot be too cautious. But
+if you go forth, you will not be able to take part in the discussion."
+
+"My part is to act, not talk," rejoined Fawkes, marching towards the
+door. And shutting it after him, he took up his position outside.
+
+Upon this Catesby commenced a long and inflammatory harangue, in which
+he expatiated with great eloquence and fervour on the wrongs of the
+Catholic party, and the deplorable condition of their church. "It were
+easy to slay the tyrant by whom we are oppressed," he said, in
+conclusion; "but his destruction would be small gain to us. We must
+strike deeper, to hew down the baneful stock of heresy. All our
+adversaries must perish with him, and in such a manner as shall best
+attest the vengeance of Heaven. Placed beneath the Parliament-house, a
+mine of powder shall hurl its heretical occupants into the air,--nor
+shall any one survive the terrible explosion. Are we all agreed to this
+plan?"
+
+All the conspirators expressed their assent, except Sir Everard Digby.
+
+"Before I give my concurrence to the measure," observed the latter, "I
+would fain be resolved by Father Garnet whether it is lawful to destroy
+some few of our own faith with so many heretics."
+
+"Unquestionably, my son," replied Garnet. "As in besieging a city we
+have a right to kill all within it, whether friends or enemies, so in
+this case we are justified in destroying the innocent with the guilty,
+because their destruction will be advantageous to the Catholic cause."
+
+"I am satisfied," replied Digby.
+
+"As to the tyrant and apostate James," continued Garnet, "he is
+excommunicated, and his subjects released from their allegiance. I have
+two breves sent over by his holiness Pope Clement VIII. three years ago,
+one directed to the clergy, and the other to the nobility of this realm,
+wherein, alluding to Queen Elizabeth, it is expressly declared that, 'so
+soon as that miserable woman should depart out of this life, none shall
+be permitted to ascend the throne, how near soever in proximity of
+blood, unless they are such as will not only tolerate the Catholic
+faith, but in every way support it.' By this brief, James is expressly
+excluded. He has betrayed, not supported the church of Rome. Having
+broken his word with us, and oppressed our brethren more rigorously even
+than his predecessor, the remorseless Elizabeth, he is unworthy longer
+to reign, and must be removed."
+
+"He must," reiterated the conspirators.
+
+"The Parliament-house being the place where all the mischief done us has
+been contrived by our adversaries, it is fitting that it should be the
+place of their chastisement," remarked Catesby.
+
+"Doubtless," rejoined Ambrose Rookwood.
+
+"Yet if the blow we meditate should miscarry," observed Thomas Winter,
+"the injury to the Catholic religion will be so great, that not only our
+enemies, but our very friends will condemn us."
+
+"There is no chance of miscarriage, if we are true to each other,"
+returned Catesby, confidently. "And if I suspected any one of treachery,
+I would plunge my sword into his bosom, were he my brother."
+
+"You would do wrong to act thus on mere suspicion," remarked Tresham,
+who stood near him.
+
+"In a case like this, he who gives the slightest ground for doubt would
+merit death," replied Catesby, sternly; "and I would slay him."
+
+"Hum!" exclaimed Tresham, uneasily.
+
+"Mr. Catesby will now perhaps inform us what has been done to carry the
+project into effect?" inquired Sir Everard Digby.
+
+"A small habitation has been taken by one of our confederates, Mr.
+Thomas Percy, immediately adjoining the Parliament-house," replied
+Catesby, "from the cellar of which it is proposed to dig a mine through
+the wall of the devoted building, and to deposit within it a sufficient
+quantity of gunpowder and other combustibles to accomplish our purpose.
+This mine must be digged by ourselves, as we can employ no assistants,
+and will be a laborious and dangerous task. But I for one will
+cheerfully undertake it."
+
+"And I," said the elder Wright.
+
+"And I," cried several others.
+
+"Supposing the mine digged, and the powder deposited," observed Ambrose
+Rookwood, "whose hand will fire the train?"
+
+"Mine!" cried Guy Fawkes, throwing open the door. As soon as he had
+spoken, he retired and closed it after him.
+
+"He will keep his word," remarked Garnet. "He is of a nature so resolute
+that he would destroy himself with the victims rather than fail.
+Catiline was not a bolder conspirator than Guy Fawkes."
+
+"Well, gentlemen," observed Catesby, "we are now at the latter end of
+July. All must be ready against the meeting of Parliament in November."
+
+"There is some likelihood, I hear, that the meeting of the house will be
+prorogued till February," remarked Tresham.
+
+"So much the better," rejoined Catesby, "it will give us more time for
+preparation."
+
+"So much the worse, I think," cried Ambrose Rookwood. "Delays are ever
+dangerous, and doubly dangerous in a case like ours."
+
+"I am far from desiring to throw any impediment in the way of our
+design," observed Sir Everard Digby, "but I would recommend, before we
+proceed to this terrible extremity, that one last effort should be made
+to move the King in our behalf."
+
+"It is useless," replied Catesby. "So far from toleration, he meditates
+severer measures against us; and, I am well assured, if Parliament is
+allowed to meet, such laws will be passed as will bring all of us within
+premunire. No, no. We have no hope from James, nor his ministers."
+
+"Nor yet from France or Spain," observed Thomas Winter. "In my
+conference with the Constable Velasco at Bergen, I received assurances
+of the good-will of Philip towards us, but no distinct promise of
+interference in our behalf. The Archduke Albert is well disposed, but he
+can render no assistance. We must depend upon ourselves."
+
+"Ay, marry, must we," replied Catesby, "and fortunate is it that we have
+devised a plan by which we can accomplish our purpose unaided. We only
+require funds to follow up with effect the blow we shall strike."
+
+"My whole fortune shall be placed at your disposal," replied Sir Everard
+Digby.
+
+"Part of mine has already been given," said Tresham, "and the rest shall
+follow."
+
+"Would I had aught to peril in the matter except my life," said Catesby.
+"I would throw everything upon the stake."
+
+"You do enough in venturing thus much, my son," rejoined Garnet. "To you
+the whole conduct of the enterprise is committed."
+
+"I live for nothing else," replied Catesby, "and if I see it successful,
+I shall have lived long enough."
+
+"Cannot Sir William Radcliffe be induced to join us?" asked Rookwood.
+"He would be an important acquisition, and his wealth would prove highly
+serviceable."
+
+"I have sounded him," answered Catesby. "But he appears reluctant."
+
+"Be not satisfied with one attempt," urged Christopher Wright. "The
+jeopardy in which he now stands may make him change his mind."
+
+"I am loth to interrupt the discussion," returned Garnet, "but I think
+we have tarried here long enough. We will meet again at midnight, when I
+hope to introduce Sir William Radcliffe to you as a confederate."
+
+The party then separated, and Garnet went in search of the knight.
+
+Ascertaining that he was in his own chamber, he proceeded thither, and
+found him alone. Entering at once upon the subject in hand, Garnet
+pleaded his cause with so much zeal that he at last wrung a reluctant
+consent from the listener. Scarcely able to conceal his exultation, he
+then proposed to Sir William to adjourn with him to the private chapel
+in the house, where, having taken the oath, and received the sacrament
+upon it, he should forthwith be introduced to the conspirators, and the
+whole particulars of the plot revealed to him. To this the knight, with
+some hesitation, agreed. As they traversed a gallery leading to the
+chapel, they met Viviana. For the first time in his life Radcliffe's
+gaze sank before his daughter, and he would have passed her without
+speaking had she not stopped him.
+
+"Father! dear father!" she cried, "I know whither you are going--and for
+what purpose. Do not--do not join them."
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes preventing Sir William Radcliffe from joining
+the Conspiracy._]
+
+Sir William Radcliffe made no reply, but endeavoured gently to push her
+aside.
+
+She would not, however, be repulsed, but prostrating herself before him,
+clasped his knees, and besought him not to proceed.
+
+Making a significant gesture to Sir William, Garnet walked forward.
+
+"Viviana," cried the knight, sternly, "my resolution is taken. I command
+you to retire to your chamber."
+
+So saying, he broke from her, and followed Garnet. Clasping her hands to
+her brow, Viviana gazed for a moment with a frenzied look after him, and
+then rushed from the gallery.
+
+On reaching the chapel, Sir William, who had been much shaken by this
+meeting, was some minutes in recovering his composure. Garnet employed
+the time in renewing his arguments, and with so much address that he
+succeeded in quieting the scruples of conscience which had been awakened
+in the knight's breast by his daughter's warning.
+
+"And now, my son," he said, "since you have determined to enrol your
+name in the list of those sworn to deliver their church from oppression,
+take this primer in your hand, and kneel down before the altar, while I
+administer the oath which is to unite you to us."
+
+Garnet then advanced towards the altar, and Sir William was about to
+prostrate himself upon a cushion beside it, when the door was suddenly
+thrown open, and Guy Fawkes strode into the chapel.
+
+"Hold!" he exclaimed, grasping Radcliffe's right arm, and fixing his
+dark glance upon him; "you shall not take that oath."
+
+"What mean you?" cried Garnet, who, as well as the knight, was paralyzed
+with astonishment at this intrusion. "Sir William Radcliffe is about to
+join us."
+
+"I know it," replied Fawkes; "but it may not be. He has no heart in the
+business, and will lend it no efficient assistance. We are better
+without him, than with him."
+
+As he spoke, he took the primer from the knight's hand, and laid it upon
+the altar.
+
+"This conduct is inexplicable," cried Garnet, angrily. "You will answer
+for it to others, as well as to me."
+
+"I will answer for it to all," replied Guy Fawkes. "Let Sir William
+Radcliffe declare before me, and before Heaven, that he approves the
+measure, and I am content he should take the oath."
+
+"I cannot belie my conscience by saying so," replied the knight, who
+appeared agitated by conflicting emotions.
+
+"Yet you have promised to join us," cried Garnet, reproachfully.
+
+"Better break that promise than a solemn oath," rejoined Guy Fawkes,
+sternly. "Sir William Radcliffe, there are reasons why you should not
+join this conspiracy. Examine your inmost heart, and it will tell you
+what they are."
+
+"I understand you," replied the knight.
+
+"Get hence," cried Garnet, unable to control his indignation, "or I will
+pronounce our Church's most terrible malediction against you."
+
+"I shall not shrink from it, father," rejoined Fawkes, humbly, but
+firmly, "seeing I am acting rightly."
+
+"Undeceive yourself, then, at once," returned Garnet, "and learn that
+you are thwarting our great and holy purpose."
+
+"On the contrary," replied Fawkes, "I am promoting it, by preventing one
+from joining it who will endanger its success."
+
+"You are a traitor!" cried Garnet, furiously.
+
+"A traitor!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, his eye blazing with fierce lustre,
+though his voice and demeanour were unaltered,--"I, who have been warned
+thrice,--twice by the dead,--and lastly by a vision from heaven, yet
+still remain firm to my purpose,--I, who have voluntarily embraced the
+most dangerous and difficult part of the enterprise,--I, who would
+suffer the utmost extremity of torture, rather than utter a word that
+should reveal it,--a traitor! No, father, I am none. If you think so,
+take this sword and at once put an end to your doubts."
+
+There was something so irresistible in the manner of Guy Fawkes, that
+Garnet remained silent.
+
+"Do with me what you please," continued Fawkes; "but do not compel Sir
+William Radcliffe to join the conspiracy. He will be fatal to it."
+
+"No one shall compel me to join it," replied the knight.
+
+"Perhaps it is better thus," returned Garnet, after a pause, during
+which he was buried in reflection. "I will urge you no further, my son.
+But before you depart you must swear not to divulge what you have just
+learnt."
+
+"Willingly," replied the knight.
+
+"There is another person who must also take that oath," said Guy Fawkes,
+"having accidentally become acquainted with as much as yourself."
+
+And stepping out of the chapel, he immediately afterwards returned with
+Viviana.
+
+"You will now understand why I would not allow Sir William to join the
+conspiracy," he observed to Garnet.
+
+"I do," replied the latter, gloomily.
+
+The oath administered, the knight and his daughter quitted the chapel,
+accompanied by Guy Fawkes. Viviana was profuse in her expressions of
+gratitude, nor was her father less earnest in his acknowledgments.
+
+A few hours after this, Sir William Radcliffe informed Sir Everard Digby
+that it was his intention to depart immediately, and, though the latter
+attempted to dissuade him by representing the danger to which he would
+be exposed, he continued inflexible. The announcement surprised both
+Catesby and Garnet, who were present when it was made, and added their
+entreaties to those of Digby--but without effect. Catesby's proposal to
+serve as an escort was likewise refused by Sir William, who said he had
+no fears, and when questioned as to his destination, he returned an
+evasive answer. This sudden resolution of the knight coupled with his
+refusal to join the plot, alarmed the conspirators, and more than one
+expressed fears of treachery. Sir Everard Digby, however, was not of the
+number, but asserted that Radcliffe was a man of the highest honour, and
+he would answer for his secrecy with his life.
+
+"Will you answer for that of his daughter?" demanded Tresham.
+
+"_I_ will," replied Fawkes.
+
+"To put the matter beyond a doubt," observed Catesby, "I will set out
+shortly after him, and follow him unobserved till he halts for the
+night, and ascertain whether he stops at any suspicious quarter."
+
+"Do so, my son," replied Garnet.
+
+"It is needless," observed Sir Everard Digby; "but do as you please."
+
+By this time, Radcliffe's horses being brought round by Heydocke, he and
+his daughter took a hasty leave of their friends. When they had been
+gone a few minutes, Catesby called for his steed; and, after exchanging
+a word or two with Garnet, rode after them. He had proceeded about a
+couple of miles along a cross-road leading to Nantwich, which he learnt
+from some cottagers was the route taken by the party before him, when he
+heard the tramp of a horse in the rear, and, turning at the sound,
+beheld Guy Fawkes. Drawing in the bridle, he halted till the latter came
+up, and angrily demanded on what errand he was bent.
+
+"My errand is the same as your own," replied Fawkes. "I intend to follow
+Sir William Radcliffe, and, if need be, defend him."
+
+Whatever Catesby's objections might be to this companionship, he did not
+think fit to declare them, and, though evidently much displeased,
+suffered Guy Fawkes to ride by his side without opposition.
+
+Having gained the summit of the mountainous range extending from Malpas
+to Tottenhall, whence they beheld the party whose course they were
+tracking enter a narrow lane at the foot of the hill, Catesby, fearful
+of losing sight of them, set spurs to his steed. Guy Fawkes kept close
+beside him, and they did not slacken their pace until they reached the
+lane.
+
+Having proceeded along it for a quarter of a mile, they were alarmed by
+the sudden report of fire-arms, followed by a loud shriek, which
+neither of them doubted was uttered by Viviana. Again dashing forward,
+on turning a corner of the road, they beheld the party surrounded by
+half-a-dozen troopers. Sir William Radcliffe had shot one of his
+assailants, and, assisted by Heydocke, was defending himself bravely
+against the others. With loud shouts, Catesby and Guy Fawkes galloped
+towards the scene of strife. But they were too late. A bullet pierced
+the knight's brain; and he no sooner fell, than, regardless of himself,
+the old steward flung away his sword, and threw himself, with the most
+piteous lamentations, on the body.
+
+Viviana, meanwhile, had been compelled to dismount, and was in the hands
+of the troopers. On seeing her father's fate, her shrieks were so
+heart-piercing, that even her captors were moved to compassion. Fighting
+his way towards her, Catesby cut down one of the troopers, and snatching
+her from the grasp of the other, who was terrified by the furious
+assault, placed her on the saddle beside him, and striking spurs into
+his charger at the same moment, leapt the hedge, and made good his
+retreat.
+
+This daring action, however, could not have been accomplished without
+the assistance of Guy Fawkes, who warded off with his rapier all the
+blows aimed at him and his lovely charge. While thus engaged, he
+received a severe cut on the head, which stretched him senseless and
+bleeding beneath his horse's feet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE PACKET.
+
+
+On recovering from the effects of the wound he had received from the
+trooper, Guy Fawkes found himself stretched upon a small bed in a
+cottage, with Viviana and Catesby watching beside him. A thick fold of
+linen was bandaged round his head, and he was so faint from the great
+effusion of blood he had sustained, that, after gazing vacantly around
+him for a few minutes, and but imperfectly comprehending what he beheld,
+his eyes closed, and he relapsed into insensibility. Restoratives being
+applied, he revived in a short time, and, in answer to his inquiries how
+he came thither, was informed by Catesby that he had been left for dead
+by his assailants, who, contenting themselves with making the old
+steward prisoner, had ridden off in the direction of Chester.
+
+"What has become of Sir William Radcliffe?" asked the wounded man in a
+feeble voice.
+
+Catesby raised his finger to his lips, and Fawkes learnt the distressing
+nature of the question he had asked by the agonizing cry that burst from
+Viviana. Unable to control her grief, she withdrew, and Catesby then
+told him that the body of Sir William Radcliffe was lying in an
+adjoining cottage, whither it had been transported from the scene of the
+conflict; adding that it was Viviana's earnest desire that it should be
+conveyed to Manchester to the family vault in the Collegiate Church; but
+that he feared her wish could not be safely complied with. A messenger,
+however, had been despatched to Holt; and Sir Everard Digby, and Fathers
+Garnet and Oldcorne, were momentarily expected, when some course would
+be decided upon for the disposal of the unfortunate knight's remains.
+
+"Poor Viviana!" groaned Fawkes. "She has now no protector."
+
+"Rest easy on that score," rejoined Catesby. "She shall never want one
+while I live."
+
+The wounded man fixed his eyes, now blazing with red and unnatural
+light, inquiringly upon him, but he said nothing.
+
+"I know what you mean," continued Catesby; "you think I shall wed her,
+and you are in the right. I shall. The marriage is essential to our
+enterprise; and the only obstacle to it is removed."
+
+Fawkes attempted to reply, but his parched tongue refused its office.
+Catesby arose, and carefully raising his head, held a cup of water to
+his lips. The sufferer eagerly drained it, and would have asked for
+more; but seeing that the request would be refused, he left it
+unuttered.
+
+"Have you examined my wound?" he said, after a pause.
+
+Catesby answered in the affirmative.
+
+"And do you judge it mortal?" continued Fawkes. "Not that I have any
+fear of Death. I have looked him in the face too often for that. But I
+have somewhat on my mind which I would fain discharge before my earthly
+pilgrimage is ended."
+
+"Do not delay it, then," rejoined the other. "Knowing I speak to a
+soldier, and a brave one, I do not hesitate to tell you your hours are
+numbered."
+
+"Heaven's will be done!" exclaimed Fawkes, in a tone of resignation. "I
+thought myself destined to be one of the chief instruments of the
+restoration of our holy religion. But I find I was mistaken. When Father
+Garnet arrives, I beseech you let me see him instantly. Or, if he should
+not come speedily, entreat Miss Radcliffe to grant me a few moments in
+private."
+
+"Why not unburthen yourself to me?" returned Catesby, distrustfully. "In
+your circumstances I should desire no better confessor than a brother
+soldier,--no other crucifix than a sword-hilt."
+
+"Nor I," rejoined Fawkes. "But this is no confession I am about to make.
+What I have to say relates to others, not to myself."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby. "Then there is the more reason why it
+should not be deferred. I hold it my duty to tell you that the fever of
+your wound will, in all probability, produce delirium. Make your
+communication while your senses remain to you. And whatever you enjoin
+shall be rigorously fulfilled."
+
+"Will you swear this?" cried Fawkes, eagerly. But before an answer could
+be returned, he added, in an altered tone, "No,--no,--it cannot be."
+
+"This is no time for anger," rejoined Catesby, sternly, "or I should ask
+whether you doubt the assurance I have given you?"
+
+"I doubt nothing but your compliance with my request," returned Fawkes.
+"And oh! if you hope to be succoured at your hour of need, tell Miss
+Radcliffe I desire to speak with her."
+
+"The message will not need to be conveyed," said Viviana, who had
+noiselessly entered the room; "she is here."
+
+Guy Fawkes turned his gaze in the direction of the voice; and,
+notwithstanding his own deplorable condition, he was filled with concern
+at the change wrought in her appearance by the terrible shock she had
+undergone. Her countenance was as pale as death,--her eyes, from which
+no tears would flow, as is ever the case with the deepest distress, were
+glassy and lustreless,--her luxuriant hair hung in dishevelled masses
+over her shoulders,--and her attire was soiled and disordered.
+
+"You desire to speak with me," she continued, advancing towards the
+couch of the wounded man.
+
+"It must be alone," he replied.
+
+Viviana glanced at Catesby, who reluctantly arose, and closed the door
+after him. "We _are_ alone now," she said.
+
+"Water! water!" gasped the sufferer, "or I perish." His request being
+complied with, he continued in a low solemn voice, "Viviana, you have
+lost the dearest friend you had on earth, and you will soon lose one
+who, if he had been spared, would have endeavoured, as far as he could,
+to repair the loss. I say not this to aggravate your distress, but to
+prove the sincerity of my regard. Let me conjure you, with my dying
+breath, not to wed Mr. Catesby."
+
+"Fear it not," replied Viviana. "I would rather endure death than
+consent to do so."
+
+"Be upon your guard against him, then," continued Fawkes. "When an
+object is to be gained, he suffers few scruples to stand in his way."
+
+"I am well aware of it," replied Viviana; "and on the arrival of Sir
+Everard Digby, I shall place myself under his protection."
+
+"Should you be driven to extremity," said Fawkes, taking a small packet
+from the folds of his doublet, "break open this; it will inform you what
+to do. Only promise me you will not have recourse to it till all other
+means have failed."
+
+Viviana took the packet, and gave the required promise.
+
+"Conceal it about your person, and guard it carefully," continued
+Fawkes; "for you know not when you may require it. And now, having
+cleared my conscience, I can die easily. Let me have your prayers."
+
+Viviana knelt down by the bedside, and poured forth the most earnest
+supplications in his behalf.
+
+"Perhaps," she said, as she arose, "and it is some consolation to think
+so,--you may be saved by death from the commission of a great crime,
+which would for ever have excluded you from the joys of heaven."
+
+"Say rather," cried Guy Fawkes, whose brain began to wander, "which
+would have secured them to me. Others will achieve it; but I shall have
+no share in their glory, or their reward."
+
+"Their reward will be perdition in this world and in the next," rejoined
+Viviana. "I repeat, that though I deeply deplore your condition, I
+rejoice in your delivery from this sin. It is better--far better--to die
+thus, than by the hands of the common executioner."
+
+"What do I see?" cried Guy Fawkes, trying to raise himself, and sinking
+back again instantly upon the pillow. "Elizabeth Orton rises before me.
+She beckons me after her--I come!--I come!"
+
+"Heaven pity him!" cried Viviana. "His senses have left him!"
+
+"She leads me into a gloomy cavern," continued Fawkes, more wildly; "but
+my eyes are like the wolf's, and can penetrate the darkness. It is
+filled with barrels of gunpowder. I see them ranged in tiers, one above
+another. Ah! I know where I am now. It is the vault beneath the
+Parliament-house. The King and his nobles are assembled in the hall
+above. Lend me a torch, that I may fire the train, and blow them into
+the air. Quick! quick! I have sworn their destruction, and will keep my
+oath. What matter if I perish with them? Give me the torch, I say, or it
+will be too late. Is the powder damp that it will not kindle? And see!
+the torch is expiring--it is gone out! Distraction!--to be baffled thus!
+Why do you stand and glare at me with your stony eyes? Who are those
+with you? Fiends!--no! they are armed men. They seize me--they drag me
+before a grave assemblage. What is that hideous engine? The rack!--Bind
+me on it--break every limb--ye shall not force me to confess--ha! ha! I
+laugh at your threats--ha! ha!"
+
+"Mother of mercy! release him from this torture!" cried Viviana.
+
+"So! ye have condemned me," continued Fawkes, "and will drag me to
+execution. Well, well, I am prepared. But what a host is assembled to
+see me! Ten thousand faces are turned towards me, and all with one
+abhorrent bloodthirsty expression. And what a scaffold! Get it done
+quickly, thou butcherly villain. The rope is twisted round my throat
+in serpent folds. It strangles me--ah!"
+
+"Horror!" exclaimed Viviana. "I can listen to this no longer. Help, Mr.
+Catesby, help!"
+
+"The knife is at my breast--it pierces my flesh--my heart is torn
+forth--I die! I die!" And he uttered a dreadful groan.
+
+"What has happened?" cried Catesby, rushing into the room. "Is he dead?"
+
+"I fear so," replied Viviana; "and his end has been a fearful one."
+
+"No--no," said Catesby; "his pulse still beats--but fiercely and
+feverishly. You had better not remain here longer, Miss Radcliffe. I
+will watch over him. All will soon be over."
+
+Aware that she could be of no further use, Viviana cast a look of the
+deepest commiseration at the sufferer, and retired. The occupant of the
+cottage, an elderly female, had surrendered all the apartments of her
+tenement, except one small room, to her guests, and she was therefore
+undisturbed. The terrible event which had recently occurred, and the
+harrowing scene she had just witnessed, were too much for Viviana, and
+her anguish was so intense, that she began to fear her reason was
+deserting her. She stood still,--gazed fearfully round, as if some
+secret danger environed her,--clasped her hands to her temples, and
+found them burning like hot iron,--and, then, alarmed at her own state,
+knelt down, prayed, and wept. Yes! she wept, for the first time, since
+her father's destruction, and the relief afforded by those scalding
+tears was inexpressible.
+
+From this piteous state she was aroused by the tramp of horses at the
+door of the cottage, and the next moment Father Garnet presented
+himself.
+
+"How uncertain are human affairs!" he said, after a sorrowful greeting
+had passed between them. "I little thought, when we parted yesterday, we
+should meet again so soon, and under such afflicting circumstances."
+
+"It is the will of Heaven, father," replied Viviana, "and we must not
+murmur at its decrees, but bear our chastening as we best may."
+
+"I am happy to find you in such a comfortable frame of mind, dear
+daughter. I feared the effect of the shock upon your feelings. But I am
+glad to find you bear up against it so well."
+
+"I am surprised at my own firmness, father," replied Viviana. "But I
+have been schooled in affliction. I have no tie left to bind me to the
+world, and shall retire from it, not only without regret, but with
+eagerness."
+
+"Say not so, dear daughter," replied Garnet. "You have, I trust, much
+happiness in store for you; and when the sharpness of your affliction is
+worn off, you will view your condition in a more cheering light."
+
+"Impossible!" she cried, mournfully. "Hope is wholly extinct in my
+breast. But I will not contest the point. Is not Sir Everard Digby with
+you?"
+
+"He is not, daughter," replied Garnet, "and I will explain to you
+wherefore. Soon after your departure yesterday, the mansion we occupied
+at Holt was attacked by a band of soldiers, headed by Miles Topcliffe,
+one of the most unrelenting of our persecutors; and though they were
+driven off with some loss, yet, as there was every reason to apprehend,
+they would return with fresh force, Sir Everard judged it prudent to
+retreat; and accordingly he and his friends, with all their attendants,
+except those he has sent with me, have departed for Buckinghamshire."
+
+"Where, then, is Father Oldcorne?" inquired Viviana.
+
+"Alas! daughter," rejoined Garnet, "I grieve to say he is a prisoner.
+Imprudently exposing himself during the attack, he was seized and
+carried off by Topcliffe and his myrmidons."
+
+"How true is the saying that misfortunes never come single!" sighed
+Viviana. "I seem bereft of all I hold dear."
+
+"Sir Everard has sent four of his trustiest servants with me," remarked
+Garnet. "They are well armed, and will attend you wherever you choose to
+lead them. He has also furnished me with a sum of money for your use."
+
+"He is most kind and considerate," replied Viviana. "And now, father,"
+she faltered, "there is one subject which it is necessary to speak upon;
+and, though I shrink from it, it must not be postponed."
+
+"I guess what you mean, daughter," said Garnet, sympathizingly; "you
+allude to the interment of Sir William Radcliffe. Is the body here?"
+
+"It is in an adjoining cottage," replied Viviana in a broken voice. "I
+have already expressed my wish to Mr. Catesby to have it conveyed to
+Manchester, to our family vault."
+
+"I see not how that can be accomplished, dear daughter," replied Garnet;
+"but I will confer with Mr. Catesby on the subject. Where is he?"
+
+"In the next room, by the couch of Guy Fawkes, who is dying," said
+Viviana.
+
+"Dying!" echoed Garnet, starting. "I heard he was dangerously hurt, but
+did not suppose the wound would prove fatal. Here is another grievous
+blow to the good cause."
+
+At this moment the door was opened by Catesby.
+
+"How is the sufferer?" asked Garnet.
+
+"A slight change for the better appears to have taken place," answered
+Catesby. "His fever has in some decree abated, and he has sunk into a
+gentle slumber."
+
+"Can he be removed with safety?" inquired Garnet; "for, I fear, if he
+remains here, he will fall into the hands of Topcliffe and his crew,
+who are scouring the country in every direction." And he recapitulated
+all he had just stated to Viviana.
+
+Catesby was for some time lost in reflection.
+
+"I am fairly perplexed as to what course it will be best to pursue," he
+said. "Dangers and difficulties beset us on every side. I am inclined to
+yield to Viviana's request, and proceed to Manchester."
+
+"That will be rushing into the very face of danger," observed Garnet.
+
+"And, therefore, may be the safest plan," replied Catesby. "Our
+adversaries will scarcely suspect us of so desperate a step."
+
+"Perhaps you are in the right, my son," returned Garnet, after a
+moment's reflection. "At all events, I bow to your judgment."
+
+"The plan is too much in accordance with my own wishes to meet with any
+opposition on my part," observed Viviana.
+
+"Will you accompany us, father?" asked Catesby; "or do you proceed to
+Gothurst?"
+
+"I will go with you, my son. Viviana will need a protector. And, till I
+have seen her in some place of safety, I will not leave her."
+
+"Since we have come to this determination," rejoined Catesby, "as soon
+as the needful preparations can be made, and Guy Fawkes has had some
+hours' repose, we will set out. Under cover of night we can travel with
+security; and, by using some exertion, may reach Ordsall Hall, whither,
+I presume, Viviana would choose to proceed, in the first instance,
+before daybreak."
+
+"I am well mounted, and so are my attendants," replied Garnet; "and, by
+the provident care of Sir Everard Digby, each of them has a led horse
+with him."
+
+"That is well," said Catesby. "And now, Viviana, may I entreat you to
+take my place for a short time by the couch of the sufferer. In a few
+hours everything shall be in readiness."
+
+He then retired with Garnet, while Viviana proceeded to the adjoining
+chamber, where she found Guy Fawkes still slumbering tranquilly.
+
+As the evening advanced, he awoke, and appeared much refreshed. While he
+was speaking, Garnet and Catesby approached his bedside, and he seemed
+overjoyed at the sight of the former. The subject of the journey being
+mentioned to him, he at once expressed his ready compliance with the
+arrangement, and only desired that the last rites of his church might be
+performed for him before he set out.
+
+Garnet informed him that he had come for that very purpose; and as soon
+as they were left alone, he proceeded to the discharge of his priestly
+duties, confessed and absolved him, giving him the viaticum and the
+extreme unction. And, lastly, he judged it expedient to administer a
+powerful opiate, to lull the pain of his wound on the journey.
+
+This done, he summoned Catesby, who, with two of the attendants, raised
+the couch on which the wounded man was stretched, and conveyed him to
+the litter. So well was this managed, that Fawkes sustained no injury,
+and little inconvenience, from the movement. Two strong country vehicles
+had been procured; the one containing the wounded man's litter, the
+other the shell, which had been hastily put together, to hold the
+remains of the unfortunate Sir William Radcliffe. Viviana being placed
+in the saddle, and Catesby having liberally rewarded the cottagers who
+had afforded them shelter, the little cavalcade was put in motion. In
+this way they journeyed through the night; and shaping their course
+through Tarporley, Northwich, and Altringham, arrived at daybreak in the
+neighbourhood of Ordsall Hall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE ELIXIR.
+
+
+On beholding the well-remembered roof and gables of the old mansion
+peeping from out the grove of trees in which it was embosomed, Viviana's
+heart died away within her. The thought that her father, who had so
+recently quitted it in the full enjoyment of health, and of every
+worldly blessing, should be so soon brought back a corpse, was almost
+too agonizing for endurance. Reflecting, however, that this was no
+season for the indulgence of grief, but that she was called upon to act
+with firmness, she bore up resolutely against her emotion.
+
+Arrived within a short distance of the Hall, Catesby caused the little
+train to halt under the shelter of the trees, while he rode forward to
+ascertain that they could safely approach it. As he drew near,
+everything proclaimed that the hand of the spoiler had been there.
+Crossing the drawbridge, he entered the court, which bore abundant marks
+of the devastation recently committed. Various articles of furniture,
+broken, burnt, or otherwise destroyed, were lying scattered about. The
+glass in the windows was shivered; the doors forced from their hinges;
+the stone-copings of the walls pushed off; the flower-beds trampled
+upon; the moat itself was in some places choked up with rubbish, while
+in others its surface was covered with floating pieces of timber.
+
+Led by curiosity Catesby proceeded to the spot where the stables had
+stood. Nothing but a heap of blackened ruins met his gaze. Scarcely
+one stone was standing on another. The appearance of the place was so
+desolate and disheartening, that he turned away instantly. Leaving his
+horse in a shed, he entered the house. Here, again, he encountered fresh
+ravages. The oak-panels and skirting-boards were torn from the walls;
+the ceilings pulled down; and the floor lay inch-deep in broken plaster
+and dust. On ascending to the upper rooms, he found the same disorder.
+The banisters of the stairs were broken; the bedsteads destroyed; the
+roof partially untiled. Every room was thickly strewn with leaves torn
+from valuable books, with fragments of apparel, and other articles,
+which the searchers not being able to carry off had wantonly destroyed.
+
+Having contemplated this scene of havoc for some time, with feelings of
+the bitterest indignation, Catesby descended to the lowest story; and,
+after searching ineffectually for the domestics, was about to depart,
+when, turning suddenly, he perceived a man watching him from an
+adjoining room. Catesby instantly called to him; but, seeing that the
+fellow disregarded his assurances, and was about to take to his heels,
+he drew his sword, and threatened him with severe punishment if he
+attempted to fly. Thus exhorted, the man--who was no other than the
+younger Heydocke--advanced towards him; and throwing himself at his
+feet, begged him in the most piteous terms to do him no injury.
+
+"I have already told you I am a friend," replied Catesby, sheathing his
+sword.
+
+"Ah! Mr. Catesby, is it you I behold?" cried Martin Heydocke, whose
+fears had hitherto prevented him from noticing the features of the
+intruder. "What brings your worship to this ill-fated house?"
+
+"First let me know if there is any enemy about?" replied Catesby.
+
+"None that I am aware of," rejoined Martin. "Having ransacked the
+premises, and done all the mischief they could, as you perceive, the
+miscreants departed the day before yesterday, and I have seen nothing of
+them since, though I have been constantly on the watch. The only alarm I
+have had was that occasioned by your worship just now."
+
+"Are you alone here?" demanded Catesby.
+
+"No, your worship," answered Martin. "There are several of the servants
+concealed in a secret passage under the house. But they are so terrified
+by what has lately happened, that they never dare show themselves,
+except during the night-time."
+
+"I do not wonder at it," replied Catesby.
+
+"And now may I inquire whether your worship brings any tidings of Sir
+William Radcliffe and Mistress Viviana?" rejoined Martin. "I hope no ill
+has befallen them. My father, old Jerome Heydocke, set out to Holywell
+a few days ago, to apprise them of their danger, and I have not heard of
+them since."
+
+"Sir William Radcliffe is dead," replied Catesby. "The villains have
+murdered him. Your father is a prisoner."
+
+"Alas! alas!" cried the young man, bursting into tears; "these are
+fearful times to live in. What will become of us all?"
+
+"We must rise against the oppressor," replied Catesby, sternly. "Bite
+the heel that tramples upon us."
+
+"We must," rejoined Martin. "And if my poor arm could avail, it should
+not be slow to strike."
+
+"Manfully resolved!" cried Catesby, who never lost an opportunity of
+gaining a proselyte. "I will point out to you a way by which you may
+accomplish what you desire. But we will talk of this hereafter. Hoard up
+your vengeance till the fitting moment for action arrives."
+
+He then proceeded to explain to the young man, who was greatly surprised
+by the intelligence, that Viviana was at hand, and that the body of Sir
+William had been brought thither for interment in the family vault at
+the Collegiate Church. Having ascertained that there was a chamber,
+which, having suffered less than the others, might serve for Viviana's
+accommodation, Catesby returned to the party.
+
+A more melancholy cavalcade has been seldom seen than now approached the
+gates of Ordsall Hall. First rode Viviana, in an agony of tears, for her
+grief had by this time become absolutely uncontrollable, with Catesby on
+foot, leading her horse. Next came Garnet, greatly exhausted and
+depressed; his eyes cast dejectedly on the ground. Then came the litter,
+containing Guy Fawkes; and, lastly, the vehicle with the body of Sir
+William Radcliffe. On arriving at the gate, Viviana was met by two
+female servants, whom Martin Heydocke had summoned from their
+hiding-places; and, as soon as she had dismounted, she was supported,
+for she was scarcely able to walk unaided, to the chamber destined for
+her reception. This done, Catesby proceeded, with some anxiety, to
+superintend the removal of Fawkes, who was perfectly insensible. His
+wound had bled considerably during the journey; but the effusion had
+stopped when the faintness supervened. He was placed in one of the lower
+rooms till a sleeping-chamber could be prepared for him. The last task
+was to attend to the remains of the late unfortunate possessor of the
+mansion. By Catesby's directions a large oak table, once occupying the
+great hall, was removed to the Star Chamber, already described as the
+principal room of the house; and, being securely propped up,--for, like
+the rest of the furniture, it had been much damaged by the spoilers,
+though, being of substantial material, it offered greater resistance to
+their efforts,--the shell containing the body was placed upon it.
+
+"Better he should lie thus," exclaimed Catesby, when the melancholy
+office was completed, "than live to witness the wreck around him. Fatal
+as are these occurrences," he added, pursuing the train of thought
+suggested by the scene, "they are yet favourable to my purpose. The only
+person who could have prevented my union with Viviana Radcliffe--her
+father--lies there. Who would have thought when she rejected my proposal
+a few days ago, in this very room, how fortune would conspire--and by
+what dark and inscrutable means--to bring it about! Fallen as it is,
+this house is not yet fallen so low, but I can reinstate it. Its young
+mistress mine, her estates mine,--for she is now inheritress of all her
+father's possessions,--the utmost reach of my ambition were gained, and
+all but one object of my life--for which I have dared so much, and
+struggled so long--achieved!"
+
+"What are you thinking of, my son?" asked Garnet, who had watched the
+changing expression of his sombre countenance,--"what are you thinking
+of?" he said, tapping him on the shoulder.
+
+"Of that which is never absent from my thoughts, father--the great
+design," replied Catesby; "and of the means of its accomplishment, which
+this sad scene suggests."
+
+"I do not understand you, my son," rejoined the other.
+
+"Does not Radcliffe's blood cry aloud for vengeance?" continued Catesby;
+"and think you his child will be deaf to the cry? No, father, she will
+no longer tamely submit to wrongs that would steel the gentlest bosom,
+and make firm the feeblest arm, but will go hand and heart with us in
+our project. Viviana must be mine," he added, altering his tone, "ours,
+I should say,--for, if she is mine, all the vast possessions that have
+accrued to her by her father's death shall be devoted to the furtherance
+of the mighty enterprise."
+
+"I cannot think she will refuse you now, my son," replied Garnet.
+
+"She _shall not_ refuse me, father," rejoined Catesby. "The time is gone
+by for idle wooing."
+
+"I will be no party to forcible measures, my son," returned Garnet,
+gravely. "As far as persuasion goes, I will lend you every assistance in
+my power, but nothing further."
+
+"Persuasion is all that will be required, I am assured, father,"
+answered Catesby, hastily, perceiving he had committed himself too far.
+"But let us now see what can be done for Guy Fawkes."
+
+"Would there was any hope of his life!" exclaimed Garnet, sighing
+deeply. "In losing him, we lose the bravest of our band."
+
+"We do," returned Catesby. "And yet he has been subject to strange
+fancies of late."
+
+"He has been appalled, but never shaken," rejoined Garnet. "Of all our
+number, you and he were the only two upon whom I could rely. When he is
+gone, you will stand alone."
+
+Catesby made no reply, but led the way to the chamber where the wounded
+man lay. He had regained his consciousness, but was too feeble to speak.
+After such restoratives as were at hand had been administered, Catesby
+was about to order a room to be fitted up for him, when Viviana, whose
+anxiety for the sufferer had overcome her affliction, made her
+appearance. On learning Catesby's intentions, she insisted upon Fawkes
+being removed to the room allotted to her, which had not been dismantled
+like the rest. Seeing it was in vain to oppose her, Catesby assented,
+and the sufferer was accordingly carried thither, and placed within the
+bed--a large antique piece of furniture, hung with faded damask
+curtains. The room was one of the oldest in the house, and at the
+further end stood a small closet, approached by an arched doorway, and
+fitted up with a hassock and crucifix, which, strange to say, had
+escaped the ravages of the searchers.
+
+Placed within the couch, Guy Fawkes began to ramble as before about the
+conspiracy; and fearing his ravings might awaken the suspicion of the
+servants, Catesby would not suffer any of them to come near him, but
+arranged with Garnet to keep watch over him by turns. By degrees, he
+became more composed; and, after dozing a little, opened his eyes, and,
+looking round, inquired anxiously for his sword. At first, Catesby, who
+was alone with him at the time, hesitated in his answer, but seeing he
+appeared greatly disturbed, he showed him that his hat, gauntlets, and
+rapier were lying by the bedside.
+
+"I am content," replied the wounded man, smiling faintly; "that sword
+has never left my side, waking or sleeping, for twenty years. Let me
+grasp it once more--perhaps for the last time."
+
+Catesby handed him the weapon. He looked at it for a few moments, and
+pressed the blade to his lips.
+
+"Farewell, old friend!" he said, a tear gathering in his eye, "farewell!
+Catesby," he added, as he resigned the weapon to him, "I have one
+request to make. Let my sword be buried with me."
+
+"It shall," replied Catesby, in a voice suffocated by emotion, for the
+request touched him where his stern nature was most accessible: "I will
+place it by you myself."
+
+"Thanks!" exclaimed Fawkes. And soon after this, he again fell into a
+slumber.
+
+His sleep endured for some hours; but his breathing grew fainter and
+fainter, so that at the last it was scarcely perceptible. A striking
+change had likewise taken place in his countenance, and these signs
+convinced Catesby he had not long to live. While he was watching him
+with great anxiety, Viviana appeared at the door of the chamber, and
+beckoned him out. Noiselessly obeying the summons, and following her
+along the gallery, he entered a room where he found Garnet.
+
+"I have called you to say that a remedy has been suggested to me by
+Martin Heydocke," observed Viviana, "by which I trust Guy Fawkes may yet
+be saved."
+
+"How?" asked Catesby, eagerly.
+
+"Doctor Dee, the warden of Manchester, of whom you must have heard," she
+continued, "is said to possess an elixir of such virtue, that a few
+drops of it will snatch him who drinks them from the very jaws of
+death."
+
+"I should not have suspected you of so much credulity, Viviana," replied
+Catesby; "but grant that Doctor Dee possesses this marvellous
+elixir--which for my own part I doubt--how are we to obtain it?"
+
+"If you will repair to the college, and see him, I doubt not he will
+give it you," rejoined Viviana.
+
+Catesby smiled incredulously.
+
+"I have a claim upon Doctor Dee," she persisted, "which I have never
+enforced. I will now use it. Show him this token," she continued,
+detaching a small ornament from her neck; "tell him you bring it from
+me, and I am sure he will comply with your request."
+
+"Your commands shall be obeyed, Viviana," replied Catesby; "but I
+frankly confess I have no faith in the remedy."
+
+"It is at least worth the trial, my son," observed Garnet. "Doctor Dee
+is a wonderful person, and has made many discoveries in medicine, as in
+other sciences, and this marvellous specific may, for aught we know,
+turn out no imposture."
+
+"If such is your opinion," replied Catesby, "I will set out at once. If
+it is to be tried at all, it must be without delay. The poor sufferer is
+sinking fast."
+
+"Go then," cried Viviana, "and heaven speed your mission! If you could
+prevail upon Doctor Dee to visit the wounded man in person, I should
+prefer it. Besides, I have another request to make of him--but that will
+do hereafter. Lose not a moment now."
+
+"I will fly on the wings of the wind," replied Catesby. "Heaven grant
+that when I return the object of our solicitude may not be past all
+human aid!"
+
+With this, he hurried to an out-building in which the horses were
+placed, and choosing the strongest and fleetest from out their number,
+mounted, and started at full gallop in the direction of Manchester; nor
+did he relax his speed until he reached the gates of the ancient
+College. Hanging the bridle of his smoking steed to a hook in the wall,
+he crossed the large quadrangular court; and finding the principal
+entrance open, passed the lofty room now used as the refectory, ascended
+the flight of stone stairs that conducts the modern visitor to the
+library, and was traversing the long galleries communicating with it,
+and now crowded with the learning of ages, bequeathed by the benevolence
+of his rival, Humphrey Chetham, when he encountered a grave but
+crafty-looking personage, in a loose brown robe and Polish cap, who
+angrily demanded his business.
+
+Apologizing for the intrusion, Catesby was about to explain, when a
+small oak door near them was partly opened, and an authoritative voice,
+from within, exclaimed, "Do not hinder him, Kelley. I know his business,
+and will see him."
+
+The seer made no further remark, but pointing to the door, Catesby at
+once comprehended that it was Dee's voice he had heard; and, though
+somewhat startled by the intimation that he was expected, entered the
+room. He found the Doctor surrounded by his magical apparatus, and
+slowly returning to the chair he had just quitted.
+
+Without looking behind him to see whom he addressed, Dee continued, "I
+have just consulted my show-stone, and know why you are come hither. You
+bring a token from Viviana Radcliffe."
+
+"I do," replied Catesby, in increased astonishment. "It is here."
+
+"It is needless to produce it," replied Dee, still keeping his back
+towards him. "I have seen it already. Kelley," he continued, "I am about
+to set out for Ordsall Hall immediately. You must accompany me."
+
+"Amazement!" cried Catesby. "Is the purpose of my visit then really
+known to your reverence?"
+
+"You shall hear," rejoined Dee, facing him. "You have a friend who is at
+the point of death, and having heard that I possess an elixir of
+wonderful efficacy, are come in quest of it."
+
+"True," replied Catesby, utterly confounded.
+
+"The name of that friend," pursued Dee, regarding him fixedly, "is Guy
+Fawkes,--your own, Robert Catesby."
+
+"I need no more to convince me, reverend sir," rejoined Catesby,
+trembling, in spite of himself, "that all I have heard of your wonderful
+powers falls far short of the truth."
+
+"You are but just in time," replied Dee, bowing gravely, in
+acknowledgment of the compliment. "Another hour, and it would have been
+too late."
+
+"Then you think he will live!" cried Catesby, eagerly.
+
+"I am sure of it," replied Dee, "provided----"
+
+"Provided what?" interrupted Catesby. "Is there aught I can do to ensure
+his recovery?"
+
+"No," replied Dee, sternly. "I am debating within myself whether it is
+worth while reviving him for a more dreadful fate."
+
+"What mean you, reverend sir?" asked Catesby, a shade passing over his
+countenance.
+
+"You understand my meaning, and therefore need no explanation," replied
+Dee. "Return to Ordsall Hall, and tell Miss Radcliffe I will be there in
+an hour. Bid her have no further fear. If the wounded man breathes when
+I arrive, I will undertake to cure him. Add further, that I know the
+other request she desires to make of me, and that it is granted before
+it is asked. Farewell, sir, for a short time."
+
+On reaching the court, Catesby expanded his chest, shook his limbs, and
+exclaimed, "At length, I breathe freely. The atmosphere of that infernal
+chamber smelt so horribly of sulphur that it almost stifled me. Well, if
+Doctor Dee has not dealings with the devil, man never had! However, if
+he cures Guy Fawkes, I care not whence the medicine comes from."
+
+As he descended Smithy Bank, and was about to cross the old bridge over
+the Irwell, he perceived a man riding before him, who seemed anxious to
+avoid him. Struck by this person's manner, he urged his horse into a
+quicker pace, and being better mounted of the two, soon overtook him,
+when to his surprise he found it was Martin Heydocke.
+
+"What are you doing here, sirrah?" he demanded.
+
+"I have been sent by Mistress Viviana with a message to Mr. Humphrey
+Chetham," replied the young man, in great confusion.
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby, angrily. "And how dared you convey a
+message to him, without consulting me on the subject?"
+
+"I was not aware you were my master," replied Martin, sulkily. "If I owe
+obedience to any one, it is to Mr. Chetham, whose servant I am. But if
+Mistress Viviana gives me a message to deliver, I will execute her
+commands, whoever may be pleased or displeased."
+
+"I did but jest, thou saucy knave," returned Catesby, who did not desire
+to offend him. "Here is a piece of money for thee. Now, if it be no
+secret, what was Miss Radcliffe's message to thy master?"
+
+"I know not what her letter contained," replied Martin; "but his answer
+was, that he would come to the hall at midnight."
+
+"It is well I ascertained this," thought Catesby, and he added aloud, "I
+understood your master had been arrested and imprisoned."
+
+"So he was," replied Martin; "but he had interest enough with the
+Commissioners to procure his liberation."
+
+"Enough," replied Catesby; and striking spurs into his charger, he
+dashed off.
+
+A quarter of an hour's hard riding brought him to the hall, and, on
+arriving there, he proceeded at once to the wounded man's chamber, where
+he found Viviana and Garnet.
+
+"Have you succeeded in your errand?" cried the former, eagerly. "Will
+Doctor Dee come, or has he sent the elixir?"
+
+"He will bring it himself," replied Catesby.
+
+Viviana uttered an exclamation of joy, and the sound appeared to reach
+the ears of the sufferer, for he stirred, and groaned faintly.
+
+"Doctor Dee desired me to tell you," continued Catesby, drawing Viviana
+aside, and speaking in a low tone, "that your other request was
+granted."
+
+Viviana looked surprised, and as if she did not clearly understand him.
+
+"Might he not refer to Humphrey Chetham?" remarked Catesby, somewhat
+maliciously.
+
+"Ah! you have learnt from Martin Heydocke that I have written to him,"
+returned Viviana, blushing deeply. "What I was about to ask of Doctor
+Dee had no reference to Humphrey Chetham. It was to request permission
+to privately inter my father's remains in our family vault in the
+Collegiate Church. But how did he know I had any request to make?"
+
+"That passes my comprehension," replied Catesby, "unless he obtained his
+information from his familiar spirits."
+
+Shortly after this, Dr. Dee and Kelley arrived at the hall. Catesby met
+them at the gate, and conducted them to the wounded man's chamber.
+Coldly saluting Garnet, whom he eyed with suspicion, and bowing
+respectfully to Viviana, the Doctor slowly advanced to the bedside. He
+gazed for a short time at the wounded man, and folded his arms
+thoughtfully upon his breast. The eyes of the sufferer were closed, and
+his lips slightly apart, but no breath seemed to issue from them. His
+bronzed complexion had assumed the ghastly hue of death, and his
+strongly-marked features had become fixed and rigid. His black hair,
+stiffened and caked with blood, escaped from the bandages around his
+head, and hung in elf locks on the pillow. It was a piteous spectacle;
+and Doctor Dee appeared much moved by it.
+
+"The worst is over," he muttered: "why recall the spirit to its wretched
+tenement?"
+
+"If you can save him, reverend sir, do not hesitate," implored Viviana.
+
+"I am come hither for that purpose," replied Dee; "but I must have no
+other witness to the experiment except yourself, and my attendant
+Kelley."
+
+"I do not desire to be present, reverend sir," replied Viviana; "but I
+will retire into that closet, and pray that your remedy may prevail."
+
+"My prayers for the same end shall be offered in the adjoining room,"
+observed Garnet; and taking Catesby's arm, who seemed spell-bound by
+curiosity, he dragged him away.
+
+The door closed, and Viviana withdrew into the closet, where she knelt
+down before the crucifix. Doctor Dee seated himself on the bedside; and
+taking a gourd-shaped bottle, filled with a clear sparkling liquid, from
+beneath his robe, he raised it to his eyes with his left hand, while he
+placed his right on the wrist of the wounded man. In this attitude he
+continued for a few seconds, while Kelley, with his arms folded,
+likewise kept his gaze fixed on the phial. At the expiration of that
+time, Dee, who had apparently counted the pulsations of the sufferer,
+took out the glass stopper from the bottle, the contents of which
+diffused a pungent odour around; and wetting a small piece of linen with
+it, applied it to his temples. He then desired Kelley to raise his head,
+and poured a few drops down his throat. This done, he waited a few
+minutes, and repeated the application.
+
+"Look!" he cried to Kelley. "The elixir already begins to operate. His
+chest heaves. His limbs shiver. That flush upon the cheek, and that
+dampness upon the brow, denote that the animal heat is restored. A third
+draught will accomplish the cure."
+
+"I can already feel his heart palpitate," observed Kelley, placing his
+hand on the patient's breast.
+
+"Heaven be praised!" ejaculated Viviana, who had suspended her devotions
+to listen.
+
+"Hold him tightly," cried Dee to his assistant, "while I administer the
+last draught. He may injure himself by his struggles."
+
+Kelley obeyed, and twined his arms tightly round the wounded man. And
+fortunate it was that the precaution was taken, for the elixir was no
+sooner poured down his throat than his chest began to labour violently,
+his eyes opened, and, raising himself bolt-upright, he struggled
+violently to break from the hold imposed upon him. This he would have
+effected, if Dee had not likewise lent his aid to prevent him.
+
+"This is, indeed, a wonderful sight!" cried Viviana, who had quitted the
+closet, and now gazed on, in awe and astonishment. "I can never be
+sufficiently thankful to you, reverend sir."
+
+"Give thanks to Him to whom alone they are due," replied Dee. "Summon
+your friends. They may now resume their posts. My task is accomplished."
+
+Catesby and Garnet being called into the room, could scarcely credit
+their senses when they beheld Guy Fawkes, who by this time had ceased
+struggling, reclining on Kelley's shoulder, and, except a certain
+wildness in the eye and cadaverousness of hue, looking as he was wont to
+do.
+
+[Illustration: _Doctor Dee resuscitating Guy Fawkes_]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH AT MANCHESTER.
+
+
+Bidding Kelley remain with Guy Fawkes, Doctor Dee signified to Viviana
+that he had a few words to say to her in private before his departure,
+and leading the way to an adjoining room, informed her that he was aware
+of her desire to have her father's remains interred in the Collegiate
+Church, and that, so far from opposing her inclinations, he would
+willingly accede to them, only recommending as a measure of prudence
+that the ceremonial should be performed at night, and with as much
+secrecy as possible. Viviana thanked him in a voice of much emotion for
+his kindness, and entirely acquiesced in his suggestion of caution. At
+the same time, she could not help expressing her surprise that her
+thoughts should be known to him. "Though, indeed," she added, "after the
+wonderful exhibition I have just witnessed of your power, I can scarcely
+suppose that any limits are to be placed to it."
+
+"Few things are hidden from me," replied Dee, with a gratified smile;
+"even the lighter matters of the heart, in which I might be supposed to
+take little interest, do not altogether elude my observation. In
+reference to this, you will not, I am sure be offended with me, Viviana,
+if I tell you I have noticed with some concern the attachment that has
+arisen between you and Humphrey Chetham."
+
+Viviana uttered an exclamation of surprise, and a deep blush suffused
+her pallid cheeks.
+
+"I am assuming the privilege of an old man with you, Viviana," continued
+Dee, in a graver tone, "and I may add, of an old friend,--for your
+lamented mother was one of my dearest and best friends, as you perchance
+called to mind, when you sent me to-day, by Mr. Catesby, the token I
+gave her years ago. You have done unwisely in inviting Humphrey Chetham
+to come hither to-night."
+
+"How so?" she faltered.
+
+"Because, if he keeps his appointment, fatal consequences may ensue,"
+answered Dee. "Your message has reached the ears of one from whom,--most
+of all,--you should have concealed it."
+
+"Mr. Catesby has heard of it, I know," replied Viviana. "But you do not
+apprehend any danger from him?"
+
+"He is Chetham's mortal foe," rejoined Dee, "and will slay him, if he
+finds an opportunity."
+
+"You alarm me," she cried. "I will speak to Mr. Catesby on the subject,
+and entreat him, as he values my regard, to offer no molestation to his
+fancied rival."
+
+"_Fancied_ rival!" echoed Dee, raising his brows contemptuously. "Do you
+seek to persuade me that you do not love Humphrey Chetham?"
+
+"Assuredly not," replied Viviana. "I freely acknowledge my attachment to
+him. It is as strong as my aversion to Mr. Catesby. But the latter is
+aware that the suit of his rival is as hopeless as his own."
+
+"Explain yourself, I pray you?" said Dee.
+
+"My destiny is the cloister,--and this he well knows," she rejoined. "As
+soon as my worldly affairs can be arranged, I shall retire to the
+English nunnery at Brussels, where I shall vow myself to Heaven."
+
+"Such is your present intention," replied Dee. "But you will never quit
+your own country."
+
+"What shall hinder me?" asked Viviana, uneasily.
+
+"Many things," returned Dee. "Amongst others, this meeting with your
+lover."
+
+"Call him not by that name, I beseech you, reverend sir," she rejoined.
+"Humphrey Chetham will never be other to me than a friend."
+
+"It may be," answered Dee. "But your destiny is _not_ the cloister."
+
+"For what am I reserved, then?" demanded Viviana, trembling.
+
+"All I dare tell you," he returned, "all it is needful for you to know,
+is, that your future career is mixed up with that of Guy Fawkes. But do
+not concern yourself about what is to come. The present is sufficient to
+claim your attention."
+
+"True," replied Viviana; "and my first object shall be to despatch a
+messenger to Humphrey Chetham to prevent him from coming hither."
+
+"Trouble yourself no further on that score," returned Dee. "I will
+convey the message to him. As regards the funeral, it must take place
+without delay. I will be at the south porch of the church with the keys
+at midnight, and Robert Burnell, the sexton, and another assistant on
+whom I can depend, shall be in attendance. Though it is contrary to my
+religious opinions and feelings to allow a Romish priest to perform the
+service, I will not interfere with Father Garnet. I owe your mother a
+deep debt of gratitude, and will pay it to her husband and her child."
+
+"Thanks!--in _her_ name, thanks!" cried Viviana, in a voice suffocated
+by emotion.
+
+"And now," continued Dee, "I would ask you one further question. My art
+has made me acquainted that a plot is hatching against the King and his
+Government by certain of the Catholic party. Are you favourable to the
+design?"
+
+"I am not," replied Viviana, firmly. "Nor can you regard it with more
+horror than myself."
+
+"I was sure of it," returned Dee. "Nevertheless, I am glad to have my
+supposition confirmed from your own mouth."
+
+With this, he moved towards the door, but Viviana arrested his
+departure.
+
+"Stay, reverend sir," she cried, with a look of great uneasiness; "if
+you are in possession of this dread secret, the lives of my companions
+are in your power. You will not betray them. Or, if you deem it your
+duty to reveal the plot to those endangered by it, you will give its
+contrivers timely warning."
+
+"Fear nothing," rejoined Dee. "I cannot, were I so disposed, interfere
+with the fixed purposes of fate. The things revealed by my familiar
+spirits never pass my lips. They are more sacred than the disclosures
+made to a priest of your faith at the confessional. The bloody
+enterprise on which these zealots are bent will fail. I have warned
+Fawkes; but my warning, though conveyed by the lips of the dead, and by
+other means equally terrible, was unavailing. I would warn Catesby and
+Garnet, but they would heed me not. Viviana Radcliffe," he continued, in
+a solemn voice, "you questioned me just now about the future. Have you
+courage to make the same demand from your dead father? If so, I will
+compel his corpse to answer you."
+
+"Oh! no--no," cried Viviana, horror-stricken; "not for worlds would I
+commit so impious an act. Gladly as I would know what fate has in store
+for me, nothing should induce me to purchase the knowledge at so
+dreadful a price."
+
+"Farewell, then," rejoined Dee. "At midnight, at the south porch of the
+Collegiate Church, I shall expect you."
+
+So saying, he took his departure; and, on entering the gallery, he
+perceived Catesby hastily retreating.
+
+"Aha!" he muttered. "We have had a listener here. Well, no matter. What
+he has heard may prove serviceable to him."
+
+He then returned to the chamber occupied by Guy Fawkes, and finding he
+had dropped into a deep and tranquil sleep, motioned Kelley, who was
+standing by the bedside watching his slumbers with folded arms, to
+follow him, and bowing gravely to Garnet quitted the hall.
+
+As he crossed the court, on his way to the drawbridge, Catesby suddenly
+threw himself in his path, and laying his hand upon his sword, cried in
+a menacing voice,--"Doctor Dee, neither you nor your companion shall
+quit the hall till you have solemnly sworn not to divulge aught
+pertaining to the plot, of which you have so mysteriously obtained
+information."
+
+"Is this my recompence for rescuing your comrade from the jaws of death,
+sir?" replied Dee, sternly.
+
+"The necessity of the case must plead its excuse," rejoined Catesby. "My
+own safety, and the safety of those leagued with me, require that I
+should be peremptory in my demand. Did I not owe you a large debt of
+gratitude for your resuscitation of Guy Fawkes, I would have insured
+your secrecy with your life. As it is, I will be content with your
+oath."
+
+"Fool!" exclaimed Dee, "stand aside, or I will compel you to do so."
+
+"Think not to terrify me by idle threats," returned Catesby. "I
+willingly acknowledge your superior skill,--as, indeed, I have good
+reason to do,--in the science of medicine; but I have no faith in your
+magical tricks. A little reflection has shown me how the knowledge I at
+first thought so wonderful was acquired. You obtained it by means of
+Martin Heydocke, who, mounted on a swift steed, reached the College
+before me. He told you of the object of my visit,--of Viviana's wish to
+have her father interred in the Collegiate Church,--of her message to
+Humphrey Chetham. You were, therefore, fully prepared for my arrival,
+and at first, I must confess, completely imposed upon me. Nay, had I not
+overheard your conversation just now with Viviana, I might have remained
+your dupe still. But your allusion to Chetham's visit awakened my
+suspicions, and, on re-considering the matter, the whole trick flashed
+upon me."
+
+"What more?" demanded Dee, his brow lowering, and his eyes sparkling
+with rage.
+
+"Thus much," returned Catesby. "I have your secret, and you have mine.
+And though the latter is the more important, inasmuch as several lives
+hang upon it, whereas a conjuror's worthless reputation is alone
+dependent on the other, yet both must be kept. Swear, then, not to
+reveal the plot, and in my turn I will take any oath you choose to
+dictate not to disclose the jugglery I have detected."
+
+"I will make no terms with you," returned Dee; "and if I do not reveal
+your damnable plot, it is not from consideration of you or your
+associates, but because the hour for its disclosure is not yet arrived.
+When full proof of your guilt can be obtained, then rest assured it will
+be made known,--though not by me. Not one of your number shall
+escape--not one."
+
+Catesby again laid his hand upon his sword, and seemed from his looks to
+be meditating the destruction of the Doctor and his assistant. But they
+appeared wholly unconcerned at his glances.
+
+"What you have said concerning Martin Heydocke is false--as false as
+your own foul and bloody scheme," pursued Dee. "I have neither seen, nor
+spoken with him."
+
+"But your assistant, Edward Kelley, has," retorted Catesby, "and that
+amounts to the same thing."
+
+"For the third and last time I command you to stand aside," cried Dee,
+in a tone of concentrated anger.
+
+Catesby laughed aloud.
+
+"What if I refuse?" he said, in a jeering voice.
+
+Doctor Dee made no answer; but, suddenly drawing a small phial from
+beneath his robe, cast its contents in his opponent's face. Blinded by
+the spirit, Catesby raised his hand to his eyes, and while in this
+condition a thick cloth was thrown over his head from behind, and,
+despite his resistance, he was borne off, and bound with a strong cord
+to an adjoining tree.
+
+Half an hour elapsed, during which he exhausted his fury in vain
+outcries for assistance, and execrations and menaces against Dee and his
+companion. At the expiration of that time, hearing steps approaching, he
+called loudly to be released, and was answered by the voice of Martin
+Heydocke.
+
+"What! is it your worship I behold?" cried Martin, in a tone of affected
+commiseration. "Mercy on us! what has happened? Have the rascally
+searchers been here again?"
+
+"Hold your peace, knave, and unbind me," rejoined Catesby, angrily. "I
+shrewdly suspect," he added, as his commands were obeyed, and the cord
+twined around his arms unfastened, and the cloth removed,--"I shrewdly
+suspect," he said, fixing a stern glance upon Martin, which effectually
+banished the smile from his demure countenance, "that you have had some
+share in this business."
+
+"What I, your worship?" exclaimed Martin. "Not the slightest, I assure
+you. It was by mere chance I came this way, and, perceiving some one
+tied to a tree, was about to take to my heels, when, fancying I
+recognised your worship's well-formed legs, I ventured forward."
+
+"You shall become more intimately acquainted with my worship's boots,
+rascal, if I find my suspicions correct," rejoined Catesby. "Have you
+the effrontery to tell me you have never seen this rope and this cloth
+before?"
+
+"Certes, I have, your worship," replied Martin. "May the first hang me,
+and the last serve as my winding-sheet, if I speak not the truth! Ah,
+now I look again," he added, pretending to examine them, "it must be a
+horse-cloth and halter from the stable. Peradventure, I _have_ seen
+them."
+
+"That I will be sworn you have, and used them too," rejoined Catesby. "I
+am half inclined to tie you to the tree in my place. But where is your
+employer?--where is Doctor Dee?"
+
+"Doctor Dee is _not_ my employer," answered Martin, "neither do I serve
+him. Mr. Humphrey Chetham, as I have already told your worship, is my
+master. As to the Doctor, he left the hall some time since. Father
+Garnet thought you had accompanied him on the road. I have seen nothing
+of him. Of a truth I have not."
+
+Catesby reflected a moment, and then strode towards the hall, while
+Martin, with a secret smile, picked up the halter and cloth, and
+withdrew to the stable.
+
+Repairing to the chamber of the wounded man, Catesby found Garnet
+seated by his couch, and related what had occurred. The Jesuit listened
+with profound attention to the recital, and on its conclusion
+observed,--
+
+"I am sorry you have offended Doctor Dee, my son. He might have proved a
+good friend. As it is, you have made him a dangerous enemy."
+
+"He was not to be trusted, father," returned Catesby. "But if you have
+any fears of him, or Kelley, I will speedily set them at rest."
+
+"No violence, my son," rejoined Garnet. "You will only increase the
+mischief you have already occasioned. I do not think Dee will betray us.
+But additional circumspection will be requisite. Tarry here while I
+confer with Viviana on this subject. She has apparently some secret
+influence with the Doctor, and may be prevailed upon to exert it in our
+behalf."
+
+It was long before Garnet returned. When he reappeared, his looks
+convinced Catesby that the interview had not proved satisfactory.
+
+"Your imprudence has placed us in a perilous position, my son," he
+observed. "Viviana refuses to speak to Doctor Dee on the subject, and
+strongly reprobates your conduct."
+
+Catesby's brow lowered.
+
+"There is but one course to pursue," he muttered, rising; "our lives or
+his must be sacrificed. I will act at once."
+
+"Hold!" exclaimed Garnet authoritatively. "Wait till to-morrow and, if
+aught occurs in the interim to confirm your suspicions, do as you think
+proper. I will not oppose you."
+
+"If I forbear so long," returned Catesby, "it will not be safe to remain
+here."
+
+"I will risk it," said Garnet, "and I counsel you to do the same. You
+will not leave Viviana at this strait."
+
+"I have no such thoughts," replied Catesby. "If I go, she goes too."
+
+"Then it will be in vain, I am sure, to endeavour to induce her to
+accompany you till her father is interred," observed Garnet.
+
+"True," replied Catesby; "I had forgotten that. We shall meet the hoary
+juggler at the church, and an opportunity may occur for executing my
+purpose there. Unless he will swear at the altar not to betray us, he
+shall die by my hand."
+
+"An oath in such a case would be no security, my son," returned Garnet;
+"and his slaughter and that of his companion would be equally
+inefficacious, and greatly prejudicial to our cause. If he means to
+betray us, he has done so already. But I have little apprehension. I do
+not think him well affected towards the government, and I cannot but
+think, if you had not thus grossly insulted him, he would have favoured
+rather than opposed our design. If he was aware of the plot, and
+adverse to it, what need was there to exert his skill in behalf of our
+dying friend, who, but for him, would have been, ere this, a lump of
+lifeless clay? No, no, my son. You are far too hasty in your judgment.
+Nor am I less surprised at your injustice. Overlooking the great benefit
+conferred upon us, because some trifling scheme has been thwarted, you
+would requite our benefactor by cutting his throat."
+
+"Your rebuke is just, father," returned Catesby. "I have acted
+heedlessly. But I will endeavour to repair my error."
+
+"Enough, my son," replied Garnet. "It will be advisable to go well armed
+to the church to-night, for fear of a surprise. But I shall not absent
+myself on that account."
+
+"Nor I," rejoined Catesby.
+
+The conversation was then carried on, on other topics, when they were
+interrupted by the entrance of Viviana, who came to consult them about
+the funeral. It was arranged--since better could not be found--that the
+vehicle used to bring thither the body of the unfortunate knight should
+transport it to its last home. No persuasions of Garnet could induce
+Viviana to relinquish the idea of attending the ceremony; and Catesby,
+though he affected the contrary, secretly rejoiced at her determination.
+
+Night came, and all was in readiness. Viviana to the last indulged a
+hope that Humphrey Chetham would arrive in time to attend the funeral
+with her; but, as he did not appear, she concluded he had received
+Doctor Dee's warning. Martin Heydocke was left in charge of Guy Fawkes,
+who still continued to slumber deeply, and, when within half an hour of
+the appointed time, the train set out.
+
+They were all well mounted, and proceeded at a slow pace along the lane
+skirting the west bank of the Irwell. The night was profoundly dark;
+and, as it was not deemed prudent to carry torches, some care was
+requisite to keep in the right road. Catesby rode first, and was
+followed by Garnet and Viviana, after whom came the little vehicle
+containing the body. The rear was brought up by three of the servants
+sent by Sir Everard Digby; a fourth acting as driver of the sorry
+substitute for a hearse. Not a word was uttered by any of the party. In
+this stealthy manner was the once-powerful and wealthy Sir William
+Radcliffe, the owner of the whole district through which they were
+passing, conveyed to the burial-place of his ancestors!
+
+In shorter time than they had allowed themselves for the journey, the
+melancholy cavalcade reached Salford Bridge, and crossing it at a quick
+pace, as had been previously arranged by Catesby, arrived without
+molestation or notice (for no one was abroad in the town at that hour)
+at the southern gate of the Collegiate Church, where, it may be
+remembered, Guy Fawkes had witnessed the execution of the two seminary
+priests, and on the spikes of which their heads and dismembered bodies
+were now fixed. An old man here presented himself, and, unlocking the
+gate, informed them he was Robert Burnell, the sexton. The shell was
+then taken out, and borne on the shoulders of the servants towards the
+church, Burnell leading the way. Garnet followed; and as soon as Catesby
+had committed the horses to the care of the driver of the carriage, he
+tendered his arm to Viviana, who could scarcely have reached the sacred
+structure unsupported.
+
+Doctor Dee met them at the church porch, as he had appointed, and, as
+soon as they had passed through it, the door was locked. Addressing a
+few words in an under tone to Viviana, but not deigning to notice either
+of her companions, Dee directed the bearers of the body to follow him,
+and proceeded towards the choir.
+
+The interior of the reverend and beautiful fane was buried in profound
+gloom, and the feeble light diffused by the sexton's lantern only made
+the darkness more palpable. On entering the broad and noble nave nothing
+could be seen of its clustered pillars, or of the exquisite pointed
+arches, enriched with cinquefoil and quatrefoil, inclosing blank
+shields, which they supported. Neither could its sculptured cornice; its
+clerestory windows; its upper range of columns, supporting demi-angels
+playing on musical instruments; its moulded roof crossed by transverse
+beams, enriched in the interstices with sculptured ornaments, be
+distinguished. Most of these architectural glories were invisible; but
+the very gloom in which they were shrouded was imposing. As the dim
+light fell upon pillar after pillar as they passed, revealing their
+mouldings, piercing a few feet into the side aisles, and falling upon
+the grotesque heads, the embattled ornaments and grotesque tracery of
+the arches, the effect was inexpressibly striking.
+
+Nor were the personages inappropriate to the sombre scene. The reverend
+figure of Dee, with his loose flowing robe and long white beard; the
+priestly garb and grave aspect of Garnet; the soldier-like bearing of
+Catesby, his armed heel and rapier-point clanking upon the pavement; the
+drooping figure of Viviana, whose features were buried in her kerchief,
+and whose sobs were distinctly audible; the strangely-fashioned coffin,
+and the attendants by whom it was borne;--all constituted a singular,
+and, at the same time, deeply-interesting picture.
+
+Approaching the magnificent screen terminating the nave, they passed
+through an arched gateway within it, and entered the choir. The west-end
+of this part of the church was assigned as the burial-place of the
+ancient and honourable family, the head of which was about to be
+deposited within it, and was designated from the circumstance, the
+"Radcliffe chancel." A long slab of grey marble, in which a brass plate,
+displaying the armorial bearings of the Radcliffes, was inserted, had
+been removed, and the earth thrown out of the cavity beneath it.
+Kelley, who had assisted in making the excavation, was standing beside
+it, leaning on a spade, with a lantern at his feet. He drew aside as the
+funeral train approached, and the shell was deposited at the edge of the
+grave.
+
+Picturesque and striking as was the scene in the nave, it fell far short
+of that now exhibited. The choir of the Collegiate Church at Manchester
+may challenge comparison with any similar structure. Its thirty
+elaborately-carved stalls, covered with canopies of the richest
+tabernacle work, surmounted by niches, mouldings, pinnacles, and
+perforated tracery, and crowned with a richly-sculptured cornice; its
+side aisles, with their pillars and arches; its moulded ceiling rich in
+the most delicate and fairy tracery; its gorgeous altar-screen of carved
+oak; and its magnificent eastern window, then filled with stained glass,
+form a _coup-d'oeil_ of almost unequalled splendour and beauty. Few of
+these marvels could now be seen. But such points of the pinnacles and
+hanging canopies of the stalls, of the façades of the side-aisles, and
+of the fretted roof, as received any portion of the light, came in with
+admirable effect.
+
+"All is prepared, you perceive," observed Dee to Viviana. "I will retire
+while the ceremony is performed." And gravely inclining his head, he
+passed through an arched door in the south aisle, and entered the
+chapter-house.
+
+Garnet was about to proceed with the service appointed by the Romish
+Church for the burial of the dead, when Viviana, uttering a loud cry,
+would have fallen, if Catesby had not flown to her assistance, and borne
+her to one of the stalls. Recovering her self-possession the next
+moment, she entreated him to leave her; and while the service proceeded,
+she knelt down and prayed fervently for the soul of the departed.
+
+Placing himself at the foot of the body, Garnet sprinkled it with holy
+water, which he had brought with him in a small silver consecrated
+vessel. He then recited the _De Profundis_, the _Miserere_, and other
+antiphons and prayers; placed incense in a burner, which he had likewise
+brought with him, and having lighted it, bowed reverently towards the
+altar, sprinkled the body thrice with holy water, at the sides, at the
+head, and the feet; and then walking round it with the incense-burner,
+dispersed its fragrant odour over it. This done, he recited another
+prayer, pronounced a solemn benediction over the place of sepulture, and
+the body was lowered into it.
+
+The noise of the earth falling upon the shell aroused Viviana from her
+devotions. She looked towards the grave, but could see nothing but the
+gloomy group around it, prominent among which appeared the tall figure
+of Catesby. The sight was too much for her, and, unable to control her
+grief, she fainted. Meanwhile, the grave was rapidly filled, all lending
+their aid to the task; and nothing was wanting but to restore the slab
+to its original position. By the united efforts of Catesby, Kelley, and
+the sexton, this was soon accomplished, and the former, unaware of what
+had happened, was about to proceed to Viviana, to tell her all was over,
+when he was arrested by a loud knocking at the church door, accompanied
+by a clamorous demand for admittance.
+
+"We are betrayed!" exclaimed Catesby. "It is as I suspected. Take care
+of Viviana, father. I will after the hoary impostor, and cleave his
+skull! Extinguish the lights--quick! quick!"
+
+Garnet hastily complied with these injunctions, and the choir was
+plunged in total darkness. He then rushed to the stalls, but could
+nowhere find Viviana. He called her by name, but received no answer, and
+was continuing his fruitless search, when he heard footsteps
+approaching, and the voice of Catesby exclaimed,
+
+"Follow me with your charge, father."
+
+"Alas! my son, she is not here," replied Garnet. "I have searched each
+stall as carefully as I could in the dark. I fear she has been spirited
+away."
+
+"Impossible!" cried Catesby. And he ran his hand along the row of
+sculptured seats, but without success. "She is indeed gone!" he
+exclaimed distractedly. "It was here I left her--nay, here I beheld her
+at the very moment the lights were extinguished. Viviana!--Viviana!"
+
+But all was silent.
+
+"It is that cursed magician's handiwork!" he continued, striking his
+forehead in despair.
+
+"Did you find him?" demanded Garnet.
+
+"No," replied Catesby. "The door of the chapter-house was locked inside.
+The treacherous villain did well to guard against my fury."
+
+"You provoked his resentment, my son," rejoined Garnet. "But this is not
+a season for reproaches. Something must be done. Where is Kelley?"
+
+At the suggestion, Catesby instantly darted to the spot where the seer
+had stood. He was not there. He then questioned the servants, whose
+teeth were chattering with fright, but they had neither heard him
+depart, nor could tell anything about him; and perceiving plainly from
+their trepidation that these men would lend no aid, even if they did not
+join the assailants, he returned to communicate his apprehensions to
+Garnet.
+
+During all this time the knocking and vociferations at the door had
+continued with increased violence, and reverberated in hollow peals
+along the roof and aisles of the church.
+
+The emergency was a fearful one. Catesby, however, had been too often
+placed in situations of peril, and was too constitutionally brave, to
+experience much uneasiness for himself; but his apprehensions lest
+Garnet should be captured, and the sudden and mysterious disappearance
+of Viviana almost distracted him. Persuading himself she might have
+fallen to the ground, or that he had overlooked the precise spot where
+he had left her, he renewed his search, but with no better success than
+before; and he was almost beginning to believe that some magic might
+have been practised to cause her disappearance, when it occurred to him
+that she had been carried off by Kelley.
+
+"Fool that I was, not to think of that before!" he exclaimed. "I have
+unintentionally aided their project by extinguishing the lights. But now
+that I am satisfied she is gone, I can devote my whole energies to the
+preservation of Garnet. They shall not capture us so easily as they
+anticipate."
+
+With this, he approached the priest, and grasping his hand drew him
+noislessly along. They had scarcely passed through the arched doorway in
+the screen, and set foot within the nave, when the clamour without
+ceased. The next moment a thundering crash was heard; the door burst
+open, and a number of armed figures bearing torches, with drawn swords
+in their hands, rushed with loud vociferations into the church.
+
+"We must surrender, my son," cried Garnet. "It will be useless to
+contend against that force."
+
+"But we may yet escape them," rejoined Catesby. And glancing hastily
+round he perceived a small open door in the wall at the right, and
+pointing it out to the priest, hurried towards it.
+
+On reaching it, they found it communicated with a flight of stone steps,
+evidently leading to the roof.
+
+"Saved! saved!" cried Catesby, triumphantly. "Mount first, father. I
+will defend the passage."
+
+The pursuers, who saw the course taken by the fugitives, set up a loud
+shout, and ran as swiftly as they could in the same direction, and by
+the time the latter had gained the door they were within a few yards of
+it. Garnet darted up the steps; but Catesby lingered to make fast the
+door, and thus oppose some obstacle to the hostile party. His efforts,
+however, were unexpectedly checked, and, on examination, he found it was
+hooked to the wall at the back. Undoing the fastening, the door swung
+to, and he instantly bolted it. Overjoyed at his success, and leaving
+his pursuers, who at this moment arrived, to vent their disappointment
+in loud menaces, he hastened after Garnet. Calling loudly to him, he was
+answered from a small dark chamber on the right, into which the priest
+had retreated.
+
+"We have but prolonged our torture," groaned Garnet. "I can find no
+outlet. Our foes will speedily force an entrance, and we must then fall
+into their hands."
+
+"There must be some door opening upon the roof, father," rejoined
+Catesby. "Mount as high as you can, and search carefully. I will defend
+the stairs, and will undertake to maintain my post against the whole
+rout."
+
+Thus urged, Garnet ascended the steps. After the lapse of a few minutes,
+during which the thundering at the door below increased, and the heavy
+blows of some weighty implement directed against it, were distinctly
+heard, he cried,
+
+"I have found a door, but the bolts are rusty--I cannot move them."
+
+"Use all your strength, father," shouted Catesby, who having planted
+himself with his drawn sword at an advantageous point, was listening
+with intense anxiety to the exertions of the assailing party. "Do not
+relax your efforts for a moment."
+
+"It is in vain, my son," rejoined Garnet, in accents of despair. "My
+hands are bruised and bleeding, but the bolts stir not."
+
+"Distraction!" cried Catesby, gnashing his teeth with rage. "Let me
+try."
+
+And he was about to hasten to the priest's assistance, when the door
+below was burst open with a loud crash, and the assailants rushed up the
+steps. The passage was so narrow that they were compelled to mount
+singly, and Catesby's was scarcely a vain boast when he said he could
+maintain his ground against the whole host. Shouting to Garnet to renew
+his efforts, he prepared for the assault. Reserving his petronels to the
+last, he trusted solely to his rapier, and leaning against the newel, or
+circular column round which the stairs twined, he was in a great measure
+defended from the weapons of his adversaries, while they were completely
+exposed to his attack. The darkness, moreover, in which he was enveloped
+offered an additional protection, whereas the torches they carried made
+his mark certain. As soon as the foremost of the band came within reach,
+Catesby plunged his sword into his breast, and pushed him back with all
+his force upon his comrades. The man fell heavily backwards, dislodging
+the next in advance, who in his turn upset his successor, and so on,
+till the whole band was thrown into confusion. A discharge of fire-arms
+followed; but, sheltered by the newel, Catesby sustained no injury. At
+this moment, he was cheered by a cry from Garnet that he had succeeded
+in forcing back the bolts, terror having supplied him with a strength
+not his own; and, making another sally upon his assailants, amid the
+disorder that ensued, Catesby retreated, and rapidly tracking the steps,
+reached the door, through which the priest had already passed. When
+within a short distance of the outlet, Catesby felt, from the current of
+fresh air that saluted him, that it opened upon the roof of the church.
+Nor was he deceived. A few steps placed him upon the leads, where he
+found Garnet.
+
+"It is you, my son," cried the latter, on beholding him; "I thought
+from the shouts you had fallen into the hands of the enemy."
+
+"No, Heaven be praised! I am as yet safe, and trust to deliver you out
+of their hands. Come with me to the battlements."
+
+"The battlements!" exclaimed Garnet. "A leap from such a height as that
+were certain destruction."
+
+"It were so," replied Catesby, dragging him along. "But trust to me, and
+you shall yet reach the ground uninjured."
+
+Arrived at the battlements, Catesby leaned over them, and endeavoured to
+ascertain what was beneath. It was still so dark that he could scarcely
+discern any objects but those close to him, but as far as he could trust
+his vision, he thought he perceived a projecting building some twelve or
+fourteen feet below; and calling to mind the form of the church, which
+he had frequently seen and admired, he remembered its chantries, and had
+no doubt but it was the roof of one of them that he beheld. If he could
+reach it, the descent from thence would be easy, and he immediately
+communicated the idea to Garnet, who shrank aghast from it. Little time,
+however, was allowed for consideration. Their pursuers had already
+scaled the stairs, and were springing one after another upon the leads,
+uttering the most terrible threats against the destroyer of their
+comrade. Hastily divesting himself of his cloak, Catesby clambered over
+the battlements, and, impelled by fear, Garnet threw off his robe, and
+followed his example. Clinging to the grotesque stone waterspouts which
+projected below the battlements, and placing the points of his feet upon
+the arches of the clerestory windows, and thence upon the mullions and
+transom bars, Catesby descended in safety, and then turned to assist his
+companion, who was quickly by his side.
+
+The most difficult and dangerous part of the descent had yet to be
+accomplished. They were now nearly thirty feet from the ground, and the
+same irregularities in the walls which had favoured them in the upper
+structure did not exist in the lower. But their present position,
+exposed as it was to their pursuers, who, having reached the point
+immediately overhead, were preparing to fire upon them, was too
+dangerous to allow of its occupation for a moment, and Garnet required
+no urging to make him clamber over the low embattled parapet. Descending
+a flying buttress that defended an angle of the building, Catesby, who
+was possessed of great strength and activity, was almost instantly upon
+the ground. Garnet was not so fortunate. Missing his footing, he fell
+from a considerable height, and his groans proclaimed that he had
+received some serious injury. Catesby instantly flew to him, and
+demanded, in a tone of the greatest anxiety, whether he was much hurt.
+
+"My right arm is broken," gasped the sufferer, raising himself with
+difficulty. "What other injuries I have sustained I know not; but every
+joint seems dislocated, and my face is covered with blood. Heaven have
+pity on me!"
+
+As he spoke, a shout of exultation arose from the hostile party, who,
+having heard Garnet's fall, and the groans that succeeded it, at once
+divined the cause, and made sure of a capture. A deep silence followed,
+proving that they had quitted the roof, and were hastening to secure
+their prey.
+
+Aware that it would take them some little time to descend the winding
+staircase, and traverse the long aisle of the church, Catesby felt
+certain of distancing them. But he could not abandon Garnet, who had
+become insensible from the agony of his fractured limb, and, lifting him
+carefully in his arms, he placed him upon his shoulder, and started at a
+swift pace towards the further extremity of the churchyard.
+
+At the period of this history, the western boundary of the Collegiate
+Church was formed by a precipitous sandstone rock of great height, the
+base of which was washed by the waters of the Irwell, while its summit
+was guarded by a low stone wall. In after years, a range of small
+habitations was built upon this spot, but they have been recently
+removed, and the rock having been lowered, a road now occupies their
+site. Nerved by desperation, Catesby, who was sufficiently well
+acquainted with the locality to know whither he was shaping his course,
+determined to hazard a descent, which, under calmer circumstances, he
+would have deemed wholly impracticable. His pursuers, who issued from
+the church porch a few seconds after he had passed it, saw him hurry
+towards the low wall edging the precipice, and, encumbered as he was
+with the priest, vault over it. Not deeming it possible he would dare to
+spring from such a height, they darted after him. But they were
+deceived, and could scarcely credit their senses when they found him
+gone. By the light of their torches they perceived him shooting down the
+almost perpendicular side of the rock, and the next moment a hollow
+plunge told that he had reached the water. They stared at each other in
+mute astonishment.
+
+"Will you follow him, Dick Haughton?" observed one, as soon as he had
+recovered his speech.
+
+"Not I," replied the fellow addressed. "I have no fancy for a broken
+neck. Follow him thyself if thou hast a mind to try the soundness of thy
+pate. I warrant that rock will put it to the proof."
+
+"Yet the feat has just been done, and by one burthened with a wounded
+comrade into the bargain," remarked the first speaker.
+
+"He must be the devil, that's certain," rejoined Haughton; "and Doctor
+Dee himself is no match for him."
+
+"He has the Devil's luck, that's certain," cried a third soldier. "But,
+hark! he is swimming across the river. We may yet catch him on the
+opposite bank. Come along, comrades."
+
+With this, they rushed out of the churchyard; made the best of their way
+to the bridge; and crossing it, flew to the bank of the river, where
+they dispersed in every direction, in search for the fugitive. But they
+could not discover a trace of him or his wounded companion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE RENCOUNTER.
+
+
+Catesby himself could scarcely tell how he accomplished his hair-breadth
+escape. Reckless almost of the result, he slided down the rock, catching
+at occasional irregularities as he descended. The river was of great
+depth at this point, and broke the force of his fall. On rising, he
+struck out a few yards, and suffered himself to be carried down the
+stream. He had never for one moment relinquished his hold of Garnet, and
+being an admirable swimmer, found little difficulty in sustaining him
+with one arm, while with the other he guided his course in the water. In
+this way he reached the shore in safety, about a hundred yards below the
+bridge, by which means he avoided his pursuers, who, as has just been
+stated, searched for him above it.
+
+After debating with himself for a short time as to what course he should
+pursue, he decided upon conveying Garnet to the Hall, where he could
+procure restoratives and assistance; and though he was fully sensible of
+the danger of this plan, not doubting the mansion would be visited and
+searched by his pursuers before morning, yet the necessity of warning
+Guy Fawkes outweighed every other consideration. Accordingly, again
+shouldering the priest, who, though he had regained his sensibility, was
+utterly unable to move, he commenced his toilsome march; and being
+frequently obliged to pause and rest himself, more than an hour elapsed
+before he reached his destination.
+
+It was just growing light as he crossed the drawbridge, and seeing a
+horse tied to a tree, and the gate open, he began to fear the enemy had
+preceded him. Full of misgiving, he laid Garnet upon a heap of straw in
+an outbuilding, and entered the house. He found no one below, though he
+glanced into each room. He then noiselessly ascended the stairs, with
+the intention of proceeding to Guy Fawkes's chamber.
+
+As he traversed the gallery, he heard voices in one of the chambers, the
+door of which was ajar, and pausing to listen, distinguished the tones
+of Viviana. Filled with astonishment, he was about to enter the room to
+inquire by what means she had reached the Hall, when he was arrested by
+the voice of her companion. It was that of Humphrey Chetham. Maddened by
+jealousy, Catesby's first impulse was to rush into the room, and stab
+his rival in the presence of his mistress. But he restrained his passion
+by a powerful effort.
+
+After listening for a few minutes intently to their conversation, he
+found that Chetham was taking leave, and creeping softly down-stairs,
+stationed himself in the hall, through which he knew his rival must
+necessarily pass. Chetham presently appeared. His manner was dejected;
+his looks downcast; and he would have passed Catesby without observing
+him, if the latter had not laid his hand upon his shoulder.
+
+"Mr. Catesby!" exclaimed the young merchant, starting as he beheld the
+stern glance fixed upon him "I thought----"
+
+"You thought I was a prisoner, no doubt," interrupted Catesby, bitterly.
+"But you are mistaken. I am here to confound you and your juggling and
+treacherous associate."
+
+"I do not understand you," replied Chetham.
+
+"I will soon make myself intelligible," retorted Catesby. "Follow me to
+the garden."
+
+"I perceive your purpose, Mr. Catesby," replied Chetham, calmly; "but it
+is no part of my principles to expose my life to ruffianly violence. If
+you choose to lay aside this insolent demeanour, which is more befitting
+an Alsatian bully than a gentleman, I will readily give you such
+explanation of my conduct as will fully content you, and satisfy you
+that any suspicions you may entertain of me are unfounded."
+
+"Coward!" exclaimed Catesby, striking him. "I want no explanation.
+Defend yourself, or I will treat you with still greater indignity."
+
+"Lead on, then," cried Chetham: "I would have avoided the quarrel if I
+could. But this outrage shall not pass unpunished."
+
+As they quitted the hall, Viviana entered it; and, though she was
+greatly surprised by the appearance of Catesby, his furious gestures
+left her in no doubt as to his purpose. She called to him to stop. But
+no attention was paid by either party to her cries.
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes protecting Humphrey Chetham from Catesby._]
+
+On gaining a retired spot beneath the trees, Catesby, without giving his
+antagonist time to divest himself of the heavy horseman's cloak with
+which he was encumbered, and scarcely to draw his sword, assaulted him.
+The combat was furious on both sides, but it was evident that the young
+merchant was no match for his adversary. He maintained his ground,
+however, for some time with great resolution; but, being hotly pressed,
+in retreating to avoid a thrust, his foot caught in the long grass, and
+he fell. Catesby would have passed his sword through his body, if it
+had not been turned aside by another weapon. It was that of Guy
+Fawkes, who, followed by Martin Heydocke, had staggered towards the
+scene of strife, reaching it just in time to save the life of Humphrey
+Chetham.
+
+"Heaven be praised! I am not too late!" he exclaimed. "Put up your
+blade, Catesby; or, turn it against me."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE EXPLANATION.
+
+
+Uttering an exclamation of rage, Catesby turned fiercely upon Fawkes,
+and for a moment appeared disposed to accept his invitation to continue
+the combat with him. But as he regarded the other's haggard features,
+and perceived in them the traces of his recent struggle with death--as
+he saw he was scarcely able to wield the blade he opposed against
+him--his wrath changed to compassion, and he sheathed his sword. By this
+time, Humphrey Chetham had sprung to his feet, and picking up his fallen
+weapon, stood on his defence. But finding that Catesby meditated no
+further hostilities, he returned it to the scabbard.
+
+"I owe my life to you," he said to Guy Fawkes, in a tone of deep
+gratitude.
+
+"You owe it to Viviana Radcliffe, not to me," returned Fawkes feebly,
+and leaning upon his sword for support. "Had it not been for her cries,
+I should have known nothing of this quarrel. And I would now gladly
+learn what has occasioned it."
+
+"So would I," added Chetham; "for I am as ignorant as yourself how I
+have offended Mr. Catesby."
+
+"I will tell you, then," returned Catesby, sternly. "You were a party to
+the snare set for us by Dr. Dee, from which I narrowly escaped with
+life, and Father Garnet at the expense of a broken limb."
+
+"Is Garnet hurt?" demanded Fawkes, anxiously.
+
+"Grievously," replied Catesby; "but he is out of the reach of his
+enemies, of whom," he added, pointing to Chetham, "one of the most
+malignant and treacherous now stands before you."
+
+"I am quite in the dark as to what has happened," observed Fawkes,
+"having only a few minutes ago been roused from my slumbers by the
+shrieks of Viviana, who entreated me to come and separate you. But I
+cannot believe Humphrey Chetham so treacherous as you represent him."
+
+"So far from having any enmity towards Father Garnet," observed Chetham,
+"my anxious desire was to preserve him; and with that view, I was
+repairing to Dr. Dee, when I encountered Mr. Catesby in the hall, and
+before I could offer any explanation, I was forced by his violence and
+insults into this combat."
+
+"Is this the truth, Catesby?" asked Fawkes,
+
+"Something near it," rejoined the latter; "but perhaps Mr. Chetham will
+likewise inform you by whose agency Viviana was transported hither from
+the Collegiate Church?"
+
+"That inquiry ought rather to be made of the lady herself, sir,"
+rejoined Chetham, coldly. "But, as I am assured she would have no
+objection to my answering it, I shall not hesitate to do so. She was
+conveyed hither by Kelley and an assistant, who departed as soon as
+their task was completed."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby between his ground teeth. "But how chanced
+it, sir, that you arrived here so opportunely?"
+
+"I might well refuse to answer a question thus insolently put," rejoined
+Chetham. "But to prevent further misunderstanding, I will tell you, that
+I came by Viviana's invitation at midnight; and, ascertaining from my
+servant, Martin Heydocke, whom I found watching by the couch of Guy
+Fawkes, the melancholy business on which she was engaged, I determined
+to await her return, which occurred about an hour afterwards, in the
+manner I have just related."
+
+"I was in the court-yard when Mistress Viviana was brought back,"
+interposed Martin Heydocke, who was standing at a respectful distance
+from the group; "and, after Kelley had delivered her to my charge, I
+heard him observe in an under tone to his companion, 'Let us ride back
+as fast as we can, and see what they have done with the prisoners.'"
+
+"They made sure of their prey before it was captured," observed Catesby,
+bitterly. "But we have disappointed them. Dee and his associate may yet
+have reason to repent their perfidy."
+
+"You will do well not to put yourself again in their power," observed
+Humphrey Chetham. "If you will be counselled by me, you and Guy Fawkes
+will seek safety in instant flight."
+
+"And leave you with Viviana?" rejoined Catesby, sarcastically.
+
+"She is in no present danger," replied Chetham. "But, if it is thought
+fitting or desirable, I will remain with her."
+
+"I do not doubt it," returned Catesby, with a sneer; "but it is neither
+fitting nor desirable. And, hark ye, young sir, if you have indulged any
+expectations with regard to Viviana Radcliffe, it is time you were
+undeceived. She will never wed one of your degree, nor of your faith."
+
+"I have her own assurance she will never wed at all," replied Chetham,
+in an offended tone. "But had she not crushed my hopes by declaring she
+was vowed to a convent, no menaces of yours, who have neither right nor
+title thus to interfere, should induce me to desist from my suit."
+
+"Either resign all pretensions to her hand, or prepare to renew the
+combat," cried Catesby, fiercely.
+
+"No more of this," interposed Guy Fawkes. "Let us return to the house,
+and adjust our differences there."
+
+"I have no further business here," observed Humphrey Chetham. "Having
+taken leave of Viviana," he added, with much emotion, "I do not desire
+to meet her again."
+
+"It is well, sir," rejoined Catesby: "yet, stay!--you mean us no
+treachery?"
+
+"If you suspect me, I will remain," replied Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"On no account," interposed Guy Fawkes. "I will answer for him with my
+life."
+
+"Perhaps, when I tell you I have procured the liberation of Father
+Oldcorne," returned Chetham, "and have placed him in security in Ordsall
+cave, you will admit that you have done me wrong."
+
+"I have been greatly mistaken in you, sir, I must own," observed
+Catesby, advancing towards him, and extending his hand. But Humphrey
+Chetham folded his arms upon his breast, and bowing coldly, withdrew. He
+was followed by Martin Heydocke, and presently afterwards the tramp of
+his horse's feet was heard crossing the drawbridge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE DISCOVERY.
+
+
+Tendering his arm to Fawkes, who was almost too feeble to walk
+unsupported, Catesby led him slowly to the Hall. On reaching it, they
+met Viviana, in a state bordering upon distraction, but her distress was
+speedily relieved by their assurances that the young merchant had
+departed unhurt,--a statement immediately afterwards confirmed by the
+entrance of Martin Heydocke, charged with a message from his master to
+her. Without communicating his design to the others, and, indeed, almost
+shunning Viviana, Catesby proceeded to the outbuilding where he had
+deposited Garnet. He found him in great pain, and praying fervently to
+be released from his suffering.
+
+"Do not despair, father," said Catesby, in as cheerful a tone as he
+could assume, "the worst is over. Viviana is in safety. Father Oldcorne
+has escaped, and is within a short distance of us, and Guy Fawkes is
+fully able to undertake a journey of any distance. You are our sole
+concern. But I am assured, if you will allow me to exercise the slight
+surgical skill I possess in your behalf, that you will be able to
+accompany us."
+
+"Do with me what you please, my son," groaned Garnet. "But, if my case
+is as desperate as I believe it, I entreat you not to bestow any further
+care upon me, and, above all, not to expose yourself to risk on my
+account. Our enemies are sure to pursue us,--and what matter if I am
+captured? They will wreak their vengeance on a worthless carcass,--for
+such I shall soon be. But it would double the anguish I now endure, if
+you and Fawkes were to fall into their hands. Go, then, and leave me
+here to perish. My dying moments will be cheered by the conviction that
+the great enterprise--for which alone I desire to live--will not be
+unaccomplished."
+
+"There is no need to leave you, father," replied Catesby, "nor shall any
+consideration induce me to do so, till I have rendered you every aid
+that circumstances will permit."
+
+"My son," replied Garnet, faintly, "the most efficacious balm you can
+apply will be the certainty that you are in safety. You say Viviana is
+here. Fly with Fawkes, and leave me to her care."
+
+"She must go with us," observed Catesby, uneasily.
+
+"Not so, my son," returned Garnet; "her presence will only endanger you.
+She must _not_ go. And you must abandon all hopes of an union with her."
+
+"I would as soon abandon the great design itself," returned Catesby,
+moodily.
+
+"If you persist in this, you will ruin it," rejoined Garnet. "Think of
+her no more. Bend your thoughts exclusively on the one grand object, and
+be what you are chosen to be, the defender and deliverer of our holy
+Church."
+
+"I would gladly act as you advise me, father," replied Catesby; "but I
+am spell-bound by this maiden."
+
+"This is idle from you, my son," replied Garnet, reproachfully.
+"Separate yourself from her, and you will soon regain your former
+mastery over yourself."
+
+"Well, well, father," rejoined Catesby, "the effort, at least, shall be
+made. But her large possessions, which would be so useful to our cause,
+and which, if I wedded her, would be wholly devoted to it,--think of
+what we lose, father."
+
+"I _have_ thought of it, my son," replied Garnet; "but the consideration
+does not alter my opinion: and if I possess any authority over you, I
+strictly enjoin you not to proceed farther in the matter. Viviana never
+can be yours."
+
+"She _shall_ be, nevertheless," muttered Catesby, "and before many hours
+have elapsed,--if not by her own free will, by force. I have ever shown
+myself obedient to your commands, father," he added aloud, "and I shall
+not transgress them now."
+
+"Heaven keep you in this disposition, my dear son!" exclaimed Garnet,
+with a look of distrust: "and let me recommend you to remove yourself
+as soon as possible out of the way of temptation."
+
+Catesby muttered an affirmative, and taking Garnet in his arms, conveyed
+him carefully to his own chamber, and placing him on a couch, examined
+his wounds, which were not so serious as either he or the sufferer
+imagined, and with no despicable skill--for the experiences of a
+soldier's life had given him some practice--bandaged his broken arm, and
+fomented his bruises.
+
+This done, Garnet felt so much easier, that he entreated Catesby to send
+Viviana to him, and to make preparations for his own immediate
+departure. Feigning acquiescence, Catesby quitted the room, but with no
+intention of complying with the request. Not a moment he felt must be
+lost if he would execute his dark design, and, after revolving many wild
+expedients, an idea occurred to him. It was to lure Viviana to the cave
+where Father Oldcorne was concealed; and he knew enough of the pliant
+disposition of the latter to be certain he would assent to his scheme.
+No sooner did this plan occur to him than he hurried to the cell, and
+found the priest, as Chetham had stated. As he had foreseen, it required
+little persuasion to induce Oldcorne to lend his assistance to the
+forced marriage, and he only feared the decided opposition they should
+encounter from Viviana.
+
+"Fear nothing, then, father," said Catesby; "in this solitary spot no
+one will hear her cries. Whatever resistance she may make, perform the
+ceremony, and leave the consequences to me."
+
+"The plan is desperate, my son," returned Oldcorne, "but so are our
+fortunes. And, as Viviana will not hear reason, we have no alternative.
+You swear that if you are once wedded to her, all her possessions shall
+be devoted to the furtherance of the great cause."
+
+"All, father--I swear it," rejoined Catesby, fervently.
+
+"Enough," replied Oldcorne. "The sooner it is done, the better."
+
+It was then agreed between them that the plan least likely to excite
+suspicion would be for Oldcorne to proceed to the Hall, and under some
+plea prevail upon Viviana to return with him to the cave. Acting upon
+this arrangement, they left the cell together, shaping their course
+under the trees to avoid observation; and while Oldcorne repaired to the
+Hall, Catesby proceeded to the stable, and saddling the only steed left,
+rode back to the cave, and concealing the animal behind the brushwood,
+entered the excavation. Some time elapsed before the others arrived, and
+as in his present feverish state of mind moments appeared ages, the
+suspense was almost intolerable. At length, he heard footsteps
+approaching, and, with a beating heart, distinguished the voice of
+Viviana. The place was buried in profound darkness; but Oldcorne struck
+a light, and set fire to a candle in a lantern. The feeble glimmer
+diffused by it was not sufficient to penetrate the recesses of the
+cavern; and Catesby, who stood at the farther extremity, was completely
+sheltered from observation.
+
+"And now, father," observed Viviana, seating herself with her back
+towards Catesby, upon the stone bench once used by the unfortunate
+prophetess, "I would learn the communication you desire to make to me.
+It must be something of importance since you would not disclose it at
+the Hall."
+
+"It is, daughter," replied Oldcorne, who could scarcely conceal his
+embarrassment. "I have brought you hither, where I am sure we shall be
+uninterrupted, to confer with you on a subject nearest my heart. Your
+lamented father being taken from us, I, as his spiritual adviser, aware
+of his secret wishes and intentions, conceive myself entitled to assume
+his place."
+
+"I consider you in the light of a father, dear sir," replied Viviana,
+"and will follow your advice as implicitly as I would that of him I have
+lost."
+
+"Since I find you so tractable, child," returned Oldcorne, reassured by
+her manner, "I will no longer hesitate to declare the motive I had in
+bringing you hither. You will recollect that I have of late strongly
+opposed your intention of retiring to a convent."
+
+"I know it, father," interrupted Viviana; "but----"
+
+"Hear me out," continued Oldcorne; "recent events have strengthened my
+disapproval of the step. You are now called upon to active duties, and
+must take your share in the business of life,--must struggle and suffer
+like others,--and not shrink from the burthen imposed upon you by
+Heaven."
+
+"I do not shrink from it, father," replied Viviana: "and if I were equal
+to the active life you propose, I would not hesitate to embrace it, but
+I feel I should sink under it."
+
+"Not if you had one near you who could afford you that support which
+feeble woman ever requires," returned Oldcorne.
+
+"What mean you, father?" inquired Viviana, fixing her dark eyes full
+upon him.
+
+"That you must marry, daughter," returned Oldcorne, "unite yourself to
+some worthy man, who will be to you what I have described."
+
+"And was it to tell me this that you brought me here?" asked Viviana, in
+a slightly offended tone.
+
+"It was, daughter," replied Oldcorne; "but I have not yet done. It is
+not only needful you should marry, but your choice must be such as I,
+who represent your father, and have your welfare thoroughly at heart,
+can approve."
+
+"You can find me a husband, I doubt not?" remarked Viviana, coldly.
+
+"I have already found one," returned Oldcorne: "a gentleman suitable to
+you in rank, religion, years,--for _your_ husband should be older than
+yourself, Viviana."
+
+"I will not affect to misunderstand you, father," she replied; "you mean
+Mr. Catesby."
+
+"You have guessed aright, dear daughter," rejoined Oldcorne.
+
+"I thought I had made myself sufficiently intelligible on this point
+before, father," she returned.
+
+"True," replied Oldcorne; "but you are no longer, as I have just
+laboured to convince you, in the same position you were when the subject
+was formerly discussed."
+
+"To prevent further misunderstanding, father," rejoined Viviana, "I now
+tell you, that in whatever position I may be placed, I will never, under
+any circumstances, wed Mr. Catesby."
+
+"What are your objections to him, daughter?" asked Oldcorne.
+
+"They are numberless," replied Viviana; "but it is useless to
+particularize them. I must pray you to change the conversation, or you
+will compel me to quit you."
+
+"Nay, daughter, if you thus obstinately shut your ears to reason, I must
+use very different language towards you. Armed with parental authority,
+I shall exact obedience to my commands."
+
+"I cannot obey you, father," replied Viviana, bursting into
+tears,--"indeed, indeed I cannot. My heart, I have already told you, is
+another's."
+
+"He who has robbed you of it is a heretic," rejoined Oldcorne, sternly,
+"and therefore your union with him is out of the question. Promise me
+you will wed Mr. Catesby, or, in the name of your dead father, I will
+invoke a curse upon your head. Promise me, I say."
+
+"Never," replied Viviana, rising. "My father would never have enforced
+my compliance, and I dread no curse thus impiously pronounced. You are
+overstepping the bounds of your priestly office, sir. Farewell."
+
+As she moved to depart, a strong grasp was laid on her arm, and turning,
+she beheld Catesby.
+
+"You here, sir?" she cried, in great alarm.
+
+"Ay," replied Catesby. "At last you are in my power, Viviana."
+
+"I would fain misunderstand you, sir," she rejoined, trembling; "but
+your looks terrify me. You mean no violence?"
+
+"I mean that Father Oldcorne shall wed us,--and that too without a
+moment's delay," replied Catesby, sternly.
+
+"Monster!" shrieked Viviana, "you will not,--dare not commit this foul
+offence. And if you dare, Father Oldcorne will not assist you. Ah! what
+means that sign? I cannot be mistaken in you, father? You cannot be
+acting in concert with this wicked man? Save me from him!--save me."
+
+But the priest kept aloof, and taking a missal from his vest, hastily
+turned over the leaves. Viviana saw that her appeal to him was vain.
+
+"Let me go!" she shrieked, struggling with Catesby. "You cannot force me
+to wed you whether I will or not; and I will die rather than consent.
+Let me go, I say? Help!--help!" And she made the cavern ring with her
+screams.
+
+"Heed her not, father," shouted Catesby, who still held her fast, "but
+proceed with the ceremony."
+
+Oldcorne, however, appeared irresolute, and Viviana perceiving it,
+redoubled her cries.
+
+"This will be no marriage, father," she said, "even if you proceed with
+it. I will protest against it to all the world, and you will be deprived
+of your priestly office for your share in so infamous a transaction."
+
+"You will think otherwise anon, daughter," replied Oldcorne, advancing
+towards them with the missal in his hand.
+
+"If it be no marriage," observed Catesby, significantly, "the time will
+come when you may desire to have the ceremony repeated."
+
+"Mr. Catesby," cried Viviana, altering her manner, as if she had taken a
+sudden resolution, "one word before you proceed with your atrocious
+purpose, which must end in misery to us all. There are reasons why you
+can never wed me."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Catesby, starting.
+
+"Is it so, my son?" asked Oldcorne, uneasily.
+
+"Pshaw!" exclaimed Catesby. "She knows not what she says. Proceed,
+father."
+
+"I have proofs that will confound you," cried Viviana, breaking from
+him. And darting towards the light, she took from her bosom the packet
+given her by Guy Fawkes, and tore it open. A letter was within it, and a
+miniature.
+
+Opening the letter, she cast her eye rapidly over its contents, and then
+looking up, exclaimed in accents of delirious joy, "Saved! saved! Father
+Oldcorne, this man is married already."
+
+Catesby, who had watched her proceedings in silent astonishment, and was
+now advancing towards her, recoiled as if a thunderbolt had fallen at
+his feet.
+
+"Can this be true?" cried the priest, in astonishment.
+
+"Let your own eyes convince you," rejoined Viviana, handing him the
+letter.
+
+"I am satisfied," returned Oldcorne, after he had glanced at it. "We
+have both been spared the commission of a great crime. Mr. Catesby, it
+appears from this letter that you have a wife living in Spain."
+
+"It is useless to deny it," replied Catesby. "But, as you were ignorant
+of the matter, the offence (if any) would have lain wholly at my door;
+nor should I have repented of it, if it had enabled me to achieve the
+object I have in view."
+
+"Thank Heaven it has gone no further!" exclaimed Oldcorne. "Daughter, I
+humbly entreat your forgiveness."
+
+"How came that packet in your possession?" demanded Catesby fiercely of
+Viviana.
+
+"It was given me by Guy Fawkes," she replied.
+
+"Guy Fawkes!" exclaimed Catesby. "Has he betrayed his friend?"
+
+"He has proved himself your best friend, by preventing you from
+committing a crime, which would have entailed wretchedness on yourself
+and me," returned Viviana.
+
+"I have done with him, and with all of you," cried Catesby, with a
+fierce glance at Oldcorne. "Henceforth, pursue your projects alone. You
+shall have no further assistance from me. I will serve the Spaniard.
+Englishmen are not to be trusted."
+
+So saying, he rushed out of the cavern, and seeking his horse, mounted
+him, and rode off at full speed.
+
+"How shall I obtain your forgiveness for my conduct in this culpable
+affair, dear daughter?" said Oldcorne, with an imploring look at
+Viviana.
+
+"By joining me in thanksgivings to the Virgin for my deliverance,"
+replied Viviana, prostrating herself before the stone cross.
+
+Oldcorne knelt beside her, and they continued for some time in earnest
+prayer. They then arose, and quitting the cave, proceeded to the Hall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE DEPARTURE FROM THE HALL.
+
+
+Guy Fawkes was as much surprised to hear of the sudden departure of
+Catesby as he was concerned at the cause; but he still thought it
+probable he would return. In this expectation, however, he was
+disappointed. The day wore on, and no one came. The uncertainty in which
+Fawkes was kept, added to his unwillingness to leave Garnet, still
+detained him, in spite of the risk he ran, at the Hall; and it was only
+when urged by Viviana that he began seriously to reflect whither he
+should bend his steps. Towards evening, Garnet was so much better, that
+he was able to sit up, and he passed some hours in conference with
+Oldcorne.
+
+"If I do not suffer a relapse," he observed to the latter, "I will set
+out with Guy Fawkes to-morrow, and we will proceed by easy stages to
+London."
+
+"I cannot but approve your resolution," returned Oldcorne; "for though
+so long a journey may be inconvenient, and retard your recovery, yet
+every hour you remain here is fraught with additional peril. I will
+accompany you. We shall both be safer in the capital; and perhaps
+Viviana, now she will be no longer exposed to the persecutions of
+Catesby, will form one of the party."
+
+"I should not wonder," replied Garnet. "I shall be deeply concerned if
+Catesby has really abandoned the enterprise. But I cannot think it. I
+did all I could to dissuade him from prosecuting this union, knowing how
+hopeless it was, and little thinking he would be rash enough to seek to
+accomplish it by force, or that he would find an assistant in you."
+
+"Say no more about it, father, I entreat you," rejoined Oldcorne. "The
+scheme failed, as it deserved to do; and I sincerely repent the share I
+was induced by Catesby's artful representations to take in it. If we
+have lost our leader we have still Guy Fawkes, who is a host in himself,
+and as true as the steel that hangs by his side."
+
+"We cannot spare Catesby," replied Garnet. "With many faults, he has one
+redeeming quality, courage. I am not sorry he has been thwarted in his
+present scheme, as if he returns to us, as I doubt not he will, it will
+fix his mind steadily on the one object, which should be ever before it.
+Give me your arm, father. I am glad to find I can walk, though feebly.
+That is well," he added, as they emerged upon the gallery; "I shall be
+able to reach Viviana's chamber without further assistance. Do you
+descend, and see that Martin Heydocke is on the watch."
+
+In obedience to the injunctions of his superior, Oldcorne went in search
+of Martin Heydocke, who had been stationed in the court-yard to give
+timely notice of any hostile approach; but not finding him there, he
+proceeded towards the drawbridge. Garnet, meanwhile, had reached the
+door of Viviana's chamber, which was slightly ajar, and he was about to
+pass through it, when he perceived that she was on her knees before Guy
+Fawkes, whom she was addressing in the most passionate terms. The latter
+was seated at a table, with his head upon his hand, in a thoughtful
+posture. Surprised at the sight, and curious to hear what Viviana could
+be saying, Garnet drew back to listen.
+
+"When you quit this house," were the first words that caught the
+listener's ear, "we shall never meet again; and oh! let me have the
+consolation of thinking that, in return for the devoted attachment you
+have shown me, and the dangers from which you have preserved me, I have
+preserved you from one equally imminent. Catesby, from whatever motive,
+has abandoned the conspiracy. Do you act likewise, and the whole
+dreadful scheme will fall to the ground."
+
+"Catesby cannot abandon it," replied Fawkes. "He is bound by ties that
+no human power can sunder. And, however he may estrange himself from us
+now, when the time for action arrives, rest assured he will not be
+absent."
+
+[Illustration: _Viviana Radcliffe imploring Guy Fawkes to abandon the
+Conspiracy_]
+
+"It may be so," replied Viviana; "but I deny that the oath either he or
+you have taken is binding. The deed you have sworn to do is evil, and no
+vow, however solemnly pronounced, can compel you to commit crime. Avoid
+this sin--avoid further connexion with those who would work your
+undoing, and do not stain your soul with guilt from which it will never
+be cleansed."
+
+"You seek in vain to move me," replied Guy Fawkes, firmly. "My purpose
+is unalterable. The tempest that clears away the pestilence destroys
+many innocent lives, but it is not the less wholesome on that account.
+Our unhappy land is choked with the pestilence of heresy, and must be
+freed from it, cost what it will, and suffer who may. The wrongs of the
+English Catholics imperatively demand redress; and, since it is denied
+us, we must take it. Oppression can go no farther; nor endurance hold
+out longer. If this blow be not struck we shall have no longer a
+religion. And how comes it, Viviana, that you, a zealous Catholic, whose
+father perished by these very oppressors, and who are yourself in danger
+from them, can seek to turn me from my purpose?"
+
+"Because I know it is wrongful," she replied. "I have no desire to
+avenge the death of my slaughtered father, still less to see our
+religion furthered by the dreadful means you propose. In his own due
+season, the Lord will redress our wrongs."
+
+"The Lord has appointed me one of the ministers of his vengeance," cried
+Fawkes, in a tone of enthusiasm.
+
+"Do not deceive yourself," returned Viviana, "it is not by Heaven, but
+by the powers of darkness, that you are incited to this deed. Do not
+persevere in this fatal course," she continued, clasping her hands
+together, and gazing imploringly in his face, "do not--do not!"
+
+Guy Fawkes continued in the same attitude as before, with his gaze
+turned upwards, and apparently lost in thought.
+
+"Have I no power to move you?" cried Viviana, her eyes streaming with
+tears.
+
+"None whatever," replied Guy Fawkes, firmly.
+
+"Then you are lost," she rejoined.
+
+"If it is Heaven's will, I am," answered Fawkes; "but at least I believe
+I am acting rightly."
+
+"And rest assured you are so, my son," cried Garnet, throwing open the
+door, and stepping into the room. "I have overheard your conversation,
+and I applaud your resolution."
+
+"You need have no fears of me, father," replied Fawkes. "I do not
+lightly undertake a project; but once embarked in it nothing can turn me
+aside."
+
+"In this case your determination is wisely formed, my son," returned
+Garnet; "and if Viviana will ever give me an opportunity of fully
+discussing the matter, I am sure I can satisfy her you are in the
+right."
+
+"I will discuss it with you whenever you think proper," she replied.
+"But no arguments will ever convince me that your project is approved by
+Heaven."
+
+"Let it pass now, daughter," rejoined Garnet; "enough has been said on
+the subject. I came hither to tell Guy Fawkes, that if our enemies
+permit us to pass the night without molestation (as Heaven grant they
+may!) I think I shall be strong enough to set out with him to-morrow,
+when I propose we should journey together to London."
+
+"Agreed," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Father Oldcorne will accompany us," pursued Garnet.
+
+"And I, too, will go with you, if you will permit me," said Viviana. "I
+cannot remain here; and I have no further fears of Mr. Catesby. Doctor
+Dee told me my future fate was strangely mixed up with that of Guy
+Fawkes. I know not how it may be, but I will not abandon him while there
+is a hope to cling to."
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe," rejoined Guy Fawkes, coldly, "deeply as I feel the
+interest you take in me, I think it right to tell you that no efforts
+you can use will shake me from my purpose. If I live, I will execute my
+design."
+
+"While I live, I will urge you to it," remarked Garnet.
+
+"And while _I_ live, I will dissuade you from it," added Viviana. "We
+shall see who will obtain the victory."
+
+"We shall," replied Garnet, smiling confidently.
+
+"Hear me further," continued Viviana; "I do not doubt that your zeal is
+disinterested; yet still, your mode of life, and the difficulties in
+which you are placed, may not unnaturally influence your conduct. That
+this may no longer be the case, I here place part of my fortune at your
+disposal. I require little or nothing myself. But I would, if possible,
+save one to whom I owe so much, and whom I value so much, from
+destruction."
+
+"I fully appreciate your generosity--to give it its lightest
+term--Viviana," returned Guy Fawkes, in a voice of deep emotion. "Under
+any circumstances I should reject it,--under the present, I do so the
+more positively, because the offer, kind as it is, seems to imply that
+my poverty leads me to act contrary to my principles. Gold has no power
+over me: I regard it as dross; and when I could easily have won it, I
+neglected the opportunity. As no reward would ever induce me to commit
+an action my conscience disapproved, so none will deter me from a
+purpose which I regard as my duty."
+
+"Enough," replied Viviana, sadly. "I will no longer question your
+motives, or oppose your plan, but will pray Heaven to open your eyes to
+the truth."
+
+"Your conduct is in all respects worthy of you, daughter," observed
+Garnet, kindly.
+
+"You have rejected one offer," continued Viviana, looking at Fawkes;
+"but I trust you will not decline that I am about to propose to you."
+
+"What is it?" asked Fawkes, in some surprise.
+
+"It is that I may be permitted to regard you as a father," replied
+Viviana, with some hesitation. "Having lost my own father, I feel I need
+some protector, and I would gladly make choice of you, if you will
+accept the office."
+
+"I willingly accede to your request, and am much flattered by it,
+Viviana," replied Fawkes. "I am a homeless man, and a friendless, and
+the affection of such a being as yourself will fill up the only void in
+my heart. But I am wedded to the great cause. I can never be more to you
+than a father."
+
+"Nay, I ask nothing more," she replied, blushing deeply.
+
+"Having thus arranged the terms upon which we shall travel," observed
+Garnet, with a smile, "nothing is needed but to prepare for our journey.
+We start early to-morrow morning."
+
+"I shall be ready at daybreak," replied Viviana.
+
+"And I am ready now," added Guy Fawkes. "In my opinion, we run great
+risk in remaining here another night. But be it as you will."
+
+At this moment they were interrupted by the entrance of Father Oldcorne,
+who with a countenance of great alarm informed them he could nowhere
+find Martin Heydocke.
+
+"Do you suspect any treachery on his part?" asked Garnet of Viviana.
+
+"I have always found him trustworthy," she answered; "and his father was
+_my_ father's oldest servant. I cannot think he would betray us. At the
+same time, I must admit his disappearance at this juncture looks
+suspicious."
+
+"If my strength were equal to it," returned Guy Fawkes, "I would keep
+watch throughout the night; but that might prevent me from accompanying
+you to-morrow. My advice, I repeat, is--to set out at once."
+
+This opinion, however, was overruled by Garnet and Viviana, who did not
+think the danger so urgent, and attributed the absence of Martin
+Heydocke to some unimportant cause. Guy Fawkes made no further
+remonstrance, and it was agreed they should start, as originally
+proposed, at daybreak.
+
+The party then separated, and Viviana wandered alone over the old house,
+taking a farewell, which she felt would be her last, of every familiar
+object. Few things were as she had known them, but even in their present
+forlorn state they were dear to her; and the rooms she trod, though
+dismantled, were the same she had occupied in childhood.
+
+There is no pang more acute to a sensitive nature than that occasioned
+by quitting an abode or spot endeared by early recollections and
+associations, to which we feel a strong presentiment we shall never
+return. Viviana experienced this feeling in its full force, and she
+lingered in each room as if she had not the power to leave it. Her
+emotions at length became so overpowering, that to relieve them she
+strolled forth into the garden. Here, new objects awakened her
+attention, and recalled happier times with painful distinctness.
+Twilight was fast deepening, and, viewed through this dim and softened
+medium, everything looked as of old, and produced a tightening and
+stifling sensation in her breast, that nothing but a flood of tears
+could remove.
+
+The flowers yielded forth their richest scents, and the whole scene was
+such as she had often beheld it in times long ago, when sorrow was
+wholly unknown to her. Perfumes, it is well known, exercise a singular
+influence over the memory. A particular odour will frequently call up an
+event and a long train of circumstances connected with the time when it
+was first inhaled. Without being aware whence it arose, Viviana felt a
+tide of recollections pressing upon her, which she would have willingly
+repressed, but which it was out of her power to control. Her tears
+flowed abundantly, and at length, with a heart somewhat lightened of its
+load, she arose from the bench on which she had thrown herself, and
+proceeded along a walk to gather a few flowers as memorials of the
+place.
+
+In this way, she reached the further end of the garden, and was stooping
+to pluck a spray of some fragrant shrub, when she perceived the figure
+of a man behind a tree at a little distance from her. From his garb,
+which was that of a soldier, she instantly knew he was an enemy, and,
+though greatly alarmed, she had the courage not to scream, but breaking
+off the branch, she uttered a careless exclamation, and slowly retraced
+her steps. She half expected to hear that the soldier was following her,
+and prepared to start off at full speed to the house; but, deceived by
+her manner, he did not stir. On reaching the end of the walk, she could
+not resist the inclination to look back, and glancing over her shoulder,
+perceived the man watching her. But as she moved, he instantly withdrew
+his head.
+
+Her first step on reaching the house was to close and fasten the door;
+her next to hasten to Guy Fawkes's chamber, where she found him,
+together with Garnet and Oldcorne. All three were astounded at the
+intelligence, agreeing that an attack was intended, and that a large
+force was, in all probability, concealed in the garden awaiting only the
+arrival of night to surprise and seize them. The disappearance of the
+younger Heydocke was no longer a mystery. He had been secured and
+carried off by the hostile party, to prevent him from giving the alarm.
+The emergency was a fearful one, and it excited consternation amongst
+all except Guy Fawkes, who preserved his calmness.
+
+"I foresaw we should be attacked to-night," he said, "and I am therefore
+not wholly unprepared. Our only chance is to steal out unobserved; for
+resistance would be in vain, as their force is probably numerous, and I
+am as helpless as an infant, while Father Garnet's broken arm precludes
+any assistance from him. The subterranean passage leading from the
+oratory to the further side of the moat having been stopped up by the
+pursuivant and his band, it will be necessary to cross the drawbridge,
+and as soon as it grows sufficiently dark, we must make the attempt. We
+have no horses, and must trust to our own exertions for safety. Catesby
+would now be invaluable. It is not his custom to desert his friends at
+the season of their greatest need."
+
+"Great as is my danger," observed Viviana, "I would rather, so far as I
+am concerned, that he were absent, than owe my preservation to him. I
+have no fears for myself."
+
+"And my only fears are for you," rejoined Fawkes.
+
+Half an hour of intense anxiety was now passed by the party. Garnet was
+restless and uneasy. Oldcorne betrayed his agitation by unavailing
+lamentations, by listening to every sound, and by constantly rushing to
+the windows to reconnoitre, until he was checked by Fawkes, who
+represented to him the folly of his conduct. Viviana, though ill at
+ease, did not allow her terror to appear, but endeavoured to imitate the
+immoveable demeanour of Guy Fawkes, who always became more collected in
+proportion to the danger by which he was threatened.
+
+At the expiration of the time above mentioned, it had become quite dark,
+and desiring his companions to follow him, Guy Fawkes drew his sword,
+and, grasping Viviana's hand, led the way down stairs. Before opening
+the door, he listened intently, and, hearing no sound, issued cautiously
+forth. The party had scarcely gained the centre of the court, when a
+caliver was discharged at them, which, though it did no damage, served
+as a signal to the rest of their foes. Guy Fawkes, who had never
+relinquished his hold of Viviana, now pressed forward as rapidly as his
+strength would permit, and the two priests followed. But loud shouts
+were raised on the drawbridge, and it was evident it was occupied by the
+enemy.
+
+Uncertain what to do, Guy Fawkes halted, and was about to return to the
+house, when a shout from behind told him their retreat was intercepted.
+In this dilemma there was nothing for it but to attempt to force a
+passage across the drawbridge, or to surrender at discretion; and though
+Guy Fawkes would not at other seasons have hesitated to embrace the
+former alternative, he knew that his strength was not equal to it now.
+
+While he was internally resolving not to yield himself with life, and
+supporting Viviana, who clung closely to him, the clatter of hoofs was
+heard rapidly approaching along the avenue, and presently afterwards two
+horsemen galloped at full speed toward the drawbridge. The noise had
+likewise attracted the attention of the enemy; who, apprehensive of a
+rescue, prepared to stop them. But the tremendous pace of the riders
+rendered this impossible. A few blows were exchanged, a few shots fired,
+and they had crossed the drawbridge.
+
+"Who goes there?" shouted Guy Fawkes, as the horsemen approached him.
+
+"It is the voice of Guy Fawkes," cried the foremost, whose tones
+proclaimed it was Catesby. "They are here," he cried, reining in his
+steed.
+
+"Where is Viviana?" vociferated his companion, who was no other than
+Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"Here--here," replied Guy Fawkes.
+
+With the quickness of thought, the young merchant was by her side, and
+in another moment she was placed on the saddle before him, and borne at
+a headlong pace across the drawbridge.
+
+"Follow me," cried Catesby. "I will clear a passage for you. Once across
+the drawbridge, you are safe. A hundred yards down the avenue, on the
+right, you will find a couple of horses tied to a tree. Quick! quick!"
+
+As he spoke, a shot whizzed past his head, and a tumultuous din in the
+rear told that their pursuers were close upon them. Striking spurs into
+his steed, Catesby dashed forward, and dealing blows right and left,
+cleared the drawbridge of its occupants, many of whom leaped into the
+moat to escape his fury. His companions were close at his heels, and got
+over the bridge in safety.
+
+"Fly!--fly!" cried Catesby,--"to the horses--the horses! I will check
+all pursuit."
+
+So saying, and while the others flew towards the avenue, he faced his
+opponents, and making a desperate charge upon them, drove them
+backwards. In this conflict, though several shots were fired, and blows
+aimed at him on all sides, he sustained no injury, but succeeded in
+defending the bridge sufficiently long to enable his friends to mount.
+
+He then rode off at full speed, and found the party waiting for him at
+the end of the avenue. Father Oldcorne was seated on the same steed as
+his superior. After riding with them upwards of a mile, Humphrey Chetham
+dismounted, and resigning his horse to Viviana, bade her farewell, and
+disappeared.
+
+"And now to London!" cried Catesby, striking into a road on the right,
+and urging his steed to a rapid pace.
+
+"Ay, to London!--to the Parliament House!" echoed Fawkes, following him
+with the others.
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST BOOK.
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes and Catesby landing the Powder._]
+
+
+
+
+Book the Second.
+
+THE DISCOVERY.
+
+      The next point to be considered is the means to compass and work
+      these designs. These means were most cruel and damnable;--by
+      mining, and by thirty-six barrels of powder, having crows of iron,
+      stones, and wood, laid upon the barrels, to have made the breach
+      the greater. Lord! what a wind, what a fire, what a motion and
+      commotion of earth and air would there have been!--_Sir Edward
+      Coke's Speech on the Trial of the Conspirators in the Gunpowder
+      Plot._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE LANDING OF THE POWDER.
+
+
+Towards the close of the sixth day after their departure from Ordsall
+Hall, the party approached the capital. The sun was setting as they
+descended Highgate Hill, and the view of the ancient, and then most
+picturesque city, was so enchanting, that Viviana, who beheld it for the
+first time, entreated her companions to pause for a few minutes to allow
+her to contemplate it. From the spot where they halted, the country was
+completely open to Clerkenwell, and only a few scattered habitations lay
+between them and the old grey ramparts of the city, with their gates and
+fortifications, which were easily discernible even at that distance.
+Above them rose the massive body and central tower of Saint Paul's
+cathedral,--a structure far surpassing that which has succeeded
+it,--while amid the innumerable gables, pointed roofs, and twisted
+chimneys of the houses sprang a multitude of lesser towers and spires,
+lending additional beauty to the scene. Viviana was enraptured, and,
+while gazing on the prospect, almost forgot her sorrows. Guy Fawkes and
+Catesby, who were a little in advance of the others, turned their gaze
+westward, and the former observed to his companion,
+
+"The sun is setting over the Parliament House. The sky seems stained
+with blood. It looks portentous of what is to follow."
+
+"I would gladly behold the explosion from this hill, or from yon
+heights," replied Catesby, pointing towards Hampstead. "It will be a
+sight such as man has seldom seen."
+
+"I shall never live to witness it!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, in a
+melancholy tone.
+
+"What! still desponding?" returned Catesby, reproachfully. "I thought,
+since you had fully recovered from your wound, you had shaken off your
+fears."
+
+"You misunderstand me," replied Fawkes. "I mean that I shall perish with
+our foes."
+
+"Why so?" cried Catesby. "There will be plenty of time to escape after
+you have fired the train."
+
+"I shall not attempt it," rejoined Fawkes, in a sombre voice. "I will
+abide the result in the vault. If I perish, it will be a glorious
+death."
+
+"Better live to see the regeneration of our faith, and our restoration
+to our rights," rejoined Catesby. "But we will speak of this hereafter.
+Here comes Garnet."
+
+"Where do you propose we should lodge to-night?" asked the latter,
+riding up.
+
+"At the house at Lambeth, where the powder is deposited," returned
+Catesby.
+
+"Will it be safe?" asked Garnet, uneasily.
+
+"We shall be safer there than elsewhere, father," replied Catesby. "If
+it is dark enough to-night, Fawkes and I will remove a portion of the
+powder. But we are losing time. We must pass through the city before the
+gates are closed."
+
+In this suggestion Garnet acquiesced, and calling to Viviana to follow
+them,--for, since his late atrocious attempt, Catesby had not exchanged
+a word or look with her, but during the whole of the journey kept
+sedulously aloof,--the whole party set forward, and proceeding at a
+brisk pace, soon reached the walls of the city. Passing through
+Cripplegate, they shaped their course towards London Bridge. Viviana was
+filled with astonishment at all she saw: the multitude and magnificence
+of the shops, compared with such as she had previously seen; the crowds
+in the streets,--for even at that hour they were thronged; the varied
+dresses of the passengers--the sober garb of the merchant, contrasting
+with the showy cloak, the preposterous ruff, swelling hose, plumed cap,
+and swaggering gait of the gallant or the ruffler; the brawls that were
+constantly occurring; the number of signs projecting from the dwellings;
+all she witnessed or heard surprised and amused her, and she would
+willingly have proceeded at a slower pace to indulge her curiosity, had
+not her companions urged her onward.
+
+As they were crossing Eastcheap, in the direction of Crooked-lane, a man
+suddenly quitted the footpath, and, rushing towards Garnet, seized his
+bridle, and cried,
+
+"I arrest you. You are a Romish priest."
+
+"It is false, knave," returned Garnet. "I am as good a Protestant as
+thyself, and am just arrived with my companions from a long journey."
+
+"Your companions are all rank Papists," rejoined the stranger. "You
+yourself are Father Garnet, superior of the Jesuits, and, if I am not
+deceived, the person next you is Father Oldcorne, also of that order. If
+I am wrong you can easily refute the charge. Come with me to the
+council. If you refuse, I will call assistance from the passengers."
+
+Garnet saw he was lost if he did not make an immediate effort at
+self-preservation, and resolving to be beforehand with his assailant, he
+shouted at the top of his voice,
+
+"Help! help! my masters. This villain would rob me of my purse."
+
+"He is a Romish priest," vociferated the stranger. "I call upon you to
+assist me to arrest him."
+
+While the passengers, scarcely knowing what to make of these
+contradictory statements, flocked round them, Guy Fawkes, who was a
+little in advance of Catesby, rode back, and seeing how matters stood,
+instantly drew a petronel, and with the butt-end felled the stranger to
+the ground. Thus liberated, Garnet struck spurs into his steed, and the
+whole party dashed off at a rapid pace. Shouts were raised by the
+bystanders, a few of whom started in pursuit, but the speed at which the
+fugitives rode soon bore them out of danger.
+
+By this time they had reached London Bridge, and Viviana, in some degree
+recovered from the fright caused by the recent occurrence, ventured to
+look around her. She could scarcely believe she was crossing a bridge,
+so completely did the tall houses give it the appearance of a street;
+and, if it had not been for occasional glimpses of the river caught
+between the openings of these lofty habitations, she would have thought
+her companions had mistaken the road. As they approached the ancient
+gateway (afterwards denominated Traitor's Tower), at the Southwark side
+of the bridge, she remarked with a shudder the dismal array of heads
+garnishing its spikes, and pointing them out to Fawkes, cried,
+
+"Heaven grant yours may never be amongst the number!"
+
+Fawkes made no answer, but dashed beneath the low and gloomy arch of the
+gate.
+
+Striking into a street on the right, the party skirted the walls of
+Saint Saviour's Church, and presently drew near the Globe theatre, above
+which floated its banner. Adjoining it was the old Bear-garden--the
+savage inmates of which made themselves sufficiently audible. Garnet
+hastily pointed out the first-mentioned place of amusement to Viviana as
+they passed it, and her reading having made her well acquainted with the
+noble dramas produced at that unpretending establishment--little better
+than a barn in comparison with a modern playhouse,--she regarded it with
+deep interest. Another theatre--the Swan--speedily claimed her
+attention; and, leaving it behind, they came upon the open country.
+
+It was now growing rapidly dark, and Catesby, turning off into a narrow
+lane on the right, shouted to his companions to keep near him. The tract
+of land they were traversing was flat and marshy. The air was damp and
+unwholesome--for the swamp had not been drained as in later times,--and
+the misty exhalations arising from it added to the obscurity. Catesby,
+however, did not relax his pace, and his companions imitated his
+example. Another turn on the right seemed to bring them still nearer the
+river, and involved them in a thicker fog.
+
+All at once Catesby stopped, and cried,
+
+"We should be near the house. And yet this fog perplexes me. Stay here
+while I search for it."
+
+"If you leave us, we shall not readily meet again," rejoined Fawkes.
+
+But the caution was unheeded, Catesby having already disappeared. A few
+moments afterwards, Fawkes heard the sound of a horse's hoofs
+approaching him; and, thinking it was Catesby, he hailed the rider.
+
+The horseman made no answer, but continued to advance towards them.
+
+Just then the voice of Catesby was heard at a little distance, shouting,
+"I was right. It is here."
+
+The party then hastened in the direction of the cry, and perceived
+through the gloom a low building, before the door of which Catesby, who
+had dismounted, was standing.
+
+"A stranger is amongst us," observed Fawkes, in an under tone, as he
+rode up.
+
+"Where is he?" demanded Catesby, hastily.
+
+"Here," replied a voice. "But, fear nothing. I am a friend."
+
+"I must have stronger assurance than that," replied Catesby. "Who are
+you?"
+
+"Robert Keyes," replied the other, "Do you not know my voice?"
+
+"In good truth I did not," rejoined Catesby; "and you have spoken just
+in time. Your arrival is most opportune. But what brings you here
+to-night?"
+
+"The same errand as yourself, I conclude, Catesby," replied Keyes. "I
+came here to see that all was in safety. But, who have you with you?"
+
+"Let us enter the house, and you shall learn," replied Catesby.
+
+With this, he tapped thrice at the door in a peculiar manner, and
+presently a light was seen through the windows, and a voice from within
+demanded who knocked.
+
+"Your master," replied Catesby.
+
+Upon this, the door was instantly unbarred. After a hasty greeting
+between Catesby and his servant, whom he addressed as Thomas Bates, the
+former inquired whether aught had occurred during his absence, and was
+answered that, except an occasional visit from Mr. Percy, one of the
+conspirators, no one had been near the house; everything being in
+precisely the same state he had left it.
+
+"That is well," replied Catesby. "Now, then, to dispose of the horses."
+
+All the party having dismounted, their steeds were led to a stable at
+the back of the premises by Catesby and Bates, while the others entered
+the house. It was a small, mean-looking habitation, standing at a short
+distance from the river-side, on the skirts of Lambeth Marsh, and its
+secluded situation and miserable appearance seldom induced any one to
+visit it. On one side was a deep muddy sluice communicating with the
+river. Within, it possessed but slight accommodation, and only numbered
+four apartments. One of the best of these was assigned to Viviana, and
+she retired to it as soon as it could be prepared for her reception.
+Garnet, who still carried his arm in a sling, but who was in other
+respects almost recovered from his accident, tendered every assistance
+in his power, and would have remained with her, but she entreated to be
+left alone. On descending to the lower room, he found Catesby, who,
+having left Bates in care of the horses, produced such refreshments as
+they had brought with them. These were scanty enough; but a few flasks
+of excellent wine which they found within the house made some amends for
+the meagre repast. Viviana was solicited by Guy Fawkes to join them; but
+she declined, alleging that she was greatly fatigued, and about to
+retire to rest.
+
+Their meal ended, Catesby proposed that they should ascertain the
+condition of the powder, as he feared it might have suffered from being
+so long in the vault. Before making this examination, the door was
+carefully barred; the shutters of the windows closed; and Guy Fawkes
+placed himself as sentinel at the door. A flag beneath the grate, in
+which a fire was never kindled, was then raised, and disclosed a flight
+of steps leading to a vault beneath. Catesby having placed a light in a
+lantern, descended with Keyes; but both Garnet and Oldcorne refused to
+accompany them.
+
+The vault was arched and lofty, and, strange to say, for its situation,
+dry--a circumstance owing, in all probability, to the great thickness of
+the walls. On either side were ranged twenty barrels filled with powder;
+and at the further end stood a pile of arms, consisting of pikes,
+rapiers, demi-lances, petronels, calivers, corslets, and morions.
+Removing one of the barrels from its station, Catesby forced open the
+lid, and examined its contents, which he found perfectly dry and
+uninjured.
+
+"It is fit for use," he observed, with a significant smile, as he
+exhibited a handful of the powder to Keyes, who stood at a little
+distance with the lantern; "if it will keep as well in the cellar
+beneath the Parliament House, our foes will soon be nearer heaven, than
+they would ever be if left to themselves."
+
+"When do you propose to transport it across the river?" asked Keyes.
+
+"To-night," replied Catesby. "It is dark and foggy, and fitting for the
+purpose. Bates!" he shouted; and at the call his servant instantly
+descended. "Is the wherry at her moorings?"
+
+"She is, your worship," replied Bates.
+
+"You must cross the river instantly, then," rejoined Catesby, "and
+proceed to the dwelling adjoining the Parliament House, which we hired
+from Ferris. Here is the key. Examine the premises,--and bring word
+whether all is secure."
+
+Bates was about to depart, when Keyes volunteering to accompany him,
+they left the house together. Having fastened down the lid of the cask,
+Catesby summoned Fawkes to his assistance, and by his help as many
+barrels as could be safely stowed in the boat were brought out of the
+vault. More than two hours elapsed before Bates returned. He was alone,
+and informed them that all was secure, but that Keyes had decided on
+remaining where he was,--it being so dark and foggy, that it was
+scarcely possible to cross the river.
+
+"I had some difficulty in landing," he added, "and got considerably out
+of my course. I never was out on so dark a night before."
+
+"It is the better for us," rejoined Catesby. "We shall be sure to escape
+observation."
+
+In this opinion Guy Fawkes concurred, and they proceeded to transport
+the powder to the boat, which was brought up the sluice within a few
+yards of the door. This done, and the barrels covered with a piece of
+tarpaulin, they embarked, and Fawkes, seizing an oar, propelled the
+skiff along the narrow creek.
+
+As Bates had stated, the fog was so dense that it was wholly impossible
+to steer correctly, and Fawkes was therefore obliged to trust to chance
+as to the course he took. However, having fully regained his strength,
+he rowed with great swiftness, and, as far as he could judge, had gained
+the mid-stream, when, before he could avoid it, he came in violent
+contact with another boat, oversetting it, and plunging its occupants in
+the stream.
+
+Disregarding the hints and even menaces of Catesby, who urged him to
+proceed, Fawkes immediately lay upon his oars, and, as the water was
+perfectly smooth, succeeded, without much difficulty, in extricating the
+two men from their perilous situation. Their boat having drifted down
+the stream, could not be recovered. The chief of these personages was
+profuse in his thanks to his deliverers, whom he supposed were watermen,
+and they took care not to undeceive him.
+
+"You may rely upon my gratitude," he said; "and when I tell you I am the
+Earl of Salisbury, you will be satisfied I have the means of evincing
+it."
+
+"The Earl of Salisbury!" exclaimed Catesby, who was seated by Fawkes,
+having taken one of the oars. "Is it possible?"
+
+"I have been on secret state business," replied the Earl, "and did not
+choose to employ my own barge. I was returning to Whitehall, when your
+boat struck against mine."
+
+"It is our bitterest enemy," observed Catesby, in an under tone, to
+Fawkes. "Fate has delivered him into our hands."
+
+"What are you about to do?" demanded Fawkes, observing that his
+companion no longer pulled at the oar.
+
+"Shoot him," replied Catesby. "Keep still, while I disengage my
+petronel."
+
+"It shall not be," returned Fawkes, laying a firm grasp upon his arm.
+"Let him perish with the others."
+
+"If we suffer him to escape now, we may never have such a chance again,"
+rejoined Catesby. "I will shoot him."
+
+"I say you shall not," rejoined Fawkes. "His hour is not yet come."
+
+"What are you talking about, my masters?" demanded the Earl, who was
+shivering in his wet garments.
+
+"Nothing," replied Catesby, hastily. "I will throw him overboard," he
+whispered to Fawkes.
+
+"Again I say, you shall not," replied the latter.
+
+"I see what you are afraid of," cried the Earl. "You are smugglers. You
+have got some casks of distilled waters on board, and are afraid I may
+report you. Fear nothing. Land me near the palace, and count upon my
+gratitude."
+
+"Our course lies in a different direction," replied Catesby, sternly.
+"If your lordship lands at all, it must be where we choose."
+
+"But I have to see the King to-night. I have some important papers to
+deliver to him respecting the Papists," replied Salisbury.
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby. "We must, at least, have those papers," he
+observed, in a whisper, to Fawkes.
+
+"That is a different affair," replied Fawkes. "They may prove
+serviceable to us."
+
+"My lord," observed Catesby, "by a strange chance you have fallen into
+the hands of Catholics. You will be pleased to deliver these papers to
+us."
+
+"Ah! villains, would you rob me?" cried the Earl. "You shall take my
+life sooner."
+
+"We will take both, if you resist," replied Catesby, in a menacing tone.
+
+"Nay, then," returned Salisbury, attempting to draw his sword, "we will
+see who will obtain the mastery. We are equally matched. Come on; I fear
+you not."
+
+But the waterman who had rowed the Earl was not of equal courage with
+his employer, and refused to take part in the conflict.
+
+"It will be useless to contend with us," cried Catesby, relinquishing
+the oar to Fawkes, and springing forward. "I must have those papers,"
+he added, seizing the Earl by the throat, "or I will throw you
+overboard."
+
+"I am mistaken in you," returned Salisbury; "you are no common mariner."
+
+"It matters not who or what I am," rejoined Catesby, fiercely. "Your
+papers, or you die."
+
+Finding it in vain to contend with his opponent, the Earl was fain to
+yield, and reluctantly produced a packet from his doublet, and delivered
+it to him.
+
+"You will repent this outrage, villain," he said.
+
+"Your lordship will do well to recollect you are still in my power,"
+rejoined Catesby. "One thrust of my sword will wipe off some of the
+injuries you have inflicted on our suffering party."
+
+"I have heard your voice before," cried Salisbury; "you shall not escape
+me."
+
+"Your imprudence has destroyed you," retorted Catesby, clutching the
+Earl's throat more tightly, and shortening his sword, with the intent to
+plunge it into his breast.
+
+"Hold!" exclaimed Fawkes, grasping his arm, and preventing the blow. "I
+have already said you shall not slay him. You are in possession of his
+papers. What more would you have?"
+
+"His life," replied Catesby, struggling to liberate his arm.
+
+"Let him swear not to betray us," rejoined Fawkes. "If he refuses, I
+will not stay your hand."
+
+"You hear what my companion says, my lord," cried Catesby. "Will you
+swear to keep silence as to what has just occurred?"
+
+After a moment's hesitation, Salisbury assented, and Catesby
+relinquished his grasp.
+
+During this time, the boat had drifted considerably down the stream,
+and, in spite of the darkness, Catesby noticed with some uneasiness that
+they were approaching more than one vessel. The Earl of Salisbury also
+perceived this, and raised a cry for help, but was instantly checked by
+Catesby, who took a seat beside him, and placing the point of his rapier
+at his breast, swore he would stab him if he made any further clamour.
+
+The threat, and the dangerous propinquity of his enemy, effectually
+silenced the Earl, and Catesby directed Fawkes to make for the shore as
+quickly as he could. His injunctions were obeyed, and Fawkes plied the
+oars with so much good-will, that in a few minutes the wherry struck
+against the steps, which projected far into the water, a little to the
+right of the Star Chamber, precisely on the spot where Westminster
+Bridge now stands.
+
+Here the Earl and his companion were allowed to disembark, and they had
+no sooner set foot on land than Guy Fawkes pushed off the boat, and
+rowed as swiftly as he could towards the centre of the stream. He then
+demanded of Catesby whether he should make for the Parliament House, or
+return.
+
+"I scarcely know what to advise," replied Catesby. "I do not think the
+Earl will attempt pursuit. And yet I know not. The papers we have
+obtained may be important. Cease rowing for a moment, and let us
+listen."
+
+Guy Fawkes complied, and they listened intently, but could only hear the
+rippling of the current against the sides of the skiff.
+
+"We have nothing to fear," observed Catesby. "He will not pursue us, or
+he cannot find a boat."
+
+As he spoke, the glimmer of torches was visible on the shore, and the
+plunge of oars into the water convinced him his opinion was erroneous.
+
+"What course shall we take?" inquired Fawkes.
+
+"I care not," replied Catesby, sullenly. "If I had had my own way, this
+would not have happened."
+
+"Have no fears," replied Fawkes, rowing swiftly down the stream. "We
+shall easily escape."
+
+"We will not be taken alive," returned Catesby, seating himself on one
+of the barrels, and hammering against the lid with the butt-end of his
+petronel. "I will sooner blow us all to perdition than he shall capture
+us."
+
+"You are right," replied Fawkes. "By my patron, Saint James, he is
+taking the same course as ourselves."
+
+"Well, let him board us," replied Catesby. "I am ready for him."
+
+"Do as you think proper if the worst occurs," returned Fawkes. "But, if
+we make no noise, I am assured we shall not be perceived."
+
+With this he ceased rowing, and suffered the boat to drop down the
+stream. As ill-luck would have it, it seemed as if the hostile bark had
+struck completely into their track, and, aided by the current, and four
+sturdy rowers, was swiftly approaching.
+
+"The Earl will be upon us in a few minutes," replied Catesby. "If you
+have any prayers to offer, recite them quickly, for I swear I will be as
+good as my word."
+
+"I am ever prepared for death," replied Fawkes. "Ha! we are saved!"
+
+This last exclamation was occasioned by his remarking a large barge,
+towards which they were rapidly drifting.
+
+"What are you about to do?" cried Catesby.--"Leap on board, and abandon
+the skiff, together with its contents?"
+
+"No," replied Fawkes; "sit still, and leave the rest to me."
+
+By this time, they had approached the barge, which was lying at anchor,
+and Guy Fawkes, grasping at a boat-hook, fixed it in the vessel as they
+passed, and drew their own boat close to its side--so close, in fact,
+that it could not be distinguished from it.
+
+The next moment, the chase came up, and they distinctly perceived the
+Earl of Salisbury seated in the stern of the boat, holding a torch. As
+he approached the barge, he held the light towards it; but the skiff
+being on the off-side, entirely escaped notice. When the chase had got
+to a sufficient distance to be out of hearing, the fugitives rowed
+swiftly in the contrary direction.
+
+Not judging it prudent to land, they continued to ply the oars, until
+fatigue compelled them to desist, and they had placed some miles between
+them and their pursuers.
+
+"Long before this, the Earl must have given up the chase," observed
+Catesby. "We must return before daybreak, and either land our powder
+near the Parliament House, or take it back to the vault at Lambeth."
+
+"We shall run equal risk either way," replied Fawkes, "and, having
+ventured thus far, we may as well go through with it. I am for landing
+at Westminster."
+
+"And I," rejoined Catesby. "I do not like giving up a project when I
+have once undertaken it."
+
+"You speak my sentiments exactly," returned Fawkes. "Westminster be it."
+
+After remaining stationary for about an hour, they rowed back again,
+and, aided by the stream, in a short time reached their destination. The
+fog had in a great degree cleared off, and day began to break as they
+approached the stairs leading to the Parliament House. Though this was
+not what they desired, inasmuch as the light added to the risk they
+would have run in landing the powder, it enabled them to ascertain that
+no one was on the watch.
+
+Running swiftly in towards a sort of wharf, protected by a roofed
+building, Catesby leapt ashore, and tied the skiff to a ring in the
+steps. He then desired Fawkes to hand out the powder as quickly as he
+could. The order was promptly obeyed, and in a few minutes several
+barrels were on the strand.
+
+"Had you not better fetch Keyes to help us, while I get out the rest?"
+observed Fawkes.
+
+Catesby assented, and hurrying to the house, found Keyes, who was in
+great alarm about them. He instantly accompanied the other to the wharf,
+and by their united efforts the powder was expeditiously and safely
+removed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE TRAITOR.
+
+
+The habitation, to which the powder was conveyed, adjoined, as has
+already been stated, the Parliament House, and stood at the south-west
+corner of that structure. It was a small building, two stories high,
+with a little garden attached to it, surrounded by lofty walls, and
+belonged to Whinneard, the keeper of the royal wardrobe, by whom it was
+let to a person named Ferris. From the latter it was hired by Thomas
+Percy, one of the conspirators, and a relative of the Earl of
+Northumberland,--of whom it will be necessary to speak more fully
+hereafter,--for the purpose to which it was now put.
+
+Having bestowed the barrels of powder carefully in the cellar, and
+fastened the door of the house and the garden-gate after them, the trio
+returned to the boat, and rowed back to Lambeth, where they arrived
+without being noticed. They then threw themselves upon the floor, and
+sought some repose after their fatigue.
+
+It was late in the day before they awoke. Garnet and Oldcorne had been
+long astir; but Viviana had not quitted her chamber. Catesby's first
+object was to examine the packet he had obtained from the Earl of
+Salisbury, and withdrawing to a corner, he read over the papers one by
+one carefully.
+
+Guy Fawkes watched his countenance as he perused them, but he asked no
+questions. Many of the documents appeared to have little interest, for
+Catesby tossed them aside with an exclamation of disappointment. At
+length, however, a small note dropped from the bundle. Catesby picked it
+up, opened it, and his whole expression changed. His brow grew
+contracted; and, springing to his feet, he uttered an ejaculation of
+rage, crying, "It is as I suspected. We have traitors among us."
+
+"Whom do you suspect?" cried Fawkes.
+
+"Tresham!" cried Catesby, in a voice of thunder,--"the fawning, wily,
+lying Tresham. Fool that I was to league him with us."
+
+"He is your own kinsman," observed Garnet.
+
+"He is," replied Catesby; "but were he my own brother he should die.
+Here is a letter from him to Lord Mounteagle, which has found its way to
+the Earl of Salisbury, hinting that a plot is hatching against the
+state, and offering to give him full information of it."
+
+"Traitor! false, perjured traitor!" cried Fawkes. "He must die."
+
+"He shall fall by my hand," rejoined Catesby. "Stay! a plan occurs to
+me. He cannot be aware that this letter is in my possession. I will send
+Bates to bid him come hither. We will then charge him with his
+criminality, and put him to death."
+
+"He deserves severe punishment, no doubt," replied Garnet; "but I am
+unwilling you should proceed to the last extremities with him."
+
+"There is no alternative, father," replied Catesby. "Our safety demands
+his destruction."
+
+Garnet returned no answer, but bowed his head sorrowfully upon his
+breast. Bates was then despatched to Tresham; and preparations were made
+by the three lay conspirators for executing their fell design.
+
+It was agreed, that on his arrival, Tresham should be seized and
+disarmed, and after being interrogated by Catesby touching the extent of
+his treachery, should be stabbed by Guy Fawkes. This being resolved
+upon, it became a question how they should act in the interim. It was
+possible that, after the loss of his papers, some communication might
+take place between the Earl of Salisbury and Lord Mounteagle, and
+through the latter with Tresham. Thus prepared, on the arrival of Bates,
+Tresham, seeing through their design, instead of accompanying him, might
+give information of their retreat to the officers. The contingency was
+by no means improbable; and it was urged so strongly by Garnet, that
+Catesby began to regret his precipitancy in sending the message. Still,
+his choler was so greatly roused against Tresham, that he resolved to
+gratify his vengeance at any risk.
+
+"If he betrays us, and brings the officers here, we shall know how to
+act," he remarked to Fawkes. "There is that below which will avenge us
+on them all."
+
+"True," replied Fawkes. "But I trust we shall not be obliged to resort
+to it."
+
+Soon after this, Bates returned with a message from Tresham, stating
+that he would be at the rendezvous at nightfall, and that he had
+important disclosures to make to them. He desired them, moreover, to
+observe the utmost caution, and not to stir abroad.
+
+"He may, perhaps, be able to offer an explanation of his conduct,"
+observed Keyes.
+
+"Impossible," returned Catesby. "But he shall not die without a
+hearing."
+
+"That is all I desire," returned Keyes.
+
+While the others were debating upon the interrogations they should put
+to Tresham, and further examining the Earl of Salisbury's papers, Garnet
+repaired to Viviana's chamber, and informed her what was about to take
+place. She was filled with consternation, and entreated to be allowed to
+see Guy Fawkes for a few moments alone. Moved by her supplications,
+Garnet complied, and presently afterwards Fawkes entered the room.
+
+"You have sent for me, Viviana," he said. "What would you?"
+
+"I have just heard you are about to put one of your companions to
+death," she replied. "It must not be."
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe," returned Fawkes, "by your own desire you have mixed
+yourself up with my fortunes. I will not now discuss the prudence of the
+step you have taken. But I deem it necessary to tell you, once for all,
+that any attempts to turn me from the line of conduct I have marked out
+to myself will fail. Tresham has betrayed us, and he must pay the
+penalty of his treason."
+
+"But not with his life," replied Viviana. "Do you not now perceive into
+what enormities this fatal enterprise will lead you? It is not one crime
+alone that you are about to commit, but many. You constitute yourselves
+judges of your companion, and without allowing him to defend himself,
+take his life. Disguise it as you may, it is assassination--cold-blooded
+assassination."
+
+"His life is justly forfeited," replied Guy Fawkes, sternly. "When he
+took the oath of secrecy and fidelity to our league, he well knew what
+the consequences would be if he violated it. He has done so. He has
+compromised our safety. Nay, he has sold us to our enemies, and nothing
+shall save him."
+
+"If this is so," replied Viviana, "how much better would it be to employ
+the time now left in providing for your safety, than in contriving means
+of vengeance upon one, who will be sufficiently punished for his
+baseness by his own conscience. Even if you destroy him, you will not
+add to your own security, while you will commit a foul and needless
+crime, equal, if not exceeding in atrocity that you seek to punish."
+
+"Viviana," replied Fawkes, in an angry tone, "in an evil hour, I
+consented to your accompanying me. I now repent my acquiescence. But,
+having passed my word, I cannot retract. You waste time, and exhaust my
+patience and your own by these unavailing supplications. When I embarked
+in this enterprise, I embraced all its dangers, all its crimes if you
+will, and I shall not shrink from them. The extent of Tresham's
+treachery is not yet known to us. There may be--and God grant
+it!--extenuating circumstances in his conduct that may save his life.
+But, as the case stands at present, his offence appears of that dye that
+nothing can wash it out but his blood."
+
+And he turned to depart.
+
+"When do you expect this wretched man?" asked Viviana, arresting him.
+
+"At nightfall," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Oh! that there were any means of warning him of his danger!" she cried.
+
+"There are none," rejoined Fawkes, fiercely,--"none that you can adopt.
+And I must lay my injunctions upon you not to quit your chamber."
+
+So saying, he retired.
+
+Left alone, Viviana became a prey to the most agonizing reflections.
+Despite the strong, and almost unaccountable interest she felt in Guy
+Fawkes, she began to repent the step she had taken in joining him, as
+calculated to make her a party to his criminal conduct. But this
+feeling was transient, and was succeeded by a firmer determination to
+pursue the good work she had undertaken.
+
+"Though slight success has hitherto attended my efforts," she thought,
+"that is no reason why I should relax them. The time is arrived when I
+may exert a beneficial influence over him; and it may be, that what
+occurs to-night will prove the first step towards complete triumph. In
+any case, nothing shall be wanting to prevent the commission of the
+meditated atrocity."
+
+With this, she knelt down and prayed long and fervently, and arose
+confirmed and strengthened in her resolution.
+
+Meanwhile, no alteration had taken place in the purposes of the
+conspirators. Night came, but with it came not Tresham. Catesby, who, up
+to this time had managed to restrain his impatience, now arose, and
+signified his intention of going in search of him, and was with
+difficulty prevented from carrying his threat into execution by Guy
+Fawkes, who represented the folly and risk of such a course.
+
+"If he comes not before midnight, we shall know what to think, and how
+to act," he observed; "but till then let us remain tranquil."
+
+Keyes and the others adding their persuasions to those of Fawkes,
+Catesby sat sullenly down, and a profound silence ensued. In this way,
+some hours were passed, when just at the stroke of midnight, Viviana
+descended from her room, and appeared amongst them. Her countenance was
+deathly pale, and she looked anxiously around the assemblage. All,
+however, with the exception of Fawkes, avoided her gaze.
+
+"Is he come?" she exclaimed at length. "I have listened intently, but
+have heard nothing. You cannot have murdered him. And yet your looks
+alarm me. Father Garnet, answer me,--is the deed done?"
+
+"No, my daughter," replied Garnet, sternly.
+
+"Then he has escaped!" she cried, joyfully. "You expected him at
+nightfall."
+
+"It is not yet too late," replied Fawkes, in a sombre tone; "his death
+is only deferred."
+
+"Oh! do not say so," she cried, in a voice of agony. "I hoped you had
+relented."
+
+At this moment a peculiar knock was heard at the door. It was thrice
+repeated, and the strokes vibrated, though with different effect,
+through every bosom.
+
+"He is here," cried Catesby, rising.
+
+"Viviana, go to your chamber," commanded Guy Fawkes, grasping her hand,
+and leading her towards the stairs.
+
+But she resisted his efforts, and fell on her knees.
+
+"I will not go," she cried, in a supplicating tone, "unless you will
+spare this man's life."
+
+"I have already told you my fixed determination," rejoined Fawkes,
+fiercely. "If you will not retire of your own free will, I must force
+you."
+
+"If you attempt it, I will scream, and alarm your victim," she replied.
+"Mr. Catesby," she added, "have my prayers, my entreaties, no weight
+with you? Will you not grant me his life?"
+
+"No!" replied Catesby, fiercely. "She must be silenced," he added, with
+a significant look at Fawkes.
+
+"She shall," replied the latter, drawing his poniard. "Viviana!" he
+continued, in a voice, and with a look that left no doubt as to his
+intentions, "do not compel me to be your destroyer."
+
+As he spoke, the knocking was repeated, and Viviana uttered a prolonged
+and piercing cry. Guy Fawkes raised his weapon, and was about to strike,
+but his resolution failed him, and his arm dropped nerveless to his
+side.
+
+"Your better angel has conquered!" she cried, clasping his knees.
+
+While this was passing, the door was thrown open by Catesby, and Tresham
+entered the room.
+
+"What means this outcry?" he asked, looking round in alarm. "Ah! what do
+I see? Viviana Radcliffe here! Did she utter the scream?"
+
+"She did," replied Viviana, rising, "and she hoped to warn you by it.
+But you were led on by your fate."
+
+"Warn me from what?" ejaculated Tresham, starting. "I am among friends."
+
+"You are among those who have resolved upon your death," replied
+Viviana.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Tresham, making an effort to gain the door, and draw his
+sword.
+
+In both attempts, however, he was foiled, for Catesby intercepted him,
+while Fawkes and Keyes flung themselves upon him, and binding his arms
+together with a sword-belt, forced him into a chair.
+
+"Of what am I accused?" he demanded, in a voice tremulous with rage and
+terror.
+
+"You shall learn presently," replied Catesby. And he motioned to Fawkes
+to remove Viviana.
+
+"Let me remain," she cried, fiercely. "My nature is changed, and is
+become as savage as your own. If blood must be spilt, I will tarry to
+look upon it."
+
+"This is no place for you, dear daughter," interposed Garnet.
+
+"Nor for you either, father," retorted Viviana, bitterly; "unless you
+will act as a minister of Christ, and prevent this violence."
+
+"Let her remain, if she will," observed Catesby. "Her presence need not
+hinder our proceedings."
+
+So saying, he seated himself opposite Tresham, while the two priests
+placed themselves on either side. Guy Fawkes took up a position on the
+left of the prisoner, with his drawn dagger in his hand, and Keyes
+stationed himself near the door. The unfortunate captive regarded them
+with terrified glances, and trembled in every limb.
+
+"Thomas Tresham," commenced Catesby, in a stern voice, "you are a sworn
+brother in our plot. Before I proceed further, I will ask you what
+should be his punishment who violates his oath, and betrays his
+confederates? We await your answer?"
+
+But Tresham remained obstinately silent.
+
+"I will tell you, since you refuse to speak," continued Catesby. "It is
+death--death by the hands of his associates."
+
+"It may be," replied Tresham; "but I have neither broken my oath, nor
+betrayed you."
+
+"Your letter to Lord Mounteagle is in my possession," replied Catesby.
+"Behold it!"
+
+"Perdition!" exclaimed Tresham. "But you will not slay me? I have
+betrayed nothing. I have revealed nothing. On my soul's salvation, I
+have not! Spare me! spare me! and I will be a faithful friend in future.
+I have been indiscreet--I own it--but nothing more. I have mentioned no
+names. And Lord Mounteagle, as you well know, is as zealous a Catholic
+as any now present."
+
+"Your letter has been sent to the Earl of Salisbury," pursued Catesby,
+coldly. "It was from him I obtained it."
+
+"Then Lord Mounteagle has betrayed me," returned Tresham, becoming pale
+as death.
+
+"Have you nothing further to allege?" demanded Catesby. As Tresham made
+no answer, he turned to the others, and said, "Is it your judgment he
+should die?"
+
+All, except Viviana, answered in the affirmative.
+
+"Tresham," continued Catesby, solemnly, "prepare to meet your fate like
+a man. And do you, father," he added to Garnet, "proceed to shrive him."
+
+"Hold!" cried Viviana, stepping into the midst of them,--"hold!" she
+exclaimed, in a voice so authoritative, and with a look so commanding,
+that the whole assemblage were awe-stricken. "If you think to commit
+this crime with impunity, you are mistaken. I swear by everything
+sacred, if you take this man's life, I will go forth instantly, and
+denounce you all to the Council. You may stare, sirs, and threaten me,
+but you shall find I will keep my word."
+
+"We must put her to death too," observed Catesby, in an under tone to
+Fawkes, "or we shall have a worse enemy left than Tresham."
+
+"I cannot consent to it," replied Fawkes.
+
+"If you mistrust this person, why not place him in restraint?" pursued
+Viviana. "You will not mend matters by killing him."
+
+"She says well," observed Garnet; "let us put him in some place of
+security."
+
+"I am agreed," replied Fawkes.
+
+"And I," added Keyes.
+
+"My judgment, then, is overruled," rejoined Catesby. "But I will not
+oppose you. We will imprison him in the vault beneath this chamber."
+
+"He must be without light," said Garnet.
+
+"And without arms," added Keyes.
+
+"And without food," muttered Catesby. "He has only exchanged one death
+for another."
+
+The flag was then raised, and Tresham thrust into the vault, after which
+it was restored to its former position.
+
+"I have saved you from the lesser crime," cried Viviana to Guy Fawkes;
+"and, with Heaven's grace, I trust to preserve you from the greater!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE ESCAPE PREVENTED.
+
+
+Viviana having retired to her chamber, apparently to rest, a long and
+anxious consultation was held by the conspirators as to the next steps
+to be pursued. Garnet was of opinion that, as the Earl of Salisbury was
+aware of a conspiracy against the state being on foot among the
+Catholics, their project ought to be deferred, if not altogether
+abandoned.
+
+"We are sure to be discovered," he said. "Arrests without end will take
+place. And such rigorous measures will be adopted by the Earl, such
+inquiries instituted, that all will infallibly be brought to light.
+Besides, we know not what Tresham may have revealed. He denies having
+betrayed our secret, but no credit can be attached to his assertions."
+
+"Shall we examine him again, father," cried Catesby, "and wring the
+truth from him by threats or torture?"
+
+"No, my son," replied Garnet; "let him remain where he is till morning.
+A night of solitary confinement, added to the stings of his own guilty
+conscience, is likely to produce a stronger effect upon him than any
+torments we could inflict. He shall be interrogated strictly to-morrow,
+and, I will answer for it, will make a full confession. But even if he
+has revealed nothing material, there exists another and equally serious
+ground of alarm. I allude to your meeting with the Earl on the river. I
+should be the last to counsel bloodshed. But if ever it could be
+justified, it might have been so in this case."
+
+"I would have slain him if I had had my own way," returned Catesby, with
+a fierce and reproachful look at Fawkes.
+
+"If I have done wrong, I will speedily repair my error," observed the
+latter. "Do you desire his death, father? and will you absolve me from
+the deed?" he added, turning to Garnet.
+
+"It is better as it is," replied Garnet, making a gesture in the
+negative. "I would not have our high and holy purpose stained by common
+slaughter. The power that delivered him into your hands, and stayed
+them, no doubt preserved him for the general sacrifice. My first fear
+was lest, having noticed the barrels of powder within the boat, he might
+have suspected your design. But I am satisfied his eyes were blinded,
+and his reason benighted, so that he could discern nothing."
+
+"Such was my own opinion, father," replied Fawkes. "Let us observe the
+utmost caution, but proceed at all hazards with the enterprise. If we
+delay, we fail."
+
+"Right," returned Catesby; "and for that counsel I forgive you for
+standing between me and our enemy."
+
+Upon this, it was agreed that if nothing occurred in the interim, more
+powder should be transported to the habitation in Westminster on the
+following night,--that Fawkes and Catesby, who might be recognised by
+Salisbury's description, should keep close house during the day,--and
+that the rest of the conspirators should be summoned to assist in
+digging the mine. Prayers were then offered up by the two priests for
+their preservation from peril, and for success in their enterprise;
+after which, they threw themselves on benches or seats, and courted
+slumber. All slept soundly except Fawkes, who, not being able to close
+his eyes, from an undefinable apprehension of danger, arose, and
+cautiously opening the door, kept watch outside.
+
+Shortly afterwards, Viviana, who had waited till all was quiet, softly
+descended the stairs, and, shading her light, gazed timorously round.
+Satisfied she was not observed, she glided swiftly and noiselessly to
+the fire-place, and endeavoured to raise the flag. But it resisted all
+her efforts, and she was about to abandon the attempt in despair, when
+she perceived a bolt on one side, that had escaped her notice. Hastily
+withdrawing it, she experienced no further difficulty. The stone
+revolved on hinges like a trap-door, and lifting it, she hurried down
+the steps.
+
+Alarmed by her approach, Tresham had retreated to the further end of the
+vault, and snatching up a halbert from the pile of weapons, cried, in a
+voice of desperation--
+
+"Stand off! I am armed, and have severed my bonds. Off, I say! You shall
+not take me with life."
+
+"Hush!" cried Viviana, putting her finger to her lips, "I am come to set
+you free."
+
+"Do I behold an inhabitant of this world?" cried Tresham, crossing
+himself, and dropping the halbert, "or some blessed saint? Ah!" he
+exclaimed, as she advanced towards him, "it is Viviana Radcliffe--my
+preserver. Pardon, sweet lady. My eyes were dazzled by the light, and
+your sudden appearance and speech,--and I might almost say looks,--made
+me think you were some supernatural being come to deliver me from these
+bloody-minded men. Where are they?"
+
+"In the room above," she replied, in a whisper,--"asleep,--and if you
+speak so loud you will arouse them."
+
+"Let us fly without a moment's delay," returned Tresham, in the same
+tone, and hastily picking up a rapier and a dagger.
+
+"Stay!" cried Viviana, arresting him. "Before you go, you must tell me
+what you are about to do."
+
+"We will talk of that when we are out of this accursed place," he
+replied.
+
+"You shall not stir a footstep," she rejoined, placing herself
+resolutely between him and the outlet, "till you have sworn neither to
+betray your confederates, nor to do them injury."
+
+"May Heaven requite me, if I forgive them!" cried Tresham between his
+ground teeth.
+
+"Remember!--you are yet in their power," she rejoined. "One word from
+me, and they are at your side. Swear!--and swear solemnly, or you do not
+quit this spot."
+
+Tresham gazed at her fiercely, and griped his dagger, as if determined
+to free himself at any cost.
+
+"Ah!" she ejaculated, noticing the movement, "you are indeed a traitor.
+You have neither sense of honour nor gratitude, and I leave you to your
+fate. Attempt to follow me, and I give the alarm."
+
+"Forgive me, Viviana," he cried, abjectly prostrating himself at her
+feet, and clinging to the hem of her dress. "I meant only to terrify
+you; I would not injure you for worlds. Do not leave me with these
+ruthless cut-throats. They will assuredly murder me. Do not remain with
+them yourself, or you will come to some dreadful end. Fly with me, and I
+will place you beyond their reach--will watch over your safety. Or, if
+you are resolved to brave their fury, let me go, and I will take any
+oath you propose. As I hope for salvation I will not betray them."
+
+"Peace!" cried Viviana, contemptuously. "If I set you free, it is not to
+save you, but them."
+
+"What mean you?" asked Tresham, hesitating.
+
+"Question me not, but follow," she rejoined, "and tread softly, as you
+value your life."
+
+Tresham needed no caution on this head, and as they emerged from the
+trap-door in breathless silence, and he beheld the figures of his
+sleeping foes, he could scarcely muster sufficient courage to pass
+through them. Motioning him to proceed quickly, Viviana moved towards
+the door, and to her surprise found it unfastened. Without pausing to
+consider whence this neglect could arise, she opened it, and Tresham,
+who trembled in every limb, and walked upon the points of his feet,
+stepped forth. As he crossed the threshold, however, a powerful grasp
+was laid upon his shoulder, and a drawn sword presented to his breast,
+while the voice of Fawkes thundered in his ear, "Who goes there? Speak,
+or I strike."
+
+While the fugitive, not daring to answer, lest his accents should betray
+him, endeavoured vainly to break away, Viviana, hearing the struggle,
+threw open the door, and exclaimed, "It is Tresham. I set him free."
+
+"You!" cried Fawkes, in astonishment. "Wherefore?"
+
+"In the hope that his escape would induce you to abandon your design,
+and seek safety in flight," she rejoined. "But you have thwarted my
+purpose."
+
+Fawkes made no reply, but thrust Tresham forcibly into the house, and
+called to Catesby, who by this time had been roused with the others, to
+close and bar the door. The command was instantly obeyed, and as Catesby
+turned, a strange and fearful group met his view. In the midst stood
+Tresham, his haggard features and palsied frame bespeaking the extremity
+of his terror. His sword having been beaten from his grasp by Fawkes,
+and his dagger wrested from him by Keyes, he was utterly defenceless.
+Viviana had placed herself between him and his assailants, and screening
+him from their attack, cried--
+
+"Despatch me. The fault is mine--mine only--and I am ready to pay the
+penalty. Had I not released him, he would not have attempted to escape.
+I am the rightful victim."
+
+"She speaks the truth," gasped Tresham. "If she had not offered to
+liberate me, I should never have thought of flying. Would to Heaven I
+had never yielded to her solicitations!"
+
+"Peace, craven hound!" exclaimed Fawkes, furiously; "you deserve to die
+for your meanness and ingratitude, if not for your treachery. And it is
+for this miserable wretch, Viviana," he added, turning to her, "that you
+would have placed your friends in such fearful jeopardy,--it is for him,
+who would sacrifice you without scruple to save himself, that you now
+offer your own life?"
+
+"I deserve your reproaches," she rejoined, in confusion.
+
+"Had I not fortunately intercepted him," pursued Fawkes, "an hour would
+not have elapsed ere he would have returned with the officers; and we
+should have changed this dwelling for a dungeon in the Tower,--these
+benches for the rack."
+
+"In pity stab me!" cried Viviana, falling at his feet. "But oh! do not
+wound me with your words. I have committed a grievous wrong; but I was
+ignorant of the consequences; and, as I hope for mercy hereafter, my
+sole motive, beyond compassion for this wretched man, was to terrify you
+into relinquishing your dreadful project."
+
+"You have acted wrongfully,--very wrongfully, Viviana," interposed
+Garnet: "but since you are fully convinced of your error, no more need
+be said. There are seasons when the heart must be closed against
+compassion, and when mercy becomes injustice. Go to your chamber, and
+leave us to deal with this unhappy man."
+
+"To-morrow you must quit us," observed Fawkes, as she passed him.
+
+"Quit you!" she exclaimed. "I will never offend again."
+
+"I will not trust you," replied Fawkes, "unless--but it is useless to
+impose restrictions upon you, which you will not--perhaps, cannot
+observe."
+
+"Impose any restrictions you please," replied Viviana. "But do not bid
+me leave you."
+
+"The time is come when we _must_ separate," rejoined Fawkes. "See you
+not that the course we are taking is slippery with blood, and beset with
+perils which the firmest of your sex could not encounter?"
+
+"I will encounter them nevertheless," replied Viviana. "Be merciful,"
+she added, pointing to Tresham, "and mercy shall be shown you in your
+hour of need." And she slowly withdrew.
+
+While this was passing, Catesby addressed a few words aside to Keyes and
+Oldcorne, and now stepping forward, and fixing his eye steadily upon the
+prisoner, to note the effect of his speech upon him, said--
+
+"I have devised a plan by which the full extent of Tresham's treachery
+can be ascertained."
+
+"You do not mean to torture him, I trust?" exclaimed Garnet, uneasily.
+
+"No, father," replied Catesby. "If torture is inflicted at all, it will
+be upon the mind, not the body."
+
+"Then it will be no torture," observed Garnet. "State your plan, my
+son."
+
+"It is this," returned Catesby. "He shall write a letter to Lord
+Mounteagle, stating that he has important revelations to make to him,
+and entreating him to come hither unattended."
+
+"Here!" exclaimed Fawkes.
+
+"Here," repeated Catesby; "and alone. We will conceal ourselves in such
+manner that we may overhear what passes between them, and if any attempt
+is made by the villain to betray our presence, he shall be immediately
+shot. By this means we cannot fail to elicit the truth."
+
+"I approve your plan, my son," replied Garnet; "but who will convey the
+letter to Lord Mounteagle?"
+
+"I will," replied Fawkes. "Let it be prepared at once, and the case will
+be thought the more urgent. I will watch him, and see that he comes
+unattended, or give you timely warning."
+
+"Enough," rejoined Garnet. "Let writing materials be procured, and I
+will dictate the letter."
+
+Tresham, meanwhile, exhibited no misgiving; but, on the contrary, his
+countenance brightened up as the plan was approved.
+
+"My life will be spared if you find I have not deceived you, will it
+not?" he asked, in a supplicating voice.
+
+"Assuredly," replied Garnet.
+
+"Give me pen and ink, then," he cried, "and I will write whatever you
+desire."
+
+"Our secret is safe," whispered Catesby to Garnet. "It is useless to
+test him further."
+
+"I think so," replied Garnet. "Would we had made this experiment
+sooner!"
+
+"Do not delay, I entreat you," implored Tresham. "I am eager to prove my
+innocence."
+
+"We are satisfied with the proof we have already obtained," returned
+Garnet.
+
+Tresham dropped on his knees in speechless gratitude.
+
+"We are spared the necessity of being your executioners, my son,"
+pursued Garnet, "and I rejoice at it. But I cannot acquit you of the
+design to betray us; and till you have unburthened your whole soul to
+me, and proved by severe and self-inflicted penance that you are really
+penitent, you must remain a captive within these walls."
+
+"I will disguise nothing from you, father," replied Tresham, "and will
+strive to expiate my offence by the severest penance you choose to
+inflict."
+
+"Do this, my son," rejoined Garnet; "leave no doubt of your sincerity,
+and you may be yet restored to the place you have forfeited, and become
+a sharer in our great enterprise."
+
+"I will never trust him more," observed Fawkes.
+
+"Nor I," added Keyes.
+
+"_I_ will," rejoined Catesby: "not that I have more faith in him than
+either of you; but I will so watch him that he shall not dare to betray
+us. Nay, more," he added, in an under tone, to Garnet, "I will turn his
+treachery to account. He will be a useful spy upon our enemies."
+
+"If he can be relied on," observed Garnet.
+
+"After this, you need have no fears," rejoined Catesby, with a
+significant smile.
+
+"The first part of your penance, my son," said Garnet, addressing
+Tresham, "shall be to pass the night in solitary vigil and prayer within
+the vault. Number your transgressions, and reflect upon their enormity.
+Consider not only the injury your conduct might have done us, but the
+holy church of which you are so sinful a member. Weigh over all this,
+and to-morrow I will hear your confession; when, if I find you in a
+state of grace, absolution shall not be refused."
+
+Tresham humbly bowed his head in token of acquiescence. He was then led
+to the vault, and the flag closed over him, as before. This done, after
+a brief conversation, the others again stretched themselves on the
+floor, and sought repose.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE MINE.
+
+
+Some days elapsed before the conspirators ventured forth from their
+present abode. They had intended to remove the rest of the powder
+without loss of time, but were induced to defer their purpose on the
+representations of Tresham, who stated to Garnet, that in his opinion
+they would run a great and needless risk. Before the expiration of a
+week, Tresham's apparent remorse for his perfidy, added to his seeming
+zeal, had so far reinstated him in the confidence of his associates,
+that he was fully absolved of his offence by Garnet; and, after taking
+fresh oaths of even greater solemnity than the former, was again
+admitted to the league. Catesby, however, who placed little faith in his
+protestations, never lost sight of him for an instant, and, even if he
+meditated an escape, he had no opportunity of effecting it.
+
+A coldness, stronger on his side than hers, seemed to have arisen
+between Viviana and Guy Fawkes. Whenever she descended to the lower
+room, he withdrew on some excuse; and though he never urged her
+departure by words, his looks plainly bespoke that he desired it. Upon
+one occasion, she found him alone,--the others being at the time within
+the vault. He was whetting the point of his dagger, and did not hear her
+approach, until she stood beside him. He was slightly confused, and a
+deep ruddy stain flushed his swarthy cheeks and brow; but he averted his
+gaze, and continued his occupation in silence.
+
+"Why do you shun me?" asked Viviana, laying her hand gently upon his
+shoulder. And, as he did not answer, she repeated the question in a
+broken voice. Guy Fawkes then looked up, and perceived that her eyes
+were filled with tears.
+
+"I shun you, Viviana, for two reasons," he replied gravely, but kindly;
+"first, because I would have no ties of sympathy to make me cling to the
+world, or care for it; and I feel that if I suffer myself to be
+interested about you, this will not long be the case: secondly, and
+chiefly, because you are constantly striving to turn me from my fixed
+purpose; and, though your efforts have been, and will be unavailing, yet
+I would not be exposed to them further."
+
+"You fear me, because you think I shall shake your resolution," she
+rejoined, with a forced smile. "But I will trouble you no more. Nay, if
+you wish it, I will go."
+
+"It were better," replied Fawkes, in accents of deep emotion, and taking
+her hand. "Painful as will be the parting with you, I shall feel more
+easy when it is over. It grieves me to the soul to see you--the daughter
+of the proud, the wealthy Sir William Radcliffe--an inmate of this
+wretched abode, surrounded by desperate men, whose actions you
+disapprove, and whose danger you are compelled to share. Think how it
+would add to my suffering if our plot--which Heaven avert--should be
+discovered, and you be involved in it."
+
+"Do not think of it," replied Viviana.
+
+"I cannot banish it from my thoughts," continued Fawkes. "I cannot
+reconcile it to my feelings that one so young, so beautiful, should be
+thus treated. Dwelling on this idea unmans me--unfits me for sterner
+duties. The great crisis is at hand, and I must live only for it."
+
+"Live for it, then," rejoined Viviana; "but, oh! let me remain with you
+till the blow is struck. Something tells me I may yet be useful to
+you--may save you."
+
+"No more of this, if you would indeed remain," rejoined Guy Fawkes,
+sternly. "Regard me as a sword in the hand of fate, which cannot be
+turned aside,--as a bolt launched from the cloud, and shattering all in
+its course, which may not be stopped,--as something terrible,
+exterminating, immovable. Regard me as this, and say whether I am not to
+be shunned."
+
+"No," replied Viviana; "I am as steadfast as yourself. I will remain."
+
+Guy Fawkes gazed at her in surprise mixed with admiration, and pressing
+her hand affectionately, said,
+
+"I applaud your resolution. If I had a daughter, I should wish her to be
+like you."
+
+"You promised to be a father to me," she rejoined. "How can you be so if
+I leave you?"
+
+"How _can_ I be so if you stay?" returned Fawkes, mournfully. "No, you
+must indulge no filial tenderness for one so utterly unable to requite
+it as myself. Fix your thoughts wholly on Heaven. Pray for the
+restoration of our holy religion--for the success of the great
+enterprise--and haply your prayers may prevail."
+
+"I cannot pray for that," she replied; "for I do not wish it success.
+But I will pray--and fervently--that all danger may be averted from your
+head."
+
+At this moment, Catesby and Keyes emerged from the vault, and Viviana
+hurried to her chamber.
+
+As soon as it grew dark, the remaining barrels of powder were brought
+out of the cellar, and carefully placed in the boat. Straw was then
+heaped upon them, and the whole covered with a piece of tarpaulin, as
+upon the former occasion. It being necessary to cross the river more
+than once, the conduct of the first and most hazardous passage was
+intrusted to Fawkes, and accompanied by Keyes and Bates, both of whom
+were well armed, he set out a little before midnight. It was a clear
+starlight night; but as the moon had not yet risen, they were under no
+apprehension of discovery. The few craft they encountered, bent
+probably on some suspicious errand like themselves, paid no attention to
+them; and plying their oars swiftly, they shot under the low parapet
+edging the gardens of the Parliament House, just as the deep bell of the
+Abbey tolled forth the hour of twelve. Keeping in the shade, they
+silently approached the stairs. No one was there, not even a waterman to
+attend to the numerous wherries moored to the steps; and, without losing
+a moment, they sprang ashore, and concealing the barrels beneath their
+cloaks, glided like phantoms summoned by the witching hour along the
+passage formed by two high walls, leading to Old Palace Yard, and
+speedily reached the gate of the habitation. In this way, and with the
+utmost rapidity, the whole of the fearful cargo was safely deposited in
+the garden; and leaving the others to carry it into the house, Guy
+Fawkes returned to the boat. As he was about to push off, two persons
+rushed to the stair-head, and the foremost, evidently mistaking him for
+a waterman, called to him to take them across the river.
+
+"I am no waterman, friend," replied Fawkes; "and am engaged on business
+of my own. Seek a wherry elsewhere."
+
+"By heaven!" exclaimed the new-comer, in accents of surprise, "it is Guy
+Fawkes. Do you not know me?"
+
+"Can it be Humphrey Chetham?" cried Fawkes, equally astonished.
+
+"It is," replied the other. "This meeting is most fortunate. I was in
+search of you, having somewhat of importance to communicate to Viviana."
+
+"State it quickly, then," returned Fawkes; "I cannot tarry here much
+longer."
+
+"I will go with you," rejoined Chetham, springing into the boat, and
+followed by his companion. "You must take me to her."
+
+"Impossible," cried Fawkes, rising angrily; "neither can I permit you to
+accompany me. I am busied about my own concerns, and will not be
+interrupted."
+
+"At least, tell me where I can find Viviana," persisted Chetham.
+
+"Not now--not now," rejoined Fawkes, impatiently. "Meet me to-morrow
+night, at this hour, in the Great Sanctuary, at the farther side of the
+Abbey, and you shall learn all you desire to know."
+
+"Why not now?" rejoined Chetham, earnestly. "You need not fear me. I am
+no spy, and will reveal nothing."
+
+"But your companion?" hesitated Fawkes.
+
+"It is only Martin Heydocke," answered Chetham. "He can keep a close
+tongue as well as his master."
+
+"Well, sit down, then," returned Fawkes, sullenly. "There will be less
+risk in taking them to Lambeth," he muttered, "than in loitering here."
+And rowing with great swiftness, he soon gained the centre of the
+stream.
+
+"And so," he observed, resting for a moment on his oars, "you still
+cherish your attachment to Viviana, I see. Nay, never start, man. I am
+no enemy to your suit, though others may be. And if she would place
+herself at my disposal, I would give her to you,--certain that it would
+be to one upon whom her affections are fixed."
+
+"Do you think any change likely to take place in her sentiments towards
+me?" faltered Chetham. "May I indulge a hope?"
+
+"I would not have you despair," replied Fawkes. "Because, as far as I
+have noticed, women are not apt to adhere to their resolutions in
+matters of the heart; and because, as I have just said, she loves you,
+and I see no reasonable bar to your union."
+
+"You give me new life," cried Chetham, transported with joy. "Oh! that
+you, who have so much influence with her, would speak in my behalf."
+
+"Nay, you must plead your own cause," replied Fawkes. "I cannot hold out
+much hope at present; for recent events have cast a deep gloom over her
+spirit, and she appears to be a prey to melancholy. Let this wear
+off,--and with one so young and so firm-minded it is sure to do so,--and
+then your suit may be renewed. Urge it when you may, you have my best
+wishes for success, and shall have my warmest efforts to second you."
+
+Humphrey Chetham murmured his thanks in accents almost unintelligible
+from emotion, and Guy Fawkes continued,
+
+"It would be dangerous for you to disembark with me; but when I put you
+ashore, I will point out the dwelling at present occupied by Viviana.
+You can visit it as early as you please to-morrow. You will find no one
+with her but Father Oldcorne, and I need scarcely add, it will gladden
+me to the heart to find on my return that she has yielded to your
+entreaties."
+
+"I cannot thank you," cried Chetham, warmly grasping his hand; "but I
+hope to find some means of evincing my gratitude."
+
+"Prove it by maintaining the strictest secresy as to all you may see or
+hear,--or even suspect,--within the dwelling you are about to visit,"
+returned Guy Fawkes. "Knowing that I am dealing with a man of honour, I
+require no stronger obligation than your word."
+
+"You have it," replied Chetham, solemnly.
+
+"Your worship shall have my oath, if you desire it," remarked Martin
+Heydocke.
+
+"No," rejoined Fawkes; "your master will answer for your fidelity."
+
+Shortly after this, Guy Fawkes pulled ashore, and his companions landed.
+After pointing out the solitary habitation, which possessed greater
+interest in Humphrey Chetham's eyes than the proud structures he had
+just quitted, and extracting a promise that the young merchant would not
+approach it till the morrow, he rowed off, and while the others
+proceeded to Lambeth in search of lodging for the night, made the best
+of his way to the little creek, and entered the house.
+
+He found the other conspirators anxiously awaiting his arrival, and the
+certainty afforded by his presence that the powder had been landed in
+safety gave general satisfaction. Preparations were immediately made for
+another voyage. A large supply of provisions, consisting of baked meat
+of various kinds, hard-boiled eggs, pasties, bread, and other viands,
+calculated to serve for a week's consumption, without the necessity of
+having recourse to any culinary process, and which had been previously
+procured with that view, together with a few flasks of wine, occupied
+the place in the boat lately assigned to the powder. At the risk of
+overloading the vessel, they likewise increased its burthen by a
+quantity of mining implements--spades, pickaxes, augers, and wrenching
+irons. To these were added as many swords, calivers, pikes, and
+petronels, as the space left would accommodate. Garnet and Catesby then
+embarked,--the former having taken an affectionate farewell of Viviana,
+whom he committed, with the strictest injunction to watch over her, to
+the care of Father Oldcorne. Guy Fawkes lingered for a moment, doubting
+whether he should mention his rencounter with Humphrey Chetham. He was
+the more undecided from the deep affliction in which she was plunged. At
+last, he determined upon slightly hinting at the subject, and to be
+guided as to what he said further by the manner in which the allusion
+was received.
+
+"And you decide upon remaining here till we return, Viviana?" he said.
+
+She made a sign in the affirmative.
+
+"And you will see no one?"
+
+"No one," she answered.
+
+"But, should any old friend find his way hither--Humphrey Chetham, for
+instance--will you not receive him?"
+
+"Why do you single out _him_?" demanded Viviana, inquiringly. "Is he in
+London? Have you seen him?"
+
+"I have," replied Guy Fawkes; "I accidentally met him to-night, and have
+shown him this dwelling. He will come hither to-morrow."
+
+"I wanted only this to make me thoroughly wretched," cried Viviana,
+clasping her hands with anguish. "Oh! what unhappy chance threw him
+across your path? Why did you tell him I was here? Why give him a hope
+that I would see him? But I will _not_ see him. I will quit this house
+rather than be exposed to the meeting."
+
+"What means this sudden excitement, Viviana?" cried Guy Fawkes, greatly
+surprised by her agitation. "Why should a visit from Humphrey Chetham
+occasion you uneasiness?"
+
+"I know not," she answered, blushing deeply; "but I will not hazard
+it."
+
+"I thought you superior to your sex," rejoined Fawkes, "and should never
+have suspected you of waywardness or caprice."
+
+"You charge me with failings that do not belong to me," she answered. "I
+am neither wayward nor capricious; but I would be willingly spared the
+pain of an interview with one whom I thought I loved."
+
+"Thought you loved!" echoed Fawkes, in increased astonishment.
+
+"Ay, _thought_," repeated Viviana, "for I have since examined my heart,
+and find he has no place in it."
+
+"You might be happy with him, Viviana," rejoined Fawkes, reproachfully.
+
+"I _might_ have been," she replied, "had circumstances favoured our
+union. But I should not be so now. Recent events have wrought an entire
+change in my feelings. Were I to abandon my resolution of retiring to a
+cloister,--were I to return to the world,--and were such an event
+possible as that Humphrey Chetham should conform to the faith of
+Rome,--still, I would not--could not wed him."
+
+"I grieve to hear it," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Would _you_ have me wed him?" she cried, in a slightly mortified tone.
+
+"In good sooth would I," replied Fawkes; "and I repeat my firm
+conviction you would be happier with him than with one more highly born,
+and of less real worth."
+
+Viviana made no reply, and her head declined upon her bosom.
+
+"You will see him," pursued Fawkes, taking her hand, "if only to tell
+him what you have just told me."
+
+"Since you desire it, I will," she replied, fixing a look of melancholy
+tenderness upon him; "but it will cost me a bitter pang."
+
+"I would not tax you with it, if I did not think it needful," returned
+Fawkes. "And now, farewell."
+
+"Farewell,--it may be, for ever," replied Viviana, sadly.
+
+"The boat is ready, and the tide ebbing," cried Catesby, impatiently, at
+the door. "We shall be aground if you tarry longer."
+
+"I come," replied Fawkes. And, waving an adieu to Viviana, he departed.
+
+"Strange!" he muttered to himself, as he took his way to the creek. "I
+could have sworn she was in love with Humphrey Chetham. Who can have
+superseded him in her regard? Not Catesby, of a surety. 'Tis a
+perplexing sex. The best are fickle. Heaven be praised! I have long been
+proof against their wiles."
+
+Thus musing, he sprang into the skiff, and assisting Catesby to push it
+into deep water, seized an oar, and exerted himself stoutly to make up
+for lost time. The second voyage was as prosperous as the first. A thick
+veil of cloud had curtained the stars; the steps were deserted as
+before; and the provisions, arms, and implements were securely conveyed
+to their destination.
+
+Thus far fortune seemed to favour their undertaking, and Garnet, falling
+on his knees, offered up the most fervent thanksgivings. Prayers over,
+they descended to the cellar, and their first care was to seek out a
+place as free from damp as possible, where the powder could be deposited
+till the excavation, which it was foreseen would be a work of time and
+great labour, was completed. A dry corner being found, the barrels were
+placed in it, and carefully concealed with billets of wood and coals, so
+as to avert suspicion in case of search. This, with other arrangements,
+occupied the greater part of the night, and the commencement of the
+important undertaking was deferred till the morrow, when an increase of
+their party was anticipated.
+
+Throughout the whole of the day no one stirred forth. The windows were
+kept closed; the doors locked; and, as no fires were lighted, the house
+had the appearance of being uninhabited. In the course of the morning
+they underwent considerable alarm. Some mischievous urchins having
+scaled the garden wall, one of them fell within it, and his cries so
+terrified his playmates that they dropped on the other side, and left
+him. The conspirators reconnoitred the unhappy urchin, who continued his
+vociferations in a loud key, through the holes in the shutters,
+uncertain what to do, and fearing that this trifling mischance might
+lead to serious consequences, when the subject of their uneasiness
+relieved them by scrambling up the wall near the door, and so effecting
+a retreat. With this exception, nothing material occurred till evening,
+when their expected associates arrived.
+
+The utmost caution was observed in admitting them. The new-comers were
+provided with a key of the garden-gate, but a signal was given and
+repeated before the house-door was opened by Bates, to whom the office
+of porter was intrusted. As soon as the latter had satisfied himself
+that all was right, by unmasking a dark lantern, and throwing its
+radiance upon the faces of the elder Wright, Rookwood, and Percy, he
+stamped his foot thrice, and the conspirators emerged from their
+hiding-places. A warm greeting passed between the confederates, and they
+adjourned to a lower chamber, adjoining the vault, where the sound of
+their voices could not be overheard, and where, while partaking of a
+frugal meal--for they desired to eke out their store of provisions as
+long as possible--they discoursed upon their plans, and all that had
+occurred since their last meeting. Nothing was said of the treachery of
+Tresham--his recent conduct, as already observed, having been such as to
+restore him in a great degree to the confidence of his companions.
+Percy, whose office as a gentleman-pensioner gave him the best
+opportunities of hearing court-whispers and secrets, informed them it
+was rumoured that the Earl of Salisbury had obtained a clue to some
+Catholic plot, whether their own he could not say; but it would seem
+from all that could be gathered, that his endeavours to trace it out had
+been frustrated.
+
+"Where is Lord Mounteagle?" demanded Catesby.
+
+"At his mansion near Hoxton," replied Percy.
+
+"Have you observed him much about the court of late, or with the Earl of
+Salisbury?" pursued Catesby.
+
+"No," replied Percy. "Yet now, I bethink me, I did observe them
+together, and in earnest conversation about a week ago. But Lord
+Mounteagle knows nothing of _our_ plot."
+
+"Hum!" exclaimed Catesby, shrugging his shoulders, while significant
+looks were exchanged by the others, and Tresham hung his head. "Lord
+Mounteagle may not know that you or I, or Fawkes, or Rookwood, are
+conspiring against the State; but he knows that a plot is hatching
+amongst our party. It is from him that the Earl of Salisbury derived his
+information."
+
+"Amazement!" exclaimed Percy.
+
+"A good Catholic, and betray his fellows!" cried Rookwood; "this passes
+my comprehension. Are you sure of it?"
+
+"Unhappily we are so, my son," replied Garnet, gravely.
+
+"We will speak of this hereafter," interposed Catesby. "I have a plan to
+get his lordship into our power, and make him serve our purposes in
+spite of himself. We will outwit the crafty Salisbury. Can any one tell
+if Tresham's sudden disappearance has been noticed."
+
+"His household report that he is on a visit to Sir Everard Digby, at
+Gothurst," replied Rookwood. "I called at his residence yesterday, and
+was informed that a letter had just been received from him dated from
+that place. His departure, they said, was sudden, but his letter fully
+accounted for it."
+
+"The messenger who bore that letter had only to travel from Lambeth,"
+observed Catesby, smiling.
+
+"So I conclude," returned Rookwood.
+
+"And, now that our meal is ended, let us to work," cried Fawkes, who had
+taken no part in the foregoing conversation. "I will strike the first
+blow," he added, rising and seizing a mattock.
+
+"Hold, my son!" exclaimed Garnet, arresting him. "The work upon which
+the redemption of our holy church hangs must be commenced with due
+solemnity."
+
+"You are right, father," replied Fawkes, humbly.
+
+Headed by Garnet, bearing a crucifix, they then repaired to the vault. A
+silver chalice, filled with holy water, was carried by Fawkes, and two
+lighted tapers by Catesby. Kneeling down before that part of the wall
+against which operations were about to be directed, and holding the
+crucifix towards it, Garnet commenced praying in a low but earnest tone,
+gradually raising his voice, and increasing in fervour as he proceeded.
+The others knelt around him, and the whole formed a strange and
+deeply-interesting group. The vault itself harmonized with its
+occupants. It was of great antiquity; and its solid stone masonry had
+acquired a time-worn hoary tint. In width it was about nine feet, and of
+corresponding height, supported by a semi-circular arch, and its length
+was more than twenty feet.
+
+The countenances of the conspirators showed that they were powerfully
+moved by what was passing; but next to Garnet, Guy Fawkes exhibited the
+greatest enthusiasm. His ecstatic looks and gestures evinced the strong
+effect produced upon his superstitious character by the scene. Garnet
+concluded his prayer as follows:--
+
+"Thus far, O Lord, we have toiled in darkness and in difficulty; but we
+have now arrived at a point where all thy support is needed. Do not
+desert us, we beseech thee, but let thy light guide us through these
+gloomy paths. Nerve our arms,--sharpen our weapons,--and crumble these
+hard and flinty stones, so that they may yield to our efforts. Aid our
+enterprise, if thou approvest it, and it be really, as in our ignorance
+we believe it to be, for the welfare of thy holy Church, and the
+confusion of its enemies. Bear witness, O Lord, that we devote ourselves
+wholly and entirely to this one end,--and that we implore success only
+for thy glory and honour."
+
+With this he arose, and the following strains were chanted by the whole
+assemblage:--
+
+              HYMN OF THE CONSPIRATORS.
+
+          The heretic and heathen, Lord,
+          Consume with fire, cut down with sword;
+          The spoilers from thy temples thrust,
+          Their altars trample in the dust.
+
+          False princes and false priests lay low,
+          Their habitations fill with woe.
+          Scatter them, Lord, with sword and flame,
+          And bring them utterly to shame.
+
+          Thy vengeful arm no longer stay,
+          Arise! exterminate, and slay.
+          So shall thy fallen worship be
+          Restored to its prosperity.
+
+This hymn raised the enthusiasm of the conspirators to the highest
+pitch, and such was the effect produced by it, as it rolled in sullen
+echoes along the arched roof of the vault, that several of them drew
+their swords, and crossed the blades, with looks of the most determined
+devotion to their cause. When it was ended, Garnet recited other
+prayers, and sprinkled holy water upon the wall, and upon every
+implement about to be used, bestowing a separate benediction on each.
+As he delivered the pick-axe to Guy Fawkes, he cried in a solemn voice--
+
+"Strike, my son, in the name of the Most High, and in behalf of our holy
+religion,--strike!"
+
+Guy Fawkes raised the weapon, and stimulated by excitement, threw the
+whole strength of his arm into the blow. A large piece of the granite
+was chipped off, but the mattock snapped in twain. Guy Fawkes looked
+deeply disconcerted, and Garnet, though he concealed his emotion, was
+filled with dismay.
+
+"Let me take your place," cried Keyes, advancing, as Guy Fawkes retired.
+
+Keyes was a powerful man, and exerting his energies, he buried the point
+of the pick-axe so deeply in the mortar, that he could not remove it
+unassisted. These untoward circumstances cast a slight damp upon their
+ardour; but Catesby, who perceived it, went more cautiously to work, and
+in a short time succeeded with great labour in getting out the large
+stone upon which the others had expended so much useless exertion. The
+sight restored their confidence, and as many as could work in the narrow
+space joined him. But they found that their task was much more arduous
+than they had anticipated. More than an hour elapsed before they could
+loosen another stone, and though they laboured with the utmost
+perseverance, relieving each other by turns, they had made but a small
+breach when morning arrived. The stones were as hard and unyielding as
+iron, and the mortar in some places harder than the stones.
+
+After a few hours' rest, they resumed their task. Still, they made but
+small progress; and it was not until the third day that they had
+excavated a hole sufficiently wide and deep to admit one man within it.
+They were now arrived at a compost of gravel and flint stones; and if
+they had found their previous task difficult, what they had now to
+encounter was infinitely more so. Their implements made little or no
+impression on this unyielding substance, and though they toiled
+incessantly, the work proceeded with disheartening slowness. The stones
+and rubbish were conveyed at dead of night in hampers into the garden,
+and buried.
+
+One night, when they were labouring as usual, Guy Fawkes, who was
+foremost in the excavation, thought he heard the tolling of a bell
+within the wall. He instantly suspended his task, and being convinced
+that he was not deceived, crept out of the hole, and made a sign to the
+others to listen. Each had heard the awful sound before; but as it was
+partially drowned by the noise of the pick-axe, it had not produced much
+impression upon them, as they attributed it to some vibration in the
+wall, caused by the echo of the blows. But it was now distinctly
+audible--deep, clear, slow,--like a passing bell,--but so solemn, so
+unearthly, that its tones froze the blood in their veins.
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes and the other Conspirators alarmed while
+digging the mine_]
+
+They listened for a while in speechless astonishment, scarcely daring to
+look at each other, and expecting each moment that the building would
+fall upon them, and bury them alive. The light of a single lantern
+placed upon an upturned basket fell upon figures rigid as statues, and
+countenances charged with awe.
+
+"My arm is paralysed," said Guy Fawkes, breaking silence; "I can work no
+more."
+
+"Try holy water, father," cried Catesby. "If it proceeds from aught of
+evil, that will quell it."
+
+The chalice containing the sacred lymph was brought, and pronouncing a
+solemn exorcism, Garnet sprinkled the wall.
+
+The sound immediately ceased.
+
+"It is as I thought, father," observed Catesby; "it is the delusion of
+an evil spirit."
+
+As he spoke, the tolling of the mysterious bell was again heard, and
+more solemnly,--more slowly than before.
+
+"Sprinkle the wall again, in Heaven's name, father," cried Fawkes,
+crossing himself devoutly. "Avoid thee, Sathanas!"
+
+Garnet complied, and throwing holy water upon the stones, the same
+result followed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CAPTURE OF VIVIANA.
+
+
+On the morning after his encounter with Guy Fawkes, Humphrey Chetham,
+accompanied by Martin Heydocke, took his way to Lambeth Marsh. With a
+throbbing heart he approached the miserable dwelling he knew to be
+inhabited by Viviana, and could scarcely summon courage to knock at the
+door. His first summons not being answered, he repeated it more loudly,
+and he then perceived the face of Father Oldcorne at the window, who,
+having satisfied himself that it was a friend, admitted him and his
+attendant.
+
+"You were expected, my son," said the priest, after a friendly greeting.
+"Guy Fawkes has prepared Viviana for your coming."
+
+"Will she not see me?" demanded the young merchant, uneasily.
+
+"I believe so," replied Oldcorne. "But I will apprise her of your
+arrival. Be seated, my son."
+
+He then carefully fastened the door, and repaired to Viviana's chamber,
+leaving Chetham in that state of tremor and anxiety which a lover,
+hoping to behold his mistress, only knows.
+
+It was some time before Viviana appeared, and the young merchant, whose
+heart beat violently at the sound of her footstep, was startled by the
+alteration in her looks, and the extreme coldness of her manner.
+Oldcorne was with her, and motioning Martin Heydocke to follow him, the
+youthful pair were left alone.
+
+"You desire to see me, I am given to understand, sir," observed Viviana,
+in a freezing tone.
+
+"I have journeyed to London for that express purpose," replied Humphrey
+Chetham, tremulously.
+
+"I am much beholden to you, sir," returned Viviana, in the same
+repelling tone as before; "but I regret you should have taken so much
+trouble on my account."
+
+"To serve you is happiness, not trouble, Viviana," replied Humphrey
+Chetham, ardently; "and I am overjoyed at finding an opportunity of
+proving my devotion."
+
+"I have yet to learn what service I must thank you for," she returned.
+
+"I can scarcely say that I am warranted in thus intruding upon you,"
+replied Chetham, greatly abashed; "but, having learnt from my servant,
+Martin Heydocke, that Doctor Dee had set out for London, with the view
+of seeking you out, and withdrawing you from your present associates, I
+was determined to be beforehand with him, and to acquaint you, if
+possible, with his intentions."
+
+"What you say surprises me," replied Viviana. "Doctor Dee has no right
+to interfere with my actions. Nor should I obey him were he to counsel
+me, as is scarcely probable, to quit my companions."
+
+"I know not what connexion there may be between you to justify the
+interposition of his authority," replied Chetham; "neither did I tarry
+to inquire. But presuming from what I heard, that he _would_ attempt to
+exercise some control over you, I set out at once, and, without guide to
+your retreat, or the slightest knowledge of it, was fortunate enough, on
+the very night of my arrival in London, to chance upon Guy Fawkes, who
+directed me to you."
+
+"I am aware of it," was the chilling answer.
+
+"I will not avouch," pursued Chetham, passionately, "that I have not
+been actuated as much by an irrepressible desire to see you again, as by
+anxiety to apprise you of Doctor Dee's coming. I wanted only a slight
+excuse to myself to induce me to yield to my inclinations. Your
+departure made me wretched. I thought I had more control over myself.
+But I find I cannot live without you."
+
+"Alas! alas!" cried Viviana, in a troubled tone, and losing all her
+self-command. "I expected this. Why--why did you come?"
+
+"I have told you my motive," replied Chetham; "but, oh! do not reproach
+me!"
+
+"I do not desire to do so," returned Viviana, with a look of agony. "I
+bitterly reproach myself that I cannot meet you as of old. But I would
+rather--far rather have encountered Doctor Dee, had he come hither
+resolved to exert all his magical power to force me away, than have met
+you."
+
+"Have I unwittingly offended you, Viviana?" asked Chetham, in
+astonishment.
+
+"Oh! no--no--no!" she replied, "you have not offended me; but----"
+
+"But what?" he cried, anxiously.
+
+"I would rather have died than see you," she answered.
+
+"I will not inquire wherefore," rejoined Chetham, "because I too well
+divine the cause. I am no longer what I was to you."
+
+"Press this matter no further, I pray of you," returned Viviana, in much
+confusion, and blushing deeply. "I shall ever esteem you,--ever feel the
+warmest gratitude to you. And what matters it whether my heart is
+estranged from you or not, since I can never wed you?"
+
+"What matters it?" repeated the young merchant, in accents of
+despair,--"it matters much. Drowning love will cling to straws. The
+thought that I was beloved by you, though I could never hope to possess
+your hand, reconciled me in some degree to my fate. But now," he added,
+covering his face with his hands,--"now, my heart is crushed."
+
+"Nay, say not so," cried Viviana, in a voice of the deepest emotion. "I
+_do_ love you,--as a sister."
+
+"That is small comfort," rejoined Chetham, bitterly. "I echo your own
+wish. Would we had never met again! I might, at least, have deluded
+myself into the belief that you loved me."
+
+"It would have been better so," she returned. "I would inflict pain on
+no one--far less on you, whom I regard so much, and to whom I owe so
+much."
+
+"You owe me nothing, Viviana," rejoined Chetham. "All I desired was to
+serve you. In the midst of the dangers we have shared together, I felt
+no alarm except for your sake. I have done nothing--nothing. Would I had
+died for you!"
+
+"Calm yourself, sir, I entreat you," she returned.
+
+"You did love me _once_?" demanded Chetham, suddenly.
+
+"I thought so," she answered.
+
+The young merchant uttered an exclamation of anguish, and a mournful
+pause ensued, broken only by his groans.
+
+"Answer me, Viviana," he said, turning abruptly upon her,--"answer me,
+and, in mercy, answer truly,--do you love another?"
+
+"It is a question I cannot answer," she replied, becoming ashy pale.
+
+"Your looks speak for you!" he vociferated, in a terrible tone,--"you
+do! His name?--his name?--that I may wreak my vengeance upon him."
+
+"Your violence terrifies me," returned Viviana, withdrawing the hand he
+had seized. "I must put an end to this interview."
+
+"Pardon me, Viviana!" cried Chetham, falling on his knees before
+her--"in pity pardon me! I am not myself. I shall be calmer presently.
+But if you knew the anguish of the wound you have inflicted, you would
+not add to it."
+
+"Heaven knows I would not!" she returned, motioning him to rise. "And,
+if it will lighten your suffering, know that the love I feel for
+another--if love, indeed, it be,--is as hopeless as your own. But it is
+not a love of which even _you_ could be jealous. It is a higher and a
+holier passion. It is affection mixed with admiration, and purified from
+all its grossness. It is more, perhaps, than the love of a daughter for
+her father--but it is nothing more. I shall never wed him I love--could
+not if I would. Nay, I would shun him, if I did not feel that the hour
+will soon come when the extent of my affection must be proved."
+
+"This is strange sophistry," returned Chetham; "and you may deceive
+yourself by it, but you cannot deceive me. You love as all ardent
+natures do love. But in what way do you mean to prove your affection?"
+
+"Perhaps, by the sacrifice of my life," she answered.
+
+"I can tell you who is the object of your affections!" said Chetham. "It
+is Guy Fawkes."
+
+"I will not deny it," replied Viviana; "he is."
+
+"Hear me, then," exclaimed Chetham, who appeared inexpressibly relieved
+by the discovery he had made; "in my passage across the river with him
+last night, our conversation turned on the one subject ever nearest my
+heart, yourself,--and Guy Fawkes not only bade me not despair, but
+promised to aid my suit."
+
+"And he kept his word," replied Viviana, "for, while announcing your
+proposed visit, he urged me strongly in your behalf."
+
+"Then he knows not of your love for him?" demanded Chetham.
+
+"He not only knows it not, but never shall know it from me,--nor must he
+know it from you, sir," rejoined Viviana, energetically.
+
+"Fear it not," said Chetham, sighing. "It is a secret I shall carefully
+preserve."
+
+"And now that you are in possession of it," she answered, "I no longer
+feel your presence as a restraint. Let me still regard you as a friend."
+
+"Be it so," replied Humphrey Chetham, mournfully; "and _as_ a friend let
+me entreat you to quit this place, and abandon your present associates.
+I will not seek to turn your heart from Fawkes--nor will I try to regain
+the love I have lost. But let me implore you to pause ere you
+irretrievably mix yourself up with the fortunes of one so desperate. I
+am too well aware that he is engaged in a fearful plot against the
+State,--though I know not its precise nature."
+
+"You will not betray him?" she cried.
+
+"I will not, though he is my rival," returned Chetham. "But others
+may--nay, perhaps have done so already."
+
+"Whom do you suspect?" demanded Viviana, in the greatest alarm.
+
+"I fear Doctor Dee," replied the young merchant; "but I know nothing
+certainly. My servant, Martin Heydocke, who is in the Doctor's
+confidence, intimated as much to me, and I have reason to think that his
+journey to town, under the pretext of searching for you, is undertaken
+for the purpose of tracing out the conspirators, and delivering them to
+the Government."
+
+"Is he arrived in London?" inquired Viviana, eagerly.
+
+"I should think not," returned Chetham. "I passed him, four days ago, on
+this side Leicester, in company with Kelley and Topcliffe."
+
+"If the wretch Topcliffe was with him, your conjectures are too well
+founded," she replied. "I must warn Guy Fawkes instantly of his danger."
+
+"Command my services in any way," said Chetham.
+
+"I know not what to do," cried Viviana, after a pause, during which she
+betrayed the greatest agitation. "I dare not seek him out;--and yet, if
+I do not, he may fall into the hands of the enemy. I must see him at all
+hazards."
+
+"Suffer me to go with you," implored Chetham. "You may rely upon my
+secrecy. And now I have a double motive for desiring to preserve
+Fawkes."
+
+"You are, indeed, truly noble-hearted and generous," replied Viviana;
+"and I would fully confide in you. But, if you were to be seen by the
+others, you would be certainly put to death. Not even Fawkes could save
+you."
+
+"I will risk it, if you desire it, and it will save _him_," replied the
+young merchant, devotedly. "Nay, I will go alone."
+
+"That were to insure your destruction," she answered. "No--no--it must
+not be. I will consult with Father Oldcorne."
+
+With this, she hurried out of the room, and returned in a short time
+with the priest.
+
+"Father Oldcorne is of opinion that our friends must be apprised of
+their danger," she said. "And he thinks it needful we should both go to
+their retreat, that no hindrance may be offered to our flight, in case
+such a measure should be resolved upon."
+
+"You cannot accompany us, my son," added Oldcorne; "for though I am as
+fully assured of your fidelity as Viviana, and would confide my life to
+you, there are those who will not so trust you, and who might rejoice in
+the opportunity of removing you."
+
+"Viviana!" exclaimed Chetham, looking entreatingly at her.
+
+"For my sake,--if not for your own,--do not urge this further," she
+returned. "There are already dangers and difficulties enow without
+adding to them. You would be safer amid a horde of robbers than amidst
+these men."
+
+"And it is to such persons you commit yourself?" cried Chetham,
+reproachfully. "Oh! be warned by me, ere it is too late! Abandon them!"
+
+"It is too late, already," replied Viviana. "The die is cast."
+
+"Then I can only lament it," returned Chetham, sadly. "Suffer me, at
+least, to accompany you to some place near their retreat, that you may
+summon me in case of need."
+
+"There can be no objection to that, Viviana," observed Oldcorne;
+"provided Humphrey Chetham will promise not to follow us."
+
+"Readily," replied the young merchant.
+
+"I am unwilling to expose him to further risk on my account," said
+Viviana. "But be it as you will."
+
+It was then agreed, that they should not set out till nightfall, but
+proceed, as soon as it grew dark, to Lambeth, where Humphrey Chetham
+undertook to procure a boat for their conveyance across the river.
+
+The hour of departure at length arrived. Viviana, who had withdrawn to
+her own room, appeared in her travelling habit, and was about to set
+forth with her companions, when they were all startled by a sudden and
+loud knocking at the door.
+
+"We are discovered," she cried. "Doctor Dee has found out our retreat."
+
+"Fear nothing," rejoined Chetham, drawing his sword, while his example
+was imitated by Martin Heydocke; "they shall not capture you while I
+live."
+
+As he spoke, the knocking was repeated, and the door shaken so violently
+as to threaten to burst its fastenings.
+
+"Extinguish the light," whispered Chetham, "and let Father Oldcorne
+conceal himself. We have nothing to fear."
+
+"Where shall I fly?" cried Oldcorne despairingly. "It will be impossible
+to raise the flag, and seek refuge in the vault."
+
+"Fly to my room," cried Viviana. And finding he stood irresolute, as if
+paralysed with terror, she took his arm, and dragged him away. The next
+moment the door was burst open with a loud crash, and several armed men,
+with their swords drawn, followed by Topcliffe, and another middle-aged
+man, of slight stature, and rather under-sized, but richly dressed, and
+bearing all the marks of exalted rank, rushed into the room.
+
+"You are my prisoner!" cried Topcliffe, rushing up to Chetham, who had
+planted himself, with Martin Heydocke, at the foot of the stairs. "I
+arrest you in the King's name!"
+
+"You are mistaken in your man, sir," cried Chetham, fiercely. "I have
+committed no offence. Lay a hand upon me, at your peril!"
+
+"How is this?" cried Topcliffe. "Humphrey Chetham here!"
+
+"Ay," returned the young merchant; "you have fallen upon the wrong
+house."
+
+"Not so, sir," replied Topcliffe. "I am satisfied from your presence
+that I am right. Where _you_ are, Viviana Radcliffe is not far off.
+Throw down your arms. You can offer no resistance to my force, and your
+zeal will not benefit your friends, while it will place your own safety
+in jeopardy."
+
+But Chetham fiercely refused compliance, and after a few minutes'
+further parley, the soldiers were about to attack him, when Viviana
+opened a door above, and slowly descended the stairs. At her appearance
+the young merchant, seeing that further resistance would be useless,
+sheathed his sword, and she passed between him and Heydocke, and
+advanced towards the leaders of the band.
+
+"What means this intrusion?" she asked.
+
+"We are come in search of two Jesuit priests, whom we have obtained
+information are hidden here," replied Topcliffe;--"as well as of certain
+other Papists, disaffected against the State, for whose apprehension I
+hold a warrant."
+
+"You are welcome to search the house," replied Viviana. "But there is no
+one within it except those you see."
+
+As she said this, Chetham, who gazed earnestly at her, caught her eye,
+and from a scarcely-perceptible glance, felt certain that the priest,
+through her agency, had effected his escape. But the soldiers had not
+waited for her permission to make the search. Rushing up-stairs they
+examined the different chambers,--there were two small rooms besides
+that occupied by Viviana,--and found several of the priests'
+habiliments; but though they examined every corner with the minutest
+attention, sounded the walls, peered up the chimneys, underneath the
+bed, and into every place, likely and unlikely, they could find no other
+traces of those they sought, and were compelled to return to their
+leader with tidings of their ill success. Topcliffe, with another party,
+continued his scrutiny below, and discovering the moveable flag in the
+hearth, descended into the vault, where he made certain of discovering
+his prey. But no one was there; and, the powder and arms having been
+removed, he gained nothing by his investigations.
+
+Meanwhile, his companion,--and evidently from his garb, and the
+deference paid him, though he was addressed by no title which could lead
+to the absolute knowledge of his rank, his superior,--seated himself,
+and put many questions in a courteous but authoritative tone to Viviana
+respecting her residence in this solitary abode,--the names of her
+companions,--where they were,--and upon what scheme they were engaged.
+To none of these questions would she return an answer, and her
+interrogator, at last, losing patience, said,
+
+"I hold it my duty, to inform you that you will be carried before the
+Council, and if you continue thus obstinate, means will be taken--and
+those none of the gentlest--to extort the truth from you."
+
+"You may apply the torture to me," replied Viviana, firmly; "but it will
+wrest nothing from me."
+
+"That remains to be seen," replied the other; "I only trust you will not
+compel me to put my threat into execution."
+
+At this moment Topcliffe emerged from the vault, and the soldiers
+returned from their unsuccessful search above.
+
+"They have escaped us now," remarked Topcliffe to his superior. "But I
+will conceal a party of men on the premises, who will be certain to
+capture them on their return."
+
+Viviana uttered an exclamation of irrepressible uneasiness, which did
+not escape her auditors.
+
+"I am right, you see," observed Topcliffe, significantly, to his
+companion.
+
+"You are so," replied the other.
+
+As this was said, Viviana hazarded a look at Humphrey Chetham, the
+meaning of which he was not slow to comprehend. He saw that she wished
+him to make an effort to escape, that he might warn her companions, and
+regardless of the consequence, be prepared to obey her. While those
+around were engaged in a last fruitless search, he whispered his
+intentions to Martin Heydocke, and only awaited a favourable opportunity
+to put them in execution. It occurred sooner than he expected. Before
+quitting the premises, Topcliffe determined to visit the upper rooms
+himself, and he took several of the men with him.
+
+Chetham would have made an attempt to liberate Viviana, but, feeling
+certain it would be unsuccessful, he preferred obeying her wishes to his
+own inclinations. Topcliffe gone, he suddenly drew his sword,--for
+neither he nor Heydocke had been disarmed,--and rushing towards the
+door, struck down the man next it, and followed by his servant, passed
+through it before he could be intercepted. They both then flew at a
+swift pace towards the marshy fields, and, owing to the darkness and
+unstable nature of the ground, speedily distanced their pursuers.
+
+Hearing the disturbance below, and guessing its cause, Topcliffe
+immediately descended. But he was too late; and though he joined in the
+pursuit, he was baffled like his attendants. Half an hour afterwards, he
+returned to the house with an angry and disappointed look.
+
+"He has given us the slip," he observed to his superior, who appeared
+exceedingly provoked by the young merchant's flight; "But we will soon
+have him again."
+
+After giving directions to his men how to conceal themselves, Topcliffe
+informed his companions that he was ready to attend him. Viviana, who
+had remained motionless and silent during the foregoing scene, was taken
+out of the house, and conducted towards the creek, in which lay a large
+wherry manned by four rowers. She was placed within it, and as soon as
+his superior was seated, Topcliffe inquired--
+
+"Where will your lordship go first?"
+
+"To the Star-Chamber," was the answer.
+
+At this reply, in spite of herself, Viviana could not repress a shudder.
+
+"All is lost!" she mentally ejaculated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE CELLAR.
+
+
+It was long before the conspirators gained sufficient courage to
+recommence digging the mine. Whenever holy water was thrown upon the
+stones, the mysterious bell ceased tolling, but it presently began anew,
+and such was the appalling effect of the sound that it completely
+paralysed the listeners. Prayers were said by Garnet; hymns sung by the
+others; but all was of no avail. It continued to toll on with increased
+solemnity, unless checked by the same potent application as before.
+
+The effect became speedily manifest in the altered looks and demeanour
+of the conspirators, and it was evident that if something was not done
+to arouse them, the enterprise would be abandoned. Catesby, equally
+superstitious with his confederates, but having nerves more firmly
+strung, was the first to conquer his terror. Crossing himself, he
+muttered a secret prayer, and, snatching up a pick-axe, entered the
+cavity, and resumed his labour.
+
+The noise of the heavy blows dealt by him against the wall drowned the
+tolling of the bell. The charm was broken. And stimulated by his
+conduct, the others followed his example, and though the awful tolling
+continued at intervals during the whole of their operations, it offered
+no further interruption to them.
+
+Another and more serious cause of anxiety, however, arose. As the work
+advanced, without being aware of it, they approached the bank of the
+river, and the water began to ooze through the sides of the
+excavation,--at first, slightly, but by degrees to such an extent as to
+convince them that their labour would be entirely thrown away. Large
+portions of the clay, loosened by the damp, fell in upon them, nearly
+burying those nearest the tumbling mass; and the floor was now in some
+places more than a foot deep in water, clearly proving it would be
+utterly impossible to keep the powder fit for use in such a spot.
+
+Catesby bore these untoward circumstances with ill-concealed
+mortification. For a time, he struggled against them; and though he felt
+that it was hopeless, worked on like a desperate military leader
+conducting a forlorn hope to certain destruction. At length, however,
+the water began to make such incursions that he could no longer disguise
+from himself or his companions that they were contending against
+insurmountable difficulties, and that to proceed further would be
+madness. He, therefore, with a heavy heart, desisted, and throwing down
+his pick-axe, said it was clear that Heaven did not approve their
+design, and that it must be relinquished.
+
+"We ought to have been warned by that doleful bell," he observed in
+conclusion. "I now perceive its meaning. And as I was the first to act
+in direct opposition to the declared will of the Supreme Being, so now I
+am the first to admit my error."
+
+"I cannot account for that dread and mysterious sound, my son," replied
+Garnet, "and can only attribute it, as you do, to Divine interference.
+But whether it was intended as a warning or a guidance, I confess I am
+unable to say."
+
+"Can you longer doubt, father," returned Catesby, bitterly, "when you
+look at yon excavation? It took us more than a week's incessant labour
+to get through the first wall; and our toil was no sooner lightened than
+these fatal consequences ensued. If we proceed, we shall drown
+ourselves, instead of blowing up our foes. And even if we should escape,
+were the powder stowed for one day in that damp place, it would never
+explode. We have failed, and must take measures accordingly."
+
+"I entirely concur with you, my son," replied Garnet; "we must abandon
+our present plan. But do not let us be disheartened. Perhaps at this
+very moment Heaven is preparing for us a victory by some unlooked-for
+means."
+
+"It may be so," replied Catesby, with a look of incredulity.
+
+As he spoke, an extraordinary noise, like a shower of falling stones,
+was heard overhead. And coupling the sound with their fears of the
+encroachment of the damp, the conspirators glanced at each other in
+dismay, thinking the building was falling in upon them.
+
+"All blessed saints protect us!" cried Garnet, as the sound ceased.
+"What was that?"
+
+But no one was able to account for it, and each regarded his neighbour
+with apprehension. After a short interval of silence, the sound was
+heard again. There was then another pause--and again the same rushing
+and inexplicable noise.
+
+"What can it be?" cried Catesby. "I am so enfeebled by this underground
+life, that trifles alarm me. Are our enemies pulling down the structure
+over our heads?--or are they earthing us up like vermin?" he added to
+Fawkes. "What is it?"
+
+"I will go and see," replied the other.
+
+"Do not expose yourself, my son," cried Garnet. "Let us abide the result
+here."
+
+"No, father," replied Fawkes. "Having failed in our scheme, what befals
+me is of little consequence. I will go. If I return not, you will
+understand what has happened."
+
+Pausing for a moment to receive Garnet's benediction, he then strode
+away.
+
+Half an hour elapsed before Fawkes returned, and the interval appeared
+thrice its duration in the eyes of the conspirators. When he
+re-appeared, a smile sat upon his countenance, and his looks instantly
+dispelled the alarm that had been previously felt.
+
+"You bring us good news, my son?" cried Garnet.
+
+"Excellent, father," replied Fawkes: "and you were right in saying that
+at the very moment we were indulging in misgiving, Heaven was preparing
+for us a victory by unforeseen and mysterious means."
+
+Garnet raised his hands gratefully and reverentially upwards. And the
+other conspirators crowded round Fawkes to listen to his relation.
+
+"The noise we heard," he said, "arose from a very simple
+circumstance,--and when you hear it, you will smile at your fears. But
+you will not smile at the result to which it has led. Exactly overhead,
+it appears, a cellar is situated, belonging to a person named Bright,
+and the sound was occasioned by the removal of his coals, which he had
+been selling off."
+
+"Is that all?" cried Catesby. "We are indeed grown childish, to be
+alarmed by such a cause."
+
+"It appears slight now it is explained," observed Keyes, gravely; "but
+how were we to know whence it arose?"
+
+"True," returned Fawkes; "and I will now show you how the hand of Heaven
+has been manifested in the matter. The noise which led me to this
+investigation, and which I regard as a signal from on high, brought me
+to a cellar I had never seen before, and knew not existed. _That cellar
+lies immediately beneath the House of Lords._"
+
+"Ah! I see!" exclaimed Catesby. "You think it would form a good
+depository for the powder."
+
+"If it had been built for the express purpose, it could not be better,"
+returned Fawkes. "It is commodious and dry, and in an out-of-the-way
+place, as you may judge, when we ourselves have never hitherto noticed
+it."
+
+"But what is all this to us, if we cannot use it?" returned Catesby.
+
+"We _can_ use it," replied Fawkes. "It is ours."
+
+There was a general exclamation of surprise.
+
+"Finding, on inquiry, that Bright was about to quit the neighbourhood,"
+continued Fawkes, "and did not require the place longer, I instantly
+proposed to take it from him, and to create no suspicion, engaged it in
+Percy's name, stating that he wanted it for his own fuel."
+
+"You have done admirably," cried Catesby, in a tone of exultation. "The
+success of the enterprise will now be entirely owing to you."
+
+"Not to me, but to the Providence that directed me," replied Fawkes,
+solemnly.
+
+"Right, my son," returned Garnet. "And let this teach us never to
+despair again."
+
+The next day, Percy having taken possession of the cellar, it was
+carefully examined, and proved, as Fawkes had stated, admirably adapted
+to their purpose. Their fears were now at an end, and they looked on the
+success of their project as certain. The mysterious bell no longer
+tolled, and their sole remaining task was to fill up the excavation so
+far as to prevent any damage from the wet.
+
+This was soon done, and their next step was to transport the powder
+during the night to the cellar. Concealing the barrels as before with
+faggots and coals, they gave the place the appearance of a mere
+receptacle for lumber, by filling it with old hampers, boxes without
+lids, broken bottles, stone jars, and other rubbish.
+
+They now began to think of separating, and Fawkes expressed his
+intention of returning that night to the house at Lambeth. No
+intelligence had reached them of Viviana's captivity, and they supposed
+her still an inmate of the miserable dwelling with Father Oldcorne.
+
+Fawkes had often thought of her, and with uneasiness, during his
+toilsome labours; but they had so much engrossed him that her image was
+banished almost as soon as it arose. Now that grand obstacle was
+surmounted, and nothing was wanting, however, except a favourable moment
+to strike the blow, he began to feel the greatest anxiety respecting
+her.
+
+Still, he thought it prudent to postpone his return to a late hour, and
+it was not until near midnight that he and Catesby ventured to their
+boat. As he was about to descend the steps, he heard his name pronounced
+by some one at a little distance; and the next moment, a man, whom he
+immediately recognised as Humphrey Chetham, rushed up to him.
+
+"You here again!" cried Fawkes, angrily, and not unsuspiciously. "Do you
+play the spy upon me?"
+
+"I have watched for you for the last ten nights," replied Chetham
+hastily. "I knew not where you were. But I found your boat here, and I
+hoped you would not cross the water in any other."
+
+"Why all this care?" demanded Fawkes. "Has aught happened?--Is Viviana
+safe?--Speak, man! do not keep me longer in suspense!"
+
+"Alas!" rejoined Chetham, "she is a prisoner."
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes laying the train_]
+
+"A prisoner!" ejaculated Fawkes, in a hollow voice. "Then my forebodings
+were not without cause."
+
+"How has this happened?" cried Catesby, who had listened to what was
+said in silent wonder.
+
+Chetham then hastily related all that had taken place.
+
+"I know not what has become of her," he said, in conclusion; "but I have
+heard that she was taken to the Star-Chamber by the Earl of
+Salisbury,--for he, it appears, was the companion of Topcliffe,--and,
+refusing to answer the interrogations of the Council, was conveyed to
+the Tower, and, I fear, subjected to the torture."
+
+"Tortured!" exclaimed Fawkes, horror-stricken; "Viviana tortured! And I
+have brought her to this! Oh, God! Oh, God!"
+
+"It is indeed an agonizing reflection," replied Humphrey Chetham, in a
+sombre tone, "and enough to drive you to despair. Her last wishes,
+expressed only in looks, for she did not dare to give utterance to them,
+were that I should warn you not to approach the house at Lambeth, your
+enemies being concealed within it. I have now fulfilled them. Farewell!"
+
+And he turned to depart.
+
+"Stay!" cried Catesby, arresting him. "Where is Father Oldcorne?"
+
+"I know not," replied Humphrey Chetham. "As I have told you, Viviana by
+some means contrived his escape. I have seen nothing of him."
+
+And, hurrying away, he was lost beneath the shadow of the wall.
+
+"Is this a troubled dream, or dread reality?" cried Fawkes to Catesby.
+
+"I fear it is too true," returned the other, in a voice of much emotion.
+"Poor Viviana!"
+
+"Something must be done to set her free," cried Fawkes. "I will purchase
+her liberty by delivering up myself."
+
+"Your oath--remember your oath!" rejoined Catesby. "You may destroy
+yourself, but not your associates."
+
+"True--true," replied Fawkes, distractedly,--"I _do_ remember it. I am
+sold to perdition."
+
+"Anger not Heaven by these idle lamentations,--and at a time, too, when
+all is so prosperous," rejoined Catesby.
+
+"What!" cried Fawkes, fiercely, "would you have me calm, when she who
+called me father, and was dear to me as a child, is taken from me by
+these remorseless butchers,--subjected to their terrible
+examinations,--plunged in a dismal dungeon,--and stretched upon the
+rack,--and all for me--for me! I shall go mad if I think upon it!"
+
+"You must _not_ think upon it," returned Catesby,--"at least, not here.
+We shall be observed. Let us return to the house; and perhaps--though I
+scarcely dare indulge the hope--some plan may be devised for her
+liberation."
+
+With this, he dragged Fawkes, who was almost frenzied with anguish,
+forcibly along, and they returned to the house.
+
+Nothing more was said that night. Catesby judged it prudent to let the
+first violence of his friend's emotion expend itself before he attempted
+to soothe him; and when he communicated the sad event to Garnet, the
+latter strongly approved the plan. Garnet was greatly distressed at the
+intelligence, and his affliction was shared by the other conspirators.
+No fears were entertained by any of them that Viviana would reveal aught
+of the plot, but this circumstance only added to their regrets.
+
+"I will stake my life for her constancy," said Catesby.
+
+"And so will I," returned Garnet. "She will die a martyr for us."
+
+He then proposed that they should pray for her deliverance. And all
+instantly assenting, they knelt down, while Garnet poured forth the most
+earnest supplications to the Virgin in her behalf.
+
+The next morning, Guy Fawkes set forth, and ascertained that Humphrey
+Chetham's statement was correct, and that Viviana was indeed a prisoner
+in the Tower. He repaired thither, and tried to ascertain in what part
+of the fortress she was confined, in the hope of gaining admittance to
+her. But as he could obtain no information and his inquiries excited
+suspicion, he was compelled to return without accomplishing his object.
+
+Crossing Tower Hill on his way back, he turned to glance at the stern
+pile he had just quitted, and which was fraught with the most fearful
+interest to him, when he perceived Chetham issue from the Bulwark Gate.
+He would have made up to him; but the young merchant, who had evidently
+seen him, though he looked sedulously another way, set off in the
+direction of the river, and was quickly lost to view. Filled with the
+gloomiest thoughts, Guy Fawkes proceeded to Westminster, where he
+arrived without further adventure of any kind.
+
+In the latter part of the same day, as the conspirators were conferring
+together, they were alarmed by a knocking at the outer gate; and sending
+Bates to reconnoitre, he instantly returned with the intelligence that
+it was Lord Mounteagle. At the mention of this name, Tresham, who was
+one of the party, turned pale as death, and trembled so violently that
+he could scarcely support himself. Having been allowed to go forth on
+that day, the visit of Lord Mounteagle at this juncture, coupled with
+the agitation it occasioned him, seemed to proclaim him guilty of
+treachery for the second time.
+
+"You have betrayed us, villain!" cried Catesby, drawing his dagger; "but
+you shall not escape. I will poniard you on the spot."
+
+"As you hope for mercy, do not strike!" cried Tresham. "On my soul, I
+have not seen Lord Mounteagle, and know not, any more than yourselves,
+what brings him hither. Put it to the proof. Let him come in. Conceal
+yourselves, and you will hear what passes between us."
+
+"Let it be so," interposed Fawkes. "I will step within this closet, the
+door of which shall remain ajar. From it I can watch him without being
+observed, and if aught occurs to confirm our suspicions, he dies."
+
+"Bates shall station himself in the passage, and stab him if he attempts
+to fly," added Catesby. "Your sword, sir."
+
+"It is here," replied Tresham, delivering it to Catesby, who handed it
+to Bates. "Are you satisfied?"
+
+"Is Lord Mounteagle alone?" inquired Catesby, without noticing the
+question.
+
+"He appears to be so," replied Bates.
+
+"Admit him, then," rejoined Catesby.
+
+Entering the closet with Keyes, he was followed by Fawkes, who drew his
+dagger, and kept the door slightly ajar, while Garnet and the rest
+retired to other hiding-places. A few moments afterwards, Bates returned
+with Lord Mounteagle, and, having ushered him into the room, took his
+station in the passage, as directed by Catesby. The room was very dark,
+the shutters being closed, and light only finding its way through the
+chinks in them; and it appeared totally so to Lord Mounteagle, who,
+groping his way, stumbled forward, and exclaimed in accents of some
+alarm,
+
+"Where am I? Where is Mr. Tresham?"
+
+"I am here," replied Tresham, advancing towards him. "How did your
+lordship find me out?" he added, after the customary salutations were
+exchanged.
+
+"My servant saw you enter this house," replied Mounteagle, "and, knowing
+I was anxious to see you, waited for some hours without, in the
+expectation of your coming forth. But as this did not occur, he
+mentioned the circumstance to me on his return, and I immediately came
+in quest of you. When I knocked at the gate, I scarcely knew what to
+think of the place, and began to fear you must have fallen into the
+hands of cut-throats; and, now that I have gained admittance, my
+wonder--and I may add my uneasiness--is not diminished. Why do you hide
+yourself in this wretched place?"
+
+"Be seated," replied Tresham, placing a chair for Lord Mounteagle, with
+his back to the closet, while he took one opposite him, and near a
+table, on which some papers were laid. "Your lordship may remember," he
+continued, scarcely knowing what answer to make to the question, "that I
+wrote to you some time ago, to say that a conspiracy was hatching among
+certain of our party against the State."
+
+"I have reason to remember it," replied Mounteagle. "The letter was laid
+before the Earl of Salisbury, and inquiries instituted in consequence.
+But, owing to your disappearance, nothing could be elicited. What plot
+had you discovered?"
+
+At this moment, Tresham, who kept his eye fixed on the closet, perceived
+the door noiselessly open, and behind it the figure of Guy Fawkes, with
+the dagger in his hand.
+
+"I was misinformed as to the nature of the plot," he stammered.
+
+"Was it against the King's life?" demanded Mounteagle.
+
+"No," rejoined Tresham; "as far as I could learn, it was an
+insurrection."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Mounteagle, sceptically. "My information, then,
+differed from yours. Who were the parties you suspected?"
+
+"As I _wrongfully_ suspected them," replied Tresham, evasively, "your
+lordship must excuse my naming them."
+
+"Was Catesby--or Winter--or Wright--or Rookwood--or Sir Everard Digby
+concerned in it?" demanded Mounteagle.
+
+"Not one of them," asseverated Tresham.
+
+"They are the persons _I_ suspect," replied Mounteagle; "and they are
+suspected by the Earl of Salisbury. But you have not told me what you
+are doing in this strange habitation. Are you ferreting out a plot, or
+contriving one?"
+
+"Both," replied Tresham.
+
+"How?" cried Mounteagle.
+
+"I am plotting for myself, and counterplotting the designs of others,"
+replied Tresham, mysteriously.
+
+"Is this place, then, the rendezvous of a band of conspirators?" asked
+Mounteagle, uneasily.
+
+Tresham nodded in the affirmative.
+
+"Who are they?" continued Mounteagle. "There is no need of concealment
+with me."
+
+As this was said, Tresham raised his eyes, and saw that Guy Fawkes had
+stepped silently forward, and placed himself behind Mounteagle's chair.
+His hand grasped his dagger, and his gaze never moved from the object of
+his suspicion.
+
+"Who are they?" repeated Mounteagle. "Is Guy Fawkes one of them?"
+
+"Assuredly not," replied Tresham. "Why should you name him? I never
+mentioned him to your lordship."
+
+"I think you did," replied Mounteagle. "But I am certain you spoke of
+Catesby."
+
+And Tresham's regards involuntarily wandered to the closet, when he
+beheld the stern glance of the person alluded to fixed upon him.
+
+"You have heard of Viviana Radcliffe's imprisonment, I suppose?" pursued
+Mounteagle, unconscious of what was passing.
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes keeping watch upon Tresham and Lord
+Mounteagle._]
+
+[Illustration: _Viviana examined by the Earl of Salisbury, and the Privy
+Council in the Star Chamber_]
+
+"I have," replied Tresham.
+
+"The Earl of Salisbury expected he would be able to wring all from her,
+but he has failed," observed Mounteagle.
+
+"I am glad of it," observed Tresham.
+
+"I thought you were disposed to serve him?" remarked Mounteagle.
+
+"So I am," replied Tresham. "But, if secrets are to be revealed, I had
+rather be the bearer of them than any one else. I am sorry for Viviana."
+
+"I could procure her liberation, if I chose," observed Mounteagle.
+
+"Say you so?" cried Fawkes, clapping him on the shoulder; "then you stir
+not hence till you have procured it!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE STAR-CHAMBER.
+
+
+Viviana, as has already been intimated, after her capture at the house
+at Lambeth, was conveyed to the Star-Chamber. Here she was detained
+until a late hour on the following day, when she underwent a long and
+rigorous examination by certain members of the Privy Council, who were
+summoned for that purpose by the Earl of Salisbury. Throughout this
+arduous trial she maintained the utmost composure, and never for a
+single moment lost her firmness. On all occasions, her matchless beauty
+and dignity produced the strongest impression on the beholders; but on
+no occasion had they ever produced so strong an effect as the present.
+Her features were totally destitute of bloom, but their very paleness,
+contrasted as it was with her large dark eyes, which blazed with
+unwonted brilliancy, as well as with her jet-black hair, so far from
+detracting from her loveliness, appeared to add to it.
+
+As she was brought before the Council, who were seated round a table,
+and remained standing at a short distance from them, guarded by
+Topcliffe and two halberdiers, a murmur of admiration pervaded the
+group,--nor was this feeling lessened as the examination proceeded.
+Once, when the Earl of Salisbury adverted to the unworthy position in
+which she, the daughter of the proud and loyal Sir William Radcliffe,
+had placed herself, a shade passed over her brow, and a slight
+convulsion agitated her frame. But the next moment she recovered
+herself, and said,
+
+"However circumstances may appear against me, and whatever opinion your
+lordships may entertain of my conduct, the King has not a more loyal
+subject than myself, nor have any of you made greater efforts to avert
+the danger by which he is threatened."
+
+"Then you admit that his Majesty is in danger?" cried the Earl of
+Salisbury, eagerly.
+
+"I admit nothing," replied Viviana. "But I affirm that I am his true and
+loyal subject."
+
+"You cannot expect us to believe your assertion," replied the Earl;
+"unless you approve it by declaring all you know touching this
+conspiracy."
+
+"I have already told you, my lord," she returned, "that my lips are
+sealed on that subject."
+
+"You disclaim, then, all knowledge of a plot against the King's life,
+and against his government?" pursued Salisbury.
+
+Viviana shook her head.
+
+"You refuse to give up the names of your companions, or to reveal their
+intentions?" continued the Earl.
+
+"I do," she answered, firmly.
+
+"Your obstinacy will not save them," rejoined the Earl, in a severe
+tone, and after a brief pause. "Their names and their atrocious designs
+are known to us."
+
+"If such be the case," replied Viviana, "why interrogate me on the
+subject?"
+
+"Because--but it is needless to give a reason for the course which
+justice requires me to pursue," returned the Earl. "You are implicated
+in this plot, and nothing can save you from condign punishment but a
+frank and full confession.
+
+"Nothing _can_ save me then, my lord," replied Viviana; "but Heaven
+knows I shall perish unjustly."
+
+A consultation was then held by the lords of the council, who whispered
+together for a few minutes. Viviana regarded them anxiously, but
+suffered no expression of uneasiness to escape her. As they again turned
+towards her, she saw from their looks, some of which exhibited great
+commiseration for her, that they had come to a decision (she could not
+doubt what) respecting her fate. Her heart stopped beating, and she
+could scarcely support herself. Such, however, was the control she
+exercised over herself that, though filled with terror, her demeanour
+remained unaltered. She was not long kept in suspense. Fixing his
+searching gaze upon her, the Earl of Salisbury observed in a severe
+tone,
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe, I ask you for the last time whether you will avow
+the truth?"
+
+No answer was returned.
+
+"I will not disguise from you," continued the Earl, "that your youth,
+your beauty, your constancy, and, above all, your apparent innocence,
+have deeply interested me, as well as the other noble persons here
+assembled to interrogate you, and who would willingly save you from the
+sufferings you will necessarily undergo, from a mistaken fidelity to
+the heinous traitors with whom you are so unhappily leagued. I would
+give you time to reflect did I think the delay would answer any good
+purpose. I would remind you that no oath of secresy, however solemn, can
+be binding in an unrighteous cause. I would tell you that your first
+duty is to your prince and governor, and that it is as great a crime, as
+unpardonable in the eyes of God as of man, to withhold the revelation of
+a conspiracy against the State, should it come to your knowledge, as to
+conspire against it yourself. I would lay all this before you. I would
+show you the magnitude of your offence, the danger in which you stand,
+and the utter impossibility of screening your companions, who, ere long,
+will be confronted with you,--did I think it would avail. But, as you
+continue obstinate, justice must take its course."
+
+"I am prepared for the worst, my lord," replied Viviana, humbly. "I
+thank your lordship for your consideration: but I take you all to
+witness that I profess the utmost loyalty and devotion for my sovereign,
+and that, whatever may be my fate, those feelings will remain unchanged
+to the last."
+
+"Your manner and your words are so sincere, that, were not your conduct
+at variance with them, they might convince us," returned the Earl. "As
+it is, even if we could credit your innocence, we are bound to act as if
+you were guilty. You will be committed to the Tower till his Majesty's
+pleasure is known. And I grieve to add, if you still continue obstinate,
+the severest measures will be resorted to, to extract the truth from
+you."
+
+As he concluded, he attached his signature to a warrant which was lying
+on the table before him, and traced a few lines to Sir William Waad,
+lieutenant of the Tower.
+
+This done, he handed the papers to Topcliffe, and waving his hand,
+Viviana was removed to the chamber in which she had been previously
+confined, and where she was detained under a strict guard, until
+Topcliffe, who had left her, returned to say that all was in readiness,
+and bidding her follow him, led the way to the river-side, where a
+wherry, manned by six rowers, was waiting for them.
+
+The night was profoundly dark, and, as none of the guard carried
+torches, their course was steered in perfect obscurity. But the rowers
+were too familiar with the river to require the guidance of light.
+Shooting the bridge in safety, and pausing only for a moment to give the
+signal of their approach to the sentinels on the ramparts, they passed
+swiftly under the low-browed arch of Traitor's Gate.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE JAILER'S DAUGHTER.
+
+
+As Viviana set foot on those fatal stairs, which so many have trod, and
+none without feeling that they took their first step towards the
+scaffold, she involuntarily shrank backward. But it was now too late to
+retreat; and she surrendered her hand to Topcliffe, who assisted her up
+the steps. Half-a-dozen men-at-arms, with a like number of warders
+bearing torches, were present; and as it was necessary that Topcliffe
+should deliver his warrant into Sir William Waad's own hands, he
+committed his prisoner to the warders, with instructions to them to take
+her to the guard-room near the By-ward Tower, while he proceeded to the
+lieutenant's lodgings.
+
+It was the first time Viviana had beheld the terrible pile in which she
+was immured, though she was well acquainted with its history, and with
+the persecutions which many of the professors of her faith had endured
+within it during the recent reign of Elizabeth; and as the light of the
+torches flashed upon the grey walls of the Bloody Tower, and upon the
+adjoining ramparts, all the dreadful tales she had heard rushed to her
+recollection. But having recovered the first shock, the succeeding
+impressions were powerless in comparison, and she accompanied the
+warders to the guard-room without expressing any outward emotion. Here a
+seat was offered her, and as the men considerately withdrew, she was
+able to pursue her reflections unmolested. They were sad enough, and it
+required all her firmness to support her.
+
+When considering what was likely to befal her in consequence of her
+adherence to the fortunes of Fawkes and his companions, she had often
+pictured some dreadful situation like the present, but the reality far
+exceeded her worst anticipations. She had deemed herself equal to any
+emergency, but as she thought upon the dark menaces of the Earl of
+Salisbury, she felt it would require greater fortitude than she had
+hitherto displayed to bear her through her trial. Nor were her
+meditations entirely confined to herself. While trembling for the
+perilous situation of Guy Fawkes, she reproached herself that she could
+not requite even in thought the passionate devotion of Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"What matters it now," she thought, "that I cannot love him? I shall
+soon be nothing to him, or to any one. And yet I feel I have done him
+wrong, and that I should be happier if I _could_ requite his attachment.
+But the die is cast. It is too late to repent, or to retreat. My heart
+acquits me of having been influenced by any unworthy motive, and I will
+strive to endure the keenest pang without a murmur."
+
+Shortly after this, Topcliffe returned with Sir William Waad. On their
+entrance, Viviana arose, and the lieutenant eyed her with some
+curiosity. He was a middle-aged man, tall, stoutly-built, and having
+harsh features, stamped with an expression of mingled cunning and
+ferocity. His eyes had a fierce and bloodthirsty look, and were
+overshadowed by thick and scowling brows. Saluting the captive with
+affected courtesy, he observed,
+
+"So you refuse to answer the interrogations of the Privy Council, madam,
+I understand. I am not sorry for it, because I would have the merit of
+wringing the truth from you. Those who have been most stubborn outside
+these walls, have been the most yielding within them."
+
+"That will not be my case," replied Viviana, coldly.
+
+"We shall see," returned the lieutenant, with a significant glance at
+Topcliffe.
+
+Ordering her to follow him, he then proceeded along the ward in the
+direction of the Bloody Tower, and passing beneath its arched gateway,
+ascended the steps on the left, and led her to his lodgings. Entering
+the habitation, he mounted to the upper story, and tracking a long
+gallery, brought her to a small circular chamber in the Bell Tower. Its
+sole furniture were a chair, a table, and a couch.
+
+"Here you will remain for the present," observed the lieutenant, smiling
+grimly, and placing a lamp on the table. "It will depend upon yourself
+whether your accommodations are better hereafter."
+
+With this, he quitted the cell with his attendants, and barred the door
+outside.
+
+Left alone, Viviana, who had hitherto restrained her anguish, suffered
+it to find vent in tears. Never had she felt so utterly forlorn and
+desolate. All before her was threatening and terrible, full of dangers,
+real and imaginary; nor could she look back upon her past career without
+something like remorse.
+
+"Oh, that Heaven would take me to itself!" she murmured, clasping her
+hands in an agony of distress, "for I feel unequal to my trials. Oh,
+that I had perished with my dear father! For what dreadful fate am I
+reserved?--Torture,--I will bear it, if I _can_. But death by the hands
+of the public executioner,--it is too horrible to think of! Is there no
+way to escape _that_?"
+
+As this hideous thought occurred to her, she uttered a loud and
+prolonged scream, and fell senseless on the floor. When she recovered it
+was daylight; and, weak and exhausted, she crept to the couch, and
+throwing herself upon it, endeavoured to forget her misery in sleep.
+But, as is usually the case with the afflicted, it fled her eyelids, and
+she passed several hours in the severest mental torture, unrelieved by a
+single cheering thought.
+
+About the middle of the day, the door of the cell was opened by an old
+woman with a morose and forbidding countenance, attended by a younger
+female, who resembled her in all but the expression of her features (her
+look was gentle and compassionate), and who appeared to be her daughter.
+
+Without paying any attention to Viviana, the old woman took a small loaf
+of bread and other provisions from a basket she had brought with her,
+and placed them on the table. This done, she was about to depart, when
+her daughter, who had glanced uneasily at the couch, observed in a
+kindly tone,
+
+"Shall we not inquire whether we can be of service to the poor young
+lady, mother?"
+
+"Why should we concern ourselves about her, Ruth?" returned the old
+woman, sharply. "If she wants anything, she has a tongue, and can speak.
+If she desires further comforts," she added, in a significant tone,
+"they must be _paid_ for."
+
+"I desire nothing but death," groaned Viviana.
+
+"The poor soul is dying, I believe," cried Ruth, rushing to the couch.
+"Have you no cordial-water about you, mother?"
+
+"Truly have I," returned the old woman; "and I have other things
+besides. But I must be paid for them."
+
+As she spoke she drew from her pocket a small, square, Dutch-shaped
+bottle.
+
+"Give it me," cried Ruth, snatching it from her. "I am sure the young
+lady will pay for it."
+
+"You are very kind," said Viviana, faintly. "But I have no means of
+doing so."
+
+"I knew it," cried the old woman, fiercely. "I knew it. Give me back the
+flask, Ruth. She shall not taste a drop. Do you not hear, she has no
+money, wench? Give it me, I say."
+
+"Nay, mother, for pity's sake," implored Ruth.
+
+"Pity, forsooth!" exclaimed the old woman, derisively. "If I, and thy
+father, Jasper Ipgreve, had any such feeling, it would be high time for
+him to give up his post of jailer in the Tower of London. Pity for a
+_poor_ prisoner! Thou a jailer's daughter, and talk so. I am ashamed of
+thee, wench. But I thought this was a rich Catholic heiress, and had
+powerful and wealthy friends."
+
+"So she is," replied Ruth; "and though she may have no money with her
+now, she can command any amount she pleases. I heard Master Topcliffe
+tell young Nicholas Hardesty, the warder, so. She is the daughter of the
+late Sir William Radcliffe, of Ordsall Hall, in Lancashire, and sole
+heiress of his vast estates."
+
+"Is this so, sweet lady?" inquired the old woman, stepping towards the
+couch. "Are you truly Sir William Radcliffe's daughter?"
+
+"I am," replied Viviana. "But I have said I require nothing from you.
+Leave me."
+
+"No--no, dear young lady," rejoined Dame Ipgreve, in a whining tone,
+which was infinitely more disagreeable to Viviana than her previous
+harshness, "I cannot leave you in this state. Raise her head, Ruth,
+while I pour a few drops of the cordial down her throat."
+
+"I will not taste it," replied Viviana, putting the flask aside.
+
+"You would find it a sovereign restorative," replied Dame Ipgreve, with
+a mortified look; "but as you please. I will not urge you against your
+inclination. The provisions I have been obliged to bring you are too
+coarse for a daintily-nurtured maiden like you,--but you shall have
+others presently."
+
+"It is needless," rejoined Viviana. "Pray leave me."
+
+"Well, well, I am going," rejoined Dame Ipgreve, hesitating. "Do you
+want to write to any one? I can find means of conveying a letter
+secretly out of the Tower."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Viviana, raising herself. "And yet no--no--I dare not
+trust you."
+
+"You may," replied the avaricious old woman,--"provided you pay me
+well."
+
+"I will think of it," returned Viviana. "But I have not strength to
+write now."
+
+"You must not give way thus,--indeed, you must not, dear lady," said
+Ruth, in a voice of great kindness. "It will not be safe to leave you.
+Suffer me to remain with you."
+
+"Willingly," replied Viviana; "most willingly."
+
+"Stay with her, then, child," said Dame Ipgreve. "I will go and prepare
+a nourishing broth for her. Take heed and make a shrewd bargain with her
+for thy attendance," she added in a hasty whisper, as she retired.
+
+Greatly relieved by the old woman's departure, Viviana turned to Ruth,
+and thanked her in the warmest terms for her kindness. A few minutes
+sufficed to convert the sympathy which these two young persons evidently
+felt towards each other into affectionate regard, and the jailer's
+daughter assured Viviana, that so long as she should be detained, she
+would devote herself to her.
+
+By this time the old woman had returned with a mess of hot broth, which
+she carried with an air of great mystery beneath her cloak. Viviana was
+prevailed upon by the solicitations of Ruth to taste it, and found
+herself much revived in consequence. Her slight meal ended, Dame Ipgreve
+departed, with a promise to return in the evening with such viands as
+she could manage to introduce unobserved, and with a flask of wine.
+
+"You will need it, sweet lady, I fear," she said; "for my husband tells
+me you are in peril of the torture. Oh! it is a sad thing, that such as
+you should be so cruelly dealt with! But we will take all the care of
+you we can. You will not forget to requite us. You must give me an order
+on your steward, or on some rich Catholic friend. I am half a Papist
+myself,--that is, I like one religion as well as the other,--and I like
+those best, whatever their creed may be, who pay best. That is my maxim:
+and it is the same with my husband. We do all we can to scrape together
+a penny for our child."
+
+"No more of this, good mother," interrupted Ruth. "It distresses the
+lady! I will take care she wants nothing."
+
+"Right, child, right," returned Dame Ipgreve;--"do not forget what I
+told you," she added in a whisper.
+
+And she quitted the cell.
+
+Ruth remained with Viviana during the rest of the day, and it was a
+great consolation to the latter to find that her companion was of the
+same faith as herself,--having been converted by Father Poole, a Romish
+priest who was confined in the Tower during the latter part of
+Elizabeth's reign, and whose sufferings and constancy for his religion
+had made a powerful impression on the jailer's daughter. As soon as
+Viviana ascertained this, she made Ruth, so far as she thought prudent,
+a confidante in her misfortunes, and after beguiling some hours in
+conversation, they both knelt down and offered up fervent prayers to the
+Virgin. Ruth then departed, promising to return in the evening with her
+mother.
+
+Soon after it became dark, Dame Ipgreve and her daughter reappeared, the
+former carrying a lamp, and the latter a basket of provisions. Ruth's
+countenance was so troubled, that Viviana was certain that some fresh
+calamity was at hand.
+
+"What is the matter?" she hastily demanded.
+
+"Make your meal first, dear young lady," replied Dame Ipgreve. "Our news
+might take away your appetite, and you will have to pay for your supper,
+whether you eat it or not."
+
+"You alarm me greatly," cried Viviana, anxiously. "What ill news do you
+bring?"
+
+"I will not keep you longer in suspense, madam," said Ruth. "You are to
+be examined to-night by the lieutenant and certain members of the Privy
+Council, and if you refuse to answer their questions, I lament to say
+you will be put to the torture."
+
+"Heaven give me strength to endure it!" ejaculated Viviana, in a
+despairing tone.
+
+"Eat, madam, eat," cried Dame Ipgreve, pressing the viands upon her.
+"You will never be able to go through with the examination, if you
+starve yourself in this way."
+
+"Are you sure," inquired Viviana, appealing to Ruth, "that it will take
+place so soon?"
+
+"Quite sure," replied Ruth. "My father has orders to attend the
+lieutenant at midnight."
+
+"Let me advise you to conceal nothing," insinuated the old woman. "They
+are determined to wring the truth from you,--and they _will_ do so."
+
+"You are mistaken, good woman," replied Viviana, firmly. "I will die
+before I utter a word."
+
+"You think so now," returned Dame Ipgreve, maliciously. "But the sight
+of the rack and the thumbscrews will alter your tone. At all events,
+support nature."
+
+"No," replied Viviana; "as I do not desire to live, I will use no effort
+to sustain myself. They may kill me if they please."
+
+"Misfortune has turned her brain," muttered the old woman. "I must take
+care and secure my dues. Well, madam, if you will not eat the supper I
+have provided, it cannot be helped. I must find some one who will. You
+must pay for it all the same. My husband, Jasper Ipgreve, will be
+present at your interrogation, and I am sure, for my sake, he will use
+you as lightly as he can. Come, Ruth, you must not remain here longer."
+
+"Oh, let her stay with me," implored Viviana. "I will make it well worth
+your while to grant me the indulgence."
+
+"What will you give?" cried the old woman, eagerly. "But no--no--I dare
+not leave her. The lieutenant may visit you, and find her, and then I
+should lose my place. Come along, Ruth. She shall attend you after the
+interrogation, madam. I shall be there myself."
+
+"Farewell, madam," sobbed Ruth, who was almost drowned in tears. "Heaven
+grant you constancy to endure your trial!"
+
+"Be ruled by me," said the old woman. "Speak out, and secure your own
+safety."
+
+She would have continued in the same strain, but Ruth dragged her away.
+And casting a commiserating glance at Viviana, she closed the door.
+
+The dreadful interval between their departure and midnight was passed by
+Viviana in fervent prayer. As she heard through the barred embrasure of
+her dungeon the deep strokes of the clock toll out the hour of twelve,
+the door opened, and a tall, gaunt personage, habited in a suit of rusty
+black, and with a large bunch of keys at his girdle, entered the cell.
+
+"You are Jasper Ipgreve?" said Viviana, rising.
+
+"Right," replied the jailer. "I am come to take you before the
+lieutenant and the council. Are you ready?"
+
+Viviana replied in the affirmative, and Ipgreve quitting the cell,
+outside which two other officials in sable habiliments were stationed,
+led the way down a short spiral staircase, which brought them to a
+narrow vaulted passage. Pursuing it for some time, the jailer halted
+before a strong door, cased with iron, and opening it, admitted the
+captive into a square chamber, the roof of which was supported by a
+heavy stone pillar, while its walls were garnished with implements of
+torture. At a table on the left sat the lieutenant and three other
+grave-looking personages. Across the lower end of the chamber a thick
+black curtain was stretched, hiding a deep recess; and behind it, as was
+evident from the glimmer that escaped from its folds, there was a
+light. Certain indistinct, but ominous sounds, issuing from the recess,
+proved that there were persons within it, and Viviana's quaking heart
+told her what was the nature of their proceedings.
+
+She had ample time to survey this dismal apartment and its occupants,
+for several minutes elapsed before a word was addressed to her by her
+interrogators, who continued to confer together in an under tone, as if
+unconscious of her presence. During this pause, broken only by the
+ominous sounds before mentioned, Viviana scanned the countenances of the
+group at the table, in the hope of discerning in them some glimpses of
+compassion; but they were inscrutable and inexorable, and scarcely less
+dreadful to look upon than the hideous implements on the walls.
+
+Viviana wished the earth would open and swallow her, that she might
+escape from them. Anything was better than to be left at the mercy of
+such men. At certain times, and not unfrequently at the most awful
+moments, a double current of thought will flow through the brain, and at
+this frightful juncture it was so with Viviana. While shuddering at all
+she saw around her, nay, dwelling upon it, another and distinct train of
+thought led her back to former scenes of happiness, when she was
+undisturbed by any but remote apprehensions of danger. She thought of
+her tranquil residence at Ordsall,--of the flowers she had tended in the
+garden,--of her father, and of his affection for her,--of Humphrey
+Chetham, and of her early and scarce-acknowledged attachment to
+him,--and of his generosity and devotion, and how she had requited it.
+And then, like a sullen cloud darkening the fair prospect, arose the
+figure of Guy Fawkes--the sombre enthusiast--who had unwittingly
+exercised such a baneful influence upon her fortunes.
+
+"Had he not crossed my path," she mentally ejaculated, "I might have
+been happy--might have loved Humphrey Chetham--might, perhaps, have
+wedded him!"
+
+These reflections were suddenly dispersed by the lieutenant, who, in a
+stern tone, commenced his interrogations.
+
+As upon her previous examination, Viviana observed the utmost caution,
+and either refused to speak, or answered such questions only as affected
+herself. At first, in spite of all her efforts, she trembled violently,
+and her tongue clove to the roof of her mouth. But after a while, she
+recovered her courage, and regarded the lieutenant with a look as
+determined as his own.
+
+"It is useless to urge me farther," she concluded. "I have said all I
+will say."
+
+"Is it your pleasure, my lords," observed Sir William Waad to the
+others, "to prolong the examination?"
+
+His companions replied in the negative, and the one nearest him
+remarked, "Is she aware what will follow?"
+
+"I am," replied Viviana, resolutely, "and I am not to be intimidated."
+
+Sir William Waad then made a sign to Ipgreve, who immediately stepped
+forward and seized her arm. "You will be taken to that recess," said the
+lieutenant, "where the question will be put to you. But, as we shall
+remain here, you have only to utter a cry if you are willing to avow the
+truth, and the torture shall be stayed. And it is our merciful hope that
+this may be the case."
+
+Summoning up all her resolution, and walking with a firm footstep,
+Viviana passed with Ipgreve behind the curtain. She there beheld two men
+and a woman--the latter was the jailer's wife, who instantly advanced to
+her, and besought her to confess.
+
+"There is no help for it, if you refuse," she urged; "not all your
+wealth can save you."
+
+"Mind your own business, dame," interposed Ipgreve, angrily, "and assist
+her to unrobe."
+
+Saying this, he stepped aside with the two men, one of whom was the
+chirurgeon, and the other the tormentor, while Dame Ipgreve helped to
+take off Viviana's gown. She then tied a scarf over her shoulders, and
+informed her husband she was ready.
+
+The recess was about twelve feet high, and ten wide. It was crossed near
+the roof, which was arched and vaulted, by a heavy beam, with pulleys
+and ropes at either extremity. But what chiefly attracted the
+unfortunate captive's attention was a couple of iron gauntlets attached
+to it, about a yard apart. Upon the ground under the beam, and
+immediately beneath that part of it where the gauntlets were fixed, were
+laid three pieces of wood, of a few inches in thickness, and piled one
+upon another.
+
+"What must I do?" inquired Viviana, in a hollow voice, but with
+unaltered resolution, of the old woman.
+
+"Step upon those pieces of wood," replied Dame Ipgreve, leading her
+towards them.
+
+Viviana obeyed, and as soon as she had set foot upon the pile, the
+tormentor placed a joint-stool beside her, and mounting it, desired her
+to place her right hand in one of the gauntlets. She did so, and the
+tormentor then turned a screw, which compressed the iron glove so
+tightly as to give her excruciating pain. He then got down, and Ipgreve
+demanded if he should proceed.
+
+A short pause ensued; but, notwithstanding her agony, Viviana made no
+answer. The tormentor then placed the stool on the left side, and
+fastened the hand which was still at liberty within the other gauntlet.
+The torture was dreadful--and the fingers appeared crushed by the
+pressure. Still Viviana uttered no cry. After another short pause,
+Ipgreve said,
+
+"You had better let us stop here. This is mere child's play compared
+with what is to come."
+
+No answer being returned, the tormentor took a mallet and struck one of
+the pieces of wood from under Viviana's feet. The shock was dreadful,
+and seemed to dislocate her wrists, while the pressure on the hands was
+increased in a tenfold degree. The poor sufferer, who was resting on the
+points of her feet, felt that the removal of the next piece of wood
+would occasion almost intolerable torture. Her constancy, however, did
+not desert her, and, after the question had been repeated by Ipgreve,
+the second block was struck away. She was now suspended by her hands,
+and the pain was so exquisite, that nature gave way, and uttering a
+piercing scream, she fainted.
+
+On recovering, she found herself stretched upon a miserable pallet, with
+Ruth watching beside her. A glance round the chamber, which was of solid
+stone masonry, with a deep embrasure on one side, convinced her that she
+had been removed to some other prison.
+
+"Where am I?" she asked, in a faint voice.
+
+"In the Well Tower, madam," replied Ruth: "one of the fortifications
+near the moat, and now used as a prison-lodging. My father dwells within
+it, and you are under his custody."
+
+"Your father," cried Viviana, shuddering as she recalled the sufferings
+she had recently undergone. "Will he torture me again?"
+
+"Not if I can prevent it, dear lady," replied Ruth. "But hush! here
+comes my mother. Not a word before her."
+
+As Ruth spoke, Dame Ipgreve, who had been lingering at the door, entered
+the room. She affected the greatest solicitude for Viviana--felt her
+pulse--looked at the bandages fastened round her swollen and crippled
+fingers, and concluded by counselling her not to persist in refusing to
+speak.
+
+"I dare not tell you what tortures are in store for you," she said, "if
+you continue thus obstinate. But they will be a thousand times worse
+than what you endured last night."
+
+"When will my next interrogation take place?" inquired Viviana.
+
+"A week hence, it may be,--or it may be sooner," returned the old woman.
+"It depends upon the state you are in--and somewhat upon the fees you
+give my husband, for he has a voice with the lieutenant."
+
+"I would give him all I possess, if he could save me from further
+torture," cried Viviana.
+
+"Alas! alas!" replied Dame Ipgreve, "you ask more than can be done. He
+would save you if he could. But you will not let him. However, we will
+do all we can to mitigate your sufferings--all we can--provided you pay
+us. Stay with her, child," she added, with a significant gesture to her
+daughter, as she quitted the room, "stay with her."
+
+"My heart bleeds for you, madam," said Ruth, in accents of the deepest
+commiseration, as soon as they were alone. "You may depend upon my
+fidelity. If I can contrive your escape, I will,--at any risk to
+myself."
+
+"On no account," replied Viviana. "Do not concern yourself about me
+more. My earthly sufferings, I feel, will have terminated before further
+cruelty can be practised upon me."
+
+"Oh! say not so, madam," returned Ruth. "I hope--nay, I am sure you will
+live long and happily."
+
+Viviana shook her head, and Ruth, finding her very feeble, thought it
+better not to continue the conversation. She accordingly applied such
+restoratives as were at hand, and observing that the eyes of the
+sufferer closed as if in slumber, glided noiselessly out of the chamber,
+and left her.
+
+In this way a week passed. At the expiration of that time, the
+chirurgeon pronounced her in so precarious a state, that if the torture
+were repeated he would not answer for her life. The interrogation,
+therefore, was postponed for a few days, during which the chirurgeon
+constantly visited her, and by his care, and the restoratives she was
+compelled to take, she rapidly regained her strength.
+
+One day, after the chirurgeon had departed, Ruth cautiously closed the
+door, and observed to her,
+
+"You are now so far recovered, madam, as to be able to make an attempt
+to escape. I have devised a plan, which I will communicate to you
+to-morrow. It must not be delayed, or you will have to encounter a
+second and more dreadful examination."
+
+"I will not attempt it if you are exposed to risk," replied Viviana.
+
+"Heed me not," returned Ruth. "One of your friends has found out your
+place of confinement, and has spoken to me about you."
+
+"What friend?" exclaimed Viviana, starting. "Guy Fawkes?--I mean----"
+And she hesitated, while her pale cheeks were suffused with blushes.
+
+"He is named Humphrey Chetham," returned Ruth. "Like myself, he would
+risk his life to preserve you."
+
+"Tell him he must not do so," cried Viviana, eagerly. "He has done
+enough--too much for me already. I will not expose him to further
+hazard. Tell him so, and entreat him to abandon the attempt."
+
+"But I shall not see him, dear lady," replied Ruth. "Besides, if I read
+him rightly, he is not likely to be turned aside by any selfish
+consideration."
+
+"You are right, he is not," groaned Viviana. "But this only adds to my
+affliction. Oh! if you _should_ see him, dear Ruth, try to dissuade him
+from his purpose."
+
+"I will obey you, madam," replied the jailer's daughter. "But I am well
+assured it will be of no avail."
+
+After some further conversation, Ruth retired, and Viviana was left
+alone for the night. Except the slumber procured by soporific potions,
+she had known no repose since she had been confined within the Tower;
+and this night she felt more than usually restless. After ineffectually
+endeavouring to compose herself, she arose, and hastily robing
+herself--a task she performed with no little difficulty, her fingers
+being almost useless--continued to pace her narrow chamber.
+
+It has been mentioned that on one side of the cell there was a deep
+embrasure. It was terminated by a narrow and strongly-grated loophole,
+looking upon the moat. Pausing before it, Viviana gazed forth. The night
+was pitchy dark, and not even a solitary star could be discerned; but as
+she had no light in her chamber, the gloom outside was less profound
+than that within.
+
+While standing thus, buried in thought, and longing for daybreak,
+Viviana fancied she heard a slight sound as of some one swimming across
+the moat. Thinking she might be deceived, she listened more intently,
+and as the sound continued, she felt sure she was right in her
+conjecture. All at once the thought of Humphrey Chetham flashed upon
+her, and she had no doubt it must be him. Nor was she wrong. The next
+moment, a noise was heard as of some one clambering up the wall; a hand
+grasped the bars of the loophole, which was only two or three feet above
+the level of the water; and a low voice, which she instantly recognised,
+pronounced her name.
+
+"Is it Humphrey Chetham?" she asked, advancing as near as she could to
+the loophole.
+
+"It is," was the reply. "Do not despair. I will accomplish your
+liberation. I have passed three days within the Tower, and only
+ascertained your place of confinement a few hours ago. I have contrived
+a plan for your escape, with the jailer's daughter, which she will make
+known to you to-morrow."
+
+"I cannot thank you sufficiently for your devotion," replied Viviana, in
+accents of the deepest gratitude. "But I implore you to leave me to my
+fate. I am wretched enough now, Heaven knows, but if aught should happen
+to you, I shall be infinitely more so. If I possess any power over
+you,--and that I do so, I well know,--I entreat, nay, I command, you to
+desist from this attempt."
+
+"I have never yet disobeyed you, Viviana," replied the young merchant,
+passionately--"nor will I do so now. But if you bid me abandon you, I
+will plunge into this moat, never to rise again."
+
+His manner, notwithstanding the low tone in which he spoke, was so
+determined, that Viviana felt certain he would carry his threat into
+execution; she therefore rejoined in a mournful tone,
+
+"Well, be it as you will. It is in vain to resist our fate, I am
+destined to bring misfortune to you."
+
+"Not so," replied Chetham. "If I _can_ save you, I would rather die than
+live. The jailer's daughter will explain her plan to you to-morrow.
+Promise me to accede to it."
+
+Viviana reluctantly assented.
+
+"I shall quit the Tower at daybreak," pursued Chetham; "and when you are
+once out of it, hasten to the stairs beyond the wharf at Petty Wales. I
+will be there with a boat. Farewell!"
+
+As he spoke, he let himself drop into the water, but his foot slipping,
+the plunge was louder than he intended, and attracted the attention of a
+sentinel on the ramparts, who immediately called out to know what was
+the matter, and not receiving any answer, discharged his caliver in the
+direction of the sound.
+
+Viviana, who heard the challenge and the shot, uttered a loud scream,
+and the next moment Ipgreve and his wife appeared. The jailer glanced
+suspiciously round the room; but after satisfying himself that all was
+right, and putting some questions to the captive, which she refused to
+answer, he departed with his wife, and carefully barred the door.
+
+It is impossible to imagine greater misery than Viviana endured the
+whole of the night. The uncertainty in which she was kept as to
+Chetham's fate was almost insupportable, and the bodily pain she had
+recently endured appeared light when compared with her present mental
+torture. Day at length dawned; but it brought with it no Ruth. Instead
+of this faithful friend, Dame Ipgreve entered the chamber with the
+morning meal, and her looks were so morose and distrustful, that Viviana
+feared she must have discovered her daughter's design. She did not,
+however, venture to make a remark, but suffered the old woman to depart
+in silence.
+
+Giving up all for lost, and concluding that Humphrey Chetham had either
+perished, or was, like herself, a prisoner, Viviana bitterly bewailed
+his fate, and reproached herself with being unintentionally the cause of
+it. Later in the day, Ruth entered the cell. To Viviana's eager
+inquiries she replied, that Humphrey Chetham had escaped. Owing to the
+darkness, the sentinel had missed his aim, and although the most
+rigorous search was instituted throughout the fortress, he had contrived
+to elude observation.
+
+"Our attempt," pursued Ruth, "must be made this evening. The lieutenant
+has informed my father that you are to be interrogated at midnight, the
+chirurgeon having declared that you are sufficiently recovered to
+undergo the torture (if needful) a second time. Now listen to me. The
+occurrence of last night has made my mother suspicious, and she watches
+my proceedings with a jealous eye. She is at this moment with a female
+prisoner in the Beauchamp Tower, or I should not be able to visit you.
+She has consented, however, to let me bring in your supper. You must
+then change dresses with me. Being about my height, you may easily pass
+for me, and I will take care there is no light below, so that your
+features will not be distinguished."
+
+Viviana would have checked her, but the other would not be interrupted.
+
+"As soon as you are ready," she continued, "you must lock the door upon
+me. You must then descend the short flight of steps before you, and pass
+as quickly as you can through the room where you will see my father and
+mother. As soon as you are out of the door, turn to the left, and go
+straight forward to the By-ward Tower. Show this pass to the warders. It
+is made out in my name, and they will suffer you to go forth. Do the
+same with the warders at the next gate,--the Middle Tower,--and again at
+the Bulwark Gate. That passed, you are free."
+
+"And what will become of you?" asked Viviana, with a bewildered look.
+
+"Never mind me," rejoined Ruth: "I shall be sufficiently rewarded if I
+save you. And now, farewell. Be ready at the time appointed."
+
+"I cannot consent," returned Viviana.
+
+"You have no choice," replied Ruth, breaking from her, and hurrying out
+of the room.
+
+Time, as it ever does, when expectation is on the rack, appeared to pass
+with unusual slowness. But as the hour at length drew near, Viviana
+wished it farther off. It was with the utmost trepidation that she heard
+the key turn in the lock, and beheld Ruth enter the cell with the
+evening meal.
+
+Closing the door, and setting down the provisions, the jailer's daughter
+hastily divested herself of her dress, which was of brown serge, as well
+as of her coif and kerchief, while Viviana imitated her example. Without
+pausing to attire herself in the other's garments, Ruth then assisted
+Viviana to put on the dress she had just laid aside, and arranged her
+hair and the head-gear so skilfully, that the disguise was complete.
+
+Hastily whispering some further instructions to her, and explaining
+certain peculiarities in her gait and deportment, she then pressed her
+to her bosom, and led her to the door. Viviana would have remonstrated,
+but Ruth pushed her through it, and closed it.
+
+There was now no help, so Viviana, though with great pain to herself,
+contrived to turn the key in the lock. Descending the steps, she found
+herself in a small circular chamber, in which Ipgreve and his wife were
+seated at a table, discussing their evening meal. The sole light was
+afforded by a few dying embers on the hearth.
+
+"What! has she done, already?" demanded the old woman, as Viviana
+appeared. "Why hast thou not brought the jelly with thee, if she has not
+eaten it all, and those cates, which Master Pilchard, the chirurgeon,
+ordered her? Go and fetch them directly. They will finish our repast
+daintily; and there are other matters too, which I dare say she has not
+touched. She will pay for them, and that will make them the sweeter. Go
+back, I say. What dost thou stand there for, as if thou wert
+thunderstruck? Dost hear me, or not?"
+
+"Let the wench alone, dame," growled Ipgreve. "You frighten her."
+
+"So I mean to do," replied the old woman; "she deserves to be
+frightened. Hark thee, girl, we must get an order from her on some
+wealthy Catholic family without delay--for I don't think she will stand
+the trial to-night."
+
+"Nor I," added Ipgreve, "especially as she is to be placed on the rack."
+
+"She has a chain of gold round her throat, I have observed," said the
+old woman; "we must get that."
+
+"I have it," said Viviana, in a low tone, and imitating as well as she
+could the accents of Ruth. "Here it is."
+
+"Did she give it thee?" cried the old woman, getting up, and grasping
+Viviana's lacerated fingers with such force, that she had difficulty in
+repressing a scream. "Did she give it thee, I say?"
+
+"She gave it me for you," gasped Viviana. "Take it."
+
+While the old woman held the chain to the fire, and called to her
+husband to light a lamp, that she might feast her greedy eyes upon it,
+Viviana flew to the door.
+
+Just as she reached it, the shrill voice of Dame Ipgreve arrested her.
+
+"Come back!" cried the dame. "Whither art thou going at this time of
+night? I will not have thee stir forth. Come back, I say."
+
+"Pshaw! let her go," interposed Ipgreve. "I dare say she hath an
+appointment on the Green with young Nicholas Hardesty, the warder. Go,
+wench. Be careful of thyself, and return within the hour."
+
+"If she does not, she will rue it," added the dame. "Go, then, and I
+will see the prisoner."
+
+Viviana required no further permission. Starting off as she had been
+directed on the left, she ran as fast as her feet could carry her; and,
+passing between two arched gateways, soon reached the By-ward Tower.
+Showing the pass to the warder, he chucked her under the chin, and,
+drawing an immense bolt, opened the wicket, and gallantly helped her to
+pass through it. The like good success attended her at the Middle Tower,
+and at the Bulwark Gate. Scarcely able to credit her senses, and
+doubting whether she was indeed free, she hurried on till she came to
+the opening leading to the stairs at Petty Wales. As she hesitated,
+uncertain what to do, a man advanced towards and addressed her by name.
+It was Humphrey Chetham. Overcome by emotion, Viviana sank into his
+arms, and in another moment she was placed in a wherry, which was
+ordered to be rowed towards Westminster.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE COUNTERPLOT.
+
+
+Startled, but not dismayed--for he was a man of great courage--by the
+sudden address and appearance of Guy Fawkes, Lord Mounteagle instantly
+sprang to his feet, and drawing his sword, put himself into a posture of
+defence.
+
+"You have betrayed me," he cried, seizing Tresham with his left hand;
+"but if I fall, you shall fall with me."
+
+"You have betrayed yourself, my lord," rejoined Guy Fawkes; "or rather,
+Heaven has placed you in our hands as an instrument for the liberation
+of Viviana Radcliffe. You must take an oath of secrecy--a binding
+oath,--such as, being a good Catholic, you cannot break,--not to divulge
+what has come to your knowledge. Nay, you must join me and my
+confederates, or you quit not this spot with life."
+
+"I refuse your terms," replied Mounteagle, resolutely; "I will never
+conspire against the monarch to whom I have sworn allegiance. I will not
+join you. I will not aid you in procuring Viviana Radcliffe's release.
+Nor will I take the oath you propose. On the contrary, I arrest you as a
+traitor, and I command you, Tresham, in the King's name, to assist me in
+his capture."
+
+But suddenly extricating himself from the grasp imposed upon him, and
+placing Guy Fawkes between him and the Earl, Tresham rejoined,--
+
+"It is time to throw off the mask, my good lord and brother. I can
+render you no assistance. I am sworn to this league, and must support
+it. Unless you assent to the conditions proposed,--and which for your
+own sake I would counsel you to do,--I must, despite our near
+relationship, take part against you,--even," he added, significantly,
+"if your destruction should be resolved upon."
+
+"I will sell my life dearly, as you shall find," replied Mounteagle.
+"And, but for the sake of my dear lady, your sister, I would stab you
+where you stand."
+
+"Your lordship will find resistance in vain," replied Guy Fawkes,
+keeping his eye steadily fixed upon him. "We seek not your life, but
+your co-operation. You are a prisoner."
+
+"A prisoner!" echoed Mounteagle, derisively. "You have not secured me
+yet."
+
+And as he spoke, he rushed towards the door, but his departure was
+checked by Bates, who presented himself at the entrance of the passage
+with a drawn sword in his hand. At the same moment, Catesby and Keyes
+issued from the closet, while Garnet and the other conspirators likewise
+emerged from their hiding-places. Hearing the noise behind him, Lord
+Mounteagle turned, and beholding the group, uttered an exclamation of
+surprise and rage.
+
+"I am fairly entrapped," he said, sheathing his sword, and advancing
+towards them. "Fool that I was, to venture hither!"
+
+"These regrets are too late, my lord," replied Catesby. "You came hither
+of your own accord. But being here, nothing, except compliance with our
+demands, can ensure your departure."
+
+"Yes, one thing else," thought Mounteagle,--"cunning. It shall go hard
+if I cannot outwit you. Tresham will act with me. I know his treacherous
+nature too well to doubt which way he will incline. Interest, as well as
+relationship, binds him to me. He will acquaint me with their plans. I
+need not, therefore, compromise myself by joining them. If I take the
+oath of secrecy, it will suffice--and I will find means of eluding the
+obligation. I may thus make my own bargain with Salisbury. But I must
+proceed cautiously. Too sudden a compliance might awaken their
+suspicions."
+
+"My lord," said Catesby, who had watched his countenance narrowly, and
+distrusted its expression, "we must have no double-dealing. Any attempt
+to play us false will prove fatal to you."
+
+"I have not yet consented to your terms, Mr. Catesby," replied
+Mounteagle, "and I demand a few moments' reflection before I do so."
+
+"What say you, gentlemen?" said Catesby. "Do you agree to his lordship's
+request?"
+
+There was a general answer in the affirmative.
+
+"I would also confer for a moment alone with my brother Tresham," said
+Mounteagle.
+
+"That cannot be, my lord," rejoined Garnet, peremptorily. "And take heed
+you meditate no treachery towards us, or you will destroy yourself here
+and hereafter."
+
+"I have no desire to speak with him, father," observed Tresham. "Let him
+declare what he has to say before you all."
+
+Mounteagle looked hard at him, but he made no remark.
+
+"In my opinion, we ought not to trust him," observed Keyes. "It is plain
+he is decidedly opposed to us. And if the oath is proposed to him, he
+may take it with some mental reservation."
+
+"_I_ will guard against that," replied Garnet.
+
+"If I take the oath, I will keep it, father," rejoined Mounteagle. "But
+I have not yet decided."
+
+"You must do so, then, quickly, my lord," returned Catesby. "You shall
+have five minutes for reflection. But first, you must deliver up your
+sword."
+
+The Earl started.
+
+"We mean _you_ no treachery, my lord," observed Keyes, "and expect to be
+dealt with with equal fairness."
+
+Surrendering his sword to Catesby, Mounteagle then walked to the farther
+end of the room, and leaning against the wall, with his back to the
+conspirators, appeared buried in thought.
+
+"Take Tresham aside," whispered Catesby to Wright. "I do not wish him to
+overhear our conference. Watch him narrowly, and see that no signal
+passes between him and Lord Mounteagle."
+
+Wright obeyed; and the others gathering closely together, began to
+converse in a low tone.
+
+"It will not do to put him to death," observed Garnet. "From what he
+stated to Tresham, it appears that his servant was aware of his coming
+hither. If he disappears, therefore, search will be immediately made,
+and all will be discovered. We must either instantly secure ourselves by
+flight, and give up the enterprise, or trust him."
+
+"You are right, father," replied Rookwood. "The danger is imminent."
+
+"We are safe at present," observed Percy, "and may escape to France or
+Flanders before information can be given against us. Nay, we may carry
+off Mounteagle with us, for that matter. But I am loth to trust him."
+
+"So am I," rejoined Catesby. "I do not like his looks."
+
+"There is no help," said Fawkes. "We _must_ trust him, or give up the
+enterprise. He may materially aid us, and has himself asserted that he
+can procure Viviana's liberation from the Tower."
+
+"Pshaw!" exclaimed Catesby, impatiently. "What has that to do with the
+all-important question we are now considering?"
+
+"Much," returned Fawkes. "And I will not move further in the matter
+unless that point is insisted on."
+
+"You have become strangely interested in Viviana of late," observed
+Catesby, sarcastically. "Could I suspect you of so light a passion, I
+should say you loved her."
+
+A deep flush dyed Fawkes's swarthy cheeks, but he answered in a voice of
+constrained calmness,
+
+"I _do_ love her,--as a daughter."
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed the other, drily.
+
+"Catesby," rejoined Fawkes, sternly, "you know me well--too well, to
+suppose I would resort to any paltry subterfuge. I am willing to let
+what you have said pass. But I counsel you not to jest thus in future."
+
+"Jest!" exclaimed Catesby. "I was never more serious in my life."
+
+"Then you do me wrong," retorted Fawkes, fiercely; "and you will repeat
+the insinuation at your peril."
+
+"My sons--my sons," interposed Garnet, "what means this sudden--this
+needless quarrel, at a moment when we require the utmost calmness to
+meet the danger that assails us? Guy Fawkes is right. Viviana _must_ be
+saved. If we desert her, our cause will never prosper. But let us
+proceed step by step, and first decide upon what is to be done with Lord
+Mounteagle."
+
+"I am filled with perplexity," replied Catesby.
+
+"Then I will decide for you," replied Percy. "Our project must be
+abandoned."
+
+"Never," replied Fawkes, energetically. "Fly, and secure your own
+safety. I will stay and accomplish it alone."
+
+"A brave resolution!" exclaimed Catesby, tendering him his hand, which
+the other cordially grasped. "I will stand by you to the last. No--we
+have advanced too far to retreat."
+
+"Additional caution will be needful," observed Keyes. "Can we not make
+it a condition with Lord Mounteagle to retire, till the blow is struck,
+to his mansion at Hoxton?"
+
+"That would be of no avail," replied Garnet. "We must trust him wholly,
+or not at all."
+
+"There I agree with you, father," said Percy. "Let us propose the oath
+of secrecy to him, and detain him here until we have found some secure
+retreat, utterly unknown to him, or to Tresham, whence we can correspond
+with our friends. A few days will show whether he has betrayed us or
+not. We need not visit this place again till the moment for action
+arrives."
+
+"You need not visit it again at all," rejoined Fawkes. "Everything is
+prepared, and I will undertake to fire the train. Prepare for what is to
+follow the explosion, and leave the management of that to me."
+
+"I cannot consent to such a course, my son," said Garnet. "The whole
+risk will thus be yours."
+
+"The whole glory will be mine, also, father," rejoined Fawkes,
+enthusiastically. "I pray you, let me have my own way."
+
+"Well, be it as you will, my son," returned Garnet, with affected
+reluctance. "I will not oppose the hand of Heaven, which clearly points
+you out as the chief agent in this mighty enterprise. In reference to
+what Percy has said about a retreat till Lord Mounteagle's
+trust-worthiness can be ascertained," he added to Catesby, "I have just
+bethought me of a large retired house on the borders of Enfield Chase,
+called White Webbs. It has been recently taken by Mrs. Brooksby, and her
+sister, Anne Vaux, and will afford us a safe asylum."
+
+"An excellent plan, father," cried Catesby. "Since Guy Fawkes is willing
+to undertake the risk, we will leave Lord Mounteagle in his charge, and
+go there at once."
+
+"What must be done with Tresham?" asked Percy. "We cannot take him with
+us, nor must he know of our retreat."
+
+"Leave him with me," said Fawkes.
+
+"You will be at a disadvantage," observed Catesby, "should he take part,
+as there is reason to fear he may do, with Lord Mounteagle."
+
+"They are both unarmed," returned Fawkes; "but were it otherwise, I
+would answer with my head for their detention."
+
+"All good saints guard you, my son!" exclaimed Garnet. "Henceforth, we
+resign the custody of the powder to you."
+
+"It will be in safe keeping," replied Fawkes.
+
+The party then advanced towards Lord Mounteagle, who, hearing their
+approach, instantly faced them.
+
+"Your decision, my lord?" demanded Catesby.
+
+"You shall have it in a word, sir," replied Mounteagle, firmly.
+
+"I will _not_ join you, but I will take the required oath of secrecy."
+
+"Is this your final resolve, my lord?" rejoined Catesby.
+
+"It is," replied the Earl.
+
+"It must content us," observed Garnet; "though we hoped you would have
+lent your active services to further a cause, having for its sole object
+the restoration of the church to which you belong."
+
+"I know not the means whereby you propose to restore it, father,"
+replied Mounteagle, "and I do not desire to know them. But I guess that
+they are dark and bloody, and as such I can take no part in them."
+
+"And you refuse to give us any counsel or assistance?" pursued Garnet.
+
+"I will not betray you," replied Mounteagle. "I can say nothing
+further."
+
+"I would rather he promised too little, than too much," whispered
+Catesby to Garnet. "I begin to think him sincere."
+
+"I am of the same opinion, my son," returned Garnet.
+
+"One thing you _shall_ do, before _I_ consent to set you free, on any
+terms, my lord," observed Guy Fawkes. "You shall engage to procure the
+liberation of Viviana Radcliffe from the Tower. You told Tresham you
+could easily accomplish it."
+
+"I scarcely knew what I said," replied Mounteagle, with a look of
+embarrassment.
+
+"You spoke confidently, my lord," rejoined Fawkes.
+
+"Because I had no idea I should be compelled to make good my words,"
+returned the Earl. "But as a Catholic, and related by marriage to
+Tresham, who is a suspected person, any active exertions in her behalf
+on my part might place me in jeopardy."
+
+"This excuse shall not avail you, my lord," replied Fawkes. "You must
+weigh your own safety against hers. You stir not hence till you have
+sworn to free her."
+
+"I must perforce assent, since you will have no refusal," replied
+Mounteagle. "But I almost despair of success. If I can effect her
+deliverance, I swear to do so."
+
+"Enough," replied Fawkes.
+
+"And now, gentlemen," said Catesby, appealing to the others, "are you
+willing to let Lord Mounteagle depart upon the proposed terms?"
+
+"We are," they replied.
+
+"I will administer the oath at once," said Garnet; "and you will bear in
+mind, my son," he added, in a stern tone to the Earl, "that it will be
+one which cannot be violated without perdition to your soul."
+
+"I am willing to take it," replied Mounteagle.
+
+Producing a primer, and motioning the Earl to kneel before him, Garnet
+then proposed an oath of the most solemn and binding description. The
+other repeated it after him, and at its conclusion placed the book to
+his lips.
+
+"Are you satisfied?" he asked, rising.
+
+"I am," replied Garnet.
+
+"And so am I," thought Tresham, who stood in the rear, "--that he will
+perjure himself."
+
+"Am I now at liberty to depart?" inquired the Earl.
+
+"Not yet, my lord," replied Catesby. "You must remain here till
+midnight."
+
+Lord Mounteagle looked uneasy, but seeing remonstrance would be useless,
+he preserved a sullen silence.
+
+"You need have no fear, my lord," said Catesby. "But we must take such
+precautions as will ensure our safety, in case you intend us any
+treachery."
+
+"You cannot doubt me, sir, after the oath I have taken," replied
+Mounteagle, haughtily. "But since you constitute yourself my jailer, I
+must abide your pleasure."
+
+"If I _am_ your jailer, my lord," rejoined Catesby, "I will prove to you
+that I am not neglectful of my office. Will it please you to follow me?"
+
+The Earl bowed in acquiescence; and Catesby, marching before him to a
+small room, the windows of which were carefully barred, pointed to a
+chair, and instantly retiring, locked the door upon him. He then
+returned to the others, and taking Guy Fawkes aside, observed in a low
+tone,
+
+"We shall set out instantly for White Webbs. You will remain on guard
+with Tresham, whom you will, of course, keep in ignorance of our
+proceedings. After you have set the Earl at liberty, you can follow us
+if you choose. But take heed you are not observed."
+
+"Fear nothing," replied Fawkes.
+
+Soon after this, Catesby, and the rest of the conspirators, with the
+exception of Guy Fawkes and Tresham, quitted the room, and the former
+concluded they were about to leave the house. He made no remark,
+however, to his companion; but getting between him and the door, folded
+his arms upon his breast, and continued to pace backwards and forwards
+before it.
+
+"Am I a prisoner, as well as Lord Mounteagle?" asked Tresham, after a
+pause.
+
+"You must remain with me here till midnight," replied Fawkes. "We shall
+not be disturbed."
+
+"What! are the others gone?" cried Tresham.
+
+"They are," was the reply.
+
+Tresham's countenance fell, and he appeared to be meditating some
+project, which he could not muster courage to execute.
+
+"Be warned by the past, Tresham," said Fawkes, who had regarded him
+fixedly for some minutes. "If I find reason to doubt you, I will put it
+out of your power to betray us a second time."
+
+"You have no reason to doubt me," replied Tresham, with apparent
+candour. "I only wondered that our friends should leave me without any
+intimation of their purpose. It is for me, not you, to apprehend some
+ill design. Am I not to act with you further?"
+
+"That depends upon yourself, and on the proofs you give of your
+sincerity," replied Fawkes. "Answer me frankly. Do you think Lord
+Mounteagle will keep his oath?"
+
+"I will stake my life upon it," replied Tresham.
+
+The conversation then dropped, and no attempt was made on either side to
+renew it. In this way several hours passed, when at length the silence
+was broken by Tresham, who requested permission to go in search of some
+refreshment; and Guy Fawkes assenting, they descended to the lower room,
+and partook of a slight repast.
+
+Nothing further worthy of note occurred. On the arrival of the appointed
+hour, Guy Fawkes signified to his companion that he might liberate Lord
+Mounteagle; and immediately availing himself of the permission, Tresham
+repaired to the chamber, and threw open the door. The Earl immediately
+came forth, and they returned together to the room in which Guy Fawkes
+remained on guard.
+
+"You are now at liberty to depart, my lord," said the latter; "and
+Tresham can accompany you, if he thinks proper. Remember that you have
+sworn to procure Viviana's liberation."
+
+"I do," replied the Earl.
+
+And he then quitted the house with Tresham.
+
+"You have had a narrow escape, my lord," remarked the latter as they
+approached Whitehall, and paused for a moment under the postern of the
+great western gate.
+
+"True," replied the Earl; "but I do not regret the risk I have run. They
+are now wholly in my power."
+
+"You forget your oath, my lord," said Tresham.
+
+"If I do," replied the Earl, "I but follow your example. You have broken
+one equally solemn, equally binding, and would break a thousand more
+were they imposed upon you. But I will overthrow this conspiracy, and
+yet not violate mine."
+
+"I see not how that can be, my lord," replied Tresham.
+
+"You shall learn in due season," replied the Earl. "I have had plenty of
+leisure for reflection in that dark hole, and have hit upon a plan
+which, I think, cannot fail."
+
+"I hope I am no party to it, my lord," rejoined Tresham. "I dare not
+hazard myself among them further."
+
+"I cannot do without you," replied Mounteagle; "but I will ensure you
+against all danger. It will be necessary for you, however, to act with
+the utmost discretion, and keep a constant guard upon every look and
+movement, as well as upon your words. You must fully regain the
+confidence of these men, and lull them into security."
+
+"I see your lordship's drift," replied Tresham. "You wish them to
+proceed to the last point, to enhance the value of the discovery."
+
+"Right," replied the Earl. "The plot must not be discovered till just
+before its outbreak, when its magnitude and danger will be the more
+apparent. The reward will then be proportionate. Now, you understand me,
+Tresham."
+
+"Fully," replied the other.
+
+"Return to your own house," rejoined Mounteagle. "We need hold no
+further communication together till the time for action arrives."
+
+"And that will not be before the meeting of Parliament," replied
+Tresham; "for they intend to whelm the King and all his nobles in one
+common destruction."
+
+"By Heaven! a brave design!" cried Mounteagle. "It is a pity to mar it.
+I knew it was a desperate and daring project, but should never have
+conceived aught like this. Its discovery will indeed occasion universal
+consternation."
+
+"It may benefit you and me to divulge it, my lord," said Tresham; "but
+the disclosure will deeply and lastingly injure the Church of Rome."
+
+"It would injure it more deeply if the plot succeeded," replied
+Mounteagle, "because all loyal Catholics must disapprove so horrible and
+sanguinary a design. But we will not discuss the question further,
+though what you have said confirms my purpose, and removes any misgiving
+I might have felt as to the betrayal. Farewell, Tresham. Keep a watchful
+eye upon the conspirators, and communicate with me should any change
+take place in their plans. We may not meet for some time. Parliament,
+though summoned for the third of October, will, in all probability, be
+prorogued till November."
+
+"In that case," replied Tresham, "you will postpone your disclosure
+likewise till November?"
+
+"Assuredly," replied Mounteagle. "The King must be convinced of his
+danger. If it were found out now, he would think lightly of it. But if
+he has actually set foot upon the mine which a single spark might kindle
+to his destruction, he will duly appreciate the service rendered him.
+Farewell! and do not neglect my counsel."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+WHITE WEBBS.
+
+
+Tarrying for a short time within the house after the departure of the
+others, Guy Fawkes lighted a lantern, and concealing it beneath his
+cloak, proceeded to the cellar, to ascertain that the magazine of powder
+was safe. Satisfied of this, he made all secure, and was about to return
+to the house, when he perceived a figure approaching him. Standing
+aside, but keeping on his guard for fear of a surprise, he would have
+allowed the person to pass, but the other halted, and after a moment's
+scrutiny addressed him by name in the tones of Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"You seem to haunt this spot, young sir," said Fawkes, in answer to the
+address. "This is the third time we have met hereabouts."
+
+"On the last occasion," replied Chetham, "I told you Viviana was a
+prisoner in the Tower. I have now better news for you. She is free."
+
+"Free!" exclaimed Fawkes, joyfully. "By Lord Mounteagle's
+instrumentality?--But I forget. He has only just left me."
+
+"She has been freed by _my_ instrumentality," replied the young
+merchant. "She escaped from the Tower a few hours ago."
+
+"Where is she?" demanded Guy Fawkes, eagerly.
+
+"In a boat at the stairs near the Parliament House," replied Chetham.
+
+"Heaven and Our Lady be praised!" exclaimed Fawkes. "This is more than I
+hoped for. Your news is so good, young sir, that I can scarce credit
+it."
+
+"Come with me to the boat, and you shall soon be satisfied of the truth
+of my statement," rejoined Chetham.
+
+And followed by Guy Fawkes, he hurried to the river side, where a wherry
+was moored. Within it sat Viviana, covered by the tilt.
+
+Assisting her to land, and finding she was too much exhausted to walk,
+Guy Fawkes took her in his arms, and carried her to the house he had
+just quitted.
+
+Humphrey Chetham followed as soon as he had dismissed the waterman.
+Placing his lovely burthen in a seat, Guy Fawkes instantly went in
+search of such restoratives as the place afforded. Viviana was extremely
+faint, but after she had swallowed a glass of wine, she revived, and,
+looking around her, inquired where she was.
+
+"Do not ask," replied Fawkes; "let it suffice you are in safety. And
+now," he added, "perhaps, Humphrey Chetham will inform me in what manner
+he contrived your escape. I am impatient to know."
+
+The young merchant then gave the required information, and Viviana added
+such particulars as were necessary to the full understanding of the
+story. Guy Fawkes could scarcely control himself when she related the
+tortures she had endured, nor was Chetham less indignant.
+
+"You rescued me just in time," said Viviana. "I should have sunk under
+the next application."
+
+"Thank Heaven! you have escaped it," exclaimed Fawkes. "You owe much to
+Humphrey Chetham, Viviana."
+
+"I do, indeed," she replied.
+
+"And can you not requite it?" he returned. "Can you not make him
+happy?--Can you not make _me_ happy?"
+
+Viviana's pale cheek was instantly suffused with blushes, but she made
+no answer.
+
+"Oh, Viviana!" cried Humphrey Chetham, "you hear what is said. If you
+could doubt my love before, you must be convinced of it now. A hope will
+make me happy. Have I that?"
+
+"Alas! no," she answered. "It would be the height of cruelty, after your
+kindness, to deceive you. You have not."
+
+The young merchant turned aside to hide his emotion.
+
+"Not even a hope!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, "after what he has done.
+Viviana, I cannot understand you. Does gratitude form no part of your
+nature?"
+
+"I hope so," she replied, "nay, I am sure so,--for I feel the deepest
+gratitude towards Humphrey Chetham. But gratitude is not love, and must
+not be mistaken for it."
+
+"I understand the distinction too well," returned the young merchant,
+sadly.
+
+"It is more than I do," rejoined Guy Fawkes; "and I will frankly confess
+that I think the important services Humphrey Chetham has rendered you
+entitle him to your hand. It is seldom--whatever poets may feign,--that
+love is so strongly proved as his has been; and it ought to be
+adequately requited."
+
+"Say no more about it, I entreat," interposed Chetham.
+
+"But I will deliver my opinion," rejoined Guy Fawkes, "because I am sure
+what I advise is for Viviana's happiness. No one can love her better
+than you. No one is more worthy of her. Nor is there any one to whom I
+so much desire to see her united."
+
+"Oh, Heaven!" exclaimed Viviana. "This is worse than the torture."
+
+"What mean you?" exclaimed Fawkes, in astonishment.
+
+"She means," interposed Chetham, "that this is not the fitting season to
+urge the subject--that she will never marry."
+
+"True--true," replied Viviana. "If I ever did marry--I _ought_ to select
+you."
+
+"You ought," replied Fawkes. "And I know nothing of the female heart, if
+it can be insensible to youth, devotion, and manly appearance like that
+of Humphrey Chetham."
+
+"You _do_ know nothing of it," rejoined Chetham, bitterly. "Women's
+fancies are unaccountable."
+
+"Such is the received opinion," replied Fawkes; "but as I am ignorant of
+the sex, I can only judge from report. You are the person I should
+imagine she would love--nay, to be frank, whom I thought she _did_
+love."
+
+"No more," said Humphrey Chetham. "It is painful both to Viviana and to
+me."
+
+"This is not a time for delicacy," rejoined Guy Fawkes. "Viviana has
+given me the privilege of a father with her. And where her happiness is
+so much concerned as in the present case, I should imperfectly discharge
+my duty if I did not speak out. It would sincerely rejoice me, and I am
+sure contribute materially to her own happiness, if she would unite
+herself to you."
+
+"I cannot--I cannot," she rejoined. "I will never marry."
+
+"You hear what she says," remarked Chetham. "Do not urge the matter
+further."
+
+"I admire maiden delicacy and reserve," replied Fawkes; "but when a man
+has acted as you have done, he deserves to be treated with frankness. I
+am sure Viviana loves you. Let her tell you so."
+
+"You are mistaken," replied Chetham; "and it is time you should be
+undeceived. She loves another."
+
+"Is this so?" cried Fawkes, in astonishment.
+
+She made no answer.
+
+"Whom do you love?" he asked.
+
+Still, no answer.
+
+"I will tell you whom she loves--and let her contradict me if I am
+wrong," said Chetham.
+
+"Oh, no!--no!--in pity spare me!" cried Viviana.
+
+"Speak!"--thundered Fawkes. "Who is it?"
+
+"Yourself," replied Chetham.
+
+"What!" exclaimed Fawkes, recoiling,--"love _me_! I will not believe it.
+She loves me as a father--but nothing more--nothing more. But you were
+right. Let us change the subject. A more fitting season may arrive for
+its discussion."
+
+After some further conversation, it was agreed that Viviana should be
+taken to White Webbs; and leaving her in charge of Humphrey Chetham, Guy
+Fawkes went in search of a conveyance to Enfield.
+
+Traversing the Strand,--every hostel in which was closed,--he turned up
+Wych-street, immediately on the right of which there was a large inn
+(still in existence), and entering the yard, discovered a knot of
+carriers moving about with lanterns in their hands. To his inquiries
+respecting a conveyance to Enfield, one of them answered, that he was
+about to return thither with his waggon at four o'clock,--it was then
+two,--and should be glad to take him and his friends. Overjoyed at the
+intelligence, and at once agreeing to the man's terms, Guy Fawkes
+hurried back to his companions, and, with the assistance of Humphrey
+Chetham, contrived to carry Viviana (for she was utterly unable to
+support herself) to the inn-yard, where she was immediately placed in
+the waggon, on a heap of fresh straw.
+
+About an hour after this, but long before daybreak, the carrier attached
+his horses to the waggon, and set out. Guy Fawkes and Humphrey Chetham
+were seated near Viviana, but little was said during the journey, which
+occupied about three hours. By this time it was broad daylight; and as
+the carrier stopped at the door of a small inn, Guy Fawkes alighted, and
+inquired the distance to White Webbs.
+
+"It is about a mile and a half off," replied the man. "If you pursue
+that lane, it will bring you to a small village about half a mile from
+this, where you are sure to find some one who will gladly guide you to
+the house, which is a little out of the road, on the borders of the
+forest."
+
+He then assisted Viviana to alight, and Humphrey Chetham descending at
+the same time, the party took the road indicated--a winding country lane
+with high hedges, broken by beautiful timber--and proceeding at a slow
+pace, they arrived in about half an hour at a little cluster of
+cottages, which Guy Fawkes guessed to be the village alluded to by the
+carrier. As they approached it, a rustic leaped a hedge, and was about
+to cross to another field, when Guy Fawkes calling to him, inquired the
+way to White Webbs.
+
+"I am going in that direction," replied the man. "If you desire it, I
+will show you the road."
+
+"I shall feel much indebted to you, friend," returned Fawkes, "and will
+reward you for your trouble."
+
+"I want no reward," returned the countryman, trudging forward.
+
+Following their guide, after a few minutes' brisk walking they reached
+the borders of the forest, and took their way along a patch of
+greensward that skirted it. In some places their track was impeded by
+gigantic thorns and brushwood, while at others avenues opened upon them,
+affording them peeps into the heart of the wood. It was a beautiful
+sylvan scene. And as at length they arrived at the head of a long glade,
+at the farther end of which a herd of deer were seen, with their
+branching antlers mingling with the overhanging boughs, Viviana could
+not help pausing to admire it.
+
+"King James often hunts within the forest," observed the countryman.
+"Indeed, I heard one of the rangers say it was not unlikely he might be
+here to-day. He is at Theobald's Palace now."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Fawkes. "Let us proceed. We lose time. Are we far
+from the house?"
+
+"Not above a quarter of a mile," was the answer. "You will see it at the
+next turn of the road."
+
+As the countryman had intimated, they speedily perceived the roof and
+tall chimneys of an ancient house above the trees, and as it was now
+impossible to mistake the road, Guy Fawkes thanked their guide for his
+trouble, and would have rewarded him, but he refused the gratuity, and
+leaping a hedge, disappeared.
+
+Pursuing the road, they shortly afterwards arrived at a gate leading to
+the house--a large building, erected probably at the beginning of
+Elizabeth's reign--and entering it, they passed under an avenue of
+trees. On approaching the mansion, they observed that many of the
+windows were closed, and the whole appearance of the place was
+melancholy and deserted. The garden was overgrown with weeds, and the
+door looked as if it was rarely opened.
+
+Not discouraged by these appearances, but rather satisfied by them of
+the security of the asylum, Guy Fawkes proceeded to the back of the
+house, and entering a court, the flags and stones of which were covered
+with moss, while the interstices were filled with long grass, Guy Fawkes
+knocked against a small door, and, after repeating the summons, it was
+answered by an old woman-servant, who popped her head out of an upper
+window, and demanded his business.
+
+Guy Fawkes was about to inquire for Mrs. Brooksby, when another head,
+which proved to be that of Catesby, appeared at the window. On seeing
+Fawkes and his companions, Catesby instantly descended, and unfastened
+the door. The house proved far more comfortable within than its exterior
+promised; and the old female domestic having taken word to Anne Vaux
+that Viviana was below, the former lady, who had not yet risen, sent for
+her to her chamber, and provided everything for her comfort.
+
+Guy Fawkes and Humphrey Chetham, neither of whom had rested during the
+night, were glad to obtain a few hours' repose on the floor of the first
+room into which they were shown, and they were not disturbed until the
+day had considerably advanced, when Catesby thought fit to rouse them
+from their slumbers.
+
+Explanations were then given on both sides. Chetham detailed the manner
+of Viviana's escape from the Tower, and Catesby in his turn acquainted
+them that Father Oldcorne was in the house, having found his way thither
+after his escape from the dwelling at Lambeth. Guy Fawkes was greatly
+rejoiced at the intelligence, and shortly afterwards had the
+satisfaction of meeting with the priest. At noon, the whole party
+assembled, with the exception of Viviana, who, by the advice of Anne
+Vaux, kept her chamber, to recruit herself after the sufferings she had
+undergone.
+
+Humphrey Chetham, of whom no suspicions were now entertained, and of
+whom Catesby no longer felt any jealousy, was invited to stay in the
+house; and he was easily induced to pass his time near Viviana, although
+he might not be able to see her. Long and frequent consultations were
+held by the conspirators, and letters were despatched by Catesby to the
+elder Winter at his seat, Huddington, in Worcestershire, entreating him
+to make every preparation for the crisis, as well as to Sir Everard
+Digby, to desire him to assemble as many friends as he could muster
+against the meeting of Parliament, at Dunchurch, in Warwickshire, under
+the plea of a grand hunting-party.
+
+Arrangements were next made as to the steps to be taken by the different
+parties after the explosion. Catesby undertook, with a sufficient force,
+to seize the Princess Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of James the First,
+who was then at the residence of the Earl of Harrington, near Coventry,
+and to proclaim her queen, in case the others should fail in securing
+the princes. It was supposed that Henry, Prince of Wales, (who, it need
+scarcely be mentioned, died in his youth,) would be present with the
+King, his father, in the Parliament House, and would perish with him;
+and in this case, as Charles, Duke of York, (afterwards Charles the
+First,) would become successor to the throne, it was resolved that he
+should be seized by Percy, and instantly proclaimed. Other resolutions
+were decided upon, and the whole time of the conspirators was spent in
+maturing their projects.
+
+And thus weeks, and even months, stole on. Viviana had completely
+regained her strength, and passed a life of perfect seclusion, seldom,
+if ever, mixing with the others. She, however, took a kindly farewell of
+Humphrey Chetham, before his departure for Manchester (for which place
+he set out about a fortnight after his arrival at White Webbs, having
+first sought out his servant, Martin Heydocke); but though strongly
+urged by Guy Fawkes, she would hold out no hopes of a change in her
+sentiments towards the young merchant. Meetings were occasionally held
+by the conspirators elsewhere, and Catesby and Fawkes had more than one
+interview with Tresham--but never, except in places where they were
+secure from a surprise.
+
+The latter end of September had now arrived, and the meeting of
+Parliament was still fixed for the third of October. On the last day of
+the month, Guy Fawkes prepared to start for town; but before doing so he
+desired to see Viviana. They had not met for some weeks; nor, indeed,
+since Fawkes had discovered the secret of her heart, (and perhaps of his
+own,) had they ever met with the same freedom as heretofore. As she
+entered the room, in which he awaited her coming, a tremor agitated his
+frame, but he had nerved himself for the interview, and speedily subdued
+the feeling.
+
+"I am starting for London, Viviana," he said, in a voice of forced
+calmness. "You may guess for what purpose. But as I may never behold you
+again, I would not part with you without a confession of my weakness. I
+will not deny that what Humphrey Chetham stated, and which you have
+never contradicted--namely, that you loved me, for I must speak out--has
+produced a strong effect upon me. I have endeavoured to conquer it, but
+it will return. Till I knew you I never loved, Viviana."
+
+"Indeed!" she exclaimed.
+
+"Never," he replied. "The fairest had not power to move me. But I grieve
+to say--notwithstanding my struggles--I do not continue equally
+insensible."
+
+"Ah!" she ejaculated, becoming as pale as death.
+
+"Why should I hesitate to declare my feelings? Why should I not tell you
+that--though blinded to it so long--I have discovered that I do love
+you? Why should I hesitate to tell you that I regret this, and lament
+that we ever met?"
+
+"What mean you?" cried Viviana, with a terrified look.
+
+"I will tell you," replied Fawkes. "Till I saw you, my thoughts were
+removed from earth, and fixed on one object. Till I saw you, I asked not
+to live, but to die the death of a martyr."
+
+"Die so still," rejoined Viviana. "Forget me--oh! forget me."
+
+"I cannot," replied Fawkes. "I have striven against it. But your image
+is perpetually before me. Nay, at this very moment, when I am about to
+set out on the enterprise, you alone detain me."
+
+"I am glad of it," exclaimed Viviana, fervently. "Oh that I could
+prevent you--could save you!"
+
+"Save me!" echoed Fawkes, bitterly. "You destroy me."
+
+"How?" she asked.
+
+"Because I am sworn to this project," he rejoined; "and if I were turned
+from it, I would perish by my own hand."
+
+"Oh! say not so," replied Viviana, "but listen to me. Abandon it, and I
+will devote myself to you."
+
+Guy Fawkes gazed at her for a moment passionately, and then, covering
+his face with his hands, appeared torn by conflicting emotions.
+
+Viviana approached him, and pressing his arm, asked in an entreating
+voice, "Are you still determined to pursue your dreadful project?"
+
+"I am," replied Fawkes, uncovering his face, and gazing at her; "but, if
+I remain here a moment longer, I shall not be able to do so."
+
+"I will detain you, then," she rejoined, "and exercise the power I
+possess over you for your benefit."
+
+"No!" he replied, vehemently. "It must not be. Farewell, for ever!"
+
+And breaking from her, he rushed out of the room.
+
+As he gained the passage, he encountered Catesby, who looked abashed at
+seeing him.
+
+"I have overheard what has passed," said the latter, "and applaud your
+resolution. Few men, similarly circumstanced, would have acted as you
+have done."
+
+"_You_ would not," said Fawkes, coldly.
+
+"Perhaps not," rejoined Catesby. "But that does not lessen my admiration
+of your conduct."
+
+"I am devoted to one object," replied Fawkes, "and nothing shall turn me
+from it."
+
+"Remove yourself instantly from temptation, then," replied Catesby. "I
+will meet you at the cellar beneath the Parliament House to-morrow
+night."
+
+With this, he accompanied Guy Fawkes to the door; and the latter,
+without hazarding a look behind him, set out for London, where he
+arrived at nightfall.
+
+On the following night, Fawkes examined the cellar, and found it in all
+respects as he had left it; and, apprehensive lest some difficulty might
+arise, he resolved to make every preparation. He, accordingly, pierced
+the sides of several of the barrels piled against the walls with a
+gimlet, and inserted in the holes small pieces of slow-burning match.
+Not content with this, he staved in the tops of the uppermost tier, and
+scattered powder among them to secure their instantaneous ignition.
+
+This done, he took a powder-horn, with which he was provided, and
+kneeling down, and holding his lantern so as to throw a light upon the
+floor, laid a train to one of the lower barrels, and brought it within a
+few inches of the door, intending to fire it from that point. His
+arrangements completed, he arose, and muttered,
+
+"A vessel is provided for my escape in the river, and my companions
+advise me to use a slow match, which will allow me to get out of harm's
+way. But I will see the deed done, and if the train fails, will hold a
+torch to the barrels myself."
+
+At this juncture, a slight tap was heard without.
+
+Guy Fawkes instantly masked his lantern, and cautiously opening the
+door, beheld Catesby.
+
+"I am come to tell you that Parliament is prorogued," said the latter.
+"The House does not meet till the fifth of November. We have another
+month to wait."
+
+"I am sorry for it," rejoined Fawkes. "I have just laid the train. The
+lucky moment will pass."
+
+And, locking the door, he proceeded with Catesby to the adjoining house.
+
+They had scarcely been gone more than a second, when two figures muffled
+in cloaks emerged from behind a wall.
+
+"The train is laid," observed the foremost, "and they are gone to the
+house. You might seize them now without danger."
+
+"That will not answer my purpose," replied the other. "I will give them
+another month."
+
+"Another month!" replied the first speaker. "Who knows what may happen
+in that time? They may abandon their project."
+
+"There is no fear of that," replied the other. "But you had better go
+and join them."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE MARRIAGE IN THE FOREST.
+
+
+Tresham, for it will have been conjectured that he was one of the
+speakers mentioned in the preceding chapter, on separating from Lord
+Mounteagle, took the same direction as the conspirators. He hesitated
+for some time before venturing to knock at the garden-gate; and when he
+had done so, felt half-disposed to take to his heels. But shame
+restrained him; and hearing footsteps approach, he gave the customary
+signal, and was instantly admitted by Guy Fawkes.
+
+"What brings you here?" demanded the latter, as they entered the house,
+and made fast the door behind them.
+
+"I have just heard that Parliament is prorogued to the fifth of
+November," replied Tresham, "and came to tell you so."
+
+"I already know it," returned Fawkes, gloomily; "and for the first time
+feel some misgiving as to the issue of our enterprise."
+
+"Why so?" inquired Tresham.
+
+"November is unlucky to me," rejoined Fawkes, "and I cannot recollect a
+year in my life in which some ill has not befallen me during that month,
+especially on the fifth day. On the last fifth of November, I nearly
+died of a fever at Madrid. It is a strange and unfortunate coincidence
+that the meeting of the Parliament should be appointed for that
+particular day."
+
+"Shall I tell you what I think it portends?" hesitated Tresham.
+
+"Do so," replied Fawkes, "and speak boldly. I am no child to be
+frightened at shadows."
+
+"You have more than once declared your intention of perishing with our
+foes," rejoined Tresham. "The design, though prosperous in itself, may
+be fatal to you."
+
+"You are right," replied Fawkes. "I have little doubt I shall perish on
+that day. You are both aware of my superstitious nature, and are not
+ignorant that many mysterious occurrences have combined to strengthen
+the feeling,--such as the dying words of the prophetess, Elizabeth
+Orton,--her warning speech when she was raised from the dead by Doctor
+Dee,--and lastly, the vision at St. Winifred's Well. What if I tell you
+the saint has again appeared to me?"
+
+"In a dream?" inquired Catesby, in a slightly sceptical tone.
+
+"Ay, in a dream," returned Fawkes. "But I saw her as plainly as if I had
+been awake. It was the same vapoury figure--the same transparent robes,
+the same benign countenance, only far more pitying than before--that I
+beheld at Holywell. I heard no sound issue from her lips, but I _felt_
+that she warned me to desist."
+
+"Do you accept the warning?" asked Tresham, eagerly.
+
+"It is needless to answer," replied Fawkes. "I have laid the train
+to-night."
+
+"You have infected me with your misgivings," observed Tresham. "Would
+the enterprise had never been undertaken!"
+
+"But being undertaken, it must be gone through with," rejoined Catesby,
+sternly. "Hark'e, Tresham. You promised us two thousand pounds in aid of
+the project, but have constantly deferred payment of the sum on some
+plea or other."
+
+"Because I have not been able to raise it," replied Tresham, sullenly.
+"I have tried in vain to sell part of my estates at Rushton, in
+Northamptonshire. I cannot effect impossibilities."
+
+"Tush!" cried Catesby, fiercely. "You well know I ask no impossibility.
+I will no longer be trifled with. The money must be forthcoming by the
+tenth of October, or you shall pay the penalty with your life."
+
+"This is the language of a cut-throat, Mr. Catesby," replied Tresham.
+
+"It is the only language I will hold towards you," rejoined Catesby,
+contemptuously. "Look you disappoint me not, or take the consequences."
+
+"I must leave for Northamptonshire at once, then," said Tresham.
+
+"Do as you please," returned Catesby. "Play the cut-throat yourself, and
+ease some rich miser of his store, if you think fit. Bring us the money,
+and we will not ask how you came by it."
+
+"Before we separate," said Tresham, disregarding these sneers, "I wish
+to be resolved on one point. Who are to be saved from destruction?"
+
+"Why do you ask?" inquired Fawkes.
+
+"Because I must stipulate for the lives of my brothers-in-law, the Lords
+Mounteagle and Stourton."
+
+"If anything detains them from the meeting, well and good," replied
+Catesby. "But no warning must be given them. That would infallibly lead
+to a discovery of the plot."
+
+"Some means might surely be adopted to put them on their guard without
+danger to ourselves?" urged Tresham.
+
+"I know of none," replied Catesby.
+
+"Nor I," added Fawkes. "If I did, I would warn Lord Montague, and some
+others whom I shall grieve to destroy."
+
+"We are all similarly circumstanced," replied Catesby. "Keyes is anxious
+for the preservation of his patron and friend, Lord Mordaunt,--Percy,
+for the Earl of Northumberland. I, myself, would gladly save the young
+Earl of Arundel. But we must sacrifice our private feeling for the
+general good."
+
+"We must," acquiesced Fawkes.
+
+"We shall not meet again till the night of the tenth of October," said
+Catesby, "when take care you are in readiness with the money."
+
+Upon this, the conversation dropped, and soon afterwards Tresham
+departed.
+
+When he found himself alone, he suffered his rage to find vent in words.
+"Perdition seize them!" he cried, "I shall now lose two thousand pounds,
+in addition to what I have already advanced; and, as Mounteagle will not
+have the disclosure made till the beginning of November, there is no way
+of avoiding payment. They would not fall into the snare I laid to throw
+the blame of the discovery, when it takes place, upon their own
+indiscretion. But I must devise some other plan. The warning shall
+proceed from an unknown quarter. A letter, written in a feigned hand,
+and giving some obscure intimation of danger, shall be delivered with an
+air of mystery to Mounteagle. This will serve as a plea for its
+divulgement to the Earl of Salisbury. Well, well, they shall have the
+money; but they shall pay me back in other coin."
+
+Early on the following day, Catesby and Fawkes proceeded to White Webbs.
+Garnet was greatly surprised to see them, and could not conceal his
+disappointment at the cause of their return.
+
+"This delay bodes no good," he observed. "Parliament has been so often
+prorogued, that I begin to think some suspicion is entertained of our
+design."
+
+"Make your mind easy, then," replied Catesby. "I have made due
+inquiries, and find the meeting is postponed to suit the King's
+convenience, who wishes to prolong his stay at Royston. He may probably
+have some secret motive for the delay, but I am sure it in no way
+concerns us."
+
+Everything being now fully arranged, the conspirators had only to wait
+patiently for the arrival of the expected fifth of November. Most of
+them decided upon passing the interval in the country. Ambrose Rookwood
+departed for Clopton, near Stratford-upon-Avon,--a seat belonging to
+Lord Carew, where his family were staying. Keyes went to visit Lord
+Mordaunt at Turvey, in Bedfordshire; and Percy and the two Wrights set
+out for Gothurst, in Buckinghamshire, to desire Sir Everard Digby to
+postpone the grand hunting-party which he was to hold at Dunsmore Heath,
+as an excuse for mustering a strong party of Catholics, to the beginning
+of November. The two Winters repaired to their family mansion,
+Huddington, in Worcestershire; while Fawkes and Catesby, together with
+the two priests, remained at White Webbs. The three latter held daily
+conferences together, but were seldom joined by Fawkes, who passed his
+time in the adjoining forest, selecting its densest and most intricate
+parts for his rambles.
+
+It was now the beginning of October, and, as is generally the case in
+the early part of this month, the weather was fine, and the air pure and
+bracing. The forest could scarcely have been seen to greater advantage.
+The leaves had assumed their gorgeous autumnal tints, and the masses of
+timber, variegated in colour, presented an inexpressibly beautiful
+appearance. Guy Fawkes spent hours in the depths of the wood. His sole
+companions were the lordly stag and the timid hare, that occasionally
+started across his path. Since his return, he had sedulously avoided
+Viviana, and they had met only twice, and then no speech had passed
+between them. One day, when he had plunged even deeper than usual into
+the forest, and had seated himself on the stump of a decayed tree, with
+his eyes fixed on a small clear rivulet welling at his feet, he saw the
+reflection of a female figure in the water; and, filled with the idea of
+the vision of Saint Winifred, at first imagined he was about to receive
+another warning. But a voice that thrilled to his heart's core, soon
+undeceived him, and, turning, he beheld Viviana. She was habited in a
+riding-dress, and appeared prepared to set out upon a journey.
+
+"So you have tracked me to my solitude," he observed, in a tone of
+forced coldness. "I thought I was secure from interruption here."
+
+"You will forgive me, I am sure, when you know my errand," she replied.
+"It is to take an eternal farewell of you."
+
+"Indeed!" he exclaimed. "Are you about to quit White Webbs?"
+
+"I am," she mournfully rejoined. "I am about to set out with Father
+Oldcorne for Gothurst, where I shall remain till all is over."
+
+"I entirely approve your determination," returned Fawkes, after a short
+pause.
+
+"I knew you would do so, or I should have consulted you upon it," she
+rejoined. "And as you appear to avoid me, I would fain have departed
+without taking leave of you, but found it impossible to do so."
+
+"You well know my motive for avoiding you, Viviana," rejoined Fawkes.
+"We are no longer what we were to each other. A fearful struggle has
+taken place within me, though I have preserved an unmoved exterior,
+between passion and the sense of my high calling. I have told you I
+never loved before, and fancied my heart immoveable as adamant. But I
+now find out my error. It is a prey to a raging and constant flame. I
+have shunned you," he continued, with increased excitement, "because the
+sight of you shakes my firmness,--because I feel it sinful to think of
+you in preference to holier objects,--and because, after I have quitted
+you, your image alone engrosses my thoughts. Here, in the depths of this
+wood, by the side of this brook, I can commune with my soul,--can
+abstract myself from the world and the thoughts of the world--from
+you--yes, you, who are all the world to me now,--and prepare to meet my
+end."
+
+"Then you are resolved to die?" she cried.
+
+"I shall abide the explosion, and nothing but a miracle can save me,"
+returned Fawkes.
+
+"And think not it will be exerted in your behalf," she replied. "Heaven
+does not approve your design, and you will assuredly incur its vengeance
+by your criminal conduct."
+
+"Viviana," replied Guy Fawkes, rising, "man cannot read my heart, but
+Heaven can; and the sincerity of my purpose will be recognised above.
+What I am about to do is for the regeneration of our holy religion; and
+if the welfare of that religion is dear to the Supreme Being, our cause
+must prosper. If the contrary, it deserves to fail, and will fail. I
+have ever told you that I care not what becomes of myself. I am now
+more than ever indifferent to life,--or rather," he added, in a sombre
+tone, "I am anxious to die."
+
+"Your dreadful wish, I fear, will be accomplished," replied Viviana,
+sadly. "I have been constantly haunted by frightful apprehensions
+respecting you, and my dead father has appeared to me in my dreams. His
+spirit, if such it were, seemed to gaze upon me with a mournful look,
+and, as I thought, pronounced your name in piteous accents."
+
+"These forebodings chime with my own," muttered Fawkes, repressing a
+shudder; "but nothing shall shake me. It will inflict a bitter pang upon
+me to part with you, Viviana,--the bitterest I can ever feel,--and I
+shall be glad when it is over."
+
+"I echo your own wish," she returned, "and deeply lament that we ever
+met. But the fate that brought us together must for ever unite us."
+
+"What mean you?" he inquired, gazing fixedly at her.
+
+"There is one sad consolation which you can afford me, and which you owe
+me for the deep and lasting misery I shall endure on your account,"
+replied Viviana;--"a consolation that will enable me to bear your loss
+with fortitude, and to devote myself wholly to Heaven."
+
+"Whatever I can do that will not interfere with my purpose, you may
+command," he rejoined.
+
+"What I have to propose will not interfere with it," she answered. "Now,
+hear me, and put the sole construction I deserve on my conduct. Father
+Garnet is at a short distance from us, behind those trees, waiting my
+summons. I have informed him of my design, and he approves of it. It is
+to unite us in marriage--solemnly unite us--that though I may never live
+with you as a wife, I may mourn you as a widow. Do you consent?"
+
+Guy Fawkes returned an affirmative, in a voice broken by emotion.
+
+"The moment the ceremony is over," pursued Viviana, "I shall start with
+Father Oldcorne for Gothurst. We shall never meet again in this world."
+
+"Unless I succeed," said Fawkes.
+
+"You will _not_ succeed," replied Viviana. "If I thought so, I should
+not take this step. I look upon it as an espousal with the dead."
+
+So saying, she hurried away, and disappearing beneath the covert,
+returned in a few seconds with Garnet.
+
+"I have a strange duty to perform for you, my son," said Garnet to
+Fawkes, who remained motionless and stupified; "but I am right willing
+to perform it, because I think it will lead to your future happiness
+with the fair creature who has bestowed her affections on you."
+
+"Do not speculate on the future, father," cried Viviana. "You know _why_
+I asked you to perform this ceremony. You know, also, that I have made
+preparations for instant departure; and that I indulge no hope of seeing
+Guy Fawkes again."
+
+"All this I know, dear daughter," returned Garnet; "but, in spite of
+your anticipations of ill, I still hope that your union may prove
+auspicious."
+
+"I take you to witness, father," said Viviana, "that in bestowing my
+hand upon Guy Fawkes, I bestow at the same time all my possessions upon
+him. He is free to use them as he thinks proper,--even in the
+furtherance of his design against the state, which, though I cannot
+approve it, seems good to him."
+
+"This must not be," cried Fawkes.
+
+"It _shall be_," rejoined Viviana. "Proceed with the ceremony, father."
+
+"Let her have her own way, my son," observed Garnet, in a low tone.
+"Under any circumstances, her estates must now be necessarily yours."
+
+He then took a breviary from his vest, and placing them near each other,
+began to read aloud the marriage-service appointed by the Romish Church.
+And there, in that secluded spot, and under such extraordinary
+circumstances, with no other witnesses than the ancient trees around
+them, and the brook rippling at their feet, were Guy Fawkes and Viviana
+united. The ceremony over, Guy Fawkes pressed his bride to his breast,
+and imprinted a kiss upon her lips.
+
+"I have broken my faith to Heaven, to which I was first espoused," he
+cried.
+
+"No," she returned; "you will now return to your first and holiest
+choice. Think of me only as I shall think of you,--as of the dead."
+
+With this, the party slowly and silently returned to the house, where
+they found a couple of steeds, with luggage strapped to the saddles, at
+the door.
+
+Father Oldcorne was already mounted, and in a few minutes Viviana was by
+his side. Before her departure, she bade Guy Fawkes a tender farewell;
+and at this trying juncture her firmness nearly deserted her. But
+rousing herself, she sprang upon her horse, and urging the animal into a
+quick pace, and followed by Oldcorne, she speedily disappeared from
+view. Guy Fawkes watched her out of sight, and shunning the regards of
+Catesby, who formed one of the group, struck into the forest, and was
+not seen again till the following day.
+
+The tenth of October having arrived, Guy Fawkes and Catesby repaired to
+the place of rendezvous. But the night passed, and Tresham did not
+appear. Catesby was angry and disappointed, and could not conceal his
+apprehensions of treachery. Fawkes took a different view of the matter,
+and thought it not improbable that their confederate's absence might be
+occasioned by the difficulty he found in complying with their demands;
+and this opinion was confirmed the next morning by the arrival of a
+letter from Tresham, stating that he had been utterly unable to effect
+the sales he contemplated, and could not, therefore, procure the money
+till the end of the month.
+
+"I will immediately go down to Rushton," said Catesby, "and if I find
+him disposed to palter with us, I will call him to instant account. But
+Garnet informs me that Viviana has bestowed all her wealth upon you. Are
+you willing to devote it to the good cause?"
+
+"No!" replied Fawkes, in a tone so decisive that his companion felt it
+would be useless to urge the matter further. "I give my life to the
+cause,--that must suffice."
+
+The subject was never renewed. At night, Catesby, having procured a
+powerful steed, set out upon his journey to Northamptonshire, while
+Fawkes returned to White Webbs.
+
+About a fortnight passed unmarked by any event of importance. Despatches
+were received from Catesby, stating that he had received the money from
+Tresham, and had expended it in procuring horses and arms. He also added
+that he had raised numerous recruits on various pretences. This letter
+was dated from Ashby St. Leger's, the seat of his mother, Lady Catesby,
+but he expressed his intention of proceeding to Coughton Hall, near
+Alcester, in Warwickshire, the residence of Mr. Thomas Throckmorton (a
+wealthy Catholic gentleman), whither Sir Everard Digby had removed with
+his family, to be in readiness for the grand hunting-party to be held on
+the fifth of November on Dunsmore Heath. Here he expected to be joined
+by the two Wrights, the Winters, Rookwood, Keyes, and the rest of the
+conspirators, and undertook to bring them all up to White Webbs on
+Saturday the twenty-sixth of October.
+
+By this time, Guy Fawkes had in a great degree recovered his equanimity,
+and left alone with Garnet, held long and frequent religious conferences
+with him; it being evidently his desire to prepare himself for his
+expected fate. He spent the greater part of the nights in solitary
+vigils--fasted even more rigorously than he was enjoined to do--and
+prayed with such fervour and frequency, that, fearing an ill effect upon
+his health, and almost upon his mind, which had become exalted to the
+highest pitch of enthusiasm, Garnet thought it necessary to check him.
+The priest did not fail to note that Viviana's name never passed his
+lips, and that in all their walks in the forest he carefully shunned the
+scene of his espousals.
+
+And thus time flew by. On the evening of the twenty-sixth of October, in
+accordance with Catesby's intimation, the conspirators arrived. They
+were all assembled at supper, and were relating the different
+arrangements which had been made in anticipation of the important
+event, when Garnet observed with a look of sudden uneasiness to Catesby,
+"You said in one of your letters that you would bring Tresham with you,
+my son. Why do I not see him?"
+
+"He sent a message to Coughton to state, that having been attacked by a
+sudden illness, he was unable to join us," replied Catesby, "but as soon
+as he could leave his bed, he would hasten to London. This may be a
+subterfuge, but I shall speedily ascertain the truth, for I have sent my
+servant Bates to Rushton, to investigate the matter. I ought to tell
+you," he added, "that he has given substantial proof of his devotion to
+the cause by sending another thousand pounds, to be expended in the
+purchase of arms and horses."
+
+"I hope it is not dust thrown into our eyes," returned Garnet. "I have
+always feared Tresham would deceive us at the last."
+
+"This sudden illness looks suspicious, I must own," said Catesby. "Has
+aught been heard of Lord Mounteagle?"
+
+"Guy Fawkes heard that he was at his residence at Southwark yesterday,"
+returned Garnet.
+
+"So far, good," replied Catesby. "Did you visit the cellar where the
+powder is deposited?" he added, turning to Fawkes.
+
+"I did," replied the other, "and found all secure. The powder is in
+excellent preservation. Before quitting the spot, I placed certain
+private marks against the door, by which I can tell whether it is opened
+during our absence."
+
+"A wise precaution," returned Catesby. "And now, gentlemen," he added,
+filling a goblet with wine, "success to our enterprise! Everything is
+prepared," he continued, as the pledge was enthusiastically drunk; "I
+have got together a company of above two hundred men, all well armed and
+appointed, who will follow me wherever I choose to lead them. They will
+be stationed near Dunsmore Heath on the fifth of next month, and as soon
+as the event of the explosion is known, I shall ride thither as fast as
+I can, and, hurrying with my troops to Coventry, seize the Princess
+Elizabeth. Percy and Keyes will secure the person of the Duke of York,
+and proclaim him King; while upon the rest will devolve the arduous duty
+of rousing our Catholic brethren in London to rise to arms."
+
+"Trust to us to rouse them," shouted several voices.
+
+"Let each man swear not to swerve from the fulfilment of his task,"
+cried Catesby; "swear it upon this cup of wine, in which we will all mix
+our blood."
+
+And as he spoke, he pricked his arm with the point of his sword, and
+suffered a few drops of blood to fall into the goblet, while the others,
+roused to a state of frenzied enthusiasm, imitated his example, and
+afterwards raised the horrible mixture to their lips, pronouncing at the
+same time the oath.
+
+Guy Fawkes was the last to take the pledge, and crying in a loud voice,
+"I swear not to quit my post till the explosion is over," he drained the
+cup.
+
+After this, they adjourned to a room in another wing of the house,
+fitted up as a chapel, where mass was performed by Garnet, and the
+sacrament administered to the whole assemblage. They were about to
+retire for the night, when a sudden knocking was heard at the door.
+Reconnoitring the intruder through an upper window, overlooking the
+court, Catesby perceived it was Bates, who was holding a smoking and
+mud-bespattered steed by the bridle.
+
+"Well, what news do you bring?" cried Catesby, as he admitted him. "Have
+you seen Tresham?"
+
+"No," replied Bates. "His illness was a mere pretence. He has left
+Rushton secretly for London."
+
+"I knew it," cried Garnet. "He has again betrayed us."
+
+"He shall die," said Catesby.
+
+And the determination was echoed by all the other conspirators.
+
+Instead of retiring to rest, they passed the night in anxious
+deliberation, and it was at last proposed that Guy Fawkes should proceed
+without loss of time to Southwark, to keep watch near the house of Lord
+Mounteagle, and if possible ascertain whether Tresham had visited it.
+
+To this he readily agreed. But before setting out, he took Catesby aside
+for a moment, and asked, "Did you see Viviana at Coughton?"
+
+"Only for a moment, and that just before I left the place," was the
+answer. "She desired to be remembered to you, and said you were never
+absent from her thoughts or prayers."
+
+Guy Fawkes turned away to hide his emotion, and mounting one of the
+horses brought by the conspirators, rode off towards London.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.
+
+
+On the same day as the occurrences last related, Lord Mounteagle, who
+was then staying at Southwark, suddenly intimated his intention of
+passing the night at his country mansion at Hoxton; a change of place
+which, trivial as it seemed at the moment, afterwards assumed an
+importance, from the circumstances that arose out of it. At the latter
+part of the day, he accordingly proceeded to Hoxton, accompanied by his
+customary attendants, and all appeared to pass on as usual, until, just
+as supper was over, one of his pages arrived from town, and desired to
+see his lordship immediately.
+
+Affecting to treat the matter with indifference, Lord Mounteagle
+carelessly ordered the youth to be ushered into his presence; and when
+he appeared, he demanded his business. The page replied, that he brought
+a letter for his lordship, which had been delivered under circumstances
+of great mystery.
+
+"I had left the house just as it grew dusk," he said, "on an errand of
+little importance, when a man, muffled in a cloak, suddenly issued from
+behind a corner, and demanded whether I was one of your lordship's
+servants? On my replying in the affirmative, he produced this letter,
+and enjoined me, as I valued my life and your lordship's safety, to
+deliver it into your own hands without delay."
+
+So saying, he delivered the letter to his lord, who, gazing at its
+address, which was, "To the Right Honourable the Lord Mounteagle,"
+observed, "There is nothing very formidable in its appearance. What can
+it mean?"
+
+Without even breaking the seal, which was secured with a silken thread,
+he gave it to one of his gentlemen, named Ward, who was standing near
+him.
+
+"Read it aloud, sir," said the Earl, with a slight smile. "I have no
+doubt it is some vapouring effusion, which will afford us occasion for
+laughter. Before I hear what the writer has to say, I can promise him he
+shall not intimidate me."
+
+Thus exhorted, Ward broken open the letter, and read as follows:--
+
+"My lord, out of the love I bear to some of your friends, I have a care
+of your preservation. Therefore I would advise you, as you tender your
+life, to devise some excuse to shift from your attendance at this
+Parliament, for God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of
+this time. Think not slightingly of this advice, but retire into the
+country, where you may expect the event in safety; for, though there be
+no appearance of any stir, yet I say they shall receive a terrible blow
+this Parliament, and yet they shall not know who hurts them. This
+counsel is not to be contemned. It may do you good, and can do you no
+harm, for the danger is passed as soon as you have burned the letter.
+God, I hope, will give you grace to make good use of it, to whose holy
+protection I commend you."
+
+"A singular letter!" exclaimed Mounteagle, as soon as Ward had finished.
+"What is your opinion of it?"
+
+"I think it hints at some dangerous plot, my lord," replied Ward, who
+had received his instructions, "some treason against the state. With
+submission, I would advise your lordship instantly to take it to the
+Earl of Salisbury."
+
+"I see nothing in it," replied the Earl. "What is your opinion, Mervyn?"
+he added, turning to another of his gentlemen, to whom he had likewise
+given his lesson.
+
+"I am of the same mind as Ward," replied the attendant.
+
+"Your lordship will hardly hold yourself excused, if you neglect to give
+due warning, should aught occur hereafter."
+
+"Say you so, sirs?" cried Lord Mounteagle. "Let me hear it once more."
+
+The letter was accordingly read again by Ward, and the Earl feigned to
+weigh over each passage.
+
+"I am advised not to attend the Parliament," he said, "'for God and man
+have concurred to punish the wickedness of this time.' That is too vague
+to be regarded. Then I am urged to retire into the country. The
+recommendation must proceed from some discontented Catholic, who does
+not wish me to be present at the opening of the house. This is not the
+first time I have been so adjured. 'They shall receive a terrible blow
+this Parliament, and yet shall not know who hurts them.' That is
+mysterious enough, but it may mean nothing,--any more than what follows,
+namely, 'the danger is passed as soon as you have burnt the letter.'"
+
+"I do not think so, my lord," replied Ward; "and though I cannot explain
+the riddle, I am sure it means mischief."
+
+"Well," said Lord Mounteagle, "since you are of this mind, I must lose
+no time in communicating the letter to the Secretary of State. It is
+better to err on the safe side."
+
+Accordingly, after some further consultation, he set out at that late
+hour for Whitehall, where he roused the Earl of Salisbury, and showed
+him the letter. It is almost needless to state that the whole was a
+preconcerted scheme between these two crafty statesmen; but as the
+interview took place in the presence of their attendants, the utmost
+caution was observed.
+
+Salisbury pretended to be greatly alarmed at the communication, and
+coupling it, he said, with previous intelligence which he had received,
+he could not help fearing, to adopt the words of the writer of the
+mysterious letter, that the Parliament was indeed threatened with some
+"terrible blow." Acting, apparently, upon this supposition, he caused
+such of the lords of the Privy Council as lodged at Whitehall to be
+summoned, and submitting the letter to them, they all concurred in the
+opinion that it referred to some dangerous plot, though none could give
+a guess at its precise nature.
+
+"It is clearly some Popish project," said Salisbury, "or Lord Mounteagle
+would not have been the party warned. We must keep a look-out upon the
+disaffected of his faith."
+
+"As I have been the means of revealing the plot to your lordship--if
+plot it be--I must pray you to deal gently with them," rejoined
+Mounteagle.
+
+"I will be as lenient as I can," returned Salisbury; "but in a matter of
+this kind little favour can be shown. If your lordship will enable me to
+discover the principal actors in this affair, I will take care that no
+innocent party suffers."
+
+"You ask an impossibility," replied Mounteagle. "I know nothing beyond
+what can be gathered from that letter. But I pray your lordship not to
+make it a means of exercising unnecessary severity towards the members
+of my religion."
+
+"On that you may rely," returned the Earl. "His Majesty will not return
+from the hunting expedition on which he is engaged at Royston till
+Thursday next, the 30th. I think it scarcely worth while (considering
+his naturally timid nature, with which your lordships are well
+acquainted) to inform him of the threatened danger, until his arrival at
+the palace. It will then be time enough to take any needful steps, as
+Parliament will not meet for four or five days afterwards."
+
+In the policy of this course the Privy Councillors agreed, and it was
+arranged that the matter should be kept perfectly secret until the
+King's opinion had been taken upon the letter. The assemblage then broke
+up, it being previously arranged that, for fear of some attempt upon his
+life, Lord Mounteagle should remain within the palace till full
+inquiries had been instituted into the affair.
+
+When the two confederate nobles were left alone, Salisbury observed,
+with a slight laugh, to his companion,
+
+"Thus far we have proceeded well, and without suspicion, and, rely upon
+it, none shall fall on you. As soon as all is over, the most important
+post the King has to bestow shall be yours."
+
+"But what of Tresham?" asked Mounteagle. "He was the deliverer of this
+letter, and I have little faith in him."
+
+"Hum!" said Salisbury, after a moment's reflection, "if you think it
+desirable, we can remove him to the Tower, where he can be easily
+silenced."
+
+"It will be better so," replied Mounteagle. "He may else babble
+hereafter. I gave him a thousand pounds to send in his own name to the
+conspirators the other day to lure them into our nets."
+
+"It shall be repaid you a hundred-fold," replied Salisbury. "But we are
+observed, and must therefore separate."
+
+So saying, he withdrew to his own chamber, while Lord Mounteagle was
+ushered to the apartments allotted to him.
+
+To return to Guy Fawkes. Arriving at Southwark, he stationed himself
+near Lord Mounteagle's residence. But he observed nothing to awaken his
+suspicions, until early in the morning he perceived a page approaching
+the mansion, whom, from his livery, he knew to be one of Lord
+Mounteagle's household, (it was, in fact, the very youth who had
+delivered the mysterious letter,) and from him he ascertained all that
+had occurred. Filled with alarm, and scarcely knowing what to do, he
+crossed the river, and proceeding to the cellar, examined the marks at
+the door, and finding all precisely as he had left it, felt certain,
+that whatever discovery had been made, the magazine had not been
+visited.
+
+He next repaired to the house, of which he possessed the key, and was
+satisfied that no one had been there. Somewhat relieved by this, he yet
+determined to keep watch during the day, and concealing himself near the
+cellar, remained on the look-out till night. But no one came; nor did
+anything occur to excite his suspicions. He would not, however, quit his
+post till about six o'clock on the following evening, when, thinking
+further delay might be attended with danger, he set out to White Webbs,
+to give his companions intelligence of the letter.
+
+His news was received by all with the greatest alarm, and not one,
+except Catesby, who strove to put a bold face upon the matter, though he
+was full of inward misgiving, but confessed that he thought all chance
+of success was at an end. While deliberating upon what should be done in
+this fearful emergency, they were greatly alarmed by a sudden knocking
+without. All the conspirators concealed themselves, except Guy Fawkes,
+who opening the door, found, to his infinite surprise, that the summons
+proceeded from Tresham. He said nothing till the other had entered the
+house, and then suddenly drawing his dagger, held it to his throat.
+
+"Make your shrift quickly, traitor," he cried in a furious tone, "for
+your last hour is arrived. What ho!" he shouted to the others, who
+instantly issued from their hiding-places, "the fox has ventured into
+the lion's den."
+
+"You distrust me wrongfully," rejoined Tresham, with more confidence
+than he usually exhibited in time of danger; "I am come to warn you, not
+betray you. Is this the return you make me for the service?"
+
+"Villain!" cried Catesby, rushing up to him, and holding his drawn sword
+to his breast. "You have conveyed the letter to Lord Mounteagle."
+
+"It is false," replied Tresham; "I have only just heard of it; and, in
+spite of the risk I knew I should run from your suspicions, I came to
+tell you what had happened."
+
+"Why did you feign illness, and depart secretly for town, instead of
+joining us at Coughton?" demanded Catesby.
+
+"I will instantly explain my motive, which, though it may not be
+satisfactory to you on one point, will be so on another," replied
+Tresham unhesitatingly, and with apparent frankness. "I was fearful you
+would make a further tool of me, and resolved not to join you again till
+a few days before the outbreak of the plot. To this determination I
+should have adhered, had I not learnt to-night that a letter had been
+transmitted by some one to Lord Mounteagle, which he had conveyed to the
+Earl of Salisbury. It may not convey any notion of the plot, but it is
+certain to occasion alarm, and I thought it my duty, in spite of every
+personal consideration, to give you warning. If you design to escape,
+there is yet time. A vessel lies in the river, in which we can all
+embark for Flanders."
+
+"Can he be innocent?" said Catesby in a whisper to Garnet.
+
+"If I had betrayed you," continued Tresham, "I should not have come
+hither. And I have no motive for such baseness, for I am in equal danger
+with yourselves. But though the alarm has been given, I do not think any
+discovery will be made. They are evidently on the wrong scent."
+
+"I hope so," replied Catesby; "but I fear the contrary."
+
+"Shall I put him to death?" demanded Fawkes of Garnet.
+
+"Do not sully your hands with his blood, my son," returned Garnet. "If
+he has betrayed us, he will reap the traitor's reward here and
+hereafter. If he has not, it would be to take away a life unjustly. Let
+him depart. We shall feel more secure without him."
+
+"Will it be safe to set him free, father?" cried Fawkes.
+
+"I think so," replied Garnet. "We will not admit him to our further
+conferences; but let us act mercifully."
+
+The major part of the conspirators concurring in this opinion, though
+Fawkes and Catesby were opposed to it, Tresham was suffered to depart.
+As soon as he was gone, Garnet avowed that the further prosecution of
+the design appeared so hazardous, that it ought to be abandoned, and
+that, in his opinion, each of the conspirators had better consult his
+own safety by flight. He added, that at some future period the design
+might be resumed, or another planned, which might be more securely
+carried out.
+
+After much discussion, all seemed disposed to acquiesce in the proposal,
+except Fawkes, who adhered doggedly to his purpose, and treated the
+danger so slightingly, that he gradually brought the others round to his
+views. At length, it was resolved that Garnet should set out immediately
+for Coughton Hall, and place himself under the protection of Sir Everard
+Digby, and there await the result of the attempt, while the other
+conspirators decided upon remaining in town, in some secure places of
+concealment, until the event was known. Unmoved as ever, Guy Fawkes
+declared his intention of watching over the magazine of powder.
+
+"If anything happens to me," he said, "you will take care of yourselves.
+You well know nothing will be wrung from me."
+
+Catesby and the others, aware of his resolute nature, affected to
+remonstrate with him, but they willingly suffered him to take his own
+course. Attended by Bates, Garnet then set out for Warwickshire, and the
+rest of the conspirators proceeded to London, where they dispersed,
+after appointing Lincoln's Inn Walks as their place of midnight
+rendezvous. Each then made preparations for sudden flight, in case it
+should be necessary, and Rookwood provided relays of horses all the way
+to Dunchurch.
+
+Guy Fawkes alone remained at his post. He took up his abode in the
+cellar, resolved to blow up himself together with his foes, in case of a
+surprise.
+
+On Thursday, the 31st of October, the King returned to Whitehall, and
+the mysterious letter was laid before him in the presence of the Privy
+Council by the Earl of Salisbury. James perused it carefully, but could
+scarcely hide his perplexity.
+
+"Your Majesty will not fail to remark the expressions, 'a terrible blow'
+to the Parliament, and 'that the danger will be past as soon as you have
+burnt the letter,' evidently referring to combustion," observed the
+Earl.
+
+"You are right, Salisbury," said James, snatching at the suggestion. "I
+should not wonder if these mischievous Papists mean to blow us all up
+with gunpowder."
+
+"Your Majesty has received a divine illumination," returned the Earl.
+"Such an idea never occurred to me; but it must be as you intimate."
+
+"Undoubtedly--undoubtedly," replied the monarch, pleased with the
+compliment to his sagacity, though alarmed by the danger; "but what
+desperate traitors they must be to imagine such a deed! Blow us up!
+God's mercy, that were a dreadful death! And yet that must evidently be
+the meaning of the passage. How else can it be construed, except by
+reference to the suddenness of the act, which might be as quickly
+performed as that paper would take to be consumed in the fire?"
+
+"Your Majesty's penetration has discovered the truth," replied
+Salisbury, "and by the help of your wisdom, I will fully develop this
+dark design. Where, think you, the powder may lie hidden?"
+
+"Are there any vaults beneath the Parliament House?" demanded James,
+trembling. "Heaven save us! We have often walked there--perhaps, over a
+secret mine."
+
+"There are," replied Salisbury; "and I am again indebted to your Majesty
+for a most important suggestion. Not a corner in the vaults shall be
+left unsearched. But, perhaps you will think with me, that, in order to
+catch these traitors in their own trap, it will be well to defer the
+search till the very night before the meeting of Parliament."
+
+"I was about to recommend such a course myself, Salisbury," replied
+James.
+
+"I was sure you would think so," returned the Earl; "and now I must
+entreat you to dismiss the subject from your thoughts, and to sleep
+securely; for you may rely upon it (after your Majesty's discovery) that
+the plot shall be fully unravelled."
+
+The significant tone in which the Earl uttered the latter part of this
+speech, convinced the King that he knew more of the matter than he cared
+to confess; and he contented himself with saying, "Well, let it be so.
+I trust all to you. But I at once divined their purpose,--I at once
+divined it."
+
+The Council then broke up, and James laughed and chuckled to himself at
+the discernment he had displayed. Nor was he less pleased with his
+minister for the credit given him in the affair. But he took care not to
+enter the Parliament House.
+
+On the afternoon of Monday, the 4th of November, the Lord Chamberlain,
+accompanied by the Lords Salisbury and Mounteagle, visited the cellars
+and vaults beneath the Parliament House. For some time, they discovered
+nothing to excite suspicion. At length, probably at the suggestion of
+Lord Mounteagle, who, as will be recollected, was acquainted with the
+situation of the magazine, they proceeded to the cellar, where they
+found the store of powder; but not meeting with any of the conspirators,
+as they expected, they disturbed nothing, and went away, reporting the
+result of their search to the King.
+
+By the recommendation of the Earl of Salisbury, James advised that a
+guard should be placed near the cellar during the whole of the night,
+consisting of Topcliffe and a certain number of attendants, and headed
+by Sir Thomas Knevet, a magistrate of Westminster, upon whose courage
+and discretion full reliance could be placed. Lord Mounteagle also
+requested permission to keep guard with them to witness the result of
+the affair. To this the King assented, and as soon as it grew dark, the
+party secretly took up their position at a point commanding the entrance
+of the magazine.
+
+Fawkes, who chanced to be absent at the time the search was made,
+returned a few minutes afterwards, and remained within the cellar,
+seated upon a barrel of gunpowder, the head of which he had staved in,
+with a lantern in one hand, and petronel in the other, till past
+midnight.
+
+The fifth of November was now at hand, and the clock of the adjoining
+abbey had scarcely ceased tolling the hour that proclaimed its arrival,
+when Fawkes, somewhat wearied with his solitary watching, determined to
+repair, for a short space, to the adjoining house. He accordingly
+quitted the cellar, leaving his lantern lighted within it in one corner.
+
+Opening the door, he gazed cautiously around, but perceiving nothing,
+after waiting a few seconds, he proceeded to lock the door. While thus
+employed, he thought he heard a noise behind him, and turning suddenly,
+he beheld through the gloom several persons rushing towards him,
+evidently with hostile intent. His first impulse was to draw a petronel,
+and grasp his sword: but before he could effect his purpose, his arms
+were pinioned by a powerful grasp from behind, while the light of a
+lantern thrown full in his face revealed the barrel of a petronel
+levelled at his head, and an authoritative voice commanded him in the
+King's name to surrender.
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes arrested by Sir Thomas Knevet and
+Topcliffe_]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE FLIGHT OF THE CONSPIRATORS.
+
+
+On the same night, and at the same hour that Guy Fawkes was captured,
+the other conspirators held their rendezvous in Lincoln's Inn Walks. A
+presentiment of the fate awaiting them filled the breasts of all, and
+even Catesby shared in the general depression. Plan after plan was
+proposed, and, as soon as proposed, rejected; and they seemed influenced
+only by alarm and irresolution. Feeling at length that nothing could be
+done, and that they were only increasing their risk by remaining
+together longer, they agreed to separate, appointing to meet at the same
+place on the following night, if their project should not, in the
+interim, be discovered.
+
+"Before daybreak," said Catesby, "I will proceed to the cellar under the
+Parliament House, and ascertain whether anything has happened to Guy
+Fawkes. My heart misgives me about him, and I reproach myself that I
+have allowed him to incur this peril alone."
+
+"Guy Fawkes is arrested," said a voice near them, "and is at this moment
+under examination before the King."
+
+"It is Tresham who speaks," cried Catesby; "secure him!"
+
+The injunction was instantly obeyed. Tresham was seized, and several
+weapons pointed against his breast. He did not, however, appear to be
+dismayed, but, so far as could be discerned in the obscurity, seemed to
+maintain great boldness of demeanour.
+
+"I have again ventured among you, at the hazard of my life," he said, in
+a firm tone, "to give you this most important intelligence; and am
+requited, as I have ever been of late, with menaces and violence. Stab
+me, and see whether my death will avail you in this extremity. I am in
+equal danger with yourselves; and whether I perish by your hands, or by
+those of the executioner, is of little moment."
+
+"Let me question him before we avenge ourselves upon him," said Catesby
+to Rookwood. "How do you know that Guy Fawkes is a prisoner?"
+
+"I saw him taken," replied Tresham, "and esteem myself singularly
+fortunate that I escaped the same fate. Though excluded from further
+share in the project, I could not divest myself of a strong desire to
+know how matters were going on, and I resolved to visit the cellar
+secretly at midnight. As I stealthily approached it, I remarked several
+armed figures beneath a gateway, and conjecturing their purpose,
+instantly concealed myself behind a projection of the wall. I had not
+been in this situation many minutes, when the cellar door opened, and
+Guy Fawkes issued from it."
+
+"Well!" cried Catesby, breathlessly.
+
+"The party I had noticed immediately rushed forward, and secured him
+before he could offer any resistance," continued Tresham. "After a brief
+struggle, certain of their number dragged him into the cellar, while
+others kept watch without. I should now have flown, but my limbs refused
+their office, and I was therefore compelled, however reluctantly, to see
+the end of it. In a short time Guy Fawkes was brought forth again, and I
+heard some one in authority give directions that he should be instantly
+taken to Whitehall, to be interrogated before the King and the Privy
+Council. He was then led away, and a guard placed at the door of the
+cellar. Feeling certain I should be discovered, I continued for some
+time in an agony of apprehension, not daring to stir. But, at length,
+summoning up sufficient resolution, I crept cautiously along the side of
+the wall, and got off unperceived. My first object was to warn you."
+
+"How did you become acquainted with our place of rendezvous?" demanded
+the elder Wright.
+
+"I overheard you, at our last interview at White Webbs, appoint a
+midnight meeting in this place," replied Tresham, "and I hurried hither
+in the hope of finding you, and have not been disappointed."
+
+"When I give the word, plunge your swords into his breast," said
+Catesby, in a low tone.
+
+"Hold!" cried Percy, taking him aside. "If we put him to death in this
+spot, his body will be found, and his slaughter may awaken suspicions
+against us. Guy Fawkes will reveal nothing."
+
+"Of that I am well assured," said Catesby. "Shall we take the traitor
+with us to some secure retreat, where we can detain him till we learn
+what takes place at the palace, and if we find he has betrayed us,
+despatch him?"
+
+"That would answer no good purpose," returned Percy "The sooner we are
+rid of him the better. We can then deliberate as to what is best to be
+done."
+
+"You are right," rejoined Catesby. "If he _has_ betrayed us, life will
+be a burthen to him, and the greatest kindness we could render him would
+be to rid him of it. Let him go. Tresham," he added, in a loud voice,
+"you are free. But we meet no more."
+
+"We have not parted yet," cried the traitor, springing backwards, and
+uttering a loud cry. "I arrest you all in the King's name."
+
+The signal was answered by a band of soldiers, who emerged from behind
+the trees where they had hitherto been concealed, and instantly
+surrounded the conspirators.
+
+"It is now my turn to threaten," laughed Tresham.
+
+Catesby replied by drawing a petronel, and firing it in the supposed
+direction of the speaker. But he missed his mark. The ball lodged in the
+brain of a soldier who was standing beside him, and the ill-fated wretch
+fell to the ground.
+
+A desperate conflict now ensued. Topcliffe, who commanded the assailing
+party, ordered his followers to take the conspirators alive, and it was
+mainly owing to this injunction that the latter were indebted for their
+safety. Whispering his directions to his companions, Catesby gave the
+word, and making a simultaneous rush forward, they broke through the
+opposing ranks, and instantly dispersing, and favoured by the gloom,
+they baffled pursuit.
+
+"We have failed in this part of our scheme," said Tresham to Topcliffe,
+as they met half an hour afterwards. "What is to be done?"
+
+"We must take the Earl of Salisbury's advice upon it," returned
+Topcliffe. "I shall now hasten to Whitehall to see how Guy Fawkes's
+interrogation proceeds, and will communicate with his lordship."
+
+Upon this, they separated.
+
+None of the conspirators met again that night. Each fled in a different
+direction, and, ignorant of what had happened to the rest, sought some
+secure retreat. Catesby ran towards Chancery-lane, and passing through a
+narrow alley, entered the large gardens which then lay between this
+thoroughfare and Fetter-lane. Listening to hear whether he was pursued,
+and finding nothing to alarm him, he threw himself on the sod beneath a
+tree, and was lost in painful reflection.
+
+"All my fair schemes are marred by that traitor, Tresham," he muttered.
+"I could forgive myself for being duped by him, if I had slain him when
+he was in my power. But that he should escape to exult in our ruin, and
+reap the reward of his perfidy, afflicts me even more than failure."
+
+Tortured by thoughts like these, and in vain endeavouring to snatch such
+brief repose as would fit him for the fatigue he might have to endure on
+the morrow, he did not quit his position till late in the morning of a
+dull November day--it was, as will be recollected, the memorable
+Fifth--had arrived.
+
+He then arose, and slouching his hat, and wrapping his cloak around him,
+shaped his course towards Fleet-street. From the knots of persons
+gathered together at different corners,--from their muttered discourse
+and mysterious looks, as well as from the general excitement that
+prevailed,--he felt sure that some rumour of the plot had gone abroad.
+Shunning observation as much as he could, he entered a small tavern near
+Fleet Bridge, and called for a flask of wine and some food. While
+discussing these, he was attracted by the discourse of the landlord, who
+was conversing with his guests about the conspiracy.
+
+"I hear that all the Papists are to be hanged, drawn, and quartered,"
+cried the host; "and if it be true, as I have heard, that this plot is
+their contrivance, they deserve it. I hope I have no believer in that
+faith--no recusant in my house."
+
+"Don't insult us by any such suspicion," cried one of the guests. "We
+are all loyal men--all good Protestants."
+
+"Do you know whether the conspirators have been discovered, sir?" asked
+the host of Catesby.
+
+"I do not even know of the plot," replied the other. "What was its
+object?"
+
+"What was its object!" cried the host. "You will scarcely credit me when
+I tell you. I tremble to speak of it. Its object was to blow up the
+Parliament House, and the King and all the nobles and prelates of the
+land along with it."
+
+"Horrible!" exclaimed the guests.
+
+"But how do you know it is a scheme of the Papists?" asked Catesby.
+
+"Because I have been told so," rejoined the host. "But who else could
+devise such a monstrous plan? It would never enter into the head or
+heart of a Protestant to conceive so detestable an action. We love our
+King too well for that, and would shed the last drop of our blood rather
+than a hair of his head should be injured. But these priest-ridden
+Papists think otherwise. They regard him as a usurper; and having
+received a dispensation from the Pope to that effect, fancy it would be
+a pious act to remove him. There will be no tranquillity in the kingdom
+while one of them is left alive; and I hope his Majesty will take
+advantage of the present ferment to order a general massacre of them,
+like that of the poor Protestants on Saint Bartholomew's day in Paris."
+
+"Ay,--massacre them," cried the guests; "that's the way. Burn their
+houses and cut their throats. Will it be lawful to do so without further
+authority, mine host? If so, we will set about it immediately."
+
+"I cannot resolve you on that point," replied the landlord. "You had
+better wait a short time. I dare say their slaughter will be publicly
+commanded."
+
+"Heaven grant it may be so!" cried one of the guests. "I will bear my
+part in the business."
+
+Catesby arose, paid his reckoning, and strode out of the tavern.
+
+"Do you know, mine host," said the guest who had last spoken, "I half
+suspect that tall fellow, who has just left us, is a Papist."
+
+"Perhaps a conspirator," said another.
+
+"Let us watch him," cried a third.
+
+"Stay," cried the host, "he has paid me double my reckoning. I believe
+him to be an honest man and a good Protestant."
+
+"What you say confirms my suspicions," rejoined the first speaker. "We
+will follow him."
+
+On reaching Temple Bar, Catesby found the gates closed, and a guard
+stationed at them,--no one being allowed to pass through without
+examination. Not willing to expose himself to this scrutiny, Catesby
+turned away, and in doing so, perceived three of the persons he had just
+left in the tavern. The expression of their countenances satisfied him
+they were dogging him; but affecting not to perceive it, he retraced his
+steps, gradually quickening his pace until he reached a narrow street
+leading into Whitefriars, down which he darted. The moment his pursuers
+saw this, they hurried after him, shouting, "A Papist--a Papist!--a
+conspirator!"
+
+But Catesby was now safe. Claiming the protection of certain Alsatians
+who were lounging at the door of a tavern, and offering to reward them,
+they instantly drew their swords, and drove the others away, while
+Catesby, tossing a few pieces of money to his preservers, passed through
+a small doorway into the Temple, and making the best of his way to the
+stairs, leaped into a boat, and ordered the waterman to row to
+Westminster. The man obeyed, and plying his oars, soon gained the middle
+of the stream. Little way, however, had been made, when Catesby descried
+a large wherry, manned by several rowers, swiftly approaching them, and
+instinctively comprehending whom it contained, ordered the man to rest
+on his oars till it had passed.
+
+In a few moments the wherry approached them. It was filled with
+serjeants of the guard and halberdiers, in the midst of whom sat Guy
+Fawkes. Catesby could not resist the impulse that prompted him to rise,
+and the movement attracted the attention of the prisoner. The momentary
+glance they exchanged convinced Catesby that Fawkes perceived him,
+though his motionless features gave no token of recognition, and he
+immediately afterwards fixed his eyes towards heaven, as if to
+intimate,--at least Catesby so construed the gesture,--that his earthly
+career was well-nigh ended. Heaving a deep sigh, Catesby watched the
+wherry sweep on towards the Tower,--its fatal destination,--until it was
+lost to view.
+
+"All is over, I fear, with the bravest of our band," he thought, as he
+tracked its course; "but some effort must be made to save him. At all
+events, we will die sword in hand, and like soldiers, and not as common
+malefactors."
+
+Abandoning his intention of proceeding to Westminster, he desired the
+man to pull ashore, and landing at Arundel Stairs, hastened to the
+Strand. Here he found large crowds collected, the shops closed, and
+business completely at a stand. Nothing was talked of but the
+conspiracy, and the most exaggerated and extraordinary accounts of it
+were circulated and believed. Some would have it that the Parliament
+House was already blown up, and that the city of London itself had been
+set fire to in several places by the Papists. It was also stated that
+numerous arrests had taken place, and it was certain that the houses of
+several Catholic nobles and wealthy gentlemen had been searched. To such
+a height was the popular indignation raised, that it required the utmost
+efforts of the soldiery to prevent the mob from breaking into these
+houses, and using violence towards their inmates.
+
+Every gate and avenue to the palace was strictly guarded, and troops of
+horse were continually scouring the streets. Sentinels were placed
+before suspected houses, and no one was suffered to enter them, or to go
+forth without special permission. Detachments of soldiery were also
+stationed at the end of all the main thoroughfares. Bars were thrown
+across the smaller streets and outlets, and proclamation was made that
+no one was to quit the city, however urgent his business, for three
+days.
+
+On hearing this announcement, Catesby saw at once that if he did not
+effect his escape immediately, it would be impracticable. Accordingly,
+he hurried towards Charing-cross, and turning up St. Martin's-lane, at
+the back of the King's Mews, contrived to elude the vigilance of the
+guard, and speeded along the lane,--for it was then literally so, and
+surrounded on either side by high hedges,--until he came to St.
+Giles's,--at this time nothing more than a few scattered houses,
+intermixed with trees. Here he encountered a man mounted on a powerful
+steed, and seeing this person look hard at him, would have drawn out of
+the way, if the other had not addressed him by name. He then regarded
+the equestrian more narrowly, and found it was Martin Heydocke.
+
+"I have heard what has happened, Mr. Catesby," said Martin, "and can
+imagine the desperate strait in which you must be placed. Take my
+horse,--it may aid your flight. I was sent to London by my master, Mr.
+Humphrey Chetham, to bring him intelligence of the result of your
+attempt, and I am sure I am acting in accordance with his wishes in
+rendering you such a service. At all events, I will risk it. Mount,
+sir,--mount, and make the best of your way hence."
+
+Catesby needed no further exhortation, but, springing into the saddle,
+hastily murmured his thanks, and striking into a lane on the right, rode
+off at a swift pace towards Highgate.
+
+On reaching the brow of this beautiful hill, he drew in the bridle for a
+moment, and gazed towards the city he had just quitted. Dark and bitter
+were his thoughts as he fixed his eye upon Westminster Abbey, and
+fancied he could discern the neighbouring pile, whose destruction he had
+meditated. Remembering that from this very spot, when he had last
+approached the capital, in company with Guy Fawkes and Viviana
+Radcliffe, he had looked in the same direction, he could not help
+contrasting his present sensations with those he had then experienced.
+At that time he was full of ardour, and confident of success. Now, all
+was lost to him, and he was anxious for little more than
+self-preservation. Involuntarily, his eye wandered along the great city,
+until passing over the mighty fabric of Saint Paul's, it settled upon
+the Tower,--upon the place of Guy Fawkes's captivity.
+
+"And can nothing be done for his deliverance?" sighed Catesby, as he
+turned away, his eyes filling with moisture "must that brave soldier die
+the death of a felon--must he be subjected to the torture--horror! If he
+had died defending himself, I should scarcely have pitied him. And if he
+had destroyed himself, together with his foes, as he resolved to do, I
+should have envied him. But the idea of what he will have to suffer in
+that dreadful place--nay, what he is now, perhaps, suffering--makes the
+life-blood curdle in my veins. I will never fall alive into their
+hands."
+
+With this resolve, he struck spurs into his steed, and, urging him to a
+swift pace, dashed rapidly forward. He had ridden more than a mile, when
+hearing shouts behind him, he perceived two troopers galloping after him
+as fast as their horses could carry them. They shouted to him to stay,
+and as they were better mounted than he was, it was evident they would
+soon come up with him. Determined, however, to adhere to the resolution
+he had just formed, and not to yield himself with life, he prepared for
+a conflict, and suddenly halting, he concealed a petronel beneath his
+cloak, and waited till his foes drew near.
+
+"I command you, in the King's name, to surrender," said the foremost
+trooper, riding up. "You are a rebel and a traitor."
+
+"Be this my answer," replied Catesby, aiming at the man, and firing with
+such certainty, that he fell from his horse mortally wounded.
+Unsheathing his sword, he then prepared to attack the other trooper.
+But, terrified at the fate of his comrade, the man turned his horse's
+head, and rode off.
+
+Without bestowing a thought on the dying man who lay groaning in the
+mire, Catesby caught hold of the bridle of his horse, and satisfied that
+the animal was better than his own, mounted him, and proceeded at the
+same headlong pace as before.
+
+In a short time he reached Finchley, where several persons rushed from
+their dwellings to inquire whether he brought any intelligence of the
+plot, rumours of which had already reached them. Without stopping,
+Catesby replied that most important discoveries had been made, and that
+he was carrying despatches from the King to Northampton. No opposition
+was therefore offered him, and he soon left all traces of habitation
+behind him. Urging his horse to its utmost, he arrived, in less than a
+quarter of an hour, at Chipping Barnet. Here the same inquiries were
+made as at Finchley, and returning the same answer--for he never relaxed
+his speed for a moment--he pursued his course.
+
+In less than three quarters of an hour after this, he arrived at Saint
+Albans, and proceeding direct to the post-house, asked for a horse. But
+instead of complying with the request, the landlord of the Rose and
+Crown--such was the name of the hostel--instantly withdrew, and returned
+the next moment with an officer, who desired to speak with Catesby
+before he proceeded further. The latter, however, took no notice of the
+demand, but rode off.
+
+The clatter of horses' hoofs behind him soon convinced him he was again
+pursued, and he was just beginning to consider in what way he should
+make a second defence, when he observed two horsemen cross a lane on the
+left, and make for the main road. His situation now appeared highly
+perilous, especially as his pursuers, who had noticed the other horsemen
+at the same time as himself, shouted to them. But he was speedily
+relieved. These persons, instead of stopping, accelerated their pace,
+and appeared as anxious as he was to avoid those behind him.
+
+They were now within a short distance of Dunstable, and were ascending
+the lovely downs which lie on the London side of this ancient town, when
+one of the horsemen in front chancing to turn round, Catesby perceived
+it was Rookwood. Overjoyed at the discovery, he shouted to him at the
+top of his voice, and the other, who it presently appeared was
+accompanied by Keyes, instantly stopped. In a few seconds Catesby was by
+their side, and a rapid explanation taking place, they all three drew up
+in order of battle.
+
+By this time their pursuers had arrived within a hundred yards of them,
+and seeing how matters stood, and not willing to hazard an engagement,
+after a brief consultation, retired. The three friends then pursued
+their route, passed through Dunstable, and without pausing a moment on
+the road, soon neared Fenny Stratford. Just before they arrived at this
+place, Catesby's horse fell from exhaustion. Instantly extricating
+himself from the fallen animal, he ran by the side of his companions
+till they got to the town, where Rookwood, who had placed relays on the
+road, changed his horse, and the others were fortunate enough to procure
+fresh steeds.
+
+Proceeding with unabated impetuosity, they soon cleared a few more
+miles, and had just left Stony Stratford behind them, when they overtook
+a solitary horseman, who proved to be John Wright, and a little further
+on they came up with Percy, and Christopher Wright.
+
+Though their numbers were thus increased, they did not consider
+themselves secure, but flinging their cloaks away to enable them to
+proceed with greater expedition, hurried on to Towcester. Here Keyes
+quitted his companions, and shaped his course into Warwickshire, where
+he was afterwards taken, while the others, having procured fresh horses,
+made the best of their way to Ashby Saint Leger's.
+
+About six o'clock, Catesby and his companions arrived at his old family
+seat, which he had expected to approach in triumph, but which he now
+approached with feelings of the deepest mortification and
+disappointment. They found the house filled with guests--among whom was
+Robert Winter--who were just sitting down to supper. Catesby rushed into
+the room in which these persons were assembled, covered with mud and
+dirt, his haggard looks and dejected appearance proclaiming that his
+project had failed. His friends followed, and their appearance confirmed
+the impression that he had produced. Lady Catesby hastened to her son,
+and strove to comfort him; but he rudely repulsed her.
+
+"What is the matter?" she anxiously inquired.
+
+"What is the matter!" cried Catesby, in a furious tone, and stamping his
+foot to the ground. "All is lost! our scheme is discovered; Guy Fawkes
+is a prisoner, and ere long we shall all be led to the block. Yes, all!"
+he repeated, gazing sternly around.
+
+"I will never be led thither with life," said Robert Winter.
+
+"Nor I," added a young Catholic gentleman, named Acton of Ribbesford,
+who had lately joined the conspiracy. "Though the great design has
+failed, we are yet free, and have swords to draw, and arms to wield
+them."
+
+"Ay," exclaimed Robert Winter, "all our friends are assembled at
+Dunchurch. Let us join them instantly, and we may yet stir up a
+rebellion which may accomplish all we can desire. I, myself, accompanied
+Humphrey Littleton to Dunchurch this morning, and know we shall find
+everything in readiness."
+
+"Do not despair," cried Lady Catesby; "all will yet be well. Every
+member of our faith will join you, and you will soon muster a formidable
+army."
+
+"We must not yield without a blow," cried Percy, pouring out a bumper of
+wine, and swallowing it at a draught.
+
+"You are right," said Rookwood, imitating his example. "We will sell our
+lives dearly."
+
+"If you will adhere to this resolution, gentlemen," rejoined Catesby,
+"we may yet retrieve our loss. With five hundred stanch followers, who
+will stand by me to the last, I will engage to raise such a rebellion in
+England as shall not be checked, except by the acknowledgment of our
+rights, or the dethronement of the king."
+
+"We will all stand by you," cried the others.
+
+"Swear it," cried Catesby, raising the glass to his lips.
+
+"We do," was the reply.
+
+"Wearied as we are," cried Catesby, "we must at once proceed to
+Dunchurch, and urge our friends to rise in arms with us."
+
+"Agreed," cried the others.
+
+Summoning all his household, and arming them, Catesby then set out with
+the rest for Dunchurch, which lay about five miles from Ashby Saint
+Leger's. They arrived there in about three quarters of an hour, and
+found the mansion crowded with Catholic gentlemen and their servants.
+Entering the banquet hall, they found Sir Everard Digby at the head of
+the board, with Garnet on his right hand. Upwards of sixty persons were
+seated at the table. Their arrival was greeted with loud shouts, and
+several of the guests drew their swords and flourished them over their
+heads.
+
+"What news?" cried Sir Everard Digby. "Is the blow struck?"
+
+"No," replied Catesby; "we have been betrayed."
+
+A deep silence prevailed. A change came over the countenances of the
+guests. Significant glances were exchanged, and it was evident that
+general uneasiness prevailed.
+
+"What is to be done?" cried Sir Everard Digby, after a pause.
+
+"Our course is clear," returned Catesby. "We must stand by each other.
+In that case, we have nothing to fear, and shall accomplish our purpose,
+though not in the way originally intended."
+
+"I will have nothing further to do with the matter," said Sir Robert
+Digby of Coleshill, Sir Everard's uncle. And rising, he quitted the room
+with several of his followers, while his example was imitated by
+Humphrey Littleton and others.
+
+"All chance for the restoration of our faith in England is over,"
+observed Garnet, in a tone of despondency.
+
+"Not so, father," replied Catesby, "if we are true to each other. My
+friends," he cried, stopping those who were about to depart, "in the
+name of our holy religion I beseech you to pause. Much is against us
+now. But let us hold together, and all will speedily be righted. Every
+Catholic in this county, in Cheshire, in Lancashire, and Wales, must
+flock to our standard when it is once displayed--do not desert us--do
+not desert yourselves--for our cause is your cause. I have a large force
+at my command; so has Sir Everard Digby, and together we can muster
+nearly five hundred adherents. With these, we can offer such a stand as
+will enable as to make conditions with our opponents, or even to engage
+with them with a reasonable prospect of success. I am well assured,
+moreover, if we lose no time, but proceed to the houses of our friends,
+we shall have a large army with us. Do not fall off, then. On you
+depends our success."
+
+This address was followed by loud acclamations; and all who heard it
+agreed to stand by the cause in which they had embarked to the last.
+
+As Catesby left the banqueting-hall with Sir Everard, to make
+preparations for their departure, they met Viviana and a female
+attendant.
+
+"I hear the enterprise has failed," she cried, in a voice suffocated by
+emotion. "What has happened to my husband? Is he safe? Is he with you?"
+
+"Alas! no," replied Catesby; "he is a prisoner."
+
+Viviana uttered a cry of anguish, and fell senseless into the arms of
+the attendant.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE EXAMINATION.
+
+
+Disarmed by Sir Thomas Knevet and his followers, who found upon his
+person a packet of slow matches and touchwood, and bound hand and foot,
+Guy Fawkes was dragged into the cellar by his captors, who instantly
+commenced their search. In a corner behind the door they discovered a
+dark lantern, with a light burning within it; and moving with the utmost
+caution--for they were afraid of bringing sudden destruction upon
+themselves--they soon perceived the barrels of gunpowder ranged against
+the wall. Carefully removing the planks, billets, and iron bars with
+which they were covered, they remarked that two of the casks were staved
+in, while the hoops from a third were taken off, and the powder
+scattered around it. They also noticed that several trains were laid
+along the floor,--everything, in short, betokening that the preparations
+for the desperate deed were fully completed.
+
+While they were making this investigation, Guy Fawkes, who, seeing that
+further resistance was useless, had remained perfectly motionless up to
+this moment, suddenly made a struggle to free himself; and so desperate
+was the effort, that he burst the leathern thong that bound his hands,
+and seizing the soldier nearest to him, bore him to the ground. He then
+grasped the lower limbs of another, who held a lantern, and strove to
+overthrow him, and wrest the lantern from his grasp, evidently intending
+to apply the light to the powder. And he would unquestionably have
+executed his terrible design, if three of the most powerful of the
+soldiers had not thrown themselves upon him, and overpowered him. All
+this was the work of a moment; but it was so startling, that Sir Thomas
+Knevet and Topcliffe, though both courageous men, and used to scenes of
+danger--especially the latter--rushed towards the door, expecting some
+dreadful catastrophe would take place.
+
+"Do him no harm," cried Knevet, as he returned to the soldiers, who
+were still struggling with Fawkes,--"do him no harm. It is not here he
+must die."
+
+"A moment more, and I had blown you all to perdition," cried Fawkes.
+"But Heaven ordained it otherwise."
+
+"Heaven will never assist such damnable designs as yours," rejoined
+Knevet. "Thrust him into that corner," he added to his men, who
+instantly obeyed his injunctions, and held down the prisoner so firmly
+that he could not move a limb. "Keep him there. I will question him
+presently."
+
+"You _may_ question me," replied Fawkes, sternly; "but you will obtain
+no answer."
+
+"We shall see," returned Knevet.
+
+Pursuing the search with Topcliffe, he counted thirty-six hogsheads and
+casks of various sizes, all of which were afterwards found to be filled
+with powder. Though prepared for this discovery, Knevet could not
+repress his horror at it, and gave vent to execrations against the
+prisoner, to which the other replied by a disdainful laugh. They then
+looked about, in the hope of finding some document or fragment of a
+letter, which might serve as a clue to the other parties connected with
+the fell design, but without success. Nothing was found except a pile of
+arms; but though they examined them, no name or cipher could be traced
+on any of the weapons.
+
+"We will now examine the prisoner more narrowly," said Knevet.
+
+This was accordingly done. On removing Guy Fawkes's doublet, a
+horse-hair shirt appeared, and underneath it, next his heart, suspended
+by a silken cord from his neck, was a small silver cross. When this was
+taken from him, Guy Fawkes could not repress a deep sigh.
+
+"There is some secret attached to that cross," whispered Topcliffe,
+plucking Knevet's sleeve.
+
+Upon this, the other held it to the light, while Topcliffe kept his eye
+fixed upon the prisoner, and observed that, in spite of all his efforts
+to preserve an unmoved demeanour, he was slightly agitated.
+
+"Do you perceive anything?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," replied Knevet, "there is a name. But the character is so small I
+cannot decipher it."
+
+"Let me look at it," said Topcliffe. "This is most important," he added,
+after gazing at it for a moment; "the words inscribed on it are,
+'_Viviana Radcliffe, Ordsall Hall_' You may remember that this young
+lady was examined a short time ago, on suspicion of being connected with
+some Popish plot against the state, and committed to the Tower, whence
+she escaped in a very extraordinary manner. This cross, found upon the
+prisoner, proves her connexion with the present plot. Every effort must
+be used to discover her retreat."
+
+Another deep sigh involuntarily broke from the breast of Guy Fawkes.
+
+"You hear how deeply interested he is in the matter," observed
+Topcliffe, in a low tone. "This trinket will be of infinite service to
+us in future examinations, and may do more for us with this stubborn
+subject even than the rack itself."
+
+"You are right," returned Knevet. "I will now convey him to Whitehall,
+and acquaint the Earl of Salisbury with his capture."
+
+"Do so," replied Topcliffe. "I have a further duty to perform. Before
+morning I hope to net the whole of this wolfish pack."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Knevet. "Have you any knowledge of the others?"
+
+Topcliffe smiled significantly.
+
+"Time will show," he said. "But if you do not require me further, I will
+leave you."
+
+With this, he quitted the cellar, and joined the Earl of Mounteagle and
+Tresham, who were waiting for him outside at a little distance from the
+cellar. After a brief conference, it was arranged, in compliance with
+the Earl of Salisbury's wishes, that if they failed in entrapping the
+conspirators, nothing should be said about the matter. He then departed
+with Tresham. Their subsequent proceedings have already been related.
+
+By Sir Thomas Knevet's directions, Guy Fawkes was now raised by two of
+the soldiers, and led out of the cellar. As he passed through the door,
+he uttered a deep groan.
+
+"You groan for what you have done, villain," said one of the soldiers.
+
+"On the contrary," rejoined Fawkes, sternly, "I groan for what I have
+not done."
+
+He was then hurried along by his conductors, and conveyed through the
+great western gate, into the palace of Whitehall, where he was placed in
+a small room, the windows of which were strongly grated.
+
+Before quitting him, Sir Thomas Knevet put several questions to him, but
+he maintained a stern and obstinate silence. Committing him to the
+custody of an officer of the guard, whom he enjoined to keep strict
+guard over him, as he valued his life, Knevet then went in search of the
+Earl of Salisbury.
+
+The Secretary, who had not retired to rest, and was anxiously awaiting
+his arrival, was delighted with the success of the scheme. They were
+presently joined by Lord Mounteagle; and after a brief conference it was
+resolved to summon the Privy Council immediately, to rouse the King, and
+acquaint him with what had occurred, and to interrogate the prisoner in
+his presence.
+
+"Nothing will be obtained from him, I fear," said Knevet. "He is one of
+the most resolute and determined fellows I ever encountered."
+
+And he then related the desperate attempt made by Fawkes in the vault to
+blow them all up.
+
+"Whether he will speak or not, the King must see him," said Salisbury.
+As soon as Knevet was gone, the Earl observed to Mounteagle, "You had
+now better leave the palace. You must not appear further in this matter,
+except as we have arranged. Before morning, I trust we shall have the
+whole of the conspirators in our power, with damning proofs of their
+guilt."
+
+"By this time, my lord, they are in Tresham's hands," replied
+Mounteagle.
+
+"If he fails, not a word must be said," observed Salisbury. "It must not
+be supposed we have moved in the matter. All great statesmen have
+contrived treasons, that they might afterwards discover them; and though
+I have not contrived this plot, I have known of its existence from the
+first, and could at any time have crushed it had I been so minded. But
+that would not have answered my purpose. And I shall now use it as a
+pretext to crush the whole Catholic party, except those on whom, like
+yourself, I can confidently rely."
+
+"Your lordship must admit that I have well seconded your efforts,"
+observed Mounteagle.
+
+"I do so," replied Salisbury, "and you will not find me ungrateful.
+Farewell! I hope soon to hear of our further success."
+
+Mounteagle then took his departure, and Salisbury immediately caused all
+such members of the Privy Council as lodged in the palace to be aroused,
+desiring they might be informed that a terrible plot had been
+discovered, and a conspirator arrested. In a short time, the Duke of
+Lennox, the Earl of Marr, Lord Hume, the Earl of Southampton, Lord Henry
+Howard, Lord Mountjoy, Sir George Hume, and others, were assembled; and
+all eagerly inquired into the occasion of the sudden alarm.
+
+Meanwhile, the Earl of Salisbury had himself repaired to the King's
+bedchamber, and acquainted him with what had happened. James immediately
+roused himself, and desired the chamberlain, who accompanied the Earl,
+to quit the presence.
+
+"Will it be safe to interrogate the prisoner here?" he asked.
+
+"I will take care your Majesty shall receive no injury," replied
+Salisbury; "and it is absolutely necessary you should examine him before
+he is committed to the Tower."
+
+"Let him be brought before me, then, directly," said the King. "I am
+impatient to behold a wretch who has conceived so atrocious--so infernal
+a design against me, and against my children. Hark 'e, Salisbury, one
+caution I wish to observe. Let a captain of the guard, with his drawn
+sword in hand, place himself between me and the prisoner, and let two
+halberdiers stand beside him, and if the villain moves a step, bid them
+strike him dead. You understand?"
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes interrogated by King James the First_]
+
+"Perfectly," replied Salisbury, bowing.
+
+"In that case, you may take off his bonds--that is, if you think it
+prudent to do so--not otherwise," continued James. "I would not have the
+knave suppose he can awe me."
+
+"Your Majesty's commands shall be fulfilled to the letter," returned the
+Earl.
+
+"Lose no time, Salisbury," cried James, springing out of bed, and
+beginning to dress himself without the assistance of his chamberlain.
+
+The Earl hastily retired, and ordered the attendants to repair to their
+royal master. He next proceeded to the chamber where Guy Fawkes was
+detained, and ordered him to be unbound, and brought before the King.
+When the prisoner heard this mandate, a slight smile crossed his
+countenance, but he instantly resumed his former stern composure. The
+smile, however, did not escape the notice of Salisbury, and he commanded
+the halberdiers to keep near to the prisoner, and if he made the
+slightest movement in the King's presence, instantly to despatch him.
+
+Giving some further directions, the Earl then led the way across a
+court, and entering another wing of the palace, ascended a flight of
+steps, and traversed a magnificent corridor. Guy Fawkes followed,
+attended by the guard. They had now reached the antechamber leading to
+the royal sleeping apartment, and "Salisbury ascertained from the
+officers in attendance that all was in readiness. Motioning the guard to
+remain where they were, he entered the inner room alone, and found James
+seated on a chair of state near the bed, surrounded by his council;--the
+Earl of Marr standing on his right hand, and the Duke of Lennox on his
+left, all anxiously awaiting his arrival. Behind the King were stationed
+half a dozen halberdiers.
+
+"The prisoner is without," said Salisbury. "Is it your Majesty's
+pleasure that he be admitted?"
+
+"Ay, let him come in forthwith," replied James. "Stand by me, my lords.
+And do you, varlets, keep a wary eye upon him. There is no saying what
+he may attempt."
+
+Salisbury then waved his hand. The door was thrown open, and an officer
+entered the room, followed by Guy Fawkes, who marched between two
+halberdiers. When within a couple of yards of the King, the officer
+halted, and withdrew a little on the right, so as to allow full view of
+the prisoner, while he extended his sword between him and the King.
+Nothing could be more undaunted than the looks and demeanour of Fawkes.
+He strode firmly into the room, and without making any reverence, folded
+his arms upon his breast, and looked sternly at James.
+
+"A bold villain!" cried the King, as he regarded him with curiosity not
+unmixed with alarm. "Who, and what are you, traitor?"
+
+"A conspirator," replied Fawkes.
+
+"That I know," rejoined James, sharply. "But how are you called?"
+
+"John Johnson," answered Fawkes. "I am servant to Mr. Thomas Percy."
+
+"That is false," cried Salisbury. "Take heed that you speak the truth,
+traitor, or the rack shall force it from you."
+
+"The rack will force nothing from me," replied Fawkes, sternly; "neither
+will I answer any question asked by your lordship."
+
+"Leave him to me, Salisbury,--leave him to me," interposed James. "And
+it was your hellish design to blow us all up with gunpowder?" he
+demanded.
+
+"It was," replied Fawkes.
+
+"And how could you resolve to destroy so many persons, none of whom have
+injured you?" pursued James.
+
+"Dangerous diseases require desperate remedies," replied Fawkes. "Milder
+means have been tried, but without effect. It was God's pleasure that
+this scheme, which was for the benefit of his holy religion, should not
+prosper, and therefore I do not repine at the result."
+
+"And are you so blinded as to suppose that Heaven can approve the
+actions of him who raises his hand against the King--against the Lord's
+anointed?" cried James.
+
+"He is no king who is excommunicated by the apostolic see," replied
+Fawkes.
+
+"This to our face!" cried James, angrily. "Have you no remorse--no
+compunction for what you have done?"
+
+"My sole regret is that I have failed," replied Fawkes.
+
+"You will not speak thus confidently on the rack," said James.
+
+"Try me," replied Fawkes.
+
+"What purpose did you hope to accomplish by this atrocious design?"'
+demanded the Earl of Marr.
+
+"My main purpose was to blow back the beggarly Scots to their native
+mountains," returned Fawkes.
+
+"This audacity surpasses belief," said James. "Mutius Scævola, when in
+the presence of Porsenna, was not more resolute. Hark 'e, villain, if I
+give you your life, will you disclose the names of your associates?"
+
+"No," replied Fawkes.
+
+"They shall be wrung from you," cried Salisbury.
+
+Fawkes smiled contemptuously. "You know me not," he said.
+
+"It is idle to interrogate him further," said James. "Let him be removed
+to the Tower."
+
+"Be it so," returned Salisbury; "and when next your Majesty questions
+him, I trust it will be in the presence of his confederates."
+
+"Despite the villain's horrible intent, I cannot help admiring his
+courage," observed James, in a low tone; "and were he as loyal as he is
+brave, he should always be near our person."
+
+With this, he waved his hand, and Guy Fawkes was led forth. He was
+detained by the Earl of Salisbury's orders till the morning,--it being
+anticipated that before that time the other conspirators would be
+arrested. But as this was not the case, he was placed in a wherry, and
+conveyed, as before related, to the Tower.
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND BOOK
+
+
+
+
+Book the Third.
+
+THE CONSPIRATORS.
+
+      The conclusion shall be from the admirable clemency and moderation
+      of the king; in that, howsoever these traitors have exceeded all
+      others in mischief, yet neither will the king exceed the usual
+      punishment of law, nor invent any new torture or torment for them,
+      but is graciously pleased to afford them as well an ordinary
+      course of trial as an ordinary punishment much inferior to their
+      offence. And surely worthy of observation is the punishment by law
+      provided and appointed for high treason: for, first, after a
+      traitor hath had his just trial, and is convicted and attainted,
+      he shall have his judgment to be drawn to the place of execution
+      from his prison, as being not worthy any more to tread upon the
+      face of the earth whereof he was made; also, for that he hath been
+      retrograde to nature, therefore is he drawn backward at a
+      horsetail. After, to have his head cut off which had imagined the
+      mischief. And, lastly, his body to be quartered, and the quarters
+      set up in some high and eminent place, to the view and detestation
+      of men, and to become a prey for the fowls of the air. And this is
+      a reward due to traitors, whose hearts be hardened; for that it is
+      a physic of state and government to let out corrupt blood from the
+      heart.--_Sir Edward Coke's Speech on the Gunpowder Treason._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+HOW GUY FAWKES WAS PUT TO THE TORTURE.
+
+
+Intimation of the arrest of Guy Fawkes having been sent to the Tower,
+his arrival was anxiously expected by the warders and soldiers composing
+the garrison, a crowd of whom posted themselves at the entrance of
+Traitor's Gate, to obtain a sight of him. As the bark that conveyed the
+prisoner shot through London Bridge, and neared the fortress, notice of
+its approach was given to the lieutenant, who, scarcely less impatient,
+had stationed himself in a small circular chamber in one of the turrets
+of Saint Thomas's or Traitor's Tower, overlooking the river. He hastily
+descended, and had scarcely reached the place of disembarkation, when
+the boat passed beneath the gloomy archway, the immense wooden wicket
+closed behind it; and the officer in command springing ashore, was
+followed more deliberately by Fawkes, who mounted the slippery stairs
+with a firm footstep. As he gained the summit, the spectators pressed
+forward; but Sir William Waad, ordering them in an authoritative tone to
+stand back, fixed a stern and scrutinizing glance on the prisoner.
+
+"Many vile traitors have ascended those steps," he said, "but none so
+false-hearted, none so bloodthirsty as you."
+
+"None ever ascended them with less misgiving, or with less
+self-reproach," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Miserable wretch! Do you glory in your villany?" cried the lieutenant.
+"If anything could heighten my detestation of the pernicious creed you
+profess, it would be to witness its effects on such minds as yours. What
+a religion must that be, which can induce its followers to commit such
+monstrous actions, and delude them into the belief that they are pious
+and praiseworthy!"
+
+"It is a religion, at least, that supports them at seasons when they
+most require it," rejoined Fawkes.
+
+"Peace!" cried the lieutenant, fiercely, "or I will have your viperous
+tongue torn out by the roots."
+
+Turning to the officer, he demanded his warrant, and glancing at it,
+gave some directions to one of the warders, and then resumed his
+scrutiny of Fawkes, who appeared wholly unmoved, and steadily returned
+his gaze.
+
+Meanwhile, several of the spectators, eager to prove their loyalty to
+the king, and abhorrence of the plot, loaded the prisoner with
+execrations, and finding these produced no effect, proceeded to personal
+outrage. Some spat upon his face and garments; some threw mud, gathered
+from the slimy steps, upon him; some pricked him with the points of
+their halberds; while others, if they had not been checked, would have
+resorted to greater violence. Only one bystander expressed the slightest
+commiseration for him. It was Ruth Ipgreve, who, with her parents,
+formed part of the assemblage.
+
+A few kindly words pronounced by this girl moved the prisoner more than
+all the insults he had just experienced. He said nothing, but a slight
+and almost imperceptible quivering of the lip told what was passing
+within. The jailer was extremely indignant at his daughter's conduct,
+fearing it might prejudice him in the eyes of the lieutenant.
+
+"Get hence, girl," he cried, "and stir not from thy room for the rest of
+the day. I am sorry I allowed thee to come forth."
+
+"You must look to her, Jasper Ipgreve," said Sir William Waad, sternly.
+"No man shall hold an office in the Tower who is a favourer of papacy.
+If you were a good Protestant, and a faithful servant of King James,
+your daughter could never have acted thus unbecomingly. Look to her, I
+say,--and to yourself."
+
+"I will, honourable sir," replied Jasper, in great confusion. "Take her
+home directly," he added, in an under tone to his wife. "Lock her up
+till I return, and scourge her if thou wilt. She will ruin us by her
+indiscretion."
+
+In obedience to this injunction, Dame Ipgreve seized her daughter's
+hand, and dragged her away. Ruth turned for a moment to take a last look
+at the prisoner, and saw that his gaze followed her, and was fraught
+with an expression of the deepest gratitude. By way of showing his
+disapproval of his daughter's conduct, the jailer now joined the
+bitterest of Guy Fawkes's assailants; and ere long the assemblage became
+infuriated to such an ungovernable pitch, that the lieutenant, who had
+allowed matters to proceed thus far in the hope of shaking the
+prisoner's constancy, finding his design fruitless, ordered him to be
+taken away. Escorted by a dozen soldiers with calivers on their
+shoulders, Guy Fawkes was led through the archway of the Bloody Tower,
+and across the Green to the Beauchamp Tower. He was placed in the
+spacious chamber on the first floor of that fortification, now used as a
+mess-room by the Guards. Sir William Waad followed him, and seating
+himself at a table, referred to the warrant.
+
+"You are here called John Johnson. Is that your name?" he demanded.
+
+"If you find it thus written, you need make no further inquiry from me,"
+replied Fawkes. "I am the person so described. That is sufficient for
+you."
+
+"Not so," replied the lieutenant; "and if you persist in this stubborn
+demeanour, the severest measures will be adopted towards you. Your sole
+chance of avoiding the torture is in making a full confession."
+
+"I do not desire to avoid the torture," replied Fawkes. "It will wrest
+nothing from me."
+
+"So all think till they have experienced it," replied the lieutenant;
+"but greater fortitude than yours has given way before our engines."
+
+Fawkes smiled disdainfully, but made no answer.
+
+The lieutenant then gave directions that he should be placed within a
+small cell adjoining the larger chamber, and that two of the guard
+should remain constantly beside him, to prevent him from doing himself
+any violence.
+
+"You need have no fear," observed Fawkes. "I shall not destroy my chance
+of martyrdom."
+
+At this juncture a messenger arrived, bearing a despatch from the Earl
+of Salisbury. The lieutenant broke the seal, and after hurriedly
+perusing it, drew his sword, and desiring the guard to station
+themselves outside the door, approached Fawkes.
+
+"Notwithstanding the enormity of your offence," he observed, "I find his
+Majesty will graciously spare your life, provided you will reveal the
+names of all your associates, and disclose every particular connected
+with the plot."
+
+Guy Fawkes appeared lost in reflection, and the lieutenant, conceiving
+he had made an impression upon him, repeated the offer.
+
+"How am I to be assured of this?" asked the prisoner.
+
+"My promise must suffice," rejoined Waad.
+
+"It will not suffice to me," returned Fawkes. "I must have a pardon
+signed by the King."
+
+"You shall have it on one condition," replied Waad. "You are evidently
+troubled with few scruples. It is the Earl of Salisbury's conviction
+that the heads of many important Catholic families are connected with
+this plot. If they should prove to be so,--or, to be plain, if you will
+accuse certain persons whom I will specify, you shall have the pardon
+you require."
+
+"Is this the purport of the Earl of Salisbury's despatch?" asked Guy
+Fawkes.
+
+The lieutenant nodded.
+
+"Let me look at it," continued Fawkes. "You may be practising upon me."
+
+"Your own perfidious nature makes you suspicious of treachery in
+others," cried the lieutenant. "Will this satisfy you?"
+
+And he held the letter towards Guy Fawkes, who instantly snatched it
+from his grasp.
+
+"What ho!" he shouted in a loud voice; "what ho!" and the guards
+instantly rushed into the room. "You shall learn why you were sent away.
+Sir William Waad has offered me my life, on the part of the Earl of
+Salisbury, provided I will accuse certain innocent parties--innocent,
+except that they are Catholics--of being leagued with me in my design.
+Read this letter, and see whether I speak not the truth."
+
+And he threw it among them. But no one stirred, except a warder, who,
+picking it up, delivered it to the lieutenant.
+
+"You will now understand whom you have to deal with," pursued Fawkes.
+
+"I do," replied Waad. "But were you as unyielding as the walls of this
+prison, I would shake your obduracy."
+
+"I pray you not to delay the experiment," said Fawkes.
+
+"Have a little patience," retorted Waad. "I will not balk your humour,
+depend upon it."
+
+With this, he departed, and repairing to his lodgings, wrote a hasty
+despatch to the Earl, detailing all that had passed, and requesting a
+warrant for the torture, as he was apprehensive, if the prisoner expired
+under the severe application that would be necessary to force the truth
+from him, he might be called to account. Two hours afterwards the
+messenger returned with the warrant. It was in the handwriting of the
+King, and contained a list of interrogations to be put to the prisoner,
+concluding by directing him "to use the gentler torture first, _et sic
+per gradus ad ima tenditur_. And so God speed you in your good work!"
+
+Thus armed, and fearless of the consequences, the lieutenant summoned
+Jasper Ipgreve.
+
+"We have a very refractory prisoner to deal with," he said, as the
+jailer appeared. "But I have just received the royal authority to put
+him through all the degrees of torture if he continues obstinate. How
+shall we begin?"
+
+"With the Scavenger's Daughter and the Little Ease, if it please you,
+honourable sir," replied Ipgreve. "If these fail, we can try the
+gauntlets and the rack; and lastly, the dungeon among the rats, and the
+hot stone."
+
+"A good progression," said the lieutenant, smiling. "I will now repair
+to the torture-chamber. Let the prisoner be brought there without delay.
+He is in the Beauchamp Tower."
+
+Ipgreve bowed and departed, while the lieutenant, calling to an
+attendant to bring a torch, proceeded along a narrow passage
+communicating with the Bell Tower. Opening a secret door within it, he
+descended a flight of stone steps, and traversing a number of intricate
+passages, at length stopped before a strong door, which he pushed aside,
+and entered the chamber he had mentioned to Ipgreve. This dismal
+apartment has already been described. It was that in which Viviana's
+constancy was so fearfully approved. Two officials in the peculiar garb
+of the place--a sable livery--were occupied in polishing the various
+steel implements. Besides these, there was the chirurgeon, who was
+seated at a side table, reading by the light of a brazen lamp. He
+instantly arose on seeing the lieutenant, and began, with the other
+officials, to make preparations for the prisoner's arrival. The two
+latter concealed their features by drawing a large black capoch, or
+hood, attached to their gowns over them, and this disguise added
+materially to their lugubrious appearance. One of them then took down a
+broad iron hoop, opening in the centre with a hinge, and held it in
+readiness. Their preparations were scarcely completed when heavy
+footsteps announced the approach of Fawkes and his attendants. Jasper
+Ipgreve ushered them into the chamber, and fastened the door behind
+them. All the subsequent proceedings were conducted with the utmost
+deliberation, and were therefore doubly impressive. No undue haste
+occurred, and the officials, who might have been mistaken for phantoms
+or evil spirits, spoke only in whispers. Guy Fawkes watched their
+movements with unaltered composure. At length, Jasper Ipgreve signified
+to the lieutenant that all was ready.
+
+"The opportunity you desired of having your courage put to the test is
+now arrived," said the latter to the prisoner.
+
+"What am I to do?" was the reply.
+
+"Remove your doublet, and prostrate yourself," subjoined Ipgreve.
+
+Guy Fawkes obeyed, and when in this posture began audibly to recite a
+prayer to the Virgin.
+
+"Be silent," cried the lieutenant, "or a gag shall be thrust into your
+mouth."
+
+Kneeling upon the prisoner's shoulders, and passing the hoop under his
+legs, Ipgreve then succeeded, with the help of his assistants, who added
+their weight to his own, in fastening the hoop with an iron button.
+This done, they left the prisoner with his limbs and body so tightly
+compressed together that he was scarcely able to breathe. In this state
+he was allowed to remain for an hour and a half. The chirurgeon then
+found on examination that the blood had burst profusely from his mouth
+and nostrils, and in a slighter degree from the extremities of his hands
+and feet.
+
+"He must be released," he observed in an under tone to the lieutenant.
+"Further continuance might be fatal."
+
+Accordingly, the hoop was removed, and it was at this moment that the
+prisoner underwent the severest trial. Despite his efforts to control
+himself, a sharp convulsion passed across his frame, and the restoration
+of impeded circulation and respiration occasioned him the most acute
+agony.
+
+The chirurgeon bathed his temples with vinegar, and his limbs being
+chafed by the officials, he was placed on a bench.
+
+"My warrant directs me to begin with the 'gentler tortures,' and to
+proceed by degrees to extremities," observed the lieutenant,
+significantly. "You have now had a taste of the milder sort, and may
+form some conjecture what the worst are like. Do you still continue
+contumacious?"
+
+"I am in the same mind as before," replied Fawkes, in a hoarse but firm
+voice.
+
+"Take him to the Little Ease, and let him pass the night there," said
+the lieutenant. "To-morrow I will continue the investigation."
+
+Fawkes was then led out by Ipgreve and the officials, and conveyed along
+a narrow passage, until arriving at a low door, in which there was an
+iron grating, it was opened, and disclosed a narrow cell about four feet
+high, one and a few inches wide, and two deep. Into this narrow
+receptacle, which seemed wholly inadequate to contain a tall and
+strongly-built man like himself, the prisoner was with some difficulty
+thrust, and the door locked upon him.
+
+In this miserable plight, with his head bent upon his breast,--the cell
+being so contrived that its wretched inmate could neither sit, nor
+recline at full length within it,--Guy Fawkes prayed long and fervently;
+and no longer troubled by the uneasy feelings which had for some time
+haunted him, he felt happier in his present forlorn condition than he
+had been when anticipating the full success of his project.
+
+"At least," he thought, "I shall now win myself a crown of martyrdom,
+and whatever my present sufferings may be, they will be speedily effaced
+by the happiness I shall enjoy hereafter."
+
+Overcome, at length, by weariness and exhaustion, he fell into a sort of
+doze--it could scarcely be called sleep--and while in this state,
+fancied he was visited by Saint Winifred, who, approaching the door of
+the cell, touched it, and it instantly opened. She then placed her hand
+upon his limbs, and the pain he had hitherto felt in them subsided.
+
+"Your troubles will soon be over," murmured the saint, "and you will be
+at rest. Do not hesitate to confess. Your silence will neither serve
+your companions nor yourself." With these words the vision disappeared,
+and Guy Fawkes awoke. Whether it was the effect of imagination, or that
+his robust constitution had in reality shaken off the effects of the
+torture, it is impossible to say, but it is certain that he felt his
+strength restored to him, and attributing his recovery entirely to the
+marvellous interposition of the saint, he addressed a prayer of
+gratitude to her. While thus occupied, he heard--for it was so dark he
+could distinguish nothing--a sweet low voice at the grating of the cell,
+and imagining it was the same benign presence as before, paused and
+listened.
+
+"Do you hear me?" asked the voice.
+
+"I do," replied Fawkes. "Is it the blessed Winifred, who again
+vouchsafes to address me?"
+
+"Alas, no!" replied the voice; "it is one of mortal mould. I am Ruth
+Ipgreve, the jailer's daughter. You may remember that I expressed some
+sympathy in your behalf at your landing at Traitor's Gate to-day, for
+which I incurred my father's displeasure. But you will be quite sure I
+am a friend, when I tell you I assisted Viviana Radcliffe to escape."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, in a tone of great emotion.
+
+"I was in some degree in her confidence," pursued Ruth; "and, if I am
+not mistaken, you are the object of her warmest regard."
+
+The prisoner could not repress a groan.
+
+"You are Guy Fawkes," pursued Ruth. "Nay, you need have no fear of me. I
+have risked my life for Viviana, and would risk it for you."
+
+"I will disguise nothing from you," replied Fawkes. "I am he you have
+named. As the husband of Viviana--for such I am--I feel the deepest
+gratitude to you for the service you rendered her. She bitterly
+reproached herself with having placed you in so much danger. How did you
+escape?"
+
+"I was screened by my parents," replied Ruth. "It was given out by them
+that Viviana escaped through the window of her prison, and I was thus
+preserved from punishment. Where is she now?"
+
+"In safety, I trust," replied Fawkes. "Alas! I shall never behold her
+again."
+
+"Do not despair," returned Ruth. "I will try to effect your liberation;
+and though I have but slender hope of accomplishing it, still there is a
+chance."
+
+"I do not desire it," returned Fawkes. "I am content to perish. All I
+lived for is at an end."
+
+"This shall not deter me from trying to save you," replied Ruth; "and I
+still trust there is happiness in store for you with Viviana. Amid all
+your sufferings, rest certain there is one who will ever watch over you.
+I dare not remain here longer, for fear of a surprise. Farewell!"
+
+She then departed, and it afforded Guy Fawkes some solace to ponder on
+the interview during the rest of the night.
+
+On the following morning Jasper Ipgreve appeared, and placed before him
+a loaf of the coarsest bread, and a jug of dirty water. His scanty meal
+ended, he left him, but returned in two hours afterwards with a party of
+halberdiers, and desiring him to follow him, led the way to the
+torture-chamber. Sir William Waad was there when he arrived, and
+demanding in a stern tone whether he still continued obstinate, and
+receiving no answer, ordered him to be placed in the gauntlets. Upon
+this, he was suspended from a beam by his hands, and endured five hours
+of the most excruciating agony--his fingers being so crushed and
+lacerated that he could not move them.
+
+He was then taken down, and still refusing to confess, was conveyed to a
+horrible pit, adjoining the river, called, from the loathsome animals
+infesting it, "the dungeon among the rats." It was about twenty feet
+wide and twelve deep, and at high tide was generally more than two feet
+deep in water.
+
+Into this dreadful chasm was Guy Fawkes lowered by his attendants, who,
+warning him of the probable fate that awaited him, left him in total
+darkness. At this time the pit was free from water; but he had not been
+there more than an hour, when a bubbling and hissing sound proclaimed
+that the tide was rising, while frequent plashes convinced him that the
+rats were at hand. Stooping down, he felt that the water was alive with
+them--that they were all around him--and would not, probably, delay
+their attack. Prepared as he was for the worst, he could not repress a
+shudder at the prospect of the horrible death with which he was menaced.
+
+At this juncture, he was surprised by the appearance of a light, and
+perceived at the edge of the pit a female figure bearing a lantern. Not
+doubting it was his visitant of the former night, he called out to her,
+and was answered in the voice of Ruth Ipgreve.
+
+"I dare not remain here many minutes," she said, "because my father
+suspects me. But I could not let you perish thus. I will let down this
+lantern to you, and the light will keep away the rats. When the tide
+retires you can extinguish it."
+
+So saying, she tore her kerchief into shreds, and tying the slips
+together, lowered the lantern to the prisoner, and without waiting to
+receive his thanks, hurried away.
+
+Thus aided, Guy Fawkes defended himself as well as he could against his
+loathsome assailants. The light showed that the water was swarming with
+them--that they were creeping by hundreds up the sides of the pit, and
+preparing to make a general attack upon him.
+
+At one time, Fawkes determined not to oppose them, but to let them work
+their will upon him; but the contact of the noxious animals made him
+change his resolution, and he instinctively drove them off. They were
+not, however, to be easily repulsed, and returned to the charge with
+greater fury than before. The desire of self preservation now got the
+better of every other feeling, and the dread of being devoured alive
+giving new vigour to his crippled limbs, he rushed to the other side of
+the pit. His persecutors, however, followed him in myriads, springing
+upon him, and making their sharp teeth meet in his flesh in a thousand
+places.
+
+In this way the contest continued for some time, Guy Fawkes speeding
+round the pit, and his assailants never for one moment relaxing in the
+pursuit, until he fell from exhaustion, and his lantern being
+extinguished, the whole host darted upon him.
+
+Thinking all over, he could not repress a loud cry, and it was scarcely
+uttered, when lights appeared, and several gloomy figures bearing
+torches were seen at the edge of the pit. Among these he distinguished
+Sir William Waad, who offered instantly to release him if he would
+confess.
+
+"I will rather perish," replied Fawkes, "and I will make no further
+effort to defend myself. I shall soon be out of the reach of your
+malice."
+
+"This must not be," observed the lieutenant to Jasper Ipgreve, who stood
+by. "The Earl of Salisbury will never forgive me if he perishes."
+
+"Then not a moment must be lost, or those ravenous brutes will assuredly
+devour him," replied Ipgreve. "They are so fierce, that I scarcely like
+to venture among them."
+
+A ladder was then let down into the pit, and the jailer and the two
+officials descended. They were just in time. Fawkes had ceased to
+struggle, and the rats were attacking him with such fury that his words
+would have been speedily verified, but for Ipgreve's timely
+interposition.
+
+On being taken out of the pit, he fainted from exhaustion and loss of
+blood; and when he came to himself, found he was stretched upon a couch
+in the torture-chamber, with the chirurgeon and Jasper Ipgreve in
+attendance. Strong broths and other restoratives were then administered;
+and his strength being sufficiently restored to enable him to converse,
+the lieutenant again visited him, and questioning him as before,
+received a similar answer.
+
+In the course of that day and the next, he underwent at intervals
+various kinds of torture, each more excruciating than the preceding, all
+of which he bore with unabated fortitude. Among other applications, the
+rack was employed with such rigour, that his joints started from their
+sockets, and his frame seemed torn asunder.
+
+On the fourth day he was removed to another and yet gloomier chamber,
+devoted to the same dreadful objects as the first. It had an arched
+stone ceiling, and at the further extremity yawned a deep recess. Within
+this there was a small furnace, in which fuel was placed, ready to be
+kindled; and over the furnace lay a large black flag, at either end of
+which were stout leathern straps. After being subjected to the customary
+interrogations of the lieutenant, Fawkes was stripped of his attire, and
+bound to the flag. The fire was then lighted, and the stone gradually
+heated. The writhing frame of the miserable man ere long showed the
+extremity of his suffering; but as he did not even utter a groan, his
+tormentors were compelled to release him.
+
+On this occasion, there were two personages present who had never
+attended any previous interrogation. They were wrapped in large cloaks,
+and stood aloof during the proceedings. Both were treated with the most
+ceremonious respect by Sir William Waad, who consulted them as to the
+extent to which he should continue the torture. When the prisoner was
+taken off the heated stone, one of those persons advanced towards him,
+and gazed curiously at him.
+
+Fawkes, upon whose brow thick drops were standing, and who was sinking
+into the oblivion brought on by overwrought endurance, exclaimed, "It is
+the King;" and fainted.
+
+"The traitor knew your Majesty," said the lieutenant. "But you see it is
+in vain to attempt to extort anything from him."
+
+"So it seems," replied James; "and I am greatly disappointed, for I was
+led to believe that I should hear a full confession of the conspiracy
+from his own lips. How say you, good Master chirurgeon, will he endure
+further torture?"
+
+"Not without danger of life, your Majesty, unless he has some days'
+repose," replied the chirurgeon, "even if he can endure it then."
+
+"It will not be necessary to apply it further," replied Salisbury. "I am
+now in full possession of the names of all the principal conspirators;
+and when the prisoner finds further concealment useless, he will change
+his tone. To-morrow, the commissioners appointed by your Majesty for the
+examination of all those concerned in this dreadful project, will
+interrogate him in the lieutenant's lodgings, and I will answer with my
+life that the result will be satisfactory."
+
+"Enough," said James. "It has been a painful spectacle which we have
+just witnessed, and yet we would not have missed it. The wretch
+possesses undaunted resolution, and we can never be sufficiently
+grateful to the beneficent Providence that prevented him from working
+his ruthless purpose upon us. The day on which we were preserved from
+this Gunpowder Treason shall ever hereafter be kept sacred in our
+church, and thanks shall be returned to Heaven for our wonderful
+deliverance."
+
+"Your Majesty will act wisely," replied Salisbury. "The Ordinance will
+impress the nation with a salutary horror of all Papists and
+traitors,--for they are one and the same thing,--and keep alive a proper
+feeling of enmity against them. Such a fearful example shall be made of
+these miscreants as shall, it is to be hoped, deter all others from
+following their cause. Not only shall they perish infamously, but their
+names shall for ever be held in execration."
+
+"Be it so," rejoined James. "It is a good legal maxim--_Crescente
+malitiâ, crescere debuit et poena_."
+
+Upon this, he left the chamber, and, traversing a number of subterranean
+passages with his attendants, crossed the drawbridge near the Byward
+Tower to the wharf, where his barge was waiting for him, and returned in
+it to Whitehall.
+
+At an early hour on the following day, the commissioners appointed to
+the examination of the prisoner, met together in a large room on the
+second floor of the lieutenant's lodgings, afterwards denominated, from
+its use on this occasion, the Council Chamber. Affixed to the walls of
+this room may be seen at the present day a piece of marble sculpture,
+with an inscription commemorative of the event. The commissioners were
+nine in number, and included the Earls of Salisbury, Northampton,
+Nottingham, Suffolk, Worcester, Devon, Marr, and Dunbar, and Sir John
+Popham, Lord Chief Justice. With these were associated Sir Edward Coke,
+attorney-general, and Sir William Waad.
+
+The apartment in which the examination took place is still a spacious
+one, but at the period in question it was much larger and loftier. The
+walls were panelled with dark lustrous oak, covered in some places with
+tapestry, and adorned in others with paintings. Over the chimney-piece
+hung a portrait of the late sovereign, Elizabeth. The commissioners were
+grouped round a large heavily carved oak table, and, after some
+deliberation together, it was agreed that the prisoner should be
+introduced.
+
+Sir William Waad then motioned to Topcliffe, who was in attendance with
+half a dozen halberdiers, and a few moments afterwards a panel was
+pushed aside, and Guy Fawkes was brought through it. He was supported by
+Topcliffe and Ipgreve, and it was with the greatest difficulty he could
+drag himself along. So severe had been the sufferings to which he had
+been subjected, that they had done the work of time, and placed more
+than twenty years on his head. His features were thin and sharp, and of
+a ghastly whiteness, and his eyes hollow and bloodshot. A large cloak
+was thrown over him, which partially concealed his shattered frame and
+crippled limbs; but his bent shoulders, and the difficulty with which
+he moved, told how much he had undergone.
+
+On seeing the presence in which he stood, a flush for a moment rose to
+his pallid cheek, his eye glowed with its wonted fire, and he tried to
+stand erect--but his limbs refused their office--and the effort was so
+painful, that he fell back into the arms of his attendants. He was thus
+borne forward by them, and supported during his examination. The Earl of
+Salisbury then addressed him, and enlarging on the magnitude and
+horrible nature of his treason, concluded by saying that the only
+reparation he could offer was to disclose not only all his own criminal
+intentions, but the names of his associates.
+
+"I will hide nothing concerning myself," replied Fawkes; "but I shall be
+for ever silent respecting others."
+
+The Earl then glanced at Sir Edward Coke, who proceeded to take down
+minutes of the examination.
+
+"You have hitherto falsely represented yourself," said the Earl. "What
+is your real name?"
+
+"Guy Fawkes," replied the prisoner.
+
+"And do you confess your guilt?" pursued the Earl.
+
+"I admit that it was my intention to blow up the King and the whole of
+the lords spiritual and temporal assembled in the Parliament House with
+gunpowder," replied Fawkes.
+
+"And you placed the combustibles in the vault where they were
+discovered?" demanded Salisbury.
+
+The prisoner answered in the affirmative.
+
+"You are a Papist?" continued the Earl.
+
+"I am a member of the Church of Rome," returned Fawkes.
+
+"And you regard this monstrous design as righteous and laudable--as
+consistent with the religion you profess, and as likely to uphold it?"
+said the Earl.
+
+"I did so," replied Fawkes. "But I am now convinced that Heaven did not
+approve it, and I lament that it was ever undertaken."
+
+"Still, you refuse to make the only reparation in your power--you refuse
+to disclose your associates?" said Salisbury.
+
+"I cannot betray them," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Traitor! it is needless," cried the Earl; "they are known to us--nay,
+they have betrayed themselves. They have risen in open and armed
+rebellion against the King; but a sufficient power has been sent against
+them; and if they are not ere this defeated and captured, many days will
+not elapse before they will be lodged in the Tower."
+
+"If this is the case, you require no information from me," rejoined
+Fawkes. "But I pray you name them to me."
+
+"I will do so," replied Salisbury; "and if I have omitted you can supply
+the deficiency. I will begin with Robert Catesby, the chief contriver of
+this hell-engendered plot,--I will next proceed to the superior of the
+Jesuits, Father Garnet,--next, to another Jesuit priest, Father
+Oldcorne,--next, to Sir Everard Digby,--then, to Thomas Winter and
+Robert Winter,--then, to John Wright and Christopher Wright,--then, to
+Ambrose Rookwood, Thomas Percy, and John Grant, and lastly, to Robert
+Keyes."
+
+"Are these all?" demanded Fawkes.
+
+"All we are acquainted with," said Salisbury.
+
+"Then add to them the names of Francis Tresham, and of his
+brother-in-law, Lord Mounteagle," rejoined Fawkes. "I charge both with
+being privy to the plot."
+
+"I have forgotten another name," said Salisbury, in some confusion,
+"that of Viviana Radcliffe, of Ordsall Hall. I have received certain
+information that she was wedded to you while you were resident at White
+Webbs, near Epping Forest, and was cognisant of the plot. If captured,
+she will share your fate."
+
+Fawkes could not repress a groan.
+
+Salisbury pursued his interrogations, but it was evident, from the
+increasing feebleness of the prisoner, that he would sink under it if
+the examination was further protracted. He was therefore ordered to
+attach his signature to the minutes taken by Sir Edward Coke, and was
+placed in a chair for that purpose. A pen was then given him, but for
+some time his shattered fingers refused to grasp it. By a great effort,
+and with acute pain, he succeeded in tracing his Christian name thus:--
+
+[Illustration: "Guido"]
+
+While endeavouring to write his surname, the pen fell from his hand, and
+he became insensible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+SHOWING THE TROUBLES OF VIVIANA.
+
+
+On coming to herself, Viviana inquired for Garnet; and being told that
+he was in his chamber alone, she repaired thither, and found him pacing
+to and fro in the greatest perturbation.
+
+"If you come to me for consolation, daughter," he said, "you come to one
+who cannot offer it. I am completely prostrated in spirit by the
+disastrous issue of our enterprise; and though I tried to prepare myself
+for what has taken place, I now find myself utterly unable to cope with
+it."
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes subscribing his Examination after the
+torture_]
+
+"If such is your condition, father," replied Viviana, "what must be
+that of my husband, upon whose devoted head all the weight of this
+dreadful calamity now falls? You are still at liberty--still able to
+save yourself--still able, at least, to resist unto the death, if you
+are so minded. But he is a captive in the Tower, exposed to every
+torment that human ingenuity can invent, and with nothing but the
+prospect of a lingering death before his eyes. What is your condition,
+compared with his?"
+
+"Happy--most happy, daughter," replied Garnet, "and I have been selfish
+and unreasonable. I have, given way to the weakness of humanity, and I
+thank you from the bottom of my heart for enabling me to shake it off."
+
+"You have indulged false hopes, father," said Viviana, "whereas I have
+indulged none, or rather, all has come to pass as I desired. The
+dreadful crime with which I feared my husband's soul would have been
+loaded is now uncommitted, and I have firm hope of his salvation. If I
+might counsel you, I would advise you to surrender yourself to justice,
+and by pouring out your blood on the scaffold, wash out your offence.
+Such will be my own course. I have been involuntarily led into connexion
+with this plot; and though I have ever disapproved of it, since I have
+not revealed it I am as guilty as if I had been its contriver. I shall
+not shun my punishment. Fate has dealt hardly with me, and my path on
+earth has been strewn with thorns, and cast in grief and trouble. But I
+humbly trust that my portion hereafter will be with the blessed."
+
+"I cannot doubt it, daughter," replied Garnet; "and though I do not view
+our design in the light that you do, but regard it as justifiable, if
+not necessary, yet, with your feelings, I cannot sufficiently admire
+your conduct. Your devotion and self-sacrifice is wholly without
+parallel. At the same time, I would try to dissuade you from
+surrendering yourself to our relentless enemies. Believe me, it will add
+the severest pang to your husband's torture to know that you are in
+their power. His nature is stern and unyielding, and, persuaded as he is
+of the justice of his cause, he will die happy in that conviction,
+certain that his name, though despised by our heretical persecutors,
+will be held in reverence by all true professors of our faith. No,
+daughter, fly and conceal yourself till pursuit is relinquished, and
+pass the rest of your life in prayer for the repose of your husband's
+soul."
+
+"I will pass it in endeavouring to bring him to repentance," replied
+Viviana. "The sole boon I shall seek from my judges will be permission
+to attempt this."
+
+"It will be refused, daughter," replied Garnet, "and you will only
+destroy yourself, not aid him. Rest satisfied that the Great Power who
+judges the hearts of men, and implants certain impulses within them, for
+his own wise but inscrutable purposes, well knows that Guy Fawkes,
+however culpable his conduct may appear in your eyes, acted according to
+the dictates of his conscience, and in the full confidence that the
+design would restore the true worship of God in this kingdom. The
+failure of the enterprise proves that he was mistaken--that we were all
+mistaken,--and that Heaven was unfavourable to the means adopted,--but
+it does not prove his insincerity."
+
+"These arguments have no weight with me, father," replied Viviana; "I
+will leave nothing undone to save his soul, and whatever may be the
+result, I will surrender myself to justice."
+
+"I shall not seek to move you from your purpose, daughter," replied
+Garnet, "and can only lament it. Before, however, you finally decide,
+let us pray together for directions from on high."
+
+Thus exhorted, Viviana knelt down with the priest before a small silver
+image of the Virgin, which stood in a niche in the wall, and they both
+prayed long and earnestly. Garnet was the first to conclude his
+devotions; and as he gazed at the upturned countenance and streaming
+eyes of his companion, his heart was filled with admiration and pity.
+
+At this juncture the door opened, and Catesby and Sir Everard Digby
+entered. On hearing them, Viviana immediately arose.
+
+"The urgency of our business must plead an excuse for the interruption,
+if any is needed," said Catesby; "but do not retire, madam. We have no
+secrets from you now. Sir Everard and I have fully completed our
+preparations," he added, to Garnet. "Our men are all armed and mounted
+in the court, and are in high spirits for the enterprise. As the
+service, however, will be one of the greatest danger and difficulty, you
+had better seek a safe asylum, father, till the first decisive blow is
+struck."
+
+"I would go with you, my son," rejoined Garnet, "if I did not think my
+presence might be an hinderance. I can only aid you with my prayers, and
+those can be more efficaciously uttered in some secure retreat, than
+during a rapid march or dangerous encounter."
+
+"You had better retire to Coughton with Lady Digby and Viviana," said
+Sir Everard. "I have provided a sufficient escort to guard you
+thither,--and, as you are aware, there are many hiding-places in the
+house, where you can remain undiscovered in case of search."
+
+"I place myself at your disposal," replied Garnet. "But Viviana is
+resolved to surrender herself."
+
+"This must not be," returned Catesby. "Such an act at this juncture
+would be madness, and would materially injure our cause. Whatever your
+inclinations may prompt, you must consent to remain in safety, madam."
+
+"I have acquiesced in your proceedings thus far," replied Viviana,
+"because I could not oppose them without injury to those dear to me. But
+I will take no further share in them. My mind is made up as to the
+course I shall pursue."
+
+"Since you are bent upon your own destruction,--for it is nothing
+less,--it is the duty of your friends to save you," rejoined Catesby.
+"You shall not do what you propose, and when you are yourself again, and
+have recovered from the shock your feelings have sustained, you will
+thank me for my interference."
+
+"You are right, Catesby," observed Sir Everard; "it would be worse than
+insanity to allow her to destroy herself thus."
+
+"I am glad you are of this opinion," said Garnet. "I tried to reason her
+out of her design, but without avail."
+
+"Catesby," cried Viviana, throwing herself at his feet, "by the love you
+once professed for me,--by the friendship you entertained for him who
+unhesitatingly offered himself for you, and your cause, I implore you
+not to oppose me now!"
+
+"I shall best serve you, and most act in accordance with the wishes of
+my friend, by doing so," replied Catesby. "Therefore, you plead in
+vain."
+
+"Alas!" cried Viviana. "My purposes are ever thwarted. You will have to
+answer for my life."
+
+"I should, indeed, have it to answer for, if I permitted you to act as
+you desire," rejoined Catesby. "I repeat you will thank me ere many days
+are passed."
+
+"Sir Everard," exclaimed Viviana, appealing to the knight, "I entreat
+you to have pity upon me."
+
+"I do sincerely sympathise with your distress," replied Digby, in a tone
+of the deepest commiseration; "but I am sure what Catesby advises is for
+the best. I could not reconcile it to my conscience to allow you to
+sacrifice yourself thus. Be governed by prudence."
+
+"Oh no----no!" cried Viviana, distractedly. "I will not be stayed. I
+command you not to detain me."
+
+"Viviana," said Catesby, taking her arm, "this is no season for the
+display of silly weakness either on our part or yours. If you cannot
+control yourself, you must be controlled. Father Garnet, I intrust her
+to your care. Two of my troop shall attend you, together with your own
+servant, Nicholas Owen. You shall have stout horses, able to accomplish
+the journey with the greatest expedition, and I should wish you to
+convey her to her own mansion, Ordsall Hall, and to remain there with
+her till you hear tidings of us."
+
+"It shall be as you direct, my son," said Garnet. "I am prepared to set
+out at once."
+
+"That is well," replied Catesby.
+
+"You will not do me this violence, sir," cried Viviana. "I appeal
+against it, to you, Sir Everard."
+
+"I cannot help you, madam," replied the knight, "indeed, I cannot."
+
+"Then Heaven, I trust, will help me," cried Viviana, "for I am wholly
+abandoned of man."
+
+"I beseech you, madam, put some constraint upon yourself," said Catesby.
+"If, after your arrival at Ordsall, you are still bent upon your rash
+and fatal design, Father Garnet shall not oppose its execution. But give
+yourself time for reflection."
+
+"Since it may not be otherwise, I assent," replied Viviana. "If I must
+go, I will start at once."
+
+"Wisely resolved," replied Sir Everard.
+
+Viviana then retired, and soon afterwards appeared equipped for her
+journey. The two attendants and Nicholas Owen were in the court-yard,
+and Catesby assisted her into the saddle.
+
+"Do not lose sight of her," he said to Garnet, as the latter mounted.
+
+"Rest assured I will not," replied the other.
+
+And taking the direction of Coventry, the party rode off at a brisk
+pace.
+
+Catesby then joined the other conspirators, while Sir Everard sent off
+Lady Digby and his household, attended by a strong escort, to Coughton.
+This done, the whole party repaired to the court-yard, where they called
+over the muster-roll of their men, to ascertain that none were
+missing,--examined their arms and ammunition,--and finding all in order,
+sprang to their steeds, and putting themselves at the head of the band,
+rode towards Southam and Warwick.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+HUDDINGTON.
+
+
+About six o'clock in the morning the conspirators reached Leamington
+Priors, at that time an inconsiderable village; and having ridden nearly
+twenty miles over heavy and miry roads,--for a good deal of rain had
+fallen in the night,--they stood in need of some refreshment.
+Accordingly, they entered the first farm-yard they came to, and
+proceeding to the cow-houses and sheepfolds, turned out the animals
+within them, and fastening up their own steeds in their places, set
+before them whatever provender they could find. Those, and they were by
+far the greater number, who could not find better accommodation, fed
+their horses in the yard, which was strewn with trusses of hay and great
+heaps of corn. The whole scene formed a curious picture. Here was one
+party driving away the sheep and cattle, which were bleating and
+lowing,--there, another rifling a hen-roost, and slaughtering its
+cackling inmates. On this hand, by the direction of Catesby, two stout
+horses were being harnessed with ropes to a cart, which he intended to
+use as a baggage-waggon; on that, Sir Everard Digby was interposing his
+authority to prevent the destruction of a fine porker.
+
+Their horses fed, the next care of the conspirators was to obtain
+something for themselves: and ordering the master of the house, who was
+terrified almost out of his senses, to open his doors, they entered the
+dwelling, and causing a fire to be lighted in the chief room, began to
+boil a large kettle of broth upon it, and to cook other provisions.
+Finding a good store of eatables in the larder, rations were served out
+to the band. Two casks of strong ale were likewise broached, and their
+contents distributed; and a small keg of strong waters being also
+discovered, it was disposed of in the same way.
+
+This, however, was the extent of the mischief done. All the
+conspirators, but chiefly Catesby and Sir Everard Digby, dispersed
+themselves amongst the band, and checked any disposition to plunder. The
+only articles taken away from the house were a couple of old rusty
+swords and a caliver. Catesby proposed to the farmer to join their
+expedition. But having now regained his courage, the sturdy churl
+obstinately refused to stir a foot with them, and even ventured to utter
+a wish that the enterprise might fail.
+
+"I am a good Protestant, and a faithful subject of King James, and will
+never abet Popery and treason," he said.
+
+This bold sally would have been answered by a bullet from one of the
+troopers, if Catesby had not interfered.
+
+"You shall do as you please, friend," he said, in a conciliatory tone.
+"We will not compel any man to act against his conscience, and we claim
+the same right ourselves. Will you join us, good fellows?" he added, to
+two farming men, who were standing near their master.
+
+"Must I confess to a priest?" asked one of them.
+
+"Certainly not," replied Catesby. "You shall have no constraint whatever
+put upon you. All I require is obedience to my commands in the field."
+
+"Then I am with you," replied the fellow.
+
+"Thou'rt a traitor and rebel, Sam Morrell," cried the other hind, "and
+wilt come to a traitor's end. I will never fight against King James. And
+if I must take up arms, it shall be against his enemies, and in defence
+of our religion. No priests,--no papistry for me."
+
+"Well said, Hugh," cried his master; "we'll die in that cause, if need
+be."
+
+Catesby turned angrily away, and giving the word to his men to prepare
+to set forth, in a few minutes all were in the saddle; but on inquiring
+for the new recruit, Sam Morrell, it was found he had disappeared. The
+cart was laden with arms, ammunition and a few sacks of corn; and the
+line being formed, they commenced their march.
+
+The morning was dark and misty, and all looked dull and dispiriting. The
+conspirators, however, were full of confidence, and their men,
+exhilarated and refreshed by their meal, appeared anxious for an
+opportunity of distinguishing themselves. Arrived within half a mile of
+Warwick, whence the lofty spire of the church of Saint Nicholas, the
+tower of Saint Mary's, and the ancient gates of this beautiful old town
+could just be discerned through the mist, a short consultation was held
+by the rebel leaders as to the expediency of attacking the castle, and
+carrying off the horses with which they had learnt its stables were
+filled.
+
+Deciding upon making the attempt, their resolution was communicated to
+their followers, and received with loud acclamations. Catesby then put
+himself at the head of the band, and they all rode forward at a brisk
+pace. Crossing the bridge over the Avon, whence the castle burst upon
+them in all its grandeur and beauty, Catesby dashed forward to an
+embattled gate commanding the approach to the structure, and knocking
+furiously against it, a wicket was opened by an old porter, who started
+back on beholding the intruders. He would have closed the wicket, but
+Catesby was too quick for him, and springing from his steed, dashed
+aside the feeble opposition of the old man, and unbarred the gate.
+Instantly mounting again, he galloped along a broad and winding path cut
+so deeply in the rock, that the mighty pile they were approaching was
+completely hidden from view. A few seconds, however, brought them to a
+point, from which its three towers reared themselves full before them.
+Another moment brought them to the edge of the moat, at this time
+crossed by a stone bridge, but then filled with water, and defended by a
+drawbridge.
+
+As no attack like the present was apprehended, and as the owner of the
+castle, the celebrated Fulke Greville, afterwards Lord Brooke, to whom
+it had been recently granted by the reigning monarch, was then in the
+capital, the drawbridge was down, and though several retainers rushed
+forth on hearing the approach of so many horsemen, they were too late to
+raise it. Threatening these persons with destruction if any resistance
+was offered, Catesby passed through the great entrance, and rode into
+the court, where he drew up his band.
+
+By this time, the whole of the inmates of the castle had collected on
+the ramparts, armed with calivers and partisans, and whatever weapons
+they could find, and though their force was utterly disproportioned to
+that of their opponents, they seemed disposed to give them battle.
+Paying no attention to them, Catesby proceeded to the stables, where he
+found upwards of twenty horses, which he exchanged for the worst and
+most jaded of his own, and was about to enter the castle in search of
+arms, when he was startled by hearing the alarm-bell rung. This was
+succeeded by the discharge of a culverin on the summit of the tower,
+named after the redoubted Guy, Earl of Warwick; and though the bell was
+instantly silenced, Rookwood, who had dislodged the party from the
+ramparts, brought word that the inhabitants of Warwick were assembling,
+that drums were beating at the gates, and that an attack might be
+speedily expected. Not desiring to hazard an engagement at this
+juncture, Catesby gave up the idea of ransacking the castle, and ordered
+his men to their horses.
+
+Some delay, however, occurred before they could all be got together,
+and, meanwhile, the ringing of bells and other alarming sounds
+continued. At one time, it occurred to Catesby to attempt to maintain
+possession of the castle; but this design was overruled by the other
+conspirators, who represented to him the impracticability of the design.
+At length, the whole troop being assembled, they crossed the drawbridge,
+and speeded along the rocky path. Before the outer gate they found a
+large body of men, some on horseback, and some on foot, drawn up. These
+persons, however, struck with terror at their appearance, retreated, and
+allowed them a free passage.
+
+On turning to cross the bridge, they found it occupied by a strong and
+well-armed body of men, headed by the Sheriff of Warwickshire, who
+showed no disposition to give way. While the rebel party were preparing
+to force a passage, a trumpet was sounded, and the Sheriff, riding
+towards them, commanded them in the King's name to yield themselves
+prisoners.
+
+"We do not acknowledge the supremacy of James Stuart, whom you call
+king," rejoined Catesby, sternly. "We fight for our liberties, and for
+the restoration of the holy Catholic religion which we profess. Do not
+oppose us, or you will have cause to rue your temerity."
+
+"Hear me," cried the Sheriff, turning from him to his men: "I promise
+you all a free pardon in the King's name, if you will throw down your
+arms, and deliver up your leaders. But, if after this warning, you
+continue in open rebellion against your sovereign, you will all suffer
+the vilest death."
+
+"Rejoin your men, sir," said Catesby, in a significant tone, and drawing
+a petronel.
+
+"A free pardon and a hundred pounds to him who will bring me the head of
+Robert Catesby," said the Sheriff, disregarding the menace.
+
+"Your own is not worth half the sum," rejoined Catesby; and levelling
+the petronel, he shot him dead.
+
+The Sheriff's fall was the signal for a general engagement. Exasperated
+by the death of their leader, the royalist party assailed the rebels
+with the greatest fury, and as the latter were attacked at the same time
+in the rear, their situation began to appear perilous. But nothing could
+withstand the vigour and determination of Catesby. Cheering on his men,
+he soon cut a way across the bridge, and would have made good his
+retreat, if he had not perceived, to his infinite dismay, that Percy and
+Rookwood had been captured.
+
+Regardless of any risk he might run, he shouted to those near to follow
+him, and made such a desperate charge upon the royalists that in a few
+minutes he was by the side of his friends, and had liberated them. In
+trying, however, to follow up his advantage he got separated from his
+companions, and was so hotly pressed on all sides, that his destruction
+seemed inevitable. His petronels had both brought down their mark; and
+in striking a blow against a stalwart trooper his sword had shivered
+close to the handle. In this defenceless state his enemies made sure of
+him, but they miscalculated his resources.
+
+He was then close to the side of the bridge, and, before his purpose
+could be divined, struck spurs deeply into his horse, and cleared the
+parapet with a single bound. A shout of astonishment and admiration
+arose alike from friend and foe, and there was a general rush towards
+the side of the bridge. The noble animal that had borne him out of
+danger was seen swimming towards the bank, and, though several shots
+were fired at him, he reached it in safety. This gallant action so
+raised Catesby in the estimation of his followers, that they welcomed
+him with the utmost enthusiasm, and rallying round him, fought with such
+vigour, that they drove their opponents over the bridge and compelled
+them to flee towards the town.
+
+Catesby now mustered his men, and finding his loss slighter than he
+expected, though several were so severely wounded, that he was compelled
+to leave them behind, rode off at a quick pace. After proceeding for
+about four miles along the Stratford road, they turned off on the right
+into a narrow lane leading to Snitterfield, with the intention of
+visiting Norbrook, the family residence of John Grant. On arriving
+there, they put the house into a state of defence, and then assembled in
+the hall, while their followers recruited themselves in the court-yard.
+
+"So far, well," observed Catesby, flinging himself into a chair; "the
+first battle has been won."
+
+"True," replied Grant; "but it will not do to tarry here long. This
+house cannot hold out against a prolonged attack."
+
+"We will not remain here more than a couple of hours," replied Catesby:
+"but where shall we go next? I am for making some desperate attempt,
+which shall strike terror into our foes."
+
+"Are we strong enough to march to the Earl of Harrington's mansion near
+Coventry, and carry off the Princess Elizabeth?" asked Percy.
+
+"She were indeed a glorious prize," replied Catesby; "but I have no
+doubt, on the first alarm of our rising, she has been conveyed to a
+place of safety. And even if she were there, we should have the whole
+armed force of Coventry to contend with. No--no, it will not do to
+attempt that."
+
+"Nothing venture, nothing have!" cried Sir Everard Digby. "We ought, in
+my opinion, to run any risk to secure her."
+
+"You know me too well, Digby," rejoined Catesby, "to doubt my readiness
+to undertake any project, however hazardous, which would offer the
+remotest chance of success. But in this I see none, unless, indeed, it
+could be accomplished by stratagem. Let us first ascertain what support
+we can obtain, and then decide upon the measures to be adopted."
+
+"I am content," returned Digby.
+
+"Old Mr. Talbot of Grafton is a friend of yours, is he not?" continued
+Catesby, addressing Thomas Winter. "Can you induce him to join us?"
+
+"I will try," replied Thomas Winter; "but I have some misgivings."
+
+"Be not faint-hearted," rejoined Catesby. "You and Stephen Littleton
+shall go to him at once, and join us at your own mansion of Huddington,
+whither we will proceed as soon as our men are thoroughly recruited. Use
+every argument you can devise with Talbot,--tell him that the welfare of
+the Catholic cause depends on our success,--and that neither his years
+nor infirmities can excuse his absence at this juncture. If he will not,
+or cannot come himself, cause him to write letters to all his Catholic
+neighbours, urging them to join us, and bid him send all his retainers
+and servants to us."
+
+"I will not neglect a single plea," replied Thomas Winter, "and I will
+further urge compliance by his long friendship towards myself. But, as I
+have just said, I despair of success."
+
+Soon after this, he and Stephen Littleton, with two of the troopers
+well-mounted and well-armed, rode across the country through lanes and
+by-roads, with which they were well acquainted, to Grafton. At the same
+time, Catesby repaired to the court-yard, and assembling his men, found
+there were twenty-five missing. More than half of these it was known had
+been killed or wounded at Warwick; but the rest, it was suspected, had
+deserted.
+
+Whatever effect this scrutiny might secretly have upon Catesby, he
+maintained a cheerful and confident demeanour, and mounting a flight of
+steps, harangued the band in energetic and exciting terms. Displaying a
+small image of the virgin to them, he assured them they were under the
+special protection of heaven, whose cause they were fighting--and
+concluded by reciting a prayer, in which the whole assemblage heartily
+joined. This done, they filled the baggage-cart with provisions and
+further ammunition, and forming themselves into good order, took the
+road to Alcester.
+
+They had not gone far, when torrents of rain fell, and the roads being
+in a shocking condition, and ploughed up with ruts, they turned into the
+fields wherever it was practicable, and continued their march very
+slowly, and under excessively disheartening circumstances. On arriving
+at the ford across the Avon, near Bishopston, they found the stream so
+swollen that it was impossible to get across it. Sir Everard Digby, who
+made the attempt, was nearly carried off by the current. They were
+therefore compelled to proceed to Stratford, and cross the bridge.
+
+"My friends," said Catesby, commanding a halt at a short distance of the
+town, "I know not what reception we may meet with here. Probably much
+the same as at Warwick. But I command you not to strike a blow, except
+in self-defence."
+
+Those injunctions given, attended by the other conspirators, except
+Percy and Rookwood, who brought up the rear, he rode slowly into
+Stratford, and proceeding to the market-place, ordered a trumpet to be
+sounded. On the first appearance of the troop, most of the inhabitants
+fled to their houses, and fastened the doors, but some few courageous
+persons followed them at a wary distance. These were harangued at some
+length by Catesby, who called upon them to join the expedition, and held
+out promises, which only excited the derision of the hearers.
+
+Indeed, the dejected looks of most of the band, and the drenched and
+muddy state of their apparel, made them objects of pity and contempt,
+rather than of serious apprehension: and nothing but their numbers
+prevented an attack being made upon them. Catesby's address concluded
+amid groans of dissatisfaction; and finding he was wasting time, and
+injuring his own cause, he gave the word to march, and moved slowly
+through the main street, but not a single recruit joined him.
+
+Another unpropitious circumstance occurred just as they were leaving
+Stratford. Two or three of his followers tried to slink away, when
+Catesby, riding after them, called to them to return, and no attention
+being paid to his orders, he shot the man nearest him, and compelled the
+others, by threats of the same punishment, to return to their ranks.
+This occurrence, while it occasioned much discontent and ill-will among
+the band, gave great uneasiness to their leaders. Catesby and Percy now
+brought up the rear, and kept a sharp look-out to check any further
+attempt at desertion.
+
+Digby and Winter, being well acquainted with all the Catholic gentry in
+the neighbourhood, they proceeded to their different residences, and
+were uniformly coldly received, and in some cases dismissed with
+reproaches and menaces. In spite of all their efforts, too, repeated
+desertions took place; and long before they reached Alcester, their
+force was diminished by a dozen men. Not thinking it prudent to pass
+through the town, they struck into a lane on the right, and fording the
+Arrow near Ragley, skirted that extensive park, and crossing the hills
+near Weethly and Stoney Moreton, arrived in about an hour and a half, in
+a very jaded condition, at Huddington, the seat of Robert Winter.
+Affairs seemed to wear so unpromising an aspect, that Catesby, on
+entering the house, immediately called a council of his friends, and
+asked them what they proposed to do.
+
+"For my own part," he said, "I am resolved to fight it out. I will
+continue my march as long as I can get a man to follow me, and when they
+are all gone, will proceed alone. But I will never yield."
+
+"We will all die together, if need be," said Sir Everard Digby. "Let us
+rest here to-night, and in the morning proceed to Lord Windsor's
+mansion, Hewel Grange, which I know to be well stocked with arms, and,
+after carrying off all we can, we will fortify Stephen Littleton's house
+at Holbeach, and maintain it for a few days against our enemies."
+
+This proposal agreed to, they repaired to the court-yard, and busied
+themselves in seeing the wants of their followers attended to; and such
+a change was effected by good fare and a few hours' repose, that the
+spirits of the whole party revived, and confidence was once more
+restored. A slight damp, however, was again thrown upon the satisfaction
+of the leaders, by the return of Thomas Winter and Stephen Littleton
+from Grafton. Their mission had proved wholly unsuccessful. Mr. Talbot
+had not merely refused to join them, but had threatened to detain them.
+
+"He says we deserve the worst of deaths," observed Thomas Winter, in
+conclusion, "and that we have irretrievably injured the Catholic cause."
+
+"And I begin to fear he speaks the truth," rejoined Christopher Wright.
+"However, for us there is no retreat."
+
+"None whatever," rejoined Catesby, in a sombre tone. "We must choose
+between death upon the battle-field or on the scaffold."
+
+"The former be my fate," cried Percy.
+
+"And mine," added Catesby.
+
+An anxious and perturbed night was passed by the conspirators, and many
+a plan was proposed and abandoned. It had been arranged among them that
+they should each in succession make the rounds of the place, to see that
+the sentinels were at their posts--strict orders having been given to
+the latter to fire upon whomsoever might attempt to fly--but, as
+Catesby, despite his great previous fatigue, was unable to rest, he took
+this duty chiefly upon himself.
+
+Returning at midnight from an examination of the court-yard, he was
+about to enter the house, when he perceived before him a tall figure,
+with a cloak muffled about its face, standing in his path. It was
+perfectly motionless, and Catesby, who carried a lantern in his hand,
+threw the light upon it, but it neither moved forward, nor altered its
+position. Catesby would have challenged it, but an undefinable terror
+seized him, and his tongue clove to the roof of his mouth. An idea rose
+to his mind that it was the spirit of Guy Fawkes, and, by a powerful
+effort, he compelled himself to address it.
+
+"Are you come to warn me?" he demanded.
+
+The figure moved in acquiescence, and withdrawing the cloak, revealed
+features of ghastly paleness, but resembling those of Fawkes.
+
+"Have I long to live?" demanded Catesby.
+
+The figure shook its head.
+
+"Shall I fall to-morrow?" pursued Catesby.
+
+The figure again made a gesture in the negative.
+
+"The next day?"
+
+Solemnly inclining its head, the figure once more muffled its ghastly
+visage in its cloak, and melted from his view.
+
+For some time Catesby remained in a state almost of stupefaction. He
+then summoned up all the resolution of his nature, and instead of
+returning to the house, continued to pace to and fro in the court, and
+at last walked forth into the garden. It was profoundly dark; and he had
+not advanced many steps when he suddenly encountered a man. Repressing
+the exclamation that rose to his lips, he drew a petronel from his belt,
+and waited till the person addressed him.
+
+"Is it you, Sir John Foliot?" asked a voice, which he instantly
+recognised as that of Topcliffe.
+
+"Ay," replied Catesby, in a low tone.
+
+"Did you manage to get into the house?" pursued Topcliffe.
+
+"I did," returned Catesby; "but speak lower. There is a sentinel within
+a few paces of us. Come this way."
+
+And grasping the other's arm he drew him further down the walk.
+
+"Do you think we may venture to surprise them?" demanded Topcliffe.
+
+"Hum!" exclaimed Catesby, hesitating, in the hope of inducing the other
+to betray his design.
+
+"Or shall we wait the arrival of Sir Richard Walsh, the Sheriff of
+Worcestershire, and the _posse comitatûs_?" pursued Topcliffe.
+
+"How soon do you think the Sheriff will arrive?" asked Catesby, scarcely
+able to disguise his anxiety.
+
+"He cannot be here before daybreak--if so soon," returned Topcliffe,
+"and then we shall have to besiege the house; and though I have no fear
+of the result, yet some of the conspirators may fall in the skirmish;
+and my orders from the Earl of Salisbury, as I have already apprised
+you, are, to take them alive."
+
+"True," replied Catesby.
+
+"I would not, for twice the reward I shall receive for the capture of
+the whole party, that that desperate traitor, Catesby, should be slain,"
+continued Topcliffe. "The plot was contrived by him, and the extent of
+its ramifications can alone be ascertained through him."
+
+"I think I can contrive their capture," observed Catesby; "but the
+utmost caution must be used. I will return to the house, and find out
+where the chief conspirators are lodged. I will then throw open the
+door, and will return to this place, where you can have our men
+assembled. If we can seize and secure the leaders, the rest will be
+easy."
+
+"You will run great risk, Sir John," said Topcliffe, with affected
+concern.
+
+"Heed not that," replied Catesby. "You may expect me in a few minutes.
+Get together your men as noiselessly as you can."
+
+With this he hastily withdrew.
+
+On returning to the house, he instantly roused his companions, and
+acquainted them with what had occurred.
+
+"My object," he said, "is to make Topcliffe a prisoner. We may obtain
+much useful information from him. As to the others, if they offer
+resistance, we will put them to death."
+
+"What force have they?" asked Sir Everard Digby, with some uneasiness.
+
+"It is impossible to say precisely," replied Catesby; "but not more than
+a handful of men, I should imagine, as they are waiting for Sir Richard
+Walsh."
+
+"I know not what may be the issue of this matter," observed Robert
+Winter, whose looks were unusually haggard; "but I have had a strange
+and ominous dream, which fills me with apprehension."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby, upon whose mind the recollection of the
+apparition he had beheld rushed.
+
+"Catesby," pursued Robert Winter, taking him aside, "if you have any sin
+unrepented of, I counsel you to make your peace with Heaven, for I fear
+you are not long for this world."
+
+"It may be so," rejoined Catesby, firmly; "and I have many dark and
+damning sins upon my soul, but I will die as I have lived, firm and
+unshaken to the last. And now, let us prepare for our foes."
+
+So saying, he proceeded to call up the trustiest of his men, and
+enjoining profound silence upon them, disposed them in various places,
+that they might instantly appear at his signal. After giving them other
+directions, he returned to the garden, and coughed slightly. He was
+answered by a quickly-approaching footstep, and a voice demanded,
+
+"Are you there, Sir John?"
+
+Catesby answered in a low tone in the affirmative.
+
+"Come forward, then," rejoined Topcliffe.
+
+As he spoke there was a rush of persons towards the spot, and seizing
+Catesby, he cried, in a triumphant tone, while he unmasked a lantern,
+and threw its light full upon his face,
+
+"You are caught in your own trap, Mr. Catesby. You are my prisoner."
+
+"Not so, villain," cried Catesby, disengaging himself by a powerful
+effort.
+
+Springing backwards, he drew his sword, and making the blade describe a
+circle round his body, effected his retreat in safety, though a dozen
+shots were fired at him. Leaping the garden wall, he was instantly
+surrounded by the other conspirators, and the greater part of the band,
+who, hearing the reports of the fire-arms, had hurried to the spot.
+Instantly putting himself at their head, Catesby returned to the garden;
+but Topcliffe and his party had taken the alarm and fled. Torches were
+brought, and, by Catesby's directions, a large heap of dry stubble was
+set on fire. But, though the flames revealed every object for a
+considerable distance around them, no traces of the hostile party could
+be discerned.
+
+After continuing their ineffectual search for some time, the
+conspirators returned to the house, and abandoning all idea of retiring
+to rest, kept strict watch during the remainder of the night. Little
+conversation took place. All were deeply depressed; and Catesby paced
+backwards and forwards within a passage leading from the hall to the
+dining-chamber. His thoughts were gloomy enough, and he retraced the
+whole of his wild and turbulent career, pondering upon its close, which
+he could not disguise from himself was at hand.
+
+"It matters not," he mentally ejaculated; "I shall not die
+ignominiously, and I would rather perish in the vigour of manhood than
+linger out a miserable old age. I have striven hard to achieve a great
+enterprise, and having failed, have little else to live for. This band
+cannot hold together two days longer. Our men will desert us, or turn
+upon us to obtain the price set upon our heads. And, were they true, I
+have little reliance upon my companions. They have no longer the
+confidence that can alone insure success, and I expect each moment some
+one will propose a surrender. Surrender! I will never do so with life.
+Something must be done--something worthy of me--and then let me perish.
+I have ever prayed to die a soldier's death."
+
+As he uttered these words unconsciously aloud, he became aware of the
+presence of Robert Winter, who stood at the end of the passage, watching
+him.
+
+"Your prayer will not be granted, Catesby," said the latter. "Some
+dreadful doom, I fear, is reserved for you and all of us."
+
+"What mean you?" demanded the other, uneasily.
+
+"Listen to me," replied Robert Winter. "I told you I had a strange and
+appalling dream to-night, and I will now relate it. I thought I was in a
+boat upon the river Thames, when all at once the day, which had been
+bright and smiling, became dark and overcast,--not dark like the shades
+of night, but gloomy and ominous, as when the sun is shrouded by an
+eclipse. I looked around, and every object was altered. The tower of
+Saint Paul's stood awry, and seemed ready to topple down,--so did the
+spires and towers of all the surrounding fanes. The houses on London
+Bridge leaned frightfully over the river, and the habitations lining its
+banks on either side, seemed shaken to their foundations. I fancied some
+terrible earthquake must have occurred, or that the end of the world was
+at hand."
+
+"Go on," said Catesby, who had listened with profound attention to the
+relation.
+
+"The stream, too, changed its colour," continued Robert Winter, "and
+became red as blood, and the man who rowed my boat was gone, and his
+place occupied by a figure masked and habited like an executioner. I
+commanded him to row me ashore, and in an instant the bark shot to land,
+and I sprang out, glad to be liberated from my mysterious conductor. My
+steps involuntarily led me toward the cathedral, and on entering it, I
+found its pillars, shrines, monuments, and roof hung with black. The
+throng that ever haunt Paul's Walk had disappeared, and a few dismal
+figures alone traversed the aisles. On approaching them, I recognised in
+their swollen, death-like, and blackened lineaments, some resemblance to
+you and our friends. I was about to interrogate them, when I was
+awakened by yourself."
+
+"A strange dream, truly," observed Catesby, musingly, "and coupled with
+what I myself have seen to-night, would seem to bode evil."
+
+And he then proceeded to describe the supernatural appearance he had
+beheld to his companion.
+
+"All is over with us," rejoined Robert Winter. "We must prepare to meet
+our fate."
+
+"We must meet it like men,--like brave men, Robert," replied Catesby.
+"We must not disgrace ourselves and our cause."
+
+"You are right," rejoined Robert Winter; "but these visions are more
+terrible than the contemplation of death itself."
+
+"If you require further rest, take it," returned Catesby. "In an hour I
+shall call up our men, and march to Hewel Grange."
+
+"I am wearied enough," replied Robert Winter, "but I dare not close my
+eyes again."
+
+"Then recommend your soul to Heaven," said Catesby. "I would be alone.
+Melancholy thoughts press upon me, and I desire to unburden my heart to
+God."
+
+Robert Winter then left him, and he withdrew into a closet where there
+was an image of the Virgin, and kneeling before it, prayed long and
+fervently. Arising in a calmer frame of mind, he returned to the hall,
+and summoning his companions and followers, their horses were brought
+forth, and they commenced their march.
+
+It was about four o'clock when they started, and so dark, that they had
+some difficulty in finding the road. They proceeded at a slow pace, and
+with the utmost caution; but notwithstanding this, and though the two
+Winters and Grant, who were well acquainted with the country, led the
+way, many trifling delays and disasters occurred. Their baggage-cart
+frequently stuck fast in the deep ruts, while the men missing their way,
+got into the trenches skirting the lane, and were not unfrequently
+thrown from their horses. More than once, too, the alarm was given that
+they were pursued, and a sudden halt ordered; but these apprehensions
+proved groundless, and, after a most fatiguing ride, they found
+themselves at Stoke Prior, and within two miles of Hewel Grange.
+
+Originally built in the early part of the reign of Henry the Eighth, and
+granted by that monarch to an ancestor of its present possessor, Lord
+Windsor, this ancient mansion was quadrangular in form, and surrounded
+by a broad deep fosse. Situated in the heart of an extensive park, at
+the foot of a gentle hill, it was now approached from the brow of the
+latter beautiful eminence by the rebel party. But at this season, and at
+this hour, both park and mansion had a forlorn look. The weather still
+continued foggy, with drizzling showers, and though the trees were not
+yet entirely stripped of their foliage, their glories had altogether
+departed. The turf was damp and plashy, and in some places partook so
+much of the character of a swamp, that the horsemen were obliged to
+alter their course.
+
+But all obstacles were eventually overcome, and in ten minutes after
+their entrance into the park, they were within gunshot of the mansion.
+There were no symptoms of defence apparent, but the drawbridge being
+raised, it was Catesby's opinion, notwithstanding appearances, that
+their arrival was expected. He was further confirmed in this idea when,
+sounding a trumpet, and calling to the porter to let down the
+drawbridge, no answer was returned.
+
+The entrance to the mansion was through a lofty and machiolated gateway,
+strengthened at each side by an embattled turret. Perceiving a man at
+one of the loopholes, Catesby discharged his petronel at him, and it was
+evident from the cry that followed that the person was wounded. An
+instant afterwards calivers were thrust through the other loopholes, and
+several shots fired upon the rebels, while some dozen armed men appeared
+upon the summit of the tower, and likewise commenced firing.
+
+Perceiving Topcliffe among the latter, and enraged at the sight, Catesby
+discharged another petronel at him, but without effect. He then called
+to some of his men to break down the door of an adjoining barn, and to
+place it in the moat. The order was instantly obeyed, and the door
+afloat in the fosse, and springing upon it, he impelled himself with a
+pike towards the opposite bank. Several shots were fired at him, and
+though more than one struck the door, he crossed the moat uninjured. So
+suddenly was this daring passage effected, that before any of the
+defenders of the mansion could prevent him, Catesby had severed the
+links of the chain fastening the drawbridge, and it fell clattering
+down.
+
+With a loud shout, his companions then crossed it. But they had still a
+difficulty to encounter. The gates, which were of great strength, and
+covered with plates of iron, were barred. But a ladder having been found
+in the barn, it was brought forward, and Catesby mounting it sword in
+hand, drove back all who opposed him, and got upon the wall. He was
+followed by Sir Everard Digby, Percy, and several others, and driving
+the royalists before them, they made their way down a flight of stone
+steps, and proceeding to the gateway, threw it open, and admitted the
+others. All this was the work of a few minutes.
+
+Committing the ransacking of the mansion to Digby and Percy, and
+commanding a dozen men to follow him, Catesby entered a small arched
+doorway, and ascended a winding stone staircase in search of Topcliffe.
+His progress was opposed by the soldiers, but beating aside all
+opposition, he gained the roof. Topcliffe, however, was gone.
+Anticipating the result of the attack, he had let himself drop from the
+summit of the tower to the walls, and descending by the ladder, had made
+good his retreat.
+
+Disarming the soldiers, Catesby then descended to the court-yard, where
+in a short time a large store of arms, consisting of corslets,
+demi-lances, pikes, calivers, and two falconets, were brought forth.
+These, together with a cask of powder, were placed in the
+baggage-waggon. Meanwhile, the larder and cellar had been explored, and
+provisions of all kinds, together with a barrel of mead, and another of
+strong ale, being found, they were distributed among the men.
+
+While this took place, Catesby searched the mansion, and, partly by
+threats, partly by persuasion, induced about twenty persons to join
+them. This unlooked-for success so encouraged the conspirators, that
+their drooping spirits began to revive. Catesby appeared as much elated
+as the others, but at heart he was full of misgiving.
+
+Soon afterwards, the rebel party quitted Hewel Grange, taking with them
+every weapon they could find. The forced recruits were placed in the
+midst of the band, so that escape was impracticable.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+HOLBEACH.
+
+
+Avoiding the high road, and traversing an unfrequented part of the
+country, the conspirators shaped their course towards Stourbridge. As
+they reached Forfield Green, they perceived a large party descending the
+hilly ground near Bromsgrove, and evidently in pursuit of them. An
+immediate halt was ordered, and taking possession of a farm-house, they
+prepared for defence.
+
+Seeing these preparations, their pursuers, who proved to be Sir Richard
+Walsh the Sheriff of Worcestershire, Sir John Foliot, three gentlemen
+named Ketelbye, Salwaye, and Conyers, attended by a large posse of men,
+all tolerably well armed, drew up at some distance from the farm, and
+appeared to be consulting as to the prudence of making an attack.
+Topcliffe was with them; and Catesby, who reconnoitered their
+proceedings from a window of the dwelling, inferred from his gestures
+that he was against the assault. And so it proved. The royalist party
+remained where they were, and as one or two of their number occasionally
+disappeared, Catesby judged, and correctly, that they were despatched
+for a reinforcement.
+
+Not willing to wait for this, he determined to continue his march, and,
+accordingly, forming his men into a close line, and bringing up the rear
+himself, they again set forward. Sir Richard Walsh and his party
+followed them, and whenever they were in a difficult part of the road,
+harassed them with a sudden attack. In this way, several stragglers were
+cut off, and a few prisoners made. So exasperated did Catesby become by
+these annoyances, that, though desirous to push forward as fast as
+possible, he halted at the entrance of a common, and prepared for an
+engagement. But his purpose was defeated, for the royalist party took
+another course, nor did he see anything more of them for some time.
+
+In about an hour the rebels arrived at the banks of the river Stour, not
+far from the little village of Churchill, and here, just as they were
+preparing to ford the stream, the sheriff and his followers again made
+their appearance. By this time, also, the forces of their opponents were
+considerably augmented, and as more than a third of their own party were
+engaged in crossing the stream, which was greatly swollen by the recent
+rains, and extremely dangerous, their position was one of no slight
+peril.
+
+Nothing daunted, Catesby instantly drew up his men on the bank, and,
+after a short skirmish, drove away the enemy, and afterwards contrived
+to cross the river without much loss. He found, however, that the
+baggage-cart had got immersed in the stream, and it was feared that the
+powder would be damaged. They remained on the opposite bank for some
+time; but as their enemies did not attempt to follow them, they took the
+way to Holbeach, a large and strongly built mansion belonging, as has
+been already stated, to Stephen Littleton. Here they arrived without
+further molestation, and their first business was to put it into a
+complete state of defence.
+
+[Illustration: _The Explosion at Holbeach_]
+
+After a long and anxious consultation, Sir Everard Digby quitted them,
+undertaking to return on the following day with succours. Stephen
+Littleton also disappeared on the same evening. His flight produced a
+strong impression on Catesby, and he besought the others not to abandon
+the good cause, but to stand by it, as he himself meant to do, to the
+last. They all earnestly assured him that they would do so, except
+Robert Winter, who sat apart, and took no share in their discourse.
+
+Catesby then examined the powder that had been plunged in the water in
+crossing the Stour, and found it so much wetted as to be nearly useless.
+A sufficient stock of powder being of the utmost consequence to them, he
+caused all the contents of the barrel, not dissolved by the immersion,
+to be poured into a large platter, and proceeded to dry it before a fire
+which had been kindled in the hall. A bag of powder, which had likewise
+been slightly wetted, was also placed at what was considered a safe
+distance from the fire.
+
+"Heaven grant this may prove more destructive to our enemies than the
+combustibles we placed in the mine beneath the Parliament House!"
+observed Percy.
+
+"Heaven grant so, indeed!" rejoined Catesby, with a moody smile. "They
+would call it retribution, where we to perish by the same means which we
+designed for others."
+
+"Jest not on so serious a matter, Catesby," observed Robert Winter. "For
+my own part, I dread the sight of powder, and shall walk forth till you
+have dried this, and put it away."
+
+"You are not going to leave us, like Stephen Littleton?" rejoined
+Catesby, suspiciously.
+
+"I will go with him," said Christopher Wright; "so you need be under no
+apprehension."
+
+Accordingly, he quitted the hall with Robert Winter, and they proceeded
+to the court-yard and were conversing together on the dismal prospects
+of the party, when a tremendous explosion took place. The roof of the
+building seemed rent in twain, and amidst a shower of tiles, plaster,
+bricks, and broken wood falling around, the bag of powder dropped
+untouched at their feet.
+
+"Mother of mercy!" exclaimed Christopher Wright, picking it up. "Here is
+a providential occurrence. Had this exploded, we must all have been
+destroyed."
+
+"Let us see what has happened," cried Robert Winter.
+
+And, followed by Christopher Wright, he rushed towards the hall, and
+bursting open the door, beheld Catesby enveloped in a cloud of smoke,
+and pressing his hand to his face, which was scorched and blackened by
+the explosion. Rookwood was stretched on the floor in a state of
+insensibility, and it at first appeared that life was extinct. Percy was
+extinguishing the flames, which had caught his dress, and John Grant was
+similarly occupied.
+
+"Those are the very faces I beheld in my dream," cried Robert Winter,
+gazing at them with affright. "It was a true warning."
+
+Rushing up to Catesby, Christopher Wright clasped him in his arms, and
+extinguishing his flaming apparel, cried, "Wretch that I am! that I
+should live to see this day!"
+
+"Be not alarmed!" gasped Catesby. "It is nothing--it was a mere
+accident."
+
+"It is no accident, Catesby," replied Robert Winter. "Heaven is against
+us and our design."
+
+And he quitted the room, and left the house. Nor did he return to it.
+
+"I will pray for forgiveness!" cried John Grant, whose vision was so
+much injured by the explosion that he could as yet see nothing. And
+dragging himself before an image of the Virgin, he prayed aloud,
+acknowledging that the act he had designed was so bloody that it called
+for the vengeance of Heaven, and expressing his sincere repentance.
+
+"No more of this," cried Catesby, staggering up to him, and snatching
+the image from him. "It was a mere accident, I tell you. We are all
+alive, and shall yet succeed."
+
+On inquiry, Christopher Wright learnt that a blazing coal had shot out
+of the fire, and falling into the platter containing the powder, had
+occasioned the disastrous accident above described.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CLOSE OF THE REBELLION.
+
+
+Unable longer to endure the agony occasioned by his scorched visage,
+Catesby called for a bucket of water, and plunged his head into it.
+Somewhat relieved by the immersion, he turned to inquire after his
+fellow-sufferers. Rookwood having been carried into the open air, had by
+this time regained his consciousness; Percy was shockingly injured, his
+hair and eyebrows burnt, his skin blackened and swollen with unseemly
+blisters, and the sight of one eye entirely destroyed; while John Grant,
+though a degree less hurt than his companions, presented a grim and
+ghastly appearance. In fact, the four sufferers looked as if they had
+just escaped from some unearthly place of torment, and were doomed
+henceforth to bear the brand of Divine wrath on their countenances.
+Seeing the effect produced on the others, Catesby rallied all his force,
+and treating the accident as a matter of no moment, and which ought not
+to disturb the equanimity of brave men, called for wine, and quaffed a
+full goblet. Injured as he was, and smarting with pain, Percy followed
+his example, but both John Grant and Rookwood refused the cup.
+
+"Hark 'e, gentlemen," cried Catesby, fiercely, "you may drink or not, as
+you see fit. But I will not have you assume a deportment calculated to
+depress our followers. Stephen Littleton and Robert Winter have basely
+deserted us. If you have any intention of following them, go at once. We
+are better without you than with you."
+
+"I have no thought of deserting you, Catesby," rejoined Rookwood,
+mournfully; "and when the time arrives for action, you will find I shall
+not be idle. But I am now assured that we have sold ourselves to
+perdition."
+
+"Pshaw!" cried Catesby, with a laugh that communicated an almost
+fiendish expression to his grim features; "because a little powder has
+accidentally exploded and blackened our faces, are we to see in the
+occurrence the retributive justice of Heaven? Are we to be cast down by
+such a trifle? Be a man, and rouse yourself. Recollect that the eyes of
+all England are upon us; and if we must fall, let us perish in a manner
+that becomes us. No real mischief has been done. My hand is as able to
+wield a blade, and my sight to direct a shot, as heretofore. If Heaven
+had meant to destroy us, the bag of powder which has been taken up in
+the yard, and which was sufficient not only to annihilate us, but to lay
+this house in ruins, would have been suffered to explode."
+
+"Would it _had_ exploded!" exclaimed John Wright. "All would then have
+been over."
+
+"Are you, too, fainthearted, John?" cried Catesby. "Well, well, leave me
+one and all of you. I will fight it out alone."
+
+"You wrong me by the suspicion, Catesby," returned John Wright. "I am as
+true to the cause as yourself. But I perceive that our last hour is at
+hand, and I would it were past."
+
+"The indulgence of such a wish at such a moment is a weakness," rejoined
+Catesby. "I care not when death comes, provided it comes gloriously; and
+such should be your feeling. On the manner in which we meet our fate
+will depend the effect which our insurrection will produce throughout
+the country. We must set a brave example to our brethren. Heaven be
+praised; we shall not perish on the scaffold!"
+
+"Be not too sure of that," said Grant, gloomily. "It may yet be our
+fate."
+
+"It shall never be mine," cried Catesby.
+
+"Nor mine," added Percy. "I am so far from regarding the recent disaster
+as a punishment, though I am the severest sufferer by it, that I think
+we ought to return thanks to Heaven for our preservation."
+
+"In whatever light the accident is viewed," observed John Wright, "we
+cannot too soon address ourselves to Heaven. We know not how long it may
+be in our power to do so."
+
+"Again desponding," cried Catesby. "But no matter. You will recover your
+spirits anon."
+
+John Wright shook his head, and Catesby, pulling his hat over his brows
+to hide his features, walked forth into the court-yard. He found, as he
+expected, that general consternation prevailed amongst the band. The men
+were gathered together in little knots, and, though they became silent
+as he approached, he perceived they were discussing the necessity of a
+surrender. Nothing daunted by these unfavourable, appearances, Catesby
+harangued them in such bold terms that he soon inspired them with some
+of his own confidence, and completely resteadied their wavering
+feelings.
+
+Elated with his success, he caused a cup of strong ale to be given to
+each man, and proposed as a pledge, the restoration of the Romish
+Church. He then returned to the house; and summoning the other
+conspirators to attend him in a chamber on the ground-floor, they all
+prayed long and fervently, and concluded by administering the sacrament
+to each other.
+
+It was now thought necessary to have the damage done by the explosion
+repaired, and a few hours were employed in the operation. Evening was
+fast approaching, and Catesby, who was anxiously expecting the return of
+Sir Everard Digby, stationed himself on the turreted walls of the
+mansion to look out for him. But he came not; and, fearing some
+mischance must have befallen him, Catesby descended. Desirous of
+concealing his misgivings from his companions, he put on a cheerful
+manner as he joined them.
+
+"I am surprised ere this that we have not been attacked," remarked
+Percy. "Our enemies may be waiting for the darkness, to take us by
+surprise. But they will be disappointed."
+
+"I can only account for the delay by supposing they have encountered Sir
+Everard Digby, and the force he is bringing to us," remarked Christopher
+Wright.
+
+"It may be so," returned Catesby, "and if so, we shall soon learn the
+result."
+
+In spite of all Catesby's efforts he failed to engage his companions in
+conversation, and feeling it would best suit his present frame of mind,
+and contribute most to their safety, to keep in constant motion, he
+proceeded to the court-yard, saw that all the defences were secure, that
+the drawbridge was raised, the sentinels at their posts, and everything
+prepared for the anticipated attack. Every half hour he thus made his
+rounds, and when towards midnight he was going forth, Percy said to him,
+
+"Do you not mean to take any rest, Catesby?"
+
+"Not till I am in my grave," was the moody reply.
+
+Catesby's untiring energy was in fact a marvel to all his followers. His
+iron frame seemed wholly unsusceptible of fatigue; and even when he
+returned to the house, he continued to pace to and fro in the passage in
+preference to lying down.
+
+"Rest tranquilly," he said to Christopher Wright, who offered to take
+his place. "I will rouse you on the slightest approach of danger."
+
+But though he preserved this stoical exterior, Catesby's breast was torn
+by the keenest pangs. He could not hide from himself that, to serve his
+own ambitious purposes, he had involved many loyal and worthy (till he
+had deluded them) persons in a treasonable project, which must now
+terminate in their destruction; and their blood, he feared, would rest
+upon his head. But what weighed heaviest of all upon his soul was the
+probable fate of Viviana.
+
+"If I were assured she would escape," he thought, "I should care little
+for all the rest, even for Fawkes. They say it is never too late to
+repent. But my repentance shall lie between my Maker and myself. Man
+shall never know it."
+
+The night was dark, and the gloom was rendered more profound by a dense
+fog. Fearing an attack might now be attempted, Catesby renewed his
+vigilance. Marching round the edge of the moat, he listened to every
+sound that might betray the approach of a foe. For some time, nothing
+occurred to excite his suspicions, until about an hour after midnight,
+as he was standing at the back of the house, he fancied he detected a
+stealthy tread on the other side of the fosse, and soon became convinced
+that a party of men were there. Determined to ascertain their movements
+before giving the alarm, he held his breath, and drawing a petronel,
+remained perfectly motionless. Presently, though he could discern no
+object, he distinctly heard a plank pushed across the moat, and could
+distinguish in the whispered accents of one of the party the voice of
+Topcliffe. A thrill of savage joy agitated his bosom, and he internally
+congratulated himself that revenge was in his power.
+
+A footstep, though so noiseless as to be inaudible to any ear less acute
+than his own, was now heard crossing the plank, and feeling certain it
+was Topcliffe, Catesby allowed him to land, and then suddenly advancing,
+kicked the plank, on which were two other persons, into the water, and
+unmasking a dark lantern, threw its light upon the face of a man near
+him, who proved, as he suspected, to be Topcliffe.
+
+Aware of the advantage of making a prisoner of importance, Catesby
+controlled the impulse that prompted him to sacrifice Topcliffe to his
+vengeance, and firing his petronel in the air as a signal, he drew his
+sword, and sprang upon him. Topcliffe attempted to defend himself, but
+he was no match for the skill and impetuosity of Catesby, and was
+instantly overpowered and thrown to the ground. By this time, Percy and
+several of the band had come up, and delivering Topcliffe to the charge
+of two of the stoutest of them, Catesby turned his attention to the
+other assailants. One of them got across the moat; but the other,
+encumbered by his arms, was floundering about, when Catesby pointing a
+petronel at his head, he was fain to surrender, and was dragged out.
+
+A volley of musketry was now fired by the rebels in the supposed
+direction of their opponents, but it could not be ascertained what
+execution was done. After waiting for some time, in expectation of a
+further attack, Catesby placed a guard upon the spot, and proceeded to
+examine Topcliffe. He had been thrown into a cellar beneath the kitchen,
+and the two men were on guard over him. He refused to answer any of
+Catesby's questions, though enforced by threats of instant death. On
+searching him some letters were found upon him, and thrusting them into
+his doublet, Catesby left him, with the strictest injunctions to the men
+as to his safe custody.
+
+He then proceeded to examine the other captive, and found him somewhat
+more tractable. This man informed him that Topcliffe had intended to
+steal into the house with the design of capturing the conspirators, or,
+failing in that, of setting fire to the premises. He also ascertained
+that Topcliffe's force consisted only of a dozen men, so that no further
+attack need be apprehended.
+
+Notwithstanding this information, Catesby determined to be on the safe
+side, and doubling the sentinels, he stationed one of the conspirators,
+all of whom had sprung to arms at his signal, at each of the exposed
+points. He then withdrew to the mansion, and examined Topcliffe's
+papers. The first despatch he opened was from the Earl of Salisbury,
+bearing date about the early part of Fawkes's confinement in the Tower,
+in which the Earl expressed his determination of wringing a full
+confession from the prisoner. A bitter smile curled Catesby's lip as he
+read this, but his brow darkened as he proceeded, and found that a
+magnificent reward was offered for his own arrest.
+
+"I must have Catesby captured," ran the missive,--"so see you spare no
+pains to take him. I would rather all escaped than he did. His
+confession is of the last importance in the matter, and I rely upon your
+bringing him to me alive."
+
+"I will at least balk him of that satisfaction," muttered Catesby. "But
+what is this of Viviana?"
+
+Reading further, he found that the Earl had issued the same orders
+respecting Viviana, and that she would be rigorously dealt with if
+captured.
+
+"Alas!" groaned Catesby; "I hope she will escape these inhuman
+butchers."
+
+The next despatch he opened was from Tresham, and with a savage
+satisfaction he found that the traitor was apprehensive of
+double-dealing on the part of Salisbury and Mounteagle. He stated that
+he had been put under arrest, and was detained a prisoner in his own
+house; and fearing he should be sent to the Tower, besought Topcliffe to
+use his influence with the Earl of Salisbury not to deal unfairly with
+him.
+
+"He is rightly served!" cried Catesby, with a bitter smile. "Heaven
+grant they may deal with him as he dealt with us!"
+
+The consideration of these letters furnished Catesby with food for much
+bitter reflection. Pacing the room to and fro with uncertain footsteps,
+he remained more than an hour by himself, and at last yielding to the
+promptings of vengeance, repaired to the cellar in which he had placed
+Topcliffe, with the intention of putting him to death. What was his rage
+and mortification to find both the guard and the prisoner gone! A door
+was open, and it was evident that the fugitives had stolen to the moat,
+and, swimming noiselessly across it in the darkness, had securely
+effected their retreat.
+
+Fearful of exciting the alarm of his followers, Catesby controlled his
+indignation, and said nothing of the escape of the prisoner to any but
+his confederates, who entirely approved of the policy of silence. They
+continued on the alert during the remainder of the night, and no one
+thought of seeking repose till it was fully light, and all danger of a
+surprise at an end.
+
+Day dawned late and dismally. The fog that had hung round the mansion
+changed just before daybreak into drizzling rain, and this increased ere
+long to heavy and drenching showers. Everything looked gloomy and
+depressing, and the conspirators were so disheartened, that they avoided
+each other's regards.
+
+Catesby mounted the walls of the mansion to reconnoitre. The prospect
+was forlorn and melancholy to the last degree. The neighbouring woods
+were obscured by mist; the court-yard and garden flooded with rain; and
+the waters of the moat spotted by the heavy shower. Not an object was in
+view, except a hind driving cattle to a neighbouring farm. Catesby
+shouted to him, and the fellow with evident reluctance approaching the
+brink of the moat, was asked whether he had seen any troops in the
+neighbourhood. The man answered in the negative, but said he had heard
+that an engagement had taken place in the night, about five miles from
+thence, near Hales Owen, between Sir Everard Digby and Sir Richard
+Walsh, and that Sir Everard's party had been utterly routed, and himself
+taken prisoner.
+
+This intelligence was a severe blow to Catesby, as it destroyed the last
+faint hope he had clung to. For some time he continued wrapt in thought,
+and then descended to the lower part of the house. A large fire had been
+kept up during the night in the hall, and the greater part of the band
+were now gathered round it, drying their wet clothes, and conversing
+together. A plentiful breakfast had been served out to them, so that
+they were in tolerably good spirits, and many of them talked loudly of
+the feats they meant to perform in case of an attack.
+
+Catesby heard these boasts, but they fell upon an idle ear. He felt that
+all was over; that his last chance was gone; and that the struggle could
+not be much longer protracted. Entering the inner room, he sat down at
+table with his companions, but he ate nothing, and continued silent and
+abstracted.
+
+"It is now my turn to reproach you," observed Grant. "You look deeply
+depressed."
+
+"Sir Everard Digby is a prisoner," replied Catesby, sternly. "His
+capture grieves me sorely. He should have died with us."
+
+All echoed the wish.
+
+Catesby arose and closed the door.
+
+"The attack will not be many hours delayed," he said; "and unless there
+should be some miraculous interposition in our behalf, it must end in
+our defeat. Do not let us survive it," he continued earnestly. "Let us
+swear to stand by each other as long as we can, and to die together."
+
+"Agreed!" cried the others.
+
+"And now," continued Catesby, "I must compel myself to take some
+nourishment, for I have much to do."
+
+Having swallowed a few mouthfuls of bread, and drained a goblet of wine,
+he again visited every part of the habitation, examined the arms of the
+men, encouraged them by his looks and words, and became satisfied,
+unless some unlooked-for circumstance occurred to damp their ardour,
+they would offer a determined and vigorous resistance.
+
+"If I could only come off victorious in this last conflict, I should die
+content," thought Catesby. "And I do not despair of it."
+
+The rain continued till eleven o'clock, when it ceased, and the mist
+that had attended it partially cleared off. About noon, Catesby, who was
+on the look-out from the walls of the mansion, descried a large troop of
+horsemen issuing from the wood. He immediately gave the alarm. The bell
+was rung, and all sprang to arms.
+
+By this time the troop had advanced within a hundred yards of the
+house, and Catesby, who had rushed into the court-yard, mounted a turret
+near the gate to watch their movements, and issue his commands. The
+royalists were headed by Sir Richard Walsh, who was attended on the
+right by Sir John Foliot, and on the left by Topcliffe. Immediately
+behind them were Ketelbye, Salwaye, Conyers, and others who had
+accompanied the _posse comitatûs_ the day before. A trumpet was then
+sounded, and a proclamation made in a loud voice by a trooper,
+commanding the rebels in the King's name to surrender, and to deliver up
+their leaders. The man had scarcely concluded his speech when he was for
+ever silenced by a shot from Catesby.
+
+A loud and vindictive shout was raised by the royalists, and the assault
+instantly commenced. Sir Richard Walsh directed the attack against the
+point opposite the drawbridge, while Sir John Foliot, Topcliffe, and the
+others dispersed themselves, and completely surrounded the mansion.
+Several planks were thrust across the moat, and in spite of the efforts
+of the rebels many of the assailants effected a passage.
+
+Catesby drove back the party under Sir Richard Walsh, and with his own
+hand hewed asunder their plank. In doing this, he so much exposed
+himself that, but for the injunctions of the Sheriff, who commanded his
+followers not to fire upon him, he must have been slain.
+
+The other rebel-leaders displayed equal courage, and equal indifference
+to danger, and though, as has just been stated, a considerable number of
+the royalists had got across the moat, and entered the garden, they had
+obtained no material advantage. Sir John Foliot and Topcliffe commanded
+this party, and encouraged them to press on. But such a continued and
+well-directed firing was kept up upon them from the walls and windows of
+the mansion, that they soon began to show symptoms of wavering.
+
+At this juncture, and while Topcliffe was trying to keep his men
+together, a concealed door in the wall was opened, and Catesby issued
+from it at the head of a dozen men. He instantly attacked Topcliffe and
+his band, put several to the sword, and drove those who resisted into
+the moat. Foliot and Topcliffe with difficulty escaped across the plank,
+which was seized and pulled over to his own side by Catesby.
+
+But the hope which this success inspired was instantly crushed. Loud
+shouts were raised from the opposite wing of the mansion, and Catesby to
+his great dismay perceived from the volumes of smoke ascending from it
+that it was on fire. Uttering an exclamation of rage and despair, he
+commanded those with him not to quit their present position, and set off
+in the direction of the fire.
+
+He found that an outbuilding had been set in flames by a lighted brand
+thrown across the moat by a trooper. The author of the action was named
+John Streete, and was afterwards rendered notorious by another feat to
+be presently related. Efforts were made to extinguish the conflagration,
+but such was the confusion prevailing that it was found wholly
+impossible to do so, and it was feared that the destruction of the whole
+mansion would ensue.
+
+Disaster after disaster followed. Another party had crossed the moat,
+and burst into the court-yard. In the desperate conflict that ensued,
+Rookwood was shot through the arm, and severely wounded by a pike, and
+was borne into the house by one of his followers, whom he entreated to
+kill him outright, but his request was refused.
+
+Meantime, the drawbridge was lowered, and with loud and exulting shouts
+the great body of the royalists crossed it. Catesby now perceived that
+the day was irretrievably lost. Calling to Christopher Wright, who was
+standing near him, to follow him, and rushing towards the court-yard, he
+reached it just as the royalists gained an entrance.
+
+In numbers both parties were pretty, well matched, but the rebels were
+now thoroughly disheartened, and seeing how matters must end, many of
+them threw down their arms, and begged for mercy. A destructive fire,
+however, was still kept up on the royalists by a few of the rebels
+stationed on the walls of the mansion, under the command of John Wright.
+
+Putting himself at the head of a few faithful followers, Catesby fought
+with all the fury of despair. Christopher Wright was shot by his side.
+Grant instantly sprang forward, but was cut down by a trooper. Catesby
+was too busily occupied to attend to the fate of his companions, but
+seeing Thomas Winter near him, called to him to come on.
+
+"I can fight no longer," said Thomas Winter. "My right arm is disabled
+by a bolt from a cross-bow."
+
+"Then die," cried Catesby.
+
+"He _shall_ die--on the scaffold," rejoined Topcliffe, who had heard the
+exclamation. And rushing up to Thomas Winter, he seized him, and
+conveyed him to the rear of his party.
+
+Catesby continued to fight with such determined bravery that Sir Richard
+Walsh, seeing it would be vain to take him alive, withdrew his
+restrictions from his men, and ordered them to slay him.
+
+By this time most of the rebels had thrown down their arms. Those on the
+walls had been dislodged, and John Wright, refusing to yield, was
+slaughtered. Catesby, however, having been joined by Percy and half a
+dozen men, made a last desperate charge upon his opponents.
+
+In doing this, his sword shivered, and he would have fallen back, but
+found himself surrounded. Percy was close behind him, and keeping
+together, they fought back to back. Even in this disabled state, they
+made a long and desperate resistance.
+
+"Remember your oath, Percy," cried Catesby. "You have sworn not to be
+taken to the scaffold."
+
+[Illustration: _The Death of Catesby_]
+
+"Fear nothing," replied Percy. "I will never quit this spot alive."
+
+The words were scarcely out of his mouth when he fell to the ground
+mortally wounded, and the same shot that had pierced his breast had
+likewise stricken Catesby. It was fired by the trooper, John Streete,
+who has just been mentioned.
+
+Collecting all his force, Catesby struck a few terrible blows at his
+opponents, and, dashing through them, made for the house. Just as he
+reached the door, which was standing open, his strength failed, and he
+fell to the ground. In this condition, he dragged himself into the
+vestibule, where there was a large wooden statue of the Virgin, and
+clasping his arms around it pressed his lips to the feet of the image.
+He was followed by Streete, with his drawn sword in one hand and a
+petronel in the other, prepared to finish his work. But ere he could
+reach him, Catesby had expired.
+
+"So," exclaimed Topcliffe, who came up the next moment, with Sir Richard
+Walsh, "we have been robbed of our prey. The Earl of Salisbury will
+never forgive me for this disappointment."
+
+"I am glad I have done it, though," observed Streete. "To kill two such
+traitors with one shot is something to talk of."
+
+"You will be well rewarded for it, no doubt," remarked Topcliffe,
+sarcastically.
+
+"I care not whether I am or not," rejoined Streete. "I have done my
+duty, and besides I have avenged my comrade, Richard Trueman, who was
+shot by this traitor when he read the proclamation."
+
+"I will take care that your brave action is duly represented to his
+Majesty," observed Sir Richard Walsh.
+
+And he failed not to keep his promise. Streete received a pension of two
+shillings a day for the rest of his life--no inconsiderable sum in those
+days.
+
+The conflict was now at an end, for though some few of the more
+desperate of the rebels continued to struggle after their leaders had
+fallen, they were soon disarmed. Sir Richard Walsh and Topcliffe went in
+search of the other conspirators, and finding Rookwood and Grant, who
+though severely wounded were not dead, lying in the hall, immediately
+secured them. Rookwood on their approach made an effort to plunge his
+dagger into his breast, but his hand was stayed by Sir Richard Walsh.
+
+"We shall not go away quite empty-handed," cried Topcliffe. "But these
+are sorry substitutes for Catesby.
+
+"Has Catesby escaped?" demanded Grant, faintly.
+
+"Ay, to the other world," replied Topcliffe.
+
+"He has kept his word," groaned Grant.
+
+"He may have escaped some part of his punishment," said Topcliffe,
+bitterly; "but the worst remains. His quarters will be exposed on every
+gate in London, and his head on the bridge. As to you, traitors, you
+know your doom."
+
+"And are prepared for it," rejoined Grant.
+
+A guard being left over the prisoners, Sir Richard Walsh and Topcliffe
+then went to see that the other captives were properly secured. Some few
+having made their escape into the adjoining fields, they were pursued
+and recaptured.
+
+The whole of the prisoners were then conveyed to Stourbridge, where they
+were lodged in the gaol, after which Sir Richard Walsh despatched a
+messenger to the Earl of Salisbury and the Lords of the Council
+acquainting them with what he had done.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+HAGLEY.
+
+
+Robert Winter, it may be remembered, immediately after the explosion,
+quitted Holbeach, and did not return to it. He proceeded to the
+neighbouring thicket, and while wandering about in a state bordering on
+distraction encountered Stephen Littleton, who had likewise deserted his
+companions on the same day. Acquainting him with the disastrous
+occurrence that had taken place, and stating his impression that both
+God and man were against them, and that it would be vain as well as
+impious to struggle longer, he proposed to him to surrender. But Stephen
+Littleton so strongly combated this opinion, that he at last consented
+to make an effort to escape. This, however, was no easy matter, nor
+could they devise a plan that appeared feasible. Both were well provided
+with money; but under present circumstances it would be of little use to
+them. A large price being set on their heads, and the whole country
+alarmed, they scarcely knew where to seek shelter. After a long debate,
+they quitted the covert, and keeping clear of all habitations, took the
+direction of Stourbridge.
+
+On approaching the Stour, at a point opposite Churchill, where they knew
+the river was fordable, they perceived Sir Richard Walsh's force
+approaching, and threw themselves into a ditch to avoid observation. It
+was quite dark when they again ventured forth, and at the peril of their
+lives they forded the Stour, which was swollen more than it had been in
+the morning by the long-continued rain. Their design was to proceed to
+Hagley, the residence of Stephen Littleton's sister, Mrs. Littleton, and
+to claim her protection. This magnificent mansion lay about two miles on
+the other side of the river, in the heart of an extensive park, but they
+were obliged to take a circuitous route of nearly double the distance to
+reach it, and when at length they arrived there, and were about to
+steal into the court-yard; they found it occupied by a portion of Sir
+Richard Walsh's troop.
+
+Overcome by anxiety and fatigue, and scarcely knowing whither to
+proceed, they recrossed the park, and sought out the cottage of a poor
+woman, whose two sons had joined their ill-fated expedition, and were at
+that moment under arms at Holbeach. She was a good Catholic, and they
+thought they might confide in her. Arriving at her cottage, they glanced
+in at the window, and perceiving her, as they concluded, alone, and
+cooking a small piece of meat at the fire, they raised the latch, and
+entered the house. The woman turned at their approach, and uttering a
+cry of surprise and alarm, pointed towards a back room. They then saw
+that they had betrayed themselves; but the caution came too late, and a
+stalwart trooper, alarmed by the cry, issued from the back room. From
+the wretched appearance of the new-comers, he at once guessed that they
+were rebels, and felt satisfied, from the richness of their apparel,
+dirtied and stained as it was, that they were persons of consequence.
+Accordingly, he drew a brace of petronels, and holding them at their
+heads, commanded them to surrender.
+
+They were too much taken by surprise, and too enfeebled to offer
+resistance, and the trooper calling to the old woman to bring a cord to
+bind them, at the same time unloosed his own girdle, with which he
+fastened Robert Winter's arms behind his back. In doing this, he was
+compelled to lay down his petronels, and he had scarcely done so, when
+the woman snatched them up, and gave them to Stephen Littleton, who
+presented them at his head.
+
+It was now the turn of the conspirators to triumph. In another instant,
+Robert Winter was released by the old woman, and the pair throwing
+themselves upon the trooper, forced him to the ground. They then dragged
+him to the back room, and stripped him of his habiliments, which Stephen
+Littleton put on instead of his own attire, and binding him hand and
+foot, returned to the old woman. At the request of Robert Winter, she
+furnished him with a suit of clothes belonging to one of her sons, and
+then set before them the best eatables she possessed. They were
+ravenously hungry, and soon disposed of the viands. Meanwhile, their
+hostess told them that the whole country was in arms against them; that
+Mrs. Littleton being suspected, though she had always been adverse to
+the design, her house had undergone a rigorous search; but that Mr.
+Humphrey Littleton, not having taken any part in the insurrection, had
+not as yet been arrested, though it was feared he would be proved to be
+connected with the plot. She concluded by strongly counselling them to
+use the utmost caution, and to expose themselves as little as possible.
+They assured her she need have no apprehension on that score, and
+expressed great anxiety as to what would befal her when they were pone.
+
+"I do not desire to shed blood, if it can be helped," said Stephen
+Littleton; "but in a case of necessity, like the present, where life
+must be weighed against life, I hold it lawful to shed it. Shall we put
+the trooper to death?"
+
+"Not unless your own safety requires it, good sirs," she said. "I shall
+quit this cottage soon after you have left it, and obtain a safe asylum
+with one of my neighbours. It matters not what becomes of me. Having
+lost my two sons,--for I consider them as already dead,--I have nothing
+left to bind me to life."
+
+Unable to make any reply, the conspirators remained for some time
+silent, when, by the poor woman's advice, they withdrew to an upper
+chamber, and stretching themselves on a bed, sought a few hours' repose.
+The old woman kept watch below, and they gave her one of the petronels,
+with strict injunctions to blow out the trooper's brains if he attempted
+to move. Nothing, however, occurred to alarm her, and at three o'clock
+she awakened them.
+
+Offering the woman a handsome reward, which, however, she declined, they
+then set out; and shortly afterwards their hostess quitted her
+habitation, and withdrew to the cottage of a neighbour, where she
+remained concealed for some weeks, and then died of grief on learning
+that her sons had been slain during the assault of Holbeach by the
+royalists.
+
+Recruited by the rest they had enjoyed, the conspirators pursued their
+course over the fields. The weather was the same as that which
+disheartened their confederates at Holbeach, and the rain fell so
+heavily that they had soon not a dry thread upon them. But being now
+disguised, they were not under so much apprehension of detection.
+Shaping their course towards Rowley Regis, in Staffordshire, which lay
+about five miles from Hagley, where a farmer named Pelborrow, a tenant
+of Humphrey Littleton, resided, and whom they thought would befriend
+them, they proceeded swiftly on their way; but, though well acquainted
+with the country, they were so bewildered and deceived by the fog, that
+they strayed materially out of their course, and when it grew light
+found themselves near Weoley Castle, and about four miles from
+Birmingham.
+
+Confiding in their disguises, and in their power of sustaining the
+characters they assumed, they got into the high road, and approaching a
+farm-house, Stephen Littleton, who had tied his companion's arms behind
+him with his belt, represented himself as a trooper conveying a prisoner
+from Stourbridge to Birmingham, and in consequence of this obtained a
+breakfast from the farmer. After their meal was over, the host, who had
+eyed them suspiciously, observed to the supposed trooper,--
+
+"You will overtake some of your comrades before you reach Egbaston, and
+had better lose no time in joining them. You are known to me, my
+masters," he added, in a tone that could not be heard by the household;
+"but I will not betray you. Get you gone."
+
+The conspirators did not fail to act upon the suggestion, and as soon as
+they got out of sight, struck across the county in the direction of
+Rowley Regis, and arrived at the farm-house which was their destination
+in about an hour.
+
+Pelborrow chanced to be in a barn adjoining his house, and alone, and on
+seeing them readily offered to hide them. No one had noticed their
+approach, and carefully concealing them amid the hay in the loft, he
+proceeded about his business as if nothing had happened. He could not
+just then procure them provisions without exciting suspicion; but when
+night arrived brought them a sufficient supply for the next day.
+
+In this way they passed nearly a week, never venturing to stir forth,
+for they had been traced to the neighbourhood, and constant search was
+going on after them. Pelborrow had great difficulty in keeping his men
+out of the barn, and the disappearance of the provisions excited the
+suspicions of his female domestics, who began to think all was not
+right. He therefore intimated to the conspirators that they must change
+their quarters, and in the dead of the night, they removed to the house
+of another farmer named Perkes, residing on the borders of Hagley Park,
+to whom Pelborrow had confided the secret of their being in the
+neighbourhood, and who, on promise of a large reward, readily undertook
+to secrete them.
+
+Perkes met them at a little distance from his house, and conducted them
+to a barley-mow, where he had contrived a hiding-place amid the straw
+for them. A woman-servant and a man were both let into the secret by
+Perkes, and a sum of money, given him for that purpose by the
+conspirators, bribed them to silence. Here they remained close
+prisoners, unable to stir forth, or even to change their habiliments for
+nearly six weeks, during which time they received constant intelligence
+from their protector of what was going forward, and learnt that the
+search for them had not relaxed. They were not without hope, however,
+that the worst was over, when an incident occurred that gave them
+serious uneasiness.
+
+One night, Perkes, who was a stout, hale yeoman, and had formerly been
+warrener to Mrs. Littleton, went to catch conies, with a companion named
+Poynter, and returned laden with spoil. After drinking a cup or two of
+ale together, the pair separated, and Poynter feeling fatigued with his
+exertions, as well as drowsy with the liquor he had swallowed,
+determined to pass the night in his friend's barn, and entering it,
+clambered up to the loft, and laid himself in the straw. In doing this,
+he slipped into the hole made for the conspirators, who, aroused by his
+fall, instantly seized him. Terrified to death, and fancying he had
+fallen into the hands of gipsies or other plunderers, Poynter roared
+for mercy, which they were not at first disposed to show him; but the
+poor wretch, finding into whose hands he had fallen, besought them in
+such piteous terms to spare his life, affirming with the strongest oaths
+that he would never betray them, that they consented to spare him, on
+condition of his remaining with them as long as they should occupy their
+place of concealment.
+
+When Perkes appeared in the morning, he was not a little surprised at
+finding his comrade caught in such a trap, but entirely approved of the
+course taken by the conspirators. Poynter, as may be supposed, was no
+willing captive; and being constantly pondering on the means of escape,
+and of obtaining the reward for the apprehension of the conspirators, at
+last hit upon the following expedient. While engaged in the poaching
+expedition with Perkes, he had received a slight wound in the leg, and
+the close confinement to which he was now subjected inflamed it to such
+a degree as to render it highly dangerous. This he represented to the
+conspirators, who, however, would not suffer him to depart; but desired
+Perkes to bring him some ointment to dress his wound. The request was
+complied with, and feigning that it was necessary to approach the light
+to apply the salve, Poynter scrambled up the straw, apparently for that
+sole purpose. He did not attempt to fly for several days; but at last,
+when they were grown less suspicious, he slided down the other side of
+the loft, and made good his retreat.
+
+The conspirators saw the error they had committed when too late. Not
+daring to pursue him, they remained in fearful anticipation of an arrest
+throughout the day. But they were not disturbed until night, when Perkes
+made his appearance. They told him what had happened; but he did not
+appear to be much alarmed.
+
+"I do not think you need be afraid of him," he said. "Let me have some
+money, and I will go in quest of him at once, and bribe him to silence."
+
+"Here are fifty marks," replied Stephen Littleton. "If that is not
+enough, take more."
+
+"It will amply suffice," replied Perkes. "I will answer for his
+silence."
+
+This assurance greatly relieved the conspirators, and they were made
+completely easy by the return of Perkes in less than an hour afterwards,
+who told them he had seen Poynter, and had given him the money, binding
+him by the most solemn oaths not to betray them.
+
+"I have still better news for you, my masters," he added. "Mrs.
+Littleton has set out for London to-day; and I have received orders from
+Mr. Humphrey Littleton to bring you to the hall at midnight."
+
+This last intelligence completed their satisfaction, and they awaited
+Perkes's return with impatience. Shortly before midnight, he came to
+summon them, and they set forth together. Perkes's house lay about a
+mile from the hall, and they soon entered the park. The night was clear
+and frosty,--it was now the middle of December,--and as the conspirators
+trod the crisp sod, and gazed at the noble but leafless trees around
+them, they silently returned thanks to Heaven for their restoration to
+freedom. Humphrey Littleton was waiting for them at the end of an avenue
+near the mansion, and tenderly embraced them.
+
+Tears of joy were shed on both sides, and it seemed to Humphrey
+Littleton as if his brother had been restored from the grave. Dismissing
+Perkes with warm thanks, and promises of a further recompence, they then
+entered the house by a window, which had been left purposely open.
+Humphrey Littleton conducted them to his own chamber, where fresh
+apparel was provided for them; and to poor wretches who had not been
+able to put off their attire for so long a period, the luxury of the
+change was indescribably great.
+
+The arrival of the fugitives was kept secret from all the household
+except the man-cook, John Ocklie, upon whose fidelity Humphrey Littleton
+thought he could rely. A good supper was prepared by this man, and
+brought up into his master's chamber, where the conspirators were now
+seated before a hearth heaped with blazing logs. The conspirators needed
+no solicitation to fall to, and they did ample justice to the good
+things before them. His spirits being raised by the good cheer, Robert
+Winter observed to the cook, who was in attendance upon them,
+
+"Ah! Jack, thy mistress little thinks what guests are now in her house,
+who have neither seen fire nor tasted a hot morsel for well-nigh two
+months."
+
+"Ay, it is a sad matter," returned the cook, shaking his head, "and I
+wish I could offer your worships a flask of wine, or a cup of stout ale
+at the least. But the butler is in bed, and if I were to rouse him at
+this hour it might excite his suspicion. If you are willing, sir," he
+added, to Humphrey Littleton, "I will hie to my mother's cottage in the
+park, and bring a jug of ale from her."
+
+This was agreed to, and the cook left the house. His sole object,
+however, was to instruct his mother to give the alarm, so that the
+conspirators might be arrested before morning.
+
+On reaching her cottage, he was surprised to see a light within it, and
+two men there, one of whom was Poynter, and the other Mrs. Littleton's
+steward, Robert Hazlewood. Poynter had acquainted Hazlewood with all he
+knew respecting the conspirators, supposing them still in the
+barley-mow, and they were discussing the best means of arresting them,
+when the cook entered the house.
+
+"The birds are flown," he said, "as you will find, if you search the
+nest. But come to the hall with a sufficient force betimes to-morrow
+morning, and I will show you where to find them. I shall claim, however,
+my share of the reward, though I must not appear in the matter."
+
+Having fully arranged their plan, he procured the ale from his mother,
+and returned to the hall. The conspirators soon disposed of the jug,
+threw themselves on a couch in the room, and instantly dropping asleep,
+enjoyed such repose as only falls to the lot of those who have similarly
+suffered. And it was well they did sleep soundly, for it was the last
+tranquil night they ever enjoyed!
+
+Humphrey Littleton, who, as has been stated, reposed implicit confidence
+in the cook, had committed the key of the chamber to him, strictly
+enjoining him to call them in the morning; and the fellow, feeling
+secure of his prey, retired to rest.
+
+About seven o'clock, he burst suddenly into the room, and with a
+countenance of well-feigned alarm, which struck tenor into the breasts
+of the conspirators, cried--
+
+"Master Hazlewood and the officers are below, and say they must search
+the house. Poynter is with them."
+
+"The villain has betrayed us!" cried Stephen Littleton. "Fools that we
+were to spare his life!"
+
+"There is no use in lamenting your indiscretion now, sir," replied the
+cook; "leave it to me, and I will yet effect your escape."
+
+"We place ourselves entirely in your hands," said Stephen Littleton.
+
+"Go down stairs, sir," said the cook to Humphrey Littleton, "and hold
+Master Hazlewood in conversation for a few minutes, and I will engage to
+get the gentlemen safely out of the house."
+
+Humphrey Littleton obeyed, and descending to the steward, told him he
+was willing to conduct him to every room in the house.
+
+"I am certain they are here, and shall not quit it till I find them,"
+rejoined Hazlewood. "Ah!" he exclaimed, as if struck by a sudden
+thought, "you say they are not in the house. Perhaps, they are in the
+garden--in the summer-house? We will go and see."
+
+So saying, he took half-a-dozen of his men with him, leaving Poynter and
+the rest with Humphrey Littleton, who was perplexed and alarmed at his
+conduct.
+
+Meanwhile, the cook led the two conspirators along the gallery, and from
+thence down a back staircase, which brought them to a small door
+communicating with the garden. A few seconds were lost in opening it,
+and when they issued forth they encountered Hazlewood and his men, who
+instantly arrested them. The unfortunate conspirators were conveyed
+under a strong guard to London, where they were committed to the Tower,
+to take their trial with their confederates.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+VIVIANA'S LAST NIGHT AT ORDSALL HALL.
+
+
+On the evening of the third day after quitting Dunchurch, Viviana
+Radcliffe and her companions arrived at Ordsall Hall. They had
+encountered many dangers and difficulties on the journey, and were
+well-nigh overcome with fatigue and anxiety. Fearful of being detained,
+Garnet had avoided all the larger towns in the way, and had consequently
+been driven greatly out of the direct course. He had assumed the
+disguise which he usually wore when travelling, that of a lawyer, and as
+he possessed great mimetic talent, he sustained the character admirably.
+Viviana passed for his daughter, and his servant, Nicholas Owen, who was
+almost as clever an actor as his master, represented his clerk, while
+the two attendants performed the parts of clients. At Abbots'-Bromley,
+where they halted for refreshment on the second day, having spent the
+night at a small village near Lichfield, they were detained by the
+landlord, who entertained some suspicions of them; but Garnet succeeded
+in frightening the man into allowing them to depart. They underwent
+another alarm of the same kind at Leek, and were for two hours locked
+up. But on the arrival of a magistrate, who had been sent for by the
+host, Garnet gave so plausible an account of himself that the party were
+instantly set at liberty, and arrived without further molestation at
+their journey's end.
+
+Viviana's last visit to the hall had been sad enough, but it was not so
+sad as the present. It was a dull November evening, and the wind moaned
+dismally through the trees, scattering the yellow leaves on the ground.
+The house looked forlorn and desolate. No smoke issued from the
+chimneys, nor was there any external indication that it was inhabited.
+The drawbridge was down, and as they passed over it, the hollow
+trampling of their steeds upon the planks vibrated painfully upon
+Viviana's heart. Before dismounting, she cast a wistful look around, and
+surveyed the grass-grown and neglected court, where, in years gone by,
+she had sported; the moat on whose brink she had lingered; and the
+surrounding woods, which she had never looked upon, even on a dreary day
+like the present, and when they were robbed in some measure of their
+beauty, without delight. Scanning the deserted mansion from roof to
+foundation, she traced all its gables, angles, windows, doors, and
+walls, and claimed every piece of carved work, every stone as a familiar
+object, and as associated with other and happier hours.
+
+"It is but the wreck of what it was," she thought. "The spirit that
+animated it is fled. Grass grows in its courts--no cheerful voices echo
+in its chambers--no hospitality is maintained in its hall--but neglect,
+gloom, and despair claim it as their own. The habitation and its
+mistress are well matched."
+
+Guessing from the melancholy expression of her countenance what was
+passing within, and thinking it advisable to turn the current of her
+thoughts, Garnet assisted her to alight, and committing the care of
+their steeds to Owen and the others, proceeded with her to the principal
+entrance. Everything appeared in nearly the same state as when they had
+last seen it, and the only change that had taken place was for the
+worse. The ceilings were mapped and mildewed with damps; the
+once-gorgeously stained glass was shivered in the windows; the costly
+arras hung in tattered fragments from the walls; while the floors, which
+were still strewn with plaster and broken furniture, were flooded with
+the moisture that had found its way through the holes in the roof.
+
+"Bear up, dear daughter," said Garnet, observing that Viviana was
+greatly distressed by the sight, "and let the contemplation of this
+scene of havoc, instead of casting you down, inspire you with just
+indignation against enemies from whom it is vain to expect justice or
+mercy. How many Catholic mansions have been thus laid waste! How many
+high-born and honourable men, whose sole fault was their adherence to
+the religion of their fathers, and their refusal to subscribe to
+doctrines against which their consciences revolted, have been put to
+death like your father; nay, have endured a worse fate, for they have
+languished out their lives in prison, while their families and retainers
+have undergone every species of outrage! How many a descendant of a
+proud line, distinguished for worth, for loyalty, and for devotion, has
+stood, as you now stand, upon his desolate hearth--has seen misery and
+ruin usurp the place of comfort and happiness--and has heard the very
+stones beneath his feet cry out for vengeance. Accursed be our
+oppressors!" he added, lifting up his hands, and elevating his voice.
+"May their churches be thrown down--their faith crushed--their rights
+invaded--their children delivered to bondage--their hearths laid waste,
+as ours have been. May this, and worse come to pass, till the whole
+stock of heresy is uprooted!"
+
+"Hold, father!" exclaimed Viviana, "even here, beholding this miserable
+sight, and with feelings keenly excited, I cannot join in your terrible
+denunciation. What I hope for--what I pray for, is toleration, not
+vengeance. The sufferings of our brethren will not have been in vain, if
+they enable our successors to worship God in their own way, and
+according to the dictates of their consciences. The ruthless conduct of
+our persecutors must be held in as much abhorrence by all good
+Protestants as our persecution of that sect, when we were in the
+ascendant, is regarded by all worthy members of our own Church. I cannot
+believe that by persecution we can work out the charitable precepts
+inculcated by our Saviour, and I am sure such a course is as adverse to
+the spirit of religion as it is to that of humanity. Let us bear our
+sorrows with patience,--let us utter no repinings, but turn the other
+cheek to the smiter, and we shall find, in due time, that the hearts of
+our oppressors will relent, and that all the believers in the True God
+will be enabled to worship him in peace, though at different altars."
+
+"Such a season will never arrive, daughter," replied Garnet, severely,
+"till heresy is extirpated, and the false doctrines now prevailing
+utterly abolished. Then, indeed, when the Church of Rome is
+re-established, and the old and true religion restored, universal peace
+will prevail. And let me correct the grievous and sinful error into
+which you have fallen. Our church is always at war with heresy; and if
+it cannot uproot it by gentle means, authorizes, nay enjoins the
+employment of force."
+
+"I will not attempt to dispute with you upon points of faith, father,"
+returned Viviana; "I am content to think and act according to my own
+feelings and convictions. But I will not give up the hope that in some
+milder and wiser age, persecution on either side will cease, and the
+sufferings of its victims be remembered only to soften the hearts of
+fanatics, of whatever creed, towards each other. Were a lesson wanting
+to ourselves, surely it might be found in the result that has attended
+your dark and criminal enterprise, and in which the disapproval of
+Heaven has been signally manifested."
+
+"Not so, daughter," replied Garnet. "An action is not to be judged or
+justified by the event attending it, but by its own intrinsic merits. To
+aver the contrary were to throw a doubt upon the Holy Scriptures
+themselves, where we read in the Book of Judges that the eleven tribes
+of Israel were commanded to make war upon the tribe of Benjamin, and yet
+were twice defeated. We have failed. But this proves nothing against our
+project, which I maintain to be righteous and praiseworthy, undertaken
+to overthrow an heretical and excommunicated monarch, and to
+re-establish the true faith of the Most High throughout this land."
+
+"I lament to find that you still persist in error, father," replied
+Viviana; "but you cannot by any sophistry induce me to coincide with you
+in opinion. I hold the attempt an offence alike against God and man, and
+while I rejoice at the issue that has attended it, I deplore the
+irreparable harm it will do to the whole body of Catholics, all of whom
+will be connected, by the bigoted and unthinking of the hostile party,
+with the atrocious design. Not only have you done our cause an injury,
+but you have in a measure justified our opponents' severity, and given
+them a plea for further persecution."
+
+"No more of this, daughter," rejoined Garnet, impatiently, "or I shall
+deem it necessary to reprove you. Let us search the house, and try to
+find some habitable chamber in which you can pass the night."
+
+After a long search, they discovered a room in comparatively good order,
+and leaving Viviana within it, Garnet descended to the lower part of the
+house, where he found Nicholas Owen, and the two other attendants.
+
+"We have chanced upon a scanty supply of provender for our steeds,"
+remarked Owen, with a doleful look; "but we are not likely to obtain a
+meal ourselves, unless we can feed upon rats and mice, which appear to
+be the sole tenants of this miserable dwelling."
+
+"You must go to Manchester instantly, and procure provisions," returned
+Garnet. "But take heed you observe the utmost caution."
+
+"Fear nothing," replied Owen, "If I am taken, your reverence will lose
+your supper--that is all."
+
+He then set out upon his errand, and Garnet proceeded to the kitchen,
+where, to his great surprise, he found the hearthstone still warm, and a
+few lighted embers upon it, while crumbs of bread, and little fragments
+of meat scattered about, proved that some one had taken a meal there.
+Startled by this discovery, he continued his search, but as fruitlessly
+as before; and though he called to any one who might be hidden to come
+forth, the summons was unanswered. One of the attendants had placed a
+few sticks upon the smouldering ashes, and on returning to the kitchen,
+it was found that they had kindled. A fire being thus obtained, some of
+the broken furniture was used to replenish it, and by Garnet's commands
+another fire was speedily lighted in Viviana's chamber. Night had now
+come on, and Owen not returning, Garnet became extremely uneasy, and had
+almost given him up, when the absentee made his appearance, with a large
+basket of provisions under his arm.
+
+"I have had some difficulty in obtaining them," he said; "and fancying I
+observed two persons following me, was obliged to take a circuitous
+route to get back. The whole town is in commotion about the plot, and it
+is said that the most rigorous measures are to be adopted towards all
+the Catholic families in the neighbourhood."
+
+Sighing at the latter piece of intelligence, Garnet selected such
+provisions as he thought would be acceptable to Viviana, and took them
+upstairs to her. She ate a little bread, and drank a cup of water, but
+refused to taste anything else, and finding it in vain to press her,
+Garnet returned to the kitchen, where, being much exhausted, he
+recruited himself with a hearty meal and a cup of wine.
+
+Left alone, Viviana knelt down, and clasping a small crucifix to her
+breast, prayed long and fervently. While she was thus engaged, she heard
+the door open gently behind her, and turning her head, beheld an old
+man clothed in a tattered garb, with long white hair flowing over his
+shoulders, and a beard of the same snowy hue descending upon his breast.
+As he advanced slowly towards her, she started to her feet, and a
+brighter flame arising at the moment from the fire, it illumined the
+intruder's wobegone features.
+
+"Is it possible!" she exclaimed,--"can it be my father's old steward,
+Jerome Heydocke?"
+
+"It is, indeed, my dear young mistress," replied the old man, falling on
+his knee before her. "Heaven be praised!" he continued, seizing her
+hand, and bedewing it with tears; "I have seen you once again, and shall
+die content."
+
+"I never expected to behold you more, good Heydocke," returned Viviana,
+raising him. "I heard you had died in prison."
+
+"It was so given out by the jailers, to account for my escape," replied
+the old steward; "and I took care never to contradict the report by
+making my appearance. I will not distress you by the recital of all I
+have endured, but will simply state that I was confined in the prison
+upon Hunt's Bank, whence I escaped in the night by dropping upon the
+rocks, and from them into the river, where it was supposed I was
+drowned. Making my way into the country, I concealed myself for a time
+in barns and out-buildings, until, at length, I ventured back to the old
+house, and have dwelt in it unmolested ever since. I should have
+perished of want long ago, but for the kindness of Mr. Humphrey Chetham.
+He used to send my son regularly to me with provisions; and, now that
+Martin is gone to London, on business, as I understood, relating to you,
+he brings them to me himself. He will be here to-morrow."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Viviana. "I must see him."
+
+"As you please," returned the old man. "I suppose those are your
+companions below. I was in my hiding-place, and hearing voices and
+footsteps, did not dare to venture forth till all was still. On
+approaching this room, which I have been in the habit of occupying
+lately, and peeping through the door, which was standing ajar, I
+perceived a female figure, and thinking it must be you, though I
+scarcely dared to trust the evidence of my senses, I ventured in. Oh! my
+dear, dear young mistress, what a joy it is to see you again! I fear you
+must have suffered much, for you are greatly altered."
+
+At this moment, Garnet entered the room. He started on seeing the old
+steward. But an explanation was instantly given him.
+
+"You, then, are the person by whom the fire was recently lighted in the
+kitchen?" he asked.
+
+Heydocke replied in the affirmative.
+
+"I came to bid you farewell for the night, dear daughter," said Garnet,
+"and to assure you that you may rest without fear, for we have contrived
+to make fast the doors. Come with me, my son," he added to the steward,
+"and you shall have a comfortable meal below."
+
+Making a profound reverence to Viviana, the old man followed him down
+stairs.
+
+Viviana continued to pace to and fro within her chamber for some time,
+and then, overcome with fatigue, flung herself upon the bedstead, on
+which a cloak had been thrown. Sleep soon closed her eyes, but it was
+disturbed by frightful and distressing dreams, from which she was
+suddenly aroused by a touch upon the arm. Starting up, she perceived the
+old steward by the side of her couch, with a light in his hand.
+
+"What brings you here, Heydocke?" she demanded, with surprise and alarm.
+
+"You have slept soundly, my dear young mistress, or you would not
+require to be informed," replied the steward. "There! do you not hear
+it?" he added, as a loud knocking resounded from below.
+
+Viviana listened for a moment, and then as if struck by a sudden idea,
+hurried down stairs. She found Garnet and the others assembled in the
+hall, but wholly unnerved by fright. "Hide yourselves," she said, "and
+no ill shall befal you. Quick!--not a moment is to be lost!"
+
+Having allowed them sufficient time for concealment, she demanded in a
+loud voice who was without?
+
+"Friends," was the reply.
+
+"It is the voice of Doctor Dee," replied Heydocke.
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Viviana. "Admit him instantly."
+
+Heydocke obeyed, and throwing open the door, gave entrance to the
+Doctor, who was wrapped in his long furred gown, and carried a lantern.
+He was accompanied by Kelley and Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"Your visit is singularly timed, Mr. Chetham," said Viviana, after she
+had saluted the party; "but you are not the less welcome on that
+account. I much desired to see you, and indeed should have sent for you
+to-morrow. But how did you know I was here?"
+
+"The only explanation I can offer you is this," replied Chetham. "I was
+hastily summoned from my residence at Crumpsall by Kelley, who told me
+you were at Ordsall Hall, and that Doctor Dee was about to visit you,
+and desired my company. Thus summoned, I came at once."
+
+"A strange explanation indeed!" replied Viviana.
+
+"Close and fasten the door," said Dee, in an authoritative tone to
+Kelley, and as soon as his commands were obeyed, he took Viviana's hand,
+and led her to the farther end of the hall.
+
+"My art informed me of your arrival, Viviana," he said. "I am come to
+save you. You are in imminent danger."
+
+"I well know it," she replied; "but I have no wish to fly from justice.
+I am weary of my life, and would gladly resign it."
+
+"I would call to your recollection, Viviana," pursued Dee, "that I
+foretold the disastrous result of this plot, in which you have become
+unhappily involved, to Guy Fawkes, and warned him not to proceed in it.
+But he would not be advised, and is now a prisoner in the Tower."
+
+"All I wish is to go thither, and die with him," rejoined Viviana.
+
+"If you go thither, you will die before him," said Dee.
+
+"I would do so," she replied.
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe," returned Dee, in a compassionate tone, "I truly
+grieve for you. Your attachment to this heinous traitor completely
+blinds you. The friendship I entertained for your mother makes me
+anxious to serve you--to see you happy. It is now in your power to be
+so. But if you take another false step, your fate is decided, and you
+will die an early death. I will answer for your safety--nay, what is
+more, I will undertake that ere long you shall again be mistress of this
+mansion, and have your estates restored to you."
+
+"You promise fairly, sir," she replied, with a mournful smile.
+
+"I have not yet done," pursued Dee. "All I require for the service is,
+that when freed by the death of Guy Fawkes from the chain that now binds
+you,--for I am aware of your ill-starred union with him,--you shall
+bestow your hand upon Humphrey Chetham."
+
+"It may not be," replied Viviana, firmly. "And if you could in truth
+read the secrets of the heart, you would know that mine would instantly
+reject the proposal."
+
+"Think not it originates with me, Viviana," said Humphrey Chetham, who
+had approached them unobserved. "My previous experience of your
+character would alone have prevented me from becoming a party to any
+such proposal, had I known it would be made. Do not, I beseech you,
+sir," he added to Dee, "clog your offer with conditions which will
+effectually prevent its accomplishment."
+
+"You are true to yourself, Mr. Chetham," rejoined Viviana, "and will
+not, therefore, wonder that I continue so. Were I to assent to Doctor
+Dee's proposal, I should be further from happiness than I am now, even
+if he could make good his words, and restore me to the station I have
+forfeited. I have received a shock from which I shall never recover, and
+the only haven of repose to which I look forward is the grave."
+
+"Alas!" exclaimed Chetham, in a pitying tone.
+
+"You will think I trespass too much upon your kindness," she pursued;
+"but you can render me a great service, and it will be the last I shall
+ever require from you."
+
+"Name it!" cried Chetham, eagerly.
+
+"I would beg you to escort me to London," she rejoined: "and to deliver
+me to the lords of the council. I would willingly escape the indignities
+to which T shall be exposed if I am conveyed thither as a prisoner. Will
+you do this?"
+
+"I will," replied Chetham.
+
+"Lest you should think I have offered more than I can perform, Viviana,"
+said Dee, who had listened attentively to the foregoing conversation, "I
+will now tell you on what grounds I build my expectation of procuring
+your pardon. The conspiracy was first revealed by me to the Earl of
+Salisbury, though for his own purposes he kept it secret to the last. He
+owes me a heavy debt, and shall pay it in the way I propose, if you
+desire it."
+
+"I will abide by what I have done," replied Viviana.
+
+"You know, then, what fate awaits you?" said Dee.
+
+"I shall not shrink from it," she rejoined.
+
+"It is well," he replied. "Before I leave, I will give you another
+caution. Father Garnet is here. Nay, attempt not to deny it. You cannot
+deceive me. Besides, I desire to serve, not harm him. If he remains here
+till to-morrow, he will be captured. A proclamation has been issued for
+his arrest, as well as for that of Father Oldcorne. Deliver him this
+warning. And now, farewell!"
+
+With this, he took up his lantern, and followed by Kelley, quitted the
+hall.
+
+Humphrey Chetham only tarried a few moments to inform Viviana that he
+would return soon after daybreak with a couple of steeds for the
+journey. As soon as he was gone, Viviana communicated Dee's warning to
+Garnet, who was so alarmed by it, that he resolved not to delay his own
+departure a moment. Taking an affectionate leave of Viviana, and
+confiding her to the care of the old steward, he set out with his three
+attendants.
+
+Faithful to his promise, Humphrey Chetham appeared at the appointed
+time. Viviana bade an eternal farewell to the old steward, who was
+overwhelmed with grief, and looked as if his sorrows would soon be
+ended, and mounting one of the steeds brought by the young merchant,
+they took the direction of London.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+HENDLIP.
+
+
+Garnet proceeded at a rapid pace for some miles before he acquainted his
+companions whither he was going. He then informed Nicholas Owen, who
+rode by his side, that he should make the best of his way to Hendlip
+House, the seat of Mr. Thomas Abingdon, near Droitwich, in
+Worcestershire, where he knew that Father Oldcorne and Anne Vaux had
+retired, and where he was certain to meet with a friendly reception and
+protection. Owen, who was completely in his master's confidence, agreed
+that no safer asylum could be found, and they pursued their journey with
+so much ardour, that early on the following night they arrived within a
+short distance of the mansion. Owen was sent forward to reconnoitre, and
+returned in about half an hour with Mr. Abingdon, who embraced Garnet,
+and told him he was truly happy in being able to offer him a retreat.
+
+"And I think it will prove a secure one," he added. "There are so many
+hiding-places in the old house, that if it is beset for a year you will
+scarcely be discovered. Have you heard of the fate of your
+confederates?"
+
+"Alas! no, my son," replied Garnet; "and I tremble to ask it."
+
+"It had better be told at once," rejoined Abingdon. "Catesby, Percy, and
+the two Wrights, have been slain in the defence of Holbeach; while
+Rookwood, Grant, and Thomas Winter, all of whom were severely wounded in
+the siege, have been made prisoners, and are now on their way to the
+Tower."
+
+"A fearful catalogue of ills!" exclaimed Garnet.
+
+"It is not yet complete," pursued Abingdon. "Sir Everard Digby has been
+defeated, and made prisoner in an attempt to bring additional force to
+his friends, and Keyes has been arrested in Warwickshire."
+
+"These are woful tidings truly, my son," returned Garnet. "But Heaven's
+will be done!"
+
+He then dismissed his two attendants, to whom he gave a sum of money,
+together with the steeds, and attended by Nicholas Owen, repaired to the
+house with Mr. Abingdon, who admitted them through a secret door.
+
+Hendlip House, which, unfortunately for the lovers of picturesque and
+storied habitations, was pulled down a few years ago, having been
+latterly used as a ladies' boarding-school, was a large and irregular
+structure, with walls of immense thickness, tall stacks of chimneys,
+turrets, oriel windows, and numberless projections, contrived to mask
+the labyrinths and secret chambers within. Erected by John Abingdon,
+father of the proprietor at the period of this history, and cofferer to
+Queen Elizabeth in the early part of the reign of that princess, it was
+filled with secret staircases, masked entrances, trap-doors, vaults,
+subterranean passages, secret recesses, and every other description of
+hiding-place. An immense gallery surrounded three sides of the
+entrance-hall, containing on each side a large chimney-piece, surmounted
+by a shield displaying the arms of the family--_argent_, a bend,
+_gules_, three eaglets displayed, _or_. Behind each of these
+chimney-pieces was a small cell, or "priest's-hole," as it was termed,
+contrived in the thickness of the wall. Throughout the mansion, the
+chambers were so sombre, and the passages so numerous and intricate,
+that, in the words of one who described it from personal observation,
+the whole place presented "a picture of gloom, insecurity, and
+suspicion." Standing on an elevated situation, it commanded the country
+on all sides, and could not be approached during the day-time without
+alarm being given to its inmates.
+
+Thomas Abingdon, the owner of the mansion at the period in question, and
+the eldest son of its founder, was born at Thorpe, near Chertsey, in
+Surrey, in 1560. He was educated at Oxford, and finished his studies at
+the Universities of Paris and Rheims. A man of considerable taste and
+learning, but of a plotting disposition, he became a willing tool of the
+Jesuits, and immediately on his return to England, connected himself
+with the different conspiracies set on foot for the liberation of the
+imprisoned Queen of Scots. For these offences he was imprisoned in the
+Tower for the term of six years, and only escaped death from the fact of
+his being the Queen's godson, coupled with the estimation in which she
+had held his father. On his liberation, he remained perfectly tranquil
+till the accession of James, when he became a secret plotter against
+that monarch. His concealment of the two priests, about to be related,
+occasioned his being again sent to the Tower, and if it had not been for
+the intercession of Lord Mounteagle, whose sister he had espoused, he
+would have been executed. He was pardoned on condition of never stirring
+beyond the precincts of Worcestershire, and he employed his retirement
+in compiling an account of the antiquities of that county, which he left
+behind him in manuscript, and of which Doctor Nash, its more recent
+historian, has largely availed himself.
+
+With a habitation so contrived, Mr. Abingdon might fairly promise his
+guests a safe asylum. Conducting them along a secret passage to a
+chamber of which he alone possessed the key, he left Garnet within it,
+and taking Owen with him to another place of concealment, returned
+shortly afterwards with Anne Vaux and Father Oldcorne. The two priests
+tenderly embraced each other, and Oldcorne poured forth his tears on his
+superior's shoulder. Garnet next turned to Anne Vaux, between whom and
+himself, as has been before mentioned, an affectionate intimacy
+subsisted, and found her quite overcome by her feelings. Supper was now
+served to Garnet by a confidential servant, and after a few hours spent
+in conversation with his friends, during which they discussed the
+disastrous issue of the affair, and the probable fate of the
+conspirators, they quitted him, and he retired to rest--but not before
+he had returned thanks to Heaven for enabling him once more to lay down
+his head in safety.
+
+On the following morning, he was visited by Mrs. Abingdon, a lady of
+considerable personal attractions, and Anne Vaux; and when he had
+recovered from the fatigue of his journey, and the anxieties he had
+recently undergone, he experienced great delight in their society. The
+chamber he occupied was lighted by a small loop-hole, which enabled him
+to breathe the fresh air, and gaze upon the surrounding country.
+
+In this way, nearly two months passed on, during which, though rigorous
+inquiries were made throughout the country, no clue was found by the
+searchers to lead them to Hendlip; and the concealed parties began to
+indulge hopes that they should escape detection altogether. Being in
+constant correspondence with her brother, Lord Mounteagle, though she
+did not trust him with the important secret of the concealment of the
+priests, Mrs. Abingdon ascertained all that was done in reference to the
+conspirators, whose trials were now approaching, and communicated the
+intelligence to Garnet.
+
+On the morning of the 20th of January, and when long quietude had bred
+complete fancied security in Garnet, Anne Vaux and Mrs. Abingdon
+suddenly entered his chamber, and with countenances of the utmost alarm,
+informed him that Mr. Abingdon's confidential servant had just returned
+from Worcester, where his master then was, and had brought word that
+Topcliffe, armed with a search-warrant from the Earl of Salisbury, had
+just passed through that city on his way to Holt Castle, the residence
+of Sir Henry Bromley.
+
+"It appears," said Mrs. Abingdon, "that Humphrey Littleton, who has been
+apprehended and condemned to death at Worcester for harbouring his
+brother and Robert Winter, has sought to procure a remission of his
+sentence by betraying your retreat. In consequence of this, Topcliffe
+has been sent down from London, with a warrant addressed to Sir Henry
+Bromley, to aid him in searching Hendlip. My husband has given
+particular orders that you are to be removed to the most secure
+hiding-place without delay; and he deeply regrets that he himself cannot
+return till evening, for fear of exciting suspicion."
+
+"Take me where you please, daughter," replied Garnet, who was thrown
+into great perturbation by the intelligence. "I thought myself prepared
+for any emergency. But I was wofully deceived."
+
+"Be not alarmed, father," said Anne Vaux, in an encouraging tone. "Let
+them search as long as they will, they will never discover your
+retreat."
+
+"I have a strong presentiment to the contrary," replied Garnet.
+
+At this moment, Oldcorne made his appearance, and on learning the
+alarming news, was as much dismayed as his superior.
+
+After a short consultation, and while the priests were putting aside
+every article necessary to be removed, Mrs. Abingdon proceeded to the
+gallery, and contrived on some plausible pretext to send away the whole
+of the domestics from this part of the house. This done, she hastily
+returned, and conducted the two priests to one of the large fire-places.
+
+A raised stone about two feet high occupied the inside of the chimney,
+and upon it stood an immense pair of iron dogs. Obeying Mrs. Abingdon's
+directions, Garnet got upon the stone, and setting his foot on the large
+iron knob on the left, found a few projections in the masonry on the
+side, up which he mounted, and opening a small door, made of planks of
+wood, covered with bricks, and coloured black, so as not to be
+distinguishable from the walls of the chimney, crept into a recess
+contrived in the thickness of the wall. This cell was about two feet
+wide, and four high, and was connected with another chimney at the back,
+by means of three or four small holes. Around its sides ran a narrow
+stone shelf, just wide enough to afford an uncomfortable seat. Garnet
+was followed by Oldcorne, who brought with him a quantity of books,
+vestments, and sacred vessels used in the performance of the rites of
+the Church of Rome. These articles, which afterwards occasioned them
+much inconvenience, they did not dare to leave behind.
+
+Having seen them safely bestowed, Mrs. Abingdon and her companion went
+in search of provisions, and brought them a piece of cold meat and a
+pasty, together with some bread, dried fruit, conserves, and a flask of
+wine. They did not dare to bring more, for fear of exciting the
+suspicion of the household. Their next care was to conduct Owen, and
+Oldcorne's servant, Chambers, to a similar retreat in one of the other
+chimneys, and to provide them with a scanty supply of provisions and a
+flask of wine. All this was accomplished without being noticed by any of
+the domestics.
+
+As may be imagined, a most anxious day was passed by all parties.
+Towards evening, Sir Henry Bromley, the sheriff of the county,
+accompanied by Topcliffe, and attended by a troop of soldiers, appeared
+at the gates of the mansion, and demanded admittance. Just at this
+moment, Mr. Abingdon rode up, and affecting to know nothing of the
+matter, saluted Sir Henry Bromley, with whom he was on terms of
+intimacy, and inquired his business.
+
+"You are charged with harbouring two Jesuit priests, Fathers Garnet and
+Oldcorne, supposed to be connected with the late atrocious conspiracy
+against the King, Mr. Abingdon," interposed Topcliffe; "and I brought a
+warrant from the Earl of Salisbury, which I have delivered to Sir Henry
+Bromley, commanding him to search your house for them."
+
+"I was loth to accept the office, Mr. Abingdon," said Sir Henry Bromley,
+who was a handsome, middle-aged man; "but my duty to my sovereign allows
+me no alternative. I trust, though a Catholic, that you share my own
+detestation of this diabolical plot, and would not shelter any of its
+contrivers, or abettors."
+
+"You judge me rightly, Sir Henry," replied Abingdon, who, meanwhile, had
+received a private signal from his confidential servant that all was
+safe, "I would not. I am just returned from Worcester, where I have been
+for the last two days. Enter my house, I pray you, and search every
+corner of it; and if you find a Jesuit priest concealed within it, you
+shall hang me at my own gate."
+
+"You must be misinformed, sir," observed Sir Henry, who was completely
+imposed upon by Abingdon's unconcerned demeanour; "they cannot be here."
+
+"Trust me, they are," returned the other, "and I should like to take him
+at his word."
+
+Giving directions to the band to environ the house, and guard all its
+approaches, so as to prevent any one from escaping from it, Topcliffe
+took half-a-dozen men with him, and instructed them how to act. They
+first repaired to the great dining-chamber, where, in accordance with
+the instructions received from the Earl of Salisbury, Topcliffe
+proceeded to the further end of the room, and directed his men to break
+down the wainscot. With some difficulty, the order was obeyed, and the
+entrance to a vault discovered, into which Topcliffe descended but he
+found nothing to repay his trouble.
+
+Returning to the dining-chamber, he questioned Mr. Abingdon, who
+secretly enjoyed his disappointment, as to the use of the vault, but the
+latter professed entire ignorance of its existence. The searchers next
+proceeded to the cellar, and bored the floors with a broach to a
+considerable depth, to try whether there were any vaults beneath them,
+but they made no discovery. Meanwhile Topcliffe hurried upstairs, and
+examined the size of the rooms, to see whether they corresponded with
+those below; and wherever any difference was observable, he caused the
+panels to be pulled down, and holes broken in the walls. In this way,
+several secret passages were discovered, one of which led to the chamber
+lately occupied by Garnet.
+
+Encouraged by this discovery, the searchers continued their operations
+to a late hour, when they desisted for the night. On the following day
+they resumed their task, and Sir Henry Bromley took a general survey of
+the house, both externally and internally, noting the appearances
+outside, and seeing that they corresponded with the rooms within. The
+three extraordinary chimney-pieces in the gallery attracted Topcliffe's
+attention; but the contrivances within were so well managed, that they
+escaped his notice. He even got into the chimneys, and examined the
+walls on either side, but could detect nothing. And, lastly, he ordered
+large fires to be lighted within them, but the experiment proving
+fruitless, he turned his attention elsewhere.
+
+Mr. Abingdon had attended him during this part of the search, and,
+though he preserved an unmoved exterior, he was full of apprehension,
+and was greatly relieved when it was abandoned. In the course of the
+same day, two other hiding-places were found in the thickness of the
+walls, but nothing was discovered within them. In order to prevent any
+communication with the concealed persons, Topcliffe stationed a sentinel
+at the door of Mr. Abingdon's chamber, and another at that of Anne Vaux.
+
+On the third day the search was continued more rigorously than ever.
+Wainscots were taken down; walls broken open; the boards of the floor
+removed; and other secret passages, vaults, and hiding-places
+discovered. Some priests' vestments and articles used in the Romish
+service were found in one of these places, and shown to Mr. Abingdon. He
+at first denied all knowledge of them; but when Topcliffe brought
+forward the title-deeds of his property, which had been found in the
+same place, he was obliged to confess he had put them there himself.
+Still, though these discoveries had been made, the searchers were as far
+from their aim as ever; and Sir Henry Bromley, who began to despair of
+success, would have departed on the fifth day, if Topcliffe had not
+prevented him.
+
+"I am certain they are here," said the latter, "and have hit upon a plan
+which cannot fail to bring them forth."
+
+The prisoners meanwhile suffered grievously from their confinement, and
+hearing the searchers knocking against the walls, and even within the
+chimney, felt certain they should be discovered. Not being able to stand
+upright, or to stretch themselves within the cell, the sitting posture
+they were compelled to adopt became, after a time, intolerably irksome.
+Broths, milk, wine, and other nutritious fluids, were conveyed to them
+by means of a reed from the adjoining chimney; but after the fifth day
+this supply was stopped, as Mrs. Abingdon and Anne Vaux were compelled
+by Topcliffe to remove to a different part of the house.
+
+They now began to experience all the horrors of starvation, and debated
+whether they should die where they were, or yield themselves up to their
+enemies. Wretched as their condition was, however, it was not so bad as
+that of their domestics, Owen and Chambers, whose wants had not been so
+carefully attended to, and who were now reduced to the most deplorable
+state. Nor were their friends less uneasy. Aware that the captives, whom
+there was no means of relieving, for the searchers were constantly on
+the watch, could not hold out much longer, Mrs. Abingdon consulted with
+her husband whether it would not be better to reveal their
+hiding-places; but this he would not permit.
+
+By this time, every secret chamber, vault, and passage in the place,
+except the actual retreats of the conspirators, had been discovered by
+Topcliffe, and though nothing material was found, he felt assured, from
+the uneasiness displayed by Mr. Abingdon and his wife, and above all by
+Anne Vaux, that it could not be long before his perseverance was
+rewarded. Though he narrowly watched the two ladies, from the first, he
+could never detect them in the act of conveying food to the captives;
+but feeling convinced that they did so, he determined to remove them to
+a different part of the house, and their unwillingness to obey the order
+confirmed his suspicions.
+
+"We are sure of our prey now," he observed to Sir Henry Bromley. "They
+must be half-starved by this time, and will speedily surrender
+themselves."
+
+"Pray Heaven they do so!" returned the other. "I am wearied to death
+with my long stay here."
+
+"Have a few hours' patience," rejoined Topcliffe, "and you will find
+that your time has not been thrown away."
+
+And he was right. Soon after midnight, a trooper, who was watching in
+the gallery, beheld two spectral-looking figures approach him, and
+appalled by their ghastly appearance, uttered a loud cry. This brought
+Topcliffe, who was in the hall below, to his aid, and instantly
+perceiving what was the matter, he ran towards the supposed phantoms,
+and seized them. The poor wretches, who were no other than Owen and
+Chambers, and were well-nigh famished, offered no resistance, but would
+neither confess where they had been hidden, nor who they were. As the
+trooper had not seen them come forth, though he affirmed with a
+tremendous oath that they had issued from the floor, the walls were
+again sounded, but with no result.
+
+Food being placed before the captives, they devoured it voraciously; but
+Topcliffe forbore to question them further that night, feeling confident
+that he could extract the truth from them on the morrow, either by
+promises or threats. He was however, mistaken. They continued as
+obstinate as before, and when confronted with Mr. Abingdon, denied all
+knowledge of him: neither would they explain how they got into the
+house.
+
+Sir Henry Bromley, however, now considered himself justified in placing
+Mr. Abingdon and his lady under arrest, and Topcliffe redoubled his
+exertions to discover the hiding-place of the two priests. He examined
+every part of the gallery most carefully,--took down one of the
+chimney-pieces, (singularly enough, it was the wrong one,) but was still
+unable to discover their retreat.
+
+Meanwhile, the poor wretches inside found it impossible to endure their
+condition longer. Anything seemed preferable to the lingering and
+agonizing death they were now enduring, and they resolved to delay their
+surrender no longer. Had they been able to hold out a few hours more,
+they would have escaped; for Sir Henry Bromley was so fatigued with the
+search, and so satisfied that nothing further would come of it, that he
+resolved, notwithstanding Topcliffe's efforts to dissuade him, to depart
+on the morrow. Of this they were ignorant, and having come to the
+determination to surrender, Garnet opened the entrance to the chimney,
+and hearing voices below, and being too feeble to get out unassisted, he
+called to the speakers for aid. His voice was so hollow, and had such a
+sepulchral sound, that those who heard it stared at each other in
+astonishment and affright.
+
+"Who calls?" cried one of the troopers, after a pause.
+
+"One of those you seek," replied Garnet. "Come and help us forth."
+
+Upon hearing this, and ascertaining whence the voice came from, one of
+the men ran to fetch Sir Henry Bromley and Topcliffe, both of whom
+joyfully obeyed the summons.
+
+"Is it possible they can be in the chimney?" cried Topcliffe. "Why, I
+myself have examined it twice."
+
+"We are here, nevertheless," replied Garnet, who heard the remark; "and
+if you would take us alive, lose no time."
+
+The hint was not lost upon Topcliffe. Casting a triumphant look at
+Bromley, he seized a torch from one of his attendants, and getting into
+the chimney, soon perceived the entrance to the recess.
+
+On beholding his prey, he uttered an exclamation of joy, and the two
+miserable captives, seeing the savage and exulting grin that lighted up
+his features, half repented the step they had taken. It was now,
+however, too late, and Garnet begged him to help them out.
+
+"That I will readily do, father," replied Topcliffe. "You have given us
+a world of trouble. But you have made ample amends for it now."
+
+"Had we been so minded, you would never have found us," rejoined Garnet.
+"This cell would have been our sepulchre."
+
+"No doubt," retorted Topcliffe, with a bitter laugh. "But a death on the
+scaffold is preferable to the horrors of starvation."
+
+Finding it impossible to remove Garnet, whose limbs were so cramped that
+they refused their office, he called to the troopers below to bring a
+ladder, which was placed in the chimney, and then, with some
+exertion, he succeeded in getting him down. This done, he supported him
+towards Sir Henry Bromley, who was standing near a small table in the
+gallery.
+
+[Illustration: _The Discovery of Garnet and Oldcorne at Hendlip_]
+
+"I told you your time would not be thrown away, Sir Henry," he observed;
+"here is Father Garnet. It is well you yielded yourself to-night,
+father," he added, to Garnet, with his customary cynical chuckle; "for
+Sir Henry had resolved to depart to-morrow."
+
+"Indeed!" groaned Garnet. "Help me to a chair."
+
+While this was passing, Oldcorne was brought down by two of the
+troopers, and the unfortunate priests were conveyed to an adjoining
+chamber, where they were placed in a bed, their stiffened limbs chafed,
+and cordials administered to them. They were reduced, however, to such
+extremity of weakness, that it was not judged prudent to remove them
+till the third day, when they, together with their two servants, Owen
+and Chambers, who were as much enfeebled as themselves, were conveyed to
+Worcester.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+WHITEHALL.
+
+
+Such was the expedition used by Humphrey Chetham and Viviana, that they
+accomplished the journey to London in an extraordinarily short space of
+time. Proceeding direct to Whitehall, Viviana placed a letter in the
+hands of a halberdier, and desired that it might be given without delay
+to the Earl of Salisbury. After some demur, the man handed it to an
+usher, who promised to lay it before the Earl. Some time elapsed before
+the result of its reception was known, when an officer, accompanied by
+two sergeants of the guard, made his appearance, and commanded Viviana
+and her companion to follow him.
+
+Crossing a wide hall, which was filled with the various retainers of the
+palace, who regarded them with a sort of listless curiosity, and
+ascending a flight of marble steps, they traversed a long corridor, and
+were at length ushered into the presence of the Earl of Salisbury. He
+was seated at a table, covered with a multitude of papers, and was
+busily employed in writing a despatch, but immediately stopped on their
+entrance. He was not alone. His companion was a middle-aged man, attired
+in a suit of black velvet, with a cloak of the same material; but as he
+sat with his back towards the door, it was impossible to discern his
+features.
+
+"You may leave us," said Salisbury to the officer, "but remain
+without."
+
+"And be ready to enter at a moment's notice," added his companion,
+without altering his position.
+
+The officer bowed, and retired with his followers.
+
+"Your surrender of yourself at this time, Viviana Radcliffe," said the
+Earl, "weighs much in your favour; and if you are disposed freely to
+declare all you know of the conspiracy, it is not impossible that the
+King may extend his mercy towards you."
+
+"I do not desire it, my lord," she replied. "In surrendering myself, I
+have no other aim than to satisfy the laws I have outraged. I do not
+seek to defend myself, but I desire to offer an explanation to your
+lordship. Circumstances, which it is needless to detail, drew me into
+connexion with the conspirators, and I became unwillingly the depositary
+of their dark design."
+
+"You were guilty of misprision of treason in not revealing it," remarked
+the Earl.
+
+"I am aware of it," she rejoined; "but this, I take heaven to witness,
+is the extent of my criminality. I held the project in the utmost
+abhorrence, and used every argument I was mistress of to induce its
+contrivers to abandon it."
+
+"If such were the case," demanded the Earl, "what withheld you from
+disclosing it?"
+
+"I will now confess what torture could not wring from me before," she
+replied. "I was restrained from the disclosure by a fatal passion."
+
+"I suspected as much," observed the Earl, with a sneer. "For whom?"
+
+"For Guy Fawkes," returned Viviana.
+
+"God's mercy! Guy Fawkes!" ejaculated the Earl's companion, starting to
+his feet. And turning as he spoke, and facing her, he disclosed heavy
+but not unintellectual features, now charged with an expression of the
+utmost astonishment. "Did you say Guy Fawkes, mistress?"
+
+"It is the King," whispered Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"Since I know in whose presence I stand, sire," replied Viviana, "I will
+answer the interrogation. Guy Fawkes was the cause of my concealing my
+acquaintance with the plot. And more, I will confess to your Majesty,
+that much as I abhor the design, if he had not been a conspirator, I
+should never have loved him. His sombre and enthusiastic character first
+gave him an interest in my eyes, which, heightened by several important
+services which he rendered me, soon ripened into love. Linked to his
+fortunes, shrouded by the same gloomy cloud that enveloped him, and
+bound by a chain from which I could not extricate myself, I gave him my
+hand. But the moment of our union was the moment of our separation. We
+have not met since, and shall meet no more, unless to part for ever."
+
+"A strange history!" exclaimed James, in a tone that showed he was not
+unmoved by the relation.
+
+"I beseech your Majesty to grant me one boon," cried Viviana, falling at
+his feet. "It is to be allowed a single interview with my husband--not
+for the sad gratification of beholding him again--not for the indulgence
+of my private sorrows--but that I may endeavour to awaken a feeling of
+repentance in his breast, and be the means of saving his soul alive."
+
+"My inclinations prompt me to grant the request, Salisbury," said the
+King, irresolutely. "There can be no risk in doing it--eh?"
+
+"Not under certain restrictions, my liege," replied the Earl.
+
+"You shall have your wish, then, mistress," said James, "and I trust
+your efforts may be crowned with success. Your husband is a hardy
+traitor--a second Jacques Clement--and we never think of him without the
+floor shaking beneath our feet, and a horrible smell of gunpowder
+assailing our nostrils. Blessed be God for our preservation! But whom
+have we here?" he added, turning to Humphrey Chetham. "Another
+conspirator come to surrender himself?"
+
+"No, my liege," replied Chetham; "I am a loyal subject of your Majesty,
+and a stanch Protestant."
+
+"If we may take your word for it, doubtless," replied the King, with an
+incredulous look. "But how come you in this lady's company?"
+
+"I will hide nothing from your Majesty," replied Chetham. "Long before
+Viviana's unhappy acquaintance with Fawkes--for such I must ever
+consider it--my affections had been fixed upon her, and I fondly trusted
+she would not prove indifferent to my suit. Even now, sire, when all
+hope is dead within me, I have not been able to overcome my passion, but
+love her as devotedly as ever. When, therefore, she desired my escort to
+London to surrender herself, I could not refuse the request."
+
+"It is the truth, my liege," added Viviana. "I owe Humphrey Chetham (for
+so this gentleman is named) an endless debt of gratitude; and not the
+least of my present distresses is the thought of the affliction I have
+occasioned him."
+
+"Dismiss it from your mind, then, Viviana," rejoined Chetham. "It will
+not mitigate my sorrows to feel that I have added to yours."
+
+"Your manner and looks seem to give a warranty for loyalty, young sir,"
+said the King. "But I must have some assurance of the truth of your
+statement before you are set at large."
+
+"I am your willing prisoner, my liege," returned Chetham. "But I have a
+letter for the Earl of Salisbury, which may vouch perhaps for me."
+
+And as he spoke, he placed a letter in the Earl's hands, who broke open
+the seal, and hastily glanced at its contents.
+
+"It is from Doctor Dee," he said, "from whom, as your Majesty is aware,
+we have received much important information relative to this atrocious
+design. He answers for this young man's loyalty."
+
+"I am glad to hear it," rejoined the King. "It would have been
+mortifying to be deceived by so honest a physiognomy."
+
+"Your Majesty will be pleased to attach your signature to this warrant
+for Viviana Radcliffe's committal to the Tower," said Salisbury, placing
+a paper before him.
+
+James complied, and the Earl summoned the guard.
+
+"Have I your Majesty's permission to attend this unfortunate lady to the
+fortress?" cried Chetham, prostrating himself before the King.
+
+James hesitated, but glancing at the Earl, and reading no objection in
+his looks, he assented.
+
+Whispering some private instructions to the officer respecting Chetham,
+Salisbury delivered the warrant to him. Viviana and her companion were
+then removed to a small chamber adjoining the guard-room, where they
+remained for nearly an hour, at the expiration of which time the officer
+again appeared, and conducted them to the palace-stairs, where a large
+wherry awaited them, in which they embarked.
+
+James did not remain long with his councillor, and as soon as he had
+retired, Salisbury summoned a confidential attendant, and told him to
+acquaint Lord Mounteagle, who was in an adjoining apartment, that he was
+now able to receive him. The attendant departed, and presently returned
+with the nobleman in question. As soon as they were alone, and Salisbury
+had satisfied himself they could not be overheard, he observed to the
+other,
+
+"Since Tresham's committal to the Tower yesterday, I have received a
+letter from the lieutenant, stating that he breathes nothing but revenge
+against yourself and me, and threatens to betray us, if he is not
+released. It will not do to let him be examined by the Council; for
+though we can throw utter discredit on his statement, it may be
+prejudicial to my future designs."
+
+"True, my lord," replied Mounteagle. "But how do you propose to silence
+him?"
+
+"By poison," returned Salisbury. "There is a trusty fellow in the Tower,
+a jailer named Ipgreve, who will administer it to him. Here is the
+powder," he added, unlocking a coffer, and taking out a small packet;
+"it was given me by its compounder, Doctor Dee. It is the same, I am
+assured, as the celebrated Italian poison prepared by Pope Alexander the
+Sixth; is without scent or taste; and destroys its victim without
+leaving a trace of its effects."
+
+"I must take heed how I offend your lordship," observed Mounteagle.
+
+"Nay," rejoined Salisbury, with a ghastly smile, "it is for traitors
+like Tresham, not true men like you, to fear me."
+
+"I understand the distinction, my lord," replied the other.
+
+"I must intrust the entire management of this affair to you," pursued
+Salisbury.
+
+"To me!" exclaimed Mounteagle. "Tresham is my brother-in-law. I can take
+no part in his murder."
+
+"If he lives, you are ruined," rejoined Salisbury, coldly. "You must
+sacrifice him or yourself. But I see you are reasonable. Take this
+powder, and proceed to the Tower. See Ipgreve alone, and instruct him to
+drug Tresham's wine with it. A hundred marks shall be his reward when
+the deed is done."
+
+"My soul revolts from the deed," said Mounteagle, as he took the packet.
+"Is there no other way of silencing him?"
+
+"None whatever," replied Salisbury, sternly. "His blood be upon his own
+head."
+
+With this, Mounteagle took his departure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE PARTING OF VIVIANA AND HUMPHREY CHETHAM.
+
+
+Humphrey Chetham was so oppressed by the idea of parting with Viviana,
+that he did not utter a single word during their transit to the Tower.
+Passing beneath the gloomy archway of Traitors' Gate, they mounted the
+fatal steps, and were conducted to the guard-room near the By-ward
+Tower. The officer then despatched one of the warders to inform the
+lieutenant of Viviana's arrival, and telling Humphrey Chetham he would
+allow him a few minutes to take leave of her, considerately withdrew,
+and left them alone together.
+
+"Oh! Viviana!" exclaimed Chetham, unable to repress his grief, "my heart
+bleeds to see you here. If you repent the step you have taken, and
+desire freedom, say so, and I will use every effort to liberate you. I
+have been successful once, and may be so again."
+
+"I thank you for your devotion," she replied, in a tone of profound
+gratitude; "but you have rendered me the last service I shall ever
+require of you. I deeply deplore the misery I have occasioned you, and
+regret my inability to requite your attachment as it deserves to be
+requited. My last prayers shall be for your happiness; and I trust you
+will meet with some being worthy of you, and who will make amends for my
+insensibility."
+
+"Be not deceived, Viviana," replied Chetham, in a broken voice; "I shall
+never love again. Your image is too deeply imprinted upon my heart ever
+to be effaced."
+
+"Time may work a change," she rejoined; "though I ought not to say so,
+for I feel it would work none in me. Suffer me to give you one piece of
+counsel. Devote yourself resolutely to the business of life, and you
+will speedily regain your peace of mind."
+
+"I will follow your instructions implicitly," replied Chetham; "but have
+little hope of the result you promise me."
+
+"Let the effort be made," she rejoined;--"and now promise me to quit
+London to-morrow. Return to your native town, employ yourself in your
+former occupations; and strive not to think of the past, except as a
+troubled dream from which you have fortunately awakened. Do not let us
+prolong our parting, or your resolution may waver. Farewell!"
+
+So saying, she extended her hand towards him, and he pressed it
+passionately to his lips.
+
+"Farewell, Viviana!" he cried, with a look of unutterable anguish. "May
+Heaven support you in your trials!"
+
+"One of them I am now enduring," she replied, in a broken voice.
+"Farewell for ever, and may all good angels bless you!"
+
+At this moment, the officer appeared, and announcing the approach of the
+lieutenant, told Chetham that his time had expired. Without hazarding
+another look at Viviana, the young merchant tore himself away, and
+followed the officer out of the Tower.
+
+Obedient to Viviana's last request, he quitted London on the following
+day, and acting upon her advice, devoted himself on his return to
+Manchester sedulously to his mercantile pursuits. His perseverance and
+integrity were crowned with entire success, and he became in due season
+the wealthiest merchant of the town. But the blighting of his early
+affections tinged his whole life, and gave a melancholy to his thoughts
+and an austerity to his manner originally foreign to them. True to his
+promise, he died unmarried. His long and worthy career was marked by
+actions of the greatest benevolence. In proportion as his means
+increased, his charities were extended, and he truly became "a father to
+the fatherless and the destitute." To him the town of Manchester is
+indebted for the noble library and hospital bearing his name; and for
+these admirable institutions by which they so largely benefit, his
+memory must ever be held in veneration by its inhabitants.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE SUBTERRANEAN DUNGEON.
+
+
+Regarding Viviana with a smile of savage satisfaction, Sir William Waad
+commanded Jasper Ipgreve, who accompanied him, to convey her to one of
+the subterranean dungeons below the Devereux Tower.
+
+"She cannot escape thence without your connivance," he said; "and you
+shall answer to me for her safe custody with your life."
+
+"If she escapes again, your worship shall hang me in her stead,"
+rejoined Ipgreve.
+
+"My instructions from the Earl of Salisbury state that it is the King's
+pleasure that she be allowed a short interview with Guy Fawkes," said
+the lieutenant, in a low tone. "Let her be taken to his cell to-morrow."
+
+The jailer bowed, and motioning the guard to follow him with Viviana, he
+led the way along the inner ward till he arrived at a small strong door
+in the wall a little to the north of the Beauchamp Tower, which he
+unlocked, and descended into a low cavernous-looking vault. Striking a
+light, and setting fire to a torch, he then led the way along a narrow
+gloomy passage, which brought them to a circular chamber, from which
+other passages diverged, and selecting one of them, threaded it till he
+came to the door of a cell.
+
+"Here is your dungeon," he said to Viviana, as he drew back the heavy
+bolts, and disclosed a small chamber, about four feet wide and six long,
+in which there was a pallet. "My dame will attend you soon."
+
+With this, he lighted a lamp, and departing with the guard, barred the
+door outside. Viviana shuddered as she surveyed the narrow dungeon in
+which she was placed. Roof, walls, and floor were of stone; and the
+aspect of the place was so dismal and tomb-like, that she felt as if she
+were buried alive. Some hours elapsed before Dame Ipgreve made her
+appearance. She was accompanied by Ruth, who burst into tears on
+beholding Viviana. The jailer's wife had brought a few blankets and
+other necessaries with her, together with a loaf of bread and a jug of
+water. While disposing the blankets on the couch, she never ceased
+upbraiding Viviana for her former flight. Poor Ruth, who was compelled
+to assist her mother, endeavoured by her gestures and looks to convey to
+the unfortunate captive that she was as much devoted to her as ever.
+Their task completed, the old woman withdrew, and her daughter, casting
+a deeply-commiserating look at Viviana, followed her, and the door was
+barred without.
+
+Determined not to yield to despondency, Viviana knelt down, and
+addressed herself to Heaven; and, comforted by her prayers, threw
+herself on the bed, and sank into a peaceful slumber. She was awakened
+by hearing the bolts of her cell withdrawn, and the next moment Ruth
+stood before her.
+
+"I fear you have exposed yourself to great risk in thus visiting me,"
+said Viviana, tenderly embracing her.
+
+"I would expose myself to any risk for you, sweet lady," replied Ruth.
+"But, oh! why do I see you here again? The chief support of Guy Fawkes
+during his sufferings has been the thought that you were at liberty."
+
+"I surrendered myself in the hope of beholding him again," rejoined
+Viviana.
+
+"You have given a fond, but fatal proof of your affection," returned
+Ruth. "The knowledge that you are a captive will afflict him more than
+all the torments he has endured."
+
+"What torments _has_ he endured, Ruth?" inquired Viviana with a look of
+anguish.
+
+"Do not ask me to repeat them," replied the jailer's daughter. "They are
+too dreadful to relate. When you behold his shattered frame and altered
+looks, you will comprehend what he has undergone."
+
+"Alas!" exclaimed Viviana, bursting into tears, "I almost fear to behold
+him."
+
+"You must prepare for a fearful shock," returned Ruth. "And now, madam,
+I must take my leave. I will endeavour to see you again to-morrow, but
+dare not promise to do so. I should not have been able to visit you now,
+but that my father is engaged with Lord Mounteagle."
+
+"With Lord Mounteagle!" cried Viviana. "Upon what business?
+
+"Upon a foul business," rejoined Ruth. "No less than the destruction of
+Mr. Tresham, who is now a prisoner in the Tower. Lord Mounteagle came to
+the Well Tower this evening, and I accidentally overheard him propose to
+my father to administer poison to the person I have named."
+
+"I do not pity their victim," returned Viviana. "He is a double-dyed
+traitor, and will meet with the fate he deserves."
+
+"Farewell, madam," said Ruth. "If I do not see you again, you will know
+that you have one friend in this fortress who deeply sympathizes with
+your afflictions."
+
+So saying, she withdrew, and Viviana heard the bolts slipped gently into
+their sockets.
+
+Vainly, after Ruth's visit, did she try to compose herself. Sleep fled
+her eyes, and she was haunted all night by the image of Fawkes, haggard
+and shattered by torture, as he had been described by the jailer's
+daughter. Day and night were the same to her, and she could only compute
+progress of the time by her own feelings, judging by which, she supposed
+it to be late in the day when she was again visited. The bolts of her
+cell being withdrawn, two men clad in long black gowns, and having hoods
+drawn over their faces, entered it. They were followed by Ipgreve; and
+Viviana, concluding she was about to be led to the torture, endeavoured
+to string herself to its endurance. Though he guessed what was passing
+in her breast, Jasper Ipgreve did not care to undeceive her, but
+motioning the hooded officials to follow him with her, quitted the cell.
+Seizing each a hand, the attendants led her after him along a number of
+intricate passages, until he stopped before the door of a cell, which he
+opened.
+
+"Be brief in what you have to say," he cried, thrusting her forward. "I
+shall not allow you much time."
+
+Viviana no sooner set foot in the cell than she felt in whose presence
+she stood. On a stool at the further end of the narrow chamber, with his
+head upon his breast, and a cloak wrapped around his limbs, sat Fawkes.
+A small iron lamp, suspended by a rusty chain from the ceiling, served
+to illumine his ghastly features. He lifted his eyes from the ground on
+her entrance, and recognising her, uttered a cry of anguish. Raising
+himself by a great effort, he opened his arms, and she rushed into them.
+For some moments, both continued silent. Grief took away their
+utterance; but at length, Guy Fawkes spoke.
+
+"My cup of bitterness was not sufficiently full," he said. "This alone
+was wanting to make it overflow."
+
+"I fear you will blame me," she replied, "when you learn that I have
+voluntarily surrendered myself."
+
+Guy Fawkes uttered a deep groan.
+
+"I am the cause of your doing so," he said.
+
+"You are so," she replied. "But you will forgive me when you know my
+motive. I came here to urge you to repentance. Oh! if you hope that we
+shall meet again hereafter--if you hope that we shall inherit joys which
+will requite us for all our troubles, you will employ the brief time
+left you on earth in imploring forgiveness for your evil intentions."
+
+"Having had no evil intentions," replied Fawkes, coldly, "I have no
+pardon to ask."
+
+"The Tempter who led you into the commission of sin under the semblance
+of righteousness, puts these thoughts into your heart," replied Viviana.
+"You have escaped the commission of an offence which must have deprived
+you of the joys of heaven, and I am thankful for it. But if you remain
+impenitent, I shall tremble for your salvation."
+
+"My account will soon be settled with my Maker," rejoined Fawkes; "and
+he will punish or reward me according to my deserts. I have acted
+according to my conscience, and can never repent that which I believe to
+be a righteous design."
+
+"But do you not now see that you were mistaken," returned Viviana,--"do
+you not perceive that the sword which you raised against others has been
+turned against yourself,--and that the Great Power whom you serve and
+worship has declared himself against you?"
+
+"You seek in vain to move me," replied Fawkes. "I am as insensible to
+your arguments as to the tortures of my enemies."
+
+"Then Heaven have mercy upon your soul!" she rejoined.
+
+"Look at me, Viviana," cried Fawkes, "and behold the wreck I am. What
+has supported me amid my tortures--in this dungeon--in the presence of
+my relentless foes?--what, but the consciousness of having acted
+rightly? And what will support me on the scaffold except the same
+conviction? If you love me, do not seek to shake my faith! But it is
+idle to talk thus. You cannot do so. Rest satisfied we shall meet again.
+Everything assures me of it. Wretched as I appear in this solitary cell,
+I am not wholly miserable, because I am buoyed up by the certainty that
+my actions are approved by Heaven."
+
+"I will not attempt to destroy the delusion, since it is productive of
+happiness to you," replied Viviana. "But if my earnest, heartfelt
+prayers can conduce to your salvation, they shall not be wanting."
+
+As she spoke, the door of the cell was opened by Jasper Ipgreve, who
+stepped towards her, and seized her roughly by the hand.
+
+"Your time has expired, mistress," he said; "you must come with me."
+
+"A minute longer," implored Fawkes.
+
+"Not a second," replied Ipgreve.
+
+"Shall we not meet again?" cried Viviana, distractedly.
+
+"Ay, the day before your execution," rejoined Ipgreve. "I have good news
+for you," he added, pausing for a moment, and addressing Fawkes. "Mr.
+Tresham, who I told you has been brought to the Tower, has been taken
+suddenly and dangerously ill."
+
+"If the traitor perishes before me, I shall die content," observed
+Fawkes.
+
+"Then rest assured of it," said Viviana. "The task of vengeance is
+already fulfilled."
+
+She was then forced away by Ipgreve, and delivered by him to the hooded
+officials outside, who hurried her back to her dungeon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE TRAITOR BETRAYED.
+
+
+Lord Mounteagle arrived at the Tower shortly after Viviana, and
+repairing at once to the lieutenant's lodgings, had a brief conference
+with him, and informed him that he had a secret order to deliver to
+Jasper Ipgreve, from the Earl of Salisbury, touching the conspirators.
+Sir William Waad would have summoned the jailer; but Mounteagle
+preferred visiting him at the Well Tower, and accordingly proceeded
+thither.
+
+He found Ipgreve with his wife and daughter, and telling him he desired
+a moment's private speech with him, the jailer dismissed them.
+Suspecting that the new-comer's errand related in some way to Viviana,
+Ruth contrived to place herself in such a situation that she could
+overhear what passed. A moment's scrutiny of Jasper's villanous
+countenance satisfied Mounteagle that the Earl of Salisbury was not
+mistaken in his man; and, as soon as he supposed they were alone, he
+unhesitatingly opened his plan to him. As he expected, Jasper exhibited
+no reluctance to undertake it; and, after some further discussion, it
+was agreed to put it in execution without delay.
+
+"The sooner Mr. Tresham is silenced the better," said Jasper; "for he
+threatens to make disclosures to the Council that will bring some noble
+persons," with a significant look at Mounteagle, "into trouble."
+
+"Where is he confined?" demanded the other.
+
+"In the Beauchamp Tower," replied Ipgreve.
+
+"I will visit him at once," said Mounteagle; "and when I have conferred
+with him, will call for wine. Bring two goblets, and in that which you
+give to Tresham place this powder."
+
+Ipgreve nodded assent, and with a grim smile took the packet. Shortly
+after this, they quitted the Well Tower together, and passing under the
+archway of the Bloody Tower, crossed the green, and entered the
+fortification in which the traitor was confined. Tresham was treated
+with far greater consideration than the other conspirators, being
+allowed the use of the large room on the upper floor of the Beauchamp
+Tower, which was seldom allotted to any persons except those of the
+highest distinction. When they entered, he was pacing to and fro within
+his chamber in great agitation; but he immediately stopped on seeing
+Mounteagle, and rushed towards him.
+
+"You bring me my liberation?" he said.
+
+"It is impossible to effect it at present," returned the other. "But
+make yourself perfectly easy. Your confinement will not be of long
+duration."
+
+"I will not be trifled with," cried Tresham, furiously. "If I am
+examined by the Council, look to yourselves. As I hope for salvation,
+the truth shall out."
+
+"Leave us," said Mounteagle, with a significant look at the jailer, who
+quitted the chamber.
+
+"Hark'e, Mounteagle," said Tresham, as soon as they were alone, "I have
+been your tool thus far. But if you propose to lead me blindfold to the
+scaffold, you are greatly mistaken. You think that you have me safe
+within these walls; that my voice cannot be heard; and that I cannot
+betray you. But you are deceived--fearfully deceived, as you will find.
+I have your letters--the Earl of Salisbury's letters, proving that you
+were both aware of the plot--and that you employed me to watch its
+progress, and report it to you. I have also letters from Doctor Dee, the
+warden of Manchester, detailing his acquaintance with the conspiracy,
+and containing descriptions of the persons of Fawkes and Catesby, which
+I showed to the Earl of Salisbury.--These letters are now in my
+possession, and I will deliver them to the Council, if I am not
+released."
+
+"Deliver them to me, and I swear to you, you shall be set free," said
+Mounteagle.
+
+"I will not trust you," rejoined Tresham. "Liberate me, and they are
+yours. But I will not rob myself of vengeance. I will confound you and
+the false Earl of Salisbury."
+
+"You wrong us both by your unjust suspicions," said Mounteagle.
+
+"Wrong you!" echoed Tresham, contemptuously. "Where is my promised
+reward? Why am I in this dungeon? Why am I treated like a traitor? If
+you meant me fairly, I should not be here, but like yourself at liberty,
+and in the enjoyment of the King's favour. But you have duped me,
+villain, and shall rue it. If I am led to the scaffold, it shall be in
+your company."
+
+"Compose yourself," rejoined Mounteagle, calmly. "Appearances, I own,
+are against us. But circumstances render it imperatively necessary that
+the Earl of Salisbury should appear to act against you. You have been
+charged by Guy Fawkes, when under the torture, of being a confederate in
+the design, and your arrest could not be avoided. I am come hither to
+give you a solemn assurance that no harm shall befal you, but that you
+shall be delivered from your thraldom in a few days--perhaps in a few
+hours."
+
+"You have no further design against me," said Tresham, suspiciously.
+
+"What motive could I have in coming hither, except to set your mind at
+rest?" rejoined Mounteagle.
+
+"And I shall receive my reward?" demanded Tresham.
+
+"You will receive your reward," returned Mounteagle, with significant
+emphasis. "I swear it. So make yourself easy."
+
+"If I thought I might trust you, I should not heed my imprisonment,
+irksome though it be," rejoined Tresham.
+
+"It cannot be avoided, for the reasons I have just stated," replied
+Mounteagle. "But come, no more despondency. All will be well with you
+speedily. Let us drown care in a bumper. What ho! jailer," he added,
+opening the door, "a cup of wine!"
+
+In a few minutes, Ipgreve made his appearance, bearing two goblets
+filled with wine on a salver, one of which he presented to Mounteagle,
+and the other to Tresham.
+
+"Here is to your speedy deliverance from captivity!" said Mounteagle,
+draining the goblet. "You will not refuse that pledge, Tresham?"
+
+"Of a surety not," replied the other. "To my speedy deliverance!"
+
+And he emptied the cup, while Mounteagle and the jailer exchanged
+significant glances.
+
+"And now, having fully discharged my errand, I must bid you farewell,"
+said Mounteagle.
+
+"You will not forget your promise?" observed Tresham.
+
+"Assuredly not," replied the other. "A week hence, and you will make no
+complaint against me.--Are you sure you did not give me the wrong
+goblet?" he added to Ipgreve, as they descended the spiral staircase.
+
+"Quite sure, my lord," returned the jailer, with a grim smile.
+
+Mounteagle immediately quitted the Tower, and hastening to Whitehall,
+sought out the Earl of Salisbury, to whom he related what he had done.
+The Earl complimented him on his skilful management of the matter; and
+congratulating each other upon having got rid of a dangerous and now
+useless instrument, they separated.
+
+On the following day, Tresham was seized with a sudden illness, and
+making known his symptoms to Ipgreve, the chirurgeon who attended the
+prison was sent for, and on seeing him, pronounced him dangerously ill,
+though he was at a loss to explain the nature of his disorder. Every
+hour the sick man grew worse, and he was torn with racking pains.
+Connecting his sudden seizure with the visit of Lord Mounteagle, an idea
+of the truth flashed upon him, and he mentioned his suspicions to the
+chirurgeon, charging Jasper Ipgreve with being accessory to the deed.
+The jailer stoutly denied the accusation, and charged the prisoner in
+his turn with making a malicious statement to bring him into discredit.
+
+"I will soon test the truth of his assertion," observed the chirurgeon,
+taking a small flat piece of the purest gold from his doublet. "Place
+this in your mouth."
+
+Tresham obeyed, and Ipgreve watched the experiment with gloomy
+curiosity.
+
+"You are a dead man," said the chirurgeon to Tresham, as he drew forth
+the piece of gold, and perceived that it was slightly tarnished. "Poison
+_has_ been administered to you."
+
+"Is there no remedy--no counter-poison?" demanded Tresham, eagerly.
+
+The chirurgeon shook his head.
+
+"Then let the lieutenant be summoned," said Tresham; "I have an
+important confession to make to him. I charge this man," pointing to the
+jailer, "with giving poisoned wine to me. Do you hear what I say to
+you?"
+
+"I do," replied the chirurgeon.
+
+"But he will never reveal it," said Ipgreve, with great unconcern. "I
+have a warrant from the Earl of Salisbury for what I have done."
+
+"What!" cried Tresham, "can murder be committed here with impunity?"
+
+"You have to thank your own indiscretion for what has happened,"
+rejoined Ipgreve. "Had you kept a close tongue in your head, you would
+have been safe."
+
+"Can nothing be done to save me?" cried the miserable man, with an
+imploring look at the chirurgeon.
+
+"Nothing whatever," replied the person appealed to. "I would advise you
+to recommend your soul to God."
+
+"Will you not inform the lieutenant that I desire to speak with him?"
+demanded Tresham.
+
+The chirurgeon glanced at Ipgreve, and receiving a sign from him, gave a
+promise to that effect.
+
+They then quitted the cell together, leaving Tresham in a state of
+indescribable agony both of mind and body. Half an hour afterwards, the
+chirurgeon returned, and informed him that the lieutenant refused to
+visit him, or to hear his confession, and wholly discredited the fact of
+his being poisoned.
+
+"I will take charge of your papers, if you choose to commit them to me,"
+he said, "and will lay them before the Council."
+
+"No," replied Tresham; "while life remains to me I will never part with
+them."
+
+"I have brought you a mixture which, though it cannot heal you, will, at
+least, allay your sufferings," said the chirurgeon.
+
+"I will not take it," groaned Tresham. "I distrust you as much as the
+others."
+
+"I will leave it with you, at all events," rejoined the chirurgeon,
+setting down the phial.
+
+The noise of the bolts shot into their sockets sounded to Tresham as if
+his tomb were closed upon him, and he uttered a cry of anguish. He would
+have laid violent hands upon himself, and accelerated his own end, but
+he wanted courage to do so, and continued to pace backwards and forwards
+across his chamber as long as his strength lasted. He was about to throw
+himself on the couch, from which he never expected to rise again, when
+his eyes fell upon the phial. "What if it should be poison!" he said,
+"it will end my sufferings the sooner."
+
+And placing it to his lips, he swallowed its contents. As the chirurgeon
+had foretold, it alleviated his sufferings, and throwing himself on the
+bed he sank into a troubled slumber, during which he dreamed that
+Catesby appeared to him with a vengeful countenance, and tried to drag
+him into a fathomless abyss that yawned beneath their feet. Shrieking
+with agony, he awoke, and found two persons standing by his couch. One
+of them was the jailer, and the other appeared, from his garb, to be a
+priest; but a hood was drawn over his head so as to conceal his
+features.
+
+"Are you come to witness my dying pangs, or to finish me?" demanded
+Tresham of the jailer.
+
+"I am come for neither purpose," replied Ipgreve; "I pity your
+condition, and have brought you a priest of your own faith, who, like
+yourself, is a prisoner in the Tower. I will leave him with you, but he
+cannot remain long, so make the most of your time." And with these
+words, he retired.
+
+When he was gone, the supposed priest, who spoke in feeble and
+faltering accents, desired to hear Tresham's confession, and having
+listened to it, gave him absolution. The wretched man then drew from his
+bosom a small packet, and offered it to the confessor, who eagerly
+received it.
+
+"This contains the letters of the Earl of Salisbury and Lord Mounteagle,
+which I have just mentioned," he said. "I pray you lay them before the
+Privy Council."
+
+"I will not fail to do so," replied the confessor.
+
+And reciting the prayer for one _in extremis_ over the dying man, he
+departed.
+
+"I have obtained the letters from him," said Mounteagle, throwing back
+his hood as he quitted the chamber, and addressing the jailer. "And now
+you need give yourself no further concern about him, he will be dead
+before morning."
+
+Jasper Ipgreve locked the door upon the prisoner, and proceeded to the
+Well Tower. When he returned, he found Mounteagle's words had come to
+pass. Tresham was lying on the floor quite dead--his collapsed frame and
+distorted countenance showing the agonies in which he must have expired.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE TRIAL.
+
+
+The trial of the conspirators, which had been delayed in order that full
+evidence might be procured against them, was, at length, appointed to
+take place in Westminster Hall, on Monday, the 27th of January, 1606.
+Early on the morning of this day, the eight surviving confederates
+(Garnet and Oldcorne being at this time secreted at Hendlip) were
+conveyed in two large covered wherries from the fortress to the place of
+trial. In spite of the severity of the weather,--it was snowing heavily,
+and the river was covered with sheets of ice,--they were attended by a
+vast number of boats filled with persons anxious to obtain a sight of
+them. Such was the abhorrence in which the actors in the conspiracy were
+held by the populace, that, not content with menaces and execrations,
+many of these persons hurled missiles against the wherries, and would
+have proceeded to further violence if they had not been restrained by
+the pikemen. When the prisoners landed, a tremendous and fearful shout
+was raised by the mob stationed at the head of the stairs, and it
+required the utmost efforts of the guard to protect them from injury.
+Two lines of soldiers, with calivers on their shoulders, were drawn out
+from the banks of the river to the entrance of the Hall, and between
+them the conspirators marched.
+
+The melancholy procession was headed by Sir William Waad, who was
+followed by an officer of the guard and six halberdiers. Then came the
+executioner, carrying the gleaming implement of death with its edge
+turned from the prisoners. He was followed by Sir Everard Digby, whose
+noble figure and handsome countenance excited much sympathy among the
+beholders, and Ambrose Rookwood. Next came the two Winters, both of whom
+appeared greatly dejected. Next, John Grant and Robert Bates,--Catesby's
+servant, who had been captured at Holbeach. And lastly, Keyes and
+Fawkes.
+
+Bitterly and justly incensed as were the multitude against the
+conspirators, their feelings underwent some change as they beheld the
+haggard countenance and shattered frame of Guy Fawkes. It was soon
+understood that he was the individual who had been found in the vault
+near the Parliament House, with the touchwood and matches in his belt
+ready to fire the train; and the greatest curiosity was exhibited to see
+him.
+
+Just as the foremost of the conspirators reached the entrance of the
+Hall, a terrific yell, resembling nothing human, except the roar of a
+thousand tigers thirsting for blood, was uttered by the mob, and a
+tremendous but ineffectual attempt was made to break through the lines
+of the guard. Never before had so large an assemblage been collected on
+the spot. The whole of the space extending on one hand from Westminster
+Hall to the gates of Whitehall, and on the other to the Abbey, was
+filled with spectators; and every roof, window, and buttress was
+occupied. Nor was the interior of the Hall less crowded. Not an inch of
+room was unoccupied; and it was afterwards complained in Parliament,
+that the members of the house had been so pressed and incommoded, that
+they could not hear what was said at the arraignment.
+
+The conspirators were first conveyed to the court of the Star-Chamber,
+where they remained till the Lords Commissioners had arrived, and taken
+their seats. The commissioners were the Earl of Nottingham, Lord High
+Admiral of England; the Earl of Suffolk, Steward of the Household; the
+Earl of Worcester, Master of the Horse; the Earl of Devonshire, Master
+of the Ordnance; the Earl of Northampton, Warden of the Cinque-Ports;
+the Earl of Salisbury, Principal Secretary of State; Sir John Popham,
+Lord Chief Justice; Sir Thomas Fleming, Lord Chief Baron of the
+Exchequer; and Sir Thomas Walmisley and Sir Peter Warburton, Knights,
+and both Justices of the Common Pleas.
+
+Summoned by an usher, the conspirators were conducted to a platform
+covered with black cloth, which had been erected at the lower end of the
+Hall. A murmur of indignation, vainly sought to be repressed by the
+grave looks of the Commissioners, burst from the immense assemblage, as
+they one by one ascended the steps of the platform. Guy Fawkes was the
+last to mount, and his appearance was followed by a deep groan.
+Supporting himself against the rail of the scaffold, he surveyed the
+assemblage with a stern and undaunted look. As he gazed around, he could
+not help marvelling at the vast multitude before him. The whole of the
+peers and all the members of the House of Commons were present, while in
+a box on the left, though screened by a lattice, sat the Queen and
+Prince Henry; and in another on the right, and protected in the same
+way, the King and his courtiers.
+
+Silence being peremptorily commanded, the indictment was read, wherein
+the prisoners were charged with conspiring to blow up the King and the
+peers with gunpowder, and with attempting to incite the Papists, and
+other persons, to open rebellion; to which all the conspirators, to the
+no small surprise of those who heard them, and were aware that they had
+subscribed their confessions, pleaded not guilty.
+
+"How, sir!" cried the Lord Chief Justice, in a stern tone to Fawkes.
+"With what face can you pretend to deny the indictment, when you were
+actually taken in the cellar with the powder, and have already confessed
+your treasonable intentions?"
+
+"I do not mean to deny what I have confessed, my lord," replied Fawkes.
+"But this indictment contains many matters which I neither can nor will
+countenance by assent or silence. And I therefore deny it."
+
+"It is well," replied the Lord Chief Justice. "Let the trial proceed."
+
+The indictment being opened by Sir Edward Philips, sergeant-at-law, he
+was followed by Sir Edward Coke, the attorney-general, who in an
+eloquent and elaborate speech, which produced an extraordinary effect
+upon the assemblage, expatiated upon the monstrous nature of the plot,
+which he characterised as "the greatest treason that ever was plotted in
+England, and against the greatest king that ever reigned in England;"
+and after narrating the origin and progress of the conspiracy, concluded
+by desiring that the confessions of the prisoners should be openly read.
+This done, the jury were ordered by the Lord Chief Justice to retire,
+and the injunction being obeyed, they almost instantly returned with a
+verdict of guilty.
+
+A deep, dread silence then prevailed throughout the Hall, and every eye
+was bent upon the conspirators, all of whom maintained a composed
+demeanour. They were then questioned by the Lord Chief Justice whether
+they had anything to say why judgment of death should not be pronounced
+against them.
+
+"All I have to crave of your lordships," said Thomas Winter, "is, that
+being the chief offender of the two, I may die for my brother and
+myself."
+
+"And I ask only that my brother's request may not be granted," said
+Robert Winter. "If he is condemned, I do not desire to live."
+
+"I have nothing to solicit--not even pardon," said Keyes, carelessly.
+"My fortunes were always desperate, and are better now than they have
+ever been."
+
+"I desire mercy," said Rookwood, "not from any fear of death, but
+because so shameful an ending will leave a perpetual stain upon my name
+and blood. I humbly submit myself to the King, and pray him to imitate
+our Supreme Judge, who sometimes punishes corporally, but not mortally."
+
+"I have been guilty of a conspiracy, intended but never effected," said
+John Grant, "and solicit forgiveness on that plea."
+
+"My crime has been fidelity to my master," said Bates. "If the King will
+let me live, I will serve him as faithfully as I did Mr. Catesby."
+
+"I would not utter a word," said Fawkes, looking sternly round; "if I
+did not fear my silence might be misinterpreted. I would not accept a
+pardon if it were offered me. I regard the project as a glorious one,
+and only lament its failure."
+
+"Silence the vile traitor," said the Earl of Salisbury, rising.
+
+And as he spoke two halberdiers sprang up the steps of the scaffold, and
+placing themselves on either side of Fawkes, prepared to gag him.
+
+"I have done," he said, contemptuously regarding them.
+
+"I have nothing to say save this," said Sir Everard Digby, bowing to the
+judges. "If any of your lordships will tell me you forgive me, I shall
+go more cheerfully to the scaffold."
+
+"Heaven forgive you, Sir Everard," said the Earl of Nottingham,
+returning his reverence, "as we do."
+
+"I humbly thank your lordship," replied Digby.
+
+Sentence was then passed upon the prisoners by Lord Chief Justice
+Popham, and they were removed from the platform.
+
+As they issued from the Hall, and it became known to the assemblage
+without that they were condemned, a shout of fierce exultation rent the
+air, and they were so violently assailed on all sides, that they had
+great difficulty in reaching the wherries. The guard, however,
+succeeded, at length, in accomplishing their embarkation, and they were
+conveyed back in safety to the Tower.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE LAST MEETING OF FAWKES AND VIVIANA.
+
+
+Up to this time, Viviana had not been allowed another interview with Guy
+Fawkes. She was twice interrogated by the Privy-Council, but having
+confessed all she knew of the conspiracy, excepting what might implicate
+Garnet and Oldcorne, neither of whom she was aware had been
+apprehended, she was not again subjected to the torture. Her health,
+however, rapidly sank under her confinement, and she was soon reduced to
+such an extreme state of debility that she could not leave her bed. The
+chirurgeon having been called in by Dame Ipgreve to attend her, reported
+her condition to Sir William Waad, who directed that every means should
+be adopted for her restoration, and that Ruth Ipgreve should remain in
+constant attendance upon her.
+
+Ascertaining all particulars relative to Guy Fawkes from the jailer's
+daughter, it was a sad satisfaction to Viviana to learn that he spent
+his whole time in devotion, and appeared completely resigned to his
+fate. It had been the Earl of Salisbury's purpose to bring Viviana to
+trial at the same time as the rest of the conspirators, but the
+chirurgeon reporting that her removal at this juncture would be attended
+with fatal consequences, he was compelled to defer it.
+
+When the result of the trial was made known to Viviana by Ruth, though
+she had anticipated the condemnation of Guy Fawkes, she swooned away,
+and on her recovery, observed to Ruth, who was greatly alarmed at her
+looks, "I feel I am going fast. I should wish to see my husband once
+more before I die."
+
+"I fear it is impossible, madam," replied Ruth; "but I will try to
+accomplish it."
+
+"Do so," rejoined Viviana; "and my blessing shall rest ever on your
+head."
+
+"Have you any valuable?" inquired Ruth. "My heart bleeds to make the
+demand at such a moment. But it is the only way to produce an effect on
+the avaricious nature of my father."
+
+"I have nothing but this golden crucifix," said Viviana; "and I meant to
+give it to you."
+
+"It will be better employed in this way," rejoined Ruth, taking it from
+her.
+
+Quitting the cell, she hurried to the Well Tower, and found her father,
+who had just returned from locking up the conspirators in their
+different dungeons, sitting down to his evening meal.
+
+"What is the matter with the wench?" he cried, staring at her. "You look
+quite distracted. Is Viviana Radcliffe dead?"
+
+"No; but she is dying," replied Ruth.
+
+"If that is the case I must go to her directly," observed Dame Ipgreve.
+"She may have some valuable about her which I must secure."
+
+"You will be disappointed, mother," rejoined Ruth, with a look of
+irrepressible disgust. "She has nothing valuable left but this golden
+crucifix, which she has sent to my father, on condition of his allowing
+Guy Fawkes to see her before she dies."
+
+"Give it me, wench," cried Jasper Ipgreve; "and let her die in peace."
+
+"She will _not_ die in peace unless she sees him," replied Ruth. "Nor
+shall you have it, if you do not comply with her request."
+
+"How!" exclaimed her father, "do you dare----"
+
+"Think not to terrify me, father," interrupted Ruth; "I am resolute in
+this. Hear me," she cried, seizing his arm, and fixing a look upon him
+that seemed to pierce his soul,--"hear me," she said, in a tone so low
+as to be inaudible to her mother; "she _shall_ see him, or I will
+denounce you as the murderer of Tresham. Now will you comply?"
+
+"Give me the cross," said Ipgreve.
+
+"Not till you have earned it," replied his daughter.
+
+"Well, well," he rejoined; "if it must be, it must. But I may get into
+trouble in the matter. I must consult Master Forsett, the gentleman
+jailer, who has the charge of Guy Fawkes, before I dare take him to her
+cell."
+
+"Consult whom you please," rejoined Ruth, impatiently; "but lose no
+time, or you will be too late."
+
+Muttering imprecations on his daughter, Ipgreve left the Well Tower, and
+Ruth hurried back to Viviana, whom she found anxiously expecting her,
+and related to her what she had done.
+
+"Oh, that I may hold out till he comes!" cried Viviana; "but my strength
+is failing fast."
+
+Ruth endeavoured to comfort her; but she was unequal to the effort, and
+bursting into tears, knelt down, and wept upon the pillow beside her.
+Half an hour had now elapsed. It seemed an age to the poor sufferers,
+and still the jailer came not, and even Ruth had given up all hope, when
+a heavy tread was heard in the passage; the door was opened; and Guy
+Fawkes appeared, attended by Ipgreve and Forsett.
+
+"We will not interrupt your parting," said Forsett, who seemed to have a
+touch of humanity in his composition. And beckoning to Ruth to follow
+him, he quitted the cell with Ipgreve.
+
+Guy Fawkes, meanwhile, had approached the couch, and gazed with an
+expression of intense anguish at Viviana. She returned his glance with a
+look of the utmost affection, and clasped his hand between her thin
+fingers.
+
+"I am now standing on the brink of eternity," she said in a solemn tone,
+"and I entreat you earnestly, as you hope to insure our meeting
+hereafter, to employ the few days left you in sincere and hearty
+repentance. You have sinned--sinned deeply, but not beyond the power of
+redemption. Let me feel that I have saved you, and my last moments will
+be happy. Oh! by the love I have borne you--by the pangs I have endured
+for you--by the death I am now dying for you--let me implore you not to
+lose one moment, but to supplicate a merciful Providence to pardon your
+offence."
+
+[Illustration: _Death of Viviana_]
+
+"I will--I will," rejoined Fawkes, in broken accents. "You have opened
+my eyes to my error, and I sincerely repent it."
+
+"Saved! saved!" cried Viviana, raising herself in the bed. Opening her
+arms, she strained him to her bosom; and for a few moments they mingled
+their tears together.
+
+"And now," she said, sinking backwards, "kneel by me--pray for
+forgiveness--pray audibly, and I will join in your prayer."
+
+Guy Fawkes knelt by the bedside, and addressed the most earnest
+supplications to Heaven for forgiveness. For a while he heard Viviana's
+gentle accents accompany him. They grew fainter and fainter, until at
+last they totally ceased. Filled with a dreadful apprehension, he sprang
+to his feet. An angelic smile illumined her countenance; her gaze was
+fixed on him for one moment--it then grew dim and dimmer, until it was
+extinguished.
+
+Guy Fawkes uttered a cry of the wildest despair, and fell to the ground.
+Alarmed by the sound, Forsett and Ipgreve, who were standing outside,
+rushed into the cell, and instantly raised him. But he was now in a
+state of distraction, and for the moment seemed endowed with all his
+former strength. Striving to break from them, he cried, in a tone of the
+most piercing anguish, "You shall not tear me from her! I will die with
+her! Let me go, I say, or I will dash out my brains against these flinty
+walls, and balk you of your prey."
+
+But his struggles were in vain. They held him fast, and calling for
+further assistance, conveyed him to his cell, where, fearing he might do
+some violence to himself, they placed him in irons.
+
+Ruth entered the cell as soon as Fawkes and the others had quitted it,
+and performed the last sad offices for the departed. Alternately praying
+and weeping, she watched by the body during the whole of the night. On
+the following day, the remains of the unfortunate Viviana were interred
+in the chapel of Saint Peter on the Green, and the sole mourner was the
+jailer's daughter.
+
+"Peace be with her!" cried Ruth, as she turned away from the grave. "Her
+sorrows at last are over."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+SAINT PAUL'S CHURCHYARD.
+
+
+Guy Fawkes was for some time wholly inconsolable. His stoical nature
+seemed completely subdued, and he wept like an infant. By degrees,
+however, the violence of his grief abated, and calling to mind the last
+injunctions of her whose loss he mourned, he addressed himself to
+prayer, and acknowledging his guilt, besought her intercession with
+Heaven for his forgiveness.
+
+It will not seem strange, when his superstitious character is taken into
+consideration, that he should fancy he received an immediate proof that
+his prayers were heard. To his excited imagination it appeared that a
+soft unearthly strain of music floated in the air over his head; that an
+odour like that of Paradise filled his cell; while an invisible finger
+touched his brow. While in this entranced state, he was utterly
+insensible to his present miserable situation, and he seemed to have a
+foretaste of celestial happiness. He did not, however, desist from
+prayer, but continued his supplications throughout the day.
+
+On that night, he was visited by the lieutenant, who announced to him
+that the execution of four of the conspirators was fixed for Thursday
+(it was then Tuesday), while his own and that of the three others would
+not take place till the following day.
+
+"As you are the greatest traitor of all, your execution will be reserved
+to the last," pursued Waad. "No part of the sentence will be omitted.
+You will be dragged to Old Palace Yard, over against the scene of your
+intended bloody and damnable action, at a horse's tail, and will be
+there turned off the gallows, and hanged, _but not till you are dead_.
+You will then be embowelled; your vile heart, which conceived this
+atrocious design, will be torn beating from your breast; and your
+quarters will be placed on the palace gates as an abhorrent spectacle in
+the eyes of men, and a terrible proof of the King's just vengeance."
+
+Guy Fawkes heard the recapitulation of his dreadful sentence unmoved.
+
+"The sole mercy I would have craved of his Majesty would have been
+permission to die first!" he said. "But Heaven's will be done! I deserve
+my doom."
+
+"What! is your stubborn nature at length subdued?" cried the lieutenant
+in surprise. "Do you repent of your offence?"
+
+"Deeply and heartily," returned Fawkes.
+
+"Make the sole amends in your power for it, then, and disclose the names
+of all who have been connected with the atrocious design," rejoined
+Waad.
+
+"I confess myself guilty," replied Fawkes, humbly. "But I accuse no
+others."
+
+"Then you die impenitent," rejoined the lieutenant, "and cannot hope for
+mercy hereafter."
+
+Guy Fawkes made no answer, but bowed his head upon his breast, and the
+lieutenant, darting a malignant look at him, quitted the cell.
+
+On the following day, the whole of the conspirators were taken to St.
+John's chapel, in the White Tower, where a discourse was pronounced to
+them by Doctor Overall, Dean of St. Paul's, who enlarged upon the
+enormity of their offence, and exhorted them to repentance. The
+discourse over, they were about to be removed, when two ladies, clad in
+mourning habits, entered the chapel. These were Lady Digby and Mrs.
+Rookwood, and they immediately flew to their husbands. The rest of the
+conspirators walked away, and averted their gaze from the painful scene.
+After an ineffectual attempt to speak, Lady Digby swooned away, and was
+committed by her husband, while in a state of insensibility, to the care
+of an attendant. Mrs. Rookwood, however, who was a woman of high spirit,
+and great personal attractions, though the latter were now wasted by
+affliction, maintained her composure, and encouraging her husband to
+bear up manfully against his situation, tenderly embraced him, and
+withdrew. The conspirators were then taken back to their cells.
+
+At an early hour on the following morning the four miserable persons
+intended for death, namely, Sir Everard Digby, the elder Winter, John
+Grant, and Bates, were conducted to the Beauchamp Tower. Bates would
+have stood aloof from his superiors; but Sir Everard Digby took him
+kindly by the hand, and drew him towards them.
+
+"No distinctions must be observed now," he said. "We ought to beg pardon
+of thee, my poor fellow, for bringing thee into this strait."
+
+"Think not of me, worshipful sir," replied Bates. "I loved Mr. Catesby
+so well, that I would have laid down my life for him at any time; and I
+now die cheerfully in his cause."
+
+"Mr. Lieutenant," said Robert Winter to Sir William Waad, who stood near
+them with Forsett and Ipgreve, "I pray you commend me to my brother.
+Tell him I die in entire love of him, and if it is possible for the
+departed to watch over the living, I will be with him at his last hour."
+
+At this moment, a trampling of horses was heard on the green, and the
+lieutenant proceeding to the grated window, saw four mounted troopers,
+each having a sledge and hurdle attached by ropes to his steed, drawn up
+before the door. While he was gazing at them, an officer entered the
+room, and informed him that all was in readiness. Sir William Waad then
+motioned the prisoners to follow him, and they descended the spiral
+staircase.
+
+The green was thronged with horse and foot soldiers, and as the
+conspirators issued from the arched door of the fortification, the bell
+of Saint Peter's chapel began to toll. Sir Everard Digby was first bound
+to a hurdle, with his face towards the horse, and the others were
+quickly secured in the same manner. The melancholy cavalcade was then
+put in motion. A troop of horse-soldiers in their full accoutrements,
+and with calivers upon their shoulders, rode first; then came a band of
+halberdiers on foot; then the masked executioner mounted on a led horse,
+then the four prisoners on the hurdles, one after the other; then the
+lieutenant on horseback; while another band of horse-soldiers, equipped
+like the first, brought up the rear. They were met by the Recorder of
+London, Sir Henry Montague, and the sheriffs, at the gate of the Middle
+Tower, to the latter of whom the lieutenant, according to custom,
+delivered up the bodies of the prisoners. After a short delay, the train
+again set forward, and emerging from the Bulwark Gate, proceeded through
+an enormous concourse of spectators towards Tower-street.
+
+Aware that a vast crowd would be assembled in the city, and apprehensive
+of some popular tumult, the Lord Mayor had issued precepts to the
+aldermen of every ward, commanding them "to cause one able and
+sufficient person, with a halbert in his hand, to stand at the door of
+every dwelling-house in the open street in the way that the traitors
+were to be drawn towards the place of execution, there to remain from
+seven in the morning until the return of the sheriffs." But these were
+not the whole of the arrangements made to preserve order. The cavalcade,
+it was fixed, was to proceed along Tower-street, Gracechurch street,
+Lombard-street, Cheapside, and so on to the west end of Saint Paul's
+cathedral, where the scaffold was erected. Along the whole road, on
+either side, a line of halberdiers was drawn up, while barriers were
+erected against the cross streets. Nor were these precautions needless.
+Such a vast concourse was collected, that nothing but the presence of a
+strong armed force could have prevented confusion and disorder. The
+roofs of all the houses, the towers of the churches, the steps of the
+crosses were covered with spectators, who groaned and hooted as the
+conspirators passed by.
+
+The scaffold, as has just been stated, was erected in front of the great
+western entrance of the cathedral. The mighty valves of the sacred
+structure were thrown open, and disclosed its columned aisles crowded
+with spectators, as was its roof and central tower. The great bell,
+which had begun to toll when the melancholy procession came in sight,
+continued to pour forth its lugubrious sounds during the whole of the
+ceremonial. The rolling of muffled drums was likewise heard above the
+tumultuous murmurs of the impatient multitude. The whole area from the
+cathedral to Ludgate-hill was filled with spectators, but an open space
+was kept clear in front of the scaffold, in which the prisoners were one
+by one unbound from the hurdles.
+
+During this awful pause, they had sufficient time to note the whole of
+the dreadful preparations. At a little distance from them was a large
+fire, on which boiled a caldron of pitch, destined to receive their
+dismembered limbs. A tall gallows, approached by a double ladder, sprung
+from the scaffold, on which the hangman was already mounted with the
+rope in his hand. At the foot of the ladder was the quartering-block,
+near which stood the masked executioner with a chopper in his hand, and
+two large sharp knives in his girdle. His arms were bared to the
+shoulder; and a leathern apron, soiled by gory stains, and tied round
+his waist, completed his butcherly appearance. Straw was scattered upon
+the scaffold near the block.
+
+Sir Everard Digby was the first to receive the fatal summons. He mounted
+with a firm footstep, and his youth, his noble aspect, and undaunted
+demeanour, awakened, as before, the sympathy of the beholders. Looking
+round, he thus addressed the assemblage:--
+
+"Good people, I am here about to die, ye well know for what cause.
+Throughout the matter, I have acted according to the dictates of my
+conscience. They have led me to undertake this enterprise, which, in
+respect of my religion, I hold to be no offence, but in respect of the
+law a heinous offence, and I therefore ask forgiveness of God, of the
+King, and of the whole realm."
+
+Crossing himself devoutly, he then knelt down, and recited his prayers
+in Latin, after which he arose, and again looking round, said in an
+earnest voice,
+
+"I desire the prayers of all good Catholics, and of none other."
+
+"Then none will pray for you," replied several voices from the crowd.
+
+Heedless of the retort, Sir Everard surrendered himself to the
+executioner's assistant, who divested him of his cloak and doublet, and
+unfastened his collar. In this state, he mounted the ladder, and the
+hangman fulfilled his office.
+
+Robert Winter was next summoned, and ascended the scaffold with great
+firmness. Everything proclaimed the terrible tragedy that had just been
+enacted. The straw was sprinkled with blood, so was the block, so were
+the long knives of the executioner, whose hands and arms were dyed with
+the same crimson stain; while in one corner of the scaffold stood a
+basket, containing the dismembered limbs of the late unfortunate
+sufferer. But these dreadful sights produced no effect on Robert Winter.
+Declining to address the assemblage, he at once surrendered himself to
+the assistant, and shared the fate of his friend.
+
+Grant was the next to follow. Undismayed as his predecessor, he looked
+round with a cheerful countenance, and said,--
+
+"I am about to suffer the death of a traitor, and am content to die so.
+But I am satisfied that our project was so far from being sinful, that I
+rely entirely on my merits in bearing a part in it, as an abundant
+satisfaction and expiation for all the sins I have at other times of my
+life committed."
+
+This speech was received by a terrific yell from the multitude. Wholly
+unmoved, however, Grant uttered a few prayers, and then crossing
+himself, mounted the ladder and was quickly despatched. The bloody
+business was completed by the slaughter of Bates, who died as resolutely
+as the others.
+
+These executions, being conducted with the utmost deliberation, occupied
+nearly an hour. The crowd then separated to talk over the sight they had
+witnessed, and to keep holiday during the remainder of the day;
+rejoicing that an equally-exciting spectacle was in store for them on
+the morrow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+OLD PALACE YARD.
+
+
+Guy Fawkes's tranquillity of mind did not desert him to the last. On the
+contrary, as his term of life drew near its close, he became more
+cheerful and resigned; his sole anxiety being that all should be
+speedily terminated. When Ipgreve took leave of him for the night, he
+threw himself on his couch and soon fell into a gentle slumber. His
+dreams were soothing, and he fancied that Viviana appeared to him clad
+in robes of snowy whiteness, and regarding him with a smiling
+countenance, promised that the gates of eternal happiness would be
+opened to him on the morrow.
+
+Awaking about four o'clock, he passed the interval between that time and
+his summons by the jailer in earnest prayer. At six o'clock, Ipgreve
+made his appearance. He was accompanied by his daughter, who had
+prevailed on him to allow her to take leave of the prisoner. She
+acquainted Fawkes with all particulars of the interment of Viviana, to
+which he listened with tearful interest.
+
+"Would my remains might be laid beside her!" he said. "But fate forbids
+it!"
+
+"Truly, does it," observed Ipgreve, gruffly; "unless you would have her
+body removed to the spikes of Whitehall gates."
+
+Disregarding this brutal speech, which called a blush of shame to the
+cheeks of Ruth, Fawkes affectionately pressed her hand, and said,
+
+"Do not forget me in your prayers, and sometimes visit the grave of
+Viviana."
+
+"Doubt it not," she replied, in accents half suffocated by grief.
+
+Fawkes then bade her farewell, and followed the jailer through various
+intricate passages, which brought them to a door opening upon one of the
+lower chambers of the Beauchamp Tower. Unlocking it, Ipgreve led the
+way up the circular staircase, and ushered his companion into the large
+chamber where Rookwood, Keyes, and Thomas Winter were already assembled.
+
+The morning was clear, but frosty, and bitterly cold; and when the
+lieutenant appeared, Rookwood besought him to allow them a fire as their
+last earthly indulgence. The request was peremptorily refused. A cup of
+hot spiced wine was, however, offered them, and accepted by all except
+Fawkes.
+
+At the same hour as on the previous day, the hurdles were brought to the
+entrance of the fortification, and the prisoners bound to them. The
+recorder and sheriffs met them at the Middle Tower, as they had done the
+other conspirators, and the cavalcade set forth. The crowd was even
+greater than on the former occasion; and it required the utmost exertion
+on the part of the guard to maintain order. Some little delay occurred
+at Ludgate; and during this brief halt, Rookwood heard a cry, and
+looking up, perceived his wife at the upper window of one of the
+habitations, waving her handkerchief to him, and cheering him by her
+gestures. He endeavoured to answer her by signs; but his hands were fast
+bound, and the next moment, the cavalcade moved on.
+
+At Temple Bar another halt occurred; and as the train moved slowly
+forward, an immense crowd, like a swollen stream, swept after it. The
+two gates at Whitehall, then barring the road to Westminster, were
+opened as the train approached, and a certain portion of the concourse
+allowed to pass through. The scaffold, which had been removed from Saint
+Paul's, was erected in the middle of Old Palace Yard, in front of the
+House of Lords. Around it were circled a band of halberdiers, outside
+whom stood a dense throng. The buttresses and pinnacles of the Abbey
+were covered with spectators; so was the roof of the Parliament House,
+and the gallery over the entrance.
+
+The bell of the Abbey began to toll as the train passed through the
+gates of Whitehall, and its deep booming filled the air. Just as the
+conspirators were released from the hurdles, Topcliffe, who had
+evidently from his disordered attire arrived from a long journey, rode
+up, and dismounted.
+
+"I am just in time," he cried, with an exulting glance at the
+conspirators; "this is not the last execution I shall witness. Fathers
+Garnet and Oldcorne are prisoners, and on their way to London. I was a
+long time in unearthing the priestly foxes, but I succeeded at last."
+
+At this moment an officer approached, and summoned Thomas Winter to
+mount the scaffold. He obeyed, and exhibited no symptom of quailing,
+except that his complexion suddenly turned to a livid colour. Being told
+of this by the lieutenant, he tried to account for it by saying that he
+thought he saw his brother precede him up the steps. He made a brief
+address, protesting he died a true Catholic, and in that faith,
+notwithstanding his offences, hoped to be saved.
+
+Rookwood followed him, and indulged in a somewhat longer oration. "I
+confess my offence to God," he said, "in seeking to shed blood, and
+implore his mercy. I likewise confess my offence to the King, of whose
+majesty I humbly ask forgiveness; and I further confess my offence to
+the whole state, of whom in general I entreat pardon. May the Almighty
+bless the King, the Queen, and all their royal progeny, and grant them a
+long and happy reign! May He turn their hearts to the Catholic faith, so
+that heresy may be wholly extirpated from the kingdom!"
+
+The first part of this speech was well received by the assemblage, but
+the latter was drowned in groans and hootings, amid which Rookwood was
+launched into eternity.
+
+Keyes came next, and eyeing the assemblage disdainfully, went up the
+ladder, and threw himself off with such force that he broke the rope,
+and was instantly despatched by the executioner and his assistants.
+
+Guy Fawkes now alone remained, and he slowly mounted the scaffold. His
+foot slipped on the blood-stained boards, and he would have fallen, if
+Topcliffe, who stood near him, had not caught his hand. A deep silence
+prevailed as he looked around, and uttered the following words in a
+clear and distinct voice:--
+
+"I ask forgiveness of the King and the state for my criminal intention,
+and trust that my death will wash out my offence."
+
+He then crossed himself and knelt down to pray, after which his cloak
+and doublet were removed by the executioner's assistant and placed with
+those of the other conspirators. He made an effort to mount the ladder,
+but his stiffened limbs refused their office.
+
+"Your courage fails you," sneered Topcliffe, laying his hand upon his
+shoulder.
+
+"My strength does," replied Fawkes, sternly regarding him. "Help me up
+the ladder, and you shall see whether I am afraid to die."
+
+Seeing how matters stood, the executioner who stood by, leaning upon his
+chopper, tendered him his blood-stained hand. But Fawkes rejected it
+with disgust, and exerting all his strength, forced himself up the
+ladder.
+
+As the hangman adjusted the rope, he observed a singular smile illumine
+the features of his victim.
+
+"You seem happy," he said.
+
+"I _am_ so," replied Fawkes, earnestly,--"I see the form of her I loved
+beckoning me to unfading happiness."
+
+With this, he stretched out his arms and sprang from the ladder. Before
+his frame was exposed to the executioner's knife, life was totally
+extinct.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE LAST EXECUTION.
+
+
+Little more remains to be told, and that little is of an equally painful
+nature with the tragical events just related.
+
+Fathers Garnet and Oldcorne, together with Mr. Abingdon and their
+servants, arrived in London on the 12th of February, about a fortnight
+after the execution of the other conspirators. They were first taken to
+the Gate-house at Westminster, and were examined on the following day by
+the Earl of Salisbury and the Privy-Council at the Star-Chamber. Nothing
+could be elicited from them, and Garnet answered the Earl's
+interrogatories with infinite subtlety and address. The examination
+over, they were ordered to be removed to the Tower.
+
+Topcliffe accompanied them to the stairs. As they proceeded thither, he
+called Garnet's attention to a ghastly object stuck on a spike over the
+palace gates.
+
+"Do you recognise those features?" he asked.
+
+"No," replied Garnet, shudderingly averting his gaze.
+
+"I am surprised to hear it," rejoined Topcliffe, "for they were once
+well known to you. It is the head of Guy Fawkes. Of all the
+conspirators," he added, with a bitter laugh, "he was the only one who
+died truly penitent. It is reported that this happy change was wrought
+in him by Viviana Radcliffe."
+
+"Heaven have mercy upon his soul!" muttered Garnet.
+
+"I will tell you a strange tale about Catesby," pursued Topcliffe. "He
+was buried in the garden at Holbeach with Percy, but an order was sent
+down by the Earl of Salisbury to have their bodies disinterred and
+quartered. When Catesby's head was severed from the trunk, to be set on
+the gates of Warwick, fresh blood spouted forth, as if life were in the
+veins."
+
+"You do not expect me to believe this idle story?" said Garnet,
+incredulously.
+
+"Believe it or not, as you please," returned Topcliffe, angrily.
+
+On arriving at the fortress, Garnet was lodged in the large chamber of
+the Beauchamp Tower, and allowed the attendance of his servant, Nicholas
+Owen, while Oldcorne was equally well accommodated in the Constable
+Tower. This leniency was the result of the policy of the Earl of
+Salisbury, who hoped to obtain disclosures from the two Jesuit priests
+which would enable him to strike the decisive blow he meditated against
+the Papists. But he was unsuccessful. They refused to make any
+confessions which would criminate themselves, or implicate others; and
+as none of the conspirators, not even Tresham, had admitted their
+connexion with the plot, it was difficult to find proof against them.
+Garnet underwent daily examinations from the Earl of Salisbury and the
+commissioners, but he baffled all their inquiries.
+
+"If we cannot wring the truth from you by fair means, Mr. Garnet," said
+Salisbury, "we must have recourse to torture."
+
+"_Minare ista pueris_," replied Garnet, contemptuously.
+
+"Leave these two priests to me, my lord," observed Sir William Waad, who
+was present at the examination, which took place at the council-chamber
+in his lodgings,--"leave them to me," he said in a low voice to the
+Earl, "and I will engage to procure a full confession from their own
+lips, without resorting to torture."
+
+"You will render the state an important service by doing so," replied
+Salisbury, in the same tone. "I place the matter entirely in your
+hands."
+
+The lieutenant set to work without loss of time. By his directions,
+Garnet and Oldcorne were removed from their present places of
+confinement to two subterranean cells immediately adjoining each other,
+but between which a secret recess, contrived in the thickness of the
+wall, and built for the purpose it was subsequently put to, existed. Two
+days after they had been so immured, Ipgreve, who had received his
+instructions, loitered for a moment in Oldcorne's cell, and with
+affected hesitation informed him that for a trifling reward he would
+enable him to hold unreserved communication with his fellow-prisoner.
+
+Oldcorne eagerly caught at the bait, but required to be satisfied that
+the jailer could make good his words. Ipgreve immediately proceeded to
+the side of the cell, and holding a lamp to the wall, showed him a small
+iron knob.
+
+"Touch this spring," he said, "and a stone will fall from its place, and
+enable you to converse with Father Garnet, who is in the next cell. But
+you must take care to replace the stone when any one approaches."
+
+Promising to observe the utmost caution, and totally unsuspicious of the
+deceit practised upon him, Oldcorne gave Ipgreve the reward, and as soon
+as he was gone, touched the spring, and found it act precisely as the
+jailer had stated.
+
+Garnet was greatly surprised to hear the other's voice, and on learning
+how the communication was managed was at first suspicious of some
+stratagem, but by degrees his fears wore off, and he became unreserved
+in his discourse with his companion, discussing the fate of the
+conspirators, their own share in the plot, the probability of their
+acquittal, and the best means of baffling their examiners. All these
+interlocutions were overheard and taken down by the lieutenant and two
+other witnesses, Forsett and Lockerson, private secretary to the Earl of
+Salisbury, who were concealed in the recess. Having obtained all the
+information he desired, Sir William Waad laid his notes before the
+Council, and their own confessions being read to the priests, they were
+both greatly confused, though neither would admit their authenticity.
+
+Meanwhile, their two servants, Owen and Chambers, had been repeatedly
+examined, and refusing to confess, were at last suspended from a beam by
+the thumbs. But this producing no result, they were told that on the
+following day they would be placed on the rack. Chambers then offered to
+make a full confession, but Owen, continuing obstinate, was conveyed
+back to his cell. Ipgreve brought him his food as usual in the evening,
+and on this occasion, it consisted of broth, and a small allowance of
+meat. It was the custom of the jailer to bring with him a small
+blunt-pointed knife, with which he allowed the prisoner to cut his
+victuals. Having got possession of the knife, Owen tasted the broth, and
+complaining that it was quite cold, he implored the jailer to get it
+warmed for him, as he felt extremely unwell. Somewhat moved by his
+entreaties, and more by his appearance, Ipgreve complied. On his return,
+he found the unfortunate man lying in one corner of the cell, partially
+covered by a heap of straw which ordinarily formed his bed.
+
+"Here is your broth," he said. "Take it while it is hot. I shall give
+myself no further trouble about you."
+
+"It will not be needed," gasped Owen.
+
+Alarmed by the sound of his voice, Ipgreve held the light towards him,
+and perceived that his face was pale as death. At the same time, he
+remarked that the floor was covered with blood. Instantly divining the
+truth, the jailer rushed towards the wretched man, and dragging away the
+blood-stained straw, found he had inflicted a frightful wound upon
+himself with the knife which he still held in his grasp.
+
+"Fool that I was, to trust you with the weapon!" cried Ipgreve. "But who
+would have thought it could inflict a mortal wound?"
+
+"Any weapon will serve him who is resolved to die," rejoined Owen. "You
+cannot put me on the rack now." And with a ghastly expression of
+triumph, he expired.
+
+Soon after this, Oldcorne and Abingdon were sent down to Worcester,
+where the former was tried and executed. Stephen Littleton suffered
+death at the same time.
+
+On Friday, the 23rd of March, full proofs being obtained against him,
+Garnet was arraigned of high treason at Guildhall. The trial, which
+excited extraordinary interest, was attended by the King, by the most
+distinguished personages, male and female, of his court, and by all the
+foreign ambassadors. Garnet conducted himself throughout his
+arraignment, which lasted for thirteen hours, with the same courage and
+address which he had displayed on his examinations before the
+commissioners. But his subtlety availed him little. He was found guilty
+and condemned.
+
+The execution of the sentence was for some time deferred, it being hoped
+that a complete admission of his guilt would be obtained from him,
+together with disclosures relative to the designs of the Jesuit party.
+With this view, the examinations were still continued, but the rigour
+with which he had been latterly treated was relaxed. A few days before
+his execution, he was visited by several eminent Protestant
+Divines,--Doctor Montague, Dean of the Chapel Royal; Doctor Neile, Dean
+of Westminster; and Doctor Overall, Dean of Saint Paul's; with whom he
+had a long disputation on points of faith and other spiritual matters.
+
+At the close of this discussion, Doctor Overall remarked, "I suppose you
+expect, Mr. Garnet, that after your death, the Church of Rome will
+declare you a martyr?"
+
+"I a martyr!" exclaimed Garnet, sorrowfully. "O what a martyr I should
+be! If, indeed, I were really about to suffer death for the Catholic
+religion, and had never known of this project, except by means of
+sacramental confession, I might perhaps be accounted worthy the honour
+of martyrdom, and might deservedly be glorified in the opinion of our
+church. As it is, I acknowledge myself to have sinned in this respect,
+and deny not the justice of the sentence passed upon me."
+
+Satisfied, at length, that no further disclosures could be obtained from
+him, the King signed the warrant for his execution on the 2nd of May.
+
+The scaffold was erected at the west end of Saint Paul's Cathedral, on
+the spot where Digby and the other conspirators had suffered. A vast
+assemblage was collected as on the former occasion, and similar
+precautions were taken to prevent tumult and disturbance. The
+unfortunate man's torture was cruelly and unnecessarily prolonged by a
+series of questions proposed to him on the scaffold by Doctor Overall
+and the Dean of Westminster, all of which he answered very collectedly
+and clearly. He maintained his fortitude to the last. When fully
+prepared, he mounted the ladder, and thus addressed the assemblage:--
+
+"I commend myself to all good Catholics. I grieve that I have offended
+the King by not revealing the design entertained against him, and that I
+did not use more diligence in preventing the execution of the plot. I
+commend myself most humbly to the lords of his Majesty's council, and
+entreat them not to judge too hardly by me. I beseech all men that
+Catholics may not fare the worse for my sake, and I exhort all Catholics
+to take care not to mix themselves with seditious or traitorous designs
+against the King's Majesty, whom God preserve!"
+
+Making the sign of the cross upon his forehead and breast, he continued:
+
+"_In nomine Patris, Filii, et Spiritûs Sancti! Jesus Maria! Maria, mater
+gratiæ! mater misericordiæ! Tu me ab hoste protege, et horâ mortis
+suscipe! In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum, quia tu
+redimisti me, Domine, Deus veritatis._" Again crossing himself, he
+added,--"_Per crucis hoc signum fugiat procul omne malignum! Infige
+crucem tuam, Domine, in corde meo!_"
+
+And with this last pathetic ejaculation he threw himself from the
+ladder.
+
+Garnet obtained, after death, the distinction he had disclaimed while
+living. He was enrolled, together with Oldcorne, among the list of
+Catholic martyrs. Several miracles are affirmed by the Jesuits to have
+been performed in his behalf. Father More relates that on the lawn at
+Hendlip, where he and Oldcorne last set foot, "a new and hitherto
+unknown species of grass sprang up into the exact shape of an imperial
+crown, and remained for a long time without being trodden down by the
+feet of passengers, or eaten up by the cattle." It was further asserted
+that a spring of oil burst forth at the west end of Saint Paul's
+Cathedral on the precise spot where he suffered. But the most singular
+prodigy is that recounted by Endæmon Joannes, who affirms that in a
+straw which had been sprinkled with Garnet's blood, a human countenance,
+strangely resembling that of the martyr, was discovered. This legend of
+the Miraculous Straw, having received many embellishments and
+improvements as it travelled abroad, obtained universal credence, and
+was conceived to fully establish Garnet's innocence.
+
+Anne Vaux, the Jesuit's devoted friend, retired with her sister, Mrs.
+Brooksby, to a nunnery in Flanders, where she ended her days.
+
+So terminated the memorable and never-to-be-forgotten Gunpowder Treason,
+for deliverance from which our church still offers thanksgivings, and in
+remembrance of which, on the anniversary of its discovery, fagots are
+collected and bonfires lighted to consume the effigy of the
+arch-conspirator, GUY FAWKES.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+Passages in italics are indicated by _underscore_.  Any text appearing
+in smallcaps font were shifted to uppercase.
+
+The following corrections were made to text which did not seem
+to reflect the spelling of the period, but were rather printer's
+errors, or characters that either did not 'ink' properly, or did
+not survive, mostly on either margin.
+
+p. 37  typo: "command" -> "command[ed] him to surrender"
+p. 65  typo: "theref[e]re" -> "theref[o]re"
+p. 72  typo  "Saint Winfred's Well" -> "Saint Winifred's Well"
+p. 86  typo: "singlar" -> "sing[u]lar circumstance occurred"
+p. 138 typo: "delirous" -> "delir[i]ous"
+p. 198 Sir William['s] Waad's  (spurious 's removed)
+p. 244 petrone  -> petrone[l].   (supplied missing 'l')
+p. 277 typo: "yo[n]" -> "yo[u] are yourself again"
+p. 321 "Ann Vaux" -> "Ann[e] Vaux"  (final e missing)
+p. 354 typo: "exetioner" -> "exe[cu]tioner"  (hyphenation error corrected)
+p. 359 "... commendo [s]piritum meum" (missing 's' provided)
+
+The following is a list of punctuation errors, especially unclosed
+quotations, which have been corrected.  The corrections are noted
+with []'s.
+
+p. 13   ["]Yours was a...
+P. 49   ... if he knew who they were[.]
+p. 63   ... than treble our number.["]
+p. 106  ... passage under the house[.]
+p. 118  ... secrecy with your life[.]
+p. 147  ... pointing towards Hampstead[.]
+p. 186  replied Viviana, firmly[;]
+p. 189  ... reverentially upwards[.]
+p. 191  ["]I _do_ remember...
+p. 196  "I admit nothing,["]
+p. 203  muttered the old woman[.]
+p. 208  replied the jailer's daughter[.]
+p. 213  eluding the obligation[.]
+p. 218  procure Viviana's liberation.["]
+p. 222  ... rejoined Guy Fawkes[,]
+p. 234  ... shunning the regards of Catesby[,]
+p. 318  ...ever require from you[.]"
+p. 321  ...the residence of Sir Henry Bromley[.]
+p. 322  But I was wofully deceived[.]"
+p. 327  ["]for Sir Henry had...
+p. 345  said Viviana[;] "and I...
+p. 346  replied Ruth[.] "Nor shall you...
+        ...comply with her request.["]
+p. 347  ... raising herself in the bed[.]
+
+The following words are spelled both with and without hyphens, and have
+been left as printed:
+
+pick-axe(s)/pickaxe(s)
+out-building/outbuilding
+By-ward/Byward
+by-standers/bystanders
+loop-hole/loophole
+re-appeared/reappeared
+up-stairs/upstairs
+fainted-hearted/fainthearted
+foot-path/footpath
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Guy Fawkes, by William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GUY FAWKES ***
+
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason, by William Harrison Ainsworth.
+    </title>
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Guy Fawkes, by William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Guy Fawkes
+       or The Gunpowder Treason
+
+Author: William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+Illustrator: George Cruikshank
+
+Release Date: October 13, 2011 [EBook #37750]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GUY FAWKES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Cicconetti, KD Weeks and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<div style="background-color: #EEE; padding: 0.5em 1em 0.5em 1em;">
+    <p class="titlepage"><b>Transcriber&rsquo;s&nbsp;Note</b></p>
+
+    <p class="noindent">A number of punctuation errors and apparent typos have been
+    corrected, and are noted in detail in the <a href="#trans_note">Notes</a> at the end
+    of this text. The original versions of any corrections may be viewed as you read
+    <ins class="correction" title="original: the original text">as mouseover
+    text</ins>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illo_000frontisepiece.jpg" width="400" height="650" alt="Execution of Guy Fawkes" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Execution of Guy Fawkes</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-size:200%;margin-top:2em;">GUY FAWKES</p>
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-size:75%;margin-top:2em;">OR</p>
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-size:200%;margin-top:2em;">THE GUNPOWDER TREASON
+<br />
+<br /></p>
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-size:150%;margin-top:2em;"><i>AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE</i></p>
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-size:75%;margin-top:2em;">BY</p>
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-size:200%;margin-top:2em;">WILLIAM HARRISON AINSWORTH</p>
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-family: Impact; font-size:90%;margin-top:2em;">With Illustrations on Steel by George Cruikshank
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-size:100%;margin-top:2em;">LONDON</p>
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-size:100%;margin-top:1em;">GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS, Limited</p>
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-size:75%;margin-top:1em;">BROADWAY HOUSE, LUDGATE HILL
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</p>
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-size:75%;margin-top:2em;">LONDON AND COUNTY PRINTING WORKS,</p>
+<p class="titlepage" style="font-size:75%;margin-top:2em;">BAZAAR BUILDINGS, LONDON, W.C.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="DEDICATION" id="DEDICATION"></a>TO MRS. HUGHES,</h2>
+
+<h3>KINGSTON LISLE, BERKS.</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">My dear Mrs. Hughes</span>,</p>
+
+<p>You are aware that this Romance was brought to a close during my last
+brief visit at Kingston Lisle, when the time necessary to be devoted to
+it deprived me of the full enjoyment of your society, and, limiting my
+range&mdash;no very irksome restriction,&mdash;to your own charming garden and
+grounds, prevented me from accompanying you in your walks to your
+favourite and beautiful downs. This circumstance, which will suffice to
+give it some interest in your eyes by associating it with your
+residence, furnishes me with a plea, of which I gladly avail myself, of
+inscribing it with your name, and of recording, at the same time, the
+high sense I entertain of your goodness and worth, the value I set upon
+your friendship,&mdash;a friendship shared in common with some of the most
+illustrious writers of our time,&mdash;and the gratitude I shall never cease
+to feel for attentions and kindnesses, little less than maternal, which
+I have experienced at your hands.</p>
+
+<p>In the hope that you may long continue to diffuse happiness round your
+own circle, and contribute to the instruction and delight of the many
+attached friends with whom you maintain so active and so interesting a
+correspondence; and that you may live to see your grandsons fulfil their
+present promise, and tread in the footsteps of their high-minded and
+excellent-hearted father,&mdash;and of <i>his</i> father! I remain</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">Your affectionate and obliged friend,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 12em;" class="smcap">W. Harrison Ainsworth</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap">Kensal Manor House, Harrow Road</span>,<br />
+<i>July 26, 1841</i>.<br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The tyrannical measures adopted against the Roman Catholics in the early
+part of the reign of James the First, when the severe penal enactments
+against recusants were revived, and with additional rigour, and which
+led to the remarkable conspiracy about to be related, have been so
+forcibly and faithfully described by Doctor Lingard,<a name="FNanchor_1" id="FNanchor_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> that the
+following extract from his history will form a fitting introduction to
+the present work.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The oppressive and sanguinary code framed in the reign of Elizabeth,
+was re-enacted to its full extent, and even improved with additional
+severities. Every individual who had studied or resided, or should
+afterwards study or reside in any college or seminary beyond the sea,
+was rendered incapable of inheriting, or purchasing, or enjoying lands,
+annuities, chattels, debts, or sums of money, within the realm; and as
+missionaries sometimes eluded detection under the disguise of tutors, it
+was provided that no man should teach even the rudiments of grammar in
+public or in private, without the previous approbation of the diocesan.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The execution of the penal laws enabled the king, by an ingenious
+comment, to derive considerable profit from his past forbearance. It was
+pretended that he had never forgiven the penalties of recusancy; he had
+merely forbidden them to be exacted for a time, in the hope that this
+indulgence would lead to conformity; but his expectations had been
+deceived; the obstinacy of the Catholics had grown with the lenity of
+the sovereign; and, as they were unworthy of further favour, they should
+now be left to the severity of the law. To their dismay, the legal fine
+of twenty pounds per lunar month was again demanded, and not only for
+the time to come, but for the whole period of the suspension; a demand
+which, by crowding thirteen payments into one, reduced many families of
+moderate incomes to a state of absolute beggary. Nor was this all. James
+was surrounded by numbers of his indigent countrymen. Their habits were
+expensive, their wants many, and their importunities incessant. To
+satisfy the more clamorous, a new expedient was devised. The king
+transferred to them his claims on some of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span>the more opulent recusants,
+against whom they were at liberty to proceed by law, in his name, unless
+the sufferers should submit to compound, by the grant of an annuity for
+life, or the immediate payment of a considerable sum. This was at a time
+when the jealousies between the two nations had reached a height, of
+which, at the present day, we have but little conception. Had the money
+been carried to the royal coffers, the recusants would have had
+sufficient reason to complain; but that Englishmen should be placed by
+their king at the mercy of foreigners, that they should be stripped of
+their property to support the extravagance of his Scottish minions, this
+added indignity to injustice, exacerbated their already wounded
+feelings, and goaded the most moderate almost to desperation.&rdquo; From this
+deplorable state of things, which is by no means over-coloured in the
+above description, sprang the Gunpowder Plot.</p>
+
+<p>The county of Lancaster has always abounded in Catholic families, and at
+no period were the proceedings of the ecclesiastical commissioners more
+rigorous against them than at that under consideration. Manchester, &ldquo;the
+Goshen of this Egypt&rdquo; as it is termed by the fiery zealot, Warden
+Heyrick, being the place where all the recusants were imprisoned, the
+scene of the early part of this history has been laid in that town and
+its immediate neighbourhood. For the introduction of the munificent
+founder of the Blue Coat Hospital into a tale of this description I
+ought, perhaps, to apologize; but if I should succeed by it in arousing
+my fellow-townsmen to a more lively appreciation of the great benefits
+they have derived from him, I shall not regret what I have written.</p>
+
+<p>In Viviana Radcliffe I have sought to portray the loyal and devout
+Catholic, such as I conceive the character to have existed at the
+period. In Catesby, the unscrupulous and ambitious plotter, masking his
+designs under the cloak of religion. In Garnet, the subtle, and yet
+sincere Jesuit. And in Fawkes the gloomy and superstitious enthusiast.
+One doctrine I have endeavoured to enforce throughout,&mdash;<span class="smcap">Toleration</span>.</p>
+
+<p>From those who have wilfully misinterpreted one of my former
+productions, and have attributed to it a purpose and an aim utterly
+foreign to my own intentions, I can scarcely expect fairer treatment for
+the present work. But to that wider and more discriminating class of
+readers from whom I have experienced so much favour and support, I
+confidently commit this volume, certain of meeting with leniency and
+impartiality.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1" id="Footnote_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Vide <i>History of England</i>, vol. ix. New Edition.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="right">PAGE</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="left">DEDICATION</td><td align="right"><a href="#DEDICATION">iii</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="left">PREFACE</td><td align="right"><a href="#PREFACE">v</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="center" style="font-family: Impact; font-size:125%;">Book the First.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="center" style="font-size:110%;">THE PLOT.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">CHAPTER</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left">AN EXECUTION IN MANCHESTER, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_I">1</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left">ORDSALL CAVE</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_II">10</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left">ORDSALL HALL</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_III">12</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left">THE SEARCH</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_IV">26</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left">CHAT MOSS</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_V">31</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left">THE DISINTERMENT</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_VI">49</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left">DOCTOR DEE</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_VII">50</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left">THE MAGIC GLASS</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_VIII">56</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left">THE PRISON ON SALFORD BRIDGE</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_IX">62</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left">THE FATE OF THE PURSUIVANT</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_X">66</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left">THE PILGRIMAGE TO SAINT WINIFRED'S WELL</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_XI">71</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left">THE VISION</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_XII">83</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left">THE CONSPIRATORS</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_XIII">87</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left">THE PACKET</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_XIV">98</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XV.</td><td align="left">THE ELIXIR</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_XV">105</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XVI.</td><td align="left">THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH AT MANCHESTER</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_XVI">115</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XVII.</td><td align="left">THE RENCOUNTER</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_XVII">129</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XVIII.</td><td align="left">THE EXPLANATION</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_XVIII">131</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XIX.</td><td align="left">THE DISCOVERY</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_XIX">133</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XX.</td><td align="left">THE DEPARTURE FROM THE HALL</td><td align="right"><a href="#I_CHAPTER_XX">139</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="center" style="font-family: Impact; font-size:125%;">Book the Second.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="center" style="font-size:110%;">THE DISCOVERY.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left">THE LANDING OF THE POWDER</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_I">147</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left">THE TRAITOR</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_II">156</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left">THE ESCAPE PREVENTED</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_III">163</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left">THE MINE</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_IV">169</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left">THE CAPTURE OF VIVIANA</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_V">179</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left">THE CELLAR</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_VI">187</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left">THE STAR-CHAMBER</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_VII">195</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left">THE JAILER'S DAUGHTER</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_VIII">198</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left">THE COUNTERPLOT</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_IX">212</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left">WHITE WEBBS</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_X">220</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left">THE MARRIAGE IN THE FOREST</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_XI">228</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left">THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_XII">237</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left">THE FLIGHT OF THE CONSPIRATORS</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_XIII">245</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left">THE EXAMINATION</td><td align="right"><a href="#II_CHAPTER_XIV">255</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="center" style="font-family: Impact; font-size:125%;">Book the Third.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="center" style="font-size:110%;">THE CONSPIRATORS.</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td >&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left">HOW GUY FAWKES WAS PUT TO THE TORTURE</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_I">262</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left">SHOWING THE TROUBLES OF VIVIANA</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_II">274</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left">HUDDINGTON</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_III">278</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left">HOLBEACH</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_IV">292</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left">THE CLOSE OF THE REBELLION</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_V">294</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left">HAGLEY</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_VI">304</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left">VIVIANA'S LAST NIGHT AT ORDSALL HALL</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_VII">313</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left">HENDLIP</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_VIII">319</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left">WHITEHALL</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_IX">327</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left">THE PARTING OF VIVIANA AND HUMPHREY CHETHAM</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_X">311</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left">THE SUBTERRANEAN DUNGEON</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_XI">332</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left">THE TRAITOR BETRAYED</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_XII">336</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left">THE TRIAL</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_XIII">341</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left">THE LAST MEETING OF FAWKES AND VIVIANA</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_XIV">344</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XV.</td><td align="left">SAINT PAUL'S CHURCHYARD</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_XV">347</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XVI.</td><td align="left">OLD PALACE YARD</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_XVI">352</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XVII.</td><td align="left">THE LAST EXECUTION</td><td align="right"><a href="#III_CHAPTER_XVII">355</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>GUY FAWKES.</h2>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>
+<h2>Book the First.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE PLOT.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p>Their searches are many and severe. They come either in the night
+or early in the morning, and ever seek their opportunity, when the
+Catholics are or would be best occupied, or are likely to be worse
+provided or look for nothing. They willingliest come when few are
+at home to resist them, that they may rifle coffers, and do what
+they list. They lock up the servants, and the mistress of the
+house, and the whole family, in a room by themselves, while they,
+like young princes, go rifling the house at their will.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p class="attribution">
+<i>Letter to Vers'egan, ap. Stonyhurst MSS.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>What a thing is it for a Catholic gentleman to have his house
+suddenly beset on all sides with a number of men in arms, both
+horse and foot! and not only his house and gardens, and such
+enclosed places all beset, but all highways laid, for some miles
+near unto him, that none shall pass, but they shall be examined!
+Then are these searchers oft-times so rude and barbarous, that, if
+the doors be not opened in the instant they would enter, they break
+open the doors with all violence, as if they were to sack a town of
+enemies won by the sword.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p class="attribution">
+<i>Father Gerard's MS.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_I" id="I_CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h2>AN EXECUTION IN MANCHESTER, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>More than two hundred and thirty-five years ago, or, to speak with
+greater precision, in 1605, at the latter end of June, it was rumoured
+one morning in Manchester that two seminary priests, condemned at the
+late assizes under the severe penal enactments then in force against the
+Papists, were about to suffer death on that day. Attracted by the
+report, large crowds flocked towards the place of execution, which, in
+order to give greater solemnity to the spectacle, had been fixed at the
+southern gate of the old Collegiate Church, where a scaffold was
+erected. Near it was a large blood-stained block, the use of which will
+be readily divined, and adjoining the block, upon a heap of blazing
+coals, smoked a caldron filled with boiling pitch, intended to receive
+the quarters of the miserable sufferers.</p>
+
+<p>The place was guarded by a small band of soldiers, fully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> accoutred in
+corslets and morions, and armed with swords, half-pikes, and calivers.
+Upon the steps of the scaffold stood the executioner,&mdash;a square-built,
+ill-favoured personage, busied in arranging a bundle of straw upon the
+boards. He was dressed in a buff jerkin, and had a long-bladed,
+two-edged knife thrust into his girdle. Besides these persons, there was
+a pursuivant,&mdash;an officer appointed by the Privy Council to make search
+throughout the provinces for recusants, Popish priests, and other
+religious offenders. He was occupied at this moment in reading over a
+list of suspected persons.</p>
+
+<p>Neither the executioner nor his companions appeared in the slightest
+degree impressed by the butcherly business about to be enacted; for the
+former whistled carelessly as he pursued his task, while the latter
+laughed and chatted with the crowd, or jestingly pointed their
+matchlocks at the jackdaws wheeling above them in the sunny air, or
+perching upon the pinnacles and tower of the neighbouring fane. Not so
+the majority of the assemblage. Most of the older and wealthier families
+in Lancashire still continuing to adhere to the ancient faith of their
+fathers, it will not be wondered that many of their dependents should
+follow their example. And, even of those who were adverse to the creed
+of Rome, there were few who did not murmur at the rigorous system of
+persecution adopted towards its professors.</p>
+
+<p>At nine o'clock, the hollow rolling of a muffled drum was heard at a
+distance. The deep bell of the church began to toll, and presently
+afterwards the mournful procession was seen advancing from the
+market-place. It consisted of a troop of mounted soldiers, equipped in
+all respects like those stationed at the scaffold, with their captain at
+their head, and followed by two of their number with hurdles attached to
+their steeds, on which were tied the unfortunate victims. Both were
+young men&mdash;both apparently prepared to meet their fate with firmness and
+resignation. They had been brought from Radcliffe Hall&mdash;an old moated
+and fortified mansion belonging to a wealthy family of that name,
+situated where the close, called Pool Fold, now stands, and then
+recently converted into a place of security for recusants; the two other
+prisons in Manchester&mdash;namely, the New Fleet on Hunt's Bank, and the
+gaol on Salford Bridge,&mdash;not being found adequate to the accommodation
+of the numerous religious offenders.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, the cavalcade had reached the place of execution. The
+soldiers drove back the throng with their pikes, and cleared a space in
+front of the scaffold; when, just as the cords that bound the limbs of
+the priests were unfastened, a woman in a tattered woollen robe, with a
+hood partially drawn over her face,&mdash;the features of which, so far as
+they could be discerned, were sharp and attenuated,&mdash;a rope girded round
+her waist, bare<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> feet, and having altogether the appearance of a sister
+of Charity, sprang forward, and flung herself on her knees beside them.</p>
+
+<p>Clasping the hem of the garment of the nearest priest, she pressed it to
+her lips, and gazed earnestly at him, as if imploring a blessing.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have your wish, daughter,&rdquo; said the priest, extending his arms over
+her.&rdquo;Heaven and our lady bless you!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The woman then turned towards the other victim, who was audibly reciting
+the <i>Miserere</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Back, spawn of Antichrist!&rdquo; interposed a soldier, rudely thrusting her
+aside.&rdquo;Don't you see you disturb the father's devotions? He has enough
+to do to take care of his own soul, without minding yours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Take this, daughter,&rdquo; cried the priest who had been first addressed,
+offering her a small volume, which he took from his vest,&rdquo;and fail not
+to remember in your prayers the sinful soul of Robert Woodroofe, a
+brother of the order of Jesus.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The woman put out her hand to take the book; but before it could be
+delivered to her, it was seized by the soldier.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your priests have seldom anything to leave behind them,&rdquo; he shouted,
+with a brutal laugh,&rdquo;except some worthless and superstitious relic of a
+saint or martyr. What's this? Ah! a breviary&mdash;a mass-book. I've too much
+regard for your spiritual welfare to allow you to receive it,&rdquo; he added,
+about to place it in his doublet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Give it her,&rdquo; exclaimed a young man, snatching it from him, and handing
+it to the woman, who disappeared as soon as she had obtained possession
+of it.</p>
+
+<p>The soldier eyed the new-comer as if disposed to resent the
+interference, but a glance at his apparel, which, though plain, and of a
+sober hue, was rather above the middle class, as well as a murmur from
+the crowd, who were evidently disposed to take part with the young man,
+induced him to stay his hand. He, therefore, contented himself with
+crying,&rdquo;A recusant! a Papist!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am neither recusant nor Papist, knave!&rdquo; replied the other, sternly;
+&ldquo;and I counsel you to mend your manners, and show more humanity, or you
+shall find I have interest enough to procure your dismissal from a
+service which you disgrace.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>This reply elicited a shout of applause from the mob.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Who is that bold speaker?&rdquo; demanded the pursuivant from one of his
+attendants.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Humphrey Chetham of Crumpsall,&rdquo; answered the man:&rdquo;son to one of the
+wealthiest merchants of the town, and a zealous upholder of the true
+faith.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He has a strange way of showing his zeal,&rdquo; rejoined the pursuivant,
+entering the answer in his note-book. &ldquo;And who is the woman he
+befriended?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A half-crazed being called Elizabeth Orton,&rdquo; replied the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> attendant.
+&ldquo;She was scourged and tortured during Queen Elizabeth's reign for
+pretending to the gift of prophecy, and was compelled to utter her
+recantation within yonder church. Since then she has never opened her
+lips.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed,&rdquo; exclaimed the pursuivant: &ldquo;I will engage to make her speak,
+and to some purpose. Where does she live?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In a cave on the banks of the Irwell, near Ordsall Hall,&rdquo; replied the
+attendant. &ldquo;She subsists on the chance contributions of the charitable;
+but she solicits nothing,&mdash;and, indeed, is seldom seen.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Her cave must be searched,&rdquo; observed the pursuivant; &ldquo;it may be the
+hiding-place of a priest. Father Campion was concealed in such another
+spot at Stonor Park, near Henley-on-Thames, where he composed his
+'<i>Decem Rationes</i>;' and, for a long time, eluded the vigilance of the
+commissioners. We shall pass it in our way to Ordsall Hall to-night,
+shall we not?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The attendant nodded in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If we surprise Father Oldcorne,&rdquo; continued the pursuivant, &ldquo;and can
+prove that Sir William Radcliffe and his daughter, both of whom are
+denounced in my list, are harbourers and shelterers of recusants, we
+shall have done a good night's work.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, an officer advanced, and commanded the priests to ascend
+the scaffold.</p>
+
+<p>As Father Woodroofe, who was the last to mount, reached the uppermost
+step, he turned round and cried in a loud voice, &ldquo;Good people, I take
+you all to witness that I die in the true Catholic religion, and that I
+rejoice and thank God with all my soul, that he hath made me worthy to
+testify my faith therein by shedding my blood in this manner.&rdquo; He then
+advanced towards the executioner, who was busied in adjusting the cord
+round his companion's throat, and said, &ldquo;God forgive thee&mdash;do thine
+office quickly;&rdquo; adding in a lower tone, &ldquo;<i>Asperge me, Domine; Domine,
+miserere mei!</i>&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And, amid the deep silence that ensued, the executioner performed his
+horrible task.</p>
+
+<p>The execution over, the crowd began to separate slowly, and various
+opinions were expressed respecting the revolting and sanguinary
+spectacle just witnessed. Many, who condemned&mdash;and the majority did
+so&mdash;the extreme severity of the laws by which the unfortunate priests
+had just suffered, uttered their sentiments with extreme caution; but
+there were some whose feelings had been too much excited for prudence,
+and who inveighed loudly and bitterly against the spirit of religious
+persecution then prevailing; while a few others of an entirely opposite
+persuasion looked upon the rigorous proceedings adopted against the
+Papists, and the punishment now inflicted upon their priesthood, as a
+just retribution for their own severities during the reign of Mary. In
+general, the common people entertained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> a strong prejudice against the
+Catholic party,&mdash;for, as it has been shrewdly observed, &ldquo;they must have
+some object to hate; heretofore it was the Welsh, the Scots, or the
+Spaniards, but now in these latter times only the Papists;&rdquo; but in
+Manchester, near which, as has been already stated, so many old and
+important families, professing that religion, resided, the case was
+widely different; and the mass of the inhabitants were favourably
+inclined towards them. It was the knowledge of this feeling that induced
+the commissioners, appointed to superintend the execution of the
+enactments against recusants, to proceed with unusual rigour in this
+neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p>The state of the Roman Catholic party at the period of this history was
+indeed most grievous. The hopes they had indulged of greater toleration
+on the accession of James the First, had been entirely destroyed. The
+persecutions, suspended during the first year of the reign of the new
+monarch, were now renewed with greater severity than ever; and though
+their present condition was deplorable enough, it was feared that worse
+remained in store for them. &ldquo;They bethought themselves,&rdquo; writes Bishop
+Goodman, &ldquo;that now their case was far worse than in the time of Queen
+Elizabeth; for they did live in some hope that after the old woman's
+life, they might have some mitigation, and even those who did then
+persecute them were a little more moderate, as being doubtful what times
+might succeed, and fearing their own case. But, now that they saw the
+times settled, having no hope of better days, but expecting that the
+uttermost rigour of the law should be executed, they became desperate:
+finding that by the laws of the kingdom their own lives were not
+secured, and for the carrying over of a priest into England it was no
+less than high treason. A gentlewoman was hanged only for relieving and
+harbouring a priest; a citizen was hanged only for being reconciled to
+the Church of Rome; besides, the penal laws were such, and so executed,
+that they could not subsist. What was usually sold in shops and usually
+bought, this the pursuivant would take away from them as being Popish
+and superstitious. One knight did affirm that in one term he gave twenty
+nobles in rewards to the door-keeper of the Attorney-General; another
+did affirm, that his third part which remained unto him of his estate
+did hardly serve for his expense in law to defend him from other
+oppressions; besides their children to be taken from home, to be brought
+up in another religion. So they did every way conclude that their estate
+was desperate; they could die but once, and their religion was more
+precious unto them than their lives. They did further consider their
+misery; how they were debarred in any course of life to help themselves.
+They could not practise law,&mdash;they could not be citizens,&mdash;they could
+have no office; they could not breed up their sons&mdash;none did desire to
+match with them; they had neither fit marriages for their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> daughters,
+nor nunneries to put them into; for those few which are beyond seas are
+not considerable in respect of the number of recusants, and none can be
+admitted into them without great sums of money, which they, being
+exhausted, could not supply. The Spiritual Court did not cease to molest
+them, to excommunicate them, then to imprison them; and thereby they
+were utterly disenabled to sue for their own.&rdquo; Such is a faithful
+picture of the state of the Catholic party at the commencement of the
+reign of James the First.</p>
+
+<p>Pressed down by these intolerable grievances, is it to be wondered at
+that the Papists should repine,&mdash;or that some among their number, when
+all other means failed, should seek redress by darker measures? By a
+statute of Elizabeth, all who refused to conform to the established
+religion were subjected to a fine of twenty pounds a lunar month; and
+this heavy penalty, remitted, or rather suspended, on the accession of
+the new sovereign, was again exacted, and all arrears claimed. Added to
+this, James, whose court was thronged by a host of needy Scottish
+retainers, assigned to them a certain number of wealthy recusants, and
+empowered them to levy the fines&mdash;a privilege of which they were not
+slow to avail themselves. There were other pains and penalties provided
+for by the same statute, which were rigorously inflicted. To withdraw,
+or seek to withdraw another from the established religion was accounted
+high treason, and punished accordingly; to hear mass involved a penalty
+of one hundred marks and a year's imprisonment; and to harbour a priest,
+under the denomination of a tutor, rendered the latter liable to a
+year's imprisonment, and his employer to a fine of ten pounds a-month.
+Impressed with the belief that, in consequence of the unremitting
+persecutions which the Catholics underwent in Elizabeth's time, the
+religion would be wholly extirpated, Doctor Allen, a Lancashire divine,
+who afterwards received a cardinal's hat, founded a college at Douay,
+for the reception and education of those intending to take orders. From
+this university a number of missionary priests, or seminarists, as they
+were termed, were annually sent over to England; and it was against
+these persons, who submitted to every hardship and privation, to danger,
+and death itself, for the welfare of their religion, and in the hope of
+propagating its doctrines, that the utmost rigour of the penal
+enactments was directed. Among the number of seminarists despatched from
+Douay, and capitally convicted under the statute above-mentioned, were
+the two priests whose execution has just been narrated.</p>
+
+<p>As a portion of the crowd passed over the old bridge across the Irwell
+connecting Manchester with Salford, on which stood an ancient chapel
+erected by Thomas de Booth, in the reign of Edward the Third, and
+recently converted into a prison for recusants, they perceived the
+prophetess, Elizabeth Orton, seated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> upon the stone steps of the
+desecrated structure, earnestly perusing the missal given her by Father
+Woodroofe. A mob speedily collected round her; but, unconscious
+seemingly of their presence, the poor woman turned over leaf after leaf,
+and pursued her studies. Her hood was thrown back, and discovered her
+bare and withered neck, over which her dishevelled hair streamed in long
+sable elf-locks. Irritated by her indifference, several of the
+by-standers, who had questioned her as to the nature of her studies,
+began to mock and jeer her, and endeavoured, by plucking her robe, and
+casting little pebbles at her, to attract her attention. Roused at
+length by these annoyances, she arose; and fixing her large black eyes
+menacingly upon them, was about to stalk away, when they surrounded and
+detained her.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Speak to us, Bess,&rdquo; cried several voices. &ldquo;Prophesy&mdash;prophesy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I <i>will</i> speak to you,&rdquo; replied the poor woman, shaking her hand at
+them, &ldquo;I <i>will</i> prophesy to you. And mark me, though ye believe not, my
+words shall not fall to the ground.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A miracle! a miracle!&rdquo; shouted the by-standers. &ldquo;Bess Orton, who has
+been silent for twenty years, has found her tongue at last.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have seen a vision, and dreamed a dream,&rdquo; continued the prophetess.
+&ldquo;As I lay in my cell last night, meditating upon the forlorn state of
+our religion, and of its professors, methought nineteen shadowy figures
+stood before me&mdash;ay, nineteen&mdash;for I counted them thrice&mdash;and when I
+questioned them as to their coming,&mdash;for my tongue at first clove to the
+roof of my mouth, and my lips refused their office,&mdash;one of them
+answered, in a voice which yet rings in my ears, 'We are the chosen
+deliverers of our fallen and persecuted church. To us is intrusted the
+rebuilding of her temples,&mdash;to our hands is committed the destruction of
+our enemies. The work will be done in darkness and in secret,&mdash;with toil
+and travail,&mdash;but it will at length be made manifest; and when the hour
+is arrived, our vengeance will be terrible and exterminating.' With
+these words, they vanished from my sight. Ah!&rdquo; she exclaimed, suddenly
+starting, and passing her hand across her brow, as if to clear her
+sight, &ldquo;it was no dream&mdash;no vision. I see one of them now.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where? where?&rdquo; cried several voices.</p>
+
+<p>The prophetess answered by extending her skinny arm towards some object
+immediately before her.</p>
+
+<p>All eyes were instantly turned in the same direction, when they beheld a
+Spanish soldier&mdash;for such his garb proclaimed him&mdash;standing at a few
+paces' distance from them. He was wrapped in an ample cloak, with a
+broad-leaved steeple-crowned hat, decorated with a single green feather,
+pulled over his brows, and wore a polished-steel brigandine, trunk hose,
+and buff boots drawn up to the knees. His arms consisted of a brace of
+petronels<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> thrust into his belt, whence a long rapier depended. His
+features were dark as bronze, and well-formed, though strongly marked,
+and had an expression of settled sternness. His eyes were grey and
+penetrating, and shaded by thick beetle-brows; and his physiognomy was
+completed by a black peaked beard. His person was tall and erect, and
+his deportment soldier-like and commanding. Perceiving he had become an
+object of notice, the stranger cast a compassionate look at the
+prophetess, who still remained gazing fixedly at him, and throwing her a
+few pieces of money, strode away.</p>
+
+<p>Watching his retreating figure till it disappeared from view, the crazed
+woman tossed her arms wildly in the air, and cried, in a voice of
+exultation, &ldquo;Did I not speak the truth?&mdash;did I not tell you I had seen
+him? He is the deliverer of our church, and is come to avenge the
+righteous blood which hath been this day shed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Peace, woman, and fly while there is yet time,&rdquo; cried the young man who
+had been designated as Humphrey Chetham. &ldquo;The pursuivant and his
+myrmidons are in search of you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then they need not go far to find me,&rdquo; replied the prophetess. &ldquo;I will
+tell them what I told these people, that the day of bloody retribution
+is at hand,&mdash;that the avenger is arrived. I have seen him twice,&mdash;once
+in my cave, and once again here,&mdash;even where you stand.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you do not keep silence and fly, my poor creature,&rdquo; rejoined
+Humphrey Chetham, &ldquo;you will have to endure what you suffered years
+ago,&mdash;stripes, and perhaps torture. Be warned by me&mdash;ah! it is too late.
+He is approaching.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let him come,&rdquo; replied Elizabeth Orton, &ldquo;I am ready for him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Can none of you force her away?&rdquo; cried Humphrey Chetham, appealing to
+the crowd; &ldquo;I will reward you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not stir from this spot,&rdquo; rejoined the prophetess, obstinately;
+&ldquo;I will testify to the truth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The kind-hearted young merchant, finding any further attempt to preserve
+her fruitless, drew aside.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, the pursuivant and his attendants had come up. &ldquo;Seize
+her!&rdquo; cried the former, &ldquo;and let her be placed within this prison till I
+have reported her to the commissioners. If you will confess to me,
+woman,&rdquo; he added in a whisper to her, &ldquo;that you have harboured a priest,
+and will guide us to his hiding-place, you shall be set free.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know of no priests but those you have murdered,&rdquo; returned the
+prophetess, in a loud voice, &ldquo;but I will tell you something that you wot
+not of. The avenger of blood is at hand. I have seen him. All here have
+seen him. And you shall see him&mdash;but not now&mdash;not now.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What is the meaning of this raving?&rdquo; demanded the pursuivant.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Pay no heed to her talk,&rdquo; interposed Humphrey Chetham; &ldquo;she is a poor
+crazed being, who knows not what she says. I will be surety for her
+inoffensive conduct.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must give me surety for yourself, sir,&rdquo; replied the pursuivant. &ldquo;I
+have just learnt that you were last night at Ordsall Hall, the seat of
+that 'dangerous temporiser,'&mdash;for so he is designated in my
+warrant,&mdash;Sir William Radcliffe. And if report speaks truly, you are not
+altogether insensible to the charms of his fair daughter, Viviana.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What is this to thee, thou malapert knave?&rdquo; cried Humphrey Chetham,
+reddening, partly from anger, partly, it might be, from another emotion.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Much, as you shall presently find, good Master
+Wolf-in-sheep's-clothing,&rdquo; retorted the pursuivant; &ldquo;if you prove not a
+rank Papist at heart, then do I not know a true man from a false.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>This angry conference was cut short by a piercing scream from the
+prophetess. Breaking from the grasp of her captors, who were about to
+force her into the prison, she sprang with a single bound upon the
+parapet of the bridge; and utterly regardless of her dangerous position,
+turned, and faced the soldiers, who were struck mute with astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Tremble!&rdquo; she cried, in a loud voice,&mdash;"tremble, ye evil-doers! Ye who
+have despoiled the house of God,&mdash;have broken his altars,&mdash;scattered his
+incense,&mdash;slain his priests. Tremble, I say. The avenger is arrived. The
+bolt is in his hand. It shall strike king, lords, commons,&mdash;all! These
+are my last words,&mdash;take them to heart.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Drag her off!&rdquo; roared the pursuivant, furiously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Use care&mdash;use gentleness, if ye are men!&rdquo; cried Humphrey Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Think not you can detain me!&rdquo; cried the prophetess. &ldquo;Avaunt, and
+tremble!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying she flung herself from the parapet.</p>
+
+<p>The height from which she fell was about fifty feet. Dashed into the air
+like jets from a fountain by the weight and force of the descending
+body, the water instantly closed over her. But she rose to the surface
+of the stream, about twenty yards below the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She may yet be saved,&rdquo; cried Humphrey Chetham, who with the by-standers
+had hurried to the side of the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will only preserve her for the gallows,&rdquo; observed the pursuivant.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your malice shall not prevent my making the attempt,&rdquo; replied the young
+merchant. &ldquo;Ha! assistance is at hand.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The exclamation was occasioned by the sudden appearance of the soldier
+in the Spanish dress, who rushed towards the left bank of the river,
+which was here, as elsewhere, formed of red sandstone rock, and
+following the course of the current, awaited the next appearance of the
+drowning woman. It did not occur till she had been carried a
+considerable distance down the stream, when the soldier, swiftly
+divesting himself of his cloak, plunged into the water, and dragged her
+ashore.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Follow me,&rdquo; cried the pursuivant to his attendants. &ldquo;I will not lose my
+prey.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But before he gained the bank of the river, the soldier and his charge
+had disappeared, nor could he detect any traces of them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_II" id="I_CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h2>ORDSALL CAVE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>After rescuing the unfortunate prophetess from a watery grave in the
+manner just related, the soldier snatched up his cloak, and, taking his
+dripping burthen in his arms, hurried swiftly along the bank of the
+river, until he came to a large cleft in the rock, into which he crept,
+taking the prophetess with him, and thus eluded observation. In this
+retreat he continued upwards of two hours, during which time the poor
+creature, to whom he paid every attention that circumstances would
+admit, had so far recovered as to be able to speak. But it was evident
+that the shock had been too much for her, and that she was sinking fast.
+She was so faint that she could scarcely move; but she expressed a
+strong desire to reach her cell before she breathed her last. Having
+described its situation as accurately as she could to the soldier&mdash;who
+before he ventured forth peeped out to reconnoitre&mdash;he again raised her
+in his arms, and by her direction struck into a narrow lane skirting the
+bank of the river.</p>
+
+<p>Pursuing this road for about half a mile, he arrived at the foot of a
+small knoll, covered by a clump of magnificent beech-trees, and still
+acting under the guidance of the dying woman, whose voice grew more
+feeble each instant, he mounted it, and from its summit took a rapid
+survey of the surrounding country. On the opposite bank of the river
+stood an old hall, while further on, at some distance, he could perceive
+through the trees the gables and chimneys of another ancient mansion.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Raise me up,&rdquo; said Elizabeth Orton, as he lingered on this spot for a
+moment. &ldquo;In that old house, which you see yonder, Hulme Hall, I was
+born. I would willingly take one look at it before I die.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illo_011.jpg" width="400" height="568" alt="Guy Fawkes in Ordsall Cave" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Guy Fawkes in Ordsall Cave</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And the other hall, which I discern through the trees, is Ordsall, is
+it not?&rdquo; inquired the soldier.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is,&rdquo; replied the prophetess. &ldquo;And now let us make what haste we can.
+We have not far to go; and I feel I shall not last long.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Descending the eminence, and again entering the lane, which here made a
+turn, the soldier approached a grassy space, walled in on either side by
+steep sandstone rocks. At the further extremity of the enclosure, after
+a moment's search, by the direction of his companion, he found, artfully
+concealed by overhanging brushwood, the mouth of a small cave. He crept
+into the excavation, and found it about six feet high, and of
+considerable depth. The roof was ornamented with Runic characters and
+other grotesque and half-effaced inscriptions, while the sides were
+embellished with Gothic tracery, amid which the letters I.H.S., carved
+in ancient church text, could be easily distinguished. Tradition
+assigned the cell to the priests of Odin, but it was evident that
+worshippers at other and holier altars had more recently made it their
+retreat. Its present occupant had furnished it with a straw pallet, and
+a small wooden crucifix fixed in a recess in the wall. Gently depositing
+her upon the pallet, the soldier took a seat beside her on a stone slab
+at the foot of the bed. He next, at her request, as the cave was
+rendered almost wholly dark by the overhanging trees, struck a light,
+and set fire to a candle placed within a lantern.</p>
+
+<p>After a few moments passed in prayer, the recluse begged him to give her
+the crucifix that she might clasp it to her breast. This done, she
+became more composed, and prepared to meet her end. Suddenly, as if
+something had again disturbed her, she opened wide her glazing eyes, and
+starting up with a dying effort, stretched out her hands.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I see him before them!&rdquo; she cried. &ldquo;They examine him&mdash;they adjudge him!
+Ah! he is now in a dungeon! See, the torturers advance! He is placed on
+the rack&mdash;once&mdash;twice&mdash;thrice&mdash;they turn the levers! His joints snap in
+their sockets&mdash;his sinews crack! Mercy! he confesses! He is led to
+execution. I see him ascend the scaffold!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Whom do you behold?&rdquo; inquired the soldier, listening to her in
+astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;His face is hidden from me,&rdquo; replied the prophetess; &ldquo;but his figure is
+not unlike your own. Ha! I hear the executioner pronounce his name. How
+are you called?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;<span class="smcap">Guy Fawkes</span>,&rdquo; replied the soldier.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the name I heard,&rdquo; rejoined Elizabeth Orton.</p>
+
+<p>And, sinking backward, she expired.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes gazed at her for some time, till he felt assured that the
+last spark of life had fled. He then turned away, and placing his hand
+upon his chin, became lost in deep reflection.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_III" id="I_CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h2>ORDSALL HALL</h2>
+
+
+<p>Soon after sunset, on the evening of the events previously related, the
+inmates of Ordsall Hall were disturbed and alarmed (for in those times
+of trouble any casual disturbance at night was sufficient to occasion
+alarm to a Catholic family) by a loud clamour for admittance from some
+one stationed at the farther side of the moat, then, as now, surrounding
+that ancient manorial residence. The drawbridge being raised, no
+apprehension was entertained of an attempt at forcible entrance on the
+part of the intruder, who, so far as he could be discerned in the
+deepening twilight, rendered yet more obscure by the shade of the trees
+under which he stood, appeared to be a solitary horseman. Still, for
+fear of a surprise, it was judged prudent by those inside the hall to
+turn a deaf ear to the summons; nor was it until it had been more than
+once repeated in a peremptory tone, that any attention was paid to it.
+The outer gate was then cautiously opened by an old steward, and a
+couple of serving-men, armed with pikes and swords, who demanded the
+stranger's business, and were answered that he desired to speak with Sir
+William Radcliffe. The steward rejoined that his master was not at home,
+having set out the day before for Chester: but that even if he were, he
+would take upon himself to affirm that no audience would be given, on
+any pretence whatever, to a stranger at such an unseasonable hour. To
+this the other replied, in a haughty and commanding voice, that he was
+neither a stranger to Sir William Radcliffe, nor ignorant of the
+necessity of caution, though in this instance it was altogether
+superfluous; and as, notwithstanding the steward's assertion to the
+contrary, he was fully persuaded his master <i>was</i> at home, he insisted
+upon being conducted to him without further parley, as his business
+would not brook delay. In vain the steward declared he had spoken the
+truth. The stranger evidently disbelieved him; but, as he could obtain
+no more satisfactory answer to his interrogations, he suddenly shifted
+his ground, and inquired whether Sir William's daughter, Mistress
+Viviana, was likewise absent from home.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Before I reply to the question, I must know by whom and wherefore it is
+put?&rdquo; returned the steward, evasively.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Trouble not yourself further, friend, but deliver this letter to her,"
+rejoined the horseman, flinging a packet across the moat. &ldquo;It is
+addressed to her father, but there is no reason why she should not be
+acquainted with its contents.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Take it up, Olin Birtwissel,&rdquo; cried the steward, eyeing the packet
+which had fallen at his feet suspiciously; &ldquo;take it up, I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> say, and hold
+it to the light, that I may consider it well before I carry it to our
+young mistress. I have heard of strange treacheries practised by such
+means, and care not to meddle with it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Neither do I, good Master Heydocke,&rdquo; replied Birtwissel. &ldquo;I would not
+touch it for a twelvemonth's wages. It may burst, and spoil my good
+looks, and so ruin my fortunes with the damsels. But here is Jeff
+Gellibronde, who, having no beauty to lose, and being, moreover, afraid
+of nothing, will pick it up for you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Speak for yourself, Olin,&rdquo; rejoined Gellibronde, in a surly tone. &ldquo;I
+have no more fancy for a shattered limb, or a scorched face, than my
+neighbours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Dolts!&rdquo; cried the stranger, who had listened to these observations with
+angry impatience, &ldquo;if you will not convey my packet, which has nothing
+more dangerous about it than an ordinary letter, to your mistress, at
+least acquaint her that Mr. Robert Catesby, of Ashby St. Legers, is
+without, and craves an instant speech with her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Catesby!&rdquo; exclaimed the steward, in astonishment. &ldquo;If it be indeed
+your worship, why did you not declare yourself at once?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I may have as good reason for caution as yourself, Master Heydocke,"
+returned Catesby, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; rejoined the steward; &ldquo;but, methinks it is somewhat strange to
+find your worship here, when I am aware that my master expected to meet
+you, and certain other honourable gentlemen that you wot of, at a place
+in a clean opposite direction, Holywell, in Flintshire.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The cause of my presence, since you desire to be certified of the
+matter, is simply this,&rdquo; replied Catesby, urging his steed towards the
+edge of the moat, while the steward advanced to meet him on the opposite
+bank, so that a few yards only lay between them; &ldquo;I came round by
+Manchester,&rdquo; he continued, in a lower tone, &ldquo;to see if any assistance
+could be rendered to the unfortunate fathers Woodroofe and Forshawe; but
+found on my arrival this morning that I was too late, as they had just
+been executed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven have mercy on their souls!&rdquo; ejaculated Heydocke, shuddering, and
+crossing himself. &ldquo;Yours was a pious mission, Mr. Catesby. Would it had
+been availing!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would so, too, with all my soul!&rdquo; rejoined the other, fervently; &ldquo;but
+fate ordained it otherwise. While I was in the town, I accidentally
+learnt from one, who informed me he had just parted with him, that your
+master was at home; and, fearing he might not be able to attend the
+meeting at Holywell, I resolved to proceed hither at nightfall, when my
+visit was not likely to be observed; having motives, which you may
+readily<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> conjecture, for preserving the strictest secrecy on the
+occasion. The letter was prepared in case I should fail in meeting with
+him. And now that I have satisfied your scruples, good master steward,
+if Sir William be really within, I pray you lead me to him forthwith. If
+not, your young mistress may serve my turn, for I have that to say which
+it imports one or other of them to know.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In regard to my master,&rdquo; replied the steward, &ldquo;he departed yesterday
+for Chester, on his way to join the pilgrimage to St. Winifred's Well,
+as I have already assured your worship. And whoever informed you to the
+contrary, spoke falsely. But I will convey your letter and message to my
+young mistress, and on learning her pleasure as to receiving you, will
+instantly return and report it. These are dangerous times, your worship;
+dangerous times. A good Catholic knows not whom to trust, there are so
+many spoilers abroad.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How, sirrah!&rdquo; cried Catesby, angrily, &ldquo;do you apply that observation to
+me?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Far be it from me,&rdquo; answered Heydocke, respectfully, &ldquo;to apply any
+observation that may sound offensive to your worship, whom I know to be
+a most worthy gentleman, and as free from heresy, as any in the kingdom.
+I was merely endeavouring to account for what may appear my over-caution
+in detaining you where you are, till I learn my lady's pleasure. It is a
+rule in this house not to lower the drawbridge without orders after
+sunset; and I dare not, for my place, disobey it. Young Mr. Humphrey
+Chetham, of Crumpsall, was detained in the like manner no later than
+last night; and he is a visitor,&rdquo; he added, in a significant tone, &ldquo;who
+is not altogether unwelcome to my mistress&mdash;ahem! But duty is no
+respecter of persons; and in my master's absence my duty is to protect
+his household. Your worship will pardon me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will pardon anything but your loquacity and tediousness,&rdquo; rejoined
+Catesby, impatiently. &ldquo;About your errand quickly.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am gone, your worship,&rdquo; returned the steward, disappearing with his
+companions.</p>
+
+<p>Throwing the bridle over his horse's neck, and allowing him to drink his
+fill from the water of the moat, and afterwards to pluck a few mouthfuls
+of the long grass that fringed its brink, Catesby abandoned himself to
+reflection. In a few moments, as the steward did not return, he raised
+his eyes, and fixed them upon the ancient habitation before
+him,&mdash;ancient, indeed, it was not at this time, having been in a great
+measure rebuilt by its possessor, Sir William Radcliffe, during the
+latter part of the reign of Elizabeth, in the rich and picturesque style
+of that period. Little could be distinguished of its projecting and
+retiring wings, its walls decorated with black and white chequer-work,
+the characteristic of the class of architecture to which it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> belonged,
+or of its magnificent embayed windows filled with stained glass; but the
+outline of its heavy roof, with its numerous gables, and groups of tall
+and elaborately-ornamented chimneys, might be distinctly traced in
+strong relief against the warm and still-glowing western sky.</p>
+
+<p>Though much gone to decay, grievously neglected, and divided into three
+separate dwelling-houses, Ordsall Hall still retains much of its
+original character and beauty; and viewed at the magic hour above
+described, when the changes produced by the lapse of years cannot be
+detected, it presents much the same striking appearance that it offered
+to the gaze of Catesby. Situated on the north bank of the Irwell, which
+supplies the moat with a constant stream of fresh water, it commands on
+the south-west a beautiful view of the winding course of the river, here
+almost forming an island, of Trafford Park and its hall, of the woody
+uplands beyond it, and of the distant hills of Cheshire. The mansion
+itself is an irregular quadrangle, covering a considerable tract of
+ground. The gardens, once exquisitely laid out in the formal taste of
+Elizabeth's days, are also enclosed by the moat, surrounding (except in
+the intervals where it is filled up) a space of some acres in extent. At
+the period of this history, it was approached on the north-east by a
+noble avenue of sycamores, leading to within a short distance of its
+gates.</p>
+
+<p>As Catesby surveyed this stately structure, and pondered upon the wealth
+and power of its owner, his meditations thus found vent in words:&mdash;"If I
+could but link Radcliffe to our cause, or win the hand of his fair
+daughter, and so bind him to me, the great attempt could not fail. She
+has refused me once. No matter. I will persevere till she yields. With
+Father Oldcorne to back my suit, I am assured of success. She is
+necessary to my purpose, and shall be mine.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Descended from an ancient Northamptonshire family, and numbering among
+his ancestry the well-known minister of the same name who flourished in
+the reign of Richard the Third, Robert Catesby,&mdash;at this time about
+forty,&mdash;had in his youth led a wild and dissolute life; and though bred
+in the faith of Rome, he had for some years abandoned its worship. In
+1580, when the Jesuits, Campion and Persons, visited England, he was
+reconciled to the church he had quitted, and thenceforth became as
+zealous a supporter and promoter of its doctrines as he had heretofore
+been their bitter opponent. He was now actively engaged in all the
+Popish plots of the period, and was even supposed to be connected with
+those designs of a darker dye which were set on foot for Elizabeth's
+destruction,&mdash;with Somerville's conspiracy,&mdash;with that of Arden and
+Throckmorton,&mdash;the latter of whom was his uncle on the maternal
+side,&mdash;with the plots of Bury and Savage,&mdash;of Ballard,&mdash;and of
+Babington. After the execution of the unfortunate Queen of Scots, he
+devoted himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> to what was termed the Spanish faction, and endeavoured
+carry out the schemes of a party, who, distrusting the vague promises of
+James, were anxious to secure the succession to a Catholic,&mdash;the Infanta
+of Spain, or the Duke of Parma. On the insurrection of the Earl of
+Essex, he took part with that ill-fated nobleman; and, though he escaped
+condign punishment for the offence, he was imprisoned and heavily fined.</p>
+
+<p>From this time his career ran in darker channels. &ldquo;Hunger-starved for
+innovation,&rdquo; as he is finely described by Camden,&mdash;imbued with the
+fiercest religious fanaticism,&mdash;eloquent, wily, resolute,&mdash;able alike to
+delude the powerful and intimidate the weak,&mdash;he possessed all the
+ingredients of a conspirator. Associating with men like himself, of
+desperate character and broken fortunes, he was ever on the look out for
+some means of retrieving his own condition, and redressing the wrongs of
+his church. Well informed of the actual state of James's sentiments,
+when, on that monarch's accession, confident hopes were entertained by
+the Romanists of greater toleration for their religion, Catesby was the
+first to point out their mistake, and to foretel the season of terrible
+persecution that was at hand. On this persecution he grounded his
+hopes&mdash;hopes, never realized, for the sufferers, amid all the grievances
+they endured, remained constant in their fidelity to the throne&mdash;of
+exciting a general insurrection among the Catholics.</p>
+
+<p>Disappointed in this expectation,&mdash;disappointed, also, in his hopes of
+Spain, of France, and of aid from Rome, he fell back upon himself, and
+resolved upon the execution of a dark and dreadful project which he had
+long conceived, and which he could execute almost single-handed, without
+aid from foreign powers, and without the co-operation of his own party.
+The nature of this project, which, if it succeeded, would, he imagined,
+accomplish all or more than his wildest dreams of ambition or fanaticism
+had ever conceived, it will be the business of this history to develope.
+Without going further into detail at present, it may be mentioned that
+the success of the plot depended so entirely on its secrecy, and so well
+aware was its contriver of the extraordinary system of espionage carried
+on by the Earl of Salisbury and the Privy Council, that for some time he
+scarcely dared to trust it out of his keeping. At length, after much
+deliberation, he communicated it to five others, all of whom were bound
+to silence by an oath of unusual solemnity; and as it was necessary to
+the complete success of the conspiracy that its outbreak should be
+instantaneously followed by a rise on the part of the Catholics, he
+darkly hinted that a plan was on foot for their deliverance from the
+yoke of their oppressors, and counselled them to hold themselves in
+readiness to fly to arms at a moment's notice. But here again he failed.
+Few were disposed to listen to him; and of those who did, the majority
+returned for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> answer, &ldquo;that their part was endurance, and that the only
+arms which Christians could use against lawful powers in their severity
+were prayers and tears.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Among the Popish party of that period, as in our own time, were ranked
+many of the oldest and most illustrious families in the
+kingdom,&mdash;families not less remarkable for their zeal for their religion
+than, as has before been observed, for their loyalty;&mdash;a loyalty
+afterwards approved in the disastrous reign of James the Second by their
+firm adherence to what they considered the indefeasible right of
+inheritance. Plots, indeed, were constantly hatched throughout the
+reigns of Elizabeth and James, by persons professing the religion of
+Rome; but in these the mass of the Catholics had no share. And even in
+the seasons of the bitterest persecution, when every fresh act of
+treason, perpetrated by some lawless and disaffected individual, was
+visited with additional rigour on their heads,&mdash;when the scaffold reeked
+with their blood, and the stake smoked with their ashes,&mdash;when their
+quarters were blackening on the gates and market-crosses of every city
+in the realm,&mdash;when their hearths were invaded, their religion
+proscribed, and the very name of Papist had become a by-word,&mdash;even in
+those terrible seasons, as in the season under consideration, they
+remained constant in their fidelity to the crown.</p>
+
+<p>From the troubled elements at work, some fierce and turbulent spirits
+were sure to arise,&mdash;some gloomy fanatics who, having brooded over their
+wrongs, real or imaginary, till they had lost all scruples of
+conscience, hesitated at no means of procuring redress. But it would be
+unjust to hold up such persons as representatives of the whole body of
+Catholics. Among the conspirators themselves there were redeeming
+shades. All were not actuated by the same atrocious motives. Mixed
+feelings induced Catesby to adopt the measure. Not so Guy Fawkes, who
+had already been leagued with the design. One idea alone ruled him. A
+soldier of fortune, but a stern religious enthusiast, he supposed
+himself chosen by Heaven for the redemption of his Church, and cared not
+what happened to himself, provided he accomplished his (as he conceived)
+holy design.</p>
+
+<p>In considering the causes which produced the conspiracy about to be
+related, and in separating the disaffected party of the Papists from the
+temperate, due weight must be given to the influence of the priesthood.
+Of the Romish clergy there were two classes&mdash;the secular priests, and
+the Jesuits and missionaries. While the former, like the more moderate
+of the laity, would have been well-contented with toleration for their
+religion, the latter breathed nothing but revenge, and desired the utter
+subversion of the existing government,&mdash;temporal as well as
+ecclesiastical. Men, for the most part, of high intellectual powers, of
+untiring energy, and unconquerable fortitude, they were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> enabled by
+their zeal and ability to make many proselytes. By their means, secret
+correspondence was carried on with the different courts of Europe; and
+they were not without hope that, taking advantage of some favourable
+crisis, they should yet restore their church to its former supremacy. To
+these persons,&mdash;who held as a maxim, &ldquo;<i>Qui religionem Catholicam deserit
+regnandi jus omne amisit</i>,"&mdash;Catesby and his associates proved ready and
+devoted agents. Through their instrumentality, they hoped to accomplish
+the great work of their restoration. To Father Garnet, the provincial of
+the English Jesuits, of whom it will be necessary to speak more fully
+hereafter, the plot had been revealed by Catesby under the seal of
+confession; and, though it subsequently became a question whether he was
+justified in withholding a secret of such importance to the state, it is
+sufficient for the present purpose to say that he did withhold it. For
+the treasonable practices of the Jesuits and their faction some
+palliation may perhaps be found in the unrelenting persecution to which
+they were subjected; but if any excuse can be admitted for them, what
+opinion must be formed of the conduct of their temperate brethren?
+Surely, while the one is condemned, admiration may be mingled with the
+sympathy which must be felt for the unmerited sufferings of the other!</p>
+
+<p>From the foregoing statement, it will be readily inferred that Sir
+William Radcliffe, a devout Catholic, and a man of large possessions,
+though somewhat reduced by the heavy fines imposed upon him as a
+recusant, must have appeared an object of importance to the
+conspirators; nor will it be wondered at, that every means were used to
+gain him to their cause. Acting, however, upon the principles that
+swayed the well-disposed of his party, the knight resisted all these
+overtures, and refused to take any share in proceedings from which his
+conscience and loyalty alike revolted. Baffled, but not defeated,
+Catesby returned to the charge on a new point of assault. Himself a
+widower (or supposed to be so), he solicited the hand of the lovely
+Viviana Radcliffe, Sir William's only child, and the sole heiress of his
+possessions. But his suit in this quarter was, also, unsuccessful. The
+knight rejected the proposal, alleging that his daughter had no
+inclination to any alliance, inasmuch as she entertained serious
+thoughts of avowing herself to heaven. Thus foiled, Catesby ostensibly
+relinquished his design.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly before the commencement of this history, a pilgrimage to Saint
+Winifred's Well, in Flintshire, was undertaken by Father Garnet, the
+provincial of the Jesuits before mentioned, in company with several
+distinguished Catholic personages of both sexes, and to this ceremonial
+Sir William and his daughter were urgently bidden. The invitation was
+declined on the part of Viviana, but accepted by the knight, who, though
+unwilling to leave home at a period of so much danger, or to commit his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>
+daughter to any care but his own, even for so short a space, felt it to
+be his duty to give countenance by his presence to the ceremonial.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, he departed for Chester on the previous day, as stated by
+the steward. And, though Catesby professed ignorance on the subject, and
+even affirmed he had heard to the contrary, it may be doubted whether he
+was not secretly informed of the circumstance, and whether his arrival,
+at this particular conjuncture, was not preconcerted.</p>
+
+<p>Thus much in explanation of what is to follow. The course of Catesby's
+reflections was cut short by the return of the steward, who, informing
+him that he had his mistress's commands to admit him, immediately
+lowered the drawbridge for that purpose. Dismounting, and committing his
+steed to one of the serving-men, who advanced to take it, Catesby
+followed his conductor through a stone gateway, and crossing the garden,
+was ushered into a spacious and lofty hall, furnished with a long massy
+oak table, at the upper end of which was a raised dais. At one side of
+the chamber yawned a huge arched fire-place, garnished with enormous
+andirons, on which smouldered a fire composed of mixed turf and wood.
+Above the chimney-piece hung a suit of chain-armour, with the
+battle-axe, helmet, and gauntlets of Sir John Radcliffe, the first
+possessor of Ordsall, who flourished in the reign of Edward the First:
+on the right, masking the entrance, stood a magnificent screen of carved
+oak.</p>
+
+<p>Traversing this hall, Heydocke led the way to another large apartment;
+and placing lights on a Gothic-shaped table, offered a seat to the
+new-comer, and departed. The room in which Catesby was left was termed
+the star-chamber&mdash;a name retained to this day&mdash;from the circumstance of
+its ceiling being moulded and painted to resemble the heavenly vault
+when studded with the luminaries of night. It was terminated by a
+deeply-embayed window filled with stained glass of the most gorgeous
+colours. The walls, in some places, were hung with arras, in others,
+wainscoted with dark lustrous oak, embellished with scrolls, ciphers,
+and fanciful designs. The mantel-piece was of the same solid material,
+curiously carved, and of extraordinary size. It was adorned with the
+armorial bearings of the family&mdash;two bends engrailed, and in chief a
+label of three,&mdash;and other devices and inscriptions. The hearth was
+considerably raised above the level of the floor, and there was a
+peculiarity in the construction of the massive wooden pillars flanking
+it, that attracted the attention of Catesby, who rose with the intention
+of examining them more narrowly, when he was interrupted by the entrance
+of the lady of the mansion.</p>
+
+<p>Advancing at a slow and dignified pace, Viviana Radcliffe courteously
+but gravely saluted her guest; and, without offering him her hand,
+motioned him to a chair, while she seated herself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> at a little distance.
+Catesby had seen her twice before; and whether the circumstances under
+which they now met might have caused some change in her demeanour he
+could not tell, but he thought her singularly altered. A year ago, she
+had been a lively, laughing girl of seventeen, with a bright brown skin,
+dark flowing tresses, and eyes as black and radiant as those of a gipsy.
+She was now a grave, collected woman, infinitely more beautiful, but
+wholly changed in character. Her complexion had become a clear,
+transparent white, and set off to great advantage her large, luminous
+eyes, and jetty brows. Her figure was tall and majestic; her features
+regular, delicately formed, and of the rarest and proudest class of
+beauty. She was attired in a dress of black wrought velvet, entirely
+without ornament except the rosary at her girdle, with a small ebony
+crucifix attached to it. She wore a close-fitting cap, likewise of black
+velvet, edged with pearls, beneath which her raven tresses were gathered
+in such a manner as to display most becomingly the smooth and snowy
+expanse of her forehead. The gravity of her manner, not less than her
+charms of person, seem to have struck Catesby mute. He gazed on her in
+silent admiration for a brief space, utterly forgetful of the object of
+his visit, and the part he intended to play. During this pause, she
+maintained the most perfect composure, and fixing her dark eyes full
+upon him, appeared to await the moment when he might choose to open the
+conversation.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding his age, and the dissolute and distracted life he had
+led, Catesby was still good-looking enough to have produced a favourable
+impression upon any woman easily captivated by manly beauty. The very
+expression of his marked and peculiar physiognomy,&mdash;in some degree an
+index to his character,&mdash;was sufficient to rivet attention; and the
+mysterious interest generally inspired by his presence was not
+diminished on further acquaintance with him. Though somewhat stern in
+their expression, his features were strikingly handsome, cast in an oval
+mould, and clothed with the pointed beard and trimmed mustaches
+invariably met with in the portraits of Vandyck. His frame was strongly
+built, but well proportioned, and seemed capable of enduring the
+greatest fatigue. His dress was that of an ordinary gentleman of the
+period, and consisted of a doublet of quilted silk, of sober colour and
+stout texture; large trunk-hose swelling out at the hips; and buff
+boots, armed with spurs with immense rowels. He wore a high and
+stiffly-starched ruff round his throat; and his apparel was completed by
+a short cloak of brown cloth, lined with silk of a similar colour. His
+arms were rapier and poniard, and his high-crowned plumed hat, of the
+peculiar form then in vogue, and looped on the &ldquo;leer-side" with a
+diamond clasp, was thrown upon the table.</p>
+
+<p>Some little time having elapsed, during which he made no effort to
+address her, Viviana broke silence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I understood you desired to speak with me on a matter of urgency, Mr.
+Catesby,&rdquo; she remarked.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I did so,&rdquo; he replied, as if aroused from a reverie; &ldquo;and I can only
+excuse my absence of mind and ill manners, on the plea that the
+contemplation of your charms has driven all other matter out of my
+head.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Catesby,&rdquo; returned Viviana, rising, &ldquo;if the purpose of your visit
+be merely to pay unmerited compliments, I must at once put an end to
+it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have only obeyed the impulse of my heart,&rdquo; resumed the other,
+passionately, &ldquo;and uttered what involuntarily rose to my lips. But,&rdquo; he
+added, checking himself, &ldquo;I will not offend you with my admiration. If
+you have read my letter to your father, you will not require to be
+informed of the object of my visit.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have not read it,&rdquo; replied Viviana, returning him the packet with the
+seal unbroken. &ldquo;I can give no opinion on any matter of difficulty. And I
+have no desire to know any secret with which my father might not desire
+me to be acquainted.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Are we overheard?&rdquo; inquired Catesby, glancing suspiciously at the
+fire-place.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By no one whom you would care to overhear us,&rdquo; returned the maiden.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then it is as I supposed,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;Father Oldcorne is
+concealed behind that mantel-piece?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana smiled an affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let him come forth, I pray you,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;What I have to say
+concerns him as much as yourself or your father; and I would gladly have
+his voice in the matter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You shall have it, my son,&rdquo; replied a reverend personage, clad in a
+priestly garb, stepping from out one side of the mantel-piece, which
+flew suddenly open, disclosing a recess curiously contrived in the
+thickness of the wall. &ldquo;You shall have it,&rdquo; said Father Oldcorne, for he
+it was, approaching and extending his arms over him. &ldquo;Accept my blessing
+and my welcome.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby received the benediction with bowed head and bended knee.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now,&rdquo; continued the priest, &ldquo;what has the bravest soldier of our
+church to declare to its lowliest servant?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby then briefly explained, as he had before done to the steward,
+why he had taken Manchester in his route to North Wales; and, after
+lamenting his inability to render any assistance to the unfortunate
+priests, he went on to state that he had accidentally learnt, from a few
+words let fall by the pursuivant to his attendant, that a warrant had
+been sent by the Earl of Salisbury for Sir William Radcliffe's arrest.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My father's arrest!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana, trembling violently.
+&ldquo;What&mdash;what is laid to his charge?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Felony,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, sternly&mdash;"felony, without benefit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> of
+clergy&mdash;for so it is accounted by the present execrable laws of our
+land,&mdash;in harbouring a Jesuit priest. If he is convicted of the offence,
+his punishment will be death&mdash;death on the gibbet, accompanied by
+indignities worse than those shown to a common felon.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Holy Virgin!&rdquo; ejaculated Father Oldcorne, lifting up his hands, and
+raising his eyes to heaven.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;From what I gathered, the officers will visit this house to-night,"
+continued Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Our Lady be praised, they will not find him!&rdquo; cried Viviana, who had
+been thrown into an agony of distress. &ldquo;What is to be done in this
+frightful emergency, holy father?&rdquo; she added, turning to the priest,
+with a supplicating look.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven only knows, dear daughter,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne. &ldquo;You had better
+appeal for counsel to one who is more able to afford it than I am,&mdash;Mr.
+Catesby. Well aware of the crafty devices of our enemies, and having
+often eluded their snares himself, he may enable you to escape them. My
+own course is clear. I shall quit this roof at once, deeply and bitterly
+regretting that by entering it, I have placed those whom I hold so dear,
+and from whom I have experienced so much kindness, in such fearful
+jeopardy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, no, father!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana, &ldquo;you shall not go.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Daughter,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne, solemnly, &ldquo;I have long borne the cross of
+Christ,&mdash;have long endured the stripes, inflicted upon me by the
+adversaries of our faith, in patience; and my last actions and last
+breath shall testify to the truth of our holy religion. But, though I
+could endure aught on my own account, I cannot consent to bring misery
+and destruction upon others. Hinder me not, dear daughter. I will go at
+once.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hold, father!&rdquo; interposed Catesby. &ldquo;The step you would take may bring
+about what you are most anxious to avoid. If you are discovered and
+apprehended in this neighbourhood, suspicion will still attach to your
+protectors, and the secret of your departure will be wrung from some of
+the more timid of the household. Tarry where you are. Let the pursuivant
+make his search. I will engage to baffle his vigilance.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He speaks the truth, dear father,&rdquo; returned Viviana. &ldquo;You must
+not&mdash;shall not depart. There are plenty of hiding-places, as you know,
+within the mansion. Let them be as rigorous as they may in their search,
+they will not discover you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Whatever course you adjudge best for the security of others, I will
+pursue,&rdquo; rejoined Oldcorne, turning to Catesby. &ldquo;Put me out of the
+question.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My opinion has already been given, father,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;Remain
+where you are.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But, if the officers should ascertain that my father is at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> Chester,
+and pursue him thither?&rdquo; cried Viviana, suddenly struck by a new cause
+of alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A messenger must be immediately despatched after him to give him
+warning,&rdquo; returned Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will you be that messenger?&rdquo; asked the maiden, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would shed my heart's best blood to pleasure you,&rdquo; returned Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then I may count upon this service, for which, rest assured, I will not
+prove ungrateful,&rdquo; she rejoined.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You may,&rdquo; answered Catesby. "And yet I would, on Father Oldcorne's
+account, that my departure might be delayed till to-morrow.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The delay might be fatal,&rdquo; cried Viviana. &ldquo;You must be in Chester
+before that time.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Doubt it not,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;Charged with your wishes, the wind
+shall scarcely outstrip my speed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he marched irresolutely towards the door, as if about to
+depart, when, just as he had reached it, he turned sharply round, and
+threw himself at Viviana's feet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Forgive me, Miss Radcliffe,&rdquo; he cried, &ldquo;if I once again, even at a
+critical moment like the present, dare to renew my suit. I fancied I had
+subdued my passion for you, but your presence has awakened it with
+greater violence than ever.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Rise, sir, I pray,&rdquo; rejoined the maiden, in an offended tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hear me, I beseech you,&rdquo; continued Catesby, seizing her hand. &ldquo;Before
+you reject my suit, consider well that in these perilous seasons, when
+no true Catholic can call his life his own, you may need a protector.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In the event you describe, Mr. Catesby,&rdquo; answered Viviana, &ldquo;I would at
+once fulfil the intention I have formed of devoting myself to Heaven,
+and retire to the convent of Benedictine nuns, founded by Lady Mary
+Percy, at Brussels.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You would much more effectually serve the cause of your religion by
+acceding to my suit,&rdquo; observed Catesby, rising.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How so?&rdquo; she inquired.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Listen to me, Miss Radcliffe,&rdquo; he rejoined, gravely, &ldquo;and let my words
+be deeply graven upon your heart. In your hands rests the destiny of the
+Catholic Church.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In mine!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In yours,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;A mighty blow is about to be struck for
+her deliverance.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay, marry, is it,&rdquo; cried Oldcorne, with sudden fervour. &ldquo;Redemption
+draweth nigh; the year of visitation approacheth to an end; and
+jubilation is at hand. England shall again be called a happy realm, a
+blessed country, a religious people. Those who knew the former glory of
+religion shall lift up their hands for joy to see it returned again.
+Righteousness shall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> prosper, and infidelity be plucked up by the root.
+False error shall vanish like smoke, and they which saw it shall say
+where is it become? The daughters of Babylon shall be cast down, and in
+the dust lament their ruin. Proud heresy shall strike her sail, and
+groan as a beast crushed under a cart-wheel. The memory of novelties
+shall perish with a crack, and as a ruinous house falling to the ground.
+Repent, ye seducers, with speed, and prevent the dreadful wrath of the
+Powerable. He will come as flame that burneth out beyond the furnace.
+His fury shall fly forth as thunder, and pitch upon their tops that
+malign him. They shall perish in his fury, and melt like wax before the
+fire.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Amen!&rdquo; ejaculated Catesby, as the priest concluded. &ldquo;You have spoken
+prophetically, father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have but recited a prayer transmitted to me by Father Garnet,"
+rejoined Oldcorne.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you discern any hidden meaning in it?&rdquo; demanded Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Yea, verily my son,&rdquo; returned the priest. &ldquo;In the '<i>false error
+vanishing like</i> <span class="smcap">smoke</span>,'&mdash;in the <i>'house perishing with a</i> <span class="smcap">crack</span>,'&mdash;and
+in the '<i>fury flying forth as</i> <span class="smcap">thunder</span>,'&mdash;I read the mode the great work
+shall be brought about.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And you applaud the design?&rdquo; asked Catesby, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;<i>Non vero factum probo, sed eventum amo</i>,&rdquo; rejoined the priest.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The secret is safe in your keeping, father?&rdquo; asked Catesby, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;As if it had been disclosed to me in private confession,&rdquo; replied
+Oldcorne.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hum!&rdquo; muttered Catesby. &ldquo;Confessions of as much consequence to the
+state have ere now been revealed, father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A decree has been passed by his holiness, Clement VIII., forbidding all
+such revelations,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne. &ldquo;And the question has been recently
+propounded by a learned brother of our order, Father Antonio Delrio,
+who, in his Magical Disquisitions, putteth it thus:&mdash;'Supposing a
+malefactor shall confess that he himself or some other has laid
+<span class="smcap">Gunpowder</span>, or the like combustible matter, under a building&mdash;'"</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ha!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby, starting.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;&mdash;'And, unless it be taken away,'" proceeded the priest, regarding him
+fixedly, &ldquo;'the whole house will be burnt, the prince destroyed, and as
+many as go into or out of the city will come to great mischief or
+peril!'"<a name="FNanchor_2" id="FNanchor_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The point then arises,&rdquo; continued Oldcorne, &ldquo;whether the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>priest may
+make use of the secret thus obtained for the good of the government, and
+the averting of such danger; and, after fully discussing it, Father
+Delrio decides in the negative.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Enough,&rdquo; returned Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By whom is the blow to be struck?&rdquo; asked Viviana, who had listened to
+the foregoing discourse in silent wonder.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By me,&rdquo; answered Catesby. &ldquo;It is for you to nerve my arm.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You speak in riddles,&rdquo; she replied. &ldquo;I understand you not.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Question Father Oldcorne, then, as to my meaning,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby;
+&ldquo;he will tell you that, allied to you, I could not fail in the
+enterprise on which I am engaged.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the truth, dear daughter,&rdquo; Oldcorne asseverated.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not inquire further into this mystery,&rdquo; returned Viviana, &ldquo;for
+such it is to me. But, believing what you both assert, I answer, that
+willingly as I would lay down my life for the welfare of our holy
+religion, persuading myself, as I do, that I have constancy enough to
+endure martyrdom for its sake,&mdash;I cannot consent to your proposal. Nay,
+if I must avouch the whole truth,&rdquo; she continued, blushing deeply, &ldquo;my
+affections are already engaged, though to one with whom I can never hope
+to be united.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have your answer, my son,&rdquo; observed the priest.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby replied with a look of the deepest mortification and
+disappointment; and, bowing coldly to Viviana, said, &ldquo;I now depart to
+obey your behests, Miss Radcliffe.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Commend me in all duty to my dear father,&rdquo; replied Viviana, &ldquo;and
+believe that I shall for ever feel bound to you for your zeal.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Neglect not all due caution, father,&rdquo; observed Catesby, glancing
+significantly at Oldcorne. &ldquo;Forewarned, forearmed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Doubt me not, my son,&rdquo; rejoined the Jesuit. &ldquo;My prayers shall be for
+you.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+      <span class="i4">Gentem auferte perfidam</span><br />
+      <span class="i4">Credentium de finibus,</span><br />
+      <span class="i4">Ut Christo laudes debitas</span><br />
+      <span class="i4">Persolvamus alacriter.&rdquo;</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>After receiving a parting benediction from the priest, Catesby took his
+leave. His steed was speedily brought to the door by the old steward;
+and mounting it, he crossed the drawbridge, which was immediately raised
+behind him, and hastened on his journey.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2" id="Footnote_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Confitetur maleficus se vel alium posuisse pulverem vel
+quid aliud sub tali limine, et nisi tollantur domum comburendam,
+principem interiturum, quotquot urbem egredienturque in magnam perniciem
+aut periculum venturos.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Delrio</span> <i>Disq. Mag.</i>, lib. vi. cap. i. [<i>Edit.</i>
+1600.]</p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_IV" id="I_CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE SEARCH.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Immediately after Catesby's departure, Heydocke was summoned to his
+mistress's presence. He found her with the priest, and was informed that
+in all probability the house would be visited that night by the
+messengers of the Privy Council. The old steward received the
+intelligence as he might have done his death-warrant, and looked so
+bewildered and affrighted, that Viviana half repented having acquainted
+him with it.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Compose yourself, Master Heydocke,&rdquo; she said, trying to reason him out
+of his fears; &ldquo;the search may not take place. And if it does, there is
+nothing to be alarmed at. I am not afraid, you perceive.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing to be alarmed at, my dear young lady!&rdquo; gasped the steward. &ldquo;You
+have never witnessed a midnight search for a priest by these ruffianly
+catchpoles, as I have, or you would not say so. Father Oldcorne will
+comprehend my uneasiness, and excuse it. The miscreants break into the
+house like robbers, and treat its inmates worse than robbers would treat
+them. They have no regard for decency,&mdash;no consideration for sex,&mdash;no
+respect for persons. Not a chamber is sacred from them. If a door is
+bolted, they burst it open; a cabinet locked, they tarry not for the
+key. They pull down the hangings, thrust their rapier-points into the
+crevices of the wainscot, discharge their fire-arms against the wall,
+and sometimes threaten to pull down the house itself, if the object of
+their quest be not delivered to them. Their oaths, abominations, and
+menaces are horrible; and their treatment of females, even of your
+degree, honoured mistress, too barbarous to relate. Poor Lady Nevil died
+of the fright she got by such a visit at dead of night to her residence
+in Holborn. Mrs. Vavasour, of York, lost her senses; and many others
+whom I could mention have been equal sufferers. Nothing to be alarmed
+at! Heaven grant, my dear, dear young lady, that you may never be
+fatally convinced to the contrary!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Suppose my apprehensions are as great as your own, Master Heydocke,"
+replied Viviana, who, though somewhat infected by his terrors, still
+maintained her firmness; &ldquo;I do not see how the danger is to be averted
+by idle lamentations and misgivings. We must meet it boldly; and trust
+to Him who is our only safeguard in the hour of peril, for protection.
+Do not alarm the household, but let all retire to rest as usual.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Right, daughter,&rdquo; observed the priest. &ldquo;Preparations for resistance
+would only excite suspicion.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Can you depend on the servants, in case they are examined?&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> asked
+Viviana of the steward, who by this time had partially recovered his
+composure.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I think so,&rdquo; returned Heydocke; &ldquo;but the threats of the officers are so
+dreadful, and their conduct so violent and outrageous, that I can
+scarcely answer for myself. I would not advise your reverence to remain
+in that hiding-place,&rdquo; he added, pointing to the chimney-piece; &ldquo;they
+are sure to discover it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If not here, where shall I conceal myself?&rdquo; rejoined Oldcorne,
+uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There are many nooks in which your reverence might hide,&rdquo; replied the
+steward; &ldquo;but the knaves are so crafty, and so well experienced in their
+vocation, that I dare not recommend any of them as secure. I would
+advise you to remain on the watch, and, in case of alarm, I will conduct
+you to the oratory in the north gallery, adjoining Mistress Viviana's
+sleeping-chamber, where there is a panel in the wall, known only to
+myself and my master, opening upon a secret passage running many hundred
+yards underground, and communicating with a small outbuilding on the
+other side of the moat. There is a contrivance in this passage, which I
+will explain to your reverence if need be, which will cut off any
+possibility of pursuit in that quarter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be it so,&rdquo; replied the priest. &ldquo;I place myself in your hands, good
+Master Heydocke, well assured of your fidelity. I shall remain
+throughout the night in this chamber, occupied in my devotions.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will suffer me to pray with you, father, I trust?&rdquo; said Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you desire it, assuredly, dear daughter,&rdquo; rejoined Oldcorne; &ldquo;but I
+am unwilling you should sacrifice your rest.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will be no sacrifice, father, for I should not slumber, even if I
+sought my couch,&rdquo; she returned. &ldquo;Go, good Heydocke. Keep vigilant watch:
+and, if you hear the slightest noise without, fail not to give us
+warning.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The steward bowed, and departed.</p>
+
+<p>Some hours elapsed, during which nothing occurred to alarm Viviana and
+her companion, who consumed the time in prayer and devout conversation;
+when, just at the stroke of two,&mdash;as the former was kneeling before her
+spiritual adviser, and receiving absolution for the slight offences of
+which a being so pure-minded could be supposed capable,&mdash;a noise like
+the falling of a bar of iron was heard beneath the window. The priest
+turned pale, and cast a look of uneasiness at the maiden, who said
+nothing, but snatching up the light, and motioning him to remain quiet,
+hurried out of the room in search of the steward. He was nowhere to be
+found. In vain, she examined all the lower rooms,&mdash;in vain, called to
+him by name. No answer was returned.</p>
+
+<p>Greatly terrified, she was preparing to retrace her steps, when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> she
+heard the sound of muttered voices in the hall. Extinguishing her light,
+she advanced to the door, which was left ajar, and, taking care not to
+expose herself to observation, beheld several armed figures, some of
+whom bore dark lanterns, while others surrounded and menaced with their
+drawn swords the unfortunate steward. From their discourse she
+ascertained that, having thrown a plank across the moat, and concealed
+themselves within the garden until they had reconnoitred the premises,
+they had contrived to gain admittance unperceived through the window of
+a small back room, in which they had surprised Heydocke, who had fallen
+asleep on his post, and captured him. One amongst their number, who
+appeared to act as leader, and whom, from his garb, and the white wand
+he carried, Viviana knew must be a pursuivant, now proceeded to
+interrogate the prisoner. To every question proposed to him the steward
+shook his head; and, in spite of the threats of the examinant, and the
+blows of his followers, he persisted in maintaining silence.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If we cannot make this contumacious rascal speak, we will find others
+more tractable,&rdquo; observed the pursuivant. &ldquo;I will not leave any corner
+of the house unvisited; nor a soul within it unquestioned. Ah! here they
+come!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, several of the serving-men, with some of the female
+domestics, who had been alarmed by the noise, rushed into the hall, and
+on seeing it filled with armed men, were about to retreat, when they
+were instantly seized and detained. A scene of great confusion now
+ensued. The women screamed and cried for mercy, while the men struggled
+and fought with their captors. Commanding silence at length, the
+pursuivant proclaimed in the King's name that whoever would guide him to
+the hiding-place of Father Oldcorne, a Jesuit priest, whom it was known,
+and could be proved, was harboured within the mansion, should receive a
+free pardon and reward; while those who screened him, or connived at his
+concealment, were liable to fine, imprisonment, and even more severe
+punishment. Each servant was then questioned separately. But, though all
+were more or less rudely dealt with, no information could be elicited.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Viviana was a prey to the most intolerable anxiety. Unable to
+reach Father Oldcorne without crossing the hall, which she did not dare
+to attempt, she gave him up for lost; her sole hope being that, on
+hearing the cries of the domestics, he would provide for his own safety.
+Her anxiety was still farther increased when the pursuivant, having
+exhausted his patience by fruitless interrogatories, and satisfied his
+malice by frightening two of the females into fits, departed with a
+portion of his band to search the house, leaving the rest as a guard
+over the prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana then felt that, if she would save Father Oldcorne, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> attempt
+must be made without a moment's delay, and at any hazard. Watching her
+opportunity, when the troopers were occupied,&mdash;some in helping
+themselves to such viands and liquors as they could lay hands
+upon,&mdash;some in searching the persons of the prisoners for amulets and
+relics,&mdash;while others, more humane, were trying to revive the swooning
+women, she contrived to steal unperceived across the lower end of the
+hall. Having gained the passage, she found to her horror that the
+pursuivant and his band were already within the star-chamber. They were
+sounding the walls with hammers and mallets, and from their
+exclamations, she learnt that they had discovered the retreat behind the
+fire-place, and were about to break it open.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We have him,&rdquo; roared the pursuivant, in a voice of triumph. &ldquo;The old
+owl's roost is here!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana, who stood at the door, drew in her breath, expecting that the
+next moment would inform her that the priest was made captive. Instead
+of this, she was delighted to find, from the oaths of rage and
+disappointment uttered by the troopers, that he had eluded them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He must be in the house, at all events,&rdquo; growled the pursuivant; &ldquo;nor
+is it long since he quitted his hiding-place, as this cushion proves. We
+will not go away without him. And now, let us proceed to the upper
+chambers.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Hearing their footsteps approach, Viviana darted off, and quickly
+ascending the principal staircase, entered a long corridor. Uncertain
+what to do, she was about to proceed to her own chamber, and bar the
+door, when she felt her arm grasped by a man. With difficulty repressing
+a shriek, she strove to disengage herself, when a whisper told her it
+was the priest.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven be praised!&rdquo; cried Viviana, &ldquo;you are safe. How&mdash;how did you
+escape?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I flew upstairs on hearing the voices,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne. &ldquo;But what has
+happened to the steward?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is a prisoner,&rdquo; replied Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All then is lost, unless you are acquainted with the secret panel he
+spoke of in the oratory,&rdquo; rejoined Oldcorne.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! father, I am wholly ignorant of it,&rdquo; she answered. &ldquo;But, come
+with me into my chamber; they will not dare to invade it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know not that,&rdquo; returned the priest, despairingly. &ldquo;These
+sacrilegious villains would not respect the sanctity of the altar
+itself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They come!&rdquo; cried Viviana, as lights were seen at the foot of the
+stairs. &ldquo;Take my hand&mdash;this way, father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>They had scarcely gained the room, and fastened the door, when the
+pursuivant and his attendants appeared in the corridor. The officer, it
+would seem, had been well instructed where to search, or was
+sufficiently practised in his duty, for he proceeded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> at once to several
+hiding-places in the different chambers which he visited. In one room he
+detected a secret staircase in the wall, which he mounted, and
+discovered a small chapel built in the roof. Stripping it of its altar,
+its statue of the Virgin, its crucifix, pix, chalice, and other
+consecrated vessels, he descended, and continued his search. Viviana's
+chamber was now the only one unvisited. Trying the door, and finding it
+locked, he tapped against it with his wand.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Who knocks?&rdquo; asked the maiden.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A state-messenger,&rdquo; was the reply. &ldquo;I demand entrance in the King's
+name.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You cannot have it,&rdquo; she replied. &ldquo;It is my sleeping-chamber.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My duty allows me no alternative,&rdquo; rejoined the pursuivant, harshly.
+&ldquo;If you will not admit me quietly, I must use force.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you know to whom you offer this rudeness?&rdquo; returned Viviana. &ldquo;I am
+the daughter of Sir William Radcliffe.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know it,&rdquo; replied the pursuivant; &ldquo;but I am not exceeding my
+authority. I hold a warrant for your father's arrest. And, if he had not
+been from home, I should have carried him to prison along with the
+Jesuit priest whom, I suspect, is concealed within your chamber. Open
+the door, I command you; and do not hinder me in the execution of my
+duty.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As no answer was returned to the application, the pursuivant commanded
+his men to burst open the door; and the order was promptly obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>The chamber was empty.</p>
+
+<p>On searching it, however, the pursuivant found a door concealed by the
+hangings of the bed. It was bolted on the other side, but speedily
+yielded to his efforts. Passing through it, he entered upon a narrow
+gallery, at the extremity of which his progress was stopped by another
+door, likewise fastened on the further side. On bursting it open, he
+entered a small oratory, wainscoted with oak, and lighted by an oriel
+window filled with stained glass, through which the newly-risen moon was
+pouring its full radiance, and discovered the object of his search.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Father Oldcorne, I arrest you as a Jesuit and a traitor,&rdquo; shouted the
+pursuivant, in a voice of exultation. &ldquo;Seize him!&rdquo; he added, calling to
+his men.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You shall not take him,&rdquo; cried Viviana, clinging despairingly to the
+priest, who offered no resistance, but clasped a crucifix to his breast.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Leave go your hold, young mistress,&rdquo; rejoined the pursuivant, grasping
+Oldcorne by the collar of his vestment, and dragging him along; &ldquo;and
+rest thankful that I make you not, also, my prisoner.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Take me; but spare him!&mdash;in mercy spare him!&rdquo; shrieked Viviana.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You solicit mercy from one who knows it not, daughter,&rdquo; observed the
+priest. &ldquo;Lead on, sir. I am ready to attend you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your destination is the New Fleet, father,&rdquo; retorted the pursuivant, in
+a tone of bitter raillery; &ldquo;unless you prefer the cell in Radcliffe Hall
+lately vacated by your saintly predecessor, Father Woodroofe.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Help! help!&rdquo; shrieked Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You may spare your voice, fair lady,&rdquo; sneered the pursuivant. &ldquo;No help
+is at hand. Your servants are all prisoners.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The words were scarcely uttered, when a sliding panel in the wall flew
+open, and Guy Fawkes, followed by Humphrey Chetham, and another
+personage, sprang through the aperture, and presented a petronel at the
+head of the pursuivant.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_V" id="I_CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h2>CHAT MOSS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The pursuivant was taken so completely unawares by the sudden appearance
+of Guy Fawkes and his companions, that he made no attempt at resistance.
+Nor were his attendants less confounded. Before they recovered from
+their surprise, Humphrey Chetham seized Viviana in his arms, and darting
+through the panel, called to the priest to follow him. Father Oldcorne
+was about to comply, when one of the soldiers, grasping the surcingle at
+his waist, dragged him forcibly backwards. The next moment, however, he
+was set free by Guy Fawkes, who, felling the man to the ground, and
+interposing himself between the priest and the other soldier, enabled
+the former to make good his retreat. This done, he planted himself in
+front of the panel, and with a petronel in each hand, menaced his
+opponents.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fly for your lives!&rdquo; he shouted in a loud voice to the others. &ldquo;Not a
+moment is to be lost. I have taken greater odds, and in a worse cause,
+and have not been worsted. Heed me not, I say. I will defend the passage
+till you are beyond reach of danger. Fly!&mdash;fly!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;After them!&rdquo; vociferated the pursuivant, stamping with rage and
+vexation; &ldquo;after them instantly! Hew down that bold traitor. Show him no
+quarter. His life is forfeit to the king. Slay him as you would a dog!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But the men, having no fire-arms, were so much intimidated by the fierce
+looks of Guy Fawkes, and the deadly weapons he pointed at their heads,
+that they hesitated to obey their leader's injunctions.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you hear what I say to you, cravens?&rdquo; roared the pursuivant. &ldquo;Cut
+him down without mercy.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They dare not move a footstep,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes, in a decisive
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Recreants!&rdquo; cried the pursuivant, foaming with rage, &ldquo;is my prey to be
+snatched from me at the very moment I have secured it, through your
+cowardice? Obey me instantly, or, as Heaven shall judge me, I will
+denounce you to my Lord Derby and the Commissioners as aiders and
+abettors in Father Oldcorne's escape!&mdash;and you well know what your
+punishment will be if I do so. What!&mdash;are you afraid of one man?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Our pikes are no match for his petronels,&rdquo; observed the foremost
+soldier, sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They are not,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes; &ldquo;and you will do well not to compel
+me to prove the truth of your assertion. As to you, Master Pursuivant,"
+he continued, with a look so stern that the other quailed before it,
+&ldquo;unwilling as I am to shed blood, I shall hold your life, if I am
+compelled to take it, but just retribution for the fate you have brought
+upon the unfortunate Elizabeth Orton.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ha!&rdquo; exclaimed the pursuivant, starting. &ldquo;I thought I recognised you.
+You are the soldier in the Spanish garb who saved that false prophetess
+from drowning.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I saved her only for a more lingering death,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know it,&rdquo; retorted the pursuivant. &ldquo;I found her dead body when I
+visited her cell on my way hither, and gave orders to have it interred
+without coffin or shroud in that part of the burial-ground of the
+Collegiate Church in Manchester reserved for common felons.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know not what stays my hand,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes, fiercely. &ldquo;But I
+am strongly tempted to give you a grave beside her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will put your daring to the proof!&rdquo; cried the pursuivant, snatching a
+pike from one of his followers, and brandishing it over his head. &ldquo;Throw
+down your arms, or you die!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Back!&rdquo; exclaimed Guy Fawkes, presenting a petronel at him, &ldquo;or I lodge
+a bullet in your brain.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be advised by me, and rush not on certain destruction, good Master
+Pursuivant,&rdquo; said the foremost soldier, plucking his mantle. &ldquo;I see by
+his bloodthirsty looks that the villain is in earnest.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I hear footsteps,&rdquo; cried the other soldier; &ldquo;our comrades are at hand.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then it is time for me to depart,&rdquo; cried Guy Fawkes, springing through
+the secret door, and closing it after him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Confusion!&rdquo; exclaimed the pursuivant; &ldquo;but he shall not escape. Break
+open the panel.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The order was promptly obeyed. The men battered the stout oak board,
+which was of great thickness, with their pikes, but it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> resisted every
+effort, nor was it until the arrival of a fresh band of soldiers with
+lights, mallets, chisels, and other implements suitable to the purpose,
+that it could be forced open. This accomplished, the pursuivant,
+commanding his attendants to follow him, dashed through the aperture. As
+they proceeded singly along the narrow passage, the roof became so low
+that they were compelled to adopt a stooping posture. In this manner
+they hurried on until their further progress was stopped by a massive
+stone door, which appeared to descend from above by some hidden
+contrivance, no trace of bolt or other fastening being discernible. The
+flag fitted closely in channels in the walls, and had all the appearance
+of solid masonry. After examining this obstacle for a moment, the
+pursuivant was convinced that any attempt to move it would be
+impracticable, and muttering a deep execration, he gave the word to
+return.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;From the course it appears to take,&rdquo; he observed, &ldquo;this passage must
+communicate with the garden,&mdash;perhaps with the further side of the moat.
+We may yet secure them, if we use despatch.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>To return to the fugitives. On arriving at the point where the stone
+door was situated, which he discovered by the channels in the wall
+above-mentioned, Guy Fawkes searched for an iron ring, and, having found
+it, drew it towards him, and the ponderous flag slowly dropped into its
+place. He then groped his way cautiously along in the dark, until his
+foot encountered the top of a ladder, down which he crept, and landed on
+the floor of a damp deep vault. Having taken the precaution to remove
+the ladder, he hastened onwards for about fifty yards, when he came to a
+steep flight of stone steps, distinguishable by a feeble glimmer of
+light from above, and mounting them, emerged through an open trap-door
+into a small building situated at the western side of the moat, where,
+to his surprise and disappointment, he found the other fugitives.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How comes it you are here?&rdquo; he exclaimed, in a reproachful tone. &ldquo;I
+kept the wolves at bay thus long, to enable you to make good your
+retreat.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Miss Radcliffe is too weak to move,&rdquo; replied Humphrey Chetham; &ldquo;and I
+could not persuade Father Oldcorne to leave her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I care not what becomes of me,&rdquo; said the priest. &ldquo;The sooner my painful
+race is run the better. But I cannot&mdash;will not abandon my dear charge
+thus.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Think not of me, father, I implore you,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana, who had sunk
+overpowered with terror and exhaustion. &ldquo;I shall be better soon. Master
+Chetham, I am assured, will remain with me till our enemies have
+departed, and I will then return to the hall.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Command me as you please, Miss Radcliffe,&rdquo; replied Humphrey <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>Chetham.
+&ldquo;You have but to express a wish to insure its fulfilment on my part.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh! that you had suffered Mr. Catesby to tarry with us till the
+morning, as he himself proposed, dear daughter,&rdquo; observed the priest,
+turning to Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Has Catesby been here?&rdquo; inquired Guy Fawkes, with a look of
+astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He has,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne. &ldquo;He came to warn us that the hall would be
+this night searched by the officers of state; and he also brought word
+that a warrant had been issued by the Privy Council for the arrest of
+Sir William Radcliffe.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where is he now?&rdquo; demanded Fawkes, hastily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;On the way to Chester, whither he departed in all haste, at Viviana's
+urgent request, to apprise her father of his danger,&rdquo; rejoined the
+priest.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This is strange!&rdquo; muttered Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;Catesby here, and I not know
+it!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He had a secret motive for his visit, my son,&rdquo; whispered Oldcorne,
+significantly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So I conclude, father,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, in the same tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana Radcliffe,&rdquo; murmured Humphrey Chetham, in low and tender
+accents, &ldquo;something tells me that this moment will decide my future
+fate. Emboldened by the mysterious manner in which we have been brought
+together, and you, as it were, have been thrown upon my protection, I
+venture to declare the passion I have long indulged for you;&mdash;a passion
+which, though deep and fervent as ever agitated human bosom, has
+hitherto, from the difference of our rank, and yet more from the
+difference of our religious opinions, been without hope. What has just
+occurred,&mdash;added to the peril in which your worthy father stands, and
+the difficulties in which you yourself will necessarily be
+involved,&mdash;makes me cast aside all misgiving, and perhaps with too much
+presumption, but with a confident belief that the sincerity of my love
+renders me not wholly undeserving of your regard, earnestly solicit you
+to give me a husband's right to watch over and defend you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana was silent. But even by the imperfect light the young merchant
+could discern that her cheek was covered with blushes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your answer?&rdquo; he cried, taking her hand.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must take it from my lips, Master Chetham,&rdquo; interposed the priest;
+&ldquo;Viviana Radcliffe never can be yours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be pleased to let her speak for herself, reverend sir,&rdquo; rejoined the
+young merchant, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I represent her father, and have acquainted you with his
+determination,&rdquo; rejoined the priest. &ldquo;Appeal to her, and she will
+confirm my words.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana, is this true?&rdquo; asked Chetham. &ldquo;Does your father object to your
+union with me?&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Viviana answered by a deep sigh, and gently withdrew her hand from the
+young merchant's grasp.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then there is no hope for me?&rdquo; cried Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! no,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;nor for me&mdash;of earthly affection. I am
+already dead to the world.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How so?&rdquo; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am about to vow myself to Heaven,&rdquo; she answered.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana!&rdquo; exclaimed the young man, throwing himself at her feet,
+&ldquo;reflect!&mdash;oh! reflect, before you take this fatal&mdash;this irrevocable
+step.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Rise, sir,&rdquo; interposed the priest, sternly; &ldquo;you plead in vain. Sir
+William Radcliffe will never wed his daughter to a heretic. In his name
+I command you to desist from further solicitation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I obey,&rdquo; replied Chetham, rising.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We lose time here,&rdquo; observed Guy Fawkes, who had been lost for a moment
+in reflection. &ldquo;I will undertake to provide for your safety, father.
+But, what must be done with Viviana? She cannot be left here. And her
+return to the hall would be attended with danger.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not return till the miscreants have quitted it,&rdquo; said Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Their departure is uncertain,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;When they are baulked
+of their prey they sometimes haunt a dwelling for weeks.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What will become of me?&rdquo; cried Viviana, distractedly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It were vain, I fear, to entreat you to accept an asylum with my father
+at Clayton Hall, or at my own residence at Crumpsall,&rdquo; said Humphrey
+Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your offer is most kind, sir,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne, &ldquo;and is duly
+appreciated. But Viviana will see the propriety&mdash;on every account&mdash;of
+declining it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do; I do,&rdquo; she acquiesced.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will you entrust yourself to my protection?&rdquo; observed Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Willingly,&rdquo; replied the priest, answering for her. &ldquo;We shall find some
+place of refuge,&rdquo; he added, turning to Viviana, &ldquo;where your father can
+join us, and where we can remain concealed till this storm has blown
+over.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know many such,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, &ldquo;both in this county and in
+Yorkshire, and will guide you to one.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My horses are at your service,&rdquo; said Humphrey Chetham. &ldquo;They are tied
+beneath the trees in the avenue. My servant shall bring them to the
+door,&rdquo; and, turning to his attendant, he gave him directions to that
+effect. &ldquo;I was riding hither an hour before midnight,&rdquo; he continued,
+addressing Viviana, &ldquo;to offer you assistance, having accidentally heard
+the pursuivant mention his meditated visit to Ordsall Hall, to one of
+his followers, when, as I approached the gates, this person,&rdquo; pointing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>
+to Guy Fawkes, &ldquo;crossed my path, and, seizing the bridle of my steed,
+demanded whether I was a friend to Sir William Radcliffe. I answered in
+the affirmative, and desired to know the motive of his inquiry. He then
+told me that the house was invested by a numerous band of armed men, who
+had crossed the moat by means of a plank, and were at that moment
+concealed within the garden. This intelligence, besides filling me with
+alarm, disconcerted all my plans, as I hoped to have been beforehand
+with them&mdash;their inquisitorial searches being generally made at a late
+hour, when all the inmates of a house intended to be surprised are
+certain to have retired to rest. While I was bitterly reproaching myself
+for my dilatoriness, and considering what course it would be best to
+pursue, my servant, Martin Heydocke, son to your father's old steward,
+who had ridden up at the stranger's approach, informed me that he was
+acquainted with a secret passage communicating beneath the moat with the
+hall. Upon this, I dismounted; and fastening my horse to a tree, ordered
+him to lead me to it without an instant's delay. The stranger, who gave
+his name as Guy Fawkes, and professed himself a stanch Catholic, and a
+friend of Father Oldcorne, begged permission to join us, in a tone so
+earnest, that I at once acceded to his request. We then proceeded to
+this building, and after some search discovered the trap-door. Much time
+was lost, owing to our being unprovided with lights, in the subterranean
+passage; and it was more than two hours before we could find the ring
+connected with the stone door, the mystery of which Martin explained to
+us. This delay we feared would render our scheme abortive, when, just as
+we reached the panel, we heard your shrieks. The spring was touched,
+and&mdash;you know the rest.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And shall never forget it,&rdquo; replied Viviana, in a tone of the deepest
+gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, the tramp of horses was heard at the door; and the
+next moment it was thrown open by the younger Heydocke, who, with a
+look, and in a voice of the utmost terror, exclaimed, &ldquo;They are
+coming!&mdash;they are coming!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The pursuivant?&rdquo; cried Guy Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not him alone, but the whole gang,&rdquo; rejoined Martin. &ldquo;Some of them are
+lowering the drawbridge, while others are crossing the plank. Several
+are on horseback, and I think I discern the pursuivant amongst the
+number. They have seen me, and are hurrying in this direction.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, a loud shout corroborated his statement.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are lost!&rdquo; exclaimed Oldcorne.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not despair, father,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;Heaven will not abandon
+its faithful servants. The Lord will deliver us out of the hands of
+these Amalekites.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;To horse, then, if you would indeed avoid them,&rdquo; urged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> Humphrey
+Chetham. &ldquo;The shouts grow louder. Your enemies are fast approaching.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana,&rdquo; said Guy Fawkes, &ldquo;are you willing to fly with us?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will do anything rather than be left to those horrible men,&rdquo; she
+answered.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes then raised her in his arms, and sprang with his lovely
+burthen upon the nearest charger. His example was quickly followed by
+Humphrey Chetham, who, vaulting on the other horse, assisted the priest
+to mount behind him. While this took place, Martin Heydocke darted into
+the shed, and instantly bolted the door.</p>
+
+<p>It was a beautiful moonlight night, almost as bright as day, and the
+movements of each party were fully revealed to the other. Guy Fawkes
+perceived at a glance that they were surrounded; and, though he had no
+fears for himself, he was full of apprehension for the safety of his
+companion. While he was debating with himself as to the course it would
+be best to pursue, Humphrey Chetham shouted to him to turn to the left,
+and started off in that direction. Grasping his fair charge, whom he had
+placed before him on the saddle, firmly with his left arm, and wrapping
+her in his ample cloak, Guy Fawkes drew his sword, and striking spurs
+into his steed, followed in the same track.</p>
+
+<p>The little fabric which had afforded them temporary shelter, it has
+already been mentioned, was situated on the west of the hall, at a short
+distance from the moat, and was screened from observation by a small
+shrubbery. No sooner did the fugitives emerge from this cover, than loud
+outcries were raised by their antagonists, and every effort was made to
+intercept them. On the right, galloping towards them on a light but
+swift courser, taken from Sir William Radcliffe's stables, came the
+pursuivant, attended by half-a-dozen troopers, who had accommodated
+themselves with horses in the same manner as their leader. Between them
+and the road leading to Manchester, were stationed several armed men on
+foot. At the rear, voices proclaimed that others were in full pursuit;
+while in front, a fourth detachment menaced them with their pikes. Thus
+beset on all sides, it seemed scarcely possible to escape. Nothing
+daunted, however, by the threats and vociferations with which they were
+received, the two horsemen boldly charged this party. The encounter was
+instantaneous. Guy Fawkes warded off a blow, which, if it had taken
+effect, must have robbed Viviana of life, and struck down the fellow who
+aimed it. At the same moment, his career was checked by another
+assailant, who, catching his bridle with the hook of his pike, <ins class="correction" title="original: command">commanded</ins>
+him to surrender. Fawkes replied by cleaving the man's staff asunder,
+and, having thus disembarrassed himself, was about to pursue his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>
+course, when he perceived that Humphrey Chetham was in imminent danger
+from a couple of soldiers who had stopped him, and were trying to
+unhorse his companion. Riding up to them, Guy Fawkes, by a vigorous and
+well-directed attack, speedily drove them off; and the fugitives, being
+now unimpeded, were enabled to continue their career.</p>
+
+<p>The foregoing occurrences were witnessed by the pursuivant with the
+utmost rage and vexation. Pouring forth a torrent of threats and
+imprecations, he swore he would never rest till he had secured them, and
+urging his courser to its utmost speed, commanded his men to give chase.</p>
+
+<p>Skirting a sluice, communicating between the Irwell and the moat,
+Humphrey Chetham, who, as better acquainted with the country than his
+companions, took the lead, proceeded along its edge for about a hundred
+yards, when he suddenly struck across a narrow bridge covered with sod,
+and entered the open fields. Hitherto Viviana had remained silent.
+Though fully aware of the risk she had run, she gave no sign of
+alarm&mdash;not even when the blow was aimed against her life; and it was
+only on conceiving the danger in some degree past, that she ventured to
+express her gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have displayed so much courage,&rdquo; said Guy Fawkes, in answer to her
+speech, &ldquo;that it would be unpardonable to deceive you. Our foes are too
+near us, and too well mounted, to make it by any means certain we shall
+escape them,&mdash;unless by stratagem.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They are within a hundred yards of us,&rdquo; cried Humphrey Chetham,
+glancing fearfully backwards. &ldquo;They have possessed themselves of your
+father's fleetest horses; and, if I mistake not, the rascally pursuivant
+has secured your favourite barb.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My gentle Zayda!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana. &ldquo;Then indeed we are lost. She has
+not her match for speed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If she bring her rider to us alone, she will do us good service,"
+observed Guy Fawkes, significantly.</p>
+
+<p>The same notion, almost at the same moment, occurred to the pursuivant.
+Having witnessed the prowess displayed by Guy Fawkes in his recent
+attack on the soldiers, he felt no disposition to encounter so
+formidable an opponent single-handed; and finding that the high-mettled
+barb on which he was mounted, by its superior speed and fiery temper,
+would inevitably place him in such a dilemma, he prudently resolved to
+halt, and exchange it for a more manageable steed.</p>
+
+<p>This delay was of great service to the fugitives, and enabled them to
+get considerably ahead. They had now gained a narrow lane, and, tracking
+it, speedily reached the rocky banks of the Irwell. Galloping along a
+foot-path that followed the serpentine course of the stream for a
+quarter of a mile, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> arrived at a spot marked by a bed of osiers,
+where Humphrey Chetham informed them there was a ford.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, they plunged into the river, and while stemming the
+current, which here ran with great swiftness, and rose up above the
+saddles, the neighing of a steed was heard from the bank they had
+quitted. Turning at the sound, Viviana beheld her favourite courser on
+the summit of a high rock. The soldier to whom Zayda was intrusted had
+speedily, as the pursuivant foresaw, distanced his companions, and chose
+this elevated position to take sure aim at Guy Fawkes, against whom he
+was now levelling a caliver. The next moment a bullet struck against his
+brigandine, but without doing him any injury. The soldier, however, did
+not escape so lightly. Startled by the discharge, the fiery barb leaped
+from the precipice into the river, and throwing her rider, who was borne
+off by the rapid stream, swam towards the opposite bank, which she
+reached just as the others were landing. At the sound of her mistress's
+voice she stood still, and allowed Humphrey Chetham to lay hold of her
+bridle; and Viviana declaring she was able to mount her, Guy Fawkes, who
+felt that such an arrangement was most likely to conduce to her safety,
+and who was, moreover, inclined to view the occurrence as a providential
+interference in their behalf, immediately assisted her into the saddle.</p>
+
+<p>Before this transfer could be effected, the pursuivant and his
+attendants had begun to ford the stream. The former had witnessed the
+accident that had befallen the soldier from a short distance; and, while
+he affected to deplore it, internally congratulated himself on his
+prudence and foresight. But he was by no means so well satisfied when he
+saw how it served to benefit the fugitives.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That unlucky beast!&rdquo; he exclaimed. &ldquo;Some fiend must have prompted me to
+bring her out of the stable. Would she had drowned herself instead of
+poor Dickon Duckesbury, whom she hath sent to feed the fishes! With her
+aid, Miss Radcliffe will doubtless escape. No matter. If I secure Father
+Oldcorne, and that black-visaged trooper in the Spanish garb, who, I'll
+be sworn, is a secret intelligencer of the pope, if not of the devil, I
+shall be well contented. I'll hang them both on a gibbet higher than
+Haman's.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And muttering other threats to the same effect, he picked his way to the
+opposite shore. Long before he reached it, the fugitives had
+disappeared; but on climbing the bank, he beheld them galloping swiftly
+across a well-wooded district steeped in moonlight, and spread out
+before his view, and inflamed by the sight he shouted to his attendants,
+and once more started in pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>Cheered by the fortunate incident above related, which, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> presenting
+her with her own steed in a manner so surprising and unexpected, seemed
+almost to give her assurance of deliverance, Viviana, inspirited by the
+exercise, felt her strength and spirits rapidly revive. At her side rode
+Guy Fawkes, who ever and anon cast an anxious look behind, to ascertain
+the distance of their pursuers, but suffered no exclamation to escape
+his lips. Indeed, throughout the whole affair, he maintained the reserve
+belonging to his sombre and taciturn character, and neither questioned
+Humphrey Chetham as to where he was leading them, nor proposed any
+deviation from the route he had apparently chosen. To such remarks as
+were addressed to him, Fawkes answered in monosyllables; and it was only
+when occasion required, that he volunteered any observation or advice.
+He seemed to surrender himself to chance. And perhaps, if his bosom
+could have been examined, it would have been found that he considered
+himself a mere puppet in the hands of destiny.</p>
+
+<p>In other and calmer seasons, he might have dwelt with rapture on the
+beautiful and varied country through which they were speeding, and which
+from every knoll they mounted, every slope they descended, every glade
+they threaded, intricacy pierced, or tangled dell tracked, presented new
+and increasing attractions. This charming district, since formed into a
+park by the Traffords, from whom it derives its present designation, was
+at this time,&mdash;though part of the domain of that ancient family,&mdash;wholly
+unenclosed. Old Trafford Hall lies (for it is still in existence,) more
+than a mile nearer to Manchester, a little to the east of Ordsall Hall;
+but the modern residence of the family is situated in the midst of the
+lovely region through which the fugitives were riding.</p>
+
+<p>But, though the charms of the scene, heightened by the gentle medium
+through which they were viewed, produced little effect upon the iron
+nature of Guy Fawkes, they were not without influence on his companions,
+especially Viviana. Soothed by the stillness of all around her, she
+almost forgot her danger; and surrendering herself to the dreamy
+enjoyment generally experienced in contemplating such a scene at such an
+hour, suffered her gaze to wander over the fair woody landscape before
+her, till it was lost in the distant moonlit wolds.</p>
+
+<p>From the train of thought naturally awakened by this spectacle, she was
+roused by the shouts of the pursuers; and, glancing timorously behind
+her, beheld them hurrying swiftly along the valley they had just
+quitted. From the rapidity with which they were advancing, it was
+evident they were gaining upon them, and she was about to urge her
+courser to greater speed, when Humphrey Chetham laid his hand upon the
+rein to check her.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Reserve yourself till we gain the brow of this hill,&rdquo; he remarked; &ldquo;and
+then put Zayda to her mettle. We are not far from our destination.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana. &ldquo;Where is it?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will show it to you presently,&rdquo; he answered.</p>
+
+<p>Arrived at the summit of the high ground, which they had been for some
+time gradually ascending, the young merchant pointed out a vast boggy
+tract, about two miles off, in the vale beneath them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That is our destination,&rdquo; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Did I not hold it impossible you could trifle with me at such a time as
+this, I should say you were jesting,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana. &ldquo;The place you
+indicate, unless I mistake you, is Chat Moss, the largest and most
+dangerous marsh in Lancashire.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You do not mistake me, neither am I jesting, Viviana,&rdquo; replied the
+young merchant, gravely. &ldquo;Chat Moss <i>is</i> the mark at which I aim.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If we are to cross it, we shall need a Will-o'-the-wisp to guide us,
+and some friendly elf to make firm the ground beneath our steeds,"
+rejoined Viviana, in a slightly-sarcastic tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Trust to me and you shall traverse it in safety,&rdquo; resumed Humphrey
+Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would sooner trust myself to the pursuivant and his band, than
+venture upon its treacherous surface,&rdquo; she replied.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How is this, young sir?&rdquo; interposed Guy Fawkes, sternly. &ldquo;Is it from
+heedlessness or rashness that you are about to expose us to this new
+danger?&mdash;which, if Viviana judges correctly, and my own experience of
+such places inclines me to think she does so,&mdash;is greater than that
+which now besets us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If there is any danger I shall be the first to encounter it, for I
+propose to act as your guide,&rdquo; returned Humphrey Chetham, in an offended
+tone. &ldquo;But the treacherous character of the marsh constitutes our
+safety. I am acquainted with a narrow path across it, from which the
+deviation of a foot will bring certain death. If our pursuers attempt to
+follow us their destruction is inevitable. Viviana may rest assured I
+would not needlessly expose so dear a life as hers. But it is our best
+chance of safety.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Humphrey Chetham is in the right,&rdquo; observed the priest. &ldquo;I have heard
+of the path he describes; and if he can guide us along it, we shall
+effectually baffle our enemies.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cry you mercy, sir,&rdquo; said Viviana. &ldquo;I did not apprehend your meaning.
+But I now thankfully resign myself to your care.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Forward, then,&rdquo; cried the young merchant. And they dashed swiftly down
+the declivity.</p>
+
+<p>Chat Moss, towards which they were hastening, though now drained, in
+part cultivated, and traversed by the busiest and most-frequented
+railroad in England, or the world, was, within the recollection of many
+of the youngest of the present generation, a dreary and almost
+impassable waste. Surveyed from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> heights of Dunham, whence the
+writer has often gazed upon it, envying the plover her wing to skim over
+its broad expanse, it presented with its black boggy soil, striped like
+a motley garment, with patches of grey, tawny, and dunnish red, a
+singular and mysterious appearance. Conjecture fixes this morass as the
+site of a vast forest, whose immemorial and Druid-haunted groves were
+burnt by the Roman invaders; and seeks to account for its present
+condition by supposing that the charred trees&mdash;still frequently found
+within its depths&mdash;being left where the conflagration had placed them,
+had choked up its brooks and springs, and so reduced it to a general
+swamp. Drayton, however, in the following lines from the Faerie Land,
+places its origin as far back as the Deluge:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+      <span class="i10">&mdash;&mdash;Great Chat Moss at my fall</span><br />
+      <span class="i4">Lies fall of turf and marl, her unctuous mineral;</span><br />
+      <span class="i4">And blocks as black as pitch, with boring augers found,</span><br />
+      <span class="i4">There at the General Flood supposed to be drown'd.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>But the former hypothesis appears the more probable. A curious
+description of Chat Moss, as it appeared at the time of this history, is
+furnished by Camden, who terms it, &ldquo;a swampy tract of great extent, a
+considerable part of which was carried off in the last age by swollen
+rivers with great danger, whereby the rivers were infected, and great
+quantities of fish died. Instead thereof is now a valley watered by a
+small stream; and many trees were discovered thrown down, and lying
+flat, so that one may suppose when the ground lay neglected, and the
+waste water of brooks was not drained off into the open valleys, or
+their courses stopped by neglect or desolation, all the lower grounds
+were turned into swamps, (which we call <i>mosses</i>,) or into pools. If
+this was the case, no wonder so many trees are found covered, and, as it
+were, buried in such places all over England, but especially here. For
+the roots being loosened by too excessive wet, they must necessarily
+fall down and sink in so soft a soil. The people hereabouts search for
+them with poles and spits, and after marking the place, dig them up and
+use them for firing, for they are like torches, equally fit to burn and
+to give light, which is probably owing to the bituminous earth that
+surrounds them, whence the common people suppose them firs, though Cæsar
+denies that there were such trees in Britain.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But, though vast masses of the bog had been carried off by the Irwell
+and the Mersey, as related by Camden, the general appearance of the
+waste,&mdash;with the exception of the valley and the small stream,&mdash;was much
+the same as it continued to our own time. Its surface was more broken
+and irregular, and black gaping chasms and pits filled with water and
+slime as dark-coloured as the turf whence it flowed, pointed out the
+spots where the swollen and heaving swamp had burst its bondage.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> Narrow
+paths, known only to the poor turf-cutters and other labourers who dwelt
+upon its borders, and gathered fuel with poles and spits in the manner
+above described, intersected it at various points. But as they led in
+many cases to dangerous and deep gulfs, to dismal quagmires and
+fathomless pits; and, moreover, as the slightest departure from the
+proper track would have whelmed the traveller in an oozy bed, from
+which, as from a quicksand, he would have vainly striven to extricate
+himself,&mdash;it was never crossed without a guide, except by those familiar
+with its perilous courses. One painful circumstance connected with the
+history of Chat Moss remains to be recorded&mdash;namely, that the attempt
+made to cultivate it by the great historian Roscoe,&mdash;an attempt since
+carried out, as has already been shown, with complete success,&mdash;ended in
+a result ruinous to the fortunes of that highly-gifted person, who, up
+to the period of this luckless undertaking, was as prosperous as he was
+meritorious.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the fugitives had approached the confines of the marsh. An
+accident, however, had just occurred, which nearly proved fatal to
+Viviana, and, owing to the delay it occasioned, brought their pursuers
+into dangerous proximity with them. In fording the Irwell, which, from
+its devious course, they were again compelled to cross, about a quarter
+of a mile below Barton, her horse missed its footing, and precipitated
+her into the rapid current. In another instant she would have been borne
+away, if Guy Fawkes had not flung himself into the water, and seized her
+before she sank. Her affrighted steed, having got out of its depth,
+began to swim off, and it required the utmost exertion on the part of
+Humphrey Chetham, embarrassed as he was by the priest, to secure it. In
+a few minutes all was set to rights, and Viviana was once more placed on
+the saddle, without having sustained further inconvenience than was
+occasioned by her dripping apparel. But those few minutes, as has been
+just stated, sufficed to bring the pursuivant and his men close upon
+them; and as they scrambled up the opposite bank, the plunging and
+shouting behind them told that the latter had entered the stream.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Yonder is Baysnape,&rdquo; exclaimed Humphrey Chetham, calling Viviana's
+attention to a ridge of high ground on the borders of the waste. &ldquo;Below
+it lies the path by which I propose to enter the moss. We shall speedily
+be out of the reach of our enemies.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The marsh at least will hide us,&rdquo; answered Viviana, with a shudder. &ldquo;It
+is a terrible alternative.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear nothing, dear daughter,&rdquo; observed the priest. &ldquo;The saints, who
+have thus marvellously protected us, will continue to watch over us to
+the end, and will make the path over yon perilous waste as safe as the
+ground on which we tread.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I like not the appearance of the sky,&rdquo; observed Guy Fawkes, looking
+uneasily upwards. &ldquo;Before we reach the spot you have pointed out, the
+moon will be obscured. Will it be safe to traverse the moss in the
+dark?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is our only chance,&rdquo; replied the young merchant, speaking in a low
+tone, that his answer might not reach Viviana's ears; &ldquo;and after all,
+the darkness may be serviceable. Our pursuers are so near, that if it
+were less gloomy, they might hit upon the right track. It will be a risk
+to us to proceed, but certain destruction to those who follow. And now
+let us make what haste we can. Every moment is precious.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The dreary and fast darkening waste had now opened upon them in all its
+horrors. Far as the gaze could reach appeared an immense expanse, flat
+almost as the surface of the ocean, and unmarked, so far as could be
+discerned in that doubtful light, by any trace of human footstep or
+habitation. It was a stern and sombre prospect, and calculated to
+inspire terror in the stoutest bosom. What effect it produced on Viviana
+may be easily conjectured. But her nature was brave and enduring, and,
+though she trembled so violently as scarcely to be able to keep her
+seat, she gave no utterance to her fears. They were now skirting that
+part of the morass since denominated, from the unfortunate speculation
+previously alluded to, &ldquo;Roscoe's Improvements.&rdquo; This tract was the worst
+and most dangerous portion of the whole moss. Soft, slabby, and
+unsubstantial, its treacherous beds scarcely offered secure footing to
+the heron that alighted on them. The ground shook beneath the fugitives
+as they hurried past the edge of the groaning and quivering marsh. The
+plover, scared from its nest, uttered its peculiar and plaintive cry;
+the bittern shrieked; other night-fowl poured forth their doleful notes;
+and the bull-frog added its deep croak to the ominous concert. Behind
+them came the thundering tramp and loud shouts of their pursuers. Guy
+Fawkes had judged correctly. Before they reached Baysnape the moon had
+withdrawn behind a rack of clouds, and it had become profoundly dark.
+Arrived at this point, Humphrey Chetham called to them to turn off to
+the right.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Follow singly,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and do not swerve a hair's breadth from the
+path. The slightest deviation will be fatal. Do you, sir,&rdquo; he added to
+the priest, &ldquo;mount behind Guy Fawkes, and let Viviana come next after
+me. If I should miss my way, do not stir for your life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The transfer effected, the fugitives turned off to the right, and
+proceeded at a cautious pace along a narrow and shaking path. The ground
+trembled so much beneath them, and their horses' feet sank so deeply in
+the plashy bog, that Viviana demanded, in a tone of some uneasiness, if
+he was sure he had taken the right course?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I had not,&rdquo; replied Humphrey Chetham, &ldquo;we should ere this have found
+our way to the bottom of the morass.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, a floundering plunge, accompanied by a horrible and
+quickly-stifled cry, told that one of their pursuers had perished in
+endeavouring to follow them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The poor wretch is gone to his account,&rdquo; observed Viviana, in a tone of
+commiseration. &ldquo;Have a care!&mdash;have a care, lest you share the same
+fate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I can save you, I care not what becomes of me,&rdquo; replied the young
+merchant. &ldquo;Since I can never hope to possess you, life has become
+valueless in my eyes.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Quicken your pace,&rdquo; shouted Guy Fawkes, who brought up the rear. &ldquo;Our
+pursuers have discovered the track, and are making towards us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let them do so,&rdquo; replied the young merchant. &ldquo;They can do us no farther
+injury.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That is false!&rdquo; cried the voice of a soldier from behind. And, as the
+words were uttered, a shot was fired, which, though aimed against
+Chetham, took effect upon his steed. The animal staggered, and his rider
+had only time to slide from his back when he reeled off the path, and
+was ingulfed in the marsh.</p>
+
+<p>Hearing the plunge of the steed, the man fancied he had hit his mark,
+and hallooed in an exulting voice to his companions. But his triumph was
+of short duration. A ball from the petronel of Guy Fawkes pierced his
+brain, and dropping from his saddle, he sank, together with his horse,
+which he dragged along with him into the quagmire.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Waste no more shot,&rdquo; cried Humphrey Chetham; &ldquo;the swamp will fight our
+battles for us. Though I grieve for the loss of my horse, I may be
+better able to guide you on foot.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he seized Viviana's bridle, and drew her steed along at a
+quick pace, but with the greatest caution. As they proceeded, a light
+like that of a lantern was seen to rise from the earth, and approach
+them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven be praised!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana: &ldquo;some one has heard us, and is
+hastening to our assistance.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not so,&rdquo; replied Humphrey Chetham. &ldquo;The light you behold is an <i>ignis
+fatuus</i>. Were you to trust yourself to its delusive gleam, it would lead
+you to the most dangerous parts of the moss.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And, as if to exhibit its real character, the little flame, which
+hitherto had burnt as brightly and steadily as a wax-candle, suddenly
+appeared to dilate, and assuming a purple tinge, emitted a shower of
+sparks, and then flitted rapidly over the plain.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Woe to him that follows it!&rdquo; cried Humphrey Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It has a strange unearthly look,&rdquo; observed Viviana, crossing herself.
+&ldquo;I have much difficulty in persuading myself it is not the work of some
+malignant sprite.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is only an exhalation of the marsh,&rdquo; replied Chetham. &ldquo;But, see!
+others are at hand.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Their approach, indeed, seemed to have disturbed all the weird children
+of the waste. Lights were seen trooping towards them in every direction;
+sometimes stopping, sometimes rising in the air, now contracting, now
+expanding, and when within a few yards of the travellers, retreating
+with inconceivable swiftness.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is a marvellous and incomprehensible spectacle,&rdquo; remarked Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The common folk hereabouts affirm that these Jack-o'-lanterns, as they
+term them, always appear in greater numbers when some direful
+catastrophe is about to take place,&rdquo; rejoined the young merchant.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven avert it from us,&rdquo; ejaculated Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is an idle superstition,&rdquo; returned Chetham. &ldquo;But we must now keep
+silence,&rdquo; he continued, lowering his voice, and stopping near the
+charred stump of a tree, left, it would seem, as a mark. &ldquo;The road turns
+here; and, unless our pursuers know it, we shall now quit them for ever.
+We must not let a sound betray the course we are about to take.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Having turned this dangerous corner in safety, and conducted his
+companions as noiselessly as possible for a few yards along the cross
+path, which being much narrower was consequently more perilous than the
+first, Humphrey Chetham stood still, and, imposing silence upon the
+others, listened to the approach of their pursuers. His prediction was
+speedily and terribly verified. Hearing the movement in advance, but
+unable to discover the course taken by the fugitives, the unfortunate
+soldiers, fearful of losing their prey, quickened their pace, in the
+expectation of instantly overtaking them. They were fatally undeceived.
+Four only of their number, besides their leader, remained,&mdash;two having
+perished in the manner heretofore described. The first of these,
+disregarding the caution of his comrade, laughingly urged his horse into
+a gallop, and, on passing the mark, sunk as if by magic, and before he
+could utter a single warning cry, into the depths of the morass. His
+disappearance was so instantaneous, that the next in order, though he
+heard the sullen plunge, was unable to draw in the rein, and was
+likewise ingulfed. A third followed; and a fourth, in his efforts to
+avoid their fate, backed his steed over the slippery edge of the path.
+Only one now remained. It was the pursuivant, who, with the prudence
+that characterized all his proceedings, had followed in the rear. He was
+so dreadfully frightened, that, adding his shrieks to those of his
+attendants, he shouted to the fugitives, imploring assistance in the
+most piteous terms, and promising never again to molest them, if they
+would guide him to a place of safety. But his cries were wholly
+unheeded; and he perhaps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> endured in those few minutes of agony as much
+suffering as he had inflicted on the numerous victims of his barbarity.
+It was indeed an appalling moment. Three of the wretched men had not yet
+sunk, but were floundering about in the swamp, and shrieking for help.
+The horses, as much terrified as their riders, added their piercing
+cries to the half-suffocated yells. And, as if to make the scene more
+ghastly, myriads of dancing lights flitted towards them, and throwing an
+unearthly glimmer over this part of the morass, fully revealed their
+struggling figures. Moved by compassion for the poor wretches, Viviana
+implored Humphrey Chetham to assist them, and, finding him immovable,
+she appealed to Guy Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They are beyond all human aid,&rdquo; the latter replied.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven have mercy on their souls!&rdquo; ejaculated the priest &ldquo;Pray for
+them, dear daughter. Pray heartily, as I am about to do.&rdquo; And he recited
+in an audible voice the Romish formula of supplication for those <i>in
+extremis</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Averting her gaze from the spectacle, Viviana joined fervently in the
+prayer.</p>
+
+<p>By this time two of the strugglers had disappeared. The third, having
+freed himself from his horse, contrived for some moments, during which
+he uttered the most frightful cries, to keep his head above the swamp.
+His efforts were tremendous, but unavailing, and served only to
+accelerate his fate. Making a last desperate plunge towards the bank
+where the fugitives were standing, he sank above the chin. The
+expression of his face, shown by the ghastly glimmer of the fen-fires,
+as he was gradually swallowed up, was horrible.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;<i>Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine</i>,&rdquo; exclaimed the priest.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All is over,&rdquo; cried Humphrey Chetham, taking the bridle of Viviana's
+steed, and leading her onwards. &ldquo;We are free from our pursuers.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is one left,&rdquo; she rejoined, casting a look backwards.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the pursuivant,&rdquo; returned Guy Fawkes, sternly. &ldquo;He is within
+shot,&rdquo; he added, drawing his petronel.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, no&mdash;no!&mdash;in pity spare him!&rdquo; cried Viviana. &ldquo;Too many lives have
+been sacrificed already.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is the cause of all the mischief,&rdquo; answered Guy Fawkes, unwillingly
+replacing the petronel in his belt, &ldquo;and may live to injure you and your
+father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will hope not,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana; &ldquo;but, spare him!&mdash;oh, spare him!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be it as you please,&rdquo; replied Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;The marsh, I trust, will not
+be so merciful.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, they slowly resumed their progress. On hearing their
+departure, the pursuivant renewed his cries in a more piteous tone than
+ever; but, in spite of the entreaties of Viviana, nothing could induce
+her companions to lend him assistance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>For some time they proceeded in silence, and without accident. As they
+advanced, the difficulties of the path increased, and it was fortunate
+that the moon, emerging from the clouds in which, up to this moment, she
+had been shrouded, enabled them to steer their course in safety. At
+length, after a tedious and toilsome march for nearly half a mile, the
+footing became more secure, the road widened, and they were able to
+quicken their pace. Another half mile landed them upon the western bank
+of the morass. Viviana's first impulse was to give thanks to Heaven for
+their deliverance, nor did she omit in her prayer a supplication for the
+unfortunate beings who had perished.</p>
+
+<p>Arrived at the point now known as Rawson Nook, they entered a lane, and
+proceeded towards Astley Green, where perceiving a cluster of thatched
+cottages among the trees, they knocked at the door of the first, and
+speedily obtained admittance from its inmates, a turf-cutter and his
+wife. The man conveyed their steeds to a neighbouring barn, while the
+good dame offered Viviana such accommodation and refreshment as her
+humble dwelling afforded. Here they tarried till the following evening,
+as much to recruit Miss Radcliffe's strength, as for security.</p>
+
+<p>At the young merchant's request, the turf-cutter went in the course of
+the day to see what had become of the pursuivant. He was nowhere to be
+found. But he accidentally learned from another hind, who followed the
+same occupation as himself, that a person answering to the officer's
+description had been seen to emerge from the moss near Baysnape at
+daybreak, and take the road towards Manchester. Of the unfortunate
+soldiers nothing but a steel cap and a pike, which the man brought away
+with him, could be discovered.</p>
+
+<p>After much debate, it was decided that their safest plan would be to
+proceed to Manchester, where Humphrey Chetham undertook to procure them
+safe lodgings at the Seven Stars,&mdash;an excellent hostel, kept by a worthy
+widow, who, he affirmed, would do anything to serve him. Accordingly,
+they set out at nightfall,&mdash;Viviana taking her place before Guy Fawkes,
+and relinquishing Zayda to the young merchant and the priest. Shaping
+their course through Worsley, by Monton Green and Pendleton, they
+arrived in about an hour within sight of the town, which then,&mdash;not a
+tithe of its present size, and unpolluted by the smoky atmosphere in
+which it is now constantly enveloped,&mdash;was not without some pretensions
+to a picturesque appearance. Crossing Salford Bridge, they mounted
+Smithy-Bank, as it was then termed, and proceeding along Cateaton-street
+and Hanging Ditch, struck into Whithing (now Withy) Grove, at the right
+of which, just where a few houses were beginning to straggle up Shude
+Hill, stood, and still stands, the comfortable hostel of the Seven
+Stars. Here they stopped, and were warmly welcomed by its buxom
+mistress, Dame Sutcliffe. Muffled in Guy Fawkes's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> cloak, the priest
+gained the chamber to which he was ushered unobserved. And Dame
+Sutcliffe, though her Protestant notions were a little scandalized at
+her dwelling being made the sanctuary of a Popish priest, promised, at
+the instance of Master Chetham, whom she knew to be no favourer of
+idolatry in a general way, to be answerable for his safety.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_VI" id="I_CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE DISINTERMENT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Having seen every attention shown to Viviana by the hostess,&mdash;who, as
+soon as she discovered that she had the daughter of Sir William
+Radcliffe of Ordsall, under her roof, bestirred herself in right earnest
+for her accommodation,&mdash;Humphrey Chetham, notwithstanding the lateness
+of the hour,&mdash;it was past midnight,&mdash;expressed his determination to walk
+to his residence at Crumpsall, to put an end to any apprehension which
+might be entertained by the household at his prolonged absence.</p>
+
+<p>With this view, he set forth; and Guy Fawkes, who seemed to be
+meditating some project which he was unwilling to disclose to the
+others, quitted the hostel with him, bidding the chamberlain sit up for
+him, as he should speedily return. They had not gone far when he
+inquired the nearest way to the Collegiate Church, and was answered that
+they were then proceeding towards it, and in a few moments should arrive
+at its walls. He next asked the young merchant whether he could inform
+him which part of the churchyard was allotted to criminals. Humphrey
+Chetham, somewhat surprised by the question, replied, &ldquo;At the
+north-west, near the charnel,&rdquo; adding, &ldquo;I shall pass within a short
+distance of the spot, and will point it out to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Entering Fennel Street, at the end of which stood an ancient cross, they
+soon came in sight of the church. The moon was shining brightly, and
+silvered the massive square tower of the fane, the battlements,
+pinnacles, buttresses, and noble eastern window, with its gorgeous
+tracery. While Guy Fawkes paused for a moment to contemplate this
+reverend and beautiful structure, two venerable personages, having long
+snowy beards, and wrapped in flowing mantles edged with sable fur,
+passed the end of the street. One of them carried a lantern, though it
+was wholly needless, as it was bright as day; and as they glided
+stealthily along, there was something so mysterious in their manner,
+that it greatly excited the curiosity of Guy Fawkes, who inquired from
+his companion if he knew who they were.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The foremost is the warden of Manchester, the famous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> Doctor Dee,"
+replied Humphrey Chetham, &ldquo;divine, mathematician, astrologer,&mdash;and if
+report speaks truly, conjuror.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is that Doctor Dee?&rdquo; cried Guy Fawkes, in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is,&rdquo; replied the young merchant: &ldquo;and the other in the Polish cap is
+the no-less celebrated Edward Kelley, the doctor's assistant, or, as he
+is ordinarily termed, his seer.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They have entered the churchyard,&rdquo; remarked Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;I will follow
+them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would not advise you to do so,&rdquo; rejoined the other. &ldquo;Strange tales
+are told of them. You may witness that it is not safe to look upon.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The caution, however, was unheeded. Guy Fawkes had already disappeared,
+and the young merchant, shrugging his shoulders, proceeded on his way
+towards Hunt's Bank.</p>
+
+<p>On gaining the churchyard, Guy Fawkes perceived the warden and his
+companion creeping stealthily beneath the shadow of a wall in the
+direction of a low fabric, which appeared to be a bone-house, or
+charnel, situated at the north-western extremity of the church. Before
+this building grew a black and stunted yew-tree. Arrived at it, they
+paused, and looked round to see whether they were observed. They did
+not, however, notice Guy Fawkes, who had concealed himself behind a
+buttress. Kelley then unlocked the door of the charnel, and brought out
+a pickaxe and mattock. Having divested himself of his cloak, he
+proceeded to shovel out the mould from a new-made grave at a little
+distance from the building. Doctor Dee stood by, and held the lantern
+for his assistant.</p>
+
+<p>Determined to watch their proceedings, Guy Fawkes crept towards the
+yew-tree, behind which he ensconced himself. Kelley, meanwhile,
+continued to ply his spade with a vigour that seemed almost
+incomprehensible in one so far stricken in years, and of such infirm
+appearance. At length he paused, and kneeling within the shallow grave,
+endeavoured to drag something from it. Doctor Dee knelt to assist him.
+After some exertion, they drew forth the corpse of a female, which had
+been interred without coffin, and apparently in the habiliments worn
+during life. A horrible suspicion crossed Guy Fawkes. Resolving to
+satisfy his doubts at once, he rushed forward, and beheld in the ghastly
+lineaments of the dead the features of the unfortunate prophetess,
+Elizabeth Orton.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_VII" id="I_CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h2>DOCTOR DEE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&ldquo;How now, ye impious violators of the tomb! ye worse than
+famine-stricken wolves, that rake up the dead in churchyards!&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> cried
+Guy Fawkes, in a voice of thunder, to Doctor Dee and his companion; who,
+startled by his sudden appearance, dropped the body, and retreated to a
+short distance. &ldquo;What devilish rites are ye about to enact, that ye thus
+profane the sanctity of the grave?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 363px;">
+<img src="images/illo_050.jpg" width="363" height="600" alt="Guy Fawkes discovers Doctor Dee &amp; Edward Kelley
+disintering the body of Elizabeth Orton" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Guy Fawkes discovers Doctor Dee &amp; Edward Kelley
+disintering the body of Elizabeth Orton</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And who art thou that darest thus to interrupt us?&rdquo; demanded Dee,
+sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It matters not,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, striding towards them. &ldquo;Suffice it
+you are both known to <i>me</i>. You, John Dee, warden of Manchester, who
+deserve to be burnt at the stake for your damnable practices, rather
+than hold the sacred office you fill; and you, Edward Kelley, his
+associate, who boast of familiar intercourse with demons, and, unless
+fame belies you, have purchased the intimacy at the price of your soul's
+salvation. I know you both. I know, also, whose body you have
+disinterred&mdash;it is that of the ill-fated prophetess, Elizabeth Orton.
+And if you do not instantly restore it to the grave whence you have
+snatched it, I will denounce you to the authorities of the town.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Knowing thus much, you should know still more,&rdquo; retorted Doctor Dee,
+&ldquo;namely, that I am not to be lightly provoked. You have no power to quit
+the churchyard&mdash;nay, not so much as to move a limb without my
+permission.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, he drew from beneath his cloak a small phial, the contents
+of which he sprinkled over the intruder. Its effect was wonderful and
+instantaneous. The limbs of Guy Fawkes stiffened where he stood. His
+hand remained immovably fixed upon the pommel of his sword, and he
+seemed transformed into a marble statue.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will henceforth acknowledge and respect my power,&rdquo; he continued.
+&ldquo;Were it my pleasure, I could bury you twenty fathoms deep in the earth
+beneath our feet; or, by invoking certain spirits, convey you to the
+summit of yon lofty tower,&rdquo; pointing to the church, &ldquo;and hurl you from
+it headlong. But I content myself with depriving you of motion, and
+leave you in possession of sight and speech, that you may endure the
+torture of witnessing what you cannot prevent.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he was about to return to the corpse with Kelley, when Guy
+Fawkes exclaimed, in a hollow voice,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Set me free, and I will instantly depart.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will you swear never to divulge what you have seen?&rdquo; demanded Dee,
+pausing.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Solemnly,&rdquo; he replied.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will trust you, then,&rdquo; rejoined the Doctor;&mdash;"the rather that your
+presence interferes with my purpose.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Taking a handful of loose earth from an adjoining grave, and muttering a
+few words, that sounded like a charm, he scattered it over Fawkes. The
+spell was instantly broken. A leaden weight seemed to be removed from
+his limbs. His joints re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>gained their suppleness, and with a convulsive
+start, like that by which a dreamer casts off a nightmare, he was
+liberated from his preternatural thraldom.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now, begone!&rdquo; cried Doctor Dee, authoritatively.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Suffer me to tarry with you a few moments,&rdquo; said Guy Fawkes, in a
+deferential tone. &ldquo;Heretofore, I will freely admit, I regarded you as an
+impostor; but now I am convinced you are deeply skilled in the occult
+sciences, and would fain consult you on the future.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have already said that your presence troubles me,&rdquo; replied Doctor
+Dee. &ldquo;But if you will call upon me at the College to-morrow, it may be I
+will give you further proofs of my skill.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why not now, reverend sir?&rdquo; urged Fawkes. &ldquo;The question I would ask is
+better suited to this dismal spot and witching hour, than to daylight
+and the walls of your study.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Dee. &ldquo;Your name?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Guy Fawkes,&rdquo; replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Guy Fawkes!&rdquo; echoed the Doctor, starting. &ldquo;Nay, then, I guess the
+nature of the question you would ask.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Am I then known to you, reverend sir?&rdquo; inquired Fawkes, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;As well as to yourself&mdash;nay, better,&rdquo; answered the Doctor. &ldquo;Bring the
+lantern hither, Kelley,&rdquo; he continued, addressing his companion. &ldquo;Look!"
+he added, elevating the light so as to throw it upon the countenance of
+Fawkes: &ldquo;it is the very face,&mdash;the bronzed and strongly-marked
+features,&mdash;the fierce black eye,&mdash;the iron frame, and foreign garb of
+the figure we beheld in the show-stone.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is,&rdquo; replied Kelley. &ldquo;I could have singled him out amid a thousand.
+He looked thus as we tracked his perilous course, with his three
+companions, the priest, Chetham, and Viviana Radcliffe, across Chat
+Moss.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How have you learned this?&rdquo; cried Guy Fawkes, in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By the art that reveals all things,&rdquo; answered Kelley.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In proof that your thoughts are known to me,&rdquo; observed Dee, &ldquo;I will
+tell you the inquiry you would make before it is uttered. You would
+learn whether the enterprise on which you are engaged will succeed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Yet more,&rdquo; continued Dee. &ldquo;I am aware of the nature of the plot, and
+could name to you all connected with it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your power is, indeed, wonderful,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes in an altered tone.
+&ldquo;But will you give me the information I require?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hum!&rdquo; muttered Dee.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am too poor to purchase it,&rdquo; proceeded Fawkes, &ldquo;unless a relic I have
+brought from Spain has any value in your eyes.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 388px;">
+<img src="images/illo_053.jpg" width="388" height="600" alt="Doctor Dee, in conjunction with his Seer Edward Kelley,
+exhibiting his magical skill to Guy Fawkes" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Doctor Dee, in conjunction with his Seer Edward Kelley,
+exhibiting his magical skill to Guy Fawkes</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Tush!&rdquo; exclaimed Dee, angrily. &ldquo;Do you suppose I am a common juggler,
+and practise my art for gain?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By no means, reverend sir,&rdquo; said Fawkes. &ldquo;But I would not willingly put
+you to trouble without evincing my gratitude.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, then,&rdquo; replied Dee, &ldquo;I will not refuse your request. And yet I
+would caution you to beware how you pry into the future. You may repent
+your rashness when it is too late.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have no fear,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes. &ldquo;Let me know the worst.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Enough,&rdquo; answered Dee. &ldquo;And now listen to me. That carcass having been
+placed in the ground without the holy rites of burial being duly
+performed, I have power over it. And, as the witch of Endor called up
+Samuel, as is recorded in Holy Writ,&mdash;as Erichtho raised up a corpse to
+reveal to Sextus Pompeius the event of the Pharsalian war,&mdash;as Elisha
+breathed life into the nostrils of the Shunamite's son,&mdash;as Alcestis was
+invoked by Hercules,&mdash;and as the dead maid was brought back to life by
+Apollonius Thyaneus,&mdash;so I, by certain powerful incantations, will
+allure the soul of the prophetess, for a short space, to its former
+tenement, and compel it to answer my questions. Dare you be present at
+this ceremony?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I dare,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Follow me, then,&rdquo; said Dee. &ldquo;You will need all your courage.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Muttering a hasty prayer, and secretly crossing himself, Guy Fawkes
+strode after him towards the grave. By the Doctor's directions, he, with
+some reluctance, assisted Kelley to raise the corpse, and convey it to
+the charnel. Dee followed, bearing the lantern, and, on entering the
+building, closed and fastened the door.</p>
+
+<p>The chamber in which Guy Fawkes found himself was in perfect keeping
+with the horrible ceremonial about to be performed. In one corner lay a
+mouldering heap of skulls, bones, and other fragments of mortality; in
+the other a pile of broken coffins, emptied of their tenants, and reared
+on end. But what chiefly attracted his attention, was a ghastly
+collection of human limbs, blackened with pitch, girded round with iron
+hoops, and hung, like meat in a shambles, against the wall. There were
+two heads, and, though the features were scarcely distinguishable, owing
+to the liquid in which they had been immersed, they still retained a
+terrific expression of agony. Seeing his attention directed to these
+revolting objects, Kelley informed him they were the quarters of the two
+priests who had recently been put to death, which had been left there
+previously to being placed on the church-gates. The implements, and some
+part of the attire used by the executioner in his butcherly office, were
+scattered about, and mixed with the tools of the sexton; while in the
+centre of the room stood a large wooden frame supported by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> trestles. On
+this frame, stained with blood and smeared with pitch, showing the
+purpose to which it had been recently put, the body was placed. This
+done, Doctor Dee set down the lantern beside it; and, as the light fell
+upon its livid features, sullied with earth, and exhibiting traces of
+decay, Guy Fawkes was so appalled by the sight that he half repented of
+what he had undertaken.</p>
+
+<p>Noticing his irresolution, Doctor Dee said, &ldquo;You may yet retire if you
+think proper.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, rousing himself; &ldquo;I will go through with it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is well,&rdquo; replied Dee. And he extinguished the light.</p>
+
+<p>An awful silence now ensued, broken only by a low murmur from Doctor
+Dee, who appeared to be reciting an incantation. As he proceeded, his
+tones became louder, and his accents those of command. Suddenly, he
+paused, and seemed to await a response. But, as none was made, greatly
+to the disappointment of Guy Fawkes, whose curiosity, notwithstanding
+his fears, was raised to the highest pitch, he cried, &ldquo;Blood is wanting
+to complete the charm.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If that is all, I will speedily supply the deficiency,&rdquo; replied Guy
+Fawkes; and, drawing his rapier, he bared his left arm, and pricked it
+deeply with the point of the weapon.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I bleed now,&rdquo; he cried.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Sprinkle the corpse with the ruddy current,&rdquo; rejoined Doctor Dee.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your commands are obeyed,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I have placed my hand on
+its breast, and the blood is flowing upon it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Upon this the Doctor began to mutter an incantation in a louder and more
+authoritative tone than before. Presently, Kelley added his voice, and
+they both joined in a sort of chorus, but in a jargon wholly
+unintelligible to Guy Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>All at once a blue flame appeared above their heads, and, slowly
+descending, settled upon the brow of the corpse, lighting up the sunken
+cavities of the eyes, and the discoloured and distorted features.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The charm works,&rdquo; shouted Doctor Dee.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She moves! she moves!&rdquo; exclaimed Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;She is alive!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Take off your hand,&rdquo; cried the Doctor, &ldquo;or mischief may ensue.&rdquo; And he
+again continued his incantation.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Down on your knees!&rdquo; he exclaimed, at length, in a terrible voice. &ldquo;The
+spirit is at hand.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>There was a rushing sound, and a stream of dazzling lightning shot down
+upon the corpse, which emitted a hollow groan. In obedience to the
+Doctor's commands, Guy Fawkes had prostrated himself on the ground: but
+he kept his gaze steadily fixed on the body, which, to his infinite
+astonishment, slowly arose, until<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> it stood erect upon the frame. There
+it remained perfectly motionless, with the arms close to the sides, and
+the habiliments torn and dishevelled. The blue light still retained its
+position upon the brow, and communicated a horrible glimmer to the
+features. The spectacle was so dreadful that Guy Fawkes would fain have
+averted his eyes, but he was unable to do so. Doctor Dee and his
+companion, meanwhile, continued their invocations, until, as it seemed
+to Fawkes, the lips of the corpse moved, and an awful voice exclaimed,
+&ldquo;Why have you called me?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Daughter!&rdquo; replied Doctor Dee, rising, &ldquo;in life thou wert endowed with
+the gift of prophecy. In the grave, that which is to come must be
+revealed to thee. We would question thee.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Speak, and I will answer,&rdquo; replied the corpse.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Interrogate her, my son,&rdquo; said Dee, addressing Fawkes, &ldquo;and be brief,
+for the time is short. So long only as that flame burns have I power
+over her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Spirit of Elizabeth Orton,&rdquo; cried Guy Fawkes, &ldquo;if indeed thou standest
+before me, and some demon hath not entered thy frame to delude me,&mdash;by
+all that is holy, and by every blessed saint, I adjure thee to tell me
+whether the scheme on which I am now engaged for the advantage of the
+Catholic Church will prosper?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thou art mistaken, Guy Fawkes,&rdquo; returned the corpse. &ldquo;Thy scheme is not
+for the advantage of the Catholic Church.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not pause to inquire wherefore,&rdquo; continued Fawkes. &ldquo;But, grant
+that the means are violent and wrongful, will the end be successful?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The end will be death,&rdquo; replied the corpse.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;To the tyrant&mdash;to the oppressors?&rdquo; demanded Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;To the conspirators,&rdquo; was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ha!&rdquo; ejaculated Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Proceed, if you have aught more to ask,&rdquo; cried Dr. Dee. &ldquo;The flame is
+expiring.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Shall we restore the fallen religion?&rdquo; demanded Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>But before the words could be pronounced the light vanished, and a heavy
+sound was heard, as of the body falling on the frame.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is over,&rdquo; said Doctor Dee.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Can you not summon her again?&rdquo; asked Fawkes, in a tone of deep
+disappointment. &ldquo;I had other questions to ask.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Impossible,&rdquo; replied the Doctor. &ldquo;The spirit is fled, and will not be
+recalled. We must now commit the body to the earth. And this time it
+shall be more decently interred.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My curiosity is excited,&mdash;not satisfied,&rdquo; said Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;Would it
+were to occur again!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is ever thus,&rdquo; replied Doctor Dee. &ldquo;We seek to know that which is
+interdicted,&mdash;and quench our thirst at a fountain that only inflames our
+curiosity the more. Be warned, my son. You are embarked on a perilous
+enterprise, and if you pursue it, it will lead you to certain
+destruction.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot retreat,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, &ldquo;and would not, if I could. I am
+bound by an oath too terrible to be broken.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will absolve you of your oath, my son,&rdquo; said Dr. Dee, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You cannot, reverend sir,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;By no sophistry could I
+clear my conscience of the ties imposed upon it. I have sworn never to
+desist from the execution of this scheme, unless those engaged in it
+shall give me leave. Nay, so resolved am I, that if I stood alone I
+would go on.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, a deep groan issued from the corpse.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are again warned, my son,&rdquo; said Dee.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Come forth,&rdquo; said Guy Fawkes, rushing towards the door, and throwing it
+open. &ldquo;This place stifles me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The night has already been described as bright and beautiful. Before him
+stood the Collegiate Church bathed in moonlight. He gazed abstractedly
+at this venerable structure for a few moments, and then returned to the
+charnel, where he found Doctor Dee and Kelley employed in placing the
+body of the prophetess in a coffin, which they had taken from a pile in
+the corner. He immediately proffered his assistance, and in a short
+space the task was completed. The coffin was then borne towards the
+grave, at the edge of which it was laid while the burial-service was
+recited by Doctor Dee. This ended, it was lowered into its shallow
+resting-place, and speedily covered with earth.</p>
+
+<p>When all was ready for their departure, the Doctor turned to Fawkes,
+and, bidding him farewell, observed,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you are wise, my son, you will profit by the awful warning you have
+this night received.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Before we part, reverend sir,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, &ldquo;I would ask if you know
+of other means whereby an insight may be obtained into the future?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Many, my son,&rdquo; replied Dee. &ldquo;I have a magic glass, in which, with due
+preparation, you may behold exact representations of coming events. I am
+now returning to the College, and if you will accompany me, I will show
+it to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The offer was eagerly accepted, and the party quitted the churchyard.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_VIII" id="I_CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE MAGIC GLASS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The old College of Manchester occupied, as is well known, the site of
+the existing structure, called after the benevolent individual by whom
+that admirable charity was founded, and whom we have ventured to
+introduce in this history,&mdash;the Chetham Hos<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>pital. Much, indeed, of the
+ancient building remains; for though it was considerably repaired and
+enlarged, being &ldquo;very ruinous and in great decay,&rdquo; at the time of its
+purchase in 1654, by the feoffees under Humphrey Chetham's will, from
+the sequestrators of the Earl of Derby's estates, still the general
+character of the fabric has been preserved, and several of its chambers
+retained. Originally built on the foundation of a manor-house
+denominated The Baron's Hall,&mdash;the abode of the Grelleys and the De la
+Warrs, lords of Manchester,&mdash;the College continued to be used as the
+residence of the warden and fellows of the Collegiate Church until the
+reign of Edward the First, when that body was dissolved. On the
+accession, however, of Mary, the College was re-established; but the
+residence of the ecclesiastical body being removed to a house in
+Deansgate, the building was allowed to become extremely dilapidated, and
+was used partly as a prison for recusants and other offenders, and
+partly as a magazine for powder. In this state Dr. Dee found it when he
+succeeded to the wardenship in 1595, and preferring it, notwithstanding
+its ruinous condition, to the house appointed for him elsewhere, took up
+his abode within it.</p>
+
+<p>Situated on a high rock, overhanging the river Irk&mdash;at that time a clear
+stream, remarkable for the excellence of its fish,&mdash;and constructed
+entirely of stone, the old College had then, and still has to a certain
+extent, a venerable and monastic appearance. During Dee's occupation of
+it, it became a sort of weird abode in the eyes of the vulgar, and many
+a timorous look was cast at it by those who walked at eventide on the
+opposite bank of the Irk. Sometimes the curiosity of the watchers was
+rewarded by beholding a few sparks issue from the chimney, and now and
+then, the red reflection of a fire might be discerned through the
+window. But generally nothing could be perceived, and the building
+seemed as dark and mysterious as its occupant.</p>
+
+<p>One night, however, a loud explosion took place,&mdash;so loud, indeed, that
+it shook the whole pile to its foundation, dislodged one or two of the
+chimneys, and overthrew an old wall, the stones of which rolled into the
+river beneath. Alarmed by the concussion, the inhabitants of Hunt's Bank
+rushed forth, and saw, to their great alarm, that the wing of the
+college occupied by Doctor Dee was in flames. Though many of them
+attributed the circumstance to supernatural agency, and were fully
+persuaded that the enemy of mankind was at that instant bearing off the
+conjuror and his assistant, and refused to interfere to stop the
+conflagration, others, more humane and less superstitious, hastened to
+lend their aid to extinguish the flames. On reaching the College, they
+could scarcely credit their senses on finding that there was no
+appearance of fire; and they were met by the Doctor and his companion at
+the gates, who informed them that their presence was unnecessary, as all
+danger<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> was over. From that night Doctor Dee's reputation as a wizard
+was firmly established.</p>
+
+<p>At the period of this history, Doctor Dee was fast verging on eighty,
+having passed a long life in severe and abstruse study. He had travelled
+much, had visited most of the foreign courts, where he was generally
+well received, and was profoundly versed in mathematics, astronomy, the
+then popular science of judicial astrology, and other occult learning.
+So accurate were his calculations esteemed, that he was universally
+consulted as an oracle. For some time, he resided in Germany, where he
+was invited by the Emperor Charles the Fifth, and retained by his
+brother and successor, Ferdinando. He next went to Louvain, where his
+reputation had preceded him; and from thence to Paris, where he lectured
+at the schools on geometry, and was offered a professorship of the
+university, but declined it. On his return to England in 1551, he was
+appointed one of the instructors of the youthful monarch, Edward the
+Sixth, who presented him with an annual pension of a hundred marks. This
+he was permitted to commute for the rectory of Upton-upon-Severn, which
+he retained until the accession of Mary, when being charged with
+devising her Majesty's destruction by enchantments,&mdash;certain waxen
+images of the Queen having been found within his abode,&mdash;he was thrown
+into prison, rigorously treated, and kept in durance for a long period.
+At length, from want of sufficient proof against him, he was liberated.</p>
+
+<p>Dee shared the common fate of all astrologers: he was alternately
+honoured and disgraced. His next patron was Lord Robert Dudley
+(afterwards the celebrated Earl of Leicester), who, it is well-known,
+was a firm believer in the superstitious arts to which Dee was addicted,
+and by whom he was employed, on the accession of Elizabeth, to erect a
+scheme to ascertain the best day for her coronation. His prediction was
+so fortunate that it procured him the favour of the Queen, from whom he
+received many marks of regard. As it is not needful to follow him
+through his various wanderings, it may be sufficient to mention, that in
+1564 he proceeded to Germany on a visit to the Emperor Maximilian, to
+whom he dedicated his &ldquo;<i>Monas Hieroglyphica</i>;&rdquo; that in 1571 he fell
+grievously sick in Lorrain, whither two physicians were despatched to
+his aid by Elizabeth; and that on his recovery he returned to his own
+country, and retired to Mortlake, where he gathered together a vast
+library, comprising the rarest and most curious works on all sciences,
+together with a large collection of manuscripts.</p>
+
+<p>While thus living in retirement, he was sought out by Edward Kelley, a
+native of Worcestershire, who represented himself as in possession of an
+old book of magic, containing forms of invocation, by which spirits
+might be summoned and controlled, as well as a ball of ivory, found in
+the tomb of a bishop who had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> made great progress in hermetic
+philosophy, which was filled with the powder of projection. These
+treasures Kelley offered to place in the hands of the Doctor on certain
+conditions, which were immediately acquiesced in, and thenceforth Kelley
+became a constant inmate in his house, and an assistant in all his
+practices. Shortly afterwards, they were joined by a Polish nobleman,
+Albert de Laski, Palatine of Suabia, whom they accompanied to Prague, at
+the instance of the Emperor Rodolph the Second, who desired to be
+initiated into their mysteries. Their reception at this court was not
+such as to induce a long sojourn at it; and Dee having been warned by
+his familiar spirits to sell his effects and depart, complied with the
+intimation, and removed to Poland. The same fate attended him here. The
+nuncio of the Pope denounced him as a sorcerer, and demanded that he
+should be delivered up to the Inquisition. This was refused by the
+monarch; but Dee and his companion were banished from his dominions, and
+compelled to fly to Bohemia, where they took refuge in the castle of
+Trebona, belonging to Count Rosenberg. Shortly afterwards, Dee and
+Kelley separated, the magical instruments being delivered to the former,
+who bent his course homewards; and on his arrival in London was warmly
+welcomed by the Queen. During his absence, his house at Mortlake had
+been broken open by the populace, under the pretence of its being the
+abode of a wizard, and rifled of its valuable library and
+manuscripts,&mdash;a loss severely felt by its owner. Some years were now
+passed by Dee in great destitution, during which he prosecuted his
+studies with the same ardour as before, until at length in 1595, when he
+was turned seventy, fortune again smiled upon him, and he was appointed
+to the wardenship of the College at Manchester, whither he repaired, and
+was installed in great pomp.</p>
+
+<p>But his residence in this place was not destined to be a tranquil one.
+His reputation as a dealer in the black art had preceded him, and
+rendered him obnoxious to the clergy, with whom he had constant
+disputes, and a feud subsisted between him and the fellows of his
+church. It has already been mentioned that he refused to occupy the
+house allotted him, but preferred taking up his quarters in the old
+dilapidated College. Various reasons were assigned by his enemies for
+this singular choice of abode. They affirmed&mdash;and with some reason&mdash;that
+he selected it because he desired to elude observation,&mdash;and that his
+mode of life, sufficiently improper in a layman, was altogether
+indecorous in an ecclesiastic. By the common people he was universally
+regarded as a conjuror&mdash;and many at first came to consult him; but he
+peremptorily dismissed all such applicants; and, when seven females,
+supposed to be possessed, were brought to him that he might exercise his
+power over the evil spirits, he refused to interfere. He also publicly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>
+examined and rebuked a juggler, named Hartley, who pretended to magical
+knowledge. But these things did not blind his enemies, who continued to
+harass him to such a degree, that he addressed a petition to James the
+First, entreating to be brought to trial, when the accusations preferred
+against him might be fully investigated, and his character cleared. The
+application, and another to the like effect addressed to parliament,
+were disregarded. Dee had not been long established in Manchester when
+he was secretly joined by Kelley, and they recommenced their search
+after the grand secret,&mdash;passing the nights in making various alchymical
+experiments, or in fancied conferences with invisible beings.</p>
+
+<p>Among other magical articles possessed by Doctor Dee was a large globe
+of crystal, which he termed the Holy Stone, because he believed it had
+been brought him by &ldquo;angelical ministry;&rdquo; and &ldquo;in which,&rdquo; according to
+Meric Casaubon, &ldquo;and out of which, by persons qualified for it, and
+admitted to the sight of it, all shapes and figures mentioned in every
+action were seen, and voices heard.&rdquo; The same writer informs us it was
+&ldquo;round-shaped, of a pretty bigness, and most like unto crystal.&rdquo; Dee
+himself declared to the Emperor Rodolph, &ldquo;that the spirits had brought
+him a stone of that value that no earthly kingdom was of such worthiness
+as to be compared to the virtue and dignity thereof.&rdquo; He was in the
+habit of daily consulting this marvellous stone, and recording the
+visions he saw therein, and the conferences he held through it with the
+invisible world.</p>
+
+<p>Followed by Guy Fawkes and Kelley, the Doctor took his way down Long
+Mill Gate, and stopping at an arched gateway on the left, near which, on
+the site of the modern structure, stood the public school, founded a
+century before by Hugh Oldham, Bishop of Exeter,&mdash;he unlocked a small
+wicket, and entered a spacious court, surrounded on one side by high
+stone walls, and on the other by a wing of the College.</p>
+
+<p>Conducting his guest to the principal entrance of the building, which
+lay at the farther end of the court, Doctor Dee ushered him into a large
+chamber, panelled with oak, and having a curiously-moulded ceiling,
+ornamented with grotesque sculpture. This room, still in existence, and
+now occupied by the master of the school, formed Doctor Dee's library.
+Offering Fawkes a chair, the Doctor informed him that when all was
+ready, Kelley should summon him, and, accompanied by his assistant, he
+withdrew. Half an hour elapsed before Kelley returned. Motioning Guy
+Fawkes to follow him, he led the way through several intricate passages
+to a chamber which was evidently the magician's sacred retreat. In a
+recess on one side stood a table, covered with cabalistic characters and
+figures, referring to the celestial influences. On it was placed the
+holy stone, diffusing such a glistening radiance as is emitted by the
+pebble called<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> cat's-eye. On the floor a wide circle was described, in
+the rings of which magical characters, resembling those on the table,
+were traced. In front stood a brasier, filled with flaming coals; and
+before it hung a heavy black curtain, appearing to shroud some mystery
+from view.</p>
+
+<p>Desiring Fawkes to place himself in the centre of the circle, Doctor Dee
+took several ingredients from a basket handed him by Kelley, and cast
+them into the brasier. As each herb or gum was ignited, the flame
+changed its colour; now becoming crimson, now green, now blue, while
+fragrant or noxious odours loaded the atmosphere. These suffumigations
+ended, Dee seated himself on a chair near the table, whither he was
+followed by Kelley, and commanding Fawkes not to move a footstep, as he
+valued his safety, he waved his wand, and began in a solemn tone to
+utter an invocation. As he continued, a hollow noise was heard overhead,
+which gradually increased in loudness, until it appeared as if the walls
+were tumbling about their ears.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The spirits are at hand!&rdquo; cried Dee. &ldquo;Do not look behind you, or they
+will tear you in pieces.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, a horrible din was heard, as of mingled howling, shrieking,
+and laughter. It was succeeded by a low faint strain of music, which
+gradually died away, and then all was silent.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All is prepared,&rdquo; cried Dee. &ldquo;Now, what would you behold?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The progress of the great enterprise,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dee waved his wand. The curtains slowly unfolded, and Guy Fawkes
+perceived as in a glass a group of dark figures; amongst which he
+noticed one in all respects resembling himself. A priest was apparently
+proposing an oath, which the others were uttering.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you recognise them?&rdquo; said Doctor Dee.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Perfectly,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Look again,&rdquo; said Dee.</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke the figures melted away, and a new scene was presented on
+the glass. It was a gloomy vault, filled with barrels, partly covered
+with fagots and billets of wood.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have you seen enough?&rdquo; demanded Dee.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, firmly. &ldquo;I have seen what is past. I would behold
+that which is to come.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Look again, then,&rdquo; rejoined the Doctor, waving his wand.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant the glass was darkened, and nothing could be discerned
+except the lurid flame and thick smoke arising from the brasier. The
+next moment, an icy chill shot through the frame of Guy Fawkes as he
+beheld a throng of skeletons arranged before him. The bony fingers of
+the foremost of the grisly assemblage were pointed towards an indistinct
+object at its feet. As this object gradually became more defined, Guy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>
+Fawkes perceived that it was a figure resembling himself, stretched upon
+the wheel, and writhing in the agonies of torture.</p>
+
+<p>He uttered an exclamation of terror, and the curtains were instantly
+closed.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour afterwards, Guy Fawkes quitted the College, and returned to
+the Seven Stars.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_IX" id="I_CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE PRISON ON SALFORD BRIDGE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>On the following morning, Guy Fawkes had a long and private conference
+with Father Oldcorne. The priest appeared greatly troubled by the
+communication made to him, but he said nothing, and was for some time
+lost in reflection, and evidently weighing within himself what course it
+would be best to pursue. His uneasiness was not without effect on
+Viviana Radcliffe, and she ventured at last to inquire whether he
+apprehended any new danger.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I scarcely know what I apprehend, dear daughter,&rdquo; he answered. &ldquo;But
+circumstances have occurred which render it impossible we can remain
+longer in our present asylum with safety. We must quit it at nightfall.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is our retreat then discovered?&rdquo; inquired Viviana, in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not as yet, I trust,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne; &ldquo;but I have just ascertained
+from a messenger that the pursuivant, who, we thought, had departed for
+Chester, is still lingering within the town. He has offered a large
+reward for my apprehension, and having traced us to Manchester, declares
+he will leave no house unsearched till he finds us. He has got together
+a fresh band of soldiers, and is now visiting every place he thinks
+likely to afford us shelter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If this is the case,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana, &ldquo;why remain here a single
+moment? Let us fly at once.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That would avail nothing,&mdash;or rather, it would expose us to fresh risk,
+dear daughter,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne. &ldquo;Every approach to the town is
+guarded, and soldiers are posted at the corners of the streets, who stop
+and examine each suspected person.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven protect us!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But this is not all,&rdquo; continued the priest. &ldquo;By some inexplicable and
+mysterious means, the designs of certain of the most assured friends of
+the catholic cause have come to the knowledge of our enemies, and the
+lives and safeties of many worthy men will be endangered: amongst
+others, that of your father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You terrify me!&rdquo; cried Viviana.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The rack shall force nothing from me, father,&rdquo; said Fawkes, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nor from me, my son,&rdquo; rejoined Oldcorne. &ldquo;I have that within me which
+will enable me to sustain the bitterest agonies that the persecutors of
+our Church can inflict.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nor shall it force aught from me,&rdquo; added Viviana. &ldquo;For, though you have
+trusted me with nothing that can implicate others, I plainly perceive
+some plot is in agitation for the restoration of our religion, and I
+more than suspect Mr. Catesby is its chief contriver.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Daughter!&rdquo; exclaimed Oldcorne, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear nothing, father,&rdquo; she rejoined. &ldquo;As I have said, the rack shall
+not force me to betray you. Neither should it keep me silent when I feel
+that my counsel&mdash;such as it is&mdash;may avail you. The course you are
+pursuing is a dangerous and fatal one; dangerous to yourselves, and
+fatal to the cause you would serve. Do not deceive yourselves. You are
+struggling hopelessly and unrighteously, and Heaven will never assist an
+undertaking which has its aim in the terrible waste of life you
+meditate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Father Oldcorne made no reply, but walked apart with Guy Fawkes; and
+Viviana abandoned herself to sorrowful reflection.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after this, the door was suddenly thrown open, and Humphrey
+Chetham rushed into the room. His looks were full of apprehension, and
+Viviana was at no loss to perceive that some calamity was at hand.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What is the matter?&rdquo; she cried, rising.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The pursuivant and his men are below,&rdquo; he replied. &ldquo;They are
+interrogating the hostess, and are about to search the house. I managed
+to pass them unperceived.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We will resist them to the last,&rdquo; said Guy Fawkes, drawing a petronel.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Resistance will be in vain,&rdquo; rejoined Humphrey Chetham. &ldquo;They more than
+treble our number.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is there no means of escape?&rdquo; asked Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;None whatever,&rdquo; replied Chetham. &ldquo;I hear them on the stairs. The
+terrified hostess has not dared to deny you, and is conducting them
+hither.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Stand back!&rdquo; cried Guy Fawkes, striding towards the door, &ldquo;and let me
+alone confront them. That accursed pursuivant has escaped me once. But
+he shall not do so a second time.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My son,&rdquo; said Oldcorne, advancing towards him; &ldquo;preserve yourself, if
+possible. Your life is of consequence to the great cause. Think not of
+us&mdash;think not of revenging yourself upon this caitiff. But think of the
+high destiny for which you are reserved. That window offers a means of
+retreat. Avail yourself of it. Fly!&mdash;Fly!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay, fly!&rdquo; repeated Viviana. &ldquo;And you, Humphrey Chetham<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>,&mdash;your presence
+here can do no good. Quick!&mdash;they come!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing should induce me to quit you at such a moment, Viviana,"
+replied Chetham, &ldquo;but the conviction that I may be able to liberate you,
+should these miscreants convey you to prison.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fly!&mdash;fly, my son,&rdquo; cried Oldcorne. &ldquo;They are at the door.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Thus urged, Guy Fawkes reluctantly yielded to Oldcorne's entreaties and
+sprang through the window. He was followed by Chetham. Viviana darted to
+the casement, and saw that they had alighted in safety on the ground,
+and were flying swiftly up Shude Hill. Meanwhile, the pursuivant had
+reached the door, which Chetham had taken the precaution to fasten, and
+was trying to burst it open. The bolts offered but a feeble resistance
+to his fury, and the next moment he dashed into the room, at the head of
+a band of soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Seize them!&rdquo; he cried. &ldquo;Ha!&rdquo; he added, glancing round the room with a
+look of disappointment, &ldquo;where are the others? Where is the soldier in
+the Spanish garb? Where is Humphrey Chetham? Confess at once, dog!&rdquo; he
+continued, seizing the priest by the throat, &ldquo;or I will pluck the secret
+from your breast.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not harm him,&rdquo; interposed Viviana. &ldquo;I will answer the question. They
+are fled.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fled!&rdquo; echoed the pursuivant in consternation. &ldquo;How?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Through that window,&rdquo; replied Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;After them!&rdquo; cried the pursuivant to some of his attendants. &ldquo;Take the
+soldier, dead or alive! And now,&rdquo; he continued, as his orders were
+obeyed, &ldquo;you, Father Oldcorne, Jesuit and traitor; and you, Viviana
+Radcliffe, his shelterer and abettor, I shall convey you both to the
+prison on Salford Bridge. Seize them, and bring them along.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Touch me not,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana, pushing the men aside, who rudely
+advanced to obey their leader's command. &ldquo;You have no warrant for this
+brutality. I am ready to attend you. Take my arm, father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Abashed at this reproof, the pursuivant stalked out of the room.
+Surrounded by the soldiers, Viviana and the priest followed. The sad
+procession was attended by crowds to the very door of the prison, where,
+by the pursuivant's commands, they were locked in separate cells.</p>
+
+<p>The cell in which Viviana was confined was a small chamber at the back
+of the prison, and on the upper story. It had a small grated window
+overlooking the river. It has already been mentioned that this prison
+was originally a chapel built in the reign of Edward the Third, and had
+only recently been converted into a place of security for recusants. The
+chamber allotted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> to Viviana was contrived in the roof, and was so low
+that she could scarcely stand upright in it. It was furnished with a
+chair, a small table, and a straw pallet.</p>
+
+<p>The hours passed wearily with Viviana as they were marked by the
+deep-toned clock of the Collegiate Church, the tall tower of which
+fronted her window. Oppressed by the most melancholy reflections, she
+was for some time a prey almost to despair. On whatever side she looked,
+the prospect was equally cheerless, and her sole desire was that she
+might find a refuge from her cares in the seclusion of a convent. For
+this she prayed,&mdash;and she prayed also that Heaven would soften the
+hearts of her oppressors, and enable those who suffered to endure their
+yoke with patience. In the evening provisions were brought her, and
+placed upon the table, together with a lamp, by a surly looking gaoler.
+But Viviana had no inclination to eat, and left them untouched. Neither
+could she prevail upon herself to lie down on the wretched pallet, and
+she <ins class="correction" title="therefere">therefore</ins> determined to pass the night in the chair.</p>
+
+<p>After some hours of watchfulness, her eyelids closed, and she continued
+to slumber until she was aroused by a slight noise at the window.
+Starting at the sound, she flew towards it, and perceived in the gloom
+the face of a man. She would have uttered a loud cry, when the
+circumstances of her situation rushed to her mind, and the possibility
+that it might be a friend checked her. The next moment satisfied her
+that she had acted rightly. A voice, which she recognised as that of
+Humphrey Chetham, called to her by name in a low tone, bidding her fear
+nothing, as he was come to set her free.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How have you managed to reach this window?&rdquo; asked Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By a rope ladder,&rdquo; he answered. &ldquo;I contrived in the darkness to clamber
+upon the roof of the prison from the parapets of the bridge, and, after
+securing the ladder to a projection, dropped the other end into a boat,
+rowed by Guy Fawkes, and concealed beneath the arches of the bridge. If
+I can remove this bar so as to allow you to pass through the window,
+dare you descend the ladder?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Viviana, shuddering. &ldquo;My brain reels at the mere idea.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Think of the fate you will escape,&rdquo; urged Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And what will become of Father Oldcorne?&rdquo; asked Viviana. &ldquo;Where is he?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In the cell immediately beneath you,&rdquo; replied Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Can you not liberate him?&rdquo; she continued.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Assuredly, if he will risk the descent,&rdquo; answered Chetham, reluctantly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Free him first,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana, &ldquo;and at all hazards I will accompany
+you.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The young merchant made no reply, but disappeared from the window.
+Viviana strained her gaze downwards; but it was too dark to allow her to
+see anything. She, however, heard a noise like that occasioned by a
+file; and shortly afterwards a few muttered words informed her that the
+priest was passing through the window. The cords of the ladder shook
+against the bars of her window,&mdash;and she held her breath for fear. From
+this state of suspense she was relieved in a few minutes by Humphrey
+Chetham, who informed her that Oldcorne had descended in safety, and was
+in the boat with Guy Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will fulfil my promise,&rdquo; replied Viviana, trembling; &ldquo;but I fear my
+strength will fail me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You had better find death below than tarry here,&rdquo; replied Humphrey
+Chetham, who as he spoke was rapidly filing through the iron bar. &ldquo;In a
+few minutes this impediment will be removed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The young merchant worked hard, and in a short time the stout bar
+yielded to his efforts.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Now, then,&rdquo; he cried, springing into the room, &ldquo;you are free.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I dare not make the attempt,&rdquo; said Viviana; &ldquo;my strength utterly fails
+me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nay, then,&rdquo; he replied; &ldquo;I will take the risk upon myself. You must not
+remain here.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he caught her in his arms, and bore her through the window.</p>
+
+<p>With some difficulty, and no little risk, he succeeded in gaining a
+footing on the ladder. This accomplished, he began slowly to descend.
+When half way down, he found he had overrated his strength, and he
+feared he should be compelled to quit his hold; but, nerved by his
+passion, he held on, and making a desperate effort, completed the
+descent in safety.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_X" id="I_CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE FATE OF THE PURSUIVANT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Assisted by the stream, and plying his oars with great rapidity, Guy
+Fawkes soon left the town far behind him; nor did he relax his exertions
+until checked by Humphrey Chetham. He then ceased rowing, and directed
+the boats towards the left bank of the river.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Here we propose to land,&rdquo; observed the young merchant to Viviana. &ldquo;We
+are not more than a hundred yards from Ordsall Cave, where you can take
+refuge for a short time, while I proceed to the Hall, and ascertain
+whether you can return to it with safety.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I place myself entirely in your hands,&rdquo; she replied; &ldquo;but I fear such a
+course will be to rush into the very face of danger. Oh! that I could
+join my father at Holywell! With him I should feel secure.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Means may be found to effect your wishes,&rdquo; returned Humphrey Chetham;
+&ldquo;but, after the suffering you have recently endured, it will scarcely be
+prudent to undertake so long a journey without a few hours' repose.
+To-morrow,&mdash;or the next day,&mdash;you may set out.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am fully equal to it now,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana, eagerly; &ldquo;and any
+fatigue I may undergo will not equal my present anxiety. You have
+already done so much for me, that I venture to presume still further
+upon your kindness. Provide some means of conveyance for me and for
+Father Oldcorne to Chester, and I shall for ever be beholden to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not only do what you desire, Viviana, if it be possible,"
+answered Chetham; &ldquo;but, if you will allow me, I will serve as your
+escort.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I, also,&rdquo; added Guy Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All I fear is, that your strength may fail you,&rdquo; continued the young
+merchant, in a tone of uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear nothing then,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;I am made of firmer material than
+you imagine. Think only of what <i>you</i> can do, and doubt not my ability
+to do it, also.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I ever deemed you of a courageous nature, daughter,&rdquo; observed Oldcorne;
+&ldquo;but your resolution surpasses my belief.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>By this time the boat had approached the shore. Leaping upon the rocky
+bank, the young merchant assisted Viviana to land, and then performed
+the same service for the priest. Guy Fawkes was the last to disembark;
+and, having pulled the skiff aground, he followed the others, who waited
+for him at a short distance. The night was profoundly dark, and the path
+they had taken, being shaded by large trees, was scarcely discernible.
+Carefully guiding Viviana, who leaned on him for support, the young
+merchant proceeded at a slow pace, and with the utmost caution.
+Suddenly, they were surprised and alarmed by a vivid blaze of light
+bursting through the trees on the left.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Some building must be on fire!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is Ordsall Hall,&mdash;it is your father's residence,&rdquo; cried Humphrey
+Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the work of that accursed pursuivant, I will be sworn,&rdquo; said Guy
+Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If it be so, may Heaven's fire consume him!&rdquo; rejoined Oldcorne.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! alas!&rdquo; cried Viviana, bursting into tears, &ldquo;I thought myself
+equal to every calamity; but this new stroke of fate is more than I can
+bear.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke, the conflagration evidently increased. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> sky was
+illumined by the red reflection of the flames; and as the party hurried
+forward to a rising ground, whence a better view could be obtained of
+the spectacle, they saw the dark walls of the ancient mansion apparently
+wrapped in the devouring element.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let us hasten thither,&rdquo; cried Viviana, distractedly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I and Guy Fawkes will fly there,&rdquo; replied the young merchant, &ldquo;and
+render all the assistance in our power. But, first, let me convey you to
+the cave.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>More dead than alive, Viviana suffered herself to be borne in that
+direction. Making his way over every impediment, Chetham soon reached
+the excavation; and depositing his lovely burthen upon the stone couch,
+and leaving her in charge of the priest, he hurried with Guy Fawkes
+towards the Hall.</p>
+
+<p>On arriving at the termination of the avenue, they found, to their great
+relief, that it was not the main structure, but an outbuilding which was
+in flames, and from its situation the young merchant conceived it to be
+the stables. As soon as they made this discovery, they slackened their
+pace, being apprehensive, from the shouts and other sounds that reached
+them, that some hostile party might be among the assemblage. Crossing
+the drawbridge&mdash;which was fortunately lowered,&mdash;they were about to shape
+their course towards the stables, which lay at the further side of the
+Hall, when they perceived the old steward, Heydocke, standing at the
+doorway and wringing his hands in distraction. Humphrey Chetham
+immediately called to him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I should know that voice!&rdquo; cried the old man, stepping forward. &ldquo;Ah!
+Mr. Chetham, is it you? You are arrived at a sad time, sir&mdash;a sad
+time&mdash;to see the old house, where I have dwelt, man and boy, sixty years
+and more, in flames. But one calamity has trodden upon the heels of
+another. Ever since Sir William departed for Holywell nothing has gone
+right&mdash;nothing whatever. First, the house was searched by the pursuivant
+and his gang; then, my young mistress disappeared; then it was rifled by
+these plunderers; and now, to crown all, it is on fire, and will
+speedily be burnt to the ground.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Say not so,&rdquo; replied the young merchant. &ldquo;The flames have not yet
+reached the Hall; and, if exertion is used, they may be extinguished
+without further mischief.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let those who have kindled them extinguish them,&rdquo; replied Heydocke,
+sullenly. &ldquo;I will not raise hand more.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Who are the incendiaries?&rdquo; demanded Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The pursuivant and his myrmidons,&rdquo; replied Heydocke. &ldquo;They came here
+to-night; and after ransacking the house under pretence of procuring
+further evidence against my master, and carrying off everything valuable
+they could collect&mdash;plate, jewels, ornaments, money, and even
+wearing-apparel,&mdash;they ended by locking up all the servants,&mdash;except
+myself, who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> managed to elude their vigilance,&mdash;in the cellar, and
+setting fire to the stables.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Wretches!&rdquo; exclaimed Humphrey Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Wretches, indeed!&rdquo; repeated the steward. &ldquo;But this is not all the
+villany they contemplate. I had concealed myself in the store-room,
+under a heap of lumber, and in searching for me they chanced upon a
+barrel of gunpowder&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well!&rdquo; interrupted Guy Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, sir,&rdquo; pursued Heydocke, &ldquo;I heard the pursuivant remark to one of
+his comrades, 'This is a lucky discovery. If we can't find the steward,
+we'll blow him and the old house to the devil.' Just then, some one came
+to tell him I was hidden in the stables, and the whole troop adjourned
+thither. But being baulked of their prey, I suppose, they wreaked their
+vengeance in the way you perceive.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No doubt,&rdquo; rejoined Humphrey Chetham. &ldquo;But they shall bitterly rue it.
+I will myself represent the affair to the Commissioners.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will be useless,&rdquo; groaned Heydocke. &ldquo;There is no law to protect the
+property of a Catholic.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where is the barrel of gunpowder you spoke of?&rdquo; asked Guy Fawkes, as if
+struck by a sudden idea.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The villains took it with them when they quitted the store-room,"
+replied the steward. &ldquo;I suppose they have got it in the yard.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They have lighted a fire which shall be quenched with their blood,"
+rejoined Fawkes, fiercely. &ldquo;Follow me. I may need you both.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he darted off, and turning the corner, came in front of the
+blazing pile. Occupying one side of a large quadrangular court, the
+stables were wholly disconnected with the Hall, and though the fire
+burnt furiously, yet as the wind carried the flames and sparks in a
+contrary direction, it was possible the latter building might escape if
+due precaution were taken. So far, however, from this being the case, it
+seemed the object of the bystanders to assist the progress of the
+conflagration. Several horses, saddled and bridled, had been removed
+from the stable, and placed within an open cowhouse. To these Guy Fawkes
+called Chetham's attention, and desired him and the old steward to
+secure some of them. Hastily giving directions to Heydocke, the young
+merchant obeyed,&mdash;sprang on the back of the nearest courser, and seizing
+the bridles of two others, rode off with them. His example was followed
+by Heydocke, and one steed only was left. Such was the confusion and
+clamour prevailing around, that the above proceeding passed unnoticed.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes, meanwhile, ensconcing himself behind the court-gate, looked
+about for the barrel of gunpowder. For some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> time he could discover no
+trace of it. At length, beneath a shed, not far from him, he perceived a
+soldier seated upon a small cask, which he had no doubt was the object
+he was in search of. So intent was the man upon the spectacle before
+him, that he was wholly unaware of the approach of an enemy; and
+creeping noiselessly up to him, Guy Fawkes felled him to the ground with
+a blow from the heavy butt-end of his petronel. The action was not
+perceived by the others; and carrying the cask out of the yard, Fawkes
+burst in the lid, and ascertained that the contents were what they had
+been represented. He then glanced around, to see how he could best
+execute his purpose.</p>
+
+<p>On the top of the wall adjoining the stables he beheld the pursuivant,
+with three or four soldiers, giving directions and issuing orders.
+Another and lower wall, forming the opposite side of the quadrangle, and
+built on the edge of the moat, approached the scene of the fire, and on
+this, Guy Fawkes, with the barrel of gunpowder on his shoulder, mounted.
+Concealing himself behind a tree which overshadowed it, he watched a
+favourable moment for his enterprise.</p>
+
+<p>He had not to wait long. Prompted by some undefinable feeling, which
+caused him to rush upon his destruction, the pursuivant ventured upon
+the roof of the stables, and was followed by his companions. No sooner
+did this occur, than Guy Fawkes dashed forward, and hurled the barrel
+with all his force into the midst of the flames, throwing himself at the
+same moment into the moat. The explosion was instantaneous and
+tremendous;&mdash;so loud as to be audible even under the water. Its effects
+were terrible. The bodies of the pursuivant and his companions were
+blown into the air, and carried to the further side of the moat. Of
+those standing before the building, several were destroyed, and all more
+or less injured. The walls were thrown down by the concussion, and the
+roof and its fiery fragments projected into the moat. An effectual stop
+was put to the conflagration; and, when Guy Fawkes rose to the boiling
+and agitated surface of the water, the flames were entirely
+extinguished. Hearing groans on the opposite bank of the moat, he forced
+his way through the blazing beams, which were hissing near him; and
+snatching up a still burning fragment, hastened in the direction of the
+sound. In the blackened and mutilated object that met his gaze, he
+recognised the pursuivant. The dying wretch also recognised him, and
+attempted to speak; but in vain&mdash;his tongue refused its office, and with
+a horrible attempt at articulation, he expired.</p>
+
+<p>Alarmed by the explosion, the domestics,&mdash;who it has already been
+mentioned were confined in the cellar;&mdash;were rendered so desperate by
+their fears, that they contrived to break out of their prison, and now
+hastened to the stables to ascertain the cause of the report. Leaving
+them to assist the sufferers, whose dreadful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> groans awakened some
+feelings of compunction in his iron breast, Guy Fawkes caught the
+steed,&mdash;which had broken its bridle and rushed off, and now stood
+shivering, shaking, and drenched in moisture near the drawbridge,&mdash;and,
+mounting it, galloped towards the cave.</p>
+
+<p>At its entrance, he was met by Humphrey Chetham and Oldcorne, who
+eagerly inquired what had happened.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes briefly explained.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the hand of Heaven manifested by your arm, my son,&rdquo; observed the
+priest. &ldquo;Would that it had stricken the tyrant and apostate prince by
+whom our church is persecuted! But his turn will speedily arrive.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Peace, father!&rdquo; cried Guy Fawkes, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not lament the fate of the pursuivant,&rdquo; observed Humphrey Chetham.
+&ldquo;But this is a frightful waste of human life&mdash;and in such a cause!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the cause of Heaven, young sir,&rdquo; rejoined the priest, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not think so,&rdquo; returned Chetham; &ldquo;and, but for my devotion to
+Viviana, I would have no further share in it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are at liberty to leave us, if you think proper,&rdquo; retorted the
+priest, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nay, say not so, father,&rdquo; interposed Viviana, who had been an
+unobserved listener to the foregoing discourse. &ldquo;You owe your life&mdash;your
+liberty, to Mr. Chetham.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True, daughter,&rdquo; replied the priest. &ldquo;I have been too hasty, and
+entreat his forgiveness.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have it, reverend sir,&rdquo; rejoined the young merchant. &ldquo;And now,
+Master Heydocke,&rdquo; he added, turning to the steward, &ldquo;you may return to
+the Hall with safety. No one will molest you more, and your presence may
+be needed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But my young mistress&mdash;&rdquo; said Heydocke.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am setting out for Holywell to join my father,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;You
+will receive our instructions from that place.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is well,&rdquo; returned the old man, bowing respectfully. &ldquo;Heaven shield
+us from further misfortune!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Humphrey Chetham having assisted Viviana into the saddle, and the rest
+of the party having mounted, they took the road to Chester, while
+Heydocke returned to the Hall.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_XI" id="I_CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE PILGRIMAGE TO ST. WINIFRED'S WELL.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Early on the following morning, the party, who had ridden hard, and had
+paused only for a short time at Knutsford to rest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> their steeds,
+approached the ancient and picturesque city of Chester. Skirting its
+high, and then partly fortified walls, above which appeared the massive
+tower of the venerable cathedral, they passed through the east-gate, and
+proceeding along the street deriving its name from that entrance, were
+about to halt before the door of a large hostel, called the Saint
+Werburgh's Abbey, when, to their great surprise, they perceived Catesby
+riding towards them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I thought I could not be mistaken,&rdquo; cried the latter, as he drew near
+and saluted Viviana. &ldquo;I was about to set out for Manchester with a
+despatch to you from your father, Miss Radcliffe, when this most
+unexpected and fortunate encounter spares me the journey. But may I ask
+why I see you here, and thus attended?&rdquo; he added, glancing uneasily at
+Humphrey Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>A few words from Father Oldcorne explained all. Catesby affected to bend
+his brow, and appear concerned at the relation. But he could scarcely
+repress his satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Sir William Radcliffe <i>must</i> join us now,&rdquo; he whispered to the priest.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He must&mdash;he <i>shall</i>,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne, in the same tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your father wishes you to join him at Holt, Miss Radcliffe,&rdquo; remarked
+Catesby, turning to her, &ldquo;whence the pilgrimage starts to-morrow for
+<ins class="correction" title="original: Saint Winfred's Well">Saint Winifred's Well</ins>. There are already nearly thirty devout persons
+assembled.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;May I inquire their names.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Sir Everard and Lady Digby,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;the Lady Anne Vaux and
+her sister, Mrs. Brooksby; Mr. Ambrose Rookwood and his wife, the two
+Winters, Tresham, Wright, Fathers Garnet and Fisher, and many others, in
+all probability unknown to you. The procession started ten days ago from
+Gothurst, in Buckinghamshire, Sir Everard Digby's residence, and
+proceeded from thence by slow stages to Norbrook and Haddington, at each
+of which houses it halted for some days. Yesterday, it reached Holt, and
+starts, as I have just told you, to-morrow for Holywell. If you are so
+disposed, you will be able to attend it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will gladly do so,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;And since I find it is not
+necessary to hurry forward, I will rest myself for a short time here.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she dismounted, and the whole party entered the hostel.
+Viviana withdrew to seek a short repose, and glance over her father's
+letter, while Catesby, Guy Fawkes, and Oldcorne, were engaged in deep
+consultation. Humphrey Chetham, perceiving that his attendance was no
+further required, and that he was an object of suspicion and dislike to
+Catesby,&mdash;for whom he also entertained a similar aversion,&mdash;prepared to
+return. And when Viviana made her appearance, he advanced to bid her
+farewell.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I can be of no further service to you, Viviana,&rdquo; he said, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> a
+mournful tone; &ldquo;and as my presence might be as unwelcome to your father,
+as it seems to be to others of your friends, I will now take my leave.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Farewell, Mr. Chetham,&rdquo; she replied. &ldquo;I will not attempt to oppose your
+departure; for, much as I grieve to lose you&mdash;and that I do so these
+tears will testify,&mdash;I feel that it is for the best. I owe you
+much&mdash;more&mdash;far more than I can ever repay. It would be unworthy in me,
+and unfair to you, to say that I do not, and shall not ever feel the
+deepest interest in you; that, next to my father, there is no one whom I
+regard&mdash;nay, whom I love so much.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Love! Viviana?&rdquo; echoed the young merchant, trembling.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Love, Mr. Chetham,&rdquo; she continued, turning very pale; &ldquo;since you compel
+me to repeat the word. I avow it boldly, because&mdash;&rdquo; and her voice
+faltered,&mdash;"I would not have you suppose me ungrateful, and because I
+never can be yours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not attempt to dissuade you from the fatal determination you
+have formed of burying your charms in a cloister,&rdquo; rejoined Humphrey
+Chetham. &ldquo;But, oh! if you <i>do</i> love me, why condemn yourself&mdash;why
+condemn me to hopeless misery?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will tell you why,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;Because you are not of my
+faith; and because I never will wed a heretic.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am answered,&rdquo; replied the young merchant, sadly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Chetham,&rdquo; interposed Oldcorne, who had approached them unperceived;
+&ldquo;it is in your power to change Viviana's determination.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How?&rdquo; asked the young merchant, starting.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By being reconciled to the Church of Rome.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then it will remain unaltered,&rdquo; replied Chetham, firmly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And, if Mr. Chetham would consent to this proposal, <i>I</i> would not,"
+said Viviana. &ldquo;Farewell,&rdquo; she added, extending her hand to him, which he
+pressed to his lips. &ldquo;Do not let us prolong an interview so painful to
+us both. The best wish I can desire for you is, that we may never meet
+again.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Without another word, and without hazarding a look at the object of his
+affections, Chetham rushed out of the room, and mounting his horse, rode
+off in the direction of Manchester.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Daughter,&rdquo; observed Oldcorne, as soon as he was gone, &ldquo;I cannot too
+highly approve of your conduct, or too warmly applaud the mastery you
+display over your feelings. But&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo; and he hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But what, father?&rdquo; cried Viviana, eagerly. &ldquo;Do you think I have done
+wrong in dismissing him?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By no means, dear daughter,&rdquo; replied the priest. &ldquo;You have acted most
+discreetly. But you will forgive me if I urge you&mdash;nay, implore you not
+to take the veil; but rather to bestow your hand upon some Catholic
+gentleman&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Such as Mr. Catesby,&rdquo; interrupted Viviana, glancing in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> direction
+of the individual she mentioned, who was watching them narrowly from the
+further end of the room.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay, Mr. Catesby,&rdquo; repeated Oldcorne, affecting not to notice the
+scornful emphasis laid on the name. &ldquo;None more fitting could be found,
+nor more worthy of you. Our Church has not a more zealous servant and
+upholder; and he will be at once a father and a husband to you. Such a
+union would be highly profitable to our religion. And, though it is well
+for those whose hearts are burthened with affliction, and who are unable
+to render any active service to their faith, to retire from the world,
+it behoves every sister of the Romish Church to support it at a juncture
+like the present, at any sacrifice of personal feeling.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Urge me no more, father,&rdquo; replied Viviana, firmly. &ldquo;I will make every
+sacrifice for my religion, consistent with principle and feeling. But I
+will not make this; neither am I required to make it. And I beg you will
+entreat Mr. Catesby to desist from further importunity.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Oldcorne bowed and retired. Nor was another syllable exchanged between
+them prior to their departure.</p>
+
+<p>Crossing the old bridge over the Dee, then defended at each extremity by
+a gate and tower, the party took the road to Holt, where they arrived in
+about an hour. The recent conversation had thrown a restraint over them,
+which was not removed during the journey. Habitually taciturn, as has
+already been remarked, Guy Fawkes seemed gloomier and more thoughtful
+than ever; and though he rode by the side of Viviana, he did not
+volunteer a remark, and scarcely appeared conscious of her presence.
+Catesby and Oldcorne kept aloof, and it was not until they came in sight
+of the little town which formed their destination that the former
+galloped forward, and striking into the path on the right, begged
+Viviana to follow him. A turn in the road shortly afterwards showed them
+a large mansion screened by a grove of beech-trees.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That is the house to which we are going,&rdquo; observed Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>And as he spoke, they approached a lodge, the gates of which being
+opened by an attendant, admitted them to the avenue.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana's heart throbbed with delight at the anticipated meeting with
+her father; but she could not repress a feeling of anxiety at the
+distressing intelligence she had to impart to him. As she drew near the
+house she perceived him walking beneath the shade of the trees with two
+other persons; and quickening her pace, sprang from her steed, and
+almost before he was aware of it was in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why do I see you here so unexpectedly, my dear child?&rdquo; cried Sir
+William Radcliffe, as soon as he had recovered from the surprise which
+her sudden appearance occasioned him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> &ldquo;Mr. Catesby only left this
+morning, charged with a letter entreating you to set out without
+delay,&mdash;and now I behold you. What has happened?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana then recounted the occurrences of the last few days.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is as I feared,&rdquo; replied Sir William, in a desponding tone. &ldquo;Our
+oppressors will never cease till they drive us to desperation!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They will not!&rdquo; rejoined a voice behind him. &ldquo;Well may we exclaim with
+the prophet&mdash;'How long, O Lord, shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear?
+Shall I cry out to thee suffering violence, and thou wilt not save? Why
+hast thou showed me iniquity and grievance, to see rapine and injustice
+before me? Why lookest thou upon them that do unjust things, and holdest
+thy peace when the wicked devoureth the man that is more just than
+himself?'"</p>
+
+<p>Viviana looked in the direction of the speaker and beheld a man in a
+priestly garb, whose countenance struck her forcibly. He was rather
+under the middle height, of a slight spare figure, and in age might be
+about fifty. His features, which in his youth must have been pleasing,
+if not handsome, and which were still regular, were pale and emaciated;
+but his eye was dark, and of unusual brilliancy. A single glance at this
+person satisfied her it was Father Garnet, the provincial of the English
+Jesuits; nor was she mistaken in her supposition.</p>
+
+<p>Of this remarkable person, so intimately connected with the main events
+of the history about to be related, it may be proper to offer some
+preliminary account. Born at Nottingham in 1554, in the reign of Queen
+Mary, and of obscure parentage, Henry Garnet was originally destined to
+the Protestant Church, and educated, with a view to taking orders, at
+Winchester school, whence it was intended he should be removed in due
+course to Oxford. But this design was never carried into effect.
+Influenced by motives, into which it is now scarcely worth while
+inquiring, and which have been contested by writers on both sides of the
+question, Garnet proceeded from Winchester to London, where he engaged
+himself as corrector of the press to a printer of law-books, named
+Tottel, in which capacity he became acquainted with Sir Edward Coke and
+Chief Justice Popham,&mdash;one of whom was afterwards to be the leading
+counsel against him, and the other his judge. After continuing in this
+employment for two years, during which he had meditated a change in his
+religion, he went abroad, and travelling first to Madrid, and then to
+Rome, saw enough of the Catholic priesthood to confirm his resolution,
+and in 1575 he assumed the habit of a Jesuit. Pursuing his studies with
+the utmost zeal and ardour at the Jesuits' College, under the celebrated
+Bellarmine, and the no less celebrated Clavius, he made such progress,
+that upon the indisposition of the latter, he was able to fill the
+mathematical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> chair. Nor was he less skilled in philosophy, metaphysics,
+and divinity; and his knowledge of Hebrew was so profound that he taught
+it publicly in the Roman schools.</p>
+
+<p>To an enthusiastic zeal in the cause of the religion he had espoused,
+Garnet added great powers of persuasion and eloquence,&mdash;a combination of
+qualities well fitting him for the office of a missionary priest; and
+undismayed by the dangers he would have to encounter, and eager to
+propagate his doctrines, he solicited to be sent on this errand to his
+own country. At the instance of Father Persons, he received an
+appointment to the mission in 1586, and he secretly landed in England in
+the same year. Braving every danger, and shrinking from no labour, he
+sought on all hands to make proselytes to the ancient faith, and to
+sustain the wavering courage of its professors. Two years afterwards, on
+the imprisonment of the Superior of the Jesuits, being raised to that
+important post, he was enabled to extend his sphere of action; and
+redoubling his exertions in consequence, he so well discharged his
+duties, that it was mainly owing to him that the Catholic party was kept
+together during the fierce persecutions of the latter end of Elizabeth's
+reign.</p>
+
+<p>Compelled to personate various characters, as he travelled from place to
+place, Garnet had acquired a remarkable facility for disguise; and such
+was his address and courage, that he not unfrequently imposed upon the
+very officers sent in pursuit of him. Up to the period of Elizabeth's
+demise, he had escaped arrest; and, though involved in the treasonable
+intrigue with the king of Spain, and other conspiracies, he procured a
+general pardon under the great seal. His office and profession naturally
+brought him into contact with the chief Catholic families throughout the
+kingdom; and he maintained an active correspondence with many of them,
+by means of his various agents and emissaries. The great object of his
+life being the restoration of the fallen religion, to accomplish this,
+as he conceived, great and desirable end, he was prepared to adopt any
+means, however violent or obnoxious. When, under the seal of confession,
+Catesby revealed to him his dark designs, so far from discouraging him,
+all he counselled was caution. Having tested the disposition of the
+wealthier Romanists to rise against their oppressors, and finding a
+general insurrection, as has before been stated, impracticable, he gave
+every encouragement and assistance to the conspiracy forming among the
+more desperate and discontented of the party. At his instigation, the
+present pilgrimage to Saint Winifred's Well was undertaken, in the hope
+that, when so large a body of the Catholics were collected together,
+some additional aid to the project might be obtained.</p>
+
+<p>One of the most mysterious and inexplicable portions of Garnet's history
+is that relating to Anne Vaux. This lady, the daughter of Lord Vaux of
+Harrowden, a rigid Catholic nobleman, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> one of Garnet's earliest
+patrons and friends, on the death of her father, in 1595, attached
+herself to his fortunes,&mdash;accompanied him in all his missions,&mdash;shared
+all his privations and dangers,&mdash;and, regardless of calumny or reproach,
+devoted herself entirely to his service. What is not less singular, her
+sister, who had married a Catholic gentleman named Brooksby, became his
+equally zealous attendant. Their enthusiasm produced a similar effect on
+Mr. Brooksby; and wherever Garnet went, all three accompanied him.</p>
+
+<p>By his side, on the present occasion, stood Sir Everard Digby. Accounted
+one of the handsomest, most accomplished, and best-informed men of his
+time, Sir Everard, at the period of this history only twenty-four, had
+married, when scarcely sixteen, Maria, heiress of the ancient and
+honourable family of Mulshoe, with whom he obtained a large fortune, and
+the magnificent estate of Gothurst, or Gaythurst, in Buckinghamshire.
+Knighted by James the First at Belvoir Castle, on his way from Scotland
+to London, Digby, who had once formed one of the most brilliant
+ornaments of the court, had of late in a great degree retired from it.
+&ldquo;Notwithstanding,&rdquo; writes Father Greenway, &ldquo;that he had dwelt much in
+the Queen's court, and was in the way of obtaining honours and
+distinction by his graceful manners and rare parts, he chose rather to
+bear the cross with the persecuted Catholics, <i>et vivere abjectus in
+domo Domini</i>, than to sail through the pleasures of a palace and the
+prosperities of the world, to the shipwreck of his conscience and the
+destruction of his soul.&rdquo; Having only when he completed his minority
+professed the Catholic religion, he became deeply concerned at its
+fallen state, and his whole thoughts were bent upon its restoration.
+This change in feeling was occasioned chiefly, if not altogether, by
+Garnet, by whom his conversion had been accomplished.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Everard Digby was richly attired in a black velvet doublet, with
+sleeves slashed with white satin, and wore a short mantle of the same
+material, similarly lined. He had the enormous trunk hose, heretofore
+mentioned as the distinguishing peculiarity of the costume of the
+period, and wore black velvet shoes, ornamented with white roses. An
+ample ruff encircled his throat. His hat was steeple-crowned, and
+somewhat broader in the leaf than was ordinarily worn, and shaded with a
+plume of black feathers. His hair was raven black, and he wore a pointed
+beard, and moustaches. His figure was tall and stately, and his features
+grave and finely formed.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the group had been joined by the others, and a friendly
+greeting took place. Guy Fawkes was presented by Catesby to Sir William
+Radcliffe and Sir Everard Digby. To Garnet he required no introduction,
+and Father Oldcorne was known to all. After a little further
+conversation, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> party adjourned to the house, which belonged to a
+Welsh Catholic gentleman, named Griffiths, who, though absent at the
+time, had surrendered it to the use of Sir Everard Digby and his
+friends.</p>
+
+<p>On their entrance, Viviana was introduced by her father to Lady Digby,
+who presided as hostess, and welcomed her with great cordiality. She was
+then conducted to her own room, where she was speedily joined by Sir
+William; and they remained closeted together till summoned to the
+principal meal of the day. At the table, which was most hospitably
+served, Viviana found, in addition to her former companions, a large
+assemblage, to most of whom she was a stranger, consisting of Anne Vaux,
+Mr. Brooksby and his wife, Ambrose Rookwood, two brothers named Winter,
+two Wrights, Francis Tresham,&mdash;persons of whom it will be necessary to
+make particular mention hereafter,&mdash;and several others, in all amounting
+to thirty.</p>
+
+<p>The meal over, the company dispersed, and Viviana and her father,
+passing through an open window, wandered forth upon a beautiful and
+spreading lawn, and thence under the shade of the beech-trees. They had
+not been long here, anxiously conferring on recent events, when they
+perceived Garnet and Catesby approaching.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Father, dear father!&rdquo; cried Viviana, hastily, &ldquo;I was about to warn you;
+but I have not time to do so now. Some dark and dangerous plot is in
+agitation to restore our religion. Mr. Catesby is anxious to league you
+with it. Do not&mdash;do not yield to his solicitations!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear nothing on that score, Viviana,&rdquo; replied Sir William, &ldquo;I have
+already perplexities enow, without adding to them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will leave you, then,&rdquo; she replied. And, as soon as the others came
+up, she made some excuse for withdrawing, and returned to the house. The
+window of her chamber commanded the avenue, and from it she watched the
+group. They remained for a long time pacing up and down, in earnest
+conversation. By and by, they were joined by Oldcorne and Fawkes. Then
+came a third party, consisting of the Winters and Wrights; and, lastly,
+Sir Everard Digby and Tresham swelled the list.</p>
+
+<p>The assemblage was then harangued by Catesby, and the most profound
+attention paid to his address. Viviana kept her eye fixed upon her
+father's countenance, and from its changing expression inferred what
+effect the speech produced upon him. At its conclusion, the assemblage
+separated in little groups; and she perceived, with great uneasiness,
+that Father Garnet passed his arm through that of her father, and led
+him away. Some time elapsed, and neither of them re-appeared.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My warning was in vain; he <i>has</i> joined them!&rdquo; she exclaimed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No, Viviana!&rdquo; cried her father's voice behind her. &ldquo;I have <i>not</i> joined
+them. Nor <i>shall</i> I do so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven be praised!&rdquo; she exclaimed, flinging her arms around his neck.</p>
+
+<p>Neither of them were aware that they were overheard by Garnet, who had
+noiselessly followed Sir William into the room, and muttered to himself,
+&ldquo;For all this, he <i>shall</i> join the plot, and she <i>shall</i> wed Catesby.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He then coughed slightly, to announce his presence; and, apologizing to
+Viviana for the intrusion, told her he came to confess her previously to
+the celebration of mass, which would take place that evening, in a small
+chapel in the house. Wholly obedient to the command of her spiritual
+advisers, Viviana instantly signified her assent; and, her father having
+withdrawn, she laid open the inmost secrets of her heart to the Jesuit.
+Severely reprobating her love for a heretic, before he would give her
+absolution, Garnet enjoined her, as a penance, to walk barefoot to the
+holy well on the morrow, and to make a costly offering at the shrine of
+the saint. Compliance being promised to his injunction, he pronounced
+the absolution, and departed.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this, mass was celebrated by Garnet, and the sacrament
+administered to the assemblage.</p>
+
+<p>An hour before daybreak, the party again assembled in the chapel, where
+matins were performed; after which, the female devotees, who were
+clothed in snow-white woollen robes, with wide sleeves and hoods, and
+having large black crosses woven in front, retired for a short time, and
+re-appeared, with their feet bared, and hair unbound. Each had a large
+rosary attached to the cord that bound her waist.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby thought Viviana had never appeared so lovely as in this costume;
+and as he gazed at her white and delicately formed feet, her small
+rounded ankles, her dark and abundant tresses falling in showers almost
+to the ground, he became more deeply enamoured than before. His
+passionate gaze was, however, unnoticed, as the object of it kept her
+eyes steadily fixed on the ground. Lady Digby, who was a most beautiful
+woman, scarcely appeared to less advantage; and, as she walked side by
+side with Viviana in the procession, the pair attracted universal
+admiration from all who beheld them.</p>
+
+<p>Everything being at last in readiness, and the order of march fully
+arranged, two youthful choristers, in surplices, chanting a hymn to
+Saint Winifred, set forth. They were followed by two men bearing silken
+banners, on one of which was displayed the martyrdom of the saint whose
+shrine they were about to visit, and on the other a lamb carrying a
+cross; next came Fathers Oldcorne and Fisher, each sustaining a large
+silver crucifix; next, Garnet alone, in the full habit of his order;
+next, the females,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> in the attire before described, and walking two and
+two; next, Sir Everard Digby and Sir William Radcliffe; and lastly, the
+rest of the pilgrims, to the number of fourteen. These were all on foot.
+But at the distance of fifty paces behind them rode Guy Fawkes and
+Catesby, at the head of twenty well-armed and well-mounted attendants,
+intended to serve as a guard in case of need.</p>
+
+<p>In such order, this singular procession moved forward at a slow pace,
+taking its course along a secluded road leading to the ridge of hills
+extending from the neighbourhood of Wrexham to Mold, and from thence, in
+an almost unbroken chain, to Holywell.</p>
+
+<p>Along these heights, whence magnificent views were obtained of the broad
+estuary of the Dee and the more distant ocean, the train proceeded
+without interruption; and though the road selected was one seldom
+traversed, and through a country thinly peopled, still, the rumour of
+the pilgrimage having gone abroad, hundreds were stationed at different
+points to behold it. Some expressions of disapprobation were
+occasionally manifested by the spectators; but the presence of the large
+armed force effectually prevented any interference.</p>
+
+<p>Whenever such a course could be pursued, the procession took its way
+over the sward. Still the sufferings of the females were severe in the
+extreme; and before Viviana had proceeded a mile, her white, tender feet
+were cut and bruised by the sharp flints over which she walked; every
+step she took leaving a bloody print behind it. Lady Digby was in little
+better condition. But such was the zeal by which they, in common with
+all the other devotees following them, were animated, that not a single
+murmur was uttered.</p>
+
+<p>Proceeding in this way, they reached at mid-day a small stone chapel on
+the summit of the hill overlooking Plas-Newydd, where they halted, and
+devotions being performed, the females bathed their lacerated limbs in a
+neighbouring brook, after which they were rubbed with a cooling and
+odorous ointment. Thus refreshed, they again set forward, and halting a
+second time at Plas-Isaf, where similar religious ceremonies were
+observed, they rested for the day at a lodging prepared for their
+reception in the vicinity of Mold.</p>
+
+<p>The night being passed in prayer, early in the morning they commenced
+their march in the same order as before. When Viviana first set her feet
+to the ground, she felt as if she were treading on hot iron, and the
+pain was so excruciating, that she could not repress a cry.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heed not your sufferings, dear daughter,&rdquo; observed Garnet,
+compassionately; &ldquo;the waters of the holy fountain will heal the wounds
+both of soul and body.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Overcoming her agony by a powerful effort, she contrived to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> limp
+forward; and the whole party was soon after in motion. Halting; for two
+hours at Pentre-Terfyn, and again at Skeviog, the train, towards
+evening, reached the summit of the hill overlooking Holywell, at the
+foot of which could be seen the ruins of Basingwerk Abbey, and the roof
+of the ancient chapel erected over the sacred spring. At this sight,
+those who were foremost in the procession fell on their knees; and the
+horsemen dismounting, imitated their example. An earnest supplication to
+Saint Winifred was then poured forth by Father Garnet, in which all the
+others joined, and a hymn in her honour chanted by the choristers.</p>
+
+<p>Their devotions ended, the whole train arose, and walked slowly down the
+steep descent. As they entered the little town, which owes its name and
+celebrity to the miraculous spring rising within it, they were met by a
+large concourse of people, who had flocked from Flint, and the other
+neighbouring places to witness the ceremonial. Most of the inhabitants
+of Holywell, holding their saintly patroness in the deepest veneration,
+viewed this pilgrimage to her shrine as a proper tribute of respect,
+while those of the opposite faith were greatly impressed by it. As the
+procession advanced, the crowd divided into two lines to allow it
+passage, and many fell on their knees imploring a blessing from Garnet,
+which he in no instance refused. When within a hundred yards of the
+sacred well, they were met by a priest, followed by another small train
+of pilgrims. A Latin oration having been pronounced by this priest, and
+replied to in the same language by Garnet, the train was once more put
+in motion, and presently reached the ancient fabric built over the
+sacred fountain.</p>
+
+<p>The legend of Saint Winifred is so well known, that it is scarcely
+necessary to repeat it. For the benefit of the uninformed, however, it
+may be stated that she flourished about the middle of the seventh
+century, and was the daughter of Thewith, one of the chief lords of
+Wales. Devoutly educated by a monk named Beuno, who afterwards received
+canonization, she took the veil, and retired to a small monastery (the
+ruins of which still exist), built by her father near the scene of her
+subsequent martyrdom. Persecuted by the addresses of Caradoc, son of
+Alan, Prince of Wales, she fled from him to avoid his violence. He
+followed, and inflamed by fury at her resistance, struck off her head.
+For this atrocity, the earth instantly opened and swallowed him alive,
+while from the spot where the head had fallen gushed forth a fountain of
+unequalled force and purity, producing more than a hundred tons a
+minute. The bottom of this miraculous well is strewn with pebbles
+streaked with red veins, in memory of the virgin saint from whose blood
+it sprung. On its margin grows an odorous moss, while its gelid and
+translucent waters are esteemed a remedy for many disorders.
+Winifred's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> career did not terminate with her decapitation.
+Resuscitated by the prayers of Saint Beuno, she lived many years a life
+of the utmost sanctity, bearing, as a mark of the miracle performed in
+her behalf, a narrow crimson circle round her throat.</p>
+
+<p>Passing the chapel adjoining the well, built in the reign of Henry the
+Seventh by his mother, the pious Countess of Richmond, the pilgrims came
+to the swift clear stream rushing from the well. Instead of ascending
+the steps leading to the edifice built over the spring, they plunged
+into the stream, and crossing it entered the structure by a doorway on
+the further side. Erected by the Countess of Richmond at the same period
+as the chapel, this structure, quadrangular in form, and of great
+beauty, consists of light clustered pillars and mouldings, supporting
+the most gorgeous tracery and groining, the whole being ornamented with
+sculptured bosses, pendent capitals, fretwork, niches, and tabernacles.
+In the midst is a large stone basin, to receive the water of the
+fountain, around which the procession now grouped, and as soon as all
+were assembled, at the command of Father Garnet they fell on their
+knees.</p>
+
+<p>It was a solemn and striking sight to see this large group prostrated
+around that beautiful fountain, and covered by that ancient
+structure,&mdash;a touching thing to hear the voice of prayer mingling with
+the sound of the rushing water. After this, they all arose. A hymn was
+then chanted, and votive offerings made at the shrine of the saint. The
+male portion of the assemblage then followed Garnet to the chapel, where
+further religious rites were performed, while the female devotees,
+remaining near the fountain, resigned themselves to the care of several
+attendants of their own sex, who, having bathed their feet in the water,
+applied some of the fragrant moss above described to the wounds; and,
+such was the faith of the patients, or the virtue of the application,
+that in a short time they all felt perfectly restored, and able to join
+their companions in the chapel. In this way the evening was spent, and
+it was not until late that they finished their devotions, and departed
+to the lodgings provided for them in the town.</p>
+
+<p>Impressed with a strange superstitious feeling, which he could scarcely
+acknowledge to himself, Guy Fawkes determined to pass the night near the
+well. Accordingly, without communicating his intention to his
+companions, he threw a small knapsack over his shoulder, containing a
+change of linen, and a few articles of attire, and proceeded thither.</p>
+
+<p>It was a brilliant moonlight night, and, as the radiance, streaming
+through the thin clustered columns of the structure, lighted up its
+fairy architecture, and fell upon the clear cold waves of the fountain,
+revealing the blood-streaked pebbles beneath, the effect was
+inexpressibly beautiful. So charmed was Guy Fawkes by the sight, that he
+remained for some time<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>standing near the edge of the basin, as if
+fascinated by the marvellous spring that boiled up and sparkled at his
+feet. Resolved to try the efficacy of the bath, he threw off his clothes
+and plunged into it. The water was cold as ice; but on emerging from it
+he felt wonderfully refreshed. Having dressed himself, he wrapped his
+cloak around him, and, throwing himself on the stone floor, placed the
+knapsack under his head, and grasping a petronel in his right hand, to
+be ready in case of a surprise, disposed himself to slumber.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 377px;">
+<img src="images/illo_083.jpg" width="377" height="600" alt="Vision of Guy Fawkes at Saint Winifred&#39;s Well" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Vision of Guy Fawkes at Saint Winifred&#39;s Well</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Accustomed to a soldier's couch, he soon fell asleep. He had not long
+closed his eyes when he dreamed that from out of the well a female
+figure, slight and unsubstantial as the element from which it sprang,
+arose. It was robed in what resembled a nun's garb; but so thin and
+vapoury, that the very moonlight shone through it. From the garments of
+the figure, as well as from the crimson circle round its throat, he knew
+that it must be the patroness of the place, the sainted Winifred, that
+he beheld. He felt no horror, but the deepest awe. The arm of the figure
+was raised,&mdash;its benignant regards fixed upon him,&mdash;and, as soon as it
+gained the level of the basin, it glided towards him.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_XII" id="I_CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE VISION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Before daybreak on the following morning, Garnet, who had been engaged
+in earnest conference with Catesby during the whole of the night,
+repaired to the sacred spring for the purpose of bathing within it, and
+performing his solitary devotions at the shrine of the saint. On
+ascending the steps of the structure, he perceived Guy Fawkes kneeling
+beside the fountain, apparently occupied in prayer; and, being unwilling
+to disturb him, he paused. Finding, however, after the lapse of a few
+minutes, that he did not move, he advanced towards him, and was about to
+lay his hand upon his shoulder, when he was arrested by the very
+extraordinary expression of his countenance. His lips were partly open,
+but perfectly motionless, and his eyes, almost starting from their
+sockets, were fixed upon the boiling waters of the spring. His hands
+were clasped, and his look altogether was that of one whose faculties
+were benumbed by awe or terror.</p>
+
+<p>Aware of the fanatical and enthusiastical character of Fawkes, Garnet
+had little doubt that, by keeping long vigil at the fountain, he had
+worked himself into such a state of over-excitement as to imagine he
+beheld some preternatural appearance; and it was with some curiosity
+that he awaited the result. Glancing in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> the same direction, his eye
+rested upon the bottom of the well, but he could discern nothing except
+the glittering and blood-streaked pebbles, and the reflection of the
+early sunbeams that quivered on its steaming surface. At length, a
+convulsion passed over the frame of the kneeler, and heaving a deep sigh
+he arose. Turning to quit the spring, he confronted Garnet, and
+demanded, in a low voice&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have you likewise seen the vision, father?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Garnet made no reply, but regarded him steadfastly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Has the blessed Winifred appeared to you, I say?&rdquo; continued Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered Garnet; &ldquo;I am but just come hither. It is for you, my
+son,&mdash;the favoured of Heaven,&mdash;for whom such glorious visions are
+reserved. I have seen nothing. How did the saint manifest herself to
+you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In her earthly form,&rdquo; replied Fawkes; &ldquo;or rather, I should say, in the
+semblance of the form she bore on earth. Listen to me, father. I came
+hither last night to make my couch beside the fountain. After plunging
+into it, I felt marvellously refreshed, and disposed myself to rest on
+that stone. Scarcely had my eyes closed when the saintly virgin appeared
+to me. Oh! father, it was a vision of seraphic beauty, such as the eye
+of man hath seldom seen!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And such only as it is permitted the elect of Heaven to see,&rdquo; observed
+Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! father,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes, &ldquo;I can lay little claim to such an
+epithet. Nay, I begin to fear that I have incurred the displeasure of
+Heaven.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Think not so, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet, uneasily. &ldquo;Relate your vision,
+and I will interpret it to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thus then it was, father,&rdquo; returned Fawkes. &ldquo;The figure of the saint
+arose from out the well, and gliding towards me laid its finger upon my
+brow. My eyes opened, but I was as one oppressed with a nightmare,
+unable to move. I then thought I heard my name pronounced by a voice so
+wondrously sweet that my senses were quite ravished. Fain would I have
+prostrated myself, but my limbs refused their office. Neither could I
+speak, for my tongue was also enchained.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Proceed, my son,&rdquo; observed Garnet; &ldquo;I am curious to know what ensued.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Father,&rdquo; replied Guy Fawkes, &ldquo;if the form I beheld was that of Saint
+Winifred,&mdash;and that it was so, I cannot doubt,&mdash;the enterprise on which
+we are engaged will fail. It is <i>not</i> approved by Heaven. The vision
+warned me to desist.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You cannot desist, my son,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet, sternly. &ldquo;Your oath binds
+you to the project.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; replied Fawkes; &ldquo;and I have no thought of abandoning it. But I
+am well assured it will not be successful.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your thinking so, my son, will be the most certain means of realizing
+your apprehensions,&rdquo; replied Garnet, gravely. &ldquo;But let me hear the exact
+words of the spirit. You may have misunderstood them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot repeat them precisely, father,&rdquo; replied Fawkes; &ldquo;but I could
+not misapprehend their import, which was the deepest commiseration for
+our forlorn and fallen church, but a positive interdiction against any
+attempt to restore it by bloodshed. 'Suffer on,' said the spirit; 'bear
+the yoke patiently, and in due season God will avenge your wrongs, and
+free you from oppression. You are thus afflicted that your faith may be
+purified. But if you resort to violence, you will breed confusion, and
+injure, not serve, the holy cause on which you are embarked.' Such,
+father, was the language of the saint. It was uttered in a tone so
+tender and sympathizing, that every word found an echo in my heart, and
+I repented having pledged myself to the undertaking. But, when I tell
+you that she added that all concerned in the conspiracy should perish,
+perhaps you may be deterred from proceeding further.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Never!&rdquo; returned Garnet. &ldquo;Nor will I suffer any one engaged in it to
+retreat. What matter if a few perish, if the many survive? Our blood
+will not be shed in vain, if the true religion of God is restored. Nay,
+as strongly as the blessed Winifred herself resisted the impious
+ravisher, Caradoc, will I resist all inducements to turn aside from my
+purpose. It may be that the enterprise <i>will</i> fail. It may be that we
+<i>shall</i> perish. But if we die thus, we shall die as martyrs, and our
+deaths will be highly profitable to the Catholic religion.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I doubt it,&rdquo; observed Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My son,&rdquo; said Garnet, solemnly, &ldquo;I have ever looked upon you as one
+destined to be the chief agent in the great work of redemption. I have
+thought that, like Judith, you were chosen to destroy the Holofernes who
+oppresses us. Having noted in you a religious fervour, and resolution
+admirably fitting you for the task, I thought, and still think you
+expressly chosen by Heaven for it. But, if you have any misgiving, I
+beseech you to withdraw from it. I will absolve you from your oath; and,
+enjoining you only to strictest secrecy, will pray you to depart at
+once, lest your irresolution should be communicated to the others.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear nothing from me, father,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes. &ldquo;I have no
+irresolution, no wavering, nor shall any engaged with us be shaken by my
+apprehension. You have asked me what I saw and heard, and I have told
+you truly. But I will speak of it no more.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will be well to observe silence, my son,&rdquo; answered Garnet; &ldquo;for
+though you, like myself, are unnerved, its effect on others might be
+injurious. But you have not yet brought your relation to an end. How did
+the figure disappear?&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;As it arose, father,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Uttering in a sweet but solemn
+voice, which yet rings in my cars, the words, 'Be warned!' it glided
+back to the fountain, whose waves as it approached grew still, and
+gradually melted from my view.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But when I came hither, you appeared to be gazing at the spring,&rdquo; said
+Garnet. &ldquo;What did you then behold?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My first impulse on awakening about an hour ago,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, &ldquo;was
+to prostrate myself before the fountain, and to entreat the intercession
+of the saint, who had thus marvellously revealed herself to me. As I
+prayed, methought its clear lucid waters became turbid, and turned to
+the colour of blood.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is a type of the blood of slaughtered brethren of our faith, which
+has been shed by our oppressors,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Rather of our own, which shall be poured forth in this cause,&rdquo; retorted
+Fawkes. &ldquo;No matter. I am prepared to lose the last drop of mine.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I,&rdquo; said Garnet; &ldquo;and, I doubt not, like those holy men who have
+suffered for their faith, that we shall both win a crown of martyrdom.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Amen!&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes. &ldquo;And you think the sacrifice we are about to
+offer will prove acceptable to God?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am convinced of it, my son,&rdquo; answered Garnet. &ldquo;And I take the sainted
+virgin, from whose blood this marvellous spring was produced, to witness
+that I devote myself unhesitatingly to the project, and that I firmly
+believe it will profit our church.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, a <ins class="correction" title="singlar">singular</ins> circumstance occurred, which did not fail to
+produce an impression on both parties,&mdash;especially Guy Fawkes. A violent
+gust of wind, apparently suddenly aroused, whistled through the slender
+columns of the structure, and catching the surface of the water dashed
+it in tiny waves against their feet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The saint is offended,&rdquo; observed Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It would almost seem so,&rdquo; replied Garnet, after a pause. &ldquo;Let us
+proceed to the chapel, and pray at her shrine. We will confer on this
+matter hereafter. Meantime, swear to me that you will observe profound
+secrecy respecting this vision.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I swear,&rdquo; replied Guy Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, another and more violent gust agitated the fountain.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We will tarry here no longer,&rdquo; said Garnet, &ldquo;I am not proof against
+these portents of ill.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he led the way to the chapel. Here they were presently joined
+by several of the female devotees, including Viviana, Anne Vaux, and
+Lady Digby. Matins were then said, after which various offerings were
+made at the shrine of the saint. Lady Digby presented a small tablet set
+in gold, representing on one side the martyrdom of Saint Winifred, and
+on the other the Salutation of our Lady. Anne Vaux gave a small<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>
+enamelled cross of gold; Viviana a girdle of the same metal, with a
+pendant sustaining a small Saint John's head surrounded with pearls.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mine will be a poor soldier's offering,&rdquo; said Guy Fawkes, approaching
+the shrine, which was hung around with the crutches, staves, and
+bandages of those cured by the healing waters of the miraculous spring.
+&ldquo;This small silver scallop-shell, given me by a pilgrim, who died in my
+arms near the chapel of Saint James of Compostella, in Spain, is the
+sole valuable I possess.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will be as acceptable as a more costly gift, my son,&rdquo; replied
+Garnet, placing it on the shrine.</p>
+
+<p>Of all the offerings then made, that silver scallop-shell is the only
+one preserved.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_XIII" id="I_CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE CONSPIRATORS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>On Viviana's return from her devotions, she found her father in the
+greatest perturbation and alarm. The old steward, Heydocke, who had
+ridden express from Ordsall Hall, had just arrived, bringing word that
+the miserable fate of the pursuivant and his crew had aroused the whole
+country; that officers, attended by a strong force, and breathing
+vengeance, were in pursuit of Sir William Radcliffe and his daughter;
+that large sums were offered for the capture of Guy Fawkes and Father
+Oldcorne; that most of the servants were imprisoned; that he himself had
+escaped with great difficulty; and that, to sum up this long catalogue
+of calamities, Master Humphrey Chetham was arrested, and placed in the
+New Fleet. &ldquo;In short, my dear young mistress,&rdquo; concluded the old man,
+&ldquo;as I have just observed to Sir William, all is over with us, and there
+is nothing left but the grave.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What course have you resolved upon, dear father,&rdquo; inquired Viviana,
+turning anxiously to him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shall surrender myself,&rdquo; he answered. &ldquo;I am guilty of no crime, and
+can easily clear myself from all imputation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are mistaken,&rdquo; she replied. &ldquo;Do not hope for justice from those who
+know it not. But, while the means of escape are allowed you, avail
+yourself of them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No, Viviana,&rdquo; replied Sir William Radcliffe, firmly; &ldquo;my part is taken.
+I shall abide the arrival of the officers. For you, I shall intrust you
+to the care of Mr. Catesby.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You cannot mean this, dear father,&rdquo; she cried, with a look of distress.
+&ldquo;And, if you do, I will never consent to such an arrangement.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Catesby is strongly attached to you, child,&rdquo; replied Sir William,
+&ldquo;and will watch over your safety as carefully as I could do myself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He may be attached to me,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana, &ldquo;though I doubt the
+disinterestedness of his love. But nothing can remove my repugnance to
+him. Forgive me, therefore, if, in this one instance, I decline to obey
+your commands. I dare not trust myself with Mr. Catesby.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How am I to understand you?&rdquo; inquired Sir William.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not ask me to explain, dear father,&rdquo; she answered, &ldquo;but imagine I
+must have good reason for what I say. Since you are resolved upon
+surrendering yourself, I will go into captivity with you. The
+alternative is less dreadful than that you have proposed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You distract me, child,&rdquo; cried the knight, rising and pacing the
+chamber in great agitation. &ldquo;I cannot bear the thought of your
+imprisonment. Yet if I fly, I appear to confess myself guilty.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If your worship will intrust Mistress Viviana with me,&rdquo; interposed the
+old steward, &ldquo;I will convey her whithersoever you direct,&mdash;will watch
+over her day and night,&mdash;and, if need be, die in her defence.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thou wert ever a faithful servant, good Heydocke,&rdquo; rejoined Sir
+William, extending his hand kindly to him, &ldquo;and art as true in adversity
+as in prosperity.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Shame to me if I were not,&rdquo; replied Heydocke, pressing the knight's
+fingers to his lips and bathing them in his tears. &ldquo;Shame to me if I
+hesitated to lay down my life for a master to whom I owe so much.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If it is your pleasure, dear father,&rdquo; observed Viviana, &ldquo;I will
+accompany Master Heydocke; but I would far rather be permitted to remain
+with you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It would avail nothing,&rdquo; replied Sir William, &ldquo;we should be separated
+by the officers. Retire to your chamber, and prepare for instant
+departure; and, in the mean while, I will consider what is best to be
+done.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your worship's decision must be speedy,&rdquo; observed Heydocke; &ldquo;I had only
+a few hours' start of the officers. They will be here ere long.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Take this purse,&rdquo; replied Sir William, &ldquo;and hire three of the fleetest
+horses you can procure, and station yourself at the outskirts of the
+town, on the road to Saint Asaph. You understand.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Perfectly,&rdquo; replied Heydocke. And he departed to execute his master's
+commands, while Viviana withdrew to her own chamber.</p>
+
+<p>Left alone, the knight was perplexing himself as to where he should
+shape his course, when he was interrupted by the sudden entrance of
+Catesby and Garnet.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We have just met your servant, Sir William,&rdquo; said the former, &ldquo;and have
+learnt the alarming intelligence he has brought.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What is your counsel in this emergency, father?&rdquo; said Radcliffe,
+appealing to Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Flight,&mdash;instant flight, my son,&rdquo; was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My counsel is resistance,&rdquo; said Catesby. &ldquo;We are here assembled in
+large numbers, and are well armed. Let us await the arrival of the
+officers, and see whether they will venture to arrest you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They will arrest us all, if they have force sufficient to do so,"
+replied Garnet; &ldquo;and there are many reasons, as you well know, why it is
+desirable to avoid any disturbance at present.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;What say you then,&rdquo; he continued, addressing
+Radcliffe, &ldquo;to our immediate return to Holt, where means may be found to
+screen you till this storm is blown over?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Sir William having assented to the proposal, Catesby instantly departed
+to acquaint the others, and, as soon as preparations could be made, and
+horses procured, the whole party composing the pilgrimage quitted
+Holywell, and, ascending the hill at the back of the town, took the
+direction of Mold, where they arrived, having ridden at a swift pace, in
+about half an hour. From thence they proceeded, without accident or
+interruption, to the mansion they had recently occupied near Holt. On
+reaching it, all the domestics were armed, and certain of their number
+stationed at the different approaches to the house to give the alarm in
+case of the enemy's appearance. But as nothing occurred during the
+night, the fears of Sir William and his friends began in some degree to
+subside.</p>
+
+<p>About noon, on the following day, as Guy Fawkes, who ever since the
+vision at Saint Winifred's Well had shunned all companionship, walked
+forth beneath the avenue alone, he heard a light step behind him, and,
+turning, beheld Viviana. Gravely bowing, he was about to pursue his
+course, when quickening her pace she was instantly by his side.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have a favour to solicit,&rdquo; she said.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is none I would refuse you,&rdquo; answered Fawkes, halting; &ldquo;but,
+though I have the will, I may not have the power to grant your request.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hear me, then,&rdquo; she replied, hurriedly. &ldquo;Of all my father's friends&mdash;of
+all who are here assembled, you are the only one I dare trust,&mdash;the only
+one from whom I can hope for assistance.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am at once flattered and perplexed by your words, Viviana,&rdquo; he
+rejoined; &ldquo;nor can I guess whither they tend. But speak freely. If I
+cannot render you aid, I can at least give you counsel.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I must premise, then,&rdquo; said Viviana, &ldquo;that I am aware from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> certain
+obscure hints let fall by Father Oldcorne, that you, Mr. Catesby, and
+others are engaged in a dark and dangerous conspiracy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana Radcliffe,&rdquo; returned Guy Fawkes, sternly, &ldquo;you have once before
+avowed your knowledge of this plot. I will not attempt disguise with
+you. A project is in agitation for the deliverance of our fallen church;
+and, since you have become acquainted with its existence&mdash;no matter
+how&mdash;you must be bound by an oath of secrecy, or,&rdquo; and his look grew
+darker, and his voice sterner, &ldquo;I will not answer for your life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will willingly take the oath, on certain conditions,&rdquo; said Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must take it unconditionally,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hear me out,&rdquo; said Viviana. &ldquo;Knowing that Mr. Catesby and Father Garnet
+are anxious to induce my father to join this conspiracy, I came hither
+to implore you to prevent him from doing so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Were I even willing to do this,&mdash;which I am not,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, &ldquo;I
+have not the power. Sir William Radcliffe would be justly indignant at
+any interference on my part.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heed not that,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;You, I fear, are linked to this
+fearful project beyond the possibility of being set free. But he is not.
+Save him! save him!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will take no part in urging him to join it,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;But I
+can promise nothing further.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then mark me,&rdquo; she returned; &ldquo;if further attempts are made by any of
+your confederates to league him with their plot, I myself will disclose
+all I know of it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, in a threatening tone, &ldquo;I again warn you
+that you endanger your life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I care not,&rdquo; she rejoined; &ldquo;I would risk twenty lives, if I possessed
+them, to preserve my father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are a noble-hearted lady,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, unable to repress the
+admiration inspired by her conduct; &ldquo;and if I can accomplish what you
+desire, I will. But I see not how it can be done.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Everything is possible to one of your resolution,&rdquo; replied Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, well,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, a slight smile crossing his rugged
+features; &ldquo;the effort at least shall be made.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thanks! thanks!&rdquo; ejaculated Viviana; and, overcome by her emotion, she
+sank half-fainting into his arms.</p>
+
+<p>While he held her thus, debating within himself whether he should convey
+her to the house, Garnet and Catesby appeared at the other end of the
+avenue. Their surprise at the sight was extreme; nor was it less when
+Viviana, opening her eyes as they drew near, uttered a slight cry, and
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This requires an explanation,&rdquo; said Catesby, glancing fiercely at
+Fawkes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must seek it, then, of the lady,&rdquo; rejoined the latter, moodily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will be easily explained, I have no doubt,&rdquo; interposed Garnet. &ldquo;Miss
+Radcliffe was seized with a momentary weakness, and her companion
+offered her support.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That will scarcely suffice for me,&rdquo; cried Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let the subject be dropped for the present,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet,
+authoritatively. &ldquo;More important matter claims our attention. We came to
+seek you, my son,&rdquo; he continued, addressing Fawkes. &ldquo;All those engaged
+in the great enterprise are about to meet in a summer-house in the
+garden.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am ready to attend you,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Will Sir William Radcliffe
+be there?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Garnet; &ldquo;he has not yet joined us. None will be present at
+this meeting but the sworn conspirators.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, the trio took their way towards the garden, and proceeding
+along a walk edged with clipped yew-trees, came to the summer-house,&mdash;a
+small circular building overrun with ivy and creepers, and ornamented in
+front by two stone statues on pedestals. Here they found Sir Everard
+Digby, Ambrose Rookwood, Francis Tresham, Thomas and Robert Winter, John
+and Christopher Wright, awaiting their arrival.</p>
+
+<p>The door being closed and bolted, Garnet, placing himself in the midst
+of the assemblage, said, &ldquo;Before we proceed further, I will again
+administer the oath to all present.&rdquo; Drawing from his vest a primer, and
+addressing Sir Everard Digby, he desired him to kneel, and continued
+thus in a solemn tone, &ldquo;You shall swear by the Blessed Trinity, and by
+the sacrament you propose to receive, never to disclose directly nor
+indirectly, by word or circumstance, the matter that shall be proposed
+to you to keep secret, nor desist from the execution thereof, until the
+rest shall give you leave.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I swear,&rdquo; replied Digby, kissing the primer.</p>
+
+<p>The oath was then taken in like manner by the others. This done, Catesby
+was about to address the meeting, when Tresham, glancing uneasily at the
+door, remarked, &ldquo;Are you assured we have no eavesdroppers?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will keep watch without,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, &ldquo;if you have any fears.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It were better,&rdquo; replied Robert Winter. &ldquo;We cannot be too cautious. But
+if you go forth, you will not be able to take part in the discussion.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My part is to act, not talk,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, marching towards the
+door. And shutting it after him, he took up his position outside.</p>
+
+<p>Upon this Catesby commenced a long and inflammatory harangue, in which
+he expatiated with great eloquence and fervour on the wrongs of the
+Catholic party, and the deplorable condition<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> of their church. &ldquo;It were
+easy to slay the tyrant by whom we are oppressed,&rdquo; he said, in
+conclusion; &ldquo;but his destruction would be small gain to us. We must
+strike deeper, to hew down the baneful stock of heresy. All our
+adversaries must perish with him, and in such a manner as shall best
+attest the vengeance of Heaven. Placed beneath the Parliament-house, a
+mine of powder shall hurl its heretical occupants into the air,&mdash;nor
+shall any one survive the terrible explosion. Are we all agreed to this
+plan?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>All the conspirators expressed their assent, except Sir Everard Digby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Before I give my concurrence to the measure,&rdquo; observed the latter, &ldquo;I
+would fain be resolved by Father Garnet whether it is lawful to destroy
+some few of our own faith with so many heretics.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Unquestionably, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;As in besieging a city we
+have a right to kill all within it, whether friends or enemies, so in
+this case we are justified in destroying the innocent with the guilty,
+because their destruction will be advantageous to the Catholic cause.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am satisfied,&rdquo; replied Digby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;As to the tyrant and apostate James,&rdquo; continued Garnet, &ldquo;he is
+excommunicated, and his subjects released from their allegiance. I have
+two breves sent over by his holiness Pope Clement VIII. three years ago,
+one directed to the clergy, and the other to the nobility of this realm,
+wherein, alluding to Queen Elizabeth, it is expressly declared that, 'so
+soon as that miserable woman should depart out of this life, none shall
+be permitted to ascend the throne, how near soever in proximity of
+blood, unless they are such as will not only tolerate the Catholic
+faith, but in every way support it.' By this brief, James is expressly
+excluded. He has betrayed, not supported the church of Rome. Having
+broken his word with us, and oppressed our brethren more rigorously even
+than his predecessor, the remorseless Elizabeth, he is unworthy longer
+to reign, and must be removed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He must,&rdquo; reiterated the conspirators.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The Parliament-house being the place where all the mischief done us has
+been contrived by our adversaries, it is fitting that it should be the
+place of their chastisement,&rdquo; remarked Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Doubtless,&rdquo; rejoined Ambrose Rookwood.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Yet if the blow we meditate should miscarry,&rdquo; observed Thomas Winter,
+&ldquo;the injury to the Catholic religion will be so great, that not only our
+enemies, but our very friends will condemn us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is no chance of miscarriage, if we are true to each other,"
+returned Catesby, confidently. &ldquo;And if I suspected any one of treachery,
+I would plunge my sword into his bosom, were he my brother.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You would do wrong to act thus on mere suspicion,&rdquo; remarked Tresham,
+who stood near him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In a case like this, he who gives the slightest ground for doubt would
+merit death,&rdquo; replied Catesby, sternly; &ldquo;and I would slay him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hum!&rdquo; exclaimed Tresham, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Catesby will now perhaps inform us what has been done to carry the
+project into effect?&rdquo; inquired Sir Everard Digby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A small habitation has been taken by one of our confederates, Mr.
+Thomas Percy, immediately adjoining the Parliament-house,&rdquo; replied
+Catesby, &ldquo;from the cellar of which it is proposed to dig a mine through
+the wall of the devoted building, and to deposit within it a sufficient
+quantity of gunpowder and other combustibles to accomplish our purpose.
+This mine must be digged by ourselves, as we can employ no assistants,
+and will be a laborious and dangerous task. But I for one will
+cheerfully undertake it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I,&rdquo; said the elder Wright.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I,&rdquo; cried several others.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Supposing the mine digged, and the powder deposited,&rdquo; observed Ambrose
+Rookwood, &ldquo;whose hand will fire the train?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mine!&rdquo; cried Guy Fawkes, throwing open the door. As soon as he had
+spoken, he retired and closed it after him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He will keep his word,&rdquo; remarked Garnet. &ldquo;He is of a nature so resolute
+that he would destroy himself with the victims rather than fail.
+Catiline was not a bolder conspirator than Guy Fawkes.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, gentlemen,&rdquo; observed Catesby, &ldquo;we are now at the latter end of
+July. All must be ready against the meeting of Parliament in November.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is some likelihood, I hear, that the meeting of the house will be
+prorogued till February,&rdquo; remarked Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So much the better,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, &ldquo;it will give us more time for
+preparation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So much the worse, I think,&rdquo; cried Ambrose Rookwood. &ldquo;Delays are ever
+dangerous, and doubly dangerous in a case like ours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am far from desiring to throw any impediment in the way of our
+design,&rdquo; observed Sir Everard Digby, &ldquo;but I would recommend, before we
+proceed to this terrible extremity, that one last effort should be made
+to move the King in our behalf.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is useless,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;So far from toleration, he meditates
+severer measures against us; and, I am well assured, if Parliament is
+allowed to meet, such laws will be passed as will bring all of us within
+premunire. No, no. We have no hope from James, nor his ministers.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nor yet from France or Spain,&rdquo; observed Thomas Winter. &ldquo;In my
+conference with the Constable Velasco at Bergen, I received assurances
+of the good-will of Philip towards us, but no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> distinct promise of
+interference in our behalf. The Archduke Albert is well disposed, but he
+can render no assistance. We must depend upon ourselves.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay, marry, must we,&rdquo; replied Catesby, &ldquo;and fortunate is it that we have
+devised a plan by which we can accomplish our purpose unaided. We only
+require funds to follow up with effect the blow we shall strike.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My whole fortune shall be placed at your disposal,&rdquo; replied Sir Everard
+Digby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Part of mine has already been given,&rdquo; said Tresham, &ldquo;and the rest shall
+follow.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Would I had aught to peril in the matter except my life,&rdquo; said Catesby.
+&ldquo;I would throw everything upon the stake.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You do enough in venturing thus much, my son,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet. &ldquo;To you
+the whole conduct of the enterprise is committed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I live for nothing else,&rdquo; replied Catesby, &ldquo;and if I see it successful,
+I shall have lived long enough.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Cannot Sir William Radcliffe be induced to join us?&rdquo; asked Rookwood.
+&ldquo;He would be an important acquisition, and his wealth would prove highly
+serviceable.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have sounded him,&rdquo; answered Catesby. &ldquo;But he appears reluctant.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be not satisfied with one attempt,&rdquo; urged Christopher Wright. &ldquo;The
+jeopardy in which he now stands may make him change his mind.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am loth to interrupt the discussion,&rdquo; returned Garnet, &ldquo;but I think
+we have tarried here long enough. We will meet again at midnight, when I
+hope to introduce Sir William Radcliffe to you as a confederate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The party then separated, and Garnet went in search of the knight.</p>
+
+<p>Ascertaining that he was in his own chamber, he proceeded thither, and
+found him alone. Entering at once upon the subject in hand, Garnet
+pleaded his cause with so much zeal that he at last wrung a reluctant
+consent from the listener. Scarcely able to conceal his exultation, he
+then proposed to Sir William to adjourn with him to the private chapel
+in the house, where, having taken the oath, and received the sacrament
+upon it, he should forthwith be introduced to the conspirators, and the
+whole particulars of the plot revealed to him. To this the knight, with
+some hesitation, agreed. As they traversed a gallery leading to the
+chapel, they met Viviana. For the first time in his life Radcliffe's
+gaze sank before his daughter, and he would have passed her without
+speaking had she not stopped him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Father! dear father!&rdquo; she cried, &ldquo;I know whither you are going&mdash;and for
+what purpose. Do not&mdash;do not join them.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 378px;">
+<img src="images/illo_095.jpg" width="378" height="600" alt="Guy Fawkes preventing Sir William Radcliffe from joining
+the Conspiracy." title="" />
+<span class="caption">Guy Fawkes preventing Sir William Radcliffe from joining
+the Conspiracy.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Sir William Radcliffe made no reply, but endeavoured gently to push her
+aside.</p>
+
+<p>She would not, however, be repulsed, but prostrating herself before him,
+clasped his knees, and besought him not to proceed.</p>
+
+<p>Making a significant gesture to Sir William, Garnet walked forward.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana,&rdquo; cried the knight, sternly, &ldquo;my resolution is taken. I command
+you to retire to your chamber.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he broke from her, and followed Garnet. Clasping her hands to
+her brow, Viviana gazed for a moment with a frenzied look after him, and
+then rushed from the gallery.</p>
+
+<p>On reaching the chapel, Sir William, who had been much shaken by this
+meeting, was some minutes in recovering his composure. Garnet employed
+the time in renewing his arguments, and with so much address that he
+succeeded in quieting the scruples of conscience which had been awakened
+in the knight's breast by his daughter's warning.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now, my son,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;since you have determined to enrol your
+name in the list of those sworn to deliver their church from oppression,
+take this primer in your hand, and kneel down before the altar, while I
+administer the oath which is to unite you to us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Garnet then advanced towards the altar, and Sir William was about to
+prostrate himself upon a cushion beside it, when the door was suddenly
+thrown open, and Guy Fawkes strode into the chapel.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hold!&rdquo; he exclaimed, grasping Radcliffe's right arm, and fixing his
+dark glance upon him; &ldquo;you shall not take that oath.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What mean you?&rdquo; cried Garnet, who, as well as the knight, was paralyzed
+with astonishment at this intrusion. &ldquo;Sir William Radcliffe is about to
+join us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know it,&rdquo; replied Fawkes; &ldquo;but it may not be. He has no heart in the
+business, and will lend it no efficient assistance. We are better
+without him, than with him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, he took the primer from the knight's hand, and laid it upon
+the altar.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This conduct is inexplicable,&rdquo; cried Garnet, angrily. &ldquo;You will answer
+for it to others, as well as to me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will answer for it to all,&rdquo; replied Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;Let Sir William
+Radcliffe declare before me, and before Heaven, that he approves the
+measure, and I am content he should take the oath.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot belie my conscience by saying so,&rdquo; replied the knight, who
+appeared agitated by conflicting emotions.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Yet you have promised to join us,&rdquo; cried Garnet, reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Better break that promise than a solemn oath,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes,
+sternly. &ldquo;Sir William Radcliffe, there are reasons<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> why you should not
+join this conspiracy. Examine your inmost heart, and it will tell you
+what they are.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I understand you,&rdquo; replied the knight.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Get hence,&rdquo; cried Garnet, unable to control his indignation, &ldquo;or I will
+pronounce our Church's most terrible malediction against you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shall not shrink from it, father,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, humbly, but
+firmly, &ldquo;seeing I am acting rightly.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Undeceive yourself, then, at once,&rdquo; returned Garnet, &ldquo;and learn that
+you are thwarting our great and holy purpose.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;On the contrary,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, &ldquo;I am promoting it, by preventing one
+from joining it who will endanger its success.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are a traitor!&rdquo; cried Garnet, furiously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A traitor!&rdquo; exclaimed Guy Fawkes, his eye blazing with fierce lustre,
+though his voice and demeanour were unaltered,&mdash;"I, who have been warned
+thrice,&mdash;twice by the dead,&mdash;and lastly by a vision from heaven, yet
+still remain firm to my purpose,&mdash;I, who have voluntarily embraced the
+most dangerous and difficult part of the enterprise,&mdash;I, who would
+suffer the utmost extremity of torture, rather than utter a word that
+should reveal it,&mdash;a traitor! No, father, I am none. If you think so,
+take this sword and at once put an end to your doubts.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>There was something so irresistible in the manner of Guy Fawkes, that
+Garnet remained silent.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do with me what you please,&rdquo; continued Fawkes; &ldquo;but do not compel Sir
+William Radcliffe to join the conspiracy. He will be fatal to it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No one shall compel me to join it,&rdquo; replied the knight.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Perhaps it is better thus,&rdquo; returned Garnet, after a pause, during
+which he was buried in reflection. &ldquo;I will urge you no further, my son.
+But before you depart you must swear not to divulge what you have just
+learnt.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Willingly,&rdquo; replied the knight.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is another person who must also take that oath,&rdquo; said Guy Fawkes,
+&ldquo;having accidentally become acquainted with as much as yourself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And stepping out of the chapel, he immediately afterwards returned with
+Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will now understand why I would not allow Sir William to join the
+conspiracy,&rdquo; he observed to Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do,&rdquo; replied the latter, gloomily.</p>
+
+<p>The oath administered, the knight and his daughter quitted the chapel,
+accompanied by Guy Fawkes. Viviana was profuse in her expressions of
+gratitude, nor was her father less earnest in his acknowledgments.</p>
+
+<p>A few hours after this, Sir William Radcliffe informed Sir Everard Digby
+that it was his intention to depart immediately, and, though the latter
+attempted to dissuade him by representing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> the danger to which he would
+be exposed, he continued inflexible. The announcement surprised both
+Catesby and Garnet, who were present when it was made, and added their
+entreaties to those of Digby&mdash;but without effect. Catesby's proposal to
+serve as an escort was likewise refused by Sir William, who said he had
+no fears, and when questioned as to his destination, he returned an
+evasive answer. This sudden resolution of the knight coupled with his
+refusal to join the plot, alarmed the conspirators, and more than one
+expressed fears of treachery. Sir Everard Digby, however, was not of the
+number, but asserted that Radcliffe was a man of the highest honour, and
+he would answer for his secrecy with his life.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will you answer for that of his daughter?&rdquo; demanded Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;<i>I</i> will,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;To put the matter beyond a doubt,&rdquo; observed Catesby, &ldquo;I will set out
+shortly after him, and follow him unobserved till he halts for the
+night, and ascertain whether he stops at any suspicious quarter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do so, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is needless,&rdquo; observed Sir Everard Digby; &ldquo;but do as you please.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>By this time, Radcliffe's horses being brought round by Heydocke, he and
+his daughter took a hasty leave of their friends. When they had been
+gone a few minutes, Catesby called for his steed; and, after exchanging
+a word or two with Garnet, rode after them. He had proceeded about a
+couple of miles along a cross-road leading to Nantwich, which he learnt
+from some cottagers was the route taken by the party before him, when he
+heard the tramp of a horse in the rear, and, turning at the sound,
+beheld Guy Fawkes. Drawing in the bridle, he halted till the latter came
+up, and angrily demanded on what errand he was bent.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My errand is the same as your own,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I intend to follow
+Sir William Radcliffe, and, if need be, defend him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Whatever Catesby's objections might be to this companionship, he did not
+think fit to declare them, and, though evidently much displeased,
+suffered Guy Fawkes to ride by his side without opposition.</p>
+
+<p>Having gained the summit of the mountainous range extending from Malpas
+to Tottenhall, whence they beheld the party whose course they were
+tracking enter a narrow lane at the foot of the hill, Catesby, fearful
+of losing sight of them, set spurs to his steed. Guy Fawkes kept close
+beside him, and they did not slacken their pace until they reached the
+lane.</p>
+
+<p>Having proceeded along it for a quarter of a mile, they were alarmed by
+the sudden report of fire-arms, followed by a loud<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> shriek, which
+neither of them doubted was uttered by Viviana. Again dashing forward,
+on turning a corner of the road, they beheld the party surrounded by
+half-a-dozen troopers. Sir William Radcliffe had shot one of his
+assailants, and, assisted by Heydocke, was defending himself bravely
+against the others. With loud shouts, Catesby and Guy Fawkes galloped
+towards the scene of strife. But they were too late. A bullet pierced
+the knight's brain; and he no sooner fell, than, regardless of himself,
+the old steward flung away his sword, and threw himself, with the most
+piteous lamentations, on the body.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana, meanwhile, had been compelled to dismount, and was in the hands
+of the troopers. On seeing her father's fate, her shrieks were so
+heart-piercing, that even her captors were moved to compassion. Fighting
+his way towards her, Catesby cut down one of the troopers, and snatching
+her from the grasp of the other, who was terrified by the furious
+assault, placed her on the saddle beside him, and striking spurs into
+his charger at the same moment, leapt the hedge, and made good his
+retreat.</p>
+
+<p>This daring action, however, could not have been accomplished without
+the assistance of Guy Fawkes, who warded off with his rapier all the
+blows aimed at him and his lovely charge. While thus engaged, he
+received a severe cut on the head, which stretched him senseless and
+bleeding beneath his horse's feet.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_XIV" id="I_CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE PACKET.</h2>
+
+
+<p>On recovering from the effects of the wound he had received from the
+trooper, Guy Fawkes found himself stretched upon a small bed in a
+cottage, with Viviana and Catesby watching beside him. A thick fold of
+linen was bandaged round his head, and he was so faint from the great
+effusion of blood he had sustained, that, after gazing vacantly around
+him for a few minutes, and but imperfectly comprehending what he beheld,
+his eyes closed, and he relapsed into insensibility. Restoratives being
+applied, he revived in a short time, and, in answer to his inquiries how
+he came thither, was informed by Catesby that he had been left for dead
+by his assailants, who, contenting themselves with making the old
+steward prisoner, had ridden off in the direction of Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What has become of Sir William Radcliffe?&rdquo; asked the wounded man in a
+feeble voice.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby raised his finger to his lips, and Fawkes learnt the distressing
+nature of the question he had asked by the agonizing cry that burst from
+Viviana. Unable to control her grief, she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> withdrew, and Catesby then
+told him that the body of Sir William Radcliffe was lying in an
+adjoining cottage, whither it had been transported from the scene of the
+conflict; adding that it was Viviana's earnest desire that it should be
+conveyed to Manchester to the family vault in the Collegiate Church; but
+that he feared her wish could not be safely complied with. A messenger,
+however, had been despatched to Holt; and Sir Everard Digby, and Fathers
+Garnet and Oldcorne, were momentarily expected, when some course would
+be decided upon for the disposal of the unfortunate knight's remains.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Poor Viviana!&rdquo; groaned Fawkes. &ldquo;She has now no protector.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Rest easy on that score,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;She shall never want one
+while I live.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man fixed his eyes, now blazing with red and unnatural
+light, inquiringly upon him, but he said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know what you mean,&rdquo; continued Catesby; &ldquo;you think I shall wed her,
+and you are in the right. I shall. The marriage is essential to our
+enterprise; and the only obstacle to it is removed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Fawkes attempted to reply, but his parched tongue refused its office.
+Catesby arose, and carefully raising his head, held a cup of water to
+his lips. The sufferer eagerly drained it, and would have asked for
+more; but seeing that the request would be refused, he left it
+unuttered.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have you examined my wound?&rdquo; he said, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby answered in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And do you judge it mortal?&rdquo; continued Fawkes. &ldquo;Not that I have any
+fear of Death. I have looked him in the face too often for that. But I
+have somewhat on my mind which I would fain discharge before my earthly
+pilgrimage is ended.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not delay it, then,&rdquo; rejoined the other. &ldquo;Knowing I speak to a
+soldier, and a brave one, I do not hesitate to tell you your hours are
+numbered.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven's will be done!&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes, in a tone of resignation. &ldquo;I
+thought myself destined to be one of the chief instruments of the
+restoration of our holy religion. But I find I was mistaken. When Father
+Garnet arrives, I beseech you let me see him instantly. Or, if he should
+not come speedily, entreat Miss Radcliffe to grant me a few moments in
+private.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why not unburthen yourself to me?&rdquo; returned Catesby, distrustfully. &ldquo;In
+your circumstances I should desire no better confessor than a brother
+soldier,&mdash;no other crucifix than a sword-hilt.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nor I,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes. &ldquo;But this is no confession I am about to make.
+What I have to say relates to others, not to myself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby. &ldquo;Then there is the more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> reason why it
+should not be deferred. I hold it my duty to tell you that the fever of
+your wound will, in all probability, produce delirium. Make your
+communication while your senses remain to you. And whatever you enjoin
+shall be rigorously fulfilled.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will you swear this?&rdquo; cried Fawkes, eagerly. But before an answer could
+be returned, he added, in an altered tone, &ldquo;No,&mdash;no,&mdash;it cannot be.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This is no time for anger,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, sternly, &ldquo;or I should ask
+whether you doubt the assurance I have given you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I doubt nothing but your compliance with my request,&rdquo; returned Fawkes.
+&ldquo;And oh! if you hope to be succoured at your hour of need, tell Miss
+Radcliffe I desire to speak with her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The message will not need to be conveyed,&rdquo; said Viviana, who had
+noiselessly entered the room; &ldquo;she is here.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes turned his gaze in the direction of the voice; and,
+notwithstanding his own deplorable condition, he was filled with concern
+at the change wrought in her appearance by the terrible shock she had
+undergone. Her countenance was as pale as death,&mdash;her eyes, from which
+no tears would flow, as is ever the case with the deepest distress, were
+glassy and lustreless,&mdash;her luxuriant hair hung in dishevelled masses
+over her shoulders,&mdash;and her attire was soiled and disordered.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You desire to speak with me,&rdquo; she continued, advancing towards the
+couch of the wounded man.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It must be alone,&rdquo; he replied.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana glanced at Catesby, who reluctantly arose, and closed the door
+after him. &ldquo;We <i>are</i> alone now,&rdquo; she said.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Water! water!&rdquo; gasped the sufferer, &ldquo;or I perish.&rdquo; His request being
+complied with, he continued in a low solemn voice, &ldquo;Viviana, you have
+lost the dearest friend you had on earth, and you will soon lose one
+who, if he had been spared, would have endeavoured, as far as he could,
+to repair the loss. I say not this to aggravate your distress, but to
+prove the sincerity of my regard. Let me conjure you, with my dying
+breath, not to wed Mr. Catesby.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear it not,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;I would rather endure death than
+consent to do so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be upon your guard against him, then,&rdquo; continued Fawkes. &ldquo;When an
+object is to be gained, he suffers few scruples to stand in his way.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am well aware of it,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;and on the arrival of Sir
+Everard Digby, I shall place myself under his protection.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Should you be driven to extremity,&rdquo; said Fawkes, taking a small packet
+from the folds of his doublet, &ldquo;break open this; it will inform you what
+to do. Only promise me you will not have recourse to it till all other
+means have failed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana took the packet, and gave the required promise.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Conceal it about your person, and guard it carefully,&rdquo; continued<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>
+Fawkes; &ldquo;for you know not when you may require it. And now, having
+cleared my conscience, I can die easily. Let me have your prayers.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana knelt down by the bedside, and poured forth the most earnest
+supplications in his behalf.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Perhaps,&rdquo; she said, as she arose, &ldquo;and it is some consolation to think
+so,&mdash;you may be saved by death from the commission of a great crime,
+which would for ever have excluded you from the joys of heaven.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Say rather,&rdquo; cried Guy Fawkes, whose brain began to wander, &ldquo;which
+would have secured them to me. Others will achieve it; but I shall have
+no share in their glory, or their reward.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Their reward will be perdition in this world and in the next,&rdquo; rejoined
+Viviana. &ldquo;I repeat, that though I deeply deplore your condition, I
+rejoice in your delivery from this sin. It is better&mdash;far better&mdash;to die
+thus, than by the hands of the common executioner.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What do I see?&rdquo; cried Guy Fawkes, trying to raise himself, and sinking
+back again instantly upon the pillow. &ldquo;Elizabeth Orton rises before me.
+She beckons me after her&mdash;I come!&mdash;I come!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven pity him!&rdquo; cried Viviana. &ldquo;His senses have left him!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She leads me into a gloomy cavern,&rdquo; continued Fawkes, more wildly; &ldquo;but
+my eyes are like the wolf's, and can penetrate the darkness. It is
+filled with barrels of gunpowder. I see them ranged in tiers, one above
+another. Ah! I know where I am now. It is the vault beneath the
+Parliament-house. The King and his nobles are assembled in the hall
+above. Lend me a torch, that I may fire the train, and blow them into
+the air. Quick! quick! I have sworn their destruction, and will keep my
+oath. What matter if I perish with them? Give me the torch, I say, or it
+will be too late. Is the powder damp that it will not kindle? And see!
+the torch is expiring&mdash;it is gone out! Distraction!&mdash;to be baffled thus!
+Why do you stand and glare at me with your stony eyes? Who are those
+with you? Fiends!&mdash;no! they are armed men. They seize me&mdash;they drag me
+before a grave assemblage. What is that hideous engine? The rack!&mdash;Bind
+me on it&mdash;break every limb&mdash;ye shall not force me to confess&mdash;ha! ha! I
+laugh at your threats&mdash;ha! ha!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mother of mercy! release him from this torture!&rdquo; cried Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So! ye have condemned me,&rdquo; continued Fawkes, &ldquo;and will drag me to
+execution. Well, well, I am prepared. But what a host is assembled to
+see me! Ten thousand faces are turned towards me, and all with one
+abhorrent bloodthirsty expression. And what a scaffold! Get it done
+quickly, thou butcherly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> villain. The rope is twisted round my throat
+in serpent folds. It strangles me&mdash;ah!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Horror!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana. &ldquo;I can listen to this no longer. Help, Mr.
+Catesby, help!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The knife is at my breast&mdash;it pierces my flesh&mdash;my heart is torn
+forth&mdash;I die! I die!&rdquo; And he uttered a dreadful groan.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What has happened?&rdquo; cried Catesby, rushing into the room. &ldquo;Is he dead?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I fear so,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;and his end has been a fearful one.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No&mdash;no,&rdquo; said Catesby; &ldquo;his pulse still beats&mdash;but fiercely and
+feverishly. You had better not remain here longer, Miss Radcliffe. I
+will watch over him. All will soon be over.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Aware that she could be of no further use, Viviana cast a look of the
+deepest commiseration at the sufferer, and retired. The occupant of the
+cottage, an elderly female, had surrendered all the apartments of her
+tenement, except one small room, to her guests, and she was therefore
+undisturbed. The terrible event which had recently occurred, and the
+harrowing scene she had just witnessed, were too much for Viviana, and
+her anguish was so intense, that she began to fear her reason was
+deserting her. She stood still,&mdash;gazed fearfully round, as if some
+secret danger environed her,&mdash;clasped her hands to her temples, and
+found them burning like hot iron,&mdash;and, then, alarmed at her own state,
+knelt down, prayed, and wept. Yes! she wept, for the first time, since
+her father's destruction, and the relief afforded by those scalding
+tears was inexpressible.</p>
+
+<p>From this piteous state she was aroused by the tramp of horses at the
+door of the cottage, and the next moment Father Garnet presented
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How uncertain are human affairs!&rdquo; he said, after a sorrowful greeting
+had passed between them. &ldquo;I little thought, when we parted yesterday, we
+should meet again so soon, and under such afflicting circumstances.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the will of Heaven, father,&rdquo; replied Viviana, &ldquo;and we must not
+murmur at its decrees, but bear our chastening as we best may.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am happy to find you in such a comfortable frame of mind, dear
+daughter. I feared the effect of the shock upon your feelings. But I am
+glad to find you bear up against it so well.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am surprised at my own firmness, father,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;But I
+have been schooled in affliction. I have no tie left to bind me to the
+world, and shall retire from it, not only without regret, but with
+eagerness.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Say not so, dear daughter,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;You have, I trust, much
+happiness in store for you; and when the sharpness of your affliction is
+worn off, you will view your condition in a more cheering light.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Impossible!&rdquo; she cried, mournfully. &ldquo;Hope is wholly extinct in my
+breast. But I will not contest the point. Is not Sir Everard Digby with
+you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is not, daughter,&rdquo; replied Garnet, &ldquo;and I will explain to you
+wherefore. Soon after your departure yesterday, the mansion we occupied
+at Holt was attacked by a band of soldiers, headed by Miles Topcliffe,
+one of the most unrelenting of our persecutors; and though they were
+driven off with some loss, yet, as there was every reason to apprehend,
+they would return with fresh force, Sir Everard judged it prudent to
+retreat; and accordingly he and his friends, with all their attendants,
+except those he has sent with me, have departed for Buckinghamshire.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where, then, is Father Oldcorne?&rdquo; inquired Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! daughter,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet, &ldquo;I grieve to say he is a prisoner.
+Imprudently exposing himself during the attack, he was seized and
+carried off by Topcliffe and his myrmidons.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How true is the saying that misfortunes never come single!&rdquo; sighed
+Viviana. &ldquo;I seem bereft of all I hold dear.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Sir Everard has sent four of his trustiest servants with me,&rdquo; remarked
+Garnet. &ldquo;They are well armed, and will attend you wherever you choose to
+lead them. He has also furnished me with a sum of money for your use.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is most kind and considerate,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;And now, father,"
+she faltered, &ldquo;there is one subject which it is necessary to speak upon;
+and, though I shrink from it, it must not be postponed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I guess what you mean, daughter,&rdquo; said Garnet, sympathizingly; &ldquo;you
+allude to the interment of Sir William Radcliffe. Is the body here?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is in an adjoining cottage,&rdquo; replied Viviana in a broken voice. &ldquo;I
+have already expressed my wish to Mr. Catesby to have it conveyed to
+Manchester, to our family vault.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I see not how that can be accomplished, dear daughter,&rdquo; replied Garnet;
+&ldquo;but I will confer with Mr. Catesby on the subject. Where is he?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In the next room, by the couch of Guy Fawkes, who is dying,&rdquo; said
+Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Dying!&rdquo; echoed Garnet, starting. &ldquo;I heard he was dangerously hurt, but
+did not suppose the wound would prove fatal. Here is another grievous
+blow to the good cause.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the door was opened by Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How is the sufferer?&rdquo; asked Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A slight change for the better appears to have taken place,&rdquo; answered
+Catesby. &ldquo;His fever has in some decree abated, and he has sunk into a
+gentle slumber.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Can he be removed with safety?&rdquo; inquired Garnet; &ldquo;for, I fear, if he
+remains here, he will fall into the hands of Topcliffe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> and his crew,
+who are scouring the country in every direction.&rdquo; And he recapitulated
+all he had just stated to Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby was for some time lost in reflection.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am fairly perplexed as to what course it will be best to pursue,&rdquo; he
+said. &ldquo;Dangers and difficulties beset us on every side. I am inclined to
+yield to Viviana's request, and proceed to Manchester.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That will be rushing into the very face of danger,&rdquo; observed Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And, therefore, may be the safest plan,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;Our
+adversaries will scarcely suspect us of so desperate a step.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Perhaps you are in the right, my son,&rdquo; returned Garnet, after a
+moment's reflection. &ldquo;At all events, I bow to your judgment.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The plan is too much in accordance with my own wishes to meet with any
+opposition on my part,&rdquo; observed Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will you accompany us, father?&rdquo; asked Catesby; &ldquo;or do you proceed to
+Gothurst?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will go with you, my son. Viviana will need a protector. And, till I
+have seen her in some place of safety, I will not leave her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Since we have come to this determination,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, &ldquo;as soon
+as the needful preparations can be made, and Guy Fawkes has had some
+hours' repose, we will set out. Under cover of night we can travel with
+security; and, by using some exertion, may reach Ordsall Hall, whither,
+I presume, Viviana would choose to proceed, in the first instance,
+before daybreak.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am well mounted, and so are my attendants,&rdquo; replied Garnet; &ldquo;and, by
+the provident care of Sir Everard Digby, each of them has a led horse
+with him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That is well,&rdquo; said Catesby. &ldquo;And now, Viviana, may I entreat you to
+take my place for a short time by the couch of the sufferer. In a few
+hours everything shall be in readiness.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He then retired with Garnet, while Viviana proceeded to the adjoining
+chamber, where she found Guy Fawkes still slumbering tranquilly.</p>
+
+<p>As the evening advanced, he awoke, and appeared much refreshed. While he
+was speaking, Garnet and Catesby approached his bedside, and he seemed
+overjoyed at the sight of the former. The subject of the journey being
+mentioned to him, he at once expressed his ready compliance with the
+arrangement, and only desired that the last rites of his church might be
+performed for him before he set out.</p>
+
+<p>Garnet informed him that he had come for that very purpose; and as soon
+as they were left alone, he proceeded to the discharge of his priestly
+duties, confessed and absolved him, giving<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> him the viaticum and the
+extreme unction. And, lastly, he judged it expedient to administer a
+powerful opiate, to lull the pain of his wound on the journey.</p>
+
+<p>This done, he summoned Catesby, who, with two of the attendants, raised
+the couch on which the wounded man was stretched, and conveyed him to
+the litter. So well was this managed, that Fawkes sustained no injury,
+and little inconvenience, from the movement. Two strong country vehicles
+had been procured; the one containing the wounded man's litter, the
+other the shell, which had been hastily put together, to hold the
+remains of the unfortunate Sir William Radcliffe. Viviana being placed
+in the saddle, and Catesby having liberally rewarded the cottagers who
+had afforded them shelter, the little cavalcade was put in motion. In
+this way they journeyed through the night; and shaping their course
+through Tarporley, Northwich, and Altringham, arrived at daybreak in the
+neighbourhood of Ordsall Hall.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_XV" id="I_CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE ELIXIR.</h2>
+
+
+<p>On beholding the well-remembered roof and gables of the old mansion
+peeping from out the grove of trees in which it was embosomed, Viviana's
+heart died away within her. The thought that her father, who had so
+recently quitted it in the full enjoyment of health, and of every
+worldly blessing, should be so soon brought back a corpse, was almost
+too agonizing for endurance. Reflecting, however, that this was no
+season for the indulgence of grief, but that she was called upon to act
+with firmness, she bore up resolutely against her emotion.</p>
+
+<p>Arrived within a short distance of the Hall, Catesby caused the little
+train to halt under the shelter of the trees, while he rode forward to
+ascertain that they could safely approach it. As he drew near,
+everything proclaimed that the hand of the spoiler had been there.
+Crossing the drawbridge, he entered the court, which bore abundant marks
+of the devastation recently committed. Various articles of furniture,
+broken, burnt, or otherwise destroyed, were lying scattered about. The
+glass in the windows was shivered; the doors forced from their hinges;
+the stone-copings of the walls pushed off; the flower-beds trampled
+upon; the moat itself was in some places choked up with rubbish, while
+in others its surface was covered with floating pieces of timber.</p>
+
+<p>Led by curiosity Catesby proceeded to the spot where the stables had
+stood. Nothing but a heap of blackened ruins met<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> his gaze. Scarcely
+one stone was standing on another. The appearance of the place was so
+desolate and disheartening, that he turned away instantly. Leaving his
+horse in a shed, he entered the house. Here, again, he encountered fresh
+ravages. The oak-panels and skirting-boards were torn from the walls;
+the ceilings pulled down; and the floor lay inch-deep in broken plaster
+and dust. On ascending to the upper rooms, he found the same disorder.
+The banisters of the stairs were broken; the bedsteads destroyed; the
+roof partially untiled. Every room was thickly strewn with leaves torn
+from valuable books, with fragments of apparel, and other articles,
+which the searchers not being able to carry off had wantonly destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>Having contemplated this scene of havoc for some time, with feelings of
+the bitterest indignation, Catesby descended to the lowest story; and,
+after searching ineffectually for the domestics, was about to depart,
+when, turning suddenly, he perceived a man watching him from an
+adjoining room. Catesby instantly called to him; but, seeing that the
+fellow disregarded his assurances, and was about to take to his heels,
+he drew his sword, and threatened him with severe punishment if he
+attempted to fly. Thus exhorted, the man&mdash;who was no other than the
+younger Heydocke&mdash;advanced towards him; and throwing himself at his
+feet, begged him in the most piteous terms to do him no injury.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have already told you I am a friend,&rdquo; replied Catesby, sheathing his
+sword.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ah! Mr. Catesby, is it you I behold?&rdquo; cried Martin Heydocke, whose
+fears had hitherto prevented him from noticing the features of the
+intruder. &ldquo;What brings your worship to this ill-fated house?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;First let me know if there is any enemy about?&rdquo; replied Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;None that I am aware of,&rdquo; rejoined Martin. &ldquo;Having ransacked the
+premises, and done all the mischief they could, as you perceive, the
+miscreants departed the day before yesterday, and I have seen nothing of
+them since, though I have been constantly on the watch. The only alarm I
+have had was that occasioned by your worship just now.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Are you alone here?&rdquo; demanded Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No, your worship,&rdquo; answered Martin. &ldquo;There are several of the servants
+concealed in a secret passage under the house. But they are so terrified
+by what has lately happened, that they never dare show themselves,
+except during the night-time.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not wonder at it,&rdquo; replied Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now may I inquire whether your worship brings any tidings of Sir
+William Radcliffe and Mistress Viviana?&rdquo; rejoined Martin. &ldquo;I hope no ill
+has befallen them. My father, old<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> Jerome Heydocke, set out to Holywell
+a few days ago, to apprise them of their danger, and I have not heard of
+them since.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Sir William Radcliffe is dead,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;The villains have
+murdered him. Your father is a prisoner.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! alas!&rdquo; cried the young man, bursting into tears; &ldquo;these are
+fearful times to live in. What will become of us all?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We must rise against the oppressor,&rdquo; replied Catesby, sternly. &ldquo;Bite
+the heel that tramples upon us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We must,&rdquo; rejoined Martin. &ldquo;And if my poor arm could avail, it should
+not be slow to strike.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Manfully resolved!&rdquo; cried Catesby, who never lost an opportunity of
+gaining a proselyte. &ldquo;I will point out to you a way by which you may
+accomplish what you desire. But we will talk of this hereafter. Hoard up
+your vengeance till the fitting moment for action arrives.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He then proceeded to explain to the young man, who was greatly surprised
+by the intelligence, that Viviana was at hand, and that the body of Sir
+William had been brought thither for interment in the family vault at
+the Collegiate Church. Having ascertained that there was a chamber,
+which, having suffered less than the others, might serve for Viviana's
+accommodation, Catesby returned to the party.</p>
+
+<p>A more melancholy cavalcade has been seldom seen than now approached the
+gates of Ordsall Hall. First rode Viviana, in an agony of tears, for her
+grief had by this time become absolutely uncontrollable, with Catesby on
+foot, leading her horse. Next came Garnet, greatly exhausted and
+depressed; his eyes cast dejectedly on the ground. Then came the litter,
+containing Guy Fawkes; and, lastly, the vehicle with the body of Sir
+William Radcliffe. On arriving at the gate, Viviana was met by two
+female servants, whom Martin Heydocke had summoned from their
+hiding-places; and, as soon as she had dismounted, she was supported,
+for she was scarcely able to walk unaided, to the chamber destined for
+her reception. This done, Catesby proceeded, with some anxiety, to
+superintend the removal of Fawkes, who was perfectly insensible. His
+wound had bled considerably during the journey; but the effusion had
+stopped when the faintness supervened. He was placed in one of the lower
+rooms till a sleeping-chamber could be prepared for him. The last task
+was to attend to the remains of the late unfortunate possessor of the
+mansion. By Catesby's directions a large oak table, once occupying the
+great hall, was removed to the Star Chamber, already described as the
+principal room of the house; and, being securely propped up,&mdash;for, like
+the rest of the furniture, it had been much damaged by the spoilers,
+though, being of substantial material, it offered greater resistance to
+their efforts,&mdash;the shell containing the body was placed upon it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Better he should lie thus,&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby, when the melancholy
+office was completed, &ldquo;than live to witness the wreck around him. Fatal
+as are these occurrences,&rdquo; he added, pursuing the train of thought
+suggested by the scene, &ldquo;they are yet favourable to my purpose. The only
+person who could have prevented my union with Viviana Radcliffe&mdash;her
+father&mdash;lies there. Who would have thought when she rejected my proposal
+a few days ago, in this very room, how fortune would conspire&mdash;and by
+what dark and inscrutable means&mdash;to bring it about! Fallen as it is,
+this house is not yet fallen so low, but I can reinstate it. Its young
+mistress mine, her estates mine,&mdash;for she is now inheritress of all her
+father's possessions,&mdash;the utmost reach of my ambition were gained, and
+all but one object of my life&mdash;for which I have dared so much, and
+struggled so long&mdash;achieved!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What are you thinking of, my son?&rdquo; asked Garnet, who had watched the
+changing expression of his sombre countenance,&mdash;"what are you thinking
+of?&rdquo; he said, tapping him on the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Of that which is never absent from my thoughts, father&mdash;the great
+design,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;and of the means of its accomplishment, which
+this sad scene suggests.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not understand you, my son,&rdquo; rejoined the other.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Does not Radcliffe's blood cry aloud for vengeance?&rdquo; continued Catesby;
+&ldquo;and think you his child will be deaf to the cry? No, father, she will
+no longer tamely submit to wrongs that would steel the gentlest bosom,
+and make firm the feeblest arm, but will go hand and heart with us in
+our project. Viviana must be mine,&rdquo; he added, altering his tone, &ldquo;ours,
+I should say,&mdash;for, if she is mine, all the vast possessions that have
+accrued to her by her father's death shall be devoted to the furtherance
+of the mighty enterprise.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot think she will refuse you now, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She <i>shall not</i> refuse me, father,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;The time is gone
+by for idle wooing.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will be no party to forcible measures, my son,&rdquo; returned Garnet,
+gravely. &ldquo;As far as persuasion goes, I will lend you every assistance in
+my power, but nothing further.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Persuasion is all that will be required, I am assured, father,"
+answered Catesby, hastily, perceiving he had committed himself too far.
+&ldquo;But let us now see what can be done for Guy Fawkes.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Would there was any hope of his life!&rdquo; exclaimed Garnet, sighing
+deeply. &ldquo;In losing him, we lose the bravest of our band.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We do,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;And yet he has been subject to strange
+fancies of late.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He has been appalled, but never shaken,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> &ldquo;Of all our
+number, you and he were the only two upon whom I could rely. When he is
+gone, you will stand alone.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby made no reply, but led the way to the chamber where the wounded
+man lay. He had regained his consciousness, but was too feeble to speak.
+After such restoratives as were at hand had been administered, Catesby
+was about to order a room to be fitted up for him, when Viviana, whose
+anxiety for the sufferer had overcome her affliction, made her
+appearance. On learning Catesby's intentions, she insisted upon Fawkes
+being removed to the room allotted to her, which had not been dismantled
+like the rest. Seeing it was in vain to oppose her, Catesby assented,
+and the sufferer was accordingly carried thither, and placed within the
+bed&mdash;a large antique piece of furniture, hung with faded damask
+curtains. The room was one of the oldest in the house, and at the
+further end stood a small closet, approached by an arched doorway, and
+fitted up with a hassock and crucifix, which, strange to say, had
+escaped the ravages of the searchers.</p>
+
+<p>Placed within the couch, Guy Fawkes began to ramble as before about the
+conspiracy; and fearing his ravings might awaken the suspicion of the
+servants, Catesby would not suffer any of them to come near him, but
+arranged with Garnet to keep watch over him by turns. By degrees, he
+became more composed; and, after dozing a little, opened his eyes, and,
+looking round, inquired anxiously for his sword. At first, Catesby, who
+was alone with him at the time, hesitated in his answer, but seeing he
+appeared greatly disturbed, he showed him that his hat, gauntlets, and
+rapier were lying by the bedside.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am content,&rdquo; replied the wounded man, smiling faintly; &ldquo;that sword
+has never left my side, waking or sleeping, for twenty years. Let me
+grasp it once more&mdash;perhaps for the last time.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby handed him the weapon. He looked at it for a few moments, and
+pressed the blade to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Farewell, old friend!&rdquo; he said, a tear gathering in his eye, &ldquo;farewell!
+Catesby,&rdquo; he added, as he resigned the weapon to him, &ldquo;I have one
+request to make. Let my sword be buried with me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It shall,&rdquo; replied Catesby, in a voice suffocated by emotion, for the
+request touched him where his stern nature was most accessible: &ldquo;I will
+place it by you myself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thanks!&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes. And soon after this, he again fell into a
+slumber.</p>
+
+<p>His sleep endured for some hours; but his breathing grew fainter and
+fainter, so that at the last it was scarcely perceptible. A striking
+change had likewise taken place in his countenance, and these signs
+convinced Catesby he had not long to live. While he was watching him
+with great anxiety, Viviana appeared at the door of the chamber, and
+beckoned him out. Noiselessly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> obeying the summons, and following her
+along the gallery, he entered a room where he found Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have called you to say that a remedy has been suggested to me by
+Martin Heydocke,&rdquo; observed Viviana, &ldquo;by which I trust Guy Fawkes may yet
+be saved.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How?&rdquo; asked Catesby, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Doctor Dee, the warden of Manchester, of whom you must have heard,&rdquo; she
+continued, &ldquo;is said to possess an elixir of such virtue, that a few
+drops of it will snatch him who drinks them from the very jaws of
+death.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I should not have suspected you of so much credulity, Viviana,&rdquo; replied
+Catesby; &ldquo;but grant that Doctor Dee possesses this marvellous
+elixir&mdash;which for my own part I doubt&mdash;how are we to obtain it?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you will repair to the college, and see him, I doubt not he will
+give it you,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby smiled incredulously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have a claim upon Doctor Dee,&rdquo; she persisted, &ldquo;which I have never
+enforced. I will now use it. Show him this token,&rdquo; she continued,
+detaching a small ornament from her neck; &ldquo;tell him you bring it from
+me, and I am sure he will comply with your request.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your commands shall be obeyed, Viviana,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;but I
+frankly confess I have no faith in the remedy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is at least worth the trial, my son,&rdquo; observed Garnet. &ldquo;Doctor Dee
+is a wonderful person, and has made many discoveries in medicine, as in
+other sciences, and this marvellous specific may, for aught we know,
+turn out no imposture.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If such is your opinion,&rdquo; replied Catesby, &ldquo;I will set out at once. If
+it is to be tried at all, it must be without delay. The poor sufferer is
+sinking fast.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Go then,&rdquo; cried Viviana, &ldquo;and heaven speed your mission! If you could
+prevail upon Doctor Dee to visit the wounded man in person, I should
+prefer it. Besides, I have another request to make of him&mdash;but that will
+do hereafter. Lose not a moment now.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will fly on the wings of the wind,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;Heaven grant
+that when I return the object of our solicitude may not be past all
+human aid!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he hurried to an out-building in which the horses were
+placed, and choosing the strongest and fleetest from out their number,
+mounted, and started at full gallop in the direction of Manchester; nor
+did he relax his speed until he reached the gates of the ancient
+College. Hanging the bridle of his smoking steed to a hook in the wall,
+he crossed the large quadrangular court; and finding the principal
+entrance open, passed the lofty room now used as the refectory, ascended
+the flight of stone stairs that conducts the modern visitor to the
+library, and was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> traversing the long galleries communicating with it,
+and now crowded with the learning of ages, bequeathed by the benevolence
+of his rival, Humphrey Chetham, when he encountered a grave but
+crafty-looking personage, in a loose brown robe and Polish cap, who
+angrily demanded his business.</p>
+
+<p>Apologizing for the intrusion, Catesby was about to explain, when a
+small oak door near them was partly opened, and an authoritative voice,
+from within, exclaimed, &ldquo;Do not hinder him, Kelley. I know his business,
+and will see him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The seer made no further remark, but pointing to the door, Catesby at
+once comprehended that it was Dee's voice he had heard; and, though
+somewhat startled by the intimation that he was expected, entered the
+room. He found the Doctor surrounded by his magical apparatus, and
+slowly returning to the chair he had just quitted.</p>
+
+<p>Without looking behind him to see whom he addressed, Dee continued, &ldquo;I
+have just consulted my show-stone, and know why you are come hither. You
+bring a token from Viviana Radcliffe.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do,&rdquo; replied Catesby, in increased astonishment. &ldquo;It is here.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is needless to produce it,&rdquo; replied Dee, still keeping his back
+towards him. &ldquo;I have seen it already. Kelley,&rdquo; he continued, &ldquo;I am about
+to set out for Ordsall Hall immediately. You must accompany me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Amazement!&rdquo; cried Catesby. &ldquo;Is the purpose of my visit then really
+known to your reverence?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You shall hear,&rdquo; rejoined Dee, facing him. &ldquo;You have a friend who is at
+the point of death, and having heard that I possess an elixir of
+wonderful efficacy, are come in quest of it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; replied Catesby, utterly confounded.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The name of that friend,&rdquo; pursued Dee, regarding him fixedly, &ldquo;is Guy
+Fawkes,&mdash;your own, Robert Catesby.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I need no more to convince me, reverend sir,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby,
+trembling, in spite of himself, &ldquo;that all I have heard of your wonderful
+powers falls far short of the truth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are but just in time,&rdquo; replied Dee, bowing gravely, in
+acknowledgment of the compliment. &ldquo;Another hour, and it would have been
+too late.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then you think he will live!&rdquo; cried Catesby, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am sure of it,&rdquo; replied Dee, &ldquo;provided&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Provided what?&rdquo; interrupted Catesby. &ldquo;Is there aught I can do to ensure
+his recovery?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Dee, sternly. &ldquo;I am debating within myself whether it is
+worth while reviving him for a more dreadful fate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What mean you, reverend sir?&rdquo; asked Catesby, a shade passing over his
+countenance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You understand my meaning, and therefore need no explanation,&rdquo; replied
+Dee. &ldquo;Return to Ordsall Hall, and tell Miss Radcliffe I will be there in
+an hour. Bid her have no further fear. If the wounded man breathes when
+I arrive, I will undertake to cure him. Add further, that I know the
+other request she desires to make of me, and that it is granted before
+it is asked. Farewell, sir, for a short time.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>On reaching the court, Catesby expanded his chest, shook his limbs, and
+exclaimed, &ldquo;At length, I breathe freely. The atmosphere of that infernal
+chamber smelt so horribly of sulphur that it almost stifled me. Well, if
+Doctor Dee has not dealings with the devil, man never had! However, if
+he cures Guy Fawkes, I care not whence the medicine comes from.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he descended Smithy Bank, and was about to cross the old bridge over
+the Irwell, he perceived a man riding before him, who seemed anxious to
+avoid him. Struck by this person's manner, he urged his horse into a
+quicker pace, and being better mounted of the two, soon overtook him,
+when to his surprise he found it was Martin Heydocke.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What are you doing here, sirrah?&rdquo; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have been sent by Mistress Viviana with a message to Mr. Humphrey
+Chetham,&rdquo; replied the young man, in great confusion.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby, angrily. &ldquo;And how dared you convey a
+message to him, without consulting me on the subject?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I was not aware you were my master,&rdquo; replied Martin, sulkily. &ldquo;If I owe
+obedience to any one, it is to Mr. Chetham, whose servant I am. But if
+Mistress Viviana gives me a message to deliver, I will execute her
+commands, whoever may be pleased or displeased.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I did but jest, thou saucy knave,&rdquo; returned Catesby, who did not desire
+to offend him. &ldquo;Here is a piece of money for thee. Now, if it be no
+secret, what was Miss Radcliffe's message to thy master?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know not what her letter contained,&rdquo; replied Martin; &ldquo;but his answer
+was, that he would come to the hall at midnight.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is well I ascertained this,&rdquo; thought Catesby, and he added aloud, &ldquo;I
+understood your master had been arrested and imprisoned.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So he was,&rdquo; replied Martin; &ldquo;but he had interest enough with the
+Commissioners to procure his liberation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Enough,&rdquo; replied Catesby; and striking spurs into his charger, he
+dashed off.</p>
+
+<p>A quarter of an hour's hard riding brought him to the hall, and, on
+arriving there, he proceeded at once to the wounded man's chamber, where
+he found Viviana and Garnet.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have you succeeded in your errand?&rdquo; cried the former, eagerly. &ldquo;Will
+Doctor Dee come, or has he sent the elixir?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He will bring it himself,&rdquo; replied Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana uttered an exclamation of joy, and the sound appeared to reach
+the ears of the sufferer, for he stirred, and groaned faintly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Doctor Dee desired me to tell you,&rdquo; continued Catesby, drawing Viviana
+aside, and speaking in a low tone, &ldquo;that your other request was
+granted.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana looked surprised, and as if she did not clearly understand him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Might he not refer to Humphrey Chetham?&rdquo; remarked Catesby, somewhat
+maliciously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ah! you have learnt from Martin Heydocke that I have written to him,"
+returned Viviana, blushing deeply. &ldquo;What I was about to ask of Doctor
+Dee had no reference to Humphrey Chetham. It was to request permission
+to privately inter my father's remains in our family vault in the
+Collegiate Church. But how did he know I had any request to make?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That passes my comprehension,&rdquo; replied Catesby, &ldquo;unless he obtained his
+information from his familiar spirits.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after this, Dr. Dee and Kelley arrived at the hall. Catesby met
+them at the gate, and conducted them to the wounded man's chamber.
+Coldly saluting Garnet, whom he eyed with suspicion, and bowing
+respectfully to Viviana, the Doctor slowly advanced to the bedside. He
+gazed for a short time at the wounded man, and folded his arms
+thoughtfully upon his breast. The eyes of the sufferer were closed, and
+his lips slightly apart, but no breath seemed to issue from them. His
+bronzed complexion had assumed the ghastly hue of death, and his
+strongly-marked features had become fixed and rigid. His black hair,
+stiffened and caked with blood, escaped from the bandages around his
+head, and hung in elf locks on the pillow. It was a piteous spectacle;
+and Doctor Dee appeared much moved by it.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The worst is over,&rdquo; he muttered: &ldquo;why recall the spirit to its wretched
+tenement?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you can save him, reverend sir, do not hesitate,&rdquo; implored Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am come hither for that purpose,&rdquo; replied Dee; &ldquo;but I must have no
+other witness to the experiment except yourself, and my attendant
+Kelley.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not desire to be present, reverend sir,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;but I
+will retire into that closet, and pray that your remedy may prevail.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My prayers for the same end shall be offered in the adjoining room,"
+observed Garnet; and taking Catesby's arm, who seemed spell-bound by
+curiosity, he dragged him away.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The door closed, and Viviana withdrew into the closet, where she knelt
+down before the crucifix. Doctor Dee seated himself on the bedside; and
+taking a gourd-shaped bottle, filled with a clear sparkling liquid, from
+beneath his robe, he raised it to his eyes with his left hand, while he
+placed his right on the wrist of the wounded man. In this attitude he
+continued for a few seconds, while Kelley, with his arms folded,
+likewise kept his gaze fixed on the phial. At the expiration of that
+time, Dee, who had apparently counted the pulsations of the sufferer,
+took out the glass stopper from the bottle, the contents of which
+diffused a pungent odour around; and wetting a small piece of linen with
+it, applied it to his temples. He then desired Kelley to raise his head,
+and poured a few drops down his throat. This done, he waited a few
+minutes, and repeated the application.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Look!&rdquo; he cried to Kelley. &ldquo;The elixir already begins to operate. His
+chest heaves. His limbs shiver. That flush upon the cheek, and that
+dampness upon the brow, denote that the animal heat is restored. A third
+draught will accomplish the cure.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I can already feel his heart palpitate,&rdquo; observed Kelley, placing his
+hand on the patient's breast.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven be praised!&rdquo; ejaculated Viviana, who had suspended her devotions
+to listen.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hold him tightly,&rdquo; cried Dee to his assistant, &ldquo;while I administer the
+last draught. He may injure himself by his struggles.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Kelley obeyed, and twined his arms tightly round the wounded man. And
+fortunate it was that the precaution was taken, for the elixir was no
+sooner poured down his throat than his chest began to labour violently,
+his eyes opened, and, raising himself bolt-upright, he struggled
+violently to break from the hold imposed upon him. This he would have
+effected, if Dee had not likewise lent his aid to prevent him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This is, indeed, a wonderful sight!&rdquo; cried Viviana, who had quitted the
+closet, and now gazed on, in awe and astonishment. &ldquo;I can never be
+sufficiently thankful to you, reverend sir.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Give thanks to Him to whom alone they are due,&rdquo; replied Dee. &ldquo;Summon
+your friends. They may now resume their posts. My task is accomplished.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby and Garnet being called into the room, could scarcely credit
+their senses when they beheld Guy Fawkes, who by this time had ceased
+struggling, reclining on Kelley's shoulder, and, except a certain
+wildness in the eye and cadaverousness of hue, looking as he was wont to
+do.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 368px;">
+<img src="images/illo_114.jpg" width="368" height="600" alt="Doctor Dee resuscitating Guy Fawkes" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Doctor Dee resuscitating Guy Fawkes</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_XVI" id="I_CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH AT MANCHESTER.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Bidding Kelley remain with Guy Fawkes, Doctor Dee signified to Viviana
+that he had a few words to say to her in private before his departure,
+and leading the way to an adjoining room, informed her that he was aware
+of her desire to have her father's remains interred in the Collegiate
+Church, and that, so far from opposing her inclinations, he would
+willingly accede to them, only recommending as a measure of prudence
+that the ceremonial should be performed at night, and with as much
+secrecy as possible. Viviana thanked him in a voice of much emotion for
+his kindness, and entirely acquiesced in his suggestion of caution. At
+the same time, she could not help expressing her surprise that her
+thoughts should be known to him. &ldquo;Though, indeed,&rdquo; she added, &ldquo;after the
+wonderful exhibition I have just witnessed of your power, I can scarcely
+suppose that any limits are to be placed to it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Few things are hidden from me,&rdquo; replied Dee, with a gratified smile;
+&ldquo;even the lighter matters of the heart, in which I might be supposed to
+take little interest, do not altogether elude my observation. In
+reference to this, you will not, I am sure be offended with me, Viviana,
+if I tell you I have noticed with some concern the attachment that has
+arisen between you and Humphrey Chetham.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana uttered an exclamation of surprise, and a deep blush suffused
+her pallid cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am assuming the privilege of an old man with you, Viviana,&rdquo; continued
+Dee, in a graver tone, &ldquo;and I may add, of an old friend,&mdash;for your
+lamented mother was one of my dearest and best friends, as you perchance
+called to mind, when you sent me to-day, by Mr. Catesby, the token I
+gave her years ago. You have done unwisely in inviting Humphrey Chetham
+to come hither to-night.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How so?&rdquo; she faltered.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Because, if he keeps his appointment, fatal consequences may ensue,"
+answered Dee. &ldquo;Your message has reached the ears of one from whom,&mdash;most
+of all,&mdash;you should have concealed it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Catesby has heard of it, I know,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;But you do not
+apprehend any danger from him?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is Chetham's mortal foe,&rdquo; rejoined Dee, &ldquo;and will slay him, if he
+finds an opportunity.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You alarm me,&rdquo; she cried. &ldquo;I will speak to Mr. Catesby<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> on the subject,
+and entreat him, as he values my regard, to offer no molestation to his
+fancied rival.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;<i>Fancied</i> rival!&rdquo; echoed Dee, raising his brows contemptuously. &ldquo;Do you
+seek to persuade me that you do not love Humphrey Chetham?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Assuredly not,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;I freely acknowledge my attachment to
+him. It is as strong as my aversion to Mr. Catesby. But the latter is
+aware that the suit of his rival is as hopeless as his own.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Explain yourself, I pray you?&rdquo; said Dee.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My destiny is the cloister,&mdash;and this he well knows,&rdquo; she rejoined. &ldquo;As
+soon as my worldly affairs can be arranged, I shall retire to the
+English nunnery at Brussels, where I shall vow myself to Heaven.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Such is your present intention,&rdquo; replied Dee. &ldquo;But you will never quit
+your own country.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What shall hinder me?&rdquo; asked Viviana, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Many things,&rdquo; returned Dee. &ldquo;Amongst others, this meeting with your
+lover.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Call him not by that name, I beseech you, reverend sir,&rdquo; she rejoined.
+&ldquo;Humphrey Chetham will never be other to me than a friend.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It may be,&rdquo; answered Dee. &ldquo;But your destiny is <i>not</i> the cloister.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;For what am I reserved, then?&rdquo; demanded Viviana, trembling.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All I dare tell you,&rdquo; he returned, &ldquo;all it is needful for you to know,
+is, that your future career is mixed up with that of Guy Fawkes. But do
+not concern yourself about what is to come. The present is sufficient to
+claim your attention.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;and my first object shall be to despatch a
+messenger to Humphrey Chetham to prevent him from coming hither.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Trouble yourself no further on that score,&rdquo; returned Dee. &ldquo;I will
+convey the message to him. As regards the funeral, it must take place
+without delay. I will be at the south porch of the church with the keys
+at midnight, and Robert Burnell, the sexton, and another assistant on
+whom I can depend, shall be in attendance. Though it is contrary to my
+religious opinions and feelings to allow a Romish priest to perform the
+service, I will not interfere with Father Garnet. I owe your mother a
+deep debt of gratitude, and will pay it to her husband and her child.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thanks!&mdash;in <i>her</i> name, thanks!&rdquo; cried Viviana, in a voice suffocated
+by emotion.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now,&rdquo; continued Dee, &ldquo;I would ask you one further question. My art
+has made me acquainted that a plot is hatching against the King and his
+Government by certain of the Catholic party. Are you favourable to the
+design?&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am not,&rdquo; replied Viviana, firmly. &ldquo;Nor can you regard it with more
+horror than myself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I was sure of it,&rdquo; returned Dee. &ldquo;Nevertheless, I am glad to have my
+supposition confirmed from your own mouth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he moved towards the door, but Viviana arrested his
+departure.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Stay, reverend sir,&rdquo; she cried, with a look of great uneasiness; &ldquo;if
+you are in possession of this dread secret, the lives of my companions
+are in your power. You will not betray them. Or, if you deem it your
+duty to reveal the plot to those endangered by it, you will give its
+contrivers timely warning.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear nothing,&rdquo; rejoined Dee. &ldquo;I cannot, were I so disposed, interfere
+with the fixed purposes of fate. The things revealed by my familiar
+spirits never pass my lips. They are more sacred than the disclosures
+made to a priest of your faith at the confessional. The bloody
+enterprise on which these zealots are bent will fail. I have warned
+Fawkes; but my warning, though conveyed by the lips of the dead, and by
+other means equally terrible, was unavailing. I would warn Catesby and
+Garnet, but they would heed me not. Viviana Radcliffe,&rdquo; he continued, in
+a solemn voice, &ldquo;you questioned me just now about the future. Have you
+courage to make the same demand from your dead father? If so, I will
+compel his corpse to answer you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh! no&mdash;no,&rdquo; cried Viviana, horror-stricken; &ldquo;not for worlds would I
+commit so impious an act. Gladly as I would know what fate has in store
+for me, nothing should induce me to purchase the knowledge at so
+dreadful a price.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Farewell, then,&rdquo; rejoined Dee. &ldquo;At midnight, at the south porch of the
+Collegiate Church, I shall expect you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he took his departure; and, on entering the gallery, he
+perceived Catesby hastily retreating.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Aha!&rdquo; he muttered. &ldquo;We have had a listener here. Well, no matter. What
+he has heard may prove serviceable to him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He then returned to the chamber occupied by Guy Fawkes, and finding he
+had dropped into a deep and tranquil sleep, motioned Kelley, who was
+standing by the bedside watching his slumbers with folded arms, to
+follow him, and bowing gravely to Garnet quitted the hall.</p>
+
+<p>As he crossed the court, on his way to the drawbridge, Catesby suddenly
+threw himself in his path, and laying his hand upon his sword, cried in
+a menacing voice,&mdash;"Doctor Dee, neither you nor your companion shall
+quit the hall till you have solemnly sworn not to divulge aught
+pertaining to the plot, of which you have so mysteriously obtained
+information.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is this my recompence for rescuing your comrade from the jaws of death,
+sir?&rdquo; replied Dee, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The necessity of the case must plead its excuse,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;My
+own safety, and the safety of those leagued with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> me, require that I
+should be peremptory in my demand. Did I not owe you a large debt of
+gratitude for your resuscitation of Guy Fawkes, I would have insured
+your secrecy with your life. As it is, I will be content with your
+oath.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fool!&rdquo; exclaimed Dee, &ldquo;stand aside, or I will compel you to do so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Think not to terrify me by idle threats,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;I
+willingly acknowledge your superior skill,&mdash;as, indeed, I have good
+reason to do,&mdash;in the science of medicine; but I have no faith in your
+magical tricks. A little reflection has shown me how the knowledge I at
+first thought so wonderful was acquired. You obtained it by means of
+Martin Heydocke, who, mounted on a swift steed, reached the College
+before me. He told you of the object of my visit,&mdash;of Viviana's wish to
+have her father interred in the Collegiate Church,&mdash;of her message to
+Humphrey Chetham. You were, therefore, fully prepared for my arrival,
+and at first, I must confess, completely imposed upon me. Nay, had I not
+overheard your conversation just now with Viviana, I might have remained
+your dupe still. But your allusion to Chetham's visit awakened my
+suspicions, and, on re-considering the matter, the whole trick flashed
+upon me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What more?&rdquo; demanded Dee, his brow lowering, and his eyes sparkling
+with rage.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thus much,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;I have your secret, and you have mine.
+And though the latter is the more important, inasmuch as several lives
+hang upon it, whereas a conjuror's worthless reputation is alone
+dependent on the other, yet both must be kept. Swear, then, not to
+reveal the plot, and in my turn I will take any oath you choose to
+dictate not to disclose the jugglery I have detected.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will make no terms with you,&rdquo; returned Dee; &ldquo;and if I do not reveal
+your damnable plot, it is not from consideration of you or your
+associates, but because the hour for its disclosure is not yet arrived.
+When full proof of your guilt can be obtained, then rest assured it will
+be made known,&mdash;though not by me. Not one of your number shall
+escape&mdash;not one.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby again laid his hand upon his sword, and seemed from his looks to
+be meditating the destruction of the Doctor and his assistant. But they
+appeared wholly unconcerned at his glances.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What you have said concerning Martin Heydocke is false&mdash;as false as
+your own foul and bloody scheme,&rdquo; pursued Dee. &ldquo;I have neither seen, nor
+spoken with him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But your assistant, Edward Kelley, has,&rdquo; retorted Catesby, &ldquo;and that
+amounts to the same thing.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;For the third and last time I command you to stand aside,&rdquo; cried Dee,
+in a tone of concentrated anger.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby laughed aloud.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What if I refuse?&rdquo; he said, in a jeering voice.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dee made no answer; but, suddenly drawing a small phial from
+beneath his robe, cast its contents in his opponent's face. Blinded by
+the spirit, Catesby raised his hand to his eyes, and while in this
+condition a thick cloth was thrown over his head from behind, and,
+despite his resistance, he was borne off, and bound with a strong cord
+to an adjoining tree.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour elapsed, during which he exhausted his fury in vain
+outcries for assistance, and execrations and menaces against Dee and his
+companion. At the expiration of that time, hearing steps approaching, he
+called loudly to be released, and was answered by the voice of Martin
+Heydocke.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What! is it your worship I behold?&rdquo; cried Martin, in a tone of affected
+commiseration. &ldquo;Mercy on us! what has happened? Have the rascally
+searchers been here again?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hold your peace, knave, and unbind me,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, angrily. &ldquo;I
+shrewdly suspect,&rdquo; he added, as his commands were obeyed, and the cord
+twined around his arms unfastened, and the cloth removed,&mdash;"I shrewdly
+suspect,&rdquo; he said, fixing a stern glance upon Martin, which effectually
+banished the smile from his demure countenance, &ldquo;that you have had some
+share in this business.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What I, your worship?&rdquo; exclaimed Martin. &ldquo;Not the slightest, I assure
+you. It was by mere chance I came this way, and, perceiving some one
+tied to a tree, was about to take to my heels, when, fancying I
+recognised your worship's well-formed legs, I ventured forward.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You shall become more intimately acquainted with my worship's boots,
+rascal, if I find my suspicions correct,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;Have you
+the effrontery to tell me you have never seen this rope and this cloth
+before?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Certes, I have, your worship,&rdquo; replied Martin. &ldquo;May the first hang me,
+and the last serve as my winding-sheet, if I speak not the truth! Ah,
+now I look again,&rdquo; he added, pretending to examine them, &ldquo;it must be a
+horse-cloth and halter from the stable. Peradventure, I <i>have</i> seen
+them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That I will be sworn you have, and used them too,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;I
+am half inclined to tie you to the tree in my place. But where is your
+employer?&mdash;where is Doctor Dee?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Doctor Dee is <i>not</i> my employer,&rdquo; answered Martin, &ldquo;neither do I serve
+him. Mr. Humphrey Chetham, as I have already told your worship, is my
+master. As to the Doctor, he left the hall some time since. Father
+Garnet thought you had accompanied him on the road. I have seen nothing
+of him. Of a truth I have not.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby reflected a moment, and then strode towards the hall, while
+Martin, with a secret smile, picked up the halter and cloth, and
+withdrew to the stable.</p>
+
+<p>Repairing to the chamber of the wounded man, Catesby found<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> Garnet
+seated by his couch, and related what had occurred. The Jesuit listened
+with profound attention to the recital, and on its conclusion
+observed,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am sorry you have offended Doctor Dee, my son. He might have proved a
+good friend. As it is, you have made him a dangerous enemy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He was not to be trusted, father,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;But if you have
+any fears of him, or Kelley, I will speedily set them at rest.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No violence, my son,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet. &ldquo;You will only increase the
+mischief you have already occasioned. I do not think Dee will betray us.
+But additional circumspection will be requisite. Tarry here while I
+confer with Viviana on this subject. She has apparently some secret
+influence with the Doctor, and may be prevailed upon to exert it in our
+behalf.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>It was long before Garnet returned. When he reappeared, his looks
+convinced Catesby that the interview had not proved satisfactory.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your imprudence has placed us in a perilous position, my son,&rdquo; he
+observed. &ldquo;Viviana refuses to speak to Doctor Dee on the subject, and
+strongly reprobates your conduct.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby's brow lowered.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is but one course to pursue,&rdquo; he muttered, rising; &ldquo;our lives or
+his must be sacrificed. I will act at once.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hold!&rdquo; exclaimed Garnet authoritatively. &ldquo;Wait till to-morrow and, if
+aught occurs in the interim to confirm your suspicions, do as you think
+proper. I will not oppose you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I forbear so long,&rdquo; returned Catesby, &ldquo;it will not be safe to remain
+here.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will risk it,&rdquo; said Garnet, &ldquo;and I counsel you to do the same. You
+will not leave Viviana at this strait.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have no such thoughts,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;If I go, she goes too.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then it will be in vain, I am sure, to endeavour to induce her to
+accompany you till her father is interred,&rdquo; observed Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;I had forgotten that. We shall meet the hoary
+juggler at the church, and an opportunity may occur for executing my
+purpose there. Unless he will swear at the altar not to betray us, he
+shall die by my hand.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;An oath in such a case would be no security, my son,&rdquo; returned Garnet;
+&ldquo;and his slaughter and that of his companion would be equally
+inefficacious, and greatly prejudicial to our cause. If he means to
+betray us, he has done so already. But I have little apprehension. I do
+not think him well affected towards the government, and I cannot but
+think, if you had not thus grossly insulted him, he would have favoured
+rather than opposed our design. If he was aware of the plot, and
+adverse<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> to it, what need was there to exert his skill in behalf of our
+dying friend, who, but for him, would have been, ere this, a lump of
+lifeless clay? No, no, my son. You are far too hasty in your judgment.
+Nor am I less surprised at your injustice. Overlooking the great benefit
+conferred upon us, because some trifling scheme has been thwarted, you
+would requite our benefactor by cutting his throat.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your rebuke is just, father,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;I have acted
+heedlessly. But I will endeavour to repair my error.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Enough, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;It will be advisable to go well armed
+to the church to-night, for fear of a surprise. But I shall not absent
+myself on that account.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nor I,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>The conversation was then carried on, on other topics, when they were
+interrupted by the entrance of Viviana, who came to consult them about
+the funeral. It was arranged&mdash;since better could not be found&mdash;that the
+vehicle used to bring thither the body of the unfortunate knight should
+transport it to its last home. No persuasions of Garnet could induce
+Viviana to relinquish the idea of attending the ceremony; and Catesby,
+though he affected the contrary, secretly rejoiced at her determination.</p>
+
+<p>Night came, and all was in readiness. Viviana to the last indulged a
+hope that Humphrey Chetham would arrive in time to attend the funeral
+with her; but, as he did not appear, she concluded he had received
+Doctor Dee's warning. Martin Heydocke was left in charge of Guy Fawkes,
+who still continued to slumber deeply, and, when within half an hour of
+the appointed time, the train set out.</p>
+
+<p>They were all well mounted, and proceeded at a slow pace along the lane
+skirting the west bank of the Irwell. The night was profoundly dark;
+and, as it was not deemed prudent to carry torches, some care was
+requisite to keep in the right road. Catesby rode first, and was
+followed by Garnet and Viviana, after whom came the little vehicle
+containing the body. The rear was brought up by three of the servants
+sent by Sir Everard Digby; a fourth acting as driver of the sorry
+substitute for a hearse. Not a word was uttered by any of the party. In
+this stealthy manner was the once-powerful and wealthy Sir William
+Radcliffe, the owner of the whole district through which they were
+passing, conveyed to the burial-place of his ancestors!</p>
+
+<p>In shorter time than they had allowed themselves for the journey, the
+melancholy cavalcade reached Salford Bridge, and crossing it at a quick
+pace, as had been previously arranged by Catesby, arrived without
+molestation or notice (for no one was abroad in the town at that hour)
+at the southern gate of the Collegiate Church, where, it may be
+remembered, Guy Fawkes had witnessed the execution of the two seminary
+priests, and on the spikes of which their heads and dismembered bodies
+were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> now fixed. An old man here presented himself, and, unlocking the
+gate, informed them he was Robert Burnell, the sexton. The shell was
+then taken out, and borne on the shoulders of the servants towards the
+church, Burnell leading the way. Garnet followed; and as soon as Catesby
+had committed the horses to the care of the driver of the carriage, he
+tendered his arm to Viviana, who could scarcely have reached the sacred
+structure unsupported.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Dee met them at the church porch, as he had appointed, and, as
+soon as they had passed through it, the door was locked. Addressing a
+few words in an under tone to Viviana, but not deigning to notice either
+of her companions, Dee directed the bearers of the body to follow him,
+and proceeded towards the choir.</p>
+
+<p>The interior of the reverend and beautiful fane was buried in profound
+gloom, and the feeble light diffused by the sexton's lantern only made
+the darkness more palpable. On entering the broad and noble nave nothing
+could be seen of its clustered pillars, or of the exquisite pointed
+arches, enriched with cinquefoil and quatrefoil, inclosing blank
+shields, which they supported. Neither could its sculptured cornice; its
+clerestory windows; its upper range of columns, supporting demi-angels
+playing on musical instruments; its moulded roof crossed by transverse
+beams, enriched in the interstices with sculptured ornaments, be
+distinguished. Most of these architectural glories were invisible; but
+the very gloom in which they were shrouded was imposing. As the dim
+light fell upon pillar after pillar as they passed, revealing their
+mouldings, piercing a few feet into the side aisles, and falling upon
+the grotesque heads, the embattled ornaments and grotesque tracery of
+the arches, the effect was inexpressibly striking.</p>
+
+<p>Nor were the personages inappropriate to the sombre scene. The reverend
+figure of Dee, with his loose flowing robe and long white beard; the
+priestly garb and grave aspect of Garnet; the soldier-like bearing of
+Catesby, his armed heel and rapier-point clanking upon the pavement; the
+drooping figure of Viviana, whose features were buried in her kerchief,
+and whose sobs were distinctly audible; the strangely-fashioned coffin,
+and the attendants by whom it was borne;&mdash;all constituted a singular,
+and, at the same time, deeply-interesting picture.</p>
+
+<p>Approaching the magnificent screen terminating the nave, they passed
+through an arched gateway within it, and entered the choir. The west-end
+of this part of the church was assigned as the burial-place of the
+ancient and honourable family, the head of which was about to be
+deposited within it, and was designated from the circumstance, the
+&ldquo;Radcliffe chancel.&rdquo; A long slab of grey marble, in which a brass plate,
+displaying the armorial bearings of the Radcliffes, was inserted, had
+been re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>moved, and the earth thrown out of the cavity beneath it.
+Kelley, who had assisted in making the excavation, was standing beside
+it, leaning on a spade, with a lantern at his feet. He drew aside as the
+funeral train approached, and the shell was deposited at the edge of the
+grave.</p>
+
+<p>Picturesque and striking as was the scene in the nave, it fell far short
+of that now exhibited. The choir of the Collegiate Church at Manchester
+may challenge comparison with any similar structure. Its thirty
+elaborately-carved stalls, covered with canopies of the richest
+tabernacle work, surmounted by niches, mouldings, pinnacles, and
+perforated tracery, and crowned with a richly-sculptured cornice; its
+side aisles, with their pillars and arches; its moulded ceiling rich in
+the most delicate and fairy tracery; its gorgeous altar-screen of carved
+oak; and its magnificent eastern window, then filled with stained glass,
+form a <i>coup-d'&oelig;il</i> of almost unequalled splendour and beauty. Few of
+these marvels could now be seen. But such points of the pinnacles and
+hanging canopies of the stalls, of the façades of the side-aisles, and
+of the fretted roof, as received any portion of the light, came in with
+admirable effect.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All is prepared, you perceive,&rdquo; observed Dee to Viviana. &ldquo;I will retire
+while the ceremony is performed.&rdquo; And gravely inclining his head, he
+passed through an arched door in the south aisle, and entered the
+chapter-house.</p>
+
+<p>Garnet was about to proceed with the service appointed by the Romish
+Church for the burial of the dead, when Viviana, uttering a loud cry,
+would have fallen, if Catesby had not flown to her assistance, and borne
+her to one of the stalls. Recovering her self-possession the next
+moment, she entreated him to leave her; and while the service proceeded,
+she knelt down and prayed fervently for the soul of the departed.</p>
+
+<p>Placing himself at the foot of the body, Garnet sprinkled it with holy
+water, which he had brought with him in a small silver consecrated
+vessel. He then recited the <i>De Profundis</i>, the <i>Miserere</i>, and other
+antiphons and prayers; placed incense in a burner, which he had likewise
+brought with him, and having lighted it, bowed reverently towards the
+altar, sprinkled the body thrice with holy water, at the sides, at the
+head, and the feet; and then walking round it with the incense-burner,
+dispersed its fragrant odour over it. This done, he recited another
+prayer, pronounced a solemn benediction over the place of sepulture, and
+the body was lowered into it.</p>
+
+<p>The noise of the earth falling upon the shell aroused Viviana from her
+devotions. She looked towards the grave, but could see nothing but the
+gloomy group around it, prominent among which appeared the tall figure
+of Catesby. The sight was too much for her, and, unable to control her
+grief, she fainted. Meanwhile, the grave was rapidly filled, all lending
+their aid to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> the task; and nothing was wanting but to restore the slab
+to its original position. By the united efforts of Catesby, Kelley, and
+the sexton, this was soon accomplished, and the former, unaware of what
+had happened, was about to proceed to Viviana, to tell her all was over,
+when he was arrested by a loud knocking at the church door, accompanied
+by a clamorous demand for admittance.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are betrayed!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby. &ldquo;It is as I suspected. Take care
+of Viviana, father. I will after the hoary impostor, and cleave his
+skull! Extinguish the lights&mdash;quick! quick!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Garnet hastily complied with these injunctions, and the choir was
+plunged in total darkness. He then rushed to the stalls, but could
+nowhere find Viviana. He called her by name, but received no answer, and
+was continuing his fruitless search, when he heard footsteps
+approaching, and the voice of Catesby exclaimed,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Follow me with your charge, father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! my son, she is not here,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;I have searched each
+stall as carefully as I could in the dark. I fear she has been spirited
+away.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Impossible!&rdquo; cried Catesby. And he ran his hand along the row of
+sculptured seats, but without success. &ldquo;She is indeed gone!&rdquo; he
+exclaimed distractedly. &ldquo;It was here I left her&mdash;nay, here I beheld her
+at the very moment the lights were extinguished. Viviana!&mdash;Viviana!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But all was silent.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is that cursed magician's handiwork!&rdquo; he continued, striking his
+forehead in despair.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Did you find him?&rdquo; demanded Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;The door of the chapter-house was locked inside.
+The treacherous villain did well to guard against my fury.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You provoked his resentment, my son,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet. &ldquo;But this is not
+a season for reproaches. Something must be done. Where is Kelley?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At the suggestion, Catesby instantly darted to the spot where the seer
+had stood. He was not there. He then questioned the servants, whose
+teeth were chattering with fright, but they had neither heard him
+depart, nor could tell anything about him; and perceiving plainly from
+their trepidation that these men would lend no aid, even if they did not
+join the assailants, he returned to communicate his apprehensions to
+Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>During all this time the knocking and vociferations at the door had
+continued with increased violence, and reverberated in hollow peals
+along the roof and aisles of the church.</p>
+
+<p>The emergency was a fearful one. Catesby, however, had been too often
+placed in situations of peril, and was too constitu<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>tionally brave, to
+experience much uneasiness for himself; but his apprehensions lest
+Garnet should be captured, and the sudden and mysterious disappearance
+of Viviana almost distracted him. Persuading himself she might have
+fallen to the ground, or that he had overlooked the precise spot where
+he had left her, he renewed his search, but with no better success than
+before; and he was almost beginning to believe that some magic might
+have been practised to cause her disappearance, when it occurred to him
+that she had been carried off by Kelley.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fool that I was, not to think of that before!&rdquo; he exclaimed. &ldquo;I have
+unintentionally aided their project by extinguishing the lights. But now
+that I am satisfied she is gone, I can devote my whole energies to the
+preservation of Garnet. They shall not capture us so easily as they
+anticipate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he approached the priest, and grasping his hand drew him
+noislessly along. They had scarcely passed through the arched doorway in
+the screen, and set foot within the nave, when the clamour without
+ceased. The next moment a thundering crash was heard; the door burst
+open, and a number of armed figures bearing torches, with drawn swords
+in their hands, rushed with loud vociferations into the church.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We must surrender, my son,&rdquo; cried Garnet. &ldquo;It will be useless to
+contend against that force.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But we may yet escape them,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. And glancing hastily
+round he perceived a small open door in the wall at the right, and
+pointing it out to the priest, hurried towards it.</p>
+
+<p>On reaching it, they found it communicated with a flight of stone steps,
+evidently leading to the roof.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Saved! saved!&rdquo; cried Catesby, triumphantly. &ldquo;Mount first, father. I
+will defend the passage.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The pursuers, who saw the course taken by the fugitives, set up a loud
+shout, and ran as swiftly as they could in the same direction, and by
+the time the latter had gained the door they were within a few yards of
+it. Garnet darted up the steps; but Catesby lingered to make fast the
+door, and thus oppose some obstacle to the hostile party. His efforts,
+however, were unexpectedly checked, and, on examination, he found it was
+hooked to the wall at the back. Undoing the fastening, the door swung
+to, and he instantly bolted it. Overjoyed at his success, and leaving
+his pursuers, who at this moment arrived, to vent their disappointment
+in loud menaces, he hastened after Garnet. Calling loudly to him, he was
+answered from a small dark chamber on the right, into which the priest
+had retreated.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We have but prolonged our torture,&rdquo; groaned Garnet. &ldquo;I can find no
+outlet. Our foes will speedily force an entrance, and we must then fall
+into their hands.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There must be some door opening upon the roof, father,&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> rejoined
+Catesby. &ldquo;Mount as high as you can, and search carefully. I will defend
+the stairs, and will undertake to maintain my post against the whole
+rout.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Thus urged, Garnet ascended the steps. After the lapse of a few minutes,
+during which the thundering at the door below increased, and the heavy
+blows of some weighty implement directed against it, were distinctly
+heard, he cried,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have found a door, but the bolts are rusty&mdash;I cannot move them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Use all your strength, father,&rdquo; shouted Catesby, who having planted
+himself with his drawn sword at an advantageous point, was listening
+with intense anxiety to the exertions of the assailing party. &ldquo;Do not
+relax your efforts for a moment.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is in vain, my son,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet, in accents of despair. &ldquo;My
+hands are bruised and bleeding, but the bolts stir not.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Distraction!&rdquo; cried Catesby, gnashing his teeth with rage. &ldquo;Let me
+try.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And he was about to hasten to the priest's assistance, when the door
+below was burst open with a loud crash, and the assailants rushed up the
+steps. The passage was so narrow that they were compelled to mount
+singly, and Catesby's was scarcely a vain boast when he said he could
+maintain his ground against the whole host. Shouting to Garnet to renew
+his efforts, he prepared for the assault. Reserving his petronels to the
+last, he trusted solely to his rapier, and leaning against the newel, or
+circular column round which the stairs twined, he was in a great measure
+defended from the weapons of his adversaries, while they were completely
+exposed to his attack. The darkness, moreover, in which he was enveloped
+offered an additional protection, whereas the torches they carried made
+his mark certain. As soon as the foremost of the band came within reach,
+Catesby plunged his sword into his breast, and pushed him back with all
+his force upon his comrades. The man fell heavily backwards, dislodging
+the next in advance, who in his turn upset his successor, and so on,
+till the whole band was thrown into confusion. A discharge of fire-arms
+followed; but, sheltered by the newel, Catesby sustained no injury. At
+this moment, he was cheered by a cry from Garnet that he had succeeded
+in forcing back the bolts, terror having supplied him with a strength
+not his own; and, making another sally upon his assailants, amid the
+disorder that ensued, Catesby retreated, and rapidly tracking the steps,
+reached the door, through which the priest had already passed. When
+within a short distance of the outlet, Catesby felt, from the current of
+fresh air that saluted him, that it opened upon the roof of the church.
+Nor was he deceived. A few steps placed him upon the leads, where he
+found Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is you, my son,&rdquo; cried the latter, on beholding him; &ldquo;I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> thought
+from the shouts you had fallen into the hands of the enemy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No, Heaven be praised! I am as yet safe, and trust to deliver you out
+of their hands. Come with me to the battlements.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The battlements!&rdquo; exclaimed Garnet. &ldquo;A leap from such a height as that
+were certain destruction.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It were so,&rdquo; replied Catesby, dragging him along. &ldquo;But trust to me, and
+you shall yet reach the ground uninjured.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Arrived at the battlements, Catesby leaned over them, and endeavoured to
+ascertain what was beneath. It was still so dark that he could scarcely
+discern any objects but those close to him, but as far as he could trust
+his vision, he thought he perceived a projecting building some twelve or
+fourteen feet below; and calling to mind the form of the church, which
+he had frequently seen and admired, he remembered its chantries, and had
+no doubt but it was the roof of one of them that he beheld. If he could
+reach it, the descent from thence would be easy, and he immediately
+communicated the idea to Garnet, who shrank aghast from it. Little time,
+however, was allowed for consideration. Their pursuers had already
+scaled the stairs, and were springing one after another upon the leads,
+uttering the most terrible threats against the destroyer of their
+comrade. Hastily divesting himself of his cloak, Catesby clambered over
+the battlements, and, impelled by fear, Garnet threw off his robe, and
+followed his example. Clinging to the grotesque stone waterspouts which
+projected below the battlements, and placing the points of his feet upon
+the arches of the clerestory windows, and thence upon the mullions and
+transom bars, Catesby descended in safety, and then turned to assist his
+companion, who was quickly by his side.</p>
+
+<p>The most difficult and dangerous part of the descent had yet to be
+accomplished. They were now nearly thirty feet from the ground, and the
+same irregularities in the walls which had favoured them in the upper
+structure did not exist in the lower. But their present position,
+exposed as it was to their pursuers, who, having reached the point
+immediately overhead, were preparing to fire upon them, was too
+dangerous to allow of its occupation for a moment, and Garnet required
+no urging to make him clamber over the low embattled parapet. Descending
+a flying buttress that defended an angle of the building, Catesby, who
+was possessed of great strength and activity, was almost instantly upon
+the ground. Garnet was not so fortunate. Missing his footing, he fell
+from a considerable height, and his groans proclaimed that he had
+received some serious injury. Catesby instantly flew to him, and
+demanded, in a tone of the greatest anxiety, whether he was much hurt.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My right arm is broken,&rdquo; gasped the sufferer, raising himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> with
+difficulty. &ldquo;What other injuries I have sustained I know not; but every
+joint seems dislocated, and my face is covered with blood. Heaven have
+pity on me!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, a shout of exultation arose from the hostile party, who,
+having heard Garnet's fall, and the groans that succeeded it, at once
+divined the cause, and made sure of a capture. A deep silence followed,
+proving that they had quitted the roof, and were hastening to secure
+their prey.</p>
+
+<p>Aware that it would take them some little time to descend the winding
+staircase, and traverse the long aisle of the church, Catesby felt
+certain of distancing them. But he could not abandon Garnet, who had
+become insensible from the agony of his fractured limb, and, lifting him
+carefully in his arms, he placed him upon his shoulder, and started at a
+swift pace towards the further extremity of the churchyard.</p>
+
+<p>At the period of this history, the western boundary of the Collegiate
+Church was formed by a precipitous sandstone rock of great height, the
+base of which was washed by the waters of the Irwell, while its summit
+was guarded by a low stone wall. In after years, a range of small
+habitations was built upon this spot, but they have been recently
+removed, and the rock having been lowered, a road now occupies their
+site. Nerved by desperation, Catesby, who was sufficiently well
+acquainted with the locality to know whither he was shaping his course,
+determined to hazard a descent, which, under calmer circumstances, he
+would have deemed wholly impracticable. His pursuers, who issued from
+the church porch a few seconds after he had passed it, saw him hurry
+towards the low wall edging the precipice, and, encumbered as he was
+with the priest, vault over it. Not deeming it possible he would dare to
+spring from such a height, they darted after him. But they were
+deceived, and could scarcely credit their senses when they found him
+gone. By the light of their torches they perceived him shooting down the
+almost perpendicular side of the rock, and the next moment a hollow
+plunge told that he had reached the water. They stared at each other in
+mute astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will you follow him, Dick Haughton?&rdquo; observed one, as soon as he had
+recovered his speech.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not I,&rdquo; replied the fellow addressed. &ldquo;I have no fancy for a broken
+neck. Follow him thyself if thou hast a mind to try the soundness of thy
+pate. I warrant that rock will put it to the proof.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Yet the feat has just been done, and by one burthened with a wounded
+comrade into the bargain,&rdquo; remarked the first speaker.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He must be the devil, that's certain,&rdquo; rejoined Haughton; &ldquo;and Doctor
+Dee himself is no match for him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He has the Devil's luck, that's certain,&rdquo; cried a third soldier.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> &ldquo;But,
+hark! he is swimming across the river. We may yet catch him on the
+opposite bank. Come along, comrades.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, they rushed out of the churchyard; made the best of their way
+to the bridge; and crossing it, flew to the bank of the river, where
+they dispersed in every direction, in search for the fugitive. But they
+could not discover a trace of him or his wounded companion.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_XVII" id="I_CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE RENCOUNTER.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Catesby himself could scarcely tell how he accomplished his hair-breadth
+escape. Reckless almost of the result, he slided down the rock, catching
+at occasional irregularities as he descended. The river was of great
+depth at this point, and broke the force of his fall. On rising, he
+struck out a few yards, and suffered himself to be carried down the
+stream. He had never for one moment relinquished his hold of Garnet, and
+being an admirable swimmer, found little difficulty in sustaining him
+with one arm, while with the other he guided his course in the water. In
+this way he reached the shore in safety, about a hundred yards below the
+bridge, by which means he avoided his pursuers, who, as has just been
+stated, searched for him above it.</p>
+
+<p>After debating with himself for a short time as to what course he should
+pursue, he decided upon conveying Garnet to the Hall, where he could
+procure restoratives and assistance; and though he was fully sensible of
+the danger of this plan, not doubting the mansion would be visited and
+searched by his pursuers before morning, yet the necessity of warning
+Guy Fawkes outweighed every other consideration. Accordingly, again
+shouldering the priest, who, though he had regained his sensibility, was
+utterly unable to move, he commenced his toilsome march; and being
+frequently obliged to pause and rest himself, more than an hour elapsed
+before he reached his destination.</p>
+
+<p>It was just growing light as he crossed the drawbridge, and seeing a
+horse tied to a tree, and the gate open, he began to fear the enemy had
+preceded him. Full of misgiving, he laid Garnet upon a heap of straw in
+an outbuilding, and entered the house. He found no one below, though he
+glanced into each room. He then noiselessly ascended the stairs, with
+the intention of proceeding to Guy Fawkes's chamber.</p>
+
+<p>As he traversed the gallery, he heard voices in one of the chambers, the
+door of which was ajar, and pausing to listen, distinguished the tones
+of Viviana. Filled with astonishment, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> was about to enter the room to
+inquire by what means she had reached the Hall, when he was arrested by
+the voice of her companion. It was that of Humphrey Chetham. Maddened by
+jealousy, Catesby's first impulse was to rush into the room, and stab
+his rival in the presence of his mistress. But he restrained his passion
+by a powerful effort.</p>
+
+<p>After listening for a few minutes intently to their conversation, he
+found that Chetham was taking leave, and creeping softly down-stairs,
+stationed himself in the hall, through which he knew his rival must
+necessarily pass. Chetham presently appeared. His manner was dejected;
+his looks downcast; and he would have passed Catesby without observing
+him, if the latter had not laid his hand upon his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Catesby!&rdquo; exclaimed the young merchant, starting as he beheld the
+stern glance fixed upon him &ldquo;I thought&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You thought I was a prisoner, no doubt,&rdquo; interrupted Catesby, bitterly.
+&ldquo;But you are mistaken. I am here to confound you and your juggling and
+treacherous associate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not understand you,&rdquo; replied Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will soon make myself intelligible,&rdquo; retorted Catesby. &ldquo;Follow me to
+the garden.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I perceive your purpose, Mr. Catesby,&rdquo; replied Chetham, calmly; &ldquo;but it
+is no part of my principles to expose my life to ruffianly violence. If
+you choose to lay aside this insolent demeanour, which is more befitting
+an Alsatian bully than a gentleman, I will readily give you such
+explanation of my conduct as will fully content you, and satisfy you
+that any suspicions you may entertain of me are unfounded.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Coward!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby, striking him. &ldquo;I want no explanation.
+Defend yourself, or I will treat you with still greater indignity.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Lead on, then,&rdquo; cried Chetham: &ldquo;I would have avoided the quarrel if I
+could. But this outrage shall not pass unpunished.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As they quitted the hall, Viviana entered it; and, though she was
+greatly surprised by the appearance of Catesby, his furious gestures
+left her in no doubt as to his purpose. She called to him to stop. But
+no attention was paid by either party to her cries.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 402px;">
+<img src="images/illo_130.jpg" width="402" height="595" alt="Guy Fawkes protecting Humphrey Chetham from Catesby." title="" />
+<span class="caption">Guy Fawkes protecting Humphrey Chetham from Catesby.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>On gaining a retired spot beneath the trees, Catesby, without giving his
+antagonist time to divest himself of the heavy horseman's cloak with
+which he was encumbered, and scarcely to draw his sword, assaulted him.
+The combat was furious on both sides, but it was evident that the young
+merchant was no match for his adversary. He maintained his ground,
+however, for some time with great resolution; but, being hotly pressed,
+in retreating to avoid a thrust, his foot caught in the long grass, and
+he fell. Catesby would have passed his sword through his body, if it
+had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> not been turned aside by another weapon. It was that of Guy
+Fawkes, who, followed by Martin Heydocke, had staggered towards the
+scene of strife, reaching it just in time to save the life of Humphrey
+Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven be praised! I am not too late!&rdquo; he exclaimed. &ldquo;Put up your
+blade, Catesby; or, turn it against me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_XVIII" id="I_CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE EXPLANATION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Uttering an exclamation of rage, Catesby turned fiercely upon Fawkes,
+and for a moment appeared disposed to accept his invitation to continue
+the combat with him. But as he regarded the other's haggard features,
+and perceived in them the traces of his recent struggle with death&mdash;as
+he saw he was scarcely able to wield the blade he opposed against
+him&mdash;his wrath changed to compassion, and he sheathed his sword. By this
+time, Humphrey Chetham had sprung to his feet, and picking up his fallen
+weapon, stood on his defence. But finding that Catesby meditated no
+further hostilities, he returned it to the scabbard.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I owe my life to you,&rdquo; he said to Guy Fawkes, in a tone of deep
+gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You owe it to Viviana Radcliffe, not to me,&rdquo; returned Fawkes feebly,
+and leaning upon his sword for support. &ldquo;Had it not been for her cries,
+I should have known nothing of this quarrel. And I would now gladly
+learn what has occasioned it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So would I,&rdquo; added Chetham; &ldquo;for I am as ignorant as yourself how I
+have offended Mr. Catesby.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will tell you, then,&rdquo; returned Catesby, sternly. &ldquo;You were a party to
+the snare set for us by Dr. Dee, from which I narrowly escaped with
+life, and Father Garnet at the expense of a broken limb.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is Garnet hurt?&rdquo; demanded Fawkes, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Grievously,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;but he is out of the reach of his
+enemies, of whom,&rdquo; he added, pointing to Chetham, &ldquo;one of the most
+malignant and treacherous now stands before you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am quite in the dark as to what has happened,&rdquo; observed Fawkes,
+&ldquo;having only a few minutes ago been roused from my slumbers by the
+shrieks of Viviana, who entreated me to come and separate you. But I
+cannot believe Humphrey Chetham so treacherous as you represent him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So far from having any enmity towards Father Garnet,&rdquo; observed Chetham,
+&ldquo;my anxious desire was to preserve him; and with that view, I was
+repairing to Dr. Dee, when I en<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>countered Mr. Catesby in the hall, and
+before I could offer any explanation, I was forced by his violence and
+insults into this combat.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is this the truth, Catesby?&rdquo; asked Fawkes,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Something near it,&rdquo; rejoined the latter; &ldquo;but perhaps Mr. Chetham will
+likewise inform you by whose agency Viviana was transported hither from
+the Collegiate Church?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That inquiry ought rather to be made of the lady herself, sir,"
+rejoined Chetham, coldly. &ldquo;But, as I am assured she would have no
+objection to my answering it, I shall not hesitate to do so. She was
+conveyed hither by Kelley and an assistant, who departed as soon as
+their task was completed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby between his ground teeth. &ldquo;But how chanced
+it, sir, that you arrived here so opportunely?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I might well refuse to answer a question thus insolently put,&rdquo; rejoined
+Chetham. &ldquo;But to prevent further misunderstanding, I will tell you, that
+I came by Viviana's invitation at midnight; and, ascertaining from my
+servant, Martin Heydocke, whom I found watching by the couch of Guy
+Fawkes, the melancholy business on which she was engaged, I determined
+to await her return, which occurred about an hour afterwards, in the
+manner I have just related.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I was in the court-yard when Mistress Viviana was brought back,"
+interposed Martin Heydocke, who was standing at a respectful distance
+from the group; &ldquo;and, after Kelley had delivered her to my charge, I
+heard him observe in an under tone to his companion, 'Let us ride back
+as fast as we can, and see what they have done with the prisoners.'"</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They made sure of their prey before it was captured,&rdquo; observed Catesby,
+bitterly. &ldquo;But we have disappointed them. Dee and his associate may yet
+have reason to repent their perfidy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will do well not to put yourself again in their power,&rdquo; observed
+Humphrey Chetham. &ldquo;If you will be counselled by me, you and Guy Fawkes
+will seek safety in instant flight.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And leave you with Viviana?&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, sarcastically.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She is in no present danger,&rdquo; replied Chetham. &ldquo;But, if it is thought
+fitting or desirable, I will remain with her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not doubt it,&rdquo; returned Catesby, with a sneer; &ldquo;but it is neither
+fitting nor desirable. And, hark ye, young sir, if you have indulged any
+expectations with regard to Viviana Radcliffe, it is time you were
+undeceived. She will never wed one of your degree, nor of your faith.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have her own assurance she will never wed at all,&rdquo; replied Chetham,
+in an offended tone. &ldquo;But had she not crushed my hopes by declaring she
+was vowed to a convent, no menaces of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> yours, who have neither right nor
+title thus to interfere, should induce me to desist from my suit.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Either resign all pretensions to her hand, or prepare to renew the
+combat,&rdquo; cried Catesby, fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No more of this,&rdquo; interposed Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;Let us return to the house,
+and adjust our differences there.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have no further business here,&rdquo; observed Humphrey Chetham. &ldquo;Having
+taken leave of Viviana,&rdquo; he added, with much emotion, &ldquo;I do not desire
+to meet her again.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is well, sir,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby: &ldquo;yet, stay!&mdash;you mean us no
+treachery?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you suspect me, I will remain,&rdquo; replied Humphrey Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;On no account,&rdquo; interposed Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;I will answer for him with my
+life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Perhaps, when I tell you I have procured the liberation of Father
+Oldcorne,&rdquo; returned Chetham, &ldquo;and have placed him in security in Ordsall
+cave, you will admit that you have done me wrong.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have been greatly mistaken in you, sir, I must own,&rdquo; observed
+Catesby, advancing towards him, and extending his hand. But Humphrey
+Chetham folded his arms upon his breast, and bowing coldly, withdrew. He
+was followed by Martin Heydocke, and presently afterwards the tramp of
+his horse's feet was heard crossing the drawbridge.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_XIX" id="I_CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE DISCOVERY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Tendering his arm to Fawkes, who was almost too feeble to walk
+unsupported, Catesby led him slowly to the Hall. On reaching it, they
+met Viviana, in a state bordering upon distraction, but her distress was
+speedily relieved by their assurances that the young merchant had
+departed unhurt,&mdash;a statement immediately afterwards confirmed by the
+entrance of Martin Heydocke, charged with a message from his master to
+her. Without communicating his design to the others, and, indeed, almost
+shunning Viviana, Catesby proceeded to the outbuilding where he had
+deposited Garnet. He found him in great pain, and praying fervently to
+be released from his suffering.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not despair, father,&rdquo; said Catesby, in as cheerful a tone as he
+could assume, &ldquo;the worst is over. Viviana is in safety. Father Oldcorne
+has escaped, and is within a short distance of us, and Guy Fawkes is
+fully able to undertake a journey of any distance. You are our sole
+concern. But I am assured, if you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> will allow me to exercise the slight
+surgical skill I possess in your behalf, that you will be able to
+accompany us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do with me what you please, my son,&rdquo; groaned Garnet. &ldquo;But, if my case
+is as desperate as I believe it, I entreat you not to bestow any further
+care upon me, and, above all, not to expose yourself to risk on my
+account. Our enemies are sure to pursue us,&mdash;and what matter if I am
+captured? They will wreak their vengeance on a worthless carcass,&mdash;for
+such I shall soon be. But it would double the anguish I now endure, if
+you and Fawkes were to fall into their hands. Go, then, and leave me
+here to perish. My dying moments will be cheered by the conviction that
+the great enterprise&mdash;for which alone I desire to live&mdash;will not be
+unaccomplished.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is no need to leave you, father,&rdquo; replied Catesby, &ldquo;nor shall any
+consideration induce me to do so, till I have rendered you every aid
+that circumstances will permit.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My son,&rdquo; replied Garnet, faintly, &ldquo;the most efficacious balm you can
+apply will be the certainty that you are in safety. You say Viviana is
+here. Fly with Fawkes, and leave me to her care.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She must go with us,&rdquo; observed Catesby, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not so, my son,&rdquo; returned Garnet; &ldquo;her presence will only endanger you.
+She must <i>not</i> go. And you must abandon all hopes of an union with her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would as soon abandon the great design itself,&rdquo; returned Catesby,
+moodily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you persist in this, you will ruin it,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet. &ldquo;Think of
+her no more. Bend your thoughts exclusively on the one grand object, and
+be what you are chosen to be, the defender and deliverer of our holy
+Church.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would gladly act as you advise me, father,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;but I
+am spell-bound by this maiden.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This is idle from you, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet, reproachfully.
+&ldquo;Separate yourself from her, and you will soon regain your former
+mastery over yourself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, well, father,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, &ldquo;the effort, at least, shall be
+made. But her large possessions, which would be so useful to our cause,
+and which, if I wedded her, would be wholly devoted to it,&mdash;think of
+what we lose, father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I <i>have</i> thought of it, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet; &ldquo;but the consideration
+does not alter my opinion: and if I possess any authority over you, I
+strictly enjoin you not to proceed farther in the matter. Viviana never
+can be yours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She <i>shall</i> be, nevertheless,&rdquo; muttered Catesby, &ldquo;and before many hours
+have elapsed,&mdash;if not by her own free will, by force. I have ever shown
+myself obedient to your commands, father,&rdquo; he added aloud, &ldquo;and I shall
+not transgress them now.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven keep you in this disposition, my dear son!&rdquo; exclaimed Garnet,
+with a look of distrust: &ldquo;and let me recommend you to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> remove yourself
+as soon as possible out of the way of temptation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby muttered an affirmative, and taking Garnet in his arms, conveyed
+him carefully to his own chamber, and placing him on a couch, examined
+his wounds, which were not so serious as either he or the sufferer
+imagined, and with no despicable skill&mdash;for the experiences of a
+soldier's life had given him some practice&mdash;bandaged his broken arm, and
+fomented his bruises.</p>
+
+<p>This done, Garnet felt so much easier, that he entreated Catesby to send
+Viviana to him, and to make preparations for his own immediate
+departure. Feigning acquiescence, Catesby quitted the room, but with no
+intention of complying with the request. Not a moment he felt must be
+lost if he would execute his dark design, and, after revolving many wild
+expedients, an idea occurred to him. It was to lure Viviana to the cave
+where Father Oldcorne was concealed; and he knew enough of the pliant
+disposition of the latter to be certain he would assent to his scheme.
+No sooner did this plan occur to him than he hurried to the cell, and
+found the priest, as Chetham had stated. As he had foreseen, it required
+little persuasion to induce Oldcorne to lend his assistance to the
+forced marriage, and he only feared the decided opposition they should
+encounter from Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear nothing, then, father,&rdquo; said Catesby; &ldquo;in this solitary spot no
+one will hear her cries. Whatever resistance she may make, perform the
+ceremony, and leave the consequences to me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The plan is desperate, my son,&rdquo; returned Oldcorne, &ldquo;but so are our
+fortunes. And, as Viviana will not hear reason, we have no alternative.
+You swear that if you are once wedded to her, all her possessions shall
+be devoted to the furtherance of the great cause.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All, father&mdash;I swear it,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, fervently.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Enough,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne. &ldquo;The sooner it is done, the better.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>It was then agreed between them that the plan least likely to excite
+suspicion would be for Oldcorne to proceed to the Hall, and under some
+plea prevail upon Viviana to return with him to the cave. Acting upon
+this arrangement, they left the cell together, shaping their course
+under the trees to avoid observation; and while Oldcorne repaired to the
+Hall, Catesby proceeded to the stable, and saddling the only steed left,
+rode back to the cave, and concealing the animal behind the brushwood,
+entered the excavation. Some time elapsed before the others arrived, and
+as in his present feverish state of mind moments appeared ages, the
+suspense was almost intolerable. At length, he heard footsteps
+approaching, and, with a beating heart, distinguished the voice of
+Viviana. The place was buried in profound darkness; but Oldcorne struck
+a light, and set fire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> to a candle in a lantern. The feeble glimmer
+diffused by it was not sufficient to penetrate the recesses of the
+cavern; and Catesby, who stood at the farther extremity, was completely
+sheltered from observation.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now, father,&rdquo; observed Viviana, seating herself with her back
+towards Catesby, upon the stone bench once used by the unfortunate
+prophetess, &ldquo;I would learn the communication you desire to make to me.
+It must be something of importance since you would not disclose it at
+the Hall.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is, daughter,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne, who could scarcely conceal his
+embarrassment. &ldquo;I have brought you hither, where I am sure we shall be
+uninterrupted, to confer with you on a subject nearest my heart. Your
+lamented father being taken from us, I, as his spiritual adviser, aware
+of his secret wishes and intentions, conceive myself entitled to assume
+his place.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I consider you in the light of a father, dear sir,&rdquo; replied Viviana,
+&ldquo;and will follow your advice as implicitly as I would that of him I have
+lost.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Since I find you so tractable, child,&rdquo; returned Oldcorne, reassured by
+her manner, &ldquo;I will no longer hesitate to declare the motive I had in
+bringing you hither. You will recollect that I have of late strongly
+opposed your intention of retiring to a convent.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know it, father,&rdquo; interrupted Viviana; &ldquo;but&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hear me out,&rdquo; continued Oldcorne; &ldquo;recent events have strengthened my
+disapproval of the step. You are now called upon to active duties, and
+must take your share in the business of life,&mdash;must struggle and suffer
+like others,&mdash;and not shrink from the burthen imposed upon you by
+Heaven.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not shrink from it, father,&rdquo; replied Viviana: &ldquo;and if I were equal
+to the active life you propose, I would not hesitate to embrace it, but
+I feel I should sink under it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not if you had one near you who could afford you that support which
+feeble woman ever requires,&rdquo; returned Oldcorne.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What mean you, father?&rdquo; inquired Viviana, fixing her dark eyes full
+upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That you must marry, daughter,&rdquo; returned Oldcorne, &ldquo;unite yourself to
+some worthy man, who will be to you what I have described.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And was it to tell me this that you brought me here?&rdquo; asked Viviana, in
+a slightly offended tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It was, daughter,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne; &ldquo;but I have not yet done. It is
+not only needful you should marry, but your choice must be such as I,
+who represent your father, and have your welfare thoroughly at heart,
+can approve.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You can find me a husband, I doubt not?&rdquo; remarked Viviana, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have already found one,&rdquo; returned Oldcorne: &ldquo;a gentle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>man suitable to
+you in rank, religion, years,&mdash;for <i>your</i> husband should be older than
+yourself, Viviana.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not affect to misunderstand you, father,&rdquo; she replied; &ldquo;you mean
+Mr. Catesby.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have guessed aright, dear daughter,&rdquo; rejoined Oldcorne.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I thought I had made myself sufficiently intelligible on this point
+before, father,&rdquo; she returned.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne; &ldquo;but you are no longer, as I have just
+laboured to convince you, in the same position you were when the subject
+was formerly discussed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;To prevent further misunderstanding, father,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana, &ldquo;I now
+tell you, that in whatever position I may be placed, I will never, under
+any circumstances, wed Mr. Catesby.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What are your objections to him, daughter?&rdquo; asked Oldcorne.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They are numberless,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;but it is useless to
+particularize them. I must pray you to change the conversation, or you
+will compel me to quit you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nay, daughter, if you thus obstinately shut your ears to reason, I must
+use very different language towards you. Armed with parental authority,
+I shall exact obedience to my commands.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot obey you, father,&rdquo; replied Viviana, bursting into
+tears,&mdash;"indeed, indeed I cannot. My heart, I have already told you, is
+another's.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He who has robbed you of it is a heretic,&rdquo; rejoined Oldcorne, sternly,
+&ldquo;and therefore your union with him is out of the question. Promise me
+you will wed Mr. Catesby, or, in the name of your dead father, I will
+invoke a curse upon your head. Promise me, I say.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Never,&rdquo; replied Viviana, rising. &ldquo;My father would never have enforced
+my compliance, and I dread no curse thus impiously pronounced. You are
+overstepping the bounds of your priestly office, sir. Farewell.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As she moved to depart, a strong grasp was laid on her arm, and turning,
+she beheld Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You here, sir?&rdquo; she cried, in great alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;At last you are in my power, Viviana.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would fain misunderstand you, sir,&rdquo; she rejoined, trembling; &ldquo;but
+your looks terrify me. You mean no violence?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I mean that Father Oldcorne shall wed us,&mdash;and that too without a
+moment's delay,&rdquo; replied Catesby, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Monster!&rdquo; shrieked Viviana, &ldquo;you will not,&mdash;dare not commit this foul
+offence. And if you dare, Father Oldcorne will not assist you. Ah! what
+means that sign? I cannot be mistaken in you, father? You cannot be
+acting in concert with this wicked man? Save me from him!&mdash;save me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But the priest kept aloof, and taking a missal from his vest,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> hastily
+turned over the leaves. Viviana saw that her appeal to him was vain.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let me go!&rdquo; she shrieked, struggling with Catesby. &ldquo;You cannot force me
+to wed you whether I will or not; and I will die rather than consent.
+Let me go, I say? Help!&mdash;help!&rdquo; And she made the cavern ring with her
+screams.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heed her not, father,&rdquo; shouted Catesby, who still held her fast, &ldquo;but
+proceed with the ceremony.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Oldcorne, however, appeared irresolute, and Viviana perceiving it,
+redoubled her cries.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This will be no marriage, father,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;even if you proceed with
+it. I will protest against it to all the world, and you will be deprived
+of your priestly office for your share in so infamous a transaction.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will think otherwise anon, daughter,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne, advancing
+towards them with the missal in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If it be no marriage,&rdquo; observed Catesby, significantly, &ldquo;the time will
+come when you may desire to have the ceremony repeated.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Catesby,&rdquo; cried Viviana, altering her manner, as if she had taken a
+sudden resolution, &ldquo;one word before you proceed with your atrocious
+purpose, which must end in misery to us all. There are reasons why you
+can never wed me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ha!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby, starting.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is it so, my son?&rdquo; asked Oldcorne, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Pshaw!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby. &ldquo;She knows not what she says. Proceed,
+father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have proofs that will confound you,&rdquo; cried Viviana, breaking from
+him. And darting towards the light, she took from her bosom the packet
+given her by Guy Fawkes, and tore it open. A letter was within it, and a
+miniature.</p>
+
+<p>Opening the letter, she cast her eye rapidly over its contents, and then
+looking up, exclaimed in accents of <ins class="correction" title="original: delirous">delirious</ins> joy, &ldquo;Saved! saved! Father
+Oldcorne, this man is married already.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby, who had watched her proceedings in silent astonishment, and was
+now advancing towards her, recoiled as if a thunderbolt had fallen at
+his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Can this be true?&rdquo; cried the priest, in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let your own eyes convince you,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana, handing him the
+letter.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am satisfied,&rdquo; returned Oldcorne, after he had glanced at it. &ldquo;We
+have both been spared the commission of a great crime. Mr. Catesby, it
+appears from this letter that you have a wife living in Spain.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is useless to deny it,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;But, as you were ignorant
+of the matter, the offence (if any) would have lain wholly at my door;
+nor should I have repented of it, if it had enabled me to achieve the
+object I have in view.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thank Heaven it has gone no further!&rdquo; exclaimed Oldcorne. &ldquo;Daughter, I
+humbly entreat your forgiveness.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How came that packet in your possession?&rdquo; demanded Catesby fiercely of
+Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It was given me by Guy Fawkes,&rdquo; she replied.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Guy Fawkes!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby. &ldquo;Has he betrayed his friend?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He has proved himself your best friend, by preventing you from
+committing a crime, which would have entailed wretchedness on yourself
+and me,&rdquo; returned Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have done with him, and with all of you,&rdquo; cried Catesby, with a
+fierce glance at Oldcorne. &ldquo;Henceforth, pursue your projects alone. You
+shall have no further assistance from me. I will serve the Spaniard.
+Englishmen are not to be trusted.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he rushed out of the cavern, and seeking his horse, mounted
+him, and rode off at full speed.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How shall I obtain your forgiveness for my conduct in this culpable
+affair, dear daughter?&rdquo; said Oldcorne, with an imploring look at
+Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By joining me in thanksgivings to the Virgin for my deliverance,"
+replied Viviana, prostrating herself before the stone cross.</p>
+
+<p>Oldcorne knelt beside her, and they continued for some time in earnest
+prayer. They then arose, and quitting the cave, proceeded to the Hall.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="I_CHAPTER_XX" id="I_CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE DEPARTURE FROM THE HALL.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes was as much surprised to hear of the sudden departure of
+Catesby as he was concerned at the cause; but he still thought it
+probable he would return. In this expectation, however, he was
+disappointed. The day wore on, and no one came. The uncertainty in which
+Fawkes was kept, added to his unwillingness to leave Garnet, still
+detained him, in spite of the risk he ran, at the Hall; and it was only
+when urged by Viviana that he began seriously to reflect whither he
+should bend his steps. Towards evening, Garnet was so much better, that
+he was able to sit up, and he passed some hours in conference with
+Oldcorne.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I do not suffer a relapse,&rdquo; he observed to the latter, &ldquo;I will set
+out with Guy Fawkes to-morrow, and we will proceed by easy stages to
+London.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot but approve your resolution,&rdquo; returned Oldcorne; &ldquo;for though
+so long a journey may be inconvenient, and retard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> your recovery, yet
+every hour you remain here is fraught with additional peril. I will
+accompany you. We shall both be safer in the capital; and perhaps
+Viviana, now she will be no longer exposed to the persecutions of
+Catesby, will form one of the party.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I should not wonder,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;I shall be deeply concerned if
+Catesby has really abandoned the enterprise. But I cannot think it. I
+did all I could to dissuade him from prosecuting this union, knowing how
+hopeless it was, and little thinking he would be rash enough to seek to
+accomplish it by force, or that he would find an assistant in you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Say no more about it, father, I entreat you,&rdquo; rejoined Oldcorne. &ldquo;The
+scheme failed, as it deserved to do; and I sincerely repent the share I
+was induced by Catesby's artful representations to take in it. If we
+have lost our leader we have still Guy Fawkes, who is a host in himself,
+and as true as the steel that hangs by his side.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We cannot spare Catesby,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;With many faults, he has one
+redeeming quality, courage. I am not sorry he has been thwarted in his
+present scheme, as if he returns to us, as I doubt not he will, it will
+fix his mind steadily on the one object, which should be ever before it.
+Give me your arm, father. I am glad to find I can walk, though feebly.
+That is well,&rdquo; he added, as they emerged upon the gallery; &ldquo;I shall be
+able to reach Viviana's chamber without further assistance. Do you
+descend, and see that Martin Heydocke is on the watch.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>In obedience to the injunctions of his superior, Oldcorne went in search
+of Martin Heydocke, who had been stationed in the court-yard to give
+timely notice of any hostile approach; but not finding him there, he
+proceeded towards the drawbridge. Garnet, meanwhile, had reached the
+door of Viviana's chamber, which was slightly ajar, and he was about to
+pass through it, when he perceived that she was on her knees before Guy
+Fawkes, whom she was addressing in the most passionate terms. The latter
+was seated at a table, with his head upon his hand, in a thoughtful
+posture. Surprised at the sight, and curious to hear what Viviana could
+be saying, Garnet drew back to listen.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;When you quit this house,&rdquo; were the first words that caught the
+listener's ear, &ldquo;we shall never meet again; and oh! let me have the
+consolation of thinking that, in return for the devoted attachment you
+have shown me, and the dangers from which you have preserved me, I have
+preserved you from one equally imminent. Catesby, from whatever motive,
+has abandoned the conspiracy. Do you act likewise, and the whole
+dreadful scheme will fall to the ground.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Catesby cannot abandon it,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;He is bound by ties that
+no human power can sunder. And, however he may estrange himself from us
+now, when the time for action arrives, rest assured he will not be
+absent.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 382px;">
+<img src="images/illo_141.jpg" width="382" height="600" alt="Viviana Radcliffe imploring Guy Fawkes to abandon the
+Conspiracy" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Viviana Radcliffe imploring Guy Fawkes to abandon the
+Conspiracy</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It may be so,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;but I deny that the oath either he or
+you have taken is binding. The deed you have sworn to do is evil, and no
+vow, however solemnly pronounced, can compel you to commit crime. Avoid
+this sin&mdash;avoid further connexion with those who would work your
+undoing, and do not stain your soul with guilt from which it will never
+be cleansed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You seek in vain to move me,&rdquo; replied Guy Fawkes, firmly. &ldquo;My purpose
+is unalterable. The tempest that clears away the pestilence destroys
+many innocent lives, but it is not the less wholesome on that account.
+Our unhappy land is choked with the pestilence of heresy, and must be
+freed from it, cost what it will, and suffer who may. The wrongs of the
+English Catholics imperatively demand redress; and, since it is denied
+us, we must take it. Oppression can go no farther; nor endurance hold
+out longer. If this blow be not struck we shall have no longer a
+religion. And how comes it, Viviana, that you, a zealous Catholic, whose
+father perished by these very oppressors, and who are yourself in danger
+from them, can seek to turn me from my purpose?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Because I know it is wrongful,&rdquo; she replied. &ldquo;I have no desire to
+avenge the death of my slaughtered father, still less to see our
+religion furthered by the dreadful means you propose. In his own due
+season, the Lord will redress our wrongs.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The Lord has appointed me one of the ministers of his vengeance,&rdquo; cried
+Fawkes, in a tone of enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not deceive yourself,&rdquo; returned Viviana, &ldquo;it is not by Heaven, but
+by the powers of darkness, that you are incited to this deed. Do not
+persevere in this fatal course,&rdquo; she continued, clasping her hands
+together, and gazing imploringly in his face, &ldquo;do not&mdash;do not!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes continued in the same attitude as before, with his gaze
+turned upwards, and apparently lost in thought.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have I no power to move you?&rdquo; cried Viviana, her eyes streaming with
+tears.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;None whatever,&rdquo; replied Guy Fawkes, firmly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then you are lost,&rdquo; she rejoined.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If it is Heaven's will, I am,&rdquo; answered Fawkes; &ldquo;but at least I believe
+I am acting rightly.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And rest assured you are so, my son,&rdquo; cried Garnet, throwing open the
+door, and stepping into the room. &ldquo;I have overheard your conversation,
+and I applaud your resolution.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You need have no fears of me, father,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I do not
+lightly undertake a project; but once embarked in it nothing can turn me
+aside.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In this case your determination is wisely formed, my son,&rdquo; returned
+Garnet; &ldquo;and if Viviana will ever give me an opportunity of fully
+discussing the matter, I am sure I can satisfy her you are in the
+right.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will discuss it with you whenever you think proper,&rdquo; she replied.
+&ldquo;But no arguments will ever convince me that your project is approved by
+Heaven.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let it pass now, daughter,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet; &ldquo;enough has been said on
+the subject. I came hither to tell Guy Fawkes, that if our enemies
+permit us to pass the night without molestation (as Heaven grant they
+may!) I think I shall be strong enough to set out with him to-morrow,
+when I propose we should journey together to London.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Agreed,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Father Oldcorne will accompany us,&rdquo; pursued Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I, too, will go with you, if you will permit me,&rdquo; said Viviana. &ldquo;I
+cannot remain here; and I have no further fears of Mr. Catesby. Doctor
+Dee told me my future fate was strangely mixed up with that of Guy
+Fawkes. I know not how it may be, but I will not abandon him while there
+is a hope to cling to.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana Radcliffe,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes, coldly, &ldquo;deeply as I feel the
+interest you take in me, I think it right to tell you that no efforts
+you can use will shake me from my purpose. If I live, I will execute my
+design.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;While I live, I will urge you to it,&rdquo; remarked Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And while <i>I</i> live, I will dissuade you from it,&rdquo; added Viviana. &ldquo;We
+shall see who will obtain the victory.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We shall,&rdquo; replied Garnet, smiling confidently.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hear me further,&rdquo; continued Viviana; &ldquo;I do not doubt that your zeal is
+disinterested; yet still, your mode of life, and the difficulties in
+which you are placed, may not unnaturally influence your conduct. That
+this may no longer be the case, I here place part of my fortune at your
+disposal. I require little or nothing myself. But I would, if possible,
+save one to whom I owe so much, and whom I value so much, from
+destruction.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I fully appreciate your generosity&mdash;to give it its lightest
+term&mdash;Viviana,&rdquo; returned Guy Fawkes, in a voice of deep emotion. &ldquo;Under
+any circumstances I should reject it,&mdash;under the present, I do so the
+more positively, because the offer, kind as it is, seems to imply that
+my poverty leads me to act contrary to my principles. Gold has no power
+over me: I regard it as dross; and when I could easily have won it, I
+neglected the opportunity. As no reward would ever induce me to commit
+an action my conscience disapproved, so none will deter me from a
+purpose which I regard as my duty.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Enough,&rdquo; replied Viviana, sadly. &ldquo;I will no longer question your
+motives, or oppose your plan, but will pray Heaven to open your eyes to
+the truth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your conduct is in all respects worthy of you, daughter,&rdquo; observed
+Garnet, kindly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have rejected one offer,&rdquo; continued Viviana, looking at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> Fawkes;
+&ldquo;but I trust you will not decline that I am about to propose to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What is it?&rdquo; asked Fawkes, in some surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is that I may be permitted to regard you as a father,&rdquo; replied
+Viviana, with some hesitation. &ldquo;Having lost my own father, I feel I need
+some protector, and I would gladly make choice of you, if you will
+accept the office.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I willingly accede to your request, and am much flattered by it,
+Viviana,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I am a homeless man, and a friendless, and
+the affection of such a being as yourself will fill up the only void in
+my heart. But I am wedded to the great cause. I can never be more to you
+than a father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nay, I ask nothing more,&rdquo; she replied, blushing deeply.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Having thus arranged the terms upon which we shall travel,&rdquo; observed
+Garnet, with a smile, &ldquo;nothing is needed but to prepare for our journey.
+We start early to-morrow morning.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shall be ready at daybreak,&rdquo; replied Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I am ready now,&rdquo; added Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;In my opinion, we run great
+risk in remaining here another night. But be it as you will.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment they were interrupted by the entrance of Father Oldcorne,
+who with a countenance of great alarm informed them he could nowhere
+find Martin Heydocke.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you suspect any treachery on his part?&rdquo; asked Garnet of Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have always found him trustworthy,&rdquo; she answered; &ldquo;and his father was
+<i>my</i> father's oldest servant. I cannot think he would betray us. At the
+same time, I must admit his disappearance at this juncture looks
+suspicious.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If my strength were equal to it,&rdquo; returned Guy Fawkes, &ldquo;I would keep
+watch throughout the night; but that might prevent me from accompanying
+you to-morrow. My advice, I repeat, is&mdash;to set out at once.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>This opinion, however, was overruled by Garnet and Viviana, who did not
+think the danger so urgent, and attributed the absence of Martin
+Heydocke to some unimportant cause. Guy Fawkes made no further
+remonstrance, and it was agreed they should start, as originally
+proposed, at daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>The party then separated, and Viviana wandered alone over the old house,
+taking a farewell, which she felt would be her last, of every familiar
+object. Few things were as she had known them, but even in their present
+forlorn state they were dear to her; and the rooms she trod, though
+dismantled, were the same she had occupied in childhood.</p>
+
+<p>There is no pang more acute to a sensitive nature than that occasioned
+by quitting an abode or spot endeared by early recollections and
+associations, to which we feel a strong presentiment we shall never
+return. Viviana experienced this feeling in its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> full force, and she
+lingered in each room as if she had not the power to leave it. Her
+emotions at length became so overpowering, that to relieve them she
+strolled forth into the garden. Here, new objects awakened her
+attention, and recalled happier times with painful distinctness.
+Twilight was fast deepening, and, viewed through this dim and softened
+medium, everything looked as of old, and produced a tightening and
+stifling sensation in her breast, that nothing but a flood of tears
+could remove.</p>
+
+<p>The flowers yielded forth their richest scents, and the whole scene was
+such as she had often beheld it in times long ago, when sorrow was
+wholly unknown to her. Perfumes, it is well known, exercise a singular
+influence over the memory. A particular odour will frequently call up an
+event and a long train of circumstances connected with the time when it
+was first inhaled. Without being aware whence it arose, Viviana felt a
+tide of recollections pressing upon her, which she would have willingly
+repressed, but which it was out of her power to control. Her tears
+flowed abundantly, and at length, with a heart somewhat lightened of its
+load, she arose from the bench on which she had thrown herself, and
+proceeded along a walk to gather a few flowers as memorials of the
+place.</p>
+
+<p>In this way, she reached the further end of the garden, and was stooping
+to pluck a spray of some fragrant shrub, when she perceived the figure
+of a man behind a tree at a little distance from her. From his garb,
+which was that of a soldier, she instantly knew he was an enemy, and,
+though greatly alarmed, she had the courage not to scream, but breaking
+off the branch, she uttered a careless exclamation, and slowly retraced
+her steps. She half expected to hear that the soldier was following her,
+and prepared to start off at full speed to the house; but, deceived by
+her manner, he did not stir. On reaching the end of the walk, she could
+not resist the inclination to look back, and glancing over her shoulder,
+perceived the man watching her. But as she moved, he instantly withdrew
+his head.</p>
+
+<p>Her first step on reaching the house was to close and fasten the door;
+her next to hasten to Guy Fawkes's chamber, where she found him,
+together with Garnet and Oldcorne. All three were astounded at the
+intelligence, agreeing that an attack was intended, and that a large
+force was, in all probability, concealed in the garden awaiting only the
+arrival of night to surprise and seize them. The disappearance of the
+younger Heydocke was no longer a mystery. He had been secured and
+carried off by the hostile party, to prevent him from giving the alarm.
+The emergency was a fearful one, and it excited consternation amongst
+all except Guy Fawkes, who preserved his calmness.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I foresaw we should be attacked to-night,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and I am therefore
+not wholly unprepared. Our only chance is to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> steal out unobserved; for
+resistance would be in vain, as their force is probably numerous, and I
+am as helpless as an infant, while Father Garnet's broken arm precludes
+any assistance from him. The subterranean passage leading from the
+oratory to the further side of the moat having been stopped up by the
+pursuivant and his band, it will be necessary to cross the drawbridge,
+and as soon as it grows sufficiently dark, we must make the attempt. We
+have no horses, and must trust to our own exertions for safety. Catesby
+would now be invaluable. It is not his custom to desert his friends at
+the season of their greatest need.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Great as is my danger,&rdquo; observed Viviana, &ldquo;I would rather, so far as I
+am concerned, that he were absent, than owe my preservation to him. I
+have no fears for myself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And my only fears are for you,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour of intense anxiety was now passed by the party. Garnet was
+restless and uneasy. Oldcorne betrayed his agitation by unavailing
+lamentations, by listening to every sound, and by constantly rushing to
+the windows to reconnoitre, until he was checked by Fawkes, who
+represented to him the folly of his conduct. Viviana, though ill at
+ease, did not allow her terror to appear, but endeavoured to imitate the
+immoveable demeanour of Guy Fawkes, who always became more collected in
+proportion to the danger by which he was threatened.</p>
+
+<p>At the expiration of the time above mentioned, it had become quite dark,
+and desiring his companions to follow him, Guy Fawkes drew his sword,
+and, grasping Viviana's hand, led the way down stairs. Before opening
+the door, he listened intently, and, hearing no sound, issued cautiously
+forth. The party had scarcely gained the centre of the court, when a
+caliver was discharged at them, which, though it did no damage, served
+as a signal to the rest of their foes. Guy Fawkes, who had never
+relinquished his hold of Viviana, now pressed forward as rapidly as his
+strength would permit, and the two priests followed. But loud shouts
+were raised on the drawbridge, and it was evident it was occupied by the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Uncertain what to do, Guy Fawkes halted, and was about to return to the
+house, when a shout from behind told him their retreat was intercepted.
+In this dilemma there was nothing for it but to attempt to force a
+passage across the drawbridge, or to surrender at discretion; and though
+Guy Fawkes would not at other seasons have hesitated to embrace the
+former alternative, he knew that his strength was not equal to it now.</p>
+
+<p>While he was internally resolving not to yield himself with life, and
+supporting Viviana, who clung closely to him, the clatter of hoofs was
+heard rapidly approaching along the avenue, and presently afterwards two
+horsemen galloped at full speed toward the drawbridge. The noise had
+likewise attracted the attention<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> of the enemy; who, apprehensive of a
+rescue, prepared to stop them. But the tremendous pace of the riders
+rendered this impossible. A few blows were exchanged, a few shots fired,
+and they had crossed the drawbridge.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Who goes there?&rdquo; shouted Guy Fawkes, as the horsemen approached him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the voice of Guy Fawkes,&rdquo; cried the foremost, whose tones
+proclaimed it was Catesby. &ldquo;They are here,&rdquo; he cried, reining in his
+steed.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where is Viviana?&rdquo; vociferated his companion, who was no other than
+Humphrey Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Here&mdash;here,&rdquo; replied Guy Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>With the quickness of thought, the young merchant was by her side, and
+in another moment she was placed on the saddle before him, and borne at
+a headlong pace across the drawbridge.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Follow me,&rdquo; cried Catesby. &ldquo;I will clear a passage for you. Once across
+the drawbridge, you are safe. A hundred yards down the avenue, on the
+right, you will find a couple of horses tied to a tree. Quick! quick!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, a shot whizzed past his head, and a tumultuous din in the
+rear told that their pursuers were close upon them. Striking spurs into
+his steed, Catesby dashed forward, and dealing blows right and left,
+cleared the drawbridge of its occupants, many of whom leaped into the
+moat to escape his fury. His companions were close at his heels, and got
+over the bridge in safety.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fly!&mdash;fly!&rdquo; cried Catesby,&mdash;"to the horses&mdash;the horses! I will check
+all pursuit.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, and while the others flew towards the avenue, he faced his
+opponents, and making a desperate charge upon them, drove them
+backwards. In this conflict, though several shots were fired, and blows
+aimed at him on all sides, he sustained no injury, but succeeded in
+defending the bridge sufficiently long to enable his friends to mount.</p>
+
+<p>He then rode off at full speed, and found the party waiting for him at
+the end of the avenue. Father Oldcorne was seated on the same steed as
+his superior. After riding with them upwards of a mile, Humphrey Chetham
+dismounted, and resigning his horse to Viviana, bade her farewell, and
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now to London!&rdquo; cried Catesby, striking into a road on the right,
+and urging his steed to a rapid pace.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay, to London!&mdash;to the Parliament House!&rdquo; echoed Fawkes, following him
+with the others.</p>
+
+
+<p style="text-align:center">END OF THE FIRST BOOK.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 413px;">
+<img src="images/illo_146.jpg" width="413" height="600" alt="Guy Fawkes and Catesby landing the Powder." title="" />
+<span class="caption">Guy Fawkes and Catesby landing the Powder.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2>Book the Second.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE DISCOVERY.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p>The next point to be considered is the means to compass and work
+these designs. These means were most cruel and damnable;&mdash;by
+mining, and by thirty-six barrels of powder, having crows of iron,
+stones, and wood, laid upon the barrels, to have made the breach
+the greater. Lord! what a wind, what a fire, what a motion and
+commotion of earth and air would there have been!&mdash;<i>Sir Edward
+Coke's Speech on the Trial of the Conspirators in the Gunpowder
+Plot.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_I" id="II_CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE LANDING OF THE POWDER.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Towards the close of the sixth day after their departure from Ordsall
+Hall, the party approached the capital. The sun was setting as they
+descended Highgate Hill, and the view of the ancient, and then most
+picturesque city, was so enchanting, that Viviana, who beheld it for the
+first time, entreated her companions to pause for a few minutes to allow
+her to contemplate it. From the spot where they halted, the country was
+completely open to Clerkenwell, and only a few scattered habitations lay
+between them and the old grey ramparts of the city, with their gates and
+fortifications, which were easily discernible even at that distance.
+Above them rose the massive body and central tower of Saint Paul's
+cathedral,&mdash;a structure far surpassing that which has succeeded
+it,&mdash;while amid the innumerable gables, pointed roofs, and twisted
+chimneys of the houses sprang a multitude of lesser towers and spires,
+lending additional beauty to the scene. Viviana was enraptured, and,
+while gazing on the prospect, almost forgot her sorrows. Guy Fawkes and
+Catesby, who were a little in advance of the others, turned their gaze
+westward, and the former observed to his companion,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The sun is setting over the Parliament House. The sky seems stained
+with blood. It looks portentous of what is to follow.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would gladly behold the explosion from this hill, or from yon
+heights,&rdquo; replied Catesby, pointing towards Hampstead. &ldquo;It will be a
+sight such as man has seldom seen.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shall never live to witness it!&rdquo; exclaimed Guy Fawkes, in a
+melancholy tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What! still desponding?&rdquo; returned Catesby, reproachfully. &ldquo;I thought,
+since you had fully recovered from your wound, you had shaken off your
+fears.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You misunderstand me,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I mean that I shall perish with
+our foes.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why so?&rdquo; cried Catesby. &ldquo;There will be plenty of time to escape after
+you have fired the train.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shall not attempt it,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, in a sombre voice. &ldquo;I will
+abide the result in the vault. If I perish, it will be a glorious
+death.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Better live to see the regeneration of our faith, and our restoration
+to our rights,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;But we will speak of this hereafter.
+Here comes Garnet.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where do you propose we should lodge to-night?&rdquo; asked the latter,
+riding up.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;At the house at Lambeth, where the powder is deposited,&rdquo; returned
+Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will it be safe?&rdquo; asked Garnet, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We shall be safer there than elsewhere, father,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;If
+it is dark enough to-night, Fawkes and I will remove a portion of the
+powder. But we are losing time. We must pass through the city before the
+gates are closed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>In this suggestion Garnet acquiesced, and calling to Viviana to follow
+them,&mdash;for, since his late atrocious attempt, Catesby had not exchanged
+a word or look with her, but during the whole of the journey kept
+sedulously aloof,&mdash;the whole party set forward, and proceeding at a
+brisk pace, soon reached the walls of the city. Passing through
+Cripplegate, they shaped their course towards London Bridge. Viviana was
+filled with astonishment at all she saw: the multitude and magnificence
+of the shops, compared with such as she had previously seen; the crowds
+in the streets,&mdash;for even at that hour they were thronged; the varied
+dresses of the passengers&mdash;the sober garb of the merchant, contrasting
+with the showy cloak, the preposterous ruff, swelling hose, plumed cap,
+and swaggering gait of the gallant or the ruffler; the brawls that were
+constantly occurring; the number of signs projecting from the dwellings;
+all she witnessed or heard surprised and amused her, and she would
+willingly have proceeded at a slower pace to indulge her curiosity, had
+not her companions urged her onward.</p>
+
+<p>As they were crossing Eastcheap, in the direction of Crooked-lane, a man
+suddenly quitted the footpath, and, rushing towards Garnet, seized his
+bridle, and cried,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I arrest you. You are a Romish priest.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is false, knave,&rdquo; returned Garnet. &ldquo;I am as good a Protestant as
+thyself, and am just arrived with my companions from a long journey.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your companions are all rank Papists,&rdquo; rejoined the stranger. &ldquo;You
+yourself are Father Garnet, superior of the Jesuits, and, if I am not
+deceived, the person next you is Father Oldcorne, also of that order. If
+I am wrong you can easily refute the charge. Come with me to the
+council. If you refuse, I will call assistance from the passengers.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Garnet saw he was lost if he did not make an immediate effort at
+self-preservation, and resolving to be beforehand with his assailant, he
+shouted at the top of his voice,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Help! help! my masters. This villain would rob me of my purse.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is a Romish priest,&rdquo; vociferated the stranger. &ldquo;I call upon you to
+assist me to arrest him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>While the passengers, scarcely knowing what to make of these
+contradictory statements, flocked round them, Guy Fawkes, who was a
+little in advance of Catesby, rode back, and seeing how matters stood,
+instantly drew a petronel, and with the butt-end felled the stranger to
+the ground. Thus liberated, Garnet struck spurs into his steed, and the
+whole party dashed off at a rapid pace. Shouts were raised by the
+bystanders, a few of whom started in pursuit, but the speed at which the
+fugitives rode soon bore them out of danger.</p>
+
+<p>By this time they had reached London Bridge, and Viviana, in some degree
+recovered from the fright caused by the recent occurrence, ventured to
+look around her. She could scarcely believe she was crossing a bridge,
+so completely did the tall houses give it the appearance of a street;
+and, if it had not been for occasional glimpses of the river caught
+between the openings of these lofty habitations, she would have thought
+her companions had mistaken the road. As they approached the ancient
+gateway (afterwards denominated Traitor's Tower), at the Southwark side
+of the bridge, she remarked with a shudder the dismal array of heads
+garnishing its spikes, and pointing them out to Fawkes, cried,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven grant yours may never be amongst the number!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Fawkes made no answer, but dashed beneath the low and gloomy arch of the
+gate.</p>
+
+<p>Striking into a street on the right, the party skirted the walls of
+Saint Saviour's Church, and presently drew near the Globe theatre, above
+which floated its banner. Adjoining it was the old Bear-garden&mdash;the
+savage inmates of which made themselves sufficiently audible. Garnet
+hastily pointed out the first-mentioned place of amusement to Viviana as
+they passed it, and her reading having made her well acquainted with the
+noble dramas produced at that unpretending establishment&mdash;little better
+than a barn in comparison with a modern playhouse,&mdash;she regarded it with
+deep interest. Another theatre&mdash;the Swan&mdash;speedily claimed her
+attention; and, leaving it behind, they came upon the open country.</p>
+
+<p>It was now growing rapidly dark, and Catesby, turning off into a narrow
+lane on the right, shouted to his companions to keep near him. The tract
+of land they were traversing was flat and marshy. The air was damp and
+unwholesome&mdash;for the swamp had not been drained as in later times,&mdash;and
+the misty exhala<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>tions arising from it added to the obscurity. Catesby,
+however, did not relax his pace, and his companions imitated his
+example. Another turn on the right seemed to bring them still nearer the
+river, and involved them in a thicker fog.</p>
+
+<p>All at once Catesby stopped, and cried,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We should be near the house. And yet this fog perplexes me. Stay here
+while I search for it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you leave us, we shall not readily meet again,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>But the caution was unheeded, Catesby having already disappeared. A few
+moments afterwards, Fawkes heard the sound of a horse's hoofs
+approaching him; and, thinking it was Catesby, he hailed the rider.</p>
+
+<p>The horseman made no answer, but continued to advance towards them.</p>
+
+<p>Just then the voice of Catesby was heard at a little distance, shouting,
+&ldquo;I was right. It is here.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The party then hastened in the direction of the cry, and perceived
+through the gloom a low building, before the door of which Catesby, who
+had dismounted, was standing.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A stranger is amongst us,&rdquo; observed Fawkes, in an under tone, as he
+rode up.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where is he?&rdquo; demanded Catesby, hastily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Here,&rdquo; replied a voice. &ldquo;But, fear nothing. I am a friend.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I must have stronger assurance than that,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;Who are
+you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Robert Keyes,&rdquo; replied the other, &ldquo;Do you not know my voice?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In good truth I did not,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby; &ldquo;and you have spoken just
+in time. Your arrival is most opportune. But what brings you here
+to-night?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The same errand as yourself, I conclude, Catesby,&rdquo; replied Keyes. &ldquo;I
+came here to see that all was in safety. But, who have you with you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let us enter the house, and you shall learn,&rdquo; replied Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>With this, he tapped thrice at the door in a peculiar manner, and
+presently a light was seen through the windows, and a voice from within
+demanded who knocked.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your master,&rdquo; replied Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>Upon this, the door was instantly unbarred. After a hasty greeting
+between Catesby and his servant, whom he addressed as Thomas Bates, the
+former inquired whether aught had occurred during his absence, and was
+answered that, except an occasional visit from Mr. Percy, one of the
+conspirators, no one had been near the house; everything being in
+precisely the same state he had left it.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That is well,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;Now, then, to dispose of the horses.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>All the party having dismounted, their steeds were led to a stable at
+the back of the premises by Catesby and Bates, while the others entered
+the house. It was a small, mean-looking habitation, standing at a short
+distance from the river-side, on the skirts of Lambeth Marsh, and its
+secluded situation and miserable appearance seldom induced any one to
+visit it. On one side was a deep muddy sluice communicating with the
+river. Within, it possessed but slight accommodation, and only numbered
+four apartments. One of the best of these was assigned to Viviana, and
+she retired to it as soon as it could be prepared for her reception.
+Garnet, who still carried his arm in a sling, but who was in other
+respects almost recovered from his accident, tendered every assistance
+in his power, and would have remained with her, but she entreated to be
+left alone. On descending to the lower room, he found Catesby, who,
+having left Bates in care of the horses, produced such refreshments as
+they had brought with them. These were scanty enough; but a few flasks
+of excellent wine which they found within the house made some amends for
+the meagre repast. Viviana was solicited by Guy Fawkes to join them; but
+she declined, alleging that she was greatly fatigued, and about to
+retire to rest.</p>
+
+<p>Their meal ended, Catesby proposed that they should ascertain the
+condition of the powder, as he feared it might have suffered from being
+so long in the vault. Before making this examination, the door was
+carefully barred; the shutters of the windows closed; and Guy Fawkes
+placed himself as sentinel at the door. A flag beneath the grate, in
+which a fire was never kindled, was then raised, and disclosed a flight
+of steps leading to a vault beneath. Catesby having placed a light in a
+lantern, descended with Keyes; but both Garnet and Oldcorne refused to
+accompany them.</p>
+
+<p>The vault was arched and lofty, and, strange to say, for its situation,
+dry&mdash;a circumstance owing, in all probability, to the great thickness of
+the walls. On either side were ranged twenty barrels filled with powder;
+and at the further end stood a pile of arms, consisting of pikes,
+rapiers, demi-lances, petronels, calivers, corslets, and morions.
+Removing one of the barrels from its station, Catesby forced open the
+lid, and examined its contents, which he found perfectly dry and
+uninjured.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is fit for use,&rdquo; he observed, with a significant smile, as he
+exhibited a handful of the powder to Keyes, who stood at a little
+distance with the lantern; &ldquo;if it will keep as well in the cellar
+beneath the Parliament House, our foes will soon be nearer heaven, than
+they would ever be if left to themselves.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;When do you propose to transport it across the river?&rdquo; asked Keyes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;To-night,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;It is dark and foggy, and fitting for the
+purpose. Bates!&rdquo; he shouted; and at the call<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> his servant instantly
+descended. &ldquo;Is the wherry at her moorings?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She is, your worship,&rdquo; replied Bates.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must cross the river instantly, then,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, &ldquo;and
+proceed to the dwelling adjoining the Parliament House, which we hired
+from Ferris. Here is the key. Examine the premises,&mdash;and bring word
+whether all is secure.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Bates was about to depart, when Keyes volunteering to accompany him,
+they left the house together. Having fastened down the lid of the cask,
+Catesby summoned Fawkes to his assistance, and by his help as many
+barrels as could be safely stowed in the boat were brought out of the
+vault. More than two hours elapsed before Bates returned. He was alone,
+and informed them that all was secure, but that Keyes had decided on
+remaining where he was,&mdash;it being so dark and foggy, that it was
+scarcely possible to cross the river.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I had some difficulty in landing,&rdquo; he added, &ldquo;and got considerably out
+of my course. I never was out on so dark a night before.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the better for us,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;We shall be sure to escape
+observation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>In this opinion Guy Fawkes concurred, and they proceeded to transport
+the powder to the boat, which was brought up the sluice within a few
+yards of the door. This done, and the barrels covered with a piece of
+tarpaulin, they embarked, and Fawkes, seizing an oar, propelled the
+skiff along the narrow creek.</p>
+
+<p>As Bates had stated, the fog was so dense that it was wholly impossible
+to steer correctly, and Fawkes was therefore obliged to trust to chance
+as to the course he took. However, having fully regained his strength,
+he rowed with great swiftness, and, as far as he could judge, had gained
+the mid-stream, when, before he could avoid it, he came in violent
+contact with another boat, oversetting it, and plunging its occupants in
+the stream.</p>
+
+<p>Disregarding the hints and even menaces of Catesby, who urged him to
+proceed, Fawkes immediately lay upon his oars, and, as the water was
+perfectly smooth, succeeded, without much difficulty, in extricating the
+two men from their perilous situation. Their boat having drifted down
+the stream, could not be recovered. The chief of these personages was
+profuse in his thanks to his deliverers, whom he supposed were watermen,
+and they took care not to undeceive him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You may rely upon my gratitude,&rdquo; he said; &ldquo;and when I tell you I am the
+Earl of Salisbury, you will be satisfied I have the means of evincing
+it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The Earl of Salisbury!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby, who was seated by Fawkes,
+having taken one of the oars. &ldquo;Is it possible?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have been on secret state business,&rdquo; replied the Earl, &ldquo;and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> did not
+choose to employ my own barge. I was returning to Whitehall, when your
+boat struck against mine.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is our bitterest enemy,&rdquo; observed Catesby, in an under tone, to
+Fawkes. &ldquo;Fate has delivered him into our hands.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What are you about to do?&rdquo; demanded Fawkes, observing that his
+companion no longer pulled at the oar.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Shoot him,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;Keep still, while I disengage my
+petronel.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It shall not be,&rdquo; returned Fawkes, laying a firm grasp upon his arm.
+&ldquo;Let him perish with the others.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If we suffer him to escape now, we may never have such a chance again,"
+rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;I will shoot him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I say you shall not,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes. &ldquo;His hour is not yet come.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What are you talking about, my masters?&rdquo; demanded the Earl, who was
+shivering in his wet garments.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing,&rdquo; replied Catesby, hastily. &ldquo;I will throw him overboard,&rdquo; he
+whispered to Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Again I say, you shall not,&rdquo; replied the latter.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I see what you are afraid of,&rdquo; cried the Earl. &ldquo;You are smugglers. You
+have got some casks of distilled waters on board, and are afraid I may
+report you. Fear nothing. Land me near the palace, and count upon my
+gratitude.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Our course lies in a different direction,&rdquo; replied Catesby, sternly.
+&ldquo;If your lordship lands at all, it must be where we choose.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But I have to see the King to-night. I have some important papers to
+deliver to him respecting the Papists,&rdquo; replied Salisbury.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby. &ldquo;We must, at least, have those papers,&rdquo; he
+observed, in a whisper, to Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That is a different affair,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;They may prove
+serviceable to us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My lord,&rdquo; observed Catesby, &ldquo;by a strange chance you have fallen into
+the hands of Catholics. You will be pleased to deliver these papers to
+us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ah! villains, would you rob me?&rdquo; cried the Earl. &ldquo;You shall take my
+life sooner.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We will take both, if you resist,&rdquo; replied Catesby, in a menacing tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nay, then,&rdquo; returned Salisbury, attempting to draw his sword, &ldquo;we will
+see who will obtain the mastery. We are equally matched. Come on; I fear
+you not.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But the waterman who had rowed the Earl was not of equal courage with
+his employer, and refused to take part in the conflict.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will be useless to contend with us,&rdquo; cried Catesby, relinquishing
+the oar to Fawkes, and springing forward. &ldquo;I must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> have those papers,"
+he added, seizing the Earl by the throat, &ldquo;or I will throw you
+overboard.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am mistaken in you,&rdquo; returned Salisbury; &ldquo;you are no common mariner.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It matters not who or what I am,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, fiercely. &ldquo;Your
+papers, or you die.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Finding it in vain to contend with his opponent, the Earl was fain to
+yield, and reluctantly produced a packet from his doublet, and delivered
+it to him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will repent this outrage, villain,&rdquo; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your lordship will do well to recollect you are still in my power,"
+rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;One thrust of my sword will wipe off some of the
+injuries you have inflicted on our suffering party.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have heard your voice before,&rdquo; cried Salisbury; &ldquo;you shall not escape
+me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your imprudence has destroyed you,&rdquo; retorted Catesby, clutching the
+Earl's throat more tightly, and shortening his sword, with the intent to
+plunge it into his breast.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hold!&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes, grasping his arm, and preventing the blow. &ldquo;I
+have already said you shall not slay him. You are in possession of his
+papers. What more would you have?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;His life,&rdquo; replied Catesby, struggling to liberate his arm.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let him swear not to betray us,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes. &ldquo;If he refuses, I
+will not stay your hand.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You hear what my companion says, my lord,&rdquo; cried Catesby. &ldquo;Will you
+swear to keep silence as to what has just occurred?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's hesitation, Salisbury assented, and Catesby
+relinquished his grasp.</p>
+
+<p>During this time, the boat had drifted considerably down the stream,
+and, in spite of the darkness, Catesby noticed with some uneasiness that
+they were approaching more than one vessel. The Earl of Salisbury also
+perceived this, and raised a cry for help, but was instantly checked by
+Catesby, who took a seat beside him, and placing the point of his rapier
+at his breast, swore he would stab him if he made any further clamour.</p>
+
+<p>The threat, and the dangerous propinquity of his enemy, effectually
+silenced the Earl, and Catesby directed Fawkes to make for the shore as
+quickly as he could. His injunctions were obeyed, and Fawkes plied the
+oars with so much good-will, that in a few minutes the wherry struck
+against the steps, which projected far into the water, a little to the
+right of the Star Chamber, precisely on the spot where Westminster
+Bridge now stands.</p>
+
+<p>Here the Earl and his companion were allowed to disembark, and they had
+no sooner set foot on land than Guy Fawkes pushed off the boat, and
+rowed as swiftly as he could towards the centre of the stream. He then
+demanded of Catesby whether he should make for the Parliament House, or
+return.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I scarcely know what to advise,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;I do not think the
+Earl will attempt pursuit. And yet I know not. The papers we have
+obtained may be important. Cease rowing for a moment, and let us
+listen.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes complied, and they listened intently, but could only hear the
+rippling of the current against the sides of the skiff.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We have nothing to fear,&rdquo; observed Catesby. &ldquo;He will not pursue us, or
+he cannot find a boat.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, the glimmer of torches was visible on the shore, and the
+plunge of oars into the water convinced him his opinion was erroneous.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What course shall we take?&rdquo; inquired Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I care not,&rdquo; replied Catesby, sullenly. &ldquo;If I had had my own way, this
+would not have happened.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have no fears,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, rowing swiftly down the stream. &ldquo;We
+shall easily escape.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We will not be taken alive,&rdquo; returned Catesby, seating himself on one
+of the barrels, and hammering against the lid with the butt-end of his
+petronel. &ldquo;I will sooner blow us all to perdition than he shall capture
+us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are right,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;By my patron, Saint James, he is
+taking the same course as ourselves.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, let him board us,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;I am ready for him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do as you think proper if the worst occurs,&rdquo; returned Fawkes. &ldquo;But, if
+we make no noise, I am assured we shall not be perceived.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this he ceased rowing, and suffered the boat to drop down the
+stream. As ill-luck would have it, it seemed as if the hostile bark had
+struck completely into their track, and, aided by the current, and four
+sturdy rowers, was swiftly approaching.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The Earl will be upon us in a few minutes,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;If you
+have any prayers to offer, recite them quickly, for I swear I will be as
+good as my word.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am ever prepared for death,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Ha! we are saved!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>This last exclamation was occasioned by his remarking a large barge,
+towards which they were rapidly drifting.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What are you about to do?&rdquo; cried Catesby.&mdash;"Leap on board, and abandon
+the skiff, together with its contents?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Fawkes; &ldquo;sit still, and leave the rest to me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>By this time, they had approached the barge, which was lying at anchor,
+and Guy Fawkes, grasping at a boat-hook, fixed it in the vessel as they
+passed, and drew their own boat close to its side&mdash;so close, in fact,
+that it could not be distinguished from it.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment, the chase came up, and they distinctly perceived the
+Earl of Salisbury seated in the stern of the boat,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> holding a torch. As
+he approached the barge, he held the light towards it; but the skiff
+being on the off-side, entirely escaped notice. When the chase had got
+to a sufficient distance to be out of hearing, the fugitives rowed
+swiftly in the contrary direction.</p>
+
+<p>Not judging it prudent to land, they continued to ply the oars, until
+fatigue compelled them to desist, and they had placed some miles between
+them and their pursuers.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Long before this, the Earl must have given up the chase,&rdquo; observed
+Catesby. &ldquo;We must return before daybreak, and either land our powder
+near the Parliament House, or take it back to the vault at Lambeth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We shall run equal risk either way,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, &ldquo;and, having
+ventured thus far, we may as well go through with it. I am for landing
+at Westminster.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;I do not like giving up a project when I
+have once undertaken it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You speak my sentiments exactly,&rdquo; returned Fawkes. &ldquo;Westminster be it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>After remaining stationary for about an hour, they rowed back again,
+and, aided by the stream, in a short time reached their destination. The
+fog had in a great degree cleared off, and day began to break as they
+approached the stairs leading to the Parliament House. Though this was
+not what they desired, inasmuch as the light added to the risk they
+would have run in landing the powder, it enabled them to ascertain that
+no one was on the watch.</p>
+
+<p>Running swiftly in towards a sort of wharf, protected by a roofed
+building, Catesby leapt ashore, and tied the skiff to a ring in the
+steps. He then desired Fawkes to hand out the powder as quickly as he
+could. The order was promptly obeyed, and in a few minutes several
+barrels were on the strand.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Had you not better fetch Keyes to help us, while I get out the rest?"
+observed Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby assented, and hurrying to the house, found Keyes, who was in
+great alarm about them. He instantly accompanied the other to the wharf,
+and by their united efforts the powder was expeditiously and safely
+removed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_II" id="II_CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE TRAITOR.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The habitation, to which the powder was conveyed, adjoined, as has
+already been stated, the Parliament House, and stood at the south-west
+corner of that structure. It was a small building,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> two stories high,
+with a little garden attached to it, surrounded by lofty walls, and
+belonged to Whinneard, the keeper of the royal wardrobe, by whom it was
+let to a person named Ferris. From the latter it was hired by Thomas
+Percy, one of the conspirators, and a relative of the Earl of
+Northumberland,&mdash;of whom it will be necessary to speak more fully
+hereafter,&mdash;for the purpose to which it was now put.</p>
+
+<p>Having bestowed the barrels of powder carefully in the cellar, and
+fastened the door of the house and the garden-gate after them, the trio
+returned to the boat, and rowed back to Lambeth, where they arrived
+without being noticed. They then threw themselves upon the floor, and
+sought some repose after their fatigue.</p>
+
+<p>It was late in the day before they awoke. Garnet and Oldcorne had been
+long astir; but Viviana had not quitted her chamber. Catesby's first
+object was to examine the packet he had obtained from the Earl of
+Salisbury, and withdrawing to a corner, he read over the papers one by
+one carefully.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes watched his countenance as he perused them, but he asked no
+questions. Many of the documents appeared to have little interest, for
+Catesby tossed them aside with an exclamation of disappointment. At
+length, however, a small note dropped from the bundle. Catesby picked it
+up, opened it, and his whole expression changed. His brow grew
+contracted; and, springing to his feet, he uttered an ejaculation of
+rage, crying, &ldquo;It is as I suspected. We have traitors among us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Whom do you suspect?&rdquo; cried Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Tresham!&rdquo; cried Catesby, in a voice of thunder,&mdash;"the fawning, wily,
+lying Tresham. Fool that I was to league him with us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is your own kinsman,&rdquo; observed Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;but were he my own brother he should die.
+Here is a letter from him to Lord Mounteagle, which has found its way to
+the Earl of Salisbury, hinting that a plot is hatching against the
+state, and offering to give him full information of it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Traitor! false, perjured traitor!&rdquo; cried Fawkes. &ldquo;He must die.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He shall fall by my hand,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;Stay! a plan occurs to
+me. He cannot be aware that this letter is in my possession. I will send
+Bates to bid him come hither. We will then charge him with his
+criminality, and put him to death.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He deserves severe punishment, no doubt,&rdquo; replied Garnet; &ldquo;but I am
+unwilling you should proceed to the last extremities with him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is no alternative, father,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;Our safety demands
+his destruction.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Garnet returned no answer, but bowed his head sorrowfully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> upon his
+breast. Bates was then despatched to Tresham; and preparations were made
+by the three lay conspirators for executing their fell design.</p>
+
+<p>It was agreed, that on his arrival, Tresham should be seized and
+disarmed, and after being interrogated by Catesby touching the extent of
+his treachery, should be stabbed by Guy Fawkes. This being resolved
+upon, it became a question how they should act in the interim. It was
+possible that, after the loss of his papers, some communication might
+take place between the Earl of Salisbury and Lord Mounteagle, and
+through the latter with Tresham. Thus prepared, on the arrival of Bates,
+Tresham, seeing through their design, instead of accompanying him, might
+give information of their retreat to the officers. The contingency was
+by no means improbable; and it was urged so strongly by Garnet, that
+Catesby began to regret his precipitancy in sending the message. Still,
+his choler was so greatly roused against Tresham, that he resolved to
+gratify his vengeance at any risk.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If he betrays us, and brings the officers here, we shall know how to
+act,&rdquo; he remarked to Fawkes. &ldquo;There is that below which will avenge us
+on them all.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;But I trust we shall not be obliged to resort
+to it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this, Bates returned with a message from Tresham, stating
+that he would be at the rendezvous at nightfall, and that he had
+important disclosures to make to them. He desired them, moreover, to
+observe the utmost caution, and not to stir abroad.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He may, perhaps, be able to offer an explanation of his conduct,"
+observed Keyes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Impossible,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;But he shall not die without a
+hearing.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That is all I desire,&rdquo; returned Keyes.</p>
+
+<p>While the others were debating upon the interrogations they should put
+to Tresham, and further examining the Earl of Salisbury's papers, Garnet
+repaired to Viviana's chamber, and informed her what was about to take
+place. She was filled with consternation, and entreated to be allowed to
+see Guy Fawkes for a few moments alone. Moved by her supplications,
+Garnet complied, and presently afterwards Fawkes entered the room.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have sent for me, Viviana,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;What would you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have just heard you are about to put one of your companions to
+death,&rdquo; she replied. &ldquo;It must not be.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana Radcliffe,&rdquo; returned Fawkes, &ldquo;by your own desire you have mixed
+yourself up with my fortunes. I will not now discuss the prudence of the
+step you have taken. But I deem<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> it necessary to tell you, once for all,
+that any attempts to turn me from the line of conduct I have marked out
+to myself will fail. Tresham has betrayed us, and he must pay the
+penalty of his treason.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But not with his life,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;Do you not now perceive into
+what enormities this fatal enterprise will lead you? It is not one crime
+alone that you are about to commit, but many. You constitute yourselves
+judges of your companion, and without allowing him to defend himself,
+take his life. Disguise it as you may, it is assassination&mdash;cold-blooded
+assassination.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;His life is justly forfeited,&rdquo; replied Guy Fawkes, sternly. &ldquo;When he
+took the oath of secrecy and fidelity to our league, he well knew what
+the consequences would be if he violated it. He has done so. He has
+compromised our safety. Nay, he has sold us to our enemies, and nothing
+shall save him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If this is so,&rdquo; replied Viviana, &ldquo;how much better would it be to employ
+the time now left in providing for your safety, than in contriving means
+of vengeance upon one, who will be sufficiently punished for his
+baseness by his own conscience. Even if you destroy him, you will not
+add to your own security, while you will commit a foul and needless
+crime, equal, if not exceeding in atrocity that you seek to punish.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, in an angry tone, &ldquo;in an evil hour, I
+consented to your accompanying me. I now repent my acquiescence. But,
+having passed my word, I cannot retract. You waste time, and exhaust my
+patience and your own by these unavailing supplications. When I embarked
+in this enterprise, I embraced all its dangers, all its crimes if you
+will, and I shall not shrink from them. The extent of Tresham's
+treachery is not yet known to us. There may be&mdash;and God grant
+it!&mdash;extenuating circumstances in his conduct that may save his life.
+But, as the case stands at present, his offence appears of that dye that
+nothing can wash it out but his blood.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And he turned to depart.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;When do you expect this wretched man?&rdquo; asked Viviana, arresting him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;At nightfall,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh! that there were any means of warning him of his danger!&rdquo; she cried.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There are none,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, fiercely,&mdash;"none that you can adopt.
+And I must lay my injunctions upon you not to quit your chamber.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he retired.</p>
+
+<p>Left alone, Viviana became a prey to the most agonizing reflections.
+Despite the strong, and almost unaccountable interest she felt in Guy
+Fawkes, she began to repent the step she had taken in joining him, as
+calculated to make her a party to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> criminal conduct. But this
+feeling was transient, and was succeeded by a firmer determination to
+pursue the good work she had undertaken.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Though slight success has hitherto attended my efforts,&rdquo; she thought,
+&ldquo;that is no reason why I should relax them. The time is arrived when I
+may exert a beneficial influence over him; and it may be, that what
+occurs to-night will prove the first step towards complete triumph. In
+any case, nothing shall be wanting to prevent the commission of the
+meditated atrocity.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, she knelt down and prayed long and fervently, and arose
+confirmed and strengthened in her resolution.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, no alteration had taken place in the purposes of the
+conspirators. Night came, but with it came not Tresham. Catesby, who, up
+to this time had managed to restrain his impatience, now arose, and
+signified his intention of going in search of him, and was with
+difficulty prevented from carrying his threat into execution by Guy
+Fawkes, who represented the folly and risk of such a course.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If he comes not before midnight, we shall know what to think, and how
+to act,&rdquo; he observed; &ldquo;but till then let us remain tranquil.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Keyes and the others adding their persuasions to those of Fawkes,
+Catesby sat sullenly down, and a profound silence ensued. In this way,
+some hours were passed, when just at the stroke of midnight, Viviana
+descended from her room, and appeared amongst them. Her countenance was
+deathly pale, and she looked anxiously around the assemblage. All,
+however, with the exception of Fawkes, avoided her gaze.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is he come?&rdquo; she exclaimed at length. &ldquo;I have listened intently, but
+have heard nothing. You cannot have murdered him. And yet your looks
+alarm me. Father Garnet, answer me,&mdash;is the deed done?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No, my daughter,&rdquo; replied Garnet, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then he has escaped!&rdquo; she cried, joyfully. &ldquo;You expected him at
+nightfall.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is not yet too late,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, in a sombre tone; &ldquo;his death
+is only deferred.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh! do not say so,&rdquo; she cried, in a voice of agony. &ldquo;I hoped you had
+relented.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a peculiar knock was heard at the door. It was thrice
+repeated, and the strokes vibrated, though with different effect,
+through every bosom.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is here,&rdquo; cried Catesby, rising.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana, go to your chamber,&rdquo; commanded Guy Fawkes, grasping her hand,
+and leading her towards the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>But she resisted his efforts, and fell on her knees.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not go,&rdquo; she cried, in a supplicating tone, &ldquo;unless you will
+spare this man's life.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have already told you my fixed determination,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes,
+fiercely. &ldquo;If you will not retire of your own free will, I must force
+you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you attempt it, I will scream, and alarm your victim,&rdquo; she replied.
+&ldquo;Mr. Catesby,&rdquo; she added, &ldquo;have my prayers, my entreaties, no weight
+with you? Will you not grant me his life?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No!&rdquo; replied Catesby, fiercely. &ldquo;She must be silenced,&rdquo; he added, with
+a significant look at Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She shall,&rdquo; replied the latter, drawing his poniard. &ldquo;Viviana!&rdquo; he
+continued, in a voice, and with a look that left no doubt as to his
+intentions, &ldquo;do not compel me to be your destroyer.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, the knocking was repeated, and Viviana uttered a prolonged
+and piercing cry. Guy Fawkes raised his weapon, and was about to strike,
+but his resolution failed him, and his arm dropped nerveless to his
+side.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your better angel has conquered!&rdquo; she cried, clasping his knees.</p>
+
+<p>While this was passing, the door was thrown open by Catesby, and Tresham
+entered the room.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What means this outcry?&rdquo; he asked, looking round in alarm. &ldquo;Ah! what do
+I see? Viviana Radcliffe here! Did she utter the scream?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She did,&rdquo; replied Viviana, rising, &ldquo;and she hoped to warn you by it.
+But you were led on by your fate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Warn me from what?&rdquo; ejaculated Tresham, starting. &ldquo;I am among friends.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are among those who have resolved upon your death,&rdquo; replied
+Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ah!&rdquo; exclaimed Tresham, making an effort to gain the door, and draw his
+sword.</p>
+
+<p>In both attempts, however, he was foiled, for Catesby intercepted him,
+while Fawkes and Keyes flung themselves upon him, and binding his arms
+together with a sword-belt, forced him into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Of what am I accused?&rdquo; he demanded, in a voice tremulous with rage and
+terror.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You shall learn presently,&rdquo; replied Catesby. And he motioned to Fawkes
+to remove Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let me remain,&rdquo; she cried, fiercely. &ldquo;My nature is changed, and is
+become as savage as your own. If blood must be spilt, I will tarry to
+look upon it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This is no place for you, dear daughter,&rdquo; interposed Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nor for you either, father,&rdquo; retorted Viviana, bitterly; &ldquo;unless you
+will act as a minister of Christ, and prevent this violence.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let her remain, if she will,&rdquo; observed Catesby. &ldquo;Her presence need not
+hinder our proceedings.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he seated himself opposite Tresham, while the two priests
+placed themselves on either side. Guy Fawkes took up a position on the
+left of the prisoner, with his drawn dagger in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> his hand, and Keyes
+stationed himself near the door. The unfortunate captive regarded them
+with terrified glances, and trembled in every limb.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thomas Tresham,&rdquo; commenced Catesby, in a stern voice, &ldquo;you are a sworn
+brother in our plot. Before I proceed further, I will ask you what
+should be his punishment who violates his oath, and betrays his
+confederates? We await your answer?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But Tresham remained obstinately silent.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will tell you, since you refuse to speak,&rdquo; continued Catesby. &ldquo;It is
+death&mdash;death by the hands of his associates.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It may be,&rdquo; replied Tresham; &ldquo;but I have neither broken my oath, nor
+betrayed you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your letter to Lord Mounteagle is in my possession,&rdquo; replied Catesby.
+&ldquo;Behold it!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Perdition!&rdquo; exclaimed Tresham. &ldquo;But you will not slay me? I have
+betrayed nothing. I have revealed nothing. On my soul's salvation, I
+have not! Spare me! spare me! and I will be a faithful friend in future.
+I have been indiscreet&mdash;I own it&mdash;but nothing more. I have mentioned no
+names. And Lord Mounteagle, as you well know, is as zealous a Catholic
+as any now present.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your letter has been sent to the Earl of Salisbury,&rdquo; pursued Catesby,
+coldly. &ldquo;It was from him I obtained it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then Lord Mounteagle has betrayed me,&rdquo; returned Tresham, becoming pale
+as death.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have you nothing further to allege?&rdquo; demanded Catesby. As Tresham made
+no answer, he turned to the others, and said, &ldquo;Is it your judgment he
+should die?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>All, except Viviana, answered in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Tresham,&rdquo; continued Catesby, solemnly, &ldquo;prepare to meet your fate like
+a man. And do you, father,&rdquo; he added to Garnet, &ldquo;proceed to shrive him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hold!&rdquo; cried Viviana, stepping into the midst of them,&mdash;"hold!&rdquo; she
+exclaimed, in a voice so authoritative, and with a look so commanding,
+that the whole assemblage were awe-stricken. &ldquo;If you think to commit
+this crime with impunity, you are mistaken. I swear by everything
+sacred, if you take this man's life, I will go forth instantly, and
+denounce you all to the Council. You may stare, sirs, and threaten me,
+but you shall find I will keep my word.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We must put her to death too,&rdquo; observed Catesby, in an under tone to
+Fawkes, &ldquo;or we shall have a worse enemy left than Tresham.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot consent to it,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you mistrust this person, why not place him in restraint?&rdquo; pursued
+Viviana. &ldquo;You will not mend matters by killing him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She says well,&rdquo; observed Garnet; &ldquo;let us put him in some place of
+security.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am agreed,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I,&rdquo; added Keyes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My judgment, then, is overruled,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;But I will not
+oppose you. We will imprison him in the vault beneath this chamber.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He must be without light,&rdquo; said Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And without arms,&rdquo; added Keyes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And without food,&rdquo; muttered Catesby. &ldquo;He has only exchanged one death
+for another.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The flag was then raised, and Tresham thrust into the vault, after which
+it was restored to its former position.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have saved you from the lesser crime,&rdquo; cried Viviana to Guy Fawkes;
+&ldquo;and, with Heaven's grace, I trust to preserve you from the greater!&rdquo;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_III" id="II_CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE ESCAPE PREVENTED.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Viviana having retired to her chamber, apparently to rest, a long and
+anxious consultation was held by the conspirators as to the next steps
+to be pursued. Garnet was of opinion that, as the Earl of Salisbury was
+aware of a conspiracy against the state being on foot among the
+Catholics, their project ought to be deferred, if not altogether
+abandoned.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are sure to be discovered,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Arrests without end will take
+place. And such rigorous measures will be adopted by the Earl, such
+inquiries instituted, that all will infallibly be brought to light.
+Besides, we know not what Tresham may have revealed. He denies having
+betrayed our secret, but no credit can be attached to his assertions.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Shall we examine him again, father,&rdquo; cried Catesby, &ldquo;and wring the
+truth from him by threats or torture?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet; &ldquo;let him remain where he is till morning.
+A night of solitary confinement, added to the stings of his own guilty
+conscience, is likely to produce a stronger effect upon him than any
+torments we could inflict. He shall be interrogated strictly to-morrow,
+and, I will answer for it, will make a full confession. But even if he
+has revealed nothing material, there exists another and equally serious
+ground of alarm. I allude to your meeting with the Earl on the river. I
+should be the last to counsel bloodshed. But if ever it could be
+justified, it might have been so in this case.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would have slain him if I had had my own way,&rdquo; returned Catesby, with
+a fierce and reproachful look at Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I have done wrong, I will speedily repair my error,&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> observed the
+latter. &ldquo;Do you desire his death, father? and will you absolve me from
+the deed?&rdquo; he added, turning to Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is better as it is,&rdquo; replied Garnet, making a gesture in the
+negative. &ldquo;I would not have our high and holy purpose stained by common
+slaughter. The power that delivered him into your hands, and stayed
+them, no doubt preserved him for the general sacrifice. My first fear
+was lest, having noticed the barrels of powder within the boat, he might
+have suspected your design. But I am satisfied his eyes were blinded,
+and his reason benighted, so that he could discern nothing.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Such was my own opinion, father,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Let us observe the
+utmost caution, but proceed at all hazards with the enterprise. If we
+delay, we fail.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Right,&rdquo; returned Catesby; &ldquo;and for that counsel I forgive you for
+standing between me and our enemy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Upon this, it was agreed that if nothing occurred in the interim, more
+powder should be transported to the habitation in Westminster on the
+following night,&mdash;that Fawkes and Catesby, who might be recognised by
+Salisbury's description, should keep close house during the day,&mdash;and
+that the rest of the conspirators should be summoned to assist in
+digging the mine. Prayers were then offered up by the two priests for
+their preservation from peril, and for success in their enterprise;
+after which, they threw themselves on benches or seats, and courted
+slumber. All slept soundly except Fawkes, who, not being able to close
+his eyes, from an undefinable apprehension of danger, arose, and
+cautiously opening the door, kept watch outside.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterwards, Viviana, who had waited till all was quiet, softly
+descended the stairs, and, shading her light, gazed timorously round.
+Satisfied she was not observed, she glided swiftly and noiselessly to
+the fire-place, and endeavoured to raise the flag. But it resisted all
+her efforts, and she was about to abandon the attempt in despair, when
+she perceived a bolt on one side, that had escaped her notice. Hastily
+withdrawing it, she experienced no further difficulty. The stone
+revolved on hinges like a trap-door, and lifting it, she hurried down
+the steps.</p>
+
+<p>Alarmed by her approach, Tresham had retreated to the further end of the
+vault, and snatching up a halbert from the pile of weapons, cried, in a
+voice of desperation&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Stand off! I am armed, and have severed my bonds. Off, I say! You shall
+not take me with life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hush!&rdquo; cried Viviana, putting her finger to her lips, &ldquo;I am come to set
+you free.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do I behold an inhabitant of this world?&rdquo; cried Tresham, crossing
+himself, and dropping the halbert, &ldquo;or some blessed saint? Ah!&rdquo; he
+exclaimed, as she advanced towards him, &ldquo;it is Viviana Radcliffe&mdash;my
+preserver. Pardon, sweet lady. My eyes were dazzled by the light, and
+your sudden appearance and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> speech,&mdash;and I might almost say looks,&mdash;made
+me think you were some supernatural being come to deliver me from these
+bloody-minded men. Where are they?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In the room above,&rdquo; she replied, in a whisper,&mdash;"asleep,&mdash;and if you
+speak so loud you will arouse them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let us fly without a moment's delay,&rdquo; returned Tresham, in the same
+tone, and hastily picking up a rapier and a dagger.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Stay!&rdquo; cried Viviana, arresting him. &ldquo;Before you go, you must tell me
+what you are about to do.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We will talk of that when we are out of this accursed place,&rdquo; he
+replied.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You shall not stir a footstep,&rdquo; she rejoined, placing herself
+resolutely between him and the outlet, &ldquo;till you have sworn neither to
+betray your confederates, nor to do them injury.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;May Heaven requite me, if I forgive them!&rdquo; cried Tresham between his
+ground teeth.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Remember!&mdash;you are yet in their power,&rdquo; she rejoined. &ldquo;One word from
+me, and they are at your side. Swear!&mdash;and swear solemnly, or you do not
+quit this spot.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Tresham gazed at her fiercely, and griped his dagger, as if determined
+to free himself at any cost.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ah!&rdquo; she ejaculated, noticing the movement, &ldquo;you are indeed a traitor.
+You have neither sense of honour nor gratitude, and I leave you to your
+fate. Attempt to follow me, and I give the alarm.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Forgive me, Viviana,&rdquo; he cried, abjectly prostrating himself at her
+feet, and clinging to the hem of her dress. &ldquo;I meant only to terrify
+you; I would not injure you for worlds. Do not leave me with these
+ruthless cut-throats. They will assuredly murder me. Do not remain with
+them yourself, or you will come to some dreadful end. Fly with me, and I
+will place you beyond their reach&mdash;will watch over your safety. Or, if
+you are resolved to brave their fury, let me go, and I will take any
+oath you propose. As I hope for salvation I will not betray them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Peace!&rdquo; cried Viviana, contemptuously. &ldquo;If I set you free, it is not to
+save you, but them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What mean you?&rdquo; asked Tresham, hesitating.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Question me not, but follow,&rdquo; she rejoined, &ldquo;and tread softly, as you
+value your life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Tresham needed no caution on this head, and as they emerged from the
+trap-door in breathless silence, and he beheld the figures of his
+sleeping foes, he could scarcely muster sufficient courage to pass
+through them. Motioning him to proceed quickly, Viviana moved towards
+the door, and to her surprise found it unfastened. Without pausing to
+consider whence this neglect could arise, she opened it, and Tresham,
+who trembled in every limb, and walked upon the points of his feet,
+stepped forth. As he crossed the threshold, however, a powerful grasp
+was laid upon his shoulder,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> and a drawn sword presented to his breast,
+while the voice of Fawkes thundered in his ear, &ldquo;Who goes there? Speak,
+or I strike.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>While the fugitive, not daring to answer, lest his accents should betray
+him, endeavoured vainly to break away, Viviana, hearing the struggle,
+threw open the door, and exclaimed, &ldquo;It is Tresham. I set him free.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You!&rdquo; cried Fawkes, in astonishment. &ldquo;Wherefore?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In the hope that his escape would induce you to abandon your design,
+and seek safety in flight,&rdquo; she rejoined. &ldquo;But you have thwarted my
+purpose.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Fawkes made no reply, but thrust Tresham forcibly into the house, and
+called to Catesby, who by this time had been roused with the others, to
+close and bar the door. The command was instantly obeyed, and as Catesby
+turned, a strange and fearful group met his view. In the midst stood
+Tresham, his haggard features and palsied frame bespeaking the extremity
+of his terror. His sword having been beaten from his grasp by Fawkes,
+and his dagger wrested from him by Keyes, he was utterly defenceless.
+Viviana had placed herself between him and his assailants, and screening
+him from their attack, cried&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Despatch me. The fault is mine&mdash;mine only&mdash;and I am ready to pay the
+penalty. Had I not released him, he would not have attempted to escape.
+I am the rightful victim.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She speaks the truth,&rdquo; gasped Tresham. &ldquo;If she had not offered to
+liberate me, I should never have thought of flying. Would to Heaven I
+had never yielded to her solicitations!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Peace, craven hound!&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes, furiously; &ldquo;you deserve to die
+for your meanness and ingratitude, if not for your treachery. And it is
+for this miserable wretch, Viviana,&rdquo; he added, turning to her, &ldquo;that you
+would have placed your friends in such fearful jeopardy,&mdash;it is for him,
+who would sacrifice you without scruple to save himself, that you now
+offer your own life?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I deserve your reproaches,&rdquo; she rejoined, in confusion.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Had I not fortunately intercepted him,&rdquo; pursued Fawkes, &ldquo;an hour would
+not have elapsed ere he would have returned with the officers; and we
+should have changed this dwelling for a dungeon in the Tower,&mdash;these
+benches for the rack.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In pity stab me!&rdquo; cried Viviana, falling at his feet. &ldquo;But oh! do not
+wound me with your words. I have committed a grievous wrong; but I was
+ignorant of the consequences; and, as I hope for mercy hereafter, my
+sole motive, beyond compassion for this wretched man, was to terrify you
+into relinquishing your dreadful project.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have acted wrongfully,&mdash;very wrongfully, Viviana,&rdquo; interposed
+Garnet: &ldquo;but since you are fully convinced of your error, no more need
+be said. There are seasons when the heart must be closed against
+compassion, and when mercy becomes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> injustice. Go to your chamber, and
+leave us to deal with this unhappy man.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;To-morrow you must quit us,&rdquo; observed Fawkes, as she passed him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Quit you!&rdquo; she exclaimed. &ldquo;I will never offend again.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not trust you,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, &ldquo;unless&mdash;but it is useless to
+impose restrictions upon you, which you will not&mdash;perhaps, cannot
+observe.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Impose any restrictions you please,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;But do not bid
+me leave you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The time is come when we <i>must</i> separate,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes. &ldquo;See you
+not that the course we are taking is slippery with blood, and beset with
+perils which the firmest of your sex could not encounter?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will encounter them nevertheless,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;Be merciful,"
+she added, pointing to Tresham, &ldquo;and mercy shall be shown you in your
+hour of need.&rdquo; And she slowly withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>While this was passing, Catesby addressed a few words aside to Keyes and
+Oldcorne, and now stepping forward, and fixing his eye steadily upon the
+prisoner, to note the effect of his speech upon him, said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have devised a plan by which the full extent of Tresham's treachery
+can be ascertained.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You do not mean to torture him, I trust?&rdquo; exclaimed Garnet, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No, father,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;If torture is inflicted at all, it will
+be upon the mind, not the body.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then it will be no torture,&rdquo; observed Garnet. &ldquo;State your plan, my
+son.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is this,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;He shall write a letter to Lord
+Mounteagle, stating that he has important revelations to make to him,
+and entreating him to come hither unattended.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Here!&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Here,&rdquo; repeated Catesby; &ldquo;and alone. We will conceal ourselves in such
+manner that we may overhear what passes between them, and if any attempt
+is made by the villain to betray our presence, he shall be immediately
+shot. By this means we cannot fail to elicit the truth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I approve your plan, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet; &ldquo;but who will convey the
+letter to Lord Mounteagle?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Let it be prepared at once, and the case will
+be thought the more urgent. I will watch him, and see that he comes
+unattended, or give you timely warning.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Enough,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet. &ldquo;Let writing materials be procured, and I
+will dictate the letter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Tresham, meanwhile, exhibited no misgiving; but, on the contrary, his
+countenance brightened up as the plan was approved.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My life will be spared if you find I have not deceived you, will it
+not?&rdquo; he asked, in a supplicating voice.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Assuredly,&rdquo; replied Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Give me pen and ink, then,&rdquo; he cried, &ldquo;and I will write whatever you
+desire.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Our secret is safe,&rdquo; whispered Catesby to Garnet. &ldquo;It is useless to
+test him further.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I think so,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;Would we had made this experiment
+sooner!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not delay, I entreat you,&rdquo; implored Tresham. &ldquo;I am eager to prove my
+innocence.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are satisfied with the proof we have already obtained,&rdquo; returned
+Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>Tresham dropped on his knees in speechless gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are spared the necessity of being your executioners, my son,"
+pursued Garnet, &ldquo;and I rejoice at it. But I cannot acquit you of the
+design to betray us; and till you have unburthened your whole soul to
+me, and proved by severe and self-inflicted penance that you are really
+penitent, you must remain a captive within these walls.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will disguise nothing from you, father,&rdquo; replied Tresham, &ldquo;and will
+strive to expiate my offence by the severest penance you choose to
+inflict.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do this, my son,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet; &ldquo;leave no doubt of your sincerity,
+and you may be yet restored to the place you have forfeited, and become
+a sharer in our great enterprise.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will never trust him more,&rdquo; observed Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nor I,&rdquo; added Keyes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;<i>I</i> will,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby: &ldquo;not that I have more faith in him than
+either of you; but I will so watch him that he shall not dare to betray
+us. Nay, more,&rdquo; he added, in an under tone, to Garnet, &ldquo;I will turn his
+treachery to account. He will be a useful spy upon our enemies.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If he can be relied on,&rdquo; observed Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;After this, you need have no fears,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, with a
+significant smile.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The first part of your penance, my son,&rdquo; said Garnet, addressing
+Tresham, &ldquo;shall be to pass the night in solitary vigil and prayer within
+the vault. Number your transgressions, and reflect upon their enormity.
+Consider not only the injury your conduct might have done us, but the
+holy church of which you are so sinful a member. Weigh over all this,
+and to-morrow I will hear your confession; when, if I find you in a
+state of grace, absolution shall not be refused.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Tresham humbly bowed his head in token of acquiescence. He was then led
+to the vault, and the flag closed over him, as before. This done, after
+a brief conversation, the others again stretched themselves on the
+floor, and sought repose.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_IV" id="II_CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE MINE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Some days elapsed before the conspirators ventured forth from their
+present abode. They had intended to remove the rest of the powder
+without loss of time, but were induced to defer their purpose on the
+representations of Tresham, who stated to Garnet, that in his opinion
+they would run a great and needless risk. Before the expiration of a
+week, Tresham's apparent remorse for his perfidy, added to his seeming
+zeal, had so far reinstated him in the confidence of his associates,
+that he was fully absolved of his offence by Garnet; and, after taking
+fresh oaths of even greater solemnity than the former, was again
+admitted to the league. Catesby, however, who placed little faith in his
+protestations, never lost sight of him for an instant, and, even if he
+meditated an escape, he had no opportunity of effecting it.</p>
+
+<p>A coldness, stronger on his side than hers, seemed to have arisen
+between Viviana and Guy Fawkes. Whenever she descended to the lower
+room, he withdrew on some excuse; and though he never urged her
+departure by words, his looks plainly bespoke that he desired it. Upon
+one occasion, she found him alone,&mdash;the others being at the time within
+the vault. He was whetting the point of his dagger, and did not hear her
+approach, until she stood beside him. He was slightly confused, and a
+deep ruddy stain flushed his swarthy cheeks and brow; but he averted his
+gaze, and continued his occupation in silence.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why do you shun me?&rdquo; asked Viviana, laying her hand gently upon his
+shoulder. And, as he did not answer, she repeated the question in a
+broken voice. Guy Fawkes then looked up, and perceived that her eyes
+were filled with tears.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shun you, Viviana, for two reasons,&rdquo; he replied gravely, but kindly;
+&ldquo;first, because I would have no ties of sympathy to make me cling to the
+world, or care for it; and I feel that if I suffer myself to be
+interested about you, this will not long be the case: secondly, and
+chiefly, because you are constantly striving to turn me from my fixed
+purpose; and, though your efforts have been, and will be unavailing, yet
+I would not be exposed to them further.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You fear me, because you think I shall shake your resolution,&rdquo; she
+rejoined, with a forced smile. &ldquo;But I will trouble you no more. Nay, if
+you wish it, I will go.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It were better,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, in accents of deep emotion, and taking
+her hand. &ldquo;Painful as will be the parting with you, I shall feel more
+easy when it is over. It grieves me to the soul to see you&mdash;the daughter
+of the proud, the wealthy Sir William Radcliffe&mdash;an inmate of this
+wretched abode, surrounded by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> desperate men, whose actions you
+disapprove, and whose danger you are compelled to share. Think how it
+would add to my suffering if our plot&mdash;which Heaven avert&mdash;should be
+discovered, and you be involved in it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not think of it,&rdquo; replied Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot banish it from my thoughts,&rdquo; continued Fawkes. &ldquo;I cannot
+reconcile it to my feelings that one so young, so beautiful, should be
+thus treated. Dwelling on this idea unmans me&mdash;unfits me for sterner
+duties. The great crisis is at hand, and I must live only for it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Live for it, then,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana; &ldquo;but, oh! let me remain with you
+till the blow is struck. Something tells me I may yet be useful to
+you&mdash;may save you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No more of this, if you would indeed remain,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes,
+sternly. &ldquo;Regard me as a sword in the hand of fate, which cannot be
+turned aside,&mdash;as a bolt launched from the cloud, and shattering all in
+its course, which may not be stopped,&mdash;as something terrible,
+exterminating, immovable. Regard me as this, and say whether I am not to
+be shunned.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;I am as steadfast as yourself. I will remain.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes gazed at her in surprise mixed with admiration, and pressing
+her hand affectionately, said,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I applaud your resolution. If I had a daughter, I should wish her to be
+like you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You promised to be a father to me,&rdquo; she rejoined. &ldquo;How can you be so if
+I leave you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How <i>can</i> I be so if you stay?&rdquo; returned Fawkes, mournfully. &ldquo;No, you
+must indulge no filial tenderness for one so utterly unable to requite
+it as myself. Fix your thoughts wholly on Heaven. Pray for the
+restoration of our holy religion&mdash;for the success of the great
+enterprise&mdash;and haply your prayers may prevail.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot pray for that,&rdquo; she replied; &ldquo;for I do not wish it success.
+But I will pray&mdash;and fervently&mdash;that all danger may be averted from your
+head.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Catesby and Keyes emerged from the vault, and Viviana
+hurried to her chamber.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as it grew dark, the remaining barrels of powder were brought
+out of the cellar, and carefully placed in the boat. Straw was then
+heaped upon them, and the whole covered with a piece of tarpaulin, as
+upon the former occasion. It being necessary to cross the river more
+than once, the conduct of the first and most hazardous passage was
+intrusted to Fawkes, and accompanied by Keyes and Bates, both of whom
+were well armed, he set out a little before midnight. It was a clear
+starlight night; but as the moon had not yet risen, they were under no
+apprehension of discovery. The few craft they encountered, bent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>
+probably on some suspicious errand like themselves, paid no attention to
+them; and plying their oars swiftly, they shot under the low parapet
+edging the gardens of the Parliament House, just as the deep bell of the
+Abbey tolled forth the hour of twelve. Keeping in the shade, they
+silently approached the stairs. No one was there, not even a waterman to
+attend to the numerous wherries moored to the steps; and, without losing
+a moment, they sprang ashore, and concealing the barrels beneath their
+cloaks, glided like phantoms summoned by the witching hour along the
+passage formed by two high walls, leading to Old Palace Yard, and
+speedily reached the gate of the habitation. In this way, and with the
+utmost rapidity, the whole of the fearful cargo was safely deposited in
+the garden; and leaving the others to carry it into the house, Guy
+Fawkes returned to the boat. As he was about to push off, two persons
+rushed to the stair-head, and the foremost, evidently mistaking him for
+a waterman, called to him to take them across the river.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am no waterman, friend,&rdquo; replied Fawkes; &ldquo;and am engaged on business
+of my own. Seek a wherry elsewhere.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By heaven!&rdquo; exclaimed the new-comer, in accents of surprise, &ldquo;it is Guy
+Fawkes. Do you not know me?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Can it be Humphrey Chetham?&rdquo; cried Fawkes, equally astonished.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is,&rdquo; replied the other. &ldquo;This meeting is most fortunate. I was in
+search of you, having somewhat of importance to communicate to Viviana.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;State it quickly, then,&rdquo; returned Fawkes; &ldquo;I cannot tarry here much
+longer.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will go with you,&rdquo; rejoined Chetham, springing into the boat, and
+followed by his companion. &ldquo;You must take me to her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Impossible,&rdquo; cried Fawkes, rising angrily; &ldquo;neither can I permit you to
+accompany me. I am busied about my own concerns, and will not be
+interrupted.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;At least, tell me where I can find Viviana,&rdquo; persisted Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not now&mdash;not now,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, impatiently. &ldquo;Meet me to-morrow
+night, at this hour, in the Great Sanctuary, at the farther side of the
+Abbey, and you shall learn all you desire to know.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why not now?&rdquo; rejoined Chetham, earnestly. &ldquo;You need not fear me. I am
+no spy, and will reveal nothing.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But your companion?&rdquo; hesitated Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is only Martin Heydocke,&rdquo; answered Chetham. &ldquo;He can keep a close
+tongue as well as his master.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, sit down, then,&rdquo; returned Fawkes, sullenly. &ldquo;There will be less
+risk in taking them to Lambeth,&rdquo; he muttered, &ldquo;than in loitering here."
+And rowing with great swiftness, he soon gained the centre of the
+stream.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And so,&rdquo; he observed, resting for a moment on his oars, &ldquo;you still
+cherish your attachment to Viviana, I see. Nay, never start, man. I am
+no enemy to your suit, though others may be. And if she would place
+herself at my disposal, I would give her to you,&mdash;certain that it would
+be to one upon whom her affections are fixed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you think any change likely to take place in her sentiments towards
+me?&rdquo; faltered Chetham. &ldquo;May I indulge a hope?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would not have you despair,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Because, as far as I
+have noticed, women are not apt to adhere to their resolutions in
+matters of the heart; and because, as I have just said, she loves you,
+and I see no reasonable bar to your union.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You give me new life,&rdquo; cried Chetham, transported with joy. &ldquo;Oh! that
+you, who have so much influence with her, would speak in my behalf.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nay, you must plead your own cause,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I cannot hold out
+much hope at present; for recent events have cast a deep gloom over her
+spirit, and she appears to be a prey to melancholy. Let this wear
+off,&mdash;and with one so young and so firm-minded it is sure to do so,&mdash;and
+then your suit may be renewed. Urge it when you may, you have my best
+wishes for success, and shall have my warmest efforts to second you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Humphrey Chetham murmured his thanks in accents almost unintelligible
+from emotion, and Guy Fawkes continued,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It would be dangerous for you to disembark with me; but when I put you
+ashore, I will point out the dwelling at present occupied by Viviana.
+You can visit it as early as you please to-morrow. You will find no one
+with her but Father Oldcorne, and I need scarcely add, it will gladden
+me to the heart to find on my return that she has yielded to your
+entreaties.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot thank you,&rdquo; cried Chetham, warmly grasping his hand; &ldquo;but I
+hope to find some means of evincing my gratitude.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Prove it by maintaining the strictest secresy as to all you may see or
+hear,&mdash;or even suspect,&mdash;within the dwelling you are about to visit,"
+returned Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;Knowing that I am dealing with a man of honour, I
+require no stronger obligation than your word.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have it,&rdquo; replied Chetham, solemnly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your worship shall have my oath, if you desire it,&rdquo; remarked Martin
+Heydocke.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes; &ldquo;your master will answer for your fidelity.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after this, Guy Fawkes pulled ashore, and his companions landed.
+After pointing out the solitary habitation, which possessed greater
+interest in Humphrey Chetham's eyes than the proud structures he had
+just quitted, and extracting a promise that the young merchant would not
+approach it till the morrow, he rowed off, and while the others
+proceeded to Lambeth in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> search of lodging for the night, made the best
+of his way to the little creek, and entered the house.</p>
+
+<p>He found the other conspirators anxiously awaiting his arrival, and the
+certainty afforded by his presence that the powder had been landed in
+safety gave general satisfaction. Preparations were immediately made for
+another voyage. A large supply of provisions, consisting of baked meat
+of various kinds, hard-boiled eggs, pasties, bread, and other viands,
+calculated to serve for a week's consumption, without the necessity of
+having recourse to any culinary process, and which had been previously
+procured with that view, together with a few flasks of wine, occupied
+the place in the boat lately assigned to the powder. At the risk of
+overloading the vessel, they likewise increased its burthen by a
+quantity of mining implements&mdash;spades, pickaxes, augers, and wrenching
+irons. To these were added as many swords, calivers, pikes, and
+petronels, as the space left would accommodate. Garnet and Catesby then
+embarked,&mdash;the former having taken an affectionate farewell of Viviana,
+whom he committed, with the strictest injunction to watch over her, to
+the care of Father Oldcorne. Guy Fawkes lingered for a moment, doubting
+whether he should mention his rencounter with Humphrey Chetham. He was
+the more undecided from the deep affliction in which she was plunged. At
+last, he determined upon slightly hinting at the subject, and to be
+guided as to what he said further by the manner in which the allusion
+was received.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And you decide upon remaining here till we return, Viviana?&rdquo; he said.</p>
+
+<p>She made a sign in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And you will see no one?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No one,&rdquo; she answered.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But, should any old friend find his way hither&mdash;Humphrey Chetham, for
+instance&mdash;will you not receive him?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why do you single out <i>him</i>?&rdquo; demanded Viviana, inquiringly. &ldquo;Is he in
+London? Have you seen him?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have,&rdquo; replied Guy Fawkes; &ldquo;I accidentally met him to-night, and have
+shown him this dwelling. He will come hither to-morrow.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I wanted only this to make me thoroughly wretched,&rdquo; cried Viviana,
+clasping her hands with anguish. &ldquo;Oh! what unhappy chance threw him
+across your path? Why did you tell him I was here? Why give him a hope
+that I would see him? But I will <i>not</i> see him. I will quit this house
+rather than be exposed to the meeting.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What means this sudden excitement, Viviana?&rdquo; cried Guy Fawkes, greatly
+surprised by her agitation. &ldquo;Why should a visit from Humphrey Chetham
+occasion you uneasiness?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know not,&rdquo; she answered, blushing deeply; &ldquo;but I will not hazard
+it.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I thought you superior to your sex,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, &ldquo;and should never
+have suspected you of waywardness or caprice.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You charge me with failings that do not belong to me,&rdquo; she answered. &ldquo;I
+am neither wayward nor capricious; but I would be willingly spared the
+pain of an interview with one whom I thought I loved.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thought you loved!&rdquo; echoed Fawkes, in increased astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay, <i>thought</i>,&rdquo; repeated Viviana, &ldquo;for I have since examined my heart,
+and find he has no place in it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You might be happy with him, Viviana,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I <i>might</i> have been,&rdquo; she replied, &ldquo;had circumstances favoured our
+union. But I should not be so now. Recent events have wrought an entire
+change in my feelings. Were I to abandon my resolution of retiring to a
+cloister,&mdash;were I to return to the world,&mdash;and were such an event
+possible as that Humphrey Chetham should conform to the faith of
+Rome,&mdash;still, I would not&mdash;could not wed him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I grieve to hear it,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Would <i>you</i> have me wed him?&rdquo; she cried, in a slightly mortified tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In good sooth would I,&rdquo; replied Fawkes; &ldquo;and I repeat my firm
+conviction you would be happier with him than with one more highly born,
+and of less real worth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana made no reply, and her head declined upon her bosom.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will see him,&rdquo; pursued Fawkes, taking her hand, &ldquo;if only to tell
+him what you have just told me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Since you desire it, I will,&rdquo; she replied, fixing a look of melancholy
+tenderness upon him; &ldquo;but it will cost me a bitter pang.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would not tax you with it, if I did not think it needful,&rdquo; returned
+Fawkes. &ldquo;And now, farewell.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Farewell,&mdash;it may be, for ever,&rdquo; replied Viviana, sadly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The boat is ready, and the tide ebbing,&rdquo; cried Catesby, impatiently, at
+the door. &ldquo;We shall be aground if you tarry longer.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I come,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. And, waving an adieu to Viviana, he departed.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Strange!&rdquo; he muttered to himself, as he took his way to the creek. &ldquo;I
+could have sworn she was in love with Humphrey Chetham. Who can have
+superseded him in her regard? Not Catesby, of a surety. 'Tis a
+perplexing sex. The best are fickle. Heaven be praised! I have long been
+proof against their wiles.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Thus musing, he sprang into the skiff, and assisting Catesby to push it
+into deep water, seized an oar, and exerted himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> stoutly to make up
+for lost time. The second voyage was as prosperous as the first. A thick
+veil of cloud had curtained the stars; the steps were deserted as
+before; and the provisions, arms, and implements were securely conveyed
+to their destination.</p>
+
+<p>Thus far fortune seemed to favour their undertaking, and Garnet, falling
+on his knees, offered up the most fervent thanksgivings. Prayers over,
+they descended to the cellar, and their first care was to seek out a
+place as free from damp as possible, where the powder could be deposited
+till the excavation, which it was foreseen would be a work of time and
+great labour, was completed. A dry corner being found, the barrels were
+placed in it, and carefully concealed with billets of wood and coals, so
+as to avert suspicion in case of search. This, with other arrangements,
+occupied the greater part of the night, and the commencement of the
+important undertaking was deferred till the morrow, when an increase of
+their party was anticipated.</p>
+
+<p>Throughout the whole of the day no one stirred forth. The windows were
+kept closed; the doors locked; and, as no fires were lighted, the house
+had the appearance of being uninhabited. In the course of the morning
+they underwent considerable alarm. Some mischievous urchins having
+scaled the garden wall, one of them fell within it, and his cries so
+terrified his playmates that they dropped on the other side, and left
+him. The conspirators reconnoitred the unhappy urchin, who continued his
+vociferations in a loud key, through the holes in the shutters,
+uncertain what to do, and fearing that this trifling mischance might
+lead to serious consequences, when the subject of their uneasiness
+relieved them by scrambling up the wall near the door, and so effecting
+a retreat. With this exception, nothing material occurred till evening,
+when their expected associates arrived.</p>
+
+<p>The utmost caution was observed in admitting them. The new-comers were
+provided with a key of the garden-gate, but a signal was given and
+repeated before the house-door was opened by Bates, to whom the office
+of porter was intrusted. As soon as the latter had satisfied himself
+that all was right, by unmasking a dark lantern, and throwing its
+radiance upon the faces of the elder Wright, Rookwood, and Percy, he
+stamped his foot thrice, and the conspirators emerged from their
+hiding-places. A warm greeting passed between the confederates, and they
+adjourned to a lower chamber, adjoining the vault, where the sound of
+their voices could not be overheard, and where, while partaking of a
+frugal meal&mdash;for they desired to eke out their store of provisions as
+long as possible&mdash;they discoursed upon their plans, and all that had
+occurred since their last meeting. Nothing was said of the treachery of
+Tresham&mdash;his recent conduct, as already observed, having been such as to
+restore him in a great degree<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> to the confidence of his companions.
+Percy, whose office as a gentleman-pensioner gave him the best
+opportunities of hearing court-whispers and secrets, informed them it
+was rumoured that the Earl of Salisbury had obtained a clue to some
+Catholic plot, whether their own he could not say; but it would seem
+from all that could be gathered, that his endeavours to trace it out had
+been frustrated.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where is Lord Mounteagle?&rdquo; demanded Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;At his mansion near Hoxton,&rdquo; replied Percy.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have you observed him much about the court of late, or with the Earl of
+Salisbury?&rdquo; pursued Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Percy. &ldquo;Yet now, I bethink me, I did observe them
+together, and in earnest conversation about a week ago. But Lord
+Mounteagle knows nothing of <i>our</i> plot.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hum!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby, shrugging his shoulders, while significant
+looks were exchanged by the others, and Tresham hung his head. &ldquo;Lord
+Mounteagle may not know that you or I, or Fawkes, or Rookwood, are
+conspiring against the State; but he knows that a plot is hatching
+amongst our party. It is from him that the Earl of Salisbury derived his
+information.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Amazement!&rdquo; exclaimed Percy.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A good Catholic, and betray his fellows!&rdquo; cried Rookwood; &ldquo;this passes
+my comprehension. Are you sure of it?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Unhappily we are so, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We will speak of this hereafter,&rdquo; interposed Catesby. &ldquo;I have a plan to
+get his lordship into our power, and make him serve our purposes in
+spite of himself. We will outwit the crafty Salisbury. Can any one tell
+if Tresham's sudden disappearance has been noticed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;His household report that he is on a visit to Sir Everard Digby, at
+Gothurst,&rdquo; replied Rookwood. &ldquo;I called at his residence yesterday, and
+was informed that a letter had just been received from him dated from
+that place. His departure, they said, was sudden, but his letter fully
+accounted for it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The messenger who bore that letter had only to travel from Lambeth,"
+observed Catesby, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So I conclude,&rdquo; returned Rookwood.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And, now that our meal is ended, let us to work,&rdquo; cried Fawkes, who had
+taken no part in the foregoing conversation. &ldquo;I will strike the first
+blow,&rdquo; he added, rising and seizing a mattock.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hold, my son!&rdquo; exclaimed Garnet, arresting him. &ldquo;The work upon which
+the redemption of our holy church hangs must be commenced with due
+solemnity.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are right, father,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, humbly.</p>
+
+<p>Headed by Garnet, bearing a crucifix, they then repaired to the vault. A
+silver chalice, filled with holy water, was carried by Fawkes, and two
+lighted tapers by Catesby. Kneeling down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> before that part of the wall
+against which operations were about to be directed, and holding the
+crucifix towards it, Garnet commenced praying in a low but earnest tone,
+gradually raising his voice, and increasing in fervour as he proceeded.
+The others knelt around him, and the whole formed a strange and
+deeply-interesting group. The vault itself harmonized with its
+occupants. It was of great antiquity; and its solid stone masonry had
+acquired a time-worn hoary tint. In width it was about nine feet, and of
+corresponding height, supported by a semi-circular arch, and its length
+was more than twenty feet.</p>
+
+<p>The countenances of the conspirators showed that they were powerfully
+moved by what was passing; but next to Garnet, Guy Fawkes exhibited the
+greatest enthusiasm. His ecstatic looks and gestures evinced the strong
+effect produced upon his superstitious character by the scene. Garnet
+concluded his prayer as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thus far, O Lord, we have toiled in darkness and in difficulty; but we
+have now arrived at a point where all thy support is needed. Do not
+desert us, we beseech thee, but let thy light guide us through these
+gloomy paths. Nerve our arms,&mdash;sharpen our weapons,&mdash;and crumble these
+hard and flinty stones, so that they may yield to our efforts. Aid our
+enterprise, if thou approvest it, and it be really, as in our ignorance
+we believe it to be, for the welfare of thy holy Church, and the
+confusion of its enemies. Bear witness, O Lord, that we devote ourselves
+wholly and entirely to this one end,&mdash;and that we implore success only
+for thy glory and honour.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this he arose, and the following strains were chanted by the whole
+assemblage:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p style="text-indent: 8em; font-weight:bold;">HYMN OF THE CONSPIRATORS.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <span class="i4">The heretic and heathen, Lord,</span><br />
+    <span class="i4">Consume with fire, cut down with sword;</span><br />
+    <span class="i4">The spoilers from thy temples thrust, </span><br />
+    <span class="i4">Their altars trample in the dust.</span><br />
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <span class="i4">False princes and false priests lay low,</span><br />
+    <span class="i4">Their habitations fill with woe.</span><br />
+    <span class="i4">Scatter them, Lord, with sword and flame,</span><br />
+    <span class="i4">And bring them utterly to shame.</span><br />
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <span class="i4">Thy vengeful arm no longer stay,</span><br />
+    <span class="i4">Arise! exterminate, and slay.</span><br />
+    <span class="i4">So shall thy fallen worship be</span><br />
+    <span class="i4">Restored to its prosperity.</span><br />
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>This hymn raised the enthusiasm of the conspirators to the highest
+pitch, and such was the effect produced by it, as it rolled in sullen
+echoes along the arched roof of the vault, that several of them drew
+their swords, and crossed the blades, with looks of the most determined
+devotion to their cause. When it was ended, Garnet recited other
+prayers, and sprinkled holy water upon the wall, and upon every
+implement about to be used, bestowing a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> separate benediction on each.
+As he delivered the pick-axe to Guy Fawkes, he cried in a solemn voice&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Strike, my son, in the name of the Most High, and in behalf of our holy
+religion,&mdash;strike!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes raised the weapon, and stimulated by excitement, threw the
+whole strength of his arm into the blow. A large piece of the granite
+was chipped off, but the mattock snapped in twain. Guy Fawkes looked
+deeply disconcerted, and Garnet, though he concealed his emotion, was
+filled with dismay.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let me take your place,&rdquo; cried Keyes, advancing, as Guy Fawkes retired.</p>
+
+<p>Keyes was a powerful man, and exerting his energies, he buried the point
+of the pick-axe so deeply in the mortar, that he could not remove it
+unassisted. These untoward circumstances cast a slight damp upon their
+ardour; but Catesby, who perceived it, went more cautiously to work, and
+in a short time succeeded with great labour in getting out the large
+stone upon which the others had expended so much useless exertion. The
+sight restored their confidence, and as many as could work in the narrow
+space joined him. But they found that their task was much more arduous
+than they had anticipated. More than an hour elapsed before they could
+loosen another stone, and though they laboured with the utmost
+perseverance, relieving each other by turns, they had made but a small
+breach when morning arrived. The stones were as hard and unyielding as
+iron, and the mortar in some places harder than the stones.</p>
+
+<p>After a few hours' rest, they resumed their task. Still, they made but
+small progress; and it was not until the third day that they had
+excavated a hole sufficiently wide and deep to admit one man within it.
+They were now arrived at a compost of gravel and flint stones; and if
+they had found their previous task difficult, what they had now to
+encounter was infinitely more so. Their implements made little or no
+impression on this unyielding substance, and though they toiled
+incessantly, the work proceeded with disheartening slowness. The stones
+and rubbish were conveyed at dead of night in hampers into the garden,
+and buried.</p>
+
+<p>One night, when they were labouring as usual, Guy Fawkes, who was
+foremost in the excavation, thought he heard the tolling of a bell
+within the wall. He instantly suspended his task, and being convinced
+that he was not deceived, crept out of the hole, and made a sign to the
+others to listen. Each had heard the awful sound before; but as it was
+partially drowned by the noise of the pick-axe, it had not produced much
+impression upon them, as they attributed it to some vibration in the
+wall, caused by the echo of the blows. But it was now distinctly
+audible&mdash;deep, clear, slow,&mdash;like a passing bell,&mdash;but so solemn, so
+unearthly, that its tones froze the blood in their veins.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 417px;">
+<img src="images/illo_179.jpg" width="417" height="600" alt="Guy Fawkes and the other Conspirators alarmed while
+digging the mine" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Guy Fawkes and the other Conspirators alarmed while
+digging the mine</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>They listened for a while in speechless astonishment, scarcely daring to
+look at each other, and expecting each moment that the building would
+fall upon them, and bury them alive. The light of a single lantern
+placed upon an upturned basket fell upon figures rigid as statues, and
+countenances charged with awe.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My arm is paralysed,&rdquo; said Guy Fawkes, breaking silence; &ldquo;I can work no
+more.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Try holy water, father,&rdquo; cried Catesby. &ldquo;If it proceeds from aught of
+evil, that will quell it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The chalice containing the sacred lymph was brought, and pronouncing a
+solemn exorcism, Garnet sprinkled the wall.</p>
+
+<p>The sound immediately ceased.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is as I thought, father,&rdquo; observed Catesby; &ldquo;it is the delusion of
+an evil spirit.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, the tolling of the mysterious bell was again heard, and
+more solemnly,&mdash;more slowly than before.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Sprinkle the wall again, in Heaven's name, father,&rdquo; cried Fawkes,
+crossing himself devoutly. &ldquo;Avoid thee, Sathanas!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Garnet complied, and throwing holy water upon the stones, the same
+result followed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_V" id="II_CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE CAPTURE OF VIVIANA.</h2>
+
+
+<p>On the morning after his encounter with Guy Fawkes, Humphrey Chetham,
+accompanied by Martin Heydocke, took his way to Lambeth Marsh. With a
+throbbing heart he approached the miserable dwelling he knew to be
+inhabited by Viviana, and could scarcely summon courage to knock at the
+door. His first summons not being answered, he repeated it more loudly,
+and he then perceived the face of Father Oldcorne at the window, who,
+having satisfied himself that it was a friend, admitted him and his
+attendant.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You were expected, my son,&rdquo; said the priest, after a friendly greeting.
+&ldquo;Guy Fawkes has prepared Viviana for your coming.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will she not see me?&rdquo; demanded the young merchant, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I believe so,&rdquo; replied Oldcorne. &ldquo;But I will apprise her of your
+arrival. Be seated, my son.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He then carefully fastened the door, and repaired to Viviana's chamber,
+leaving Chetham in that state of tremor and anxiety which a lover,
+hoping to behold his mistress, only knows.</p>
+
+<p>It was some time before Viviana appeared, and the young merchant, whose
+heart beat violently at the sound of her footstep, was startled by the
+alteration in her looks, and the extreme<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> coldness of her manner.
+Oldcorne was with her, and motioning Martin Heydocke to follow him, the
+youthful pair were left alone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You desire to see me, I am given to understand, sir,&rdquo; observed Viviana,
+in a freezing tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have journeyed to London for that express purpose,&rdquo; replied Humphrey
+Chetham, tremulously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am much beholden to you, sir,&rdquo; returned Viviana, in the same
+repelling tone as before; &ldquo;but I regret you should have taken so much
+trouble on my account.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;To serve you is happiness, not trouble, Viviana,&rdquo; replied Humphrey
+Chetham, ardently; &ldquo;and I am overjoyed at finding an opportunity of
+proving my devotion.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have yet to learn what service I must thank you for,&rdquo; she returned.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I can scarcely say that I am warranted in thus intruding upon you,"
+replied Chetham, greatly abashed; &ldquo;but, having learnt from my servant,
+Martin Heydocke, that Doctor Dee had set out for London, with the view
+of seeking you out, and withdrawing you from your present associates, I
+was determined to be beforehand with him, and to acquaint you, if
+possible, with his intentions.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What you say surprises me,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;Doctor Dee has no right
+to interfere with my actions. Nor should I obey him were he to counsel
+me, as is scarcely probable, to quit my companions.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know not what connexion there may be between you to justify the
+interposition of his authority,&rdquo; replied Chetham; &ldquo;neither did I tarry
+to inquire. But presuming from what I heard, that he <i>would</i> attempt to
+exercise some control over you, I set out at once, and, without guide to
+your retreat, or the slightest knowledge of it, was fortunate enough, on
+the very night of my arrival in London, to chance upon Guy Fawkes, who
+directed me to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am aware of it,&rdquo; was the chilling answer.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not avouch,&rdquo; pursued Chetham, passionately, &ldquo;that I have not
+been actuated as much by an irrepressible desire to see you again, as by
+anxiety to apprise you of Doctor Dee's coming. I wanted only a slight
+excuse to myself to induce me to yield to my inclinations. Your
+departure made me wretched. I thought I had more control over myself.
+But I find I cannot live without you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! alas!&rdquo; cried Viviana, in a troubled tone, and losing all her
+self-command. &ldquo;I expected this. Why&mdash;why did you come?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have told you my motive,&rdquo; replied Chetham; &ldquo;but, oh! do not reproach
+me!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not desire to do so,&rdquo; returned Viviana, with a look of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> agony. &ldquo;I
+bitterly reproach myself that I cannot meet you as of old. But I would
+rather&mdash;far rather have encountered Doctor Dee, had he come hither
+resolved to exert all his magical power to force me away, than have met
+you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have I unwittingly offended you, Viviana?&rdquo; asked Chetham, in
+astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh! no&mdash;no&mdash;no!&rdquo; she replied, &ldquo;you have not offended me; but&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But what?&rdquo; he cried, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would rather have died than see you,&rdquo; she answered.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not inquire wherefore,&rdquo; rejoined Chetham, &ldquo;because I too well
+divine the cause. I am no longer what I was to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Press this matter no further, I pray of you,&rdquo; returned Viviana, in much
+confusion, and blushing deeply. &ldquo;I shall ever esteem you,&mdash;ever feel the
+warmest gratitude to you. And what matters it whether my heart is
+estranged from you or not, since I can never wed you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What matters it?&rdquo; repeated the young merchant, in accents of
+despair,&mdash;"it matters much. Drowning love will cling to straws. The
+thought that I was beloved by you, though I could never hope to possess
+your hand, reconciled me in some degree to my fate. But now,&rdquo; he added,
+covering his face with his hands,&mdash;"now, my heart is crushed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nay, say not so,&rdquo; cried Viviana, in a voice of the deepest emotion. &ldquo;I
+<i>do</i> love you,&mdash;as a sister.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That is small comfort,&rdquo; rejoined Chetham, bitterly. &ldquo;I echo your own
+wish. Would we had never met again! I might, at least, have deluded
+myself into the belief that you loved me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It would have been better so,&rdquo; she returned. &ldquo;I would inflict pain on
+no one&mdash;far less on you, whom I regard so much, and to whom I owe so
+much.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You owe me nothing, Viviana,&rdquo; rejoined Chetham. &ldquo;All I desired was to
+serve you. In the midst of the dangers we have shared together, I felt
+no alarm except for your sake. I have done nothing&mdash;nothing. Would I had
+died for you!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Calm yourself, sir, I entreat you,&rdquo; she returned.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You did love me <i>once</i>?&rdquo; demanded Chetham, suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I thought so,&rdquo; she answered.</p>
+
+<p>The young merchant uttered an exclamation of anguish, and a mournful
+pause ensued, broken only by his groans.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Answer me, Viviana,&rdquo; he said, turning abruptly upon her,&mdash;"answer me,
+and, in mercy, answer truly,&mdash;do you love another?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is a question I cannot answer,&rdquo; she replied, becoming ashy pale.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your looks speak for you!&rdquo; he vociferated, in a terrible tone,&mdash;"you
+do! His name?&mdash;his name?&mdash;that I may wreak my vengeance upon him.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your violence terrifies me,&rdquo; returned Viviana, withdrawing the hand he
+had seized. &ldquo;I must put an end to this interview.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Pardon me, Viviana!&rdquo; cried Chetham, falling on his knees before
+her&mdash;"in pity pardon me! I am not myself. I shall be calmer presently.
+But if you knew the anguish of the wound you have inflicted, you would
+not add to it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven knows I would not!&rdquo; she returned, motioning him to rise. &ldquo;And,
+if it will lighten your suffering, know that the love I feel for
+another&mdash;if love, indeed, it be,&mdash;is as hopeless as your own. But it is
+not a love of which even <i>you</i> could be jealous. It is a higher and a
+holier passion. It is affection mixed with admiration, and purified from
+all its grossness. It is more, perhaps, than the love of a daughter for
+her father&mdash;but it is nothing more. I shall never wed him I love&mdash;could
+not if I would. Nay, I would shun him, if I did not feel that the hour
+will soon come when the extent of my affection must be proved.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This is strange sophistry,&rdquo; returned Chetham; &ldquo;and you may deceive
+yourself by it, but you cannot deceive me. You love as all ardent
+natures do love. But in what way do you mean to prove your affection?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Perhaps, by the sacrifice of my life,&rdquo; she answered.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I can tell you who is the object of your affections!&rdquo; said Chetham. &ldquo;It
+is Guy Fawkes.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not deny it,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;he is.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hear me, then,&rdquo; exclaimed Chetham, who appeared inexpressibly relieved
+by the discovery he had made; &ldquo;in my passage across the river with him
+last night, our conversation turned on the one subject ever nearest my
+heart, yourself,&mdash;and Guy Fawkes not only bade me not despair, but
+promised to aid my suit.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And he kept his word,&rdquo; replied Viviana, &ldquo;for, while announcing your
+proposed visit, he urged me strongly in your behalf.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then he knows not of your love for him?&rdquo; demanded Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He not only knows it not, but never shall know it from me,&mdash;nor must he
+know it from you, sir,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana, energetically.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear it not,&rdquo; said Chetham, sighing. &ldquo;It is a secret I shall carefully
+preserve.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now that you are in possession of it,&rdquo; she answered, &ldquo;I no longer
+feel your presence as a restraint. Let me still regard you as a friend.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be it so,&rdquo; replied Humphrey Chetham, mournfully; &ldquo;and <i>as</i> a friend let
+me entreat you to quit this place, and abandon your present associates.
+I will not seek to turn your heart from Fawkes&mdash;nor will I try to regain
+the love I have lost. But let me implore you to pause ere you
+irretrievably mix yourself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> up with the fortunes of one so desperate. I
+am too well aware that he is engaged in a fearful plot against the
+State,&mdash;though I know not its precise nature.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will not betray him?&rdquo; she cried.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not, though he is my rival,&rdquo; returned Chetham. &ldquo;But others
+may&mdash;nay, perhaps have done so already.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Whom do you suspect?&rdquo; demanded Viviana, in the greatest alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I fear Doctor Dee,&rdquo; replied the young merchant; &ldquo;but I know nothing
+certainly. My servant, Martin Heydocke, who is in the Doctor's
+confidence, intimated as much to me, and I have reason to think that his
+journey to town, under the pretext of searching for you, is undertaken
+for the purpose of tracing out the conspirators, and delivering them to
+the Government.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is he arrived in London?&rdquo; inquired Viviana, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I should think not,&rdquo; returned Chetham. &ldquo;I passed him, four days ago, on
+this side Leicester, in company with Kelley and Topcliffe.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If the wretch Topcliffe was with him, your conjectures are too well
+founded,&rdquo; she replied. &ldquo;I must warn Guy Fawkes instantly of his danger.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Command my services in any way,&rdquo; said Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know not what to do,&rdquo; cried Viviana, after a pause, during which she
+betrayed the greatest agitation. &ldquo;I dare not seek him out;&mdash;and yet, if
+I do not, he may fall into the hands of the enemy. I must see him at all
+hazards.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Suffer me to go with you,&rdquo; implored Chetham. &ldquo;You may rely upon my
+secrecy. And now I have a double motive for desiring to preserve
+Fawkes.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are, indeed, truly noble-hearted and generous,&rdquo; replied Viviana;
+&ldquo;and I would fully confide in you. But, if you were to be seen by the
+others, you would be certainly put to death. Not even Fawkes could save
+you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will risk it, if you desire it, and it will save <i>him</i>,&rdquo; replied the
+young merchant, devotedly. &ldquo;Nay, I will go alone.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That were to insure your destruction,&rdquo; she answered. &ldquo;No&mdash;no&mdash;it must
+not be. I will consult with Father Oldcorne.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, she hurried out of the room, and returned in a short time
+with the priest.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Father Oldcorne is of opinion that our friends must be apprised of
+their danger,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;And he thinks it needful we should both go to
+their retreat, that no hindrance may be offered to our flight, in case
+such a measure should be resolved upon.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You cannot accompany us, my son,&rdquo; added Oldcorne; &ldquo;for though I am as
+fully assured of your fidelity as Viviana, and would confide my life to
+you, there are those who will not so trust you, and who might rejoice in
+the opportunity of removing you.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana!&rdquo; exclaimed Chetham, looking entreatingly at her.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;For my sake,&mdash;if not for your own,&mdash;do not urge this further,&rdquo; she
+returned. &ldquo;There are already dangers and difficulties enow without
+adding to them. You would be safer amid a horde of robbers than amidst
+these men.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And it is to such persons you commit yourself?&rdquo; cried Chetham,
+reproachfully. &ldquo;Oh! be warned by me, ere it is too late! Abandon them!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is too late, already,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;The die is cast.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then I can only lament it,&rdquo; returned Chetham, sadly. &ldquo;Suffer me, at
+least, to accompany you to some place near their retreat, that you may
+summon me in case of need.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There can be no objection to that, Viviana,&rdquo; observed Oldcorne;
+&ldquo;provided Humphrey Chetham will promise not to follow us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Readily,&rdquo; replied the young merchant.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am unwilling to expose him to further risk on my account,&rdquo; said
+Viviana. &ldquo;But be it as you will.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>It was then agreed, that they should not set out till nightfall, but
+proceed, as soon as it grew dark, to Lambeth, where Humphrey Chetham
+undertook to procure a boat for their conveyance across the river.</p>
+
+<p>The hour of departure at length arrived. Viviana, who had withdrawn to
+her own room, appeared in her travelling habit, and was about to set
+forth with her companions, when they were all startled by a sudden and
+loud knocking at the door.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are discovered,&rdquo; she cried. &ldquo;Doctor Dee has found out our retreat.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear nothing,&rdquo; rejoined Chetham, drawing his sword, while his example
+was imitated by Martin Heydocke; &ldquo;they shall not capture you while I
+live.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, the knocking was repeated, and the door shaken so violently
+as to threaten to burst its fastenings.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Extinguish the light,&rdquo; whispered Chetham, &ldquo;and let Father Oldcorne
+conceal himself. We have nothing to fear.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where shall I fly?&rdquo; cried Oldcorne despairingly. &ldquo;It will be impossible
+to raise the flag, and seek refuge in the vault.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fly to my room,&rdquo; cried Viviana. And finding he stood irresolute, as if
+paralysed with terror, she took his arm, and dragged him away. The next
+moment the door was burst open with a loud crash, and several armed men,
+with their swords drawn, followed by Topcliffe, and another middle-aged
+man, of slight stature, and rather under-sized, but richly dressed, and
+bearing all the marks of exalted rank, rushed into the room.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are my prisoner!&rdquo; cried Topcliffe, rushing up to Chetham, who had
+planted himself, with Martin Heydocke, at the foot of the stairs. &ldquo;I
+arrest you in the King's name!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are mistaken in your man, sir,&rdquo; cried Chetham, fiercely.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> &ldquo;I have
+committed no offence. Lay a hand upon me, at your peril!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How is this?&rdquo; cried Topcliffe. &ldquo;Humphrey Chetham here!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay,&rdquo; returned the young merchant; &ldquo;you have fallen upon the wrong
+house.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not so, sir,&rdquo; replied Topcliffe. &ldquo;I am satisfied from your presence
+that I am right. Where <i>you</i> are, Viviana Radcliffe is not far off.
+Throw down your arms. You can offer no resistance to my force, and your
+zeal will not benefit your friends, while it will place your own safety
+in jeopardy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But Chetham fiercely refused compliance, and after a few minutes'
+further parley, the soldiers were about to attack him, when Viviana
+opened a door above, and slowly descended the stairs. At her appearance
+the young merchant, seeing that further resistance would be useless,
+sheathed his sword, and she passed between him and Heydocke, and
+advanced towards the leaders of the band.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What means this intrusion?&rdquo; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are come in search of two Jesuit priests, whom we have obtained
+information are hidden here,&rdquo; replied Topcliffe;&mdash;"as well as of certain
+other Papists, disaffected against the State, for whose apprehension I
+hold a warrant.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are welcome to search the house,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;But there is no
+one within it except those you see.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As she said this, Chetham, who gazed earnestly at her, caught her eye,
+and from a scarcely-perceptible glance, felt certain that the priest,
+through her agency, had effected his escape. But the soldiers had not
+waited for her permission to make the search. Rushing up-stairs they
+examined the different chambers,&mdash;there were two small rooms besides
+that occupied by Viviana,&mdash;and found several of the priests'
+habiliments; but though they examined every corner with the minutest
+attention, sounded the walls, peered up the chimneys, underneath the
+bed, and into every place, likely and unlikely, they could find no other
+traces of those they sought, and were compelled to return to their
+leader with tidings of their ill success. Topcliffe, with another party,
+continued his scrutiny below, and discovering the moveable flag in the
+hearth, descended into the vault, where he made certain of discovering
+his prey. But no one was there; and, the powder and arms having been
+removed, he gained nothing by his investigations.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, his companion,&mdash;and evidently from his garb, and the
+deference paid him, though he was addressed by no title which could lead
+to the absolute knowledge of his rank, his superior,&mdash;seated himself,
+and put many questions in a courteous but authoritative tone to Viviana
+respecting her residence in this solitary abode,&mdash;the names of her
+companions,&mdash;where they were,&mdash;and upon what scheme they were engaged.
+To none of these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> questions would she return an answer, and her
+interrogator, at last, losing patience, said,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I hold it my duty, to inform you that you will be carried before the
+Council, and if you continue thus obstinate, means will be taken&mdash;and
+those none of the gentlest&mdash;to extort the truth from you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You may apply the torture to me,&rdquo; replied Viviana, firmly; &ldquo;but it will
+wrest nothing from me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That remains to be seen,&rdquo; replied the other; &ldquo;I only trust you will not
+compel me to put my threat into execution.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Topcliffe emerged from the vault, and the soldiers
+returned from their unsuccessful search above.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They have escaped us now,&rdquo; remarked Topcliffe to his superior. &ldquo;But I
+will conceal a party of men on the premises, who will be certain to
+capture them on their return.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana uttered an exclamation of irrepressible uneasiness, which did
+not escape her auditors.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am right, you see,&rdquo; observed Topcliffe, significantly, to his
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are so,&rdquo; replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>As this was said, Viviana hazarded a look at Humphrey Chetham, the
+meaning of which he was not slow to comprehend. He saw that she wished
+him to make an effort to escape, that he might warn her companions, and
+regardless of the consequence, be prepared to obey her. While those
+around were engaged in a last fruitless search, he whispered his
+intentions to Martin Heydocke, and only awaited a favourable opportunity
+to put them in execution. It occurred sooner than he expected. Before
+quitting the premises, Topcliffe determined to visit the upper rooms
+himself, and he took several of the men with him.</p>
+
+<p>Chetham would have made an attempt to liberate Viviana, but, feeling
+certain it would be unsuccessful, he preferred obeying her wishes to his
+own inclinations. Topcliffe gone, he suddenly drew his sword,&mdash;for
+neither he nor Heydocke had been disarmed,&mdash;and rushing towards the
+door, struck down the man next it, and followed by his servant, passed
+through it before he could be intercepted. They both then flew at a
+swift pace towards the marshy fields, and, owing to the darkness and
+unstable nature of the ground, speedily distanced their pursuers.</p>
+
+<p>Hearing the disturbance below, and guessing its cause, Topcliffe
+immediately descended. But he was too late; and though he joined in the
+pursuit, he was baffled like his attendants. Half an hour afterwards, he
+returned to the house with an angry and disappointed look.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He has given us the slip,&rdquo; he observed to his superior, who appeared
+exceedingly provoked by the young merchant's flight; &ldquo;But we will soon
+have him again.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>After giving directions to his men how to conceal themselves,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> Topcliffe
+informed his companions that he was ready to attend him. Viviana, who
+had remained motionless and silent during the foregoing scene, was taken
+out of the house, and conducted towards the creek, in which lay a large
+wherry manned by four rowers. She was placed within it, and as soon as
+his superior was seated, Topcliffe inquired&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where will your lordship go first?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;To the Star-Chamber,&rdquo; was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>At this reply, in spite of herself, Viviana could not repress a shudder.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All is lost!&rdquo; she mentally ejaculated.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_VI" id="II_CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE CELLAR.</h2>
+
+
+<p>It was long before the conspirators gained sufficient courage to
+recommence digging the mine. Whenever holy water was thrown upon the
+stones, the mysterious bell ceased tolling, but it presently began anew,
+and such was the appalling effect of the sound that it completely
+paralysed the listeners. Prayers were said by Garnet; hymns sung by the
+others; but all was of no avail. It continued to toll on with increased
+solemnity, unless checked by the same potent application as before.</p>
+
+<p>The effect became speedily manifest in the altered looks and demeanour
+of the conspirators, and it was evident that if something was not done
+to arouse them, the enterprise would be abandoned. Catesby, equally
+superstitious with his confederates, but having nerves more firmly
+strung, was the first to conquer his terror. Crossing himself, he
+muttered a secret prayer, and, snatching up a pick-axe, entered the
+cavity, and resumed his labour.</p>
+
+<p>The noise of the heavy blows dealt by him against the wall drowned the
+tolling of the bell. The charm was broken. And stimulated by his
+conduct, the others followed his example, and though the awful tolling
+continued at intervals during the whole of their operations, it offered
+no further interruption to them.</p>
+
+<p>Another and more serious cause of anxiety, however, arose. As the work
+advanced, without being aware of it, they approached the bank of the
+river, and the water began to ooze through the sides of the
+excavation,&mdash;at first, slightly, but by degrees to such an extent as to
+convince them that their labour would be entirely thrown away. Large
+portions of the clay, loosened by the damp, fell in upon them, nearly
+burying those nearest the tumbling mass; and the floor was now in some
+places more than a foot deep in water, clearly proving it would be
+utterly impossible to keep the powder fit for use in such a spot.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Catesby bore these untoward circumstances with ill-concealed
+mortification. For a time, he struggled against them; and though he felt
+that it was hopeless, worked on like a desperate military leader
+conducting a forlorn hope to certain destruction. At length, however,
+the water began to make such incursions that he could no longer disguise
+from himself or his companions that they were contending against
+insurmountable difficulties, and that to proceed further would be
+madness. He, therefore, with a heavy heart, desisted, and throwing down
+his pick-axe, said it was clear that Heaven did not approve their
+design, and that it must be relinquished.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We ought to have been warned by that doleful bell,&rdquo; he observed in
+conclusion. &ldquo;I now perceive its meaning. And as I was the first to act
+in direct opposition to the declared will of the Supreme Being, so now I
+am the first to admit my error.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot account for that dread and mysterious sound, my son,&rdquo; replied
+Garnet, &ldquo;and can only attribute it, as you do, to Divine interference.
+But whether it was intended as a warning or a guidance, I confess I am
+unable to say.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Can you longer doubt, father,&rdquo; returned Catesby, bitterly, &ldquo;when you
+look at yon excavation? It took us more than a week's incessant labour
+to get through the first wall; and our toil was no sooner lightened than
+these fatal consequences ensued. If we proceed, we shall drown
+ourselves, instead of blowing up our foes. And even if we should escape,
+were the powder stowed for one day in that damp place, it would never
+explode. We have failed, and must take measures accordingly.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I entirely concur with you, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet; &ldquo;we must abandon
+our present plan. But do not let us be disheartened. Perhaps at this
+very moment Heaven is preparing for us a victory by some unlooked-for
+means.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It may be so,&rdquo; replied Catesby, with a look of incredulity.</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, an extraordinary noise, like a shower of falling stones,
+was heard overhead. And coupling the sound with their fears of the
+encroachment of the damp, the conspirators glanced at each other in
+dismay, thinking the building was falling in upon them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All blessed saints protect us!&rdquo; cried Garnet, as the sound ceased.
+&ldquo;What was that?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But no one was able to account for it, and each regarded his neighbour
+with apprehension. After a short interval of silence, the sound was
+heard again. There was then another pause&mdash;and again the same rushing
+and inexplicable noise.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What can it be?&rdquo; cried Catesby. &ldquo;I am so enfeebled by this underground
+life, that trifles alarm me. Are our enemies pulling down the structure
+over our heads?&mdash;or are they earthing us up like vermin?&rdquo; he added to
+Fawkes. &ldquo;What is it?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will go and see,&rdquo; replied the other.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not expose yourself, my son,&rdquo; cried Garnet. &ldquo;Let us abide the result
+here.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No, father,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Having failed in our scheme, what befals
+me is of little consequence. I will go. If I return not, you will
+understand what has happened.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Pausing for a moment to receive Garnet's benediction, he then strode
+away.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour elapsed before Fawkes returned, and the interval appeared
+thrice its duration in the eyes of the conspirators. When he
+re-appeared, a smile sat upon his countenance, and his looks instantly
+dispelled the alarm that had been previously felt.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You bring us good news, my son?&rdquo; cried Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Excellent, father,&rdquo; replied Fawkes: &ldquo;and you were right in saying that
+at the very moment we were indulging in misgiving, Heaven was preparing
+for us a victory by unforeseen and mysterious means.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Garnet raised his hands gratefully and reverentially upwards. And the
+other conspirators crowded round Fawkes to listen to his relation.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The noise we heard,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;arose from a very simple
+circumstance,&mdash;and when you hear it, you will smile at your fears. But
+you will not smile at the result to which it has led. Exactly overhead,
+it appears, a cellar is situated, belonging to a person named Bright,
+and the sound was occasioned by the removal of his coals, which he had
+been selling off.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is that all?&rdquo; cried Catesby. &ldquo;We are indeed grown childish, to be
+alarmed by such a cause.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It appears slight now it is explained,&rdquo; observed Keyes, gravely; &ldquo;but
+how were we to know whence it arose?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; returned Fawkes; &ldquo;and I will now show you how the hand of Heaven
+has been manifested in the matter. The noise which led me to this
+investigation, and which I regard as a signal from on high, brought me
+to a cellar I had never seen before, and knew not existed. <i>That cellar
+lies immediately beneath the House of Lords.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ah! I see!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby. &ldquo;You think it would form a good
+depository for the powder.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If it had been built for the express purpose, it could not be better,"
+returned Fawkes. &ldquo;It is commodious and dry, and in an out-of-the-way
+place, as you may judge, when we ourselves have never hitherto noticed
+it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But what is all this to us, if we cannot use it?&rdquo; returned Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We <i>can</i> use it,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;It is ours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>There was a general exclamation of surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Finding, on inquiry, that Bright was about to quit the neighbourhood,"
+continued Fawkes, &ldquo;and did not require the place longer, I instantly
+proposed to take it from him, and to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> create no suspicion, engaged it in
+Percy's name, stating that he wanted it for his own fuel.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have done admirably,&rdquo; cried Catesby, in a tone of exultation. &ldquo;The
+success of the enterprise will now be entirely owing to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not to me, but to the Providence that directed me,&rdquo; replied Fawkes,
+solemnly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Right, my son,&rdquo; returned Garnet. &ldquo;And let this teach us never to
+despair again.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The next day, Percy having taken possession of the cellar, it was
+carefully examined, and proved, as Fawkes had stated, admirably adapted
+to their purpose. Their fears were now at an end, and they looked on the
+success of their project as certain. The mysterious bell no longer
+tolled, and their sole remaining task was to fill up the excavation so
+far as to prevent any damage from the wet.</p>
+
+<p>This was soon done, and their next step was to transport the powder
+during the night to the cellar. Concealing the barrels as before with
+faggots and coals, they gave the place the appearance of a mere
+receptacle for lumber, by filling it with old hampers, boxes without
+lids, broken bottles, stone jars, and other rubbish.</p>
+
+<p>They now began to think of separating, and Fawkes expressed his
+intention of returning that night to the house at Lambeth. No
+intelligence had reached them of Viviana's captivity, and they supposed
+her still an inmate of the miserable dwelling with Father Oldcorne.</p>
+
+<p>Fawkes had often thought of her, and with uneasiness, during his
+toilsome labours; but they had so much engrossed him that her image was
+banished almost as soon as it arose. Now that grand obstacle was
+surmounted, and nothing was wanting, however, except a favourable moment
+to strike the blow, he began to feel the greatest anxiety respecting
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Still, he thought it prudent to postpone his return to a late hour, and
+it was not until near midnight that he and Catesby ventured to their
+boat. As he was about to descend the steps, he heard his name pronounced
+by some one at a little distance; and the next moment, a man, whom he
+immediately recognised as Humphrey Chetham, rushed up to him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You here again!&rdquo; cried Fawkes, angrily, and not unsuspiciously. &ldquo;Do you
+play the spy upon me?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have watched for you for the last ten nights,&rdquo; replied Chetham
+hastily. &ldquo;I knew not where you were. But I found your boat here, and I
+hoped you would not cross the water in any other.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why all this care?&rdquo; demanded Fawkes. &ldquo;Has aught happened?&mdash;Is Viviana
+safe?&mdash;Speak, man! do not keep me longer in suspense!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas!&rdquo; rejoined Chetham, &ldquo;she is a prisoner.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 401px;">
+<img src="images/illo_190.jpg" width="401" height="600" alt="Guy Fawkes laying the train" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Guy Fawkes laying the train</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A prisoner!&rdquo; ejaculated Fawkes, in a hollow voice. &ldquo;Then my forebodings
+were not without cause.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How has this happened?&rdquo; cried Catesby, who had listened to what was
+said in silent wonder.</p>
+
+<p>Chetham then hastily related all that had taken place.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know not what has become of her,&rdquo; he said, in conclusion; &ldquo;but I have
+heard that she was taken to the Star-Chamber by the Earl of
+Salisbury,&mdash;for he, it appears, was the companion of Topcliffe,&mdash;and,
+refusing to answer the interrogations of the Council, was conveyed to
+the Tower, and, I fear, subjected to the torture.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Tortured!&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes, horror-stricken; &ldquo;Viviana tortured! And I
+have brought her to this! Oh, God! Oh, God!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is indeed an agonizing reflection,&rdquo; replied Humphrey Chetham, in a
+sombre tone, &ldquo;and enough to drive you to despair. Her last wishes,
+expressed only in looks, for she did not dare to give utterance to them,
+were that I should warn you not to approach the house at Lambeth, your
+enemies being concealed within it. I have now fulfilled them. Farewell!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And he turned to depart.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Stay!&rdquo; cried Catesby, arresting him. &ldquo;Where is Father Oldcorne?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know not,&rdquo; replied Humphrey Chetham. &ldquo;As I have told you, Viviana by
+some means contrived his escape. I have seen nothing of him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And, hurrying away, he was lost beneath the shadow of the wall.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is this a troubled dream, or dread reality?&rdquo; cried Fawkes to Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I fear it is too true,&rdquo; returned the other, in a voice of much emotion.
+&ldquo;Poor Viviana!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Something must be done to set her free,&rdquo; cried Fawkes. &ldquo;I will purchase
+her liberty by delivering up myself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your oath&mdash;remember your oath!&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;You may destroy
+yourself, but not your associates.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True&mdash;true,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, distractedly,&mdash;"I <i>do</i> remember it. I am
+sold to perdition.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Anger not Heaven by these idle lamentations,&mdash;and at a time, too, when
+all is so prosperous,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What!&rdquo; cried Fawkes, fiercely, &ldquo;would you have me calm, when she who
+called me father, and was dear to me as a child, is taken from me by
+these remorseless butchers,&mdash;subjected to their terrible
+examinations,&mdash;plunged in a dismal dungeon,&mdash;and stretched upon the
+rack,&mdash;and all for me&mdash;for me! I shall go mad if I think upon it!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must <i>not</i> think upon it,&rdquo; returned Catesby,&mdash;"at least, not here.
+We shall be observed. Let us return to the house;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> and perhaps&mdash;though I
+scarcely dare indulge the hope&mdash;some plan may be devised for her
+liberation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he dragged Fawkes, who was almost frenzied with anguish,
+forcibly along, and they returned to the house.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing more was said that night. Catesby judged it prudent to let the
+first violence of his friend's emotion expend itself before he attempted
+to soothe him; and when he communicated the sad event to Garnet, the
+latter strongly approved the plan. Garnet was greatly distressed at the
+intelligence, and his affliction was shared by the other conspirators.
+No fears were entertained by any of them that Viviana would reveal aught
+of the plot, but this circumstance only added to their regrets.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will stake my life for her constancy,&rdquo; said Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And so will I,&rdquo; returned Garnet. &ldquo;She will die a martyr for us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He then proposed that they should pray for her deliverance. And all
+instantly assenting, they knelt down, while Garnet poured forth the most
+earnest supplications to the Virgin in her behalf.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, Guy Fawkes set forth, and ascertained that Humphrey
+Chetham's statement was correct, and that Viviana was indeed a prisoner
+in the Tower. He repaired thither, and tried to ascertain in what part
+of the fortress she was confined, in the hope of gaining admittance to
+her. But as he could obtain no information and his inquiries excited
+suspicion, he was compelled to return without accomplishing his object.</p>
+
+<p>Crossing Tower Hill on his way back, he turned to glance at the stern
+pile he had just quitted, and which was fraught with the most fearful
+interest to him, when he perceived Chetham issue from the Bulwark Gate.
+He would have made up to him; but the young merchant, who had evidently
+seen him, though he looked sedulously another way, set off in the
+direction of the river, and was quickly lost to view. Filled with the
+gloomiest thoughts, Guy Fawkes proceeded to Westminster, where he
+arrived without further adventure of any kind.</p>
+
+<p>In the latter part of the same day, as the conspirators were conferring
+together, they were alarmed by a knocking at the outer gate; and sending
+Bates to reconnoitre, he instantly returned with the intelligence that
+it was Lord Mounteagle. At the mention of this name, Tresham, who was
+one of the party, turned pale as death, and trembled so violently that
+he could scarcely support himself. Having been allowed to go forth on
+that day, the visit of Lord Mounteagle at this juncture, coupled with
+the agitation it occasioned him, seemed to proclaim him guilty of
+treachery for the second time.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have betrayed us, villain!&rdquo; cried Catesby, drawing his dagger; &ldquo;but
+you shall not escape. I will poniard you on the spot.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;As you hope for mercy, do not strike!&rdquo; cried Tresham. &ldquo;On my soul, I
+have not seen Lord Mounteagle, and know not, any more than yourselves,
+what brings him hither. Put it to the proof. Let him come in. Conceal
+yourselves, and you will hear what passes between us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let it be so,&rdquo; interposed Fawkes. &ldquo;I will step within this closet, the
+door of which shall remain ajar. From it I can watch him without being
+observed, and if aught occurs to confirm our suspicions, he dies.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Bates shall station himself in the passage, and stab him if he attempts
+to fly,&rdquo; added Catesby. &ldquo;Your sword, sir.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is here,&rdquo; replied Tresham, delivering it to Catesby, who handed it
+to Bates. &ldquo;Are you satisfied?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is Lord Mounteagle alone?&rdquo; inquired Catesby, without noticing the
+question.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He appears to be so,&rdquo; replied Bates.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Admit him, then,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>Entering the closet with Keyes, he was followed by Fawkes, who drew his
+dagger, and kept the door slightly ajar, while Garnet and the rest
+retired to other hiding-places. A few moments afterwards, Bates returned
+with Lord Mounteagle, and, having ushered him into the room, took his
+station in the passage, as directed by Catesby. The room was very dark,
+the shutters being closed, and light only finding its way through the
+chinks in them; and it appeared totally so to Lord Mounteagle, who,
+groping his way, stumbled forward, and exclaimed in accents of some
+alarm,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where am I? Where is Mr. Tresham?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am here,&rdquo; replied Tresham, advancing towards him. &ldquo;How did your
+lordship find me out?&rdquo; he added, after the customary salutations were
+exchanged.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My servant saw you enter this house,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle, &ldquo;and, knowing
+I was anxious to see you, waited for some hours without, in the
+expectation of your coming forth. But as this did not occur, he
+mentioned the circumstance to me on his return, and I immediately came
+in quest of you. When I knocked at the gate, I scarcely knew what to
+think of the place, and began to fear you must have fallen into the
+hands of cut-throats; and, now that I have gained admittance, my
+wonder&mdash;and I may add my uneasiness&mdash;is not diminished. Why do you hide
+yourself in this wretched place?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be seated,&rdquo; replied Tresham, placing a chair for Lord Mounteagle, with
+his back to the closet, while he took one opposite him, and near a
+table, on which some papers were laid. &ldquo;Your lordship may remember,&rdquo; he
+continued, scarcely knowing what answer to make to the question, &ldquo;that I
+wrote to you some time ago, to say that a conspiracy was hatching among
+certain of our party against the State.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have reason to remember it,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle. &ldquo;The letter was laid
+before the Earl of Salisbury, and inquiries instituted in consequence.
+But, owing to your disappearance, nothing could be elicited. What plot
+had you discovered?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Tresham, who kept his eye fixed on the closet, perceived
+the door noiselessly open, and behind it the figure of Guy Fawkes, with
+the dagger in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I was misinformed as to the nature of the plot,&rdquo; he stammered.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Was it against the King's life?&rdquo; demanded Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; rejoined Tresham; &ldquo;as far as I could learn, it was an
+insurrection.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Mounteagle, sceptically. &ldquo;My information, then,
+differed from yours. Who were the parties you suspected?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;As I <i>wrongfully</i> suspected them,&rdquo; replied Tresham, evasively, &ldquo;your
+lordship must excuse my naming them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Was Catesby&mdash;or Winter&mdash;or Wright&mdash;or Rookwood&mdash;or Sir Everard Digby
+concerned in it?&rdquo; demanded Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not one of them,&rdquo; asseverated Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They are the persons <i>I</i> suspect,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle; &ldquo;and they are
+suspected by the Earl of Salisbury. But you have not told me what you
+are doing in this strange habitation. Are you ferreting out a plot, or
+contriving one?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Both,&rdquo; replied Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How?&rdquo; cried Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am plotting for myself, and counterplotting the designs of others,"
+replied Tresham, mysteriously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is this place, then, the rendezvous of a band of conspirators?&rdquo; asked
+Mounteagle, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>Tresham nodded in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Who are they?&rdquo; continued Mounteagle. &ldquo;There is no need of concealment
+with me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As this was said, Tresham raised his eyes, and saw that Guy Fawkes had
+stepped silently forward, and placed himself behind Mounteagle's chair.
+His hand grasped his dagger, and his gaze never moved from the object of
+his suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Who are they?&rdquo; repeated Mounteagle. &ldquo;Is Guy Fawkes one of them?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Assuredly not,&rdquo; replied Tresham. &ldquo;Why should you name him? I never
+mentioned him to your lordship.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I think you did,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle. &ldquo;But I am certain you spoke of
+Catesby.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And Tresham's regards involuntarily wandered to the closet, when he
+beheld the stern glance of the person alluded to fixed upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have heard of Viviana Radcliffe's imprisonment, I suppose?&rdquo; pursued
+Mounteagle, unconscious of what was passing.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 435px;">
+<img src="images/illo_194.jpg" width="435" height="600" alt="Guy Fawkes keeping watch upon Tresham and Lord
+Mounteagle." title="" />
+<span class="caption">Guy Fawkes keeping watch upon Tresham and Lord Mounteagle.</span>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 419px;">
+<img src="images/illo_195.jpg" width="419" height="600" alt="Viviana examined by the Earl of Salisbury, and the Privy
+Council in the Star Chamber" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Viviana examined by the Earl of Salisbury, and the Privy
+Council in the Star Chamber</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have,&rdquo; replied Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The Earl of Salisbury expected he would be able to wring all from her,
+but he has failed,&rdquo; observed Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am glad of it,&rdquo; observed Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I thought you were disposed to serve him?&rdquo; remarked Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So I am,&rdquo; replied Tresham. &ldquo;But, if secrets are to be revealed, I had
+rather be the bearer of them than any one else. I am sorry for Viviana.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I could procure her liberation, if I chose,&rdquo; observed Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Say you so?&rdquo; cried Fawkes, clapping him on the shoulder; &ldquo;then you stir
+not hence till you have procured it!&rdquo;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_VII" id="II_CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE STAR-CHAMBER.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Viviana, as has already been intimated, after her capture at the house
+at Lambeth, was conveyed to the Star-Chamber. Here she was detained
+until a late hour on the following day, when she underwent a long and
+rigorous examination by certain members of the Privy Council, who were
+summoned for that purpose by the Earl of Salisbury. Throughout this
+arduous trial she maintained the utmost composure, and never for a
+single moment lost her firmness. On all occasions, her matchless beauty
+and dignity produced the strongest impression on the beholders; but on
+no occasion had they ever produced so strong an effect as the present.
+Her features were totally destitute of bloom, but their very paleness,
+contrasted as it was with her large dark eyes, which blazed with
+unwonted brilliancy, as well as with her jet-black hair, so far from
+detracting from her loveliness, appeared to add to it.</p>
+
+<p>As she was brought before the Council, who were seated round a table,
+and remained standing at a short distance from them, guarded by
+Topcliffe and two halberdiers, a murmur of admiration pervaded the
+group,&mdash;nor was this feeling lessened as the examination proceeded.
+Once, when the Earl of Salisbury adverted to the unworthy position in
+which she, the daughter of the proud and loyal Sir William Radcliffe,
+had placed herself, a shade passed over her brow, and a slight
+convulsion agitated her frame. But the next moment she recovered
+herself, and said,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;However circumstances may appear against me, and whatever opinion your
+lordships may entertain of my conduct, the King has not a more loyal
+subject than myself, nor have any of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> you made greater efforts to avert
+the danger by which he is threatened.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then you admit that his Majesty is in danger?&rdquo; cried the Earl of
+Salisbury, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I admit nothing,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;But I affirm that I am his true and
+loyal subject.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You cannot expect us to believe your assertion,&rdquo; replied the Earl;
+&ldquo;unless you approve it by declaring all you know touching this
+conspiracy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have already told you, my lord,&rdquo; she returned, &ldquo;that my lips are
+sealed on that subject.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You disclaim, then, all knowledge of a plot against the King's life,
+and against his government?&rdquo; pursued Salisbury.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana shook her head.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You refuse to give up the names of your companions, or to reveal their
+intentions?&rdquo; continued the Earl.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do,&rdquo; she answered, firmly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your obstinacy will not save them,&rdquo; rejoined the Earl, in a severe
+tone, and after a brief pause. &ldquo;Their names and their atrocious designs
+are known to us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If such be the case,&rdquo; replied Viviana, &ldquo;why interrogate me on the
+subject?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Because&mdash;but it is needless to give a reason for the course which
+justice requires me to pursue,&rdquo; returned the Earl. &ldquo;You are implicated
+in this plot, and nothing can save you from condign punishment but a
+frank and full confession.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing <i>can</i> save me then, my lord,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;but Heaven
+knows I shall perish unjustly.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>A consultation was then held by the lords of the council, who whispered
+together for a few minutes. Viviana regarded them anxiously, but
+suffered no expression of uneasiness to escape her. As they again turned
+towards her, she saw from their looks, some of which exhibited great
+commiseration for her, that they had come to a decision (she could not
+doubt what) respecting her fate. Her heart stopped beating, and she
+could scarcely support herself. Such, however, was the control she
+exercised over herself that, though filled with terror, her demeanour
+remained unaltered. She was not long kept in suspense. Fixing his
+searching gaze upon her, the Earl of Salisbury observed in a severe
+tone,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana Radcliffe, I ask you for the last time whether you will avow
+the truth?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>No answer was returned.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not disguise from you,&rdquo; continued the Earl, &ldquo;that your youth,
+your beauty, your constancy, and, above all, your apparent innocence,
+have deeply interested me, as well as the other noble persons here
+assembled to interrogate you, and who would willingly save you from the
+sufferings you will necessarily<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> undergo, from a mistaken fidelity to
+the heinous traitors with whom you are so unhappily leagued. I would
+give you time to reflect did I think the delay would answer any good
+purpose. I would remind you that no oath of secresy, however solemn, can
+be binding in an unrighteous cause. I would tell you that your first
+duty is to your prince and governor, and that it is as great a crime, as
+unpardonable in the eyes of God as of man, to withhold the revelation of
+a conspiracy against the State, should it come to your knowledge, as to
+conspire against it yourself. I would lay all this before you. I would
+show you the magnitude of your offence, the danger in which you stand,
+and the utter impossibility of screening your companions, who, ere long,
+will be confronted with you,&mdash;did I think it would avail. But, as you
+continue obstinate, justice must take its course.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am prepared for the worst, my lord,&rdquo; replied Viviana, humbly. &ldquo;I
+thank your lordship for your consideration: but I take you all to
+witness that I profess the utmost loyalty and devotion for my sovereign,
+and that, whatever may be my fate, those feelings will remain unchanged
+to the last.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your manner and your words are so sincere, that, were not your conduct
+at variance with them, they might convince us,&rdquo; returned the Earl. &ldquo;As
+it is, even if we could credit your innocence, we are bound to act as if
+you were guilty. You will be committed to the Tower till his Majesty's
+pleasure is known. And I grieve to add, if you still continue obstinate,
+the severest measures will be resorted to, to extract the truth from
+you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he concluded, he attached his signature to a warrant which was lying
+on the table before him, and traced a few lines to Sir William Waad,
+lieutenant of the Tower.</p>
+
+<p>This done, he handed the papers to Topcliffe, and waving his hand,
+Viviana was removed to the chamber in which she had been previously
+confined, and where she was detained under a strict guard, until
+Topcliffe, who had left her, returned to say that all was in readiness,
+and bidding her follow him, led the way to the river-side, where a
+wherry, manned by six rowers, was waiting for them.</p>
+
+<p>The night was profoundly dark, and, as none of the guard carried
+torches, their course was steered in perfect obscurity. But the rowers
+were too familiar with the river to require the guidance of light.
+Shooting the bridge in safety, and pausing only for a moment to give the
+signal of their approach to the sentinels on the ramparts, they passed
+swiftly under the low-browed arch of Traitor's Gate.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_VIII" id="II_CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE JAILER'S DAUGHTER.</h2>
+
+
+<p>As Viviana set foot on those fatal stairs, which so many have trod, and
+none without feeling that they took their first step towards the
+scaffold, she involuntarily shrank backward. But it was now too late to
+retreat; and she surrendered her hand to Topcliffe, who assisted her up
+the steps. Half-a-dozen men-at-arms, with a like number of warders
+bearing torches, were present; and as it was necessary that Topcliffe
+should deliver his warrant into <ins class="correction" title="Sir William's Waad's">Sir William Waad's</ins> own hands, he
+committed his prisoner to the warders, with instructions to them to take
+her to the guard-room near the By-ward Tower, while he proceeded to the
+lieutenant's lodgings.</p>
+
+<p>It was the first time Viviana had beheld the terrible pile in which she
+was immured, though she was well acquainted with its history, and with
+the persecutions which many of the professors of her faith had endured
+within it during the recent reign of Elizabeth; and as the light of the
+torches flashed upon the grey walls of the Bloody Tower, and upon the
+adjoining ramparts, all the dreadful tales she had heard rushed to her
+recollection. But having recovered the first shock, the succeeding
+impressions were powerless in comparison, and she accompanied the
+warders to the guard-room without expressing any outward emotion. Here a
+seat was offered her, and as the men considerately withdrew, she was
+able to pursue her reflections unmolested. They were sad enough, and it
+required all her firmness to support her.</p>
+
+<p>When considering what was likely to befal her in consequence of her
+adherence to the fortunes of Fawkes and his companions, she had often
+pictured some dreadful situation like the present, but the reality far
+exceeded her worst anticipations. She had deemed herself equal to any
+emergency, but as she thought upon the dark menaces of the Earl of
+Salisbury, she felt it would require greater fortitude than she had
+hitherto displayed to bear her through her trial. Nor were her
+meditations entirely confined to herself. While trembling for the
+perilous situation of Guy Fawkes, she reproached herself that she could
+not requite even in thought the passionate devotion of Humphrey Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What matters it now,&rdquo; she thought, &ldquo;that I cannot love him? I shall
+soon be nothing to him, or to any one. And yet I feel I have done him
+wrong, and that I should be happier if I <i>could</i> requite his attachment.
+But the die is cast. It is too late to repent, or to retreat. My heart
+acquits me of having been influenced by any unworthy motive, and I will
+strive to endure the keenest pang without a murmur.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after this, Topcliffe returned with Sir William Waad.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> On their
+entrance, Viviana arose, and the lieutenant eyed her with some
+curiosity. He was a middle-aged man, tall, stoutly-built, and having
+harsh features, stamped with an expression of mingled cunning and
+ferocity. His eyes had a fierce and bloodthirsty look, and were
+overshadowed by thick and scowling brows. Saluting the captive with
+affected courtesy, he observed,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So you refuse to answer the interrogations of the Privy Council, madam,
+I understand. I am not sorry for it, because I would have the merit of
+wringing the truth from you. Those who have been most stubborn outside
+these walls, have been the most yielding within them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That will not be my case,&rdquo; replied Viviana, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We shall see,&rdquo; returned the lieutenant, with a significant glance at
+Topcliffe.</p>
+
+<p>Ordering her to follow him, he then proceeded along the ward in the
+direction of the Bloody Tower, and passing beneath its arched gateway,
+ascended the steps on the left, and led her to his lodgings. Entering
+the habitation, he mounted to the upper story, and tracking a long
+gallery, brought her to a small circular chamber in the Bell Tower. Its
+sole furniture were a chair, a table, and a couch.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Here you will remain for the present,&rdquo; observed the lieutenant, smiling
+grimly, and placing a lamp on the table. &ldquo;It will depend upon yourself
+whether your accommodations are better hereafter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he quitted the cell with his attendants, and barred the door
+outside.</p>
+
+<p>Left alone, Viviana, who had hitherto restrained her anguish, suffered
+it to find vent in tears. Never had she felt so utterly forlorn and
+desolate. All before her was threatening and terrible, full of dangers,
+real and imaginary; nor could she look back upon her past career without
+something like remorse.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, that Heaven would take me to itself!&rdquo; she murmured, clasping her
+hands in an agony of distress, &ldquo;for I feel unequal to my trials. Oh,
+that I had perished with my dear father! For what dreadful fate am I
+reserved?&mdash;Torture,&mdash;I will bear it, if I <i>can</i>. But death by the hands
+of the public executioner,&mdash;it is too horrible to think of! Is there no
+way to escape <i>that</i>?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As this hideous thought occurred to her, she uttered a loud and
+prolonged scream, and fell senseless on the floor. When she recovered it
+was daylight; and, weak and exhausted, she crept to the couch, and
+throwing herself upon it, endeavoured to forget her misery in sleep.
+But, as is usually the case with the afflicted, it fled her eyelids, and
+she passed several hours in the severest mental torture, unrelieved by a
+single cheering thought.</p>
+
+<p>About the middle of the day, the door of the cell was opened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> by an old
+woman with a morose and forbidding countenance, attended by a younger
+female, who resembled her in all but the expression of her features (her
+look was gentle and compassionate), and who appeared to be her daughter.</p>
+
+<p>Without paying any attention to Viviana, the old woman took a small loaf
+of bread and other provisions from a basket she had brought with her,
+and placed them on the table. This done, she was about to depart, when
+her daughter, who had glanced uneasily at the couch, observed in a
+kindly tone,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Shall we not inquire whether we can be of service to the poor young
+lady, mother?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why should we concern ourselves about her, Ruth?&rdquo; returned the old
+woman, sharply. &ldquo;If she wants anything, she has a tongue, and can speak.
+If she desires further comforts,&rdquo; she added, in a significant tone,
+&ldquo;they must be <i>paid</i> for.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I desire nothing but death,&rdquo; groaned Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The poor soul is dying, I believe,&rdquo; cried Ruth, rushing to the couch.
+&ldquo;Have you no cordial-water about you, mother?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Truly have I,&rdquo; returned the old woman; &ldquo;and I have other things
+besides. But I must be paid for them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke she drew from her pocket a small, square, Dutch-shaped
+bottle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Give it me,&rdquo; cried Ruth, snatching it from her. &ldquo;I am sure the young
+lady will pay for it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are very kind,&rdquo; said Viviana, faintly. &ldquo;But I have no means of
+doing so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I knew it,&rdquo; cried the old woman, fiercely. &ldquo;I knew it. Give me back the
+flask, Ruth. She shall not taste a drop. Do you not hear, she has no
+money, wench? Give it me, I say.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nay, mother, for pity's sake,&rdquo; implored Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Pity, forsooth!&rdquo; exclaimed the old woman, derisively. &ldquo;If I, and thy
+father, Jasper Ipgreve, had any such feeling, it would be high time for
+him to give up his post of jailer in the Tower of London. Pity for a
+<i>poor</i> prisoner! Thou a jailer's daughter, and talk so. I am ashamed of
+thee, wench. But I thought this was a rich Catholic heiress, and had
+powerful and wealthy friends.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So she is,&rdquo; replied Ruth; &ldquo;and though she may have no money with her
+now, she can command any amount she pleases. I heard Master Topcliffe
+tell young Nicholas Hardesty, the warder, so. She is the daughter of the
+late Sir William Radcliffe, of Ordsall Hall, in Lancashire, and sole
+heiress of his vast estates.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is this so, sweet lady?&rdquo; inquired the old woman, stepping towards the
+couch. &ldquo;Are you truly Sir William Radcliffe's daughter?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;But I have said I require nothing from you.
+Leave me.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No&mdash;no, dear young lady,&rdquo; rejoined Dame Ipgreve, in a whining tone,
+which was infinitely more disagreeable to Viviana than her previous
+harshness, &ldquo;I cannot leave you in this state. Raise her head, Ruth,
+while I pour a few drops of the cordial down her throat.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not taste it,&rdquo; replied Viviana, putting the flask aside.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You would find it a sovereign restorative,&rdquo; replied Dame Ipgreve, with
+a mortified look; &ldquo;but as you please. I will not urge you against your
+inclination. The provisions I have been obliged to bring you are too
+coarse for a daintily-nurtured maiden like you,&mdash;but you shall have
+others presently.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is needless,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana. &ldquo;Pray leave me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, well, I am going,&rdquo; rejoined Dame Ipgreve, hesitating. &ldquo;Do you
+want to write to any one? I can find means of conveying a letter
+secretly out of the Tower.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ah!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana, raising herself. &ldquo;And yet no&mdash;no&mdash;I dare not
+trust you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You may,&rdquo; replied the avaricious old woman,&mdash;"provided you pay me
+well.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will think of it,&rdquo; returned Viviana. &ldquo;But I have not strength to
+write now.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must not give way thus,&mdash;indeed, you must not, dear lady,&rdquo; said
+Ruth, in a voice of great kindness. &ldquo;It will not be safe to leave you.
+Suffer me to remain with you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Willingly,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;most willingly.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Stay with her, then, child,&rdquo; said Dame Ipgreve. &ldquo;I will go and prepare
+a nourishing broth for her. Take heed and make a shrewd bargain with her
+for thy attendance,&rdquo; she added in a hasty whisper, as she retired.</p>
+
+<p>Greatly relieved by the old woman's departure, Viviana turned to Ruth,
+and thanked her in the warmest terms for her kindness. A few minutes
+sufficed to convert the sympathy which these two young persons evidently
+felt towards each other into affectionate regard, and the jailer's
+daughter assured Viviana, that so long as she should be detained, she
+would devote herself to her.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the old woman had returned with a mess of hot broth, which
+she carried with an air of great mystery beneath her cloak. Viviana was
+prevailed upon by the solicitations of Ruth to taste it, and found
+herself much revived in consequence. Her slight meal ended, Dame Ipgreve
+departed, with a promise to return in the evening with such viands as
+she could manage to introduce unobserved, and with a flask of wine.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will need it, sweet lady, I fear,&rdquo; she said; &ldquo;for my husband tells
+me you are in peril of the torture. Oh! it is a sad thing, that such as
+you should be so cruelly dealt with! But we will take all the care of
+you we can. You will not forget to requite us. You must give me an order
+on your steward, or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> on some rich Catholic friend. I am half a Papist
+myself,&mdash;that is, I like one religion as well as the other,&mdash;and I like
+those best, whatever their creed may be, who pay best. That is my maxim:
+and it is the same with my husband. We do all we can to scrape together
+a penny for our child.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No more of this, good mother,&rdquo; interrupted Ruth. &ldquo;It distresses the
+lady! I will take care she wants nothing.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Right, child, right,&rdquo; returned Dame Ipgreve;&mdash;"do not forget what I
+told you,&rdquo; she added in a whisper.</p>
+
+<p>And she quitted the cell.</p>
+
+<p>Ruth remained with Viviana during the rest of the day, and it was a
+great consolation to the latter to find that her companion was of the
+same faith as herself,&mdash;having been converted by Father Poole, a Romish
+priest who was confined in the Tower during the latter part of
+Elizabeth's reign, and whose sufferings and constancy for his religion
+had made a powerful impression on the jailer's daughter. As soon as
+Viviana ascertained this, she made Ruth, so far as she thought prudent,
+a confidante in her misfortunes, and after beguiling some hours in
+conversation, they both knelt down and offered up fervent prayers to the
+Virgin. Ruth then departed, promising to return in the evening with her
+mother.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after it became dark, Dame Ipgreve and her daughter reappeared, the
+former carrying a lamp, and the latter a basket of provisions. Ruth's
+countenance was so troubled, that Viviana was certain that some fresh
+calamity was at hand.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What is the matter?&rdquo; she hastily demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Make your meal first, dear young lady,&rdquo; replied Dame Ipgreve. &ldquo;Our news
+might take away your appetite, and you will have to pay for your supper,
+whether you eat it or not.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You alarm me greatly,&rdquo; cried Viviana, anxiously. &ldquo;What ill news do you
+bring?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not keep you longer in suspense, madam,&rdquo; said Ruth. &ldquo;You are to
+be examined to-night by the lieutenant and certain members of the Privy
+Council, and if you refuse to answer their questions, I lament to say
+you will be put to the torture.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven give me strength to endure it!&rdquo; ejaculated Viviana, in a
+despairing tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Eat, madam, eat,&rdquo; cried Dame Ipgreve, pressing the viands upon her.
+&ldquo;You will never be able to go through with the examination, if you
+starve yourself in this way.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Are you sure,&rdquo; inquired Viviana, appealing to Ruth, &ldquo;that it will take
+place so soon?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Quite sure,&rdquo; replied Ruth. &ldquo;My father has orders to attend the
+lieutenant at midnight.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let me advise you to conceal nothing,&rdquo; insinuated the old woman. &ldquo;They
+are determined to wring the truth from you,&mdash;and they <i>will</i> do so.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are mistaken, good woman,&rdquo; replied Viviana, firmly. &ldquo;I will die
+before I utter a word.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You think so now,&rdquo; returned Dame Ipgreve, maliciously. &ldquo;But the sight
+of the rack and the thumbscrews will alter your tone. At all events,
+support nature.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;as I do not desire to live, I will use no effort
+to sustain myself. They may kill me if they please.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Misfortune has turned her brain,&rdquo; muttered the old woman. &ldquo;I must take
+care and secure my dues. Well, madam, if you will not eat the supper I
+have provided, it cannot be helped. I must find some one who will. You
+must pay for it all the same. My husband, Jasper Ipgreve, will be
+present at your interrogation, and I am sure, for my sake, he will use
+you as lightly as he can. Come, Ruth, you must not remain here longer.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, let her stay with me,&rdquo; implored Viviana. &ldquo;I will make it well worth
+your while to grant me the indulgence.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What will you give?&rdquo; cried the old woman, eagerly. &ldquo;But no&mdash;no&mdash;I dare
+not leave her. The lieutenant may visit you, and find her, and then I
+should lose my place. Come along, Ruth. She shall attend you after the
+interrogation, madam. I shall be there myself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Farewell, madam,&rdquo; sobbed Ruth, who was almost drowned in tears. &ldquo;Heaven
+grant you constancy to endure your trial!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be ruled by me,&rdquo; said the old woman. &ldquo;Speak out, and secure your own
+safety.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>She would have continued in the same strain, but Ruth dragged her away.
+And casting a commiserating glance at Viviana, she closed the door.</p>
+
+<p>The dreadful interval between their departure and midnight was passed by
+Viviana in fervent prayer. As she heard through the barred embrasure of
+her dungeon the deep strokes of the clock toll out the hour of twelve,
+the door opened, and a tall, gaunt personage, habited in a suit of rusty
+black, and with a large bunch of keys at his girdle, entered the cell.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are Jasper Ipgreve?&rdquo; said Viviana, rising.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Right,&rdquo; replied the jailer. &ldquo;I am come to take you before the
+lieutenant and the council. Are you ready?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana replied in the affirmative, and Ipgreve quitting the cell,
+outside which two other officials in sable habiliments were stationed,
+led the way down a short spiral staircase, which brought them to a
+narrow vaulted passage. Pursuing it for some time, the jailer halted
+before a strong door, cased with iron, and opening it, admitted the
+captive into a square chamber, the roof of which was supported by a
+heavy stone pillar, while its walls were garnished with implements of
+torture. At a table on the left sat the lieutenant and three other
+grave-looking personages. Across the lower end of the chamber a thick
+black curtain was stretched, hiding a deep recess; and behind it, as was
+evident<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> from the glimmer that escaped from its folds, there was a
+light. Certain indistinct, but ominous sounds, issuing from the recess,
+proved that there were persons within it, and Viviana's quaking heart
+told her what was the nature of their proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>She had ample time to survey this dismal apartment and its occupants,
+for several minutes elapsed before a word was addressed to her by her
+interrogators, who continued to confer together in an under tone, as if
+unconscious of her presence. During this pause, broken only by the
+ominous sounds before mentioned, Viviana scanned the countenances of the
+group at the table, in the hope of discerning in them some glimpses of
+compassion; but they were inscrutable and inexorable, and scarcely less
+dreadful to look upon than the hideous implements on the walls.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana wished the earth would open and swallow her, that she might
+escape from them. Anything was better than to be left at the mercy of
+such men. At certain times, and not unfrequently at the most awful
+moments, a double current of thought will flow through the brain, and at
+this frightful juncture it was so with Viviana. While shuddering at all
+she saw around her, nay, dwelling upon it, another and distinct train of
+thought led her back to former scenes of happiness, when she was
+undisturbed by any but remote apprehensions of danger. She thought of
+her tranquil residence at Ordsall,&mdash;of the flowers she had tended in the
+garden,&mdash;of her father, and of his affection for her,&mdash;of Humphrey
+Chetham, and of her early and scarce-acknowledged attachment to
+him,&mdash;and of his generosity and devotion, and how she had requited it.
+And then, like a sullen cloud darkening the fair prospect, arose the
+figure of Guy Fawkes&mdash;the sombre enthusiast&mdash;who had unwittingly
+exercised such a baneful influence upon her fortunes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Had he not crossed my path,&rdquo; she mentally ejaculated, &ldquo;I might have
+been happy&mdash;might have loved Humphrey Chetham&mdash;might, perhaps, have
+wedded him!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>These reflections were suddenly dispersed by the lieutenant, who, in a
+stern tone, commenced his interrogations.</p>
+
+<p>As upon her previous examination, Viviana observed the utmost caution,
+and either refused to speak, or answered such questions only as affected
+herself. At first, in spite of all her efforts, she trembled violently,
+and her tongue clove to the roof of her mouth. But after a while, she
+recovered her courage, and regarded the lieutenant with a look as
+determined as his own.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is useless to urge me farther,&rdquo; she concluded. &ldquo;I have said all I
+will say.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is it your pleasure, my lords,&rdquo; observed Sir William Waad to the
+others, &ldquo;to prolong the examination?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>His companions replied in the negative, and the one nearest him
+remarked, &ldquo;Is she aware what will follow?&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am,&rdquo; replied Viviana, resolutely, &ldquo;and I am not to be intimidated.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Sir William Waad then made a sign to Ipgreve, who immediately stepped
+forward and seized her arm. &ldquo;You will be taken to that recess,&rdquo; said the
+lieutenant, &ldquo;where the question will be put to you. But, as we shall
+remain here, you have only to utter a cry if you are willing to avow the
+truth, and the torture shall be stayed. And it is our merciful hope that
+this may be the case.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Summoning up all her resolution, and walking with a firm footstep,
+Viviana passed with Ipgreve behind the curtain. She there beheld two men
+and a woman&mdash;the latter was the jailer's wife, who instantly advanced to
+her, and besought her to confess.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is no help for it, if you refuse,&rdquo; she urged; &ldquo;not all your
+wealth can save you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mind your own business, dame,&rdquo; interposed Ipgreve, angrily, &ldquo;and assist
+her to unrobe.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Saying this, he stepped aside with the two men, one of whom was the
+chirurgeon, and the other the tormentor, while Dame Ipgreve helped to
+take off Viviana's gown. She then tied a scarf over her shoulders, and
+informed her husband she was ready.</p>
+
+<p>The recess was about twelve feet high, and ten wide. It was crossed near
+the roof, which was arched and vaulted, by a heavy beam, with pulleys
+and ropes at either extremity. But what chiefly attracted the
+unfortunate captive's attention was a couple of iron gauntlets attached
+to it, about a yard apart. Upon the ground under the beam, and
+immediately beneath that part of it where the gauntlets were fixed, were
+laid three pieces of wood, of a few inches in thickness, and piled one
+upon another.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What must I do?&rdquo; inquired Viviana, in a hollow voice, but with
+unaltered resolution, of the old woman.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Step upon those pieces of wood,&rdquo; replied Dame Ipgreve, leading her
+towards them.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana obeyed, and as soon as she had set foot upon the pile, the
+tormentor placed a joint-stool beside her, and mounting it, desired her
+to place her right hand in one of the gauntlets. She did so, and the
+tormentor then turned a screw, which compressed the iron glove so
+tightly as to give her excruciating pain. He then got down, and Ipgreve
+demanded if he should proceed.</p>
+
+<p>A short pause ensued; but, notwithstanding her agony, Viviana made no
+answer. The tormentor then placed the stool on the left side, and
+fastened the hand which was still at liberty within the other gauntlet.
+The torture was dreadful&mdash;and the fingers appeared crushed by the
+pressure. Still Viviana uttered no cry. After another short pause,
+Ipgreve said,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You had better let us stop here. This is mere child's play compared
+with what is to come.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>No answer being returned, the tormentor took a mallet and struck one of
+the pieces of wood from under Viviana's feet. The shock was dreadful,
+and seemed to dislocate her wrists, while the pressure on the hands was
+increased in a tenfold degree. The poor sufferer, who was resting on the
+points of her feet, felt that the removal of the next piece of wood
+would occasion almost intolerable torture. Her constancy, however, did
+not desert her, and, after the question had been repeated by Ipgreve,
+the second block was struck away. She was now suspended by her hands,
+and the pain was so exquisite, that nature gave way, and uttering a
+piercing scream, she fainted.</p>
+
+<p>On recovering, she found herself stretched upon a miserable pallet, with
+Ruth watching beside her. A glance round the chamber, which was of solid
+stone masonry, with a deep embrasure on one side, convinced her that she
+had been removed to some other prison.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where am I?&rdquo; she asked, in a faint voice.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In the Well Tower, madam,&rdquo; replied Ruth: &ldquo;one of the fortifications
+near the moat, and now used as a prison-lodging. My father dwells within
+it, and you are under his custody.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your father,&rdquo; cried Viviana, shuddering as she recalled the sufferings
+she had recently undergone. &ldquo;Will he torture me again?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not if I can prevent it, dear lady,&rdquo; replied Ruth. &ldquo;But hush! here
+comes my mother. Not a word before her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As Ruth spoke, Dame Ipgreve, who had been lingering at the door, entered
+the room. She affected the greatest solicitude for Viviana&mdash;felt her
+pulse&mdash;looked at the bandages fastened round her swollen and crippled
+fingers, and concluded by counselling her not to persist in refusing to
+speak.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I dare not tell you what tortures are in store for you,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;if
+you continue thus obstinate. But they will be a thousand times worse
+than what you endured last night.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;When will my next interrogation take place?&rdquo; inquired Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A week hence, it may be,&mdash;or it may be sooner,&rdquo; returned the old woman.
+&ldquo;It depends upon the state you are in&mdash;and somewhat upon the fees you
+give my husband, for he has a voice with the lieutenant.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would give him all I possess, if he could save me from further
+torture,&rdquo; cried Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! alas!&rdquo; replied Dame Ipgreve, &ldquo;you ask more than can be done. He
+would save you if he could. But you will not let him. However, we will
+do all we can to mitigate your sufferings&mdash;all we can&mdash;provided you pay
+us. Stay with her,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> child,&rdquo; she added, with a significant gesture to her
+daughter, as she quitted the room, &ldquo;stay with her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My heart bleeds for you, madam,&rdquo; said Ruth, in accents of the deepest
+commiseration, as soon as they were alone. &ldquo;You may depend upon my
+fidelity. If I can contrive your escape, I will,&mdash;at any risk to
+myself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;On no account,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;Do not concern yourself about me
+more. My earthly sufferings, I feel, will have terminated before further
+cruelty can be practised upon me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh! say not so, madam,&rdquo; returned Ruth. &ldquo;I hope&mdash;nay, I am sure you will
+live long and happily.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana shook her head, and Ruth, finding her very feeble, thought it
+better not to continue the conversation. She accordingly applied such
+restoratives as were at hand, and observing that the eyes of the
+sufferer closed as if in slumber, glided noiselessly out of the chamber,
+and left her.</p>
+
+<p>In this way a week passed. At the expiration of that time, the
+chirurgeon pronounced her in so precarious a state, that if the torture
+were repeated he would not answer for her life. The interrogation,
+therefore, was postponed for a few days, during which the chirurgeon
+constantly visited her, and by his care, and the restoratives she was
+compelled to take, she rapidly regained her strength.</p>
+
+<p>One day, after the chirurgeon had departed, Ruth cautiously closed the
+door, and observed to her,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are now so far recovered, madam, as to be able to make an attempt
+to escape. I have devised a plan, which I will communicate to you
+to-morrow. It must not be delayed, or you will have to encounter a
+second and more dreadful examination.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not attempt it if you are exposed to risk,&rdquo; replied Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heed me not,&rdquo; returned Ruth. &ldquo;One of your friends has found out your
+place of confinement, and has spoken to me about you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What friend?&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana, starting. &ldquo;Guy Fawkes?&mdash;I mean&mdash;&mdash;"
+And she hesitated, while her pale cheeks were suffused with blushes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is named Humphrey Chetham,&rdquo; returned Ruth. &ldquo;Like myself, he would
+risk his life to preserve you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Tell him he must not do so,&rdquo; cried Viviana, eagerly. &ldquo;He has done
+enough&mdash;too much for me already. I will not expose him to further
+hazard. Tell him so, and entreat him to abandon the attempt.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But I shall not see him, dear lady,&rdquo; replied Ruth. &ldquo;Besides, if I read
+him rightly, he is not likely to be turned aside by any selfish
+consideration.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are right, he is not,&rdquo; groaned Viviana. &ldquo;But this only adds to my
+affliction. Oh! if you <i>should</i> see him, dear Ruth, try to dissuade him
+from his purpose.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will obey you, madam,&rdquo; replied the jailer's daughter. &ldquo;But I am well
+assured it will be of no avail.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>After some further conversation, Ruth retired, and Viviana was left
+alone for the night. Except the slumber procured by soporific potions,
+she had known no repose since she had been confined within the Tower;
+and this night she felt more than usually restless. After ineffectually
+endeavouring to compose herself, she arose, and hastily robing
+herself&mdash;a task she performed with no little difficulty, her fingers
+being almost useless&mdash;continued to pace her narrow chamber.</p>
+
+<p>It has been mentioned that on one side of the cell there was a deep
+embrasure. It was terminated by a narrow and strongly-grated loophole,
+looking upon the moat. Pausing before it, Viviana gazed forth. The night
+was pitchy dark, and not even a solitary star could be discerned; but as
+she had no light in her chamber, the gloom outside was less profound
+than that within.</p>
+
+<p>While standing thus, buried in thought, and longing for daybreak,
+Viviana fancied she heard a slight sound as of some one swimming across
+the moat. Thinking she might be deceived, she listened more intently,
+and as the sound continued, she felt sure she was right in her
+conjecture. All at once the thought of Humphrey Chetham flashed upon
+her, and she had no doubt it must be him. Nor was she wrong. The next
+moment, a noise was heard as of some one clambering up the wall; a hand
+grasped the bars of the loophole, which was only two or three feet above
+the level of the water; and a low voice, which she instantly recognised,
+pronounced her name.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is it Humphrey Chetham?&rdquo; she asked, advancing as near as she could to
+the loophole.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is,&rdquo; was the reply. &ldquo;Do not despair. I will accomplish your
+liberation. I have passed three days within the Tower, and only
+ascertained your place of confinement a few hours ago. I have contrived
+a plan for your escape, with the jailer's daughter, which she will make
+known to you to-morrow.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot thank you sufficiently for your devotion,&rdquo; replied Viviana, in
+accents of the deepest gratitude. &ldquo;But I implore you to leave me to my
+fate. I am wretched enough now, Heaven knows, but if aught should happen
+to you, I shall be infinitely more so. If I possess any power over
+you,&mdash;and that I do so, I well know,&mdash;I entreat, nay, I command, you to
+desist from this attempt.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have never yet disobeyed you, Viviana,&rdquo; replied the young merchant,
+passionately&mdash;"nor will I do so now. But if you bid me abandon you, I
+will plunge into this moat, never to rise again.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>His manner, notwithstanding the low tone in which he spoke, was so
+determined, that Viviana felt certain he would carry his threat into
+execution; she therefore rejoined in a mournful tone,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, be it as you will. It is in vain to resist our fate, I am
+destined to bring misfortune to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not so,&rdquo; replied Chetham. &ldquo;If I <i>can</i> save you, I would rather die than
+live. The jailer's daughter will explain her plan to you to-morrow.
+Promise me to accede to it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana reluctantly assented.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shall quit the Tower at daybreak,&rdquo; pursued Chetham; &ldquo;and when you are
+once out of it, hasten to the stairs beyond the wharf at Petty Wales. I
+will be there with a boat. Farewell!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, he let himself drop into the water, but his foot slipping,
+the plunge was louder than he intended, and attracted the attention of a
+sentinel on the ramparts, who immediately called out to know what was
+the matter, and not receiving any answer, discharged his caliver in the
+direction of the sound.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana, who heard the challenge and the shot, uttered a loud scream,
+and the next moment Ipgreve and his wife appeared. The jailer glanced
+suspiciously round the room; but after satisfying himself that all was
+right, and putting some questions to the captive, which she refused to
+answer, he departed with his wife, and carefully barred the door.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible to imagine greater misery than Viviana endured the
+whole of the night. The uncertainty in which she was kept as to
+Chetham's fate was almost insupportable, and the bodily pain she had
+recently endured appeared light when compared with her present mental
+torture. Day at length dawned; but it brought with it no Ruth. Instead
+of this faithful friend, Dame Ipgreve entered the chamber with the
+morning meal, and her looks were so morose and distrustful, that Viviana
+feared she must have discovered her daughter's design. She did not,
+however, venture to make a remark, but suffered the old woman to depart
+in silence.</p>
+
+<p>Giving up all for lost, and concluding that Humphrey Chetham had either
+perished, or was, like herself, a prisoner, Viviana bitterly bewailed
+his fate, and reproached herself with being unintentionally the cause of
+it. Later in the day, Ruth entered the cell. To Viviana's eager
+inquiries she replied, that Humphrey Chetham had escaped. Owing to the
+darkness, the sentinel had missed his aim, and although the most
+rigorous search was instituted throughout the fortress, he had contrived
+to elude observation.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Our attempt,&rdquo; pursued Ruth, &ldquo;must be made this evening. The lieutenant
+has informed my father that you are to be interrogated at midnight, the
+chirurgeon having declared that you are sufficiently recovered to
+undergo the torture (if needful) a second<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> time. Now listen to me. The
+occurrence of last night has made my mother suspicious, and she watches
+my proceedings with a jealous eye. She is at this moment with a female
+prisoner in the Beauchamp Tower, or I should not be able to visit you.
+She has consented, however, to let me bring in your supper. You must
+then change dresses with me. Being about my height, you may easily pass
+for me, and I will take care there is no light below, so that your
+features will not be distinguished.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana would have checked her, but the other would not be interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;As soon as you are ready,&rdquo; she continued, &ldquo;you must lock the door upon
+me. You must then descend the short flight of steps before you, and pass
+as quickly as you can through the room where you will see my father and
+mother. As soon as you are out of the door, turn to the left, and go
+straight forward to the By-ward Tower. Show this pass to the warders. It
+is made out in my name, and they will suffer you to go forth. Do the
+same with the warders at the next gate,&mdash;the Middle Tower,&mdash;and again at
+the Bulwark Gate. That passed, you are free.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And what will become of you?&rdquo; asked Viviana, with a bewildered look.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Never mind me,&rdquo; rejoined Ruth: &ldquo;I shall be sufficiently rewarded if I
+save you. And now, farewell. Be ready at the time appointed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot consent,&rdquo; returned Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have no choice,&rdquo; replied Ruth, breaking from her, and hurrying out
+of the room.</p>
+
+<p>Time, as it ever does, when expectation is on the rack, appeared to pass
+with unusual slowness. But as the hour at length drew near, Viviana
+wished it farther off. It was with the utmost trepidation that she heard
+the key turn in the lock, and beheld Ruth enter the cell with the
+evening meal.</p>
+
+<p>Closing the door, and setting down the provisions, the jailer's daughter
+hastily divested herself of her dress, which was of brown serge, as well
+as of her coif and kerchief, while Viviana imitated her example. Without
+pausing to attire herself in the other's garments, Ruth then assisted
+Viviana to put on the dress she had just laid aside, and arranged her
+hair and the head-gear so skilfully, that the disguise was complete.</p>
+
+<p>Hastily whispering some further instructions to her, and explaining
+certain peculiarities in her gait and deportment, she then pressed her
+to her bosom, and led her to the door. Viviana would have remonstrated,
+but Ruth pushed her through it, and closed it.</p>
+
+<p>There was now no help, so Viviana, though with great pain to herself,
+contrived to turn the key in the lock. Descending the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> steps, she found
+herself in a small circular chamber, in which Ipgreve and his wife were
+seated at a table, discussing their evening meal. The sole light was
+afforded by a few dying embers on the hearth.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What! has she done, already?&rdquo; demanded the old woman, as Viviana
+appeared. &ldquo;Why hast thou not brought the jelly with thee, if she has not
+eaten it all, and those cates, which Master Pilchard, the chirurgeon,
+ordered her? Go and fetch them directly. They will finish our repast
+daintily; and there are other matters too, which I dare say she has not
+touched. She will pay for them, and that will make them the sweeter. Go
+back, I say. What dost thou stand there for, as if thou wert
+thunderstruck? Dost hear me, or not?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let the wench alone, dame,&rdquo; growled Ipgreve. &ldquo;You frighten her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So I mean to do,&rdquo; replied the old woman; &ldquo;she deserves to be
+frightened. Hark thee, girl, we must get an order from her on some
+wealthy Catholic family without delay&mdash;for I don't think she will stand
+the trial to-night.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nor I,&rdquo; added Ipgreve, &ldquo;especially as she is to be placed on the rack.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She has a chain of gold round her throat, I have observed,&rdquo; said the
+old woman; &ldquo;we must get that.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have it,&rdquo; said Viviana, in a low tone, and imitating as well as she
+could the accents of Ruth. &ldquo;Here it is.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Did she give it thee?&rdquo; cried the old woman, getting up, and grasping
+Viviana's lacerated fingers with such force, that she had difficulty in
+repressing a scream. &ldquo;Did she give it thee, I say?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She gave it me for you,&rdquo; gasped Viviana. &ldquo;Take it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>While the old woman held the chain to the fire, and called to her
+husband to light a lamp, that she might feast her greedy eyes upon it,
+Viviana flew to the door.</p>
+
+<p>Just as she reached it, the shrill voice of Dame Ipgreve arrested her.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Come back!&rdquo; cried the dame. &ldquo;Whither art thou going at this time of
+night? I will not have thee stir forth. Come back, I say.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Pshaw! let her go,&rdquo; interposed Ipgreve. &ldquo;I dare say she hath an
+appointment on the Green with young Nicholas Hardesty, the warder. Go,
+wench. Be careful of thyself, and return within the hour.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If she does not, she will rue it,&rdquo; added the dame. &ldquo;Go, then, and I
+will see the prisoner.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana required no further permission. Starting off as she had been
+directed on the left, she ran as fast as her feet could carry her; and,
+passing between two arched gateways, soon reached the By-ward Tower.
+Showing the pass to the warder, he chucked her under the chin, and,
+drawing an immense bolt,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> opened the wicket, and gallantly helped her to
+pass through it. The like good success attended her at the Middle Tower,
+and at the Bulwark Gate. Scarcely able to credit her senses, and
+doubting whether she was indeed free, she hurried on till she came to
+the opening leading to the stairs at Petty Wales. As she hesitated,
+uncertain what to do, a man advanced towards and addressed her by name.
+It was Humphrey Chetham. Overcome by emotion, Viviana sank into his
+arms, and in another moment she was placed in a wherry, which was
+ordered to be rowed towards Westminster.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_IX" id="II_CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE COUNTERPLOT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Startled, but not dismayed&mdash;for he was a man of great courage&mdash;by the
+sudden address and appearance of Guy Fawkes, Lord Mounteagle instantly
+sprang to his feet, and drawing his sword, put himself into a posture of
+defence.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have betrayed me,&rdquo; he cried, seizing Tresham with his left hand;
+&ldquo;but if I fall, you shall fall with me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have betrayed yourself, my lord,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes; &ldquo;or rather,
+Heaven has placed you in our hands as an instrument for the liberation
+of Viviana Radcliffe. You must take an oath of secrecy&mdash;a binding
+oath,&mdash;such as, being a good Catholic, you cannot break,&mdash;not to divulge
+what has come to your knowledge. Nay, you must join me and my
+confederates, or you quit not this spot with life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I refuse your terms,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle, resolutely; &ldquo;I will never
+conspire against the monarch to whom I have sworn allegiance. I will not
+join you. I will not aid you in procuring Viviana Radcliffe's release.
+Nor will I take the oath you propose. On the contrary, I arrest you as a
+traitor, and I command you, Tresham, in the King's name, to assist me in
+his capture.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But suddenly extricating himself from the grasp imposed upon him, and
+placing Guy Fawkes between him and the Earl, Tresham rejoined,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is time to throw off the mask, my good lord and brother. I can
+render you no assistance. I am sworn to this league, and must support
+it. Unless you assent to the conditions proposed,&mdash;and which for your
+own sake I would counsel you to do,&mdash;I must, despite our near
+relationship, take part against you,&mdash;even,&rdquo; he added, significantly,
+&ldquo;if your destruction should be resolved upon.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will sell my life dearly, as you shall find,&rdquo; replied Mount<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>eagle.
+&ldquo;And, but for the sake of my dear lady, your sister, I would stab you
+where you stand.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your lordship will find resistance in vain,&rdquo; replied Guy Fawkes,
+keeping his eye steadily fixed upon him. &ldquo;We seek not your life, but
+your co-operation. You are a prisoner.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A prisoner!&rdquo; echoed Mounteagle, derisively. &ldquo;You have not secured me
+yet.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And as he spoke, he rushed towards the door, but his departure was
+checked by Bates, who presented himself at the entrance of the passage
+with a drawn sword in his hand. At the same moment, Catesby and Keyes
+issued from the closet, while Garnet and the other conspirators likewise
+emerged from their hiding-places. Hearing the noise behind him, Lord
+Mounteagle turned, and beholding the group, uttered an exclamation of
+surprise and rage.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am fairly entrapped,&rdquo; he said, sheathing his sword, and advancing
+towards them. &ldquo;Fool that I was, to venture hither!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;These regrets are too late, my lord,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;You came hither
+of your own accord. But being here, nothing, except compliance with our
+demands, can ensure your departure.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, one thing else,&rdquo; thought Mounteagle,&mdash;"cunning. It shall go hard
+if I cannot outwit you. Tresham will act with me. I know his treacherous
+nature too well to doubt which way he will incline. Interest, as well as
+relationship, binds him to me. He will acquaint me with their plans. I
+need not, therefore, compromise myself by joining them. If I take the
+oath of secrecy, it will suffice&mdash;and I will find means of eluding the
+obligation. I may thus make my own bargain with Salisbury. But I must
+proceed cautiously. Too sudden a compliance might awaken their
+suspicions.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My lord,&rdquo; said Catesby, who had watched his countenance narrowly, and
+distrusted its expression, &ldquo;we must have no double-dealing. Any attempt
+to play us false will prove fatal to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have not yet consented to your terms, Mr. Catesby,&rdquo; replied
+Mounteagle, &ldquo;and I demand a few moments' reflection before I do so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What say you, gentlemen?&rdquo; said Catesby. &ldquo;Do you agree to his lordship's
+request?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>There was a general answer in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would also confer for a moment alone with my brother Tresham,&rdquo; said
+Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That cannot be, my lord,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet, peremptorily. &ldquo;And take heed
+you meditate no treachery towards us, or you will destroy yourself here
+and hereafter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have no desire to speak with him, father,&rdquo; observed Tresham. &ldquo;Let him
+declare what he has to say before you all.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mounteagle looked hard at him, but he made no remark.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In my opinion, we ought not to trust him,&rdquo; observed Keyes. &ldquo;It is plain
+he is decidedly opposed to us. And if the oath is proposed to him, he
+may take it with some mental reservation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;<i>I</i> will guard against that,&rdquo; replied Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I take the oath, I will keep it, father,&rdquo; rejoined Mounteagle. &ldquo;But
+I have not yet decided.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must do so, then, quickly, my lord,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;You shall
+have five minutes for reflection. But first, you must deliver up your
+sword.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The Earl started.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We mean <i>you</i> no treachery, my lord,&rdquo; observed Keyes, &ldquo;and expect to be
+dealt with with equal fairness.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Surrendering his sword to Catesby, Mounteagle then walked to the farther
+end of the room, and leaning against the wall, with his back to the
+conspirators, appeared buried in thought.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Take Tresham aside,&rdquo; whispered Catesby to Wright. &ldquo;I do not wish him to
+overhear our conference. Watch him narrowly, and see that no signal
+passes between him and Lord Mounteagle.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Wright obeyed; and the others gathering closely together, began to
+converse in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will not do to put him to death,&rdquo; observed Garnet. &ldquo;From what he
+stated to Tresham, it appears that his servant was aware of his coming
+hither. If he disappears, therefore, search will be immediately made,
+and all will be discovered. We must either instantly secure ourselves by
+flight, and give up the enterprise, or trust him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are right, father,&rdquo; replied Rookwood. &ldquo;The danger is imminent.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are safe at present,&rdquo; observed Percy, &ldquo;and may escape to France or
+Flanders before information can be given against us. Nay, we may carry
+off Mounteagle with us, for that matter. But I am loth to trust him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So am I,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;I do not like his looks.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is no help,&rdquo; said Fawkes. &ldquo;We <i>must</i> trust him, or give up the
+enterprise. He may materially aid us, and has himself asserted that he
+can procure Viviana's liberation from the Tower.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Pshaw!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby, impatiently. &ldquo;What has that to do with the
+all-important question we are now considering?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Much,&rdquo; returned Fawkes. &ldquo;And I will not move further in the matter
+unless that point is insisted on.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have become strangely interested in Viviana of late,&rdquo; observed
+Catesby, sarcastically. &ldquo;Could I suspect you of so light a passion, I
+should say you loved her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>A deep flush dyed Fawkes's swarthy cheeks, but he answered in a voice of
+constrained calmness,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I <i>do</i> love her,&mdash;as a daughter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Humph!&rdquo; exclaimed the other, drily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Catesby,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, sternly, &ldquo;you know me well&mdash;too well, to
+suppose I would resort to any paltry subterfuge. I am willing to let
+what you have said pass. But I counsel you not to jest thus in future.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Jest!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby. &ldquo;I was never more serious in my life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then you do me wrong,&rdquo; retorted Fawkes, fiercely; &ldquo;and you will repeat
+the insinuation at your peril.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My sons&mdash;my sons,&rdquo; interposed Garnet, &ldquo;what means this sudden&mdash;this
+needless quarrel, at a moment when we require the utmost calmness to
+meet the danger that assails us? Guy Fawkes is right. Viviana <i>must</i> be
+saved. If we desert her, our cause will never prosper. But let us
+proceed step by step, and first decide upon what is to be done with Lord
+Mounteagle.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am filled with perplexity,&rdquo; replied Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then I will decide for you,&rdquo; replied Percy. &ldquo;Our project must be
+abandoned.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Never,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, energetically. &ldquo;Fly, and secure your own
+safety. I will stay and accomplish it alone.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A brave resolution!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby, tendering him his hand, which
+the other cordially grasped. &ldquo;I will stand by you to the last. No&mdash;we
+have advanced too far to retreat.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Additional caution will be needful,&rdquo; observed Keyes. &ldquo;Can we not make
+it a condition with Lord Mounteagle to retire, till the blow is struck,
+to his mansion at Hoxton?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That would be of no avail,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;We must trust him wholly,
+or not at all.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There I agree with you, father,&rdquo; said Percy. &ldquo;Let us propose the oath
+of secrecy to him, and detain him here until we have found some secure
+retreat, utterly unknown to him, or to Tresham, whence we can correspond
+with our friends. A few days will show whether he has betrayed us or
+not. We need not visit this place again till the moment for action
+arrives.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You need not visit it again at all,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes. &ldquo;Everything is
+prepared, and I will undertake to fire the train. Prepare for what is to
+follow the explosion, and leave the management of that to me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot consent to such a course, my son,&rdquo; said Garnet. &ldquo;The whole
+risk will thus be yours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The whole glory will be mine, also, father,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes,
+enthusiastically. &ldquo;I pray you, let me have my own way.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, be it as you will, my son,&rdquo; returned Garnet, with affected
+reluctance. &ldquo;I will not oppose the hand of Heaven, which clearly points
+you out as the chief agent in this mighty enterprise. In reference to
+what Percy has said about a retreat till Lord Mounteagle's
+trust-worthiness can be ascertained,&rdquo; he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> added to Catesby, &ldquo;I have just
+bethought me of a large retired house on the borders of Enfield Chase,
+called White Webbs. It has been recently taken by Mrs. Brooksby, and her
+sister, Anne Vaux, and will afford us a safe asylum.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;An excellent plan, father,&rdquo; cried Catesby. &ldquo;Since Guy Fawkes is willing
+to undertake the risk, we will leave Lord Mounteagle in his charge, and
+go there at once.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What must be done with Tresham?&rdquo; asked Percy. &ldquo;We cannot take him with
+us, nor must he know of our retreat.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Leave him with me,&rdquo; said Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will be at a disadvantage,&rdquo; observed Catesby, &ldquo;should he take part,
+as there is reason to fear he may do, with Lord Mounteagle.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They are both unarmed,&rdquo; returned Fawkes; &ldquo;but were it otherwise, I
+would answer with my head for their detention.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All good saints guard you, my son!&rdquo; exclaimed Garnet. &ldquo;Henceforth, we
+resign the custody of the powder to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will be in safe keeping,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>The party then advanced towards Lord Mounteagle, who, hearing their
+approach, instantly faced them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your decision, my lord?&rdquo; demanded Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You shall have it in a word, sir,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle, firmly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will <i>not</i> join you, but I will take the required oath of secrecy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is this your final resolve, my lord?&rdquo; rejoined Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is,&rdquo; replied the Earl.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It must content us,&rdquo; observed Garnet; &ldquo;though we hoped you would have
+lent your active services to further a cause, having for its sole object
+the restoration of the church to which you belong.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know not the means whereby you propose to restore it, father,"
+replied Mounteagle, &ldquo;and I do not desire to know them. But I guess that
+they are dark and bloody, and as such I can take no part in them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And you refuse to give us any counsel or assistance?&rdquo; pursued Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not betray you,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle. &ldquo;I can say nothing
+further.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would rather he promised too little, than too much,&rdquo; whispered
+Catesby to Garnet. &ldquo;I begin to think him sincere.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am of the same opinion, my son,&rdquo; returned Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;One thing you <i>shall</i> do, before <i>I</i> consent to set you free, on any
+terms, my lord,&rdquo; observed Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;You shall engage to procure the
+liberation of Viviana Radcliffe from the Tower. You told Tresham you
+could easily accomplish it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I scarcely knew what I said,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle, with a look of
+embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You spoke confidently, my lord,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Because I had no idea I should be compelled to make good my words,"
+returned the Earl. &ldquo;But as a Catholic, and related by marriage to
+Tresham, who is a suspected person, any active exertions in her behalf
+on my part might place me in jeopardy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This excuse shall not avail you, my lord,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;You must
+weigh your own safety against hers. You stir not hence till you have
+sworn to free her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I must perforce assent, since you will have no refusal,&rdquo; replied
+Mounteagle. &ldquo;But I almost despair of success. If I can effect her
+deliverance, I swear to do so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Enough,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now, gentlemen,&rdquo; said Catesby, appealing to the others, &ldquo;are you
+willing to let Lord Mounteagle depart upon the proposed terms?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are,&rdquo; they replied.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will administer the oath at once,&rdquo; said Garnet; &ldquo;and you will bear in
+mind, my son,&rdquo; he added, in a stern tone to the Earl, &ldquo;that it will be
+one which cannot be violated without perdition to your soul.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am willing to take it,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>Producing a primer, and motioning the Earl to kneel before him, Garnet
+then proposed an oath of the most solemn and binding description. The
+other repeated it after him, and at its conclusion placed the book to
+his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Are you satisfied?&rdquo; he asked, rising.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am,&rdquo; replied Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And so am I,&rdquo; thought Tresham, who stood in the rear, &ldquo;&mdash;that he will
+perjure himself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Am I now at liberty to depart?&rdquo; inquired the Earl.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not yet, my lord,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;You must remain here till
+midnight.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Lord Mounteagle looked uneasy, but seeing remonstrance would be useless,
+he preserved a sullen silence.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You need have no fear, my lord,&rdquo; said Catesby. &ldquo;But we must take such
+precautions as will ensure our safety, in case you intend us any
+treachery.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You cannot doubt me, sir, after the oath I have taken,&rdquo; replied
+Mounteagle, haughtily. &ldquo;But since you constitute yourself my jailer, I
+must abide your pleasure.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I <i>am</i> your jailer, my lord,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, &ldquo;I will prove to you
+that I am not neglectful of my office. Will it please you to follow me?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The Earl bowed in acquiescence; and Catesby, marching before him to a
+small room, the windows of which were carefully barred, pointed to a
+chair, and instantly retiring, locked the door upon him. He then
+returned to the others, and taking Guy Fawkes aside, observed in a low
+tone,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We shall set out instantly for White Webbs. You will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> remain on guard
+with Tresham, whom you will, of course, keep in ignorance of our
+proceedings. After you have set the Earl at liberty, you can follow us
+if you choose. But take heed you are not observed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear nothing,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this, Catesby, and the rest of the conspirators, with the
+exception of Guy Fawkes and Tresham, quitted the room, and the former
+concluded they were about to leave the house. He made no remark,
+however, to his companion; but getting between him and the door, folded
+his arms upon his breast, and continued to pace backwards and forwards
+before it.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Am I a prisoner, as well as Lord Mounteagle?&rdquo; asked Tresham, after a
+pause.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must remain with me here till midnight,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;We shall
+not be disturbed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What! are the others gone?&rdquo; cried Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They are,&rdquo; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>Tresham's countenance fell, and he appeared to be meditating some
+project, which he could not muster courage to execute.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be warned by the past, Tresham,&rdquo; said Fawkes, who had regarded him
+fixedly for some minutes. &ldquo;If I find reason to doubt you, I will put it
+out of your power to betray us a second time.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have no reason to doubt me,&rdquo; replied Tresham, with apparent
+candour. &ldquo;I only wondered that our friends should leave me without any
+intimation of their purpose. It is for me, not you, to apprehend some
+ill design. Am I not to act with you further?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That depends upon yourself, and on the proofs you give of your
+sincerity,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Answer me frankly. Do you think Lord
+Mounteagle will keep his oath?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will stake my life upon it,&rdquo; replied Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>The conversation then dropped, and no attempt was made on either side to
+renew it. In this way several hours passed, when at length the silence
+was broken by Tresham, who requested permission to go in search of some
+refreshment; and Guy Fawkes assenting, they descended to the lower room,
+and partook of a slight repast.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing further worthy of note occurred. On the arrival of the appointed
+hour, Guy Fawkes signified to his companion that he might liberate Lord
+Mounteagle; and immediately availing himself of the permission, Tresham
+repaired to the chamber, and threw open the door. The Earl immediately
+came forth, and they returned together to the room in which Guy Fawkes
+remained on guard.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are now at liberty to depart, my lord,&rdquo; said the latter; &ldquo;and
+Tresham can accompany you, if he thinks proper. Remember that you have
+sworn to procure Viviana's liberation.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do,&rdquo; replied the Earl.</p>
+
+<p>And he then quitted the house with Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have had a narrow escape, my lord,&rdquo; remarked the latter as they
+approached Whitehall, and paused for a moment under the postern of the
+great western gate.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; replied the Earl; &ldquo;but I do not regret the risk I have run. They
+are now wholly in my power.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You forget your oath, my lord,&rdquo; said Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I do,&rdquo; replied the Earl, &ldquo;I but follow your example. You have broken
+one equally solemn, equally binding, and would break a thousand more
+were they imposed upon you. But I will overthrow this conspiracy, and
+yet not violate mine.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I see not how that can be, my lord,&rdquo; replied Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You shall learn in due season,&rdquo; replied the Earl. &ldquo;I have had plenty of
+leisure for reflection in that dark hole, and have hit upon a plan
+which, I think, cannot fail.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I hope I am no party to it, my lord,&rdquo; rejoined Tresham. &ldquo;I dare not
+hazard myself among them further.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot do without you,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle; &ldquo;but I will ensure you
+against all danger. It will be necessary for you, however, to act with
+the utmost discretion, and keep a constant guard upon every look and
+movement, as well as upon your words. You must fully regain the
+confidence of these men, and lull them into security.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I see your lordship's drift,&rdquo; replied Tresham. &ldquo;You wish them to
+proceed to the last point, to enhance the value of the discovery.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Right,&rdquo; replied the Earl. &ldquo;The plot must not be discovered till just
+before its outbreak, when its magnitude and danger will be the more
+apparent. The reward will then be proportionate. Now, you understand me,
+Tresham.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fully,&rdquo; replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Return to your own house,&rdquo; rejoined Mounteagle. &ldquo;We need hold no
+further communication together till the time for action arrives.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And that will not be before the meeting of Parliament,&rdquo; replied
+Tresham; &ldquo;for they intend to whelm the King and all his nobles in one
+common destruction.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By Heaven! a brave design!&rdquo; cried Mounteagle. &ldquo;It is a pity to mar it.
+I knew it was a desperate and daring project, but should never have
+conceived aught like this. Its discovery will indeed occasion universal
+consternation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It may benefit you and me to divulge it, my lord,&rdquo; said Tresham; &ldquo;but
+the disclosure will deeply and lastingly injure the Church of Rome.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It would injure it more deeply if the plot succeeded,&rdquo; replied
+Mounteagle, &ldquo;because all loyal Catholics must disapprove so horrible and
+sanguinary a design. But we will not discuss the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> question further,
+though what you have said confirms my purpose, and removes any misgiving
+I might have felt as to the betrayal. Farewell, Tresham. Keep a watchful
+eye upon the conspirators, and communicate with me should any change
+take place in their plans. We may not meet for some time. Parliament,
+though summoned for the third of October, will, in all probability, be
+prorogued till November.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In that case,&rdquo; replied Tresham, &ldquo;you will postpone your disclosure
+likewise till November?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Assuredly,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle. &ldquo;The King must be convinced of his
+danger. If it were found out now, he would think lightly of it. But if
+he has actually set foot upon the mine which a single spark might kindle
+to his destruction, he will duly appreciate the service rendered him.
+Farewell! and do not neglect my counsel.&rdquo;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_X" id="II_CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h2>WHITE WEBBS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Tarrying for a short time within the house after the departure of the
+others, Guy Fawkes lighted a lantern, and concealing it beneath his
+cloak, proceeded to the cellar, to ascertain that the magazine of powder
+was safe. Satisfied of this, he made all secure, and was about to return
+to the house, when he perceived a figure approaching him. Standing
+aside, but keeping on his guard for fear of a surprise, he would have
+allowed the person to pass, but the other halted, and after a moment's
+scrutiny addressed him by name in the tones of Humphrey Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You seem to haunt this spot, young sir,&rdquo; said Fawkes, in answer to the
+address. &ldquo;This is the third time we have met hereabouts.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;On the last occasion,&rdquo; replied Chetham, &ldquo;I told you Viviana was a
+prisoner in the Tower. I have now better news for you. She is free.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Free!&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes, joyfully. &ldquo;By Lord Mounteagle's
+instrumentality?&mdash;But I forget. He has only just left me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She has been freed by <i>my</i> instrumentality,&rdquo; replied the young
+merchant. &ldquo;She escaped from the Tower a few hours ago.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where is she?&rdquo; demanded Guy Fawkes, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In a boat at the stairs near the Parliament House,&rdquo; replied Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven and Our Lady be praised!&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes. &ldquo;This is more than I
+hoped for. Your news is so good, young sir, that I can scarce credit
+it.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Come with me to the boat, and you shall soon be satisfied of the truth
+of my statement,&rdquo; rejoined Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>And followed by Guy Fawkes, he hurried to the river side, where a wherry
+was moored. Within it sat Viviana, covered by the tilt.</p>
+
+<p>Assisting her to land, and finding she was too much exhausted to walk,
+Guy Fawkes took her in his arms, and carried her to the house he had
+just quitted.</p>
+
+<p>Humphrey Chetham followed as soon as he had dismissed the waterman.
+Placing his lovely burthen in a seat, Guy Fawkes instantly went in
+search of such restoratives as the place afforded. Viviana was extremely
+faint, but after she had swallowed a glass of wine, she revived, and,
+looking around her, inquired where she was.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not ask,&rdquo; replied Fawkes; &ldquo;let it suffice you are in safety. And
+now,&rdquo; he added, &ldquo;perhaps, Humphrey Chetham will inform me in what manner
+he contrived your escape. I am impatient to know.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The young merchant then gave the required information, and Viviana added
+such particulars as were necessary to the full understanding of the
+story. Guy Fawkes could scarcely control himself when she related the
+tortures she had endured, nor was Chetham less indignant.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You rescued me just in time,&rdquo; said Viviana. &ldquo;I should have sunk under
+the next application.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thank Heaven! you have escaped it,&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes. &ldquo;You owe much to
+Humphrey Chetham, Viviana.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do, indeed,&rdquo; she replied.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And can you not requite it?&rdquo; he returned. &ldquo;Can you not make him
+happy?&mdash;Can you not make <i>me</i> happy?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana's pale cheek was instantly suffused with blushes, but she made
+no answer.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, Viviana!&rdquo; cried Humphrey Chetham, &ldquo;you hear what is said. If you
+could doubt my love before, you must be convinced of it now. A hope will
+make me happy. Have I that?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! no,&rdquo; she answered. &ldquo;It would be the height of cruelty, after your
+kindness, to deceive you. You have not.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The young merchant turned aside to hide his emotion.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not even a hope!&rdquo; exclaimed Guy Fawkes, &ldquo;after what he has done.
+Viviana, I cannot understand you. Does gratitude form no part of your
+nature?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I hope so,&rdquo; she replied, &ldquo;nay, I am sure so,&mdash;for I feel the deepest
+gratitude towards Humphrey Chetham. But gratitude is not love, and must
+not be mistaken for it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I understand the distinction too well,&rdquo; returned the young merchant,
+sadly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is more than I do,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes; &ldquo;and I will frankly confess
+that I think the important services Humphrey<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> Chetham has rendered you
+entitle him to your hand. It is seldom&mdash;whatever poets may feign,&mdash;that
+love is so strongly proved as his has been; and it ought to be
+adequately requited.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Say no more about it, I entreat,&rdquo; interposed Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But I will deliver my opinion,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes, &ldquo;because I am sure
+what I advise is for Viviana's happiness. No one can love her better
+than you. No one is more worthy of her. Nor is there any one to whom I
+so much desire to see her united.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, Heaven!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana. &ldquo;This is worse than the torture.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What mean you?&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes, in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She means,&rdquo; interposed Chetham, &ldquo;that this is not the fitting season to
+urge the subject&mdash;that she will never marry.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True&mdash;true,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;If I ever did marry&mdash;I <i>ought</i> to select
+you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You ought,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;And I know nothing of the female heart, if
+it can be insensible to youth, devotion, and manly appearance like that
+of Humphrey Chetham.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You <i>do</i> know nothing of it,&rdquo; rejoined Chetham, bitterly. &ldquo;Women's
+fancies are unaccountable.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Such is the received opinion,&rdquo; replied Fawkes; &ldquo;but as I am ignorant of
+the sex, I can only judge from report. You are the person I should
+imagine she would love&mdash;nay, to be frank, whom I thought she <i>did</i>
+love.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No more,&rdquo; said Humphrey Chetham. &ldquo;It is painful both to Viviana and to
+me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This is not a time for delicacy,&rdquo; rejoined Guy Fawkes. &ldquo;Viviana has
+given me the privilege of a father with her. And where her happiness is
+so much concerned as in the present case, I should imperfectly discharge
+my duty if I did not speak out. It would sincerely rejoice me, and I am
+sure contribute materially to her own happiness, if she would unite
+herself to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot&mdash;I cannot,&rdquo; she rejoined. &ldquo;I will never marry.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You hear what she says,&rdquo; remarked Chetham. &ldquo;Do not urge the matter
+further.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I admire maiden delicacy and reserve,&rdquo; replied Fawkes; &ldquo;but when a man
+has acted as you have done, he deserves to be treated with frankness. I
+am sure Viviana loves you. Let her tell you so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are mistaken,&rdquo; replied Chetham; &ldquo;and it is time you should be
+undeceived. She loves another.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is this so?&rdquo; cried Fawkes, in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>She made no answer.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Whom do you love?&rdquo; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Still, no answer.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will tell you whom she loves&mdash;and let her contradict me if I am
+wrong,&rdquo; said Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, no!&mdash;no!&mdash;in pity spare me!&rdquo; cried Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Speak!"&mdash;thundered Fawkes. &ldquo;Who is it?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Yourself,&rdquo; replied Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What!&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes, recoiling,&mdash;"love <i>me</i>! I will not believe it.
+She loves me as a father&mdash;but nothing more&mdash;nothing more. But you were
+right. Let us change the subject. A more fitting season may arrive for
+its discussion.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>After some further conversation, it was agreed that Viviana should be
+taken to White Webbs; and leaving her in charge of Humphrey Chetham, Guy
+Fawkes went in search of a conveyance to Enfield.</p>
+
+<p>Traversing the Strand,&mdash;every hostel in which was closed,&mdash;he turned up
+Wych-street, immediately on the right of which there was a large inn
+(still in existence), and entering the yard, discovered a knot of
+carriers moving about with lanterns in their hands. To his inquiries
+respecting a conveyance to Enfield, one of them answered, that he was
+about to return thither with his waggon at four o'clock,&mdash;it was then
+two,&mdash;and should be glad to take him and his friends. Overjoyed at the
+intelligence, and at once agreeing to the man's terms, Guy Fawkes
+hurried back to his companions, and, with the assistance of Humphrey
+Chetham, contrived to carry Viviana (for she was utterly unable to
+support herself) to the inn-yard, where she was immediately placed in
+the waggon, on a heap of fresh straw.</p>
+
+<p>About an hour after this, but long before daybreak, the carrier attached
+his horses to the waggon, and set out. Guy Fawkes and Humphrey Chetham
+were seated near Viviana, but little was said during the journey, which
+occupied about three hours. By this time it was broad daylight; and as
+the carrier stopped at the door of a small inn, Guy Fawkes alighted, and
+inquired the distance to White Webbs.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is about a mile and a half off,&rdquo; replied the man. &ldquo;If you pursue
+that lane, it will bring you to a small village about half a mile from
+this, where you are sure to find some one who will gladly guide you to
+the house, which is a little out of the road, on the borders of the
+forest.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He then assisted Viviana to alight, and Humphrey Chetham descending at
+the same time, the party took the road indicated&mdash;a winding country lane
+with high hedges, broken by beautiful timber&mdash;and proceeding at a slow
+pace, they arrived in about half an hour at a little cluster of
+cottages, which Guy Fawkes guessed to be the village alluded to by the
+carrier. As they approached it, a rustic leaped a hedge, and was about
+to cross to another field, when Guy Fawkes calling to him, inquired the
+way to White Webbs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am going in that direction,&rdquo; replied the man. &ldquo;If you desire it, I
+will show you the road.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shall feel much indebted to you, friend,&rdquo; returned Fawkes, &ldquo;and will
+reward you for your trouble.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I want no reward,&rdquo; returned the countryman, trudging forward.</p>
+
+<p>Following their guide, after a few minutes' brisk walking they reached
+the borders of the forest, and took their way along a patch of
+greensward that skirted it. In some places their track was impeded by
+gigantic thorns and brushwood, while at others avenues opened upon them,
+affording them peeps into the heart of the wood. It was a beautiful
+sylvan scene. And as at length they arrived at the head of a long glade,
+at the farther end of which a herd of deer were seen, with their
+branching antlers mingling with the overhanging boughs, Viviana could
+not help pausing to admire it.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;King James often hunts within the forest,&rdquo; observed the countryman.
+&ldquo;Indeed, I heard one of the rangers say it was not unlikely he might be
+here to-day. He is at Theobald's Palace now.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Fawkes. &ldquo;Let us proceed. We lose time. Are we far
+from the house?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not above a quarter of a mile,&rdquo; was the answer. &ldquo;You will see it at the
+next turn of the road.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As the countryman had intimated, they speedily perceived the roof and
+tall chimneys of an ancient house above the trees, and as it was now
+impossible to mistake the road, Guy Fawkes thanked their guide for his
+trouble, and would have rewarded him, but he refused the gratuity, and
+leaping a hedge, disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Pursuing the road, they shortly afterwards arrived at a gate leading to
+the house&mdash;a large building, erected probably at the beginning of
+Elizabeth's reign&mdash;and entering it, they passed under an avenue of
+trees. On approaching the mansion, they observed that many of the
+windows were closed, and the whole appearance of the place was
+melancholy and deserted. The garden was overgrown with weeds, and the
+door looked as if it was rarely opened.</p>
+
+<p>Not discouraged by these appearances, but rather satisfied by them of
+the security of the asylum, Guy Fawkes proceeded to the back of the
+house, and entering a court, the flags and stones of which were covered
+with moss, while the interstices were filled with long grass, Guy Fawkes
+knocked against a small door, and, after repeating the summons, it was
+answered by an old woman-servant, who popped her head out of an upper
+window, and demanded his business.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes was about to inquire for Mrs. Brooksby, when another head,
+which proved to be that of Catesby, appeared at the window. On seeing
+Fawkes and his companions, Catesby<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> instantly descended, and unfastened
+the door. The house proved far more comfortable within than its exterior
+promised; and the old female domestic having taken word to Anne Vaux
+that Viviana was below, the former lady, who had not yet risen, sent for
+her to her chamber, and provided everything for her comfort.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes and Humphrey Chetham, neither of whom had rested during the
+night, were glad to obtain a few hours' repose on the floor of the first
+room into which they were shown, and they were not disturbed until the
+day had considerably advanced, when Catesby thought fit to rouse them
+from their slumbers.</p>
+
+<p>Explanations were then given on both sides. Chetham detailed the manner
+of Viviana's escape from the Tower, and Catesby in his turn acquainted
+them that Father Oldcorne was in the house, having found his way thither
+after his escape from the dwelling at Lambeth. Guy Fawkes was greatly
+rejoiced at the intelligence, and shortly afterwards had the
+satisfaction of meeting with the priest. At noon, the whole party
+assembled, with the exception of Viviana, who, by the advice of Anne
+Vaux, kept her chamber, to recruit herself after the sufferings she had
+undergone.</p>
+
+<p>Humphrey Chetham, of whom no suspicions were now entertained, and of
+whom Catesby no longer felt any jealousy, was invited to stay in the
+house; and he was easily induced to pass his time near Viviana, although
+he might not be able to see her. Long and frequent consultations were
+held by the conspirators, and letters were despatched by Catesby to the
+elder Winter at his seat, Huddington, in Worcestershire, entreating him
+to make every preparation for the crisis, as well as to Sir Everard
+Digby, to desire him to assemble as many friends as he could muster
+against the meeting of Parliament, at Dunchurch, in Warwickshire, under
+the plea of a grand hunting-party.</p>
+
+<p>Arrangements were next made as to the steps to be taken by the different
+parties after the explosion. Catesby undertook, with a sufficient force,
+to seize the Princess Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of James the First,
+who was then at the residence of the Earl of Harrington, near Coventry,
+and to proclaim her queen, in case the others should fail in securing
+the princes. It was supposed that Henry, Prince of Wales, (who, it need
+scarcely be mentioned, died in his youth,) would be present with the
+King, his father, in the Parliament House, and would perish with him;
+and in this case, as Charles, Duke of York, (afterwards Charles the
+First,) would become successor to the throne, it was resolved that he
+should be seized by Percy, and instantly proclaimed. Other resolutions
+were decided upon, and the whole time of the conspirators was spent in
+maturing their projects.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And thus weeks, and even months, stole on. Viviana had completely
+regained her strength, and passed a life of perfect seclusion, seldom,
+if ever, mixing with the others. She, however, took a kindly farewell of
+Humphrey Chetham, before his departure for Manchester (for which place
+he set out about a fortnight after his arrival at White Webbs, having
+first sought out his servant, Martin Heydocke); but though strongly
+urged by Guy Fawkes, she would hold out no hopes of a change in her
+sentiments towards the young merchant. Meetings were occasionally held
+by the conspirators elsewhere, and Catesby and Fawkes had more than one
+interview with Tresham&mdash;but never, except in places where they were
+secure from a surprise.</p>
+
+<p>The latter end of September had now arrived, and the meeting of
+Parliament was still fixed for the third of October. On the last day of
+the month, Guy Fawkes prepared to start for town; but before doing so he
+desired to see Viviana. They had not met for some weeks; nor, indeed,
+since Fawkes had discovered the secret of her heart, (and perhaps of his
+own,) had they ever met with the same freedom as heretofore. As she
+entered the room, in which he awaited her coming, a tremor agitated his
+frame, but he had nerved himself for the interview, and speedily subdued
+the feeling.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am starting for London, Viviana,&rdquo; he said, in a voice of forced
+calmness. &ldquo;You may guess for what purpose. But as I may never behold you
+again, I would not part with you without a confession of my weakness. I
+will not deny that what Humphrey Chetham stated, and which you have
+never contradicted&mdash;namely, that you loved me, for I must speak out&mdash;has
+produced a strong effect upon me. I have endeavoured to conquer it, but
+it will return. Till I knew you I never loved, Viviana.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; she exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Never,&rdquo; he replied. &ldquo;The fairest had not power to move me. But I grieve
+to say&mdash;notwithstanding my struggles&mdash;I do not continue equally
+insensible.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ah!&rdquo; she ejaculated, becoming as pale as death.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why should I hesitate to declare my feelings? Why should I not tell you
+that&mdash;though blinded to it so long&mdash;I have discovered that I do love
+you? Why should I hesitate to tell you that I regret this, and lament
+that we ever met?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What mean you?&rdquo; cried Viviana, with a terrified look.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will tell you,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Till I saw you, my thoughts were
+removed from earth, and fixed on one object. Till I saw you, I asked not
+to live, but to die the death of a martyr.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Die so still,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana. &ldquo;Forget me&mdash;oh! forget me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I have striven against it. But your image
+is perpetually before me. Nay, at this very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> moment, when I am about to
+set out on the enterprise, you alone detain me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am glad of it,&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana, fervently. &ldquo;Oh that I could
+prevent you&mdash;could save you!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Save me!&rdquo; echoed Fawkes, bitterly. &ldquo;You destroy me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How?&rdquo; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Because I am sworn to this project,&rdquo; he rejoined; &ldquo;and if I were turned
+from it, I would perish by my own hand.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh! say not so,&rdquo; replied Viviana, &ldquo;but listen to me. Abandon it, and I
+will devote myself to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes gazed at her for a moment passionately, and then, covering
+his face with his hands, appeared torn by conflicting emotions.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana approached him, and pressing his arm, asked in an entreating
+voice, &ldquo;Are you still determined to pursue your dreadful project?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, uncovering his face, and gazing at her; &ldquo;but, if
+I remain here a moment longer, I shall not be able to do so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will detain you, then,&rdquo; she rejoined, &ldquo;and exercise the power I
+possess over you for your benefit.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No!&rdquo; he replied, vehemently. &ldquo;It must not be. Farewell, for ever!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And breaking from her, he rushed out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>As he gained the passage, he encountered Catesby, who looked abashed at
+seeing him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have overheard what has passed,&rdquo; said the latter, &ldquo;and applaud your
+resolution. Few men, similarly circumstanced, would have acted as you
+have done.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;<i>You</i> would not,&rdquo; said Fawkes, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Perhaps not,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;But that does not lessen my admiration
+of your conduct.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am devoted to one object,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, &ldquo;and nothing shall turn me
+from it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Remove yourself instantly from temptation, then,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;I
+will meet you at the cellar beneath the Parliament House to-morrow
+night.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he accompanied Guy Fawkes to the door; and the latter,
+without hazarding a look behind him, set out for London, where he
+arrived at nightfall.</p>
+
+<p>On the following night, Fawkes examined the cellar, and found it in all
+respects as he had left it; and, apprehensive lest some difficulty might
+arise, he resolved to make every preparation. He, accordingly, pierced
+the sides of several of the barrels piled against the walls with a
+gimlet, and inserted in the holes small pieces of slow-burning match.
+Not content with this, he staved in the tops of the uppermost tier, and
+scattered powder among them to secure their instantaneous ignition.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This done, he took a powder-horn, with which he was provided, and
+kneeling down, and holding his lantern so as to throw a light upon the
+floor, laid a train to one of the lower barrels, and brought it within a
+few inches of the door, intending to fire it from that point. His
+arrangements completed, he arose, and muttered,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A vessel is provided for my escape in the river, and my companions
+advise me to use a slow match, which will allow me to get out of harm's
+way. But I will see the deed done, and if the train fails, will hold a
+torch to the barrels myself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, a slight tap was heard without.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes instantly masked his lantern, and cautiously opening the
+door, beheld Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am come to tell you that Parliament is prorogued,&rdquo; said the latter.
+&ldquo;The House does not meet till the fifth of November. We have another
+month to wait.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am sorry for it,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes. &ldquo;I have just laid the train. The
+lucky moment will pass.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And, locking the door, he proceeded with Catesby to the adjoining house.</p>
+
+<p>They had scarcely been gone more than a second, when two figures muffled
+in cloaks emerged from behind a wall.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The train is laid,&rdquo; observed the foremost, &ldquo;and they are gone to the
+house. You might seize them now without danger.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That will not answer my purpose,&rdquo; replied the other. &ldquo;I will give them
+another month.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Another month!&rdquo; replied the first speaker. &ldquo;Who knows what may happen
+in that time? They may abandon their project.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is no fear of that,&rdquo; replied the other. &ldquo;But you had better go
+and join them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_XI" id="II_CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE MARRIAGE IN THE FOREST.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Tresham, for it will have been conjectured that he was one of the
+speakers mentioned in the preceding chapter, on separating from Lord
+Mounteagle, took the same direction as the conspirators. He hesitated
+for some time before venturing to knock at the garden-gate; and when he
+had done so, felt half-disposed to take to his heels. But shame
+restrained him; and hearing footsteps approach, he gave the customary
+signal, and was instantly admitted by Guy Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What brings you here?&rdquo; demanded the latter, as they entered the house,
+and made fast the door behind them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have just heard that Parliament is prorogued to the fifth of
+November,&rdquo; replied Tresham, &ldquo;and came to tell you so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I already know it,&rdquo; returned Fawkes, gloomily; &ldquo;and for the first time
+feel some misgiving as to the issue of our enterprise.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why so?&rdquo; inquired Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;November is unlucky to me,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, &ldquo;and I cannot recollect a
+year in my life in which some ill has not befallen me during that month,
+especially on the fifth day. On the last fifth of November, I nearly
+died of a fever at Madrid. It is a strange and unfortunate coincidence
+that the meeting of the Parliament should be appointed for that
+particular day.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Shall I tell you what I think it portends?&rdquo; hesitated Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do so,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, &ldquo;and speak boldly. I am no child to be
+frightened at shadows.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have more than once declared your intention of perishing with our
+foes,&rdquo; rejoined Tresham. &ldquo;The design, though prosperous in itself, may
+be fatal to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are right,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I have little doubt I shall perish on
+that day. You are both aware of my superstitious nature, and are not
+ignorant that many mysterious occurrences have combined to strengthen
+the feeling,&mdash;such as the dying words of the prophetess, Elizabeth
+Orton,&mdash;her warning speech when she was raised from the dead by Doctor
+Dee,&mdash;and lastly, the vision at St. Winifred's Well. What if I tell you
+the saint has again appeared to me?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In a dream?&rdquo; inquired Catesby, in a slightly sceptical tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay, in a dream,&rdquo; returned Fawkes. &ldquo;But I saw her as plainly as if I had
+been awake. It was the same vapoury figure&mdash;the same transparent robes,
+the same benign countenance, only far more pitying than before&mdash;that I
+beheld at Holywell. I heard no sound issue from her lips, but I <i>felt</i>
+that she warned me to desist.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you accept the warning?&rdquo; asked Tresham, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is needless to answer,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I have laid the train
+to-night.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have infected me with your misgivings,&rdquo; observed Tresham. &ldquo;Would
+the enterprise had never been undertaken!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But being undertaken, it must be gone through with,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby,
+sternly. &ldquo;Hark'e, Tresham. You promised us two thousand pounds in aid of
+the project, but have constantly deferred payment of the sum on some
+plea or other.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Because I have not been able to raise it,&rdquo; replied Tresham, sullenly.
+&ldquo;I have tried in vain to sell part of my estates at Rushton, in
+Northamptonshire. I cannot effect impossibilities.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Tush!&rdquo; cried Catesby, fiercely. &ldquo;You well know I ask no impossibility.
+I will no longer be trifled with. The money<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> must be forthcoming by the
+tenth of October, or you shall pay the penalty with your life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This is the language of a cut-throat, Mr. Catesby,&rdquo; replied Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the only language I will hold towards you,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby,
+contemptuously. &ldquo;Look you disappoint me not, or take the consequences.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I must leave for Northamptonshire at once, then,&rdquo; said Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do as you please,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;Play the cut-throat yourself, and
+ease some rich miser of his store, if you think fit. Bring us the money,
+and we will not ask how you came by it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Before we separate,&rdquo; said Tresham, disregarding these sneers, &ldquo;I wish
+to be resolved on one point. Who are to be saved from destruction?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why do you ask?&rdquo; inquired Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Because I must stipulate for the lives of my brothers-in-law, the Lords
+Mounteagle and Stourton.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If anything detains them from the meeting, well and good,&rdquo; replied
+Catesby. &ldquo;But no warning must be given them. That would infallibly lead
+to a discovery of the plot.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Some means might surely be adopted to put them on their guard without
+danger to ourselves?&rdquo; urged Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know of none,&rdquo; replied Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nor I,&rdquo; added Fawkes. &ldquo;If I did, I would warn Lord Montague, and some
+others whom I shall grieve to destroy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are all similarly circumstanced,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;Keyes is anxious
+for the preservation of his patron and friend, Lord Mordaunt,&mdash;Percy,
+for the Earl of Northumberland. I, myself, would gladly save the young
+Earl of Arundel. But we must sacrifice our private feeling for the
+general good.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We must,&rdquo; acquiesced Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We shall not meet again till the night of the tenth of October,&rdquo; said
+Catesby, &ldquo;when take care you are in readiness with the money.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Upon this, the conversation dropped, and soon afterwards Tresham
+departed.</p>
+
+<p>When he found himself alone, he suffered his rage to find vent in words.
+&ldquo;Perdition seize them!&rdquo; he cried, &ldquo;I shall now lose two thousand pounds,
+in addition to what I have already advanced; and, as Mounteagle will not
+have the disclosure made till the beginning of November, there is no way
+of avoiding payment. They would not fall into the snare I laid to throw
+the blame of the discovery, when it takes place, upon their own
+indiscretion. But I must devise some other plan. The warning shall
+proceed from an unknown quarter. A letter, written in a feigned hand,
+and giving some obscure intimation of danger, shall be delivered with an
+air of mystery to Mounteagle. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> will serve as a plea for its
+divulgement to the Earl of Salisbury. Well, well, they shall have the
+money; but they shall pay me back in other coin.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Early on the following day, Catesby and Fawkes proceeded to White Webbs.
+Garnet was greatly surprised to see them, and could not conceal his
+disappointment at the cause of their return.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This delay bodes no good,&rdquo; he observed. &ldquo;Parliament has been so often
+prorogued, that I begin to think some suspicion is entertained of our
+design.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Make your mind easy, then,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;I have made due
+inquiries, and find the meeting is postponed to suit the King's
+convenience, who wishes to prolong his stay at Royston. He may probably
+have some secret motive for the delay, but I am sure it in no way
+concerns us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Everything being now fully arranged, the conspirators had only to wait
+patiently for the arrival of the expected fifth of November. Most of
+them decided upon passing the interval in the country. Ambrose Rookwood
+departed for Clopton, near Stratford-upon-Avon,&mdash;a seat belonging to
+Lord Carew, where his family were staying. Keyes went to visit Lord
+Mordaunt at Turvey, in Bedfordshire; and Percy and the two Wrights set
+out for Gothurst, in Buckinghamshire, to desire Sir Everard Digby to
+postpone the grand hunting-party which he was to hold at Dunsmore Heath,
+as an excuse for mustering a strong party of Catholics, to the beginning
+of November. The two Winters repaired to their family mansion,
+Huddington, in Worcestershire; while Fawkes and Catesby, together with
+the two priests, remained at White Webbs. The three latter held daily
+conferences together, but were seldom joined by Fawkes, who passed his
+time in the adjoining forest, selecting its densest and most intricate
+parts for his rambles.</p>
+
+<p>It was now the beginning of October, and, as is generally the case in
+the early part of this month, the weather was fine, and the air pure and
+bracing. The forest could scarcely have been seen to greater advantage.
+The leaves had assumed their gorgeous autumnal tints, and the masses of
+timber, variegated in colour, presented an inexpressibly beautiful
+appearance. Guy Fawkes spent hours in the depths of the wood. His sole
+companions were the lordly stag and the timid hare, that occasionally
+started across his path. Since his return, he had sedulously avoided
+Viviana, and they had met only twice, and then no speech had passed
+between them. One day, when he had plunged even deeper than usual into
+the forest, and had seated himself on the stump of a decayed tree, with
+his eyes fixed on a small clear rivulet welling at his feet, he saw the
+reflection of a female figure in the water; and, filled with the idea of
+the vision of Saint Winifred, at first imagined he was about to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> receive
+another warning. But a voice that thrilled to his heart's core, soon
+undeceived him, and, turning, he beheld Viviana. She was habited in a
+riding-dress, and appeared prepared to set out upon a journey.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So you have tracked me to my solitude,&rdquo; he observed, in a tone of
+forced coldness. &ldquo;I thought I was secure from interruption here.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will forgive me, I am sure, when you know my errand,&rdquo; she replied.
+&ldquo;It is to take an eternal farewell of you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; he exclaimed. &ldquo;Are you about to quit White Webbs?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am,&rdquo; she mournfully rejoined. &ldquo;I am about to set out with Father
+Oldcorne for Gothurst, where I shall remain till all is over.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I entirely approve your determination,&rdquo; returned Fawkes, after a short
+pause.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I knew you would do so, or I should have consulted you upon it,&rdquo; she
+rejoined. &ldquo;And as you appear to avoid me, I would fain have departed
+without taking leave of you, but found it impossible to do so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You well know my motive for avoiding you, Viviana,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes.
+&ldquo;We are no longer what we were to each other. A fearful struggle has
+taken place within me, though I have preserved an unmoved exterior,
+between passion and the sense of my high calling. I have told you I
+never loved before, and fancied my heart immoveable as adamant. But I
+now find out my error. It is a prey to a raging and constant flame. I
+have shunned you,&rdquo; he continued, with increased excitement, &ldquo;because the
+sight of you shakes my firmness,&mdash;because I feel it sinful to think of
+you in preference to holier objects,&mdash;and because, after I have quitted
+you, your image alone engrosses my thoughts. Here, in the depths of this
+wood, by the side of this brook, I can commune with my soul,&mdash;can
+abstract myself from the world and the thoughts of the world&mdash;from
+you&mdash;yes, you, who are all the world to me now,&mdash;and prepare to meet my
+end.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then you are resolved to die?&rdquo; she cried.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shall abide the explosion, and nothing but a miracle can save me,"
+returned Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And think not it will be exerted in your behalf,&rdquo; she replied. &ldquo;Heaven
+does not approve your design, and you will assuredly incur its vengeance
+by your criminal conduct.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana,&rdquo; replied Guy Fawkes, rising, &ldquo;man cannot read my heart, but
+Heaven can; and the sincerity of my purpose will be recognised above.
+What I am about to do is for the regeneration of our holy religion; and
+if the welfare of that religion is dear to the Supreme Being, our cause
+must prosper. If the contrary, it deserves to fail, and will fail. I
+have ever told<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> you that I care not what becomes of myself. I am now
+more than ever indifferent to life,&mdash;or rather,&rdquo; he added, in a sombre
+tone, &ldquo;I am anxious to die.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your dreadful wish, I fear, will be accomplished,&rdquo; replied Viviana,
+sadly. &ldquo;I have been constantly haunted by frightful apprehensions
+respecting you, and my dead father has appeared to me in my dreams. His
+spirit, if such it were, seemed to gaze upon me with a mournful look,
+and, as I thought, pronounced your name in piteous accents.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;These forebodings chime with my own,&rdquo; muttered Fawkes, repressing a
+shudder; &ldquo;but nothing shall shake me. It will inflict a bitter pang upon
+me to part with you, Viviana,&mdash;the bitterest I can ever feel,&mdash;and I
+shall be glad when it is over.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I echo your own wish,&rdquo; she returned, &ldquo;and deeply lament that we ever
+met. But the fate that brought us together must for ever unite us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What mean you?&rdquo; he inquired, gazing fixedly at her.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is one sad consolation which you can afford me, and which you owe
+me for the deep and lasting misery I shall endure on your account,"
+replied Viviana;&mdash;"a consolation that will enable me to bear your loss
+with fortitude, and to devote myself wholly to Heaven.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Whatever I can do that will not interfere with my purpose, you may
+command,&rdquo; he rejoined.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What I have to propose will not interfere with it,&rdquo; she answered. &ldquo;Now,
+hear me, and put the sole construction I deserve on my conduct. Father
+Garnet is at a short distance from us, behind those trees, waiting my
+summons. I have informed him of my design, and he approves of it. It is
+to unite us in marriage&mdash;solemnly unite us&mdash;that though I may never live
+with you as a wife, I may mourn you as a widow. Do you consent?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes returned an affirmative, in a voice broken by emotion.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The moment the ceremony is over,&rdquo; pursued Viviana, &ldquo;I shall start with
+Father Oldcorne for Gothurst. We shall never meet again in this world.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Unless I succeed,&rdquo; said Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will <i>not</i> succeed,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;If I thought so, I should
+not take this step. I look upon it as an espousal with the dead.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she hurried away, and disappearing beneath the covert,
+returned in a few seconds with Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have a strange duty to perform for you, my son,&rdquo; said Garnet to
+Fawkes, who remained motionless and stupified; &ldquo;but I am right willing
+to perform it, because I think it will lead to your future happiness
+with the fair creature who has bestowed her affections on you.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not speculate on the future, father,&rdquo; cried Viviana. &ldquo;You know <i>why</i>
+I asked you to perform this ceremony. You know, also, that I have made
+preparations for instant departure; and that I indulge no hope of seeing
+Guy Fawkes again.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All this I know, dear daughter,&rdquo; returned Garnet; &ldquo;but, in spite of
+your anticipations of ill, I still hope that your union may prove
+auspicious.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I take you to witness, father,&rdquo; said Viviana, &ldquo;that in bestowing my
+hand upon Guy Fawkes, I bestow at the same time all my possessions upon
+him. He is free to use them as he thinks proper,&mdash;even in the
+furtherance of his design against the state, which, though I cannot
+approve it, seems good to him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This must not be,&rdquo; cried Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It <i>shall be</i>,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana. &ldquo;Proceed with the ceremony, father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let her have her own way, my son,&rdquo; observed Garnet, in a low tone.
+&ldquo;Under any circumstances, her estates must now be necessarily yours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He then took a breviary from his vest, and placing them near each other,
+began to read aloud the marriage-service appointed by the Romish Church.
+And there, in that secluded spot, and under such extraordinary
+circumstances, with no other witnesses than the ancient trees around
+them, and the brook rippling at their feet, were Guy Fawkes and Viviana
+united. The ceremony over, Guy Fawkes pressed his bride to his breast,
+and imprinted a kiss upon her lips.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have broken my faith to Heaven, to which I was first espoused,&rdquo; he
+cried.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; she returned; &ldquo;you will now return to your first and holiest
+choice. Think of me only as I shall think of you,&mdash;as of the dead.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, the party slowly and silently returned to the house, where
+they found a couple of steeds, with luggage strapped to the saddles, at
+the door.</p>
+
+<p>Father Oldcorne was already mounted, and in a few minutes Viviana was by
+his side. Before her departure, she bade Guy Fawkes a tender farewell;
+and at this trying juncture her firmness nearly deserted her. But
+rousing herself, she sprang upon her horse, and urging the animal into a
+quick pace, and followed by Oldcorne, she speedily disappeared from
+view. Guy Fawkes watched her out of sight, and shunning the regards of
+Catesby, who formed one of the group, struck into the forest, and was
+not seen again till the following day.</p>
+
+<p>The tenth of October having arrived, Guy Fawkes and Catesby repaired to
+the place of rendezvous. But the night passed, and Tresham did not
+appear. Catesby was angry and disappointed, and could not conceal his
+apprehensions of treachery. Fawkes took a different view of the matter,
+and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> thought it not improbable that their confederate's absence might be
+occasioned by the difficulty he found in complying with their demands;
+and this opinion was confirmed the next morning by the arrival of a
+letter from Tresham, stating that he had been utterly unable to effect
+the sales he contemplated, and could not, therefore, procure the money
+till the end of the month.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will immediately go down to Rushton,&rdquo; said Catesby, &ldquo;and if I find
+him disposed to palter with us, I will call him to instant account. But
+Garnet informs me that Viviana has bestowed all her wealth upon you. Are
+you willing to devote it to the good cause?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No!&rdquo; replied Fawkes, in a tone so decisive that his companion felt it
+would be useless to urge the matter further. &ldquo;I give my life to the
+cause,&mdash;that must suffice.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The subject was never renewed. At night, Catesby, having procured a
+powerful steed, set out upon his journey to Northamptonshire, while
+Fawkes returned to White Webbs.</p>
+
+<p>About a fortnight passed unmarked by any event of importance. Despatches
+were received from Catesby, stating that he had received the money from
+Tresham, and had expended it in procuring horses and arms. He also added
+that he had raised numerous recruits on various pretences. This letter
+was dated from Ashby St. Leger's, the seat of his mother, Lady Catesby,
+but he expressed his intention of proceeding to Coughton Hall, near
+Alcester, in Warwickshire, the residence of Mr. Thomas Throckmorton (a
+wealthy Catholic gentleman), whither Sir Everard Digby had removed with
+his family, to be in readiness for the grand hunting-party to be held on
+the fifth of November on Dunsmore Heath. Here he expected to be joined
+by the two Wrights, the Winters, Rookwood, Keyes, and the rest of the
+conspirators, and undertook to bring them all up to White Webbs on
+Saturday the twenty-sixth of October.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, Guy Fawkes had in a great degree recovered his equanimity,
+and left alone with Garnet, held long and frequent religious conferences
+with him; it being evidently his desire to prepare himself for his
+expected fate. He spent the greater part of the nights in solitary
+vigils&mdash;fasted even more rigorously than he was enjoined to do&mdash;and
+prayed with such fervour and frequency, that, fearing an ill effect upon
+his health, and almost upon his mind, which had become exalted to the
+highest pitch of enthusiasm, Garnet thought it necessary to check him.
+The priest did not fail to note that Viviana's name never passed his
+lips, and that in all their walks in the forest he carefully shunned the
+scene of his espousals.</p>
+
+<p>And thus time flew by. On the evening of the twenty-sixth of October, in
+accordance with Catesby's intimation, the conspirators arrived. They
+were all assembled at supper, and were relating the different
+arrangements which had been made in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> anticipation of the important
+event, when Garnet observed with a look of sudden uneasiness to Catesby,
+&ldquo;You said in one of your letters that you would bring Tresham with you,
+my son. Why do I not see him?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He sent a message to Coughton to state, that having been attacked by a
+sudden illness, he was unable to join us,&rdquo; replied Catesby, &ldquo;but as soon
+as he could leave his bed, he would hasten to London. This may be a
+subterfuge, but I shall speedily ascertain the truth, for I have sent my
+servant Bates to Rushton, to investigate the matter. I ought to tell
+you,&rdquo; he added, &ldquo;that he has given substantial proof of his devotion to
+the cause by sending another thousand pounds, to be expended in the
+purchase of arms and horses.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I hope it is not dust thrown into our eyes,&rdquo; returned Garnet. &ldquo;I have
+always feared Tresham would deceive us at the last.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This sudden illness looks suspicious, I must own,&rdquo; said Catesby. &ldquo;Has
+aught been heard of Lord Mounteagle?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Guy Fawkes heard that he was at his residence at Southwark yesterday,"
+returned Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So far, good,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;Did you visit the cellar where the
+powder is deposited?&rdquo; he added, turning to Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I did,&rdquo; replied the other, &ldquo;and found all secure. The powder is in
+excellent preservation. Before quitting the spot, I placed certain
+private marks against the door, by which I can tell whether it is opened
+during our absence.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A wise precaution,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;And now, gentlemen,&rdquo; he added,
+filling a goblet with wine, &ldquo;success to our enterprise! Everything is
+prepared,&rdquo; he continued, as the pledge was enthusiastically drunk; &ldquo;I
+have got together a company of above two hundred men, all well armed and
+appointed, who will follow me wherever I choose to lead them. They will
+be stationed near Dunsmore Heath on the fifth of next month, and as soon
+as the event of the explosion is known, I shall ride thither as fast as
+I can, and, hurrying with my troops to Coventry, seize the Princess
+Elizabeth. Percy and Keyes will secure the person of the Duke of York,
+and proclaim him King; while upon the rest will devolve the arduous duty
+of rousing our Catholic brethren in London to rise to arms.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Trust to us to rouse them,&rdquo; shouted several voices.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let each man swear not to swerve from the fulfilment of his task,"
+cried Catesby; &ldquo;swear it upon this cup of wine, in which we will all mix
+our blood.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And as he spoke, he pricked his arm with the point of his sword, and
+suffered a few drops of blood to fall into the goblet, while the others,
+roused to a state of frenzied enthusiasm, imitated his example, and
+afterwards raised the horrible mixture to their lips, pronouncing at the
+same time the oath.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes was the last to take the pledge, and crying in a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> loud voice,
+&ldquo;I swear not to quit my post till the explosion is over,&rdquo; he drained the
+cup.</p>
+
+<p>After this, they adjourned to a room in another wing of the house,
+fitted up as a chapel, where mass was performed by Garnet, and the
+sacrament administered to the whole assemblage. They were about to
+retire for the night, when a sudden knocking was heard at the door.
+Reconnoitring the intruder through an upper window, overlooking the
+court, Catesby perceived it was Bates, who was holding a smoking and
+mud-bespattered steed by the bridle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, what news do you bring?&rdquo; cried Catesby, as he admitted him. &ldquo;Have
+you seen Tresham?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Bates. &ldquo;His illness was a mere pretence. He has left
+Rushton secretly for London.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I knew it,&rdquo; cried Garnet. &ldquo;He has again betrayed us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He shall die,&rdquo; said Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>And the determination was echoed by all the other conspirators.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of retiring to rest, they passed the night in anxious
+deliberation, and it was at last proposed that Guy Fawkes should proceed
+without loss of time to Southwark, to keep watch near the house of Lord
+Mounteagle, and if possible ascertain whether Tresham had visited it.</p>
+
+<p>To this he readily agreed. But before setting out, he took Catesby aside
+for a moment, and asked, &ldquo;Did you see Viviana at Coughton?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Only for a moment, and that just before I left the place,&rdquo; was the
+answer. &ldquo;She desired to be remembered to you, and said you were never
+absent from her thoughts or prayers.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes turned away to hide his emotion, and mounting one of the
+horses brought by the conspirators, rode off towards London.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_XII" id="II_CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.</h2>
+
+
+<p>On the same day as the occurrences last related, Lord Mounteagle, who
+was then staying at Southwark, suddenly intimated his intention of
+passing the night at his country mansion at Hoxton; a change of place
+which, trivial as it seemed at the moment, afterwards assumed an
+importance, from the circumstances that arose out of it. At the latter
+part of the day, he accordingly proceeded to Hoxton, accompanied by his
+customary attendants, and all appeared to pass on as usual, until, just
+as supper was over, one of his pages arrived from town, and desired to
+see his lordship immediately.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Affecting to treat the matter with indifference, Lord Mounteagle
+carelessly ordered the youth to be ushered into his presence; and when
+he appeared, he demanded his business. The page replied, that he brought
+a letter for his lordship, which had been delivered under circumstances
+of great mystery.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I had left the house just as it grew dusk,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;on an errand of
+little importance, when a man, muffled in a cloak, suddenly issued from
+behind a corner, and demanded whether I was one of your lordship's
+servants? On my replying in the affirmative, he produced this letter,
+and enjoined me, as I valued my life and your lordship's safety, to
+deliver it into your own hands without delay.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he delivered the letter to his lord, who, gazing at its
+address, which was, &ldquo;To the Right Honourable the Lord Mounteagle,"
+observed, &ldquo;There is nothing very formidable in its appearance. What can
+it mean?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Without even breaking the seal, which was secured with a silken thread,
+he gave it to one of his gentlemen, named Ward, who was standing near
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Read it aloud, sir,&rdquo; said the Earl, with a slight smile. &ldquo;I have no
+doubt it is some vapouring effusion, which will afford us occasion for
+laughter. Before I hear what the writer has to say, I can promise him he
+shall not intimidate me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Thus exhorted, Ward broken open the letter, and read as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My lord, out of the love I bear to some of your friends, I have a care
+of your preservation. Therefore I would advise you, as you tender your
+life, to devise some excuse to shift from your attendance at this
+Parliament, for God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of
+this time. Think not slightingly of this advice, but retire into the
+country, where you may expect the event in safety; for, though there be
+no appearance of any stir, yet I say they shall receive a terrible blow
+this Parliament, and yet they shall not know who hurts them. This
+counsel is not to be contemned. It may do you good, and can do you no
+harm, for the danger is passed as soon as you have burned the letter.
+God, I hope, will give you grace to make good use of it, to whose holy
+protection I commend you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A singular letter!&rdquo; exclaimed Mounteagle, as soon as Ward had finished.
+&ldquo;What is your opinion of it?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I think it hints at some dangerous plot, my lord,&rdquo; replied Ward, who
+had received his instructions, &ldquo;some treason against the state. With
+submission, I would advise your lordship instantly to take it to the
+Earl of Salisbury.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I see nothing in it,&rdquo; replied the Earl. &ldquo;What is your opinion, Mervyn?"
+he added, turning to another of his gentlemen, to whom he had likewise
+given his lesson.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am of the same mind as Ward,&rdquo; replied the attendant.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your lordship will hardly hold yourself excused, if you neglect to give
+due warning, should aught occur hereafter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Say you so, sirs?&rdquo; cried Lord Mounteagle. &ldquo;Let me hear it once more.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The letter was accordingly read again by Ward, and the Earl feigned to
+weigh over each passage.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am advised not to attend the Parliament,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;'for God and man
+have concurred to punish the wickedness of this time.' That is too vague
+to be regarded. Then I am urged to retire into the country. The
+recommendation must proceed from some discontented Catholic, who does
+not wish me to be present at the opening of the house. This is not the
+first time I have been so adjured. 'They shall receive a terrible blow
+this Parliament, and yet shall not know who hurts them.' That is
+mysterious enough, but it may mean nothing,&mdash;any more than what follows,
+namely, 'the danger is passed as soon as you have burnt the letter.'"</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not think so, my lord,&rdquo; replied Ward; &ldquo;and though I cannot explain
+the riddle, I am sure it means mischief.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well,&rdquo; said Lord Mounteagle, &ldquo;since you are of this mind, I must lose
+no time in communicating the letter to the Secretary of State. It is
+better to err on the safe side.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, after some further consultation, he set out at that late
+hour for Whitehall, where he roused the Earl of Salisbury, and showed
+him the letter. It is almost needless to state that the whole was a
+preconcerted scheme between these two crafty statesmen; but as the
+interview took place in the presence of their attendants, the utmost
+caution was observed.</p>
+
+<p>Salisbury pretended to be greatly alarmed at the communication, and
+coupling it, he said, with previous intelligence which he had received,
+he could not help fearing, to adopt the words of the writer of the
+mysterious letter, that the Parliament was indeed threatened with some
+&ldquo;terrible blow.&rdquo; Acting, apparently, upon this supposition, he caused
+such of the lords of the Privy Council as lodged at Whitehall to be
+summoned, and submitting the letter to them, they all concurred in the
+opinion that it referred to some dangerous plot, though none could give
+a guess at its precise nature.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is clearly some Popish project,&rdquo; said Salisbury, &ldquo;or Lord Mounteagle
+would not have been the party warned. We must keep a look-out upon the
+disaffected of his faith.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;As I have been the means of revealing the plot to your lordship&mdash;if
+plot it be&mdash;I must pray you to deal gently with them,&rdquo; rejoined
+Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will be as lenient as I can,&rdquo; returned Salisbury; &ldquo;but in a matter of
+this kind little favour can be shown. If your lordship will enable me to
+discover the principal actors in this affair, I will take care that no
+innocent party suffers.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You ask an impossibility,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle. &ldquo;I know nothing beyond
+what can be gathered from that letter. But I pray your lordship not to
+make it a means of exercising unnecessary severity towards the members
+of my religion.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;On that you may rely,&rdquo; returned the Earl. &ldquo;His Majesty will not return
+from the hunting expedition on which he is engaged at Royston till
+Thursday next, the 30th. I think it scarcely worth while (considering
+his naturally timid nature, with which your lordships are well
+acquainted) to inform him of the threatened danger, until his arrival at
+the palace. It will then be time enough to take any needful steps, as
+Parliament will not meet for four or five days afterwards.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>In the policy of this course the Privy Councillors agreed, and it was
+arranged that the matter should be kept perfectly secret until the
+King's opinion had been taken upon the letter. The assemblage then broke
+up, it being previously arranged that, for fear of some attempt upon his
+life, Lord Mounteagle should remain within the palace till full
+inquiries had been instituted into the affair.</p>
+
+<p>When the two confederate nobles were left alone, Salisbury observed,
+with a slight laugh, to his companion,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thus far we have proceeded well, and without suspicion, and, rely upon
+it, none shall fall on you. As soon as all is over, the most important
+post the King has to bestow shall be yours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But what of Tresham?&rdquo; asked Mounteagle. &ldquo;He was the deliverer of this
+letter, and I have little faith in him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hum!&rdquo; said Salisbury, after a moment's reflection, &ldquo;if you think it
+desirable, we can remove him to the Tower, where he can be easily
+silenced.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will be better so,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle. &ldquo;He may else babble
+hereafter. I gave him a thousand pounds to send in his own name to the
+conspirators the other day to lure them into our nets.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It shall be repaid you a hundred-fold,&rdquo; replied Salisbury. &ldquo;But we are
+observed, and must therefore separate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he withdrew to his own chamber, while Lord Mounteagle was
+ushered to the apartments allotted to him.</p>
+
+<p>To return to Guy Fawkes. Arriving at Southwark, he stationed himself
+near Lord Mounteagle's residence. But he observed nothing to awaken his
+suspicions, until early in the morning he perceived a page approaching
+the mansion, whom, from his livery, he knew to be one of Lord
+Mounteagle's household, (it was, in fact, the very youth who had
+delivered the mysterious letter,) and from him he ascertained all that
+had occurred. Filled with alarm, and scarcely knowing what to do, he
+crossed the river, and proceeding to the cellar, examined the marks at
+the door, and finding all precisely as he had left it, felt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> certain,
+that whatever discovery had been made, the magazine had not been
+visited.</p>
+
+<p>He next repaired to the house, of which he possessed the key, and was
+satisfied that no one had been there. Somewhat relieved by this, he yet
+determined to keep watch during the day, and concealing himself near the
+cellar, remained on the look-out till night. But no one came; nor did
+anything occur to excite his suspicions. He would not, however, quit his
+post till about six o'clock on the following evening, when, thinking
+further delay might be attended with danger, he set out to White Webbs,
+to give his companions intelligence of the letter.</p>
+
+<p>His news was received by all with the greatest alarm, and not one,
+except Catesby, who strove to put a bold face upon the matter, though he
+was full of inward misgiving, but confessed that he thought all chance
+of success was at an end. While deliberating upon what should be done in
+this fearful emergency, they were greatly alarmed by a sudden knocking
+without. All the conspirators concealed themselves, except Guy Fawkes,
+who opening the door, found, to his infinite surprise, that the summons
+proceeded from Tresham. He said nothing till the other had entered the
+house, and then suddenly drawing his dagger, held it to his throat.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Make your shrift quickly, traitor,&rdquo; he cried in a furious tone, &ldquo;for
+your last hour is arrived. What ho!&rdquo; he shouted to the others, who
+instantly issued from their hiding-places, &ldquo;the fox has ventured into
+the lion's den.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You distrust me wrongfully,&rdquo; rejoined Tresham, with more confidence
+than he usually exhibited in time of danger; &ldquo;I am come to warn you, not
+betray you. Is this the return you make me for the service?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Villain!&rdquo; cried Catesby, rushing up to him, and holding his drawn sword
+to his breast. &ldquo;You have conveyed the letter to Lord Mounteagle.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is false,&rdquo; replied Tresham; &ldquo;I have only just heard of it; and, in
+spite of the risk I knew I should run from your suspicions, I came to
+tell you what had happened.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Why did you feign illness, and depart secretly for town, instead of
+joining us at Coughton?&rdquo; demanded Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will instantly explain my motive, which, though it may not be
+satisfactory to you on one point, will be so on another,&rdquo; replied
+Tresham unhesitatingly, and with apparent frankness. &ldquo;I was fearful you
+would make a further tool of me, and resolved not to join you again till
+a few days before the outbreak of the plot. To this determination I
+should have adhered, had I not learnt to-night that a letter had been
+transmitted by some one to Lord Mounteagle, which he had conveyed to the
+Earl of Salisbury. It may not convey any notion of the plot, but it is
+certain to occasion alarm, and I thought it my duty, in spite of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> every
+personal consideration, to give you warning. If you design to escape,
+there is yet time. A vessel lies in the river, in which we can all
+embark for Flanders.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Can he be innocent?&rdquo; said Catesby in a whisper to Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I had betrayed you,&rdquo; continued Tresham, &ldquo;I should not have come
+hither. And I have no motive for such baseness, for I am in equal danger
+with yourselves. But though the alarm has been given, I do not think any
+discovery will be made. They are evidently on the wrong scent.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I hope so,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;but I fear the contrary.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Shall I put him to death?&rdquo; demanded Fawkes of Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not sully your hands with his blood, my son,&rdquo; returned Garnet. &ldquo;If
+he has betrayed us, he will reap the traitor's reward here and
+hereafter. If he has not, it would be to take away a life unjustly. Let
+him depart. We shall feel more secure without him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will it be safe to set him free, father?&rdquo; cried Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I think so,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;We will not admit him to our further
+conferences; but let us act mercifully.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The major part of the conspirators concurring in this opinion, though
+Fawkes and Catesby were opposed to it, Tresham was suffered to depart.
+As soon as he was gone, Garnet avowed that the further prosecution of
+the design appeared so hazardous, that it ought to be abandoned, and
+that, in his opinion, each of the conspirators had better consult his
+own safety by flight. He added, that at some future period the design
+might be resumed, or another planned, which might be more securely
+carried out.</p>
+
+<p>After much discussion, all seemed disposed to acquiesce in the proposal,
+except Fawkes, who adhered doggedly to his purpose, and treated the
+danger so slightingly, that he gradually brought the others round to his
+views. At length, it was resolved that Garnet should set out immediately
+for Coughton Hall, and place himself under the protection of Sir Everard
+Digby, and there await the result of the attempt, while the other
+conspirators decided upon remaining in town, in some secure places of
+concealment, until the event was known. Unmoved as ever, Guy Fawkes
+declared his intention of watching over the magazine of powder.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If anything happens to me,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;you will take care of yourselves.
+You well know nothing will be wrung from me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby and the others, aware of his resolute nature, affected to
+remonstrate with him, but they willingly suffered him to take his own
+course. Attended by Bates, Garnet then set out for Warwickshire, and the
+rest of the conspirators proceeded to London, where they dispersed,
+after appointing Lincoln's Inn Walks as their place of midnight
+rendezvous. Each then made preparations for sudden flight, in case it
+should be necessary, and Rookwood provided relays of horses all the way
+to Dunchurch.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes alone remained at his post. He took up his abode in the
+cellar, resolved to blow up himself together with his foes, in case of a
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>On Thursday, the 31st of October, the King returned to Whitehall, and
+the mysterious letter was laid before him in the presence of the Privy
+Council by the Earl of Salisbury. James perused it carefully, but could
+scarcely hide his perplexity.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your Majesty will not fail to remark the expressions, 'a terrible blow'
+to the Parliament, and 'that the danger will be past as soon as you have
+burnt the letter,' evidently referring to combustion,&rdquo; observed the
+Earl.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are right, Salisbury,&rdquo; said James, snatching at the suggestion. &ldquo;I
+should not wonder if these mischievous Papists mean to blow us all up
+with gunpowder.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your Majesty has received a divine illumination,&rdquo; returned the Earl.
+&ldquo;Such an idea never occurred to me; but it must be as you intimate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Undoubtedly&mdash;undoubtedly,&rdquo; replied the monarch, pleased with the
+compliment to his sagacity, though alarmed by the danger; &ldquo;but what
+desperate traitors they must be to imagine such a deed! Blow us up!
+God's mercy, that were a dreadful death! And yet that must evidently be
+the meaning of the passage. How else can it be construed, except by
+reference to the suddenness of the act, which might be as quickly
+performed as that paper would take to be consumed in the fire?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your Majesty's penetration has discovered the truth,&rdquo; replied
+Salisbury, &ldquo;and by the help of your wisdom, I will fully develop this
+dark design. Where, think you, the powder may lie hidden?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Are there any vaults beneath the Parliament House?&rdquo; demanded James,
+trembling. &ldquo;Heaven save us! We have often walked there&mdash;perhaps, over a
+secret mine.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There are,&rdquo; replied Salisbury; &ldquo;and I am again indebted to your Majesty
+for a most important suggestion. Not a corner in the vaults shall be
+left unsearched. But, perhaps you will think with me, that, in order to
+catch these traitors in their own trap, it will be well to defer the
+search till the very night before the meeting of Parliament.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I was about to recommend such a course myself, Salisbury,&rdquo; replied
+James.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I was sure you would think so,&rdquo; returned the Earl; &ldquo;and now I must
+entreat you to dismiss the subject from your thoughts, and to sleep
+securely; for you may rely upon it (after your Majesty's discovery) that
+the plot shall be fully unravelled.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The significant tone in which the Earl uttered the latter part of this
+speech, convinced the King that he knew more of the matter than he cared
+to confess; and he contented himself with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> saying, &ldquo;Well, let it be so.
+I trust all to you. But I at once divined their purpose,&mdash;I at once
+divined it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The Council then broke up, and James laughed and chuckled to himself at
+the discernment he had displayed. Nor was he less pleased with his
+minister for the credit given him in the affair. But he took care not to
+enter the Parliament House.</p>
+
+<p>On the afternoon of Monday, the 4th of November, the Lord Chamberlain,
+accompanied by the Lords Salisbury and Mounteagle, visited the cellars
+and vaults beneath the Parliament House. For some time, they discovered
+nothing to excite suspicion. At length, probably at the suggestion of
+Lord Mounteagle, who, as will be recollected, was acquainted with the
+situation of the magazine, they proceeded to the cellar, where they
+found the store of powder; but not meeting with any of the conspirators,
+as they expected, they disturbed nothing, and went away, reporting the
+result of their search to the King.</p>
+
+<p>By the recommendation of the Earl of Salisbury, James advised that a
+guard should be placed near the cellar during the whole of the night,
+consisting of Topcliffe and a certain number of attendants, and headed
+by Sir Thomas Knevet, a magistrate of Westminster, upon whose courage
+and discretion full reliance could be placed. Lord Mounteagle also
+requested permission to keep guard with them to witness the result of
+the affair. To this the King assented, and as soon as it grew dark, the
+party secretly took up their position at a point commanding the entrance
+of the magazine.</p>
+
+<p>Fawkes, who chanced to be absent at the time the search was made,
+returned a few minutes afterwards, and remained within the cellar,
+seated upon a barrel of gunpowder, the head of which he had staved in,
+with a lantern in one hand, and petronel in the other, till past
+midnight.</p>
+
+<p>The fifth of November was now at hand, and the clock of the adjoining
+abbey had scarcely ceased tolling the hour that proclaimed its arrival,
+when Fawkes, somewhat wearied with his solitary watching, determined to
+repair, for a short space, to the adjoining house. He accordingly
+quitted the cellar, leaving his lantern lighted within it in one corner.</p>
+
+<p>Opening the door, he gazed cautiously around, but perceiving nothing,
+after waiting a few seconds, he proceeded to lock the door. While thus
+employed, he thought he heard a noise behind him, and turning suddenly,
+he beheld through the gloom several persons rushing towards him,
+evidently with hostile intent. His first impulse was to draw a <ins class="correction" title="original: petrone&nbsp;">petronel</ins>,
+and grasp his sword: but before he could effect his purpose, his arms
+were pinioned by a powerful grasp from behind, while the light of a
+lantern thrown full in his face revealed the barrel of a petronel
+levelled at his head, and an authoritative voice commanded him in the
+King's name to surrender.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 389px;">
+<img src="images/illo_244.jpg" width="389" height="600" alt="Guy Fawkes arrested by Sir Thomas Knevet and
+Topcliffe" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Guy Fawkes arrested by Sir Thomas Knevet and
+Topcliffe</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_XIII" id="II_CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE FLIGHT OF THE CONSPIRATORS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>On the same night, and at the same hour that Guy Fawkes was captured,
+the other conspirators held their rendezvous in Lincoln's Inn Walks. A
+presentiment of the fate awaiting them filled the breasts of all, and
+even Catesby shared in the general depression. Plan after plan was
+proposed, and, as soon as proposed, rejected; and they seemed influenced
+only by alarm and irresolution. Feeling at length that nothing could be
+done, and that they were only increasing their risk by remaining
+together longer, they agreed to separate, appointing to meet at the same
+place on the following night, if their project should not, in the
+interim, be discovered.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Before daybreak,&rdquo; said Catesby, &ldquo;I will proceed to the cellar under the
+Parliament House, and ascertain whether anything has happened to Guy
+Fawkes. My heart misgives me about him, and I reproach myself that I
+have allowed him to incur this peril alone.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Guy Fawkes is arrested,&rdquo; said a voice near them, &ldquo;and is at this moment
+under examination before the King.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is Tresham who speaks,&rdquo; cried Catesby; &ldquo;secure him!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The injunction was instantly obeyed. Tresham was seized, and several
+weapons pointed against his breast. He did not, however, appear to be
+dismayed, but, so far as could be discerned in the obscurity, seemed to
+maintain great boldness of demeanour.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have again ventured among you, at the hazard of my life,&rdquo; he said, in
+a firm tone, &ldquo;to give you this most important intelligence; and am
+requited, as I have ever been of late, with menaces and violence. Stab
+me, and see whether my death will avail you in this extremity. I am in
+equal danger with yourselves; and whether I perish by your hands, or by
+those of the executioner, is of little moment.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let me question him before we avenge ourselves upon him,&rdquo; said Catesby
+to Rookwood. &ldquo;How do you know that Guy Fawkes is a prisoner?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I saw him taken,&rdquo; replied Tresham, &ldquo;and esteem myself singularly
+fortunate that I escaped the same fate. Though excluded from further
+share in the project, I could not divest myself of a strong desire to
+know how matters were going on, and I resolved to visit the cellar
+secretly at midnight. As I stealthily approached it, I remarked several
+armed figures beneath a gateway, and conjecturing their purpose,
+instantly concealed myself behind a projection of the wall. I had not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>
+been in this situation many minutes, when the cellar door opened, and
+Guy Fawkes issued from it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well!&rdquo; cried Catesby, breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The party I had noticed immediately rushed forward, and secured him
+before he could offer any resistance,&rdquo; continued Tresham. &ldquo;After a brief
+struggle, certain of their number dragged him into the cellar, while
+others kept watch without. I should now have flown, but my limbs refused
+their office, and I was therefore compelled, however reluctantly, to see
+the end of it. In a short time Guy Fawkes was brought forth again, and I
+heard some one in authority give directions that he should be instantly
+taken to Whitehall, to be interrogated before the King and the Privy
+Council. He was then led away, and a guard placed at the door of the
+cellar. Feeling certain I should be discovered, I continued for some
+time in an agony of apprehension, not daring to stir. But, at length,
+summoning up sufficient resolution, I crept cautiously along the side of
+the wall, and got off unperceived. My first object was to warn you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How did you become acquainted with our place of rendezvous?&rdquo; demanded
+the elder Wright.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I overheard you, at our last interview at White Webbs, appoint a
+midnight meeting in this place,&rdquo; replied Tresham, &ldquo;and I hurried hither
+in the hope of finding you, and have not been disappointed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;When I give the word, plunge your swords into his breast,&rdquo; said
+Catesby, in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hold!&rdquo; cried Percy, taking him aside. &ldquo;If we put him to death in this
+spot, his body will be found, and his slaughter may awaken suspicions
+against us. Guy Fawkes will reveal nothing.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Of that I am well assured,&rdquo; said Catesby. &ldquo;Shall we take the traitor
+with us to some secure retreat, where we can detain him till we learn
+what takes place at the palace, and if we find he has betrayed us,
+despatch him?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That would answer no good purpose,&rdquo; returned Percy &ldquo;The sooner we are
+rid of him the better. We can then deliberate as to what is best to be
+done.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are right,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;If he <i>has</i> betrayed us, life will
+be a burthen to him, and the greatest kindness we could render him would
+be to rid him of it. Let him go. Tresham,&rdquo; he added, in a loud voice,
+&ldquo;you are free. But we meet no more.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We have not parted yet,&rdquo; cried the traitor, springing backwards, and
+uttering a loud cry. &ldquo;I arrest you all in the King's name.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The signal was answered by a band of soldiers, who emerged from behind
+the trees where they had hitherto been concealed, and instantly
+surrounded the conspirators.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is now my turn to threaten,&rdquo; laughed Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby replied by drawing a petronel, and firing it in the supposed
+direction of the speaker. But he missed his mark. The ball lodged in the
+brain of a soldier who was standing beside him, and the ill-fated wretch
+fell to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>A desperate conflict now ensued. Topcliffe, who commanded the assailing
+party, ordered his followers to take the conspirators alive, and it was
+mainly owing to this injunction that the latter were indebted for their
+safety. Whispering his directions to his companions, Catesby gave the
+word, and making a simultaneous rush forward, they broke through the
+opposing ranks, and instantly dispersing, and favoured by the gloom,
+they baffled pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We have failed in this part of our scheme,&rdquo; said Tresham to Topcliffe,
+as they met half an hour afterwards. &ldquo;What is to be done?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We must take the Earl of Salisbury's advice upon it,&rdquo; returned
+Topcliffe. &ldquo;I shall now hasten to Whitehall to see how Guy Fawkes's
+interrogation proceeds, and will communicate with his lordship.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Upon this, they separated.</p>
+
+<p>None of the conspirators met again that night. Each fled in a different
+direction, and, ignorant of what had happened to the rest, sought some
+secure retreat. Catesby ran towards Chancery-lane, and passing through a
+narrow alley, entered the large gardens which then lay between this
+thoroughfare and Fetter-lane. Listening to hear whether he was pursued,
+and finding nothing to alarm him, he threw himself on the sod beneath a
+tree, and was lost in painful reflection.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All my fair schemes are marred by that traitor, Tresham,&rdquo; he muttered.
+&ldquo;I could forgive myself for being duped by him, if I had slain him when
+he was in my power. But that he should escape to exult in our ruin, and
+reap the reward of his perfidy, afflicts me even more than failure.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Tortured by thoughts like these, and in vain endeavouring to snatch such
+brief repose as would fit him for the fatigue he might have to endure on
+the morrow, he did not quit his position till late in the morning of a
+dull November day&mdash;it was, as will be recollected, the memorable
+Fifth&mdash;had arrived.</p>
+
+<p>He then arose, and slouching his hat, and wrapping his cloak around him,
+shaped his course towards Fleet-street. From the knots of persons
+gathered together at different corners,&mdash;from their muttered discourse
+and mysterious looks, as well as from the general excitement that
+prevailed,&mdash;he felt sure that some rumour of the plot had gone abroad.
+Shunning observation as much as he could, he entered a small tavern near
+Fleet Bridge, and called for a flask of wine and some food. While
+discussing these, he was attracted by the discourse of the landlord, who
+was conversing with his guests about the conspiracy.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I hear that all the Papists are to be hanged, drawn, and quartered,"
+cried the host; &ldquo;and if it be true, as I have heard, that this plot is
+their contrivance, they deserve it. I hope I have no believer in that
+faith&mdash;no recusant in my house.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Don't insult us by any such suspicion,&rdquo; cried one of the guests. &ldquo;We
+are all loyal men&mdash;all good Protestants.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you know whether the conspirators have been discovered, sir?&rdquo; asked
+the host of Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not even know of the plot,&rdquo; replied the other. &ldquo;What was its
+object?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What was its object!&rdquo; cried the host. &ldquo;You will scarcely credit me when
+I tell you. I tremble to speak of it. Its object was to blow up the
+Parliament House, and the King and all the nobles and prelates of the
+land along with it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Horrible!&rdquo; exclaimed the guests.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But how do you know it is a scheme of the Papists?&rdquo; asked Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Because I have been told so,&rdquo; rejoined the host. &ldquo;But who else could
+devise such a monstrous plan? It would never enter into the head or
+heart of a Protestant to conceive so detestable an action. We love our
+King too well for that, and would shed the last drop of our blood rather
+than a hair of his head should be injured. But these priest-ridden
+Papists think otherwise. They regard him as a usurper; and having
+received a dispensation from the Pope to that effect, fancy it would be
+a pious act to remove him. There will be no tranquillity in the kingdom
+while one of them is left alive; and I hope his Majesty will take
+advantage of the present ferment to order a general massacre of them,
+like that of the poor Protestants on Saint Bartholomew's day in Paris.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay,&mdash;massacre them,&rdquo; cried the guests; &ldquo;that's the way. Burn their
+houses and cut their throats. Will it be lawful to do so without further
+authority, mine host? If so, we will set about it immediately.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot resolve you on that point,&rdquo; replied the landlord. &ldquo;You had
+better wait a short time. I dare say their slaughter will be publicly
+commanded.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven grant it may be so!&rdquo; cried one of the guests. &ldquo;I will bear my
+part in the business.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby arose, paid his reckoning, and strode out of the tavern.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you know, mine host,&rdquo; said the guest who had last spoken, &ldquo;I half
+suspect that tall fellow, who has just left us, is a Papist.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Perhaps a conspirator,&rdquo; said another.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let us watch him,&rdquo; cried a third.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Stay,&rdquo; cried the host, &ldquo;he has paid me double my reckoning. I believe
+him to be an honest man and a good Protestant.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What you say confirms my suspicions,&rdquo; rejoined the first speaker. &ldquo;We
+will follow him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>On reaching Temple Bar, Catesby found the gates closed, and a guard
+stationed at them,&mdash;no one being allowed to pass through without
+examination. Not willing to expose himself to this scrutiny, Catesby
+turned away, and in doing so, perceived three of the persons he had just
+left in the tavern. The expression of their countenances satisfied him
+they were dogging him; but affecting not to perceive it, he retraced his
+steps, gradually quickening his pace until he reached a narrow street
+leading into Whitefriars, down which he darted. The moment his pursuers
+saw this, they hurried after him, shouting, &ldquo;A Papist&mdash;a Papist!&mdash;a
+conspirator!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But Catesby was now safe. Claiming the protection of certain Alsatians
+who were lounging at the door of a tavern, and offering to reward them,
+they instantly drew their swords, and drove the others away, while
+Catesby, tossing a few pieces of money to his preservers, passed through
+a small doorway into the Temple, and making the best of his way to the
+stairs, leaped into a boat, and ordered the waterman to row to
+Westminster. The man obeyed, and plying his oars, soon gained the middle
+of the stream. Little way, however, had been made, when Catesby descried
+a large wherry, manned by several rowers, swiftly approaching them, and
+instinctively comprehending whom it contained, ordered the man to rest
+on his oars till it had passed.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments the wherry approached them. It was filled with
+serjeants of the guard and halberdiers, in the midst of whom sat Guy
+Fawkes. Catesby could not resist the impulse that prompted him to rise,
+and the movement attracted the attention of the prisoner. The momentary
+glance they exchanged convinced Catesby that Fawkes perceived him,
+though his motionless features gave no token of recognition, and he
+immediately afterwards fixed his eyes towards heaven, as if to
+intimate,&mdash;at least Catesby so construed the gesture,&mdash;that his earthly
+career was well-nigh ended. Heaving a deep sigh, Catesby watched the
+wherry sweep on towards the Tower,&mdash;its fatal destination,&mdash;until it was
+lost to view.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All is over, I fear, with the bravest of our band,&rdquo; he thought, as he
+tracked its course; &ldquo;but some effort must be made to save him. At all
+events, we will die sword in hand, and like soldiers, and not as common
+malefactors.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Abandoning his intention of proceeding to Westminster, he desired the
+man to pull ashore, and landing at Arundel Stairs, hastened to the
+Strand. Here he found large crowds collected, the shops closed, and
+business completely at a stand. Nothing was talked of but the
+conspiracy, and the most exaggerated and extraordinary accounts of it
+were circulated and believed. Some would have it that the Parliament
+House was already blown up,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> and that the city of London itself had been
+set fire to in several places by the Papists. It was also stated that
+numerous arrests had taken place, and it was certain that the houses of
+several Catholic nobles and wealthy gentlemen had been searched. To such
+a height was the popular indignation raised, that it required the utmost
+efforts of the soldiery to prevent the mob from breaking into these
+houses, and using violence towards their inmates.</p>
+
+<p>Every gate and avenue to the palace was strictly guarded, and troops of
+horse were continually scouring the streets. Sentinels were placed
+before suspected houses, and no one was suffered to enter them, or to go
+forth without special permission. Detachments of soldiery were also
+stationed at the end of all the main thoroughfares. Bars were thrown
+across the smaller streets and outlets, and proclamation was made that
+no one was to quit the city, however urgent his business, for three
+days.</p>
+
+<p>On hearing this announcement, Catesby saw at once that if he did not
+effect his escape immediately, it would be impracticable. Accordingly,
+he hurried towards Charing-cross, and turning up St. Martin's-lane, at
+the back of the King's Mews, contrived to elude the vigilance of the
+guard, and speeded along the lane,&mdash;for it was then literally so, and
+surrounded on either side by high hedges,&mdash;until he came to St.
+Giles's,&mdash;at this time nothing more than a few scattered houses,
+intermixed with trees. Here he encountered a man mounted on a powerful
+steed, and seeing this person look hard at him, would have drawn out of
+the way, if the other had not addressed him by name. He then regarded
+the equestrian more narrowly, and found it was Martin Heydocke.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have heard what has happened, Mr. Catesby,&rdquo; said Martin, &ldquo;and can
+imagine the desperate strait in which you must be placed. Take my
+horse,&mdash;it may aid your flight. I was sent to London by my master, Mr.
+Humphrey Chetham, to bring him intelligence of the result of your
+attempt, and I am sure I am acting in accordance with his wishes in
+rendering you such a service. At all events, I will risk it. Mount,
+sir,&mdash;mount, and make the best of your way hence.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby needed no further exhortation, but, springing into the saddle,
+hastily murmured his thanks, and striking into a lane on the right, rode
+off at a swift pace towards Highgate.</p>
+
+<p>On reaching the brow of this beautiful hill, he drew in the bridle for a
+moment, and gazed towards the city he had just quitted. Dark and bitter
+were his thoughts as he fixed his eye upon Westminster Abbey, and
+fancied he could discern the neighbouring pile, whose destruction he had
+meditated. Remembering that from this very spot, when he had last
+approached the capital, in company with Guy Fawkes and Viviana
+Radcliffe, he had looked in the same direction, he could not help
+contrasting his present sensations with those he had then experienced.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>
+At that time he was full of ardour, and confident of success. Now, all
+was lost to him, and he was anxious for little more than
+self-preservation. Involuntarily, his eye wandered along the great city,
+until passing over the mighty fabric of Saint Paul's, it settled upon
+the Tower,&mdash;upon the place of Guy Fawkes's captivity.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And can nothing be done for his deliverance?&rdquo; sighed Catesby, as he
+turned away, his eyes filling with moisture &ldquo;must that brave soldier die
+the death of a felon&mdash;must he be subjected to the torture&mdash;horror! If he
+had died defending himself, I should scarcely have pitied him. And if he
+had destroyed himself, together with his foes, as he resolved to do, I
+should have envied him. But the idea of what he will have to suffer in
+that dreadful place&mdash;nay, what he is now, perhaps, suffering&mdash;makes the
+life-blood curdle in my veins. I will never fall alive into their
+hands.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this resolve, he struck spurs into his steed, and, urging him to a
+swift pace, dashed rapidly forward. He had ridden more than a mile, when
+hearing shouts behind him, he perceived two troopers galloping after him
+as fast as their horses could carry them. They shouted to him to stay,
+and as they were better mounted than he was, it was evident they would
+soon come up with him. Determined, however, to adhere to the resolution
+he had just formed, and not to yield himself with life, he prepared for
+a conflict, and suddenly halting, he concealed a petronel beneath his
+cloak, and waited till his foes drew near.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I command you, in the King's name, to surrender,&rdquo; said the foremost
+trooper, riding up. &ldquo;You are a rebel and a traitor.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be this my answer,&rdquo; replied Catesby, aiming at the man, and firing with
+such certainty, that he fell from his horse mortally wounded.
+Unsheathing his sword, he then prepared to attack the other trooper.
+But, terrified at the fate of his comrade, the man turned his horse's
+head, and rode off.</p>
+
+<p>Without bestowing a thought on the dying man who lay groaning in the
+mire, Catesby caught hold of the bridle of his horse, and satisfied that
+the animal was better than his own, mounted him, and proceeded at the
+same headlong pace as before.</p>
+
+<p>In a short time he reached Finchley, where several persons rushed from
+their dwellings to inquire whether he brought any intelligence of the
+plot, rumours of which had already reached them. Without stopping,
+Catesby replied that most important discoveries had been made, and that
+he was carrying despatches from the King to Northampton. No opposition
+was therefore offered him, and he soon left all traces of habitation
+behind him. Urging his horse to its utmost, he arrived, in less than a
+quarter of an hour, at Chipping Barnet. Here the same inquiries were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>
+made as at Finchley, and returning the same answer&mdash;for he never relaxed
+his speed for a moment&mdash;he pursued his course.</p>
+
+<p>In less than three quarters of an hour after this, he arrived at Saint
+Albans, and proceeding direct to the post-house, asked for a horse. But
+instead of complying with the request, the landlord of the Rose and
+Crown&mdash;such was the name of the hostel&mdash;instantly withdrew, and returned
+the next moment with an officer, who desired to speak with Catesby
+before he proceeded further. The latter, however, took no notice of the
+demand, but rode off.</p>
+
+<p>The clatter of horses' hoofs behind him soon convinced him he was again
+pursued, and he was just beginning to consider in what way he should
+make a second defence, when he observed two horsemen cross a lane on the
+left, and make for the main road. His situation now appeared highly
+perilous, especially as his pursuers, who had noticed the other horsemen
+at the same time as himself, shouted to them. But he was speedily
+relieved. These persons, instead of stopping, accelerated their pace,
+and appeared as anxious as he was to avoid those behind him.</p>
+
+<p>They were now within a short distance of Dunstable, and were ascending
+the lovely downs which lie on the London side of this ancient town, when
+one of the horsemen in front chancing to turn round, Catesby perceived
+it was Rookwood. Overjoyed at the discovery, he shouted to him at the
+top of his voice, and the other, who it presently appeared was
+accompanied by Keyes, instantly stopped. In a few seconds Catesby was by
+their side, and a rapid explanation taking place, they all three drew up
+in order of battle.</p>
+
+<p>By this time their pursuers had arrived within a hundred yards of them,
+and seeing how matters stood, and not willing to hazard an engagement,
+after a brief consultation, retired. The three friends then pursued
+their route, passed through Dunstable, and without pausing a moment on
+the road, soon neared Fenny Stratford. Just before they arrived at this
+place, Catesby's horse fell from exhaustion. Instantly extricating
+himself from the fallen animal, he ran by the side of his companions
+till they got to the town, where Rookwood, who had placed relays on the
+road, changed his horse, and the others were fortunate enough to procure
+fresh steeds.</p>
+
+<p>Proceeding with unabated impetuosity, they soon cleared a few more
+miles, and had just left Stony Stratford behind them, when they overtook
+a solitary horseman, who proved to be John Wright, and a little further
+on they came up with Percy, and Christopher Wright.</p>
+
+<p>Though their numbers were thus increased, they did not consider
+themselves secure, but flinging their cloaks away to enable them to
+proceed with greater expedition, hurried on to Towcester. Here Keyes
+quitted his companions, and shaped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> his course into Warwickshire, where
+he was afterwards taken, while the others, having procured fresh horses,
+made the best of their way to Ashby Saint Leger's.</p>
+
+<p>About six o'clock, Catesby and his companions arrived at his old family
+seat, which he had expected to approach in triumph, but which he now
+approached with feelings of the deepest mortification and
+disappointment. They found the house filled with guests&mdash;among whom was
+Robert Winter&mdash;who were just sitting down to supper. Catesby rushed into
+the room in which these persons were assembled, covered with mud and
+dirt, his haggard looks and dejected appearance proclaiming that his
+project had failed. His friends followed, and their appearance confirmed
+the impression that he had produced. Lady Catesby hastened to her son,
+and strove to comfort him; but he rudely repulsed her.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What is the matter?&rdquo; she anxiously inquired.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What is the matter!&rdquo; cried Catesby, in a furious tone, and stamping his
+foot to the ground. &ldquo;All is lost! our scheme is discovered; Guy Fawkes
+is a prisoner, and ere long we shall all be led to the block. Yes, all!"
+he repeated, gazing sternly around.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will never be led thither with life,&rdquo; said Robert Winter.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nor I,&rdquo; added a young Catholic gentleman, named Acton of Ribbesford,
+who had lately joined the conspiracy. &ldquo;Though the great design has
+failed, we are yet free, and have swords to draw, and arms to wield
+them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay,&rdquo; exclaimed Robert Winter, &ldquo;all our friends are assembled at
+Dunchurch. Let us join them instantly, and we may yet stir up a
+rebellion which may accomplish all we can desire. I, myself, accompanied
+Humphrey Littleton to Dunchurch this morning, and know we shall find
+everything in readiness.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not despair,&rdquo; cried Lady Catesby; &ldquo;all will yet be well. Every
+member of our faith will join you, and you will soon muster a formidable
+army.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We must not yield without a blow,&rdquo; cried Percy, pouring out a bumper of
+wine, and swallowing it at a draught.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are right,&rdquo; said Rookwood, imitating his example. &ldquo;We will sell our
+lives dearly.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you will adhere to this resolution, gentlemen,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby,
+&ldquo;we may yet retrieve our loss. With five hundred stanch followers, who
+will stand by me to the last, I will engage to raise such a rebellion in
+England as shall not be checked, except by the acknowledgment of our
+rights, or the dethronement of the king.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We will all stand by you,&rdquo; cried the others.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Swear it,&rdquo; cried Catesby, raising the glass to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We do,&rdquo; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Wearied as we are,&rdquo; cried Catesby, &ldquo;we must at once proceed to
+Dunchurch, and urge our friends to rise in arms with us.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Agreed,&rdquo; cried the others.</p>
+
+<p>Summoning all his household, and arming them, Catesby then set out with
+the rest for Dunchurch, which lay about five miles from Ashby Saint
+Leger's. They arrived there in about three quarters of an hour, and
+found the mansion crowded with Catholic gentlemen and their servants.
+Entering the banquet hall, they found Sir Everard Digby at the head of
+the board, with Garnet on his right hand. Upwards of sixty persons were
+seated at the table. Their arrival was greeted with loud shouts, and
+several of the guests drew their swords and flourished them over their
+heads.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What news?&rdquo; cried Sir Everard Digby. &ldquo;Is the blow struck?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;we have been betrayed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>A deep silence prevailed. A change came over the countenances of the
+guests. Significant glances were exchanged, and it was evident that
+general uneasiness prevailed.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What is to be done?&rdquo; cried Sir Everard Digby, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Our course is clear,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;We must stand by each other.
+In that case, we have nothing to fear, and shall accomplish our purpose,
+though not in the way originally intended.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will have nothing further to do with the matter,&rdquo; said Sir Robert
+Digby of Coleshill, Sir Everard's uncle. And rising, he quitted the room
+with several of his followers, while his example was imitated by
+Humphrey Littleton and others.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All chance for the restoration of our faith in England is over,"
+observed Garnet, in a tone of despondency.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not so, father,&rdquo; replied Catesby, &ldquo;if we are true to each other. My
+friends,&rdquo; he cried, stopping those who were about to depart, &ldquo;in the
+name of our holy religion I beseech you to pause. Much is against us
+now. But let us hold together, and all will speedily be righted. Every
+Catholic in this county, in Cheshire, in Lancashire, and Wales, must
+flock to our standard when it is once displayed&mdash;do not desert us&mdash;do
+not desert yourselves&mdash;for our cause is your cause. I have a large force
+at my command; so has Sir Everard Digby, and together we can muster
+nearly five hundred adherents. With these, we can offer such a stand as
+will enable as to make conditions with our opponents, or even to engage
+with them with a reasonable prospect of success. I am well assured,
+moreover, if we lose no time, but proceed to the houses of our friends,
+we shall have a large army with us. Do not fall off, then. On you
+depends our success.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>This address was followed by loud acclamations; and all who heard it
+agreed to stand by the cause in which they had embarked to the last.</p>
+
+<p>As Catesby left the banqueting-hall with Sir Everard, to make<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span>
+preparations for their departure, they met Viviana and a female
+attendant.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I hear the enterprise has failed,&rdquo; she cried, in a voice suffocated by
+emotion. &ldquo;What has happened to my husband? Is he safe? Is he with you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! no,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;he is a prisoner.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana uttered a cry of anguish, and fell senseless into the arms of
+the attendant.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II_CHAPTER_XIV" id="II_CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE EXAMINATION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Disarmed by Sir Thomas Knevet and his followers, who found upon his
+person a packet of slow matches and touchwood, and bound hand and foot,
+Guy Fawkes was dragged into the cellar by his captors, who instantly
+commenced their search. In a corner behind the door they discovered a
+dark lantern, with a light burning within it; and moving with the utmost
+caution&mdash;for they were afraid of bringing sudden destruction upon
+themselves&mdash;they soon perceived the barrels of gunpowder ranged against
+the wall. Carefully removing the planks, billets, and iron bars with
+which they were covered, they remarked that two of the casks were staved
+in, while the hoops from a third were taken off, and the powder
+scattered around it. They also noticed that several trains were laid
+along the floor,&mdash;everything, in short, betokening that the preparations
+for the desperate deed were fully completed.</p>
+
+<p>While they were making this investigation, Guy Fawkes, who, seeing that
+further resistance was useless, had remained perfectly motionless up to
+this moment, suddenly made a struggle to free himself; and so desperate
+was the effort, that he burst the leathern thong that bound his hands,
+and seizing the soldier nearest to him, bore him to the ground. He then
+grasped the lower limbs of another, who held a lantern, and strove to
+overthrow him, and wrest the lantern from his grasp, evidently intending
+to apply the light to the powder. And he would unquestionably have
+executed his terrible design, if three of the most powerful of the
+soldiers had not thrown themselves upon him, and overpowered him. All
+this was the work of a moment; but it was so startling, that Sir Thomas
+Knevet and Topcliffe, though both courageous men, and used to scenes of
+danger&mdash;especially the latter&mdash;rushed towards the door, expecting some
+dreadful catastrophe would take place.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do him no harm,&rdquo; cried Knevet, as he returned to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> soldiers, who
+were still struggling with Fawkes,&mdash;"do him no harm. It is not here he
+must die.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A moment more, and I had blown you all to perdition,&rdquo; cried Fawkes.
+&ldquo;But Heaven ordained it otherwise.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven will never assist such damnable designs as yours,&rdquo; rejoined
+Knevet. &ldquo;Thrust him into that corner,&rdquo; he added to his men, who
+instantly obeyed his injunctions, and held down the prisoner so firmly
+that he could not move a limb. &ldquo;Keep him there. I will question him
+presently.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You <i>may</i> question me,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, sternly; &ldquo;but you will obtain
+no answer.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We shall see,&rdquo; returned Knevet.</p>
+
+<p>Pursuing the search with Topcliffe, he counted thirty-six hogsheads and
+casks of various sizes, all of which were afterwards found to be filled
+with powder. Though prepared for this discovery, Knevet could not
+repress his horror at it, and gave vent to execrations against the
+prisoner, to which the other replied by a disdainful laugh. They then
+looked about, in the hope of finding some document or fragment of a
+letter, which might serve as a clue to the other parties connected with
+the fell design, but without success. Nothing was found except a pile of
+arms; but though they examined them, no name or cipher could be traced
+on any of the weapons.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We will now examine the prisoner more narrowly,&rdquo; said Knevet.</p>
+
+<p>This was accordingly done. On removing Guy Fawkes's doublet, a
+horse-hair shirt appeared, and underneath it, next his heart, suspended
+by a silken cord from his neck, was a small silver cross. When this was
+taken from him, Guy Fawkes could not repress a deep sigh.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is some secret attached to that cross,&rdquo; whispered Topcliffe,
+plucking Knevet's sleeve.</p>
+
+<p>Upon this, the other held it to the light, while Topcliffe kept his eye
+fixed upon the prisoner, and observed that, in spite of all his efforts
+to preserve an unmoved demeanour, he was slightly agitated.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you perceive anything?&rdquo; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; replied Knevet, &ldquo;there is a name. But the character is so small I
+cannot decipher it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let me look at it,&rdquo; said Topcliffe. &ldquo;This is most important,&rdquo; he added,
+after gazing at it for a moment; &ldquo;the words inscribed on it are,
+'<i>Viviana Radcliffe, Ordsall Hall</i>' You may remember that this young
+lady was examined a short time ago, on suspicion of being connected with
+some Popish plot against the state, and committed to the Tower, whence
+she escaped in a very extraordinary manner. This cross, found upon the
+prisoner, proves her connexion with the present plot. Every effort must
+be used to discover her retreat.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Another deep sigh involuntarily broke from the breast of Guy Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You hear how deeply interested he is in the matter,&rdquo; observed
+Topcliffe, in a low tone. &ldquo;This trinket will be of infinite service to
+us in future examinations, and may do more for us with this stubborn
+subject even than the rack itself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are right,&rdquo; returned Knevet. &ldquo;I will now convey him to Whitehall,
+and acquaint the Earl of Salisbury with his capture.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do so,&rdquo; replied Topcliffe. &ldquo;I have a further duty to perform. Before
+morning I hope to net the whole of this wolfish pack.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Knevet. &ldquo;Have you any knowledge of the others?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Topcliffe smiled significantly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Time will show,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;But if you do not require me further, I will
+leave you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he quitted the cellar, and joined the Earl of Mounteagle and
+Tresham, who were waiting for him outside at a little distance from the
+cellar. After a brief conference, it was arranged, in compliance with
+the Earl of Salisbury's wishes, that if they failed in entrapping the
+conspirators, nothing should be said about the matter. He then departed
+with Tresham. Their subsequent proceedings have already been related.</p>
+
+<p>By Sir Thomas Knevet's directions, Guy Fawkes was now raised by two of
+the soldiers, and led out of the cellar. As he passed through the door,
+he uttered a deep groan.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You groan for what you have done, villain,&rdquo; said one of the soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;On the contrary,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, sternly, &ldquo;I groan for what I have
+not done.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He was then hurried along by his conductors, and conveyed through the
+great western gate, into the palace of Whitehall, where he was placed in
+a small room, the windows of which were strongly grated.</p>
+
+<p>Before quitting him, Sir Thomas Knevet put several questions to him, but
+he maintained a stern and obstinate silence. Committing him to the
+custody of an officer of the guard, whom he enjoined to keep strict
+guard over him, as he valued his life, Knevet then went in search of the
+Earl of Salisbury.</p>
+
+<p>The Secretary, who had not retired to rest, and was anxiously awaiting
+his arrival, was delighted with the success of the scheme. They were
+presently joined by Lord Mounteagle; and after a brief conference it was
+resolved to summon the Privy Council immediately, to rouse the King, and
+acquaint him with what had occurred, and to interrogate the prisoner in
+his presence.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing will be obtained from him, I fear,&rdquo; said Knevet. &ldquo;He is one of
+the most resolute and determined fellows I ever encountered.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>And he then related the desperate attempt made by Fawkes in the vault to
+blow them all up.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Whether he will speak or not, the King must see him,&rdquo; said Salisbury.
+As soon as Knevet was gone, the Earl observed to Mounteagle, &ldquo;You had
+now better leave the palace. You must not appear further in this matter,
+except as we have arranged. Before morning, I trust we shall have the
+whole of the conspirators in our power, with damning proofs of their
+guilt.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By this time, my lord, they are in Tresham's hands,&rdquo; replied
+Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If he fails, not a word must be said,&rdquo; observed Salisbury. &ldquo;It must not
+be supposed we have moved in the matter. All great statesmen have
+contrived treasons, that they might afterwards discover them; and though
+I have not contrived this plot, I have known of its existence from the
+first, and could at any time have crushed it had I been so minded. But
+that would not have answered my purpose. And I shall now use it as a
+pretext to crush the whole Catholic party, except those on whom, like
+yourself, I can confidently rely.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your lordship must admit that I have well seconded your efforts,"
+observed Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do so,&rdquo; replied Salisbury, &ldquo;and you will not find me ungrateful.
+Farewell! I hope soon to hear of our further success.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Mounteagle then took his departure, and Salisbury immediately caused all
+such members of the Privy Council as lodged in the palace to be aroused,
+desiring they might be informed that a terrible plot had been
+discovered, and a conspirator arrested. In a short time, the Duke of
+Lennox, the Earl of Marr, Lord Hume, the Earl of Southampton, Lord Henry
+Howard, Lord Mountjoy, Sir George Hume, and others, were assembled; and
+all eagerly inquired into the occasion of the sudden alarm.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the Earl of Salisbury had himself repaired to the King's
+bedchamber, and acquainted him with what had happened. James immediately
+roused himself, and desired the chamberlain, who accompanied the Earl,
+to quit the presence.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will it be safe to interrogate the prisoner here?&rdquo; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will take care your Majesty shall receive no injury,&rdquo; replied
+Salisbury; &ldquo;and it is absolutely necessary you should examine him before
+he is committed to the Tower.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let him be brought before me, then, directly,&rdquo; said the King. &ldquo;I am
+impatient to behold a wretch who has conceived so atrocious&mdash;so infernal
+a design against me, and against my children. Hark 'e, Salisbury, one
+caution I wish to observe. Let a captain of the guard, with his drawn
+sword in hand, place himself between me and the prisoner, and let two
+halberdiers stand beside him, and if the villain moves a step, bid them
+strike him dead. You understand?&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 412px;">
+<img src="images/illo_258.jpg" width="412" height="600" alt="Guy Fawkes interrogated by King James the First" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Guy Fawkes interrogated by King James the First</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Perfectly,&rdquo; replied Salisbury, bowing.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In that case, you may take off his bonds&mdash;that is, if you think it
+prudent to do so&mdash;not otherwise,&rdquo; continued James. &ldquo;I would not have the
+knave suppose he can awe me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your Majesty's commands shall be fulfilled to the letter,&rdquo; returned the
+Earl.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Lose no time, Salisbury,&rdquo; cried James, springing out of bed, and
+beginning to dress himself without the assistance of his chamberlain.</p>
+
+<p>The Earl hastily retired, and ordered the attendants to repair to their
+royal master. He next proceeded to the chamber where Guy Fawkes was
+detained, and ordered him to be unbound, and brought before the King.
+When the prisoner heard this mandate, a slight smile crossed his
+countenance, but he instantly resumed his former stern composure. The
+smile, however, did not escape the notice of Salisbury, and he commanded
+the halberdiers to keep near to the prisoner, and if he made the
+slightest movement in the King's presence, instantly to despatch him.</p>
+
+<p>Giving some further directions, the Earl then led the way across a
+court, and entering another wing of the palace, ascended a flight of
+steps, and traversed a magnificent corridor. Guy Fawkes followed,
+attended by the guard. They had now reached the antechamber leading to
+the royal sleeping apartment, and &ldquo;Salisbury ascertained from the
+officers in attendance that all was in readiness. Motioning the guard to
+remain where they were, he entered the inner room alone, and found James
+seated on a chair of state near the bed, surrounded by his council;&mdash;the
+Earl of Marr standing on his right hand, and the Duke of Lennox on his
+left, all anxiously awaiting his arrival. Behind the King were stationed
+half a dozen halberdiers.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The prisoner is without,&rdquo; said Salisbury. &ldquo;Is it your Majesty's
+pleasure that he be admitted?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay, let him come in forthwith,&rdquo; replied James. &ldquo;Stand by me, my lords.
+And do you, varlets, keep a wary eye upon him. There is no saying what
+he may attempt.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Salisbury then waved his hand. The door was thrown open, and an officer
+entered the room, followed by Guy Fawkes, who marched between two
+halberdiers. When within a couple of yards of the King, the officer
+halted, and withdrew a little on the right, so as to allow full view of
+the prisoner, while he extended his sword between him and the King.
+Nothing could be more undaunted than the looks and demeanour of Fawkes.
+He strode firmly into the room, and without making any reverence, folded
+his arms upon his breast, and looked sternly at James.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A bold villain!&rdquo; cried the King, as he regarded him with curiosity not
+unmixed with alarm. &ldquo;Who, and what are you, traitor?&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A conspirator,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That I know,&rdquo; rejoined James, sharply. &ldquo;But how are you called?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;John Johnson,&rdquo; answered Fawkes. &ldquo;I am servant to Mr. Thomas Percy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That is false,&rdquo; cried Salisbury. &ldquo;Take heed that you speak the truth,
+traitor, or the rack shall force it from you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The rack will force nothing from me,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, sternly; &ldquo;neither
+will I answer any question asked by your lordship.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Leave him to me, Salisbury,&mdash;leave him to me,&rdquo; interposed James. &ldquo;And
+it was your hellish design to blow us all up with gunpowder?&rdquo; he
+demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It was,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And how could you resolve to destroy so many persons, none of whom have
+injured you?&rdquo; pursued James.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Dangerous diseases require desperate remedies,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Milder
+means have been tried, but without effect. It was God's pleasure that
+this scheme, which was for the benefit of his holy religion, should not
+prosper, and therefore I do not repine at the result.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And are you so blinded as to suppose that Heaven can approve the
+actions of him who raises his hand against the King&mdash;against the Lord's
+anointed?&rdquo; cried James.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is no king who is excommunicated by the apostolic see,&rdquo; replied
+Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This to our face!&rdquo; cried James, angrily. &ldquo;Have you no remorse&mdash;no
+compunction for what you have done?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My sole regret is that I have failed,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will not speak thus confidently on the rack,&rdquo; said James.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Try me,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What purpose did you hope to accomplish by this atrocious design?"'
+demanded the Earl of Marr.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My main purpose was to blow back the beggarly Scots to their native
+mountains,&rdquo; returned Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This audacity surpasses belief,&rdquo; said James. &ldquo;Mutius Scævola, when in
+the presence of Porsenna, was not more resolute. Hark 'e, villain, if I
+give you your life, will you disclose the names of your associates?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;They shall be wrung from you,&rdquo; cried Salisbury.</p>
+
+<p>Fawkes smiled contemptuously. &ldquo;You know me not,&rdquo; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is idle to interrogate him further,&rdquo; said James. &ldquo;Let him be removed
+to the Tower.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be it so,&rdquo; returned Salisbury; &ldquo;and when next your Majesty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> questions
+him, I trust it will be in the presence of his confederates.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Despite the villain's horrible intent, I cannot help admiring his
+courage,&rdquo; observed James, in a low tone; &ldquo;and were he as loyal as he is
+brave, he should always be near our person.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he waved his hand, and Guy Fawkes was led forth. He was
+detained by the Earl of Salisbury's orders till the morning,&mdash;it being
+anticipated that before that time the other conspirators would be
+arrested. But as this was not the case, he was placed in a wherry, and
+conveyed, as before related, to the Tower.</p>
+
+
+<p style="text-align:center;">END OF THE SECOND BOOK<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>Book the Third.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE CONSPIRATORS.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><p>The conclusion shall be from the admirable clemency and moderation
+of the king; in that, howsoever these traitors have exceeded all
+others in mischief, yet neither will the king exceed the usual
+punishment of law, nor invent any new torture or torment for them,
+but is graciously pleased to afford them as well an ordinary course
+of trial as an ordinary punishment much inferior to their offence.
+And surely worthy of observation is the punishment by law provided
+and appointed for high treason: for, first, after a traitor hath
+had his just trial, and is convicted and attainted, he shall have
+his judgment to be drawn to the place of execution from his prison,
+as being not worthy any more to tread upon the face of the earth
+whereof he was made; also, for that he hath been retrograde to
+nature, therefore is he drawn backward at a horsetail. After, to
+have his head cut off which had imagined the mischief. And, lastly,
+his body to be quartered, and the quarters set up in some high and
+eminent place, to the view and detestation of men, and to become a
+prey for the fowls of the air. And this is a reward due to
+traitors, whose hearts be hardened; for that it is a physic of
+state and government to let out corrupt blood from the heart.&mdash;<i>Sir
+Edward Coke's Speech on the Gunpowder Treason.</i></p></blockquote>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_I" id="III_CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h2>HOW GUY FAWKES WAS PUT TO THE TORTURE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Intimation of the arrest of Guy Fawkes having been sent to the Tower,
+his arrival was anxiously expected by the warders and soldiers composing
+the garrison, a crowd of whom posted themselves at the entrance of
+Traitor's Gate, to obtain a sight of him. As the bark that conveyed the
+prisoner shot through London Bridge, and neared the fortress, notice of
+its approach was given to the lieutenant, who, scarcely less impatient,
+had stationed himself in a small circular chamber in one of the turrets
+of Saint Thomas's or Traitor's Tower, overlooking the river. He hastily
+descended, and had scarcely reached the place of disembarkation, when
+the boat passed beneath the gloomy archway, the immense wooden wicket
+closed behind it; and the officer in command springing ashore, was
+followed more deliberately by Fawkes, who mounted the slippery stairs
+with a firm footstep. As he gained the summit, the spectators pressed
+forward; but Sir William Waad, ordering them in an authoritative tone to
+stand back, fixed a stern and scrutinizing glance on the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Many vile traitors have ascended those steps,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but none so
+false-hearted, none so bloodthirsty as you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;None ever ascended them with less misgiving, or with less
+self-reproach,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Miserable wretch! Do you glory in your villany?&rdquo; cried the lieutenant.
+&ldquo;If anything could heighten my detestation of the pernicious creed you
+profess, it would be to witness its effects on such minds as yours. What
+a religion must that be, which can induce its followers to commit such
+monstrous actions, and delude them into the belief that they are pious
+and praiseworthy!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is a religion, at least, that supports them at seasons when they
+most require it,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Peace!&rdquo; cried the lieutenant, fiercely, &ldquo;or I will have your viperous
+tongue torn out by the roots.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Turning to the officer, he demanded his warrant, and glancing at it,
+gave some directions to one of the warders, and then resumed his
+scrutiny of Fawkes, who appeared wholly unmoved, and steadily returned
+his gaze.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, several of the spectators, eager to prove their loyalty to
+the king, and abhorrence of the plot, loaded the prisoner with
+execrations, and finding these produced no effect, proceeded to personal
+outrage. Some spat upon his face and garments; some threw mud, gathered
+from the slimy steps, upon him; some pricked him with the points of
+their halberds; while others, if they had not been checked, would have
+resorted to greater violence. Only one bystander expressed the slightest
+commiseration for him. It was Ruth Ipgreve, who, with her parents,
+formed part of the assemblage.</p>
+
+<p>A few kindly words pronounced by this girl moved the prisoner more than
+all the insults he had just experienced. He said nothing, but a slight
+and almost imperceptible quivering of the lip told what was passing
+within. The jailer was extremely indignant at his daughter's conduct,
+fearing it might prejudice him in the eyes of the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Get hence, girl,&rdquo; he cried, &ldquo;and stir not from thy room for the rest of
+the day. I am sorry I allowed thee to come forth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must look to her, Jasper Ipgreve,&rdquo; said Sir William Waad, sternly.
+&ldquo;No man shall hold an office in the Tower who is a favourer of papacy.
+If you were a good Protestant, and a faithful servant of King James,
+your daughter could never have acted thus unbecomingly. Look to her, I
+say,&mdash;and to yourself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will, honourable sir,&rdquo; replied Jasper, in great confusion. &ldquo;Take her
+home directly,&rdquo; he added, in an under tone to his wife. &ldquo;Lock her up
+till I return, and scourge her if thou wilt. She will ruin us by her
+indiscretion.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>In obedience to this injunction, Dame Ipgreve seized her daughter's
+hand, and dragged her away. Ruth turned for a moment to take a last look
+at the prisoner, and saw that his gaze followed her, and was fraught
+with an expression of the deepest gratitude. By way of showing his
+disapproval of his daughter's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> conduct, the jailer now joined the
+bitterest of Guy Fawkes's assailants; and ere long the assemblage became
+infuriated to such an ungovernable pitch, that the lieutenant, who had
+allowed matters to proceed thus far in the hope of shaking the
+prisoner's constancy, finding his design fruitless, ordered him to be
+taken away. Escorted by a dozen soldiers with calivers on their
+shoulders, Guy Fawkes was led through the archway of the Bloody Tower,
+and across the Green to the Beauchamp Tower. He was placed in the
+spacious chamber on the first floor of that fortification, now used as a
+mess-room by the Guards. Sir William Waad followed him, and seating
+himself at a table, referred to the warrant.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are here called John Johnson. Is that your name?&rdquo; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you find it thus written, you need make no further inquiry from me,"
+replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I am the person so described. That is sufficient for
+you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not so,&rdquo; replied the lieutenant; &ldquo;and if you persist in this stubborn
+demeanour, the severest measures will be adopted towards you. Your sole
+chance of avoiding the torture is in making a full confession.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not desire to avoid the torture,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;It will wrest
+nothing from me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So all think till they have experienced it,&rdquo; replied the lieutenant;
+&ldquo;but greater fortitude than yours has given way before our engines.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Fawkes smiled disdainfully, but made no answer.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant then gave directions that he should be placed within a
+small cell adjoining the larger chamber, and that two of the guard
+should remain constantly beside him, to prevent him from doing himself
+any violence.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You need have no fear,&rdquo; observed Fawkes. &ldquo;I shall not destroy my chance
+of martyrdom.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture a messenger arrived, bearing a despatch from the Earl
+of Salisbury. The lieutenant broke the seal, and after hurriedly
+perusing it, drew his sword, and desiring the guard to station
+themselves outside the door, approached Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Notwithstanding the enormity of your offence,&rdquo; he observed, &ldquo;I find his
+Majesty will graciously spare your life, provided you will reveal the
+names of all your associates, and disclose every particular connected
+with the plot.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes appeared lost in reflection, and the lieutenant, conceiving
+he had made an impression upon him, repeated the offer.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How am I to be assured of this?&rdquo; asked the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My promise must suffice,&rdquo; rejoined Waad.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will not suffice to me,&rdquo; returned Fawkes. &ldquo;I must have a pardon
+signed by the King.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You shall have it on one condition,&rdquo; replied Waad. &ldquo;You are evidently
+troubled with few scruples. It is the Earl of Salisbury's conviction
+that the heads of many important Catholic families are connected with
+this plot. If they should prove to be so,&mdash;or, to be plain, if you will
+accuse certain persons whom I will specify, you shall have the pardon
+you require.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is this the purport of the Earl of Salisbury's despatch?&rdquo; asked Guy
+Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let me look at it,&rdquo; continued Fawkes. &ldquo;You may be practising upon me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your own perfidious nature makes you suspicious of treachery in
+others,&rdquo; cried the lieutenant. &ldquo;Will this satisfy you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And he held the letter towards Guy Fawkes, who instantly snatched it
+from his grasp.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What ho!&rdquo; he shouted in a loud voice; &ldquo;what ho!&rdquo; and the guards
+instantly rushed into the room. &ldquo;You shall learn why you were sent away.
+Sir William Waad has offered me my life, on the part of the Earl of
+Salisbury, provided I will accuse certain innocent parties&mdash;innocent,
+except that they are Catholics&mdash;of being leagued with me in my design.
+Read this letter, and see whether I speak not the truth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And he threw it among them. But no one stirred, except a warder, who,
+picking it up, delivered it to the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will now understand whom you have to deal with,&rdquo; pursued Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do,&rdquo; replied Waad. &ldquo;But were you as unyielding as the walls of this
+prison, I would shake your obduracy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I pray you not to delay the experiment,&rdquo; said Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have a little patience,&rdquo; retorted Waad. &ldquo;I will not balk your humour,
+depend upon it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he departed, and repairing to his lodgings, wrote a hasty
+despatch to the Earl, detailing all that had passed, and requesting a
+warrant for the torture, as he was apprehensive, if the prisoner expired
+under the severe application that would be necessary to force the truth
+from him, he might be called to account. Two hours afterwards the
+messenger returned with the warrant. It was in the handwriting of the
+King, and contained a list of interrogations to be put to the prisoner,
+concluding by directing him &ldquo;to use the gentler torture first, <i>et sic
+per gradus ad ima tenditur</i>. And so God speed you in your good work!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Thus armed, and fearless of the consequences, the lieutenant summoned
+Jasper Ipgreve.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We have a very refractory prisoner to deal with,&rdquo; he said, as the
+jailer appeared. &ldquo;But I have just received the royal authority to put
+him through all the degrees of torture if he continues obstinate. How
+shall we begin?&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;With the Scavenger's Daughter and the Little Ease, if it please you,
+honourable sir,&rdquo; replied Ipgreve. &ldquo;If these fail, we can try the
+gauntlets and the rack; and lastly, the dungeon among the rats, and the
+hot stone.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A good progression,&rdquo; said the lieutenant, smiling. &ldquo;I will now repair
+to the torture-chamber. Let the prisoner be brought there without delay.
+He is in the Beauchamp Tower.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Ipgreve bowed and departed, while the lieutenant, calling to an
+attendant to bring a torch, proceeded along a narrow passage
+communicating with the Bell Tower. Opening a secret door within it, he
+descended a flight of stone steps, and traversing a number of intricate
+passages, at length stopped before a strong door, which he pushed aside,
+and entered the chamber he had mentioned to Ipgreve. This dismal
+apartment has already been described. It was that in which Viviana's
+constancy was so fearfully approved. Two officials in the peculiar garb
+of the place&mdash;a sable livery&mdash;were occupied in polishing the various
+steel implements. Besides these, there was the chirurgeon, who was
+seated at a side table, reading by the light of a brazen lamp. He
+instantly arose on seeing the lieutenant, and began, with the other
+officials, to make preparations for the prisoner's arrival. The two
+latter concealed their features by drawing a large black capoch, or
+hood, attached to their gowns over them, and this disguise added
+materially to their lugubrious appearance. One of them then took down a
+broad iron hoop, opening in the centre with a hinge, and held it in
+readiness. Their preparations were scarcely completed when heavy
+footsteps announced the approach of Fawkes and his attendants. Jasper
+Ipgreve ushered them into the chamber, and fastened the door behind
+them. All the subsequent proceedings were conducted with the utmost
+deliberation, and were therefore doubly impressive. No undue haste
+occurred, and the officials, who might have been mistaken for phantoms
+or evil spirits, spoke only in whispers. Guy Fawkes watched their
+movements with unaltered composure. At length, Jasper Ipgreve signified
+to the lieutenant that all was ready.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The opportunity you desired of having your courage put to the test is
+now arrived,&rdquo; said the latter to the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What am I to do?&rdquo; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Remove your doublet, and prostrate yourself,&rdquo; subjoined Ipgreve.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes obeyed, and when in this posture began audibly to recite a
+prayer to the Virgin.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be silent,&rdquo; cried the lieutenant, &ldquo;or a gag shall be thrust into your
+mouth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Kneeling upon the prisoner's shoulders, and passing the hoop under his
+legs, Ipgreve then succeeded, with the help of his assistants, who added
+their weight to his own, in fastening the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> hoop with an iron button.
+This done, they left the prisoner with his limbs and body so tightly
+compressed together that he was scarcely able to breathe. In this state
+he was allowed to remain for an hour and a half. The chirurgeon then
+found on examination that the blood had burst profusely from his mouth
+and nostrils, and in a slighter degree from the extremities of his hands
+and feet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He must be released,&rdquo; he observed in an under tone to the lieutenant.
+&ldquo;Further continuance might be fatal.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, the hoop was removed, and it was at this moment that the
+prisoner underwent the severest trial. Despite his efforts to control
+himself, a sharp convulsion passed across his frame, and the restoration
+of impeded circulation and respiration occasioned him the most acute
+agony.</p>
+
+<p>The chirurgeon bathed his temples with vinegar, and his limbs being
+chafed by the officials, he was placed on a bench.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My warrant directs me to begin with the 'gentler tortures,' and to
+proceed by degrees to extremities,&rdquo; observed the lieutenant,
+significantly. &ldquo;You have now had a taste of the milder sort, and may
+form some conjecture what the worst are like. Do you still continue
+contumacious?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am in the same mind as before,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, in a hoarse but firm
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Take him to the Little Ease, and let him pass the night there,&rdquo; said
+the lieutenant. &ldquo;To-morrow I will continue the investigation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Fawkes was then led out by Ipgreve and the officials, and conveyed along
+a narrow passage, until arriving at a low door, in which there was an
+iron grating, it was opened, and disclosed a narrow cell about four feet
+high, one and a few inches wide, and two deep. Into this narrow
+receptacle, which seemed wholly inadequate to contain a tall and
+strongly-built man like himself, the prisoner was with some difficulty
+thrust, and the door locked upon him.</p>
+
+<p>In this miserable plight, with his head bent upon his breast,&mdash;the cell
+being so contrived that its wretched inmate could neither sit, nor
+recline at full length within it,&mdash;Guy Fawkes prayed long and fervently;
+and no longer troubled by the uneasy feelings which had for some time
+haunted him, he felt happier in his present forlorn condition than he
+had been when anticipating the full success of his project.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;At least,&rdquo; he thought, &ldquo;I shall now win myself a crown of martyrdom,
+and whatever my present sufferings may be, they will be speedily effaced
+by the happiness I shall enjoy hereafter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Overcome, at length, by weariness and exhaustion, he fell into a sort of
+doze&mdash;it could scarcely be called sleep&mdash;and while in this state,
+fancied he was visited by Saint Winifred, who, approaching the door of
+the cell, touched it, and it instantly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> opened. She then placed her hand
+upon his limbs, and the pain he had hitherto felt in them subsided.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your troubles will soon be over,&rdquo; murmured the saint, &ldquo;and you will be
+at rest. Do not hesitate to confess. Your silence will neither serve
+your companions nor yourself.&rdquo; With these words the vision disappeared,
+and Guy Fawkes awoke. Whether it was the effect of imagination, or that
+his robust constitution had in reality shaken off the effects of the
+torture, it is impossible to say, but it is certain that he felt his
+strength restored to him, and attributing his recovery entirely to the
+marvellous interposition of the saint, he addressed a prayer of
+gratitude to her. While thus occupied, he heard&mdash;for it was so dark he
+could distinguish nothing&mdash;a sweet low voice at the grating of the cell,
+and imagining it was the same benign presence as before, paused and
+listened.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you hear me?&rdquo; asked the voice.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Is it the blessed Winifred, who again
+vouchsafes to address me?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas, no!&rdquo; replied the voice; &ldquo;it is one of mortal mould. I am Ruth
+Ipgreve, the jailer's daughter. You may remember that I expressed some
+sympathy in your behalf at your landing at Traitor's Gate to-day, for
+which I incurred my father's displeasure. But you will be quite sure I
+am a friend, when I tell you I assisted Viviana Radcliffe to escape.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ha!&rdquo; exclaimed Guy Fawkes, in a tone of great emotion.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I was in some degree in her confidence,&rdquo; pursued Ruth; &ldquo;and, if I am
+not mistaken, you are the object of her warmest regard.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The prisoner could not repress a groan.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are Guy Fawkes,&rdquo; pursued Ruth. &ldquo;Nay, you need have no fear of me. I
+have risked my life for Viviana, and would risk it for you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will disguise nothing from you,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I am he you have
+named. As the husband of Viviana&mdash;for such I am&mdash;I feel the deepest
+gratitude to you for the service you rendered her. She bitterly
+reproached herself with having placed you in so much danger. How did you
+escape?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I was screened by my parents,&rdquo; replied Ruth. &ldquo;It was given out by them
+that Viviana escaped through the window of her prison, and I was thus
+preserved from punishment. Where is she now?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In safety, I trust,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;Alas! I shall never behold her
+again.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not despair,&rdquo; returned Ruth. &ldquo;I will try to effect your liberation;
+and though I have but slender hope of accomplishing it, still there is a
+chance.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not desire it,&rdquo; returned Fawkes. &ldquo;I am content to perish. All I
+lived for is at an end.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This shall not deter me from trying to save you,&rdquo; replied Ruth; &ldquo;and I
+still trust there is happiness in store for you with Viviana. Amid all
+your sufferings, rest certain there is one who will ever watch over you.
+I dare not remain here longer, for fear of a surprise. Farewell!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>She then departed, and it afforded Guy Fawkes some solace to ponder on
+the interview during the rest of the night.</p>
+
+<p>On the following morning Jasper Ipgreve appeared, and placed before him
+a loaf of the coarsest bread, and a jug of dirty water. His scanty meal
+ended, he left him, but returned in two hours afterwards with a party of
+halberdiers, and desiring him to follow him, led the way to the
+torture-chamber. Sir William Waad was there when he arrived, and
+demanding in a stern tone whether he still continued obstinate, and
+receiving no answer, ordered him to be placed in the gauntlets. Upon
+this, he was suspended from a beam by his hands, and endured five hours
+of the most excruciating agony&mdash;his fingers being so crushed and
+lacerated that he could not move them.</p>
+
+<p>He was then taken down, and still refusing to confess, was conveyed to a
+horrible pit, adjoining the river, called, from the loathsome animals
+infesting it, &ldquo;the dungeon among the rats.&rdquo; It was about twenty feet
+wide and twelve deep, and at high tide was generally more than two feet
+deep in water.</p>
+
+<p>Into this dreadful chasm was Guy Fawkes lowered by his attendants, who,
+warning him of the probable fate that awaited him, left him in total
+darkness. At this time the pit was free from water; but he had not been
+there more than an hour, when a bubbling and hissing sound proclaimed
+that the tide was rising, while frequent plashes convinced him that the
+rats were at hand. Stooping down, he felt that the water was alive with
+them&mdash;that they were all around him&mdash;and would not, probably, delay
+their attack. Prepared as he was for the worst, he could not repress a
+shudder at the prospect of the horrible death with which he was menaced.</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, he was surprised by the appearance of a light, and
+perceived at the edge of the pit a female figure bearing a lantern. Not
+doubting it was his visitant of the former night, he called out to her,
+and was answered in the voice of Ruth Ipgreve.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I dare not remain here many minutes,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;because my father
+suspects me. But I could not let you perish thus. I will let down this
+lantern to you, and the light will keep away the rats. When the tide
+retires you can extinguish it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she tore her kerchief into shreds, and tying the slips
+together, lowered the lantern to the prisoner, and without waiting to
+receive his thanks, hurried away.</p>
+
+<p>Thus aided, Guy Fawkes defended himself as well as he could against his
+loathsome assailants. The light showed that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> water was swarming with
+them&mdash;that they were creeping by hundreds up the sides of the pit, and
+preparing to make a general attack upon him.</p>
+
+<p>At one time, Fawkes determined not to oppose them, but to let them work
+their will upon him; but the contact of the noxious animals made him
+change his resolution, and he instinctively drove them off. They were
+not, however, to be easily repulsed, and returned to the charge with
+greater fury than before. The desire of self preservation now got the
+better of every other feeling, and the dread of being devoured alive
+giving new vigour to his crippled limbs, he rushed to the other side of
+the pit. His persecutors, however, followed him in myriads, springing
+upon him, and making their sharp teeth meet in his flesh in a thousand
+places.</p>
+
+<p>In this way the contest continued for some time, Guy Fawkes speeding
+round the pit, and his assailants never for one moment relaxing in the
+pursuit, until he fell from exhaustion, and his lantern being
+extinguished, the whole host darted upon him.</p>
+
+<p>Thinking all over, he could not repress a loud cry, and it was scarcely
+uttered, when lights appeared, and several gloomy figures bearing
+torches were seen at the edge of the pit. Among these he distinguished
+Sir William Waad, who offered instantly to release him if he would
+confess.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will rather perish,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, &ldquo;and I will make no further
+effort to defend myself. I shall soon be out of the reach of your
+malice.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This must not be,&rdquo; observed the lieutenant to Jasper Ipgreve, who stood
+by. &ldquo;The Earl of Salisbury will never forgive me if he perishes.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then not a moment must be lost, or those ravenous brutes will assuredly
+devour him,&rdquo; replied Ipgreve. &ldquo;They are so fierce, that I scarcely like
+to venture among them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>A ladder was then let down into the pit, and the jailer and the two
+officials descended. They were just in time. Fawkes had ceased to
+struggle, and the rats were attacking him with such fury that his words
+would have been speedily verified, but for Ipgreve's timely
+interposition.</p>
+
+<p>On being taken out of the pit, he fainted from exhaustion and loss of
+blood; and when he came to himself, found he was stretched upon a couch
+in the torture-chamber, with the chirurgeon and Jasper Ipgreve in
+attendance. Strong broths and other restoratives were then administered;
+and his strength being sufficiently restored to enable him to converse,
+the lieutenant again visited him, and questioning him as before,
+received a similar answer.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of that day and the next, he underwent at intervals
+various kinds of torture, each more excruciating than the preceding, all
+of which he bore with unabated fortitude.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> Among other applications, the
+rack was employed with such rigour, that his joints started from their
+sockets, and his frame seemed torn asunder.</p>
+
+<p>On the fourth day he was removed to another and yet gloomier chamber,
+devoted to the same dreadful objects as the first. It had an arched
+stone ceiling, and at the further extremity yawned a deep recess. Within
+this there was a small furnace, in which fuel was placed, ready to be
+kindled; and over the furnace lay a large black flag, at either end of
+which were stout leathern straps. After being subjected to the customary
+interrogations of the lieutenant, Fawkes was stripped of his attire, and
+bound to the flag. The fire was then lighted, and the stone gradually
+heated. The writhing frame of the miserable man ere long showed the
+extremity of his suffering; but as he did not even utter a groan, his
+tormentors were compelled to release him.</p>
+
+<p>On this occasion, there were two personages present who had never
+attended any previous interrogation. They were wrapped in large cloaks,
+and stood aloof during the proceedings. Both were treated with the most
+ceremonious respect by Sir William Waad, who consulted them as to the
+extent to which he should continue the torture. When the prisoner was
+taken off the heated stone, one of those persons advanced towards him,
+and gazed curiously at him.</p>
+
+<p>Fawkes, upon whose brow thick drops were standing, and who was sinking
+into the oblivion brought on by overwrought endurance, exclaimed, &ldquo;It is
+the King;&rdquo; and fainted.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The traitor knew your Majesty,&rdquo; said the lieutenant. &ldquo;But you see it is
+in vain to attempt to extort anything from him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So it seems,&rdquo; replied James; &ldquo;and I am greatly disappointed, for I was
+led to believe that I should hear a full confession of the conspiracy
+from his own lips. How say you, good Master chirurgeon, will he endure
+further torture?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not without danger of life, your Majesty, unless he has some days'
+repose,&rdquo; replied the chirurgeon, &ldquo;even if he can endure it then.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will not be necessary to apply it further,&rdquo; replied Salisbury. &ldquo;I am
+now in full possession of the names of all the principal conspirators;
+and when the prisoner finds further concealment useless, he will change
+his tone. To-morrow, the commissioners appointed by your Majesty for the
+examination of all those concerned in this dreadful project, will
+interrogate him in the lieutenant's lodgings, and I will answer with my
+life that the result will be satisfactory.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Enough,&rdquo; said James. &ldquo;It has been a painful spectacle which we have
+just witnessed, and yet we would not have missed it. The wretch
+possesses undaunted resolution, and we can never be sufficiently
+grateful to the beneficent Providence that prevented him from working
+his ruthless purpose upon us. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> day on which we were preserved from
+this Gunpowder Treason shall ever hereafter be kept sacred in our
+church, and thanks shall be returned to Heaven for our wonderful
+deliverance.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your Majesty will act wisely,&rdquo; replied Salisbury. &ldquo;The Ordinance will
+impress the nation with a salutary horror of all Papists and
+traitors,&mdash;for they are one and the same thing,&mdash;and keep alive a proper
+feeling of enmity against them. Such a fearful example shall be made of
+these miscreants as shall, it is to be hoped, deter all others from
+following their cause. Not only shall they perish infamously, but their
+names shall for ever be held in execration.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be it so,&rdquo; rejoined James. &ldquo;It is a good legal maxim&mdash;<i>Crescente
+malitiâ, crescere debuit et &oelig;na</i>.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Upon this, he left the chamber, and, traversing a number of subterranean
+passages with his attendants, crossed the drawbridge near the Byward
+Tower to the wharf, where his barge was waiting for him, and returned in
+it to Whitehall.</p>
+
+<p>At an early hour on the following day, the commissioners appointed to
+the examination of the prisoner, met together in a large room on the
+second floor of the lieutenant's lodgings, afterwards denominated, from
+its use on this occasion, the Council Chamber. Affixed to the walls of
+this room may be seen at the present day a piece of marble sculpture,
+with an inscription commemorative of the event. The commissioners were
+nine in number, and included the Earls of Salisbury, Northampton,
+Nottingham, Suffolk, Worcester, Devon, Marr, and Dunbar, and Sir John
+Popham, Lord Chief Justice. With these were associated Sir Edward Coke,
+attorney-general, and Sir William Waad.</p>
+
+<p>The apartment in which the examination took place is still a spacious
+one, but at the period in question it was much larger and loftier. The
+walls were panelled with dark lustrous oak, covered in some places with
+tapestry, and adorned in others with paintings. Over the chimney-piece
+hung a portrait of the late sovereign, Elizabeth. The commissioners were
+grouped round a large heavily carved oak table, and, after some
+deliberation together, it was agreed that the prisoner should be
+introduced.</p>
+
+<p>Sir William Waad then motioned to Topcliffe, who was in attendance with
+half a dozen halberdiers, and a few moments afterwards a panel was
+pushed aside, and Guy Fawkes was brought through it. He was supported by
+Topcliffe and Ipgreve, and it was with the greatest difficulty he could
+drag himself along. So severe had been the sufferings to which he had
+been subjected, that they had done the work of time, and placed more
+than twenty years on his head. His features were thin and sharp, and of
+a ghastly whiteness, and his eyes hollow and bloodshot. A large cloak
+was thrown over him, which partially concealed his shattered frame and
+crippled limbs; but his bent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> shoulders, and the difficulty with which
+he moved, told how much he had undergone.</p>
+
+<p>On seeing the presence in which he stood, a flush for a moment rose to
+his pallid cheek, his eye glowed with its wonted fire, and he tried to
+stand erect&mdash;but his limbs refused their office&mdash;and the effort was so
+painful, that he fell back into the arms of his attendants. He was thus
+borne forward by them, and supported during his examination. The Earl of
+Salisbury then addressed him, and enlarging on the magnitude and
+horrible nature of his treason, concluded by saying that the only
+reparation he could offer was to disclose not only all his own criminal
+intentions, but the names of his associates.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will hide nothing concerning myself,&rdquo; replied Fawkes; &ldquo;but I shall be
+for ever silent respecting others.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The Earl then glanced at Sir Edward Coke, who proceeded to take down
+minutes of the examination.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have hitherto falsely represented yourself,&rdquo; said the Earl. &ldquo;What
+is your real name?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Guy Fawkes,&rdquo; replied the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And do you confess your guilt?&rdquo; pursued the Earl.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I admit that it was my intention to blow up the King and the whole of
+the lords spiritual and temporal assembled in the Parliament House with
+gunpowder,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And you placed the combustibles in the vault where they were
+discovered?&rdquo; demanded Salisbury.</p>
+
+<p>The prisoner answered in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are a Papist?&rdquo; continued the Earl.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am a member of the Church of Rome,&rdquo; returned Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And you regard this monstrous design as righteous and laudable&mdash;as
+consistent with the religion you profess, and as likely to uphold it?"
+said the Earl.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I did so,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;But I am now convinced that Heaven did not
+approve it, and I lament that it was ever undertaken.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Still, you refuse to make the only reparation in your power&mdash;you refuse
+to disclose your associates?&rdquo; said Salisbury.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot betray them,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Traitor! it is needless,&rdquo; cried the Earl; &ldquo;they are known to us&mdash;nay,
+they have betrayed themselves. They have risen in open and armed
+rebellion against the King; but a sufficient power has been sent against
+them; and if they are not ere this defeated and captured, many days will
+not elapse before they will be lodged in the Tower.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If this is the case, you require no information from me,&rdquo; rejoined
+Fawkes. &ldquo;But I pray you name them to me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will do so,&rdquo; replied Salisbury; &ldquo;and if I have omitted you can supply
+the deficiency. I will begin with Robert Catesby, the chief contriver of
+this hell-engendered plot,&mdash;I will next proceed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> to the superior of the
+Jesuits, Father Garnet,&mdash;next, to another Jesuit priest, Father
+Oldcorne,&mdash;next, to Sir Everard Digby,&mdash;then, to Thomas Winter and
+Robert Winter,&mdash;then, to John Wright and Christopher Wright,&mdash;then, to
+Ambrose Rookwood, Thomas Percy, and John Grant, and lastly, to Robert
+Keyes.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Are these all?&rdquo; demanded Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All we are acquainted with,&rdquo; said Salisbury.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then add to them the names of Francis Tresham, and of his
+brother-in-law, Lord Mounteagle,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes. &ldquo;I charge both with
+being privy to the plot.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have forgotten another name,&rdquo; said Salisbury, in some confusion,
+&ldquo;that of Viviana Radcliffe, of Ordsall Hall. I have received certain
+information that she was wedded to you while you were resident at White
+Webbs, near Epping Forest, and was cognisant of the plot. If captured,
+she will share your fate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Fawkes could not repress a groan.</p>
+
+<p>Salisbury pursued his interrogations, but it was evident, from the
+increasing feebleness of the prisoner, that he would sink under it if
+the examination was further protracted. He was therefore ordered to
+attach his signature to the minutes taken by Sir Edward Coke, and was
+placed in a chair for that purpose. A pen was then given him, but for
+some time his shattered fingers refused to grasp it. By a great effort,
+and with acute pain, he succeeded in tracing his Christian name thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 284px;">
+<img src="images/313_guido.jpg" width="284" height="55" alt="Guido" title="" />
+<span class="caption">&ldquo;Guido&rdquo;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>While endeavouring to write his surname, the pen fell from his hand, and
+he became insensible.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_II" id="III_CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h2>SHOWING THE TROUBLES OF VIVIANA.</h2>
+
+
+<p>On coming to herself, Viviana inquired for Garnet; and being told that
+he was in his chamber alone, she repaired thither, and found him pacing
+to and fro in the greatest perturbation.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you come to me for consolation, daughter,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;you come to one
+who cannot offer it. I am completely prostrated in spirit by the
+disastrous issue of our enterprise; and though I tried to prepare myself
+for what has taken place, I now find myself utterly unable to cope with
+it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 425px;">
+<img src="images/illo_274.jpg" width="425" height="600" alt="Guy Fawkes subscribing his Examination after the
+torture" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Guy Fawkes subscribing his Examination after the
+torture</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If such is your condition, father,&rdquo; replied Viviana, &ldquo;what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> must be
+that of my husband, upon whose devoted head all the weight of this
+dreadful calamity now falls? You are still at liberty&mdash;still able to
+save yourself&mdash;still able, at least, to resist unto the death, if you
+are so minded. But he is a captive in the Tower, exposed to every
+torment that human ingenuity can invent, and with nothing but the
+prospect of a lingering death before his eyes. What is your condition,
+compared with his?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Happy&mdash;most happy, daughter,&rdquo; replied Garnet, &ldquo;and I have been selfish
+and unreasonable. I have, given way to the weakness of humanity, and I
+thank you from the bottom of my heart for enabling me to shake it off.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have indulged false hopes, father,&rdquo; said Viviana, &ldquo;whereas I have
+indulged none, or rather, all has come to pass as I desired. The
+dreadful crime with which I feared my husband's soul would have been
+loaded is now uncommitted, and I have firm hope of his salvation. If I
+might counsel you, I would advise you to surrender yourself to justice,
+and by pouring out your blood on the scaffold, wash out your offence.
+Such will be my own course. I have been involuntarily led into connexion
+with this plot; and though I have ever disapproved of it, since I have
+not revealed it I am as guilty as if I had been its contriver. I shall
+not shun my punishment. Fate has dealt hardly with me, and my path on
+earth has been strewn with thorns, and cast in grief and trouble. But I
+humbly trust that my portion hereafter will be with the blessed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot doubt it, daughter,&rdquo; replied Garnet; &ldquo;and though I do not view
+our design in the light that you do, but regard it as justifiable, if
+not necessary, yet, with your feelings, I cannot sufficiently admire
+your conduct. Your devotion and self-sacrifice is wholly without
+parallel. At the same time, I would try to dissuade you from
+surrendering yourself to our relentless enemies. Believe me, it will add
+the severest pang to your husband's torture to know that you are in
+their power. His nature is stern and unyielding, and, persuaded as he is
+of the justice of his cause, he will die happy in that conviction,
+certain that his name, though despised by our heretical persecutors,
+will be held in reverence by all true professors of our faith. No,
+daughter, fly and conceal yourself till pursuit is relinquished, and
+pass the rest of your life in prayer for the repose of your husband's
+soul.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will pass it in endeavouring to bring him to repentance,&rdquo; replied
+Viviana. &ldquo;The sole boon I shall seek from my judges will be permission
+to attempt this.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will be refused, daughter,&rdquo; replied Garnet, &ldquo;and you will only
+destroy yourself, not aid him. Rest satisfied that the Great Power who
+judges the hearts of men, and implants certain impulses within them, for
+his own wise but inscrutable purposes, well knows that Guy Fawkes,
+however culpable his conduct may appear in your eyes, acted according to
+the dictates of his con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>science, and in the full confidence that the
+design would restore the true worship of God in this kingdom. The
+failure of the enterprise proves that he was mistaken&mdash;that we were all
+mistaken,&mdash;and that Heaven was unfavourable to the means adopted,&mdash;but
+it does not prove his insincerity.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;These arguments have no weight with me, father,&rdquo; replied Viviana; &ldquo;I
+will leave nothing undone to save his soul, and whatever may be the
+result, I will surrender myself to justice.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shall not seek to move you from your purpose, daughter,&rdquo; replied
+Garnet, &ldquo;and can only lament it. Before, however, you finally decide,
+let us pray together for directions from on high.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Thus exhorted, Viviana knelt down with the priest before a small silver
+image of the Virgin, which stood in a niche in the wall, and they both
+prayed long and earnestly. Garnet was the first to conclude his
+devotions; and as he gazed at the upturned countenance and streaming
+eyes of his companion, his heart was filled with admiration and pity.</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture the door opened, and Catesby and Sir Everard Digby
+entered. On hearing them, Viviana immediately arose.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The urgency of our business must plead an excuse for the interruption,
+if any is needed,&rdquo; said Catesby; &ldquo;but do not retire, madam. We have no
+secrets from you now. Sir Everard and I have fully completed our
+preparations,&rdquo; he added, to Garnet. &ldquo;Our men are all armed and mounted
+in the court, and are in high spirits for the enterprise. As the
+service, however, will be one of the greatest danger and difficulty, you
+had better seek a safe asylum, father, till the first decisive blow is
+struck.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would go with you, my son,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet, &ldquo;if I did not think my
+presence might be an hinderance. I can only aid you with my prayers, and
+those can be more efficaciously uttered in some secure retreat, than
+during a rapid march or dangerous encounter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You had better retire to Coughton with Lady Digby and Viviana,&rdquo; said
+Sir Everard. &ldquo;I have provided a sufficient escort to guard you
+thither,&mdash;and, as you are aware, there are many hiding-places in the
+house, where you can remain undiscovered in case of search.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I place myself at your disposal,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;But Viviana is
+resolved to surrender herself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This must not be,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;Such an act at this juncture
+would be madness, and would materially injure our cause. Whatever your
+inclinations may prompt, you must consent to remain in safety, madam.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have acquiesced in your proceedings thus far,&rdquo; replied Viviana,
+&ldquo;because I could not oppose them without injury to those dear to me. But
+I will take no further share in them. My mind is made up as to the
+course I shall pursue.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Since you are bent upon your own destruction,&mdash;for it is nothing
+less,&mdash;it is the duty of your friends to save you,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby.
+&ldquo;You shall not do what you propose, and when <ins class="correction" title="original: yon are yourself">you are yourself</ins> again, and
+have recovered from the shock your feelings have sustained, you will
+thank me for my interference.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are right, Catesby,&rdquo; observed Sir Everard; &ldquo;it would be worse than
+insanity to allow her to destroy herself thus.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am glad you are of this opinion,&rdquo; said Garnet. &ldquo;I tried to reason her
+out of her design, but without avail.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Catesby,&rdquo; cried Viviana, throwing herself at his feet, &ldquo;by the love you
+once professed for me,&mdash;by the friendship you entertained for him who
+unhesitatingly offered himself for you, and your cause, I implore you
+not to oppose me now!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shall best serve you, and most act in accordance with the wishes of
+my friend, by doing so,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;Therefore, you plead in
+vain.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas!&rdquo; cried Viviana. &ldquo;My purposes are ever thwarted. You will have to
+answer for my life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I should, indeed, have it to answer for, if I permitted you to act as
+you desire,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;I repeat you will thank me ere many days
+are passed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Sir Everard,&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana, appealing to the knight, &ldquo;I entreat
+you to have pity upon me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do sincerely sympathise with your distress,&rdquo; replied Digby, in a tone
+of the deepest commiseration; &ldquo;but I am sure what Catesby advises is for
+the best. I could not reconcile it to my conscience to allow you to
+sacrifice yourself thus. Be governed by prudence.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh no&mdash;&mdash;no!&rdquo; cried Viviana, distractedly. &ldquo;I will not be stayed. I
+command you not to detain me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana,&rdquo; said Catesby, taking her arm, &ldquo;this is no season for the
+display of silly weakness either on our part or yours. If you cannot
+control yourself, you must be controlled. Father Garnet, I intrust her
+to your care. Two of my troop shall attend you, together with your own
+servant, Nicholas Owen. You shall have stout horses, able to accomplish
+the journey with the greatest expedition, and I should wish you to
+convey her to her own mansion, Ordsall Hall, and to remain there with
+her till you hear tidings of us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It shall be as you direct, my son,&rdquo; said Garnet. &ldquo;I am prepared to set
+out at once.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That is well,&rdquo; replied Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will not do me this violence, sir,&rdquo; cried Viviana. &ldquo;I appeal
+against it, to you, Sir Everard.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot help you, madam,&rdquo; replied the knight, &ldquo;indeed, I cannot.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then Heaven, I trust, will help me,&rdquo; cried Viviana, &ldquo;for I am wholly
+abandoned of man.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I beseech you, madam, put some constraint upon yourself,&rdquo; said Catesby.
+&ldquo;If, after your arrival at Ordsall, you are still bent upon your rash
+and fatal design, Father Garnet shall not oppose its execution. But give
+yourself time for reflection.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Since it may not be otherwise, I assent,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;If I must
+go, I will start at once.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Wisely resolved,&rdquo; replied Sir Everard.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana then retired, and soon afterwards appeared equipped for her
+journey. The two attendants and Nicholas Owen were in the court-yard,
+and Catesby assisted her into the saddle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not lose sight of her,&rdquo; he said to Garnet, as the latter mounted.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Rest assured I will not,&rdquo; replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>And taking the direction of Coventry, the party rode off at a brisk
+pace.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby then joined the other conspirators, while Sir Everard sent off
+Lady Digby and his household, attended by a strong escort, to Coughton.
+This done, the whole party repaired to the court-yard, where they called
+over the muster-roll of their men, to ascertain that none were
+missing,&mdash;examined their arms and ammunition,&mdash;and finding all in order,
+sprang to their steeds, and putting themselves at the head of the band,
+rode towards Southam and Warwick.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_III" id="III_CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h2>HUDDINGTON.</h2>
+
+
+<p>About six o'clock in the morning the conspirators reached Leamington
+Priors, at that time an inconsiderable village; and having ridden nearly
+twenty miles over heavy and miry roads,&mdash;for a good deal of rain had
+fallen in the night,&mdash;they stood in need of some refreshment.
+Accordingly, they entered the first farm-yard they came to, and
+proceeding to the cow-houses and sheepfolds, turned out the animals
+within them, and fastening up their own steeds in their places, set
+before them whatever provender they could find. Those, and they were by
+far the greater number, who could not find better accommodation, fed
+their horses in the yard, which was strewn with trusses of hay and great
+heaps of corn. The whole scene formed a curious picture. Here was one
+party driving away the sheep and cattle, which were bleating and
+lowing,&mdash;there, another rifling a hen-roost, and slaughtering its
+cackling inmates. On this hand, by the direction of Catesby, two stout
+horses were being harnessed with ropes to a cart, which he intended to
+use as a baggage-waggon;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> on that, Sir Everard Digby was interposing his
+authority to prevent the destruction of a fine porker.</p>
+
+<p>Their horses fed, the next care of the conspirators was to obtain
+something for themselves: and ordering the master of the house, who was
+terrified almost out of his senses, to open his doors, they entered the
+dwelling, and causing a fire to be lighted in the chief room, began to
+boil a large kettle of broth upon it, and to cook other provisions.
+Finding a good store of eatables in the larder, rations were served out
+to the band. Two casks of strong ale were likewise broached, and their
+contents distributed; and a small keg of strong waters being also
+discovered, it was disposed of in the same way.</p>
+
+<p>This, however, was the extent of the mischief done. All the
+conspirators, but chiefly Catesby and Sir Everard Digby, dispersed
+themselves amongst the band, and checked any disposition to plunder. The
+only articles taken away from the house were a couple of old rusty
+swords and a caliver. Catesby proposed to the farmer to join their
+expedition. But having now regained his courage, the sturdy churl
+obstinately refused to stir a foot with them, and even ventured to utter
+a wish that the enterprise might fail.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am a good Protestant, and a faithful subject of King James, and will
+never abet Popery and treason,&rdquo; he said.</p>
+
+<p>This bold sally would have been answered by a bullet from one of the
+troopers, if Catesby had not interfered.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You shall do as you please, friend,&rdquo; he said, in a conciliatory tone.
+&ldquo;We will not compel any man to act against his conscience, and we claim
+the same right ourselves. Will you join us, good fellows?&rdquo; he added, to
+two farming men, who were standing near their master.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Must I confess to a priest?&rdquo; asked one of them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Certainly not,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;You shall have no constraint whatever
+put upon you. All I require is obedience to my commands in the field.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then I am with you,&rdquo; replied the fellow.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Thou'rt a traitor and rebel, Sam Morrell,&rdquo; cried the other hind, &ldquo;and
+wilt come to a traitor's end. I will never fight against King James. And
+if I must take up arms, it shall be against his enemies, and in defence
+of our religion. No priests,&mdash;no papistry for me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well said, Hugh,&rdquo; cried his master; &ldquo;we'll die in that cause, if need
+be.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby turned angrily away, and giving the word to his men to prepare
+to set forth, in a few minutes all were in the saddle; but on inquiring
+for the new recruit, Sam Morrell, it was found he had disappeared. The
+cart was laden with arms, ammunition and a few sacks of corn; and the
+line being formed, they commenced their march.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The morning was dark and misty, and all looked dull and dispiriting. The
+conspirators, however, were full of confidence, and their men,
+exhilarated and refreshed by their meal, appeared anxious for an
+opportunity of distinguishing themselves. Arrived within half a mile of
+Warwick, whence the lofty spire of the church of Saint Nicholas, the
+tower of Saint Mary's, and the ancient gates of this beautiful old town
+could just be discerned through the mist, a short consultation was held
+by the rebel leaders as to the expediency of attacking the castle, and
+carrying off the horses with which they had learnt its stables were
+filled.</p>
+
+<p>Deciding upon making the attempt, their resolution was communicated to
+their followers, and received with loud acclamations. Catesby then put
+himself at the head of the band, and they all rode forward at a brisk
+pace. Crossing the bridge over the Avon, whence the castle burst upon
+them in all its grandeur and beauty, Catesby dashed forward to an
+embattled gate commanding the approach to the structure, and knocking
+furiously against it, a wicket was opened by an old porter, who started
+back on beholding the intruders. He would have closed the wicket, but
+Catesby was too quick for him, and springing from his steed, dashed
+aside the feeble opposition of the old man, and unbarred the gate.
+Instantly mounting again, he galloped along a broad and winding path cut
+so deeply in the rock, that the mighty pile they were approaching was
+completely hidden from view. A few seconds, however, brought them to a
+point, from which its three towers reared themselves full before them.
+Another moment brought them to the edge of the moat, at this time
+crossed by a stone bridge, but then filled with water, and defended by a
+drawbridge.</p>
+
+<p>As no attack like the present was apprehended, and as the owner of the
+castle, the celebrated Fulke Greville, afterwards Lord Brooke, to whom
+it had been recently granted by the reigning monarch, was then in the
+capital, the drawbridge was down, and though several retainers rushed
+forth on hearing the approach of so many horsemen, they were too late to
+raise it. Threatening these persons with destruction if any resistance
+was offered, Catesby passed through the great entrance, and rode into
+the court, where he drew up his band.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, the whole of the inmates of the castle had collected on
+the ramparts, armed with calivers and partisans, and whatever weapons
+they could find, and though their force was utterly disproportioned to
+that of their opponents, they seemed disposed to give them battle.
+Paying no attention to them, Catesby proceeded to the stables, where he
+found upwards of twenty horses, which he exchanged for the worst and
+most jaded of his own, and was about to enter the castle in search of
+arms, when he was startled by hearing the alarm-bell rung. This was
+succeeded by the discharge of a culverin on the summit of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> tower,
+named after the redoubted Guy, Earl of Warwick; and though the bell was
+instantly silenced, Rookwood, who had dislodged the party from the
+ramparts, brought word that the inhabitants of Warwick were assembling,
+that drums were beating at the gates, and that an attack might be
+speedily expected. Not desiring to hazard an engagement at this
+juncture, Catesby gave up the idea of ransacking the castle, and ordered
+his men to their horses.</p>
+
+<p>Some delay, however, occurred before they could all be got together,
+and, meanwhile, the ringing of bells and other alarming sounds
+continued. At one time, it occurred to Catesby to attempt to maintain
+possession of the castle; but this design was overruled by the other
+conspirators, who represented to him the impracticability of the design.
+At length, the whole troop being assembled, they crossed the drawbridge,
+and speeded along the rocky path. Before the outer gate they found a
+large body of men, some on horseback, and some on foot, drawn up. These
+persons, however, struck with terror at their appearance, retreated, and
+allowed them a free passage.</p>
+
+<p>On turning to cross the bridge, they found it occupied by a strong and
+well-armed body of men, headed by the Sheriff of Warwickshire, who
+showed no disposition to give way. While the rebel party were preparing
+to force a passage, a trumpet was sounded, and the Sheriff, riding
+towards them, commanded them in the King's name to yield themselves
+prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We do not acknowledge the supremacy of James Stuart, whom you call
+king,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, sternly. &ldquo;We fight for our liberties, and for
+the restoration of the holy Catholic religion which we profess. Do not
+oppose us, or you will have cause to rue your temerity.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hear me,&rdquo; cried the Sheriff, turning from him to his men: &ldquo;I promise
+you all a free pardon in the King's name, if you will throw down your
+arms, and deliver up your leaders. But, if after this warning, you
+continue in open rebellion against your sovereign, you will all suffer
+the vilest death.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Rejoin your men, sir,&rdquo; said Catesby, in a significant tone, and drawing
+a petronel.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A free pardon and a hundred pounds to him who will bring me the head of
+Robert Catesby,&rdquo; said the Sheriff, disregarding the menace.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your own is not worth half the sum,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby; and levelling
+the petronel, he shot him dead.</p>
+
+<p>The Sheriff's fall was the signal for a general engagement. Exasperated
+by the death of their leader, the royalist party assailed the rebels
+with the greatest fury, and as the latter were attacked at the same time
+in the rear, their situation began to appear perilous. But nothing could
+withstand the vigour and determination of Catesby. Cheering on his men,
+he soon cut<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span> a way across the bridge, and would have made good his
+retreat, if he had not perceived, to his infinite dismay, that Percy and
+Rookwood had been captured.</p>
+
+<p>Regardless of any risk he might run, he shouted to those near to follow
+him, and made such a desperate charge upon the royalists that in a few
+minutes he was by the side of his friends, and had liberated them. In
+trying, however, to follow up his advantage he got separated from his
+companions, and was so hotly pressed on all sides, that his destruction
+seemed inevitable. His petronels had both brought down their mark; and
+in striking a blow against a stalwart trooper his sword had shivered
+close to the handle. In this defenceless state his enemies made sure of
+him, but they miscalculated his resources.</p>
+
+<p>He was then close to the side of the bridge, and, before his purpose
+could be divined, struck spurs deeply into his horse, and cleared the
+parapet with a single bound. A shout of astonishment and admiration
+arose alike from friend and foe, and there was a general rush towards
+the side of the bridge. The noble animal that had borne him out of
+danger was seen swimming towards the bank, and, though several shots
+were fired at him, he reached it in safety. This gallant action so
+raised Catesby in the estimation of his followers, that they welcomed
+him with the utmost enthusiasm, and rallying round him, fought with such
+vigour, that they drove their opponents over the bridge and compelled
+them to flee towards the town.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby now mustered his men, and finding his loss slighter than he
+expected, though several were so severely wounded, that he was compelled
+to leave them behind, rode off at a quick pace. After proceeding for
+about four miles along the Stratford road, they turned off on the right
+into a narrow lane leading to Snitterfield, with the intention of
+visiting Norbrook, the family residence of John Grant. On arriving
+there, they put the house into a state of defence, and then assembled in
+the hall, while their followers recruited themselves in the court-yard.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So far, well,&rdquo; observed Catesby, flinging himself into a chair; &ldquo;the
+first battle has been won.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; replied Grant; &ldquo;but it will not do to tarry here long. This
+house cannot hold out against a prolonged attack.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We will not remain here more than a couple of hours,&rdquo; replied Catesby:
+&ldquo;but where shall we go next? I am for making some desperate attempt,
+which shall strike terror into our foes.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Are we strong enough to march to the Earl of Harrington's mansion near
+Coventry, and carry off the Princess Elizabeth?&rdquo; asked Percy.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She were indeed a glorious prize,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;but I have no
+doubt, on the first alarm of our rising, she has been conveyed to a
+place of safety. And even if she were there, we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> should have the whole
+armed force of Coventry to contend with. No&mdash;no, it will not do to
+attempt that.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing venture, nothing have!&rdquo; cried Sir Everard Digby. &ldquo;We ought, in
+my opinion, to run any risk to secure her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You know me too well, Digby,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, &ldquo;to doubt my readiness
+to undertake any project, however hazardous, which would offer the
+remotest chance of success. But in this I see none, unless, indeed, it
+could be accomplished by stratagem. Let us first ascertain what support
+we can obtain, and then decide upon the measures to be adopted.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am content,&rdquo; returned Digby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Old Mr. Talbot of Grafton is a friend of yours, is he not?&rdquo; continued
+Catesby, addressing Thomas Winter. &ldquo;Can you induce him to join us?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will try,&rdquo; replied Thomas Winter; &ldquo;but I have some misgivings.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be not faint-hearted,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby. &ldquo;You and Stephen Littleton
+shall go to him at once, and join us at your own mansion of Huddington,
+whither we will proceed as soon as our men are thoroughly recruited. Use
+every argument you can devise with Talbot,&mdash;tell him that the welfare of
+the Catholic cause depends on our success,&mdash;and that neither his years
+nor infirmities can excuse his absence at this juncture. If he will not,
+or cannot come himself, cause him to write letters to all his Catholic
+neighbours, urging them to join us, and bid him send all his retainers
+and servants to us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not neglect a single plea,&rdquo; replied Thomas Winter, &ldquo;and I will
+further urge compliance by his long friendship towards myself. But, as I
+have just said, I despair of success.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this, he and Stephen Littleton, with two of the troopers
+well-mounted and well-armed, rode across the country through lanes and
+by-roads, with which they were well acquainted, to Grafton. At the same
+time, Catesby repaired to the court-yard, and assembling his men, found
+there were twenty-five missing. More than half of these it was known had
+been killed or wounded at Warwick; but the rest, it was suspected, had
+deserted.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever effect this scrutiny might secretly have upon Catesby, he
+maintained a cheerful and confident demeanour, and mounting a flight of
+steps, harangued the band in energetic and exciting terms. Displaying a
+small image of the virgin to them, he assured them they were under the
+special protection of heaven, whose cause they were fighting&mdash;and
+concluded by reciting a prayer, in which the whole assemblage heartily
+joined. This done, they filled the baggage-cart with provisions and
+further ammunition, and forming themselves into good order, took the
+road to Alcester.</p>
+
+<p>They had not gone far, when torrents of rain fell, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> roads being
+in a shocking condition, and ploughed up with ruts, they turned into the
+fields wherever it was practicable, and continued their march very
+slowly, and under excessively disheartening circumstances. On arriving
+at the ford across the Avon, near Bishopston, they found the stream so
+swollen that it was impossible to get across it. Sir Everard Digby, who
+made the attempt, was nearly carried off by the current. They were
+therefore compelled to proceed to Stratford, and cross the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My friends,&rdquo; said Catesby, commanding a halt at a short distance of the
+town, &ldquo;I know not what reception we may meet with here. Probably much
+the same as at Warwick. But I command you not to strike a blow, except
+in self-defence.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Those injunctions given, attended by the other conspirators, except
+Percy and Rookwood, who brought up the rear, he rode slowly into
+Stratford, and proceeding to the market-place, ordered a trumpet to be
+sounded. On the first appearance of the troop, most of the inhabitants
+fled to their houses, and fastened the doors, but some few courageous
+persons followed them at a wary distance. These were harangued at some
+length by Catesby, who called upon them to join the expedition, and held
+out promises, which only excited the derision of the hearers.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, the dejected looks of most of the band, and the drenched and
+muddy state of their apparel, made them objects of pity and contempt,
+rather than of serious apprehension: and nothing but their numbers
+prevented an attack being made upon them. Catesby's address concluded
+amid groans of dissatisfaction; and finding he was wasting time, and
+injuring his own cause, he gave the word to march, and moved slowly
+through the main street, but not a single recruit joined him.</p>
+
+<p>Another unpropitious circumstance occurred just as they were leaving
+Stratford. Two or three of his followers tried to slink away, when
+Catesby, riding after them, called to them to return, and no attention
+being paid to his orders, he shot the man nearest him, and compelled the
+others, by threats of the same punishment, to return to their ranks.
+This occurrence, while it occasioned much discontent and ill-will among
+the band, gave great uneasiness to their leaders. Catesby and Percy now
+brought up the rear, and kept a sharp look-out to check any further
+attempt at desertion.</p>
+
+<p>Digby and Winter, being well acquainted with all the Catholic gentry in
+the neighbourhood, they proceeded to their different residences, and
+were uniformly coldly received, and in some cases dismissed with
+reproaches and menaces. In spite of all their efforts, too, repeated
+desertions took place; and long before they reached Alcester, their
+force was diminished by a dozen men. Not thinking it prudent to pass
+through the town, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> struck into a lane on the right, and fording the
+Arrow near Ragley, skirted that extensive park, and crossing the hills
+near Weethly and Stoney Moreton, arrived in about an hour and a half, in
+a very jaded condition, at Huddington, the seat of Robert Winter.
+Affairs seemed to wear so unpromising an aspect, that Catesby, on
+entering the house, immediately called a council of his friends, and
+asked them what they proposed to do.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;For my own part,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;I am resolved to fight it out. I will
+continue my march as long as I can get a man to follow me, and when they
+are all gone, will proceed alone. But I will never yield.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We will all die together, if need be,&rdquo; said Sir Everard Digby. &ldquo;Let us
+rest here to-night, and in the morning proceed to Lord Windsor's
+mansion, Hewel Grange, which I know to be well stocked with arms, and,
+after carrying off all we can, we will fortify Stephen Littleton's house
+at Holbeach, and maintain it for a few days against our enemies.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>This proposal agreed to, they repaired to the court-yard, and busied
+themselves in seeing the wants of their followers attended to; and such
+a change was effected by good fare and a few hours' repose, that the
+spirits of the whole party revived, and confidence was once more
+restored. A slight damp, however, was again thrown upon the satisfaction
+of the leaders, by the return of Thomas Winter and Stephen Littleton
+from Grafton. Their mission had proved wholly unsuccessful. Mr. Talbot
+had not merely refused to join them, but had threatened to detain them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He says we deserve the worst of deaths,&rdquo; observed Thomas Winter, in
+conclusion, &ldquo;and that we have irretrievably injured the Catholic cause.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I begin to fear he speaks the truth,&rdquo; rejoined Christopher Wright.
+&ldquo;However, for us there is no retreat.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;None whatever,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, in a sombre tone. &ldquo;We must choose
+between death upon the battle-field or on the scaffold.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The former be my fate,&rdquo; cried Percy.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And mine,&rdquo; added Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>An anxious and perturbed night was passed by the conspirators, and many
+a plan was proposed and abandoned. It had been arranged among them that
+they should each in succession make the rounds of the place, to see that
+the sentinels were at their posts&mdash;strict orders having been given to
+the latter to fire upon whomsoever might attempt to fly&mdash;but, as
+Catesby, despite his great previous fatigue, was unable to rest, he took
+this duty chiefly upon himself.</p>
+
+<p>Returning at midnight from an examination of the court-yard, he was
+about to enter the house, when he perceived before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> him a tall figure,
+with a cloak muffled about its face, standing in his path. It was
+perfectly motionless, and Catesby, who carried a lantern in his hand,
+threw the light upon it, but it neither moved forward, nor altered its
+position. Catesby would have challenged it, but an undefinable terror
+seized him, and his tongue clove to the roof of his mouth. An idea rose
+to his mind that it was the spirit of Guy Fawkes, and, by a powerful
+effort, he compelled himself to address it.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Are you come to warn me?&rdquo; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>The figure moved in acquiescence, and withdrawing the cloak, revealed
+features of ghastly paleness, but resembling those of Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have I long to live?&rdquo; demanded Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>The figure shook its head.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Shall I fall to-morrow?&rdquo; pursued Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>The figure again made a gesture in the negative.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The next day?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Solemnly inclining its head, the figure once more muffled its ghastly
+visage in its cloak, and melted from his view.</p>
+
+<p>For some time Catesby remained in a state almost of stupefaction. He
+then summoned up all the resolution of his nature, and instead of
+returning to the house, continued to pace to and fro in the court, and
+at last walked forth into the garden. It was profoundly dark; and he had
+not advanced many steps when he suddenly encountered a man. Repressing
+the exclamation that rose to his lips, he drew a petronel from his belt,
+and waited till the person addressed him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is it you, Sir John Foliot?&rdquo; asked a voice, which he instantly
+recognised as that of Topcliffe.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay,&rdquo; replied Catesby, in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Did you manage to get into the house?&rdquo; pursued Topcliffe.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I did,&rdquo; returned Catesby; &ldquo;but speak lower. There is a sentinel within
+a few paces of us. Come this way.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And grasping the other's arm he drew him further down the walk.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you think we may venture to surprise them?&rdquo; demanded Topcliffe.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hum!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby, hesitating, in the hope of inducing the other
+to betray his design.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Or shall we wait the arrival of Sir Richard Walsh, the Sheriff of
+Worcestershire, and the <i>posse comitatûs</i>?&rdquo; pursued Topcliffe.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How soon do you think the Sheriff will arrive?&rdquo; asked Catesby, scarcely
+able to disguise his anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He cannot be here before daybreak&mdash;if so soon,&rdquo; returned Topcliffe,
+&ldquo;and then we shall have to besiege the house; and though I have no fear
+of the result, yet some of the conspirators may fall in the skirmish;
+and my orders from the Earl of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> Salisbury, as I have already apprised
+you, are, to take them alive.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True,&rdquo; replied Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would not, for twice the reward I shall receive for the capture of
+the whole party, that that desperate traitor, Catesby, should be slain,"
+continued Topcliffe. &ldquo;The plot was contrived by him, and the extent of
+its ramifications can alone be ascertained through him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I think I can contrive their capture,&rdquo; observed Catesby; &ldquo;but the
+utmost caution must be used. I will return to the house, and find out
+where the chief conspirators are lodged. I will then throw open the
+door, and will return to this place, where you can have our men
+assembled. If we can seize and secure the leaders, the rest will be
+easy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will run great risk, Sir John,&rdquo; said Topcliffe, with affected
+concern.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heed not that,&rdquo; replied Catesby. &ldquo;You may expect me in a few minutes.
+Get together your men as noiselessly as you can.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this he hastily withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>On returning to the house, he instantly roused his companions, and
+acquainted them with what had occurred.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My object,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;is to make Topcliffe a prisoner. We may obtain
+much useful information from him. As to the others, if they offer
+resistance, we will put them to death.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What force have they?&rdquo; asked Sir Everard Digby, with some uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is impossible to say precisely,&rdquo; replied Catesby; &ldquo;but not more than
+a handful of men, I should imagine, as they are waiting for Sir Richard
+Walsh.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I know not what may be the issue of this matter,&rdquo; observed Robert
+Winter, whose looks were unusually haggard; &ldquo;but I have had a strange
+and ominous dream, which fills me with apprehension.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Catesby, upon whose mind the recollection of the
+apparition he had beheld rushed.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Catesby,&rdquo; pursued Robert Winter, taking him aside, &ldquo;if you have any sin
+unrepented of, I counsel you to make your peace with Heaven, for I fear
+you are not long for this world.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It may be so,&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, firmly; &ldquo;and I have many dark and
+damning sins upon my soul, but I will die as I have lived, firm and
+unshaken to the last. And now, let us prepare for our foes.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he proceeded to call up the trustiest of his men, and
+enjoining profound silence upon them, disposed them in various places,
+that they might instantly appear at his signal. After giving them other
+directions, he returned to the garden, and coughed slightly. He was
+answered by a quickly-approaching footstep, and a voice demanded,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Are you there, Sir John?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Catesby answered in a low tone in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Come forward, then,&rdquo; rejoined Topcliffe.</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke there was a rush of persons towards the spot, and seizing
+Catesby, he cried, in a triumphant tone, while he unmasked a lantern,
+and threw its light full upon his face,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are caught in your own trap, Mr. Catesby. You are my prisoner.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not so, villain,&rdquo; cried Catesby, disengaging himself by a powerful
+effort.</p>
+
+<p>Springing backwards, he drew his sword, and making the blade describe a
+circle round his body, effected his retreat in safety, though a dozen
+shots were fired at him. Leaping the garden wall, he was instantly
+surrounded by the other conspirators, and the greater part of the band,
+who, hearing the reports of the fire-arms, had hurried to the spot.
+Instantly putting himself at their head, Catesby returned to the garden;
+but Topcliffe and his party had taken the alarm and fled. Torches were
+brought, and, by Catesby's directions, a large heap of dry stubble was
+set on fire. But, though the flames revealed every object for a
+considerable distance around them, no traces of the hostile party could
+be discerned.</p>
+
+<p>After continuing their ineffectual search for some time, the
+conspirators returned to the house, and abandoning all idea of retiring
+to rest, kept strict watch during the remainder of the night. Little
+conversation took place. All were deeply depressed; and Catesby paced
+backwards and forwards within a passage leading from the hall to the
+dining-chamber. His thoughts were gloomy enough, and he retraced the
+whole of his wild and turbulent career, pondering upon its close, which
+he could not disguise from himself was at hand.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It matters not,&rdquo; he mentally ejaculated; &ldquo;I shall not die
+ignominiously, and I would rather perish in the vigour of manhood than
+linger out a miserable old age. I have striven hard to achieve a great
+enterprise, and having failed, have little else to live for. This band
+cannot hold together two days longer. Our men will desert us, or turn
+upon us to obtain the price set upon our heads. And, were they true, I
+have little reliance upon my companions. They have no longer the
+confidence that can alone insure success, and I expect each moment some
+one will propose a surrender. Surrender! I will never do so with life.
+Something must be done&mdash;something worthy of me&mdash;and then let me perish.
+I have ever prayed to die a soldier's death.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he uttered these words unconsciously aloud, he became aware of the
+presence of Robert Winter, who stood at the end of the passage, watching
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your prayer will not be granted, Catesby,&rdquo; said the latter. &ldquo;Some
+dreadful doom, I fear, is reserved for you and all of us.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What mean you?&rdquo; demanded the other, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Listen to me,&rdquo; replied Robert Winter. &ldquo;I told you I had a strange and
+appalling dream to-night, and I will now relate it. I thought I was in a
+boat upon the river Thames, when all at once the day, which had been
+bright and smiling, became dark and overcast,&mdash;not dark like the shades
+of night, but gloomy and ominous, as when the sun is shrouded by an
+eclipse. I looked around, and every object was altered. The tower of
+Saint Paul's stood awry, and seemed ready to topple down,&mdash;so did the
+spires and towers of all the surrounding fanes. The houses on London
+Bridge leaned frightfully over the river, and the habitations lining its
+banks on either side, seemed shaken to their foundations. I fancied some
+terrible earthquake must have occurred, or that the end of the world was
+at hand.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Go on,&rdquo; said Catesby, who had listened with profound attention to the
+relation.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The stream, too, changed its colour,&rdquo; continued Robert Winter, &ldquo;and
+became red as blood, and the man who rowed my boat was gone, and his
+place occupied by a figure masked and habited like an executioner. I
+commanded him to row me ashore, and in an instant the bark shot to land,
+and I sprang out, glad to be liberated from my mysterious conductor. My
+steps involuntarily led me toward the cathedral, and on entering it, I
+found its pillars, shrines, monuments, and roof hung with black. The
+throng that ever haunt Paul's Walk had disappeared, and a few dismal
+figures alone traversed the aisles. On approaching them, I recognised in
+their swollen, death-like, and blackened lineaments, some resemblance to
+you and our friends. I was about to interrogate them, when I was
+awakened by yourself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A strange dream, truly,&rdquo; observed Catesby, musingly, &ldquo;and coupled with
+what I myself have seen to-night, would seem to bode evil.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And he then proceeded to describe the supernatural appearance he had
+beheld to his companion.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All is over with us,&rdquo; rejoined Robert Winter. &ldquo;We must prepare to meet
+our fate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We must meet it like men,&mdash;like brave men, Robert,&rdquo; replied Catesby.
+&ldquo;We must not disgrace ourselves and our cause.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are right,&rdquo; rejoined Robert Winter; &ldquo;but these visions are more
+terrible than the contemplation of death itself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you require further rest, take it,&rdquo; returned Catesby. &ldquo;In an hour I
+shall call up our men, and march to Hewel Grange.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am wearied enough,&rdquo; replied Robert Winter, &ldquo;but I dare not close my
+eyes again.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then recommend your soul to Heaven,&rdquo; said Catesby. &ldquo;I would be alone.
+Melancholy thoughts press upon me, and I desire to unburden my heart to
+God.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Robert Winter then left him, and he withdrew into a closet where there
+was an image of the Virgin, and kneeling before it, prayed long and
+fervently. Arising in a calmer frame of mind, he returned to the hall,
+and summoning his companions and followers, their horses were brought
+forth, and they commenced their march.</p>
+
+<p>It was about four o'clock when they started, and so dark, that they had
+some difficulty in finding the road. They proceeded at a slow pace, and
+with the utmost caution; but notwithstanding this, and though the two
+Winters and Grant, who were well acquainted with the country, led the
+way, many trifling delays and disasters occurred. Their baggage-cart
+frequently stuck fast in the deep ruts, while the men missing their way,
+got into the trenches skirting the lane, and were not unfrequently
+thrown from their horses. More than once, too, the alarm was given that
+they were pursued, and a sudden halt ordered; but these apprehensions
+proved groundless, and, after a most fatiguing ride, they found
+themselves at Stoke Prior, and within two miles of Hewel Grange.</p>
+
+<p>Originally built in the early part of the reign of Henry the Eighth, and
+granted by that monarch to an ancestor of its present possessor, Lord
+Windsor, this ancient mansion was quadrangular in form, and surrounded
+by a broad deep fosse. Situated in the heart of an extensive park, at
+the foot of a gentle hill, it was now approached from the brow of the
+latter beautiful eminence by the rebel party. But at this season, and at
+this hour, both park and mansion had a forlorn look. The weather still
+continued foggy, with drizzling showers, and though the trees were not
+yet entirely stripped of their foliage, their glories had altogether
+departed. The turf was damp and plashy, and in some places partook so
+much of the character of a swamp, that the horsemen were obliged to
+alter their course.</p>
+
+<p>But all obstacles were eventually overcome, and in ten minutes after
+their entrance into the park, they were within gunshot of the mansion.
+There were no symptoms of defence apparent, but the drawbridge being
+raised, it was Catesby's opinion, notwithstanding appearances, that
+their arrival was expected. He was further confirmed in this idea when,
+sounding a trumpet, and calling to the porter to let down the
+drawbridge, no answer was returned.</p>
+
+<p>The entrance to the mansion was through a lofty and machiolated gateway,
+strengthened at each side by an embattled turret. Perceiving a man at
+one of the loopholes, Catesby discharged his petronel at him, and it was
+evident from the cry that followed that the person was wounded. An
+instant afterwards calivers were thrust through the other loopholes, and
+several shots fired upon the rebels, while some dozen armed men appeared
+upon the summit of the tower, and likewise commenced firing.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Perceiving Topcliffe among the latter, and enraged at the sight, Catesby
+discharged another petronel at him, but without effect. He then called
+to some of his men to break down the door of an adjoining barn, and to
+place it in the moat. The order was instantly obeyed, and the door
+afloat in the fosse, and springing upon it, he impelled himself with a
+pike towards the opposite bank. Several shots were fired at him, and
+though more than one struck the door, he crossed the moat uninjured. So
+suddenly was this daring passage effected, that before any of the
+defenders of the mansion could prevent him, Catesby had severed the
+links of the chain fastening the drawbridge, and it fell clattering
+down.</p>
+
+<p>With a loud shout, his companions then crossed it. But they had still a
+difficulty to encounter. The gates, which were of great strength, and
+covered with plates of iron, were barred. But a ladder having been found
+in the barn, it was brought forward, and Catesby mounting it sword in
+hand, drove back all who opposed him, and got upon the wall. He was
+followed by Sir Everard Digby, Percy, and several others, and driving
+the royalists before them, they made their way down a flight of stone
+steps, and proceeding to the gateway, threw it open, and admitted the
+others. All this was the work of a few minutes.</p>
+
+<p>Committing the ransacking of the mansion to Digby and Percy, and
+commanding a dozen men to follow him, Catesby entered a small arched
+doorway, and ascended a winding stone staircase in search of Topcliffe.
+His progress was opposed by the soldiers, but beating aside all
+opposition, he gained the roof. Topcliffe, however, was gone.
+Anticipating the result of the attack, he had let himself drop from the
+summit of the tower to the walls, and descending by the ladder, had made
+good his retreat.</p>
+
+<p>Disarming the soldiers, Catesby then descended to the court-yard, where
+in a short time a large store of arms, consisting of corslets,
+demi-lances, pikes, calivers, and two falconets, were brought forth.
+These, together with a cask of powder, were placed in the
+baggage-waggon. Meanwhile, the larder and cellar had been explored, and
+provisions of all kinds, together with a barrel of mead, and another of
+strong ale, being found, they were distributed among the men.</p>
+
+<p>While this took place, Catesby searched the mansion, and, partly by
+threats, partly by persuasion, induced about twenty persons to join
+them. This unlooked-for success so encouraged the conspirators, that
+their drooping spirits began to revive. Catesby appeared as much elated
+as the others, but at heart he was full of misgiving.</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterwards, the rebel party quitted Hewel Grange, taking with them
+every weapon they could find. The forced recruits were placed in the
+midst of the band, so that escape was impracticable.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_IV" id="III_CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h2>HOLBEACH.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Avoiding the high road, and traversing an unfrequented part of the
+country, the conspirators shaped their course towards Stourbridge. As
+they reached Forfield Green, they perceived a large party descending the
+hilly ground near Bromsgrove, and evidently in pursuit of them. An
+immediate halt was ordered, and taking possession of a farm-house, they
+prepared for defence.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing these preparations, their pursuers, who proved to be Sir Richard
+Walsh the Sheriff of Worcestershire, Sir John Foliot, three gentlemen
+named Ketelbye, Salwaye, and Conyers, attended by a large posse of men,
+all tolerably well armed, drew up at some distance from the farm, and
+appeared to be consulting as to the prudence of making an attack.
+Topcliffe was with them; and Catesby, who reconnoitered their
+proceedings from a window of the dwelling, inferred from his gestures
+that he was against the assault. And so it proved. The royalist party
+remained where they were, and as one or two of their number occasionally
+disappeared, Catesby judged, and correctly, that they were despatched
+for a reinforcement.</p>
+
+<p>Not willing to wait for this, he determined to continue his march, and,
+accordingly, forming his men into a close line, and bringing up the rear
+himself, they again set forward. Sir Richard Walsh and his party
+followed them, and whenever they were in a difficult part of the road,
+harassed them with a sudden attack. In this way, several stragglers were
+cut off, and a few prisoners made. So exasperated did Catesby become by
+these annoyances, that, though desirous to push forward as fast as
+possible, he halted at the entrance of a common, and prepared for an
+engagement. But his purpose was defeated, for the royalist party took
+another course, nor did he see anything more of them for some time.</p>
+
+<p>In about an hour the rebels arrived at the banks of the river Stour, not
+far from the little village of Churchill, and here, just as they were
+preparing to ford the stream, the sheriff and his followers again made
+their appearance. By this time, also, the forces of their opponents were
+considerably augmented, and as more than a third of their own party were
+engaged in crossing the stream, which was greatly swollen by the recent
+rains, and extremely dangerous, their position was one of no slight
+peril.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing daunted, Catesby instantly drew up his men on the bank, and,
+after a short skirmish, drove away the enemy, and afterwards contrived
+to cross the river without much loss. He found, however, that the
+baggage-cart had got immersed in the stream, and it was feared that the
+powder would be damaged.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span> They remained on the opposite bank for some
+time; but as their enemies did not attempt to follow them, they took the
+way to Holbeach, a large and strongly built mansion belonging, as has
+been already stated, to Stephen Littleton. Here they arrived without
+further molestation, and their first business was to put it into a
+complete state of defence.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 388px;">
+<img src="images/illo_293.jpg" width="388" height="600" alt="The Explosion at Holbeach" title="" />
+<span class="caption">The Explosion at Holbeach</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>After a long and anxious consultation, Sir Everard Digby quitted them,
+undertaking to return on the following day with succours. Stephen
+Littleton also disappeared on the same evening. His flight produced a
+strong impression on Catesby, and he besought the others not to abandon
+the good cause, but to stand by it, as he himself meant to do, to the
+last. They all earnestly assured him that they would do so, except
+Robert Winter, who sat apart, and took no share in their discourse.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby then examined the powder that had been plunged in the water in
+crossing the Stour, and found it so much wetted as to be nearly useless.
+A sufficient stock of powder being of the utmost consequence to them, he
+caused all the contents of the barrel, not dissolved by the immersion,
+to be poured into a large platter, and proceeded to dry it before a fire
+which had been kindled in the hall. A bag of powder, which had likewise
+been slightly wetted, was also placed at what was considered a safe
+distance from the fire.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven grant this may prove more destructive to our enemies than the
+combustibles we placed in the mine beneath the Parliament House!"
+observed Percy.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven grant so, indeed!&rdquo; rejoined Catesby, with a moody smile. &ldquo;They
+would call it retribution, where we to perish by the same means which we
+designed for others.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Jest not on so serious a matter, Catesby,&rdquo; observed Robert Winter. &ldquo;For
+my own part, I dread the sight of powder, and shall walk forth till you
+have dried this, and put it away.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are not going to leave us, like Stephen Littleton?&rdquo; rejoined
+Catesby, suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will go with him,&rdquo; said Christopher Wright; &ldquo;so you need be under no
+apprehension.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, he quitted the hall with Robert Winter, and they proceeded
+to the court-yard and were conversing together on the dismal prospects
+of the party, when a tremendous explosion took place. The roof of the
+building seemed rent in twain, and amidst a shower of tiles, plaster,
+bricks, and broken wood falling around, the bag of powder dropped
+untouched at their feet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mother of mercy!&rdquo; exclaimed Christopher Wright, picking it up. &ldquo;Here is
+a providential occurrence. Had this exploded, we must all have been
+destroyed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let us see what has happened,&rdquo; cried Robert Winter.</p>
+
+<p>And, followed by Christopher Wright, he rushed towards the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> hall, and
+bursting open the door, beheld Catesby enveloped in a cloud of smoke,
+and pressing his hand to his face, which was scorched and blackened by
+the explosion. Rookwood was stretched on the floor in a state of
+insensibility, and it at first appeared that life was extinct. Percy was
+extinguishing the flames, which had caught his dress, and John Grant was
+similarly occupied.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Those are the very faces I beheld in my dream,&rdquo; cried Robert Winter,
+gazing at them with affright. &ldquo;It was a true warning.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Rushing up to Catesby, Christopher Wright clasped him in his arms, and
+extinguishing his flaming apparel, cried, &ldquo;Wretch that I am! that I
+should live to see this day!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be not alarmed!&rdquo; gasped Catesby. &ldquo;It is nothing&mdash;it was a mere
+accident.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is no accident, Catesby,&rdquo; replied Robert Winter. &ldquo;Heaven is against
+us and our design.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And he quitted the room, and left the house. Nor did he return to it.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will pray for forgiveness!&rdquo; cried John Grant, whose vision was so
+much injured by the explosion that he could as yet see nothing. And
+dragging himself before an image of the Virgin, he prayed aloud,
+acknowledging that the act he had designed was so bloody that it called
+for the vengeance of Heaven, and expressing his sincere repentance.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No more of this,&rdquo; cried Catesby, staggering up to him, and snatching
+the image from him. &ldquo;It was a mere accident, I tell you. We are all
+alive, and shall yet succeed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>On inquiry, Christopher Wright learnt that a blazing coal had shot out
+of the fire, and falling into the platter containing the powder, had
+occasioned the disastrous accident above described.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_V" id="III_CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE CLOSE OF THE REBELLION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Unable longer to endure the agony occasioned by his scorched visage,
+Catesby called for a bucket of water, and plunged his head into it.
+Somewhat relieved by the immersion, he turned to inquire after his
+fellow-sufferers. Rookwood having been carried into the open air, had by
+this time regained his consciousness; Percy was shockingly injured, his
+hair and eyebrows burnt, his skin blackened and swollen with unseemly
+blisters, and the sight of one eye entirely destroyed; while John Grant,
+though a degree less hurt than his companions, presented a grim and
+ghastly appearance. In fact, the four sufferers looked as if they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> had
+just escaped from some unearthly place of torment, and were doomed
+henceforth to bear the brand of Divine wrath on their countenances.
+Seeing the effect produced on the others, Catesby rallied all his force,
+and treating the accident as a matter of no moment, and which ought not
+to disturb the equanimity of brave men, called for wine, and quaffed a
+full goblet. Injured as he was, and smarting with pain, Percy followed
+his example, but both John Grant and Rookwood refused the cup.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hark 'e, gentlemen,&rdquo; cried Catesby, fiercely, &ldquo;you may drink or not, as
+you see fit. But I will not have you assume a deportment calculated to
+depress our followers. Stephen Littleton and Robert Winter have basely
+deserted us. If you have any intention of following them, go at once. We
+are better without you than with you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have no thought of deserting you, Catesby,&rdquo; rejoined Rookwood,
+mournfully; &ldquo;and when the time arrives for action, you will find I shall
+not be idle. But I am now assured that we have sold ourselves to
+perdition.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Pshaw!&rdquo; cried Catesby, with a laugh that communicated an almost
+fiendish expression to his grim features; &ldquo;because a little powder has
+accidentally exploded and blackened our faces, are we to see in the
+occurrence the retributive justice of Heaven? Are we to be cast down by
+such a trifle? Be a man, and rouse yourself. Recollect that the eyes of
+all England are upon us; and if we must fall, let us perish in a manner
+that becomes us. No real mischief has been done. My hand is as able to
+wield a blade, and my sight to direct a shot, as heretofore. If Heaven
+had meant to destroy us, the bag of powder which has been taken up in
+the yard, and which was sufficient not only to annihilate us, but to lay
+this house in ruins, would have been suffered to explode.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Would it <i>had</i> exploded!&rdquo; exclaimed John Wright. &ldquo;All would then have
+been over.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Are you, too, fainthearted, John?&rdquo; cried Catesby. &ldquo;Well, well, leave me
+one and all of you. I will fight it out alone.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You wrong me by the suspicion, Catesby,&rdquo; returned John Wright. &ldquo;I am as
+true to the cause as yourself. But I perceive that our last hour is at
+hand, and I would it were past.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The indulgence of such a wish at such a moment is a weakness,&rdquo; rejoined
+Catesby. &ldquo;I care not when death comes, provided it comes gloriously; and
+such should be your feeling. On the manner in which we meet our fate
+will depend the effect which our insurrection will produce throughout
+the country. We must set a brave example to our brethren. Heaven be
+praised; we shall not perish on the scaffold!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be not too sure of that,&rdquo; said Grant, gloomily. &ldquo;It may yet be our
+fate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It shall never be mine,&rdquo; cried Catesby.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nor mine,&rdquo; added Percy. &ldquo;I am so far from regarding the recent disaster
+as a punishment, though I am the severest sufferer by it, that I think
+we ought to return thanks to Heaven for our preservation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In whatever light the accident is viewed,&rdquo; observed John Wright, &ldquo;we
+cannot too soon address ourselves to Heaven. We know not how long it may
+be in our power to do so.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Again desponding,&rdquo; cried Catesby. &ldquo;But no matter. You will recover your
+spirits anon.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>John Wright shook his head, and Catesby, pulling his hat over his brows
+to hide his features, walked forth into the court-yard. He found, as he
+expected, that general consternation prevailed amongst the band. The men
+were gathered together in little knots, and, though they became silent
+as he approached, he perceived they were discussing the necessity of a
+surrender. Nothing daunted by these unfavourable, appearances, Catesby
+harangued them in such bold terms that he soon inspired them with some
+of his own confidence, and completely resteadied their wavering
+feelings.</p>
+
+<p>Elated with his success, he caused a cup of strong ale to be given to
+each man, and proposed as a pledge, the restoration of the Romish
+Church. He then returned to the house; and summoning the other
+conspirators to attend him in a chamber on the ground-floor, they all
+prayed long and fervently, and concluded by administering the sacrament
+to each other.</p>
+
+<p>It was now thought necessary to have the damage done by the explosion
+repaired, and a few hours were employed in the operation. Evening was
+fast approaching, and Catesby, who was anxiously expecting the return of
+Sir Everard Digby, stationed himself on the turreted walls of the
+mansion to look out for him. But he came not; and, fearing some
+mischance must have befallen him, Catesby descended. Desirous of
+concealing his misgivings from his companions, he put on a cheerful
+manner as he joined them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am surprised ere this that we have not been attacked,&rdquo; remarked
+Percy. &ldquo;Our enemies may be waiting for the darkness, to take us by
+surprise. But they will be disappointed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I can only account for the delay by supposing they have encountered Sir
+Everard Digby, and the force he is bringing to us,&rdquo; remarked Christopher
+Wright.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It may be so,&rdquo; returned Catesby, &ldquo;and if so, we shall soon learn the
+result.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>In spite of all Catesby's efforts he failed to engage his companions in
+conversation, and feeling it would best suit his present frame of mind,
+and contribute most to their safety, to keep in constant motion, he
+proceeded to the court-yard, saw that all the defences were secure, that
+the drawbridge was raised, the sentinels at their posts, and everything
+prepared for the anticipated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> attack. Every half hour he thus made his
+rounds, and when towards midnight he was going forth, Percy said to him,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you not mean to take any rest, Catesby?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not till I am in my grave,&rdquo; was the moody reply.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby's untiring energy was in fact a marvel to all his followers. His
+iron frame seemed wholly unsusceptible of fatigue; and even when he
+returned to the house, he continued to pace to and fro in the passage in
+preference to lying down.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Rest tranquilly,&rdquo; he said to Christopher Wright, who offered to take
+his place. &ldquo;I will rouse you on the slightest approach of danger.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But though he preserved this stoical exterior, Catesby's breast was torn
+by the keenest pangs. He could not hide from himself that, to serve his
+own ambitious purposes, he had involved many loyal and worthy (till he
+had deluded them) persons in a treasonable project, which must now
+terminate in their destruction; and their blood, he feared, would rest
+upon his head. But what weighed heaviest of all upon his soul was the
+probable fate of Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I were assured she would escape,&rdquo; he thought, &ldquo;I should care little
+for all the rest, even for Fawkes. They say it is never too late to
+repent. But my repentance shall lie between my Maker and myself. Man
+shall never know it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The night was dark, and the gloom was rendered more profound by a dense
+fog. Fearing an attack might now be attempted, Catesby renewed his
+vigilance. Marching round the edge of the moat, he listened to every
+sound that might betray the approach of a foe. For some time, nothing
+occurred to excite his suspicions, until about an hour after midnight,
+as he was standing at the back of the house, he fancied he detected a
+stealthy tread on the other side of the fosse, and soon became convinced
+that a party of men were there. Determined to ascertain their movements
+before giving the alarm, he held his breath, and drawing a petronel,
+remained perfectly motionless. Presently, though he could discern no
+object, he distinctly heard a plank pushed across the moat, and could
+distinguish in the whispered accents of one of the party the voice of
+Topcliffe. A thrill of savage joy agitated his bosom, and he internally
+congratulated himself that revenge was in his power.</p>
+
+<p>A footstep, though so noiseless as to be inaudible to any ear less acute
+than his own, was now heard crossing the plank, and feeling certain it
+was Topcliffe, Catesby allowed him to land, and then suddenly advancing,
+kicked the plank, on which were two other persons, into the water, and
+unmasking a dark lantern, threw its light upon the face of a man near
+him, who proved, as he suspected, to be Topcliffe.</p>
+
+<p>Aware of the advantage of making a prisoner of importance, Catesby
+controlled the impulse that prompted him to sacrifice<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> Topcliffe to his
+vengeance, and firing his petronel in the air as a signal, he drew his
+sword, and sprang upon him. Topcliffe attempted to defend himself, but
+he was no match for the skill and impetuosity of Catesby, and was
+instantly overpowered and thrown to the ground. By this time, Percy and
+several of the band had come up, and delivering Topcliffe to the charge
+of two of the stoutest of them, Catesby turned his attention to the
+other assailants. One of them got across the moat; but the other,
+encumbered by his arms, was floundering about, when Catesby pointing a
+petronel at his head, he was fain to surrender, and was dragged out.</p>
+
+<p>A volley of musketry was now fired by the rebels in the supposed
+direction of their opponents, but it could not be ascertained what
+execution was done. After waiting for some time, in expectation of a
+further attack, Catesby placed a guard upon the spot, and proceeded to
+examine Topcliffe. He had been thrown into a cellar beneath the kitchen,
+and the two men were on guard over him. He refused to answer any of
+Catesby's questions, though enforced by threats of instant death. On
+searching him some letters were found upon him, and thrusting them into
+his doublet, Catesby left him, with the strictest injunctions to the men
+as to his safe custody.</p>
+
+<p>He then proceeded to examine the other captive, and found him somewhat
+more tractable. This man informed him that Topcliffe had intended to
+steal into the house with the design of capturing the conspirators, or,
+failing in that, of setting fire to the premises. He also ascertained
+that Topcliffe's force consisted only of a dozen men, so that no further
+attack need be apprehended.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding this information, Catesby determined to be on the safe
+side, and doubling the sentinels, he stationed one of the conspirators,
+all of whom had sprung to arms at his signal, at each of the exposed
+points. He then withdrew to the mansion, and examined Topcliffe's
+papers. The first despatch he opened was from the Earl of Salisbury,
+bearing date about the early part of Fawkes's confinement in the Tower,
+in which the Earl expressed his determination of wringing a full
+confession from the prisoner. A bitter smile curled Catesby's lip as he
+read this, but his brow darkened as he proceeded, and found that a
+magnificent reward was offered for his own arrest.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I must have Catesby captured,&rdquo; ran the missive,&mdash;"so see you spare no
+pains to take him. I would rather all escaped than he did. His
+confession is of the last importance in the matter, and I rely upon your
+bringing him to me alive.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will at least balk him of that satisfaction,&rdquo; muttered Catesby. &ldquo;But
+what is this of Viviana?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Reading further, he found that the Earl had issued the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span> orders
+respecting Viviana, and that she would be rigorously dealt with if
+captured.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas!&rdquo; groaned Catesby; &ldquo;I hope she will escape these inhuman
+butchers.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The next despatch he opened was from Tresham, and with a savage
+satisfaction he found that the traitor was apprehensive of
+double-dealing on the part of Salisbury and Mounteagle. He stated that
+he had been put under arrest, and was detained a prisoner in his own
+house; and fearing he should be sent to the Tower, besought Topcliffe to
+use his influence with the Earl of Salisbury not to deal unfairly with
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He is rightly served!&rdquo; cried Catesby, with a bitter smile. &ldquo;Heaven
+grant they may deal with him as he dealt with us!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The consideration of these letters furnished Catesby with food for much
+bitter reflection. Pacing the room to and fro with uncertain footsteps,
+he remained more than an hour by himself, and at last yielding to the
+promptings of vengeance, repaired to the cellar in which he had placed
+Topcliffe, with the intention of putting him to death. What was his rage
+and mortification to find both the guard and the prisoner gone! A door
+was open, and it was evident that the fugitives had stolen to the moat,
+and, swimming noiselessly across it in the darkness, had securely
+effected their retreat.</p>
+
+<p>Fearful of exciting the alarm of his followers, Catesby controlled his
+indignation, and said nothing of the escape of the prisoner to any but
+his confederates, who entirely approved of the policy of silence. They
+continued on the alert during the remainder of the night, and no one
+thought of seeking repose till it was fully light, and all danger of a
+surprise at an end.</p>
+
+<p>Day dawned late and dismally. The fog that had hung round the mansion
+changed just before daybreak into drizzling rain, and this increased ere
+long to heavy and drenching showers. Everything looked gloomy and
+depressing, and the conspirators were so disheartened, that they avoided
+each other's regards.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby mounted the walls of the mansion to reconnoitre. The prospect
+was forlorn and melancholy to the last degree. The neighbouring woods
+were obscured by mist; the court-yard and garden flooded with rain; and
+the waters of the moat spotted by the heavy shower. Not an object was in
+view, except a hind driving cattle to a neighbouring farm. Catesby
+shouted to him, and the fellow with evident reluctance approaching the
+brink of the moat, was asked whether he had seen any troops in the
+neighbourhood. The man answered in the negative, but said he had heard
+that an engagement had taken place in the night, about five miles from
+thence, near Hales Owen, between Sir Everard Digby and Sir Richard
+Walsh, and that Sir Everard's party had been utterly routed, and himself
+taken prisoner.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This intelligence was a severe blow to Catesby, as it destroyed the last
+faint hope he had clung to. For some time he continued wrapt in thought,
+and then descended to the lower part of the house. A large fire had been
+kept up during the night in the hall, and the greater part of the band
+were now gathered round it, drying their wet clothes, and conversing
+together. A plentiful breakfast had been served out to them, so that
+they were in tolerably good spirits, and many of them talked loudly of
+the feats they meant to perform in case of an attack.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby heard these boasts, but they fell upon an idle ear. He felt that
+all was over; that his last chance was gone; and that the struggle could
+not be much longer protracted. Entering the inner room, he sat down at
+table with his companions, but he ate nothing, and continued silent and
+abstracted.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is now my turn to reproach you,&rdquo; observed Grant. &ldquo;You look deeply
+depressed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Sir Everard Digby is a prisoner,&rdquo; replied Catesby, sternly. &ldquo;His
+capture grieves me sorely. He should have died with us.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>All echoed the wish.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby arose and closed the door.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The attack will not be many hours delayed,&rdquo; he said; &ldquo;and unless there
+should be some miraculous interposition in our behalf, it must end in
+our defeat. Do not let us survive it,&rdquo; he continued earnestly. &ldquo;Let us
+swear to stand by each other as long as we can, and to die together.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Agreed!&rdquo; cried the others.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now,&rdquo; continued Catesby, &ldquo;I must compel myself to take some
+nourishment, for I have much to do.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Having swallowed a few mouthfuls of bread, and drained a goblet of wine,
+he again visited every part of the habitation, examined the arms of the
+men, encouraged them by his looks and words, and became satisfied,
+unless some unlooked-for circumstance occurred to damp their ardour,
+they would offer a determined and vigorous resistance.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I could only come off victorious in this last conflict, I should die
+content,&rdquo; thought Catesby. &ldquo;And I do not despair of it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The rain continued till eleven o'clock, when it ceased, and the mist
+that had attended it partially cleared off. About noon, Catesby, who was
+on the look-out from the walls of the mansion, descried a large troop of
+horsemen issuing from the wood. He immediately gave the alarm. The bell
+was rung, and all sprang to arms.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the troop had advanced within a hundred yards of the house,
+and Catesby, who had rushed into the court-yard, mounted a turret near
+the gate to watch their movements, and issue his commands. The royalists
+were headed by Sir Richard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span>Walsh, who was attended on the right
+by Sir John Foliot, and on the left by Topcliffe. Immediately behind
+them were Ketelbye, Salwaye, Conyers, and others who had accompanied the
+<i>posse comitatûs</i> the day before. A trumpet was then sounded, and a
+proclamation made in a loud voice by a trooper, commanding the rebels in
+the King's name to surrender, and to deliver up their leaders. The man
+had scarcely concluded his speech when he was for ever silenced by a
+shot from Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>A loud and vindictive shout was raised by the royalists, and the assault
+instantly commenced. Sir Richard Walsh directed the attack against the
+point opposite the drawbridge, while Sir John Foliot, Topcliffe, and the
+others dispersed themselves, and completely surrounded the mansion.
+Several planks were thrust across the moat, and in spite of the efforts
+of the rebels many of the assailants effected a passage.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby drove back the party under Sir Richard Walsh, and with his own
+hand hewed asunder their plank. In doing this, he so much exposed
+himself that, but for the injunctions of the Sheriff, who commanded his
+followers not to fire upon him, he must have been slain.</p>
+
+<p>The other rebel-leaders displayed equal courage, and equal indifference
+to danger, and though, as has just been stated, a considerable number of
+the royalists had got across the moat, and entered the garden, they had
+obtained no material advantage. Sir John Foliot and Topcliffe commanded
+this party, and encouraged them to press on. But such a continued and
+well-directed firing was kept up upon them from the walls and windows of
+the mansion, that they soon began to show symptoms of wavering.</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, and while Topcliffe was trying to keep his men
+together, a concealed door in the wall was opened, and Catesby issued
+from it at the head of a dozen men. He instantly attacked Topcliffe and
+his band, put several to the sword, and drove those who resisted into
+the moat. Foliot and Topcliffe with difficulty escaped across the plank,
+which was seized and pulled over to his own side by Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>But the hope which this success inspired was instantly crushed. Loud
+shouts were raised from the opposite wing of the mansion, and Catesby to
+his great dismay perceived from the volumes of smoke ascending from it
+that it was on fire. Uttering an exclamation of rage and despair, he
+commanded those with him not to quit their present position, and set off
+in the direction of the fire.</p>
+
+<p>He found that an outbuilding had been set in flames by a lighted brand
+thrown across the moat by a trooper. The author of the action was named
+John Streete, and was afterwards rendered notorious by another feat to
+be presently related. Efforts were made to extinguish the conflagration,
+but such was the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span> confusion prevailing that it was found wholly
+impossible to do so, and it was feared that the destruction of the whole
+mansion would ensue.</p>
+
+<p>Disaster after disaster followed. Another party had crossed the moat,
+and burst into the court-yard. In the desperate conflict that ensued,
+Rookwood was shot through the arm, and severely wounded by a pike, and
+was borne into the house by one of his followers, whom he entreated to
+kill him outright, but his request was refused.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, the drawbridge was lowered, and with loud and exulting shouts
+the great body of the royalists crossed it. Catesby now perceived that
+the day was irretrievably lost. Calling to Christopher Wright, who was
+standing near him, to follow him, and rushing towards the court-yard, he
+reached it just as the royalists gained an entrance.</p>
+
+<p>In numbers both parties were pretty, well matched, but the rebels were
+now thoroughly disheartened, and seeing how matters must end, many of
+them threw down their arms, and begged for mercy. A destructive fire,
+however, was still kept up on the royalists by a few of the rebels
+stationed on the walls of the mansion, under the command of John Wright.</p>
+
+<p>Putting himself at the head of a few faithful followers, Catesby fought
+with all the fury of despair. Christopher Wright was shot by his side.
+Grant instantly sprang forward, but was cut down by a trooper. Catesby
+was too busily occupied to attend to the fate of his companions, but
+seeing Thomas Winter near him, called to him to come on.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I can fight no longer,&rdquo; said Thomas Winter. &ldquo;My right arm is disabled
+by a bolt from a cross-bow.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then die,&rdquo; cried Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He <i>shall</i> die&mdash;on the scaffold,&rdquo; rejoined Topcliffe, who had heard the
+exclamation. And rushing up to Thomas Winter, he seized him, and
+conveyed him to the rear of his party.</p>
+
+<p>Catesby continued to fight with such determined bravery that Sir Richard
+Walsh, seeing it would be vain to take him alive, withdrew his
+restrictions from his men, and ordered them to slay him.</p>
+
+<p>By this time most of the rebels had thrown down their arms. Those on the
+walls had been dislodged, and John Wright, refusing to yield, was
+slaughtered. Catesby, however, having been joined by Percy and half a
+dozen men, made a last desperate charge upon his opponents.</p>
+
+<p>In doing this, his sword shivered, and he would have fallen back, but
+found himself surrounded. Percy was close behind him, and keeping
+together, they fought back to back. Even in this disabled state, they
+made a long and desperate resistance.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Remember your oath, Percy,&rdquo; cried Catesby. &ldquo;You have sworn not to be
+taken to the scaffold.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 387px;">
+<br />
+<img src="images/illo_303.jpg" width="387" height="600" alt="The Death of Catesby" title="" />
+<span class="caption">The Death of Catesby</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear nothing,&rdquo; replied Percy. &ldquo;I will never quit this spot alive.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The words were scarcely out of his mouth when he fell to the ground
+mortally wounded, and the same shot that had pierced his breast had
+likewise stricken Catesby. It was fired by the trooper, John Streete,
+who has just been mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>Collecting all his force, Catesby struck a few terrible blows at his
+opponents, and, dashing through them, made for the house. Just as he
+reached the door, which was standing open, his strength failed, and he
+fell to the ground. In this condition, he dragged himself into the
+vestibule, where there was a large wooden statue of the Virgin, and
+clasping his arms around it pressed his lips to the feet of the image.
+He was followed by Streete, with his drawn sword in one hand and a
+petronel in the other, prepared to finish his work. But ere he could
+reach him, Catesby had expired.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;So,&rdquo; exclaimed Topcliffe, who came up the next moment, with Sir Richard
+Walsh, &ldquo;we have been robbed of our prey. The Earl of Salisbury will
+never forgive me for this disappointment.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am glad I have done it, though,&rdquo; observed Streete. &ldquo;To kill two such
+traitors with one shot is something to talk of.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will be well rewarded for it, no doubt,&rdquo; remarked Topcliffe,
+sarcastically.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I care not whether I am or not,&rdquo; rejoined Streete. &ldquo;I have done my
+duty, and besides I have avenged my comrade, Richard Trueman, who was
+shot by this traitor when he read the proclamation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will take care that your brave action is duly represented to his
+Majesty,&rdquo; observed Sir Richard Walsh.</p>
+
+<p>And he failed not to keep his promise. Streete received a pension of two
+shillings a day for the rest of his life&mdash;no inconsiderable sum in those
+days.</p>
+
+<p>The conflict was now at an end, for though some few of the more
+desperate of the rebels continued to struggle after their leaders had
+fallen, they were soon disarmed. Sir Richard Walsh and Topcliffe went in
+search of the other conspirators, and finding Rookwood and Grant, who
+though severely wounded were not dead, lying in the hall, immediately
+secured them. Rookwood on their approach made an effort to plunge his
+dagger into his breast, but his hand was stayed by Sir Richard Walsh.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We shall not go away quite empty-handed,&rdquo; cried Topcliffe. &ldquo;But these
+are sorry substitutes for Catesby.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Has Catesby escaped?&rdquo; demanded Grant, faintly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay, to the other world,&rdquo; replied Topcliffe.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He has kept his word,&rdquo; groaned Grant.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;He may have escaped some part of his punishment,&rdquo; said Topcliffe,
+bitterly; &ldquo;but the worst remains. His quarters will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> be exposed on every
+gate in London, and his head on the bridge. As to you, traitors, you
+know your doom.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And are prepared for it,&rdquo; rejoined Grant.</p>
+
+<p>A guard being left over the prisoners, Sir Richard Walsh and Topcliffe
+then went to see that the other captives were properly secured. Some few
+having made their escape into the adjoining fields, they were pursued
+and recaptured.</p>
+
+<p>The whole of the prisoners were then conveyed to Stourbridge, where they
+were lodged in the gaol, after which Sir Richard Walsh despatched a
+messenger to the Earl of Salisbury and the Lords of the Council
+acquainting them with what he had done.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_VI" id="III_CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h2>HAGLEY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Robert Winter, it may be remembered, immediately after the explosion,
+quitted Holbeach, and did not return to it. He proceeded to the
+neighbouring thicket, and while wandering about in a state bordering on
+distraction encountered Stephen Littleton, who had likewise deserted his
+companions on the same day. Acquainting him with the disastrous
+occurrence that had taken place, and stating his impression that both
+God and man were against them, and that it would be vain as well as
+impious to struggle longer, he proposed to him to surrender. But Stephen
+Littleton so strongly combated this opinion, that he at last consented
+to make an effort to escape. This, however, was no easy matter, nor
+could they devise a plan that appeared feasible. Both were well provided
+with money; but under present circumstances it would be of little use to
+them. A large price being set on their heads, and the whole country
+alarmed, they scarcely knew where to seek shelter. After a long debate,
+they quitted the covert, and keeping clear of all habitations, took the
+direction of Stourbridge.</p>
+
+<p>On approaching the Stour, at a point opposite Churchill, where they knew
+the river was fordable, they perceived Sir Richard Walsh's force
+approaching, and threw themselves into a ditch to avoid observation. It
+was quite dark when they again ventured forth, and at the peril of their
+lives they forded the Stour, which was swollen more than it had been in
+the morning by the long-continued rain. Their design was to proceed to
+Hagley, the residence of Stephen Littleton's sister, Mrs. Littleton, and
+to claim her protection. This magnificent mansion lay about two miles on
+the other side of the river, in the heart of an extensive park, but they
+were obliged to take a circuitous route of nearly double the distance to
+reach it, and when at length<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span> they arrived there, and were about to
+steal into the court-yard; they found it occupied by a portion of Sir
+Richard Walsh's troop.</p>
+
+<p>Overcome by anxiety and fatigue, and scarcely knowing whither to
+proceed, they recrossed the park, and sought out the cottage of a poor
+woman, whose two sons had joined their ill-fated expedition, and were at
+that moment under arms at Holbeach. She was a good Catholic, and they
+thought they might confide in her. Arriving at her cottage, they glanced
+in at the window, and perceiving her, as they concluded, alone, and
+cooking a small piece of meat at the fire, they raised the latch, and
+entered the house. The woman turned at their approach, and uttering a
+cry of surprise and alarm, pointed towards a back room. They then saw
+that they had betrayed themselves; but the caution came too late, and a
+stalwart trooper, alarmed by the cry, issued from the back room. From
+the wretched appearance of the new-comers, he at once guessed that they
+were rebels, and felt satisfied, from the richness of their apparel,
+dirtied and stained as it was, that they were persons of consequence.
+Accordingly, he drew a brace of petronels, and holding them at their
+heads, commanded them to surrender.</p>
+
+<p>They were too much taken by surprise, and too enfeebled to offer
+resistance, and the trooper calling to the old woman to bring a cord to
+bind them, at the same time unloosed his own girdle, with which he
+fastened Robert Winter's arms behind his back. In doing this, he was
+compelled to lay down his petronels, and he had scarcely done so, when
+the woman snatched them up, and gave them to Stephen Littleton, who
+presented them at his head.</p>
+
+<p>It was now the turn of the conspirators to triumph. In another instant,
+Robert Winter was released by the old woman, and the pair throwing
+themselves upon the trooper, forced him to the ground. They then dragged
+him to the back room, and stripped him of his habiliments, which Stephen
+Littleton put on instead of his own attire, and binding him hand and
+foot, returned to the old woman. At the request of Robert Winter, she
+furnished him with a suit of clothes belonging to one of her sons, and
+then set before them the best eatables she possessed. They were
+ravenously hungry, and soon disposed of the viands. Meanwhile, their
+hostess told them that the whole country was in arms against them; that
+Mrs. Littleton being suspected, though she had always been adverse to
+the design, her house had undergone a rigorous search; but that Mr.
+Humphrey Littleton, not having taken any part in the insurrection, had
+not as yet been arrested, though it was feared he would be proved to be
+connected with the plot. She concluded by strongly counselling them to
+use the utmost caution, and to expose themselves as little as possible.
+They assured her she need have no apprehension on that score,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span> and
+expressed great anxiety as to what would befal her when they were pone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not desire to shed blood, if it can be helped,&rdquo; said Stephen
+Littleton; &ldquo;but in a case of necessity, like the present, where life
+must be weighed against life, I hold it lawful to shed it. Shall we put
+the trooper to death?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not unless your own safety requires it, good sirs,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;I shall
+quit this cottage soon after you have left it, and obtain a safe asylum
+with one of my neighbours. It matters not what becomes of me. Having
+lost my two sons,&mdash;for I consider them as already dead,&mdash;I have nothing
+left to bind me to life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Unable to make any reply, the conspirators remained for some time
+silent, when, by the poor woman's advice, they withdrew to an upper
+chamber, and stretching themselves on a bed, sought a few hours' repose.
+The old woman kept watch below, and they gave her one of the petronels,
+with strict injunctions to blow out the trooper's brains if he attempted
+to move. Nothing, however, occurred to alarm her, and at three o'clock
+she awakened them.</p>
+
+<p>Offering the woman a handsome reward, which, however, she declined, they
+then set out; and shortly afterwards their hostess quitted her
+habitation, and withdrew to the cottage of a neighbour, where she
+remained concealed for some weeks, and then died of grief on learning
+that her sons had been slain during the assault of Holbeach by the
+royalists.</p>
+
+<p>Recruited by the rest they had enjoyed, the conspirators pursued their
+course over the fields. The weather was the same as that which
+disheartened their confederates at Holbeach, and the rain fell so
+heavily that they had soon not a dry thread upon them. But being now
+disguised, they were not under so much apprehension of detection.
+Shaping their course towards Rowley Regis, in Staffordshire, which lay
+about five miles from Hagley, where a farmer named Pelborrow, a tenant
+of Humphrey Littleton, resided, and whom they thought would befriend
+them, they proceeded swiftly on their way; but, though well acquainted
+with the country, they were so bewildered and deceived by the fog, that
+they strayed materially out of their course, and when it grew light
+found themselves near Weoley Castle, and about four miles from
+Birmingham.</p>
+
+<p>Confiding in their disguises, and in their power of sustaining the
+characters they assumed, they got into the high road, and approaching a
+farm-house, Stephen Littleton, who had tied his companion's arms behind
+him with his belt, represented himself as a trooper conveying a prisoner
+from Stourbridge to Birmingham, and in consequence of this obtained a
+breakfast from the farmer. After their meal was over, the host, who had
+eyed them suspiciously, observed to the supposed trooper,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will overtake some of your comrades before you reach Egbaston, and
+had better lose no time in joining them. You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span> are known to me, my
+masters,&rdquo; he added, in a tone that could not be heard by the household;
+&ldquo;but I will not betray you. Get you gone.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The conspirators did not fail to act upon the suggestion, and as soon as
+they got out of sight, struck across the county in the direction of
+Rowley Regis, and arrived at the farm-house which was their destination
+in about an hour.</p>
+
+<p>Pelborrow chanced to be in a barn adjoining his house, and alone, and on
+seeing them readily offered to hide them. No one had noticed their
+approach, and carefully concealing them amid the hay in the loft, he
+proceeded about his business as if nothing had happened. He could not
+just then procure them provisions without exciting suspicion; but when
+night arrived brought them a sufficient supply for the next day.</p>
+
+<p>In this way they passed nearly a week, never venturing to stir forth,
+for they had been traced to the neighbourhood, and constant search was
+going on after them. Pelborrow had great difficulty in keeping his men
+out of the barn, and the disappearance of the provisions excited the
+suspicions of his female domestics, who began to think all was not
+right. He therefore intimated to the conspirators that they must change
+their quarters, and in the dead of the night, they removed to the house
+of another farmer named Perkes, residing on the borders of Hagley Park,
+to whom Pelborrow had confided the secret of their being in the
+neighbourhood, and who, on promise of a large reward, readily undertook
+to secrete them.</p>
+
+<p>Perkes met them at a little distance from his house, and conducted them
+to a barley-mow, where he had contrived a hiding-place amid the straw
+for them. A woman-servant and a man were both let into the secret by
+Perkes, and a sum of money, given him for that purpose by the
+conspirators, bribed them to silence. Here they remained close
+prisoners, unable to stir forth, or even to change their habiliments for
+nearly six weeks, during which time they received constant intelligence
+from their protector of what was going forward, and learnt that the
+search for them had not relaxed. They were not without hope, however,
+that the worst was over, when an incident occurred that gave them
+serious uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>One night, Perkes, who was a stout, hale yeoman, and had formerly been
+warrener to Mrs. Littleton, went to catch conies, with a companion named
+Poynter, and returned laden with spoil. After drinking a cup or two of
+ale together, the pair separated, and Poynter feeling fatigued with his
+exertions, as well as drowsy with the liquor he had swallowed,
+determined to pass the night in his friend's barn, and entering it,
+clambered up to the loft, and laid himself in the straw. In doing this,
+he slipped into the hole made for the conspirators, who, aroused by his
+fall, instantly seized him. Terrified to death, and fancying he had
+fallen into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span> the hands of gipsies or other plunderers, Poynter roared
+for mercy, which they were not at first disposed to show him; but the
+poor wretch, finding into whose hands he had fallen, besought them in
+such piteous terms to spare his life, affirming with the strongest oaths
+that he would never betray them, that they consented to spare him, on
+condition of his remaining with them as long as they should occupy their
+place of concealment.</p>
+
+<p>When Perkes appeared in the morning, he was not a little surprised at
+finding his comrade caught in such a trap, but entirely approved of the
+course taken by the conspirators. Poynter, as may be supposed, was no
+willing captive; and being constantly pondering on the means of escape,
+and of obtaining the reward for the apprehension of the conspirators, at
+last hit upon the following expedient. While engaged in the poaching
+expedition with Perkes, he had received a slight wound in the leg, and
+the close confinement to which he was now subjected inflamed it to such
+a degree as to render it highly dangerous. This he represented to the
+conspirators, who, however, would not suffer him to depart; but desired
+Perkes to bring him some ointment to dress his wound. The request was
+complied with, and feigning that it was necessary to approach the light
+to apply the salve, Poynter scrambled up the straw, apparently for that
+sole purpose. He did not attempt to fly for several days; but at last,
+when they were grown less suspicious, he slided down the other side of
+the loft, and made good his retreat.</p>
+
+<p>The conspirators saw the error they had committed when too late. Not
+daring to pursue him, they remained in fearful anticipation of an arrest
+throughout the day. But they were not disturbed until night, when Perkes
+made his appearance. They told him what had happened; but he did not
+appear to be much alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not think you need be afraid of him,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Let me have some
+money, and I will go in quest of him at once, and bribe him to silence.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Here are fifty marks,&rdquo; replied Stephen Littleton. &ldquo;If that is not
+enough, take more.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will amply suffice,&rdquo; replied Perkes. &ldquo;I will answer for his
+silence.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>This assurance greatly relieved the conspirators, and they were made
+completely easy by the return of Perkes in less than an hour afterwards,
+who told them he had seen Poynter, and had given him the money, binding
+him by the most solemn oaths not to betray them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have still better news for you, my masters,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;Mrs.
+Littleton has set out for London to-day; and I have received orders from
+Mr. Humphrey Littleton to bring you to the hall at midnight.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>This last intelligence completed their satisfaction, and they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> awaited
+Perkes's return with impatience. Shortly before midnight, he came to
+summon them, and they set forth together. Perkes's house lay about a
+mile from the hall, and they soon entered the park. The night was clear
+and frosty,&mdash;it was now the middle of December,&mdash;and as the conspirators
+trod the crisp sod, and gazed at the noble but leafless trees around
+them, they silently returned thanks to Heaven for their restoration to
+freedom. Humphrey Littleton was waiting for them at the end of an avenue
+near the mansion, and tenderly embraced them.</p>
+
+<p>Tears of joy were shed on both sides, and it seemed to Humphrey
+Littleton as if his brother had been restored from the grave. Dismissing
+Perkes with warm thanks, and promises of a further recompence, they then
+entered the house by a window, which had been left purposely open.
+Humphrey Littleton conducted them to his own chamber, where fresh
+apparel was provided for them; and to poor wretches who had not been
+able to put off their attire for so long a period, the luxury of the
+change was indescribably great.</p>
+
+<p>The arrival of the fugitives was kept secret from all the household
+except the man-cook, John Ocklie, upon whose fidelity Humphrey Littleton
+thought he could rely. A good supper was prepared by this man, and
+brought up into his master's chamber, where the conspirators were now
+seated before a hearth heaped with blazing logs. The conspirators needed
+no solicitation to fall to, and they did ample justice to the good
+things before them. His spirits being raised by the good cheer, Robert
+Winter observed to the cook, who was in attendance upon them,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ah! Jack, thy mistress little thinks what guests are now in her house,
+who have neither seen fire nor tasted a hot morsel for well-nigh two
+months.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay, it is a sad matter,&rdquo; returned the cook, shaking his head, &ldquo;and I
+wish I could offer your worships a flask of wine, or a cup of stout ale
+at the least. But the butler is in bed, and if I were to rouse him at
+this hour it might excite his suspicion. If you are willing, sir,&rdquo; he
+added, to Humphrey Littleton, &ldquo;I will hie to my mother's cottage in the
+park, and bring a jug of ale from her.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>This was agreed to, and the cook left the house. His sole object,
+however, was to instruct his mother to give the alarm, so that the
+conspirators might be arrested before morning.</p>
+
+<p>On reaching her cottage, he was surprised to see a light within it, and
+two men there, one of whom was Poynter, and the other Mrs. Littleton's
+steward, Robert Hazlewood. Poynter had acquainted Hazlewood with all he
+knew respecting the conspirators, supposing them still in the
+barley-mow, and they were discussing the best means of arresting them,
+when the cook entered the house.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The birds are flown,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;as you will find, if you search<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> the
+nest. But come to the hall with a sufficient force betimes to-morrow
+morning, and I will show you where to find them. I shall claim, however,
+my share of the reward, though I must not appear in the matter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Having fully arranged their plan, he procured the ale from his mother,
+and returned to the hall. The conspirators soon disposed of the jug,
+threw themselves on a couch in the room, and instantly dropping asleep,
+enjoyed such repose as only falls to the lot of those who have similarly
+suffered. And it was well they did sleep soundly, for it was the last
+tranquil night they ever enjoyed!</p>
+
+<p>Humphrey Littleton, who, as has been stated, reposed implicit confidence
+in the cook, had committed the key of the chamber to him, strictly
+enjoining him to call them in the morning; and the fellow, feeling
+secure of his prey, retired to rest.</p>
+
+<p>About seven o'clock, he burst suddenly into the room, and with a
+countenance of well-feigned alarm, which struck tenor into the breasts
+of the conspirators, cried&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Master Hazlewood and the officers are below, and say they must search
+the house. Poynter is with them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The villain has betrayed us!&rdquo; cried Stephen Littleton. &ldquo;Fools that we
+were to spare his life!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;There is no use in lamenting your indiscretion now, sir,&rdquo; replied the
+cook; &ldquo;leave it to me, and I will yet effect your escape.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We place ourselves entirely in your hands,&rdquo; said Stephen Littleton.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Go down stairs, sir,&rdquo; said the cook to Humphrey Littleton, &ldquo;and hold
+Master Hazlewood in conversation for a few minutes, and I will engage to
+get the gentlemen safely out of the house.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Humphrey Littleton obeyed, and descending to the steward, told him he
+was willing to conduct him to every room in the house.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am certain they are here, and shall not quit it till I find them,"
+rejoined Hazlewood. &ldquo;Ah!&rdquo; he exclaimed, as if struck by a sudden
+thought, &ldquo;you say they are not in the house. Perhaps, they are in the
+garden&mdash;in the summer-house? We will go and see.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he took half-a-dozen of his men with him, leaving Poynter and
+the rest with Humphrey Littleton, who was perplexed and alarmed at his
+conduct.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the cook led the two conspirators along the gallery, and from
+thence down a back staircase, which brought them to a small door
+communicating with the garden. A few seconds were lost in opening it,
+and when they issued forth they encountered Hazlewood and his men, who
+instantly arrested them. The unfortunate conspirators were conveyed
+under a strong guard to London, where they were committed to the Tower,
+to take their trial with their confederates.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_VII" id="III_CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h2>VIVIANA'S LAST NIGHT AT ORDSALL HALL.</h2>
+
+
+<p>On the evening of the third day after quitting Dunchurch, Viviana
+Radcliffe and her companions arrived at Ordsall Hall. They had
+encountered many dangers and difficulties on the journey, and were
+well-nigh overcome with fatigue and anxiety. Fearful of being detained,
+Garnet had avoided all the larger towns in the way, and had consequently
+been driven greatly out of the direct course. He had assumed the
+disguise which he usually wore when travelling, that of a lawyer, and as
+he possessed great mimetic talent, he sustained the character admirably.
+Viviana passed for his daughter, and his servant, Nicholas Owen, who was
+almost as clever an actor as his master, represented his clerk, while
+the two attendants performed the parts of clients. At Abbots'-Bromley,
+where they halted for refreshment on the second day, having spent the
+night at a small village near Lichfield, they were detained by the
+landlord, who entertained some suspicions of them; but Garnet succeeded
+in frightening the man into allowing them to depart. They underwent
+another alarm of the same kind at Leek, and were for two hours locked
+up. But on the arrival of a magistrate, who had been sent for by the
+host, Garnet gave so plausible an account of himself that the party were
+instantly set at liberty, and arrived without further molestation at
+their journey's end.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana's last visit to the hall had been sad enough, but it was not so
+sad as the present. It was a dull November evening, and the wind moaned
+dismally through the trees, scattering the yellow leaves on the ground.
+The house looked forlorn and desolate. No smoke issued from the
+chimneys, nor was there any external indication that it was inhabited.
+The drawbridge was down, and as they passed over it, the hollow
+trampling of their steeds upon the planks vibrated painfully upon
+Viviana's heart. Before dismounting, she cast a wistful look around, and
+surveyed the grass-grown and neglected court, where, in years gone by,
+she had sported; the moat on whose brink she had lingered; and the
+surrounding woods, which she had never looked upon, even on a dreary day
+like the present, and when they were robbed in some measure of their
+beauty, without delight. Scanning the deserted mansion from roof to
+foundation, she traced all its gables, angles, windows, doors, and
+walls, and claimed every piece of carved work, every stone as a familiar
+object, and as associated with other and happier hours.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is but the wreck of what it was,&rdquo; she thought. &ldquo;The spirit that
+animated it is fled. Grass grows in its courts&mdash;no cheerful voices echo
+in its chambers&mdash;no hospitality is main<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span>tained in its hall&mdash;but neglect,
+gloom, and despair claim it as their own. The habitation and its
+mistress are well matched.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guessing from the melancholy expression of her countenance what was
+passing within, and thinking it advisable to turn the current of her
+thoughts, Garnet assisted her to alight, and committing the care of
+their steeds to Owen and the others, proceeded with her to the principal
+entrance. Everything appeared in nearly the same state as when they had
+last seen it, and the only change that had taken place was for the
+worse. The ceilings were mapped and mildewed with damps; the
+once-gorgeously stained glass was shivered in the windows; the costly
+arras hung in tattered fragments from the walls; while the floors, which
+were still strewn with plaster and broken furniture, were flooded with
+the moisture that had found its way through the holes in the roof.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Bear up, dear daughter,&rdquo; said Garnet, observing that Viviana was
+greatly distressed by the sight, &ldquo;and let the contemplation of this
+scene of havoc, instead of casting you down, inspire you with just
+indignation against enemies from whom it is vain to expect justice or
+mercy. How many Catholic mansions have been thus laid waste! How many
+high-born and honourable men, whose sole fault was their adherence to
+the religion of their fathers, and their refusal to subscribe to
+doctrines against which their consciences revolted, have been put to
+death like your father; nay, have endured a worse fate, for they have
+languished out their lives in prison, while their families and retainers
+have undergone every species of outrage! How many a descendant of a
+proud line, distinguished for worth, for loyalty, and for devotion, has
+stood, as you now stand, upon his desolate hearth&mdash;has seen misery and
+ruin usurp the place of comfort and happiness&mdash;and has heard the very
+stones beneath his feet cry out for vengeance. Accursed be our
+oppressors!&rdquo; he added, lifting up his hands, and elevating his voice.
+&ldquo;May their churches be thrown down&mdash;their faith crushed&mdash;their rights
+invaded&mdash;their children delivered to bondage&mdash;their hearths laid waste,
+as ours have been. May this, and worse come to pass, till the whole
+stock of heresy is uprooted!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hold, father!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana, &ldquo;even here, beholding this miserable
+sight, and with feelings keenly excited, I cannot join in your terrible
+denunciation. What I hope for&mdash;what I pray for, is toleration, not
+vengeance. The sufferings of our brethren will not have been in vain, if
+they enable our successors to worship God in their own way, and
+according to the dictates of their consciences. The ruthless conduct of
+our persecutors must be held in as much abhorrence by all good
+Protestants as our persecution of that sect, when we were in the
+ascendant, is regarded by all worthy members of our own Church. I cannot
+believe that by persecution we can work out the charitable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> precepts
+inculcated by our Saviour, and I am sure such a course is as adverse to
+the spirit of religion as it is to that of humanity. Let us bear our
+sorrows with patience,&mdash;let us utter no repinings, but turn the other
+cheek to the smiter, and we shall find, in due time, that the hearts of
+our oppressors will relent, and that all the believers in the True God
+will be enabled to worship him in peace, though at different altars.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Such a season will never arrive, daughter,&rdquo; replied Garnet, severely,
+&ldquo;till heresy is extirpated, and the false doctrines now prevailing
+utterly abolished. Then, indeed, when the Church of Rome is
+re-established, and the old and true religion restored, universal peace
+will prevail. And let me correct the grievous and sinful error into
+which you have fallen. Our church is always at war with heresy; and if
+it cannot uproot it by gentle means, authorizes, nay enjoins the
+employment of force.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not attempt to dispute with you upon points of faith, father,"
+returned Viviana; &ldquo;I am content to think and act according to my own
+feelings and convictions. But I will not give up the hope that in some
+milder and wiser age, persecution on either side will cease, and the
+sufferings of its victims be remembered only to soften the hearts of
+fanatics, of whatever creed, towards each other. Were a lesson wanting
+to ourselves, surely it might be found in the result that has attended
+your dark and criminal enterprise, and in which the disapproval of
+Heaven has been signally manifested.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not so, daughter,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;An action is not to be judged or
+justified by the event attending it, but by its own intrinsic merits. To
+aver the contrary were to throw a doubt upon the Holy Scriptures
+themselves, where we read in the Book of Judges that the eleven tribes
+of Israel were commanded to make war upon the tribe of Benjamin, and yet
+were twice defeated. We have failed. But this proves nothing against our
+project, which I maintain to be righteous and praiseworthy, undertaken
+to overthrow an heretical and excommunicated monarch, and to
+re-establish the true faith of the Most High throughout this land.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I lament to find that you still persist in error, father,&rdquo; replied
+Viviana; &ldquo;but you cannot by any sophistry induce me to coincide with you
+in opinion. I hold the attempt an offence alike against God and man, and
+while I rejoice at the issue that has attended it, I deplore the
+irreparable harm it will do to the whole body of Catholics, all of whom
+will be connected, by the bigoted and unthinking of the hostile party,
+with the atrocious design. Not only have you done our cause an injury,
+but you have in a measure justified our opponents' severity, and given
+them a plea for further persecution.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No more of this, daughter,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet, impatiently, &ldquo;or I shall
+deem it necessary to reprove you. Let us search<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> the house, and try to
+find some habitable chamber in which you can pass the night.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>After a long search, they discovered a room in comparatively good order,
+and leaving Viviana within it, Garnet descended to the lower part of the
+house, where he found Nicholas Owen, and the two other attendants.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We have chanced upon a scanty supply of provender for our steeds,"
+remarked Owen, with a doleful look; &ldquo;but we are not likely to obtain a
+meal ourselves, unless we can feed upon rats and mice, which appear to
+be the sole tenants of this miserable dwelling.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must go to Manchester instantly, and procure provisions,&rdquo; returned
+Garnet. &ldquo;But take heed you observe the utmost caution.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fear nothing,&rdquo; replied Owen, &ldquo;If I am taken, your reverence will lose
+your supper&mdash;that is all.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He then set out upon his errand, and Garnet proceeded to the kitchen,
+where, to his great surprise, he found the hearthstone still warm, and a
+few lighted embers upon it, while crumbs of bread, and little fragments
+of meat scattered about, proved that some one had taken a meal there.
+Startled by this discovery, he continued his search, but as fruitlessly
+as before; and though he called to any one who might be hidden to come
+forth, the summons was unanswered. One of the attendants had placed a
+few sticks upon the smouldering ashes, and on returning to the kitchen,
+it was found that they had kindled. A fire being thus obtained, some of
+the broken furniture was used to replenish it, and by Garnet's commands
+another fire was speedily lighted in Viviana's chamber. Night had now
+come on, and Owen not returning, Garnet became extremely uneasy, and had
+almost given him up, when the absentee made his appearance, with a large
+basket of provisions under his arm.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have had some difficulty in obtaining them,&rdquo; he said; &ldquo;and fancying I
+observed two persons following me, was obliged to take a circuitous
+route to get back. The whole town is in commotion about the plot, and it
+is said that the most rigorous measures are to be adopted towards all
+the Catholic families in the neighbourhood.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Sighing at the latter piece of intelligence, Garnet selected such
+provisions as he thought would be acceptable to Viviana, and took them
+upstairs to her. She ate a little bread, and drank a cup of water, but
+refused to taste anything else, and finding it in vain to press her,
+Garnet returned to the kitchen, where, being much exhausted, he
+recruited himself with a hearty meal and a cup of wine.</p>
+
+<p>Left alone, Viviana knelt down, and clasping a small crucifix to her
+breast, prayed long and fervently. While she was thus engaged, she heard
+the door open gently behind her, and turning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span> her head, beheld an old
+man clothed in a tattered garb, with long white hair flowing over his
+shoulders, and a beard of the same snowy hue descending upon his breast.
+As he advanced slowly towards her, she started to her feet, and a
+brighter flame arising at the moment from the fire, it illumined the
+intruder's wobegone features.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is it possible!&rdquo; she exclaimed,&mdash;"can it be my father's old steward,
+Jerome Heydocke?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is, indeed, my dear young mistress,&rdquo; replied the old man, falling on
+his knee before her. &ldquo;Heaven be praised!&rdquo; he continued, seizing her
+hand, and bedewing it with tears; &ldquo;I have seen you once again, and shall
+die content.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I never expected to behold you more, good Heydocke,&rdquo; returned Viviana,
+raising him. &ldquo;I heard you had died in prison.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It was so given out by the jailers, to account for my escape,&rdquo; replied
+the old steward; &ldquo;and I took care never to contradict the report by
+making my appearance. I will not distress you by the recital of all I
+have endured, but will simply state that I was confined in the prison
+upon Hunt's Bank, whence I escaped in the night by dropping upon the
+rocks, and from them into the river, where it was supposed I was
+drowned. Making my way into the country, I concealed myself for a time
+in barns and out-buildings, until, at length, I ventured back to the old
+house, and have dwelt in it unmolested ever since. I should have
+perished of want long ago, but for the kindness of Mr. Humphrey Chetham.
+He used to send my son regularly to me with provisions; and, now that
+Martin is gone to London, on business, as I understood, relating to you,
+he brings them to me himself. He will be here to-morrow.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana. &ldquo;I must see him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;As you please,&rdquo; returned the old man. &ldquo;I suppose those are your
+companions below. I was in my hiding-place, and hearing voices and
+footsteps, did not dare to venture forth till all was still. On
+approaching this room, which I have been in the habit of occupying
+lately, and peeping through the door, which was standing ajar, I
+perceived a female figure, and thinking it must be you, though I
+scarcely dared to trust the evidence of my senses, I ventured in. Oh! my
+dear, dear young mistress, what a joy it is to see you again! I fear you
+must have suffered much, for you are greatly altered.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Garnet entered the room. He started on seeing the old
+steward. But an explanation was instantly given him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You, then, are the person by whom the fire was recently lighted in the
+kitchen?&rdquo; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Heydocke replied in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I came to bid you farewell for the night, dear daughter,&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> said Garnet,
+&ldquo;and to assure you that you may rest without fear, for we have contrived
+to make fast the doors. Come with me, my son,&rdquo; he added to the steward,
+&ldquo;and you shall have a comfortable meal below.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Making a profound reverence to Viviana, the old man followed him down
+stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana continued to pace to and fro within her chamber for some time,
+and then, overcome with fatigue, flung herself upon the bedstead, on
+which a cloak had been thrown. Sleep soon closed her eyes, but it was
+disturbed by frightful and distressing dreams, from which she was
+suddenly aroused by a touch upon the arm. Starting up, she perceived the
+old steward by the side of her couch, with a light in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What brings you here, Heydocke?&rdquo; she demanded, with surprise and alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have slept soundly, my dear young mistress, or you would not
+require to be informed,&rdquo; replied the steward. &ldquo;There! do you not hear
+it?&rdquo; he added, as a loud knocking resounded from below.</p>
+
+<p>Viviana listened for a moment, and then as if struck by a sudden idea,
+hurried down stairs. She found Garnet and the others assembled in the
+hall, but wholly unnerved by fright. &ldquo;Hide yourselves,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;and
+no ill shall befal you. Quick!&mdash;not a moment is to be lost!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Having allowed them sufficient time for concealment, she demanded in a
+loud voice who was without?</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Friends,&rdquo; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the voice of Doctor Dee,&rdquo; replied Heydocke.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana. &ldquo;Admit him instantly.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Heydocke obeyed, and throwing open the door, gave entrance to the
+Doctor, who was wrapped in his long furred gown, and carried a lantern.
+He was accompanied by Kelley and Humphrey Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your visit is singularly timed, Mr. Chetham,&rdquo; said Viviana, after she
+had saluted the party; &ldquo;but you are not the less welcome on that
+account. I much desired to see you, and indeed should have sent for you
+to-morrow. But how did you know I was here?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The only explanation I can offer you is this,&rdquo; replied Chetham. &ldquo;I was
+hastily summoned from my residence at Crumpsall by Kelley, who told me
+you were at Ordsall Hall, and that Doctor Dee was about to visit you,
+and desired my company. Thus summoned, I came at once.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A strange explanation indeed!&rdquo; replied Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Close and fasten the door,&rdquo; said Dee, in an authoritative tone to
+Kelley, and as soon as his commands were obeyed, he took Viviana's hand,
+and led her to the farther end of the hall.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My art informed me of your arrival, Viviana,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I am come to
+save you. You are in imminent danger.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I well know it,&rdquo; she replied; &ldquo;but I have no wish to fly from justice.
+I am weary of my life, and would gladly resign it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would call to your recollection, Viviana,&rdquo; pursued Dee, &ldquo;that I
+foretold the disastrous result of this plot, in which you have become
+unhappily involved, to Guy Fawkes, and warned him not to proceed in it.
+But he would not be advised, and is now a prisoner in the Tower.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All I wish is to go thither, and die with him,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If you go thither, you will die before him,&rdquo; said Dee.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would do so,&rdquo; she replied.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Viviana Radcliffe,&rdquo; returned Dee, in a compassionate tone, &ldquo;I truly
+grieve for you. Your attachment to this heinous traitor completely
+blinds you. The friendship I entertained for your mother makes me
+anxious to serve you&mdash;to see you happy. It is now in your power to be
+so. But if you take another false step, your fate is decided, and you
+will die an early death. I will answer for your safety&mdash;nay, what is
+more, I will undertake that ere long you shall again be mistress of this
+mansion, and have your estates restored to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You promise fairly, sir,&rdquo; she replied, with a mournful smile.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have not yet done,&rdquo; pursued Dee. &ldquo;All I require for the service is,
+that when freed by the death of Guy Fawkes from the chain that now binds
+you,&mdash;for I am aware of your ill-starred union with him,&mdash;you shall
+bestow your hand upon Humphrey Chetham.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It may not be,&rdquo; replied Viviana, firmly. &ldquo;And if you could in truth
+read the secrets of the heart, you would know that mine would instantly
+reject the proposal.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Think not it originates with me, Viviana,&rdquo; said Humphrey Chetham, who
+had approached them unobserved. &ldquo;My previous experience of your
+character would alone have prevented me from becoming a party to any
+such proposal, had I known it would be made. Do not, I beseech you,
+sir,&rdquo; he added to Dee, &ldquo;clog your offer with conditions which will
+effectually prevent its accomplishment.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are true to yourself, Mr. Chetham,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana, &ldquo;and will
+not, therefore, wonder that I continue so. Were I to assent to Doctor
+Dee's proposal, I should be further from happiness than I am now, even
+if he could make good his words, and restore me to the station I have
+forfeited. I have received a shock from which I shall never recover, and
+the only haven of repose to which I look forward is the grave.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas!&rdquo; exclaimed Chetham, in a pitying tone.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will think I trespass too much upon your kindness,&rdquo; she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span> pursued;
+&ldquo;but you can render me a great service, and it will be the last I shall
+ever require from you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Name it!&rdquo; cried Chetham, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would beg you to escort me to London,&rdquo; she rejoined: &ldquo;and to deliver
+me to the lords of the council. I would willingly escape the indignities
+to which T shall be exposed if I am conveyed thither as a prisoner. Will
+you do this?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will,&rdquo; replied Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Lest you should think I have offered more than I can perform, Viviana,"
+said Dee, who had listened attentively to the foregoing conversation, &ldquo;I
+will now tell you on what grounds I build my expectation of procuring
+your pardon. The conspiracy was first revealed by me to the Earl of
+Salisbury, though for his own purposes he kept it secret to the last. He
+owes me a heavy debt, and shall pay it in the way I propose, if you
+desire it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will abide by what I have done,&rdquo; replied Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You know, then, what fate awaits you?&rdquo; said Dee.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I shall not shrink from it,&rdquo; she rejoined.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is well,&rdquo; he replied. &ldquo;Before I leave, I will give you another
+caution. Father Garnet is here. Nay, attempt not to deny it. You cannot
+deceive me. Besides, I desire to serve, not harm him. If he remains here
+till to-morrow, he will be captured. A proclamation has been issued for
+his arrest, as well as for that of Father Oldcorne. Deliver him this
+warning. And now, farewell!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he took up his lantern, and followed by Kelley, quitted the
+hall.</p>
+
+<p>Humphrey Chetham only tarried a few moments to inform Viviana that he
+would return soon after daybreak with a couple of steeds for the
+journey. As soon as he was gone, Viviana communicated Dee's warning to
+Garnet, who was so alarmed by it, that he resolved not to delay his own
+departure a moment. Taking an affectionate leave of Viviana, and
+confiding her to the care of the old steward, he set out with his three
+attendants.</p>
+
+<p>Faithful to his promise, Humphrey Chetham appeared at the appointed
+time. Viviana bade an eternal farewell to the old steward, who was
+overwhelmed with grief, and looked as if his sorrows would soon be
+ended, and mounting one of the steeds brought by the young merchant,
+they took the direction of London.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_VIII" id="III_CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h2>HENDLIP.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Garnet proceeded at a rapid pace for some miles before he acquainted his
+companions whither he was going. He then informed Nicholas Owen, who
+rode by his side, that he should make the best of his way to Hendlip
+House, the seat of Mr. Thomas Abingdon, near Droitwich, in
+Worcestershire, where he knew that Father Oldcorne and Anne Vaux had
+retired, and where he was certain to meet with a friendly reception and
+protection. Owen, who was completely in his master's confidence, agreed
+that no safer asylum could be found, and they pursued their journey with
+so much ardour, that early on the following night they arrived within a
+short distance of the mansion. Owen was sent forward to reconnoitre, and
+returned in about half an hour with Mr. Abingdon, who embraced Garnet,
+and told him he was truly happy in being able to offer him a retreat.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I think it will prove a secure one,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;There are so many
+hiding-places in the old house, that if it is beset for a year you will
+scarcely be discovered. Have you heard of the fate of your
+confederates?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas! no, my son,&rdquo; replied Garnet; &ldquo;and I tremble to ask it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It had better be told at once,&rdquo; rejoined Abingdon. &ldquo;Catesby, Percy, and
+the two Wrights, have been slain in the defence of Holbeach; while
+Rookwood, Grant, and Thomas Winter, all of whom were severely wounded in
+the siege, have been made prisoners, and are now on their way to the
+Tower.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A fearful catalogue of ills!&rdquo; exclaimed Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is not yet complete,&rdquo; pursued Abingdon. &ldquo;Sir Everard Digby has been
+defeated, and made prisoner in an attempt to bring additional force to
+his friends, and Keyes has been arrested in Warwickshire.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;These are woful tidings truly, my son,&rdquo; returned Garnet. &ldquo;But Heaven's
+will be done!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He then dismissed his two attendants, to whom he gave a sum of money,
+together with the steeds, and attended by Nicholas Owen, repaired to the
+house with Mr. Abingdon, who admitted them through a secret door.</p>
+
+<p>Hendlip House, which, unfortunately for the lovers of picturesque and
+storied habitations, was pulled down a few years ago, having been
+latterly used as a ladies' boarding-school, was a large and irregular
+structure, with walls of immense thickness, tall stacks of chimneys,
+turrets, oriel windows, and numberless projections, contrived to mask
+the labyrinths and secret chambers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> within. Erected by John Abingdon,
+father of the proprietor at the period of this history, and cofferer to
+Queen Elizabeth in the early part of the reign of that princess, it was
+filled with secret staircases, masked entrances, trap-doors, vaults,
+subterranean passages, secret recesses, and every other description of
+hiding-place. An immense gallery surrounded three sides of the
+entrance-hall, containing on each side a large chimney-piece, surmounted
+by a shield displaying the arms of the family&mdash;<i>argent</i>, a bend,
+<i>gules</i>, three eaglets displayed, <i>or</i>. Behind each of these
+chimney-pieces was a small cell, or &ldquo;priest's-hole,&rdquo; as it was termed,
+contrived in the thickness of the wall. Throughout the mansion, the
+chambers were so sombre, and the passages so numerous and intricate,
+that, in the words of one who described it from personal observation,
+the whole place presented &ldquo;a picture of gloom, insecurity, and
+suspicion.&rdquo; Standing on an elevated situation, it commanded the country
+on all sides, and could not be approached during the day-time without
+alarm being given to its inmates.</p>
+
+<p>Thomas Abingdon, the owner of the mansion at the period in question, and
+the eldest son of its founder, was born at Thorpe, near Chertsey, in
+Surrey, in 1560. He was educated at Oxford, and finished his studies at
+the Universities of Paris and Rheims. A man of considerable taste and
+learning, but of a plotting disposition, he became a willing tool of the
+Jesuits, and immediately on his return to England, connected himself
+with the different conspiracies set on foot for the liberation of the
+imprisoned Queen of Scots. For these offences he was imprisoned in the
+Tower for the term of six years, and only escaped death from the fact of
+his being the Queen's godson, coupled with the estimation in which she
+had held his father. On his liberation, he remained perfectly tranquil
+till the accession of James, when he became a secret plotter against
+that monarch. His concealment of the two priests, about to be related,
+occasioned his being again sent to the Tower, and if it had not been for
+the intercession of Lord Mounteagle, whose sister he had espoused, he
+would have been executed. He was pardoned on condition of never stirring
+beyond the precincts of Worcestershire, and he employed his retirement
+in compiling an account of the antiquities of that county, which he left
+behind him in manuscript, and of which Doctor Nash, its more recent
+historian, has largely availed himself.</p>
+
+<p>With a habitation so contrived, Mr. Abingdon might fairly promise his
+guests a safe asylum. Conducting them along a secret passage to a
+chamber of which he alone possessed the key, he left Garnet within it,
+and taking Owen with him to another place of concealment, returned
+shortly afterwards with Anne Vaux and Father Oldcorne. The two priests
+tenderly embraced each other, and Oldcorne poured forth his tears on his
+superior's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span> shoulder. Garnet next turned to Anne Vaux, between whom and
+himself, as has been before mentioned, an affectionate intimacy
+subsisted, and found her quite overcome by her feelings. Supper was now
+served to Garnet by a confidential servant, and after a few hours spent
+in conversation with his friends, during which they discussed the
+disastrous issue of the affair, and the probable fate of the
+conspirators, they quitted him, and he retired to rest&mdash;but not before
+he had returned thanks to Heaven for enabling him once more to lay down
+his head in safety.</p>
+
+<p>On the following morning, he was visited by Mrs. Abingdon, a lady of
+considerable personal attractions, and Anne Vaux; and when he had
+recovered from the fatigue of his journey, and the anxieties he had
+recently undergone, he experienced great delight in their society. The
+chamber he occupied was lighted by a small loop-hole, which enabled him
+to breathe the fresh air, and gaze upon the surrounding country.</p>
+
+<p>In this way, nearly two months passed on, during which, though rigorous
+inquiries were made throughout the country, no clue was found by the
+searchers to lead them to Hendlip; and the concealed parties began to
+indulge hopes that they should escape detection altogether. Being in
+constant correspondence with her brother, Lord Mounteagle, though she
+did not trust him with the important secret of the concealment of the
+priests, Mrs. Abingdon ascertained all that was done in reference to the
+conspirators, whose trials were now approaching, and communicated the
+intelligence to Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the 20th of January, and when long quietude had bred
+complete fancied security in Garnet, <ins class="correction" title="original: Ann&nbsp; Vaux">Anne Vaux</ins> and Mrs. Abingdon
+suddenly entered his chamber, and with countenances of the utmost alarm,
+informed him that Mr. Abingdon's confidential servant had just returned
+from Worcester, where his master then was, and had brought word that
+Topcliffe, armed with a search-warrant from the Earl of Salisbury, had
+just passed through that city on his way to Holt Castle, the residence
+of Sir Henry Bromley.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It appears,&rdquo; said Mrs. Abingdon, &ldquo;that Humphrey Littleton, who has been
+apprehended and condemned to death at Worcester for harbouring his
+brother and Robert Winter, has sought to procure a remission of his
+sentence by betraying your retreat. In consequence of this, Topcliffe
+has been sent down from London, with a warrant addressed to Sir Henry
+Bromley, to aid him in searching Hendlip. My husband has given
+particular orders that you are to be removed to the most secure
+hiding-place without delay; and he deeply regrets that he himself cannot
+return till evening, for fear of exciting suspicion.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Take me where you please, daughter,&rdquo; replied Garnet, who was thrown
+into great perturbation by the intelligence. &ldquo;I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span> thought myself prepared
+for any emergency. But I was wofully deceived.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be not alarmed, father,&rdquo; said Anne Vaux, in an encouraging tone. &ldquo;Let
+them search as long as they will, they will never discover your
+retreat.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have a strong presentiment to the contrary,&rdquo; replied Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Oldcorne made his appearance, and on learning the
+alarming news, was as much dismayed as his superior.</p>
+
+<p>After a short consultation, and while the priests were putting aside
+every article necessary to be removed, Mrs. Abingdon proceeded to the
+gallery, and contrived on some plausible pretext to send away the whole
+of the domestics from this part of the house. This done, she hastily
+returned, and conducted the two priests to one of the large fire-places.</p>
+
+<p>A raised stone about two feet high occupied the inside of the chimney,
+and upon it stood an immense pair of iron dogs. Obeying Mrs. Abingdon's
+directions, Garnet got upon the stone, and setting his foot on the large
+iron knob on the left, found a few projections in the masonry on the
+side, up which he mounted, and opening a small door, made of planks of
+wood, covered with bricks, and coloured black, so as not to be
+distinguishable from the walls of the chimney, crept into a recess
+contrived in the thickness of the wall. This cell was about two feet
+wide, and four high, and was connected with another chimney at the back,
+by means of three or four small holes. Around its sides ran a narrow
+stone shelf, just wide enough to afford an uncomfortable seat. Garnet
+was followed by Oldcorne, who brought with him a quantity of books,
+vestments, and sacred vessels used in the performance of the rites of
+the Church of Rome. These articles, which afterwards occasioned them
+much inconvenience, they did not dare to leave behind.</p>
+
+<p>Having seen them safely bestowed, Mrs. Abingdon and her companion went
+in search of provisions, and brought them a piece of cold meat and a
+pasty, together with some bread, dried fruit, conserves, and a flask of
+wine. They did not dare to bring more, for fear of exciting the
+suspicion of the household. Their next care was to conduct Owen, and
+Oldcorne's servant, Chambers, to a similar retreat in one of the other
+chimneys, and to provide them with a scanty supply of provisions and a
+flask of wine. All this was accomplished without being noticed by any of
+the domestics.</p>
+
+<p>As may be imagined, a most anxious day was passed by all parties.
+Towards evening, Sir Henry Bromley, the sheriff of the county,
+accompanied by Topcliffe, and attended by a troop of soldiers, appeared
+at the gates of the mansion, and demanded admittance. Just at this
+moment, Mr. Abingdon rode up, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span> affecting to know nothing of the
+matter, saluted Sir Henry Bromley, with whom he was on terms of
+intimacy, and inquired his business.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are charged with harbouring two Jesuit priests, Fathers Garnet and
+Oldcorne, supposed to be connected with the late atrocious conspiracy
+against the King, Mr. Abingdon,&rdquo; interposed Topcliffe; &ldquo;and I brought a
+warrant from the Earl of Salisbury, which I have delivered to Sir Henry
+Bromley, commanding him to search your house for them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I was loth to accept the office, Mr. Abingdon,&rdquo; said Sir Henry Bromley,
+who was a handsome, middle-aged man; &ldquo;but my duty to my sovereign allows
+me no alternative. I trust, though a Catholic, that you share my own
+detestation of this diabolical plot, and would not shelter any of its
+contrivers, or abettors.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You judge me rightly, Sir Henry,&rdquo; replied Abingdon, who, meanwhile, had
+received a private signal from his confidential servant that all was
+safe, &ldquo;I would not. I am just returned from Worcester, where I have been
+for the last two days. Enter my house, I pray you, and search every
+corner of it; and if you find a Jesuit priest concealed within it, you
+shall hang me at my own gate.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must be misinformed, sir,&rdquo; observed Sir Henry, who was completely
+imposed upon by Abingdon's unconcerned demeanour; &ldquo;they cannot be here.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Trust me, they are,&rdquo; returned the other, &ldquo;and I should like to take him
+at his word.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Giving directions to the band to environ the house, and guard all its
+approaches, so as to prevent any one from escaping from it, Topcliffe
+took half-a-dozen men with him, and instructed them how to act. They
+first repaired to the great dining-chamber, where, in accordance with
+the instructions received from the Earl of Salisbury, Topcliffe
+proceeded to the further end of the room, and directed his men to break
+down the wainscot. With some difficulty, the order was obeyed, and the
+entrance to a vault discovered, into which Topcliffe descended but he
+found nothing to repay his trouble.</p>
+
+<p>Returning to the dining-chamber, he questioned Mr. Abingdon, who
+secretly enjoyed his disappointment, as to the use of the vault, but the
+latter professed entire ignorance of its existence. The searchers next
+proceeded to the cellar, and bored the floors with a broach to a
+considerable depth, to try whether there were any vaults beneath them,
+but they made no discovery. Meanwhile Topcliffe hurried upstairs, and
+examined the size of the rooms, to see whether they corresponded with
+those below; and wherever any difference was observable, he caused the
+panels to be pulled down, and holes broken in the walls. In this way,
+several secret passages were discovered, one of which led to the chamber
+lately occupied by Garnet.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Encouraged by this discovery, the searchers continued their operations
+to a late hour, when they desisted for the night. On the following day
+they resumed their task, and Sir Henry Bromley took a general survey of
+the house, both externally and internally, noting the appearances
+outside, and seeing that they corresponded with the rooms within. The
+three extraordinary chimney-pieces in the gallery attracted Topcliffe's
+attention; but the contrivances within were so well managed, that they
+escaped his notice. He even got into the chimneys, and examined the
+walls on either side, but could detect nothing. And, lastly, he ordered
+large fires to be lighted within them, but the experiment proving
+fruitless, he turned his attention elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Abingdon had attended him during this part of the search, and,
+though he preserved an unmoved exterior, he was full of apprehension,
+and was greatly relieved when it was abandoned. In the course of the
+same day, two other hiding-places were found in the thickness of the
+walls, but nothing was discovered within them. In order to prevent any
+communication with the concealed persons, Topcliffe stationed a sentinel
+at the door of Mr. Abingdon's chamber, and another at that of Anne Vaux.</p>
+
+<p>On the third day the search was continued more rigorously than ever.
+Wainscots were taken down; walls broken open; the boards of the floor
+removed; and other secret passages, vaults, and hiding-places
+discovered. Some priests' vestments and articles used in the Romish
+service were found in one of these places, and shown to Mr. Abingdon. He
+at first denied all knowledge of them; but when Topcliffe brought
+forward the title-deeds of his property, which had been found in the
+same place, he was obliged to confess he had put them there himself.
+Still, though these discoveries had been made, the searchers were as far
+from their aim as ever; and Sir Henry Bromley, who began to despair of
+success, would have departed on the fifth day, if Topcliffe had not
+prevented him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am certain they are here,&rdquo; said the latter, &ldquo;and have hit upon a plan
+which cannot fail to bring them forth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The prisoners meanwhile suffered grievously from their confinement, and
+hearing the searchers knocking against the walls, and even within the
+chimney, felt certain they should be discovered. Not being able to stand
+upright, or to stretch themselves within the cell, the sitting posture
+they were compelled to adopt became, after a time, intolerably irksome.
+Broths, milk, wine, and other nutritious fluids, were conveyed to them
+by means of a reed from the adjoining chimney; but after the fifth day
+this supply was stopped, as Mrs. Abingdon and Anne Vaux were compelled
+by Topcliffe to remove to a different part of the house.</p>
+
+<p>They now began to experience all the horrors of starvation, and debated
+whether they should die where they were, or yield themselves up to their
+enemies. Wretched as their condition<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span> was, however, it was not so bad as
+that of their domestics, Owen and Chambers, whose wants had not been so
+carefully attended to, and who were now reduced to the most deplorable
+state. Nor were their friends less uneasy. Aware that the captives, whom
+there was no means of relieving, for the searchers were constantly on
+the watch, could not hold out much longer, Mrs. Abingdon consulted with
+her husband whether it would not be better to reveal their
+hiding-places; but this he would not permit.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, every secret chamber, vault, and passage in the place,
+except the actual retreats of the conspirators, had been discovered by
+Topcliffe, and though nothing material was found, he felt assured, from
+the uneasiness displayed by Mr. Abingdon and his wife, and above all by
+Anne Vaux, that it could not be long before his perseverance was
+rewarded. Though he narrowly watched the two ladies, from the first, he
+could never detect them in the act of conveying food to the captives;
+but feeling convinced that they did so, he determined to remove them to
+a different part of the house, and their unwillingness to obey the order
+confirmed his suspicions.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are sure of our prey now,&rdquo; he observed to Sir Henry Bromley. &ldquo;They
+must be half-starved by this time, and will speedily surrender
+themselves.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Pray Heaven they do so!&rdquo; returned the other. &ldquo;I am wearied to death
+with my long stay here.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have a few hours' patience,&rdquo; rejoined Topcliffe, &ldquo;and you will find
+that your time has not been thrown away.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And he was right. Soon after midnight, a trooper, who was watching in
+the gallery, beheld two spectral-looking figures approach him, and
+appalled by their ghastly appearance, uttered a loud cry. This brought
+Topcliffe, who was in the hall below, to his aid, and instantly
+perceiving what was the matter, he ran towards the supposed phantoms,
+and seized them. The poor wretches, who were no other than Owen and
+Chambers, and were well-nigh famished, offered no resistance, but would
+neither confess where they had been hidden, nor who they were. As the
+trooper had not seen them come forth, though he affirmed with a
+tremendous oath that they had issued from the floor, the walls were
+again sounded, but with no result.</p>
+
+<p>Food being placed before the captives, they devoured it voraciously; but
+Topcliffe forbore to question them further that night, feeling confident
+that he could extract the truth from them on the morrow, either by
+promises or threats. He was however, mistaken. They continued as
+obstinate as before, and when confronted with Mr. Abingdon, denied all
+knowledge of him: neither would they explain how they got into the
+house.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Henry Bromley, however, now considered himself justified in placing
+Mr. Abingdon and his lady under arrest, and Topcliffe redoubled his
+exertions to discover the hiding-place of the two<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span> priests. He examined
+every part of the gallery most carefully,&mdash;took down one of the
+chimney-pieces, (singularly enough, it was the wrong one,) but was still
+unable to discover their retreat.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the poor wretches inside found it impossible to endure their
+condition longer. Anything seemed preferable to the lingering and
+agonizing death they were now enduring, and they resolved to delay their
+surrender no longer. Had they been able to hold out a few hours more,
+they would have escaped; for Sir Henry Bromley was so fatigued with the
+search, and so satisfied that nothing further would come of it, that he
+resolved, notwithstanding Topcliffe's efforts to dissuade him, to depart
+on the morrow. Of this they were ignorant, and having come to the
+determination to surrender, Garnet opened the entrance to the chimney,
+and hearing voices below, and being too feeble to get out unassisted, he
+called to the speakers for aid. His voice was so hollow, and had such a
+sepulchral sound, that those who heard it stared at each other in
+astonishment and affright.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Who calls?&rdquo; cried one of the troopers, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;One of those you seek,&rdquo; replied Garnet. &ldquo;Come and help us forth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Upon hearing this, and ascertaining whence the voice came from, one of
+the men ran to fetch Sir Henry Bromley and Topcliffe, both of whom
+joyfully obeyed the summons.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is it possible they can be in the chimney?&rdquo; cried Topcliffe. &ldquo;Why, I
+myself have examined it twice.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We are here, nevertheless,&rdquo; replied Garnet, who heard the remark; &ldquo;and
+if you would take us alive, lose no time.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The hint was not lost upon Topcliffe. Casting a triumphant look at
+Bromley, he seized a torch from one of his attendants, and getting into
+the chimney, soon perceived the entrance to the recess.</p>
+
+<p>On beholding his prey, he uttered an exclamation of joy, and the two
+miserable captives, seeing the savage and exulting grin that lighted up
+his features, half repented the step they had taken. It was now,
+however, too late, and Garnet begged him to help them out.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;That I will readily do, father,&rdquo; replied Topcliffe. &ldquo;You have given us
+a world of trouble. But you have made ample amends for it now.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Had we been so minded, you would never have found us,&rdquo; rejoined Garnet.
+&ldquo;This cell would have been our sepulchre.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No doubt,&rdquo; retorted Topcliffe, with a bitter laugh. &ldquo;But a death on the
+scaffold is preferable to the horrors of starvation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Finding it impossible to remove Garnet, whose limbs were so cramped that
+they refused their office, he called to the troopers below to bring a
+ladder, which was placed in the chimney,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span> and then, with some
+exertion, he succeeded in getting him down. This done, he supported him
+towards Sir Henry Bromley, who was standing near a small table in the
+gallery.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 430px;">
+<img src="images/illo_326.jpg" width="430" height="600" alt="The Discovery of Garnet and Oldcorne at Hendlip" title="" />
+<span class="caption">The Discovery of Garnet and Oldcorne at Hendlip</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I told you your time would not be thrown away, Sir Henry,&rdquo; he observed;
+&ldquo;here is Father Garnet. It is well you yielded yourself to-night,
+father,&rdquo; he added, to Garnet, with his customary cynical chuckle; &ldquo;for
+Sir Henry had resolved to depart to-morrow.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; groaned Garnet. &ldquo;Help me to a chair.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>While this was passing, Oldcorne was brought down by two of the
+troopers, and the unfortunate priests were conveyed to an adjoining
+chamber, where they were placed in a bed, their stiffened limbs chafed,
+and cordials administered to them. They were reduced, however, to such
+extremity of weakness, that it was not judged prudent to remove them
+till the third day, when they, together with their two servants, Owen
+and Chambers, who were as much enfeebled as themselves, were conveyed to
+Worcester.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_IX" id="III_CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h2>WHITEHALL.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Such was the expedition used by Humphrey Chetham and Viviana, that they
+accomplished the journey to London in an extraordinarily short space of
+time. Proceeding direct to Whitehall, Viviana placed a letter in the
+hands of a halberdier, and desired that it might be given without delay
+to the Earl of Salisbury. After some demur, the man handed it to an
+usher, who promised to lay it before the Earl. Some time elapsed before
+the result of its reception was known, when an officer, accompanied by
+two sergeants of the guard, made his appearance, and commanded Viviana
+and her companion to follow him.</p>
+
+<p>Crossing a wide hall, which was filled with the various retainers of the
+palace, who regarded them with a sort of listless curiosity, and
+ascending a flight of marble steps, they traversed a long corridor, and
+were at length ushered into the presence of the Earl of Salisbury. He
+was seated at a table, covered with a multitude of papers, and was
+busily employed in writing a despatch, but immediately stopped on their
+entrance. He was not alone. His companion was a middle-aged man, attired
+in a suit of black velvet, with a cloak of the same material; but as he
+sat with his back towards the door, it was impossible to discern his
+features.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You may leave us,&rdquo; said Salisbury to the officer, &ldquo;but remain
+without.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And be ready to enter at a moment's notice,&rdquo; added his companion,
+without altering his position.</p>
+
+<p>The officer bowed, and retired with his followers.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your surrender of yourself at this time, Viviana Radcliffe,&rdquo; said the
+Earl, &ldquo;weighs much in your favour; and if you are disposed freely to
+declare all you know of the conspiracy, it is not impossible that the
+King may extend his mercy towards you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not desire it, my lord,&rdquo; she replied. &ldquo;In surrendering myself, I
+have no other aim than to satisfy the laws I have outraged. I do not
+seek to defend myself, but I desire to offer an explanation to your
+lordship. Circumstances, which it is needless to detail, drew me into
+connexion with the conspirators, and I became unwillingly the depositary
+of their dark design.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You were guilty of misprision of treason in not revealing it,&rdquo; remarked
+the Earl.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am aware of it,&rdquo; she rejoined; &ldquo;but this, I take heaven to witness,
+is the extent of my criminality. I held the project in the utmost
+abhorrence, and used every argument I was mistress of to induce its
+contrivers to abandon it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If such were the case,&rdquo; demanded the Earl, &ldquo;what withheld you from
+disclosing it?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will now confess what torture could not wring from me before,&rdquo; she
+replied. &ldquo;I was restrained from the disclosure by a fatal passion.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I suspected as much,&rdquo; observed the Earl, with a sneer. &ldquo;For whom?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;For Guy Fawkes,&rdquo; returned Viviana.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;God's mercy! Guy Fawkes!&rdquo; ejaculated the Earl's companion, starting to
+his feet. And turning as he spoke, and facing her, he disclosed heavy
+but not unintellectual features, now charged with an expression of the
+utmost astonishment. &ldquo;Did you say Guy Fawkes, mistress?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the King,&rdquo; whispered Humphrey Chetham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Since I know in whose presence I stand, sire,&rdquo; replied Viviana, &ldquo;I will
+answer the interrogation. Guy Fawkes was the cause of my concealing my
+acquaintance with the plot. And more, I will confess to your Majesty,
+that much as I abhor the design, if he had not been a conspirator, I
+should never have loved him. His sombre and enthusiastic character first
+gave him an interest in my eyes, which, heightened by several important
+services which he rendered me, soon ripened into love. Linked to his
+fortunes, shrouded by the same gloomy cloud that enveloped him, and
+bound by a chain from which I could not extricate myself, I gave him my
+hand. But the moment of our union was the moment of our separation. We
+have not met since, and shall meet no more, unless to part for ever.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A strange history!&rdquo; exclaimed James, in a tone that showed he was not
+unmoved by the relation.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I beseech your Majesty to grant me one boon,&rdquo; cried Viviana, falling at
+his feet. &ldquo;It is to be allowed a single interview with my husband&mdash;not
+for the sad gratification of beholding him again&mdash;not for the indulgence
+of my private sorrows&mdash;but that I may endeavour to awaken a feeling of
+repentance in his breast, and be the means of saving his soul alive.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My inclinations prompt me to grant the request, Salisbury,&rdquo; said the
+King, irresolutely. &ldquo;There can be no risk in doing it&mdash;eh?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not under certain restrictions, my liege,&rdquo; replied the Earl.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You shall have your wish, then, mistress,&rdquo; said James, &ldquo;and I trust
+your efforts may be crowned with success. Your husband is a hardy
+traitor&mdash;a second Jacques Clement&mdash;and we never think of him without the
+floor shaking beneath our feet, and a horrible smell of gunpowder
+assailing our nostrils. Blessed be God for our preservation! But whom
+have we here?&rdquo; he added, turning to Humphrey Chetham. &ldquo;Another
+conspirator come to surrender himself?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No, my liege,&rdquo; replied Chetham; &ldquo;I am a loyal subject of your Majesty,
+and a stanch Protestant.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If we may take your word for it, doubtless,&rdquo; replied the King, with an
+incredulous look. &ldquo;But how come you in this lady's company?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will hide nothing from your Majesty,&rdquo; replied Chetham. &ldquo;Long before
+Viviana's unhappy acquaintance with Fawkes&mdash;for such I must ever
+consider it&mdash;my affections had been fixed upon her, and I fondly trusted
+she would not prove indifferent to my suit. Even now, sire, when all
+hope is dead within me, I have not been able to overcome my passion, but
+love her as devotedly as ever. When, therefore, she desired my escort to
+London to surrender herself, I could not refuse the request.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is the truth, my liege,&rdquo; added Viviana. &ldquo;I owe Humphrey Chetham (for
+so this gentleman is named) an endless debt of gratitude; and not the
+least of my present distresses is the thought of the affliction I have
+occasioned him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Dismiss it from your mind, then, Viviana,&rdquo; rejoined Chetham. &ldquo;It will
+not mitigate my sorrows to feel that I have added to yours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your manner and looks seem to give a warranty for loyalty, young sir,"
+said the King. &ldquo;But I must have some assurance of the truth of your
+statement before you are set at large.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am your willing prisoner, my liege,&rdquo; returned Chetham. &ldquo;But I have a
+letter for the Earl of Salisbury, which may vouch perhaps for me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And as he spoke, he placed a letter in the Earl's hands, who broke open
+the seal, and hastily glanced at its contents.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is from Doctor Dee,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;from whom, as your Majesty is aware,
+we have received much important information<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span> relative to this atrocious
+design. He answers for this young man's loyalty.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am glad to hear it,&rdquo; rejoined the King. &ldquo;It would have been
+mortifying to be deceived by so honest a physiognomy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your Majesty will be pleased to attach your signature to this warrant
+for Viviana Radcliffe's committal to the Tower,&rdquo; said Salisbury, placing
+a paper before him.</p>
+
+<p>James complied, and the Earl summoned the guard.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have I your Majesty's permission to attend this unfortunate lady to the
+fortress?&rdquo; cried Chetham, prostrating himself before the King.</p>
+
+<p>James hesitated, but glancing at the Earl, and reading no objection in
+his looks, he assented.</p>
+
+<p>Whispering some private instructions to the officer respecting Chetham,
+Salisbury delivered the warrant to him. Viviana and her companion were
+then removed to a small chamber adjoining the guard-room, where they
+remained for nearly an hour, at the expiration of which time the officer
+again appeared, and conducted them to the palace-stairs, where a large
+wherry awaited them, in which they embarked.</p>
+
+<p>James did not remain long with his councillor, and as soon as he had
+retired, Salisbury summoned a confidential attendant, and told him to
+acquaint Lord Mounteagle, who was in an adjoining apartment, that he was
+now able to receive him. The attendant departed, and presently returned
+with the nobleman in question. As soon as they were alone, and Salisbury
+had satisfied himself they could not be overheard, he observed to the
+other,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Since Tresham's committal to the Tower yesterday, I have received a
+letter from the lieutenant, stating that he breathes nothing but revenge
+against yourself and me, and threatens to betray us, if he is not
+released. It will not do to let him be examined by the Council; for
+though we can throw utter discredit on his statement, it may be
+prejudicial to my future designs.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;True, my lord,&rdquo; replied Mounteagle. &ldquo;But how do you propose to silence
+him?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;By poison,&rdquo; returned Salisbury. &ldquo;There is a trusty fellow in the Tower,
+a jailer named Ipgreve, who will administer it to him. Here is the
+powder,&rdquo; he added, unlocking a coffer, and taking out a small packet;
+&ldquo;it was given me by its compounder, Doctor Dee. It is the same, I am
+assured, as the celebrated Italian poison prepared by Pope Alexander the
+Sixth; is without scent or taste; and destroys its victim without
+leaving a trace of its effects.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I must take heed how I offend your lordship,&rdquo; observed Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nay,&rdquo; rejoined Salisbury, with a ghastly smile, &ldquo;it is for traitors
+like Tresham, not true men like you, to fear me.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I understand the distinction, my lord,&rdquo; replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I must intrust the entire management of this affair to you,&rdquo; pursued
+Salisbury.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;To me!&rdquo; exclaimed Mounteagle. &ldquo;Tresham is my brother-in-law. I can take
+no part in his murder.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If he lives, you are ruined,&rdquo; rejoined Salisbury, coldly. &ldquo;You must
+sacrifice him or yourself. But I see you are reasonable. Take this
+powder, and proceed to the Tower. See Ipgreve alone, and instruct him to
+drug Tresham's wine with it. A hundred marks shall be his reward when
+the deed is done.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My soul revolts from the deed,&rdquo; said Mounteagle, as he took the packet.
+&ldquo;Is there no other way of silencing him?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;None whatever,&rdquo; replied Salisbury, sternly. &ldquo;His blood be upon his own
+head.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, Mounteagle took his departure.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_X" id="III_CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE PARTING OF VIVIANA AND HUMPHREY CHETHAM.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Humphrey Chetham was so oppressed by the idea of parting with Viviana,
+that he did not utter a single word during their transit to the Tower.
+Passing beneath the gloomy archway of Traitors' Gate, they mounted the
+fatal steps, and were conducted to the guard-room near the By-ward
+Tower. The officer then despatched one of the warders to inform the
+lieutenant of Viviana's arrival, and telling Humphrey Chetham he would
+allow him a few minutes to take leave of her, considerately withdrew,
+and left them alone together.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh! Viviana!&rdquo; exclaimed Chetham, unable to repress his grief, &ldquo;my heart
+bleeds to see you here. If you repent the step you have taken, and
+desire freedom, say so, and I will use every effort to liberate you. I
+have been successful once, and may be so again.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I thank you for your devotion,&rdquo; she replied, in a tone of profound
+gratitude; &ldquo;but you have rendered me the last service I shall ever
+require of you. I deeply deplore the misery I have occasioned you, and
+regret my inability to requite your attachment as it deserves to be
+requited. My last prayers shall be for your happiness; and I trust you
+will meet with some being worthy of you, and who will make amends for my
+insensibility.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be not deceived, Viviana,&rdquo; replied Chetham, in a broken voice; &ldquo;I shall
+never love again. Your image is too deeply imprinted upon my heart ever
+to be effaced.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Time may work a change,&rdquo; she rejoined; &ldquo;though I ought not to say so,
+for I feel it would work none in me. Suffer me<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span> to give you one piece of
+counsel. Devote yourself resolutely to the business of life, and you
+will speedily regain your peace of mind.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will follow your instructions implicitly,&rdquo; replied Chetham; &ldquo;but have
+little hope of the result you promise me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Let the effort be made,&rdquo; she rejoined;&mdash;"and now promise me to quit
+London to-morrow. Return to your native town, employ yourself in your
+former occupations; and strive not to think of the past, except as a
+troubled dream from which you have fortunately awakened. Do not let us
+prolong our parting, or your resolution may waver. Farewell!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she extended her hand towards him, and he pressed it
+passionately to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Farewell, Viviana!&rdquo; he cried, with a look of unutterable anguish. &ldquo;May
+Heaven support you in your trials!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;One of them I am now enduring,&rdquo; she replied, in a broken voice.
+&ldquo;Farewell for ever, and may all good angels bless you!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, the officer appeared, and announcing the approach of the
+lieutenant, told Chetham that his time had expired. Without hazarding
+another look at Viviana, the young merchant tore himself away, and
+followed the officer out of the Tower.</p>
+
+<p>Obedient to Viviana's last request, he quitted London on the following
+day, and acting upon her advice, devoted himself on his return to
+Manchester sedulously to his mercantile pursuits. His perseverance and
+integrity were crowned with entire success, and he became in due season
+the wealthiest merchant of the town. But the blighting of his early
+affections tinged his whole life, and gave a melancholy to his thoughts
+and an austerity to his manner originally foreign to them. True to his
+promise, he died unmarried. His long and worthy career was marked by
+actions of the greatest benevolence. In proportion as his means
+increased, his charities were extended, and he truly became &ldquo;a father to
+the fatherless and the destitute.&rdquo; To him the town of Manchester is
+indebted for the noble library and hospital bearing his name; and for
+these admirable institutions by which they so largely benefit, his
+memory must ever be held in veneration by its inhabitants.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_XI" id="III_CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE SUBTERRANEAN DUNGEON.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Regarding Viviana with a smile of savage satisfaction, Sir William Waad
+commanded Jasper Ipgreve, who accompanied him, to convey her to one of
+the subterranean dungeons below the Devereux Tower.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She cannot escape thence without your connivance,&rdquo; he said; &ldquo;and you
+shall answer to me for her safe custody with your life.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If she escapes again, your worship shall hang me in her stead,"
+rejoined Ipgreve.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My instructions from the Earl of Salisbury state that it is the King's
+pleasure that she be allowed a short interview with Guy Fawkes,&rdquo; said
+the lieutenant, in a low tone. &ldquo;Let her be taken to his cell to-morrow.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The jailer bowed, and motioning the guard to follow him with Viviana, he
+led the way along the inner ward till he arrived at a small strong door
+in the wall a little to the north of the Beauchamp Tower, which he
+unlocked, and descended into a low cavernous-looking vault. Striking a
+light, and setting fire to a torch, he then led the way along a narrow
+gloomy passage, which brought them to a circular chamber, from which
+other passages diverged, and selecting one of them, threaded it till he
+came to the door of a cell.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Here is your dungeon,&rdquo; he said to Viviana, as he drew back the heavy
+bolts, and disclosed a small chamber, about four feet wide and six long,
+in which there was a pallet. &ldquo;My dame will attend you soon.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he lighted a lamp, and departing with the guard, barred the
+door outside. Viviana shuddered as she surveyed the narrow dungeon in
+which she was placed. Roof, walls, and floor were of stone; and the
+aspect of the place was so dismal and tomb-like, that she felt as if she
+were buried alive. Some hours elapsed before Dame Ipgreve made her
+appearance. She was accompanied by Ruth, who burst into tears on
+beholding Viviana. The jailer's wife had brought a few blankets and
+other necessaries with her, together with a loaf of bread and a jug of
+water. While disposing the blankets on the couch, she never ceased
+upbraiding Viviana for her former flight. Poor Ruth, who was compelled
+to assist her mother, endeavoured by her gestures and looks to convey to
+the unfortunate captive that she was as much devoted to her as ever.
+Their task completed, the old woman withdrew, and her daughter, casting
+a deeply-commiserating look at Viviana, followed her, and the door was
+barred without.</p>
+
+<p>Determined not to yield to despondency, Viviana knelt down, and
+addressed herself to Heaven; and, comforted by her prayers, threw
+herself on the bed, and sank into a peaceful slumber. She was awakened
+by hearing the bolts of her cell withdrawn, and the next moment Ruth
+stood before her.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I fear you have exposed yourself to great risk in thus visiting me,"
+said Viviana, tenderly embracing her.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would expose myself to any risk for you, sweet lady,&rdquo; replied Ruth.
+&ldquo;But, oh! why do I see you here again? The chief support of Guy Fawkes
+during his sufferings has been the thought that you were at liberty.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I surrendered myself in the hope of beholding him again,&rdquo; rejoined
+Viviana.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have given a fond, but fatal proof of your affection,&rdquo; returned
+Ruth. &ldquo;The knowledge that you are a captive will afflict him more than
+all the torments he has endured.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What torments <i>has</i> he endured, Ruth?&rdquo; inquired Viviana with a look of
+anguish.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not ask me to repeat them,&rdquo; replied the jailer's daughter. &ldquo;They are
+too dreadful to relate. When you behold his shattered frame and altered
+looks, you will comprehend what he has undergone.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Alas!&rdquo; exclaimed Viviana, bursting into tears, &ldquo;I almost fear to behold
+him.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You must prepare for a fearful shock,&rdquo; returned Ruth. &ldquo;And now, madam,
+I must take my leave. I will endeavour to see you again to-morrow, but
+dare not promise to do so. I should not have been able to visit you now,
+but that my father is engaged with Lord Mounteagle.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;With Lord Mounteagle!&rdquo; cried Viviana. &ldquo;Upon what business?</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Upon a foul business,&rdquo; rejoined Ruth. &ldquo;No less than the destruction of
+Mr. Tresham, who is now a prisoner in the Tower. Lord Mounteagle came to
+the Well Tower this evening, and I accidentally overheard him propose to
+my father to administer poison to the person I have named.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not pity their victim,&rdquo; returned Viviana. &ldquo;He is a double-dyed
+traitor, and will meet with the fate he deserves.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Farewell, madam,&rdquo; said Ruth. &ldquo;If I do not see you again, you will know
+that you have one friend in this fortress who deeply sympathizes with
+your afflictions.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she withdrew, and Viviana heard the bolts slipped gently into
+their sockets.</p>
+
+<p>Vainly, after Ruth's visit, did she try to compose herself. Sleep fled
+her eyes, and she was haunted all night by the image of Fawkes, haggard
+and shattered by torture, as he had been described by the jailer's
+daughter. Day and night were the same to her, and she could only compute
+progress of the time by her own feelings, judging by which, she supposed
+it to be late in the day when she was again visited. The bolts of her
+cell being withdrawn, two men clad in long black gowns, and having hoods
+drawn over their faces, entered it. They were followed by Ipgreve; and
+Viviana, concluding she was about to be led to the torture, endeavoured
+to string herself to its endurance. Though he guessed what was passing
+in her breast, Jasper Ipgreve did not care to undeceive her, but
+motioning the hooded officials to follow him with her, quitted the cell.
+Seizing each a hand, the attendants led her after him along a number of
+intricate passages, until he stopped before the door of a cell, which he
+opened.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Be brief in what you have to say,&rdquo; he cried, thrusting her forward. &ldquo;I
+shall not allow you much time.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Viviana no sooner set foot in the cell than she felt in whose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span> presence
+she stood. On a stool at the further end of the narrow chamber, with his
+head upon his breast, and a cloak wrapped around his limbs, sat Fawkes.
+A small iron lamp, suspended by a rusty chain from the ceiling, served
+to illumine his ghastly features. He lifted his eyes from the ground on
+her entrance, and recognising her, uttered a cry of anguish. Raising
+himself by a great effort, he opened his arms, and she rushed into them.
+For some moments, both continued silent. Grief took away their
+utterance; but at length, Guy Fawkes spoke.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My cup of bitterness was not sufficiently full,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;This alone
+was wanting to make it overflow.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I fear you will blame me,&rdquo; she replied, &ldquo;when you learn that I have
+voluntarily surrendered myself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes uttered a deep groan.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am the cause of your doing so,&rdquo; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are so,&rdquo; she replied. &ldquo;But you will forgive me when you know my
+motive. I came here to urge you to repentance. Oh! if you hope that we
+shall meet again hereafter&mdash;if you hope that we shall inherit joys which
+will requite us for all our troubles, you will employ the brief time
+left you on earth in imploring forgiveness for your evil intentions.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Having had no evil intentions,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, coldly, &ldquo;I have no
+pardon to ask.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The Tempter who led you into the commission of sin under the semblance
+of righteousness, puts these thoughts into your heart,&rdquo; replied Viviana.
+&ldquo;You have escaped the commission of an offence which must have deprived
+you of the joys of heaven, and I am thankful for it. But if you remain
+impenitent, I shall tremble for your salvation.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My account will soon be settled with my Maker,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes; &ldquo;and
+he will punish or reward me according to my deserts. I have acted
+according to my conscience, and can never repent that which I believe to
+be a righteous design.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But do you not now see that you were mistaken,&rdquo; returned Viviana,&mdash;"do
+you not perceive that the sword which you raised against others has been
+turned against yourself,&mdash;and that the Great Power whom you serve and
+worship has declared himself against you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You seek in vain to move me,&rdquo; replied Fawkes. &ldquo;I am as insensible to
+your arguments as to the tortures of my enemies.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then Heaven have mercy upon your soul!&rdquo; she rejoined.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Look at me, Viviana,&rdquo; cried Fawkes, &ldquo;and behold the wreck I am. What
+has supported me amid my tortures&mdash;in this dungeon&mdash;in the presence of
+my relentless foes?&mdash;what, but the consciousness of having acted
+rightly? And what will support me on the scaffold except the same
+conviction? If you love me, do not seek to shake my faith! But it is
+idle to talk thus. You cannot do so. Rest satisfied we shall meet again.
+Everything assures me of it. Wretched as I appear in this solitary cell,
+I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span> am not wholly miserable, because I am buoyed up by the certainty that
+my actions are approved by Heaven.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not attempt to destroy the delusion, since it is productive of
+happiness to you,&rdquo; replied Viviana. &ldquo;But if my earnest, heartfelt
+prayers can conduce to your salvation, they shall not be wanting.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke, the door of the cell was opened by Jasper Ipgreve, who
+stepped towards her, and seized her roughly by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your time has expired, mistress,&rdquo; he said; &ldquo;you must come with me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;A minute longer,&rdquo; implored Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not a second,&rdquo; replied Ipgreve.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Shall we not meet again?&rdquo; cried Viviana, distractedly.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Ay, the day before your execution,&rdquo; rejoined Ipgreve. &ldquo;I have good news
+for you,&rdquo; he added, pausing for a moment, and addressing Fawkes. &ldquo;Mr.
+Tresham, who I told you has been brought to the Tower, has been taken
+suddenly and dangerously ill.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If the traitor perishes before me, I shall die content,&rdquo; observed
+Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then rest assured of it,&rdquo; said Viviana. &ldquo;The task of vengeance is
+already fulfilled.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>She was then forced away by Ipgreve, and delivered by him to the hooded
+officials outside, who hurried her back to her dungeon.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_XII" id="III_CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE TRAITOR BETRAYED.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Lord Mounteagle arrived at the Tower shortly after Viviana, and
+repairing at once to the lieutenant's lodgings, had a brief conference
+with him, and informed him that he had a secret order to deliver to
+Jasper Ipgreve, from the Earl of Salisbury, touching the conspirators.
+Sir William Waad would have summoned the jailer; but Mounteagle
+preferred visiting him at the Well Tower, and accordingly proceeded
+thither.</p>
+
+<p>He found Ipgreve with his wife and daughter, and telling him he desired
+a moment's private speech with him, the jailer dismissed them.
+Suspecting that the new-comer's errand related in some way to Viviana,
+Ruth contrived to place herself in such a situation that she could
+overhear what passed. A moment's scrutiny of Jasper's villanous
+countenance satisfied Mounteagle that the Earl of Salisbury was not
+mistaken in his man; and, as soon as he supposed they were alone, he
+unhesitatingly opened his plan to him. As he expected, Jasper exhibited
+no reluctance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span> to undertake it; and, after some further discussion, it
+was agreed to put it in execution without delay.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The sooner Mr. Tresham is silenced the better,&rdquo; said Jasper; &ldquo;for he
+threatens to make disclosures to the Council that will bring some noble
+persons,&rdquo; with a significant look at Mounteagle, &ldquo;into trouble.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Where is he confined?&rdquo; demanded the other.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;In the Beauchamp Tower,&rdquo; replied Ipgreve.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will visit him at once,&rdquo; said Mounteagle; &ldquo;and when I have conferred
+with him, will call for wine. Bring two goblets, and in that which you
+give to Tresham place this powder.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Ipgreve nodded assent, and with a grim smile took the packet. Shortly
+after this, they quitted the Well Tower together, and passing under the
+archway of the Bloody Tower, crossed the green, and entered the
+fortification in which the traitor was confined. Tresham was treated
+with far greater consideration than the other conspirators, being
+allowed the use of the large room on the upper floor of the Beauchamp
+Tower, which was seldom allotted to any persons except those of the
+highest distinction. When they entered, he was pacing to and fro within
+his chamber in great agitation; but he immediately stopped on seeing
+Mounteagle, and rushed towards him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You bring me my liberation?&rdquo; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is impossible to effect it at present,&rdquo; returned the other. &ldquo;But
+make yourself perfectly easy. Your confinement will not be of long
+duration.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not be trifled with,&rdquo; cried Tresham, furiously. &ldquo;If I am
+examined by the Council, look to yourselves. As I hope for salvation,
+the truth shall out.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Leave us,&rdquo; said Mounteagle, with a significant look at the jailer, who
+quitted the chamber.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Hark'e, Mounteagle,&rdquo; said Tresham, as soon as they were alone, &ldquo;I have
+been your tool thus far. But if you propose to lead me blindfold to the
+scaffold, you are greatly mistaken. You think that you have me safe
+within these walls; that my voice cannot be heard; and that I cannot
+betray you. But you are deceived&mdash;fearfully deceived, as you will find.
+I have your letters&mdash;the Earl of Salisbury's letters, proving that you
+were both aware of the plot&mdash;and that you employed me to watch its
+progress, and report it to you. I have also letters from Doctor Dee, the
+warden of Manchester, detailing his acquaintance with the conspiracy,
+and containing descriptions of the persons of Fawkes and Catesby, which
+I showed to the Earl of Salisbury.&mdash;These letters are now in my
+possession, and I will deliver them to the Council, if I am not
+released.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Deliver them to me, and I swear to you, you shall be set free,&rdquo; said
+Mounteagle.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not trust you,&rdquo; rejoined Tresham. &ldquo;Liberate me, and they are
+yours. But I will not rob myself of vengeance. I will confound you and
+the false Earl of Salisbury.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You wrong us both by your unjust suspicions,&rdquo; said Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Wrong you!&rdquo; echoed Tresham, contemptuously. &ldquo;Where is my promised
+reward? Why am I in this dungeon? Why am I treated like a traitor? If
+you meant me fairly, I should not be here, but like yourself at liberty,
+and in the enjoyment of the King's favour. But you have duped me,
+villain, and shall rue it. If I am led to the scaffold, it shall be in
+your company.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Compose yourself,&rdquo; rejoined Mounteagle, calmly. &ldquo;Appearances, I own,
+are against us. But circumstances render it imperatively necessary that
+the Earl of Salisbury should appear to act against you. You have been
+charged by Guy Fawkes, when under the torture, of being a confederate in
+the design, and your arrest could not be avoided. I am come hither to
+give you a solemn assurance that no harm shall befal you, but that you
+shall be delivered from your thraldom in a few days&mdash;perhaps in a few
+hours.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have no further design against me,&rdquo; said Tresham, suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What motive could I have in coming hither, except to set your mind at
+rest?&rdquo; rejoined Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I shall receive my reward?&rdquo; demanded Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will receive your reward,&rdquo; returned Mounteagle, with significant
+emphasis. &ldquo;I swear it. So make yourself easy.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If I thought I might trust you, I should not heed my imprisonment,
+irksome though it be,&rdquo; rejoined Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It cannot be avoided, for the reasons I have just stated,&rdquo; replied
+Mounteagle. &ldquo;But come, no more despondency. All will be well with you
+speedily. Let us drown care in a bumper. What ho! jailer,&rdquo; he added,
+opening the door, &ldquo;a cup of wine!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes, Ipgreve made his appearance, bearing two goblets
+filled with wine on a salver, one of which he presented to Mounteagle,
+and the other to Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Here is to your speedy deliverance from captivity!&rdquo; said Mounteagle,
+draining the goblet. &ldquo;You will not refuse that pledge, Tresham?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Of a surety not,&rdquo; replied the other. &ldquo;To my speedy deliverance!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And he emptied the cup, while Mounteagle and the jailer exchanged
+significant glances.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now, having fully discharged my errand, I must bid you farewell,"
+said Mounteagle.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will not forget your promise?&rdquo; observed Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Assuredly not,&rdquo; replied the other. &ldquo;A week hence, and you will make no
+complaint against me.&mdash;Are you sure you did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span> not give me the wrong
+goblet?&rdquo; he added to Ipgreve, as they descended the spiral staircase.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Quite sure, my lord,&rdquo; returned the jailer, with a grim smile.</p>
+
+<p>Mounteagle immediately quitted the Tower, and hastening to Whitehall,
+sought out the Earl of Salisbury, to whom he related what he had done.
+The Earl complimented him on his skilful management of the matter; and
+congratulating each other upon having got rid of a dangerous and now
+useless instrument, they separated.</p>
+
+<p>On the following day, Tresham was seized with a sudden illness, and
+making known his symptoms to Ipgreve, the chirurgeon who attended the
+prison was sent for, and on seeing him, pronounced him dangerously ill,
+though he was at a loss to explain the nature of his disorder. Every
+hour the sick man grew worse, and he was torn with racking pains.
+Connecting his sudden seizure with the visit of Lord Mounteagle, an idea
+of the truth flashed upon him, and he mentioned his suspicions to the
+chirurgeon, charging Jasper Ipgreve with being accessory to the deed.
+The jailer stoutly denied the accusation, and charged the prisoner in
+his turn with making a malicious statement to bring him into discredit.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will soon test the truth of his assertion,&rdquo; observed the chirurgeon,
+taking a small flat piece of the purest gold from his doublet. &ldquo;Place
+this in your mouth.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Tresham obeyed, and Ipgreve watched the experiment with gloomy
+curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You are a dead man,&rdquo; said the chirurgeon to Tresham, as he drew forth
+the piece of gold, and perceived that it was slightly tarnished. &ldquo;Poison
+<i>has</i> been administered to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Is there no remedy&mdash;no counter-poison?&rdquo; demanded Tresham, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>The chirurgeon shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then let the lieutenant be summoned,&rdquo; said Tresham; &ldquo;I have an
+important confession to make to him. I charge this man,&rdquo; pointing to the
+jailer, &ldquo;with giving poisoned wine to me. Do you hear what I say to
+you?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do,&rdquo; replied the chirurgeon.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;But he will never reveal it,&rdquo; said Ipgreve, with great unconcern. &ldquo;I
+have a warrant from the Earl of Salisbury for what I have done.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What!&rdquo; cried Tresham, &ldquo;can murder be committed here with impunity?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You have to thank your own indiscretion for what has happened,"
+rejoined Ipgreve. &ldquo;Had you kept a close tongue in your head, you would
+have been safe.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Can nothing be done to save me?&rdquo; cried the miserable man, with an
+imploring look at the chirurgeon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing whatever,&rdquo; replied the person appealed to. &ldquo;I would advise you
+to recommend your soul to God.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Will you not inform the lieutenant that I desire to speak with him?"
+demanded Tresham.</p>
+
+<p>The chirurgeon glanced at Ipgreve, and receiving a sign from him, gave a
+promise to that effect.</p>
+
+<p>They then quitted the cell together, leaving Tresham in a state of
+indescribable agony both of mind and body. Half an hour afterwards, the
+chirurgeon returned, and informed him that the lieutenant refused to
+visit him, or to hear his confession, and wholly discredited the fact of
+his being poisoned.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will take charge of your papers, if you choose to commit them to me,"
+he said, &ldquo;and will lay them before the Council.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Tresham; &ldquo;while life remains to me I will never part with
+them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have brought you a mixture which, though it cannot heal you, will, at
+least, allay your sufferings,&rdquo; said the chirurgeon.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not take it,&rdquo; groaned Tresham. &ldquo;I distrust you as much as the
+others.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will leave it with you, at all events,&rdquo; rejoined the chirurgeon,
+setting down the phial.</p>
+
+<p>The noise of the bolts shot into their sockets sounded to Tresham as if
+his tomb were closed upon him, and he uttered a cry of anguish. He would
+have laid violent hands upon himself, and accelerated his own end, but
+he wanted courage to do so, and continued to pace backwards and forwards
+across his chamber as long as his strength lasted. He was about to throw
+himself on the couch, from which he never expected to rise again, when
+his eyes fell upon the phial. &ldquo;What if it should be poison!&rdquo; he said,
+&ldquo;it will end my sufferings the sooner.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>And placing it to his lips, he swallowed its contents. As the chirurgeon
+had foretold, it alleviated his sufferings, and throwing himself on the
+bed he sank into a troubled slumber, during which he dreamed that
+Catesby appeared to him with a vengeful countenance, and tried to drag
+him into a fathomless abyss that yawned beneath their feet. Shrieking
+with agony, he awoke, and found two persons standing by his couch. One
+of them was the jailer, and the other appeared, from his garb, to be a
+priest; but a hood was drawn over his head so as to conceal his
+features.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Are you come to witness my dying pangs, or to finish me?&rdquo; demanded
+Tresham of the jailer.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am come for neither purpose,&rdquo; replied Ipgreve; &ldquo;I pity your
+condition, and have brought you a priest of your own faith, who, like
+yourself, is a prisoner in the Tower. I will leave him with you, but he
+cannot remain long, so make the most of your time.&rdquo; And with these
+words, he retired.</p>
+
+<p>When he was gone, the supposed priest, who spoke in feeble<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span> and
+faltering accents, desired to hear Tresham's confession, and having
+listened to it, gave him absolution. The wretched man then drew from his
+bosom a small packet, and offered it to the confessor, who eagerly
+received it.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;This contains the letters of the Earl of Salisbury and Lord Mounteagle,
+which I have just mentioned,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I pray you lay them before the
+Privy Council.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will not fail to do so,&rdquo; replied the confessor.</p>
+
+<p>And reciting the prayer for one <i>in extremis</i> over the dying man, he
+departed.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have obtained the letters from him,&rdquo; said Mounteagle, throwing back
+his hood as he quitted the chamber, and addressing the jailer. &ldquo;And now
+you need give yourself no further concern about him, he will be dead
+before morning.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Jasper Ipgreve locked the door upon the prisoner, and proceeded to the
+Well Tower. When he returned, he found Mounteagle's words had come to
+pass. Tresham was lying on the floor quite dead&mdash;his collapsed frame and
+distorted countenance showing the agonies in which he must have expired.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_XIII" id="III_CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE TRIAL.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The trial of the conspirators, which had been delayed in order that full
+evidence might be procured against them, was, at length, appointed to
+take place in Westminster Hall, on Monday, the 27th of January, 1606.
+Early on the morning of this day, the eight surviving confederates
+(Garnet and Oldcorne being at this time secreted at Hendlip) were
+conveyed in two large covered wherries from the fortress to the place of
+trial. In spite of the severity of the weather,&mdash;it was snowing heavily,
+and the river was covered with sheets of ice,&mdash;they were attended by a
+vast number of boats filled with persons anxious to obtain a sight of
+them. Such was the abhorrence in which the actors in the conspiracy were
+held by the populace, that, not content with menaces and execrations,
+many of these persons hurled missiles against the wherries, and would
+have proceeded to further violence if they had not been restrained by
+the pikemen. When the prisoners landed, a tremendous and fearful shout
+was raised by the mob stationed at the head of the stairs, and it
+required the utmost efforts of the guard to protect them from injury.
+Two lines of soldiers, with calivers on their shoulders, were drawn out
+from the banks of the river to the entrance of the Hall, and between
+them the conspirators marched.</p>
+
+<p>The melancholy procession was headed by Sir William Waad,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span> who was
+followed by an officer of the guard and six halberdiers. Then came the
+executioner, carrying the gleaming implement of death with its edge
+turned from the prisoners. He was followed by Sir Everard Digby, whose
+noble figure and handsome countenance excited much sympathy among the
+beholders, and Ambrose Rookwood. Next came the two Winters, both of whom
+appeared greatly dejected. Next, John Grant and Robert Bates,&mdash;Catesby's
+servant, who had been captured at Holbeach. And lastly, Keyes and
+Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>Bitterly and justly incensed as were the multitude against the
+conspirators, their feelings underwent some change as they beheld the
+haggard countenance and shattered frame of Guy Fawkes. It was soon
+understood that he was the individual who had been found in the vault
+near the Parliament House, with the touchwood and matches in his belt
+ready to fire the train; and the greatest curiosity was exhibited to see
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the foremost of the conspirators reached the entrance of the
+Hall, a terrific yell, resembling nothing human, except the roar of a
+thousand tigers thirsting for blood, was uttered by the mob, and a
+tremendous but ineffectual attempt was made to break through the lines
+of the guard. Never before had so large an assemblage been collected on
+the spot. The whole of the space extending on one hand from Westminster
+Hall to the gates of Whitehall, and on the other to the Abbey, was
+filled with spectators; and every roof, window, and buttress was
+occupied. Nor was the interior of the Hall less crowded. Not an inch of
+room was unoccupied; and it was afterwards complained in Parliament,
+that the members of the house had been so pressed and incommoded, that
+they could not hear what was said at the arraignment.</p>
+
+<p>The conspirators were first conveyed to the court of the Star-Chamber,
+where they remained till the Lords Commissioners had arrived, and taken
+their seats. The commissioners were the Earl of Nottingham, Lord High
+Admiral of England; the Earl of Suffolk, Steward of the Household; the
+Earl of Worcester, Master of the Horse; the Earl of Devonshire, Master
+of the Ordnance; the Earl of Northampton, Warden of the Cinque-Ports;
+the Earl of Salisbury, Principal Secretary of State; Sir John Popham,
+Lord Chief Justice; Sir Thomas Fleming, Lord Chief Baron of the
+Exchequer; and Sir Thomas Walmisley and Sir Peter Warburton, Knights,
+and both Justices of the Common Pleas.</p>
+
+<p>Summoned by an usher, the conspirators were conducted to a platform
+covered with black cloth, which had been erected at the lower end of the
+Hall. A murmur of indignation, vainly sought to be repressed by the
+grave looks of the Commissioners, burst from the immense assemblage, as
+they one by one ascended the steps of the platform. Guy Fawkes was the
+last to mount, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span> his appearance was followed by a deep groan.
+Supporting himself against the rail of the scaffold, he surveyed the
+assemblage with a stern and undaunted look. As he gazed around, he could
+not help marvelling at the vast multitude before him. The whole of the
+peers and all the members of the House of Commons were present, while in
+a box on the left, though screened by a lattice, sat the Queen and
+Prince Henry; and in another on the right, and protected in the same
+way, the King and his courtiers.</p>
+
+<p>Silence being peremptorily commanded, the indictment was read, wherein
+the prisoners were charged with conspiring to blow up the King and the
+peers with gunpowder, and with attempting to incite the Papists, and
+other persons, to open rebellion; to which all the conspirators, to the
+no small surprise of those who heard them, and were aware that they had
+subscribed their confessions, pleaded not guilty.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How, sir!&rdquo; cried the Lord Chief Justice, in a stern tone to Fawkes.
+&ldquo;With what face can you pretend to deny the indictment, when you were
+actually taken in the cellar with the powder, and have already confessed
+your treasonable intentions?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I do not mean to deny what I have confessed, my lord,&rdquo; replied Fawkes.
+&ldquo;But this indictment contains many matters which I neither can nor will
+countenance by assent or silence. And I therefore deny it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It is well,&rdquo; replied the Lord Chief Justice. &ldquo;Let the trial proceed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The indictment being opened by Sir Edward Philips, sergeant-at-law, he
+was followed by Sir Edward Coke, the attorney-general, who in an
+eloquent and elaborate speech, which produced an extraordinary effect
+upon the assemblage, expatiated upon the monstrous nature of the plot,
+which he characterised as &ldquo;the greatest treason that ever was plotted in
+England, and against the greatest king that ever reigned in England;"
+and after narrating the origin and progress of the conspiracy, concluded
+by desiring that the confessions of the prisoners should be openly read.
+This done, the jury were ordered by the Lord Chief Justice to retire,
+and the injunction being obeyed, they almost instantly returned with a
+verdict of guilty.</p>
+
+<p>A deep, dread silence then prevailed throughout the Hall, and every eye
+was bent upon the conspirators, all of whom maintained a composed
+demeanour. They were then questioned by the Lord Chief Justice whether
+they had anything to say why judgment of death should not be pronounced
+against them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;All I have to crave of your lordships,&rdquo; said Thomas Winter, &ldquo;is, that
+being the chief offender of the two, I may die for my brother and
+myself.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And I ask only that my brother's request may not be granted,&rdquo; said
+Robert Winter. &ldquo;If he is condemned, I do not desire to live.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have nothing to solicit&mdash;not even pardon,&rdquo; said Keyes, carelessly.
+&ldquo;My fortunes were always desperate, and are better now than they have
+ever been.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I desire mercy,&rdquo; said Rookwood, &ldquo;not from any fear of death, but
+because so shameful an ending will leave a perpetual stain upon my name
+and blood. I humbly submit myself to the King, and pray him to imitate
+our Supreme Judge, who sometimes punishes corporally, but not mortally.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have been guilty of a conspiracy, intended but never effected,&rdquo; said
+John Grant, &ldquo;and solicit forgiveness on that plea.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My crime has been fidelity to my master,&rdquo; said Bates. &ldquo;If the King will
+let me live, I will serve him as faithfully as I did Mr. Catesby.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I would not utter a word,&rdquo; said Fawkes, looking sternly round; &ldquo;if I
+did not fear my silence might be misinterpreted. I would not accept a
+pardon if it were offered me. I regard the project as a glorious one,
+and only lament its failure.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Silence the vile traitor,&rdquo; said the Earl of Salisbury, rising.</p>
+
+<p>And as he spoke two halberdiers sprang up the steps of the scaffold, and
+placing themselves on either side of Fawkes, prepared to gag him.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have done,&rdquo; he said, contemptuously regarding them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have nothing to say save this,&rdquo; said Sir Everard Digby, bowing to the
+judges. &ldquo;If any of your lordships will tell me you forgive me, I shall
+go more cheerfully to the scaffold.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven forgive you, Sir Everard,&rdquo; said the Earl of Nottingham,
+returning his reverence, &ldquo;as we do.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I humbly thank your lordship,&rdquo; replied Digby.</p>
+
+<p>Sentence was then passed upon the prisoners by Lord Chief Justice
+Popham, and they were removed from the platform.</p>
+
+<p>As they issued from the Hall, and it became known to the assemblage
+without that they were condemned, a shout of fierce exultation rent the
+air, and they were so violently assailed on all sides, that they had
+great difficulty in reaching the wherries. The guard, however,
+succeeded, at length, in accomplishing their embarkation, and they were
+conveyed back in safety to the Tower.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_XIV" id="III_CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE LAST MEETING OF FAWKES AND VIVIANA.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Up to this time, Viviana had not been allowed another interview with Guy
+Fawkes. She was twice interrogated by the Privy-Council, but having
+confessed all she knew of the conspiracy, excepting what might implicate
+Garnet and Oldcorne, neither<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span> of whom she was aware had been
+apprehended, she was not again subjected to the torture. Her health,
+however, rapidly sank under her confinement, and she was soon reduced to
+such an extreme state of debility that she could not leave her bed. The
+chirurgeon having been called in by Dame Ipgreve to attend her, reported
+her condition to Sir William Waad, who directed that every means should
+be adopted for her restoration, and that Ruth Ipgreve should remain in
+constant attendance upon her.</p>
+
+<p>Ascertaining all particulars relative to Guy Fawkes from the jailer's
+daughter, it was a sad satisfaction to Viviana to learn that he spent
+his whole time in devotion, and appeared completely resigned to his
+fate. It had been the Earl of Salisbury's purpose to bring Viviana to
+trial at the same time as the rest of the conspirators, but the
+chirurgeon reporting that her removal at this juncture would be attended
+with fatal consequences, he was compelled to defer it.</p>
+
+<p>When the result of the trial was made known to Viviana by Ruth, though
+she had anticipated the condemnation of Guy Fawkes, she swooned away,
+and on her recovery, observed to Ruth, who was greatly alarmed at her
+looks, &ldquo;I feel I am going fast. I should wish to see my husband once
+more before I die.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I fear it is impossible, madam,&rdquo; replied Ruth; &ldquo;but I will try to
+accomplish it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do so,&rdquo; rejoined Viviana; &ldquo;and my blessing shall rest ever on your
+head.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Have you any valuable?&rdquo; inquired Ruth. &ldquo;My heart bleeds to make the
+demand at such a moment. But it is the only way to produce an effect on
+the avaricious nature of my father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I have nothing but this golden crucifix,&rdquo; said Viviana; &ldquo;and I meant to
+give it to you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will be better employed in this way,&rdquo; rejoined Ruth, taking it from
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Quitting the cell, she hurried to the Well Tower, and found her father,
+who had just returned from locking up the conspirators in their
+different dungeons, sitting down to his evening meal.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What is the matter with the wench?&rdquo; he cried, staring at her. &ldquo;You look
+quite distracted. Is Viviana Radcliffe dead?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No; but she is dying,&rdquo; replied Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If that is the case I must go to her directly,&rdquo; observed Dame Ipgreve.
+&ldquo;She may have some valuable about her which I must secure.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will be disappointed, mother,&rdquo; rejoined Ruth, with a look of
+irrepressible disgust. &ldquo;She has nothing valuable left but this golden
+crucifix, which she has sent to my father, on condition of his allowing
+Guy Fawkes to see her before she dies.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Give it me, wench,&rdquo; cried Jasper Ipgreve; &ldquo;and let her die in peace.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;She will <i>not</i> die in peace unless she sees him,&rdquo; replied Ruth. &ldquo;Nor
+shall you have it, if you do not comply with her request.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;How!&rdquo; exclaimed her father, &ldquo;do you dare&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Think not to terrify me, father,&rdquo; interrupted Ruth; &ldquo;I am resolute in
+this. Hear me,&rdquo; she cried, seizing his arm, and fixing a look upon him
+that seemed to pierce his soul,&mdash;"hear me,&rdquo; she said, in a tone so low
+as to be inaudible to her mother; &ldquo;she <i>shall</i> see him, or I will
+denounce you as the murderer of Tresham. Now will you comply?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Give me the cross,&rdquo; said Ipgreve.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Not till you have earned it,&rdquo; replied his daughter.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Well, well,&rdquo; he rejoined; &ldquo;if it must be, it must. But I may get into
+trouble in the matter. I must consult Master Forsett, the gentleman
+jailer, who has the charge of Guy Fawkes, before I dare take him to her
+cell.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Consult whom you please,&rdquo; rejoined Ruth, impatiently; &ldquo;but lose no
+time, or you will be too late.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Muttering imprecations on his daughter, Ipgreve left the Well Tower, and
+Ruth hurried back to Viviana, whom she found anxiously expecting her,
+and related to her what she had done.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, that I may hold out till he comes!&rdquo; cried Viviana; &ldquo;but my strength
+is failing fast.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Ruth endeavoured to comfort her; but she was unequal to the effort, and
+bursting into tears, knelt down, and wept upon the pillow beside her.
+Half an hour had now elapsed. It seemed an age to the poor sufferers,
+and still the jailer came not, and even Ruth had given up all hope, when
+a heavy tread was heard in the passage; the door was opened; and Guy
+Fawkes appeared, attended by Ipgreve and Forsett.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;We will not interrupt your parting,&rdquo; said Forsett, who seemed to have a
+touch of humanity in his composition. And beckoning to Ruth to follow
+him, he quitted the cell with Ipgreve.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes, meanwhile, had approached the couch, and gazed with an
+expression of intense anguish at Viviana. She returned his glance with a
+look of the utmost affection, and clasped his hand between her thin
+fingers.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am now standing on the brink of eternity,&rdquo; she said in a solemn tone,
+&ldquo;and I entreat you earnestly, as you hope to insure our meeting
+hereafter, to employ the few days left you in sincere and hearty
+repentance. You have sinned&mdash;sinned deeply, but not beyond the power of
+redemption. Let me feel that I have saved you, and my last moments will
+be happy. Oh! by the love I have borne you&mdash;by the pangs I have endured
+for you&mdash;by the death I am now dying for you&mdash;let me implore you not to
+lose one moment, but to supplicate a merciful Providence to pardon your
+offence.&rdquo;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 412px;">
+<img src="images/illo_347.jpg" width="412" height="600" alt="Death of Viviana" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Death of Viviana</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will&mdash;I will,&rdquo; rejoined Fawkes, in broken accents. &ldquo;You have opened
+my eyes to my error, and I sincerely repent it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Saved! saved!&rdquo; cried Viviana, raising herself in the bed. Opening her
+arms, she strained him to her bosom; and for a few moments they mingled
+their tears together.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;And now,&rdquo; she said, sinking backwards, &ldquo;kneel by me&mdash;pray for
+forgiveness&mdash;pray audibly, and I will join in your prayer.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes knelt by the bedside, and addressed the most earnest
+supplications to Heaven for forgiveness. For a while he heard Viviana's
+gentle accents accompany him. They grew fainter and fainter, until at
+last they totally ceased. Filled with a dreadful apprehension, he sprang
+to his feet. An angelic smile illumined her countenance; her gaze was
+fixed on him for one moment&mdash;it then grew dim and dimmer, until it was
+extinguished.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes uttered a cry of the wildest despair, and fell to the ground.
+Alarmed by the sound, Forsett and Ipgreve, who were standing outside,
+rushed into the cell, and instantly raised him. But he was now in a
+state of distraction, and for the moment seemed endowed with all his
+former strength. Striving to break from them, he cried, in a tone of the
+most piercing anguish, &ldquo;You shall not tear me from her! I will die with
+her! Let me go, I say, or I will dash out my brains against these flinty
+walls, and balk you of your prey.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>But his struggles were in vain. They held him fast, and calling for
+further assistance, conveyed him to his cell, where, fearing he might do
+some violence to himself, they placed him in irons.</p>
+
+<p>Ruth entered the cell as soon as Fawkes and the others had quitted it,
+and performed the last sad offices for the departed. Alternately praying
+and weeping, she watched by the body during the whole of the night. On
+the following day, the remains of the unfortunate Viviana were interred
+in the chapel of Saint Peter on the Green, and the sole mourner was the
+jailer's daughter.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Peace be with her!&rdquo; cried Ruth, as she turned away from the grave. &ldquo;Her
+sorrows at last are over.&rdquo;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_XV" id="III_CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h2>SAINT PAUL'S CHURCHYARD.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes was for some time wholly inconsolable. His stoical nature
+seemed completely subdued, and he wept like an infant. By degrees,
+however, the violence of his grief abated,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span> and calling to mind the last
+injunctions of her whose loss he mourned, he addressed himself to
+prayer, and acknowledging his guilt, besought her intercession with
+Heaven for his forgiveness.</p>
+
+<p>It will not seem strange, when his superstitious character is taken into
+consideration, that he should fancy he received an immediate proof that
+his prayers were heard. To his excited imagination it appeared that a
+soft unearthly strain of music floated in the air over his head; that an
+odour like that of Paradise filled his cell; while an invisible finger
+touched his brow. While in this entranced state, he was utterly
+insensible to his present miserable situation, and he seemed to have a
+foretaste of celestial happiness. He did not, however, desist from
+prayer, but continued his supplications throughout the day.</p>
+
+<p>On that night, he was visited by the lieutenant, who announced to him
+that the execution of four of the conspirators was fixed for Thursday
+(it was then Tuesday), while his own and that of the three others would
+not take place till the following day.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;As you are the greatest traitor of all, your execution will be reserved
+to the last,&rdquo; pursued Waad. &ldquo;No part of the sentence will be omitted.
+You will be dragged to Old Palace Yard, over against the scene of your
+intended bloody and damnable action, at a horse's tail, and will be
+there turned off the gallows, and hanged, <i>but not till you are dead</i>.
+You will then be embowelled; your vile heart, which conceived this
+atrocious design, will be torn beating from your breast; and your
+quarters will be placed on the palace gates as an abhorrent spectacle in
+the eyes of men, and a terrible proof of the King's just vengeance.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes heard the recapitulation of his dreadful sentence unmoved.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;The sole mercy I would have craved of his Majesty would have been
+permission to die first!&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;But Heaven's will be done! I deserve
+my doom.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;What! is your stubborn nature at length subdued?&rdquo; cried the lieutenant
+in surprise. &ldquo;Do you repent of your offence?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Deeply and heartily,&rdquo; returned Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Make the sole amends in your power for it, then, and disclose the names
+of all who have been connected with the atrocious design,&rdquo; rejoined
+Waad.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I confess myself guilty,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, humbly. &ldquo;But I accuse no
+others.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then you die impenitent,&rdquo; rejoined the lieutenant, &ldquo;and cannot hope for
+mercy hereafter.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes made no answer, but bowed his head upon his breast, and the
+lieutenant, darting a malignant look at him, quitted the cell.</p>
+
+<p>On the following day, the whole of the conspirators were taken to St.
+John's chapel, in the White Tower, where a dis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span>course was pronounced to
+them by Doctor Overall, Dean of St. Paul's, who enlarged upon the
+enormity of their offence, and exhorted them to repentance. The
+discourse over, they were about to be removed, when two ladies, clad in
+mourning habits, entered the chapel. These were Lady Digby and Mrs.
+Rookwood, and they immediately flew to their husbands. The rest of the
+conspirators walked away, and averted their gaze from the painful scene.
+After an ineffectual attempt to speak, Lady Digby swooned away, and was
+committed by her husband, while in a state of insensibility, to the care
+of an attendant. Mrs. Rookwood, however, who was a woman of high spirit,
+and great personal attractions, though the latter were now wasted by
+affliction, maintained her composure, and encouraging her husband to
+bear up manfully against his situation, tenderly embraced him, and
+withdrew. The conspirators were then taken back to their cells.</p>
+
+<p>At an early hour on the following morning the four miserable persons
+intended for death, namely, Sir Everard Digby, the elder Winter, John
+Grant, and Bates, were conducted to the Beauchamp Tower. Bates would
+have stood aloof from his superiors; but Sir Everard Digby took him
+kindly by the hand, and drew him towards them.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No distinctions must be observed now,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We ought to beg pardon
+of thee, my poor fellow, for bringing thee into this strait.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Think not of me, worshipful sir,&rdquo; replied Bates. &ldquo;I loved Mr. Catesby
+so well, that I would have laid down my life for him at any time; and I
+now die cheerfully in his cause.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Lieutenant,&rdquo; said Robert Winter to Sir William Waad, who stood near
+them with Forsett and Ipgreve, &ldquo;I pray you commend me to my brother.
+Tell him I die in entire love of him, and if it is possible for the
+departed to watch over the living, I will be with him at his last hour.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, a trampling of horses was heard on the green, and the
+lieutenant proceeding to the grated window, saw four mounted troopers,
+each having a sledge and hurdle attached by ropes to his steed, drawn up
+before the door. While he was gazing at them, an officer entered the
+room, and informed him that all was in readiness. Sir William Waad then
+motioned the prisoners to follow him, and they descended the spiral
+staircase.</p>
+
+<p>The green was thronged with horse and foot soldiers, and as the
+conspirators issued from the arched door of the fortification, the bell
+of Saint Peter's chapel began to toll. Sir Everard Digby was first bound
+to a hurdle, with his face towards the horse, and the others were
+quickly secured in the same manner. The melancholy cavalcade was then
+put in motion. A troop of horse-soldiers in their full accoutrements,
+and with calivers upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span> their shoulders, rode first; then came a band of
+halberdiers on foot; then the masked executioner mounted on a led horse,
+then the four prisoners on the hurdles, one after the other; then the
+lieutenant on horseback; while another band of horse-soldiers, equipped
+like the first, brought up the rear. They were met by the Recorder of
+London, Sir Henry Montague, and the sheriffs, at the gate of the Middle
+Tower, to the latter of whom the lieutenant, according to custom,
+delivered up the bodies of the prisoners. After a short delay, the train
+again set forward, and emerging from the Bulwark Gate, proceeded through
+an enormous concourse of spectators towards Tower-street.</p>
+
+<p>Aware that a vast crowd would be assembled in the city, and apprehensive
+of some popular tumult, the Lord Mayor had issued precepts to the
+aldermen of every ward, commanding them &ldquo;to cause one able and
+sufficient person, with a halbert in his hand, to stand at the door of
+every dwelling-house in the open street in the way that the traitors
+were to be drawn towards the place of execution, there to remain from
+seven in the morning until the return of the sheriffs.&rdquo; But these were
+not the whole of the arrangements made to preserve order. The cavalcade,
+it was fixed, was to proceed along Tower-street, Gracechurch street,
+Lombard-street, Cheapside, and so on to the west end of Saint Paul's
+cathedral, where the scaffold was erected. Along the whole road, on
+either side, a line of halberdiers was drawn up, while barriers were
+erected against the cross streets. Nor were these precautions needless.
+Such a vast concourse was collected, that nothing but the presence of a
+strong armed force could have prevented confusion and disorder. The
+roofs of all the houses, the towers of the churches, the steps of the
+crosses were covered with spectators, who groaned and hooted as the
+conspirators passed by.</p>
+
+<p>The scaffold, as has just been stated, was erected in front of the great
+western entrance of the cathedral. The mighty valves of the sacred
+structure were thrown open, and disclosed its columned aisles crowded
+with spectators, as was its roof and central tower. The great bell,
+which had begun to toll when the melancholy procession came in sight,
+continued to pour forth its lugubrious sounds during the whole of the
+ceremonial. The rolling of muffled drums was likewise heard above the
+tumultuous murmurs of the impatient multitude. The whole area from the
+cathedral to Ludgate-hill was filled with spectators, but an open space
+was kept clear in front of the scaffold, in which the prisoners were one
+by one unbound from the hurdles.</p>
+
+<p>During this awful pause, they had sufficient time to note the whole of
+the dreadful preparations. At a little distance from them was a large
+fire, on which boiled a caldron of pitch, destined to receive their
+dismembered limbs. A tall gallows, approached by a double ladder, sprung
+from the scaffold, on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span> which the hangman was already mounted with the
+rope in his hand. At the foot of the ladder was the quartering-block,
+near which stood the masked executioner with a chopper in his hand, and
+two large sharp knives in his girdle. His arms were bared to the
+shoulder; and a leathern apron, soiled by gory stains, and tied round
+his waist, completed his butcherly appearance. Straw was scattered upon
+the scaffold near the block.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Everard Digby was the first to receive the fatal summons. He mounted
+with a firm footstep, and his youth, his noble aspect, and undaunted
+demeanour, awakened, as before, the sympathy of the beholders. Looking
+round, he thus addressed the assemblage:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Good people, I am here about to die, ye well know for what cause.
+Throughout the matter, I have acted according to the dictates of my
+conscience. They have led me to undertake this enterprise, which, in
+respect of my religion, I hold to be no offence, but in respect of the
+law a heinous offence, and I therefore ask forgiveness of God, of the
+King, and of the whole realm.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Crossing himself devoutly, he then knelt down, and recited his prayers
+in Latin, after which he arose, and again looking round, said in an
+earnest voice,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I desire the prayers of all good Catholics, and of none other.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Then none will pray for you,&rdquo; replied several voices from the crowd.</p>
+
+<p>Heedless of the retort, Sir Everard surrendered himself to the
+executioner's assistant, who divested him of his cloak and doublet, and
+unfastened his collar. In this state, he mounted the ladder, and the
+hangman fulfilled his office.</p>
+
+<p>Robert Winter was next summoned, and ascended the scaffold with great
+firmness. Everything proclaimed the terrible tragedy that had just been
+enacted. The straw was sprinkled with blood, so was the block, so were
+the long knives of the executioner, whose hands and arms were dyed with
+the same crimson stain; while in one corner of the scaffold stood a
+basket, containing the dismembered limbs of the late unfortunate
+sufferer. But these dreadful sights produced no effect on Robert Winter.
+Declining to address the assemblage, he at once surrendered himself to
+the assistant, and shared the fate of his friend.</p>
+
+<p>Grant was the next to follow. Undismayed as his predecessor, he looked
+round with a cheerful countenance, and said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am about to suffer the death of a traitor, and am content to die so.
+But I am satisfied that our project was so far from being sinful, that I
+rely entirely on my merits in bearing a part in it, as an abundant
+satisfaction and expiation for all the sins I have at other times of my
+life committed.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>This speech was received by a terrific yell from the multitude.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span> Wholly
+unmoved, however, Grant uttered a few prayers, and then crossing
+himself, mounted the ladder and was quickly despatched. The bloody
+business was completed by the slaughter of Bates, who died as resolutely
+as the others.</p>
+
+<p>These executions, being conducted with the utmost deliberation, occupied
+nearly an hour. The crowd then separated to talk over the sight they had
+witnessed, and to keep holiday during the remainder of the day;
+rejoicing that an equally-exciting spectacle was in store for them on
+the morrow.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_XVI" id="III_CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h2>OLD PALACE YARD.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes's tranquillity of mind did not desert him to the last. On the
+contrary, as his term of life drew near its close, he became more
+cheerful and resigned; his sole anxiety being that all should be
+speedily terminated. When Ipgreve took leave of him for the night, he
+threw himself on his couch and soon fell into a gentle slumber. His
+dreams were soothing, and he fancied that Viviana appeared to him clad
+in robes of snowy whiteness, and regarding him with a smiling
+countenance, promised that the gates of eternal happiness would be
+opened to him on the morrow.</p>
+
+<p>Awaking about four o'clock, he passed the interval between that time and
+his summons by the jailer in earnest prayer. At six o'clock, Ipgreve
+made his appearance. He was accompanied by his daughter, who had
+prevailed on him to allow her to take leave of the prisoner. She
+acquainted Fawkes with all particulars of the interment of Viviana, to
+which he listened with tearful interest.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Would my remains might be laid beside her!&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;But fate forbids
+it!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Truly, does it,&rdquo; observed Ipgreve, gruffly; &ldquo;unless you would have her
+body removed to the spikes of Whitehall gates.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Disregarding this brutal speech, which called a blush of shame to the
+cheeks of Ruth, Fawkes affectionately pressed her hand, and said,</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do not forget me in your prayers, and sometimes visit the grave of
+Viviana.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Doubt it not,&rdquo; she replied, in accents half suffocated by grief.</p>
+
+<p>Fawkes then bade her farewell, and followed the jailer through various
+intricate passages, which brought them to a door opening upon one of the
+lower chambers of the Beauchamp Tower.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span> Unlocking it, Ipgreve led the
+way up the circular staircase, and ushered his companion into the large
+chamber where Rookwood, Keyes, and Thomas Winter were already assembled.</p>
+
+<p>The morning was clear, but frosty, and bitterly cold; and when the
+lieutenant appeared, Rookwood besought him to allow them a fire as their
+last earthly indulgence. The request was peremptorily refused. A cup of
+hot spiced wine was, however, offered them, and accepted by all except
+Fawkes.</p>
+
+<p>At the same hour as on the previous day, the hurdles were brought to the
+entrance of the fortification, and the prisoners bound to them. The
+recorder and sheriffs met them at the Middle Tower, as they had done the
+other conspirators, and the cavalcade set forth. The crowd was even
+greater than on the former occasion; and it required the utmost exertion
+on the part of the guard to maintain order. Some little delay occurred
+at Ludgate; and during this brief halt, Rookwood heard a cry, and
+looking up, perceived his wife at the upper window of one of the
+habitations, waving her handkerchief to him, and cheering him by her
+gestures. He endeavoured to answer her by signs; but his hands were fast
+bound, and the next moment, the cavalcade moved on.</p>
+
+<p>At Temple Bar another halt occurred; and as the train moved slowly
+forward, an immense crowd, like a swollen stream, swept after it. The
+two gates at Whitehall, then barring the road to Westminster, were
+opened as the train approached, and a certain portion of the concourse
+allowed to pass through. The scaffold, which had been removed from Saint
+Paul's, was erected in the middle of Old Palace Yard, in front of the
+House of Lords. Around it were circled a band of halberdiers, outside
+whom stood a dense throng. The buttresses and pinnacles of the Abbey
+were covered with spectators; so was the roof of the Parliament House,
+and the gallery over the entrance.</p>
+
+<p>The bell of the Abbey began to toll as the train passed through the
+gates of Whitehall, and its deep booming filled the air. Just as the
+conspirators were released from the hurdles, Topcliffe, who had
+evidently from his disordered attire arrived from a long journey, rode
+up, and dismounted.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am just in time,&rdquo; he cried, with an exulting glance at the
+conspirators; &ldquo;this is not the last execution I shall witness. Fathers
+Garnet and Oldcorne are prisoners, and on their way to London. I was a
+long time in unearthing the priestly foxes, but I succeeded at last.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment an officer approached, and summoned Thomas Winter to
+mount the scaffold. He obeyed, and exhibited no symptom of quailing,
+except that his complexion suddenly turned to a livid colour. Being told
+of this by the lieutenant, he tried to account for it by saying that he
+thought he saw his brother precede him up the steps. He made a brief
+address,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span> protesting he died a true Catholic, and in that faith,
+notwithstanding his offences, hoped to be saved.</p>
+
+<p>Rookwood followed him, and indulged in a somewhat longer oration. &ldquo;I
+confess my offence to God,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;in seeking to shed blood, and
+implore his mercy. I likewise confess my offence to the King, of whose
+majesty I humbly ask forgiveness; and I further confess my offence to
+the whole state, of whom in general I entreat pardon. May the Almighty
+bless the King, the Queen, and all their royal progeny, and grant them a
+long and happy reign! May He turn their hearts to the Catholic faith, so
+that heresy may be wholly extirpated from the kingdom!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The first part of this speech was well received by the assemblage, but
+the latter was drowned in groans and hootings, amid which Rookwood was
+launched into eternity.</p>
+
+<p>Keyes came next, and eyeing the assemblage disdainfully, went up the
+ladder, and threw himself off with such force that he broke the rope,
+and was instantly despatched by the <ins class="correction" title="original: exetioner">executioner</ins> and his assistants.</p>
+
+<p>Guy Fawkes now alone remained, and he slowly mounted the scaffold. His
+foot slipped on the blood-stained boards, and he would have fallen, if
+Topcliffe, who stood near him, had not caught his hand. A deep silence
+prevailed as he looked around, and uttered the following words in a
+clear and distinct voice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I ask forgiveness of the King and the state for my criminal intention,
+and trust that my death will wash out my offence.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>He then crossed himself and knelt down to pray, after which his cloak
+and doublet were removed by the executioner's assistant and placed with
+those of the other conspirators. He made an effort to mount the ladder,
+but his stiffened limbs refused their office.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Your courage fails you,&rdquo; sneered Topcliffe, laying his hand upon his
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;My strength does,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, sternly regarding him. &ldquo;Help me up
+the ladder, and you shall see whether I am afraid to die.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Seeing how matters stood, the executioner who stood by, leaning upon his
+chopper, tendered him his blood-stained hand. But Fawkes rejected it
+with disgust, and exerting all his strength, forced himself up the
+ladder.</p>
+
+<p>As the hangman adjusted the rope, he observed a singular smile illumine
+the features of his victim.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You seem happy,&rdquo; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I <i>am</i> so,&rdquo; replied Fawkes, earnestly,&mdash;"I see the form of her I loved
+beckoning me to unfading happiness.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he stretched out his arms and sprang from the ladder. Before
+his frame was exposed to the executioner's knife, life was totally
+extinct.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="totoc"><a href="#CONTENTS">ToC</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III_CHAPTER_XVII" id="III_CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h2>THE LAST EXECUTION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Little more remains to be told, and that little is of an equally painful
+nature with the tragical events just related.</p>
+
+<p>Fathers Garnet and Oldcorne, together with Mr. Abingdon and their
+servants, arrived in London on the 12th of February, about a fortnight
+after the execution of the other conspirators. They were first taken to
+the Gate-house at Westminster, and were examined on the following day by
+the Earl of Salisbury and the Privy-Council at the Star-Chamber. Nothing
+could be elicited from them, and Garnet answered the Earl's
+interrogatories with infinite subtlety and address. The examination
+over, they were ordered to be removed to the Tower.</p>
+
+<p>Topcliffe accompanied them to the stairs. As they proceeded thither, he
+called Garnet's attention to a ghastly object stuck on a spike over the
+palace gates.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Do you recognise those features?&rdquo; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied Garnet, shudderingly averting his gaze.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I am surprised to hear it,&rdquo; rejoined Topcliffe, &ldquo;for they were once
+well known to you. It is the head of Guy Fawkes. Of all the
+conspirators,&rdquo; he added, with a bitter laugh, &ldquo;he was the only one who
+died truly penitent. It is reported that this happy change was wrought
+in him by Viviana Radcliffe.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Heaven have mercy upon his soul!&rdquo; muttered Garnet.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I will tell you a strange tale about Catesby,&rdquo; pursued Topcliffe. &ldquo;He
+was buried in the garden at Holbeach with Percy, but an order was sent
+down by the Earl of Salisbury to have their bodies disinterred and
+quartered. When Catesby's head was severed from the trunk, to be set on
+the gates of Warwick, fresh blood spouted forth, as if life were in the
+veins.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You do not expect me to believe this idle story?&rdquo; said Garnet,
+incredulously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Believe it or not, as you please,&rdquo; returned Topcliffe, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>On arriving at the fortress, Garnet was lodged in the large chamber of
+the Beauchamp Tower, and allowed the attendance of his servant, Nicholas
+Owen, while Oldcorne was equally well accommodated in the Constable
+Tower. This leniency was the result of the policy of the Earl of
+Salisbury, who hoped to obtain disclosures from the two Jesuit priests
+which would enable him to strike the decisive blow he meditated against
+the Papists. But he was unsuccessful. They refused to make any
+confessions which would criminate themselves, or implicate others; and
+as none of the conspirators, not even Tresham, had admitted their
+connexion with the plot, it was difficult to find proof against them.
+Garnet underwent daily examinations from the Earl<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span> of Salisbury and the
+commissioners, but he baffled all their inquiries.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;If we cannot wring the truth from you by fair means, Mr. Garnet,&rdquo; said
+Salisbury, &ldquo;we must have recourse to torture.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;<i>Minare ista pueris</i>,&rdquo; replied Garnet, contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Leave these two priests to me, my lord,&rdquo; observed Sir William Waad, who
+was present at the examination, which took place at the council-chamber
+in his lodgings,&mdash;"leave them to me,&rdquo; he said in a low voice to the
+Earl, &ldquo;and I will engage to procure a full confession from their own
+lips, without resorting to torture.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;You will render the state an important service by doing so,&rdquo; replied
+Salisbury, in the same tone. &ldquo;I place the matter entirely in your
+hands.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant set to work without loss of time. By his directions,
+Garnet and Oldcorne were removed from their present places of
+confinement to two subterranean cells immediately adjoining each other,
+but between which a secret recess, contrived in the thickness of the
+wall, and built for the purpose it was subsequently put to, existed. Two
+days after they had been so immured, Ipgreve, who had received his
+instructions, loitered for a moment in Oldcorne's cell, and with
+affected hesitation informed him that for a trifling reward he would
+enable him to hold unreserved communication with his fellow-prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>Oldcorne eagerly caught at the bait, but required to be satisfied that
+the jailer could make good his words. Ipgreve immediately proceeded to
+the side of the cell, and holding a lamp to the wall, showed him a small
+iron knob.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Touch this spring,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and a stone will fall from its place, and
+enable you to converse with Father Garnet, who is in the next cell. But
+you must take care to replace the stone when any one approaches.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Promising to observe the utmost caution, and totally unsuspicious of the
+deceit practised upon him, Oldcorne gave Ipgreve the reward, and as soon
+as he was gone, touched the spring, and found it act precisely as the
+jailer had stated.</p>
+
+<p>Garnet was greatly surprised to hear the other's voice, and on learning
+how the communication was managed was at first suspicious of some
+stratagem, but by degrees his fears wore off, and he became unreserved
+in his discourse with his companion, discussing the fate of the
+conspirators, their own share in the plot, the probability of their
+acquittal, and the best means of baffling their examiners. All these
+interlocutions were overheard and taken down by the lieutenant and two
+other witnesses, Forsett and Lockerson, private secretary to the Earl of
+Salisbury, who were concealed in the recess. Having obtained all the
+information he desired, Sir William Waad laid his notes before the
+Council, and their own confessions being read to the priests,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span> they were
+both greatly confused, though neither would admit their authenticity.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, their two servants, Owen and Chambers, had been repeatedly
+examined, and refusing to confess, were at last suspended from a beam by
+the thumbs. But this producing no result, they were told that on the
+following day they would be placed on the rack. Chambers then offered to
+make a full confession, but Owen, continuing obstinate, was conveyed
+back to his cell. Ipgreve brought him his food as usual in the evening,
+and on this occasion, it consisted of broth, and a small allowance of
+meat. It was the custom of the jailer to bring with him a small
+blunt-pointed knife, with which he allowed the prisoner to cut his
+victuals. Having got possession of the knife, Owen tasted the broth, and
+complaining that it was quite cold, he implored the jailer to get it
+warmed for him, as he felt extremely unwell. Somewhat moved by his
+entreaties, and more by his appearance, Ipgreve complied. On his return,
+he found the unfortunate man lying in one corner of the cell, partially
+covered by a heap of straw which ordinarily formed his bed.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Here is your broth,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Take it while it is hot. I shall give
+myself no further trouble about you.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;It will not be needed,&rdquo; gasped Owen.</p>
+
+<p>Alarmed by the sound of his voice, Ipgreve held the light towards him,
+and perceived that his face was pale as death. At the same time, he
+remarked that the floor was covered with blood. Instantly divining the
+truth, the jailer rushed towards the wretched man, and dragging away the
+blood-stained straw, found he had inflicted a frightful wound upon
+himself with the knife which he still held in his grasp.</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Fool that I was, to trust you with the weapon!&rdquo; cried Ipgreve. &ldquo;But who
+would have thought it could inflict a mortal wound?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;Any weapon will serve him who is resolved to die,&rdquo; rejoined Owen. &ldquo;You
+cannot put me on the rack now.&rdquo; And with a ghastly expression of
+triumph, he expired.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this, Oldcorne and Abingdon were sent down to Worcester,
+where the former was tried and executed. Stephen Littleton suffered
+death at the same time.</p>
+
+<p>On Friday, the 23rd of March, full proofs being obtained against him,
+Garnet was arraigned of high treason at Guildhall. The trial, which
+excited extraordinary interest, was attended by the King, by the most
+distinguished personages, male and female, of his court, and by all the
+foreign ambassadors. Garnet conducted himself throughout his
+arraignment, which lasted for thirteen hours, with the same courage and
+address which he had displayed on his examinations before the
+commissioners. But his subtlety availed him little. He was found guilty
+and condemned.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The execution of the sentence was for some time deferred, it being hoped
+that a complete admission of his guilt would be obtained from him,
+together with disclosures relative to the designs of the Jesuit party.
+With this view, the examinations were still continued, but the rigour
+with which he had been latterly treated was relaxed. A few days before
+his execution, he was visited by several eminent Protestant
+Divines,&mdash;Doctor Montague, Dean of the Chapel Royal; Doctor Neile, Dean
+of Westminster; and Doctor Overall, Dean of Saint Paul's; with whom he
+had a long disputation on points of faith and other spiritual matters.</p>
+
+<p>At the close of this discussion, Doctor Overall remarked, &ldquo;I suppose you
+expect, Mr. Garnet, that after your death, the Church of Rome will
+declare you a martyr?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I a martyr!&rdquo; exclaimed Garnet, sorrowfully. &ldquo;O what a martyr I should
+be! If, indeed, I were really about to suffer death for the Catholic
+religion, and had never known of this project, except by means of
+sacramental confession, I might perhaps be accounted worthy the honour
+of martyrdom, and might deservedly be glorified in the opinion of our
+church. As it is, I acknowledge myself to have sinned in this respect,
+and deny not the justice of the sentence passed upon me.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Satisfied, at length, that no further disclosures could be obtained from
+him, the King signed the warrant for his execution on the 2nd of May.</p>
+
+<p>The scaffold was erected at the west end of Saint Paul's Cathedral, on
+the spot where Digby and the other conspirators had suffered. A vast
+assemblage was collected as on the former occasion, and similar
+precautions were taken to prevent tumult and disturbance. The
+unfortunate man's torture was cruelly and unnecessarily prolonged by a
+series of questions proposed to him on the scaffold by Doctor Overall
+and the Dean of Westminster, all of which he answered very collectedly
+and clearly. He maintained his fortitude to the last. When fully
+prepared, he mounted the ladder, and thus addressed the assemblage:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;I commend myself to all good Catholics. I grieve that I have offended
+the King by not revealing the design entertained against him, and that I
+did not use more diligence in preventing the execution of the plot. I
+commend myself most humbly to the lords of his Majesty's council, and
+entreat them not to judge too hardly by me. I beseech all men that
+Catholics may not fare the worse for my sake, and I exhort all Catholics
+to take care not to mix themselves with seditious or traitorous designs
+against the King's Majesty, whom God preserve!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>Making the sign of the cross upon his forehead and breast, he continued:</p>
+
+<p>&ldquo;<i>In nomine Patris, Filii, et Spiritûs Sancti! Jesus Maria! Maria, mater
+gratiæ! mater misericordiæ! Tu me ab hoste<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span> protege, et horâ mortis
+suscipe! In manus tuas, Domine, <ins class="correction" title="commendo &nbsp;piritum meum">commendo spiritum meum</ins>, quia tu
+redimisti me, Domine, Deus veritatis.</i>" Again crossing himself, he
+added,&mdash;&rdquo;<i>Per crucis hoc signum fugiat procul omne malignum! Infige
+crucem tuam, Domine, in corde meo!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>And with this last pathetic ejaculation he threw himself from the
+ladder.</p>
+
+<p>Garnet obtained, after death, the distinction he had disclaimed while
+living. He was enrolled, together with Oldcorne, among the list of
+Catholic martyrs. Several miracles are affirmed by the Jesuits to have
+been performed in his behalf. Father More relates that on the lawn at
+Hendlip, where he and Oldcorne last set foot, &ldquo;a new and hitherto
+unknown species of grass sprang up into the exact shape of an imperial
+crown, and remained for a long time without being trodden down by the
+feet of passengers, or eaten up by the cattle.&rdquo; It was further asserted
+that a spring of oil burst forth at the west end of Saint Paul's
+Cathedral on the precise spot where he suffered. But the most singular
+prodigy is that recounted by Endæmon Joannes, who affirms that in a
+straw which had been sprinkled with Garnet's blood, a human countenance,
+strangely resembling that of the martyr, was discovered. This legend of
+the Miraculous Straw, having received many embellishments and
+improvements as it travelled abroad, obtained universal credence, and
+was conceived to fully establish Garnet's innocence.</p>
+
+<p>Anne Vaux, the Jesuit's devoted friend, retired with her sister, Mrs.
+Brooksby, to a nunnery in Flanders, where she ended her days.</p>
+
+<p>So terminated the memorable and never-to-be-forgotten Gunpowder Treason,
+for deliverance from which our church still offers thanksgivings, and in
+remembrance of which, on the anniversary of its discovery, fagots are
+collected and bonfires lighted to consume the effigy of the
+arch-conspirator, <span class="smcap">Guy Fawkes</span>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span></p>
+
+<p style="text-align: center">THE END.</p>
+
+
+<div style="background-color: #EEE; padding: 0.5em 1em 0.5em 1em;">
+    <p class="titlepage"><a name="trans_note" id=
+    "trans_note"></a><b>Transcriber&rsquo;s&nbsp;Note</b></p>
+
+    <p class="noindent">The following corrections were made to text which did not seem to
+reflect the spelling of the period, but were rather printer's errors, hyphenation errors or
+characters that either did not 'ink' properly, or did not survive,
+usually on either margin.</p>
+
+
+<div>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><th align="left" style="width: 16%;"> Page</th><th style="width: 42%;">As printed</th><th style="width:42%;">As corrected</th></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_37">p. 37</a></td><td align="left">command him to surrender</td><td align="left">commanded him to surrender</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_65">p. 65</a></td><td align="left">therefere</td><td align="left">therefore</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_63">p. 72</a></td><td align="left">Saint Winfred's Well</td><td align="left">Saint Winifred's Well</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_86">p. 86</a></td><td align="left">singlar</td><td align="left">singular</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_138">p. 138</a></td><td align="left">delirous</td><td align="left">delirious</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_198">p. 198</a></td><td align="left">Sir William's Waad's</td><td align="left">Sir William Waad's</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_244">p. 244</a></td><td align="left">petrone</td><td align="left">petronel</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_277">p. 277</a></td><td align="left">yon are yourself</td><td align="left">you are yourself</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_321">p. 321</a></td><td align="left">Ann Vaux</td><td align="left">Anne Vaux</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_354">p. 354</a></td><td align="left">exetioner</td><td align="left">executioner</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_359">p. 359</a></td><td align="left">commendo  piritum meum</td><td align="left">commendo spiritum meum</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<p class="noindent">The following is a list of punctuation errors, especially
+unbalanced quotation marks, which have been corrected.<br />
+</p>
+
+<div>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><th style="width:20%;" align="left">Page</th><th style="width:80%;" align="center">Correction</th></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_13">p. 13</a></td><td align="left">["]Yours was a...</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_49">p. 49</a></td><td align="left">... if he knew who they were[.]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_63">p. 63</a></td><td align="left">... than treble our number.["]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_106">p. 106</a></td><td align="left">... passage under the house[.]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_118">p. 118</a></td><td align="left">... secrecy with your life[.]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_147">p. 147</a></td><td align="left">... pointing towards Hampstead[.]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_186">p. 186</a></td><td align="left">... replied Viviana, firmly[;]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_189">p. 189</a></td><td align="left">... reverentially upwards[.]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_191">p. 191</a></td><td align="left">... ["]I _do_ remember...</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_196">p. 196</a></td><td align="left">... "I admit nothing,["]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_203">p. 203</a></td><td align="left">... muttered the old woman[.]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_208">p. 208</a></td><td align="left">... replied the jailer's daughter[.]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_213">p. 213</a></td><td align="left">... eluding the obligation[.]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_218">p. 218</a></td><td align="left">... procure Viviana's liberation.["]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_222">p. 222</a></td><td align="left">... rejoined Guy Fawkes[,]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_234">p. 234</a></td><td align="left">... shunning the regards of Catesby[,]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_318">p. 318</a></td><td align="left">...ever require from you[.]"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_321">p. 321</a></td><td align="left">...the residence of Sir Henry Bromley[.]</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_322">p. 322</a></td><td align="left">... But I was wofully deceived[.]"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_327">p. 327</a></td><td align="left">["]for Sir Henry had...</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_345">p. 345</a></td><td align="left">said Viviana[;] "and I...</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_346">p. 346</a></td><td align="left">replied Ruth[.] "Nor shall you...</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td align="left">... comply with her request.["]&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#Page_347">p. 347</a></td><td align="left">... raising herself in the bed[.]</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<p>The following words are spelled both with and without hyphens, and have been left as printed:</p>
+
+<div>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td>pick-axe(s)</td><td>pickaxe(s)</td></tr>
+<tr><td>out-building</td><td>outbuilding</td></tr>
+<tr><td>By-ward</td><td>Byward</td></tr>
+<tr><td>by-standers</td><td>bystanders</td></tr>
+<tr><td>loop-hole</td><td>loophole</td></tr>
+<tr><td>re-appeared</td><td>reappeared</td></tr>
+<tr><td>up-stairs</td><td>upstairs</td></tr>
+<tr><td>fainted-hearted</td><td>fainthearted</td></tr>
+<tr><td>foot-path</td><td>footpath</td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Guy Fawkes, by William Harrison Ainsworth
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Guy Fawkes, by William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Guy Fawkes
+       or The Gunpowder Treason
+
+Author: William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+Illustrator: George Cruikshank
+
+Release Date: October 13, 2011 [EBook #37750]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GUY FAWKES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Robert Cicconetti, KD Weeks and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: Some obvious typographical errors have been
+corrected, and several inconsistent spellings regularized. Please see
+the Transcriber's end notes for details.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Execution of Guy Fawkes]
+
+
+
+
+                         GUY FAWKES
+
+                             OR
+
+                   THE GUNPOWDER TREASON
+
+                  _AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE_
+
+                             BY
+                WILLIAM HARRISON AINSWORTH
+
+
+      With Illustrations on Steel by George Cruikshank
+
+
+                           LONDON
+              GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS, Limited
+
+                 BROADWAY HOUSE, LUDGATE HILL
+
+
+
+
+                LONDON AND COUNTY PRINTING WORKS,
+                  BAZAAR BUILDINGS, LONDON, W.C.
+
+
+
+
+                              TO
+
+                           MRS. HUGHES,
+
+                      KINGSTON LISLE, BERKS.
+
+
+MY DEAR MRS. HUGHES,
+
+You are aware that this Romance was brought to a close during my last
+brief visit at Kingston Lisle, when the time necessary to be devoted to
+it deprived me of the full enjoyment of your society, and, limiting my
+range--no very irksome restriction,--to your own charming garden and
+grounds, prevented me from accompanying you in your walks to your
+favourite and beautiful downs. This circumstance, which will suffice to
+give it some interest in your eyes by associating it with your
+residence, furnishes me with a plea, of which I gladly avail myself, of
+inscribing it with your name, and of recording, at the same time, the
+high sense I entertain of your goodness and worth, the value I set upon
+your friendship,--a friendship shared in common with some of the most
+illustrious writers of our time,--and the gratitude I shall never cease
+to feel for attentions and kindnesses, little less than maternal, which
+I have experienced at your hands.
+
+In the hope that you may long continue to diffuse happiness round your
+own circle, and contribute to the instruction and delight of the many
+attached friends with whom you maintain so active and so interesting a
+correspondence; and that you may live to see your grandsons fulfil their
+present promise, and tread in the footsteps of their high-minded and
+excellent-hearted father,--and of _his_ father! I remain
+
+                    Your affectionate and obliged friend,
+
+                           W. HARRISON AINSWORTH.
+
+
+
+      KENSAL MANOR HOUSE, HARROW ROAD,
+              _July 26, 1841_.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The tyrannical measures adopted against the Roman Catholics in the early
+part of the reign of James the First, when the severe penal enactments
+against recusants were revived, and with additional rigour, and which
+led to the remarkable conspiracy about to be related, have been so
+forcibly and faithfully described by Doctor Lingard,[1] that the
+following extract from his history will form a fitting introduction to
+the present work.
+
+"The oppressive and sanguinary code framed in the reign of Elizabeth,
+was re-enacted to its full extent, and even improved with additional
+severities. Every individual who had studied or resided, or should
+afterwards study or reside in any college or seminary beyond the sea,
+was rendered incapable of inheriting, or purchasing, or enjoying lands,
+annuities, chattels, debts, or sums of money, within the realm; and as
+missionaries sometimes eluded detection under the disguise of tutors, it
+was provided that no man should teach even the rudiments of grammar in
+public or in private, without the previous approbation of the diocesan.
+
+"The execution of the penal laws enabled the king, by an ingenious
+comment, to derive considerable profit from his past forbearance. It was
+pretended that he had never forgiven the penalties of recusancy; he had
+merely forbidden them to be exacted for a time, in the hope that this
+indulgence would lead to conformity; but his expectations had been
+deceived; the obstinacy of the Catholics had grown with the lenity of
+the sovereign; and, as they were unworthy of further favour, they should
+now be left to the severity of the law. To their dismay, the legal fine
+of twenty pounds per lunar month was again demanded, and not only for
+the time to come, but for the whole period of the suspension; a demand
+which, by crowding thirteen payments into one, reduced many families of
+moderate incomes to a state of absolute beggary. Nor was this all. James
+was surrounded by numbers of his indigent countrymen. Their habits were
+expensive, their wants many, and their importunities incessant. To
+satisfy the more clamorous, a new expedient was devised. The king
+transferred to them his claims on some of the more opulent recusants,
+against whom they were at liberty to proceed by law, in his name, unless
+the sufferers should submit to compound, by the grant of an annuity for
+life, or the immediate payment of a considerable sum. This was at a time
+when the jealousies between the two nations had reached a height, of
+which, at the present day, we have but little conception. Had the money
+been carried to the royal coffers, the recusants would have had
+sufficient reason to complain; but that Englishmen should be placed by
+their king at the mercy of foreigners, that they should be stripped of
+their property to support the extravagance of his Scottish minions, this
+added indignity to injustice, exacerbated their already wounded
+feelings, and goaded the most moderate almost to desperation." From this
+deplorable state of things, which is by no means over-coloured in the
+above description, sprang the Gunpowder Plot.
+
+The county of Lancaster has always abounded in Catholic families, and at
+no period were the proceedings of the ecclesiastical commissioners more
+rigorous against them than at that under consideration. Manchester, "the
+Goshen of this Egypt," as it is termed by the fiery zealot, Warden
+Heyrick, being the place where all the recusants were imprisoned, the
+scene of the early part of this history has been laid in that town and
+its immediate neighbourhood. For the introduction of the munificent
+founder of the Blue Coat Hospital into a tale of this description I
+ought, perhaps, to apologize; but if I should succeed by it in arousing
+my fellow-townsmen to a more lively appreciation of the great benefits
+they have derived from him, I shall not regret what I have written.
+
+In Viviana Radcliffe I have sought to portray the loyal and devout
+Catholic, such as I conceive the character to have existed at the
+period. In Catesby, the unscrupulous and ambitious plotter, masking his
+designs under the cloak of religion. In Garnet, the subtle, and yet
+sincere Jesuit. And in Fawkes the gloomy and superstitious enthusiast.
+One doctrine I have endeavoured to enforce throughout,--TOLERATION.
+
+From those who have wilfully misinterpreted one of my former
+productions, and have attributed to it a purpose and an aim utterly
+foreign to my own intentions, I can scarcely expect fairer treatment for
+the present work. But to that wider and more discriminating class of
+readers from whom I have experienced so much favour and support, I
+confidently commit this volume, certain of meeting with leniency and
+impartiality.
+
+[1] Vide _History of England_, vol. ix. New Edition.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+                                                                 PAGE
+
+ DEDICATION                                                        iii
+
+ PREFACE                                                             v
+
+
+                      Book the First.
+
+                         THE PLOT.
+
+ CHAPTER
+
+   I.   AN EXECUTION IN MANCHESTER, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE
+         SEVENTEENTH CENTURY                                         1
+
+  II.   ORDSALL CAVE                                                10
+
+ III.   ORDSALL HALL                                                12
+
+  IV.   THE SEARCH                                                  26
+
+   V.   CHAT MOSS                                                   31
+
+  VI.   THE DISINTERMENT                                            49
+
+  VII.  DOCTOR DEE                                                  50
+
+ VIII.  THE MAGIC GLASS                                             56
+
+   IX.  THE PRISON ON SALFORD BRIDGE                                62
+
+    X.  THE FATE OF THE PURSUIVANT                                  66
+
+   XI.  THE PILGRIMAGE TO SAINT WINIFRED'S WELL                     71
+
+  XII.  THE VISION                                                  83
+
+ XIII.  THE CONSPIRATORS                                            87
+
+  XIV.  THE PACKET                                                  98
+
+   XV.  THE ELIXIR                                                 105
+
+  XVI.  THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH AT MANCHESTER                        115
+
+ XVII.  THE RENCOUNTER                                             129
+
+ XVIII. THE EXPLANATION                                            131
+
+   XIX. THE DISCOVERY                                              133
+
+    XX. THE DEPARTURE FROM THE HALL                                139
+
+
+                        Book the Second.
+
+                         THE DISCOVERY.
+
+     I. THE LANDING OF THE POWDER                                  147
+
+    II. THE TRAITOR                                                156
+
+   III. THE ESCAPE PREVENTED                                       163
+
+    IV. THE MINE                                                   169
+
+     V. THE CAPTURE OF VIVIANA                                     179
+
+    VI. THE CELLAR                                                 187
+
+   VII. THE STAR-CHAMBER                                           195
+
+  VIII. THE JAILER'S DAUGHTER                                      198
+
+    IX. THE COUNTERPLOT                                            212
+
+    X. WHITE WEBBS                                                 220
+
+    XI. THE MARRIAGE IN THE FOREST                                 228
+
+   XII. THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER                                      237
+
+  XIII. THE FLIGHT OF THE CONSPIRATORS                             245
+
+   XIV. THE EXAMINATION                                            255
+
+
+                        Book the Third.
+
+                       THE CONSPIRATORS.
+
+     I. HOW GUY FAWKES WAS PUT TO THE TORTURE                      262
+
+    II. SHOWING THE TROUBLES OF VIVIANA                            274
+
+   III. HUDDINGTON                                                 278
+
+    IV. HOLBEACH                                                   292
+
+     V. THE CLOSE OF THE REBELLION                                 294
+
+    VI. HAGLEY                                                     304
+
+   VII. VIVIANA'S LAST NIGHT AT ORDSALL HALL                       313
+
+  VIII. HENDLIP                                                    319
+
+    IX. WHITEHALL                                                  327
+
+     X. THE PARTING OF VIVIANA AND HUMPHREY CHETHAM                331
+
+    XI. THE SUBTERRANEAN DUNGEON                                   332
+
+   XII. THE TRAITOR BETRAYED                                       336
+
+  XIII. THE TRIAL                                                  341
+
+   XIV. THE LAST MEETING OF FAWKES AND VIVIANA                     344
+
+    XV. SAINT PAUL'S CHURCHYARD                                    347
+
+   XVI. OLD PALACE YARD                                            352
+
+  XVII. THE LAST EXECUTION                                         355
+
+
+
+
+GUY FAWKES.
+
+
+
+
+Book the First.
+
+THE PLOT.
+
+      Their searches are many and severe. They come either in the night
+      or early in the morning, and ever seek their opportunity, when the
+      Catholics are or would be best occupied, or are likely to be worse
+      provided or look for nothing. They willingliest come when few are
+      at home to resist them, that they may rifle coffers, and do what
+      they list. They lock up the servants, and the mistress of the
+      house, and the whole family, in a room by themselves, while they,
+      like young princes, go rifling the house at their will.
+
+                            _Letter to Vers'egan, ap. Stonyhurst MSS._
+
+      What a thing is it for a Catholic gentleman to have his house
+      suddenly beset on all sides with a number of men in arms, both
+      horse and foot! and not only his house and gardens, and such
+      enclosed places all beset, but all highways laid, for some miles
+      near unto him, that none shall pass, but they shall be examined!
+      Then are these searchers oft-times so rude and barbarous, that, if
+      the doors be not opened in the instant they would enter, they
+      break open the doors with all violence, as if they were to sack a
+      town of enemies won by the sword.
+
+                                              _Father Gerard's MS._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+AN EXECUTION IN MANCHESTER, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+
+More than two hundred and thirty-five years ago, or, to speak with
+greater precision, in 1605, at the latter end of June, it was rumoured
+one morning in Manchester that two seminary priests, condemned at the
+late assizes under the severe penal enactments then in force against the
+Papists, were about to suffer death on that day. Attracted by the
+report, large crowds flocked towards the place of execution, which, in
+order to give greater solemnity to the spectacle, had been fixed at the
+southern gate of the old Collegiate Church, where a scaffold was
+erected. Near it was a large blood-stained block, the use of which will
+be readily divined, and adjoining the block, upon a heap of blazing
+coals, smoked a caldron filled with boiling pitch, intended to receive
+the quarters of the miserable sufferers.
+
+The place was guarded by a small band of soldiers, fully accoutred in
+corslets and morions, and armed with swords, half-pikes, and calivers.
+Upon the steps of the scaffold stood the executioner,--a square-built,
+ill-favoured personage, busied in arranging a bundle of straw upon the
+boards. He was dressed in a buff jerkin, and had a long-bladed,
+two-edged knife thrust into his girdle. Besides these persons, there was
+a pursuivant,--an officer appointed by the Privy Council to make search
+throughout the provinces for recusants, Popish priests, and other
+religious offenders. He was occupied at this moment in reading over a
+list of suspected persons.
+
+Neither the executioner nor his companions appeared in the slightest
+degree impressed by the butcherly business about to be enacted; for the
+former whistled carelessly as he pursued his task, while the latter
+laughed and chatted with the crowd, or jestingly pointed their
+matchlocks at the jackdaws wheeling above them in the sunny air, or
+perching upon the pinnacles and tower of the neighbouring fane. Not so
+the majority of the assemblage. Most of the older and wealthier families
+in Lancashire still continuing to adhere to the ancient faith of their
+fathers, it will not be wondered that many of their dependents should
+follow their example. And, even of those who were adverse to the creed
+of Rome, there were few who did not murmur at the rigorous system of
+persecution adopted towards its professors.
+
+At nine o'clock, the hollow rolling of a muffled drum was heard at a
+distance. The deep bell of the church began to toll, and presently
+afterwards the mournful procession was seen advancing from the
+market-place. It consisted of a troop of mounted soldiers, equipped in
+all respects like those stationed at the scaffold, with their captain at
+their head, and followed by two of their number with hurdles attached to
+their steeds, on which were tied the unfortunate victims. Both were
+young men--both apparently prepared to meet their fate with firmness and
+resignation. They had been brought from Radcliffe Hall--an old moated
+and fortified mansion belonging to a wealthy family of that name,
+situated where the close, called Pool Fold, now stands, and then
+recently converted into a place of security for recusants; the two other
+prisons in Manchester--namely, the New Fleet on Hunt's Bank, and the
+gaol on Salford Bridge,--not being found adequate to the accommodation
+of the numerous religious offenders.
+
+By this time, the cavalcade had reached the place of execution. The
+soldiers drove back the throng with their pikes, and cleared a space in
+front of the scaffold; when, just as the cords that bound the limbs of
+the priests were unfastened, a woman in a tattered woollen robe, with a
+hood partially drawn over her face,--the features of which, so far as
+they could be discerned, were sharp and attenuated,--a rope girded round
+her waist, bare feet, and having altogether the appearance of a sister
+of Charity, sprang forward, and flung herself on her knees beside them.
+
+Clasping the hem of the garment of the nearest priest, she pressed it to
+her lips, and gazed earnestly at him, as if imploring a blessing.
+
+"You have your wish, daughter," said the priest, extending his arms over
+her. "Heaven and our lady bless you!"
+
+The woman then turned towards the other victim, who was audibly reciting
+the _Miserere_.
+
+"Back, spawn of Antichrist!" interposed a soldier, rudely thrusting her
+aside. "Don't you see you disturb the father's devotions? He has enough
+to do to take care of his own soul, without minding yours."
+
+"Take this, daughter," cried the priest who had been first addressed,
+offering her a small volume, which he took from his vest, "and fail not
+to remember in your prayers the sinful soul of Robert Woodroofe, a
+brother of the order of Jesus."
+
+The woman put out her hand to take the book; but before it could be
+delivered to her, it was seized by the soldier.
+
+"Your priests have seldom anything to leave behind them," he shouted,
+with a brutal laugh, "except some worthless and superstitious relic of a
+saint or martyr. What's this? Ah! a breviary--a mass-book. I've too much
+regard for your spiritual welfare to allow you to receive it," he added,
+about to place it in his doublet.
+
+"Give it her," exclaimed a young man, snatching it from him, and handing
+it to the woman, who disappeared as soon as she had obtained possession
+of it.
+
+The soldier eyed the new-comer as if disposed to resent the
+interference, but a glance at his apparel, which, though plain, and of a
+sober hue, was rather above the middle class, as well as a murmur from
+the crowd, who were evidently disposed to take part with the young man,
+induced him to stay his hand. He, therefore, contented himself with
+crying, "A recusant! a Papist!"
+
+"I am neither recusant nor Papist, knave!" replied the other, sternly;
+"and I counsel you to mend your manners, and show more humanity, or you
+shall find I have interest enough to procure your dismissal from a
+service which you disgrace."
+
+This reply elicited a shout of applause from the mob.
+
+"Who is that bold speaker?" demanded the pursuivant from one of his
+attendants.
+
+"Humphrey Chetham of Crumpsall," answered the man: "son to one of the
+wealthiest merchants of the town, and a zealous upholder of the true
+faith."
+
+"He has a strange way of showing his zeal," rejoined the pursuivant,
+entering the answer in his note-book. "And who is the woman he
+befriended?"
+
+"A half-crazed being called Elizabeth Orton," replied the attendant.
+"She was scourged and tortured during Queen Elizabeth's reign for
+pretending to the gift of prophecy, and was compelled to utter her
+recantation within yonder church. Since then she has never opened her
+lips."
+
+"Indeed," exclaimed the pursuivant: "I will engage to make her speak,
+and to some purpose. Where does she live?"
+
+"In a cave on the banks of the Irwell, near Ordsall Hall," replied the
+attendant. "She subsists on the chance contributions of the charitable;
+but she solicits nothing,--and, indeed, is seldom seen."
+
+"Her cave must be searched," observed the pursuivant; "it may be the
+hiding-place of a priest. Father Campion was concealed in such another
+spot at Stonor Park, near Henley-on-Thames, where he composed his
+'_Decem Rationes_;' and, for a long time, eluded the vigilance of the
+commissioners. We shall pass it in our way to Ordsall Hall to-night,
+shall we not?"
+
+The attendant nodded in the affirmative.
+
+"If we surprise Father Oldcorne," continued the pursuivant, "and can
+prove that Sir William Radcliffe and his daughter, both of whom are
+denounced in my list, are harbourers and shelterers of recusants, we
+shall have done a good night's work."
+
+At this moment, an officer advanced, and commanded the priests to ascend
+the scaffold.
+
+As Father Woodroofe, who was the last to mount, reached the uppermost
+step, he turned round and cried in a loud voice, "Good people, I take
+you all to witness that I die in the true Catholic religion, and that I
+rejoice and thank God with all my soul, that he hath made me worthy to
+testify my faith therein by shedding my blood in this manner." He then
+advanced towards the executioner, who was busied in adjusting the cord
+round his companion's throat, and said, "God forgive thee--do thine
+office quickly;" adding in a lower tone, "_Asperge me, Domine; Domine,
+miserere mei!_"
+
+And, amid the deep silence that ensued, the executioner performed his
+horrible task.
+
+The execution over, the crowd began to separate slowly, and various
+opinions were expressed respecting the revolting and sanguinary
+spectacle just witnessed. Many, who condemned--and the majority did
+so--the extreme severity of the laws by which the unfortunate priests
+had just suffered, uttered their sentiments with extreme caution; but
+there were some whose feelings had been too much excited for prudence,
+and who inveighed loudly and bitterly against the spirit of religious
+persecution then prevailing; while a few others of an entirely opposite
+persuasion looked upon the rigorous proceedings adopted against the
+Papists, and the punishment now inflicted upon their priesthood, as a
+just retribution for their own severities during the reign of Mary. In
+general, the common people entertained a strong prejudice against the
+Catholic party,--for, as it has been shrewdly observed, "they must have
+some object to hate; heretofore it was the Welsh, the Scots, or the
+Spaniards, but now in these latter times only the Papists;" but in
+Manchester, near which, as has been already stated, so many old and
+important families, professing that religion, resided, the case was
+widely different; and the mass of the inhabitants were favourably
+inclined towards them. It was the knowledge of this feeling that induced
+the commissioners, appointed to superintend the execution of the
+enactments against recusants, to proceed with unusual rigour in this
+neighbourhood.
+
+The state of the Roman Catholic party at the period of this history was
+indeed most grievous. The hopes they had indulged of greater toleration
+on the accession of James the First, had been entirely destroyed. The
+persecutions, suspended during the first year of the reign of the new
+monarch, were now renewed with greater severity than ever; and though
+their present condition was deplorable enough, it was feared that worse
+remained in store for them. "They bethought themselves," writes Bishop
+Goodman, "that now their case was far worse than in the time of Queen
+Elizabeth; for they did live in some hope that after the old woman's
+life, they might have some mitigation, and even those who did then
+persecute them were a little more moderate, as being doubtful what times
+might succeed, and fearing their own case. But, now that they saw the
+times settled, having no hope of better days, but expecting that the
+uttermost rigour of the law should be executed, they became desperate:
+finding that by the laws of the kingdom their own lives were not
+secured, and for the carrying over of a priest into England it was no
+less than high treason. A gentlewoman was hanged only for relieving and
+harbouring a priest; a citizen was hanged only for being reconciled to
+the Church of Rome; besides, the penal laws were such, and so executed,
+that they could not subsist. What was usually sold in shops and usually
+bought, this the pursuivant would take away from them as being Popish
+and superstitious. One knight did affirm that in one term he gave twenty
+nobles in rewards to the door-keeper of the Attorney-General; another
+did affirm, that his third part which remained unto him of his estate
+did hardly serve for his expense in law to defend him from other
+oppressions; besides their children to be taken from home, to be brought
+up in another religion. So they did every way conclude that their estate
+was desperate; they could die but once, and their religion was more
+precious unto them than their lives. They did further consider their
+misery; how they were debarred in any course of life to help themselves.
+They could not practise law,--they could not be citizens,--they could
+have no office; they could not breed up their sons--none did desire to
+match with them; they had neither fit marriages for their daughters,
+nor nunneries to put them into; for those few which are beyond seas are
+not considerable in respect of the number of recusants, and none can be
+admitted into them without great sums of money, which they, being
+exhausted, could not supply. The Spiritual Court did not cease to molest
+them, to excommunicate them, then to imprison them; and thereby they
+were utterly disenabled to sue for their own." Such is a faithful
+picture of the state of the Catholic party at the commencement of the
+reign of James the First.
+
+Pressed down by these intolerable grievances, is it to be wondered at
+that the Papists should repine,--or that some among their number, when
+all other means failed, should seek redress by darker measures? By a
+statute of Elizabeth, all who refused to conform to the established
+religion were subjected to a fine of twenty pounds a lunar month; and
+this heavy penalty, remitted, or rather suspended, on the accession of
+the new sovereign, was again exacted, and all arrears claimed. Added to
+this, James, whose court was thronged by a host of needy Scottish
+retainers, assigned to them a certain number of wealthy recusants, and
+empowered them to levy the fines--a privilege of which they were not
+slow to avail themselves. There were other pains and penalties provided
+for by the same statute, which were rigorously inflicted. To withdraw,
+or seek to withdraw another from the established religion was accounted
+high treason, and punished accordingly; to hear mass involved a penalty
+of one hundred marks and a year's imprisonment; and to harbour a priest,
+under the denomination of a tutor, rendered the latter liable to a
+year's imprisonment, and his employer to a fine of ten pounds a-month.
+Impressed with the belief that, in consequence of the unremitting
+persecutions which the Catholics underwent in Elizabeth's time, the
+religion would be wholly extirpated, Doctor Allen, a Lancashire divine,
+who afterwards received a cardinal's hat, founded a college at Douay,
+for the reception and education of those intending to take orders. From
+this university a number of missionary priests, or seminarists, as they
+were termed, were annually sent over to England; and it was against
+these persons, who submitted to every hardship and privation, to danger,
+and death itself, for the welfare of their religion, and in the hope of
+propagating its doctrines, that the utmost rigour of the penal
+enactments was directed. Among the number of seminarists despatched from
+Douay, and capitally convicted under the statute above-mentioned, were
+the two priests whose execution has just been narrated.
+
+As a portion of the crowd passed over the old bridge across the Irwell
+connecting Manchester with Salford, on which stood an ancient chapel
+erected by Thomas de Booth, in the reign of Edward the Third, and
+recently converted into a prison for recusants, they perceived the
+prophetess, Elizabeth Orton, seated upon the stone steps of the
+desecrated structure, earnestly perusing the missal given her by Father
+Woodroofe. A mob speedily collected round her; but, unconscious
+seemingly of their presence, the poor woman turned over leaf after leaf,
+and pursued her studies. Her hood was thrown back, and discovered her
+bare and withered neck, over which her dishevelled hair streamed in long
+sable elf-locks. Irritated by her indifference, several of the
+by-standers, who had questioned her as to the nature of her studies,
+began to mock and jeer her, and endeavoured, by plucking her robe, and
+casting little pebbles at her, to attract her attention. Roused at
+length by these annoyances, she arose; and fixing her large black eyes
+menacingly upon them, was about to stalk away, when they surrounded and
+detained her.
+
+"Speak to us, Bess," cried several voices. "Prophesy--prophesy."
+
+"I _will_ speak to you," replied the poor woman, shaking her hand at
+them, "I _will_ prophesy to you. And mark me, though ye believe not, my
+words shall not fall to the ground."
+
+"A miracle! a miracle!" shouted the by-standers. "Bess Orton, who has
+been silent for twenty years, has found her tongue at last."
+
+"I have seen a vision, and dreamed a dream," continued the prophetess.
+"As I lay in my cell last night, meditating upon the forlorn state of
+our religion, and of its professors, methought nineteen shadowy figures
+stood before me--ay, nineteen--for I counted them thrice--and when I
+questioned them as to their coming,--for my tongue at first clove to the
+roof of my mouth, and my lips refused their office,--one of them
+answered, in a voice which yet rings in my ears, 'We are the chosen
+deliverers of our fallen and persecuted church. To us is intrusted the
+rebuilding of her temples,--to our hands is committed the destruction of
+our enemies. The work will be done in darkness and in secret,--with toil
+and travail,--but it will at length be made manifest; and when the hour
+is arrived, our vengeance will be terrible and exterminating.' With
+these words, they vanished from my sight. Ah!" she exclaimed, suddenly
+starting, and passing her hand across her brow, as if to clear her
+sight, "it was no dream--no vision. I see one of them now."
+
+"Where? where?" cried several voices.
+
+The prophetess answered by extending her skinny arm towards some object
+immediately before her.
+
+All eyes were instantly turned in the same direction, when they beheld a
+Spanish soldier--for such his garb proclaimed him--standing at a few
+paces' distance from them. He was wrapped in an ample cloak, with a
+broad-leaved steeple-crowned hat, decorated with a single green feather,
+pulled over his brows, and wore a polished-steel brigandine, trunk hose,
+and buff boots drawn up to the knees. His arms consisted of a brace of
+petronels thrust into his belt, whence a long rapier depended. His
+features were dark as bronze, and well-formed, though strongly marked,
+and had an expression of settled sternness. His eyes were grey and
+penetrating, and shaded by thick beetle-brows; and his physiognomy was
+completed by a black peaked beard. His person was tall and erect, and
+his deportment soldier-like and commanding. Perceiving he had become an
+object of notice, the stranger cast a compassionate look at the
+prophetess, who still remained gazing fixedly at him, and throwing her a
+few pieces of money, strode away.
+
+Watching his retreating figure till it disappeared from view, the crazed
+woman tossed her arms wildly in the air, and cried, in a voice of
+exultation, "Did I not speak the truth?--did I not tell you I had seen
+him? He is the deliverer of our church, and is come to avenge the
+righteous blood which hath been this day shed."
+
+"Peace, woman, and fly while there is yet time," cried the young man who
+had been designated as Humphrey Chetham. "The pursuivant and his
+myrmidons are in search of you."
+
+"Then they need not go far to find me," replied the prophetess. "I will
+tell them what I told these people, that the day of bloody retribution
+is at hand,--that the avenger is arrived. I have seen him twice,--once
+in my cave, and once again here,--even where you stand."
+
+"If you do not keep silence and fly, my poor creature," rejoined
+Humphrey Chetham, "you will have to endure what you suffered years
+ago,--stripes, and perhaps torture. Be warned by me--ah! it is too late.
+He is approaching."
+
+"Let him come," replied Elizabeth Orton, "I am ready for him."
+
+"Can none of you force her away?" cried Humphrey Chetham, appealing to
+the crowd; "I will reward you."
+
+"I will not stir from this spot," rejoined the prophetess, obstinately;
+"I will testify to the truth."
+
+The kind-hearted young merchant, finding any further attempt to preserve
+her fruitless, drew aside.
+
+By this time, the pursuivant and his attendants had come up. "Seize
+her!" cried the former, "and let her be placed within this prison till I
+have reported her to the commissioners. If you will confess to me,
+woman," he added in a whisper to her, "that you have harboured a priest,
+and will guide us to his hiding-place, you shall be set free."
+
+"I know of no priests but those you have murdered," returned the
+prophetess, in a loud voice, "but I will tell you something that you wot
+not of. The avenger of blood is at hand. I have seen him. All here have
+seen him. And you shall see him--but not now--not now."
+
+"What is the meaning of this raving?" demanded the pursuivant.
+
+"Pay no heed to her talk," interposed Humphrey Chetham; "she is a poor
+crazed being, who knows not what she says. I will be surety for her
+inoffensive conduct."
+
+"You must give me surety for yourself, sir," replied the pursuivant. "I
+have just learnt that you were last night at Ordsall Hall, the seat of
+that 'dangerous temporiser,'--for so he is designated in my
+warrant,--Sir William Radcliffe. And if report speaks truly, you are not
+altogether insensible to the charms of his fair daughter, Viviana."
+
+"What is this to thee, thou malapert knave?" cried Humphrey Chetham,
+reddening, partly from anger, partly, it might be, from another emotion.
+
+"Much, as you shall presently find, good Master
+Wolf-in-sheep's-clothing," retorted the pursuivant; "if you prove not a
+rank Papist at heart, then do I not know a true man from a false."
+
+This angry conference was cut short by a piercing scream from the
+prophetess. Breaking from the grasp of her captors, who were about to
+force her into the prison, she sprang with a single bound upon the
+parapet of the bridge; and utterly regardless of her dangerous position,
+turned, and faced the soldiers, who were struck mute with astonishment.
+
+"Tremble!" she cried, in a loud voice,--"tremble, ye evil-doers! Ye who
+have despoiled the house of God,--have broken his altars,--scattered his
+incense,--slain his priests. Tremble, I say. The avenger is arrived. The
+bolt is in his hand. It shall strike king, lords, commons,--all! These
+are my last words,--take them to heart."
+
+"Drag her off!" roared the pursuivant, furiously.
+
+"Use care--use gentleness, if ye are men!" cried Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"Think not you can detain me!" cried the prophetess. "Avaunt, and
+tremble!"
+
+So saying she flung herself from the parapet.
+
+The height from which she fell was about fifty feet. Dashed into the air
+like jets from a fountain by the weight and force of the descending
+body, the water instantly closed over her. But she rose to the surface
+of the stream, about twenty yards below the bridge.
+
+"She may yet be saved," cried Humphrey Chetham, who with the by-standers
+had hurried to the side of the bridge.
+
+"You will only preserve her for the gallows," observed the pursuivant.
+
+"Your malice shall not prevent my making the attempt," replied the young
+merchant. "Ha! assistance is at hand."
+
+The exclamation was occasioned by the sudden appearance of the soldier
+in the Spanish dress, who rushed towards the left bank of the river,
+which was here, as elsewhere, formed of red sandstone rock, and
+following the course of the current, awaited the next appearance of the
+drowning woman. It did not occur till she had been carried a
+considerable distance down the stream, when the soldier, swiftly
+divesting himself of his cloak, plunged into the water, and dragged her
+ashore.
+
+"Follow me," cried the pursuivant to his attendants. "I will not lose my
+prey."
+
+But before he gained the bank of the river, the soldier and his charge
+had disappeared, nor could he detect any traces of them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+ORDSALL CAVE.
+
+
+After rescuing the unfortunate prophetess from a watery grave in the
+manner just related, the soldier snatched up his cloak, and, taking his
+dripping burthen in his arms, hurried swiftly along the bank of the
+river, until he came to a large cleft in the rock, into which he crept,
+taking the prophetess with him, and thus eluded observation. In this
+retreat he continued upwards of two hours, during which time the poor
+creature, to whom he paid every attention that circumstances would
+admit, had so far recovered as to be able to speak. But it was evident
+that the shock had been too much for her, and that she was sinking fast.
+She was so faint that she could scarcely move; but she expressed a
+strong desire to reach her cell before she breathed her last. Having
+described its situation as accurately as she could to the soldier--who
+before he ventured forth peeped out to reconnoitre--he again raised her
+in his arms, and by her direction struck into a narrow lane skirting the
+bank of the river.
+
+Pursuing this road for about half a mile, he arrived at the foot of a
+small knoll, covered by a clump of magnificent beech-trees, and still
+acting under the guidance of the dying woman, whose voice grew more
+feeble each instant, he mounted it, and from its summit took a rapid
+survey of the surrounding country. On the opposite bank of the river
+stood an old hall, while further on, at some distance, he could perceive
+through the trees the gables and chimneys of another ancient mansion.
+
+"Raise me up," said Elizabeth Orton, as he lingered on this spot for a
+moment. "In that old house, which you see yonder, Hulme Hall, I was
+born. I would willingly take one look at it before I die."
+
+[Illustration: Guy Fawkes in Ordsall Cave]
+
+"And the other hall, which I discern through the trees, is Ordsall, is
+it not?" inquired the soldier.
+
+"It is," replied the prophetess. "And now let us make what haste we can.
+We have not far to go; and I feel I shall not last long."
+
+Descending the eminence, and again entering the lane, which here made a
+turn, the soldier approached a grassy space, walled in on either side by
+steep sandstone rocks. At the further extremity of the enclosure, after
+a moment's search, by the direction of his companion, he found, artfully
+concealed by overhanging brushwood, the mouth of a small cave. He crept
+into the excavation, and found it about six feet high, and of
+considerable depth. The roof was ornamented with Runic characters and
+other grotesque and half-effaced inscriptions, while the sides were
+embellished with Gothic tracery, amid which the letters I.H.S., carved
+in ancient church text, could be easily distinguished. Tradition
+assigned the cell to the priests of Odin, but it was evident that
+worshippers at other and holier altars had more recently made it their
+retreat. Its present occupant had furnished it with a straw pallet, and
+a small wooden crucifix fixed in a recess in the wall. Gently depositing
+her upon the pallet, the soldier took a seat beside her on a stone slab
+at the foot of the bed. He next, at her request, as the cave was
+rendered almost wholly dark by the overhanging trees, struck a light,
+and set fire to a candle placed within a lantern.
+
+After a few moments passed in prayer, the recluse begged him to give her
+the crucifix that she might clasp it to her breast. This done, she
+became more composed, and prepared to meet her end. Suddenly, as if
+something had again disturbed her, she opened wide her glazing eyes, and
+starting up with a dying effort, stretched out her hands.
+
+"I see him before them!" she cried. "They examine him--they adjudge him!
+Ah! he is now in a dungeon! See, the torturers advance! He is placed on
+the rack--once--twice--thrice--they turn the levers! His joints snap in
+their sockets--his sinews crack! Mercy! he confesses! He is led to
+execution. I see him ascend the scaffold!"
+
+"Whom do you behold?" inquired the soldier, listening to her in
+astonishment.
+
+"His face is hidden from me," replied the prophetess; "but his figure is
+not unlike your own. Ha! I hear the executioner pronounce his name. How
+are you called?"
+
+"GUY FAWKES," replied the soldier.
+
+"It is the name I heard," rejoined Elizabeth Orton.
+
+And, sinking backward, she expired.
+
+Guy Fawkes gazed at her for some time, till he felt assured that the
+last spark of life had fled. He then turned away, and placing his hand
+upon his chin, became lost in deep reflection.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+ORDSALL HALL
+
+
+Soon after sunset, on the evening of the events previously related, the
+inmates of Ordsall Hall were disturbed and alarmed (for in those times
+of trouble any casual disturbance at night was sufficient to occasion
+alarm to a Catholic family) by a loud clamour for admittance from some
+one stationed at the farther side of the moat, then, as now, surrounding
+that ancient manorial residence. The drawbridge being raised, no
+apprehension was entertained of an attempt at forcible entrance on the
+part of the intruder, who, so far as he could be discerned in the
+deepening twilight, rendered yet more obscure by the shade of the trees
+under which he stood, appeared to be a solitary horseman. Still, for
+fear of a surprise, it was judged prudent by those inside the hall to
+turn a deaf ear to the summons; nor was it until it had been more than
+once repeated in a peremptory tone, that any attention was paid to it.
+The outer gate was then cautiously opened by an old steward, and a
+couple of serving-men, armed with pikes and swords, who demanded the
+stranger's business, and were answered that he desired to speak with Sir
+William Radcliffe. The steward rejoined that his master was not at home,
+having set out the day before for Chester: but that even if he were, he
+would take upon himself to affirm that no audience would be given, on
+any pretence whatever, to a stranger at such an unseasonable hour. To
+this the other replied, in a haughty and commanding voice, that he was
+neither a stranger to Sir William Radcliffe, nor ignorant of the
+necessity of caution, though in this instance it was altogether
+superfluous; and as, notwithstanding the steward's assertion to the
+contrary, he was fully persuaded his master _was_ at home, he insisted
+upon being conducted to him without further parley, as his business
+would not brook delay. In vain the steward declared he had spoken the
+truth. The stranger evidently disbelieved him; but, as he could obtain
+no more satisfactory answer to his interrogations, he suddenly shifted
+his ground, and inquired whether Sir William's daughter, Mistress
+Viviana, was likewise absent from home.
+
+"Before I reply to the question, I must know by whom and wherefore it is
+put?" returned the steward, evasively.
+
+"Trouble not yourself further, friend, but deliver this letter to her,"
+rejoined the horseman, flinging a packet across the moat. "It is
+addressed to her father, but there is no reason why she should not be
+acquainted with its contents."
+
+"Take it up, Olin Birtwissel," cried the steward, eyeing the packet
+which had fallen at his feet suspiciously; "take it up, I say, and hold
+it to the light, that I may consider it well before I carry it to our
+young mistress. I have heard of strange treacheries practised by such
+means, and care not to meddle with it."
+
+"Neither do I, good Master Heydocke," replied Birtwissel. "I would not
+touch it for a twelvemonth's wages. It may burst, and spoil my good
+looks, and so ruin my fortunes with the damsels. But here is Jeff
+Gellibronde, who, having no beauty to lose, and being, moreover, afraid
+of nothing, will pick it up for you."
+
+"Speak for yourself, Olin," rejoined Gellibronde, in a surly tone. "I
+have no more fancy for a shattered limb, or a scorched face, than my
+neighbours."
+
+"Dolts!" cried the stranger, who had listened to these observations with
+angry impatience, "if you will not convey my packet, which has nothing
+more dangerous about it than an ordinary letter, to your mistress, at
+least acquaint her that Mr. Robert Catesby, of Ashby St. Legers, is
+without, and craves an instant speech with her."
+
+"Mr. Catesby!" exclaimed the steward, in astonishment. "If it be indeed
+your worship, why did you not declare yourself at once?"
+
+"I may have as good reason for caution as yourself, Master Heydocke,"
+returned Catesby, laughing.
+
+"True," rejoined the steward; "but, methinks it is somewhat strange to
+find your worship here, when I am aware that my master expected to meet
+you, and certain other honourable gentlemen that you wot of, at a place
+in a clean opposite direction, Holywell, in Flintshire."
+
+"The cause of my presence, since you desire to be certified of the
+matter, is simply this," replied Catesby, urging his steed towards the
+edge of the moat, while the steward advanced to meet him on the opposite
+bank, so that a few yards only lay between them; "I came round by
+Manchester," he continued, in a lower tone, "to see if any assistance
+could be rendered to the unfortunate fathers Woodroofe and Forshawe; but
+found on my arrival this morning that I was too late, as they had just
+been executed."
+
+"Heaven have mercy on their souls!" ejaculated Heydocke, shuddering, and
+crossing himself. "Yours was a pious mission, Mr. Catesby. Would it had
+been availing!"
+
+"I would so, too, with all my soul!" rejoined the other, fervently; "but
+fate ordained it otherwise. While I was in the town, I accidentally
+learnt from one, who informed me he had just parted with him, that your
+master was at home; and, fearing he might not be able to attend the
+meeting at Holywell, I resolved to proceed hither at nightfall, when my
+visit was not likely to be observed; having motives, which you may
+readily conjecture, for preserving the strictest secrecy on the
+occasion. The letter was prepared in case I should fail in meeting with
+him. And now that I have satisfied your scruples, good master steward,
+if Sir William be really within, I pray you lead me to him forthwith. If
+not, your young mistress may serve my turn, for I have that to say which
+it imports one or other of them to know."
+
+"In regard to my master," replied the steward, "he departed yesterday
+for Chester, on his way to join the pilgrimage to St. Winifred's Well,
+as I have already assured your worship. And whoever informed you to the
+contrary, spoke falsely. But I will convey your letter and message to my
+young mistress, and on learning her pleasure as to receiving you, will
+instantly return and report it. These are dangerous times, your worship;
+dangerous times. A good Catholic knows not whom to trust, there are so
+many spoilers abroad."
+
+"How, sirrah!" cried Catesby, angrily, "do you apply that observation to
+me?"
+
+"Far be it from me," answered Heydocke, respectfully, "to apply any
+observation that may sound offensive to your worship, whom I know to be
+a most worthy gentleman, and as free from heresy, as any in the kingdom.
+I was merely endeavouring to account for what may appear my over-caution
+in detaining you where you are, till I learn my lady's pleasure. It is a
+rule in this house not to lower the drawbridge without orders after
+sunset; and I dare not, for my place, disobey it. Young Mr. Humphrey
+Chetham, of Crumpsall, was detained in the like manner no later than
+last night; and he is a visitor," he added, in a significant tone, "who
+is not altogether unwelcome to my mistress--ahem! But duty is no
+respecter of persons; and in my master's absence my duty is to protect
+his household. Your worship will pardon me."
+
+"I will pardon anything but your loquacity and tediousness," rejoined
+Catesby, impatiently. "About your errand quickly."
+
+"I am gone, your worship," returned the steward, disappearing with his
+companions.
+
+Throwing the bridle over his horse's neck, and allowing him to drink his
+fill from the water of the moat, and afterwards to pluck a few mouthfuls
+of the long grass that fringed its brink, Catesby abandoned himself to
+reflection. In a few moments, as the steward did not return, he raised
+his eyes, and fixed them upon the ancient habitation before
+him,--ancient, indeed, it was not at this time, having been in a great
+measure rebuilt by its possessor, Sir William Radcliffe, during the
+latter part of the reign of Elizabeth, in the rich and picturesque style
+of that period. Little could be distinguished of its projecting and
+retiring wings, its walls decorated with black and white chequer-work,
+the characteristic of the class of architecture to which it belonged,
+or of its magnificent embayed windows filled with stained glass; but the
+outline of its heavy roof, with its numerous gables, and groups of tall
+and elaborately-ornamented chimneys, might be distinctly traced in
+strong relief against the warm and still-glowing western sky.
+
+Though much gone to decay, grievously neglected, and divided into three
+separate dwelling-houses, Ordsall Hall still retains much of its
+original character and beauty; and viewed at the magic hour above
+described, when the changes produced by the lapse of years cannot be
+detected, it presents much the same striking appearance that it offered
+to the gaze of Catesby. Situated on the north bank of the Irwell, which
+supplies the moat with a constant stream of fresh water, it commands on
+the south-west a beautiful view of the winding course of the river, here
+almost forming an island, of Trafford Park and its hall, of the woody
+uplands beyond it, and of the distant hills of Cheshire. The mansion
+itself is an irregular quadrangle, covering a considerable tract of
+ground. The gardens, once exquisitely laid out in the formal taste of
+Elizabeth's days, are also enclosed by the moat, surrounding (except in
+the intervals where it is filled up) a space of some acres in extent. At
+the period of this history, it was approached on the north-east by a
+noble avenue of sycamores, leading to within a short distance of its
+gates.
+
+As Catesby surveyed this stately structure, and pondered upon the wealth
+and power of its owner, his meditations thus found vent in words:--"If I
+could but link Radcliffe to our cause, or win the hand of his fair
+daughter, and so bind him to me, the great attempt could not fail. She
+has refused me once. No matter. I will persevere till she yields. With
+Father Oldcorne to back my suit, I am assured of success. She is
+necessary to my purpose, and shall be mine."
+
+Descended from an ancient Northamptonshire family, and numbering among
+his ancestry the well-known minister of the same name who flourished in
+the reign of Richard the Third, Robert Catesby,--at this time about
+forty,--had in his youth led a wild and dissolute life; and though bred
+in the faith of Rome, he had for some years abandoned its worship. In
+1580, when the Jesuits, Campion and Persons, visited England, he was
+reconciled to the church he had quitted, and thenceforth became as
+zealous a supporter and promoter of its doctrines as he had heretofore
+been their bitter opponent. He was now actively engaged in all the
+Popish plots of the period, and was even supposed to be connected with
+those designs of a darker dye which were set on foot for Elizabeth's
+destruction,--with Somerville's conspiracy,--with that of Arden and
+Throckmorton,--the latter of whom was his uncle on the maternal
+side,--with the plots of Bury and Savage,--of Ballard,--and of
+Babington. After the execution of the unfortunate Queen of Scots, he
+devoted himself to what was termed the Spanish faction, and endeavoured
+carry out the schemes of a party, who, distrusting the vague promises of
+James, were anxious to secure the succession to a Catholic,--the Infanta
+of Spain, or the Duke of Parma. On the insurrection of the Earl of
+Essex, he took part with that ill-fated nobleman; and, though he escaped
+condign punishment for the offence, he was imprisoned and heavily fined.
+
+From this time his career ran in darker channels. "Hunger-starved for
+innovation," as he is finely described by Camden,--imbued with the
+fiercest religious fanaticism,--eloquent, wily, resolute,--able alike to
+delude the powerful and intimidate the weak,--he possessed all the
+ingredients of a conspirator. Associating with men like himself, of
+desperate character and broken fortunes, he was ever on the look out for
+some means of retrieving his own condition, and redressing the wrongs of
+his church. Well informed of the actual state of James's sentiments,
+when, on that monarch's accession, confident hopes were entertained by
+the Romanists of greater toleration for their religion, Catesby was the
+first to point out their mistake, and to foretel the season of terrible
+persecution that was at hand. On this persecution he grounded his
+hopes--hopes, never realized, for the sufferers, amid all the grievances
+they endured, remained constant in their fidelity to the throne--of
+exciting a general insurrection among the Catholics.
+
+Disappointed in this expectation,--disappointed, also, in his hopes of
+Spain, of France, and of aid from Rome, he fell back upon himself, and
+resolved upon the execution of a dark and dreadful project which he had
+long conceived, and which he could execute almost single-handed, without
+aid from foreign powers, and without the co-operation of his own party.
+The nature of this project, which, if it succeeded, would, he imagined,
+accomplish all or more than his wildest dreams of ambition or fanaticism
+had ever conceived, it will be the business of this history to develope.
+Without going further into detail at present, it may be mentioned that
+the success of the plot depended so entirely on its secrecy, and so well
+aware was its contriver of the extraordinary system of espionage carried
+on by the Earl of Salisbury and the Privy Council, that for some time he
+scarcely dared to trust it out of his keeping. At length, after much
+deliberation, he communicated it to five others, all of whom were bound
+to silence by an oath of unusual solemnity; and as it was necessary to
+the complete success of the conspiracy that its outbreak should be
+instantaneously followed by a rise on the part of the Catholics, he
+darkly hinted that a plan was on foot for their deliverance from the
+yoke of their oppressors, and counselled them to hold themselves in
+readiness to fly to arms at a moment's notice. But here again he failed.
+Few were disposed to listen to him; and of those who did, the majority
+returned for answer, "that their part was endurance, and that the only
+arms which Christians could use against lawful powers in their severity
+were prayers and tears."
+
+Among the Popish party of that period, as in our own time, were ranked
+many of the oldest and most illustrious families in the
+kingdom,--families not less remarkable for their zeal for their religion
+than, as has before been observed, for their loyalty;--a loyalty
+afterwards approved in the disastrous reign of James the Second by their
+firm adherence to what they considered the indefeasible right of
+inheritance. Plots, indeed, were constantly hatched throughout the
+reigns of Elizabeth and James, by persons professing the religion of
+Rome; but in these the mass of the Catholics had no share. And even in
+the seasons of the bitterest persecution, when every fresh act of
+treason, perpetrated by some lawless and disaffected individual, was
+visited with additional rigour on their heads,--when the scaffold reeked
+with their blood, and the stake smoked with their ashes,--when their
+quarters were blackening on the gates and market-crosses of every city
+in the realm,--when their hearths were invaded, their religion
+proscribed, and the very name of Papist had become a by-word,--even in
+those terrible seasons, as in the season under consideration, they
+remained constant in their fidelity to the crown.
+
+From the troubled elements at work, some fierce and turbulent spirits
+were sure to arise,--some gloomy fanatics who, having brooded over their
+wrongs, real or imaginary, till they had lost all scruples of
+conscience, hesitated at no means of procuring redress. But it would be
+unjust to hold up such persons as representatives of the whole body of
+Catholics. Among the conspirators themselves there were redeeming
+shades. All were not actuated by the same atrocious motives. Mixed
+feelings induced Catesby to adopt the measure. Not so Guy Fawkes, who
+had already been leagued with the design. One idea alone ruled him. A
+soldier of fortune, but a stern religious enthusiast, he supposed
+himself chosen by Heaven for the redemption of his Church, and cared not
+what happened to himself, provided he accomplished his (as he conceived)
+holy design.
+
+In considering the causes which produced the conspiracy about to be
+related, and in separating the disaffected party of the Papists from the
+temperate, due weight must be given to the influence of the priesthood.
+Of the Romish clergy there were two classes--the secular priests, and
+the Jesuits and missionaries. While the former, like the more moderate
+of the laity, would have been well-contented with toleration for their
+religion, the latter breathed nothing but revenge, and desired the utter
+subversion of the existing government,--temporal as well as
+ecclesiastical. Men, for the most part, of high intellectual powers, of
+untiring energy, and unconquerable fortitude, they were enabled by
+their zeal and ability to make many proselytes. By their means, secret
+correspondence was carried on with the different courts of Europe; and
+they were not without hope that, taking advantage of some favourable
+crisis, they should yet restore their church to its former supremacy. To
+these persons,--who held as a maxim, "_Qui religionem Catholicam deserit
+regnandi jus omne amisit_,"--Catesby and his associates proved ready and
+devoted agents. Through their instrumentality, they hoped to accomplish
+the great work of their restoration. To Father Garnet, the provincial of
+the English Jesuits, of whom it will be necessary to speak more fully
+hereafter, the plot had been revealed by Catesby under the seal of
+confession; and, though it subsequently became a question whether he was
+justified in withholding a secret of such importance to the state, it is
+sufficient for the present purpose to say that he did withhold it. For
+the treasonable practices of the Jesuits and their faction some
+palliation may perhaps be found in the unrelenting persecution to which
+they were subjected; but if any excuse can be admitted for them, what
+opinion must be formed of the conduct of their temperate brethren?
+Surely, while the one is condemned, admiration may be mingled with the
+sympathy which must be felt for the unmerited sufferings of the other!
+
+From the foregoing statement, it will be readily inferred that Sir
+William Radcliffe, a devout Catholic, and a man of large possessions,
+though somewhat reduced by the heavy fines imposed upon him as a
+recusant, must have appeared an object of importance to the
+conspirators; nor will it be wondered at, that every means were used to
+gain him to their cause. Acting, however, upon the principles that
+swayed the well-disposed of his party, the knight resisted all these
+overtures, and refused to take any share in proceedings from which his
+conscience and loyalty alike revolted. Baffled, but not defeated,
+Catesby returned to the charge on a new point of assault. Himself a
+widower (or supposed to be so), he solicited the hand of the lovely
+Viviana Radcliffe, Sir William's only child, and the sole heiress of his
+possessions. But his suit in this quarter was, also, unsuccessful. The
+knight rejected the proposal, alleging that his daughter had no
+inclination to any alliance, inasmuch as she entertained serious
+thoughts of avowing herself to heaven. Thus foiled, Catesby ostensibly
+relinquished his design.
+
+Shortly before the commencement of this history, a pilgrimage to Saint
+Winifred's Well, in Flintshire, was undertaken by Father Garnet, the
+provincial of the Jesuits before mentioned, in company with several
+distinguished Catholic personages of both sexes, and to this ceremonial
+Sir William and his daughter were urgently bidden. The invitation was
+declined on the part of Viviana, but accepted by the knight, who, though
+unwilling to leave home at a period of so much danger, or to commit his
+daughter to any care but his own, even for so short a space, felt it to
+be his duty to give countenance by his presence to the ceremonial.
+
+Accordingly, he departed for Chester on the previous day, as stated by
+the steward. And, though Catesby professed ignorance on the subject, and
+even affirmed he had heard to the contrary, it may be doubted whether he
+was not secretly informed of the circumstance, and whether his arrival,
+at this particular conjuncture, was not preconcerted.
+
+Thus much in explanation of what is to follow. The course of Catesby's
+reflections was cut short by the return of the steward, who, informing
+him that he had his mistress's commands to admit him, immediately
+lowered the drawbridge for that purpose. Dismounting, and committing his
+steed to one of the serving-men, who advanced to take it, Catesby
+followed his conductor through a stone gateway, and crossing the garden,
+was ushered into a spacious and lofty hall, furnished with a long massy
+oak table, at the upper end of which was a raised dais. At one side of
+the chamber yawned a huge arched fire-place, garnished with enormous
+andirons, on which smouldered a fire composed of mixed turf and wood.
+Above the chimney-piece hung a suit of chain-armour, with the
+battle-axe, helmet, and gauntlets of Sir John Radcliffe, the first
+possessor of Ordsall, who flourished in the reign of Edward the First:
+on the right, masking the entrance, stood a magnificent screen of carved
+oak.
+
+Traversing this hall, Heydocke led the way to another large apartment;
+and placing lights on a Gothic-shaped table, offered a seat to the
+new-comer, and departed. The room in which Catesby was left was termed
+the star-chamber--a name retained to this day--from the circumstance of
+its ceiling being moulded and painted to resemble the heavenly vault
+when studded with the luminaries of night. It was terminated by a
+deeply-embayed window filled with stained glass of the most gorgeous
+colours. The walls, in some places, were hung with arras, in others,
+wainscoted with dark lustrous oak, embellished with scrolls, ciphers,
+and fanciful designs. The mantel-piece was of the same solid material,
+curiously carved, and of extraordinary size. It was adorned with the
+armorial bearings of the family--two bends engrailed, and in chief a
+label of three,--and other devices and inscriptions. The hearth was
+considerably raised above the level of the floor, and there was a
+peculiarity in the construction of the massive wooden pillars flanking
+it, that attracted the attention of Catesby, who rose with the intention
+of examining them more narrowly, when he was interrupted by the entrance
+of the lady of the mansion.
+
+Advancing at a slow and dignified pace, Viviana Radcliffe courteously
+but gravely saluted her guest; and, without offering him her hand,
+motioned him to a chair, while she seated herself at a little distance.
+Catesby had seen her twice before; and whether the circumstances under
+which they now met might have caused some change in her demeanour he
+could not tell, but he thought her singularly altered. A year ago, she
+had been a lively, laughing girl of seventeen, with a bright brown skin,
+dark flowing tresses, and eyes as black and radiant as those of a gipsy.
+She was now a grave, collected woman, infinitely more beautiful, but
+wholly changed in character. Her complexion had become a clear,
+transparent white, and set off to great advantage her large, luminous
+eyes, and jetty brows. Her figure was tall and majestic; her features
+regular, delicately formed, and of the rarest and proudest class of
+beauty. She was attired in a dress of black wrought velvet, entirely
+without ornament except the rosary at her girdle, with a small ebony
+crucifix attached to it. She wore a close-fitting cap, likewise of black
+velvet, edged with pearls, beneath which her raven tresses were gathered
+in such a manner as to display most becomingly the smooth and snowy
+expanse of her forehead. The gravity of her manner, not less than her
+charms of person, seem to have struck Catesby mute. He gazed on her in
+silent admiration for a brief space, utterly forgetful of the object of
+his visit, and the part he intended to play. During this pause, she
+maintained the most perfect composure, and fixing her dark eyes full
+upon him, appeared to await the moment when he might choose to open the
+conversation.
+
+Notwithstanding his age, and the dissolute and distracted life he had
+led, Catesby was still good-looking enough to have produced a favourable
+impression upon any woman easily captivated by manly beauty. The very
+expression of his marked and peculiar physiognomy,--in some degree an
+index to his character,--was sufficient to rivet attention; and the
+mysterious interest generally inspired by his presence was not
+diminished on further acquaintance with him. Though somewhat stern in
+their expression, his features were strikingly handsome, cast in an oval
+mould, and clothed with the pointed beard and trimmed mustaches
+invariably met with in the portraits of Vandyck. His frame was strongly
+built, but well proportioned, and seemed capable of enduring the
+greatest fatigue. His dress was that of an ordinary gentleman of the
+period, and consisted of a doublet of quilted silk, of sober colour and
+stout texture; large trunk-hose swelling out at the hips; and buff
+boots, armed with spurs with immense rowels. He wore a high and
+stiffly-starched ruff round his throat; and his apparel was completed by
+a short cloak of brown cloth, lined with silk of a similar colour. His
+arms were rapier and poniard, and his high-crowned plumed hat, of the
+peculiar form then in vogue, and looped on the "leer-side" with a
+diamond clasp, was thrown upon the table.
+
+Some little time having elapsed, during which he made no effort to
+address her, Viviana broke silence.
+
+"I understood you desired to speak with me on a matter of urgency, Mr.
+Catesby," she remarked.
+
+"I did so," he replied, as if aroused from a reverie; "and I can only
+excuse my absence of mind and ill manners, on the plea that the
+contemplation of your charms has driven all other matter out of my
+head."
+
+"Mr. Catesby," returned Viviana, rising, "if the purpose of your visit
+be merely to pay unmerited compliments, I must at once put an end to
+it."
+
+"I have only obeyed the impulse of my heart," resumed the other,
+passionately, "and uttered what involuntarily rose to my lips. But," he
+added, checking himself, "I will not offend you with my admiration. If
+you have read my letter to your father, you will not require to be
+informed of the object of my visit."
+
+"I have not read it," replied Viviana, returning him the packet with the
+seal unbroken. "I can give no opinion on any matter of difficulty. And I
+have no desire to know any secret with which my father might not desire
+me to be acquainted."
+
+"Are we overheard?" inquired Catesby, glancing suspiciously at the
+fire-place.
+
+"By no one whom you would care to overhear us," returned the maiden.
+
+"Then it is as I supposed," rejoined Catesby. "Father Oldcorne is
+concealed behind that mantel-piece?"
+
+Viviana smiled an affirmative.
+
+"Let him come forth, I pray you," returned Catesby. "What I have to say
+concerns him as much as yourself or your father; and I would gladly have
+his voice in the matter."
+
+"You shall have it, my son," replied a reverend personage, clad in a
+priestly garb, stepping from out one side of the mantel-piece, which
+flew suddenly open, disclosing a recess curiously contrived in the
+thickness of the wall. "You shall have it," said Father Oldcorne, for he
+it was, approaching and extending his arms over him. "Accept my blessing
+and my welcome."
+
+Catesby received the benediction with bowed head and bended knee.
+
+"And now," continued the priest, "what has the bravest soldier of our
+church to declare to its lowliest servant?"
+
+Catesby then briefly explained, as he had before done to the steward,
+why he had taken Manchester in his route to North Wales; and, after
+lamenting his inability to render any assistance to the unfortunate
+priests, he went on to state that he had accidentally learnt, from a few
+words let fall by the pursuivant to his attendant, that a warrant had
+been sent by the Earl of Salisbury for Sir William Radcliffe's arrest.
+
+"My father's arrest!" exclaimed Viviana, trembling violently.
+"What--what is laid to his charge?"
+
+"Felony," rejoined Catesby, sternly--"felony, without benefit of
+clergy--for so it is accounted by the present execrable laws of our
+land,--in harbouring a Jesuit priest. If he is convicted of the offence,
+his punishment will be death--death on the gibbet, accompanied by
+indignities worse than those shown to a common felon."
+
+"Holy Virgin!" ejaculated Father Oldcorne, lifting up his hands, and
+raising his eyes to heaven.
+
+"From what I gathered, the officers will visit this house to-night,"
+continued Catesby.
+
+"Our Lady be praised, they will not find him!" cried Viviana, who had
+been thrown into an agony of distress. "What is to be done in this
+frightful emergency, holy father?" she added, turning to the priest,
+with a supplicating look.
+
+"Heaven only knows, dear daughter," replied Oldcorne. "You had better
+appeal for counsel to one who is more able to afford it than I am,--Mr.
+Catesby. Well aware of the crafty devices of our enemies, and having
+often eluded their snares himself, he may enable you to escape them. My
+own course is clear. I shall quit this roof at once, deeply and bitterly
+regretting that by entering it, I have placed those whom I hold so dear,
+and from whom I have experienced so much kindness, in such fearful
+jeopardy."
+
+"Oh, no, father!" exclaimed Viviana, "you shall not go."
+
+"Daughter," replied Oldcorne, solemnly, "I have long borne the cross of
+Christ,--have long endured the stripes, inflicted upon me by the
+adversaries of our faith, in patience; and my last actions and last
+breath shall testify to the truth of our holy religion. But, though I
+could endure aught on my own account, I cannot consent to bring misery
+and destruction upon others. Hinder me not, dear daughter. I will go at
+once."
+
+"Hold, father!" interposed Catesby. "The step you would take may bring
+about what you are most anxious to avoid. If you are discovered and
+apprehended in this neighbourhood, suspicion will still attach to your
+protectors, and the secret of your departure will be wrung from some of
+the more timid of the household. Tarry where you are. Let the pursuivant
+make his search. I will engage to baffle his vigilance."
+
+"He speaks the truth, dear father," returned Viviana. "You must
+not--shall not depart. There are plenty of hiding-places, as you know,
+within the mansion. Let them be as rigorous as they may in their search,
+they will not discover you."
+
+"Whatever course you adjudge best for the security of others, I will
+pursue," rejoined Oldcorne, turning to Catesby. "Put me out of the
+question."
+
+"My opinion has already been given, father," replied Catesby. "Remain
+where you are."
+
+"But, if the officers should ascertain that my father is at Chester,
+and pursue him thither?" cried Viviana, suddenly struck by a new cause
+of alarm.
+
+"A messenger must be immediately despatched after him to give him
+warning," returned Catesby.
+
+"Will you be that messenger?" asked the maiden, eagerly.
+
+"I would shed my heart's best blood to pleasure you," returned Catesby.
+
+"Then I may count upon this service, for which, rest assured, I will not
+prove ungrateful," she rejoined.
+
+"You may," answered Catesby. "And yet I would, on Father Oldcorne's
+account, that my departure might be delayed till to-morrow."
+
+"The delay might be fatal," cried Viviana. "You must be in Chester
+before that time."
+
+"Doubt it not," returned Catesby. "Charged with your wishes, the wind
+shall scarcely outstrip my speed."
+
+So saying, he marched irresolutely towards the door, as if about to
+depart, when, just as he had reached it, he turned sharply round, and
+threw himself at Viviana's feet.
+
+"Forgive me, Miss Radcliffe," he cried, "if I once again, even at a
+critical moment like the present, dare to renew my suit. I fancied I had
+subdued my passion for you, but your presence has awakened it with
+greater violence than ever."
+
+"Rise, sir, I pray," rejoined the maiden, in an offended tone.
+
+"Hear me, I beseech you," continued Catesby, seizing her hand. "Before
+you reject my suit, consider well that in these perilous seasons, when
+no true Catholic can call his life his own, you may need a protector."
+
+"In the event you describe, Mr. Catesby," answered Viviana, "I would at
+once fulfil the intention I have formed of devoting myself to Heaven,
+and retire to the convent of Benedictine nuns, founded by Lady Mary
+Percy, at Brussels."
+
+"You would much more effectually serve the cause of your religion by
+acceding to my suit," observed Catesby, rising.
+
+"How so?" she inquired.
+
+"Listen to me, Miss Radcliffe," he rejoined, gravely, "and let my words
+be deeply graven upon your heart. In your hands rests the destiny of the
+Catholic Church."
+
+"In mine!" exclaimed Viviana.
+
+"In yours," returned Catesby. "A mighty blow is about to be struck for
+her deliverance."
+
+"Ay, marry, is it," cried Oldcorne, with sudden fervour. "Redemption
+draweth nigh; the year of visitation approacheth to an end; and
+jubilation is at hand. England shall again be called a happy realm, a
+blessed country, a religious people. Those who knew the former glory of
+religion shall lift up their hands for joy to see it returned again.
+Righteousness shall prosper, and infidelity be plucked up by the root.
+False error shall vanish like smoke, and they which saw it shall say
+where is it become? The daughters of Babylon shall be cast down, and in
+the dust lament their ruin. Proud heresy shall strike her sail, and
+groan as a beast crushed under a cart-wheel. The memory of novelties
+shall perish with a crack, and as a ruinous house falling to the ground.
+Repent, ye seducers, with speed, and prevent the dreadful wrath of the
+Powerable. He will come as flame that burneth out beyond the furnace.
+His fury shall fly forth as thunder, and pitch upon their tops that
+malign him. They shall perish in his fury, and melt like wax before the
+fire."
+
+"Amen!" ejaculated Catesby, as the priest concluded. "You have spoken
+prophetically, father."
+
+"I have but recited a prayer transmitted to me by Father Garnet,"
+rejoined Oldcorne.
+
+"Do you discern any hidden meaning in it?" demanded Catesby.
+
+"Yea, verily my son," returned the priest. "In the '_false error
+vanishing like_ SMOKE,'--in the '_house perishing with a_ CRACK,'--and
+in the '_fury flying forth as_ THUNDER,'--I read the mode the great work
+shall be brought about."
+
+"And you applaud the design?" asked Catesby, eagerly.
+
+"_Non vero factum probo, sed eventum amo_," rejoined the priest.
+
+"The secret is safe in your keeping, father?" asked Catesby, uneasily.
+
+"As if it had been disclosed to me in private confession," replied
+Oldcorne.
+
+"Hum!" muttered Catesby. "Confessions of as much consequence to the
+state have ere now been revealed, father."
+
+"A decree has been passed by his holiness, Clement VIII., forbidding all
+such revelations," replied Oldcorne. "And the question has been recently
+propounded by a learned brother of our order, Father Antonio Delrio,
+who, in his Magical Disquisitions, putteth it thus:--'Supposing a
+malefactor shall confess that he himself or some other has laid
+GUNPOWDER, or the like combustible matter, under a building--'"
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Catesby, starting.
+
+"--'And, unless it be taken away,'" proceeded the priest, regarding him
+fixedly, "'the whole house will be burnt, the prince destroyed, and as
+many as go into or out of the city will come to great mischief or
+peril!'"[2]
+
+"Well!" exclaimed Catesby.
+
+"The point then arises," continued Oldcorne, "whether the priest may
+make use of the secret thus obtained for the good of the government, and
+the averting of such danger; and, after fully discussing it, Father
+Delrio decides in the negative."
+
+"Enough," returned Catesby.
+
+"By whom is the blow to be struck?" asked Viviana, who had listened to
+the foregoing discourse in silent wonder.
+
+"By me," answered Catesby. "It is for you to nerve my arm."
+
+"You speak in riddles," she replied. "I understand you not."
+
+"Question Father Oldcorne, then, as to my meaning," rejoined Catesby;
+"he will tell you that, allied to you, I could not fail in the
+enterprise on which I am engaged."
+
+"It is the truth, dear daughter," Oldcorne asseverated.
+
+"I will not inquire further into this mystery," returned Viviana, "for
+such it is to me. But, believing what you both assert, I answer, that
+willingly as I would lay down my life for the welfare of our holy
+religion, persuading myself, as I do, that I have constancy enough to
+endure martyrdom for its sake,--I cannot consent to your proposal. Nay,
+if I must avouch the whole truth," she continued, blushing deeply, "my
+affections are already engaged, though to one with whom I can never hope
+to be united."
+
+"You have your answer, my son," observed the priest.
+
+Catesby replied with a look of the deepest mortification and
+disappointment; and, bowing coldly to Viviana, said, "I now depart to
+obey your behests, Miss Radcliffe."
+
+"Commend me in all duty to my dear father," replied Viviana, "and
+believe that I shall for ever feel bound to you for your zeal."
+
+"Neglect not all due caution, father," observed Catesby, glancing
+significantly at Oldcorne. "Forewarned, forearmed."
+
+"Doubt me not, my son," rejoined the Jesuit. "My prayers shall be for
+you.
+
+                Gentem auferte perfidam
+                Credentium de finibus,
+                Ut Christo laudes debitas
+                Persolvamus alacriter."
+
+After receiving a parting benediction from the priest, Catesby took his
+leave. His steed was speedily brought to the door by the old steward;
+and mounting it, he crossed the drawbridge, which was immediately raised
+behind him, and hastened on his journey.
+
+[2] Confitetur maleficus se vel alium posuisse pulverem vel quid aliud
+sub tali limine, et nisi tollantur domum comburendam, principem
+interiturum, quotquot urbem egredienturque in magnam perniciem aut
+periculum venturos.--DELRIO _Disq. Mag._, lib. vi. cap. i. [_Edit._
+1600.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE SEARCH.
+
+
+Immediately after Catesby's departure, Heydocke was summoned to his
+mistress's presence. He found her with the priest, and was informed that
+in all probability the house would be visited that night by the
+messengers of the Privy Council. The old steward received the
+intelligence as he might have done his death-warrant, and looked so
+bewildered and affrighted, that Viviana half repented having acquainted
+him with it.
+
+"Compose yourself, Master Heydocke," she said, trying to reason him out
+of his fears; "the search may not take place. And if it does, there is
+nothing to be alarmed at. I am not afraid, you perceive."
+
+"Nothing to be alarmed at, my dear young lady!" gasped the steward. "You
+have never witnessed a midnight search for a priest by these ruffianly
+catchpoles, as I have, or you would not say so. Father Oldcorne will
+comprehend my uneasiness, and excuse it. The miscreants break into the
+house like robbers, and treat its inmates worse than robbers would treat
+them. They have no regard for decency,--no consideration for sex,--no
+respect for persons. Not a chamber is sacred from them. If a door is
+bolted, they burst it open; a cabinet locked, they tarry not for the
+key. They pull down the hangings, thrust their rapier-points into the
+crevices of the wainscot, discharge their fire-arms against the wall,
+and sometimes threaten to pull down the house itself, if the object of
+their quest be not delivered to them. Their oaths, abominations, and
+menaces are horrible; and their treatment of females, even of your
+degree, honoured mistress, too barbarous to relate. Poor Lady Nevil died
+of the fright she got by such a visit at dead of night to her residence
+in Holborn. Mrs. Vavasour, of York, lost her senses; and many others
+whom I could mention have been equal sufferers. Nothing to be alarmed
+at! Heaven grant, my dear, dear young lady, that you may never be
+fatally convinced to the contrary!"
+
+"Suppose my apprehensions are as great as your own, Master Heydocke,"
+replied Viviana, who, though somewhat infected by his terrors, still
+maintained her firmness; "I do not see how the danger is to be averted
+by idle lamentations and misgivings. We must meet it boldly; and trust
+to Him who is our only safeguard in the hour of peril, for protection.
+Do not alarm the household, but let all retire to rest as usual."
+
+"Right, daughter," observed the priest. "Preparations for resistance
+would only excite suspicion."
+
+"Can you depend on the servants, in case they are examined?" asked
+Viviana of the steward, who by this time had partially recovered his
+composure.
+
+"I think so," returned Heydocke; "but the threats of the officers are so
+dreadful, and their conduct so violent and outrageous, that I can
+scarcely answer for myself. I would not advise your reverence to remain
+in that hiding-place," he added, pointing to the chimney-piece; "they
+are sure to discover it."
+
+"If not here, where shall I conceal myself?" rejoined Oldcorne,
+uneasily.
+
+"There are many nooks in which your reverence might hide," replied the
+steward; "but the knaves are so crafty, and so well experienced in their
+vocation, that I dare not recommend any of them as secure. I would
+advise you to remain on the watch, and, in case of alarm, I will conduct
+you to the oratory in the north gallery, adjoining Mistress Viviana's
+sleeping-chamber, where there is a panel in the wall, known only to
+myself and my master, opening upon a secret passage running many hundred
+yards underground, and communicating with a small outbuilding on the
+other side of the moat. There is a contrivance in this passage, which I
+will explain to your reverence if need be, which will cut off any
+possibility of pursuit in that quarter."
+
+"Be it so," replied the priest. "I place myself in your hands, good
+Master Heydocke, well assured of your fidelity. I shall remain
+throughout the night in this chamber, occupied in my devotions."
+
+"You will suffer me to pray with you, father, I trust?" said Viviana.
+
+"If you desire it, assuredly, dear daughter," rejoined Oldcorne; "but I
+am unwilling you should sacrifice your rest."
+
+"It will be no sacrifice, father, for I should not slumber, even if I
+sought my couch," she returned. "Go, good Heydocke. Keep vigilant watch:
+and, if you hear the slightest noise without, fail not to give us
+warning."
+
+The steward bowed, and departed.
+
+Some hours elapsed, during which nothing occurred to alarm Viviana and
+her companion, who consumed the time in prayer and devout conversation;
+when, just at the stroke of two,--as the former was kneeling before her
+spiritual adviser, and receiving absolution for the slight offences of
+which a being so pure-minded could be supposed capable,--a noise like
+the falling of a bar of iron was heard beneath the window. The priest
+turned pale, and cast a look of uneasiness at the maiden, who said
+nothing, but snatching up the light, and motioning him to remain quiet,
+hurried out of the room in search of the steward. He was nowhere to be
+found. In vain, she examined all the lower rooms,--in vain, called to
+him by name. No answer was returned.
+
+Greatly terrified, she was preparing to retrace her steps, when she
+heard the sound of muttered voices in the hall. Extinguishing her light,
+she advanced to the door, which was left ajar, and, taking care not to
+expose herself to observation, beheld several armed figures, some of
+whom bore dark lanterns, while others surrounded and menaced with their
+drawn swords the unfortunate steward. From their discourse she
+ascertained that, having thrown a plank across the moat, and concealed
+themselves within the garden until they had reconnoitred the premises,
+they had contrived to gain admittance unperceived through the window of
+a small back room, in which they had surprised Heydocke, who had fallen
+asleep on his post, and captured him. One amongst their number, who
+appeared to act as leader, and whom, from his garb, and the white wand
+he carried, Viviana knew must be a pursuivant, now proceeded to
+interrogate the prisoner. To every question proposed to him the steward
+shook his head; and, in spite of the threats of the examinant, and the
+blows of his followers, he persisted in maintaining silence.
+
+"If we cannot make this contumacious rascal speak, we will find others
+more tractable," observed the pursuivant. "I will not leave any corner
+of the house unvisited; nor a soul within it unquestioned. Ah! here they
+come!"
+
+As he spoke, several of the serving-men, with some of the female
+domestics, who had been alarmed by the noise, rushed into the hall, and
+on seeing it filled with armed men, were about to retreat, when they
+were instantly seized and detained. A scene of great confusion now
+ensued. The women screamed and cried for mercy, while the men struggled
+and fought with their captors. Commanding silence at length, the
+pursuivant proclaimed in the King's name that whoever would guide him to
+the hiding-place of Father Oldcorne, a Jesuit priest, whom it was known,
+and could be proved, was harboured within the mansion, should receive a
+free pardon and reward; while those who screened him, or connived at his
+concealment, were liable to fine, imprisonment, and even more severe
+punishment. Each servant was then questioned separately. But, though all
+were more or less rudely dealt with, no information could be elicited.
+
+Meanwhile, Viviana was a prey to the most intolerable anxiety. Unable to
+reach Father Oldcorne without crossing the hall, which she did not dare
+to attempt, she gave him up for lost; her sole hope being that, on
+hearing the cries of the domestics, he would provide for his own safety.
+Her anxiety was still farther increased when the pursuivant, having
+exhausted his patience by fruitless interrogatories, and satisfied his
+malice by frightening two of the females into fits, departed with a
+portion of his band to search the house, leaving the rest as a guard
+over the prisoners.
+
+Viviana then felt that, if she would save Father Oldcorne, the attempt
+must be made without a moment's delay, and at any hazard. Watching her
+opportunity, when the troopers were occupied,--some in helping
+themselves to such viands and liquors as they could lay hands
+upon,--some in searching the persons of the prisoners for amulets and
+relics,--while others, more humane, were trying to revive the swooning
+women, she contrived to steal unperceived across the lower end of the
+hall. Having gained the passage, she found to her horror that the
+pursuivant and his band were already within the star-chamber. They were
+sounding the walls with hammers and mallets, and from their
+exclamations, she learnt that they had discovered the retreat behind the
+fire-place, and were about to break it open.
+
+"We have him," roared the pursuivant, in a voice of triumph. "The old
+owl's roost is here!"
+
+Viviana, who stood at the door, drew in her breath, expecting that the
+next moment would inform her that the priest was made captive. Instead
+of this, she was delighted to find, from the oaths of rage and
+disappointment uttered by the troopers, that he had eluded them.
+
+"He must be in the house, at all events," growled the pursuivant; "nor
+is it long since he quitted his hiding-place, as this cushion proves. We
+will not go away without him. And now, let us proceed to the upper
+chambers."
+
+Hearing their footsteps approach, Viviana darted off, and quickly
+ascending the principal staircase, entered a long corridor. Uncertain
+what to do, she was about to proceed to her own chamber, and bar the
+door, when she felt her arm grasped by a man. With difficulty repressing
+a shriek, she strove to disengage herself, when a whisper told her it
+was the priest.
+
+"Heaven be praised!" cried Viviana, "you are safe. How--how did you
+escape?"
+
+"I flew upstairs on hearing the voices," replied Oldcorne. "But what has
+happened to the steward?"
+
+"He is a prisoner," replied Viviana.
+
+"All then is lost, unless you are acquainted with the secret panel he
+spoke of in the oratory," rejoined Oldcorne.
+
+"Alas! father, I am wholly ignorant of it," she answered. "But, come
+with me into my chamber; they will not dare to invade it."
+
+"I know not that," returned the priest, despairingly. "These
+sacrilegious villains would not respect the sanctity of the altar
+itself."
+
+"They come!" cried Viviana, as lights were seen at the foot of the
+stairs. "Take my hand--this way, father."
+
+They had scarcely gained the room, and fastened the door, when the
+pursuivant and his attendants appeared in the corridor. The officer, it
+would seem, had been well instructed where to search, or was
+sufficiently practised in his duty, for he proceeded at once to several
+hiding-places in the different chambers which he visited. In one room he
+detected a secret staircase in the wall, which he mounted, and
+discovered a small chapel built in the roof. Stripping it of its altar,
+its statue of the Virgin, its crucifix, pix, chalice, and other
+consecrated vessels, he descended, and continued his search. Viviana's
+chamber was now the only one unvisited. Trying the door, and finding it
+locked, he tapped against it with his wand.
+
+"Who knocks?" asked the maiden.
+
+"A state-messenger," was the reply. "I demand entrance in the King's
+name."
+
+"You cannot have it," she replied. "It is my sleeping-chamber."
+
+"My duty allows me no alternative," rejoined the pursuivant, harshly.
+"If you will not admit me quietly, I must use force."
+
+"Do you know to whom you offer this rudeness?" returned Viviana. "I am
+the daughter of Sir William Radcliffe."
+
+"I know it," replied the pursuivant; "but I am not exceeding my
+authority. I hold a warrant for your father's arrest. And, if he had not
+been from home, I should have carried him to prison along with the
+Jesuit priest whom, I suspect, is concealed within your chamber. Open
+the door, I command you; and do not hinder me in the execution of my
+duty."
+
+As no answer was returned to the application, the pursuivant commanded
+his men to burst open the door; and the order was promptly obeyed.
+
+The chamber was empty.
+
+On searching it, however, the pursuivant found a door concealed by the
+hangings of the bed. It was bolted on the other side, but speedily
+yielded to his efforts. Passing through it, he entered upon a narrow
+gallery, at the extremity of which his progress was stopped by another
+door, likewise fastened on the further side. On bursting it open, he
+entered a small oratory, wainscoted with oak, and lighted by an oriel
+window filled with stained glass, through which the newly-risen moon was
+pouring its full radiance, and discovered the object of his search.
+
+"Father Oldcorne, I arrest you as a Jesuit and a traitor," shouted the
+pursuivant, in a voice of exultation. "Seize him!" he added, calling to
+his men.
+
+"You shall not take him," cried Viviana, clinging despairingly to the
+priest, who offered no resistance, but clasped a crucifix to his breast.
+
+"Leave go your hold, young mistress," rejoined the pursuivant, grasping
+Oldcorne by the collar of his vestment, and dragging him along; "and
+rest thankful that I make you not, also, my prisoner."
+
+"Take me; but spare him!--in mercy spare him!" shrieked Viviana.
+
+"You solicit mercy from one who knows it not, daughter," observed the
+priest. "Lead on, sir. I am ready to attend you."
+
+"Your destination is the New Fleet, father," retorted the pursuivant, in
+a tone of bitter raillery; "unless you prefer the cell in Radcliffe Hall
+lately vacated by your saintly predecessor, Father Woodroofe."
+
+"Help! help!" shrieked Viviana.
+
+"You may spare your voice, fair lady," sneered the pursuivant. "No help
+is at hand. Your servants are all prisoners."
+
+The words were scarcely uttered, when a sliding panel in the wall flew
+open, and Guy Fawkes, followed by Humphrey Chetham, and another
+personage, sprang through the aperture, and presented a petronel at the
+head of the pursuivant.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+CHAT MOSS.
+
+
+The pursuivant was taken so completely unawares by the sudden appearance
+of Guy Fawkes and his companions, that he made no attempt at resistance.
+Nor were his attendants less confounded. Before they recovered from
+their surprise, Humphrey Chetham seized Viviana in his arms, and darting
+through the panel, called to the priest to follow him. Father Oldcorne
+was about to comply, when one of the soldiers, grasping the surcingle at
+his waist, dragged him forcibly backwards. The next moment, however, he
+was set free by Guy Fawkes, who, felling the man to the ground, and
+interposing himself between the priest and the other soldier, enabled
+the former to make good his retreat. This done, he planted himself in
+front of the panel, and with a petronel in each hand, menaced his
+opponents.
+
+"Fly for your lives!" he shouted in a loud voice to the others. "Not a
+moment is to be lost. I have taken greater odds, and in a worse cause,
+and have not been worsted. Heed me not, I say. I will defend the passage
+till you are beyond reach of danger. Fly!--fly!"
+
+"After them!" vociferated the pursuivant, stamping with rage and
+vexation; "after them instantly! Hew down that bold traitor. Show him no
+quarter. His life is forfeit to the king. Slay him as you would a dog!"
+
+But the men, having no fire-arms, were so much intimidated by the fierce
+looks of Guy Fawkes, and the deadly weapons he pointed at their heads,
+that they hesitated to obey their leader's injunctions.
+
+"Do you hear what I say to you, cravens?" roared the pursuivant. "Cut
+him down without mercy."
+
+"They dare not move a footstep," rejoined Guy Fawkes, in a decisive
+tone.
+
+"Recreants!" cried the pursuivant, foaming with rage, "is my prey to be
+snatched from me at the very moment I have secured it, through your
+cowardice? Obey me instantly, or, as Heaven shall judge me, I will
+denounce you to my Lord Derby and the Commissioners as aiders and
+abettors in Father Oldcorne's escape!--and you well know what your
+punishment will be if I do so. What!--are you afraid of one man?"
+
+"Our pikes are no match for his petronels," observed the foremost
+soldier, sullenly.
+
+"They are not," rejoined Guy Fawkes; "and you will do well not to compel
+me to prove the truth of your assertion. As to you, Master Pursuivant,"
+he continued, with a look so stern that the other quailed before it,
+"unwilling as I am to shed blood, I shall hold your life, if I am
+compelled to take it, but just retribution for the fate you have brought
+upon the unfortunate Elizabeth Orton.
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed the pursuivant, starting. "I thought I recognised you.
+You are the soldier in the Spanish garb who saved that false prophetess
+from drowning."
+
+"I saved her only for a more lingering death," rejoined Guy Fawkes.
+
+"I know it," retorted the pursuivant. "I found her dead body when I
+visited her cell on my way hither, and gave orders to have it interred
+without coffin or shroud in that part of the burial-ground of the
+Collegiate Church in Manchester reserved for common felons."
+
+"I know not what stays my hand," rejoined Guy Fawkes, fiercely. "But I
+am strongly tempted to give you a grave beside her."
+
+"I will put your daring to the proof!" cried the pursuivant, snatching a
+pike from one of his followers, and brandishing it over his head. "Throw
+down your arms, or you die!"
+
+"Back!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, presenting a petronel at him, "or I lodge
+a bullet in your brain."
+
+"Be advised by me, and rush not on certain destruction, good Master
+Pursuivant," said the foremost soldier, plucking his mantle. "I see by
+his bloodthirsty looks that the villain is in earnest."
+
+"I hear footsteps," cried the other soldier; "our comrades are at hand."
+
+"Then it is time for me to depart," cried Guy Fawkes, springing through
+the secret door, and closing it after him.
+
+"Confusion!" exclaimed the pursuivant; "but he shall not escape. Break
+open the panel."
+
+The order was promptly obeyed. The men battered the stout oak board,
+which was of great thickness, with their pikes, but it resisted every
+effort, nor was it until the arrival of a fresh band of soldiers with
+lights, mallets, chisels, and other implements suitable to the purpose,
+that it could be forced open. This accomplished, the pursuivant,
+commanding his attendants to follow him, dashed through the aperture. As
+they proceeded singly along the narrow passage, the roof became so low
+that they were compelled to adopt a stooping posture. In this manner
+they hurried on until their further progress was stopped by a massive
+stone door, which appeared to descend from above by some hidden
+contrivance, no trace of bolt or other fastening being discernible. The
+flag fitted closely in channels in the walls, and had all the appearance
+of solid masonry. After examining this obstacle for a moment, the
+pursuivant was convinced that any attempt to move it would be
+impracticable, and muttering a deep execration, he gave the word to
+return.
+
+"From the course it appears to take," he observed, "this passage must
+communicate with the garden,--perhaps with the further side of the moat.
+We may yet secure them, if we use despatch."
+
+To return to the fugitives. On arriving at the point where the stone
+door was situated, which he discovered by the channels in the wall
+above-mentioned, Guy Fawkes searched for an iron ring, and, having found
+it, drew it towards him, and the ponderous flag slowly dropped into its
+place. He then groped his way cautiously along in the dark, until his
+foot encountered the top of a ladder, down which he crept, and landed on
+the floor of a damp deep vault. Having taken the precaution to remove
+the ladder, he hastened onwards for about fifty yards, when he came to a
+steep flight of stone steps, distinguishable by a feeble glimmer of
+light from above, and mounting them, emerged through an open trap-door
+into a small building situated at the western side of the moat, where,
+to his surprise and disappointment, he found the other fugitives.
+
+"How comes it you are here?" he exclaimed, in a reproachful tone. "I
+kept the wolves at bay thus long, to enable you to make good your
+retreat."
+
+"Miss Radcliffe is too weak to move," replied Humphrey Chetham; "and I
+could not persuade Father Oldcorne to leave her."
+
+"I care not what becomes of me," said the priest. "The sooner my painful
+race is run the better. But I cannot--will not abandon my dear charge
+thus."
+
+"Think not of me, father, I implore you," rejoined Viviana, who had sunk
+overpowered with terror and exhaustion. "I shall be better soon. Master
+Chetham, I am assured, will remain with me till our enemies have
+departed, and I will then return to the hall."
+
+"Command me as you please, Miss Radcliffe," replied Humphrey Chetham.
+"You have but to express a wish to insure its fulfilment on my part."
+
+"Oh! that you had suffered Mr. Catesby to tarry with us till the
+morning, as he himself proposed, dear daughter," observed the priest,
+turning to Viviana.
+
+"Has Catesby been here?" inquired Guy Fawkes, with a look of
+astonishment.
+
+"He has," replied Oldcorne. "He came to warn us that the hall would be
+this night searched by the officers of state; and he also brought word
+that a warrant had been issued by the Privy Council for the arrest of
+Sir William Radcliffe."
+
+"Where is he now?" demanded Fawkes, hastily.
+
+"On the way to Chester, whither he departed in all haste, at Viviana's
+urgent request, to apprise her father of his danger," rejoined the
+priest.
+
+"This is strange!" muttered Guy Fawkes. "Catesby here, and I not know
+it!"
+
+"He had a secret motive for his visit, my son," whispered Oldcorne,
+significantly.
+
+"So I conclude, father," replied Fawkes, in the same tone.
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe," murmured Humphrey Chetham, in low and tender
+accents, "something tells me that this moment will decide my future
+fate. Emboldened by the mysterious manner in which we have been brought
+together, and you, as it were, have been thrown upon my protection, I
+venture to declare the passion I have long indulged for you;--a passion
+which, though deep and fervent as ever agitated human bosom, has
+hitherto, from the difference of our rank, and yet more from the
+difference of our religious opinions, been without hope. What has just
+occurred,--added to the peril in which your worthy father stands, and
+the difficulties in which you yourself will necessarily be
+involved,--makes me cast aside all misgiving, and perhaps with too much
+presumption, but with a confident belief that the sincerity of my love
+renders me not wholly undeserving of your regard, earnestly solicit you
+to give me a husband's right to watch over and defend you."
+
+Viviana was silent. But even by the imperfect light the young merchant
+could discern that her cheek was covered with blushes.
+
+"Your answer?" he cried, taking her hand.
+
+"You must take it from my lips, Master Chetham," interposed the priest;
+"Viviana Radcliffe never can be yours."
+
+"Be pleased to let her speak for herself, reverend sir," rejoined the
+young merchant, angrily.
+
+"I represent her father, and have acquainted you with his
+determination," rejoined the priest. "Appeal to her, and she will
+confirm my words."
+
+"Viviana, is this true?" asked Chetham. "Does your father object to your
+union with me?"
+
+Viviana answered by a deep sigh, and gently withdrew her hand from the
+young merchant's grasp.
+
+"Then there is no hope for me?" cried Chetham.
+
+"Alas! no," replied Viviana; "nor for me--of earthly affection. I am
+already dead to the world."
+
+"How so?" he asked.
+
+"I am about to vow myself to Heaven," she answered.
+
+"Viviana!" exclaimed the young man, throwing himself at her feet,
+"reflect!--oh! reflect, before you take this fatal--this irrevocable
+step."
+
+"Rise, sir," interposed the priest, sternly; "you plead in vain. Sir
+William Radcliffe will never wed his daughter to a heretic. In his name
+I command you to desist from further solicitation."
+
+"I obey," replied Chetham, rising.
+
+"We lose time here," observed Guy Fawkes, who had been lost for a moment
+in reflection. "I will undertake to provide for your safety, father.
+But, what must be done with Viviana? She cannot be left here. And her
+return to the hall would be attended with danger."
+
+"I will not return till the miscreants have quitted it," said Viviana.
+
+"Their departure is uncertain," replied Fawkes. "When they are baulked
+of their prey they sometimes haunt a dwelling for weeks."
+
+"What will become of me?" cried Viviana, distractedly.
+
+"It were vain, I fear, to entreat you to accept an asylum with my father
+at Clayton Hall, or at my own residence at Crumpsall," said Humphrey
+Chetham.
+
+"Your offer is most kind, sir," replied Oldcorne, "and is duly
+appreciated. But Viviana will see the propriety--on every account--of
+declining it."
+
+"I do; I do," she acquiesced.
+
+"Will you entrust yourself to my protection?" observed Fawkes.
+
+"Willingly," replied the priest, answering for her. "We shall find some
+place of refuge," he added, turning to Viviana, "where your father can
+join us, and where we can remain concealed till this storm has blown
+over."
+
+"I know many such," rejoined Fawkes, "both in this county and in
+Yorkshire, and will guide you to one."
+
+"My horses are at your service," said Humphrey Chetham. "They are tied
+beneath the trees in the avenue. My servant shall bring them to the
+door," and, turning to his attendant, he gave him directions to that
+effect. "I was riding hither an hour before midnight," he continued,
+addressing Viviana, "to offer you assistance, having accidentally heard
+the pursuivant mention his meditated visit to Ordsall Hall, to one of
+his followers, when, as I approached the gates, this person," pointing
+to Guy Fawkes, "crossed my path, and, seizing the bridle of my steed,
+demanded whether I was a friend to Sir William Radcliffe. I answered in
+the affirmative, and desired to know the motive of his inquiry. He then
+told me that the house was invested by a numerous band of armed men, who
+had crossed the moat by means of a plank, and were at that moment
+concealed within the garden. This intelligence, besides filling me with
+alarm, disconcerted all my plans, as I hoped to have been beforehand
+with them--their inquisitorial searches being generally made at a late
+hour, when all the inmates of a house intended to be surprised are
+certain to have retired to rest. While I was bitterly reproaching myself
+for my dilatoriness, and considering what course it would be best to
+pursue, my servant, Martin Heydocke, son to your father's old steward,
+who had ridden up at the stranger's approach, informed me that he was
+acquainted with a secret passage communicating beneath the moat with the
+hall. Upon this, I dismounted; and fastening my horse to a tree, ordered
+him to lead me to it without an instant's delay. The stranger, who gave
+his name as Guy Fawkes, and professed himself a stanch Catholic, and a
+friend of Father Oldcorne, begged permission to join us, in a tone so
+earnest, that I at once acceded to his request. We then proceeded to
+this building, and after some search discovered the trap-door. Much time
+was lost, owing to our being unprovided with lights, in the subterranean
+passage; and it was more than two hours before we could find the ring
+connected with the stone door, the mystery of which Martin explained to
+us. This delay we feared would render our scheme abortive, when, just as
+we reached the panel, we heard your shrieks. The spring was touched,
+and--you know the rest."
+
+"And shall never forget it," replied Viviana, in a tone of the deepest
+gratitude.
+
+At this juncture, the tramp of horses was heard at the door; and the
+next moment it was thrown open by the younger Heydocke, who, with a
+look, and in a voice of the utmost terror, exclaimed, "They are
+coming!--they are coming!"
+
+"The pursuivant?" cried Guy Fawkes.
+
+"Not him alone, but the whole gang," rejoined Martin. "Some of them are
+lowering the drawbridge, while others are crossing the plank. Several
+are on horseback, and I think I discern the pursuivant amongst the
+number. They have seen me, and are hurrying in this direction."
+
+As he spoke, a loud shout corroborated his statement.
+
+"We are lost!" exclaimed Oldcorne.
+
+"Do not despair, father," rejoined Guy Fawkes. "Heaven will not abandon
+its faithful servants. The Lord will deliver us out of the hands of
+these Amalekites."
+
+"To horse, then, if you would indeed avoid them," urged Humphrey
+Chetham. "The shouts grow louder. Your enemies are fast approaching."
+
+"Viviana," said Guy Fawkes, "are you willing to fly with us?"
+
+"I will do anything rather than be left to those horrible men," she
+answered.
+
+Guy Fawkes then raised her in his arms, and sprang with his lovely
+burthen upon the nearest charger. His example was quickly followed by
+Humphrey Chetham, who, vaulting on the other horse, assisted the priest
+to mount behind him. While this took place, Martin Heydocke darted into
+the shed, and instantly bolted the door.
+
+It was a beautiful moonlight night, almost as bright as day, and the
+movements of each party were fully revealed to the other. Guy Fawkes
+perceived at a glance that they were surrounded; and, though he had no
+fears for himself, he was full of apprehension for the safety of his
+companion. While he was debating with himself as to the course it would
+be best to pursue, Humphrey Chetham shouted to him to turn to the left,
+and started off in that direction. Grasping his fair charge, whom he had
+placed before him on the saddle, firmly with his left arm, and wrapping
+her in his ample cloak, Guy Fawkes drew his sword, and striking spurs
+into his steed, followed in the same track.
+
+The little fabric which had afforded them temporary shelter, it has
+already been mentioned, was situated on the west of the hall, at a short
+distance from the moat, and was screened from observation by a small
+shrubbery. No sooner did the fugitives emerge from this cover, than loud
+outcries were raised by their antagonists, and every effort was made to
+intercept them. On the right, galloping towards them on a light but
+swift courser, taken from Sir William Radcliffe's stables, came the
+pursuivant, attended by half-a-dozen troopers, who had accommodated
+themselves with horses in the same manner as their leader. Between them
+and the road leading to Manchester, were stationed several armed men on
+foot. At the rear, voices proclaimed that others were in full pursuit;
+while in front, a fourth detachment menaced them with their pikes. Thus
+beset on all sides, it seemed scarcely possible to escape. Nothing
+daunted, however, by the threats and vociferations with which they were
+received, the two horsemen boldly charged this party. The encounter was
+instantaneous. Guy Fawkes warded off a blow, which, if it had taken
+effect, must have robbed Viviana of life, and struck down the fellow who
+aimed it. At the same moment, his career was checked by another
+assailant, who, catching his bridle with the hook of his pike, commanded
+him to surrender. Fawkes replied by cleaving the man's staff asunder,
+and, having thus disembarrassed himself, was about to pursue his
+course, when he perceived that Humphrey Chetham was in imminent danger
+from a couple of soldiers who had stopped him, and were trying to
+unhorse his companion. Riding up to them, Guy Fawkes, by a vigorous and
+well-directed attack, speedily drove them off; and the fugitives, being
+now unimpeded, were enabled to continue their career.
+
+The foregoing occurrences were witnessed by the pursuivant with the
+utmost rage and vexation. Pouring forth a torrent of threats and
+imprecations, he swore he would never rest till he had secured them, and
+urging his courser to its utmost speed, commanded his men to give chase.
+
+Skirting a sluice, communicating between the Irwell and the moat,
+Humphrey Chetham, who, as better acquainted with the country than his
+companions, took the lead, proceeded along its edge for about a hundred
+yards, when he suddenly struck across a narrow bridge covered with sod,
+and entered the open fields. Hitherto Viviana had remained silent.
+Though fully aware of the risk she had run, she gave no sign of
+alarm--not even when the blow was aimed against her life; and it was
+only on conceiving the danger in some degree past, that she ventured to
+express her gratitude.
+
+"You have displayed so much courage," said Guy Fawkes, in answer to her
+speech, "that it would be unpardonable to deceive you. Our foes are too
+near us, and too well mounted, to make it by any means certain we shall
+escape them,--unless by stratagem."
+
+"They are within a hundred yards of us," cried Humphrey Chetham,
+glancing fearfully backwards. "They have possessed themselves of your
+father's fleetest horses; and, if I mistake not, the rascally pursuivant
+has secured your favourite barb."
+
+"My gentle Zayda!" exclaimed Viviana. "Then indeed we are lost. She has
+not her match for speed."
+
+"If she bring her rider to us alone, she will do us good service,"
+observed Guy Fawkes, significantly.
+
+The same notion, almost at the same moment, occurred to the pursuivant.
+Having witnessed the prowess displayed by Guy Fawkes in his recent
+attack on the soldiers, he felt no disposition to encounter so
+formidable an opponent single-handed; and finding that the high-mettled
+barb on which he was mounted, by its superior speed and fiery temper,
+would inevitably place him in such a dilemma, he prudently resolved to
+halt, and exchange it for a more manageable steed.
+
+This delay was of great service to the fugitives, and enabled them to
+get considerably ahead. They had now gained a narrow lane, and, tracking
+it, speedily reached the rocky banks of the Irwell. Galloping along a
+foot-path that followed the serpentine course of the stream for a
+quarter of a mile, they arrived at a spot marked by a bed of osiers,
+where Humphrey Chetham informed them there was a ford.
+
+Accordingly, they plunged into the river, and while stemming the
+current, which here ran with great swiftness, and rose up above the
+saddles, the neighing of a steed was heard from the bank they had
+quitted. Turning at the sound, Viviana beheld her favourite courser on
+the summit of a high rock. The soldier to whom Zayda was intrusted had
+speedily, as the pursuivant foresaw, distanced his companions, and chose
+this elevated position to take sure aim at Guy Fawkes, against whom he
+was now levelling a caliver. The next moment a bullet struck against his
+brigandine, but without doing him any injury. The soldier, however, did
+not escape so lightly. Startled by the discharge, the fiery barb leaped
+from the precipice into the river, and throwing her rider, who was borne
+off by the rapid stream, swam towards the opposite bank, which she
+reached just as the others were landing. At the sound of her mistress's
+voice she stood still, and allowed Humphrey Chetham to lay hold of her
+bridle; and Viviana declaring she was able to mount her, Guy Fawkes, who
+felt that such an arrangement was most likely to conduce to her safety,
+and who was, moreover, inclined to view the occurrence as a providential
+interference in their behalf, immediately assisted her into the saddle.
+
+Before this transfer could be effected, the pursuivant and his
+attendants had begun to ford the stream. The former had witnessed the
+accident that had befallen the soldier from a short distance; and, while
+he affected to deplore it, internally congratulated himself on his
+prudence and foresight. But he was by no means so well satisfied when he
+saw how it served to benefit the fugitives.
+
+"That unlucky beast!" he exclaimed. "Some fiend must have prompted me to
+bring her out of the stable. Would she had drowned herself instead of
+poor Dickon Duckesbury, whom she hath sent to feed the fishes! With her
+aid, Miss Radcliffe will doubtless escape. No matter. If I secure Father
+Oldcorne, and that black-visaged trooper in the Spanish garb, who, I'll
+be sworn, is a secret intelligencer of the pope, if not of the devil, I
+shall be well contented. I'll hang them both on a gibbet higher than
+Haman's."
+
+And muttering other threats to the same effect, he picked his way to the
+opposite shore. Long before he reached it, the fugitives had
+disappeared; but on climbing the bank, he beheld them galloping swiftly
+across a well-wooded district steeped in moonlight, and spread out
+before his view, and inflamed by the sight he shouted to his attendants,
+and once more started in pursuit.
+
+Cheered by the fortunate incident above related, which, in presenting
+her with her own steed in a manner so surprising and unexpected, seemed
+almost to give her assurance of deliverance, Viviana, inspirited by the
+exercise, felt her strength and spirits rapidly revive. At her side rode
+Guy Fawkes, who ever and anon cast an anxious look behind, to ascertain
+the distance of their pursuers, but suffered no exclamation to escape
+his lips. Indeed, throughout the whole affair, he maintained the reserve
+belonging to his sombre and taciturn character, and neither questioned
+Humphrey Chetham as to where he was leading them, nor proposed any
+deviation from the route he had apparently chosen. To such remarks as
+were addressed to him, Fawkes answered in monosyllables; and it was only
+when occasion required, that he volunteered any observation or advice.
+He seemed to surrender himself to chance. And perhaps, if his bosom
+could have been examined, it would have been found that he considered
+himself a mere puppet in the hands of destiny.
+
+In other and calmer seasons, he might have dwelt with rapture on the
+beautiful and varied country through which they were speeding, and which
+from every knoll they mounted, every slope they descended, every glade
+they threaded, intricacy pierced, or tangled dell tracked, presented new
+and increasing attractions. This charming district, since formed into a
+park by the Traffords, from whom it derives its present designation, was
+at this time,--though part of the domain of that ancient family,--wholly
+unenclosed. Old Trafford Hall lies (for it is still in existence,) more
+than a mile nearer to Manchester, a little to the east of Ordsall Hall;
+but the modern residence of the family is situated in the midst of the
+lovely region through which the fugitives were riding.
+
+But, though the charms of the scene, heightened by the gentle medium
+through which they were viewed, produced little effect upon the iron
+nature of Guy Fawkes, they were not without influence on his companions,
+especially Viviana. Soothed by the stillness of all around her, she
+almost forgot her danger; and surrendering herself to the dreamy
+enjoyment generally experienced in contemplating such a scene at such an
+hour, suffered her gaze to wander over the fair woody landscape before
+her, till it was lost in the distant moonlit wolds.
+
+From the train of thought naturally awakened by this spectacle, she was
+roused by the shouts of the pursuers; and, glancing timorously behind
+her, beheld them hurrying swiftly along the valley they had just
+quitted. From the rapidity with which they were advancing, it was
+evident they were gaining upon them, and she was about to urge her
+courser to greater speed, when Humphrey Chetham laid his hand upon the
+rein to check her.
+
+"Reserve yourself till we gain the brow of this hill," he remarked; "and
+then put Zayda to her mettle. We are not far from our destination."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Viviana. "Where is it?"
+
+"I will show it to you presently," he answered.
+
+Arrived at the summit of the high ground, which they had been for some
+time gradually ascending, the young merchant pointed out a vast boggy
+tract, about two miles off, in the vale beneath them.
+
+"That is our destination," he said.
+
+"Did I not hold it impossible you could trifle with me at such a time as
+this, I should say you were jesting," rejoined Viviana. "The place you
+indicate, unless I mistake you, is Chat Moss, the largest and most
+dangerous marsh in Lancashire."
+
+"You do not mistake me, neither am I jesting, Viviana," replied the
+young merchant, gravely. "Chat Moss _is_ the mark at which I aim."
+
+"If we are to cross it, we shall need a Will-o'-the-wisp to guide us,
+and some friendly elf to make firm the ground beneath our steeds,"
+rejoined Viviana, in a slightly-sarcastic tone.
+
+"Trust to me and you shall traverse it in safety," resumed Humphrey
+Chetham.
+
+"I would sooner trust myself to the pursuivant and his band, than
+venture upon its treacherous surface," she replied.
+
+"How is this, young sir?" interposed Guy Fawkes, sternly. "Is it from
+heedlessness or rashness that you are about to expose us to this new
+danger?--which, if Viviana judges correctly, and my own experience of
+such places inclines me to think she does so,--is greater than that
+which now besets us."
+
+"If there is any danger I shall be the first to encounter it, for I
+propose to act as your guide," returned Humphrey Chetham, in an offended
+tone. "But the treacherous character of the marsh constitutes our
+safety. I am acquainted with a narrow path across it, from which the
+deviation of a foot will bring certain death. If our pursuers attempt to
+follow us their destruction is inevitable. Viviana may rest assured I
+would not needlessly expose so dear a life as hers. But it is our best
+chance of safety."
+
+"Humphrey Chetham is in the right," observed the priest. "I have heard
+of the path he describes; and if he can guide us along it, we shall
+effectually baffle our enemies."
+
+"I cry you mercy, sir," said Viviana. "I did not apprehend your meaning.
+But I now thankfully resign myself to your care."
+
+"Forward, then," cried the young merchant. And they dashed swiftly down
+the declivity.
+
+Chat Moss, towards which they were hastening, though now drained, in
+part cultivated, and traversed by the busiest and most-frequented
+railroad in England, or the world, was, within the recollection of many
+of the youngest of the present generation, a dreary and almost
+impassable waste. Surveyed from the heights of Dunham, whence the
+writer has often gazed upon it, envying the plover her wing to skim over
+its broad expanse, it presented with its black boggy soil, striped like
+a motley garment, with patches of grey, tawny, and dunnish red, a
+singular and mysterious appearance. Conjecture fixes this morass as the
+site of a vast forest, whose immemorial and Druid-haunted groves were
+burnt by the Roman invaders; and seeks to account for its present
+condition by supposing that the charred trees--still frequently found
+within its depths--being left where the conflagration had placed them,
+had choked up its brooks and springs, and so reduced it to a general
+swamp. Drayton, however, in the following lines from the Faerie Land,
+places its origin as far back as the Deluge:--
+
+                    ----Great Chat Moss at my fall
+      Lies fall of turf and marl, her unctuous mineral;
+      And blocks as black as pitch, with boring augers found,
+      There at the General Flood supposed to be drown'd.
+
+But the former hypothesis appears the more probable. A curious
+description of Chat Moss, as it appeared at the time of this history, is
+furnished by Camden, who terms it, "a swampy tract of great extent, a
+considerable part of which was carried off in the last age by swollen
+rivers with great danger, whereby the rivers were infected, and great
+quantities of fish died. Instead thereof is now a valley watered by a
+small stream; and many trees were discovered thrown down, and lying
+flat, so that one may suppose when the ground lay neglected, and the
+waste water of brooks was not drained off into the open valleys, or
+their courses stopped by neglect or desolation, all the lower grounds
+were turned into swamps, (which we call _mosses_,) or into pools. If
+this was the case, no wonder so many trees are found covered, and, as it
+were, buried in such places all over England, but especially here. For
+the roots being loosened by too excessive wet, they must necessarily
+fall down and sink in so soft a soil. The people hereabouts search for
+them with poles and spits, and after marking the place, dig them up and
+use them for firing, for they are like torches, equally fit to burn and
+to give light, which is probably owing to the bituminous earth that
+surrounds them, whence the common people suppose them firs, though Caesar
+denies that there were such trees in Britain."
+
+But, though vast masses of the bog had been carried off by the Irwell
+and the Mersey, as related by Camden, the general appearance of the
+waste,--with the exception of the valley and the small stream,--was much
+the same as it continued to our own time. Its surface was more broken
+and irregular, and black gaping chasms and pits filled with water and
+slime as dark-coloured as the turf whence it flowed, pointed out the
+spots where the swollen and heaving swamp had burst its bondage. Narrow
+paths, known only to the poor turf-cutters and other labourers who dwelt
+upon its borders, and gathered fuel with poles and spits in the manner
+above described, intersected it at various points. But as they led in
+many cases to dangerous and deep gulfs, to dismal quagmires and
+fathomless pits; and, moreover, as the slightest departure from the
+proper track would have whelmed the traveller in an oozy bed, from
+which, as from a quicksand, he would have vainly striven to extricate
+himself,--it was never crossed without a guide, except by those familiar
+with its perilous courses. One painful circumstance connected with the
+history of Chat Moss remains to be recorded--namely, that the attempt
+made to cultivate it by the great historian Roscoe,--an attempt since
+carried out, as has already been shown, with complete success,--ended in
+a result ruinous to the fortunes of that highly-gifted person, who, up
+to the period of this luckless undertaking, was as prosperous as he was
+meritorious.
+
+By this time the fugitives had approached the confines of the marsh. An
+accident, however, had just occurred, which nearly proved fatal to
+Viviana, and, owing to the delay it occasioned, brought their pursuers
+into dangerous proximity with them. In fording the Irwell, which, from
+its devious course, they were again compelled to cross, about a quarter
+of a mile below Barton, her horse missed its footing, and precipitated
+her into the rapid current. In another instant she would have been borne
+away, if Guy Fawkes had not flung himself into the water, and seized her
+before she sank. Her affrighted steed, having got out of its depth,
+began to swim off, and it required the utmost exertion on the part of
+Humphrey Chetham, embarrassed as he was by the priest, to secure it. In
+a few minutes all was set to rights, and Viviana was once more placed on
+the saddle, without having sustained further inconvenience than was
+occasioned by her dripping apparel. But those few minutes, as has been
+just stated, sufficed to bring the pursuivant and his men close upon
+them; and as they scrambled up the opposite bank, the plunging and
+shouting behind them told that the latter had entered the stream.
+
+"Yonder is Baysnape," exclaimed Humphrey Chetham, calling Viviana's
+attention to a ridge of high ground on the borders of the waste. "Below
+it lies the path by which I propose to enter the moss. We shall speedily
+be out of the reach of our enemies."
+
+"The marsh at least will hide us," answered Viviana, with a shudder. "It
+is a terrible alternative."
+
+"Fear nothing, dear daughter," observed the priest. "The saints, who
+have thus marvellously protected us, will continue to watch over us to
+the end, and will make the path over yon perilous waste as safe as the
+ground on which we tread."
+
+"I like not the appearance of the sky," observed Guy Fawkes, looking
+uneasily upwards. "Before we reach the spot you have pointed out, the
+moon will be obscured. Will it be safe to traverse the moss in the
+dark?"
+
+"It is our only chance," replied the young merchant, speaking in a low
+tone, that his answer might not reach Viviana's ears; "and after all,
+the darkness may be serviceable. Our pursuers are so near, that if it
+were less gloomy, they might hit upon the right track. It will be a risk
+to us to proceed, but certain destruction to those who follow. And now
+let us make what haste we can. Every moment is precious."
+
+The dreary and fast darkening waste had now opened upon them in all its
+horrors. Far as the gaze could reach appeared an immense expanse, flat
+almost as the surface of the ocean, and unmarked, so far as could be
+discerned in that doubtful light, by any trace of human footstep or
+habitation. It was a stern and sombre prospect, and calculated to
+inspire terror in the stoutest bosom. What effect it produced on Viviana
+may be easily conjectured. But her nature was brave and enduring, and,
+though she trembled so violently as scarcely to be able to keep her
+seat, she gave no utterance to her fears. They were now skirting that
+part of the morass since denominated, from the unfortunate speculation
+previously alluded to, "Roscoe's Improvements." This tract was the worst
+and most dangerous portion of the whole moss. Soft, slabby, and
+unsubstantial, its treacherous beds scarcely offered secure footing to
+the heron that alighted on them. The ground shook beneath the fugitives
+as they hurried past the edge of the groaning and quivering marsh. The
+plover, scared from its nest, uttered its peculiar and plaintive cry;
+the bittern shrieked; other night-fowl poured forth their doleful notes;
+and the bull-frog added its deep croak to the ominous concert. Behind
+them came the thundering tramp and loud shouts of their pursuers. Guy
+Fawkes had judged correctly. Before they reached Baysnape the moon had
+withdrawn behind a rack of clouds, and it had become profoundly dark.
+Arrived at this point, Humphrey Chetham called to them to turn off to
+the right.
+
+"Follow singly," he said, "and do not swerve a hair's breadth from the
+path. The slightest deviation will be fatal. Do you, sir," he added to
+the priest, "mount behind Guy Fawkes, and let Viviana come next after
+me. If I should miss my way, do not stir for your life."
+
+The transfer effected, the fugitives turned off to the right, and
+proceeded at a cautious pace along a narrow and shaking path. The ground
+trembled so much beneath them, and their horses' feet sank so deeply in
+the plashy bog, that Viviana demanded, in a tone of some uneasiness, if
+he was sure he had taken the right course?
+
+"If I had not," replied Humphrey Chetham, "we should ere this have found
+our way to the bottom of the morass."
+
+As he spoke, a floundering plunge, accompanied by a horrible and
+quickly-stifled cry, told that one of their pursuers had perished in
+endeavouring to follow them.
+
+"The poor wretch is gone to his account," observed Viviana, in a tone of
+commiseration. "Have a care!--have a care, lest you share the same
+fate."
+
+"If I can save you, I care not what becomes of me," replied the young
+merchant. "Since I can never hope to possess you, life has become
+valueless in my eyes."
+
+"Quicken your pace," shouted Guy Fawkes, who brought up the rear. "Our
+pursuers have discovered the track, and are making towards us."
+
+"Let them do so," replied the young merchant. "They can do us no farther
+injury."
+
+"That is false!" cried the voice of a soldier from behind. And, as the
+words were uttered, a shot was fired, which, though aimed against
+Chetham, took effect upon his steed. The animal staggered, and his rider
+had only time to slide from his back when he reeled off the path, and
+was ingulfed in the marsh.
+
+Hearing the plunge of the steed, the man fancied he had hit his mark,
+and hallooed in an exulting voice to his companions. But his triumph was
+of short duration. A ball from the petronel of Guy Fawkes pierced his
+brain, and dropping from his saddle, he sank, together with his horse,
+which he dragged along with him into the quagmire.
+
+"Waste no more shot," cried Humphrey Chetham; "the swamp will fight our
+battles for us. Though I grieve for the loss of my horse, I may be
+better able to guide you on foot."
+
+With this, he seized Viviana's bridle, and drew her steed along at a
+quick pace, but with the greatest caution. As they proceeded, a light
+like that of a lantern was seen to rise from the earth, and approach
+them.
+
+"Heaven be praised!" exclaimed Viviana: "some one has heard us, and is
+hastening to our assistance."
+
+"Not so," replied Humphrey Chetham. "The light you behold is an _ignis
+fatuus_. Were you to trust yourself to its delusive gleam, it would lead
+you to the most dangerous parts of the moss."
+
+And, as if to exhibit its real character, the little flame, which
+hitherto had burnt as brightly and steadily as a wax-candle, suddenly
+appeared to dilate, and assuming a purple tinge, emitted a shower of
+sparks, and then flitted rapidly over the plain.
+
+"Woe to him that follows it!" cried Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"It has a strange unearthly look," observed Viviana, crossing herself.
+"I have much difficulty in persuading myself it is not the work of some
+malignant sprite."
+
+"It is only an exhalation of the marsh," replied Chetham. "But, see!
+others are at hand."
+
+Their approach, indeed, seemed to have disturbed all the weird children
+of the waste. Lights were seen trooping towards them in every direction;
+sometimes stopping, sometimes rising in the air, now contracting, now
+expanding, and when within a few yards of the travellers, retreating
+with inconceivable swiftness.
+
+"It is a marvellous and incomprehensible spectacle," remarked Viviana.
+
+"The common folk hereabouts affirm that these Jack-o'-lanterns, as they
+term them, always appear in greater numbers when some direful
+catastrophe is about to take place," rejoined the young merchant.
+
+"Heaven avert it from us," ejaculated Viviana.
+
+"It is an idle superstition," returned Chetham. "But we must now keep
+silence," he continued, lowering his voice, and stopping near the
+charred stump of a tree, left, it would seem, as a mark. "The road turns
+here; and, unless our pursuers know it, we shall now quit them for ever.
+We must not let a sound betray the course we are about to take."
+
+Having turned this dangerous corner in safety, and conducted his
+companions as noiselessly as possible for a few yards along the cross
+path, which being much narrower was consequently more perilous than the
+first, Humphrey Chetham stood still, and, imposing silence upon the
+others, listened to the approach of their pursuers. His prediction was
+speedily and terribly verified. Hearing the movement in advance, but
+unable to discover the course taken by the fugitives, the unfortunate
+soldiers, fearful of losing their prey, quickened their pace, in the
+expectation of instantly overtaking them. They were fatally undeceived.
+Four only of their number, besides their leader, remained,--two having
+perished in the manner heretofore described. The first of these,
+disregarding the caution of his comrade, laughingly urged his horse into
+a gallop, and, on passing the mark, sunk as if by magic, and before he
+could utter a single warning cry, into the depths of the morass. His
+disappearance was so instantaneous, that the next in order, though he
+heard the sullen plunge, was unable to draw in the rein, and was
+likewise ingulfed. A third followed; and a fourth, in his efforts to
+avoid their fate, backed his steed over the slippery edge of the path.
+Only one now remained. It was the pursuivant, who, with the prudence
+that characterized all his proceedings, had followed in the rear. He was
+so dreadfully frightened, that, adding his shrieks to those of his
+attendants, he shouted to the fugitives, imploring assistance in the
+most piteous terms, and promising never again to molest them, if they
+would guide him to a place of safety. But his cries were wholly
+unheeded; and he perhaps endured in those few minutes of agony as much
+suffering as he had inflicted on the numerous victims of his barbarity.
+It was indeed an appalling moment. Three of the wretched men had not yet
+sunk, but were floundering about in the swamp, and shrieking for help.
+The horses, as much terrified as their riders, added their piercing
+cries to the half-suffocated yells. And, as if to make the scene more
+ghastly, myriads of dancing lights flitted towards them, and throwing an
+unearthly glimmer over this part of the morass, fully revealed their
+struggling figures. Moved by compassion for the poor wretches, Viviana
+implored Humphrey Chetham to assist them, and, finding him immovable,
+she appealed to Guy Fawkes.
+
+"They are beyond all human aid," the latter replied.
+
+"Heaven have mercy on their souls!" ejaculated the priest "Pray for
+them, dear daughter. Pray heartily, as I am about to do." And he recited
+in an audible voice the Romish formula of supplication for those _in
+extremis_.
+
+Averting her gaze from the spectacle, Viviana joined fervently in the
+prayer.
+
+By this time two of the strugglers had disappeared. The third, having
+freed himself from his horse, contrived for some moments, during which
+he uttered the most frightful cries, to keep his head above the swamp.
+His efforts were tremendous, but unavailing, and served only to
+accelerate his fate. Making a last desperate plunge towards the bank
+where the fugitives were standing, he sank above the chin. The
+expression of his face, shown by the ghastly glimmer of the fen-fires,
+as he was gradually swallowed up, was horrible.
+
+"_Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine_," exclaimed the priest.
+
+"All is over," cried Humphrey Chetham, taking the bridle of Viviana's
+steed, and leading her onwards. "We are free from our pursuers."
+
+"There is one left," she rejoined, casting a look backwards.
+
+"It is the pursuivant," returned Guy Fawkes, sternly. "He is within
+shot," he added, drawing his petronel.
+
+"Oh, no--no!--in pity spare him!" cried Viviana. "Too many lives have
+been sacrificed already."
+
+"He is the cause of all the mischief," answered Guy Fawkes, unwillingly
+replacing the petronel in his belt, "and may live to injure you and your
+father."
+
+"I will hope not," rejoined Viviana; "but, spare him!--oh, spare him!"
+
+"Be it as you please," replied Guy Fawkes. "The marsh, I trust, will not
+be so merciful."
+
+With this, they slowly resumed their progress. On hearing their
+departure, the pursuivant renewed his cries in a more piteous tone than
+ever; but, in spite of the entreaties of Viviana, nothing could induce
+her companions to lend him assistance.
+
+For some time they proceeded in silence, and without accident. As they
+advanced, the difficulties of the path increased, and it was fortunate
+that the moon, emerging from the clouds in which, up to this moment, she
+had been shrouded, enabled them to steer their course in safety. At
+length, after a tedious and toilsome march for nearly half a mile, the
+footing became more secure, the road widened, and they were able to
+quicken their pace. Another half mile landed them upon the western bank
+of the morass. Viviana's first impulse was to give thanks to Heaven for
+their deliverance, nor did she omit in her prayer a supplication for the
+unfortunate beings who had perished.
+
+Arrived at the point now known as Rawson Nook, they entered a lane, and
+proceeded towards Astley Green, where perceiving a cluster of thatched
+cottages among the trees, they knocked at the door of the first, and
+speedily obtained admittance from its inmates, a turf-cutter and his
+wife. The man conveyed their steeds to a neighbouring barn, while the
+good dame offered Viviana such accommodation and refreshment as her
+humble dwelling afforded. Here they tarried till the following evening,
+as much to recruit Miss Radcliffe's strength, as for security.
+
+At the young merchant's request, the turf-cutter went in the course of
+the day to see what had become of the pursuivant. He was nowhere to be
+found. But he accidentally learned from another hind, who followed the
+same occupation as himself, that a person answering to the officer's
+description had been seen to emerge from the moss near Baysnape at
+daybreak, and take the road towards Manchester. Of the unfortunate
+soldiers nothing but a steel cap and a pike, which the man brought away
+with him, could be discovered.
+
+After much debate, it was decided that their safest plan would be to
+proceed to Manchester, where Humphrey Chetham undertook to procure them
+safe lodgings at the Seven Stars,--an excellent hostel, kept by a worthy
+widow, who, he affirmed, would do anything to serve him. Accordingly,
+they set out at nightfall,--Viviana taking her place before Guy Fawkes,
+and relinquishing Zayda to the young merchant and the priest. Shaping
+their course through Worsley, by Monton Green and Pendleton, they
+arrived in about an hour within sight of the town, which then,--not a
+tithe of its present size, and unpolluted by the smoky atmosphere in
+which it is now constantly enveloped,--was not without some pretensions
+to a picturesque appearance. Crossing Salford Bridge, they mounted
+Smithy-Bank, as it was then termed, and proceeding along Cateaton-street
+and Hanging Ditch, struck into Whithing (now Withy) Grove, at the right
+of which, just where a few houses were beginning to straggle up Shude
+Hill, stood, and still stands, the comfortable hostel of the Seven
+Stars. Here they stopped, and were warmly welcomed by its buxom
+mistress, Dame Sutcliffe. Muffled in Guy Fawkes's cloak, the priest
+gained the chamber to which he was ushered unobserved. And Dame
+Sutcliffe, though her Protestant notions were a little scandalized at
+her dwelling being made the sanctuary of a Popish priest, promised, at
+the instance of Master Chetham, whom she knew to be no favourer of
+idolatry in a general way, to be answerable for his safety.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE DISINTERMENT.
+
+
+Having seen every attention shown to Viviana by the hostess,--who, as
+soon as she discovered that she had the daughter of Sir William
+Radcliffe of Ordsall, under her roof, bestirred herself in right earnest
+for her accommodation,--Humphrey Chetham, notwithstanding the lateness
+of the hour,--it was past midnight,--expressed his determination to walk
+to his residence at Crumpsall, to put an end to any apprehension which
+might be entertained by the household at his prolonged absence.
+
+With this view, he set forth; and Guy Fawkes, who seemed to be
+meditating some project which he was unwilling to disclose to the
+others, quitted the hostel with him, bidding the chamberlain sit up for
+him, as he should speedily return. They had not gone far when he
+inquired the nearest way to the Collegiate Church, and was answered that
+they were then proceeding towards it, and in a few moments should arrive
+at its walls. He next asked the young merchant whether he could inform
+him which part of the churchyard was allotted to criminals. Humphrey
+Chetham, somewhat surprised by the question, replied, "At the
+north-west, near the charnel," adding, "I shall pass within a short
+distance of the spot, and will point it out to you."
+
+Entering Fennel Street, at the end of which stood an ancient cross, they
+soon came in sight of the church. The moon was shining brightly, and
+silvered the massive square tower of the fane, the battlements,
+pinnacles, buttresses, and noble eastern window, with its gorgeous
+tracery. While Guy Fawkes paused for a moment to contemplate this
+reverend and beautiful structure, two venerable personages, having long
+snowy beards, and wrapped in flowing mantles edged with sable fur,
+passed the end of the street. One of them carried a lantern, though it
+was wholly needless, as it was bright as day; and as they glided
+stealthily along, there was something so mysterious in their manner,
+that it greatly excited the curiosity of Guy Fawkes, who inquired from
+his companion if he knew who they were.
+
+"The foremost is the warden of Manchester, the famous Doctor Dee,"
+replied Humphrey Chetham, "divine, mathematician, astrologer,--and if
+report speaks truly, conjuror."
+
+"Is that Doctor Dee?" cried Guy Fawkes, in astonishment.
+
+"It is," replied the young merchant: "and the other in the Polish cap is
+the no-less celebrated Edward Kelley, the doctor's assistant, or, as he
+is ordinarily termed, his seer."
+
+"They have entered the churchyard," remarked Guy Fawkes. "I will follow
+them."
+
+"I would not advise you to do so," rejoined the other. "Strange tales
+are told of them. You may witness that it is not safe to look upon."
+
+The caution, however, was unheeded. Guy Fawkes had already disappeared,
+and the young merchant, shrugging his shoulders, proceeded on his way
+towards Hunt's Bank.
+
+On gaining the churchyard, Guy Fawkes perceived the warden and his
+companion creeping stealthily beneath the shadow of a wall in the
+direction of a low fabric, which appeared to be a bone-house, or
+charnel, situated at the north-western extremity of the church. Before
+this building grew a black and stunted yew-tree. Arrived at it, they
+paused, and looked round to see whether they were observed. They did
+not, however, notice Guy Fawkes, who had concealed himself behind a
+buttress. Kelley then unlocked the door of the charnel, and brought out
+a pickaxe and mattock. Having divested himself of his cloak, he
+proceeded to shovel out the mould from a new-made grave at a little
+distance from the building. Doctor Dee stood by, and held the lantern
+for his assistant.
+
+Determined to watch their proceedings, Guy Fawkes crept towards the
+yew-tree, behind which he ensconced himself. Kelley, meanwhile,
+continued to ply his spade with a vigour that seemed almost
+incomprehensible in one so far stricken in years, and of such infirm
+appearance. At length he paused, and kneeling within the shallow grave,
+endeavoured to drag something from it. Doctor Dee knelt to assist him.
+After some exertion, they drew forth the corpse of a female, which had
+been interred without coffin, and apparently in the habiliments worn
+during life. A horrible suspicion crossed Guy Fawkes. Resolving to
+satisfy his doubts at once, he rushed forward, and beheld in the ghastly
+lineaments of the dead the features of the unfortunate prophetess,
+Elizabeth Orton.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+DOCTOR DEE.
+
+
+"How now, ye impious violators of the tomb! ye worse than
+famine-stricken wolves, that rake up the dead in churchyards!" cried
+Guy Fawkes, in a voice of thunder, to Doctor Dee and his companion; who,
+startled by his sudden appearance, dropped the body, and retreated to a
+short distance. "What devilish rites are ye about to enact, that ye thus
+profane the sanctity of the grave?"
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes discovers Doctor Dee & Edward Kelley
+disintering the body of Elizabeth Orton_]
+
+"And who art thou that darest thus to interrupt us?" demanded Dee,
+sternly.
+
+"It matters not," rejoined Fawkes, striding towards them. "Suffice it
+you are both known to _me_. You, John Dee, warden of Manchester, who
+deserve to be burnt at the stake for your damnable practices, rather
+than hold the sacred office you fill; and you, Edward Kelley, his
+associate, who boast of familiar intercourse with demons, and, unless
+fame belies you, have purchased the intimacy at the price of your soul's
+salvation. I know you both. I know, also, whose body you have
+disinterred--it is that of the ill-fated prophetess, Elizabeth Orton.
+And if you do not instantly restore it to the grave whence you have
+snatched it, I will denounce you to the authorities of the town."
+
+"Knowing thus much, you should know still more," retorted Doctor Dee,
+"namely, that I am not to be lightly provoked. You have no power to quit
+the churchyard--nay, not so much as to move a limb without my
+permission."
+
+As he spoke, he drew from beneath his cloak a small phial, the contents
+of which he sprinkled over the intruder. Its effect was wonderful and
+instantaneous. The limbs of Guy Fawkes stiffened where he stood. His
+hand remained immovably fixed upon the pommel of his sword, and he
+seemed transformed into a marble statue.
+
+"You will henceforth acknowledge and respect my power," he continued.
+"Were it my pleasure, I could bury you twenty fathoms deep in the earth
+beneath our feet; or, by invoking certain spirits, convey you to the
+summit of yon lofty tower," pointing to the church, "and hurl you from
+it headlong. But I content myself with depriving you of motion, and
+leave you in possession of sight and speech, that you may endure the
+torture of witnessing what you cannot prevent."
+
+So saying, he was about to return to the corpse with Kelley, when Guy
+Fawkes exclaimed, in a hollow voice,
+
+"Set me free, and I will instantly depart."
+
+"Will you swear never to divulge what you have seen?" demanded Dee,
+pausing.
+
+"Solemnly," he replied.
+
+"I will trust you, then," rejoined the Doctor;--"the rather that your
+presence interferes with my purpose."
+
+Taking a handful of loose earth from an adjoining grave, and muttering a
+few words, that sounded like a charm, he scattered it over Fawkes. The
+spell was instantly broken. A leaden weight seemed to be removed from
+his limbs. His joints regained their suppleness, and with a convulsive
+start, like that by which a dreamer casts off a nightmare, he was
+liberated from his preternatural thraldom.
+
+"And now, begone!" cried Doctor Dee, authoritatively.
+
+"Suffer me to tarry with you a few moments," said Guy Fawkes, in a
+deferential tone. "Heretofore, I will freely admit, I regarded you as an
+impostor; but now I am convinced you are deeply skilled in the occult
+sciences, and would fain consult you on the future."
+
+"I have already said that your presence troubles me," replied Doctor
+Dee. "But if you will call upon me at the College to-morrow, it may be I
+will give you further proofs of my skill."
+
+"Why not now, reverend sir?" urged Fawkes. "The question I would ask is
+better suited to this dismal spot and witching hour, than to daylight
+and the walls of your study."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Dee. "Your name?"
+
+"Guy Fawkes," replied the other.
+
+"Guy Fawkes!" echoed the Doctor, starting. "Nay, then, I guess the
+nature of the question you would ask."
+
+"Am I then known to you, reverend sir?" inquired Fawkes, uneasily.
+
+"As well as to yourself--nay, better," answered the Doctor. "Bring the
+lantern hither, Kelley," he continued, addressing his companion. "Look!"
+he added, elevating the light so as to throw it upon the countenance of
+Fawkes: "it is the very face,--the bronzed and strongly-marked
+features,--the fierce black eye,--the iron frame, and foreign garb of
+the figure we beheld in the show-stone."
+
+"It is," replied Kelley. "I could have singled him out amid a thousand.
+He looked thus as we tracked his perilous course, with his three
+companions, the priest, Chetham, and Viviana Radcliffe, across Chat
+Moss."
+
+"How have you learned this?" cried Guy Fawkes, in amazement.
+
+"By the art that reveals all things," answered Kelley.
+
+"In proof that your thoughts are known to me," observed Dee, "I will
+tell you the inquiry you would make before it is uttered. You would
+learn whether the enterprise on which you are engaged will succeed."
+
+"I would," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Yet more," continued Dee. "I am aware of the nature of the plot, and
+could name to you all connected with it."
+
+"Your power is, indeed, wonderful," rejoined Fawkes in an altered tone.
+"But will you give me the information I require?"
+
+"Hum!" muttered Dee.
+
+"I am too poor to purchase it," proceeded Fawkes, "unless a relic I have
+brought from Spain has any value in your eyes."
+
+[Illustration: _Doctor Dee, in conjunction with his Seer Edward Kelley,
+exhibiting his magical skill to Guy Fawkes_]
+
+"Tush!" exclaimed Dee, angrily. "Do you suppose I am a common juggler,
+and practise my art for gain?"
+
+"By no means, reverend sir," said Fawkes. "But I would not willingly put
+you to trouble without evincing my gratitude."
+
+"Well, then," replied Dee, "I will not refuse your request. And yet I
+would caution you to beware how you pry into the future. You may repent
+your rashness when it is too late."
+
+"I have no fear," rejoined Fawkes. "Let me know the worst."
+
+"Enough," answered Dee. "And now listen to me. That carcass having been
+placed in the ground without the holy rites of burial being duly
+performed, I have power over it. And, as the witch of Endor called up
+Samuel, as is recorded in Holy Writ,--as Erichtho raised up a corpse to
+reveal to Sextus Pompeius the event of the Pharsalian war,--as Elisha
+breathed life into the nostrils of the Shunamite's son,--as Alcestis was
+invoked by Hercules,--and as the dead maid was brought back to life by
+Apollonius Thyaneus,--so I, by certain powerful incantations, will
+allure the soul of the prophetess, for a short space, to its former
+tenement, and compel it to answer my questions. Dare you be present at
+this ceremony?"
+
+"I dare," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Follow me, then," said Dee. "You will need all your courage."
+
+Muttering a hasty prayer, and secretly crossing himself, Guy Fawkes
+strode after him towards the grave. By the Doctor's directions, he, with
+some reluctance, assisted Kelley to raise the corpse, and convey it to
+the charnel. Dee followed, bearing the lantern, and, on entering the
+building, closed and fastened the door.
+
+The chamber in which Guy Fawkes found himself was in perfect keeping
+with the horrible ceremonial about to be performed. In one corner lay a
+mouldering heap of skulls, bones, and other fragments of mortality; in
+the other a pile of broken coffins, emptied of their tenants, and reared
+on end. But what chiefly attracted his attention, was a ghastly
+collection of human limbs, blackened with pitch, girded round with iron
+hoops, and hung, like meat in a shambles, against the wall. There were
+two heads, and, though the features were scarcely distinguishable, owing
+to the liquid in which they had been immersed, they still retained a
+terrific expression of agony. Seeing his attention directed to these
+revolting objects, Kelley informed him they were the quarters of the two
+priests who had recently been put to death, which had been left there
+previously to being placed on the church-gates. The implements, and some
+part of the attire used by the executioner in his butcherly office, were
+scattered about, and mixed with the tools of the sexton; while in the
+centre of the room stood a large wooden frame supported by trestles. On
+this frame, stained with blood and smeared with pitch, showing the
+purpose to which it had been recently put, the body was placed. This
+done, Doctor Dee set down the lantern beside it; and, as the light fell
+upon its livid features, sullied with earth, and exhibiting traces of
+decay, Guy Fawkes was so appalled by the sight that he half repented of
+what he had undertaken.
+
+Noticing his irresolution, Doctor Dee said, "You may yet retire if you
+think proper."
+
+"No," replied Fawkes, rousing himself; "I will go through with it."
+
+"It is well," replied Dee. And he extinguished the light.
+
+An awful silence now ensued, broken only by a low murmur from Doctor
+Dee, who appeared to be reciting an incantation. As he proceeded, his
+tones became louder, and his accents those of command. Suddenly, he
+paused, and seemed to await a response. But, as none was made, greatly
+to the disappointment of Guy Fawkes, whose curiosity, notwithstanding
+his fears, was raised to the highest pitch, he cried, "Blood is wanting
+to complete the charm."
+
+"If that is all, I will speedily supply the deficiency," replied Guy
+Fawkes; and, drawing his rapier, he bared his left arm, and pricked it
+deeply with the point of the weapon.
+
+"I bleed now," he cried.
+
+"Sprinkle the corpse with the ruddy current," rejoined Doctor Dee.
+
+"Your commands are obeyed," replied Fawkes. "I have placed my hand on
+its breast, and the blood is flowing upon it."
+
+Upon this the Doctor began to mutter an incantation in a louder and more
+authoritative tone than before. Presently, Kelley added his voice, and
+they both joined in a sort of chorus, but in a jargon wholly
+unintelligible to Guy Fawkes.
+
+All at once a blue flame appeared above their heads, and, slowly
+descending, settled upon the brow of the corpse, lighting up the sunken
+cavities of the eyes, and the discoloured and distorted features.
+
+"The charm works," shouted Doctor Dee.
+
+"She moves! she moves!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes. "She is alive!"
+
+"Take off your hand," cried the Doctor, "or mischief may ensue." And he
+again continued his incantation.
+
+"Down on your knees!" he exclaimed, at length, in a terrible voice. "The
+spirit is at hand."
+
+There was a rushing sound, and a stream of dazzling lightning shot down
+upon the corpse, which emitted a hollow groan. In obedience to the
+Doctor's commands, Guy Fawkes had prostrated himself on the ground: but
+he kept his gaze steadily fixed on the body, which, to his infinite
+astonishment, slowly arose, until it stood erect upon the frame. There
+it remained perfectly motionless, with the arms close to the sides, and
+the habiliments torn and dishevelled. The blue light still retained its
+position upon the brow, and communicated a horrible glimmer to the
+features. The spectacle was so dreadful that Guy Fawkes would fain have
+averted his eyes, but he was unable to do so. Doctor Dee and his
+companion, meanwhile, continued their invocations, until, as it seemed
+to Fawkes, the lips of the corpse moved, and an awful voice exclaimed,
+"Why have you called me?"
+
+"Daughter!" replied Doctor Dee, rising, "in life thou wert endowed with
+the gift of prophecy. In the grave, that which is to come must be
+revealed to thee. We would question thee."
+
+"Speak, and I will answer," replied the corpse.
+
+"Interrogate her, my son," said Dee, addressing Fawkes, "and be brief,
+for the time is short. So long only as that flame burns have I power
+over her."
+
+"Spirit of Elizabeth Orton," cried Guy Fawkes, "if indeed thou standest
+before me, and some demon hath not entered thy frame to delude me,--by
+all that is holy, and by every blessed saint, I adjure thee to tell me
+whether the scheme on which I am now engaged for the advantage of the
+Catholic Church will prosper?"
+
+"Thou art mistaken, Guy Fawkes," returned the corpse. "Thy scheme is not
+for the advantage of the Catholic Church."
+
+"I will not pause to inquire wherefore," continued Fawkes. "But, grant
+that the means are violent and wrongful, will the end be successful?"
+
+"The end will be death," replied the corpse.
+
+"To the tyrant--to the oppressors?" demanded Fawkes.
+
+"To the conspirators," was the answer.
+
+"Ha!" ejaculated Fawkes.
+
+"Proceed, if you have aught more to ask," cried Dr. Dee. "The flame is
+expiring."
+
+"Shall we restore the fallen religion?" demanded Fawkes.
+
+But before the words could be pronounced the light vanished, and a heavy
+sound was heard, as of the body falling on the frame.
+
+"It is over," said Doctor Dee.
+
+"Can you not summon her again?" asked Fawkes, in a tone of deep
+disappointment. "I had other questions to ask."
+
+"Impossible," replied the Doctor. "The spirit is fled, and will not be
+recalled. We must now commit the body to the earth. And this time it
+shall be more decently interred."
+
+"My curiosity is excited,--not satisfied," said Guy Fawkes. "Would it
+were to occur again!"
+
+"It is ever thus," replied Doctor Dee. "We seek to know that which is
+interdicted,--and quench our thirst at a fountain that only inflames our
+curiosity the more. Be warned, my son. You are embarked on a perilous
+enterprise, and if you pursue it, it will lead you to certain
+destruction."
+
+"I cannot retreat," rejoined Fawkes, "and would not, if I could. I am
+bound by an oath too terrible to be broken."
+
+"I will absolve you of your oath, my son," said Dr. Dee, eagerly.
+
+"You cannot, reverend sir," replied Fawkes. "By no sophistry could I
+clear my conscience of the ties imposed upon it. I have sworn never to
+desist from the execution of this scheme, unless those engaged in it
+shall give me leave. Nay, so resolved am I, that if I stood alone I
+would go on."
+
+As he spoke, a deep groan issued from the corpse.
+
+"You are again warned, my son," said Dee.
+
+"Come forth," said Guy Fawkes, rushing towards the door, and throwing it
+open. "This place stifles me."
+
+The night has already been described as bright and beautiful. Before him
+stood the Collegiate Church bathed in moonlight. He gazed abstractedly
+at this venerable structure for a few moments, and then returned to the
+charnel, where he found Doctor Dee and Kelley employed in placing the
+body of the prophetess in a coffin, which they had taken from a pile in
+the corner. He immediately proffered his assistance, and in a short
+space the task was completed. The coffin was then borne towards the
+grave, at the edge of which it was laid while the burial-service was
+recited by Doctor Dee. This ended, it was lowered into its shallow
+resting-place, and speedily covered with earth.
+
+When all was ready for their departure, the Doctor turned to Fawkes,
+and, bidding him farewell, observed,
+
+"If you are wise, my son, you will profit by the awful warning you have
+this night received."
+
+"Before we part, reverend sir," replied Fawkes, "I would ask if you know
+of other means whereby an insight may be obtained into the future?"
+
+"Many, my son," replied Dee. "I have a magic glass, in which, with due
+preparation, you may behold exact representations of coming events. I am
+now returning to the College, and if you will accompany me, I will show
+it to you."
+
+The offer was eagerly accepted, and the party quitted the churchyard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE MAGIC GLASS.
+
+
+The old College of Manchester occupied, as is well known, the site of
+the existing structure, called after the benevolent individual by whom
+that admirable charity was founded, and whom we have ventured to
+introduce in this history,--the Chetham Hospital. Much, indeed, of the
+ancient building remains; for though it was considerably repaired and
+enlarged, being "very ruinous and in great decay," at the time of its
+purchase in 1654, by the feoffees under Humphrey Chetham's will, from
+the sequestrators of the Earl of Derby's estates, still the general
+character of the fabric has been preserved, and several of its chambers
+retained. Originally built on the foundation of a manor-house
+denominated The Baron's Hall,--the abode of the Grelleys and the De la
+Warrs, lords of Manchester,--the College continued to be used as the
+residence of the warden and fellows of the Collegiate Church until the
+reign of Edward the First, when that body was dissolved. On the
+accession, however, of Mary, the College was re-established; but the
+residence of the ecclesiastical body being removed to a house in
+Deansgate, the building was allowed to become extremely dilapidated, and
+was used partly as a prison for recusants and other offenders, and
+partly as a magazine for powder. In this state Dr. Dee found it when he
+succeeded to the wardenship in 1595, and preferring it, notwithstanding
+its ruinous condition, to the house appointed for him elsewhere, took up
+his abode within it.
+
+Situated on a high rock, overhanging the river Irk--at that time a clear
+stream, remarkable for the excellence of its fish,--and constructed
+entirely of stone, the old College had then, and still has to a certain
+extent, a venerable and monastic appearance. During Dee's occupation of
+it, it became a sort of weird abode in the eyes of the vulgar, and many
+a timorous look was cast at it by those who walked at eventide on the
+opposite bank of the Irk. Sometimes the curiosity of the watchers was
+rewarded by beholding a few sparks issue from the chimney, and now and
+then, the red reflection of a fire might be discerned through the
+window. But generally nothing could be perceived, and the building
+seemed as dark and mysterious as its occupant.
+
+One night, however, a loud explosion took place,--so loud, indeed, that
+it shook the whole pile to its foundation, dislodged one or two of the
+chimneys, and overthrew an old wall, the stones of which rolled into the
+river beneath. Alarmed by the concussion, the inhabitants of Hunt's Bank
+rushed forth, and saw, to their great alarm, that the wing of the
+college occupied by Doctor Dee was in flames. Though many of them
+attributed the circumstance to supernatural agency, and were fully
+persuaded that the enemy of mankind was at that instant bearing off the
+conjuror and his assistant, and refused to interfere to stop the
+conflagration, others, more humane and less superstitious, hastened to
+lend their aid to extinguish the flames. On reaching the College, they
+could scarcely credit their senses on finding that there was no
+appearance of fire; and they were met by the Doctor and his companion at
+the gates, who informed them that their presence was unnecessary, as all
+danger was over. From that night Doctor Dee's reputation as a wizard
+was firmly established.
+
+At the period of this history, Doctor Dee was fast verging on eighty,
+having passed a long life in severe and abstruse study. He had travelled
+much, had visited most of the foreign courts, where he was generally
+well received, and was profoundly versed in mathematics, astronomy, the
+then popular science of judicial astrology, and other occult learning.
+So accurate were his calculations esteemed, that he was universally
+consulted as an oracle. For some time, he resided in Germany, where he
+was invited by the Emperor Charles the Fifth, and retained by his
+brother and successor, Ferdinando. He next went to Louvain, where his
+reputation had preceded him; and from thence to Paris, where he lectured
+at the schools on geometry, and was offered a professorship of the
+university, but declined it. On his return to England in 1551, he was
+appointed one of the instructors of the youthful monarch, Edward the
+Sixth, who presented him with an annual pension of a hundred marks. This
+he was permitted to commute for the rectory of Upton-upon-Severn, which
+he retained until the accession of Mary, when being charged with
+devising her Majesty's destruction by enchantments,--certain waxen
+images of the Queen having been found within his abode,--he was thrown
+into prison, rigorously treated, and kept in durance for a long period.
+At length, from want of sufficient proof against him, he was liberated.
+
+Dee shared the common fate of all astrologers: he was alternately
+honoured and disgraced. His next patron was Lord Robert Dudley
+(afterwards the celebrated Earl of Leicester), who, it is well-known,
+was a firm believer in the superstitious arts to which Dee was addicted,
+and by whom he was employed, on the accession of Elizabeth, to erect a
+scheme to ascertain the best day for her coronation. His prediction was
+so fortunate that it procured him the favour of the Queen, from whom he
+received many marks of regard. As it is not needful to follow him
+through his various wanderings, it may be sufficient to mention, that in
+1564 he proceeded to Germany on a visit to the Emperor Maximilian, to
+whom he dedicated his "_Monas Hieroglyphica_;" that in 1571 he fell
+grievously sick in Lorrain, whither two physicians were despatched to
+his aid by Elizabeth; and that on his recovery he returned to his own
+country, and retired to Mortlake, where he gathered together a vast
+library, comprising the rarest and most curious works on all sciences,
+together with a large collection of manuscripts.
+
+While thus living in retirement, he was sought out by Edward Kelley, a
+native of Worcestershire, who represented himself as in possession of an
+old book of magic, containing forms of invocation, by which spirits
+might be summoned and controlled, as well as a ball of ivory, found in
+the tomb of a bishop who had made great progress in hermetic
+philosophy, which was filled with the powder of projection. These
+treasures Kelley offered to place in the hands of the Doctor on certain
+conditions, which were immediately acquiesced in, and thenceforth Kelley
+became a constant inmate in his house, and an assistant in all his
+practices. Shortly afterwards, they were joined by a Polish nobleman,
+Albert de Laski, Palatine of Suabia, whom they accompanied to Prague, at
+the instance of the Emperor Rodolph the Second, who desired to be
+initiated into their mysteries. Their reception at this court was not
+such as to induce a long sojourn at it; and Dee having been warned by
+his familiar spirits to sell his effects and depart, complied with the
+intimation, and removed to Poland. The same fate attended him here. The
+nuncio of the Pope denounced him as a sorcerer, and demanded that he
+should be delivered up to the Inquisition. This was refused by the
+monarch; but Dee and his companion were banished from his dominions, and
+compelled to fly to Bohemia, where they took refuge in the castle of
+Trebona, belonging to Count Rosenberg. Shortly afterwards, Dee and
+Kelley separated, the magical instruments being delivered to the former,
+who bent his course homewards; and on his arrival in London was warmly
+welcomed by the Queen. During his absence, his house at Mortlake had
+been broken open by the populace, under the pretence of its being the
+abode of a wizard, and rifled of its valuable library and
+manuscripts,--a loss severely felt by its owner. Some years were now
+passed by Dee in great destitution, during which he prosecuted his
+studies with the same ardour as before, until at length in 1595, when he
+was turned seventy, fortune again smiled upon him, and he was appointed
+to the wardenship of the College at Manchester, whither he repaired, and
+was installed in great pomp.
+
+But his residence in this place was not destined to be a tranquil one.
+His reputation as a dealer in the black art had preceded him, and
+rendered him obnoxious to the clergy, with whom he had constant
+disputes, and a feud subsisted between him and the fellows of his
+church. It has already been mentioned that he refused to occupy the
+house allotted him, but preferred taking up his quarters in the old
+dilapidated College. Various reasons were assigned by his enemies for
+this singular choice of abode. They affirmed--and with some reason--that
+he selected it because he desired to elude observation,--and that his
+mode of life, sufficiently improper in a layman, was altogether
+indecorous in an ecclesiastic. By the common people he was universally
+regarded as a conjuror--and many at first came to consult him; but he
+peremptorily dismissed all such applicants; and, when seven females,
+supposed to be possessed, were brought to him that he might exercise his
+power over the evil spirits, he refused to interfere. He also publicly
+examined and rebuked a juggler, named Hartley, who pretended to magical
+knowledge. But these things did not blind his enemies, who continued to
+harass him to such a degree, that he addressed a petition to James the
+First, entreating to be brought to trial, when the accusations preferred
+against him might be fully investigated, and his character cleared. The
+application, and another to the like effect addressed to parliament,
+were disregarded. Dee had not been long established in Manchester when
+he was secretly joined by Kelley, and they recommenced their search
+after the grand secret,--passing the nights in making various alchymical
+experiments, or in fancied conferences with invisible beings.
+
+Among other magical articles possessed by Doctor Dee was a large globe
+of crystal, which he termed the Holy Stone, because he believed it had
+been brought him by "angelical ministry;" and "in which," according to
+Meric Casaubon, "and out of which, by persons qualified for it, and
+admitted to the sight of it, all shapes and figures mentioned in every
+action were seen, and voices heard." The same writer informs us it was
+"round-shaped, of a pretty bigness, and most like unto crystal." Dee
+himself declared to the Emperor Rodolph, "that the spirits had brought
+him a stone of that value that no earthly kingdom was of such worthiness
+as to be compared to the virtue and dignity thereof." He was in the
+habit of daily consulting this marvellous stone, and recording the
+visions he saw therein, and the conferences he held through it with the
+invisible world.
+
+Followed by Guy Fawkes and Kelley, the Doctor took his way down Long
+Mill Gate, and stopping at an arched gateway on the left, near which, on
+the site of the modern structure, stood the public school, founded a
+century before by Hugh Oldham, Bishop of Exeter,--he unlocked a small
+wicket, and entered a spacious court, surrounded on one side by high
+stone walls, and on the other by a wing of the College.
+
+Conducting his guest to the principal entrance of the building, which
+lay at the farther end of the court, Doctor Dee ushered him into a large
+chamber, panelled with oak, and having a curiously-moulded ceiling,
+ornamented with grotesque sculpture. This room, still in existence, and
+now occupied by the master of the school, formed Doctor Dee's library.
+Offering Fawkes a chair, the Doctor informed him that when all was
+ready, Kelley should summon him, and, accompanied by his assistant, he
+withdrew. Half an hour elapsed before Kelley returned. Motioning Guy
+Fawkes to follow him, he led the way through several intricate passages
+to a chamber which was evidently the magician's sacred retreat. In a
+recess on one side stood a table, covered with cabalistic characters and
+figures, referring to the celestial influences. On it was placed the
+holy stone, diffusing such a glistening radiance as is emitted by the
+pebble called cat's-eye. On the floor a wide circle was described, in
+the rings of which magical characters, resembling those on the table,
+were traced. In front stood a brasier, filled with flaming coals; and
+before it hung a heavy black curtain, appearing to shroud some mystery
+from view.
+
+Desiring Fawkes to place himself in the centre of the circle, Doctor Dee
+took several ingredients from a basket handed him by Kelley, and cast
+them into the brasier. As each herb or gum was ignited, the flame
+changed its colour; now becoming crimson, now green, now blue, while
+fragrant or noxious odours loaded the atmosphere. These suffumigations
+ended, Dee seated himself on a chair near the table, whither he was
+followed by Kelley, and commanding Fawkes not to move a footstep, as he
+valued his safety, he waved his wand, and began in a solemn tone to
+utter an invocation. As he continued, a hollow noise was heard overhead,
+which gradually increased in loudness, until it appeared as if the walls
+were tumbling about their ears.
+
+"The spirits are at hand!" cried Dee. "Do not look behind you, or they
+will tear you in pieces."
+
+As he spoke, a horrible din was heard, as of mingled howling, shrieking,
+and laughter. It was succeeded by a low faint strain of music, which
+gradually died away, and then all was silent.
+
+"All is prepared," cried Dee. "Now, what would you behold?"
+
+"The progress of the great enterprise," replied Fawkes.
+
+Doctor Dee waved his wand. The curtains slowly unfolded, and Guy Fawkes
+perceived as in a glass a group of dark figures; amongst which he
+noticed one in all respects resembling himself. A priest was apparently
+proposing an oath, which the others were uttering.
+
+"Do you recognise them?" said Doctor Dee.
+
+"Perfectly," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Look again," said Dee.
+
+As he spoke the figures melted away, and a new scene was presented on
+the glass. It was a gloomy vault, filled with barrels, partly covered
+with fagots and billets of wood.
+
+"Have you seen enough?" demanded Dee.
+
+"No," replied Fawkes, firmly. "I have seen what is past. I would behold
+that which is to come."
+
+"Look again, then," rejoined the Doctor, waving his wand.
+
+For an instant the glass was darkened, and nothing could be discerned
+except the lurid flame and thick smoke arising from the brasier. The
+next moment, an icy chill shot through the frame of Guy Fawkes as he
+beheld a throng of skeletons arranged before him. The bony fingers of
+the foremost of the grisly assemblage were pointed towards an indistinct
+object at its feet. As this object gradually became more defined, Guy
+Fawkes perceived that it was a figure resembling himself, stretched upon
+the wheel, and writhing in the agonies of torture.
+
+He uttered an exclamation of terror, and the curtains were instantly
+closed.
+
+Half an hour afterwards, Guy Fawkes quitted the College, and returned to
+the Seven Stars.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE PRISON ON SALFORD BRIDGE.
+
+
+On the following morning, Guy Fawkes had a long and private conference
+with Father Oldcorne. The priest appeared greatly troubled by the
+communication made to him, but he said nothing, and was for some time
+lost in reflection, and evidently weighing within himself what course it
+would be best to pursue. His uneasiness was not without effect on
+Viviana Radcliffe, and she ventured at last to inquire whether he
+apprehended any new danger.
+
+"I scarcely know what I apprehend, dear daughter," he answered. "But
+circumstances have occurred which render it impossible we can remain
+longer in our present asylum with safety. We must quit it at nightfall."
+
+"Is our retreat then discovered?" inquired Viviana, in alarm.
+
+"Not as yet, I trust," replied Oldcorne; "but I have just ascertained
+from a messenger that the pursuivant, who, we thought, had departed for
+Chester, is still lingering within the town. He has offered a large
+reward for my apprehension, and having traced us to Manchester, declares
+he will leave no house unsearched till he finds us. He has got together
+a fresh band of soldiers, and is now visiting every place he thinks
+likely to afford us shelter."
+
+"If this is the case," rejoined Viviana, "why remain here a single
+moment? Let us fly at once."
+
+"That would avail nothing,--or rather, it would expose us to fresh risk,
+dear daughter," replied Oldcorne. "Every approach to the town is
+guarded, and soldiers are posted at the corners of the streets, who stop
+and examine each suspected person."
+
+"Heaven protect us!" exclaimed Viviana.
+
+"But this is not all," continued the priest. "By some inexplicable and
+mysterious means, the designs of certain of the most assured friends of
+the catholic cause have come to the knowledge of our enemies, and the
+lives and safeties of many worthy men will be endangered: amongst
+others, that of your father."
+
+"You terrify me!" cried Viviana.
+
+"The rack shall force nothing from me, father," said Fawkes, sternly.
+
+"Nor from me, my son," rejoined Oldcorne. "I have that within me which
+will enable me to sustain the bitterest agonies that the persecutors of
+our Church can inflict."
+
+"Nor shall it force aught from me," added Viviana. "For, though you have
+trusted me with nothing that can implicate others, I plainly perceive
+some plot is in agitation for the restoration of our religion, and I
+more than suspect Mr. Catesby is its chief contriver."
+
+"Daughter!" exclaimed Oldcorne, uneasily.
+
+"Fear nothing, father," she rejoined. "As I have said, the rack shall
+not force me to betray you. Neither should it keep me silent when I feel
+that my counsel--such as it is--may avail you. The course you are
+pursuing is a dangerous and fatal one; dangerous to yourselves, and
+fatal to the cause you would serve. Do not deceive yourselves. You are
+struggling hopelessly and unrighteously, and Heaven will never assist an
+undertaking which has its aim in the terrible waste of life you
+meditate."
+
+Father Oldcorne made no reply, but walked apart with Guy Fawkes; and
+Viviana abandoned herself to sorrowful reflection.
+
+Shortly after this, the door was suddenly thrown open, and Humphrey
+Chetham rushed into the room. His looks were full of apprehension, and
+Viviana was at no loss to perceive that some calamity was at hand.
+
+"What is the matter?" she cried, rising.
+
+"The pursuivant and his men are below," he replied. "They are
+interrogating the hostess, and are about to search the house. I managed
+to pass them unperceived."
+
+"We will resist them to the last," said Guy Fawkes, drawing a petronel.
+
+"Resistance will be in vain," rejoined Humphrey Chetham. "They more than
+treble our number."
+
+"Is there no means of escape?" asked Viviana.
+
+"None whatever," replied Chetham. "I hear them on the stairs. The
+terrified hostess has not dared to deny you, and is conducting them
+hither."
+
+"Stand back!" cried Guy Fawkes, striding towards the door, "and let me
+alone confront them. That accursed pursuivant has escaped me once. But
+he shall not do so a second time."
+
+"My son," said Oldcorne, advancing towards him; "preserve yourself, if
+possible. Your life is of consequence to the great cause. Think not of
+us--think not of revenging yourself upon this caitiff. But think of the
+high destiny for which you are reserved. That window offers a means of
+retreat. Avail yourself of it. Fly!--Fly!"
+
+"Ay, fly!" repeated Viviana. "And you, Humphrey Chetham,--your presence
+here can do no good. Quick!--they come!"
+
+"Nothing should induce me to quit you at such a moment, Viviana,"
+replied Chetham, "but the conviction that I may be able to liberate you,
+should these miscreants convey you to prison."
+
+"Fly!--fly, my son," cried Oldcorne. "They are at the door."
+
+Thus urged, Guy Fawkes reluctantly yielded to Oldcorne's entreaties and
+sprang through the window. He was followed by Chetham. Viviana darted to
+the casement, and saw that they had alighted in safety on the ground,
+and were flying swiftly up Shude Hill. Meanwhile, the pursuivant had
+reached the door, which Chetham had taken the precaution to fasten, and
+was trying to burst it open. The bolts offered but a feeble resistance
+to his fury, and the next moment he dashed into the room, at the head of
+a band of soldiers.
+
+"Seize them!" he cried. "Ha!" he added, glancing round the room with a
+look of disappointment, "where are the others? Where is the soldier in
+the Spanish garb? Where is Humphrey Chetham? Confess at once, dog!" he
+continued, seizing the priest by the throat, "or I will pluck the secret
+from your breast."
+
+"Do not harm him," interposed Viviana. "I will answer the question. They
+are fled."
+
+"Fled!" echoed the pursuivant in consternation. "How?"
+
+"Through that window," replied Viviana.
+
+"After them!" cried the pursuivant to some of his attendants. "Take the
+soldier, dead or alive! And now," he continued, as his orders were
+obeyed, "you, Father Oldcorne, Jesuit and traitor; and you, Viviana
+Radcliffe, his shelterer and abettor, I shall convey you both to the
+prison on Salford Bridge. Seize them, and bring them along."
+
+"Touch me not," rejoined Viviana, pushing the men aside, who rudely
+advanced to obey their leader's command. "You have no warrant for this
+brutality. I am ready to attend you. Take my arm, father."
+
+Abashed at this reproof, the pursuivant stalked out of the room.
+Surrounded by the soldiers, Viviana and the priest followed. The sad
+procession was attended by crowds to the very door of the prison, where,
+by the pursuivant's commands, they were locked in separate cells.
+
+The cell in which Viviana was confined was a small chamber at the back
+of the prison, and on the upper story. It had a small grated window
+overlooking the river. It has already been mentioned that this prison
+was originally a chapel built in the reign of Edward the Third, and had
+only recently been converted into a place of security for recusants. The
+chamber allotted to Viviana was contrived in the roof, and was so low
+that she could scarcely stand upright in it. It was furnished with a
+chair, a small table, and a straw pallet.
+
+The hours passed wearily with Viviana as they were marked by the
+deep-toned clock of the Collegiate Church, the tall tower of which
+fronted her window. Oppressed by the most melancholy reflections, she
+was for some time a prey almost to despair. On whatever side she looked,
+the prospect was equally cheerless, and her sole desire was that she
+might find a refuge from her cares in the seclusion of a convent. For
+this she prayed,--and she prayed also that Heaven would soften the
+hearts of her oppressors, and enable those who suffered to endure their
+yoke with patience. In the evening provisions were brought her, and
+placed upon the table, together with a lamp, by a surly looking gaoler.
+But Viviana had no inclination to eat, and left them untouched. Neither
+could she prevail upon herself to lie down on the wretched pallet, and
+she therefore determined to pass the night in the chair.
+
+After some hours of watchfulness, her eyelids closed, and she continued
+to slumber until she was aroused by a slight noise at the window.
+Starting at the sound, she flew towards it, and perceived in the gloom
+the face of a man. She would have uttered a loud cry, when the
+circumstances of her situation rushed to her mind, and the possibility
+that it might be a friend checked her. The next moment satisfied her
+that she had acted rightly. A voice, which she recognised as that of
+Humphrey Chetham, called to her by name in a low tone, bidding her fear
+nothing, as he was come to set her free.
+
+"How have you managed to reach this window?" asked Viviana.
+
+"By a rope ladder," he answered. "I contrived in the darkness to clamber
+upon the roof of the prison from the parapets of the bridge, and, after
+securing the ladder to a projection, dropped the other end into a boat,
+rowed by Guy Fawkes, and concealed beneath the arches of the bridge. If
+I can remove this bar so as to allow you to pass through the window,
+dare you descend the ladder?"
+
+"No," replied Viviana, shuddering. "My brain reels at the mere idea."
+
+"Think of the fate you will escape," urged Chetham.
+
+"And what will become of Father Oldcorne?" asked Viviana. "Where is he?"
+
+"In the cell immediately beneath you," replied Chetham.
+
+"Can you not liberate him?" she continued.
+
+"Assuredly, if he will risk the descent," answered Chetham, reluctantly.
+
+"Free him first," rejoined Viviana, "and at all hazards I will accompany
+you."
+
+The young merchant made no reply, but disappeared from the window.
+Viviana strained her gaze downwards; but it was too dark to allow her to
+see anything. She, however, heard a noise like that occasioned by a
+file; and shortly afterwards a few muttered words informed her that the
+priest was passing through the window. The cords of the ladder shook
+against the bars of her window,--and she held her breath for fear. From
+this state of suspense she was relieved in a few minutes by Humphrey
+Chetham, who informed her that Oldcorne had descended in safety, and was
+in the boat with Guy Fawkes.
+
+"I will fulfil my promise," replied Viviana, trembling; "but I fear my
+strength will fail me."
+
+"You had better find death below than tarry here," replied Humphrey
+Chetham, who as he spoke was rapidly filing through the iron bar. "In a
+few minutes this impediment will be removed."
+
+The young merchant worked hard, and in a short time the stout bar
+yielded to his efforts.
+
+"Now, then," he cried, springing into the room, "you are free."
+
+"I dare not make the attempt," said Viviana; "my strength utterly fails
+me."
+
+"Nay, then," he replied; "I will take the risk upon myself. You must not
+remain here."
+
+So saying, he caught her in his arms, and bore her through the window.
+
+With some difficulty, and no little risk, he succeeded in gaining a
+footing on the ladder. This accomplished, he began slowly to descend.
+When half way down, he found he had overrated his strength, and he
+feared he should be compelled to quit his hold; but, nerved by his
+passion, he held on, and making a desperate effort, completed the
+descent in safety.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE FATE OF THE PURSUIVANT.
+
+
+Assisted by the stream, and plying his oars with great rapidity, Guy
+Fawkes soon left the town far behind him; nor did he relax his exertions
+until checked by Humphrey Chetham. He then ceased rowing, and directed
+the boats towards the left bank of the river.
+
+"Here we propose to land," observed the young merchant to Viviana. "We
+are not more than a hundred yards from Ordsall Cave, where you can take
+refuge for a short time, while I proceed to the Hall, and ascertain
+whether you can return to it with safety."
+
+"I place myself entirely in your hands," she replied; "but I fear such a
+course will be to rush into the very face of danger. Oh! that I could
+join my father at Holywell! With him I should feel secure."
+
+"Means may be found to effect your wishes," returned Humphrey Chetham;
+"but, after the suffering you have recently endured, it will scarcely be
+prudent to undertake so long a journey without a few hours' repose.
+To-morrow,--or the next day,--you may set out."
+
+"I am fully equal to it now," rejoined Viviana, eagerly; "and any
+fatigue I may undergo will not equal my present anxiety. You have
+already done so much for me, that I venture to presume still further
+upon your kindness. Provide some means of conveyance for me and for
+Father Oldcorne to Chester, and I shall for ever be beholden to you."
+
+"I will not only do what you desire, Viviana, if it be possible,"
+answered Chetham; "but, if you will allow me, I will serve as your
+escort."
+
+"And I, also," added Guy Fawkes.
+
+"All I fear is, that your strength may fail you," continued the young
+merchant, in a tone of uneasiness.
+
+"Fear nothing then," replied Viviana. "I am made of firmer material than
+you imagine. Think only of what _you_ can do, and doubt not my ability
+to do it, also."
+
+"I ever deemed you of a courageous nature, daughter," observed Oldcorne;
+"but your resolution surpasses my belief."
+
+By this time the boat had approached the shore. Leaping upon the rocky
+bank, the young merchant assisted Viviana to land, and then performed
+the same service for the priest. Guy Fawkes was the last to disembark;
+and, having pulled the skiff aground, he followed the others, who waited
+for him at a short distance. The night was profoundly dark, and the path
+they had taken, being shaded by large trees, was scarcely discernible.
+Carefully guiding Viviana, who leaned on him for support, the young
+merchant proceeded at a slow pace, and with the utmost caution.
+Suddenly, they were surprised and alarmed by a vivid blaze of light
+bursting through the trees on the left.
+
+"Some building must be on fire!" exclaimed Viviana.
+
+"It is Ordsall Hall,--it is your father's residence," cried Humphrey
+Chetham.
+
+"It is the work of that accursed pursuivant, I will be sworn," said Guy
+Fawkes.
+
+"If it be so, may Heaven's fire consume him!" rejoined Oldcorne.
+
+"Alas! alas!" cried Viviana, bursting into tears, "I thought myself
+equal to every calamity; but this new stroke of fate is more than I can
+bear."
+
+As she spoke, the conflagration evidently increased. The sky was
+illumined by the red reflection of the flames; and as the party hurried
+forward to a rising ground, whence a better view could be obtained of
+the spectacle, they saw the dark walls of the ancient mansion apparently
+wrapped in the devouring element.
+
+"Let us hasten thither," cried Viviana, distractedly.
+
+"I and Guy Fawkes will fly there," replied the young merchant, "and
+render all the assistance in our power. But, first, let me convey you to
+the cave."
+
+More dead than alive, Viviana suffered herself to be borne in that
+direction. Making his way over every impediment, Chetham soon reached
+the excavation; and depositing his lovely burthen upon the stone couch,
+and leaving her in charge of the priest, he hurried with Guy Fawkes
+towards the Hall.
+
+On arriving at the termination of the avenue, they found, to their great
+relief, that it was not the main structure, but an outbuilding which was
+in flames, and from its situation the young merchant conceived it to be
+the stables. As soon as they made this discovery, they slackened their
+pace, being apprehensive, from the shouts and other sounds that reached
+them, that some hostile party might be among the assemblage. Crossing
+the drawbridge--which was fortunately lowered,--they were about to shape
+their course towards the stables, which lay at the further side of the
+Hall, when they perceived the old steward, Heydocke, standing at the
+doorway and wringing his hands in distraction. Humphrey Chetham
+immediately called to him.
+
+"I should know that voice!" cried the old man, stepping forward. "Ah!
+Mr. Chetham, is it you? You are arrived at a sad time, sir--a sad
+time--to see the old house, where I have dwelt, man and boy, sixty years
+and more, in flames. But one calamity has trodden upon the heels of
+another. Ever since Sir William departed for Holywell nothing has gone
+right--nothing whatever. First, the house was searched by the pursuivant
+and his gang; then, my young mistress disappeared; then it was rifled by
+these plunderers; and now, to crown all, it is on fire, and will
+speedily be burnt to the ground."
+
+"Say not so," replied the young merchant. "The flames have not yet
+reached the Hall; and, if exertion is used, they may be extinguished
+without further mischief."
+
+"Let those who have kindled them extinguish them," replied Heydocke,
+sullenly. "I will not raise hand more."
+
+"Who are the incendiaries?" demanded Fawkes.
+
+"The pursuivant and his myrmidons," replied Heydocke. "They came here
+to-night; and after ransacking the house under pretence of procuring
+further evidence against my master, and carrying off everything valuable
+they could collect--plate, jewels, ornaments, money, and even
+wearing-apparel,--they ended by locking up all the servants,--except
+myself, who managed to elude their vigilance,--in the cellar, and
+setting fire to the stables."
+
+"Wretches!" exclaimed Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"Wretches, indeed!" repeated the steward. "But this is not all the
+villany they contemplate. I had concealed myself in the store-room,
+under a heap of lumber, and in searching for me they chanced upon a
+barrel of gunpowder--"
+
+"Well!" interrupted Guy Fawkes.
+
+"Well, sir," pursued Heydocke, "I heard the pursuivant remark to one of
+his comrades, 'This is a lucky discovery. If we can't find the steward,
+we'll blow him and the old house to the devil.' Just then, some one came
+to tell him I was hidden in the stables, and the whole troop adjourned
+thither. But being baulked of their prey, I suppose, they wreaked their
+vengeance in the way you perceive."
+
+"No doubt," rejoined Humphrey Chetham. "But they shall bitterly rue it.
+I will myself represent the affair to the Commissioners."
+
+"It will be useless," groaned Heydocke. "There is no law to protect the
+property of a Catholic."
+
+"Where is the barrel of gunpowder you spoke of?" asked Guy Fawkes, as if
+struck by a sudden idea.
+
+"The villains took it with them when they quitted the store-room,"
+replied the steward. "I suppose they have got it in the yard."
+
+"They have lighted a fire which shall be quenched with their blood,"
+rejoined Fawkes, fiercely. "Follow me. I may need you both."
+
+So saying, he darted off, and turning the corner, came in front of the
+blazing pile. Occupying one side of a large quadrangular court, the
+stables were wholly disconnected with the Hall, and though the fire
+burnt furiously, yet as the wind carried the flames and sparks in a
+contrary direction, it was possible the latter building might escape if
+due precaution were taken. So far, however, from this being the case, it
+seemed the object of the bystanders to assist the progress of the
+conflagration. Several horses, saddled and bridled, had been removed
+from the stable, and placed within an open cowhouse. To these Guy Fawkes
+called Chetham's attention, and desired him and the old steward to
+secure some of them. Hastily giving directions to Heydocke, the young
+merchant obeyed,--sprang on the back of the nearest courser, and seizing
+the bridles of two others, rode off with them. His example was followed
+by Heydocke, and one steed only was left. Such was the confusion and
+clamour prevailing around, that the above proceeding passed unnoticed.
+
+Guy Fawkes, meanwhile, ensconcing himself behind the court-gate, looked
+about for the barrel of gunpowder. For some time he could discover no
+trace of it. At length, beneath a shed, not far from him, he perceived a
+soldier seated upon a small cask, which he had no doubt was the object
+he was in search of. So intent was the man upon the spectacle before
+him, that he was wholly unaware of the approach of an enemy; and
+creeping noiselessly up to him, Guy Fawkes felled him to the ground with
+a blow from the heavy butt-end of his petronel. The action was not
+perceived by the others; and carrying the cask out of the yard, Fawkes
+burst in the lid, and ascertained that the contents were what they had
+been represented. He then glanced around, to see how he could best
+execute his purpose.
+
+On the top of the wall adjoining the stables he beheld the pursuivant,
+with three or four soldiers, giving directions and issuing orders.
+Another and lower wall, forming the opposite side of the quadrangle, and
+built on the edge of the moat, approached the scene of the fire, and on
+this, Guy Fawkes, with the barrel of gunpowder on his shoulder, mounted.
+Concealing himself behind a tree which overshadowed it, he watched a
+favourable moment for his enterprise.
+
+He had not to wait long. Prompted by some undefinable feeling, which
+caused him to rush upon his destruction, the pursuivant ventured upon
+the roof of the stables, and was followed by his companions. No sooner
+did this occur, than Guy Fawkes dashed forward, and hurled the barrel
+with all his force into the midst of the flames, throwing himself at the
+same moment into the moat. The explosion was instantaneous and
+tremendous;--so loud as to be audible even under the water. Its effects
+were terrible. The bodies of the pursuivant and his companions were
+blown into the air, and carried to the further side of the moat. Of
+those standing before the building, several were destroyed, and all more
+or less injured. The walls were thrown down by the concussion, and the
+roof and its fiery fragments projected into the moat. An effectual stop
+was put to the conflagration; and, when Guy Fawkes rose to the boiling
+and agitated surface of the water, the flames were entirely
+extinguished. Hearing groans on the opposite bank of the moat, he forced
+his way through the blazing beams, which were hissing near him; and
+snatching up a still burning fragment, hastened in the direction of the
+sound. In the blackened and mutilated object that met his gaze, he
+recognised the pursuivant. The dying wretch also recognised him, and
+attempted to speak; but in vain--his tongue refused its office, and with
+a horrible attempt at articulation, he expired.
+
+Alarmed by the explosion, the domestics,--who it has already been
+mentioned were confined in the cellar;--were rendered so desperate by
+their fears, that they contrived to break out of their prison, and now
+hastened to the stables to ascertain the cause of the report. Leaving
+them to assist the sufferers, whose dreadful groans awakened some
+feelings of compunction in his iron breast, Guy Fawkes caught the
+steed,--which had broken its bridle and rushed off, and now stood
+shivering, shaking, and drenched in moisture near the drawbridge,--and,
+mounting it, galloped towards the cave.
+
+At its entrance, he was met by Humphrey Chetham and Oldcorne, who
+eagerly inquired what had happened.
+
+Guy Fawkes briefly explained.
+
+"It is the hand of Heaven manifested by your arm, my son," observed the
+priest. "Would that it had stricken the tyrant and apostate prince by
+whom our church is persecuted! But his turn will speedily arrive."
+
+"Peace, father!" cried Guy Fawkes, sternly.
+
+"I do not lament the fate of the pursuivant," observed Humphrey Chetham.
+"But this is a frightful waste of human life--and in such a cause!"
+
+"It is the cause of Heaven, young sir," rejoined the priest, angrily.
+
+"I do not think so," returned Chetham; "and, but for my devotion to
+Viviana, I would have no further share in it."
+
+"You are at liberty to leave us, if you think proper," retorted the
+priest, coldly.
+
+"Nay, say not so, father," interposed Viviana, who had been an
+unobserved listener to the foregoing discourse. "You owe your life--your
+liberty, to Mr. Chetham."
+
+"True, daughter," replied the priest. "I have been too hasty, and
+entreat his forgiveness."
+
+"You have it, reverend sir," rejoined the young merchant. "And now,
+Master Heydocke," he added, turning to the steward, "you may return to
+the Hall with safety. No one will molest you more, and your presence may
+be needed."
+
+"But my young mistress--" said Heydocke.
+
+"I am setting out for Holywell to join my father," replied Viviana. "You
+will receive our instructions from that place."
+
+"It is well," returned the old man, bowing respectfully. "Heaven shield
+us from further misfortune!"
+
+Humphrey Chetham having assisted Viviana into the saddle, and the rest
+of the party having mounted, they took the road to Chester, while
+Heydocke returned to the Hall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE PILGRIMAGE TO ST. WINIFRED'S WELL.
+
+
+Early on the following morning, the party, who had ridden hard, and had
+paused only for a short time at Knutsford to rest their steeds,
+approached the ancient and picturesque city of Chester. Skirting its
+high, and then partly fortified walls, above which appeared the massive
+tower of the venerable cathedral, they passed through the east-gate, and
+proceeding along the street deriving its name from that entrance, were
+about to halt before the door of a large hostel, called the Saint
+Werburgh's Abbey, when, to their great surprise, they perceived Catesby
+riding towards them.
+
+"I thought I could not be mistaken," cried the latter, as he drew near
+and saluted Viviana. "I was about to set out for Manchester with a
+despatch to you from your father, Miss Radcliffe, when this most
+unexpected and fortunate encounter spares me the journey. But may I ask
+why I see you here, and thus attended?" he added, glancing uneasily at
+Humphrey Chetham.
+
+A few words from Father Oldcorne explained all. Catesby affected to bend
+his brow, and appear concerned at the relation. But he could scarcely
+repress his satisfaction.
+
+"Sir William Radcliffe _must_ join us now," he whispered to the priest.
+
+"He must--he _shall_," replied Oldcorne, in the same tone.
+
+"Your father wishes you to join him at Holt, Miss Radcliffe," remarked
+Catesby, turning to her, "whence the pilgrimage starts to-morrow for
+Saint Winifred's Well. There are already nearly thirty devout persons
+assembled."
+
+"Indeed!" replied Viviana. "May I inquire their names."
+
+"Sir Everard and Lady Digby," replied Catesby; "the Lady Anne Vaux and
+her sister, Mrs. Brooksby; Mr. Ambrose Rookwood and his wife, the two
+Winters, Tresham, Wright, Fathers Garnet and Fisher, and many others, in
+all probability unknown to you. The procession started ten days ago from
+Gothurst, in Buckinghamshire, Sir Everard Digby's residence, and
+proceeded from thence by slow stages to Norbrook and Haddington, at each
+of which houses it halted for some days. Yesterday, it reached Holt, and
+starts, as I have just told you, to-morrow for Holywell. If you are so
+disposed, you will be able to attend it."
+
+"I will gladly do so," replied Viviana. "And since I find it is not
+necessary to hurry forward, I will rest myself for a short time here."
+
+So saying, she dismounted, and the whole party entered the hostel.
+Viviana withdrew to seek a short repose, and glance over her father's
+letter, while Catesby, Guy Fawkes, and Oldcorne, were engaged in deep
+consultation. Humphrey Chetham, perceiving that his attendance was no
+further required, and that he was an object of suspicion and dislike to
+Catesby,--for whom he also entertained a similar aversion,--prepared to
+return. And when Viviana made her appearance, he advanced to bid her
+farewell.
+
+"I can be of no further service to you, Viviana," he said, in a
+mournful tone; "and as my presence might be as unwelcome to your father,
+as it seems to be to others of your friends, I will now take my leave."
+
+"Farewell, Mr. Chetham," she replied. "I will not attempt to oppose your
+departure; for, much as I grieve to lose you--and that I do so these
+tears will testify,--I feel that it is for the best. I owe you
+much--more--far more than I can ever repay. It would be unworthy in me,
+and unfair to you, to say that I do not, and shall not ever feel the
+deepest interest in you; that, next to my father, there is no one whom I
+regard--nay, whom I love so much."
+
+"Love! Viviana?" echoed the young merchant, trembling.
+
+"Love, Mr. Chetham," she continued, turning very pale; "since you compel
+me to repeat the word. I avow it boldly, because--" and her voice
+faltered,--"I would not have you suppose me ungrateful, and because I
+never can be yours."
+
+"I will not attempt to dissuade you from the fatal determination you
+have formed of burying your charms in a cloister," rejoined Humphrey
+Chetham. "But, oh! if you _do_ love me, why condemn yourself--why
+condemn me to hopeless misery?"
+
+"I will tell you why," replied Viviana. "Because you are not of my
+faith; and because I never will wed a heretic."
+
+"I am answered," replied the young merchant, sadly.
+
+"Mr. Chetham," interposed Oldcorne, who had approached them unperceived;
+"it is in your power to change Viviana's determination."
+
+"How?" asked the young merchant, starting.
+
+"By being reconciled to the Church of Rome."
+
+"Then it will remain unaltered," replied Chetham, firmly.
+
+"And, if Mr. Chetham would consent to this proposal, _I_ would not,"
+said Viviana. "Farewell," she added, extending her hand to him, which he
+pressed to his lips. "Do not let us prolong an interview so painful to
+us both. The best wish I can desire for you is, that we may never meet
+again."
+
+Without another word, and without hazarding a look at the object of his
+affections, Chetham rushed out of the room, and mounting his horse, rode
+off in the direction of Manchester.
+
+"Daughter," observed Oldcorne, as soon as he was gone, "I cannot too
+highly approve of your conduct, or too warmly applaud the mastery you
+display over your feelings. But----" and he hesitated.
+
+"But what, father?" cried Viviana, eagerly. "Do you think I have done
+wrong in dismissing him?"
+
+"By no means, dear daughter," replied the priest. "You have acted most
+discreetly. But you will forgive me if I urge you--nay, implore you not
+to take the veil; but rather to bestow your hand upon some Catholic
+gentleman----"
+
+"Such as Mr. Catesby," interrupted Viviana, glancing in the direction
+of the individual she mentioned, who was watching them narrowly from the
+further end of the room.
+
+"Ay, Mr. Catesby," repeated Oldcorne, affecting not to notice the
+scornful emphasis laid on the name. "None more fitting could be found,
+nor more worthy of you. Our Church has not a more zealous servant and
+upholder; and he will be at once a father and a husband to you. Such a
+union would be highly profitable to our religion. And, though it is well
+for those whose hearts are burthened with affliction, and who are unable
+to render any active service to their faith, to retire from the world,
+it behoves every sister of the Romish Church to support it at a juncture
+like the present, at any sacrifice of personal feeling."
+
+"Urge me no more, father," replied Viviana, firmly. "I will make every
+sacrifice for my religion, consistent with principle and feeling. But I
+will not make this; neither am I required to make it. And I beg you will
+entreat Mr. Catesby to desist from further importunity."
+
+Oldcorne bowed and retired. Nor was another syllable exchanged between
+them prior to their departure.
+
+Crossing the old bridge over the Dee, then defended at each extremity by
+a gate and tower, the party took the road to Holt, where they arrived in
+about an hour. The recent conversation had thrown a restraint over them,
+which was not removed during the journey. Habitually taciturn, as has
+already been remarked, Guy Fawkes seemed gloomier and more thoughtful
+than ever; and though he rode by the side of Viviana, he did not
+volunteer a remark, and scarcely appeared conscious of her presence.
+Catesby and Oldcorne kept aloof, and it was not until they came in sight
+of the little town which formed their destination that the former
+galloped forward, and striking into the path on the right, begged
+Viviana to follow him. A turn in the road shortly afterwards showed them
+a large mansion screened by a grove of beech-trees.
+
+"That is the house to which we are going," observed Catesby.
+
+And as he spoke, they approached a lodge, the gates of which being
+opened by an attendant, admitted them to the avenue.
+
+Viviana's heart throbbed with delight at the anticipated meeting with
+her father; but she could not repress a feeling of anxiety at the
+distressing intelligence she had to impart to him. As she drew near the
+house she perceived him walking beneath the shade of the trees with two
+other persons; and quickening her pace, sprang from her steed, and
+almost before he was aware of it was in his arms.
+
+"Why do I see you here so unexpectedly, my dear child?" cried Sir
+William Radcliffe, as soon as he had recovered from the surprise which
+her sudden appearance occasioned him. "Mr. Catesby only left this
+morning, charged with a letter entreating you to set out without
+delay,--and now I behold you. What has happened?"
+
+Viviana then recounted the occurrences of the last few days.
+
+"It is as I feared," replied Sir William, in a desponding tone. "Our
+oppressors will never cease till they drive us to desperation!"
+
+"They will not!" rejoined a voice behind him. "Well may we exclaim with
+the prophet--'How long, O Lord, shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear?
+Shall I cry out to thee suffering violence, and thou wilt not save? Why
+hast thou showed me iniquity and grievance, to see rapine and injustice
+before me? Why lookest thou upon them that do unjust things, and holdest
+thy peace when the wicked devoureth the man that is more just than
+himself?'"
+
+Viviana looked in the direction of the speaker and beheld a man in a
+priestly garb, whose countenance struck her forcibly. He was rather
+under the middle height, of a slight spare figure, and in age might be
+about fifty. His features, which in his youth must have been pleasing,
+if not handsome, and which were still regular, were pale and emaciated;
+but his eye was dark, and of unusual brilliancy. A single glance at this
+person satisfied her it was Father Garnet, the provincial of the English
+Jesuits; nor was she mistaken in her supposition.
+
+Of this remarkable person, so intimately connected with the main events
+of the history about to be related, it may be proper to offer some
+preliminary account. Born at Nottingham in 1554, in the reign of Queen
+Mary, and of obscure parentage, Henry Garnet was originally destined to
+the Protestant Church, and educated, with a view to taking orders, at
+Winchester school, whence it was intended he should be removed in due
+course to Oxford. But this design was never carried into effect.
+Influenced by motives, into which it is now scarcely worth while
+inquiring, and which have been contested by writers on both sides of the
+question, Garnet proceeded from Winchester to London, where he engaged
+himself as corrector of the press to a printer of law-books, named
+Tottel, in which capacity he became acquainted with Sir Edward Coke and
+Chief Justice Popham,--one of whom was afterwards to be the leading
+counsel against him, and the other his judge. After continuing in this
+employment for two years, during which he had meditated a change in his
+religion, he went abroad, and travelling first to Madrid, and then to
+Rome, saw enough of the Catholic priesthood to confirm his resolution,
+and in 1575 he assumed the habit of a Jesuit. Pursuing his studies with
+the utmost zeal and ardour at the Jesuits' College, under the celebrated
+Bellarmine, and the no less celebrated Clavius, he made such progress,
+that upon the indisposition of the latter, he was able to fill the
+mathematical chair. Nor was he less skilled in philosophy, metaphysics,
+and divinity; and his knowledge of Hebrew was so profound that he taught
+it publicly in the Roman schools.
+
+To an enthusiastic zeal in the cause of the religion he had espoused,
+Garnet added great powers of persuasion and eloquence,--a combination of
+qualities well fitting him for the office of a missionary priest; and
+undismayed by the dangers he would have to encounter, and eager to
+propagate his doctrines, he solicited to be sent on this errand to his
+own country. At the instance of Father Persons, he received an
+appointment to the mission in 1586, and he secretly landed in England in
+the same year. Braving every danger, and shrinking from no labour, he
+sought on all hands to make proselytes to the ancient faith, and to
+sustain the wavering courage of its professors. Two years afterwards, on
+the imprisonment of the Superior of the Jesuits, being raised to that
+important post, he was enabled to extend his sphere of action; and
+redoubling his exertions in consequence, he so well discharged his
+duties, that it was mainly owing to him that the Catholic party was kept
+together during the fierce persecutions of the latter end of Elizabeth's
+reign.
+
+Compelled to personate various characters, as he travelled from place to
+place, Garnet had acquired a remarkable facility for disguise; and such
+was his address and courage, that he not unfrequently imposed upon the
+very officers sent in pursuit of him. Up to the period of Elizabeth's
+demise, he had escaped arrest; and, though involved in the treasonable
+intrigue with the king of Spain, and other conspiracies, he procured a
+general pardon under the great seal. His office and profession naturally
+brought him into contact with the chief Catholic families throughout the
+kingdom; and he maintained an active correspondence with many of them,
+by means of his various agents and emissaries. The great object of his
+life being the restoration of the fallen religion, to accomplish this,
+as he conceived, great and desirable end, he was prepared to adopt any
+means, however violent or obnoxious. When, under the seal of confession,
+Catesby revealed to him his dark designs, so far from discouraging him,
+all he counselled was caution. Having tested the disposition of the
+wealthier Romanists to rise against their oppressors, and finding a
+general insurrection, as has before been stated, impracticable, he gave
+every encouragement and assistance to the conspiracy forming among the
+more desperate and discontented of the party. At his instigation, the
+present pilgrimage to Saint Winifred's Well was undertaken, in the hope
+that, when so large a body of the Catholics were collected together,
+some additional aid to the project might be obtained.
+
+One of the most mysterious and inexplicable portions of Garnet's history
+is that relating to Anne Vaux. This lady, the daughter of Lord Vaux of
+Harrowden, a rigid Catholic nobleman, and one of Garnet's earliest
+patrons and friends, on the death of her father, in 1595, attached
+herself to his fortunes,--accompanied him in all his missions,--shared
+all his privations and dangers,--and, regardless of calumny or reproach,
+devoted herself entirely to his service. What is not less singular, her
+sister, who had married a Catholic gentleman named Brooksby, became his
+equally zealous attendant. Their enthusiasm produced a similar effect on
+Mr. Brooksby; and wherever Garnet went, all three accompanied him.
+
+By his side, on the present occasion, stood Sir Everard Digby. Accounted
+one of the handsomest, most accomplished, and best-informed men of his
+time, Sir Everard, at the period of this history only twenty-four, had
+married, when scarcely sixteen, Maria, heiress of the ancient and
+honourable family of Mulshoe, with whom he obtained a large fortune, and
+the magnificent estate of Gothurst, or Gaythurst, in Buckinghamshire.
+Knighted by James the First at Belvoir Castle, on his way from Scotland
+to London, Digby, who had once formed one of the most brilliant
+ornaments of the court, had of late in a great degree retired from it.
+"Notwithstanding," writes Father Greenway, "that he had dwelt much in
+the Queen's court, and was in the way of obtaining honours and
+distinction by his graceful manners and rare parts, he chose rather to
+bear the cross with the persecuted Catholics, _et vivere abjectus in
+domo Domini_, than to sail through the pleasures of a palace and the
+prosperities of the world, to the shipwreck of his conscience and the
+destruction of his soul." Having only when he completed his minority
+professed the Catholic religion, he became deeply concerned at its
+fallen state, and his whole thoughts were bent upon its restoration.
+This change in feeling was occasioned chiefly, if not altogether, by
+Garnet, by whom his conversion had been accomplished.
+
+Sir Everard Digby was richly attired in a black velvet doublet, with
+sleeves slashed with white satin, and wore a short mantle of the same
+material, similarly lined. He had the enormous trunk hose, heretofore
+mentioned as the distinguishing peculiarity of the costume of the
+period, and wore black velvet shoes, ornamented with white roses. An
+ample ruff encircled his throat. His hat was steeple-crowned, and
+somewhat broader in the leaf than was ordinarily worn, and shaded with a
+plume of black feathers. His hair was raven black, and he wore a pointed
+beard, and moustaches. His figure was tall and stately, and his features
+grave and finely formed.
+
+By this time the group had been joined by the others, and a friendly
+greeting took place. Guy Fawkes was presented by Catesby to Sir William
+Radcliffe and Sir Everard Digby. To Garnet he required no introduction,
+and Father Oldcorne was known to all. After a little further
+conversation, the party adjourned to the house, which belonged to a
+Welsh Catholic gentleman, named Griffiths, who, though absent at the
+time, had surrendered it to the use of Sir Everard Digby and his
+friends.
+
+On their entrance, Viviana was introduced by her father to Lady Digby,
+who presided as hostess, and welcomed her with great cordiality. She was
+then conducted to her own room, where she was speedily joined by Sir
+William; and they remained closeted together till summoned to the
+principal meal of the day. At the table, which was most hospitably
+served, Viviana found, in addition to her former companions, a large
+assemblage, to most of whom she was a stranger, consisting of Anne Vaux,
+Mr. Brooksby and his wife, Ambrose Rookwood, two brothers named Winter,
+two Wrights, Francis Tresham,--persons of whom it will be necessary to
+make particular mention hereafter,--and several others, in all amounting
+to thirty.
+
+The meal over, the company dispersed, and Viviana and her father,
+passing through an open window, wandered forth upon a beautiful and
+spreading lawn, and thence under the shade of the beech-trees. They had
+not been long here, anxiously conferring on recent events, when they
+perceived Garnet and Catesby approaching.
+
+"Father, dear father!" cried Viviana, hastily, "I was about to warn you;
+but I have not time to do so now. Some dark and dangerous plot is in
+agitation to restore our religion. Mr. Catesby is anxious to league you
+with it. Do not--do not yield to his solicitations!"
+
+"Fear nothing on that score, Viviana," replied Sir William, "I have
+already perplexities enow, without adding to them."
+
+"I will leave you, then," she replied. And, as soon as the others came
+up, she made some excuse for withdrawing, and returned to the house. The
+window of her chamber commanded the avenue, and from it she watched the
+group. They remained for a long time pacing up and down, in earnest
+conversation. By and by, they were joined by Oldcorne and Fawkes. Then
+came a third party, consisting of the Winters and Wrights; and, lastly,
+Sir Everard Digby and Tresham swelled the list.
+
+The assemblage was then harangued by Catesby, and the most profound
+attention paid to his address. Viviana kept her eye fixed upon her
+father's countenance, and from its changing expression inferred what
+effect the speech produced upon him. At its conclusion, the assemblage
+separated in little groups; and she perceived, with great uneasiness,
+that Father Garnet passed his arm through that of her father, and led
+him away. Some time elapsed, and neither of them re-appeared.
+
+"My warning was in vain; he _has_ joined them!" she exclaimed.
+
+"No, Viviana!" cried her father's voice behind her. "I have _not_ joined
+them. Nor _shall_ I do so."
+
+"Heaven be praised!" she exclaimed, flinging her arms around his neck.
+
+Neither of them were aware that they were overheard by Garnet, who had
+noiselessly followed Sir William into the room, and muttered to himself,
+"For all this, he _shall_ join the plot, and she _shall_ wed Catesby."
+
+He then coughed slightly, to announce his presence; and, apologizing to
+Viviana for the intrusion, told her he came to confess her previously to
+the celebration of mass, which would take place that evening, in a small
+chapel in the house. Wholly obedient to the command of her spiritual
+advisers, Viviana instantly signified her assent; and, her father having
+withdrawn, she laid open the inmost secrets of her heart to the Jesuit.
+Severely reprobating her love for a heretic, before he would give her
+absolution, Garnet enjoined her, as a penance, to walk barefoot to the
+holy well on the morrow, and to make a costly offering at the shrine of
+the saint. Compliance being promised to his injunction, he pronounced
+the absolution, and departed.
+
+Soon after this, mass was celebrated by Garnet, and the sacrament
+administered to the assemblage.
+
+An hour before daybreak, the party again assembled in the chapel, where
+matins were performed; after which, the female devotees, who were
+clothed in snow-white woollen robes, with wide sleeves and hoods, and
+having large black crosses woven in front, retired for a short time, and
+re-appeared, with their feet bared, and hair unbound. Each had a large
+rosary attached to the cord that bound her waist.
+
+Catesby thought Viviana had never appeared so lovely as in this costume;
+and as he gazed at her white and delicately formed feet, her small
+rounded ankles, her dark and abundant tresses falling in showers almost
+to the ground, he became more deeply enamoured than before. His
+passionate gaze was, however, unnoticed, as the object of it kept her
+eyes steadily fixed on the ground. Lady Digby, who was a most beautiful
+woman, scarcely appeared to less advantage; and, as she walked side by
+side with Viviana in the procession, the pair attracted universal
+admiration from all who beheld them.
+
+Everything being at last in readiness, and the order of march fully
+arranged, two youthful choristers, in surplices, chanting a hymn to
+Saint Winifred, set forth. They were followed by two men bearing silken
+banners, on one of which was displayed the martyrdom of the saint whose
+shrine they were about to visit, and on the other a lamb carrying a
+cross; next came Fathers Oldcorne and Fisher, each sustaining a large
+silver crucifix; next, Garnet alone, in the full habit of his order;
+next, the females, in the attire before described, and walking two and
+two; next, Sir Everard Digby and Sir William Radcliffe; and lastly, the
+rest of the pilgrims, to the number of fourteen. These were all on foot.
+But at the distance of fifty paces behind them rode Guy Fawkes and
+Catesby, at the head of twenty well-armed and well-mounted attendants,
+intended to serve as a guard in case of need.
+
+In such order, this singular procession moved forward at a slow pace,
+taking its course along a secluded road leading to the ridge of hills
+extending from the neighbourhood of Wrexham to Mold, and from thence, in
+an almost unbroken chain, to Holywell.
+
+Along these heights, whence magnificent views were obtained of the broad
+estuary of the Dee and the more distant ocean, the train proceeded
+without interruption; and though the road selected was one seldom
+traversed, and through a country thinly peopled, still, the rumour of
+the pilgrimage having gone abroad, hundreds were stationed at different
+points to behold it. Some expressions of disapprobation were
+occasionally manifested by the spectators; but the presence of the large
+armed force effectually prevented any interference.
+
+Whenever such a course could be pursued, the procession took its way
+over the sward. Still the sufferings of the females were severe in the
+extreme; and before Viviana had proceeded a mile, her white, tender feet
+were cut and bruised by the sharp flints over which she walked; every
+step she took leaving a bloody print behind it. Lady Digby was in little
+better condition. But such was the zeal by which they, in common with
+all the other devotees following them, were animated, that not a single
+murmur was uttered.
+
+Proceeding in this way, they reached at mid-day a small stone chapel on
+the summit of the hill overlooking Plas-Newydd, where they halted, and
+devotions being performed, the females bathed their lacerated limbs in a
+neighbouring brook, after which they were rubbed with a cooling and
+odorous ointment. Thus refreshed, they again set forward, and halting a
+second time at Plas-Isaf, where similar religious ceremonies were
+observed, they rested for the day at a lodging prepared for their
+reception in the vicinity of Mold.
+
+The night being passed in prayer, early in the morning they commenced
+their march in the same order as before. When Viviana first set her feet
+to the ground, she felt as if she were treading on hot iron, and the
+pain was so excruciating, that she could not repress a cry.
+
+"Heed not your sufferings, dear daughter," observed Garnet,
+compassionately; "the waters of the holy fountain will heal the wounds
+both of soul and body."
+
+Overcoming her agony by a powerful effort, she contrived to limp
+forward; and the whole party was soon after in motion. Halting; for two
+hours at Pentre-Terfyn, and again at Skeviog, the train, towards
+evening, reached the summit of the hill overlooking Holywell, at the
+foot of which could be seen the ruins of Basingwerk Abbey, and the roof
+of the ancient chapel erected over the sacred spring. At this sight,
+those who were foremost in the procession fell on their knees; and the
+horsemen dismounting, imitated their example. An earnest supplication to
+Saint Winifred was then poured forth by Father Garnet, in which all the
+others joined, and a hymn in her honour chanted by the choristers.
+
+Their devotions ended, the whole train arose, and walked slowly down the
+steep descent. As they entered the little town, which owes its name and
+celebrity to the miraculous spring rising within it, they were met by a
+large concourse of people, who had flocked from Flint, and the other
+neighbouring places to witness the ceremonial. Most of the inhabitants
+of Holywell, holding their saintly patroness in the deepest veneration,
+viewed this pilgrimage to her shrine as a proper tribute of respect,
+while those of the opposite faith were greatly impressed by it. As the
+procession advanced, the crowd divided into two lines to allow it
+passage, and many fell on their knees imploring a blessing from Garnet,
+which he in no instance refused. When within a hundred yards of the
+sacred well, they were met by a priest, followed by another small train
+of pilgrims. A Latin oration having been pronounced by this priest, and
+replied to in the same language by Garnet, the train was once more put
+in motion, and presently reached the ancient fabric built over the
+sacred fountain.
+
+The legend of Saint Winifred is so well known, that it is scarcely
+necessary to repeat it. For the benefit of the uninformed, however, it
+may be stated that she flourished about the middle of the seventh
+century, and was the daughter of Thewith, one of the chief lords of
+Wales. Devoutly educated by a monk named Beuno, who afterwards received
+canonization, she took the veil, and retired to a small monastery (the
+ruins of which still exist), built by her father near the scene of her
+subsequent martyrdom. Persecuted by the addresses of Caradoc, son of
+Alan, Prince of Wales, she fled from him to avoid his violence. He
+followed, and inflamed by fury at her resistance, struck off her head.
+For this atrocity, the earth instantly opened and swallowed him alive,
+while from the spot where the head had fallen gushed forth a fountain of
+unequalled force and purity, producing more than a hundred tons a
+minute. The bottom of this miraculous well is strewn with pebbles
+streaked with red veins, in memory of the virgin saint from whose blood
+it sprung. On its margin grows an odorous moss, while its gelid and
+translucent waters are esteemed a remedy for many disorders.
+Winifred's career did not terminate with her decapitation.
+Resuscitated by the prayers of Saint Beuno, she lived many years a life
+of the utmost sanctity, bearing, as a mark of the miracle performed in
+her behalf, a narrow crimson circle round her throat.
+
+Passing the chapel adjoining the well, built in the reign of Henry the
+Seventh by his mother, the pious Countess of Richmond, the pilgrims came
+to the swift clear stream rushing from the well. Instead of ascending
+the steps leading to the edifice built over the spring, they plunged
+into the stream, and crossing it entered the structure by a doorway on
+the further side. Erected by the Countess of Richmond at the same period
+as the chapel, this structure, quadrangular in form, and of great
+beauty, consists of light clustered pillars and mouldings, supporting
+the most gorgeous tracery and groining, the whole being ornamented with
+sculptured bosses, pendent capitals, fretwork, niches, and tabernacles.
+In the midst is a large stone basin, to receive the water of the
+fountain, around which the procession now grouped, and as soon as all
+were assembled, at the command of Father Garnet they fell on their
+knees.
+
+It was a solemn and striking sight to see this large group prostrated
+around that beautiful fountain, and covered by that ancient
+structure,--a touching thing to hear the voice of prayer mingling with
+the sound of the rushing water. After this, they all arose. A hymn was
+then chanted, and votive offerings made at the shrine of the saint. The
+male portion of the assemblage then followed Garnet to the chapel, where
+further religious rites were performed, while the female devotees,
+remaining near the fountain, resigned themselves to the care of several
+attendants of their own sex, who, having bathed their feet in the water,
+applied some of the fragrant moss above described to the wounds; and,
+such was the faith of the patients, or the virtue of the application,
+that in a short time they all felt perfectly restored, and able to join
+their companions in the chapel. In this way the evening was spent, and
+it was not until late that they finished their devotions, and departed
+to the lodgings provided for them in the town.
+
+Impressed with a strange superstitious feeling, which he could scarcely
+acknowledge to himself, Guy Fawkes determined to pass the night near the
+well. Accordingly, without communicating his intention to his
+companions, he threw a small knapsack over his shoulder, containing a
+change of linen, and a few articles of attire, and proceeded thither.
+
+It was a brilliant moonlight night, and, as the radiance, streaming
+through the thin clustered columns of the structure, lighted up its
+fairy architecture, and fell upon the clear cold waves of the fountain,
+revealing the blood-streaked pebbles beneath, the effect was
+inexpressibly beautiful. So charmed was Guy Fawkes by the sight, that he
+remained for some time standing near the edge of the basin, as if
+fascinated by the marvellous spring that boiled up and sparkled at his
+feet. Resolved to try the efficacy of the bath, he threw off his clothes
+and plunged into it. The water was cold as ice; but on emerging from it
+he felt wonderfully refreshed. Having dressed himself, he wrapped his
+cloak around him, and, throwing himself on the stone floor, placed the
+knapsack under his head, and grasping a petronel in his right hand, to
+be ready in case of a surprise, disposed himself to slumber.
+
+[Illustration: _Vision of Guy Fawkes at Saint Winifred's Well_]
+
+Accustomed to a soldier's couch, he soon fell asleep. He had not long
+closed his eyes when he dreamed that from out of the well a female
+figure, slight and unsubstantial as the element from which it sprang,
+arose. It was robed in what resembled a nun's garb; but so thin and
+vapoury, that the very moonlight shone through it. From the garments of
+the figure, as well as from the crimson circle round its throat, he knew
+that it must be the patroness of the place, the sainted Winifred, that
+he beheld. He felt no horror, but the deepest awe. The arm of the figure
+was raised,--its benignant regards fixed upon him,--and, as soon as it
+gained the level of the basin, it glided towards him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE VISION.
+
+
+Before daybreak on the following morning, Garnet, who had been engaged
+in earnest conference with Catesby during the whole of the night,
+repaired to the sacred spring for the purpose of bathing within it, and
+performing his solitary devotions at the shrine of the saint. On
+ascending the steps of the structure, he perceived Guy Fawkes kneeling
+beside the fountain, apparently occupied in prayer; and, being unwilling
+to disturb him, he paused. Finding, however, after the lapse of a few
+minutes, that he did not move, he advanced towards him, and was about to
+lay his hand upon his shoulder, when he was arrested by the very
+extraordinary expression of his countenance. His lips were partly open,
+but perfectly motionless, and his eyes, almost starting from their
+sockets, were fixed upon the boiling waters of the spring. His hands
+were clasped, and his look altogether was that of one whose faculties
+were benumbed by awe or terror.
+
+Aware of the fanatical and enthusiastical character of Fawkes, Garnet
+had little doubt that, by keeping long vigil at the fountain, he had
+worked himself into such a state of over-excitement as to imagine he
+beheld some preternatural appearance; and it was with some curiosity
+that he awaited the result. Glancing in the same direction, his eye
+rested upon the bottom of the well, but he could discern nothing except
+the glittering and blood-streaked pebbles, and the reflection of the
+early sunbeams that quivered on its steaming surface. At length, a
+convulsion passed over the frame of the kneeler, and heaving a deep sigh
+he arose. Turning to quit the spring, he confronted Garnet, and
+demanded, in a low voice--
+
+"Have you likewise seen the vision, father?"
+
+Garnet made no reply, but regarded him steadfastly.
+
+"Has the blessed Winifred appeared to you, I say?" continued Fawkes.
+
+"No," answered Garnet; "I am but just come hither. It is for you, my
+son,--the favoured of Heaven,--for whom such glorious visions are
+reserved. I have seen nothing. How did the saint manifest herself to
+you?"
+
+"In her earthly form," replied Fawkes; "or rather, I should say, in the
+semblance of the form she bore on earth. Listen to me, father. I came
+hither last night to make my couch beside the fountain. After plunging
+into it, I felt marvellously refreshed, and disposed myself to rest on
+that stone. Scarcely had my eyes closed when the saintly virgin appeared
+to me. Oh! father, it was a vision of seraphic beauty, such as the eye
+of man hath seldom seen!"
+
+"And such only as it is permitted the elect of Heaven to see," observed
+Garnet.
+
+"Alas! father," rejoined Guy Fawkes, "I can lay little claim to such an
+epithet. Nay, I begin to fear that I have incurred the displeasure of
+Heaven."
+
+"Think not so, my son," replied Garnet, uneasily. "Relate your vision,
+and I will interpret it to you."
+
+"Thus then it was, father," returned Fawkes. "The figure of the saint
+arose from out the well, and gliding towards me laid its finger upon my
+brow. My eyes opened, but I was as one oppressed with a nightmare,
+unable to move. I then thought I heard my name pronounced by a voice so
+wondrously sweet that my senses were quite ravished. Fain would I have
+prostrated myself, but my limbs refused their office. Neither could I
+speak, for my tongue was also enchained."
+
+"Proceed, my son," observed Garnet; "I am curious to know what ensued."
+
+"Father," replied Guy Fawkes, "if the form I beheld was that of Saint
+Winifred,--and that it was so, I cannot doubt,--the enterprise on which
+we are engaged will fail. It is _not_ approved by Heaven. The vision
+warned me to desist."
+
+"You cannot desist, my son," rejoined Garnet, sternly. "Your oath binds
+you to the project."
+
+"True," replied Fawkes; "and I have no thought of abandoning it. But I
+am well assured it will not be successful."
+
+"Your thinking so, my son, will be the most certain means of realizing
+your apprehensions," replied Garnet, gravely. "But let me hear the exact
+words of the spirit. You may have misunderstood them."
+
+"I cannot repeat them precisely, father," replied Fawkes; "but I could
+not misapprehend their import, which was the deepest commiseration for
+our forlorn and fallen church, but a positive interdiction against any
+attempt to restore it by bloodshed. 'Suffer on,' said the spirit; 'bear
+the yoke patiently, and in due season God will avenge your wrongs, and
+free you from oppression. You are thus afflicted that your faith may be
+purified. But if you resort to violence, you will breed confusion, and
+injure, not serve, the holy cause on which you are embarked.' Such,
+father, was the language of the saint. It was uttered in a tone so
+tender and sympathizing, that every word found an echo in my heart, and
+I repented having pledged myself to the undertaking. But, when I tell
+you that she added that all concerned in the conspiracy should perish,
+perhaps you may be deterred from proceeding further."
+
+"Never!" returned Garnet. "Nor will I suffer any one engaged in it to
+retreat. What matter if a few perish, if the many survive? Our blood
+will not be shed in vain, if the true religion of God is restored. Nay,
+as strongly as the blessed Winifred herself resisted the impious
+ravisher, Caradoc, will I resist all inducements to turn aside from my
+purpose. It may be that the enterprise _will_ fail. It may be that we
+_shall_ perish. But if we die thus, we shall die as martyrs, and our
+deaths will be highly profitable to the Catholic religion."
+
+"I doubt it," observed Fawkes.
+
+"My son," said Garnet, solemnly, "I have ever looked upon you as one
+destined to be the chief agent in the great work of redemption. I have
+thought that, like Judith, you were chosen to destroy the Holofernes who
+oppresses us. Having noted in you a religious fervour, and resolution
+admirably fitting you for the task, I thought, and still think you
+expressly chosen by Heaven for it. But, if you have any misgiving, I
+beseech you to withdraw from it. I will absolve you from your oath; and,
+enjoining you only to strictest secrecy, will pray you to depart at
+once, lest your irresolution should be communicated to the others."
+
+"Fear nothing from me, father," rejoined Fawkes. "I have no
+irresolution, no wavering, nor shall any engaged with us be shaken by my
+apprehension. You have asked me what I saw and heard, and I have told
+you truly. But I will speak of it no more."
+
+"It will be well to observe silence, my son," answered Garnet; "for
+though you, like myself, are unnerved, its effect on others might be
+injurious. But you have not yet brought your relation to an end. How did
+the figure disappear?"
+
+"As it arose, father," replied Fawkes. "Uttering in a sweet but solemn
+voice, which yet rings in my cars, the words, 'Be warned!' it glided
+back to the fountain, whose waves as it approached grew still, and
+gradually melted from my view."
+
+"But when I came hither, you appeared to be gazing at the spring," said
+Garnet. "What did you then behold?"
+
+"My first impulse on awakening about an hour ago," replied Fawkes, "was
+to prostrate myself before the fountain, and to entreat the intercession
+of the saint, who had thus marvellously revealed herself to me. As I
+prayed, methought its clear lucid waters became turbid, and turned to
+the colour of blood."
+
+"It is a type of the blood of slaughtered brethren of our faith, which
+has been shed by our oppressors," rejoined Garnet.
+
+"Rather of our own, which shall be poured forth in this cause," retorted
+Fawkes. "No matter. I am prepared to lose the last drop of mine."
+
+"And I," said Garnet; "and, I doubt not, like those holy men who have
+suffered for their faith, that we shall both win a crown of martyrdom."
+
+"Amen!" exclaimed Fawkes. "And you think the sacrifice we are about to
+offer will prove acceptable to God?"
+
+"I am convinced of it, my son," answered Garnet. "And I take the sainted
+virgin, from whose blood this marvellous spring was produced, to witness
+that I devote myself unhesitatingly to the project, and that I firmly
+believe it will profit our church."
+
+As he spoke, a singular circumstance occurred, which did not fail to
+produce an impression on both parties,--especially Guy Fawkes. A violent
+gust of wind, apparently suddenly aroused, whistled through the slender
+columns of the structure, and catching the surface of the water dashed
+it in tiny waves against their feet.
+
+"The saint is offended," observed Fawkes.
+
+"It would almost seem so," replied Garnet, after a pause. "Let us
+proceed to the chapel, and pray at her shrine. We will confer on this
+matter hereafter. Meantime, swear to me that you will observe profound
+secrecy respecting this vision."
+
+"I swear," replied Guy Fawkes.
+
+At this moment, another and more violent gust agitated the fountain.
+
+"We will tarry here no longer," said Garnet, "I am not proof against
+these portents of ill."
+
+So saying, he led the way to the chapel. Here they were presently joined
+by several of the female devotees, including Viviana, Anne Vaux, and
+Lady Digby. Matins were then said, after which various offerings were
+made at the shrine of the saint. Lady Digby presented a small tablet set
+in gold, representing on one side the martyrdom of Saint Winifred, and
+on the other the Salutation of our Lady. Anne Vaux gave a small
+enamelled cross of gold; Viviana a girdle of the same metal, with a
+pendant sustaining a small Saint John's head surrounded with pearls.
+
+"Mine will be a poor soldier's offering," said Guy Fawkes, approaching
+the shrine, which was hung around with the crutches, staves, and
+bandages of those cured by the healing waters of the miraculous spring.
+"This small silver scallop-shell, given me by a pilgrim, who died in my
+arms near the chapel of Saint James of Compostella, in Spain, is the
+sole valuable I possess."
+
+"It will be as acceptable as a more costly gift, my son," replied
+Garnet, placing it on the shrine.
+
+Of all the offerings then made, that silver scallop-shell is the only
+one preserved.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE CONSPIRATORS.
+
+
+On Viviana's return from her devotions, she found her father in the
+greatest perturbation and alarm. The old steward, Heydocke, who had
+ridden express from Ordsall Hall, had just arrived, bringing word that
+the miserable fate of the pursuivant and his crew had aroused the whole
+country; that officers, attended by a strong force, and breathing
+vengeance, were in pursuit of Sir William Radcliffe and his daughter;
+that large sums were offered for the capture of Guy Fawkes and Father
+Oldcorne; that most of the servants were imprisoned; that he himself had
+escaped with great difficulty; and that, to sum up this long catalogue
+of calamities, Master Humphrey Chetham was arrested, and placed in the
+New Fleet. "In short, my dear young mistress," concluded the old man,
+"as I have just observed to Sir William, all is over with us, and there
+is nothing left but the grave."
+
+"What course have you resolved upon, dear father," inquired Viviana,
+turning anxiously to him.
+
+"I shall surrender myself," he answered. "I am guilty of no crime, and
+can easily clear myself from all imputation."
+
+"You are mistaken," she replied. "Do not hope for justice from those who
+know it not. But, while the means of escape are allowed you, avail
+yourself of them."
+
+"No, Viviana," replied Sir William Radcliffe, firmly; "my part is taken.
+I shall abide the arrival of the officers. For you, I shall intrust you
+to the care of Mr. Catesby."
+
+"You cannot mean this, dear father," she cried, with a look of distress.
+"And, if you do, I will never consent to such an arrangement."
+
+"Mr. Catesby is strongly attached to you, child," replied Sir William,
+"and will watch over your safety as carefully as I could do myself."
+
+"He may be attached to me," rejoined Viviana, "though I doubt the
+disinterestedness of his love. But nothing can remove my repugnance to
+him. Forgive me, therefore, if, in this one instance, I decline to obey
+your commands. I dare not trust myself with Mr. Catesby."
+
+"How am I to understand you?" inquired Sir William.
+
+"Do not ask me to explain, dear father," she answered, "but imagine I
+must have good reason for what I say. Since you are resolved upon
+surrendering yourself, I will go into captivity with you. The
+alternative is less dreadful than that you have proposed."
+
+"You distract me, child," cried the knight, rising and pacing the
+chamber in great agitation. "I cannot bear the thought of your
+imprisonment. Yet if I fly, I appear to confess myself guilty."
+
+"If your worship will intrust Mistress Viviana with me," interposed the
+old steward, "I will convey her whithersoever you direct,--will watch
+over her day and night,--and, if need be, die in her defence."
+
+"Thou wert ever a faithful servant, good Heydocke," rejoined Sir
+William, extending his hand kindly to him, "and art as true in adversity
+as in prosperity."
+
+"Shame to me if I were not," replied Heydocke, pressing the knight's
+fingers to his lips and bathing them in his tears. "Shame to me if I
+hesitated to lay down my life for a master to whom I owe so much."
+
+"If it is your pleasure, dear father," observed Viviana, "I will
+accompany Master Heydocke; but I would far rather be permitted to remain
+with you."
+
+"It would avail nothing," replied Sir William, "we should be separated
+by the officers. Retire to your chamber, and prepare for instant
+departure; and, in the mean while, I will consider what is best to be
+done."
+
+"Your worship's decision must be speedy," observed Heydocke; "I had only
+a few hours' start of the officers. They will be here ere long."
+
+"Take this purse," replied Sir William, "and hire three of the fleetest
+horses you can procure, and station yourself at the outskirts of the
+town, on the road to Saint Asaph. You understand."
+
+"Perfectly," replied Heydocke. And he departed to execute his master's
+commands, while Viviana withdrew to her own chamber.
+
+Left alone, the knight was perplexing himself as to where he should
+shape his course, when he was interrupted by the sudden entrance of
+Catesby and Garnet.
+
+"We have just met your servant, Sir William," said the former, "and have
+learnt the alarming intelligence he has brought."
+
+"What is your counsel in this emergency, father?" said Radcliffe,
+appealing to Garnet.
+
+"Flight,--instant flight, my son," was the answer.
+
+"My counsel is resistance," said Catesby. "We are here assembled in
+large numbers, and are well armed. Let us await the arrival of the
+officers, and see whether they will venture to arrest you."
+
+"They will arrest us all, if they have force sufficient to do so,"
+replied Garnet; "and there are many reasons, as you well know, why it is
+desirable to avoid any disturbance at present."
+
+"True," replied Catesby. "What say you then," he continued, addressing
+Radcliffe, "to our immediate return to Holt, where means may be found to
+screen you till this storm is blown over?"
+
+Sir William having assented to the proposal, Catesby instantly departed
+to acquaint the others, and, as soon as preparations could be made, and
+horses procured, the whole party composing the pilgrimage quitted
+Holywell, and, ascending the hill at the back of the town, took the
+direction of Mold, where they arrived, having ridden at a swift pace, in
+about half an hour. From thence they proceeded, without accident or
+interruption, to the mansion they had recently occupied near Holt. On
+reaching it, all the domestics were armed, and certain of their number
+stationed at the different approaches to the house to give the alarm in
+case of the enemy's appearance. But as nothing occurred during the
+night, the fears of Sir William and his friends began in some degree to
+subside.
+
+About noon, on the following day, as Guy Fawkes, who ever since the
+vision at Saint Winifred's Well had shunned all companionship, walked
+forth beneath the avenue alone, he heard a light step behind him, and,
+turning, beheld Viviana. Gravely bowing, he was about to pursue his
+course, when quickening her pace she was instantly by his side.
+
+"I have a favour to solicit," she said.
+
+"There is none I would refuse you," answered Fawkes, halting; "but,
+though I have the will, I may not have the power to grant your request."
+
+"Hear me, then," she replied, hurriedly. "Of all my father's friends--of
+all who are here assembled, you are the only one I dare trust,--the only
+one from whom I can hope for assistance."
+
+"I am at once flattered and perplexed by your words, Viviana," he
+rejoined; "nor can I guess whither they tend. But speak freely. If I
+cannot render you aid, I can at least give you counsel."
+
+"I must premise, then," said Viviana, "that I am aware from certain
+obscure hints let fall by Father Oldcorne, that you, Mr. Catesby, and
+others are engaged in a dark and dangerous conspiracy."
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe," returned Guy Fawkes, sternly, "you have once before
+avowed your knowledge of this plot. I will not attempt disguise with
+you. A project is in agitation for the deliverance of our fallen church;
+and, since you have become acquainted with its existence--no matter
+how--you must be bound by an oath of secrecy, or," and his look grew
+darker, and his voice sterner, "I will not answer for your life."
+
+"I will willingly take the oath, on certain conditions," said Viviana.
+
+"You must take it unconditionally," rejoined Fawkes.
+
+"Hear me out," said Viviana. "Knowing that Mr. Catesby and Father Garnet
+are anxious to induce my father to join this conspiracy, I came hither
+to implore you to prevent him from doing so."
+
+"Were I even willing to do this,--which I am not," replied Fawkes, "I
+have not the power. Sir William Radcliffe would be justly indignant at
+any interference on my part."
+
+"Heed not that," replied Viviana. "You, I fear, are linked to this
+fearful project beyond the possibility of being set free. But he is not.
+Save him! save him!"
+
+"I will take no part in urging him to join it," replied Fawkes. "But I
+can promise nothing further."
+
+"Then mark me," she returned; "if further attempts are made by any of
+your confederates to league him with their plot, I myself will disclose
+all I know of it."
+
+"Viviana," rejoined Fawkes, in a threatening tone, "I again warn you
+that you endanger your life."
+
+"I care not," she rejoined; "I would risk twenty lives, if I possessed
+them, to preserve my father."
+
+"You are a noble-hearted lady," replied Fawkes, unable to repress the
+admiration inspired by her conduct; "and if I can accomplish what you
+desire, I will. But I see not how it can be done."
+
+"Everything is possible to one of your resolution," replied Viviana.
+
+"Well, well," replied Fawkes, a slight smile crossing his rugged
+features; "the effort at least shall be made."
+
+"Thanks! thanks!" ejaculated Viviana; and, overcome by her emotion, she
+sank half-fainting into his arms.
+
+While he held her thus, debating within himself whether he should convey
+her to the house, Garnet and Catesby appeared at the other end of the
+avenue. Their surprise at the sight was extreme; nor was it less when
+Viviana, opening her eyes as they drew near, uttered a slight cry, and
+disappeared.
+
+"This requires an explanation," said Catesby, glancing fiercely at
+Fawkes.
+
+"You must seek it, then, of the lady," rejoined the latter, moodily.
+
+"It will be easily explained, I have no doubt," interposed Garnet. "Miss
+Radcliffe was seized with a momentary weakness, and her companion
+offered her support."
+
+"That will scarcely suffice for me," cried Catesby.
+
+"Let the subject be dropped for the present," rejoined Garnet,
+authoritatively. "More important matter claims our attention. We came to
+seek you, my son," he continued, addressing Fawkes. "All those engaged
+in the great enterprise are about to meet in a summer-house in the
+garden."
+
+"I am ready to attend you," replied Fawkes. "Will Sir William Radcliffe
+be there?"
+
+"No," replied Garnet; "he has not yet joined us. None will be present at
+this meeting but the sworn conspirators."
+
+With this, the trio took their way towards the garden, and proceeding
+along a walk edged with clipped yew-trees, came to the summer-house,--a
+small circular building overrun with ivy and creepers, and ornamented in
+front by two stone statues on pedestals. Here they found Sir Everard
+Digby, Ambrose Rookwood, Francis Tresham, Thomas and Robert Winter, John
+and Christopher Wright, awaiting their arrival.
+
+The door being closed and bolted, Garnet, placing himself in the midst
+of the assemblage, said, "Before we proceed further, I will again
+administer the oath to all present." Drawing from his vest a primer, and
+addressing Sir Everard Digby, he desired him to kneel, and continued
+thus in a solemn tone, "You shall swear by the Blessed Trinity, and by
+the sacrament you propose to receive, never to disclose directly nor
+indirectly, by word or circumstance, the matter that shall be proposed
+to you to keep secret, nor desist from the execution thereof, until the
+rest shall give you leave."
+
+"I swear," replied Digby, kissing the primer.
+
+The oath was then taken in like manner by the others. This done, Catesby
+was about to address the meeting, when Tresham, glancing uneasily at the
+door, remarked, "Are you assured we have no eavesdroppers?"
+
+"I will keep watch without," rejoined Fawkes, "if you have any fears."
+
+"It were better," replied Robert Winter. "We cannot be too cautious. But
+if you go forth, you will not be able to take part in the discussion."
+
+"My part is to act, not talk," rejoined Fawkes, marching towards the
+door. And shutting it after him, he took up his position outside.
+
+Upon this Catesby commenced a long and inflammatory harangue, in which
+he expatiated with great eloquence and fervour on the wrongs of the
+Catholic party, and the deplorable condition of their church. "It were
+easy to slay the tyrant by whom we are oppressed," he said, in
+conclusion; "but his destruction would be small gain to us. We must
+strike deeper, to hew down the baneful stock of heresy. All our
+adversaries must perish with him, and in such a manner as shall best
+attest the vengeance of Heaven. Placed beneath the Parliament-house, a
+mine of powder shall hurl its heretical occupants into the air,--nor
+shall any one survive the terrible explosion. Are we all agreed to this
+plan?"
+
+All the conspirators expressed their assent, except Sir Everard Digby.
+
+"Before I give my concurrence to the measure," observed the latter, "I
+would fain be resolved by Father Garnet whether it is lawful to destroy
+some few of our own faith with so many heretics."
+
+"Unquestionably, my son," replied Garnet. "As in besieging a city we
+have a right to kill all within it, whether friends or enemies, so in
+this case we are justified in destroying the innocent with the guilty,
+because their destruction will be advantageous to the Catholic cause."
+
+"I am satisfied," replied Digby.
+
+"As to the tyrant and apostate James," continued Garnet, "he is
+excommunicated, and his subjects released from their allegiance. I have
+two breves sent over by his holiness Pope Clement VIII. three years ago,
+one directed to the clergy, and the other to the nobility of this realm,
+wherein, alluding to Queen Elizabeth, it is expressly declared that, 'so
+soon as that miserable woman should depart out of this life, none shall
+be permitted to ascend the throne, how near soever in proximity of
+blood, unless they are such as will not only tolerate the Catholic
+faith, but in every way support it.' By this brief, James is expressly
+excluded. He has betrayed, not supported the church of Rome. Having
+broken his word with us, and oppressed our brethren more rigorously even
+than his predecessor, the remorseless Elizabeth, he is unworthy longer
+to reign, and must be removed."
+
+"He must," reiterated the conspirators.
+
+"The Parliament-house being the place where all the mischief done us has
+been contrived by our adversaries, it is fitting that it should be the
+place of their chastisement," remarked Catesby.
+
+"Doubtless," rejoined Ambrose Rookwood.
+
+"Yet if the blow we meditate should miscarry," observed Thomas Winter,
+"the injury to the Catholic religion will be so great, that not only our
+enemies, but our very friends will condemn us."
+
+"There is no chance of miscarriage, if we are true to each other,"
+returned Catesby, confidently. "And if I suspected any one of treachery,
+I would plunge my sword into his bosom, were he my brother."
+
+"You would do wrong to act thus on mere suspicion," remarked Tresham,
+who stood near him.
+
+"In a case like this, he who gives the slightest ground for doubt would
+merit death," replied Catesby, sternly; "and I would slay him."
+
+"Hum!" exclaimed Tresham, uneasily.
+
+"Mr. Catesby will now perhaps inform us what has been done to carry the
+project into effect?" inquired Sir Everard Digby.
+
+"A small habitation has been taken by one of our confederates, Mr.
+Thomas Percy, immediately adjoining the Parliament-house," replied
+Catesby, "from the cellar of which it is proposed to dig a mine through
+the wall of the devoted building, and to deposit within it a sufficient
+quantity of gunpowder and other combustibles to accomplish our purpose.
+This mine must be digged by ourselves, as we can employ no assistants,
+and will be a laborious and dangerous task. But I for one will
+cheerfully undertake it."
+
+"And I," said the elder Wright.
+
+"And I," cried several others.
+
+"Supposing the mine digged, and the powder deposited," observed Ambrose
+Rookwood, "whose hand will fire the train?"
+
+"Mine!" cried Guy Fawkes, throwing open the door. As soon as he had
+spoken, he retired and closed it after him.
+
+"He will keep his word," remarked Garnet. "He is of a nature so resolute
+that he would destroy himself with the victims rather than fail.
+Catiline was not a bolder conspirator than Guy Fawkes."
+
+"Well, gentlemen," observed Catesby, "we are now at the latter end of
+July. All must be ready against the meeting of Parliament in November."
+
+"There is some likelihood, I hear, that the meeting of the house will be
+prorogued till February," remarked Tresham.
+
+"So much the better," rejoined Catesby, "it will give us more time for
+preparation."
+
+"So much the worse, I think," cried Ambrose Rookwood. "Delays are ever
+dangerous, and doubly dangerous in a case like ours."
+
+"I am far from desiring to throw any impediment in the way of our
+design," observed Sir Everard Digby, "but I would recommend, before we
+proceed to this terrible extremity, that one last effort should be made
+to move the King in our behalf."
+
+"It is useless," replied Catesby. "So far from toleration, he meditates
+severer measures against us; and, I am well assured, if Parliament is
+allowed to meet, such laws will be passed as will bring all of us within
+premunire. No, no. We have no hope from James, nor his ministers."
+
+"Nor yet from France or Spain," observed Thomas Winter. "In my
+conference with the Constable Velasco at Bergen, I received assurances
+of the good-will of Philip towards us, but no distinct promise of
+interference in our behalf. The Archduke Albert is well disposed, but he
+can render no assistance. We must depend upon ourselves."
+
+"Ay, marry, must we," replied Catesby, "and fortunate is it that we have
+devised a plan by which we can accomplish our purpose unaided. We only
+require funds to follow up with effect the blow we shall strike."
+
+"My whole fortune shall be placed at your disposal," replied Sir Everard
+Digby.
+
+"Part of mine has already been given," said Tresham, "and the rest shall
+follow."
+
+"Would I had aught to peril in the matter except my life," said Catesby.
+"I would throw everything upon the stake."
+
+"You do enough in venturing thus much, my son," rejoined Garnet. "To you
+the whole conduct of the enterprise is committed."
+
+"I live for nothing else," replied Catesby, "and if I see it successful,
+I shall have lived long enough."
+
+"Cannot Sir William Radcliffe be induced to join us?" asked Rookwood.
+"He would be an important acquisition, and his wealth would prove highly
+serviceable."
+
+"I have sounded him," answered Catesby. "But he appears reluctant."
+
+"Be not satisfied with one attempt," urged Christopher Wright. "The
+jeopardy in which he now stands may make him change his mind."
+
+"I am loth to interrupt the discussion," returned Garnet, "but I think
+we have tarried here long enough. We will meet again at midnight, when I
+hope to introduce Sir William Radcliffe to you as a confederate."
+
+The party then separated, and Garnet went in search of the knight.
+
+Ascertaining that he was in his own chamber, he proceeded thither, and
+found him alone. Entering at once upon the subject in hand, Garnet
+pleaded his cause with so much zeal that he at last wrung a reluctant
+consent from the listener. Scarcely able to conceal his exultation, he
+then proposed to Sir William to adjourn with him to the private chapel
+in the house, where, having taken the oath, and received the sacrament
+upon it, he should forthwith be introduced to the conspirators, and the
+whole particulars of the plot revealed to him. To this the knight, with
+some hesitation, agreed. As they traversed a gallery leading to the
+chapel, they met Viviana. For the first time in his life Radcliffe's
+gaze sank before his daughter, and he would have passed her without
+speaking had she not stopped him.
+
+"Father! dear father!" she cried, "I know whither you are going--and for
+what purpose. Do not--do not join them."
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes preventing Sir William Radcliffe from joining
+the Conspiracy._]
+
+Sir William Radcliffe made no reply, but endeavoured gently to push her
+aside.
+
+She would not, however, be repulsed, but prostrating herself before him,
+clasped his knees, and besought him not to proceed.
+
+Making a significant gesture to Sir William, Garnet walked forward.
+
+"Viviana," cried the knight, sternly, "my resolution is taken. I command
+you to retire to your chamber."
+
+So saying, he broke from her, and followed Garnet. Clasping her hands to
+her brow, Viviana gazed for a moment with a frenzied look after him, and
+then rushed from the gallery.
+
+On reaching the chapel, Sir William, who had been much shaken by this
+meeting, was some minutes in recovering his composure. Garnet employed
+the time in renewing his arguments, and with so much address that he
+succeeded in quieting the scruples of conscience which had been awakened
+in the knight's breast by his daughter's warning.
+
+"And now, my son," he said, "since you have determined to enrol your
+name in the list of those sworn to deliver their church from oppression,
+take this primer in your hand, and kneel down before the altar, while I
+administer the oath which is to unite you to us."
+
+Garnet then advanced towards the altar, and Sir William was about to
+prostrate himself upon a cushion beside it, when the door was suddenly
+thrown open, and Guy Fawkes strode into the chapel.
+
+"Hold!" he exclaimed, grasping Radcliffe's right arm, and fixing his
+dark glance upon him; "you shall not take that oath."
+
+"What mean you?" cried Garnet, who, as well as the knight, was paralyzed
+with astonishment at this intrusion. "Sir William Radcliffe is about to
+join us."
+
+"I know it," replied Fawkes; "but it may not be. He has no heart in the
+business, and will lend it no efficient assistance. We are better
+without him, than with him."
+
+As he spoke, he took the primer from the knight's hand, and laid it upon
+the altar.
+
+"This conduct is inexplicable," cried Garnet, angrily. "You will answer
+for it to others, as well as to me."
+
+"I will answer for it to all," replied Guy Fawkes. "Let Sir William
+Radcliffe declare before me, and before Heaven, that he approves the
+measure, and I am content he should take the oath."
+
+"I cannot belie my conscience by saying so," replied the knight, who
+appeared agitated by conflicting emotions.
+
+"Yet you have promised to join us," cried Garnet, reproachfully.
+
+"Better break that promise than a solemn oath," rejoined Guy Fawkes,
+sternly. "Sir William Radcliffe, there are reasons why you should not
+join this conspiracy. Examine your inmost heart, and it will tell you
+what they are."
+
+"I understand you," replied the knight.
+
+"Get hence," cried Garnet, unable to control his indignation, "or I will
+pronounce our Church's most terrible malediction against you."
+
+"I shall not shrink from it, father," rejoined Fawkes, humbly, but
+firmly, "seeing I am acting rightly."
+
+"Undeceive yourself, then, at once," returned Garnet, "and learn that
+you are thwarting our great and holy purpose."
+
+"On the contrary," replied Fawkes, "I am promoting it, by preventing one
+from joining it who will endanger its success."
+
+"You are a traitor!" cried Garnet, furiously.
+
+"A traitor!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, his eye blazing with fierce lustre,
+though his voice and demeanour were unaltered,--"I, who have been warned
+thrice,--twice by the dead,--and lastly by a vision from heaven, yet
+still remain firm to my purpose,--I, who have voluntarily embraced the
+most dangerous and difficult part of the enterprise,--I, who would
+suffer the utmost extremity of torture, rather than utter a word that
+should reveal it,--a traitor! No, father, I am none. If you think so,
+take this sword and at once put an end to your doubts."
+
+There was something so irresistible in the manner of Guy Fawkes, that
+Garnet remained silent.
+
+"Do with me what you please," continued Fawkes; "but do not compel Sir
+William Radcliffe to join the conspiracy. He will be fatal to it."
+
+"No one shall compel me to join it," replied the knight.
+
+"Perhaps it is better thus," returned Garnet, after a pause, during
+which he was buried in reflection. "I will urge you no further, my son.
+But before you depart you must swear not to divulge what you have just
+learnt."
+
+"Willingly," replied the knight.
+
+"There is another person who must also take that oath," said Guy Fawkes,
+"having accidentally become acquainted with as much as yourself."
+
+And stepping out of the chapel, he immediately afterwards returned with
+Viviana.
+
+"You will now understand why I would not allow Sir William to join the
+conspiracy," he observed to Garnet.
+
+"I do," replied the latter, gloomily.
+
+The oath administered, the knight and his daughter quitted the chapel,
+accompanied by Guy Fawkes. Viviana was profuse in her expressions of
+gratitude, nor was her father less earnest in his acknowledgments.
+
+A few hours after this, Sir William Radcliffe informed Sir Everard Digby
+that it was his intention to depart immediately, and, though the latter
+attempted to dissuade him by representing the danger to which he would
+be exposed, he continued inflexible. The announcement surprised both
+Catesby and Garnet, who were present when it was made, and added their
+entreaties to those of Digby--but without effect. Catesby's proposal to
+serve as an escort was likewise refused by Sir William, who said he had
+no fears, and when questioned as to his destination, he returned an
+evasive answer. This sudden resolution of the knight coupled with his
+refusal to join the plot, alarmed the conspirators, and more than one
+expressed fears of treachery. Sir Everard Digby, however, was not of the
+number, but asserted that Radcliffe was a man of the highest honour, and
+he would answer for his secrecy with his life.
+
+"Will you answer for that of his daughter?" demanded Tresham.
+
+"_I_ will," replied Fawkes.
+
+"To put the matter beyond a doubt," observed Catesby, "I will set out
+shortly after him, and follow him unobserved till he halts for the
+night, and ascertain whether he stops at any suspicious quarter."
+
+"Do so, my son," replied Garnet.
+
+"It is needless," observed Sir Everard Digby; "but do as you please."
+
+By this time, Radcliffe's horses being brought round by Heydocke, he and
+his daughter took a hasty leave of their friends. When they had been
+gone a few minutes, Catesby called for his steed; and, after exchanging
+a word or two with Garnet, rode after them. He had proceeded about a
+couple of miles along a cross-road leading to Nantwich, which he learnt
+from some cottagers was the route taken by the party before him, when he
+heard the tramp of a horse in the rear, and, turning at the sound,
+beheld Guy Fawkes. Drawing in the bridle, he halted till the latter came
+up, and angrily demanded on what errand he was bent.
+
+"My errand is the same as your own," replied Fawkes. "I intend to follow
+Sir William Radcliffe, and, if need be, defend him."
+
+Whatever Catesby's objections might be to this companionship, he did not
+think fit to declare them, and, though evidently much displeased,
+suffered Guy Fawkes to ride by his side without opposition.
+
+Having gained the summit of the mountainous range extending from Malpas
+to Tottenhall, whence they beheld the party whose course they were
+tracking enter a narrow lane at the foot of the hill, Catesby, fearful
+of losing sight of them, set spurs to his steed. Guy Fawkes kept close
+beside him, and they did not slacken their pace until they reached the
+lane.
+
+Having proceeded along it for a quarter of a mile, they were alarmed by
+the sudden report of fire-arms, followed by a loud shriek, which
+neither of them doubted was uttered by Viviana. Again dashing forward,
+on turning a corner of the road, they beheld the party surrounded by
+half-a-dozen troopers. Sir William Radcliffe had shot one of his
+assailants, and, assisted by Heydocke, was defending himself bravely
+against the others. With loud shouts, Catesby and Guy Fawkes galloped
+towards the scene of strife. But they were too late. A bullet pierced
+the knight's brain; and he no sooner fell, than, regardless of himself,
+the old steward flung away his sword, and threw himself, with the most
+piteous lamentations, on the body.
+
+Viviana, meanwhile, had been compelled to dismount, and was in the hands
+of the troopers. On seeing her father's fate, her shrieks were so
+heart-piercing, that even her captors were moved to compassion. Fighting
+his way towards her, Catesby cut down one of the troopers, and snatching
+her from the grasp of the other, who was terrified by the furious
+assault, placed her on the saddle beside him, and striking spurs into
+his charger at the same moment, leapt the hedge, and made good his
+retreat.
+
+This daring action, however, could not have been accomplished without
+the assistance of Guy Fawkes, who warded off with his rapier all the
+blows aimed at him and his lovely charge. While thus engaged, he
+received a severe cut on the head, which stretched him senseless and
+bleeding beneath his horse's feet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE PACKET.
+
+
+On recovering from the effects of the wound he had received from the
+trooper, Guy Fawkes found himself stretched upon a small bed in a
+cottage, with Viviana and Catesby watching beside him. A thick fold of
+linen was bandaged round his head, and he was so faint from the great
+effusion of blood he had sustained, that, after gazing vacantly around
+him for a few minutes, and but imperfectly comprehending what he beheld,
+his eyes closed, and he relapsed into insensibility. Restoratives being
+applied, he revived in a short time, and, in answer to his inquiries how
+he came thither, was informed by Catesby that he had been left for dead
+by his assailants, who, contenting themselves with making the old
+steward prisoner, had ridden off in the direction of Chester.
+
+"What has become of Sir William Radcliffe?" asked the wounded man in a
+feeble voice.
+
+Catesby raised his finger to his lips, and Fawkes learnt the distressing
+nature of the question he had asked by the agonizing cry that burst from
+Viviana. Unable to control her grief, she withdrew, and Catesby then
+told him that the body of Sir William Radcliffe was lying in an
+adjoining cottage, whither it had been transported from the scene of the
+conflict; adding that it was Viviana's earnest desire that it should be
+conveyed to Manchester to the family vault in the Collegiate Church; but
+that he feared her wish could not be safely complied with. A messenger,
+however, had been despatched to Holt; and Sir Everard Digby, and Fathers
+Garnet and Oldcorne, were momentarily expected, when some course would
+be decided upon for the disposal of the unfortunate knight's remains.
+
+"Poor Viviana!" groaned Fawkes. "She has now no protector."
+
+"Rest easy on that score," rejoined Catesby. "She shall never want one
+while I live."
+
+The wounded man fixed his eyes, now blazing with red and unnatural
+light, inquiringly upon him, but he said nothing.
+
+"I know what you mean," continued Catesby; "you think I shall wed her,
+and you are in the right. I shall. The marriage is essential to our
+enterprise; and the only obstacle to it is removed."
+
+Fawkes attempted to reply, but his parched tongue refused its office.
+Catesby arose, and carefully raising his head, held a cup of water to
+his lips. The sufferer eagerly drained it, and would have asked for
+more; but seeing that the request would be refused, he left it
+unuttered.
+
+"Have you examined my wound?" he said, after a pause.
+
+Catesby answered in the affirmative.
+
+"And do you judge it mortal?" continued Fawkes. "Not that I have any
+fear of Death. I have looked him in the face too often for that. But I
+have somewhat on my mind which I would fain discharge before my earthly
+pilgrimage is ended."
+
+"Do not delay it, then," rejoined the other. "Knowing I speak to a
+soldier, and a brave one, I do not hesitate to tell you your hours are
+numbered."
+
+"Heaven's will be done!" exclaimed Fawkes, in a tone of resignation. "I
+thought myself destined to be one of the chief instruments of the
+restoration of our holy religion. But I find I was mistaken. When Father
+Garnet arrives, I beseech you let me see him instantly. Or, if he should
+not come speedily, entreat Miss Radcliffe to grant me a few moments in
+private."
+
+"Why not unburthen yourself to me?" returned Catesby, distrustfully. "In
+your circumstances I should desire no better confessor than a brother
+soldier,--no other crucifix than a sword-hilt."
+
+"Nor I," rejoined Fawkes. "But this is no confession I am about to make.
+What I have to say relates to others, not to myself."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby. "Then there is the more reason why it
+should not be deferred. I hold it my duty to tell you that the fever of
+your wound will, in all probability, produce delirium. Make your
+communication while your senses remain to you. And whatever you enjoin
+shall be rigorously fulfilled."
+
+"Will you swear this?" cried Fawkes, eagerly. But before an answer could
+be returned, he added, in an altered tone, "No,--no,--it cannot be."
+
+"This is no time for anger," rejoined Catesby, sternly, "or I should ask
+whether you doubt the assurance I have given you?"
+
+"I doubt nothing but your compliance with my request," returned Fawkes.
+"And oh! if you hope to be succoured at your hour of need, tell Miss
+Radcliffe I desire to speak with her."
+
+"The message will not need to be conveyed," said Viviana, who had
+noiselessly entered the room; "she is here."
+
+Guy Fawkes turned his gaze in the direction of the voice; and,
+notwithstanding his own deplorable condition, he was filled with concern
+at the change wrought in her appearance by the terrible shock she had
+undergone. Her countenance was as pale as death,--her eyes, from which
+no tears would flow, as is ever the case with the deepest distress, were
+glassy and lustreless,--her luxuriant hair hung in dishevelled masses
+over her shoulders,--and her attire was soiled and disordered.
+
+"You desire to speak with me," she continued, advancing towards the
+couch of the wounded man.
+
+"It must be alone," he replied.
+
+Viviana glanced at Catesby, who reluctantly arose, and closed the door
+after him. "We _are_ alone now," she said.
+
+"Water! water!" gasped the sufferer, "or I perish." His request being
+complied with, he continued in a low solemn voice, "Viviana, you have
+lost the dearest friend you had on earth, and you will soon lose one
+who, if he had been spared, would have endeavoured, as far as he could,
+to repair the loss. I say not this to aggravate your distress, but to
+prove the sincerity of my regard. Let me conjure you, with my dying
+breath, not to wed Mr. Catesby."
+
+"Fear it not," replied Viviana. "I would rather endure death than
+consent to do so."
+
+"Be upon your guard against him, then," continued Fawkes. "When an
+object is to be gained, he suffers few scruples to stand in his way."
+
+"I am well aware of it," replied Viviana; "and on the arrival of Sir
+Everard Digby, I shall place myself under his protection."
+
+"Should you be driven to extremity," said Fawkes, taking a small packet
+from the folds of his doublet, "break open this; it will inform you what
+to do. Only promise me you will not have recourse to it till all other
+means have failed."
+
+Viviana took the packet, and gave the required promise.
+
+"Conceal it about your person, and guard it carefully," continued
+Fawkes; "for you know not when you may require it. And now, having
+cleared my conscience, I can die easily. Let me have your prayers."
+
+Viviana knelt down by the bedside, and poured forth the most earnest
+supplications in his behalf.
+
+"Perhaps," she said, as she arose, "and it is some consolation to think
+so,--you may be saved by death from the commission of a great crime,
+which would for ever have excluded you from the joys of heaven."
+
+"Say rather," cried Guy Fawkes, whose brain began to wander, "which
+would have secured them to me. Others will achieve it; but I shall have
+no share in their glory, or their reward."
+
+"Their reward will be perdition in this world and in the next," rejoined
+Viviana. "I repeat, that though I deeply deplore your condition, I
+rejoice in your delivery from this sin. It is better--far better--to die
+thus, than by the hands of the common executioner."
+
+"What do I see?" cried Guy Fawkes, trying to raise himself, and sinking
+back again instantly upon the pillow. "Elizabeth Orton rises before me.
+She beckons me after her--I come!--I come!"
+
+"Heaven pity him!" cried Viviana. "His senses have left him!"
+
+"She leads me into a gloomy cavern," continued Fawkes, more wildly; "but
+my eyes are like the wolf's, and can penetrate the darkness. It is
+filled with barrels of gunpowder. I see them ranged in tiers, one above
+another. Ah! I know where I am now. It is the vault beneath the
+Parliament-house. The King and his nobles are assembled in the hall
+above. Lend me a torch, that I may fire the train, and blow them into
+the air. Quick! quick! I have sworn their destruction, and will keep my
+oath. What matter if I perish with them? Give me the torch, I say, or it
+will be too late. Is the powder damp that it will not kindle? And see!
+the torch is expiring--it is gone out! Distraction!--to be baffled thus!
+Why do you stand and glare at me with your stony eyes? Who are those
+with you? Fiends!--no! they are armed men. They seize me--they drag me
+before a grave assemblage. What is that hideous engine? The rack!--Bind
+me on it--break every limb--ye shall not force me to confess--ha! ha! I
+laugh at your threats--ha! ha!"
+
+"Mother of mercy! release him from this torture!" cried Viviana.
+
+"So! ye have condemned me," continued Fawkes, "and will drag me to
+execution. Well, well, I am prepared. But what a host is assembled to
+see me! Ten thousand faces are turned towards me, and all with one
+abhorrent bloodthirsty expression. And what a scaffold! Get it done
+quickly, thou butcherly villain. The rope is twisted round my throat
+in serpent folds. It strangles me--ah!"
+
+"Horror!" exclaimed Viviana. "I can listen to this no longer. Help, Mr.
+Catesby, help!"
+
+"The knife is at my breast--it pierces my flesh--my heart is torn
+forth--I die! I die!" And he uttered a dreadful groan.
+
+"What has happened?" cried Catesby, rushing into the room. "Is he dead?"
+
+"I fear so," replied Viviana; "and his end has been a fearful one."
+
+"No--no," said Catesby; "his pulse still beats--but fiercely and
+feverishly. You had better not remain here longer, Miss Radcliffe. I
+will watch over him. All will soon be over."
+
+Aware that she could be of no further use, Viviana cast a look of the
+deepest commiseration at the sufferer, and retired. The occupant of the
+cottage, an elderly female, had surrendered all the apartments of her
+tenement, except one small room, to her guests, and she was therefore
+undisturbed. The terrible event which had recently occurred, and the
+harrowing scene she had just witnessed, were too much for Viviana, and
+her anguish was so intense, that she began to fear her reason was
+deserting her. She stood still,--gazed fearfully round, as if some
+secret danger environed her,--clasped her hands to her temples, and
+found them burning like hot iron,--and, then, alarmed at her own state,
+knelt down, prayed, and wept. Yes! she wept, for the first time, since
+her father's destruction, and the relief afforded by those scalding
+tears was inexpressible.
+
+From this piteous state she was aroused by the tramp of horses at the
+door of the cottage, and the next moment Father Garnet presented
+himself.
+
+"How uncertain are human affairs!" he said, after a sorrowful greeting
+had passed between them. "I little thought, when we parted yesterday, we
+should meet again so soon, and under such afflicting circumstances."
+
+"It is the will of Heaven, father," replied Viviana, "and we must not
+murmur at its decrees, but bear our chastening as we best may."
+
+"I am happy to find you in such a comfortable frame of mind, dear
+daughter. I feared the effect of the shock upon your feelings. But I am
+glad to find you bear up against it so well."
+
+"I am surprised at my own firmness, father," replied Viviana. "But I
+have been schooled in affliction. I have no tie left to bind me to the
+world, and shall retire from it, not only without regret, but with
+eagerness."
+
+"Say not so, dear daughter," replied Garnet. "You have, I trust, much
+happiness in store for you; and when the sharpness of your affliction is
+worn off, you will view your condition in a more cheering light."
+
+"Impossible!" she cried, mournfully. "Hope is wholly extinct in my
+breast. But I will not contest the point. Is not Sir Everard Digby with
+you?"
+
+"He is not, daughter," replied Garnet, "and I will explain to you
+wherefore. Soon after your departure yesterday, the mansion we occupied
+at Holt was attacked by a band of soldiers, headed by Miles Topcliffe,
+one of the most unrelenting of our persecutors; and though they were
+driven off with some loss, yet, as there was every reason to apprehend,
+they would return with fresh force, Sir Everard judged it prudent to
+retreat; and accordingly he and his friends, with all their attendants,
+except those he has sent with me, have departed for Buckinghamshire."
+
+"Where, then, is Father Oldcorne?" inquired Viviana.
+
+"Alas! daughter," rejoined Garnet, "I grieve to say he is a prisoner.
+Imprudently exposing himself during the attack, he was seized and
+carried off by Topcliffe and his myrmidons."
+
+"How true is the saying that misfortunes never come single!" sighed
+Viviana. "I seem bereft of all I hold dear."
+
+"Sir Everard has sent four of his trustiest servants with me," remarked
+Garnet. "They are well armed, and will attend you wherever you choose to
+lead them. He has also furnished me with a sum of money for your use."
+
+"He is most kind and considerate," replied Viviana. "And now, father,"
+she faltered, "there is one subject which it is necessary to speak upon;
+and, though I shrink from it, it must not be postponed."
+
+"I guess what you mean, daughter," said Garnet, sympathizingly; "you
+allude to the interment of Sir William Radcliffe. Is the body here?"
+
+"It is in an adjoining cottage," replied Viviana in a broken voice. "I
+have already expressed my wish to Mr. Catesby to have it conveyed to
+Manchester, to our family vault."
+
+"I see not how that can be accomplished, dear daughter," replied Garnet;
+"but I will confer with Mr. Catesby on the subject. Where is he?"
+
+"In the next room, by the couch of Guy Fawkes, who is dying," said
+Viviana.
+
+"Dying!" echoed Garnet, starting. "I heard he was dangerously hurt, but
+did not suppose the wound would prove fatal. Here is another grievous
+blow to the good cause."
+
+At this moment the door was opened by Catesby.
+
+"How is the sufferer?" asked Garnet.
+
+"A slight change for the better appears to have taken place," answered
+Catesby. "His fever has in some decree abated, and he has sunk into a
+gentle slumber."
+
+"Can he be removed with safety?" inquired Garnet; "for, I fear, if he
+remains here, he will fall into the hands of Topcliffe and his crew,
+who are scouring the country in every direction." And he recapitulated
+all he had just stated to Viviana.
+
+Catesby was for some time lost in reflection.
+
+"I am fairly perplexed as to what course it will be best to pursue," he
+said. "Dangers and difficulties beset us on every side. I am inclined to
+yield to Viviana's request, and proceed to Manchester."
+
+"That will be rushing into the very face of danger," observed Garnet.
+
+"And, therefore, may be the safest plan," replied Catesby. "Our
+adversaries will scarcely suspect us of so desperate a step."
+
+"Perhaps you are in the right, my son," returned Garnet, after a
+moment's reflection. "At all events, I bow to your judgment."
+
+"The plan is too much in accordance with my own wishes to meet with any
+opposition on my part," observed Viviana.
+
+"Will you accompany us, father?" asked Catesby; "or do you proceed to
+Gothurst?"
+
+"I will go with you, my son. Viviana will need a protector. And, till I
+have seen her in some place of safety, I will not leave her."
+
+"Since we have come to this determination," rejoined Catesby, "as soon
+as the needful preparations can be made, and Guy Fawkes has had some
+hours' repose, we will set out. Under cover of night we can travel with
+security; and, by using some exertion, may reach Ordsall Hall, whither,
+I presume, Viviana would choose to proceed, in the first instance,
+before daybreak."
+
+"I am well mounted, and so are my attendants," replied Garnet; "and, by
+the provident care of Sir Everard Digby, each of them has a led horse
+with him."
+
+"That is well," said Catesby. "And now, Viviana, may I entreat you to
+take my place for a short time by the couch of the sufferer. In a few
+hours everything shall be in readiness."
+
+He then retired with Garnet, while Viviana proceeded to the adjoining
+chamber, where she found Guy Fawkes still slumbering tranquilly.
+
+As the evening advanced, he awoke, and appeared much refreshed. While he
+was speaking, Garnet and Catesby approached his bedside, and he seemed
+overjoyed at the sight of the former. The subject of the journey being
+mentioned to him, he at once expressed his ready compliance with the
+arrangement, and only desired that the last rites of his church might be
+performed for him before he set out.
+
+Garnet informed him that he had come for that very purpose; and as soon
+as they were left alone, he proceeded to the discharge of his priestly
+duties, confessed and absolved him, giving him the viaticum and the
+extreme unction. And, lastly, he judged it expedient to administer a
+powerful opiate, to lull the pain of his wound on the journey.
+
+This done, he summoned Catesby, who, with two of the attendants, raised
+the couch on which the wounded man was stretched, and conveyed him to
+the litter. So well was this managed, that Fawkes sustained no injury,
+and little inconvenience, from the movement. Two strong country vehicles
+had been procured; the one containing the wounded man's litter, the
+other the shell, which had been hastily put together, to hold the
+remains of the unfortunate Sir William Radcliffe. Viviana being placed
+in the saddle, and Catesby having liberally rewarded the cottagers who
+had afforded them shelter, the little cavalcade was put in motion. In
+this way they journeyed through the night; and shaping their course
+through Tarporley, Northwich, and Altringham, arrived at daybreak in the
+neighbourhood of Ordsall Hall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE ELIXIR.
+
+
+On beholding the well-remembered roof and gables of the old mansion
+peeping from out the grove of trees in which it was embosomed, Viviana's
+heart died away within her. The thought that her father, who had so
+recently quitted it in the full enjoyment of health, and of every
+worldly blessing, should be so soon brought back a corpse, was almost
+too agonizing for endurance. Reflecting, however, that this was no
+season for the indulgence of grief, but that she was called upon to act
+with firmness, she bore up resolutely against her emotion.
+
+Arrived within a short distance of the Hall, Catesby caused the little
+train to halt under the shelter of the trees, while he rode forward to
+ascertain that they could safely approach it. As he drew near,
+everything proclaimed that the hand of the spoiler had been there.
+Crossing the drawbridge, he entered the court, which bore abundant marks
+of the devastation recently committed. Various articles of furniture,
+broken, burnt, or otherwise destroyed, were lying scattered about. The
+glass in the windows was shivered; the doors forced from their hinges;
+the stone-copings of the walls pushed off; the flower-beds trampled
+upon; the moat itself was in some places choked up with rubbish, while
+in others its surface was covered with floating pieces of timber.
+
+Led by curiosity Catesby proceeded to the spot where the stables had
+stood. Nothing but a heap of blackened ruins met his gaze. Scarcely
+one stone was standing on another. The appearance of the place was so
+desolate and disheartening, that he turned away instantly. Leaving his
+horse in a shed, he entered the house. Here, again, he encountered fresh
+ravages. The oak-panels and skirting-boards were torn from the walls;
+the ceilings pulled down; and the floor lay inch-deep in broken plaster
+and dust. On ascending to the upper rooms, he found the same disorder.
+The banisters of the stairs were broken; the bedsteads destroyed; the
+roof partially untiled. Every room was thickly strewn with leaves torn
+from valuable books, with fragments of apparel, and other articles,
+which the searchers not being able to carry off had wantonly destroyed.
+
+Having contemplated this scene of havoc for some time, with feelings of
+the bitterest indignation, Catesby descended to the lowest story; and,
+after searching ineffectually for the domestics, was about to depart,
+when, turning suddenly, he perceived a man watching him from an
+adjoining room. Catesby instantly called to him; but, seeing that the
+fellow disregarded his assurances, and was about to take to his heels,
+he drew his sword, and threatened him with severe punishment if he
+attempted to fly. Thus exhorted, the man--who was no other than the
+younger Heydocke--advanced towards him; and throwing himself at his
+feet, begged him in the most piteous terms to do him no injury.
+
+"I have already told you I am a friend," replied Catesby, sheathing his
+sword.
+
+"Ah! Mr. Catesby, is it you I behold?" cried Martin Heydocke, whose
+fears had hitherto prevented him from noticing the features of the
+intruder. "What brings your worship to this ill-fated house?"
+
+"First let me know if there is any enemy about?" replied Catesby.
+
+"None that I am aware of," rejoined Martin. "Having ransacked the
+premises, and done all the mischief they could, as you perceive, the
+miscreants departed the day before yesterday, and I have seen nothing of
+them since, though I have been constantly on the watch. The only alarm I
+have had was that occasioned by your worship just now."
+
+"Are you alone here?" demanded Catesby.
+
+"No, your worship," answered Martin. "There are several of the servants
+concealed in a secret passage under the house. But they are so terrified
+by what has lately happened, that they never dare show themselves,
+except during the night-time."
+
+"I do not wonder at it," replied Catesby.
+
+"And now may I inquire whether your worship brings any tidings of Sir
+William Radcliffe and Mistress Viviana?" rejoined Martin. "I hope no ill
+has befallen them. My father, old Jerome Heydocke, set out to Holywell
+a few days ago, to apprise them of their danger, and I have not heard of
+them since."
+
+"Sir William Radcliffe is dead," replied Catesby. "The villains have
+murdered him. Your father is a prisoner."
+
+"Alas! alas!" cried the young man, bursting into tears; "these are
+fearful times to live in. What will become of us all?"
+
+"We must rise against the oppressor," replied Catesby, sternly. "Bite
+the heel that tramples upon us."
+
+"We must," rejoined Martin. "And if my poor arm could avail, it should
+not be slow to strike."
+
+"Manfully resolved!" cried Catesby, who never lost an opportunity of
+gaining a proselyte. "I will point out to you a way by which you may
+accomplish what you desire. But we will talk of this hereafter. Hoard up
+your vengeance till the fitting moment for action arrives."
+
+He then proceeded to explain to the young man, who was greatly surprised
+by the intelligence, that Viviana was at hand, and that the body of Sir
+William had been brought thither for interment in the family vault at
+the Collegiate Church. Having ascertained that there was a chamber,
+which, having suffered less than the others, might serve for Viviana's
+accommodation, Catesby returned to the party.
+
+A more melancholy cavalcade has been seldom seen than now approached the
+gates of Ordsall Hall. First rode Viviana, in an agony of tears, for her
+grief had by this time become absolutely uncontrollable, with Catesby on
+foot, leading her horse. Next came Garnet, greatly exhausted and
+depressed; his eyes cast dejectedly on the ground. Then came the litter,
+containing Guy Fawkes; and, lastly, the vehicle with the body of Sir
+William Radcliffe. On arriving at the gate, Viviana was met by two
+female servants, whom Martin Heydocke had summoned from their
+hiding-places; and, as soon as she had dismounted, she was supported,
+for she was scarcely able to walk unaided, to the chamber destined for
+her reception. This done, Catesby proceeded, with some anxiety, to
+superintend the removal of Fawkes, who was perfectly insensible. His
+wound had bled considerably during the journey; but the effusion had
+stopped when the faintness supervened. He was placed in one of the lower
+rooms till a sleeping-chamber could be prepared for him. The last task
+was to attend to the remains of the late unfortunate possessor of the
+mansion. By Catesby's directions a large oak table, once occupying the
+great hall, was removed to the Star Chamber, already described as the
+principal room of the house; and, being securely propped up,--for, like
+the rest of the furniture, it had been much damaged by the spoilers,
+though, being of substantial material, it offered greater resistance to
+their efforts,--the shell containing the body was placed upon it.
+
+"Better he should lie thus," exclaimed Catesby, when the melancholy
+office was completed, "than live to witness the wreck around him. Fatal
+as are these occurrences," he added, pursuing the train of thought
+suggested by the scene, "they are yet favourable to my purpose. The only
+person who could have prevented my union with Viviana Radcliffe--her
+father--lies there. Who would have thought when she rejected my proposal
+a few days ago, in this very room, how fortune would conspire--and by
+what dark and inscrutable means--to bring it about! Fallen as it is,
+this house is not yet fallen so low, but I can reinstate it. Its young
+mistress mine, her estates mine,--for she is now inheritress of all her
+father's possessions,--the utmost reach of my ambition were gained, and
+all but one object of my life--for which I have dared so much, and
+struggled so long--achieved!"
+
+"What are you thinking of, my son?" asked Garnet, who had watched the
+changing expression of his sombre countenance,--"what are you thinking
+of?" he said, tapping him on the shoulder.
+
+"Of that which is never absent from my thoughts, father--the great
+design," replied Catesby; "and of the means of its accomplishment, which
+this sad scene suggests."
+
+"I do not understand you, my son," rejoined the other.
+
+"Does not Radcliffe's blood cry aloud for vengeance?" continued Catesby;
+"and think you his child will be deaf to the cry? No, father, she will
+no longer tamely submit to wrongs that would steel the gentlest bosom,
+and make firm the feeblest arm, but will go hand and heart with us in
+our project. Viviana must be mine," he added, altering his tone, "ours,
+I should say,--for, if she is mine, all the vast possessions that have
+accrued to her by her father's death shall be devoted to the furtherance
+of the mighty enterprise."
+
+"I cannot think she will refuse you now, my son," replied Garnet.
+
+"She _shall not_ refuse me, father," rejoined Catesby. "The time is gone
+by for idle wooing."
+
+"I will be no party to forcible measures, my son," returned Garnet,
+gravely. "As far as persuasion goes, I will lend you every assistance in
+my power, but nothing further."
+
+"Persuasion is all that will be required, I am assured, father,"
+answered Catesby, hastily, perceiving he had committed himself too far.
+"But let us now see what can be done for Guy Fawkes."
+
+"Would there was any hope of his life!" exclaimed Garnet, sighing
+deeply. "In losing him, we lose the bravest of our band."
+
+"We do," returned Catesby. "And yet he has been subject to strange
+fancies of late."
+
+"He has been appalled, but never shaken," rejoined Garnet. "Of all our
+number, you and he were the only two upon whom I could rely. When he is
+gone, you will stand alone."
+
+Catesby made no reply, but led the way to the chamber where the wounded
+man lay. He had regained his consciousness, but was too feeble to speak.
+After such restoratives as were at hand had been administered, Catesby
+was about to order a room to be fitted up for him, when Viviana, whose
+anxiety for the sufferer had overcome her affliction, made her
+appearance. On learning Catesby's intentions, she insisted upon Fawkes
+being removed to the room allotted to her, which had not been dismantled
+like the rest. Seeing it was in vain to oppose her, Catesby assented,
+and the sufferer was accordingly carried thither, and placed within the
+bed--a large antique piece of furniture, hung with faded damask
+curtains. The room was one of the oldest in the house, and at the
+further end stood a small closet, approached by an arched doorway, and
+fitted up with a hassock and crucifix, which, strange to say, had
+escaped the ravages of the searchers.
+
+Placed within the couch, Guy Fawkes began to ramble as before about the
+conspiracy; and fearing his ravings might awaken the suspicion of the
+servants, Catesby would not suffer any of them to come near him, but
+arranged with Garnet to keep watch over him by turns. By degrees, he
+became more composed; and, after dozing a little, opened his eyes, and,
+looking round, inquired anxiously for his sword. At first, Catesby, who
+was alone with him at the time, hesitated in his answer, but seeing he
+appeared greatly disturbed, he showed him that his hat, gauntlets, and
+rapier were lying by the bedside.
+
+"I am content," replied the wounded man, smiling faintly; "that sword
+has never left my side, waking or sleeping, for twenty years. Let me
+grasp it once more--perhaps for the last time."
+
+Catesby handed him the weapon. He looked at it for a few moments, and
+pressed the blade to his lips.
+
+"Farewell, old friend!" he said, a tear gathering in his eye, "farewell!
+Catesby," he added, as he resigned the weapon to him, "I have one
+request to make. Let my sword be buried with me."
+
+"It shall," replied Catesby, in a voice suffocated by emotion, for the
+request touched him where his stern nature was most accessible: "I will
+place it by you myself."
+
+"Thanks!" exclaimed Fawkes. And soon after this, he again fell into a
+slumber.
+
+His sleep endured for some hours; but his breathing grew fainter and
+fainter, so that at the last it was scarcely perceptible. A striking
+change had likewise taken place in his countenance, and these signs
+convinced Catesby he had not long to live. While he was watching him
+with great anxiety, Viviana appeared at the door of the chamber, and
+beckoned him out. Noiselessly obeying the summons, and following her
+along the gallery, he entered a room where he found Garnet.
+
+"I have called you to say that a remedy has been suggested to me by
+Martin Heydocke," observed Viviana, "by which I trust Guy Fawkes may yet
+be saved."
+
+"How?" asked Catesby, eagerly.
+
+"Doctor Dee, the warden of Manchester, of whom you must have heard," she
+continued, "is said to possess an elixir of such virtue, that a few
+drops of it will snatch him who drinks them from the very jaws of
+death."
+
+"I should not have suspected you of so much credulity, Viviana," replied
+Catesby; "but grant that Doctor Dee possesses this marvellous
+elixir--which for my own part I doubt--how are we to obtain it?"
+
+"If you will repair to the college, and see him, I doubt not he will
+give it you," rejoined Viviana.
+
+Catesby smiled incredulously.
+
+"I have a claim upon Doctor Dee," she persisted, "which I have never
+enforced. I will now use it. Show him this token," she continued,
+detaching a small ornament from her neck; "tell him you bring it from
+me, and I am sure he will comply with your request."
+
+"Your commands shall be obeyed, Viviana," replied Catesby; "but I
+frankly confess I have no faith in the remedy."
+
+"It is at least worth the trial, my son," observed Garnet. "Doctor Dee
+is a wonderful person, and has made many discoveries in medicine, as in
+other sciences, and this marvellous specific may, for aught we know,
+turn out no imposture."
+
+"If such is your opinion," replied Catesby, "I will set out at once. If
+it is to be tried at all, it must be without delay. The poor sufferer is
+sinking fast."
+
+"Go then," cried Viviana, "and heaven speed your mission! If you could
+prevail upon Doctor Dee to visit the wounded man in person, I should
+prefer it. Besides, I have another request to make of him--but that will
+do hereafter. Lose not a moment now."
+
+"I will fly on the wings of the wind," replied Catesby. "Heaven grant
+that when I return the object of our solicitude may not be past all
+human aid!"
+
+With this, he hurried to an out-building in which the horses were
+placed, and choosing the strongest and fleetest from out their number,
+mounted, and started at full gallop in the direction of Manchester; nor
+did he relax his speed until he reached the gates of the ancient
+College. Hanging the bridle of his smoking steed to a hook in the wall,
+he crossed the large quadrangular court; and finding the principal
+entrance open, passed the lofty room now used as the refectory, ascended
+the flight of stone stairs that conducts the modern visitor to the
+library, and was traversing the long galleries communicating with it,
+and now crowded with the learning of ages, bequeathed by the benevolence
+of his rival, Humphrey Chetham, when he encountered a grave but
+crafty-looking personage, in a loose brown robe and Polish cap, who
+angrily demanded his business.
+
+Apologizing for the intrusion, Catesby was about to explain, when a
+small oak door near them was partly opened, and an authoritative voice,
+from within, exclaimed, "Do not hinder him, Kelley. I know his business,
+and will see him."
+
+The seer made no further remark, but pointing to the door, Catesby at
+once comprehended that it was Dee's voice he had heard; and, though
+somewhat startled by the intimation that he was expected, entered the
+room. He found the Doctor surrounded by his magical apparatus, and
+slowly returning to the chair he had just quitted.
+
+Without looking behind him to see whom he addressed, Dee continued, "I
+have just consulted my show-stone, and know why you are come hither. You
+bring a token from Viviana Radcliffe."
+
+"I do," replied Catesby, in increased astonishment. "It is here."
+
+"It is needless to produce it," replied Dee, still keeping his back
+towards him. "I have seen it already. Kelley," he continued, "I am about
+to set out for Ordsall Hall immediately. You must accompany me."
+
+"Amazement!" cried Catesby. "Is the purpose of my visit then really
+known to your reverence?"
+
+"You shall hear," rejoined Dee, facing him. "You have a friend who is at
+the point of death, and having heard that I possess an elixir of
+wonderful efficacy, are come in quest of it."
+
+"True," replied Catesby, utterly confounded.
+
+"The name of that friend," pursued Dee, regarding him fixedly, "is Guy
+Fawkes,--your own, Robert Catesby."
+
+"I need no more to convince me, reverend sir," rejoined Catesby,
+trembling, in spite of himself, "that all I have heard of your wonderful
+powers falls far short of the truth."
+
+"You are but just in time," replied Dee, bowing gravely, in
+acknowledgment of the compliment. "Another hour, and it would have been
+too late."
+
+"Then you think he will live!" cried Catesby, eagerly.
+
+"I am sure of it," replied Dee, "provided----"
+
+"Provided what?" interrupted Catesby. "Is there aught I can do to ensure
+his recovery?"
+
+"No," replied Dee, sternly. "I am debating within myself whether it is
+worth while reviving him for a more dreadful fate."
+
+"What mean you, reverend sir?" asked Catesby, a shade passing over his
+countenance.
+
+"You understand my meaning, and therefore need no explanation," replied
+Dee. "Return to Ordsall Hall, and tell Miss Radcliffe I will be there in
+an hour. Bid her have no further fear. If the wounded man breathes when
+I arrive, I will undertake to cure him. Add further, that I know the
+other request she desires to make of me, and that it is granted before
+it is asked. Farewell, sir, for a short time."
+
+On reaching the court, Catesby expanded his chest, shook his limbs, and
+exclaimed, "At length, I breathe freely. The atmosphere of that infernal
+chamber smelt so horribly of sulphur that it almost stifled me. Well, if
+Doctor Dee has not dealings with the devil, man never had! However, if
+he cures Guy Fawkes, I care not whence the medicine comes from."
+
+As he descended Smithy Bank, and was about to cross the old bridge over
+the Irwell, he perceived a man riding before him, who seemed anxious to
+avoid him. Struck by this person's manner, he urged his horse into a
+quicker pace, and being better mounted of the two, soon overtook him,
+when to his surprise he found it was Martin Heydocke.
+
+"What are you doing here, sirrah?" he demanded.
+
+"I have been sent by Mistress Viviana with a message to Mr. Humphrey
+Chetham," replied the young man, in great confusion.
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby, angrily. "And how dared you convey a
+message to him, without consulting me on the subject?"
+
+"I was not aware you were my master," replied Martin, sulkily. "If I owe
+obedience to any one, it is to Mr. Chetham, whose servant I am. But if
+Mistress Viviana gives me a message to deliver, I will execute her
+commands, whoever may be pleased or displeased."
+
+"I did but jest, thou saucy knave," returned Catesby, who did not desire
+to offend him. "Here is a piece of money for thee. Now, if it be no
+secret, what was Miss Radcliffe's message to thy master?"
+
+"I know not what her letter contained," replied Martin; "but his answer
+was, that he would come to the hall at midnight."
+
+"It is well I ascertained this," thought Catesby, and he added aloud, "I
+understood your master had been arrested and imprisoned."
+
+"So he was," replied Martin; "but he had interest enough with the
+Commissioners to procure his liberation."
+
+"Enough," replied Catesby; and striking spurs into his charger, he
+dashed off.
+
+A quarter of an hour's hard riding brought him to the hall, and, on
+arriving there, he proceeded at once to the wounded man's chamber, where
+he found Viviana and Garnet.
+
+"Have you succeeded in your errand?" cried the former, eagerly. "Will
+Doctor Dee come, or has he sent the elixir?"
+
+"He will bring it himself," replied Catesby.
+
+Viviana uttered an exclamation of joy, and the sound appeared to reach
+the ears of the sufferer, for he stirred, and groaned faintly.
+
+"Doctor Dee desired me to tell you," continued Catesby, drawing Viviana
+aside, and speaking in a low tone, "that your other request was
+granted."
+
+Viviana looked surprised, and as if she did not clearly understand him.
+
+"Might he not refer to Humphrey Chetham?" remarked Catesby, somewhat
+maliciously.
+
+"Ah! you have learnt from Martin Heydocke that I have written to him,"
+returned Viviana, blushing deeply. "What I was about to ask of Doctor
+Dee had no reference to Humphrey Chetham. It was to request permission
+to privately inter my father's remains in our family vault in the
+Collegiate Church. But how did he know I had any request to make?"
+
+"That passes my comprehension," replied Catesby, "unless he obtained his
+information from his familiar spirits."
+
+Shortly after this, Dr. Dee and Kelley arrived at the hall. Catesby met
+them at the gate, and conducted them to the wounded man's chamber.
+Coldly saluting Garnet, whom he eyed with suspicion, and bowing
+respectfully to Viviana, the Doctor slowly advanced to the bedside. He
+gazed for a short time at the wounded man, and folded his arms
+thoughtfully upon his breast. The eyes of the sufferer were closed, and
+his lips slightly apart, but no breath seemed to issue from them. His
+bronzed complexion had assumed the ghastly hue of death, and his
+strongly-marked features had become fixed and rigid. His black hair,
+stiffened and caked with blood, escaped from the bandages around his
+head, and hung in elf locks on the pillow. It was a piteous spectacle;
+and Doctor Dee appeared much moved by it.
+
+"The worst is over," he muttered: "why recall the spirit to its wretched
+tenement?"
+
+"If you can save him, reverend sir, do not hesitate," implored Viviana.
+
+"I am come hither for that purpose," replied Dee; "but I must have no
+other witness to the experiment except yourself, and my attendant
+Kelley."
+
+"I do not desire to be present, reverend sir," replied Viviana; "but I
+will retire into that closet, and pray that your remedy may prevail."
+
+"My prayers for the same end shall be offered in the adjoining room,"
+observed Garnet; and taking Catesby's arm, who seemed spell-bound by
+curiosity, he dragged him away.
+
+The door closed, and Viviana withdrew into the closet, where she knelt
+down before the crucifix. Doctor Dee seated himself on the bedside; and
+taking a gourd-shaped bottle, filled with a clear sparkling liquid, from
+beneath his robe, he raised it to his eyes with his left hand, while he
+placed his right on the wrist of the wounded man. In this attitude he
+continued for a few seconds, while Kelley, with his arms folded,
+likewise kept his gaze fixed on the phial. At the expiration of that
+time, Dee, who had apparently counted the pulsations of the sufferer,
+took out the glass stopper from the bottle, the contents of which
+diffused a pungent odour around; and wetting a small piece of linen with
+it, applied it to his temples. He then desired Kelley to raise his head,
+and poured a few drops down his throat. This done, he waited a few
+minutes, and repeated the application.
+
+"Look!" he cried to Kelley. "The elixir already begins to operate. His
+chest heaves. His limbs shiver. That flush upon the cheek, and that
+dampness upon the brow, denote that the animal heat is restored. A third
+draught will accomplish the cure."
+
+"I can already feel his heart palpitate," observed Kelley, placing his
+hand on the patient's breast.
+
+"Heaven be praised!" ejaculated Viviana, who had suspended her devotions
+to listen.
+
+"Hold him tightly," cried Dee to his assistant, "while I administer the
+last draught. He may injure himself by his struggles."
+
+Kelley obeyed, and twined his arms tightly round the wounded man. And
+fortunate it was that the precaution was taken, for the elixir was no
+sooner poured down his throat than his chest began to labour violently,
+his eyes opened, and, raising himself bolt-upright, he struggled
+violently to break from the hold imposed upon him. This he would have
+effected, if Dee had not likewise lent his aid to prevent him.
+
+"This is, indeed, a wonderful sight!" cried Viviana, who had quitted the
+closet, and now gazed on, in awe and astonishment. "I can never be
+sufficiently thankful to you, reverend sir."
+
+"Give thanks to Him to whom alone they are due," replied Dee. "Summon
+your friends. They may now resume their posts. My task is accomplished."
+
+Catesby and Garnet being called into the room, could scarcely credit
+their senses when they beheld Guy Fawkes, who by this time had ceased
+struggling, reclining on Kelley's shoulder, and, except a certain
+wildness in the eye and cadaverousness of hue, looking as he was wont to
+do.
+
+[Illustration: _Doctor Dee resuscitating Guy Fawkes_]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH AT MANCHESTER.
+
+
+Bidding Kelley remain with Guy Fawkes, Doctor Dee signified to Viviana
+that he had a few words to say to her in private before his departure,
+and leading the way to an adjoining room, informed her that he was aware
+of her desire to have her father's remains interred in the Collegiate
+Church, and that, so far from opposing her inclinations, he would
+willingly accede to them, only recommending as a measure of prudence
+that the ceremonial should be performed at night, and with as much
+secrecy as possible. Viviana thanked him in a voice of much emotion for
+his kindness, and entirely acquiesced in his suggestion of caution. At
+the same time, she could not help expressing her surprise that her
+thoughts should be known to him. "Though, indeed," she added, "after the
+wonderful exhibition I have just witnessed of your power, I can scarcely
+suppose that any limits are to be placed to it."
+
+"Few things are hidden from me," replied Dee, with a gratified smile;
+"even the lighter matters of the heart, in which I might be supposed to
+take little interest, do not altogether elude my observation. In
+reference to this, you will not, I am sure be offended with me, Viviana,
+if I tell you I have noticed with some concern the attachment that has
+arisen between you and Humphrey Chetham."
+
+Viviana uttered an exclamation of surprise, and a deep blush suffused
+her pallid cheeks.
+
+"I am assuming the privilege of an old man with you, Viviana," continued
+Dee, in a graver tone, "and I may add, of an old friend,--for your
+lamented mother was one of my dearest and best friends, as you perchance
+called to mind, when you sent me to-day, by Mr. Catesby, the token I
+gave her years ago. You have done unwisely in inviting Humphrey Chetham
+to come hither to-night."
+
+"How so?" she faltered.
+
+"Because, if he keeps his appointment, fatal consequences may ensue,"
+answered Dee. "Your message has reached the ears of one from whom,--most
+of all,--you should have concealed it."
+
+"Mr. Catesby has heard of it, I know," replied Viviana. "But you do not
+apprehend any danger from him?"
+
+"He is Chetham's mortal foe," rejoined Dee, "and will slay him, if he
+finds an opportunity."
+
+"You alarm me," she cried. "I will speak to Mr. Catesby on the subject,
+and entreat him, as he values my regard, to offer no molestation to his
+fancied rival."
+
+"_Fancied_ rival!" echoed Dee, raising his brows contemptuously. "Do you
+seek to persuade me that you do not love Humphrey Chetham?"
+
+"Assuredly not," replied Viviana. "I freely acknowledge my attachment to
+him. It is as strong as my aversion to Mr. Catesby. But the latter is
+aware that the suit of his rival is as hopeless as his own."
+
+"Explain yourself, I pray you?" said Dee.
+
+"My destiny is the cloister,--and this he well knows," she rejoined. "As
+soon as my worldly affairs can be arranged, I shall retire to the
+English nunnery at Brussels, where I shall vow myself to Heaven."
+
+"Such is your present intention," replied Dee. "But you will never quit
+your own country."
+
+"What shall hinder me?" asked Viviana, uneasily.
+
+"Many things," returned Dee. "Amongst others, this meeting with your
+lover."
+
+"Call him not by that name, I beseech you, reverend sir," she rejoined.
+"Humphrey Chetham will never be other to me than a friend."
+
+"It may be," answered Dee. "But your destiny is _not_ the cloister."
+
+"For what am I reserved, then?" demanded Viviana, trembling.
+
+"All I dare tell you," he returned, "all it is needful for you to know,
+is, that your future career is mixed up with that of Guy Fawkes. But do
+not concern yourself about what is to come. The present is sufficient to
+claim your attention."
+
+"True," replied Viviana; "and my first object shall be to despatch a
+messenger to Humphrey Chetham to prevent him from coming hither."
+
+"Trouble yourself no further on that score," returned Dee. "I will
+convey the message to him. As regards the funeral, it must take place
+without delay. I will be at the south porch of the church with the keys
+at midnight, and Robert Burnell, the sexton, and another assistant on
+whom I can depend, shall be in attendance. Though it is contrary to my
+religious opinions and feelings to allow a Romish priest to perform the
+service, I will not interfere with Father Garnet. I owe your mother a
+deep debt of gratitude, and will pay it to her husband and her child."
+
+"Thanks!--in _her_ name, thanks!" cried Viviana, in a voice suffocated
+by emotion.
+
+"And now," continued Dee, "I would ask you one further question. My art
+has made me acquainted that a plot is hatching against the King and his
+Government by certain of the Catholic party. Are you favourable to the
+design?"
+
+"I am not," replied Viviana, firmly. "Nor can you regard it with more
+horror than myself."
+
+"I was sure of it," returned Dee. "Nevertheless, I am glad to have my
+supposition confirmed from your own mouth."
+
+With this, he moved towards the door, but Viviana arrested his
+departure.
+
+"Stay, reverend sir," she cried, with a look of great uneasiness; "if
+you are in possession of this dread secret, the lives of my companions
+are in your power. You will not betray them. Or, if you deem it your
+duty to reveal the plot to those endangered by it, you will give its
+contrivers timely warning."
+
+"Fear nothing," rejoined Dee. "I cannot, were I so disposed, interfere
+with the fixed purposes of fate. The things revealed by my familiar
+spirits never pass my lips. They are more sacred than the disclosures
+made to a priest of your faith at the confessional. The bloody
+enterprise on which these zealots are bent will fail. I have warned
+Fawkes; but my warning, though conveyed by the lips of the dead, and by
+other means equally terrible, was unavailing. I would warn Catesby and
+Garnet, but they would heed me not. Viviana Radcliffe," he continued, in
+a solemn voice, "you questioned me just now about the future. Have you
+courage to make the same demand from your dead father? If so, I will
+compel his corpse to answer you."
+
+"Oh! no--no," cried Viviana, horror-stricken; "not for worlds would I
+commit so impious an act. Gladly as I would know what fate has in store
+for me, nothing should induce me to purchase the knowledge at so
+dreadful a price."
+
+"Farewell, then," rejoined Dee. "At midnight, at the south porch of the
+Collegiate Church, I shall expect you."
+
+So saying, he took his departure; and, on entering the gallery, he
+perceived Catesby hastily retreating.
+
+"Aha!" he muttered. "We have had a listener here. Well, no matter. What
+he has heard may prove serviceable to him."
+
+He then returned to the chamber occupied by Guy Fawkes, and finding he
+had dropped into a deep and tranquil sleep, motioned Kelley, who was
+standing by the bedside watching his slumbers with folded arms, to
+follow him, and bowing gravely to Garnet quitted the hall.
+
+As he crossed the court, on his way to the drawbridge, Catesby suddenly
+threw himself in his path, and laying his hand upon his sword, cried in
+a menacing voice,--"Doctor Dee, neither you nor your companion shall
+quit the hall till you have solemnly sworn not to divulge aught
+pertaining to the plot, of which you have so mysteriously obtained
+information."
+
+"Is this my recompence for rescuing your comrade from the jaws of death,
+sir?" replied Dee, sternly.
+
+"The necessity of the case must plead its excuse," rejoined Catesby. "My
+own safety, and the safety of those leagued with me, require that I
+should be peremptory in my demand. Did I not owe you a large debt of
+gratitude for your resuscitation of Guy Fawkes, I would have insured
+your secrecy with your life. As it is, I will be content with your
+oath."
+
+"Fool!" exclaimed Dee, "stand aside, or I will compel you to do so."
+
+"Think not to terrify me by idle threats," returned Catesby. "I
+willingly acknowledge your superior skill,--as, indeed, I have good
+reason to do,--in the science of medicine; but I have no faith in your
+magical tricks. A little reflection has shown me how the knowledge I at
+first thought so wonderful was acquired. You obtained it by means of
+Martin Heydocke, who, mounted on a swift steed, reached the College
+before me. He told you of the object of my visit,--of Viviana's wish to
+have her father interred in the Collegiate Church,--of her message to
+Humphrey Chetham. You were, therefore, fully prepared for my arrival,
+and at first, I must confess, completely imposed upon me. Nay, had I not
+overheard your conversation just now with Viviana, I might have remained
+your dupe still. But your allusion to Chetham's visit awakened my
+suspicions, and, on re-considering the matter, the whole trick flashed
+upon me."
+
+"What more?" demanded Dee, his brow lowering, and his eyes sparkling
+with rage.
+
+"Thus much," returned Catesby. "I have your secret, and you have mine.
+And though the latter is the more important, inasmuch as several lives
+hang upon it, whereas a conjuror's worthless reputation is alone
+dependent on the other, yet both must be kept. Swear, then, not to
+reveal the plot, and in my turn I will take any oath you choose to
+dictate not to disclose the jugglery I have detected."
+
+"I will make no terms with you," returned Dee; "and if I do not reveal
+your damnable plot, it is not from consideration of you or your
+associates, but because the hour for its disclosure is not yet arrived.
+When full proof of your guilt can be obtained, then rest assured it will
+be made known,--though not by me. Not one of your number shall
+escape--not one."
+
+Catesby again laid his hand upon his sword, and seemed from his looks to
+be meditating the destruction of the Doctor and his assistant. But they
+appeared wholly unconcerned at his glances.
+
+"What you have said concerning Martin Heydocke is false--as false as
+your own foul and bloody scheme," pursued Dee. "I have neither seen, nor
+spoken with him."
+
+"But your assistant, Edward Kelley, has," retorted Catesby, "and that
+amounts to the same thing."
+
+"For the third and last time I command you to stand aside," cried Dee,
+in a tone of concentrated anger.
+
+Catesby laughed aloud.
+
+"What if I refuse?" he said, in a jeering voice.
+
+Doctor Dee made no answer; but, suddenly drawing a small phial from
+beneath his robe, cast its contents in his opponent's face. Blinded by
+the spirit, Catesby raised his hand to his eyes, and while in this
+condition a thick cloth was thrown over his head from behind, and,
+despite his resistance, he was borne off, and bound with a strong cord
+to an adjoining tree.
+
+Half an hour elapsed, during which he exhausted his fury in vain
+outcries for assistance, and execrations and menaces against Dee and his
+companion. At the expiration of that time, hearing steps approaching, he
+called loudly to be released, and was answered by the voice of Martin
+Heydocke.
+
+"What! is it your worship I behold?" cried Martin, in a tone of affected
+commiseration. "Mercy on us! what has happened? Have the rascally
+searchers been here again?"
+
+"Hold your peace, knave, and unbind me," rejoined Catesby, angrily. "I
+shrewdly suspect," he added, as his commands were obeyed, and the cord
+twined around his arms unfastened, and the cloth removed,--"I shrewdly
+suspect," he said, fixing a stern glance upon Martin, which effectually
+banished the smile from his demure countenance, "that you have had some
+share in this business."
+
+"What I, your worship?" exclaimed Martin. "Not the slightest, I assure
+you. It was by mere chance I came this way, and, perceiving some one
+tied to a tree, was about to take to my heels, when, fancying I
+recognised your worship's well-formed legs, I ventured forward."
+
+"You shall become more intimately acquainted with my worship's boots,
+rascal, if I find my suspicions correct," rejoined Catesby. "Have you
+the effrontery to tell me you have never seen this rope and this cloth
+before?"
+
+"Certes, I have, your worship," replied Martin. "May the first hang me,
+and the last serve as my winding-sheet, if I speak not the truth! Ah,
+now I look again," he added, pretending to examine them, "it must be a
+horse-cloth and halter from the stable. Peradventure, I _have_ seen
+them."
+
+"That I will be sworn you have, and used them too," rejoined Catesby. "I
+am half inclined to tie you to the tree in my place. But where is your
+employer?--where is Doctor Dee?"
+
+"Doctor Dee is _not_ my employer," answered Martin, "neither do I serve
+him. Mr. Humphrey Chetham, as I have already told your worship, is my
+master. As to the Doctor, he left the hall some time since. Father
+Garnet thought you had accompanied him on the road. I have seen nothing
+of him. Of a truth I have not."
+
+Catesby reflected a moment, and then strode towards the hall, while
+Martin, with a secret smile, picked up the halter and cloth, and
+withdrew to the stable.
+
+Repairing to the chamber of the wounded man, Catesby found Garnet
+seated by his couch, and related what had occurred. The Jesuit listened
+with profound attention to the recital, and on its conclusion
+observed,--
+
+"I am sorry you have offended Doctor Dee, my son. He might have proved a
+good friend. As it is, you have made him a dangerous enemy."
+
+"He was not to be trusted, father," returned Catesby. "But if you have
+any fears of him, or Kelley, I will speedily set them at rest."
+
+"No violence, my son," rejoined Garnet. "You will only increase the
+mischief you have already occasioned. I do not think Dee will betray us.
+But additional circumspection will be requisite. Tarry here while I
+confer with Viviana on this subject. She has apparently some secret
+influence with the Doctor, and may be prevailed upon to exert it in our
+behalf."
+
+It was long before Garnet returned. When he reappeared, his looks
+convinced Catesby that the interview had not proved satisfactory.
+
+"Your imprudence has placed us in a perilous position, my son," he
+observed. "Viviana refuses to speak to Doctor Dee on the subject, and
+strongly reprobates your conduct."
+
+Catesby's brow lowered.
+
+"There is but one course to pursue," he muttered, rising; "our lives or
+his must be sacrificed. I will act at once."
+
+"Hold!" exclaimed Garnet authoritatively. "Wait till to-morrow and, if
+aught occurs in the interim to confirm your suspicions, do as you think
+proper. I will not oppose you."
+
+"If I forbear so long," returned Catesby, "it will not be safe to remain
+here."
+
+"I will risk it," said Garnet, "and I counsel you to do the same. You
+will not leave Viviana at this strait."
+
+"I have no such thoughts," replied Catesby. "If I go, she goes too."
+
+"Then it will be in vain, I am sure, to endeavour to induce her to
+accompany you till her father is interred," observed Garnet.
+
+"True," replied Catesby; "I had forgotten that. We shall meet the hoary
+juggler at the church, and an opportunity may occur for executing my
+purpose there. Unless he will swear at the altar not to betray us, he
+shall die by my hand."
+
+"An oath in such a case would be no security, my son," returned Garnet;
+"and his slaughter and that of his companion would be equally
+inefficacious, and greatly prejudicial to our cause. If he means to
+betray us, he has done so already. But I have little apprehension. I do
+not think him well affected towards the government, and I cannot but
+think, if you had not thus grossly insulted him, he would have favoured
+rather than opposed our design. If he was aware of the plot, and
+adverse to it, what need was there to exert his skill in behalf of our
+dying friend, who, but for him, would have been, ere this, a lump of
+lifeless clay? No, no, my son. You are far too hasty in your judgment.
+Nor am I less surprised at your injustice. Overlooking the great benefit
+conferred upon us, because some trifling scheme has been thwarted, you
+would requite our benefactor by cutting his throat."
+
+"Your rebuke is just, father," returned Catesby. "I have acted
+heedlessly. But I will endeavour to repair my error."
+
+"Enough, my son," replied Garnet. "It will be advisable to go well armed
+to the church to-night, for fear of a surprise. But I shall not absent
+myself on that account."
+
+"Nor I," rejoined Catesby.
+
+The conversation was then carried on, on other topics, when they were
+interrupted by the entrance of Viviana, who came to consult them about
+the funeral. It was arranged--since better could not be found--that the
+vehicle used to bring thither the body of the unfortunate knight should
+transport it to its last home. No persuasions of Garnet could induce
+Viviana to relinquish the idea of attending the ceremony; and Catesby,
+though he affected the contrary, secretly rejoiced at her determination.
+
+Night came, and all was in readiness. Viviana to the last indulged a
+hope that Humphrey Chetham would arrive in time to attend the funeral
+with her; but, as he did not appear, she concluded he had received
+Doctor Dee's warning. Martin Heydocke was left in charge of Guy Fawkes,
+who still continued to slumber deeply, and, when within half an hour of
+the appointed time, the train set out.
+
+They were all well mounted, and proceeded at a slow pace along the lane
+skirting the west bank of the Irwell. The night was profoundly dark;
+and, as it was not deemed prudent to carry torches, some care was
+requisite to keep in the right road. Catesby rode first, and was
+followed by Garnet and Viviana, after whom came the little vehicle
+containing the body. The rear was brought up by three of the servants
+sent by Sir Everard Digby; a fourth acting as driver of the sorry
+substitute for a hearse. Not a word was uttered by any of the party. In
+this stealthy manner was the once-powerful and wealthy Sir William
+Radcliffe, the owner of the whole district through which they were
+passing, conveyed to the burial-place of his ancestors!
+
+In shorter time than they had allowed themselves for the journey, the
+melancholy cavalcade reached Salford Bridge, and crossing it at a quick
+pace, as had been previously arranged by Catesby, arrived without
+molestation or notice (for no one was abroad in the town at that hour)
+at the southern gate of the Collegiate Church, where, it may be
+remembered, Guy Fawkes had witnessed the execution of the two seminary
+priests, and on the spikes of which their heads and dismembered bodies
+were now fixed. An old man here presented himself, and, unlocking the
+gate, informed them he was Robert Burnell, the sexton. The shell was
+then taken out, and borne on the shoulders of the servants towards the
+church, Burnell leading the way. Garnet followed; and as soon as Catesby
+had committed the horses to the care of the driver of the carriage, he
+tendered his arm to Viviana, who could scarcely have reached the sacred
+structure unsupported.
+
+Doctor Dee met them at the church porch, as he had appointed, and, as
+soon as they had passed through it, the door was locked. Addressing a
+few words in an under tone to Viviana, but not deigning to notice either
+of her companions, Dee directed the bearers of the body to follow him,
+and proceeded towards the choir.
+
+The interior of the reverend and beautiful fane was buried in profound
+gloom, and the feeble light diffused by the sexton's lantern only made
+the darkness more palpable. On entering the broad and noble nave nothing
+could be seen of its clustered pillars, or of the exquisite pointed
+arches, enriched with cinquefoil and quatrefoil, inclosing blank
+shields, which they supported. Neither could its sculptured cornice; its
+clerestory windows; its upper range of columns, supporting demi-angels
+playing on musical instruments; its moulded roof crossed by transverse
+beams, enriched in the interstices with sculptured ornaments, be
+distinguished. Most of these architectural glories were invisible; but
+the very gloom in which they were shrouded was imposing. As the dim
+light fell upon pillar after pillar as they passed, revealing their
+mouldings, piercing a few feet into the side aisles, and falling upon
+the grotesque heads, the embattled ornaments and grotesque tracery of
+the arches, the effect was inexpressibly striking.
+
+Nor were the personages inappropriate to the sombre scene. The reverend
+figure of Dee, with his loose flowing robe and long white beard; the
+priestly garb and grave aspect of Garnet; the soldier-like bearing of
+Catesby, his armed heel and rapier-point clanking upon the pavement; the
+drooping figure of Viviana, whose features were buried in her kerchief,
+and whose sobs were distinctly audible; the strangely-fashioned coffin,
+and the attendants by whom it was borne;--all constituted a singular,
+and, at the same time, deeply-interesting picture.
+
+Approaching the magnificent screen terminating the nave, they passed
+through an arched gateway within it, and entered the choir. The west-end
+of this part of the church was assigned as the burial-place of the
+ancient and honourable family, the head of which was about to be
+deposited within it, and was designated from the circumstance, the
+"Radcliffe chancel." A long slab of grey marble, in which a brass plate,
+displaying the armorial bearings of the Radcliffes, was inserted, had
+been removed, and the earth thrown out of the cavity beneath it.
+Kelley, who had assisted in making the excavation, was standing beside
+it, leaning on a spade, with a lantern at his feet. He drew aside as the
+funeral train approached, and the shell was deposited at the edge of the
+grave.
+
+Picturesque and striking as was the scene in the nave, it fell far short
+of that now exhibited. The choir of the Collegiate Church at Manchester
+may challenge comparison with any similar structure. Its thirty
+elaborately-carved stalls, covered with canopies of the richest
+tabernacle work, surmounted by niches, mouldings, pinnacles, and
+perforated tracery, and crowned with a richly-sculptured cornice; its
+side aisles, with their pillars and arches; its moulded ceiling rich in
+the most delicate and fairy tracery; its gorgeous altar-screen of carved
+oak; and its magnificent eastern window, then filled with stained glass,
+form a _coup-d'oeil_ of almost unequalled splendour and beauty. Few of
+these marvels could now be seen. But such points of the pinnacles and
+hanging canopies of the stalls, of the facades of the side-aisles, and
+of the fretted roof, as received any portion of the light, came in with
+admirable effect.
+
+"All is prepared, you perceive," observed Dee to Viviana. "I will retire
+while the ceremony is performed." And gravely inclining his head, he
+passed through an arched door in the south aisle, and entered the
+chapter-house.
+
+Garnet was about to proceed with the service appointed by the Romish
+Church for the burial of the dead, when Viviana, uttering a loud cry,
+would have fallen, if Catesby had not flown to her assistance, and borne
+her to one of the stalls. Recovering her self-possession the next
+moment, she entreated him to leave her; and while the service proceeded,
+she knelt down and prayed fervently for the soul of the departed.
+
+Placing himself at the foot of the body, Garnet sprinkled it with holy
+water, which he had brought with him in a small silver consecrated
+vessel. He then recited the _De Profundis_, the _Miserere_, and other
+antiphons and prayers; placed incense in a burner, which he had likewise
+brought with him, and having lighted it, bowed reverently towards the
+altar, sprinkled the body thrice with holy water, at the sides, at the
+head, and the feet; and then walking round it with the incense-burner,
+dispersed its fragrant odour over it. This done, he recited another
+prayer, pronounced a solemn benediction over the place of sepulture, and
+the body was lowered into it.
+
+The noise of the earth falling upon the shell aroused Viviana from her
+devotions. She looked towards the grave, but could see nothing but the
+gloomy group around it, prominent among which appeared the tall figure
+of Catesby. The sight was too much for her, and, unable to control her
+grief, she fainted. Meanwhile, the grave was rapidly filled, all lending
+their aid to the task; and nothing was wanting but to restore the slab
+to its original position. By the united efforts of Catesby, Kelley, and
+the sexton, this was soon accomplished, and the former, unaware of what
+had happened, was about to proceed to Viviana, to tell her all was over,
+when he was arrested by a loud knocking at the church door, accompanied
+by a clamorous demand for admittance.
+
+"We are betrayed!" exclaimed Catesby. "It is as I suspected. Take care
+of Viviana, father. I will after the hoary impostor, and cleave his
+skull! Extinguish the lights--quick! quick!"
+
+Garnet hastily complied with these injunctions, and the choir was
+plunged in total darkness. He then rushed to the stalls, but could
+nowhere find Viviana. He called her by name, but received no answer, and
+was continuing his fruitless search, when he heard footsteps
+approaching, and the voice of Catesby exclaimed,
+
+"Follow me with your charge, father."
+
+"Alas! my son, she is not here," replied Garnet. "I have searched each
+stall as carefully as I could in the dark. I fear she has been spirited
+away."
+
+"Impossible!" cried Catesby. And he ran his hand along the row of
+sculptured seats, but without success. "She is indeed gone!" he
+exclaimed distractedly. "It was here I left her--nay, here I beheld her
+at the very moment the lights were extinguished. Viviana!--Viviana!"
+
+But all was silent.
+
+"It is that cursed magician's handiwork!" he continued, striking his
+forehead in despair.
+
+"Did you find him?" demanded Garnet.
+
+"No," replied Catesby. "The door of the chapter-house was locked inside.
+The treacherous villain did well to guard against my fury."
+
+"You provoked his resentment, my son," rejoined Garnet. "But this is not
+a season for reproaches. Something must be done. Where is Kelley?"
+
+At the suggestion, Catesby instantly darted to the spot where the seer
+had stood. He was not there. He then questioned the servants, whose
+teeth were chattering with fright, but they had neither heard him
+depart, nor could tell anything about him; and perceiving plainly from
+their trepidation that these men would lend no aid, even if they did not
+join the assailants, he returned to communicate his apprehensions to
+Garnet.
+
+During all this time the knocking and vociferations at the door had
+continued with increased violence, and reverberated in hollow peals
+along the roof and aisles of the church.
+
+The emergency was a fearful one. Catesby, however, had been too often
+placed in situations of peril, and was too constitutionally brave, to
+experience much uneasiness for himself; but his apprehensions lest
+Garnet should be captured, and the sudden and mysterious disappearance
+of Viviana almost distracted him. Persuading himself she might have
+fallen to the ground, or that he had overlooked the precise spot where
+he had left her, he renewed his search, but with no better success than
+before; and he was almost beginning to believe that some magic might
+have been practised to cause her disappearance, when it occurred to him
+that she had been carried off by Kelley.
+
+"Fool that I was, not to think of that before!" he exclaimed. "I have
+unintentionally aided their project by extinguishing the lights. But now
+that I am satisfied she is gone, I can devote my whole energies to the
+preservation of Garnet. They shall not capture us so easily as they
+anticipate."
+
+With this, he approached the priest, and grasping his hand drew him
+noislessly along. They had scarcely passed through the arched doorway in
+the screen, and set foot within the nave, when the clamour without
+ceased. The next moment a thundering crash was heard; the door burst
+open, and a number of armed figures bearing torches, with drawn swords
+in their hands, rushed with loud vociferations into the church.
+
+"We must surrender, my son," cried Garnet. "It will be useless to
+contend against that force."
+
+"But we may yet escape them," rejoined Catesby. And glancing hastily
+round he perceived a small open door in the wall at the right, and
+pointing it out to the priest, hurried towards it.
+
+On reaching it, they found it communicated with a flight of stone steps,
+evidently leading to the roof.
+
+"Saved! saved!" cried Catesby, triumphantly. "Mount first, father. I
+will defend the passage."
+
+The pursuers, who saw the course taken by the fugitives, set up a loud
+shout, and ran as swiftly as they could in the same direction, and by
+the time the latter had gained the door they were within a few yards of
+it. Garnet darted up the steps; but Catesby lingered to make fast the
+door, and thus oppose some obstacle to the hostile party. His efforts,
+however, were unexpectedly checked, and, on examination, he found it was
+hooked to the wall at the back. Undoing the fastening, the door swung
+to, and he instantly bolted it. Overjoyed at his success, and leaving
+his pursuers, who at this moment arrived, to vent their disappointment
+in loud menaces, he hastened after Garnet. Calling loudly to him, he was
+answered from a small dark chamber on the right, into which the priest
+had retreated.
+
+"We have but prolonged our torture," groaned Garnet. "I can find no
+outlet. Our foes will speedily force an entrance, and we must then fall
+into their hands."
+
+"There must be some door opening upon the roof, father," rejoined
+Catesby. "Mount as high as you can, and search carefully. I will defend
+the stairs, and will undertake to maintain my post against the whole
+rout."
+
+Thus urged, Garnet ascended the steps. After the lapse of a few minutes,
+during which the thundering at the door below increased, and the heavy
+blows of some weighty implement directed against it, were distinctly
+heard, he cried,
+
+"I have found a door, but the bolts are rusty--I cannot move them."
+
+"Use all your strength, father," shouted Catesby, who having planted
+himself with his drawn sword at an advantageous point, was listening
+with intense anxiety to the exertions of the assailing party. "Do not
+relax your efforts for a moment."
+
+"It is in vain, my son," rejoined Garnet, in accents of despair. "My
+hands are bruised and bleeding, but the bolts stir not."
+
+"Distraction!" cried Catesby, gnashing his teeth with rage. "Let me
+try."
+
+And he was about to hasten to the priest's assistance, when the door
+below was burst open with a loud crash, and the assailants rushed up the
+steps. The passage was so narrow that they were compelled to mount
+singly, and Catesby's was scarcely a vain boast when he said he could
+maintain his ground against the whole host. Shouting to Garnet to renew
+his efforts, he prepared for the assault. Reserving his petronels to the
+last, he trusted solely to his rapier, and leaning against the newel, or
+circular column round which the stairs twined, he was in a great measure
+defended from the weapons of his adversaries, while they were completely
+exposed to his attack. The darkness, moreover, in which he was enveloped
+offered an additional protection, whereas the torches they carried made
+his mark certain. As soon as the foremost of the band came within reach,
+Catesby plunged his sword into his breast, and pushed him back with all
+his force upon his comrades. The man fell heavily backwards, dislodging
+the next in advance, who in his turn upset his successor, and so on,
+till the whole band was thrown into confusion. A discharge of fire-arms
+followed; but, sheltered by the newel, Catesby sustained no injury. At
+this moment, he was cheered by a cry from Garnet that he had succeeded
+in forcing back the bolts, terror having supplied him with a strength
+not his own; and, making another sally upon his assailants, amid the
+disorder that ensued, Catesby retreated, and rapidly tracking the steps,
+reached the door, through which the priest had already passed. When
+within a short distance of the outlet, Catesby felt, from the current of
+fresh air that saluted him, that it opened upon the roof of the church.
+Nor was he deceived. A few steps placed him upon the leads, where he
+found Garnet.
+
+"It is you, my son," cried the latter, on beholding him; "I thought
+from the shouts you had fallen into the hands of the enemy."
+
+"No, Heaven be praised! I am as yet safe, and trust to deliver you out
+of their hands. Come with me to the battlements."
+
+"The battlements!" exclaimed Garnet. "A leap from such a height as that
+were certain destruction."
+
+"It were so," replied Catesby, dragging him along. "But trust to me, and
+you shall yet reach the ground uninjured."
+
+Arrived at the battlements, Catesby leaned over them, and endeavoured to
+ascertain what was beneath. It was still so dark that he could scarcely
+discern any objects but those close to him, but as far as he could trust
+his vision, he thought he perceived a projecting building some twelve or
+fourteen feet below; and calling to mind the form of the church, which
+he had frequently seen and admired, he remembered its chantries, and had
+no doubt but it was the roof of one of them that he beheld. If he could
+reach it, the descent from thence would be easy, and he immediately
+communicated the idea to Garnet, who shrank aghast from it. Little time,
+however, was allowed for consideration. Their pursuers had already
+scaled the stairs, and were springing one after another upon the leads,
+uttering the most terrible threats against the destroyer of their
+comrade. Hastily divesting himself of his cloak, Catesby clambered over
+the battlements, and, impelled by fear, Garnet threw off his robe, and
+followed his example. Clinging to the grotesque stone waterspouts which
+projected below the battlements, and placing the points of his feet upon
+the arches of the clerestory windows, and thence upon the mullions and
+transom bars, Catesby descended in safety, and then turned to assist his
+companion, who was quickly by his side.
+
+The most difficult and dangerous part of the descent had yet to be
+accomplished. They were now nearly thirty feet from the ground, and the
+same irregularities in the walls which had favoured them in the upper
+structure did not exist in the lower. But their present position,
+exposed as it was to their pursuers, who, having reached the point
+immediately overhead, were preparing to fire upon them, was too
+dangerous to allow of its occupation for a moment, and Garnet required
+no urging to make him clamber over the low embattled parapet. Descending
+a flying buttress that defended an angle of the building, Catesby, who
+was possessed of great strength and activity, was almost instantly upon
+the ground. Garnet was not so fortunate. Missing his footing, he fell
+from a considerable height, and his groans proclaimed that he had
+received some serious injury. Catesby instantly flew to him, and
+demanded, in a tone of the greatest anxiety, whether he was much hurt.
+
+"My right arm is broken," gasped the sufferer, raising himself with
+difficulty. "What other injuries I have sustained I know not; but every
+joint seems dislocated, and my face is covered with blood. Heaven have
+pity on me!"
+
+As he spoke, a shout of exultation arose from the hostile party, who,
+having heard Garnet's fall, and the groans that succeeded it, at once
+divined the cause, and made sure of a capture. A deep silence followed,
+proving that they had quitted the roof, and were hastening to secure
+their prey.
+
+Aware that it would take them some little time to descend the winding
+staircase, and traverse the long aisle of the church, Catesby felt
+certain of distancing them. But he could not abandon Garnet, who had
+become insensible from the agony of his fractured limb, and, lifting him
+carefully in his arms, he placed him upon his shoulder, and started at a
+swift pace towards the further extremity of the churchyard.
+
+At the period of this history, the western boundary of the Collegiate
+Church was formed by a precipitous sandstone rock of great height, the
+base of which was washed by the waters of the Irwell, while its summit
+was guarded by a low stone wall. In after years, a range of small
+habitations was built upon this spot, but they have been recently
+removed, and the rock having been lowered, a road now occupies their
+site. Nerved by desperation, Catesby, who was sufficiently well
+acquainted with the locality to know whither he was shaping his course,
+determined to hazard a descent, which, under calmer circumstances, he
+would have deemed wholly impracticable. His pursuers, who issued from
+the church porch a few seconds after he had passed it, saw him hurry
+towards the low wall edging the precipice, and, encumbered as he was
+with the priest, vault over it. Not deeming it possible he would dare to
+spring from such a height, they darted after him. But they were
+deceived, and could scarcely credit their senses when they found him
+gone. By the light of their torches they perceived him shooting down the
+almost perpendicular side of the rock, and the next moment a hollow
+plunge told that he had reached the water. They stared at each other in
+mute astonishment.
+
+"Will you follow him, Dick Haughton?" observed one, as soon as he had
+recovered his speech.
+
+"Not I," replied the fellow addressed. "I have no fancy for a broken
+neck. Follow him thyself if thou hast a mind to try the soundness of thy
+pate. I warrant that rock will put it to the proof."
+
+"Yet the feat has just been done, and by one burthened with a wounded
+comrade into the bargain," remarked the first speaker.
+
+"He must be the devil, that's certain," rejoined Haughton; "and Doctor
+Dee himself is no match for him."
+
+"He has the Devil's luck, that's certain," cried a third soldier. "But,
+hark! he is swimming across the river. We may yet catch him on the
+opposite bank. Come along, comrades."
+
+With this, they rushed out of the churchyard; made the best of their way
+to the bridge; and crossing it, flew to the bank of the river, where
+they dispersed in every direction, in search for the fugitive. But they
+could not discover a trace of him or his wounded companion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE RENCOUNTER.
+
+
+Catesby himself could scarcely tell how he accomplished his hair-breadth
+escape. Reckless almost of the result, he slided down the rock, catching
+at occasional irregularities as he descended. The river was of great
+depth at this point, and broke the force of his fall. On rising, he
+struck out a few yards, and suffered himself to be carried down the
+stream. He had never for one moment relinquished his hold of Garnet, and
+being an admirable swimmer, found little difficulty in sustaining him
+with one arm, while with the other he guided his course in the water. In
+this way he reached the shore in safety, about a hundred yards below the
+bridge, by which means he avoided his pursuers, who, as has just been
+stated, searched for him above it.
+
+After debating with himself for a short time as to what course he should
+pursue, he decided upon conveying Garnet to the Hall, where he could
+procure restoratives and assistance; and though he was fully sensible of
+the danger of this plan, not doubting the mansion would be visited and
+searched by his pursuers before morning, yet the necessity of warning
+Guy Fawkes outweighed every other consideration. Accordingly, again
+shouldering the priest, who, though he had regained his sensibility, was
+utterly unable to move, he commenced his toilsome march; and being
+frequently obliged to pause and rest himself, more than an hour elapsed
+before he reached his destination.
+
+It was just growing light as he crossed the drawbridge, and seeing a
+horse tied to a tree, and the gate open, he began to fear the enemy had
+preceded him. Full of misgiving, he laid Garnet upon a heap of straw in
+an outbuilding, and entered the house. He found no one below, though he
+glanced into each room. He then noiselessly ascended the stairs, with
+the intention of proceeding to Guy Fawkes's chamber.
+
+As he traversed the gallery, he heard voices in one of the chambers, the
+door of which was ajar, and pausing to listen, distinguished the tones
+of Viviana. Filled with astonishment, he was about to enter the room to
+inquire by what means she had reached the Hall, when he was arrested by
+the voice of her companion. It was that of Humphrey Chetham. Maddened by
+jealousy, Catesby's first impulse was to rush into the room, and stab
+his rival in the presence of his mistress. But he restrained his passion
+by a powerful effort.
+
+After listening for a few minutes intently to their conversation, he
+found that Chetham was taking leave, and creeping softly down-stairs,
+stationed himself in the hall, through which he knew his rival must
+necessarily pass. Chetham presently appeared. His manner was dejected;
+his looks downcast; and he would have passed Catesby without observing
+him, if the latter had not laid his hand upon his shoulder.
+
+"Mr. Catesby!" exclaimed the young merchant, starting as he beheld the
+stern glance fixed upon him "I thought----"
+
+"You thought I was a prisoner, no doubt," interrupted Catesby, bitterly.
+"But you are mistaken. I am here to confound you and your juggling and
+treacherous associate."
+
+"I do not understand you," replied Chetham.
+
+"I will soon make myself intelligible," retorted Catesby. "Follow me to
+the garden."
+
+"I perceive your purpose, Mr. Catesby," replied Chetham, calmly; "but it
+is no part of my principles to expose my life to ruffianly violence. If
+you choose to lay aside this insolent demeanour, which is more befitting
+an Alsatian bully than a gentleman, I will readily give you such
+explanation of my conduct as will fully content you, and satisfy you
+that any suspicions you may entertain of me are unfounded."
+
+"Coward!" exclaimed Catesby, striking him. "I want no explanation.
+Defend yourself, or I will treat you with still greater indignity."
+
+"Lead on, then," cried Chetham: "I would have avoided the quarrel if I
+could. But this outrage shall not pass unpunished."
+
+As they quitted the hall, Viviana entered it; and, though she was
+greatly surprised by the appearance of Catesby, his furious gestures
+left her in no doubt as to his purpose. She called to him to stop. But
+no attention was paid by either party to her cries.
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes protecting Humphrey Chetham from Catesby._]
+
+On gaining a retired spot beneath the trees, Catesby, without giving his
+antagonist time to divest himself of the heavy horseman's cloak with
+which he was encumbered, and scarcely to draw his sword, assaulted him.
+The combat was furious on both sides, but it was evident that the young
+merchant was no match for his adversary. He maintained his ground,
+however, for some time with great resolution; but, being hotly pressed,
+in retreating to avoid a thrust, his foot caught in the long grass, and
+he fell. Catesby would have passed his sword through his body, if it
+had not been turned aside by another weapon. It was that of Guy
+Fawkes, who, followed by Martin Heydocke, had staggered towards the
+scene of strife, reaching it just in time to save the life of Humphrey
+Chetham.
+
+"Heaven be praised! I am not too late!" he exclaimed. "Put up your
+blade, Catesby; or, turn it against me."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE EXPLANATION.
+
+
+Uttering an exclamation of rage, Catesby turned fiercely upon Fawkes,
+and for a moment appeared disposed to accept his invitation to continue
+the combat with him. But as he regarded the other's haggard features,
+and perceived in them the traces of his recent struggle with death--as
+he saw he was scarcely able to wield the blade he opposed against
+him--his wrath changed to compassion, and he sheathed his sword. By this
+time, Humphrey Chetham had sprung to his feet, and picking up his fallen
+weapon, stood on his defence. But finding that Catesby meditated no
+further hostilities, he returned it to the scabbard.
+
+"I owe my life to you," he said to Guy Fawkes, in a tone of deep
+gratitude.
+
+"You owe it to Viviana Radcliffe, not to me," returned Fawkes feebly,
+and leaning upon his sword for support. "Had it not been for her cries,
+I should have known nothing of this quarrel. And I would now gladly
+learn what has occasioned it."
+
+"So would I," added Chetham; "for I am as ignorant as yourself how I
+have offended Mr. Catesby."
+
+"I will tell you, then," returned Catesby, sternly. "You were a party to
+the snare set for us by Dr. Dee, from which I narrowly escaped with
+life, and Father Garnet at the expense of a broken limb."
+
+"Is Garnet hurt?" demanded Fawkes, anxiously.
+
+"Grievously," replied Catesby; "but he is out of the reach of his
+enemies, of whom," he added, pointing to Chetham, "one of the most
+malignant and treacherous now stands before you."
+
+"I am quite in the dark as to what has happened," observed Fawkes,
+"having only a few minutes ago been roused from my slumbers by the
+shrieks of Viviana, who entreated me to come and separate you. But I
+cannot believe Humphrey Chetham so treacherous as you represent him."
+
+"So far from having any enmity towards Father Garnet," observed Chetham,
+"my anxious desire was to preserve him; and with that view, I was
+repairing to Dr. Dee, when I encountered Mr. Catesby in the hall, and
+before I could offer any explanation, I was forced by his violence and
+insults into this combat."
+
+"Is this the truth, Catesby?" asked Fawkes,
+
+"Something near it," rejoined the latter; "but perhaps Mr. Chetham will
+likewise inform you by whose agency Viviana was transported hither from
+the Collegiate Church?"
+
+"That inquiry ought rather to be made of the lady herself, sir,"
+rejoined Chetham, coldly. "But, as I am assured she would have no
+objection to my answering it, I shall not hesitate to do so. She was
+conveyed hither by Kelley and an assistant, who departed as soon as
+their task was completed."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby between his ground teeth. "But how chanced
+it, sir, that you arrived here so opportunely?"
+
+"I might well refuse to answer a question thus insolently put," rejoined
+Chetham. "But to prevent further misunderstanding, I will tell you, that
+I came by Viviana's invitation at midnight; and, ascertaining from my
+servant, Martin Heydocke, whom I found watching by the couch of Guy
+Fawkes, the melancholy business on which she was engaged, I determined
+to await her return, which occurred about an hour afterwards, in the
+manner I have just related."
+
+"I was in the court-yard when Mistress Viviana was brought back,"
+interposed Martin Heydocke, who was standing at a respectful distance
+from the group; "and, after Kelley had delivered her to my charge, I
+heard him observe in an under tone to his companion, 'Let us ride back
+as fast as we can, and see what they have done with the prisoners.'"
+
+"They made sure of their prey before it was captured," observed Catesby,
+bitterly. "But we have disappointed them. Dee and his associate may yet
+have reason to repent their perfidy."
+
+"You will do well not to put yourself again in their power," observed
+Humphrey Chetham. "If you will be counselled by me, you and Guy Fawkes
+will seek safety in instant flight."
+
+"And leave you with Viviana?" rejoined Catesby, sarcastically.
+
+"She is in no present danger," replied Chetham. "But, if it is thought
+fitting or desirable, I will remain with her."
+
+"I do not doubt it," returned Catesby, with a sneer; "but it is neither
+fitting nor desirable. And, hark ye, young sir, if you have indulged any
+expectations with regard to Viviana Radcliffe, it is time you were
+undeceived. She will never wed one of your degree, nor of your faith."
+
+"I have her own assurance she will never wed at all," replied Chetham,
+in an offended tone. "But had she not crushed my hopes by declaring she
+was vowed to a convent, no menaces of yours, who have neither right nor
+title thus to interfere, should induce me to desist from my suit."
+
+"Either resign all pretensions to her hand, or prepare to renew the
+combat," cried Catesby, fiercely.
+
+"No more of this," interposed Guy Fawkes. "Let us return to the house,
+and adjust our differences there."
+
+"I have no further business here," observed Humphrey Chetham. "Having
+taken leave of Viviana," he added, with much emotion, "I do not desire
+to meet her again."
+
+"It is well, sir," rejoined Catesby: "yet, stay!--you mean us no
+treachery?"
+
+"If you suspect me, I will remain," replied Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"On no account," interposed Guy Fawkes. "I will answer for him with my
+life."
+
+"Perhaps, when I tell you I have procured the liberation of Father
+Oldcorne," returned Chetham, "and have placed him in security in Ordsall
+cave, you will admit that you have done me wrong."
+
+"I have been greatly mistaken in you, sir, I must own," observed
+Catesby, advancing towards him, and extending his hand. But Humphrey
+Chetham folded his arms upon his breast, and bowing coldly, withdrew. He
+was followed by Martin Heydocke, and presently afterwards the tramp of
+his horse's feet was heard crossing the drawbridge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE DISCOVERY.
+
+
+Tendering his arm to Fawkes, who was almost too feeble to walk
+unsupported, Catesby led him slowly to the Hall. On reaching it, they
+met Viviana, in a state bordering upon distraction, but her distress was
+speedily relieved by their assurances that the young merchant had
+departed unhurt,--a statement immediately afterwards confirmed by the
+entrance of Martin Heydocke, charged with a message from his master to
+her. Without communicating his design to the others, and, indeed, almost
+shunning Viviana, Catesby proceeded to the outbuilding where he had
+deposited Garnet. He found him in great pain, and praying fervently to
+be released from his suffering.
+
+"Do not despair, father," said Catesby, in as cheerful a tone as he
+could assume, "the worst is over. Viviana is in safety. Father Oldcorne
+has escaped, and is within a short distance of us, and Guy Fawkes is
+fully able to undertake a journey of any distance. You are our sole
+concern. But I am assured, if you will allow me to exercise the slight
+surgical skill I possess in your behalf, that you will be able to
+accompany us."
+
+"Do with me what you please, my son," groaned Garnet. "But, if my case
+is as desperate as I believe it, I entreat you not to bestow any further
+care upon me, and, above all, not to expose yourself to risk on my
+account. Our enemies are sure to pursue us,--and what matter if I am
+captured? They will wreak their vengeance on a worthless carcass,--for
+such I shall soon be. But it would double the anguish I now endure, if
+you and Fawkes were to fall into their hands. Go, then, and leave me
+here to perish. My dying moments will be cheered by the conviction that
+the great enterprise--for which alone I desire to live--will not be
+unaccomplished."
+
+"There is no need to leave you, father," replied Catesby, "nor shall any
+consideration induce me to do so, till I have rendered you every aid
+that circumstances will permit."
+
+"My son," replied Garnet, faintly, "the most efficacious balm you can
+apply will be the certainty that you are in safety. You say Viviana is
+here. Fly with Fawkes, and leave me to her care."
+
+"She must go with us," observed Catesby, uneasily.
+
+"Not so, my son," returned Garnet; "her presence will only endanger you.
+She must _not_ go. And you must abandon all hopes of an union with her."
+
+"I would as soon abandon the great design itself," returned Catesby,
+moodily.
+
+"If you persist in this, you will ruin it," rejoined Garnet. "Think of
+her no more. Bend your thoughts exclusively on the one grand object, and
+be what you are chosen to be, the defender and deliverer of our holy
+Church."
+
+"I would gladly act as you advise me, father," replied Catesby; "but I
+am spell-bound by this maiden."
+
+"This is idle from you, my son," replied Garnet, reproachfully.
+"Separate yourself from her, and you will soon regain your former
+mastery over yourself."
+
+"Well, well, father," rejoined Catesby, "the effort, at least, shall be
+made. But her large possessions, which would be so useful to our cause,
+and which, if I wedded her, would be wholly devoted to it,--think of
+what we lose, father."
+
+"I _have_ thought of it, my son," replied Garnet; "but the consideration
+does not alter my opinion: and if I possess any authority over you, I
+strictly enjoin you not to proceed farther in the matter. Viviana never
+can be yours."
+
+"She _shall_ be, nevertheless," muttered Catesby, "and before many hours
+have elapsed,--if not by her own free will, by force. I have ever shown
+myself obedient to your commands, father," he added aloud, "and I shall
+not transgress them now."
+
+"Heaven keep you in this disposition, my dear son!" exclaimed Garnet,
+with a look of distrust: "and let me recommend you to remove yourself
+as soon as possible out of the way of temptation."
+
+Catesby muttered an affirmative, and taking Garnet in his arms, conveyed
+him carefully to his own chamber, and placing him on a couch, examined
+his wounds, which were not so serious as either he or the sufferer
+imagined, and with no despicable skill--for the experiences of a
+soldier's life had given him some practice--bandaged his broken arm, and
+fomented his bruises.
+
+This done, Garnet felt so much easier, that he entreated Catesby to send
+Viviana to him, and to make preparations for his own immediate
+departure. Feigning acquiescence, Catesby quitted the room, but with no
+intention of complying with the request. Not a moment he felt must be
+lost if he would execute his dark design, and, after revolving many wild
+expedients, an idea occurred to him. It was to lure Viviana to the cave
+where Father Oldcorne was concealed; and he knew enough of the pliant
+disposition of the latter to be certain he would assent to his scheme.
+No sooner did this plan occur to him than he hurried to the cell, and
+found the priest, as Chetham had stated. As he had foreseen, it required
+little persuasion to induce Oldcorne to lend his assistance to the
+forced marriage, and he only feared the decided opposition they should
+encounter from Viviana.
+
+"Fear nothing, then, father," said Catesby; "in this solitary spot no
+one will hear her cries. Whatever resistance she may make, perform the
+ceremony, and leave the consequences to me."
+
+"The plan is desperate, my son," returned Oldcorne, "but so are our
+fortunes. And, as Viviana will not hear reason, we have no alternative.
+You swear that if you are once wedded to her, all her possessions shall
+be devoted to the furtherance of the great cause."
+
+"All, father--I swear it," rejoined Catesby, fervently.
+
+"Enough," replied Oldcorne. "The sooner it is done, the better."
+
+It was then agreed between them that the plan least likely to excite
+suspicion would be for Oldcorne to proceed to the Hall, and under some
+plea prevail upon Viviana to return with him to the cave. Acting upon
+this arrangement, they left the cell together, shaping their course
+under the trees to avoid observation; and while Oldcorne repaired to the
+Hall, Catesby proceeded to the stable, and saddling the only steed left,
+rode back to the cave, and concealing the animal behind the brushwood,
+entered the excavation. Some time elapsed before the others arrived, and
+as in his present feverish state of mind moments appeared ages, the
+suspense was almost intolerable. At length, he heard footsteps
+approaching, and, with a beating heart, distinguished the voice of
+Viviana. The place was buried in profound darkness; but Oldcorne struck
+a light, and set fire to a candle in a lantern. The feeble glimmer
+diffused by it was not sufficient to penetrate the recesses of the
+cavern; and Catesby, who stood at the farther extremity, was completely
+sheltered from observation.
+
+"And now, father," observed Viviana, seating herself with her back
+towards Catesby, upon the stone bench once used by the unfortunate
+prophetess, "I would learn the communication you desire to make to me.
+It must be something of importance since you would not disclose it at
+the Hall."
+
+"It is, daughter," replied Oldcorne, who could scarcely conceal his
+embarrassment. "I have brought you hither, where I am sure we shall be
+uninterrupted, to confer with you on a subject nearest my heart. Your
+lamented father being taken from us, I, as his spiritual adviser, aware
+of his secret wishes and intentions, conceive myself entitled to assume
+his place."
+
+"I consider you in the light of a father, dear sir," replied Viviana,
+"and will follow your advice as implicitly as I would that of him I have
+lost."
+
+"Since I find you so tractable, child," returned Oldcorne, reassured by
+her manner, "I will no longer hesitate to declare the motive I had in
+bringing you hither. You will recollect that I have of late strongly
+opposed your intention of retiring to a convent."
+
+"I know it, father," interrupted Viviana; "but----"
+
+"Hear me out," continued Oldcorne; "recent events have strengthened my
+disapproval of the step. You are now called upon to active duties, and
+must take your share in the business of life,--must struggle and suffer
+like others,--and not shrink from the burthen imposed upon you by
+Heaven."
+
+"I do not shrink from it, father," replied Viviana: "and if I were equal
+to the active life you propose, I would not hesitate to embrace it, but
+I feel I should sink under it."
+
+"Not if you had one near you who could afford you that support which
+feeble woman ever requires," returned Oldcorne.
+
+"What mean you, father?" inquired Viviana, fixing her dark eyes full
+upon him.
+
+"That you must marry, daughter," returned Oldcorne, "unite yourself to
+some worthy man, who will be to you what I have described."
+
+"And was it to tell me this that you brought me here?" asked Viviana, in
+a slightly offended tone.
+
+"It was, daughter," replied Oldcorne; "but I have not yet done. It is
+not only needful you should marry, but your choice must be such as I,
+who represent your father, and have your welfare thoroughly at heart,
+can approve."
+
+"You can find me a husband, I doubt not?" remarked Viviana, coldly.
+
+"I have already found one," returned Oldcorne: "a gentleman suitable to
+you in rank, religion, years,--for _your_ husband should be older than
+yourself, Viviana."
+
+"I will not affect to misunderstand you, father," she replied; "you mean
+Mr. Catesby."
+
+"You have guessed aright, dear daughter," rejoined Oldcorne.
+
+"I thought I had made myself sufficiently intelligible on this point
+before, father," she returned.
+
+"True," replied Oldcorne; "but you are no longer, as I have just
+laboured to convince you, in the same position you were when the subject
+was formerly discussed."
+
+"To prevent further misunderstanding, father," rejoined Viviana, "I now
+tell you, that in whatever position I may be placed, I will never, under
+any circumstances, wed Mr. Catesby."
+
+"What are your objections to him, daughter?" asked Oldcorne.
+
+"They are numberless," replied Viviana; "but it is useless to
+particularize them. I must pray you to change the conversation, or you
+will compel me to quit you."
+
+"Nay, daughter, if you thus obstinately shut your ears to reason, I must
+use very different language towards you. Armed with parental authority,
+I shall exact obedience to my commands."
+
+"I cannot obey you, father," replied Viviana, bursting into
+tears,--"indeed, indeed I cannot. My heart, I have already told you, is
+another's."
+
+"He who has robbed you of it is a heretic," rejoined Oldcorne, sternly,
+"and therefore your union with him is out of the question. Promise me
+you will wed Mr. Catesby, or, in the name of your dead father, I will
+invoke a curse upon your head. Promise me, I say."
+
+"Never," replied Viviana, rising. "My father would never have enforced
+my compliance, and I dread no curse thus impiously pronounced. You are
+overstepping the bounds of your priestly office, sir. Farewell."
+
+As she moved to depart, a strong grasp was laid on her arm, and turning,
+she beheld Catesby.
+
+"You here, sir?" she cried, in great alarm.
+
+"Ay," replied Catesby. "At last you are in my power, Viviana."
+
+"I would fain misunderstand you, sir," she rejoined, trembling; "but
+your looks terrify me. You mean no violence?"
+
+"I mean that Father Oldcorne shall wed us,--and that too without a
+moment's delay," replied Catesby, sternly.
+
+"Monster!" shrieked Viviana, "you will not,--dare not commit this foul
+offence. And if you dare, Father Oldcorne will not assist you. Ah! what
+means that sign? I cannot be mistaken in you, father? You cannot be
+acting in concert with this wicked man? Save me from him!--save me."
+
+But the priest kept aloof, and taking a missal from his vest, hastily
+turned over the leaves. Viviana saw that her appeal to him was vain.
+
+"Let me go!" she shrieked, struggling with Catesby. "You cannot force me
+to wed you whether I will or not; and I will die rather than consent.
+Let me go, I say? Help!--help!" And she made the cavern ring with her
+screams.
+
+"Heed her not, father," shouted Catesby, who still held her fast, "but
+proceed with the ceremony."
+
+Oldcorne, however, appeared irresolute, and Viviana perceiving it,
+redoubled her cries.
+
+"This will be no marriage, father," she said, "even if you proceed with
+it. I will protest against it to all the world, and you will be deprived
+of your priestly office for your share in so infamous a transaction."
+
+"You will think otherwise anon, daughter," replied Oldcorne, advancing
+towards them with the missal in his hand.
+
+"If it be no marriage," observed Catesby, significantly, "the time will
+come when you may desire to have the ceremony repeated."
+
+"Mr. Catesby," cried Viviana, altering her manner, as if she had taken a
+sudden resolution, "one word before you proceed with your atrocious
+purpose, which must end in misery to us all. There are reasons why you
+can never wed me."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Catesby, starting.
+
+"Is it so, my son?" asked Oldcorne, uneasily.
+
+"Pshaw!" exclaimed Catesby. "She knows not what she says. Proceed,
+father."
+
+"I have proofs that will confound you," cried Viviana, breaking from
+him. And darting towards the light, she took from her bosom the packet
+given her by Guy Fawkes, and tore it open. A letter was within it, and a
+miniature.
+
+Opening the letter, she cast her eye rapidly over its contents, and then
+looking up, exclaimed in accents of delirious joy, "Saved! saved! Father
+Oldcorne, this man is married already."
+
+Catesby, who had watched her proceedings in silent astonishment, and was
+now advancing towards her, recoiled as if a thunderbolt had fallen at
+his feet.
+
+"Can this be true?" cried the priest, in astonishment.
+
+"Let your own eyes convince you," rejoined Viviana, handing him the
+letter.
+
+"I am satisfied," returned Oldcorne, after he had glanced at it. "We
+have both been spared the commission of a great crime. Mr. Catesby, it
+appears from this letter that you have a wife living in Spain."
+
+"It is useless to deny it," replied Catesby. "But, as you were ignorant
+of the matter, the offence (if any) would have lain wholly at my door;
+nor should I have repented of it, if it had enabled me to achieve the
+object I have in view."
+
+"Thank Heaven it has gone no further!" exclaimed Oldcorne. "Daughter, I
+humbly entreat your forgiveness."
+
+"How came that packet in your possession?" demanded Catesby fiercely of
+Viviana.
+
+"It was given me by Guy Fawkes," she replied.
+
+"Guy Fawkes!" exclaimed Catesby. "Has he betrayed his friend?"
+
+"He has proved himself your best friend, by preventing you from
+committing a crime, which would have entailed wretchedness on yourself
+and me," returned Viviana.
+
+"I have done with him, and with all of you," cried Catesby, with a
+fierce glance at Oldcorne. "Henceforth, pursue your projects alone. You
+shall have no further assistance from me. I will serve the Spaniard.
+Englishmen are not to be trusted."
+
+So saying, he rushed out of the cavern, and seeking his horse, mounted
+him, and rode off at full speed.
+
+"How shall I obtain your forgiveness for my conduct in this culpable
+affair, dear daughter?" said Oldcorne, with an imploring look at
+Viviana.
+
+"By joining me in thanksgivings to the Virgin for my deliverance,"
+replied Viviana, prostrating herself before the stone cross.
+
+Oldcorne knelt beside her, and they continued for some time in earnest
+prayer. They then arose, and quitting the cave, proceeded to the Hall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE DEPARTURE FROM THE HALL.
+
+
+Guy Fawkes was as much surprised to hear of the sudden departure of
+Catesby as he was concerned at the cause; but he still thought it
+probable he would return. In this expectation, however, he was
+disappointed. The day wore on, and no one came. The uncertainty in which
+Fawkes was kept, added to his unwillingness to leave Garnet, still
+detained him, in spite of the risk he ran, at the Hall; and it was only
+when urged by Viviana that he began seriously to reflect whither he
+should bend his steps. Towards evening, Garnet was so much better, that
+he was able to sit up, and he passed some hours in conference with
+Oldcorne.
+
+"If I do not suffer a relapse," he observed to the latter, "I will set
+out with Guy Fawkes to-morrow, and we will proceed by easy stages to
+London."
+
+"I cannot but approve your resolution," returned Oldcorne; "for though
+so long a journey may be inconvenient, and retard your recovery, yet
+every hour you remain here is fraught with additional peril. I will
+accompany you. We shall both be safer in the capital; and perhaps
+Viviana, now she will be no longer exposed to the persecutions of
+Catesby, will form one of the party."
+
+"I should not wonder," replied Garnet. "I shall be deeply concerned if
+Catesby has really abandoned the enterprise. But I cannot think it. I
+did all I could to dissuade him from prosecuting this union, knowing how
+hopeless it was, and little thinking he would be rash enough to seek to
+accomplish it by force, or that he would find an assistant in you."
+
+"Say no more about it, father, I entreat you," rejoined Oldcorne. "The
+scheme failed, as it deserved to do; and I sincerely repent the share I
+was induced by Catesby's artful representations to take in it. If we
+have lost our leader we have still Guy Fawkes, who is a host in himself,
+and as true as the steel that hangs by his side."
+
+"We cannot spare Catesby," replied Garnet. "With many faults, he has one
+redeeming quality, courage. I am not sorry he has been thwarted in his
+present scheme, as if he returns to us, as I doubt not he will, it will
+fix his mind steadily on the one object, which should be ever before it.
+Give me your arm, father. I am glad to find I can walk, though feebly.
+That is well," he added, as they emerged upon the gallery; "I shall be
+able to reach Viviana's chamber without further assistance. Do you
+descend, and see that Martin Heydocke is on the watch."
+
+In obedience to the injunctions of his superior, Oldcorne went in search
+of Martin Heydocke, who had been stationed in the court-yard to give
+timely notice of any hostile approach; but not finding him there, he
+proceeded towards the drawbridge. Garnet, meanwhile, had reached the
+door of Viviana's chamber, which was slightly ajar, and he was about to
+pass through it, when he perceived that she was on her knees before Guy
+Fawkes, whom she was addressing in the most passionate terms. The latter
+was seated at a table, with his head upon his hand, in a thoughtful
+posture. Surprised at the sight, and curious to hear what Viviana could
+be saying, Garnet drew back to listen.
+
+"When you quit this house," were the first words that caught the
+listener's ear, "we shall never meet again; and oh! let me have the
+consolation of thinking that, in return for the devoted attachment you
+have shown me, and the dangers from which you have preserved me, I have
+preserved you from one equally imminent. Catesby, from whatever motive,
+has abandoned the conspiracy. Do you act likewise, and the whole
+dreadful scheme will fall to the ground."
+
+"Catesby cannot abandon it," replied Fawkes. "He is bound by ties that
+no human power can sunder. And, however he may estrange himself from us
+now, when the time for action arrives, rest assured he will not be
+absent."
+
+[Illustration: _Viviana Radcliffe imploring Guy Fawkes to abandon the
+Conspiracy_]
+
+"It may be so," replied Viviana; "but I deny that the oath either he or
+you have taken is binding. The deed you have sworn to do is evil, and no
+vow, however solemnly pronounced, can compel you to commit crime. Avoid
+this sin--avoid further connexion with those who would work your
+undoing, and do not stain your soul with guilt from which it will never
+be cleansed."
+
+"You seek in vain to move me," replied Guy Fawkes, firmly. "My purpose
+is unalterable. The tempest that clears away the pestilence destroys
+many innocent lives, but it is not the less wholesome on that account.
+Our unhappy land is choked with the pestilence of heresy, and must be
+freed from it, cost what it will, and suffer who may. The wrongs of the
+English Catholics imperatively demand redress; and, since it is denied
+us, we must take it. Oppression can go no farther; nor endurance hold
+out longer. If this blow be not struck we shall have no longer a
+religion. And how comes it, Viviana, that you, a zealous Catholic, whose
+father perished by these very oppressors, and who are yourself in danger
+from them, can seek to turn me from my purpose?"
+
+"Because I know it is wrongful," she replied. "I have no desire to
+avenge the death of my slaughtered father, still less to see our
+religion furthered by the dreadful means you propose. In his own due
+season, the Lord will redress our wrongs."
+
+"The Lord has appointed me one of the ministers of his vengeance," cried
+Fawkes, in a tone of enthusiasm.
+
+"Do not deceive yourself," returned Viviana, "it is not by Heaven, but
+by the powers of darkness, that you are incited to this deed. Do not
+persevere in this fatal course," she continued, clasping her hands
+together, and gazing imploringly in his face, "do not--do not!"
+
+Guy Fawkes continued in the same attitude as before, with his gaze
+turned upwards, and apparently lost in thought.
+
+"Have I no power to move you?" cried Viviana, her eyes streaming with
+tears.
+
+"None whatever," replied Guy Fawkes, firmly.
+
+"Then you are lost," she rejoined.
+
+"If it is Heaven's will, I am," answered Fawkes; "but at least I believe
+I am acting rightly."
+
+"And rest assured you are so, my son," cried Garnet, throwing open the
+door, and stepping into the room. "I have overheard your conversation,
+and I applaud your resolution."
+
+"You need have no fears of me, father," replied Fawkes. "I do not
+lightly undertake a project; but once embarked in it nothing can turn me
+aside."
+
+"In this case your determination is wisely formed, my son," returned
+Garnet; "and if Viviana will ever give me an opportunity of fully
+discussing the matter, I am sure I can satisfy her you are in the
+right."
+
+"I will discuss it with you whenever you think proper," she replied.
+"But no arguments will ever convince me that your project is approved by
+Heaven."
+
+"Let it pass now, daughter," rejoined Garnet; "enough has been said on
+the subject. I came hither to tell Guy Fawkes, that if our enemies
+permit us to pass the night without molestation (as Heaven grant they
+may!) I think I shall be strong enough to set out with him to-morrow,
+when I propose we should journey together to London."
+
+"Agreed," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Father Oldcorne will accompany us," pursued Garnet.
+
+"And I, too, will go with you, if you will permit me," said Viviana. "I
+cannot remain here; and I have no further fears of Mr. Catesby. Doctor
+Dee told me my future fate was strangely mixed up with that of Guy
+Fawkes. I know not how it may be, but I will not abandon him while there
+is a hope to cling to."
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe," rejoined Guy Fawkes, coldly, "deeply as I feel the
+interest you take in me, I think it right to tell you that no efforts
+you can use will shake me from my purpose. If I live, I will execute my
+design."
+
+"While I live, I will urge you to it," remarked Garnet.
+
+"And while _I_ live, I will dissuade you from it," added Viviana. "We
+shall see who will obtain the victory."
+
+"We shall," replied Garnet, smiling confidently.
+
+"Hear me further," continued Viviana; "I do not doubt that your zeal is
+disinterested; yet still, your mode of life, and the difficulties in
+which you are placed, may not unnaturally influence your conduct. That
+this may no longer be the case, I here place part of my fortune at your
+disposal. I require little or nothing myself. But I would, if possible,
+save one to whom I owe so much, and whom I value so much, from
+destruction."
+
+"I fully appreciate your generosity--to give it its lightest
+term--Viviana," returned Guy Fawkes, in a voice of deep emotion. "Under
+any circumstances I should reject it,--under the present, I do so the
+more positively, because the offer, kind as it is, seems to imply that
+my poverty leads me to act contrary to my principles. Gold has no power
+over me: I regard it as dross; and when I could easily have won it, I
+neglected the opportunity. As no reward would ever induce me to commit
+an action my conscience disapproved, so none will deter me from a
+purpose which I regard as my duty."
+
+"Enough," replied Viviana, sadly. "I will no longer question your
+motives, or oppose your plan, but will pray Heaven to open your eyes to
+the truth."
+
+"Your conduct is in all respects worthy of you, daughter," observed
+Garnet, kindly.
+
+"You have rejected one offer," continued Viviana, looking at Fawkes;
+"but I trust you will not decline that I am about to propose to you."
+
+"What is it?" asked Fawkes, in some surprise.
+
+"It is that I may be permitted to regard you as a father," replied
+Viviana, with some hesitation. "Having lost my own father, I feel I need
+some protector, and I would gladly make choice of you, if you will
+accept the office."
+
+"I willingly accede to your request, and am much flattered by it,
+Viviana," replied Fawkes. "I am a homeless man, and a friendless, and
+the affection of such a being as yourself will fill up the only void in
+my heart. But I am wedded to the great cause. I can never be more to you
+than a father."
+
+"Nay, I ask nothing more," she replied, blushing deeply.
+
+"Having thus arranged the terms upon which we shall travel," observed
+Garnet, with a smile, "nothing is needed but to prepare for our journey.
+We start early to-morrow morning."
+
+"I shall be ready at daybreak," replied Viviana.
+
+"And I am ready now," added Guy Fawkes. "In my opinion, we run great
+risk in remaining here another night. But be it as you will."
+
+At this moment they were interrupted by the entrance of Father Oldcorne,
+who with a countenance of great alarm informed them he could nowhere
+find Martin Heydocke.
+
+"Do you suspect any treachery on his part?" asked Garnet of Viviana.
+
+"I have always found him trustworthy," she answered; "and his father was
+_my_ father's oldest servant. I cannot think he would betray us. At the
+same time, I must admit his disappearance at this juncture looks
+suspicious."
+
+"If my strength were equal to it," returned Guy Fawkes, "I would keep
+watch throughout the night; but that might prevent me from accompanying
+you to-morrow. My advice, I repeat, is--to set out at once."
+
+This opinion, however, was overruled by Garnet and Viviana, who did not
+think the danger so urgent, and attributed the absence of Martin
+Heydocke to some unimportant cause. Guy Fawkes made no further
+remonstrance, and it was agreed they should start, as originally
+proposed, at daybreak.
+
+The party then separated, and Viviana wandered alone over the old house,
+taking a farewell, which she felt would be her last, of every familiar
+object. Few things were as she had known them, but even in their present
+forlorn state they were dear to her; and the rooms she trod, though
+dismantled, were the same she had occupied in childhood.
+
+There is no pang more acute to a sensitive nature than that occasioned
+by quitting an abode or spot endeared by early recollections and
+associations, to which we feel a strong presentiment we shall never
+return. Viviana experienced this feeling in its full force, and she
+lingered in each room as if she had not the power to leave it. Her
+emotions at length became so overpowering, that to relieve them she
+strolled forth into the garden. Here, new objects awakened her
+attention, and recalled happier times with painful distinctness.
+Twilight was fast deepening, and, viewed through this dim and softened
+medium, everything looked as of old, and produced a tightening and
+stifling sensation in her breast, that nothing but a flood of tears
+could remove.
+
+The flowers yielded forth their richest scents, and the whole scene was
+such as she had often beheld it in times long ago, when sorrow was
+wholly unknown to her. Perfumes, it is well known, exercise a singular
+influence over the memory. A particular odour will frequently call up an
+event and a long train of circumstances connected with the time when it
+was first inhaled. Without being aware whence it arose, Viviana felt a
+tide of recollections pressing upon her, which she would have willingly
+repressed, but which it was out of her power to control. Her tears
+flowed abundantly, and at length, with a heart somewhat lightened of its
+load, she arose from the bench on which she had thrown herself, and
+proceeded along a walk to gather a few flowers as memorials of the
+place.
+
+In this way, she reached the further end of the garden, and was stooping
+to pluck a spray of some fragrant shrub, when she perceived the figure
+of a man behind a tree at a little distance from her. From his garb,
+which was that of a soldier, she instantly knew he was an enemy, and,
+though greatly alarmed, she had the courage not to scream, but breaking
+off the branch, she uttered a careless exclamation, and slowly retraced
+her steps. She half expected to hear that the soldier was following her,
+and prepared to start off at full speed to the house; but, deceived by
+her manner, he did not stir. On reaching the end of the walk, she could
+not resist the inclination to look back, and glancing over her shoulder,
+perceived the man watching her. But as she moved, he instantly withdrew
+his head.
+
+Her first step on reaching the house was to close and fasten the door;
+her next to hasten to Guy Fawkes's chamber, where she found him,
+together with Garnet and Oldcorne. All three were astounded at the
+intelligence, agreeing that an attack was intended, and that a large
+force was, in all probability, concealed in the garden awaiting only the
+arrival of night to surprise and seize them. The disappearance of the
+younger Heydocke was no longer a mystery. He had been secured and
+carried off by the hostile party, to prevent him from giving the alarm.
+The emergency was a fearful one, and it excited consternation amongst
+all except Guy Fawkes, who preserved his calmness.
+
+"I foresaw we should be attacked to-night," he said, "and I am therefore
+not wholly unprepared. Our only chance is to steal out unobserved; for
+resistance would be in vain, as their force is probably numerous, and I
+am as helpless as an infant, while Father Garnet's broken arm precludes
+any assistance from him. The subterranean passage leading from the
+oratory to the further side of the moat having been stopped up by the
+pursuivant and his band, it will be necessary to cross the drawbridge,
+and as soon as it grows sufficiently dark, we must make the attempt. We
+have no horses, and must trust to our own exertions for safety. Catesby
+would now be invaluable. It is not his custom to desert his friends at
+the season of their greatest need."
+
+"Great as is my danger," observed Viviana, "I would rather, so far as I
+am concerned, that he were absent, than owe my preservation to him. I
+have no fears for myself."
+
+"And my only fears are for you," rejoined Fawkes.
+
+Half an hour of intense anxiety was now passed by the party. Garnet was
+restless and uneasy. Oldcorne betrayed his agitation by unavailing
+lamentations, by listening to every sound, and by constantly rushing to
+the windows to reconnoitre, until he was checked by Fawkes, who
+represented to him the folly of his conduct. Viviana, though ill at
+ease, did not allow her terror to appear, but endeavoured to imitate the
+immoveable demeanour of Guy Fawkes, who always became more collected in
+proportion to the danger by which he was threatened.
+
+At the expiration of the time above mentioned, it had become quite dark,
+and desiring his companions to follow him, Guy Fawkes drew his sword,
+and, grasping Viviana's hand, led the way down stairs. Before opening
+the door, he listened intently, and, hearing no sound, issued cautiously
+forth. The party had scarcely gained the centre of the court, when a
+caliver was discharged at them, which, though it did no damage, served
+as a signal to the rest of their foes. Guy Fawkes, who had never
+relinquished his hold of Viviana, now pressed forward as rapidly as his
+strength would permit, and the two priests followed. But loud shouts
+were raised on the drawbridge, and it was evident it was occupied by the
+enemy.
+
+Uncertain what to do, Guy Fawkes halted, and was about to return to the
+house, when a shout from behind told him their retreat was intercepted.
+In this dilemma there was nothing for it but to attempt to force a
+passage across the drawbridge, or to surrender at discretion; and though
+Guy Fawkes would not at other seasons have hesitated to embrace the
+former alternative, he knew that his strength was not equal to it now.
+
+While he was internally resolving not to yield himself with life, and
+supporting Viviana, who clung closely to him, the clatter of hoofs was
+heard rapidly approaching along the avenue, and presently afterwards two
+horsemen galloped at full speed toward the drawbridge. The noise had
+likewise attracted the attention of the enemy; who, apprehensive of a
+rescue, prepared to stop them. But the tremendous pace of the riders
+rendered this impossible. A few blows were exchanged, a few shots fired,
+and they had crossed the drawbridge.
+
+"Who goes there?" shouted Guy Fawkes, as the horsemen approached him.
+
+"It is the voice of Guy Fawkes," cried the foremost, whose tones
+proclaimed it was Catesby. "They are here," he cried, reining in his
+steed.
+
+"Where is Viviana?" vociferated his companion, who was no other than
+Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"Here--here," replied Guy Fawkes.
+
+With the quickness of thought, the young merchant was by her side, and
+in another moment she was placed on the saddle before him, and borne at
+a headlong pace across the drawbridge.
+
+"Follow me," cried Catesby. "I will clear a passage for you. Once across
+the drawbridge, you are safe. A hundred yards down the avenue, on the
+right, you will find a couple of horses tied to a tree. Quick! quick!"
+
+As he spoke, a shot whizzed past his head, and a tumultuous din in the
+rear told that their pursuers were close upon them. Striking spurs into
+his steed, Catesby dashed forward, and dealing blows right and left,
+cleared the drawbridge of its occupants, many of whom leaped into the
+moat to escape his fury. His companions were close at his heels, and got
+over the bridge in safety.
+
+"Fly!--fly!" cried Catesby,--"to the horses--the horses! I will check
+all pursuit."
+
+So saying, and while the others flew towards the avenue, he faced his
+opponents, and making a desperate charge upon them, drove them
+backwards. In this conflict, though several shots were fired, and blows
+aimed at him on all sides, he sustained no injury, but succeeded in
+defending the bridge sufficiently long to enable his friends to mount.
+
+He then rode off at full speed, and found the party waiting for him at
+the end of the avenue. Father Oldcorne was seated on the same steed as
+his superior. After riding with them upwards of a mile, Humphrey Chetham
+dismounted, and resigning his horse to Viviana, bade her farewell, and
+disappeared.
+
+"And now to London!" cried Catesby, striking into a road on the right,
+and urging his steed to a rapid pace.
+
+"Ay, to London!--to the Parliament House!" echoed Fawkes, following him
+with the others.
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST BOOK.
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes and Catesby landing the Powder._]
+
+
+
+
+Book the Second.
+
+THE DISCOVERY.
+
+      The next point to be considered is the means to compass and work
+      these designs. These means were most cruel and damnable;--by
+      mining, and by thirty-six barrels of powder, having crows of iron,
+      stones, and wood, laid upon the barrels, to have made the breach
+      the greater. Lord! what a wind, what a fire, what a motion and
+      commotion of earth and air would there have been!--_Sir Edward
+      Coke's Speech on the Trial of the Conspirators in the Gunpowder
+      Plot._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE LANDING OF THE POWDER.
+
+
+Towards the close of the sixth day after their departure from Ordsall
+Hall, the party approached the capital. The sun was setting as they
+descended Highgate Hill, and the view of the ancient, and then most
+picturesque city, was so enchanting, that Viviana, who beheld it for the
+first time, entreated her companions to pause for a few minutes to allow
+her to contemplate it. From the spot where they halted, the country was
+completely open to Clerkenwell, and only a few scattered habitations lay
+between them and the old grey ramparts of the city, with their gates and
+fortifications, which were easily discernible even at that distance.
+Above them rose the massive body and central tower of Saint Paul's
+cathedral,--a structure far surpassing that which has succeeded
+it,--while amid the innumerable gables, pointed roofs, and twisted
+chimneys of the houses sprang a multitude of lesser towers and spires,
+lending additional beauty to the scene. Viviana was enraptured, and,
+while gazing on the prospect, almost forgot her sorrows. Guy Fawkes and
+Catesby, who were a little in advance of the others, turned their gaze
+westward, and the former observed to his companion,
+
+"The sun is setting over the Parliament House. The sky seems stained
+with blood. It looks portentous of what is to follow."
+
+"I would gladly behold the explosion from this hill, or from yon
+heights," replied Catesby, pointing towards Hampstead. "It will be a
+sight such as man has seldom seen."
+
+"I shall never live to witness it!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, in a
+melancholy tone.
+
+"What! still desponding?" returned Catesby, reproachfully. "I thought,
+since you had fully recovered from your wound, you had shaken off your
+fears."
+
+"You misunderstand me," replied Fawkes. "I mean that I shall perish with
+our foes."
+
+"Why so?" cried Catesby. "There will be plenty of time to escape after
+you have fired the train."
+
+"I shall not attempt it," rejoined Fawkes, in a sombre voice. "I will
+abide the result in the vault. If I perish, it will be a glorious
+death."
+
+"Better live to see the regeneration of our faith, and our restoration
+to our rights," rejoined Catesby. "But we will speak of this hereafter.
+Here comes Garnet."
+
+"Where do you propose we should lodge to-night?" asked the latter,
+riding up.
+
+"At the house at Lambeth, where the powder is deposited," returned
+Catesby.
+
+"Will it be safe?" asked Garnet, uneasily.
+
+"We shall be safer there than elsewhere, father," replied Catesby. "If
+it is dark enough to-night, Fawkes and I will remove a portion of the
+powder. But we are losing time. We must pass through the city before the
+gates are closed."
+
+In this suggestion Garnet acquiesced, and calling to Viviana to follow
+them,--for, since his late atrocious attempt, Catesby had not exchanged
+a word or look with her, but during the whole of the journey kept
+sedulously aloof,--the whole party set forward, and proceeding at a
+brisk pace, soon reached the walls of the city. Passing through
+Cripplegate, they shaped their course towards London Bridge. Viviana was
+filled with astonishment at all she saw: the multitude and magnificence
+of the shops, compared with such as she had previously seen; the crowds
+in the streets,--for even at that hour they were thronged; the varied
+dresses of the passengers--the sober garb of the merchant, contrasting
+with the showy cloak, the preposterous ruff, swelling hose, plumed cap,
+and swaggering gait of the gallant or the ruffler; the brawls that were
+constantly occurring; the number of signs projecting from the dwellings;
+all she witnessed or heard surprised and amused her, and she would
+willingly have proceeded at a slower pace to indulge her curiosity, had
+not her companions urged her onward.
+
+As they were crossing Eastcheap, in the direction of Crooked-lane, a man
+suddenly quitted the footpath, and, rushing towards Garnet, seized his
+bridle, and cried,
+
+"I arrest you. You are a Romish priest."
+
+"It is false, knave," returned Garnet. "I am as good a Protestant as
+thyself, and am just arrived with my companions from a long journey."
+
+"Your companions are all rank Papists," rejoined the stranger. "You
+yourself are Father Garnet, superior of the Jesuits, and, if I am not
+deceived, the person next you is Father Oldcorne, also of that order. If
+I am wrong you can easily refute the charge. Come with me to the
+council. If you refuse, I will call assistance from the passengers."
+
+Garnet saw he was lost if he did not make an immediate effort at
+self-preservation, and resolving to be beforehand with his assailant, he
+shouted at the top of his voice,
+
+"Help! help! my masters. This villain would rob me of my purse."
+
+"He is a Romish priest," vociferated the stranger. "I call upon you to
+assist me to arrest him."
+
+While the passengers, scarcely knowing what to make of these
+contradictory statements, flocked round them, Guy Fawkes, who was a
+little in advance of Catesby, rode back, and seeing how matters stood,
+instantly drew a petronel, and with the butt-end felled the stranger to
+the ground. Thus liberated, Garnet struck spurs into his steed, and the
+whole party dashed off at a rapid pace. Shouts were raised by the
+bystanders, a few of whom started in pursuit, but the speed at which the
+fugitives rode soon bore them out of danger.
+
+By this time they had reached London Bridge, and Viviana, in some degree
+recovered from the fright caused by the recent occurrence, ventured to
+look around her. She could scarcely believe she was crossing a bridge,
+so completely did the tall houses give it the appearance of a street;
+and, if it had not been for occasional glimpses of the river caught
+between the openings of these lofty habitations, she would have thought
+her companions had mistaken the road. As they approached the ancient
+gateway (afterwards denominated Traitor's Tower), at the Southwark side
+of the bridge, she remarked with a shudder the dismal array of heads
+garnishing its spikes, and pointing them out to Fawkes, cried,
+
+"Heaven grant yours may never be amongst the number!"
+
+Fawkes made no answer, but dashed beneath the low and gloomy arch of the
+gate.
+
+Striking into a street on the right, the party skirted the walls of
+Saint Saviour's Church, and presently drew near the Globe theatre, above
+which floated its banner. Adjoining it was the old Bear-garden--the
+savage inmates of which made themselves sufficiently audible. Garnet
+hastily pointed out the first-mentioned place of amusement to Viviana as
+they passed it, and her reading having made her well acquainted with the
+noble dramas produced at that unpretending establishment--little better
+than a barn in comparison with a modern playhouse,--she regarded it with
+deep interest. Another theatre--the Swan--speedily claimed her
+attention; and, leaving it behind, they came upon the open country.
+
+It was now growing rapidly dark, and Catesby, turning off into a narrow
+lane on the right, shouted to his companions to keep near him. The tract
+of land they were traversing was flat and marshy. The air was damp and
+unwholesome--for the swamp had not been drained as in later times,--and
+the misty exhalations arising from it added to the obscurity. Catesby,
+however, did not relax his pace, and his companions imitated his
+example. Another turn on the right seemed to bring them still nearer the
+river, and involved them in a thicker fog.
+
+All at once Catesby stopped, and cried,
+
+"We should be near the house. And yet this fog perplexes me. Stay here
+while I search for it."
+
+"If you leave us, we shall not readily meet again," rejoined Fawkes.
+
+But the caution was unheeded, Catesby having already disappeared. A few
+moments afterwards, Fawkes heard the sound of a horse's hoofs
+approaching him; and, thinking it was Catesby, he hailed the rider.
+
+The horseman made no answer, but continued to advance towards them.
+
+Just then the voice of Catesby was heard at a little distance, shouting,
+"I was right. It is here."
+
+The party then hastened in the direction of the cry, and perceived
+through the gloom a low building, before the door of which Catesby, who
+had dismounted, was standing.
+
+"A stranger is amongst us," observed Fawkes, in an under tone, as he
+rode up.
+
+"Where is he?" demanded Catesby, hastily.
+
+"Here," replied a voice. "But, fear nothing. I am a friend."
+
+"I must have stronger assurance than that," replied Catesby. "Who are
+you?"
+
+"Robert Keyes," replied the other, "Do you not know my voice?"
+
+"In good truth I did not," rejoined Catesby; "and you have spoken just
+in time. Your arrival is most opportune. But what brings you here
+to-night?"
+
+"The same errand as yourself, I conclude, Catesby," replied Keyes. "I
+came here to see that all was in safety. But, who have you with you?"
+
+"Let us enter the house, and you shall learn," replied Catesby.
+
+With this, he tapped thrice at the door in a peculiar manner, and
+presently a light was seen through the windows, and a voice from within
+demanded who knocked.
+
+"Your master," replied Catesby.
+
+Upon this, the door was instantly unbarred. After a hasty greeting
+between Catesby and his servant, whom he addressed as Thomas Bates, the
+former inquired whether aught had occurred during his absence, and was
+answered that, except an occasional visit from Mr. Percy, one of the
+conspirators, no one had been near the house; everything being in
+precisely the same state he had left it.
+
+"That is well," replied Catesby. "Now, then, to dispose of the horses."
+
+All the party having dismounted, their steeds were led to a stable at
+the back of the premises by Catesby and Bates, while the others entered
+the house. It was a small, mean-looking habitation, standing at a short
+distance from the river-side, on the skirts of Lambeth Marsh, and its
+secluded situation and miserable appearance seldom induced any one to
+visit it. On one side was a deep muddy sluice communicating with the
+river. Within, it possessed but slight accommodation, and only numbered
+four apartments. One of the best of these was assigned to Viviana, and
+she retired to it as soon as it could be prepared for her reception.
+Garnet, who still carried his arm in a sling, but who was in other
+respects almost recovered from his accident, tendered every assistance
+in his power, and would have remained with her, but she entreated to be
+left alone. On descending to the lower room, he found Catesby, who,
+having left Bates in care of the horses, produced such refreshments as
+they had brought with them. These were scanty enough; but a few flasks
+of excellent wine which they found within the house made some amends for
+the meagre repast. Viviana was solicited by Guy Fawkes to join them; but
+she declined, alleging that she was greatly fatigued, and about to
+retire to rest.
+
+Their meal ended, Catesby proposed that they should ascertain the
+condition of the powder, as he feared it might have suffered from being
+so long in the vault. Before making this examination, the door was
+carefully barred; the shutters of the windows closed; and Guy Fawkes
+placed himself as sentinel at the door. A flag beneath the grate, in
+which a fire was never kindled, was then raised, and disclosed a flight
+of steps leading to a vault beneath. Catesby having placed a light in a
+lantern, descended with Keyes; but both Garnet and Oldcorne refused to
+accompany them.
+
+The vault was arched and lofty, and, strange to say, for its situation,
+dry--a circumstance owing, in all probability, to the great thickness of
+the walls. On either side were ranged twenty barrels filled with powder;
+and at the further end stood a pile of arms, consisting of pikes,
+rapiers, demi-lances, petronels, calivers, corslets, and morions.
+Removing one of the barrels from its station, Catesby forced open the
+lid, and examined its contents, which he found perfectly dry and
+uninjured.
+
+"It is fit for use," he observed, with a significant smile, as he
+exhibited a handful of the powder to Keyes, who stood at a little
+distance with the lantern; "if it will keep as well in the cellar
+beneath the Parliament House, our foes will soon be nearer heaven, than
+they would ever be if left to themselves."
+
+"When do you propose to transport it across the river?" asked Keyes.
+
+"To-night," replied Catesby. "It is dark and foggy, and fitting for the
+purpose. Bates!" he shouted; and at the call his servant instantly
+descended. "Is the wherry at her moorings?"
+
+"She is, your worship," replied Bates.
+
+"You must cross the river instantly, then," rejoined Catesby, "and
+proceed to the dwelling adjoining the Parliament House, which we hired
+from Ferris. Here is the key. Examine the premises,--and bring word
+whether all is secure."
+
+Bates was about to depart, when Keyes volunteering to accompany him,
+they left the house together. Having fastened down the lid of the cask,
+Catesby summoned Fawkes to his assistance, and by his help as many
+barrels as could be safely stowed in the boat were brought out of the
+vault. More than two hours elapsed before Bates returned. He was alone,
+and informed them that all was secure, but that Keyes had decided on
+remaining where he was,--it being so dark and foggy, that it was
+scarcely possible to cross the river.
+
+"I had some difficulty in landing," he added, "and got considerably out
+of my course. I never was out on so dark a night before."
+
+"It is the better for us," rejoined Catesby. "We shall be sure to escape
+observation."
+
+In this opinion Guy Fawkes concurred, and they proceeded to transport
+the powder to the boat, which was brought up the sluice within a few
+yards of the door. This done, and the barrels covered with a piece of
+tarpaulin, they embarked, and Fawkes, seizing an oar, propelled the
+skiff along the narrow creek.
+
+As Bates had stated, the fog was so dense that it was wholly impossible
+to steer correctly, and Fawkes was therefore obliged to trust to chance
+as to the course he took. However, having fully regained his strength,
+he rowed with great swiftness, and, as far as he could judge, had gained
+the mid-stream, when, before he could avoid it, he came in violent
+contact with another boat, oversetting it, and plunging its occupants in
+the stream.
+
+Disregarding the hints and even menaces of Catesby, who urged him to
+proceed, Fawkes immediately lay upon his oars, and, as the water was
+perfectly smooth, succeeded, without much difficulty, in extricating the
+two men from their perilous situation. Their boat having drifted down
+the stream, could not be recovered. The chief of these personages was
+profuse in his thanks to his deliverers, whom he supposed were watermen,
+and they took care not to undeceive him.
+
+"You may rely upon my gratitude," he said; "and when I tell you I am the
+Earl of Salisbury, you will be satisfied I have the means of evincing
+it."
+
+"The Earl of Salisbury!" exclaimed Catesby, who was seated by Fawkes,
+having taken one of the oars. "Is it possible?"
+
+"I have been on secret state business," replied the Earl, "and did not
+choose to employ my own barge. I was returning to Whitehall, when your
+boat struck against mine."
+
+"It is our bitterest enemy," observed Catesby, in an under tone, to
+Fawkes. "Fate has delivered him into our hands."
+
+"What are you about to do?" demanded Fawkes, observing that his
+companion no longer pulled at the oar.
+
+"Shoot him," replied Catesby. "Keep still, while I disengage my
+petronel."
+
+"It shall not be," returned Fawkes, laying a firm grasp upon his arm.
+"Let him perish with the others."
+
+"If we suffer him to escape now, we may never have such a chance again,"
+rejoined Catesby. "I will shoot him."
+
+"I say you shall not," rejoined Fawkes. "His hour is not yet come."
+
+"What are you talking about, my masters?" demanded the Earl, who was
+shivering in his wet garments.
+
+"Nothing," replied Catesby, hastily. "I will throw him overboard," he
+whispered to Fawkes.
+
+"Again I say, you shall not," replied the latter.
+
+"I see what you are afraid of," cried the Earl. "You are smugglers. You
+have got some casks of distilled waters on board, and are afraid I may
+report you. Fear nothing. Land me near the palace, and count upon my
+gratitude."
+
+"Our course lies in a different direction," replied Catesby, sternly.
+"If your lordship lands at all, it must be where we choose."
+
+"But I have to see the King to-night. I have some important papers to
+deliver to him respecting the Papists," replied Salisbury.
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby. "We must, at least, have those papers," he
+observed, in a whisper, to Fawkes.
+
+"That is a different affair," replied Fawkes. "They may prove
+serviceable to us."
+
+"My lord," observed Catesby, "by a strange chance you have fallen into
+the hands of Catholics. You will be pleased to deliver these papers to
+us."
+
+"Ah! villains, would you rob me?" cried the Earl. "You shall take my
+life sooner."
+
+"We will take both, if you resist," replied Catesby, in a menacing tone.
+
+"Nay, then," returned Salisbury, attempting to draw his sword, "we will
+see who will obtain the mastery. We are equally matched. Come on; I fear
+you not."
+
+But the waterman who had rowed the Earl was not of equal courage with
+his employer, and refused to take part in the conflict.
+
+"It will be useless to contend with us," cried Catesby, relinquishing
+the oar to Fawkes, and springing forward. "I must have those papers,"
+he added, seizing the Earl by the throat, "or I will throw you
+overboard."
+
+"I am mistaken in you," returned Salisbury; "you are no common mariner."
+
+"It matters not who or what I am," rejoined Catesby, fiercely. "Your
+papers, or you die."
+
+Finding it in vain to contend with his opponent, the Earl was fain to
+yield, and reluctantly produced a packet from his doublet, and delivered
+it to him.
+
+"You will repent this outrage, villain," he said.
+
+"Your lordship will do well to recollect you are still in my power,"
+rejoined Catesby. "One thrust of my sword will wipe off some of the
+injuries you have inflicted on our suffering party."
+
+"I have heard your voice before," cried Salisbury; "you shall not escape
+me."
+
+"Your imprudence has destroyed you," retorted Catesby, clutching the
+Earl's throat more tightly, and shortening his sword, with the intent to
+plunge it into his breast.
+
+"Hold!" exclaimed Fawkes, grasping his arm, and preventing the blow. "I
+have already said you shall not slay him. You are in possession of his
+papers. What more would you have?"
+
+"His life," replied Catesby, struggling to liberate his arm.
+
+"Let him swear not to betray us," rejoined Fawkes. "If he refuses, I
+will not stay your hand."
+
+"You hear what my companion says, my lord," cried Catesby. "Will you
+swear to keep silence as to what has just occurred?"
+
+After a moment's hesitation, Salisbury assented, and Catesby
+relinquished his grasp.
+
+During this time, the boat had drifted considerably down the stream,
+and, in spite of the darkness, Catesby noticed with some uneasiness that
+they were approaching more than one vessel. The Earl of Salisbury also
+perceived this, and raised a cry for help, but was instantly checked by
+Catesby, who took a seat beside him, and placing the point of his rapier
+at his breast, swore he would stab him if he made any further clamour.
+
+The threat, and the dangerous propinquity of his enemy, effectually
+silenced the Earl, and Catesby directed Fawkes to make for the shore as
+quickly as he could. His injunctions were obeyed, and Fawkes plied the
+oars with so much good-will, that in a few minutes the wherry struck
+against the steps, which projected far into the water, a little to the
+right of the Star Chamber, precisely on the spot where Westminster
+Bridge now stands.
+
+Here the Earl and his companion were allowed to disembark, and they had
+no sooner set foot on land than Guy Fawkes pushed off the boat, and
+rowed as swiftly as he could towards the centre of the stream. He then
+demanded of Catesby whether he should make for the Parliament House, or
+return.
+
+"I scarcely know what to advise," replied Catesby. "I do not think the
+Earl will attempt pursuit. And yet I know not. The papers we have
+obtained may be important. Cease rowing for a moment, and let us
+listen."
+
+Guy Fawkes complied, and they listened intently, but could only hear the
+rippling of the current against the sides of the skiff.
+
+"We have nothing to fear," observed Catesby. "He will not pursue us, or
+he cannot find a boat."
+
+As he spoke, the glimmer of torches was visible on the shore, and the
+plunge of oars into the water convinced him his opinion was erroneous.
+
+"What course shall we take?" inquired Fawkes.
+
+"I care not," replied Catesby, sullenly. "If I had had my own way, this
+would not have happened."
+
+"Have no fears," replied Fawkes, rowing swiftly down the stream. "We
+shall easily escape."
+
+"We will not be taken alive," returned Catesby, seating himself on one
+of the barrels, and hammering against the lid with the butt-end of his
+petronel. "I will sooner blow us all to perdition than he shall capture
+us."
+
+"You are right," replied Fawkes. "By my patron, Saint James, he is
+taking the same course as ourselves."
+
+"Well, let him board us," replied Catesby. "I am ready for him."
+
+"Do as you think proper if the worst occurs," returned Fawkes. "But, if
+we make no noise, I am assured we shall not be perceived."
+
+With this he ceased rowing, and suffered the boat to drop down the
+stream. As ill-luck would have it, it seemed as if the hostile bark had
+struck completely into their track, and, aided by the current, and four
+sturdy rowers, was swiftly approaching.
+
+"The Earl will be upon us in a few minutes," replied Catesby. "If you
+have any prayers to offer, recite them quickly, for I swear I will be as
+good as my word."
+
+"I am ever prepared for death," replied Fawkes. "Ha! we are saved!"
+
+This last exclamation was occasioned by his remarking a large barge,
+towards which they were rapidly drifting.
+
+"What are you about to do?" cried Catesby.--"Leap on board, and abandon
+the skiff, together with its contents?"
+
+"No," replied Fawkes; "sit still, and leave the rest to me."
+
+By this time, they had approached the barge, which was lying at anchor,
+and Guy Fawkes, grasping at a boat-hook, fixed it in the vessel as they
+passed, and drew their own boat close to its side--so close, in fact,
+that it could not be distinguished from it.
+
+The next moment, the chase came up, and they distinctly perceived the
+Earl of Salisbury seated in the stern of the boat, holding a torch. As
+he approached the barge, he held the light towards it; but the skiff
+being on the off-side, entirely escaped notice. When the chase had got
+to a sufficient distance to be out of hearing, the fugitives rowed
+swiftly in the contrary direction.
+
+Not judging it prudent to land, they continued to ply the oars, until
+fatigue compelled them to desist, and they had placed some miles between
+them and their pursuers.
+
+"Long before this, the Earl must have given up the chase," observed
+Catesby. "We must return before daybreak, and either land our powder
+near the Parliament House, or take it back to the vault at Lambeth."
+
+"We shall run equal risk either way," replied Fawkes, "and, having
+ventured thus far, we may as well go through with it. I am for landing
+at Westminster."
+
+"And I," rejoined Catesby. "I do not like giving up a project when I
+have once undertaken it."
+
+"You speak my sentiments exactly," returned Fawkes. "Westminster be it."
+
+After remaining stationary for about an hour, they rowed back again,
+and, aided by the stream, in a short time reached their destination. The
+fog had in a great degree cleared off, and day began to break as they
+approached the stairs leading to the Parliament House. Though this was
+not what they desired, inasmuch as the light added to the risk they
+would have run in landing the powder, it enabled them to ascertain that
+no one was on the watch.
+
+Running swiftly in towards a sort of wharf, protected by a roofed
+building, Catesby leapt ashore, and tied the skiff to a ring in the
+steps. He then desired Fawkes to hand out the powder as quickly as he
+could. The order was promptly obeyed, and in a few minutes several
+barrels were on the strand.
+
+"Had you not better fetch Keyes to help us, while I get out the rest?"
+observed Fawkes.
+
+Catesby assented, and hurrying to the house, found Keyes, who was in
+great alarm about them. He instantly accompanied the other to the wharf,
+and by their united efforts the powder was expeditiously and safely
+removed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE TRAITOR.
+
+
+The habitation, to which the powder was conveyed, adjoined, as has
+already been stated, the Parliament House, and stood at the south-west
+corner of that structure. It was a small building, two stories high,
+with a little garden attached to it, surrounded by lofty walls, and
+belonged to Whinneard, the keeper of the royal wardrobe, by whom it was
+let to a person named Ferris. From the latter it was hired by Thomas
+Percy, one of the conspirators, and a relative of the Earl of
+Northumberland,--of whom it will be necessary to speak more fully
+hereafter,--for the purpose to which it was now put.
+
+Having bestowed the barrels of powder carefully in the cellar, and
+fastened the door of the house and the garden-gate after them, the trio
+returned to the boat, and rowed back to Lambeth, where they arrived
+without being noticed. They then threw themselves upon the floor, and
+sought some repose after their fatigue.
+
+It was late in the day before they awoke. Garnet and Oldcorne had been
+long astir; but Viviana had not quitted her chamber. Catesby's first
+object was to examine the packet he had obtained from the Earl of
+Salisbury, and withdrawing to a corner, he read over the papers one by
+one carefully.
+
+Guy Fawkes watched his countenance as he perused them, but he asked no
+questions. Many of the documents appeared to have little interest, for
+Catesby tossed them aside with an exclamation of disappointment. At
+length, however, a small note dropped from the bundle. Catesby picked it
+up, opened it, and his whole expression changed. His brow grew
+contracted; and, springing to his feet, he uttered an ejaculation of
+rage, crying, "It is as I suspected. We have traitors among us."
+
+"Whom do you suspect?" cried Fawkes.
+
+"Tresham!" cried Catesby, in a voice of thunder,--"the fawning, wily,
+lying Tresham. Fool that I was to league him with us."
+
+"He is your own kinsman," observed Garnet.
+
+"He is," replied Catesby; "but were he my own brother he should die.
+Here is a letter from him to Lord Mounteagle, which has found its way to
+the Earl of Salisbury, hinting that a plot is hatching against the
+state, and offering to give him full information of it."
+
+"Traitor! false, perjured traitor!" cried Fawkes. "He must die."
+
+"He shall fall by my hand," rejoined Catesby. "Stay! a plan occurs to
+me. He cannot be aware that this letter is in my possession. I will send
+Bates to bid him come hither. We will then charge him with his
+criminality, and put him to death."
+
+"He deserves severe punishment, no doubt," replied Garnet; "but I am
+unwilling you should proceed to the last extremities with him."
+
+"There is no alternative, father," replied Catesby. "Our safety demands
+his destruction."
+
+Garnet returned no answer, but bowed his head sorrowfully upon his
+breast. Bates was then despatched to Tresham; and preparations were made
+by the three lay conspirators for executing their fell design.
+
+It was agreed, that on his arrival, Tresham should be seized and
+disarmed, and after being interrogated by Catesby touching the extent of
+his treachery, should be stabbed by Guy Fawkes. This being resolved
+upon, it became a question how they should act in the interim. It was
+possible that, after the loss of his papers, some communication might
+take place between the Earl of Salisbury and Lord Mounteagle, and
+through the latter with Tresham. Thus prepared, on the arrival of Bates,
+Tresham, seeing through their design, instead of accompanying him, might
+give information of their retreat to the officers. The contingency was
+by no means improbable; and it was urged so strongly by Garnet, that
+Catesby began to regret his precipitancy in sending the message. Still,
+his choler was so greatly roused against Tresham, that he resolved to
+gratify his vengeance at any risk.
+
+"If he betrays us, and brings the officers here, we shall know how to
+act," he remarked to Fawkes. "There is that below which will avenge us
+on them all."
+
+"True," replied Fawkes. "But I trust we shall not be obliged to resort
+to it."
+
+Soon after this, Bates returned with a message from Tresham, stating
+that he would be at the rendezvous at nightfall, and that he had
+important disclosures to make to them. He desired them, moreover, to
+observe the utmost caution, and not to stir abroad.
+
+"He may, perhaps, be able to offer an explanation of his conduct,"
+observed Keyes.
+
+"Impossible," returned Catesby. "But he shall not die without a
+hearing."
+
+"That is all I desire," returned Keyes.
+
+While the others were debating upon the interrogations they should put
+to Tresham, and further examining the Earl of Salisbury's papers, Garnet
+repaired to Viviana's chamber, and informed her what was about to take
+place. She was filled with consternation, and entreated to be allowed to
+see Guy Fawkes for a few moments alone. Moved by her supplications,
+Garnet complied, and presently afterwards Fawkes entered the room.
+
+"You have sent for me, Viviana," he said. "What would you?"
+
+"I have just heard you are about to put one of your companions to
+death," she replied. "It must not be."
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe," returned Fawkes, "by your own desire you have mixed
+yourself up with my fortunes. I will not now discuss the prudence of the
+step you have taken. But I deem it necessary to tell you, once for all,
+that any attempts to turn me from the line of conduct I have marked out
+to myself will fail. Tresham has betrayed us, and he must pay the
+penalty of his treason."
+
+"But not with his life," replied Viviana. "Do you not now perceive into
+what enormities this fatal enterprise will lead you? It is not one crime
+alone that you are about to commit, but many. You constitute yourselves
+judges of your companion, and without allowing him to defend himself,
+take his life. Disguise it as you may, it is assassination--cold-blooded
+assassination."
+
+"His life is justly forfeited," replied Guy Fawkes, sternly. "When he
+took the oath of secrecy and fidelity to our league, he well knew what
+the consequences would be if he violated it. He has done so. He has
+compromised our safety. Nay, he has sold us to our enemies, and nothing
+shall save him."
+
+"If this is so," replied Viviana, "how much better would it be to employ
+the time now left in providing for your safety, than in contriving means
+of vengeance upon one, who will be sufficiently punished for his
+baseness by his own conscience. Even if you destroy him, you will not
+add to your own security, while you will commit a foul and needless
+crime, equal, if not exceeding in atrocity that you seek to punish."
+
+"Viviana," replied Fawkes, in an angry tone, "in an evil hour, I
+consented to your accompanying me. I now repent my acquiescence. But,
+having passed my word, I cannot retract. You waste time, and exhaust my
+patience and your own by these unavailing supplications. When I embarked
+in this enterprise, I embraced all its dangers, all its crimes if you
+will, and I shall not shrink from them. The extent of Tresham's
+treachery is not yet known to us. There may be--and God grant
+it!--extenuating circumstances in his conduct that may save his life.
+But, as the case stands at present, his offence appears of that dye that
+nothing can wash it out but his blood."
+
+And he turned to depart.
+
+"When do you expect this wretched man?" asked Viviana, arresting him.
+
+"At nightfall," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Oh! that there were any means of warning him of his danger!" she cried.
+
+"There are none," rejoined Fawkes, fiercely,--"none that you can adopt.
+And I must lay my injunctions upon you not to quit your chamber."
+
+So saying, he retired.
+
+Left alone, Viviana became a prey to the most agonizing reflections.
+Despite the strong, and almost unaccountable interest she felt in Guy
+Fawkes, she began to repent the step she had taken in joining him, as
+calculated to make her a party to his criminal conduct. But this
+feeling was transient, and was succeeded by a firmer determination to
+pursue the good work she had undertaken.
+
+"Though slight success has hitherto attended my efforts," she thought,
+"that is no reason why I should relax them. The time is arrived when I
+may exert a beneficial influence over him; and it may be, that what
+occurs to-night will prove the first step towards complete triumph. In
+any case, nothing shall be wanting to prevent the commission of the
+meditated atrocity."
+
+With this, she knelt down and prayed long and fervently, and arose
+confirmed and strengthened in her resolution.
+
+Meanwhile, no alteration had taken place in the purposes of the
+conspirators. Night came, but with it came not Tresham. Catesby, who, up
+to this time had managed to restrain his impatience, now arose, and
+signified his intention of going in search of him, and was with
+difficulty prevented from carrying his threat into execution by Guy
+Fawkes, who represented the folly and risk of such a course.
+
+"If he comes not before midnight, we shall know what to think, and how
+to act," he observed; "but till then let us remain tranquil."
+
+Keyes and the others adding their persuasions to those of Fawkes,
+Catesby sat sullenly down, and a profound silence ensued. In this way,
+some hours were passed, when just at the stroke of midnight, Viviana
+descended from her room, and appeared amongst them. Her countenance was
+deathly pale, and she looked anxiously around the assemblage. All,
+however, with the exception of Fawkes, avoided her gaze.
+
+"Is he come?" she exclaimed at length. "I have listened intently, but
+have heard nothing. You cannot have murdered him. And yet your looks
+alarm me. Father Garnet, answer me,--is the deed done?"
+
+"No, my daughter," replied Garnet, sternly.
+
+"Then he has escaped!" she cried, joyfully. "You expected him at
+nightfall."
+
+"It is not yet too late," replied Fawkes, in a sombre tone; "his death
+is only deferred."
+
+"Oh! do not say so," she cried, in a voice of agony. "I hoped you had
+relented."
+
+At this moment a peculiar knock was heard at the door. It was thrice
+repeated, and the strokes vibrated, though with different effect,
+through every bosom.
+
+"He is here," cried Catesby, rising.
+
+"Viviana, go to your chamber," commanded Guy Fawkes, grasping her hand,
+and leading her towards the stairs.
+
+But she resisted his efforts, and fell on her knees.
+
+"I will not go," she cried, in a supplicating tone, "unless you will
+spare this man's life."
+
+"I have already told you my fixed determination," rejoined Fawkes,
+fiercely. "If you will not retire of your own free will, I must force
+you."
+
+"If you attempt it, I will scream, and alarm your victim," she replied.
+"Mr. Catesby," she added, "have my prayers, my entreaties, no weight
+with you? Will you not grant me his life?"
+
+"No!" replied Catesby, fiercely. "She must be silenced," he added, with
+a significant look at Fawkes.
+
+"She shall," replied the latter, drawing his poniard. "Viviana!" he
+continued, in a voice, and with a look that left no doubt as to his
+intentions, "do not compel me to be your destroyer."
+
+As he spoke, the knocking was repeated, and Viviana uttered a prolonged
+and piercing cry. Guy Fawkes raised his weapon, and was about to strike,
+but his resolution failed him, and his arm dropped nerveless to his
+side.
+
+"Your better angel has conquered!" she cried, clasping his knees.
+
+While this was passing, the door was thrown open by Catesby, and Tresham
+entered the room.
+
+"What means this outcry?" he asked, looking round in alarm. "Ah! what do
+I see? Viviana Radcliffe here! Did she utter the scream?"
+
+"She did," replied Viviana, rising, "and she hoped to warn you by it.
+But you were led on by your fate."
+
+"Warn me from what?" ejaculated Tresham, starting. "I am among friends."
+
+"You are among those who have resolved upon your death," replied
+Viviana.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Tresham, making an effort to gain the door, and draw his
+sword.
+
+In both attempts, however, he was foiled, for Catesby intercepted him,
+while Fawkes and Keyes flung themselves upon him, and binding his arms
+together with a sword-belt, forced him into a chair.
+
+"Of what am I accused?" he demanded, in a voice tremulous with rage and
+terror.
+
+"You shall learn presently," replied Catesby. And he motioned to Fawkes
+to remove Viviana.
+
+"Let me remain," she cried, fiercely. "My nature is changed, and is
+become as savage as your own. If blood must be spilt, I will tarry to
+look upon it."
+
+"This is no place for you, dear daughter," interposed Garnet.
+
+"Nor for you either, father," retorted Viviana, bitterly; "unless you
+will act as a minister of Christ, and prevent this violence."
+
+"Let her remain, if she will," observed Catesby. "Her presence need not
+hinder our proceedings."
+
+So saying, he seated himself opposite Tresham, while the two priests
+placed themselves on either side. Guy Fawkes took up a position on the
+left of the prisoner, with his drawn dagger in his hand, and Keyes
+stationed himself near the door. The unfortunate captive regarded them
+with terrified glances, and trembled in every limb.
+
+"Thomas Tresham," commenced Catesby, in a stern voice, "you are a sworn
+brother in our plot. Before I proceed further, I will ask you what
+should be his punishment who violates his oath, and betrays his
+confederates? We await your answer?"
+
+But Tresham remained obstinately silent.
+
+"I will tell you, since you refuse to speak," continued Catesby. "It is
+death--death by the hands of his associates."
+
+"It may be," replied Tresham; "but I have neither broken my oath, nor
+betrayed you."
+
+"Your letter to Lord Mounteagle is in my possession," replied Catesby.
+"Behold it!"
+
+"Perdition!" exclaimed Tresham. "But you will not slay me? I have
+betrayed nothing. I have revealed nothing. On my soul's salvation, I
+have not! Spare me! spare me! and I will be a faithful friend in future.
+I have been indiscreet--I own it--but nothing more. I have mentioned no
+names. And Lord Mounteagle, as you well know, is as zealous a Catholic
+as any now present."
+
+"Your letter has been sent to the Earl of Salisbury," pursued Catesby,
+coldly. "It was from him I obtained it."
+
+"Then Lord Mounteagle has betrayed me," returned Tresham, becoming pale
+as death.
+
+"Have you nothing further to allege?" demanded Catesby. As Tresham made
+no answer, he turned to the others, and said, "Is it your judgment he
+should die?"
+
+All, except Viviana, answered in the affirmative.
+
+"Tresham," continued Catesby, solemnly, "prepare to meet your fate like
+a man. And do you, father," he added to Garnet, "proceed to shrive him."
+
+"Hold!" cried Viviana, stepping into the midst of them,--"hold!" she
+exclaimed, in a voice so authoritative, and with a look so commanding,
+that the whole assemblage were awe-stricken. "If you think to commit
+this crime with impunity, you are mistaken. I swear by everything
+sacred, if you take this man's life, I will go forth instantly, and
+denounce you all to the Council. You may stare, sirs, and threaten me,
+but you shall find I will keep my word."
+
+"We must put her to death too," observed Catesby, in an under tone to
+Fawkes, "or we shall have a worse enemy left than Tresham."
+
+"I cannot consent to it," replied Fawkes.
+
+"If you mistrust this person, why not place him in restraint?" pursued
+Viviana. "You will not mend matters by killing him."
+
+"She says well," observed Garnet; "let us put him in some place of
+security."
+
+"I am agreed," replied Fawkes.
+
+"And I," added Keyes.
+
+"My judgment, then, is overruled," rejoined Catesby. "But I will not
+oppose you. We will imprison him in the vault beneath this chamber."
+
+"He must be without light," said Garnet.
+
+"And without arms," added Keyes.
+
+"And without food," muttered Catesby. "He has only exchanged one death
+for another."
+
+The flag was then raised, and Tresham thrust into the vault, after which
+it was restored to its former position.
+
+"I have saved you from the lesser crime," cried Viviana to Guy Fawkes;
+"and, with Heaven's grace, I trust to preserve you from the greater!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE ESCAPE PREVENTED.
+
+
+Viviana having retired to her chamber, apparently to rest, a long and
+anxious consultation was held by the conspirators as to the next steps
+to be pursued. Garnet was of opinion that, as the Earl of Salisbury was
+aware of a conspiracy against the state being on foot among the
+Catholics, their project ought to be deferred, if not altogether
+abandoned.
+
+"We are sure to be discovered," he said. "Arrests without end will take
+place. And such rigorous measures will be adopted by the Earl, such
+inquiries instituted, that all will infallibly be brought to light.
+Besides, we know not what Tresham may have revealed. He denies having
+betrayed our secret, but no credit can be attached to his assertions."
+
+"Shall we examine him again, father," cried Catesby, "and wring the
+truth from him by threats or torture?"
+
+"No, my son," replied Garnet; "let him remain where he is till morning.
+A night of solitary confinement, added to the stings of his own guilty
+conscience, is likely to produce a stronger effect upon him than any
+torments we could inflict. He shall be interrogated strictly to-morrow,
+and, I will answer for it, will make a full confession. But even if he
+has revealed nothing material, there exists another and equally serious
+ground of alarm. I allude to your meeting with the Earl on the river. I
+should be the last to counsel bloodshed. But if ever it could be
+justified, it might have been so in this case."
+
+"I would have slain him if I had had my own way," returned Catesby, with
+a fierce and reproachful look at Fawkes.
+
+"If I have done wrong, I will speedily repair my error," observed the
+latter. "Do you desire his death, father? and will you absolve me from
+the deed?" he added, turning to Garnet.
+
+"It is better as it is," replied Garnet, making a gesture in the
+negative. "I would not have our high and holy purpose stained by common
+slaughter. The power that delivered him into your hands, and stayed
+them, no doubt preserved him for the general sacrifice. My first fear
+was lest, having noticed the barrels of powder within the boat, he might
+have suspected your design. But I am satisfied his eyes were blinded,
+and his reason benighted, so that he could discern nothing."
+
+"Such was my own opinion, father," replied Fawkes. "Let us observe the
+utmost caution, but proceed at all hazards with the enterprise. If we
+delay, we fail."
+
+"Right," returned Catesby; "and for that counsel I forgive you for
+standing between me and our enemy."
+
+Upon this, it was agreed that if nothing occurred in the interim, more
+powder should be transported to the habitation in Westminster on the
+following night,--that Fawkes and Catesby, who might be recognised by
+Salisbury's description, should keep close house during the day,--and
+that the rest of the conspirators should be summoned to assist in
+digging the mine. Prayers were then offered up by the two priests for
+their preservation from peril, and for success in their enterprise;
+after which, they threw themselves on benches or seats, and courted
+slumber. All slept soundly except Fawkes, who, not being able to close
+his eyes, from an undefinable apprehension of danger, arose, and
+cautiously opening the door, kept watch outside.
+
+Shortly afterwards, Viviana, who had waited till all was quiet, softly
+descended the stairs, and, shading her light, gazed timorously round.
+Satisfied she was not observed, she glided swiftly and noiselessly to
+the fire-place, and endeavoured to raise the flag. But it resisted all
+her efforts, and she was about to abandon the attempt in despair, when
+she perceived a bolt on one side, that had escaped her notice. Hastily
+withdrawing it, she experienced no further difficulty. The stone
+revolved on hinges like a trap-door, and lifting it, she hurried down
+the steps.
+
+Alarmed by her approach, Tresham had retreated to the further end of the
+vault, and snatching up a halbert from the pile of weapons, cried, in a
+voice of desperation--
+
+"Stand off! I am armed, and have severed my bonds. Off, I say! You shall
+not take me with life."
+
+"Hush!" cried Viviana, putting her finger to her lips, "I am come to set
+you free."
+
+"Do I behold an inhabitant of this world?" cried Tresham, crossing
+himself, and dropping the halbert, "or some blessed saint? Ah!" he
+exclaimed, as she advanced towards him, "it is Viviana Radcliffe--my
+preserver. Pardon, sweet lady. My eyes were dazzled by the light, and
+your sudden appearance and speech,--and I might almost say looks,--made
+me think you were some supernatural being come to deliver me from these
+bloody-minded men. Where are they?"
+
+"In the room above," she replied, in a whisper,--"asleep,--and if you
+speak so loud you will arouse them."
+
+"Let us fly without a moment's delay," returned Tresham, in the same
+tone, and hastily picking up a rapier and a dagger.
+
+"Stay!" cried Viviana, arresting him. "Before you go, you must tell me
+what you are about to do."
+
+"We will talk of that when we are out of this accursed place," he
+replied.
+
+"You shall not stir a footstep," she rejoined, placing herself
+resolutely between him and the outlet, "till you have sworn neither to
+betray your confederates, nor to do them injury."
+
+"May Heaven requite me, if I forgive them!" cried Tresham between his
+ground teeth.
+
+"Remember!--you are yet in their power," she rejoined. "One word from
+me, and they are at your side. Swear!--and swear solemnly, or you do not
+quit this spot."
+
+Tresham gazed at her fiercely, and griped his dagger, as if determined
+to free himself at any cost.
+
+"Ah!" she ejaculated, noticing the movement, "you are indeed a traitor.
+You have neither sense of honour nor gratitude, and I leave you to your
+fate. Attempt to follow me, and I give the alarm."
+
+"Forgive me, Viviana," he cried, abjectly prostrating himself at her
+feet, and clinging to the hem of her dress. "I meant only to terrify
+you; I would not injure you for worlds. Do not leave me with these
+ruthless cut-throats. They will assuredly murder me. Do not remain with
+them yourself, or you will come to some dreadful end. Fly with me, and I
+will place you beyond their reach--will watch over your safety. Or, if
+you are resolved to brave their fury, let me go, and I will take any
+oath you propose. As I hope for salvation I will not betray them."
+
+"Peace!" cried Viviana, contemptuously. "If I set you free, it is not to
+save you, but them."
+
+"What mean you?" asked Tresham, hesitating.
+
+"Question me not, but follow," she rejoined, "and tread softly, as you
+value your life."
+
+Tresham needed no caution on this head, and as they emerged from the
+trap-door in breathless silence, and he beheld the figures of his
+sleeping foes, he could scarcely muster sufficient courage to pass
+through them. Motioning him to proceed quickly, Viviana moved towards
+the door, and to her surprise found it unfastened. Without pausing to
+consider whence this neglect could arise, she opened it, and Tresham,
+who trembled in every limb, and walked upon the points of his feet,
+stepped forth. As he crossed the threshold, however, a powerful grasp
+was laid upon his shoulder, and a drawn sword presented to his breast,
+while the voice of Fawkes thundered in his ear, "Who goes there? Speak,
+or I strike."
+
+While the fugitive, not daring to answer, lest his accents should betray
+him, endeavoured vainly to break away, Viviana, hearing the struggle,
+threw open the door, and exclaimed, "It is Tresham. I set him free."
+
+"You!" cried Fawkes, in astonishment. "Wherefore?"
+
+"In the hope that his escape would induce you to abandon your design,
+and seek safety in flight," she rejoined. "But you have thwarted my
+purpose."
+
+Fawkes made no reply, but thrust Tresham forcibly into the house, and
+called to Catesby, who by this time had been roused with the others, to
+close and bar the door. The command was instantly obeyed, and as Catesby
+turned, a strange and fearful group met his view. In the midst stood
+Tresham, his haggard features and palsied frame bespeaking the extremity
+of his terror. His sword having been beaten from his grasp by Fawkes,
+and his dagger wrested from him by Keyes, he was utterly defenceless.
+Viviana had placed herself between him and his assailants, and screening
+him from their attack, cried--
+
+"Despatch me. The fault is mine--mine only--and I am ready to pay the
+penalty. Had I not released him, he would not have attempted to escape.
+I am the rightful victim."
+
+"She speaks the truth," gasped Tresham. "If she had not offered to
+liberate me, I should never have thought of flying. Would to Heaven I
+had never yielded to her solicitations!"
+
+"Peace, craven hound!" exclaimed Fawkes, furiously; "you deserve to die
+for your meanness and ingratitude, if not for your treachery. And it is
+for this miserable wretch, Viviana," he added, turning to her, "that you
+would have placed your friends in such fearful jeopardy,--it is for him,
+who would sacrifice you without scruple to save himself, that you now
+offer your own life?"
+
+"I deserve your reproaches," she rejoined, in confusion.
+
+"Had I not fortunately intercepted him," pursued Fawkes, "an hour would
+not have elapsed ere he would have returned with the officers; and we
+should have changed this dwelling for a dungeon in the Tower,--these
+benches for the rack."
+
+"In pity stab me!" cried Viviana, falling at his feet. "But oh! do not
+wound me with your words. I have committed a grievous wrong; but I was
+ignorant of the consequences; and, as I hope for mercy hereafter, my
+sole motive, beyond compassion for this wretched man, was to terrify you
+into relinquishing your dreadful project."
+
+"You have acted wrongfully,--very wrongfully, Viviana," interposed
+Garnet: "but since you are fully convinced of your error, no more need
+be said. There are seasons when the heart must be closed against
+compassion, and when mercy becomes injustice. Go to your chamber, and
+leave us to deal with this unhappy man."
+
+"To-morrow you must quit us," observed Fawkes, as she passed him.
+
+"Quit you!" she exclaimed. "I will never offend again."
+
+"I will not trust you," replied Fawkes, "unless--but it is useless to
+impose restrictions upon you, which you will not--perhaps, cannot
+observe."
+
+"Impose any restrictions you please," replied Viviana. "But do not bid
+me leave you."
+
+"The time is come when we _must_ separate," rejoined Fawkes. "See you
+not that the course we are taking is slippery with blood, and beset with
+perils which the firmest of your sex could not encounter?"
+
+"I will encounter them nevertheless," replied Viviana. "Be merciful,"
+she added, pointing to Tresham, "and mercy shall be shown you in your
+hour of need." And she slowly withdrew.
+
+While this was passing, Catesby addressed a few words aside to Keyes and
+Oldcorne, and now stepping forward, and fixing his eye steadily upon the
+prisoner, to note the effect of his speech upon him, said--
+
+"I have devised a plan by which the full extent of Tresham's treachery
+can be ascertained."
+
+"You do not mean to torture him, I trust?" exclaimed Garnet, uneasily.
+
+"No, father," replied Catesby. "If torture is inflicted at all, it will
+be upon the mind, not the body."
+
+"Then it will be no torture," observed Garnet. "State your plan, my
+son."
+
+"It is this," returned Catesby. "He shall write a letter to Lord
+Mounteagle, stating that he has important revelations to make to him,
+and entreating him to come hither unattended."
+
+"Here!" exclaimed Fawkes.
+
+"Here," repeated Catesby; "and alone. We will conceal ourselves in such
+manner that we may overhear what passes between them, and if any attempt
+is made by the villain to betray our presence, he shall be immediately
+shot. By this means we cannot fail to elicit the truth."
+
+"I approve your plan, my son," replied Garnet; "but who will convey the
+letter to Lord Mounteagle?"
+
+"I will," replied Fawkes. "Let it be prepared at once, and the case will
+be thought the more urgent. I will watch him, and see that he comes
+unattended, or give you timely warning."
+
+"Enough," rejoined Garnet. "Let writing materials be procured, and I
+will dictate the letter."
+
+Tresham, meanwhile, exhibited no misgiving; but, on the contrary, his
+countenance brightened up as the plan was approved.
+
+"My life will be spared if you find I have not deceived you, will it
+not?" he asked, in a supplicating voice.
+
+"Assuredly," replied Garnet.
+
+"Give me pen and ink, then," he cried, "and I will write whatever you
+desire."
+
+"Our secret is safe," whispered Catesby to Garnet. "It is useless to
+test him further."
+
+"I think so," replied Garnet. "Would we had made this experiment
+sooner!"
+
+"Do not delay, I entreat you," implored Tresham. "I am eager to prove my
+innocence."
+
+"We are satisfied with the proof we have already obtained," returned
+Garnet.
+
+Tresham dropped on his knees in speechless gratitude.
+
+"We are spared the necessity of being your executioners, my son,"
+pursued Garnet, "and I rejoice at it. But I cannot acquit you of the
+design to betray us; and till you have unburthened your whole soul to
+me, and proved by severe and self-inflicted penance that you are really
+penitent, you must remain a captive within these walls."
+
+"I will disguise nothing from you, father," replied Tresham, "and will
+strive to expiate my offence by the severest penance you choose to
+inflict."
+
+"Do this, my son," rejoined Garnet; "leave no doubt of your sincerity,
+and you may be yet restored to the place you have forfeited, and become
+a sharer in our great enterprise."
+
+"I will never trust him more," observed Fawkes.
+
+"Nor I," added Keyes.
+
+"_I_ will," rejoined Catesby: "not that I have more faith in him than
+either of you; but I will so watch him that he shall not dare to betray
+us. Nay, more," he added, in an under tone, to Garnet, "I will turn his
+treachery to account. He will be a useful spy upon our enemies."
+
+"If he can be relied on," observed Garnet.
+
+"After this, you need have no fears," rejoined Catesby, with a
+significant smile.
+
+"The first part of your penance, my son," said Garnet, addressing
+Tresham, "shall be to pass the night in solitary vigil and prayer within
+the vault. Number your transgressions, and reflect upon their enormity.
+Consider not only the injury your conduct might have done us, but the
+holy church of which you are so sinful a member. Weigh over all this,
+and to-morrow I will hear your confession; when, if I find you in a
+state of grace, absolution shall not be refused."
+
+Tresham humbly bowed his head in token of acquiescence. He was then led
+to the vault, and the flag closed over him, as before. This done, after
+a brief conversation, the others again stretched themselves on the
+floor, and sought repose.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE MINE.
+
+
+Some days elapsed before the conspirators ventured forth from their
+present abode. They had intended to remove the rest of the powder
+without loss of time, but were induced to defer their purpose on the
+representations of Tresham, who stated to Garnet, that in his opinion
+they would run a great and needless risk. Before the expiration of a
+week, Tresham's apparent remorse for his perfidy, added to his seeming
+zeal, had so far reinstated him in the confidence of his associates,
+that he was fully absolved of his offence by Garnet; and, after taking
+fresh oaths of even greater solemnity than the former, was again
+admitted to the league. Catesby, however, who placed little faith in his
+protestations, never lost sight of him for an instant, and, even if he
+meditated an escape, he had no opportunity of effecting it.
+
+A coldness, stronger on his side than hers, seemed to have arisen
+between Viviana and Guy Fawkes. Whenever she descended to the lower
+room, he withdrew on some excuse; and though he never urged her
+departure by words, his looks plainly bespoke that he desired it. Upon
+one occasion, she found him alone,--the others being at the time within
+the vault. He was whetting the point of his dagger, and did not hear her
+approach, until she stood beside him. He was slightly confused, and a
+deep ruddy stain flushed his swarthy cheeks and brow; but he averted his
+gaze, and continued his occupation in silence.
+
+"Why do you shun me?" asked Viviana, laying her hand gently upon his
+shoulder. And, as he did not answer, she repeated the question in a
+broken voice. Guy Fawkes then looked up, and perceived that her eyes
+were filled with tears.
+
+"I shun you, Viviana, for two reasons," he replied gravely, but kindly;
+"first, because I would have no ties of sympathy to make me cling to the
+world, or care for it; and I feel that if I suffer myself to be
+interested about you, this will not long be the case: secondly, and
+chiefly, because you are constantly striving to turn me from my fixed
+purpose; and, though your efforts have been, and will be unavailing, yet
+I would not be exposed to them further."
+
+"You fear me, because you think I shall shake your resolution," she
+rejoined, with a forced smile. "But I will trouble you no more. Nay, if
+you wish it, I will go."
+
+"It were better," replied Fawkes, in accents of deep emotion, and taking
+her hand. "Painful as will be the parting with you, I shall feel more
+easy when it is over. It grieves me to the soul to see you--the daughter
+of the proud, the wealthy Sir William Radcliffe--an inmate of this
+wretched abode, surrounded by desperate men, whose actions you
+disapprove, and whose danger you are compelled to share. Think how it
+would add to my suffering if our plot--which Heaven avert--should be
+discovered, and you be involved in it."
+
+"Do not think of it," replied Viviana.
+
+"I cannot banish it from my thoughts," continued Fawkes. "I cannot
+reconcile it to my feelings that one so young, so beautiful, should be
+thus treated. Dwelling on this idea unmans me--unfits me for sterner
+duties. The great crisis is at hand, and I must live only for it."
+
+"Live for it, then," rejoined Viviana; "but, oh! let me remain with you
+till the blow is struck. Something tells me I may yet be useful to
+you--may save you."
+
+"No more of this, if you would indeed remain," rejoined Guy Fawkes,
+sternly. "Regard me as a sword in the hand of fate, which cannot be
+turned aside,--as a bolt launched from the cloud, and shattering all in
+its course, which may not be stopped,--as something terrible,
+exterminating, immovable. Regard me as this, and say whether I am not to
+be shunned."
+
+"No," replied Viviana; "I am as steadfast as yourself. I will remain."
+
+Guy Fawkes gazed at her in surprise mixed with admiration, and pressing
+her hand affectionately, said,
+
+"I applaud your resolution. If I had a daughter, I should wish her to be
+like you."
+
+"You promised to be a father to me," she rejoined. "How can you be so if
+I leave you?"
+
+"How _can_ I be so if you stay?" returned Fawkes, mournfully. "No, you
+must indulge no filial tenderness for one so utterly unable to requite
+it as myself. Fix your thoughts wholly on Heaven. Pray for the
+restoration of our holy religion--for the success of the great
+enterprise--and haply your prayers may prevail."
+
+"I cannot pray for that," she replied; "for I do not wish it success.
+But I will pray--and fervently--that all danger may be averted from your
+head."
+
+At this moment, Catesby and Keyes emerged from the vault, and Viviana
+hurried to her chamber.
+
+As soon as it grew dark, the remaining barrels of powder were brought
+out of the cellar, and carefully placed in the boat. Straw was then
+heaped upon them, and the whole covered with a piece of tarpaulin, as
+upon the former occasion. It being necessary to cross the river more
+than once, the conduct of the first and most hazardous passage was
+intrusted to Fawkes, and accompanied by Keyes and Bates, both of whom
+were well armed, he set out a little before midnight. It was a clear
+starlight night; but as the moon had not yet risen, they were under no
+apprehension of discovery. The few craft they encountered, bent
+probably on some suspicious errand like themselves, paid no attention to
+them; and plying their oars swiftly, they shot under the low parapet
+edging the gardens of the Parliament House, just as the deep bell of the
+Abbey tolled forth the hour of twelve. Keeping in the shade, they
+silently approached the stairs. No one was there, not even a waterman to
+attend to the numerous wherries moored to the steps; and, without losing
+a moment, they sprang ashore, and concealing the barrels beneath their
+cloaks, glided like phantoms summoned by the witching hour along the
+passage formed by two high walls, leading to Old Palace Yard, and
+speedily reached the gate of the habitation. In this way, and with the
+utmost rapidity, the whole of the fearful cargo was safely deposited in
+the garden; and leaving the others to carry it into the house, Guy
+Fawkes returned to the boat. As he was about to push off, two persons
+rushed to the stair-head, and the foremost, evidently mistaking him for
+a waterman, called to him to take them across the river.
+
+"I am no waterman, friend," replied Fawkes; "and am engaged on business
+of my own. Seek a wherry elsewhere."
+
+"By heaven!" exclaimed the new-comer, in accents of surprise, "it is Guy
+Fawkes. Do you not know me?"
+
+"Can it be Humphrey Chetham?" cried Fawkes, equally astonished.
+
+"It is," replied the other. "This meeting is most fortunate. I was in
+search of you, having somewhat of importance to communicate to Viviana."
+
+"State it quickly, then," returned Fawkes; "I cannot tarry here much
+longer."
+
+"I will go with you," rejoined Chetham, springing into the boat, and
+followed by his companion. "You must take me to her."
+
+"Impossible," cried Fawkes, rising angrily; "neither can I permit you to
+accompany me. I am busied about my own concerns, and will not be
+interrupted."
+
+"At least, tell me where I can find Viviana," persisted Chetham.
+
+"Not now--not now," rejoined Fawkes, impatiently. "Meet me to-morrow
+night, at this hour, in the Great Sanctuary, at the farther side of the
+Abbey, and you shall learn all you desire to know."
+
+"Why not now?" rejoined Chetham, earnestly. "You need not fear me. I am
+no spy, and will reveal nothing."
+
+"But your companion?" hesitated Fawkes.
+
+"It is only Martin Heydocke," answered Chetham. "He can keep a close
+tongue as well as his master."
+
+"Well, sit down, then," returned Fawkes, sullenly. "There will be less
+risk in taking them to Lambeth," he muttered, "than in loitering here."
+And rowing with great swiftness, he soon gained the centre of the
+stream.
+
+"And so," he observed, resting for a moment on his oars, "you still
+cherish your attachment to Viviana, I see. Nay, never start, man. I am
+no enemy to your suit, though others may be. And if she would place
+herself at my disposal, I would give her to you,--certain that it would
+be to one upon whom her affections are fixed."
+
+"Do you think any change likely to take place in her sentiments towards
+me?" faltered Chetham. "May I indulge a hope?"
+
+"I would not have you despair," replied Fawkes. "Because, as far as I
+have noticed, women are not apt to adhere to their resolutions in
+matters of the heart; and because, as I have just said, she loves you,
+and I see no reasonable bar to your union."
+
+"You give me new life," cried Chetham, transported with joy. "Oh! that
+you, who have so much influence with her, would speak in my behalf."
+
+"Nay, you must plead your own cause," replied Fawkes. "I cannot hold out
+much hope at present; for recent events have cast a deep gloom over her
+spirit, and she appears to be a prey to melancholy. Let this wear
+off,--and with one so young and so firm-minded it is sure to do so,--and
+then your suit may be renewed. Urge it when you may, you have my best
+wishes for success, and shall have my warmest efforts to second you."
+
+Humphrey Chetham murmured his thanks in accents almost unintelligible
+from emotion, and Guy Fawkes continued,
+
+"It would be dangerous for you to disembark with me; but when I put you
+ashore, I will point out the dwelling at present occupied by Viviana.
+You can visit it as early as you please to-morrow. You will find no one
+with her but Father Oldcorne, and I need scarcely add, it will gladden
+me to the heart to find on my return that she has yielded to your
+entreaties."
+
+"I cannot thank you," cried Chetham, warmly grasping his hand; "but I
+hope to find some means of evincing my gratitude."
+
+"Prove it by maintaining the strictest secresy as to all you may see or
+hear,--or even suspect,--within the dwelling you are about to visit,"
+returned Guy Fawkes. "Knowing that I am dealing with a man of honour, I
+require no stronger obligation than your word."
+
+"You have it," replied Chetham, solemnly.
+
+"Your worship shall have my oath, if you desire it," remarked Martin
+Heydocke.
+
+"No," rejoined Fawkes; "your master will answer for your fidelity."
+
+Shortly after this, Guy Fawkes pulled ashore, and his companions landed.
+After pointing out the solitary habitation, which possessed greater
+interest in Humphrey Chetham's eyes than the proud structures he had
+just quitted, and extracting a promise that the young merchant would not
+approach it till the morrow, he rowed off, and while the others
+proceeded to Lambeth in search of lodging for the night, made the best
+of his way to the little creek, and entered the house.
+
+He found the other conspirators anxiously awaiting his arrival, and the
+certainty afforded by his presence that the powder had been landed in
+safety gave general satisfaction. Preparations were immediately made for
+another voyage. A large supply of provisions, consisting of baked meat
+of various kinds, hard-boiled eggs, pasties, bread, and other viands,
+calculated to serve for a week's consumption, without the necessity of
+having recourse to any culinary process, and which had been previously
+procured with that view, together with a few flasks of wine, occupied
+the place in the boat lately assigned to the powder. At the risk of
+overloading the vessel, they likewise increased its burthen by a
+quantity of mining implements--spades, pickaxes, augers, and wrenching
+irons. To these were added as many swords, calivers, pikes, and
+petronels, as the space left would accommodate. Garnet and Catesby then
+embarked,--the former having taken an affectionate farewell of Viviana,
+whom he committed, with the strictest injunction to watch over her, to
+the care of Father Oldcorne. Guy Fawkes lingered for a moment, doubting
+whether he should mention his rencounter with Humphrey Chetham. He was
+the more undecided from the deep affliction in which she was plunged. At
+last, he determined upon slightly hinting at the subject, and to be
+guided as to what he said further by the manner in which the allusion
+was received.
+
+"And you decide upon remaining here till we return, Viviana?" he said.
+
+She made a sign in the affirmative.
+
+"And you will see no one?"
+
+"No one," she answered.
+
+"But, should any old friend find his way hither--Humphrey Chetham, for
+instance--will you not receive him?"
+
+"Why do you single out _him_?" demanded Viviana, inquiringly. "Is he in
+London? Have you seen him?"
+
+"I have," replied Guy Fawkes; "I accidentally met him to-night, and have
+shown him this dwelling. He will come hither to-morrow."
+
+"I wanted only this to make me thoroughly wretched," cried Viviana,
+clasping her hands with anguish. "Oh! what unhappy chance threw him
+across your path? Why did you tell him I was here? Why give him a hope
+that I would see him? But I will _not_ see him. I will quit this house
+rather than be exposed to the meeting."
+
+"What means this sudden excitement, Viviana?" cried Guy Fawkes, greatly
+surprised by her agitation. "Why should a visit from Humphrey Chetham
+occasion you uneasiness?"
+
+"I know not," she answered, blushing deeply; "but I will not hazard
+it."
+
+"I thought you superior to your sex," rejoined Fawkes, "and should never
+have suspected you of waywardness or caprice."
+
+"You charge me with failings that do not belong to me," she answered. "I
+am neither wayward nor capricious; but I would be willingly spared the
+pain of an interview with one whom I thought I loved."
+
+"Thought you loved!" echoed Fawkes, in increased astonishment.
+
+"Ay, _thought_," repeated Viviana, "for I have since examined my heart,
+and find he has no place in it."
+
+"You might be happy with him, Viviana," rejoined Fawkes, reproachfully.
+
+"I _might_ have been," she replied, "had circumstances favoured our
+union. But I should not be so now. Recent events have wrought an entire
+change in my feelings. Were I to abandon my resolution of retiring to a
+cloister,--were I to return to the world,--and were such an event
+possible as that Humphrey Chetham should conform to the faith of
+Rome,--still, I would not--could not wed him."
+
+"I grieve to hear it," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Would _you_ have me wed him?" she cried, in a slightly mortified tone.
+
+"In good sooth would I," replied Fawkes; "and I repeat my firm
+conviction you would be happier with him than with one more highly born,
+and of less real worth."
+
+Viviana made no reply, and her head declined upon her bosom.
+
+"You will see him," pursued Fawkes, taking her hand, "if only to tell
+him what you have just told me."
+
+"Since you desire it, I will," she replied, fixing a look of melancholy
+tenderness upon him; "but it will cost me a bitter pang."
+
+"I would not tax you with it, if I did not think it needful," returned
+Fawkes. "And now, farewell."
+
+"Farewell,--it may be, for ever," replied Viviana, sadly.
+
+"The boat is ready, and the tide ebbing," cried Catesby, impatiently, at
+the door. "We shall be aground if you tarry longer."
+
+"I come," replied Fawkes. And, waving an adieu to Viviana, he departed.
+
+"Strange!" he muttered to himself, as he took his way to the creek. "I
+could have sworn she was in love with Humphrey Chetham. Who can have
+superseded him in her regard? Not Catesby, of a surety. 'Tis a
+perplexing sex. The best are fickle. Heaven be praised! I have long been
+proof against their wiles."
+
+Thus musing, he sprang into the skiff, and assisting Catesby to push it
+into deep water, seized an oar, and exerted himself stoutly to make up
+for lost time. The second voyage was as prosperous as the first. A thick
+veil of cloud had curtained the stars; the steps were deserted as
+before; and the provisions, arms, and implements were securely conveyed
+to their destination.
+
+Thus far fortune seemed to favour their undertaking, and Garnet, falling
+on his knees, offered up the most fervent thanksgivings. Prayers over,
+they descended to the cellar, and their first care was to seek out a
+place as free from damp as possible, where the powder could be deposited
+till the excavation, which it was foreseen would be a work of time and
+great labour, was completed. A dry corner being found, the barrels were
+placed in it, and carefully concealed with billets of wood and coals, so
+as to avert suspicion in case of search. This, with other arrangements,
+occupied the greater part of the night, and the commencement of the
+important undertaking was deferred till the morrow, when an increase of
+their party was anticipated.
+
+Throughout the whole of the day no one stirred forth. The windows were
+kept closed; the doors locked; and, as no fires were lighted, the house
+had the appearance of being uninhabited. In the course of the morning
+they underwent considerable alarm. Some mischievous urchins having
+scaled the garden wall, one of them fell within it, and his cries so
+terrified his playmates that they dropped on the other side, and left
+him. The conspirators reconnoitred the unhappy urchin, who continued his
+vociferations in a loud key, through the holes in the shutters,
+uncertain what to do, and fearing that this trifling mischance might
+lead to serious consequences, when the subject of their uneasiness
+relieved them by scrambling up the wall near the door, and so effecting
+a retreat. With this exception, nothing material occurred till evening,
+when their expected associates arrived.
+
+The utmost caution was observed in admitting them. The new-comers were
+provided with a key of the garden-gate, but a signal was given and
+repeated before the house-door was opened by Bates, to whom the office
+of porter was intrusted. As soon as the latter had satisfied himself
+that all was right, by unmasking a dark lantern, and throwing its
+radiance upon the faces of the elder Wright, Rookwood, and Percy, he
+stamped his foot thrice, and the conspirators emerged from their
+hiding-places. A warm greeting passed between the confederates, and they
+adjourned to a lower chamber, adjoining the vault, where the sound of
+their voices could not be overheard, and where, while partaking of a
+frugal meal--for they desired to eke out their store of provisions as
+long as possible--they discoursed upon their plans, and all that had
+occurred since their last meeting. Nothing was said of the treachery of
+Tresham--his recent conduct, as already observed, having been such as to
+restore him in a great degree to the confidence of his companions.
+Percy, whose office as a gentleman-pensioner gave him the best
+opportunities of hearing court-whispers and secrets, informed them it
+was rumoured that the Earl of Salisbury had obtained a clue to some
+Catholic plot, whether their own he could not say; but it would seem
+from all that could be gathered, that his endeavours to trace it out had
+been frustrated.
+
+"Where is Lord Mounteagle?" demanded Catesby.
+
+"At his mansion near Hoxton," replied Percy.
+
+"Have you observed him much about the court of late, or with the Earl of
+Salisbury?" pursued Catesby.
+
+"No," replied Percy. "Yet now, I bethink me, I did observe them
+together, and in earnest conversation about a week ago. But Lord
+Mounteagle knows nothing of _our_ plot."
+
+"Hum!" exclaimed Catesby, shrugging his shoulders, while significant
+looks were exchanged by the others, and Tresham hung his head. "Lord
+Mounteagle may not know that you or I, or Fawkes, or Rookwood, are
+conspiring against the State; but he knows that a plot is hatching
+amongst our party. It is from him that the Earl of Salisbury derived his
+information."
+
+"Amazement!" exclaimed Percy.
+
+"A good Catholic, and betray his fellows!" cried Rookwood; "this passes
+my comprehension. Are you sure of it?"
+
+"Unhappily we are so, my son," replied Garnet, gravely.
+
+"We will speak of this hereafter," interposed Catesby. "I have a plan to
+get his lordship into our power, and make him serve our purposes in
+spite of himself. We will outwit the crafty Salisbury. Can any one tell
+if Tresham's sudden disappearance has been noticed."
+
+"His household report that he is on a visit to Sir Everard Digby, at
+Gothurst," replied Rookwood. "I called at his residence yesterday, and
+was informed that a letter had just been received from him dated from
+that place. His departure, they said, was sudden, but his letter fully
+accounted for it."
+
+"The messenger who bore that letter had only to travel from Lambeth,"
+observed Catesby, smiling.
+
+"So I conclude," returned Rookwood.
+
+"And, now that our meal is ended, let us to work," cried Fawkes, who had
+taken no part in the foregoing conversation. "I will strike the first
+blow," he added, rising and seizing a mattock.
+
+"Hold, my son!" exclaimed Garnet, arresting him. "The work upon which
+the redemption of our holy church hangs must be commenced with due
+solemnity."
+
+"You are right, father," replied Fawkes, humbly.
+
+Headed by Garnet, bearing a crucifix, they then repaired to the vault. A
+silver chalice, filled with holy water, was carried by Fawkes, and two
+lighted tapers by Catesby. Kneeling down before that part of the wall
+against which operations were about to be directed, and holding the
+crucifix towards it, Garnet commenced praying in a low but earnest tone,
+gradually raising his voice, and increasing in fervour as he proceeded.
+The others knelt around him, and the whole formed a strange and
+deeply-interesting group. The vault itself harmonized with its
+occupants. It was of great antiquity; and its solid stone masonry had
+acquired a time-worn hoary tint. In width it was about nine feet, and of
+corresponding height, supported by a semi-circular arch, and its length
+was more than twenty feet.
+
+The countenances of the conspirators showed that they were powerfully
+moved by what was passing; but next to Garnet, Guy Fawkes exhibited the
+greatest enthusiasm. His ecstatic looks and gestures evinced the strong
+effect produced upon his superstitious character by the scene. Garnet
+concluded his prayer as follows:--
+
+"Thus far, O Lord, we have toiled in darkness and in difficulty; but we
+have now arrived at a point where all thy support is needed. Do not
+desert us, we beseech thee, but let thy light guide us through these
+gloomy paths. Nerve our arms,--sharpen our weapons,--and crumble these
+hard and flinty stones, so that they may yield to our efforts. Aid our
+enterprise, if thou approvest it, and it be really, as in our ignorance
+we believe it to be, for the welfare of thy holy Church, and the
+confusion of its enemies. Bear witness, O Lord, that we devote ourselves
+wholly and entirely to this one end,--and that we implore success only
+for thy glory and honour."
+
+With this he arose, and the following strains were chanted by the whole
+assemblage:--
+
+              HYMN OF THE CONSPIRATORS.
+
+          The heretic and heathen, Lord,
+          Consume with fire, cut down with sword;
+          The spoilers from thy temples thrust,
+          Their altars trample in the dust.
+
+          False princes and false priests lay low,
+          Their habitations fill with woe.
+          Scatter them, Lord, with sword and flame,
+          And bring them utterly to shame.
+
+          Thy vengeful arm no longer stay,
+          Arise! exterminate, and slay.
+          So shall thy fallen worship be
+          Restored to its prosperity.
+
+This hymn raised the enthusiasm of the conspirators to the highest
+pitch, and such was the effect produced by it, as it rolled in sullen
+echoes along the arched roof of the vault, that several of them drew
+their swords, and crossed the blades, with looks of the most determined
+devotion to their cause. When it was ended, Garnet recited other
+prayers, and sprinkled holy water upon the wall, and upon every
+implement about to be used, bestowing a separate benediction on each.
+As he delivered the pick-axe to Guy Fawkes, he cried in a solemn voice--
+
+"Strike, my son, in the name of the Most High, and in behalf of our holy
+religion,--strike!"
+
+Guy Fawkes raised the weapon, and stimulated by excitement, threw the
+whole strength of his arm into the blow. A large piece of the granite
+was chipped off, but the mattock snapped in twain. Guy Fawkes looked
+deeply disconcerted, and Garnet, though he concealed his emotion, was
+filled with dismay.
+
+"Let me take your place," cried Keyes, advancing, as Guy Fawkes retired.
+
+Keyes was a powerful man, and exerting his energies, he buried the point
+of the pick-axe so deeply in the mortar, that he could not remove it
+unassisted. These untoward circumstances cast a slight damp upon their
+ardour; but Catesby, who perceived it, went more cautiously to work, and
+in a short time succeeded with great labour in getting out the large
+stone upon which the others had expended so much useless exertion. The
+sight restored their confidence, and as many as could work in the narrow
+space joined him. But they found that their task was much more arduous
+than they had anticipated. More than an hour elapsed before they could
+loosen another stone, and though they laboured with the utmost
+perseverance, relieving each other by turns, they had made but a small
+breach when morning arrived. The stones were as hard and unyielding as
+iron, and the mortar in some places harder than the stones.
+
+After a few hours' rest, they resumed their task. Still, they made but
+small progress; and it was not until the third day that they had
+excavated a hole sufficiently wide and deep to admit one man within it.
+They were now arrived at a compost of gravel and flint stones; and if
+they had found their previous task difficult, what they had now to
+encounter was infinitely more so. Their implements made little or no
+impression on this unyielding substance, and though they toiled
+incessantly, the work proceeded with disheartening slowness. The stones
+and rubbish were conveyed at dead of night in hampers into the garden,
+and buried.
+
+One night, when they were labouring as usual, Guy Fawkes, who was
+foremost in the excavation, thought he heard the tolling of a bell
+within the wall. He instantly suspended his task, and being convinced
+that he was not deceived, crept out of the hole, and made a sign to the
+others to listen. Each had heard the awful sound before; but as it was
+partially drowned by the noise of the pick-axe, it had not produced much
+impression upon them, as they attributed it to some vibration in the
+wall, caused by the echo of the blows. But it was now distinctly
+audible--deep, clear, slow,--like a passing bell,--but so solemn, so
+unearthly, that its tones froze the blood in their veins.
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes and the other Conspirators alarmed while
+digging the mine_]
+
+They listened for a while in speechless astonishment, scarcely daring to
+look at each other, and expecting each moment that the building would
+fall upon them, and bury them alive. The light of a single lantern
+placed upon an upturned basket fell upon figures rigid as statues, and
+countenances charged with awe.
+
+"My arm is paralysed," said Guy Fawkes, breaking silence; "I can work no
+more."
+
+"Try holy water, father," cried Catesby. "If it proceeds from aught of
+evil, that will quell it."
+
+The chalice containing the sacred lymph was brought, and pronouncing a
+solemn exorcism, Garnet sprinkled the wall.
+
+The sound immediately ceased.
+
+"It is as I thought, father," observed Catesby; "it is the delusion of
+an evil spirit."
+
+As he spoke, the tolling of the mysterious bell was again heard, and
+more solemnly,--more slowly than before.
+
+"Sprinkle the wall again, in Heaven's name, father," cried Fawkes,
+crossing himself devoutly. "Avoid thee, Sathanas!"
+
+Garnet complied, and throwing holy water upon the stones, the same
+result followed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CAPTURE OF VIVIANA.
+
+
+On the morning after his encounter with Guy Fawkes, Humphrey Chetham,
+accompanied by Martin Heydocke, took his way to Lambeth Marsh. With a
+throbbing heart he approached the miserable dwelling he knew to be
+inhabited by Viviana, and could scarcely summon courage to knock at the
+door. His first summons not being answered, he repeated it more loudly,
+and he then perceived the face of Father Oldcorne at the window, who,
+having satisfied himself that it was a friend, admitted him and his
+attendant.
+
+"You were expected, my son," said the priest, after a friendly greeting.
+"Guy Fawkes has prepared Viviana for your coming."
+
+"Will she not see me?" demanded the young merchant, uneasily.
+
+"I believe so," replied Oldcorne. "But I will apprise her of your
+arrival. Be seated, my son."
+
+He then carefully fastened the door, and repaired to Viviana's chamber,
+leaving Chetham in that state of tremor and anxiety which a lover,
+hoping to behold his mistress, only knows.
+
+It was some time before Viviana appeared, and the young merchant, whose
+heart beat violently at the sound of her footstep, was startled by the
+alteration in her looks, and the extreme coldness of her manner.
+Oldcorne was with her, and motioning Martin Heydocke to follow him, the
+youthful pair were left alone.
+
+"You desire to see me, I am given to understand, sir," observed Viviana,
+in a freezing tone.
+
+"I have journeyed to London for that express purpose," replied Humphrey
+Chetham, tremulously.
+
+"I am much beholden to you, sir," returned Viviana, in the same
+repelling tone as before; "but I regret you should have taken so much
+trouble on my account."
+
+"To serve you is happiness, not trouble, Viviana," replied Humphrey
+Chetham, ardently; "and I am overjoyed at finding an opportunity of
+proving my devotion."
+
+"I have yet to learn what service I must thank you for," she returned.
+
+"I can scarcely say that I am warranted in thus intruding upon you,"
+replied Chetham, greatly abashed; "but, having learnt from my servant,
+Martin Heydocke, that Doctor Dee had set out for London, with the view
+of seeking you out, and withdrawing you from your present associates, I
+was determined to be beforehand with him, and to acquaint you, if
+possible, with his intentions."
+
+"What you say surprises me," replied Viviana. "Doctor Dee has no right
+to interfere with my actions. Nor should I obey him were he to counsel
+me, as is scarcely probable, to quit my companions."
+
+"I know not what connexion there may be between you to justify the
+interposition of his authority," replied Chetham; "neither did I tarry
+to inquire. But presuming from what I heard, that he _would_ attempt to
+exercise some control over you, I set out at once, and, without guide to
+your retreat, or the slightest knowledge of it, was fortunate enough, on
+the very night of my arrival in London, to chance upon Guy Fawkes, who
+directed me to you."
+
+"I am aware of it," was the chilling answer.
+
+"I will not avouch," pursued Chetham, passionately, "that I have not
+been actuated as much by an irrepressible desire to see you again, as by
+anxiety to apprise you of Doctor Dee's coming. I wanted only a slight
+excuse to myself to induce me to yield to my inclinations. Your
+departure made me wretched. I thought I had more control over myself.
+But I find I cannot live without you."
+
+"Alas! alas!" cried Viviana, in a troubled tone, and losing all her
+self-command. "I expected this. Why--why did you come?"
+
+"I have told you my motive," replied Chetham; "but, oh! do not reproach
+me!"
+
+"I do not desire to do so," returned Viviana, with a look of agony. "I
+bitterly reproach myself that I cannot meet you as of old. But I would
+rather--far rather have encountered Doctor Dee, had he come hither
+resolved to exert all his magical power to force me away, than have met
+you."
+
+"Have I unwittingly offended you, Viviana?" asked Chetham, in
+astonishment.
+
+"Oh! no--no--no!" she replied, "you have not offended me; but----"
+
+"But what?" he cried, anxiously.
+
+"I would rather have died than see you," she answered.
+
+"I will not inquire wherefore," rejoined Chetham, "because I too well
+divine the cause. I am no longer what I was to you."
+
+"Press this matter no further, I pray of you," returned Viviana, in much
+confusion, and blushing deeply. "I shall ever esteem you,--ever feel the
+warmest gratitude to you. And what matters it whether my heart is
+estranged from you or not, since I can never wed you?"
+
+"What matters it?" repeated the young merchant, in accents of
+despair,--"it matters much. Drowning love will cling to straws. The
+thought that I was beloved by you, though I could never hope to possess
+your hand, reconciled me in some degree to my fate. But now," he added,
+covering his face with his hands,--"now, my heart is crushed."
+
+"Nay, say not so," cried Viviana, in a voice of the deepest emotion. "I
+_do_ love you,--as a sister."
+
+"That is small comfort," rejoined Chetham, bitterly. "I echo your own
+wish. Would we had never met again! I might, at least, have deluded
+myself into the belief that you loved me."
+
+"It would have been better so," she returned. "I would inflict pain on
+no one--far less on you, whom I regard so much, and to whom I owe so
+much."
+
+"You owe me nothing, Viviana," rejoined Chetham. "All I desired was to
+serve you. In the midst of the dangers we have shared together, I felt
+no alarm except for your sake. I have done nothing--nothing. Would I had
+died for you!"
+
+"Calm yourself, sir, I entreat you," she returned.
+
+"You did love me _once_?" demanded Chetham, suddenly.
+
+"I thought so," she answered.
+
+The young merchant uttered an exclamation of anguish, and a mournful
+pause ensued, broken only by his groans.
+
+"Answer me, Viviana," he said, turning abruptly upon her,--"answer me,
+and, in mercy, answer truly,--do you love another?"
+
+"It is a question I cannot answer," she replied, becoming ashy pale.
+
+"Your looks speak for you!" he vociferated, in a terrible tone,--"you
+do! His name?--his name?--that I may wreak my vengeance upon him."
+
+"Your violence terrifies me," returned Viviana, withdrawing the hand he
+had seized. "I must put an end to this interview."
+
+"Pardon me, Viviana!" cried Chetham, falling on his knees before
+her--"in pity pardon me! I am not myself. I shall be calmer presently.
+But if you knew the anguish of the wound you have inflicted, you would
+not add to it."
+
+"Heaven knows I would not!" she returned, motioning him to rise. "And,
+if it will lighten your suffering, know that the love I feel for
+another--if love, indeed, it be,--is as hopeless as your own. But it is
+not a love of which even _you_ could be jealous. It is a higher and a
+holier passion. It is affection mixed with admiration, and purified from
+all its grossness. It is more, perhaps, than the love of a daughter for
+her father--but it is nothing more. I shall never wed him I love--could
+not if I would. Nay, I would shun him, if I did not feel that the hour
+will soon come when the extent of my affection must be proved."
+
+"This is strange sophistry," returned Chetham; "and you may deceive
+yourself by it, but you cannot deceive me. You love as all ardent
+natures do love. But in what way do you mean to prove your affection?"
+
+"Perhaps, by the sacrifice of my life," she answered.
+
+"I can tell you who is the object of your affections!" said Chetham. "It
+is Guy Fawkes."
+
+"I will not deny it," replied Viviana; "he is."
+
+"Hear me, then," exclaimed Chetham, who appeared inexpressibly relieved
+by the discovery he had made; "in my passage across the river with him
+last night, our conversation turned on the one subject ever nearest my
+heart, yourself,--and Guy Fawkes not only bade me not despair, but
+promised to aid my suit."
+
+"And he kept his word," replied Viviana, "for, while announcing your
+proposed visit, he urged me strongly in your behalf."
+
+"Then he knows not of your love for him?" demanded Chetham.
+
+"He not only knows it not, but never shall know it from me,--nor must he
+know it from you, sir," rejoined Viviana, energetically.
+
+"Fear it not," said Chetham, sighing. "It is a secret I shall carefully
+preserve."
+
+"And now that you are in possession of it," she answered, "I no longer
+feel your presence as a restraint. Let me still regard you as a friend."
+
+"Be it so," replied Humphrey Chetham, mournfully; "and _as_ a friend let
+me entreat you to quit this place, and abandon your present associates.
+I will not seek to turn your heart from Fawkes--nor will I try to regain
+the love I have lost. But let me implore you to pause ere you
+irretrievably mix yourself up with the fortunes of one so desperate. I
+am too well aware that he is engaged in a fearful plot against the
+State,--though I know not its precise nature."
+
+"You will not betray him?" she cried.
+
+"I will not, though he is my rival," returned Chetham. "But others
+may--nay, perhaps have done so already."
+
+"Whom do you suspect?" demanded Viviana, in the greatest alarm.
+
+"I fear Doctor Dee," replied the young merchant; "but I know nothing
+certainly. My servant, Martin Heydocke, who is in the Doctor's
+confidence, intimated as much to me, and I have reason to think that his
+journey to town, under the pretext of searching for you, is undertaken
+for the purpose of tracing out the conspirators, and delivering them to
+the Government."
+
+"Is he arrived in London?" inquired Viviana, eagerly.
+
+"I should think not," returned Chetham. "I passed him, four days ago, on
+this side Leicester, in company with Kelley and Topcliffe."
+
+"If the wretch Topcliffe was with him, your conjectures are too well
+founded," she replied. "I must warn Guy Fawkes instantly of his danger."
+
+"Command my services in any way," said Chetham.
+
+"I know not what to do," cried Viviana, after a pause, during which she
+betrayed the greatest agitation. "I dare not seek him out;--and yet, if
+I do not, he may fall into the hands of the enemy. I must see him at all
+hazards."
+
+"Suffer me to go with you," implored Chetham. "You may rely upon my
+secrecy. And now I have a double motive for desiring to preserve
+Fawkes."
+
+"You are, indeed, truly noble-hearted and generous," replied Viviana;
+"and I would fully confide in you. But, if you were to be seen by the
+others, you would be certainly put to death. Not even Fawkes could save
+you."
+
+"I will risk it, if you desire it, and it will save _him_," replied the
+young merchant, devotedly. "Nay, I will go alone."
+
+"That were to insure your destruction," she answered. "No--no--it must
+not be. I will consult with Father Oldcorne."
+
+With this, she hurried out of the room, and returned in a short time
+with the priest.
+
+"Father Oldcorne is of opinion that our friends must be apprised of
+their danger," she said. "And he thinks it needful we should both go to
+their retreat, that no hindrance may be offered to our flight, in case
+such a measure should be resolved upon."
+
+"You cannot accompany us, my son," added Oldcorne; "for though I am as
+fully assured of your fidelity as Viviana, and would confide my life to
+you, there are those who will not so trust you, and who might rejoice in
+the opportunity of removing you."
+
+"Viviana!" exclaimed Chetham, looking entreatingly at her.
+
+"For my sake,--if not for your own,--do not urge this further," she
+returned. "There are already dangers and difficulties enow without
+adding to them. You would be safer amid a horde of robbers than amidst
+these men."
+
+"And it is to such persons you commit yourself?" cried Chetham,
+reproachfully. "Oh! be warned by me, ere it is too late! Abandon them!"
+
+"It is too late, already," replied Viviana. "The die is cast."
+
+"Then I can only lament it," returned Chetham, sadly. "Suffer me, at
+least, to accompany you to some place near their retreat, that you may
+summon me in case of need."
+
+"There can be no objection to that, Viviana," observed Oldcorne;
+"provided Humphrey Chetham will promise not to follow us."
+
+"Readily," replied the young merchant.
+
+"I am unwilling to expose him to further risk on my account," said
+Viviana. "But be it as you will."
+
+It was then agreed, that they should not set out till nightfall, but
+proceed, as soon as it grew dark, to Lambeth, where Humphrey Chetham
+undertook to procure a boat for their conveyance across the river.
+
+The hour of departure at length arrived. Viviana, who had withdrawn to
+her own room, appeared in her travelling habit, and was about to set
+forth with her companions, when they were all startled by a sudden and
+loud knocking at the door.
+
+"We are discovered," she cried. "Doctor Dee has found out our retreat."
+
+"Fear nothing," rejoined Chetham, drawing his sword, while his example
+was imitated by Martin Heydocke; "they shall not capture you while I
+live."
+
+As he spoke, the knocking was repeated, and the door shaken so violently
+as to threaten to burst its fastenings.
+
+"Extinguish the light," whispered Chetham, "and let Father Oldcorne
+conceal himself. We have nothing to fear."
+
+"Where shall I fly?" cried Oldcorne despairingly. "It will be impossible
+to raise the flag, and seek refuge in the vault."
+
+"Fly to my room," cried Viviana. And finding he stood irresolute, as if
+paralysed with terror, she took his arm, and dragged him away. The next
+moment the door was burst open with a loud crash, and several armed men,
+with their swords drawn, followed by Topcliffe, and another middle-aged
+man, of slight stature, and rather under-sized, but richly dressed, and
+bearing all the marks of exalted rank, rushed into the room.
+
+"You are my prisoner!" cried Topcliffe, rushing up to Chetham, who had
+planted himself, with Martin Heydocke, at the foot of the stairs. "I
+arrest you in the King's name!"
+
+"You are mistaken in your man, sir," cried Chetham, fiercely. "I have
+committed no offence. Lay a hand upon me, at your peril!"
+
+"How is this?" cried Topcliffe. "Humphrey Chetham here!"
+
+"Ay," returned the young merchant; "you have fallen upon the wrong
+house."
+
+"Not so, sir," replied Topcliffe. "I am satisfied from your presence
+that I am right. Where _you_ are, Viviana Radcliffe is not far off.
+Throw down your arms. You can offer no resistance to my force, and your
+zeal will not benefit your friends, while it will place your own safety
+in jeopardy."
+
+But Chetham fiercely refused compliance, and after a few minutes'
+further parley, the soldiers were about to attack him, when Viviana
+opened a door above, and slowly descended the stairs. At her appearance
+the young merchant, seeing that further resistance would be useless,
+sheathed his sword, and she passed between him and Heydocke, and
+advanced towards the leaders of the band.
+
+"What means this intrusion?" she asked.
+
+"We are come in search of two Jesuit priests, whom we have obtained
+information are hidden here," replied Topcliffe;--"as well as of certain
+other Papists, disaffected against the State, for whose apprehension I
+hold a warrant."
+
+"You are welcome to search the house," replied Viviana. "But there is no
+one within it except those you see."
+
+As she said this, Chetham, who gazed earnestly at her, caught her eye,
+and from a scarcely-perceptible glance, felt certain that the priest,
+through her agency, had effected his escape. But the soldiers had not
+waited for her permission to make the search. Rushing up-stairs they
+examined the different chambers,--there were two small rooms besides
+that occupied by Viviana,--and found several of the priests'
+habiliments; but though they examined every corner with the minutest
+attention, sounded the walls, peered up the chimneys, underneath the
+bed, and into every place, likely and unlikely, they could find no other
+traces of those they sought, and were compelled to return to their
+leader with tidings of their ill success. Topcliffe, with another party,
+continued his scrutiny below, and discovering the moveable flag in the
+hearth, descended into the vault, where he made certain of discovering
+his prey. But no one was there; and, the powder and arms having been
+removed, he gained nothing by his investigations.
+
+Meanwhile, his companion,--and evidently from his garb, and the
+deference paid him, though he was addressed by no title which could lead
+to the absolute knowledge of his rank, his superior,--seated himself,
+and put many questions in a courteous but authoritative tone to Viviana
+respecting her residence in this solitary abode,--the names of her
+companions,--where they were,--and upon what scheme they were engaged.
+To none of these questions would she return an answer, and her
+interrogator, at last, losing patience, said,
+
+"I hold it my duty, to inform you that you will be carried before the
+Council, and if you continue thus obstinate, means will be taken--and
+those none of the gentlest--to extort the truth from you."
+
+"You may apply the torture to me," replied Viviana, firmly; "but it will
+wrest nothing from me."
+
+"That remains to be seen," replied the other; "I only trust you will not
+compel me to put my threat into execution."
+
+At this moment Topcliffe emerged from the vault, and the soldiers
+returned from their unsuccessful search above.
+
+"They have escaped us now," remarked Topcliffe to his superior. "But I
+will conceal a party of men on the premises, who will be certain to
+capture them on their return."
+
+Viviana uttered an exclamation of irrepressible uneasiness, which did
+not escape her auditors.
+
+"I am right, you see," observed Topcliffe, significantly, to his
+companion.
+
+"You are so," replied the other.
+
+As this was said, Viviana hazarded a look at Humphrey Chetham, the
+meaning of which he was not slow to comprehend. He saw that she wished
+him to make an effort to escape, that he might warn her companions, and
+regardless of the consequence, be prepared to obey her. While those
+around were engaged in a last fruitless search, he whispered his
+intentions to Martin Heydocke, and only awaited a favourable opportunity
+to put them in execution. It occurred sooner than he expected. Before
+quitting the premises, Topcliffe determined to visit the upper rooms
+himself, and he took several of the men with him.
+
+Chetham would have made an attempt to liberate Viviana, but, feeling
+certain it would be unsuccessful, he preferred obeying her wishes to his
+own inclinations. Topcliffe gone, he suddenly drew his sword,--for
+neither he nor Heydocke had been disarmed,--and rushing towards the
+door, struck down the man next it, and followed by his servant, passed
+through it before he could be intercepted. They both then flew at a
+swift pace towards the marshy fields, and, owing to the darkness and
+unstable nature of the ground, speedily distanced their pursuers.
+
+Hearing the disturbance below, and guessing its cause, Topcliffe
+immediately descended. But he was too late; and though he joined in the
+pursuit, he was baffled like his attendants. Half an hour afterwards, he
+returned to the house with an angry and disappointed look.
+
+"He has given us the slip," he observed to his superior, who appeared
+exceedingly provoked by the young merchant's flight; "But we will soon
+have him again."
+
+After giving directions to his men how to conceal themselves, Topcliffe
+informed his companions that he was ready to attend him. Viviana, who
+had remained motionless and silent during the foregoing scene, was taken
+out of the house, and conducted towards the creek, in which lay a large
+wherry manned by four rowers. She was placed within it, and as soon as
+his superior was seated, Topcliffe inquired--
+
+"Where will your lordship go first?"
+
+"To the Star-Chamber," was the answer.
+
+At this reply, in spite of herself, Viviana could not repress a shudder.
+
+"All is lost!" she mentally ejaculated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE CELLAR.
+
+
+It was long before the conspirators gained sufficient courage to
+recommence digging the mine. Whenever holy water was thrown upon the
+stones, the mysterious bell ceased tolling, but it presently began anew,
+and such was the appalling effect of the sound that it completely
+paralysed the listeners. Prayers were said by Garnet; hymns sung by the
+others; but all was of no avail. It continued to toll on with increased
+solemnity, unless checked by the same potent application as before.
+
+The effect became speedily manifest in the altered looks and demeanour
+of the conspirators, and it was evident that if something was not done
+to arouse them, the enterprise would be abandoned. Catesby, equally
+superstitious with his confederates, but having nerves more firmly
+strung, was the first to conquer his terror. Crossing himself, he
+muttered a secret prayer, and, snatching up a pick-axe, entered the
+cavity, and resumed his labour.
+
+The noise of the heavy blows dealt by him against the wall drowned the
+tolling of the bell. The charm was broken. And stimulated by his
+conduct, the others followed his example, and though the awful tolling
+continued at intervals during the whole of their operations, it offered
+no further interruption to them.
+
+Another and more serious cause of anxiety, however, arose. As the work
+advanced, without being aware of it, they approached the bank of the
+river, and the water began to ooze through the sides of the
+excavation,--at first, slightly, but by degrees to such an extent as to
+convince them that their labour would be entirely thrown away. Large
+portions of the clay, loosened by the damp, fell in upon them, nearly
+burying those nearest the tumbling mass; and the floor was now in some
+places more than a foot deep in water, clearly proving it would be
+utterly impossible to keep the powder fit for use in such a spot.
+
+Catesby bore these untoward circumstances with ill-concealed
+mortification. For a time, he struggled against them; and though he felt
+that it was hopeless, worked on like a desperate military leader
+conducting a forlorn hope to certain destruction. At length, however,
+the water began to make such incursions that he could no longer disguise
+from himself or his companions that they were contending against
+insurmountable difficulties, and that to proceed further would be
+madness. He, therefore, with a heavy heart, desisted, and throwing down
+his pick-axe, said it was clear that Heaven did not approve their
+design, and that it must be relinquished.
+
+"We ought to have been warned by that doleful bell," he observed in
+conclusion. "I now perceive its meaning. And as I was the first to act
+in direct opposition to the declared will of the Supreme Being, so now I
+am the first to admit my error."
+
+"I cannot account for that dread and mysterious sound, my son," replied
+Garnet, "and can only attribute it, as you do, to Divine interference.
+But whether it was intended as a warning or a guidance, I confess I am
+unable to say."
+
+"Can you longer doubt, father," returned Catesby, bitterly, "when you
+look at yon excavation? It took us more than a week's incessant labour
+to get through the first wall; and our toil was no sooner lightened than
+these fatal consequences ensued. If we proceed, we shall drown
+ourselves, instead of blowing up our foes. And even if we should escape,
+were the powder stowed for one day in that damp place, it would never
+explode. We have failed, and must take measures accordingly."
+
+"I entirely concur with you, my son," replied Garnet; "we must abandon
+our present plan. But do not let us be disheartened. Perhaps at this
+very moment Heaven is preparing for us a victory by some unlooked-for
+means."
+
+"It may be so," replied Catesby, with a look of incredulity.
+
+As he spoke, an extraordinary noise, like a shower of falling stones,
+was heard overhead. And coupling the sound with their fears of the
+encroachment of the damp, the conspirators glanced at each other in
+dismay, thinking the building was falling in upon them.
+
+"All blessed saints protect us!" cried Garnet, as the sound ceased.
+"What was that?"
+
+But no one was able to account for it, and each regarded his neighbour
+with apprehension. After a short interval of silence, the sound was
+heard again. There was then another pause--and again the same rushing
+and inexplicable noise.
+
+"What can it be?" cried Catesby. "I am so enfeebled by this underground
+life, that trifles alarm me. Are our enemies pulling down the structure
+over our heads?--or are they earthing us up like vermin?" he added to
+Fawkes. "What is it?"
+
+"I will go and see," replied the other.
+
+"Do not expose yourself, my son," cried Garnet. "Let us abide the result
+here."
+
+"No, father," replied Fawkes. "Having failed in our scheme, what befals
+me is of little consequence. I will go. If I return not, you will
+understand what has happened."
+
+Pausing for a moment to receive Garnet's benediction, he then strode
+away.
+
+Half an hour elapsed before Fawkes returned, and the interval appeared
+thrice its duration in the eyes of the conspirators. When he
+re-appeared, a smile sat upon his countenance, and his looks instantly
+dispelled the alarm that had been previously felt.
+
+"You bring us good news, my son?" cried Garnet.
+
+"Excellent, father," replied Fawkes: "and you were right in saying that
+at the very moment we were indulging in misgiving, Heaven was preparing
+for us a victory by unforeseen and mysterious means."
+
+Garnet raised his hands gratefully and reverentially upwards. And the
+other conspirators crowded round Fawkes to listen to his relation.
+
+"The noise we heard," he said, "arose from a very simple
+circumstance,--and when you hear it, you will smile at your fears. But
+you will not smile at the result to which it has led. Exactly overhead,
+it appears, a cellar is situated, belonging to a person named Bright,
+and the sound was occasioned by the removal of his coals, which he had
+been selling off."
+
+"Is that all?" cried Catesby. "We are indeed grown childish, to be
+alarmed by such a cause."
+
+"It appears slight now it is explained," observed Keyes, gravely; "but
+how were we to know whence it arose?"
+
+"True," returned Fawkes; "and I will now show you how the hand of Heaven
+has been manifested in the matter. The noise which led me to this
+investigation, and which I regard as a signal from on high, brought me
+to a cellar I had never seen before, and knew not existed. _That cellar
+lies immediately beneath the House of Lords._"
+
+"Ah! I see!" exclaimed Catesby. "You think it would form a good
+depository for the powder."
+
+"If it had been built for the express purpose, it could not be better,"
+returned Fawkes. "It is commodious and dry, and in an out-of-the-way
+place, as you may judge, when we ourselves have never hitherto noticed
+it."
+
+"But what is all this to us, if we cannot use it?" returned Catesby.
+
+"We _can_ use it," replied Fawkes. "It is ours."
+
+There was a general exclamation of surprise.
+
+"Finding, on inquiry, that Bright was about to quit the neighbourhood,"
+continued Fawkes, "and did not require the place longer, I instantly
+proposed to take it from him, and to create no suspicion, engaged it in
+Percy's name, stating that he wanted it for his own fuel."
+
+"You have done admirably," cried Catesby, in a tone of exultation. "The
+success of the enterprise will now be entirely owing to you."
+
+"Not to me, but to the Providence that directed me," replied Fawkes,
+solemnly.
+
+"Right, my son," returned Garnet. "And let this teach us never to
+despair again."
+
+The next day, Percy having taken possession of the cellar, it was
+carefully examined, and proved, as Fawkes had stated, admirably adapted
+to their purpose. Their fears were now at an end, and they looked on the
+success of their project as certain. The mysterious bell no longer
+tolled, and their sole remaining task was to fill up the excavation so
+far as to prevent any damage from the wet.
+
+This was soon done, and their next step was to transport the powder
+during the night to the cellar. Concealing the barrels as before with
+faggots and coals, they gave the place the appearance of a mere
+receptacle for lumber, by filling it with old hampers, boxes without
+lids, broken bottles, stone jars, and other rubbish.
+
+They now began to think of separating, and Fawkes expressed his
+intention of returning that night to the house at Lambeth. No
+intelligence had reached them of Viviana's captivity, and they supposed
+her still an inmate of the miserable dwelling with Father Oldcorne.
+
+Fawkes had often thought of her, and with uneasiness, during his
+toilsome labours; but they had so much engrossed him that her image was
+banished almost as soon as it arose. Now that grand obstacle was
+surmounted, and nothing was wanting, however, except a favourable moment
+to strike the blow, he began to feel the greatest anxiety respecting
+her.
+
+Still, he thought it prudent to postpone his return to a late hour, and
+it was not until near midnight that he and Catesby ventured to their
+boat. As he was about to descend the steps, he heard his name pronounced
+by some one at a little distance; and the next moment, a man, whom he
+immediately recognised as Humphrey Chetham, rushed up to him.
+
+"You here again!" cried Fawkes, angrily, and not unsuspiciously. "Do you
+play the spy upon me?"
+
+"I have watched for you for the last ten nights," replied Chetham
+hastily. "I knew not where you were. But I found your boat here, and I
+hoped you would not cross the water in any other."
+
+"Why all this care?" demanded Fawkes. "Has aught happened?--Is Viviana
+safe?--Speak, man! do not keep me longer in suspense!"
+
+"Alas!" rejoined Chetham, "she is a prisoner."
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes laying the train_]
+
+"A prisoner!" ejaculated Fawkes, in a hollow voice. "Then my forebodings
+were not without cause."
+
+"How has this happened?" cried Catesby, who had listened to what was
+said in silent wonder.
+
+Chetham then hastily related all that had taken place.
+
+"I know not what has become of her," he said, in conclusion; "but I have
+heard that she was taken to the Star-Chamber by the Earl of
+Salisbury,--for he, it appears, was the companion of Topcliffe,--and,
+refusing to answer the interrogations of the Council, was conveyed to
+the Tower, and, I fear, subjected to the torture."
+
+"Tortured!" exclaimed Fawkes, horror-stricken; "Viviana tortured! And I
+have brought her to this! Oh, God! Oh, God!"
+
+"It is indeed an agonizing reflection," replied Humphrey Chetham, in a
+sombre tone, "and enough to drive you to despair. Her last wishes,
+expressed only in looks, for she did not dare to give utterance to them,
+were that I should warn you not to approach the house at Lambeth, your
+enemies being concealed within it. I have now fulfilled them. Farewell!"
+
+And he turned to depart.
+
+"Stay!" cried Catesby, arresting him. "Where is Father Oldcorne?"
+
+"I know not," replied Humphrey Chetham. "As I have told you, Viviana by
+some means contrived his escape. I have seen nothing of him."
+
+And, hurrying away, he was lost beneath the shadow of the wall.
+
+"Is this a troubled dream, or dread reality?" cried Fawkes to Catesby.
+
+"I fear it is too true," returned the other, in a voice of much emotion.
+"Poor Viviana!"
+
+"Something must be done to set her free," cried Fawkes. "I will purchase
+her liberty by delivering up myself."
+
+"Your oath--remember your oath!" rejoined Catesby. "You may destroy
+yourself, but not your associates."
+
+"True--true," replied Fawkes, distractedly,--"I _do_ remember it. I am
+sold to perdition."
+
+"Anger not Heaven by these idle lamentations,--and at a time, too, when
+all is so prosperous," rejoined Catesby.
+
+"What!" cried Fawkes, fiercely, "would you have me calm, when she who
+called me father, and was dear to me as a child, is taken from me by
+these remorseless butchers,--subjected to their terrible
+examinations,--plunged in a dismal dungeon,--and stretched upon the
+rack,--and all for me--for me! I shall go mad if I think upon it!"
+
+"You must _not_ think upon it," returned Catesby,--"at least, not here.
+We shall be observed. Let us return to the house; and perhaps--though I
+scarcely dare indulge the hope--some plan may be devised for her
+liberation."
+
+With this, he dragged Fawkes, who was almost frenzied with anguish,
+forcibly along, and they returned to the house.
+
+Nothing more was said that night. Catesby judged it prudent to let the
+first violence of his friend's emotion expend itself before he attempted
+to soothe him; and when he communicated the sad event to Garnet, the
+latter strongly approved the plan. Garnet was greatly distressed at the
+intelligence, and his affliction was shared by the other conspirators.
+No fears were entertained by any of them that Viviana would reveal aught
+of the plot, but this circumstance only added to their regrets.
+
+"I will stake my life for her constancy," said Catesby.
+
+"And so will I," returned Garnet. "She will die a martyr for us."
+
+He then proposed that they should pray for her deliverance. And all
+instantly assenting, they knelt down, while Garnet poured forth the most
+earnest supplications to the Virgin in her behalf.
+
+The next morning, Guy Fawkes set forth, and ascertained that Humphrey
+Chetham's statement was correct, and that Viviana was indeed a prisoner
+in the Tower. He repaired thither, and tried to ascertain in what part
+of the fortress she was confined, in the hope of gaining admittance to
+her. But as he could obtain no information and his inquiries excited
+suspicion, he was compelled to return without accomplishing his object.
+
+Crossing Tower Hill on his way back, he turned to glance at the stern
+pile he had just quitted, and which was fraught with the most fearful
+interest to him, when he perceived Chetham issue from the Bulwark Gate.
+He would have made up to him; but the young merchant, who had evidently
+seen him, though he looked sedulously another way, set off in the
+direction of the river, and was quickly lost to view. Filled with the
+gloomiest thoughts, Guy Fawkes proceeded to Westminster, where he
+arrived without further adventure of any kind.
+
+In the latter part of the same day, as the conspirators were conferring
+together, they were alarmed by a knocking at the outer gate; and sending
+Bates to reconnoitre, he instantly returned with the intelligence that
+it was Lord Mounteagle. At the mention of this name, Tresham, who was
+one of the party, turned pale as death, and trembled so violently that
+he could scarcely support himself. Having been allowed to go forth on
+that day, the visit of Lord Mounteagle at this juncture, coupled with
+the agitation it occasioned him, seemed to proclaim him guilty of
+treachery for the second time.
+
+"You have betrayed us, villain!" cried Catesby, drawing his dagger; "but
+you shall not escape. I will poniard you on the spot."
+
+"As you hope for mercy, do not strike!" cried Tresham. "On my soul, I
+have not seen Lord Mounteagle, and know not, any more than yourselves,
+what brings him hither. Put it to the proof. Let him come in. Conceal
+yourselves, and you will hear what passes between us."
+
+"Let it be so," interposed Fawkes. "I will step within this closet, the
+door of which shall remain ajar. From it I can watch him without being
+observed, and if aught occurs to confirm our suspicions, he dies."
+
+"Bates shall station himself in the passage, and stab him if he attempts
+to fly," added Catesby. "Your sword, sir."
+
+"It is here," replied Tresham, delivering it to Catesby, who handed it
+to Bates. "Are you satisfied?"
+
+"Is Lord Mounteagle alone?" inquired Catesby, without noticing the
+question.
+
+"He appears to be so," replied Bates.
+
+"Admit him, then," rejoined Catesby.
+
+Entering the closet with Keyes, he was followed by Fawkes, who drew his
+dagger, and kept the door slightly ajar, while Garnet and the rest
+retired to other hiding-places. A few moments afterwards, Bates returned
+with Lord Mounteagle, and, having ushered him into the room, took his
+station in the passage, as directed by Catesby. The room was very dark,
+the shutters being closed, and light only finding its way through the
+chinks in them; and it appeared totally so to Lord Mounteagle, who,
+groping his way, stumbled forward, and exclaimed in accents of some
+alarm,
+
+"Where am I? Where is Mr. Tresham?"
+
+"I am here," replied Tresham, advancing towards him. "How did your
+lordship find me out?" he added, after the customary salutations were
+exchanged.
+
+"My servant saw you enter this house," replied Mounteagle, "and, knowing
+I was anxious to see you, waited for some hours without, in the
+expectation of your coming forth. But as this did not occur, he
+mentioned the circumstance to me on his return, and I immediately came
+in quest of you. When I knocked at the gate, I scarcely knew what to
+think of the place, and began to fear you must have fallen into the
+hands of cut-throats; and, now that I have gained admittance, my
+wonder--and I may add my uneasiness--is not diminished. Why do you hide
+yourself in this wretched place?"
+
+"Be seated," replied Tresham, placing a chair for Lord Mounteagle, with
+his back to the closet, while he took one opposite him, and near a
+table, on which some papers were laid. "Your lordship may remember," he
+continued, scarcely knowing what answer to make to the question, "that I
+wrote to you some time ago, to say that a conspiracy was hatching among
+certain of our party against the State."
+
+"I have reason to remember it," replied Mounteagle. "The letter was laid
+before the Earl of Salisbury, and inquiries instituted in consequence.
+But, owing to your disappearance, nothing could be elicited. What plot
+had you discovered?"
+
+At this moment, Tresham, who kept his eye fixed on the closet, perceived
+the door noiselessly open, and behind it the figure of Guy Fawkes, with
+the dagger in his hand.
+
+"I was misinformed as to the nature of the plot," he stammered.
+
+"Was it against the King's life?" demanded Mounteagle.
+
+"No," rejoined Tresham; "as far as I could learn, it was an
+insurrection."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Mounteagle, sceptically. "My information, then,
+differed from yours. Who were the parties you suspected?"
+
+"As I _wrongfully_ suspected them," replied Tresham, evasively, "your
+lordship must excuse my naming them."
+
+"Was Catesby--or Winter--or Wright--or Rookwood--or Sir Everard Digby
+concerned in it?" demanded Mounteagle.
+
+"Not one of them," asseverated Tresham.
+
+"They are the persons _I_ suspect," replied Mounteagle; "and they are
+suspected by the Earl of Salisbury. But you have not told me what you
+are doing in this strange habitation. Are you ferreting out a plot, or
+contriving one?"
+
+"Both," replied Tresham.
+
+"How?" cried Mounteagle.
+
+"I am plotting for myself, and counterplotting the designs of others,"
+replied Tresham, mysteriously.
+
+"Is this place, then, the rendezvous of a band of conspirators?" asked
+Mounteagle, uneasily.
+
+Tresham nodded in the affirmative.
+
+"Who are they?" continued Mounteagle. "There is no need of concealment
+with me."
+
+As this was said, Tresham raised his eyes, and saw that Guy Fawkes had
+stepped silently forward, and placed himself behind Mounteagle's chair.
+His hand grasped his dagger, and his gaze never moved from the object of
+his suspicion.
+
+"Who are they?" repeated Mounteagle. "Is Guy Fawkes one of them?"
+
+"Assuredly not," replied Tresham. "Why should you name him? I never
+mentioned him to your lordship."
+
+"I think you did," replied Mounteagle. "But I am certain you spoke of
+Catesby."
+
+And Tresham's regards involuntarily wandered to the closet, when he
+beheld the stern glance of the person alluded to fixed upon him.
+
+"You have heard of Viviana Radcliffe's imprisonment, I suppose?" pursued
+Mounteagle, unconscious of what was passing.
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes keeping watch upon Tresham and Lord
+Mounteagle._]
+
+[Illustration: _Viviana examined by the Earl of Salisbury, and the Privy
+Council in the Star Chamber_]
+
+"I have," replied Tresham.
+
+"The Earl of Salisbury expected he would be able to wring all from her,
+but he has failed," observed Mounteagle.
+
+"I am glad of it," observed Tresham.
+
+"I thought you were disposed to serve him?" remarked Mounteagle.
+
+"So I am," replied Tresham. "But, if secrets are to be revealed, I had
+rather be the bearer of them than any one else. I am sorry for Viviana."
+
+"I could procure her liberation, if I chose," observed Mounteagle.
+
+"Say you so?" cried Fawkes, clapping him on the shoulder; "then you stir
+not hence till you have procured it!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE STAR-CHAMBER.
+
+
+Viviana, as has already been intimated, after her capture at the house
+at Lambeth, was conveyed to the Star-Chamber. Here she was detained
+until a late hour on the following day, when she underwent a long and
+rigorous examination by certain members of the Privy Council, who were
+summoned for that purpose by the Earl of Salisbury. Throughout this
+arduous trial she maintained the utmost composure, and never for a
+single moment lost her firmness. On all occasions, her matchless beauty
+and dignity produced the strongest impression on the beholders; but on
+no occasion had they ever produced so strong an effect as the present.
+Her features were totally destitute of bloom, but their very paleness,
+contrasted as it was with her large dark eyes, which blazed with
+unwonted brilliancy, as well as with her jet-black hair, so far from
+detracting from her loveliness, appeared to add to it.
+
+As she was brought before the Council, who were seated round a table,
+and remained standing at a short distance from them, guarded by
+Topcliffe and two halberdiers, a murmur of admiration pervaded the
+group,--nor was this feeling lessened as the examination proceeded.
+Once, when the Earl of Salisbury adverted to the unworthy position in
+which she, the daughter of the proud and loyal Sir William Radcliffe,
+had placed herself, a shade passed over her brow, and a slight
+convulsion agitated her frame. But the next moment she recovered
+herself, and said,
+
+"However circumstances may appear against me, and whatever opinion your
+lordships may entertain of my conduct, the King has not a more loyal
+subject than myself, nor have any of you made greater efforts to avert
+the danger by which he is threatened."
+
+"Then you admit that his Majesty is in danger?" cried the Earl of
+Salisbury, eagerly.
+
+"I admit nothing," replied Viviana. "But I affirm that I am his true and
+loyal subject."
+
+"You cannot expect us to believe your assertion," replied the Earl;
+"unless you approve it by declaring all you know touching this
+conspiracy."
+
+"I have already told you, my lord," she returned, "that my lips are
+sealed on that subject."
+
+"You disclaim, then, all knowledge of a plot against the King's life,
+and against his government?" pursued Salisbury.
+
+Viviana shook her head.
+
+"You refuse to give up the names of your companions, or to reveal their
+intentions?" continued the Earl.
+
+"I do," she answered, firmly.
+
+"Your obstinacy will not save them," rejoined the Earl, in a severe
+tone, and after a brief pause. "Their names and their atrocious designs
+are known to us."
+
+"If such be the case," replied Viviana, "why interrogate me on the
+subject?"
+
+"Because--but it is needless to give a reason for the course which
+justice requires me to pursue," returned the Earl. "You are implicated
+in this plot, and nothing can save you from condign punishment but a
+frank and full confession.
+
+"Nothing _can_ save me then, my lord," replied Viviana; "but Heaven
+knows I shall perish unjustly."
+
+A consultation was then held by the lords of the council, who whispered
+together for a few minutes. Viviana regarded them anxiously, but
+suffered no expression of uneasiness to escape her. As they again turned
+towards her, she saw from their looks, some of which exhibited great
+commiseration for her, that they had come to a decision (she could not
+doubt what) respecting her fate. Her heart stopped beating, and she
+could scarcely support herself. Such, however, was the control she
+exercised over herself that, though filled with terror, her demeanour
+remained unaltered. She was not long kept in suspense. Fixing his
+searching gaze upon her, the Earl of Salisbury observed in a severe
+tone,
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe, I ask you for the last time whether you will avow
+the truth?"
+
+No answer was returned.
+
+"I will not disguise from you," continued the Earl, "that your youth,
+your beauty, your constancy, and, above all, your apparent innocence,
+have deeply interested me, as well as the other noble persons here
+assembled to interrogate you, and who would willingly save you from the
+sufferings you will necessarily undergo, from a mistaken fidelity to
+the heinous traitors with whom you are so unhappily leagued. I would
+give you time to reflect did I think the delay would answer any good
+purpose. I would remind you that no oath of secresy, however solemn, can
+be binding in an unrighteous cause. I would tell you that your first
+duty is to your prince and governor, and that it is as great a crime, as
+unpardonable in the eyes of God as of man, to withhold the revelation of
+a conspiracy against the State, should it come to your knowledge, as to
+conspire against it yourself. I would lay all this before you. I would
+show you the magnitude of your offence, the danger in which you stand,
+and the utter impossibility of screening your companions, who, ere long,
+will be confronted with you,--did I think it would avail. But, as you
+continue obstinate, justice must take its course."
+
+"I am prepared for the worst, my lord," replied Viviana, humbly. "I
+thank your lordship for your consideration: but I take you all to
+witness that I profess the utmost loyalty and devotion for my sovereign,
+and that, whatever may be my fate, those feelings will remain unchanged
+to the last."
+
+"Your manner and your words are so sincere, that, were not your conduct
+at variance with them, they might convince us," returned the Earl. "As
+it is, even if we could credit your innocence, we are bound to act as if
+you were guilty. You will be committed to the Tower till his Majesty's
+pleasure is known. And I grieve to add, if you still continue obstinate,
+the severest measures will be resorted to, to extract the truth from
+you."
+
+As he concluded, he attached his signature to a warrant which was lying
+on the table before him, and traced a few lines to Sir William Waad,
+lieutenant of the Tower.
+
+This done, he handed the papers to Topcliffe, and waving his hand,
+Viviana was removed to the chamber in which she had been previously
+confined, and where she was detained under a strict guard, until
+Topcliffe, who had left her, returned to say that all was in readiness,
+and bidding her follow him, led the way to the river-side, where a
+wherry, manned by six rowers, was waiting for them.
+
+The night was profoundly dark, and, as none of the guard carried
+torches, their course was steered in perfect obscurity. But the rowers
+were too familiar with the river to require the guidance of light.
+Shooting the bridge in safety, and pausing only for a moment to give the
+signal of their approach to the sentinels on the ramparts, they passed
+swiftly under the low-browed arch of Traitor's Gate.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE JAILER'S DAUGHTER.
+
+
+As Viviana set foot on those fatal stairs, which so many have trod, and
+none without feeling that they took their first step towards the
+scaffold, she involuntarily shrank backward. But it was now too late to
+retreat; and she surrendered her hand to Topcliffe, who assisted her up
+the steps. Half-a-dozen men-at-arms, with a like number of warders
+bearing torches, were present; and as it was necessary that Topcliffe
+should deliver his warrant into Sir William Waad's own hands, he
+committed his prisoner to the warders, with instructions to them to take
+her to the guard-room near the By-ward Tower, while he proceeded to the
+lieutenant's lodgings.
+
+It was the first time Viviana had beheld the terrible pile in which she
+was immured, though she was well acquainted with its history, and with
+the persecutions which many of the professors of her faith had endured
+within it during the recent reign of Elizabeth; and as the light of the
+torches flashed upon the grey walls of the Bloody Tower, and upon the
+adjoining ramparts, all the dreadful tales she had heard rushed to her
+recollection. But having recovered the first shock, the succeeding
+impressions were powerless in comparison, and she accompanied the
+warders to the guard-room without expressing any outward emotion. Here a
+seat was offered her, and as the men considerately withdrew, she was
+able to pursue her reflections unmolested. They were sad enough, and it
+required all her firmness to support her.
+
+When considering what was likely to befal her in consequence of her
+adherence to the fortunes of Fawkes and his companions, she had often
+pictured some dreadful situation like the present, but the reality far
+exceeded her worst anticipations. She had deemed herself equal to any
+emergency, but as she thought upon the dark menaces of the Earl of
+Salisbury, she felt it would require greater fortitude than she had
+hitherto displayed to bear her through her trial. Nor were her
+meditations entirely confined to herself. While trembling for the
+perilous situation of Guy Fawkes, she reproached herself that she could
+not requite even in thought the passionate devotion of Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"What matters it now," she thought, "that I cannot love him? I shall
+soon be nothing to him, or to any one. And yet I feel I have done him
+wrong, and that I should be happier if I _could_ requite his attachment.
+But the die is cast. It is too late to repent, or to retreat. My heart
+acquits me of having been influenced by any unworthy motive, and I will
+strive to endure the keenest pang without a murmur."
+
+Shortly after this, Topcliffe returned with Sir William Waad. On their
+entrance, Viviana arose, and the lieutenant eyed her with some
+curiosity. He was a middle-aged man, tall, stoutly-built, and having
+harsh features, stamped with an expression of mingled cunning and
+ferocity. His eyes had a fierce and bloodthirsty look, and were
+overshadowed by thick and scowling brows. Saluting the captive with
+affected courtesy, he observed,
+
+"So you refuse to answer the interrogations of the Privy Council, madam,
+I understand. I am not sorry for it, because I would have the merit of
+wringing the truth from you. Those who have been most stubborn outside
+these walls, have been the most yielding within them."
+
+"That will not be my case," replied Viviana, coldly.
+
+"We shall see," returned the lieutenant, with a significant glance at
+Topcliffe.
+
+Ordering her to follow him, he then proceeded along the ward in the
+direction of the Bloody Tower, and passing beneath its arched gateway,
+ascended the steps on the left, and led her to his lodgings. Entering
+the habitation, he mounted to the upper story, and tracking a long
+gallery, brought her to a small circular chamber in the Bell Tower. Its
+sole furniture were a chair, a table, and a couch.
+
+"Here you will remain for the present," observed the lieutenant, smiling
+grimly, and placing a lamp on the table. "It will depend upon yourself
+whether your accommodations are better hereafter."
+
+With this, he quitted the cell with his attendants, and barred the door
+outside.
+
+Left alone, Viviana, who had hitherto restrained her anguish, suffered
+it to find vent in tears. Never had she felt so utterly forlorn and
+desolate. All before her was threatening and terrible, full of dangers,
+real and imaginary; nor could she look back upon her past career without
+something like remorse.
+
+"Oh, that Heaven would take me to itself!" she murmured, clasping her
+hands in an agony of distress, "for I feel unequal to my trials. Oh,
+that I had perished with my dear father! For what dreadful fate am I
+reserved?--Torture,--I will bear it, if I _can_. But death by the hands
+of the public executioner,--it is too horrible to think of! Is there no
+way to escape _that_?"
+
+As this hideous thought occurred to her, she uttered a loud and
+prolonged scream, and fell senseless on the floor. When she recovered it
+was daylight; and, weak and exhausted, she crept to the couch, and
+throwing herself upon it, endeavoured to forget her misery in sleep.
+But, as is usually the case with the afflicted, it fled her eyelids, and
+she passed several hours in the severest mental torture, unrelieved by a
+single cheering thought.
+
+About the middle of the day, the door of the cell was opened by an old
+woman with a morose and forbidding countenance, attended by a younger
+female, who resembled her in all but the expression of her features (her
+look was gentle and compassionate), and who appeared to be her daughter.
+
+Without paying any attention to Viviana, the old woman took a small loaf
+of bread and other provisions from a basket she had brought with her,
+and placed them on the table. This done, she was about to depart, when
+her daughter, who had glanced uneasily at the couch, observed in a
+kindly tone,
+
+"Shall we not inquire whether we can be of service to the poor young
+lady, mother?"
+
+"Why should we concern ourselves about her, Ruth?" returned the old
+woman, sharply. "If she wants anything, she has a tongue, and can speak.
+If she desires further comforts," she added, in a significant tone,
+"they must be _paid_ for."
+
+"I desire nothing but death," groaned Viviana.
+
+"The poor soul is dying, I believe," cried Ruth, rushing to the couch.
+"Have you no cordial-water about you, mother?"
+
+"Truly have I," returned the old woman; "and I have other things
+besides. But I must be paid for them."
+
+As she spoke she drew from her pocket a small, square, Dutch-shaped
+bottle.
+
+"Give it me," cried Ruth, snatching it from her. "I am sure the young
+lady will pay for it."
+
+"You are very kind," said Viviana, faintly. "But I have no means of
+doing so."
+
+"I knew it," cried the old woman, fiercely. "I knew it. Give me back the
+flask, Ruth. She shall not taste a drop. Do you not hear, she has no
+money, wench? Give it me, I say."
+
+"Nay, mother, for pity's sake," implored Ruth.
+
+"Pity, forsooth!" exclaimed the old woman, derisively. "If I, and thy
+father, Jasper Ipgreve, had any such feeling, it would be high time for
+him to give up his post of jailer in the Tower of London. Pity for a
+_poor_ prisoner! Thou a jailer's daughter, and talk so. I am ashamed of
+thee, wench. But I thought this was a rich Catholic heiress, and had
+powerful and wealthy friends."
+
+"So she is," replied Ruth; "and though she may have no money with her
+now, she can command any amount she pleases. I heard Master Topcliffe
+tell young Nicholas Hardesty, the warder, so. She is the daughter of the
+late Sir William Radcliffe, of Ordsall Hall, in Lancashire, and sole
+heiress of his vast estates."
+
+"Is this so, sweet lady?" inquired the old woman, stepping towards the
+couch. "Are you truly Sir William Radcliffe's daughter?"
+
+"I am," replied Viviana. "But I have said I require nothing from you.
+Leave me."
+
+"No--no, dear young lady," rejoined Dame Ipgreve, in a whining tone,
+which was infinitely more disagreeable to Viviana than her previous
+harshness, "I cannot leave you in this state. Raise her head, Ruth,
+while I pour a few drops of the cordial down her throat."
+
+"I will not taste it," replied Viviana, putting the flask aside.
+
+"You would find it a sovereign restorative," replied Dame Ipgreve, with
+a mortified look; "but as you please. I will not urge you against your
+inclination. The provisions I have been obliged to bring you are too
+coarse for a daintily-nurtured maiden like you,--but you shall have
+others presently."
+
+"It is needless," rejoined Viviana. "Pray leave me."
+
+"Well, well, I am going," rejoined Dame Ipgreve, hesitating. "Do you
+want to write to any one? I can find means of conveying a letter
+secretly out of the Tower."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Viviana, raising herself. "And yet no--no--I dare not
+trust you."
+
+"You may," replied the avaricious old woman,--"provided you pay me
+well."
+
+"I will think of it," returned Viviana. "But I have not strength to
+write now."
+
+"You must not give way thus,--indeed, you must not, dear lady," said
+Ruth, in a voice of great kindness. "It will not be safe to leave you.
+Suffer me to remain with you."
+
+"Willingly," replied Viviana; "most willingly."
+
+"Stay with her, then, child," said Dame Ipgreve. "I will go and prepare
+a nourishing broth for her. Take heed and make a shrewd bargain with her
+for thy attendance," she added in a hasty whisper, as she retired.
+
+Greatly relieved by the old woman's departure, Viviana turned to Ruth,
+and thanked her in the warmest terms for her kindness. A few minutes
+sufficed to convert the sympathy which these two young persons evidently
+felt towards each other into affectionate regard, and the jailer's
+daughter assured Viviana, that so long as she should be detained, she
+would devote herself to her.
+
+By this time the old woman had returned with a mess of hot broth, which
+she carried with an air of great mystery beneath her cloak. Viviana was
+prevailed upon by the solicitations of Ruth to taste it, and found
+herself much revived in consequence. Her slight meal ended, Dame Ipgreve
+departed, with a promise to return in the evening with such viands as
+she could manage to introduce unobserved, and with a flask of wine.
+
+"You will need it, sweet lady, I fear," she said; "for my husband tells
+me you are in peril of the torture. Oh! it is a sad thing, that such as
+you should be so cruelly dealt with! But we will take all the care of
+you we can. You will not forget to requite us. You must give me an order
+on your steward, or on some rich Catholic friend. I am half a Papist
+myself,--that is, I like one religion as well as the other,--and I like
+those best, whatever their creed may be, who pay best. That is my maxim:
+and it is the same with my husband. We do all we can to scrape together
+a penny for our child."
+
+"No more of this, good mother," interrupted Ruth. "It distresses the
+lady! I will take care she wants nothing."
+
+"Right, child, right," returned Dame Ipgreve;--"do not forget what I
+told you," she added in a whisper.
+
+And she quitted the cell.
+
+Ruth remained with Viviana during the rest of the day, and it was a
+great consolation to the latter to find that her companion was of the
+same faith as herself,--having been converted by Father Poole, a Romish
+priest who was confined in the Tower during the latter part of
+Elizabeth's reign, and whose sufferings and constancy for his religion
+had made a powerful impression on the jailer's daughter. As soon as
+Viviana ascertained this, she made Ruth, so far as she thought prudent,
+a confidante in her misfortunes, and after beguiling some hours in
+conversation, they both knelt down and offered up fervent prayers to the
+Virgin. Ruth then departed, promising to return in the evening with her
+mother.
+
+Soon after it became dark, Dame Ipgreve and her daughter reappeared, the
+former carrying a lamp, and the latter a basket of provisions. Ruth's
+countenance was so troubled, that Viviana was certain that some fresh
+calamity was at hand.
+
+"What is the matter?" she hastily demanded.
+
+"Make your meal first, dear young lady," replied Dame Ipgreve. "Our news
+might take away your appetite, and you will have to pay for your supper,
+whether you eat it or not."
+
+"You alarm me greatly," cried Viviana, anxiously. "What ill news do you
+bring?"
+
+"I will not keep you longer in suspense, madam," said Ruth. "You are to
+be examined to-night by the lieutenant and certain members of the Privy
+Council, and if you refuse to answer their questions, I lament to say
+you will be put to the torture."
+
+"Heaven give me strength to endure it!" ejaculated Viviana, in a
+despairing tone.
+
+"Eat, madam, eat," cried Dame Ipgreve, pressing the viands upon her.
+"You will never be able to go through with the examination, if you
+starve yourself in this way."
+
+"Are you sure," inquired Viviana, appealing to Ruth, "that it will take
+place so soon?"
+
+"Quite sure," replied Ruth. "My father has orders to attend the
+lieutenant at midnight."
+
+"Let me advise you to conceal nothing," insinuated the old woman. "They
+are determined to wring the truth from you,--and they _will_ do so."
+
+"You are mistaken, good woman," replied Viviana, firmly. "I will die
+before I utter a word."
+
+"You think so now," returned Dame Ipgreve, maliciously. "But the sight
+of the rack and the thumbscrews will alter your tone. At all events,
+support nature."
+
+"No," replied Viviana; "as I do not desire to live, I will use no effort
+to sustain myself. They may kill me if they please."
+
+"Misfortune has turned her brain," muttered the old woman. "I must take
+care and secure my dues. Well, madam, if you will not eat the supper I
+have provided, it cannot be helped. I must find some one who will. You
+must pay for it all the same. My husband, Jasper Ipgreve, will be
+present at your interrogation, and I am sure, for my sake, he will use
+you as lightly as he can. Come, Ruth, you must not remain here longer."
+
+"Oh, let her stay with me," implored Viviana. "I will make it well worth
+your while to grant me the indulgence."
+
+"What will you give?" cried the old woman, eagerly. "But no--no--I dare
+not leave her. The lieutenant may visit you, and find her, and then I
+should lose my place. Come along, Ruth. She shall attend you after the
+interrogation, madam. I shall be there myself."
+
+"Farewell, madam," sobbed Ruth, who was almost drowned in tears. "Heaven
+grant you constancy to endure your trial!"
+
+"Be ruled by me," said the old woman. "Speak out, and secure your own
+safety."
+
+She would have continued in the same strain, but Ruth dragged her away.
+And casting a commiserating glance at Viviana, she closed the door.
+
+The dreadful interval between their departure and midnight was passed by
+Viviana in fervent prayer. As she heard through the barred embrasure of
+her dungeon the deep strokes of the clock toll out the hour of twelve,
+the door opened, and a tall, gaunt personage, habited in a suit of rusty
+black, and with a large bunch of keys at his girdle, entered the cell.
+
+"You are Jasper Ipgreve?" said Viviana, rising.
+
+"Right," replied the jailer. "I am come to take you before the
+lieutenant and the council. Are you ready?"
+
+Viviana replied in the affirmative, and Ipgreve quitting the cell,
+outside which two other officials in sable habiliments were stationed,
+led the way down a short spiral staircase, which brought them to a
+narrow vaulted passage. Pursuing it for some time, the jailer halted
+before a strong door, cased with iron, and opening it, admitted the
+captive into a square chamber, the roof of which was supported by a
+heavy stone pillar, while its walls were garnished with implements of
+torture. At a table on the left sat the lieutenant and three other
+grave-looking personages. Across the lower end of the chamber a thick
+black curtain was stretched, hiding a deep recess; and behind it, as was
+evident from the glimmer that escaped from its folds, there was a
+light. Certain indistinct, but ominous sounds, issuing from the recess,
+proved that there were persons within it, and Viviana's quaking heart
+told her what was the nature of their proceedings.
+
+She had ample time to survey this dismal apartment and its occupants,
+for several minutes elapsed before a word was addressed to her by her
+interrogators, who continued to confer together in an under tone, as if
+unconscious of her presence. During this pause, broken only by the
+ominous sounds before mentioned, Viviana scanned the countenances of the
+group at the table, in the hope of discerning in them some glimpses of
+compassion; but they were inscrutable and inexorable, and scarcely less
+dreadful to look upon than the hideous implements on the walls.
+
+Viviana wished the earth would open and swallow her, that she might
+escape from them. Anything was better than to be left at the mercy of
+such men. At certain times, and not unfrequently at the most awful
+moments, a double current of thought will flow through the brain, and at
+this frightful juncture it was so with Viviana. While shuddering at all
+she saw around her, nay, dwelling upon it, another and distinct train of
+thought led her back to former scenes of happiness, when she was
+undisturbed by any but remote apprehensions of danger. She thought of
+her tranquil residence at Ordsall,--of the flowers she had tended in the
+garden,--of her father, and of his affection for her,--of Humphrey
+Chetham, and of her early and scarce-acknowledged attachment to
+him,--and of his generosity and devotion, and how she had requited it.
+And then, like a sullen cloud darkening the fair prospect, arose the
+figure of Guy Fawkes--the sombre enthusiast--who had unwittingly
+exercised such a baneful influence upon her fortunes.
+
+"Had he not crossed my path," she mentally ejaculated, "I might have
+been happy--might have loved Humphrey Chetham--might, perhaps, have
+wedded him!"
+
+These reflections were suddenly dispersed by the lieutenant, who, in a
+stern tone, commenced his interrogations.
+
+As upon her previous examination, Viviana observed the utmost caution,
+and either refused to speak, or answered such questions only as affected
+herself. At first, in spite of all her efforts, she trembled violently,
+and her tongue clove to the roof of her mouth. But after a while, she
+recovered her courage, and regarded the lieutenant with a look as
+determined as his own.
+
+"It is useless to urge me farther," she concluded. "I have said all I
+will say."
+
+"Is it your pleasure, my lords," observed Sir William Waad to the
+others, "to prolong the examination?"
+
+His companions replied in the negative, and the one nearest him
+remarked, "Is she aware what will follow?"
+
+"I am," replied Viviana, resolutely, "and I am not to be intimidated."
+
+Sir William Waad then made a sign to Ipgreve, who immediately stepped
+forward and seized her arm. "You will be taken to that recess," said the
+lieutenant, "where the question will be put to you. But, as we shall
+remain here, you have only to utter a cry if you are willing to avow the
+truth, and the torture shall be stayed. And it is our merciful hope that
+this may be the case."
+
+Summoning up all her resolution, and walking with a firm footstep,
+Viviana passed with Ipgreve behind the curtain. She there beheld two men
+and a woman--the latter was the jailer's wife, who instantly advanced to
+her, and besought her to confess.
+
+"There is no help for it, if you refuse," she urged; "not all your
+wealth can save you."
+
+"Mind your own business, dame," interposed Ipgreve, angrily, "and assist
+her to unrobe."
+
+Saying this, he stepped aside with the two men, one of whom was the
+chirurgeon, and the other the tormentor, while Dame Ipgreve helped to
+take off Viviana's gown. She then tied a scarf over her shoulders, and
+informed her husband she was ready.
+
+The recess was about twelve feet high, and ten wide. It was crossed near
+the roof, which was arched and vaulted, by a heavy beam, with pulleys
+and ropes at either extremity. But what chiefly attracted the
+unfortunate captive's attention was a couple of iron gauntlets attached
+to it, about a yard apart. Upon the ground under the beam, and
+immediately beneath that part of it where the gauntlets were fixed, were
+laid three pieces of wood, of a few inches in thickness, and piled one
+upon another.
+
+"What must I do?" inquired Viviana, in a hollow voice, but with
+unaltered resolution, of the old woman.
+
+"Step upon those pieces of wood," replied Dame Ipgreve, leading her
+towards them.
+
+Viviana obeyed, and as soon as she had set foot upon the pile, the
+tormentor placed a joint-stool beside her, and mounting it, desired her
+to place her right hand in one of the gauntlets. She did so, and the
+tormentor then turned a screw, which compressed the iron glove so
+tightly as to give her excruciating pain. He then got down, and Ipgreve
+demanded if he should proceed.
+
+A short pause ensued; but, notwithstanding her agony, Viviana made no
+answer. The tormentor then placed the stool on the left side, and
+fastened the hand which was still at liberty within the other gauntlet.
+The torture was dreadful--and the fingers appeared crushed by the
+pressure. Still Viviana uttered no cry. After another short pause,
+Ipgreve said,
+
+"You had better let us stop here. This is mere child's play compared
+with what is to come."
+
+No answer being returned, the tormentor took a mallet and struck one of
+the pieces of wood from under Viviana's feet. The shock was dreadful,
+and seemed to dislocate her wrists, while the pressure on the hands was
+increased in a tenfold degree. The poor sufferer, who was resting on the
+points of her feet, felt that the removal of the next piece of wood
+would occasion almost intolerable torture. Her constancy, however, did
+not desert her, and, after the question had been repeated by Ipgreve,
+the second block was struck away. She was now suspended by her hands,
+and the pain was so exquisite, that nature gave way, and uttering a
+piercing scream, she fainted.
+
+On recovering, she found herself stretched upon a miserable pallet, with
+Ruth watching beside her. A glance round the chamber, which was of solid
+stone masonry, with a deep embrasure on one side, convinced her that she
+had been removed to some other prison.
+
+"Where am I?" she asked, in a faint voice.
+
+"In the Well Tower, madam," replied Ruth: "one of the fortifications
+near the moat, and now used as a prison-lodging. My father dwells within
+it, and you are under his custody."
+
+"Your father," cried Viviana, shuddering as she recalled the sufferings
+she had recently undergone. "Will he torture me again?"
+
+"Not if I can prevent it, dear lady," replied Ruth. "But hush! here
+comes my mother. Not a word before her."
+
+As Ruth spoke, Dame Ipgreve, who had been lingering at the door, entered
+the room. She affected the greatest solicitude for Viviana--felt her
+pulse--looked at the bandages fastened round her swollen and crippled
+fingers, and concluded by counselling her not to persist in refusing to
+speak.
+
+"I dare not tell you what tortures are in store for you," she said, "if
+you continue thus obstinate. But they will be a thousand times worse
+than what you endured last night."
+
+"When will my next interrogation take place?" inquired Viviana.
+
+"A week hence, it may be,--or it may be sooner," returned the old woman.
+"It depends upon the state you are in--and somewhat upon the fees you
+give my husband, for he has a voice with the lieutenant."
+
+"I would give him all I possess, if he could save me from further
+torture," cried Viviana.
+
+"Alas! alas!" replied Dame Ipgreve, "you ask more than can be done. He
+would save you if he could. But you will not let him. However, we will
+do all we can to mitigate your sufferings--all we can--provided you pay
+us. Stay with her, child," she added, with a significant gesture to her
+daughter, as she quitted the room, "stay with her."
+
+"My heart bleeds for you, madam," said Ruth, in accents of the deepest
+commiseration, as soon as they were alone. "You may depend upon my
+fidelity. If I can contrive your escape, I will,--at any risk to
+myself."
+
+"On no account," replied Viviana. "Do not concern yourself about me
+more. My earthly sufferings, I feel, will have terminated before further
+cruelty can be practised upon me."
+
+"Oh! say not so, madam," returned Ruth. "I hope--nay, I am sure you will
+live long and happily."
+
+Viviana shook her head, and Ruth, finding her very feeble, thought it
+better not to continue the conversation. She accordingly applied such
+restoratives as were at hand, and observing that the eyes of the
+sufferer closed as if in slumber, glided noiselessly out of the chamber,
+and left her.
+
+In this way a week passed. At the expiration of that time, the
+chirurgeon pronounced her in so precarious a state, that if the torture
+were repeated he would not answer for her life. The interrogation,
+therefore, was postponed for a few days, during which the chirurgeon
+constantly visited her, and by his care, and the restoratives she was
+compelled to take, she rapidly regained her strength.
+
+One day, after the chirurgeon had departed, Ruth cautiously closed the
+door, and observed to her,
+
+"You are now so far recovered, madam, as to be able to make an attempt
+to escape. I have devised a plan, which I will communicate to you
+to-morrow. It must not be delayed, or you will have to encounter a
+second and more dreadful examination."
+
+"I will not attempt it if you are exposed to risk," replied Viviana.
+
+"Heed me not," returned Ruth. "One of your friends has found out your
+place of confinement, and has spoken to me about you."
+
+"What friend?" exclaimed Viviana, starting. "Guy Fawkes?--I mean----"
+And she hesitated, while her pale cheeks were suffused with blushes.
+
+"He is named Humphrey Chetham," returned Ruth. "Like myself, he would
+risk his life to preserve you."
+
+"Tell him he must not do so," cried Viviana, eagerly. "He has done
+enough--too much for me already. I will not expose him to further
+hazard. Tell him so, and entreat him to abandon the attempt."
+
+"But I shall not see him, dear lady," replied Ruth. "Besides, if I read
+him rightly, he is not likely to be turned aside by any selfish
+consideration."
+
+"You are right, he is not," groaned Viviana. "But this only adds to my
+affliction. Oh! if you _should_ see him, dear Ruth, try to dissuade him
+from his purpose."
+
+"I will obey you, madam," replied the jailer's daughter. "But I am well
+assured it will be of no avail."
+
+After some further conversation, Ruth retired, and Viviana was left
+alone for the night. Except the slumber procured by soporific potions,
+she had known no repose since she had been confined within the Tower;
+and this night she felt more than usually restless. After ineffectually
+endeavouring to compose herself, she arose, and hastily robing
+herself--a task she performed with no little difficulty, her fingers
+being almost useless--continued to pace her narrow chamber.
+
+It has been mentioned that on one side of the cell there was a deep
+embrasure. It was terminated by a narrow and strongly-grated loophole,
+looking upon the moat. Pausing before it, Viviana gazed forth. The night
+was pitchy dark, and not even a solitary star could be discerned; but as
+she had no light in her chamber, the gloom outside was less profound
+than that within.
+
+While standing thus, buried in thought, and longing for daybreak,
+Viviana fancied she heard a slight sound as of some one swimming across
+the moat. Thinking she might be deceived, she listened more intently,
+and as the sound continued, she felt sure she was right in her
+conjecture. All at once the thought of Humphrey Chetham flashed upon
+her, and she had no doubt it must be him. Nor was she wrong. The next
+moment, a noise was heard as of some one clambering up the wall; a hand
+grasped the bars of the loophole, which was only two or three feet above
+the level of the water; and a low voice, which she instantly recognised,
+pronounced her name.
+
+"Is it Humphrey Chetham?" she asked, advancing as near as she could to
+the loophole.
+
+"It is," was the reply. "Do not despair. I will accomplish your
+liberation. I have passed three days within the Tower, and only
+ascertained your place of confinement a few hours ago. I have contrived
+a plan for your escape, with the jailer's daughter, which she will make
+known to you to-morrow."
+
+"I cannot thank you sufficiently for your devotion," replied Viviana, in
+accents of the deepest gratitude. "But I implore you to leave me to my
+fate. I am wretched enough now, Heaven knows, but if aught should happen
+to you, I shall be infinitely more so. If I possess any power over
+you,--and that I do so, I well know,--I entreat, nay, I command, you to
+desist from this attempt."
+
+"I have never yet disobeyed you, Viviana," replied the young merchant,
+passionately--"nor will I do so now. But if you bid me abandon you, I
+will plunge into this moat, never to rise again."
+
+His manner, notwithstanding the low tone in which he spoke, was so
+determined, that Viviana felt certain he would carry his threat into
+execution; she therefore rejoined in a mournful tone,
+
+"Well, be it as you will. It is in vain to resist our fate, I am
+destined to bring misfortune to you."
+
+"Not so," replied Chetham. "If I _can_ save you, I would rather die than
+live. The jailer's daughter will explain her plan to you to-morrow.
+Promise me to accede to it."
+
+Viviana reluctantly assented.
+
+"I shall quit the Tower at daybreak," pursued Chetham; "and when you are
+once out of it, hasten to the stairs beyond the wharf at Petty Wales. I
+will be there with a boat. Farewell!"
+
+As he spoke, he let himself drop into the water, but his foot slipping,
+the plunge was louder than he intended, and attracted the attention of a
+sentinel on the ramparts, who immediately called out to know what was
+the matter, and not receiving any answer, discharged his caliver in the
+direction of the sound.
+
+Viviana, who heard the challenge and the shot, uttered a loud scream,
+and the next moment Ipgreve and his wife appeared. The jailer glanced
+suspiciously round the room; but after satisfying himself that all was
+right, and putting some questions to the captive, which she refused to
+answer, he departed with his wife, and carefully barred the door.
+
+It is impossible to imagine greater misery than Viviana endured the
+whole of the night. The uncertainty in which she was kept as to
+Chetham's fate was almost insupportable, and the bodily pain she had
+recently endured appeared light when compared with her present mental
+torture. Day at length dawned; but it brought with it no Ruth. Instead
+of this faithful friend, Dame Ipgreve entered the chamber with the
+morning meal, and her looks were so morose and distrustful, that Viviana
+feared she must have discovered her daughter's design. She did not,
+however, venture to make a remark, but suffered the old woman to depart
+in silence.
+
+Giving up all for lost, and concluding that Humphrey Chetham had either
+perished, or was, like herself, a prisoner, Viviana bitterly bewailed
+his fate, and reproached herself with being unintentionally the cause of
+it. Later in the day, Ruth entered the cell. To Viviana's eager
+inquiries she replied, that Humphrey Chetham had escaped. Owing to the
+darkness, the sentinel had missed his aim, and although the most
+rigorous search was instituted throughout the fortress, he had contrived
+to elude observation.
+
+"Our attempt," pursued Ruth, "must be made this evening. The lieutenant
+has informed my father that you are to be interrogated at midnight, the
+chirurgeon having declared that you are sufficiently recovered to
+undergo the torture (if needful) a second time. Now listen to me. The
+occurrence of last night has made my mother suspicious, and she watches
+my proceedings with a jealous eye. She is at this moment with a female
+prisoner in the Beauchamp Tower, or I should not be able to visit you.
+She has consented, however, to let me bring in your supper. You must
+then change dresses with me. Being about my height, you may easily pass
+for me, and I will take care there is no light below, so that your
+features will not be distinguished."
+
+Viviana would have checked her, but the other would not be interrupted.
+
+"As soon as you are ready," she continued, "you must lock the door upon
+me. You must then descend the short flight of steps before you, and pass
+as quickly as you can through the room where you will see my father and
+mother. As soon as you are out of the door, turn to the left, and go
+straight forward to the By-ward Tower. Show this pass to the warders. It
+is made out in my name, and they will suffer you to go forth. Do the
+same with the warders at the next gate,--the Middle Tower,--and again at
+the Bulwark Gate. That passed, you are free."
+
+"And what will become of you?" asked Viviana, with a bewildered look.
+
+"Never mind me," rejoined Ruth: "I shall be sufficiently rewarded if I
+save you. And now, farewell. Be ready at the time appointed."
+
+"I cannot consent," returned Viviana.
+
+"You have no choice," replied Ruth, breaking from her, and hurrying out
+of the room.
+
+Time, as it ever does, when expectation is on the rack, appeared to pass
+with unusual slowness. But as the hour at length drew near, Viviana
+wished it farther off. It was with the utmost trepidation that she heard
+the key turn in the lock, and beheld Ruth enter the cell with the
+evening meal.
+
+Closing the door, and setting down the provisions, the jailer's daughter
+hastily divested herself of her dress, which was of brown serge, as well
+as of her coif and kerchief, while Viviana imitated her example. Without
+pausing to attire herself in the other's garments, Ruth then assisted
+Viviana to put on the dress she had just laid aside, and arranged her
+hair and the head-gear so skilfully, that the disguise was complete.
+
+Hastily whispering some further instructions to her, and explaining
+certain peculiarities in her gait and deportment, she then pressed her
+to her bosom, and led her to the door. Viviana would have remonstrated,
+but Ruth pushed her through it, and closed it.
+
+There was now no help, so Viviana, though with great pain to herself,
+contrived to turn the key in the lock. Descending the steps, she found
+herself in a small circular chamber, in which Ipgreve and his wife were
+seated at a table, discussing their evening meal. The sole light was
+afforded by a few dying embers on the hearth.
+
+"What! has she done, already?" demanded the old woman, as Viviana
+appeared. "Why hast thou not brought the jelly with thee, if she has not
+eaten it all, and those cates, which Master Pilchard, the chirurgeon,
+ordered her? Go and fetch them directly. They will finish our repast
+daintily; and there are other matters too, which I dare say she has not
+touched. She will pay for them, and that will make them the sweeter. Go
+back, I say. What dost thou stand there for, as if thou wert
+thunderstruck? Dost hear me, or not?"
+
+"Let the wench alone, dame," growled Ipgreve. "You frighten her."
+
+"So I mean to do," replied the old woman; "she deserves to be
+frightened. Hark thee, girl, we must get an order from her on some
+wealthy Catholic family without delay--for I don't think she will stand
+the trial to-night."
+
+"Nor I," added Ipgreve, "especially as she is to be placed on the rack."
+
+"She has a chain of gold round her throat, I have observed," said the
+old woman; "we must get that."
+
+"I have it," said Viviana, in a low tone, and imitating as well as she
+could the accents of Ruth. "Here it is."
+
+"Did she give it thee?" cried the old woman, getting up, and grasping
+Viviana's lacerated fingers with such force, that she had difficulty in
+repressing a scream. "Did she give it thee, I say?"
+
+"She gave it me for you," gasped Viviana. "Take it."
+
+While the old woman held the chain to the fire, and called to her
+husband to light a lamp, that she might feast her greedy eyes upon it,
+Viviana flew to the door.
+
+Just as she reached it, the shrill voice of Dame Ipgreve arrested her.
+
+"Come back!" cried the dame. "Whither art thou going at this time of
+night? I will not have thee stir forth. Come back, I say."
+
+"Pshaw! let her go," interposed Ipgreve. "I dare say she hath an
+appointment on the Green with young Nicholas Hardesty, the warder. Go,
+wench. Be careful of thyself, and return within the hour."
+
+"If she does not, she will rue it," added the dame. "Go, then, and I
+will see the prisoner."
+
+Viviana required no further permission. Starting off as she had been
+directed on the left, she ran as fast as her feet could carry her; and,
+passing between two arched gateways, soon reached the By-ward Tower.
+Showing the pass to the warder, he chucked her under the chin, and,
+drawing an immense bolt, opened the wicket, and gallantly helped her to
+pass through it. The like good success attended her at the Middle Tower,
+and at the Bulwark Gate. Scarcely able to credit her senses, and
+doubting whether she was indeed free, she hurried on till she came to
+the opening leading to the stairs at Petty Wales. As she hesitated,
+uncertain what to do, a man advanced towards and addressed her by name.
+It was Humphrey Chetham. Overcome by emotion, Viviana sank into his
+arms, and in another moment she was placed in a wherry, which was
+ordered to be rowed towards Westminster.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE COUNTERPLOT.
+
+
+Startled, but not dismayed--for he was a man of great courage--by the
+sudden address and appearance of Guy Fawkes, Lord Mounteagle instantly
+sprang to his feet, and drawing his sword, put himself into a posture of
+defence.
+
+"You have betrayed me," he cried, seizing Tresham with his left hand;
+"but if I fall, you shall fall with me."
+
+"You have betrayed yourself, my lord," rejoined Guy Fawkes; "or rather,
+Heaven has placed you in our hands as an instrument for the liberation
+of Viviana Radcliffe. You must take an oath of secrecy--a binding
+oath,--such as, being a good Catholic, you cannot break,--not to divulge
+what has come to your knowledge. Nay, you must join me and my
+confederates, or you quit not this spot with life."
+
+"I refuse your terms," replied Mounteagle, resolutely; "I will never
+conspire against the monarch to whom I have sworn allegiance. I will not
+join you. I will not aid you in procuring Viviana Radcliffe's release.
+Nor will I take the oath you propose. On the contrary, I arrest you as a
+traitor, and I command you, Tresham, in the King's name, to assist me in
+his capture."
+
+But suddenly extricating himself from the grasp imposed upon him, and
+placing Guy Fawkes between him and the Earl, Tresham rejoined,--
+
+"It is time to throw off the mask, my good lord and brother. I can
+render you no assistance. I am sworn to this league, and must support
+it. Unless you assent to the conditions proposed,--and which for your
+own sake I would counsel you to do,--I must, despite our near
+relationship, take part against you,--even," he added, significantly,
+"if your destruction should be resolved upon."
+
+"I will sell my life dearly, as you shall find," replied Mounteagle.
+"And, but for the sake of my dear lady, your sister, I would stab you
+where you stand."
+
+"Your lordship will find resistance in vain," replied Guy Fawkes,
+keeping his eye steadily fixed upon him. "We seek not your life, but
+your co-operation. You are a prisoner."
+
+"A prisoner!" echoed Mounteagle, derisively. "You have not secured me
+yet."
+
+And as he spoke, he rushed towards the door, but his departure was
+checked by Bates, who presented himself at the entrance of the passage
+with a drawn sword in his hand. At the same moment, Catesby and Keyes
+issued from the closet, while Garnet and the other conspirators likewise
+emerged from their hiding-places. Hearing the noise behind him, Lord
+Mounteagle turned, and beholding the group, uttered an exclamation of
+surprise and rage.
+
+"I am fairly entrapped," he said, sheathing his sword, and advancing
+towards them. "Fool that I was, to venture hither!"
+
+"These regrets are too late, my lord," replied Catesby. "You came hither
+of your own accord. But being here, nothing, except compliance with our
+demands, can ensure your departure."
+
+"Yes, one thing else," thought Mounteagle,--"cunning. It shall go hard
+if I cannot outwit you. Tresham will act with me. I know his treacherous
+nature too well to doubt which way he will incline. Interest, as well as
+relationship, binds him to me. He will acquaint me with their plans. I
+need not, therefore, compromise myself by joining them. If I take the
+oath of secrecy, it will suffice--and I will find means of eluding the
+obligation. I may thus make my own bargain with Salisbury. But I must
+proceed cautiously. Too sudden a compliance might awaken their
+suspicions."
+
+"My lord," said Catesby, who had watched his countenance narrowly, and
+distrusted its expression, "we must have no double-dealing. Any attempt
+to play us false will prove fatal to you."
+
+"I have not yet consented to your terms, Mr. Catesby," replied
+Mounteagle, "and I demand a few moments' reflection before I do so."
+
+"What say you, gentlemen?" said Catesby. "Do you agree to his lordship's
+request?"
+
+There was a general answer in the affirmative.
+
+"I would also confer for a moment alone with my brother Tresham," said
+Mounteagle.
+
+"That cannot be, my lord," rejoined Garnet, peremptorily. "And take heed
+you meditate no treachery towards us, or you will destroy yourself here
+and hereafter."
+
+"I have no desire to speak with him, father," observed Tresham. "Let him
+declare what he has to say before you all."
+
+Mounteagle looked hard at him, but he made no remark.
+
+"In my opinion, we ought not to trust him," observed Keyes. "It is plain
+he is decidedly opposed to us. And if the oath is proposed to him, he
+may take it with some mental reservation."
+
+"_I_ will guard against that," replied Garnet.
+
+"If I take the oath, I will keep it, father," rejoined Mounteagle. "But
+I have not yet decided."
+
+"You must do so, then, quickly, my lord," returned Catesby. "You shall
+have five minutes for reflection. But first, you must deliver up your
+sword."
+
+The Earl started.
+
+"We mean _you_ no treachery, my lord," observed Keyes, "and expect to be
+dealt with with equal fairness."
+
+Surrendering his sword to Catesby, Mounteagle then walked to the farther
+end of the room, and leaning against the wall, with his back to the
+conspirators, appeared buried in thought.
+
+"Take Tresham aside," whispered Catesby to Wright. "I do not wish him to
+overhear our conference. Watch him narrowly, and see that no signal
+passes between him and Lord Mounteagle."
+
+Wright obeyed; and the others gathering closely together, began to
+converse in a low tone.
+
+"It will not do to put him to death," observed Garnet. "From what he
+stated to Tresham, it appears that his servant was aware of his coming
+hither. If he disappears, therefore, search will be immediately made,
+and all will be discovered. We must either instantly secure ourselves by
+flight, and give up the enterprise, or trust him."
+
+"You are right, father," replied Rookwood. "The danger is imminent."
+
+"We are safe at present," observed Percy, "and may escape to France or
+Flanders before information can be given against us. Nay, we may carry
+off Mounteagle with us, for that matter. But I am loth to trust him."
+
+"So am I," rejoined Catesby. "I do not like his looks."
+
+"There is no help," said Fawkes. "We _must_ trust him, or give up the
+enterprise. He may materially aid us, and has himself asserted that he
+can procure Viviana's liberation from the Tower."
+
+"Pshaw!" exclaimed Catesby, impatiently. "What has that to do with the
+all-important question we are now considering?"
+
+"Much," returned Fawkes. "And I will not move further in the matter
+unless that point is insisted on."
+
+"You have become strangely interested in Viviana of late," observed
+Catesby, sarcastically. "Could I suspect you of so light a passion, I
+should say you loved her."
+
+A deep flush dyed Fawkes's swarthy cheeks, but he answered in a voice of
+constrained calmness,
+
+"I _do_ love her,--as a daughter."
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed the other, drily.
+
+"Catesby," rejoined Fawkes, sternly, "you know me well--too well, to
+suppose I would resort to any paltry subterfuge. I am willing to let
+what you have said pass. But I counsel you not to jest thus in future."
+
+"Jest!" exclaimed Catesby. "I was never more serious in my life."
+
+"Then you do me wrong," retorted Fawkes, fiercely; "and you will repeat
+the insinuation at your peril."
+
+"My sons--my sons," interposed Garnet, "what means this sudden--this
+needless quarrel, at a moment when we require the utmost calmness to
+meet the danger that assails us? Guy Fawkes is right. Viviana _must_ be
+saved. If we desert her, our cause will never prosper. But let us
+proceed step by step, and first decide upon what is to be done with Lord
+Mounteagle."
+
+"I am filled with perplexity," replied Catesby.
+
+"Then I will decide for you," replied Percy. "Our project must be
+abandoned."
+
+"Never," replied Fawkes, energetically. "Fly, and secure your own
+safety. I will stay and accomplish it alone."
+
+"A brave resolution!" exclaimed Catesby, tendering him his hand, which
+the other cordially grasped. "I will stand by you to the last. No--we
+have advanced too far to retreat."
+
+"Additional caution will be needful," observed Keyes. "Can we not make
+it a condition with Lord Mounteagle to retire, till the blow is struck,
+to his mansion at Hoxton?"
+
+"That would be of no avail," replied Garnet. "We must trust him wholly,
+or not at all."
+
+"There I agree with you, father," said Percy. "Let us propose the oath
+of secrecy to him, and detain him here until we have found some secure
+retreat, utterly unknown to him, or to Tresham, whence we can correspond
+with our friends. A few days will show whether he has betrayed us or
+not. We need not visit this place again till the moment for action
+arrives."
+
+"You need not visit it again at all," rejoined Fawkes. "Everything is
+prepared, and I will undertake to fire the train. Prepare for what is to
+follow the explosion, and leave the management of that to me."
+
+"I cannot consent to such a course, my son," said Garnet. "The whole
+risk will thus be yours."
+
+"The whole glory will be mine, also, father," rejoined Fawkes,
+enthusiastically. "I pray you, let me have my own way."
+
+"Well, be it as you will, my son," returned Garnet, with affected
+reluctance. "I will not oppose the hand of Heaven, which clearly points
+you out as the chief agent in this mighty enterprise. In reference to
+what Percy has said about a retreat till Lord Mounteagle's
+trust-worthiness can be ascertained," he added to Catesby, "I have just
+bethought me of a large retired house on the borders of Enfield Chase,
+called White Webbs. It has been recently taken by Mrs. Brooksby, and her
+sister, Anne Vaux, and will afford us a safe asylum."
+
+"An excellent plan, father," cried Catesby. "Since Guy Fawkes is willing
+to undertake the risk, we will leave Lord Mounteagle in his charge, and
+go there at once."
+
+"What must be done with Tresham?" asked Percy. "We cannot take him with
+us, nor must he know of our retreat."
+
+"Leave him with me," said Fawkes.
+
+"You will be at a disadvantage," observed Catesby, "should he take part,
+as there is reason to fear he may do, with Lord Mounteagle."
+
+"They are both unarmed," returned Fawkes; "but were it otherwise, I
+would answer with my head for their detention."
+
+"All good saints guard you, my son!" exclaimed Garnet. "Henceforth, we
+resign the custody of the powder to you."
+
+"It will be in safe keeping," replied Fawkes.
+
+The party then advanced towards Lord Mounteagle, who, hearing their
+approach, instantly faced them.
+
+"Your decision, my lord?" demanded Catesby.
+
+"You shall have it in a word, sir," replied Mounteagle, firmly.
+
+"I will _not_ join you, but I will take the required oath of secrecy."
+
+"Is this your final resolve, my lord?" rejoined Catesby.
+
+"It is," replied the Earl.
+
+"It must content us," observed Garnet; "though we hoped you would have
+lent your active services to further a cause, having for its sole object
+the restoration of the church to which you belong."
+
+"I know not the means whereby you propose to restore it, father,"
+replied Mounteagle, "and I do not desire to know them. But I guess that
+they are dark and bloody, and as such I can take no part in them."
+
+"And you refuse to give us any counsel or assistance?" pursued Garnet.
+
+"I will not betray you," replied Mounteagle. "I can say nothing
+further."
+
+"I would rather he promised too little, than too much," whispered
+Catesby to Garnet. "I begin to think him sincere."
+
+"I am of the same opinion, my son," returned Garnet.
+
+"One thing you _shall_ do, before _I_ consent to set you free, on any
+terms, my lord," observed Guy Fawkes. "You shall engage to procure the
+liberation of Viviana Radcliffe from the Tower. You told Tresham you
+could easily accomplish it."
+
+"I scarcely knew what I said," replied Mounteagle, with a look of
+embarrassment.
+
+"You spoke confidently, my lord," rejoined Fawkes.
+
+"Because I had no idea I should be compelled to make good my words,"
+returned the Earl. "But as a Catholic, and related by marriage to
+Tresham, who is a suspected person, any active exertions in her behalf
+on my part might place me in jeopardy."
+
+"This excuse shall not avail you, my lord," replied Fawkes. "You must
+weigh your own safety against hers. You stir not hence till you have
+sworn to free her."
+
+"I must perforce assent, since you will have no refusal," replied
+Mounteagle. "But I almost despair of success. If I can effect her
+deliverance, I swear to do so."
+
+"Enough," replied Fawkes.
+
+"And now, gentlemen," said Catesby, appealing to the others, "are you
+willing to let Lord Mounteagle depart upon the proposed terms?"
+
+"We are," they replied.
+
+"I will administer the oath at once," said Garnet; "and you will bear in
+mind, my son," he added, in a stern tone to the Earl, "that it will be
+one which cannot be violated without perdition to your soul."
+
+"I am willing to take it," replied Mounteagle.
+
+Producing a primer, and motioning the Earl to kneel before him, Garnet
+then proposed an oath of the most solemn and binding description. The
+other repeated it after him, and at its conclusion placed the book to
+his lips.
+
+"Are you satisfied?" he asked, rising.
+
+"I am," replied Garnet.
+
+"And so am I," thought Tresham, who stood in the rear, "--that he will
+perjure himself."
+
+"Am I now at liberty to depart?" inquired the Earl.
+
+"Not yet, my lord," replied Catesby. "You must remain here till
+midnight."
+
+Lord Mounteagle looked uneasy, but seeing remonstrance would be useless,
+he preserved a sullen silence.
+
+"You need have no fear, my lord," said Catesby. "But we must take such
+precautions as will ensure our safety, in case you intend us any
+treachery."
+
+"You cannot doubt me, sir, after the oath I have taken," replied
+Mounteagle, haughtily. "But since you constitute yourself my jailer, I
+must abide your pleasure."
+
+"If I _am_ your jailer, my lord," rejoined Catesby, "I will prove to you
+that I am not neglectful of my office. Will it please you to follow me?"
+
+The Earl bowed in acquiescence; and Catesby, marching before him to a
+small room, the windows of which were carefully barred, pointed to a
+chair, and instantly retiring, locked the door upon him. He then
+returned to the others, and taking Guy Fawkes aside, observed in a low
+tone,
+
+"We shall set out instantly for White Webbs. You will remain on guard
+with Tresham, whom you will, of course, keep in ignorance of our
+proceedings. After you have set the Earl at liberty, you can follow us
+if you choose. But take heed you are not observed."
+
+"Fear nothing," replied Fawkes.
+
+Soon after this, Catesby, and the rest of the conspirators, with the
+exception of Guy Fawkes and Tresham, quitted the room, and the former
+concluded they were about to leave the house. He made no remark,
+however, to his companion; but getting between him and the door, folded
+his arms upon his breast, and continued to pace backwards and forwards
+before it.
+
+"Am I a prisoner, as well as Lord Mounteagle?" asked Tresham, after a
+pause.
+
+"You must remain with me here till midnight," replied Fawkes. "We shall
+not be disturbed."
+
+"What! are the others gone?" cried Tresham.
+
+"They are," was the reply.
+
+Tresham's countenance fell, and he appeared to be meditating some
+project, which he could not muster courage to execute.
+
+"Be warned by the past, Tresham," said Fawkes, who had regarded him
+fixedly for some minutes. "If I find reason to doubt you, I will put it
+out of your power to betray us a second time."
+
+"You have no reason to doubt me," replied Tresham, with apparent
+candour. "I only wondered that our friends should leave me without any
+intimation of their purpose. It is for me, not you, to apprehend some
+ill design. Am I not to act with you further?"
+
+"That depends upon yourself, and on the proofs you give of your
+sincerity," replied Fawkes. "Answer me frankly. Do you think Lord
+Mounteagle will keep his oath?"
+
+"I will stake my life upon it," replied Tresham.
+
+The conversation then dropped, and no attempt was made on either side to
+renew it. In this way several hours passed, when at length the silence
+was broken by Tresham, who requested permission to go in search of some
+refreshment; and Guy Fawkes assenting, they descended to the lower room,
+and partook of a slight repast.
+
+Nothing further worthy of note occurred. On the arrival of the appointed
+hour, Guy Fawkes signified to his companion that he might liberate Lord
+Mounteagle; and immediately availing himself of the permission, Tresham
+repaired to the chamber, and threw open the door. The Earl immediately
+came forth, and they returned together to the room in which Guy Fawkes
+remained on guard.
+
+"You are now at liberty to depart, my lord," said the latter; "and
+Tresham can accompany you, if he thinks proper. Remember that you have
+sworn to procure Viviana's liberation."
+
+"I do," replied the Earl.
+
+And he then quitted the house with Tresham.
+
+"You have had a narrow escape, my lord," remarked the latter as they
+approached Whitehall, and paused for a moment under the postern of the
+great western gate.
+
+"True," replied the Earl; "but I do not regret the risk I have run. They
+are now wholly in my power."
+
+"You forget your oath, my lord," said Tresham.
+
+"If I do," replied the Earl, "I but follow your example. You have broken
+one equally solemn, equally binding, and would break a thousand more
+were they imposed upon you. But I will overthrow this conspiracy, and
+yet not violate mine."
+
+"I see not how that can be, my lord," replied Tresham.
+
+"You shall learn in due season," replied the Earl. "I have had plenty of
+leisure for reflection in that dark hole, and have hit upon a plan
+which, I think, cannot fail."
+
+"I hope I am no party to it, my lord," rejoined Tresham. "I dare not
+hazard myself among them further."
+
+"I cannot do without you," replied Mounteagle; "but I will ensure you
+against all danger. It will be necessary for you, however, to act with
+the utmost discretion, and keep a constant guard upon every look and
+movement, as well as upon your words. You must fully regain the
+confidence of these men, and lull them into security."
+
+"I see your lordship's drift," replied Tresham. "You wish them to
+proceed to the last point, to enhance the value of the discovery."
+
+"Right," replied the Earl. "The plot must not be discovered till just
+before its outbreak, when its magnitude and danger will be the more
+apparent. The reward will then be proportionate. Now, you understand me,
+Tresham."
+
+"Fully," replied the other.
+
+"Return to your own house," rejoined Mounteagle. "We need hold no
+further communication together till the time for action arrives."
+
+"And that will not be before the meeting of Parliament," replied
+Tresham; "for they intend to whelm the King and all his nobles in one
+common destruction."
+
+"By Heaven! a brave design!" cried Mounteagle. "It is a pity to mar it.
+I knew it was a desperate and daring project, but should never have
+conceived aught like this. Its discovery will indeed occasion universal
+consternation."
+
+"It may benefit you and me to divulge it, my lord," said Tresham; "but
+the disclosure will deeply and lastingly injure the Church of Rome."
+
+"It would injure it more deeply if the plot succeeded," replied
+Mounteagle, "because all loyal Catholics must disapprove so horrible and
+sanguinary a design. But we will not discuss the question further,
+though what you have said confirms my purpose, and removes any misgiving
+I might have felt as to the betrayal. Farewell, Tresham. Keep a watchful
+eye upon the conspirators, and communicate with me should any change
+take place in their plans. We may not meet for some time. Parliament,
+though summoned for the third of October, will, in all probability, be
+prorogued till November."
+
+"In that case," replied Tresham, "you will postpone your disclosure
+likewise till November?"
+
+"Assuredly," replied Mounteagle. "The King must be convinced of his
+danger. If it were found out now, he would think lightly of it. But if
+he has actually set foot upon the mine which a single spark might kindle
+to his destruction, he will duly appreciate the service rendered him.
+Farewell! and do not neglect my counsel."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+WHITE WEBBS.
+
+
+Tarrying for a short time within the house after the departure of the
+others, Guy Fawkes lighted a lantern, and concealing it beneath his
+cloak, proceeded to the cellar, to ascertain that the magazine of powder
+was safe. Satisfied of this, he made all secure, and was about to return
+to the house, when he perceived a figure approaching him. Standing
+aside, but keeping on his guard for fear of a surprise, he would have
+allowed the person to pass, but the other halted, and after a moment's
+scrutiny addressed him by name in the tones of Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"You seem to haunt this spot, young sir," said Fawkes, in answer to the
+address. "This is the third time we have met hereabouts."
+
+"On the last occasion," replied Chetham, "I told you Viviana was a
+prisoner in the Tower. I have now better news for you. She is free."
+
+"Free!" exclaimed Fawkes, joyfully. "By Lord Mounteagle's
+instrumentality?--But I forget. He has only just left me."
+
+"She has been freed by _my_ instrumentality," replied the young
+merchant. "She escaped from the Tower a few hours ago."
+
+"Where is she?" demanded Guy Fawkes, eagerly.
+
+"In a boat at the stairs near the Parliament House," replied Chetham.
+
+"Heaven and Our Lady be praised!" exclaimed Fawkes. "This is more than I
+hoped for. Your news is so good, young sir, that I can scarce credit
+it."
+
+"Come with me to the boat, and you shall soon be satisfied of the truth
+of my statement," rejoined Chetham.
+
+And followed by Guy Fawkes, he hurried to the river side, where a wherry
+was moored. Within it sat Viviana, covered by the tilt.
+
+Assisting her to land, and finding she was too much exhausted to walk,
+Guy Fawkes took her in his arms, and carried her to the house he had
+just quitted.
+
+Humphrey Chetham followed as soon as he had dismissed the waterman.
+Placing his lovely burthen in a seat, Guy Fawkes instantly went in
+search of such restoratives as the place afforded. Viviana was extremely
+faint, but after she had swallowed a glass of wine, she revived, and,
+looking around her, inquired where she was.
+
+"Do not ask," replied Fawkes; "let it suffice you are in safety. And
+now," he added, "perhaps, Humphrey Chetham will inform me in what manner
+he contrived your escape. I am impatient to know."
+
+The young merchant then gave the required information, and Viviana added
+such particulars as were necessary to the full understanding of the
+story. Guy Fawkes could scarcely control himself when she related the
+tortures she had endured, nor was Chetham less indignant.
+
+"You rescued me just in time," said Viviana. "I should have sunk under
+the next application."
+
+"Thank Heaven! you have escaped it," exclaimed Fawkes. "You owe much to
+Humphrey Chetham, Viviana."
+
+"I do, indeed," she replied.
+
+"And can you not requite it?" he returned. "Can you not make him
+happy?--Can you not make _me_ happy?"
+
+Viviana's pale cheek was instantly suffused with blushes, but she made
+no answer.
+
+"Oh, Viviana!" cried Humphrey Chetham, "you hear what is said. If you
+could doubt my love before, you must be convinced of it now. A hope will
+make me happy. Have I that?"
+
+"Alas! no," she answered. "It would be the height of cruelty, after your
+kindness, to deceive you. You have not."
+
+The young merchant turned aside to hide his emotion.
+
+"Not even a hope!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, "after what he has done.
+Viviana, I cannot understand you. Does gratitude form no part of your
+nature?"
+
+"I hope so," she replied, "nay, I am sure so,--for I feel the deepest
+gratitude towards Humphrey Chetham. But gratitude is not love, and must
+not be mistaken for it."
+
+"I understand the distinction too well," returned the young merchant,
+sadly.
+
+"It is more than I do," rejoined Guy Fawkes; "and I will frankly confess
+that I think the important services Humphrey Chetham has rendered you
+entitle him to your hand. It is seldom--whatever poets may feign,--that
+love is so strongly proved as his has been; and it ought to be
+adequately requited."
+
+"Say no more about it, I entreat," interposed Chetham.
+
+"But I will deliver my opinion," rejoined Guy Fawkes, "because I am sure
+what I advise is for Viviana's happiness. No one can love her better
+than you. No one is more worthy of her. Nor is there any one to whom I
+so much desire to see her united."
+
+"Oh, Heaven!" exclaimed Viviana. "This is worse than the torture."
+
+"What mean you?" exclaimed Fawkes, in astonishment.
+
+"She means," interposed Chetham, "that this is not the fitting season to
+urge the subject--that she will never marry."
+
+"True--true," replied Viviana. "If I ever did marry--I _ought_ to select
+you."
+
+"You ought," replied Fawkes. "And I know nothing of the female heart, if
+it can be insensible to youth, devotion, and manly appearance like that
+of Humphrey Chetham."
+
+"You _do_ know nothing of it," rejoined Chetham, bitterly. "Women's
+fancies are unaccountable."
+
+"Such is the received opinion," replied Fawkes; "but as I am ignorant of
+the sex, I can only judge from report. You are the person I should
+imagine she would love--nay, to be frank, whom I thought she _did_
+love."
+
+"No more," said Humphrey Chetham. "It is painful both to Viviana and to
+me."
+
+"This is not a time for delicacy," rejoined Guy Fawkes. "Viviana has
+given me the privilege of a father with her. And where her happiness is
+so much concerned as in the present case, I should imperfectly discharge
+my duty if I did not speak out. It would sincerely rejoice me, and I am
+sure contribute materially to her own happiness, if she would unite
+herself to you."
+
+"I cannot--I cannot," she rejoined. "I will never marry."
+
+"You hear what she says," remarked Chetham. "Do not urge the matter
+further."
+
+"I admire maiden delicacy and reserve," replied Fawkes; "but when a man
+has acted as you have done, he deserves to be treated with frankness. I
+am sure Viviana loves you. Let her tell you so."
+
+"You are mistaken," replied Chetham; "and it is time you should be
+undeceived. She loves another."
+
+"Is this so?" cried Fawkes, in astonishment.
+
+She made no answer.
+
+"Whom do you love?" he asked.
+
+Still, no answer.
+
+"I will tell you whom she loves--and let her contradict me if I am
+wrong," said Chetham.
+
+"Oh, no!--no!--in pity spare me!" cried Viviana.
+
+"Speak!"--thundered Fawkes. "Who is it?"
+
+"Yourself," replied Chetham.
+
+"What!" exclaimed Fawkes, recoiling,--"love _me_! I will not believe it.
+She loves me as a father--but nothing more--nothing more. But you were
+right. Let us change the subject. A more fitting season may arrive for
+its discussion."
+
+After some further conversation, it was agreed that Viviana should be
+taken to White Webbs; and leaving her in charge of Humphrey Chetham, Guy
+Fawkes went in search of a conveyance to Enfield.
+
+Traversing the Strand,--every hostel in which was closed,--he turned up
+Wych-street, immediately on the right of which there was a large inn
+(still in existence), and entering the yard, discovered a knot of
+carriers moving about with lanterns in their hands. To his inquiries
+respecting a conveyance to Enfield, one of them answered, that he was
+about to return thither with his waggon at four o'clock,--it was then
+two,--and should be glad to take him and his friends. Overjoyed at the
+intelligence, and at once agreeing to the man's terms, Guy Fawkes
+hurried back to his companions, and, with the assistance of Humphrey
+Chetham, contrived to carry Viviana (for she was utterly unable to
+support herself) to the inn-yard, where she was immediately placed in
+the waggon, on a heap of fresh straw.
+
+About an hour after this, but long before daybreak, the carrier attached
+his horses to the waggon, and set out. Guy Fawkes and Humphrey Chetham
+were seated near Viviana, but little was said during the journey, which
+occupied about three hours. By this time it was broad daylight; and as
+the carrier stopped at the door of a small inn, Guy Fawkes alighted, and
+inquired the distance to White Webbs.
+
+"It is about a mile and a half off," replied the man. "If you pursue
+that lane, it will bring you to a small village about half a mile from
+this, where you are sure to find some one who will gladly guide you to
+the house, which is a little out of the road, on the borders of the
+forest."
+
+He then assisted Viviana to alight, and Humphrey Chetham descending at
+the same time, the party took the road indicated--a winding country lane
+with high hedges, broken by beautiful timber--and proceeding at a slow
+pace, they arrived in about half an hour at a little cluster of
+cottages, which Guy Fawkes guessed to be the village alluded to by the
+carrier. As they approached it, a rustic leaped a hedge, and was about
+to cross to another field, when Guy Fawkes calling to him, inquired the
+way to White Webbs.
+
+"I am going in that direction," replied the man. "If you desire it, I
+will show you the road."
+
+"I shall feel much indebted to you, friend," returned Fawkes, "and will
+reward you for your trouble."
+
+"I want no reward," returned the countryman, trudging forward.
+
+Following their guide, after a few minutes' brisk walking they reached
+the borders of the forest, and took their way along a patch of
+greensward that skirted it. In some places their track was impeded by
+gigantic thorns and brushwood, while at others avenues opened upon them,
+affording them peeps into the heart of the wood. It was a beautiful
+sylvan scene. And as at length they arrived at the head of a long glade,
+at the farther end of which a herd of deer were seen, with their
+branching antlers mingling with the overhanging boughs, Viviana could
+not help pausing to admire it.
+
+"King James often hunts within the forest," observed the countryman.
+"Indeed, I heard one of the rangers say it was not unlikely he might be
+here to-day. He is at Theobald's Palace now."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Fawkes. "Let us proceed. We lose time. Are we far
+from the house?"
+
+"Not above a quarter of a mile," was the answer. "You will see it at the
+next turn of the road."
+
+As the countryman had intimated, they speedily perceived the roof and
+tall chimneys of an ancient house above the trees, and as it was now
+impossible to mistake the road, Guy Fawkes thanked their guide for his
+trouble, and would have rewarded him, but he refused the gratuity, and
+leaping a hedge, disappeared.
+
+Pursuing the road, they shortly afterwards arrived at a gate leading to
+the house--a large building, erected probably at the beginning of
+Elizabeth's reign--and entering it, they passed under an avenue of
+trees. On approaching the mansion, they observed that many of the
+windows were closed, and the whole appearance of the place was
+melancholy and deserted. The garden was overgrown with weeds, and the
+door looked as if it was rarely opened.
+
+Not discouraged by these appearances, but rather satisfied by them of
+the security of the asylum, Guy Fawkes proceeded to the back of the
+house, and entering a court, the flags and stones of which were covered
+with moss, while the interstices were filled with long grass, Guy Fawkes
+knocked against a small door, and, after repeating the summons, it was
+answered by an old woman-servant, who popped her head out of an upper
+window, and demanded his business.
+
+Guy Fawkes was about to inquire for Mrs. Brooksby, when another head,
+which proved to be that of Catesby, appeared at the window. On seeing
+Fawkes and his companions, Catesby instantly descended, and unfastened
+the door. The house proved far more comfortable within than its exterior
+promised; and the old female domestic having taken word to Anne Vaux
+that Viviana was below, the former lady, who had not yet risen, sent for
+her to her chamber, and provided everything for her comfort.
+
+Guy Fawkes and Humphrey Chetham, neither of whom had rested during the
+night, were glad to obtain a few hours' repose on the floor of the first
+room into which they were shown, and they were not disturbed until the
+day had considerably advanced, when Catesby thought fit to rouse them
+from their slumbers.
+
+Explanations were then given on both sides. Chetham detailed the manner
+of Viviana's escape from the Tower, and Catesby in his turn acquainted
+them that Father Oldcorne was in the house, having found his way thither
+after his escape from the dwelling at Lambeth. Guy Fawkes was greatly
+rejoiced at the intelligence, and shortly afterwards had the
+satisfaction of meeting with the priest. At noon, the whole party
+assembled, with the exception of Viviana, who, by the advice of Anne
+Vaux, kept her chamber, to recruit herself after the sufferings she had
+undergone.
+
+Humphrey Chetham, of whom no suspicions were now entertained, and of
+whom Catesby no longer felt any jealousy, was invited to stay in the
+house; and he was easily induced to pass his time near Viviana, although
+he might not be able to see her. Long and frequent consultations were
+held by the conspirators, and letters were despatched by Catesby to the
+elder Winter at his seat, Huddington, in Worcestershire, entreating him
+to make every preparation for the crisis, as well as to Sir Everard
+Digby, to desire him to assemble as many friends as he could muster
+against the meeting of Parliament, at Dunchurch, in Warwickshire, under
+the plea of a grand hunting-party.
+
+Arrangements were next made as to the steps to be taken by the different
+parties after the explosion. Catesby undertook, with a sufficient force,
+to seize the Princess Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of James the First,
+who was then at the residence of the Earl of Harrington, near Coventry,
+and to proclaim her queen, in case the others should fail in securing
+the princes. It was supposed that Henry, Prince of Wales, (who, it need
+scarcely be mentioned, died in his youth,) would be present with the
+King, his father, in the Parliament House, and would perish with him;
+and in this case, as Charles, Duke of York, (afterwards Charles the
+First,) would become successor to the throne, it was resolved that he
+should be seized by Percy, and instantly proclaimed. Other resolutions
+were decided upon, and the whole time of the conspirators was spent in
+maturing their projects.
+
+And thus weeks, and even months, stole on. Viviana had completely
+regained her strength, and passed a life of perfect seclusion, seldom,
+if ever, mixing with the others. She, however, took a kindly farewell of
+Humphrey Chetham, before his departure for Manchester (for which place
+he set out about a fortnight after his arrival at White Webbs, having
+first sought out his servant, Martin Heydocke); but though strongly
+urged by Guy Fawkes, she would hold out no hopes of a change in her
+sentiments towards the young merchant. Meetings were occasionally held
+by the conspirators elsewhere, and Catesby and Fawkes had more than one
+interview with Tresham--but never, except in places where they were
+secure from a surprise.
+
+The latter end of September had now arrived, and the meeting of
+Parliament was still fixed for the third of October. On the last day of
+the month, Guy Fawkes prepared to start for town; but before doing so he
+desired to see Viviana. They had not met for some weeks; nor, indeed,
+since Fawkes had discovered the secret of her heart, (and perhaps of his
+own,) had they ever met with the same freedom as heretofore. As she
+entered the room, in which he awaited her coming, a tremor agitated his
+frame, but he had nerved himself for the interview, and speedily subdued
+the feeling.
+
+"I am starting for London, Viviana," he said, in a voice of forced
+calmness. "You may guess for what purpose. But as I may never behold you
+again, I would not part with you without a confession of my weakness. I
+will not deny that what Humphrey Chetham stated, and which you have
+never contradicted--namely, that you loved me, for I must speak out--has
+produced a strong effect upon me. I have endeavoured to conquer it, but
+it will return. Till I knew you I never loved, Viviana."
+
+"Indeed!" she exclaimed.
+
+"Never," he replied. "The fairest had not power to move me. But I grieve
+to say--notwithstanding my struggles--I do not continue equally
+insensible."
+
+"Ah!" she ejaculated, becoming as pale as death.
+
+"Why should I hesitate to declare my feelings? Why should I not tell you
+that--though blinded to it so long--I have discovered that I do love
+you? Why should I hesitate to tell you that I regret this, and lament
+that we ever met?"
+
+"What mean you?" cried Viviana, with a terrified look.
+
+"I will tell you," replied Fawkes. "Till I saw you, my thoughts were
+removed from earth, and fixed on one object. Till I saw you, I asked not
+to live, but to die the death of a martyr."
+
+"Die so still," rejoined Viviana. "Forget me--oh! forget me."
+
+"I cannot," replied Fawkes. "I have striven against it. But your image
+is perpetually before me. Nay, at this very moment, when I am about to
+set out on the enterprise, you alone detain me."
+
+"I am glad of it," exclaimed Viviana, fervently. "Oh that I could
+prevent you--could save you!"
+
+"Save me!" echoed Fawkes, bitterly. "You destroy me."
+
+"How?" she asked.
+
+"Because I am sworn to this project," he rejoined; "and if I were turned
+from it, I would perish by my own hand."
+
+"Oh! say not so," replied Viviana, "but listen to me. Abandon it, and I
+will devote myself to you."
+
+Guy Fawkes gazed at her for a moment passionately, and then, covering
+his face with his hands, appeared torn by conflicting emotions.
+
+Viviana approached him, and pressing his arm, asked in an entreating
+voice, "Are you still determined to pursue your dreadful project?"
+
+"I am," replied Fawkes, uncovering his face, and gazing at her; "but, if
+I remain here a moment longer, I shall not be able to do so."
+
+"I will detain you, then," she rejoined, "and exercise the power I
+possess over you for your benefit."
+
+"No!" he replied, vehemently. "It must not be. Farewell, for ever!"
+
+And breaking from her, he rushed out of the room.
+
+As he gained the passage, he encountered Catesby, who looked abashed at
+seeing him.
+
+"I have overheard what has passed," said the latter, "and applaud your
+resolution. Few men, similarly circumstanced, would have acted as you
+have done."
+
+"_You_ would not," said Fawkes, coldly.
+
+"Perhaps not," rejoined Catesby. "But that does not lessen my admiration
+of your conduct."
+
+"I am devoted to one object," replied Fawkes, "and nothing shall turn me
+from it."
+
+"Remove yourself instantly from temptation, then," replied Catesby. "I
+will meet you at the cellar beneath the Parliament House to-morrow
+night."
+
+With this, he accompanied Guy Fawkes to the door; and the latter,
+without hazarding a look behind him, set out for London, where he
+arrived at nightfall.
+
+On the following night, Fawkes examined the cellar, and found it in all
+respects as he had left it; and, apprehensive lest some difficulty might
+arise, he resolved to make every preparation. He, accordingly, pierced
+the sides of several of the barrels piled against the walls with a
+gimlet, and inserted in the holes small pieces of slow-burning match.
+Not content with this, he staved in the tops of the uppermost tier, and
+scattered powder among them to secure their instantaneous ignition.
+
+This done, he took a powder-horn, with which he was provided, and
+kneeling down, and holding his lantern so as to throw a light upon the
+floor, laid a train to one of the lower barrels, and brought it within a
+few inches of the door, intending to fire it from that point. His
+arrangements completed, he arose, and muttered,
+
+"A vessel is provided for my escape in the river, and my companions
+advise me to use a slow match, which will allow me to get out of harm's
+way. But I will see the deed done, and if the train fails, will hold a
+torch to the barrels myself."
+
+At this juncture, a slight tap was heard without.
+
+Guy Fawkes instantly masked his lantern, and cautiously opening the
+door, beheld Catesby.
+
+"I am come to tell you that Parliament is prorogued," said the latter.
+"The House does not meet till the fifth of November. We have another
+month to wait."
+
+"I am sorry for it," rejoined Fawkes. "I have just laid the train. The
+lucky moment will pass."
+
+And, locking the door, he proceeded with Catesby to the adjoining house.
+
+They had scarcely been gone more than a second, when two figures muffled
+in cloaks emerged from behind a wall.
+
+"The train is laid," observed the foremost, "and they are gone to the
+house. You might seize them now without danger."
+
+"That will not answer my purpose," replied the other. "I will give them
+another month."
+
+"Another month!" replied the first speaker. "Who knows what may happen
+in that time? They may abandon their project."
+
+"There is no fear of that," replied the other. "But you had better go
+and join them."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE MARRIAGE IN THE FOREST.
+
+
+Tresham, for it will have been conjectured that he was one of the
+speakers mentioned in the preceding chapter, on separating from Lord
+Mounteagle, took the same direction as the conspirators. He hesitated
+for some time before venturing to knock at the garden-gate; and when he
+had done so, felt half-disposed to take to his heels. But shame
+restrained him; and hearing footsteps approach, he gave the customary
+signal, and was instantly admitted by Guy Fawkes.
+
+"What brings you here?" demanded the latter, as they entered the house,
+and made fast the door behind them.
+
+"I have just heard that Parliament is prorogued to the fifth of
+November," replied Tresham, "and came to tell you so."
+
+"I already know it," returned Fawkes, gloomily; "and for the first time
+feel some misgiving as to the issue of our enterprise."
+
+"Why so?" inquired Tresham.
+
+"November is unlucky to me," rejoined Fawkes, "and I cannot recollect a
+year in my life in which some ill has not befallen me during that month,
+especially on the fifth day. On the last fifth of November, I nearly
+died of a fever at Madrid. It is a strange and unfortunate coincidence
+that the meeting of the Parliament should be appointed for that
+particular day."
+
+"Shall I tell you what I think it portends?" hesitated Tresham.
+
+"Do so," replied Fawkes, "and speak boldly. I am no child to be
+frightened at shadows."
+
+"You have more than once declared your intention of perishing with our
+foes," rejoined Tresham. "The design, though prosperous in itself, may
+be fatal to you."
+
+"You are right," replied Fawkes. "I have little doubt I shall perish on
+that day. You are both aware of my superstitious nature, and are not
+ignorant that many mysterious occurrences have combined to strengthen
+the feeling,--such as the dying words of the prophetess, Elizabeth
+Orton,--her warning speech when she was raised from the dead by Doctor
+Dee,--and lastly, the vision at St. Winifred's Well. What if I tell you
+the saint has again appeared to me?"
+
+"In a dream?" inquired Catesby, in a slightly sceptical tone.
+
+"Ay, in a dream," returned Fawkes. "But I saw her as plainly as if I had
+been awake. It was the same vapoury figure--the same transparent robes,
+the same benign countenance, only far more pitying than before--that I
+beheld at Holywell. I heard no sound issue from her lips, but I _felt_
+that she warned me to desist."
+
+"Do you accept the warning?" asked Tresham, eagerly.
+
+"It is needless to answer," replied Fawkes. "I have laid the train
+to-night."
+
+"You have infected me with your misgivings," observed Tresham. "Would
+the enterprise had never been undertaken!"
+
+"But being undertaken, it must be gone through with," rejoined Catesby,
+sternly. "Hark'e, Tresham. You promised us two thousand pounds in aid of
+the project, but have constantly deferred payment of the sum on some
+plea or other."
+
+"Because I have not been able to raise it," replied Tresham, sullenly.
+"I have tried in vain to sell part of my estates at Rushton, in
+Northamptonshire. I cannot effect impossibilities."
+
+"Tush!" cried Catesby, fiercely. "You well know I ask no impossibility.
+I will no longer be trifled with. The money must be forthcoming by the
+tenth of October, or you shall pay the penalty with your life."
+
+"This is the language of a cut-throat, Mr. Catesby," replied Tresham.
+
+"It is the only language I will hold towards you," rejoined Catesby,
+contemptuously. "Look you disappoint me not, or take the consequences."
+
+"I must leave for Northamptonshire at once, then," said Tresham.
+
+"Do as you please," returned Catesby. "Play the cut-throat yourself, and
+ease some rich miser of his store, if you think fit. Bring us the money,
+and we will not ask how you came by it."
+
+"Before we separate," said Tresham, disregarding these sneers, "I wish
+to be resolved on one point. Who are to be saved from destruction?"
+
+"Why do you ask?" inquired Fawkes.
+
+"Because I must stipulate for the lives of my brothers-in-law, the Lords
+Mounteagle and Stourton."
+
+"If anything detains them from the meeting, well and good," replied
+Catesby. "But no warning must be given them. That would infallibly lead
+to a discovery of the plot."
+
+"Some means might surely be adopted to put them on their guard without
+danger to ourselves?" urged Tresham.
+
+"I know of none," replied Catesby.
+
+"Nor I," added Fawkes. "If I did, I would warn Lord Montague, and some
+others whom I shall grieve to destroy."
+
+"We are all similarly circumstanced," replied Catesby. "Keyes is anxious
+for the preservation of his patron and friend, Lord Mordaunt,--Percy,
+for the Earl of Northumberland. I, myself, would gladly save the young
+Earl of Arundel. But we must sacrifice our private feeling for the
+general good."
+
+"We must," acquiesced Fawkes.
+
+"We shall not meet again till the night of the tenth of October," said
+Catesby, "when take care you are in readiness with the money."
+
+Upon this, the conversation dropped, and soon afterwards Tresham
+departed.
+
+When he found himself alone, he suffered his rage to find vent in words.
+"Perdition seize them!" he cried, "I shall now lose two thousand pounds,
+in addition to what I have already advanced; and, as Mounteagle will not
+have the disclosure made till the beginning of November, there is no way
+of avoiding payment. They would not fall into the snare I laid to throw
+the blame of the discovery, when it takes place, upon their own
+indiscretion. But I must devise some other plan. The warning shall
+proceed from an unknown quarter. A letter, written in a feigned hand,
+and giving some obscure intimation of danger, shall be delivered with an
+air of mystery to Mounteagle. This will serve as a plea for its
+divulgement to the Earl of Salisbury. Well, well, they shall have the
+money; but they shall pay me back in other coin."
+
+Early on the following day, Catesby and Fawkes proceeded to White Webbs.
+Garnet was greatly surprised to see them, and could not conceal his
+disappointment at the cause of their return.
+
+"This delay bodes no good," he observed. "Parliament has been so often
+prorogued, that I begin to think some suspicion is entertained of our
+design."
+
+"Make your mind easy, then," replied Catesby. "I have made due
+inquiries, and find the meeting is postponed to suit the King's
+convenience, who wishes to prolong his stay at Royston. He may probably
+have some secret motive for the delay, but I am sure it in no way
+concerns us."
+
+Everything being now fully arranged, the conspirators had only to wait
+patiently for the arrival of the expected fifth of November. Most of
+them decided upon passing the interval in the country. Ambrose Rookwood
+departed for Clopton, near Stratford-upon-Avon,--a seat belonging to
+Lord Carew, where his family were staying. Keyes went to visit Lord
+Mordaunt at Turvey, in Bedfordshire; and Percy and the two Wrights set
+out for Gothurst, in Buckinghamshire, to desire Sir Everard Digby to
+postpone the grand hunting-party which he was to hold at Dunsmore Heath,
+as an excuse for mustering a strong party of Catholics, to the beginning
+of November. The two Winters repaired to their family mansion,
+Huddington, in Worcestershire; while Fawkes and Catesby, together with
+the two priests, remained at White Webbs. The three latter held daily
+conferences together, but were seldom joined by Fawkes, who passed his
+time in the adjoining forest, selecting its densest and most intricate
+parts for his rambles.
+
+It was now the beginning of October, and, as is generally the case in
+the early part of this month, the weather was fine, and the air pure and
+bracing. The forest could scarcely have been seen to greater advantage.
+The leaves had assumed their gorgeous autumnal tints, and the masses of
+timber, variegated in colour, presented an inexpressibly beautiful
+appearance. Guy Fawkes spent hours in the depths of the wood. His sole
+companions were the lordly stag and the timid hare, that occasionally
+started across his path. Since his return, he had sedulously avoided
+Viviana, and they had met only twice, and then no speech had passed
+between them. One day, when he had plunged even deeper than usual into
+the forest, and had seated himself on the stump of a decayed tree, with
+his eyes fixed on a small clear rivulet welling at his feet, he saw the
+reflection of a female figure in the water; and, filled with the idea of
+the vision of Saint Winifred, at first imagined he was about to receive
+another warning. But a voice that thrilled to his heart's core, soon
+undeceived him, and, turning, he beheld Viviana. She was habited in a
+riding-dress, and appeared prepared to set out upon a journey.
+
+"So you have tracked me to my solitude," he observed, in a tone of
+forced coldness. "I thought I was secure from interruption here."
+
+"You will forgive me, I am sure, when you know my errand," she replied.
+"It is to take an eternal farewell of you."
+
+"Indeed!" he exclaimed. "Are you about to quit White Webbs?"
+
+"I am," she mournfully rejoined. "I am about to set out with Father
+Oldcorne for Gothurst, where I shall remain till all is over."
+
+"I entirely approve your determination," returned Fawkes, after a short
+pause.
+
+"I knew you would do so, or I should have consulted you upon it," she
+rejoined. "And as you appear to avoid me, I would fain have departed
+without taking leave of you, but found it impossible to do so."
+
+"You well know my motive for avoiding you, Viviana," rejoined Fawkes.
+"We are no longer what we were to each other. A fearful struggle has
+taken place within me, though I have preserved an unmoved exterior,
+between passion and the sense of my high calling. I have told you I
+never loved before, and fancied my heart immoveable as adamant. But I
+now find out my error. It is a prey to a raging and constant flame. I
+have shunned you," he continued, with increased excitement, "because the
+sight of you shakes my firmness,--because I feel it sinful to think of
+you in preference to holier objects,--and because, after I have quitted
+you, your image alone engrosses my thoughts. Here, in the depths of this
+wood, by the side of this brook, I can commune with my soul,--can
+abstract myself from the world and the thoughts of the world--from
+you--yes, you, who are all the world to me now,--and prepare to meet my
+end."
+
+"Then you are resolved to die?" she cried.
+
+"I shall abide the explosion, and nothing but a miracle can save me,"
+returned Fawkes.
+
+"And think not it will be exerted in your behalf," she replied. "Heaven
+does not approve your design, and you will assuredly incur its vengeance
+by your criminal conduct."
+
+"Viviana," replied Guy Fawkes, rising, "man cannot read my heart, but
+Heaven can; and the sincerity of my purpose will be recognised above.
+What I am about to do is for the regeneration of our holy religion; and
+if the welfare of that religion is dear to the Supreme Being, our cause
+must prosper. If the contrary, it deserves to fail, and will fail. I
+have ever told you that I care not what becomes of myself. I am now
+more than ever indifferent to life,--or rather," he added, in a sombre
+tone, "I am anxious to die."
+
+"Your dreadful wish, I fear, will be accomplished," replied Viviana,
+sadly. "I have been constantly haunted by frightful apprehensions
+respecting you, and my dead father has appeared to me in my dreams. His
+spirit, if such it were, seemed to gaze upon me with a mournful look,
+and, as I thought, pronounced your name in piteous accents."
+
+"These forebodings chime with my own," muttered Fawkes, repressing a
+shudder; "but nothing shall shake me. It will inflict a bitter pang upon
+me to part with you, Viviana,--the bitterest I can ever feel,--and I
+shall be glad when it is over."
+
+"I echo your own wish," she returned, "and deeply lament that we ever
+met. But the fate that brought us together must for ever unite us."
+
+"What mean you?" he inquired, gazing fixedly at her.
+
+"There is one sad consolation which you can afford me, and which you owe
+me for the deep and lasting misery I shall endure on your account,"
+replied Viviana;--"a consolation that will enable me to bear your loss
+with fortitude, and to devote myself wholly to Heaven."
+
+"Whatever I can do that will not interfere with my purpose, you may
+command," he rejoined.
+
+"What I have to propose will not interfere with it," she answered. "Now,
+hear me, and put the sole construction I deserve on my conduct. Father
+Garnet is at a short distance from us, behind those trees, waiting my
+summons. I have informed him of my design, and he approves of it. It is
+to unite us in marriage--solemnly unite us--that though I may never live
+with you as a wife, I may mourn you as a widow. Do you consent?"
+
+Guy Fawkes returned an affirmative, in a voice broken by emotion.
+
+"The moment the ceremony is over," pursued Viviana, "I shall start with
+Father Oldcorne for Gothurst. We shall never meet again in this world."
+
+"Unless I succeed," said Fawkes.
+
+"You will _not_ succeed," replied Viviana. "If I thought so, I should
+not take this step. I look upon it as an espousal with the dead."
+
+So saying, she hurried away, and disappearing beneath the covert,
+returned in a few seconds with Garnet.
+
+"I have a strange duty to perform for you, my son," said Garnet to
+Fawkes, who remained motionless and stupified; "but I am right willing
+to perform it, because I think it will lead to your future happiness
+with the fair creature who has bestowed her affections on you."
+
+"Do not speculate on the future, father," cried Viviana. "You know _why_
+I asked you to perform this ceremony. You know, also, that I have made
+preparations for instant departure; and that I indulge no hope of seeing
+Guy Fawkes again."
+
+"All this I know, dear daughter," returned Garnet; "but, in spite of
+your anticipations of ill, I still hope that your union may prove
+auspicious."
+
+"I take you to witness, father," said Viviana, "that in bestowing my
+hand upon Guy Fawkes, I bestow at the same time all my possessions upon
+him. He is free to use them as he thinks proper,--even in the
+furtherance of his design against the state, which, though I cannot
+approve it, seems good to him."
+
+"This must not be," cried Fawkes.
+
+"It _shall be_," rejoined Viviana. "Proceed with the ceremony, father."
+
+"Let her have her own way, my son," observed Garnet, in a low tone.
+"Under any circumstances, her estates must now be necessarily yours."
+
+He then took a breviary from his vest, and placing them near each other,
+began to read aloud the marriage-service appointed by the Romish Church.
+And there, in that secluded spot, and under such extraordinary
+circumstances, with no other witnesses than the ancient trees around
+them, and the brook rippling at their feet, were Guy Fawkes and Viviana
+united. The ceremony over, Guy Fawkes pressed his bride to his breast,
+and imprinted a kiss upon her lips.
+
+"I have broken my faith to Heaven, to which I was first espoused," he
+cried.
+
+"No," she returned; "you will now return to your first and holiest
+choice. Think of me only as I shall think of you,--as of the dead."
+
+With this, the party slowly and silently returned to the house, where
+they found a couple of steeds, with luggage strapped to the saddles, at
+the door.
+
+Father Oldcorne was already mounted, and in a few minutes Viviana was by
+his side. Before her departure, she bade Guy Fawkes a tender farewell;
+and at this trying juncture her firmness nearly deserted her. But
+rousing herself, she sprang upon her horse, and urging the animal into a
+quick pace, and followed by Oldcorne, she speedily disappeared from
+view. Guy Fawkes watched her out of sight, and shunning the regards of
+Catesby, who formed one of the group, struck into the forest, and was
+not seen again till the following day.
+
+The tenth of October having arrived, Guy Fawkes and Catesby repaired to
+the place of rendezvous. But the night passed, and Tresham did not
+appear. Catesby was angry and disappointed, and could not conceal his
+apprehensions of treachery. Fawkes took a different view of the matter,
+and thought it not improbable that their confederate's absence might be
+occasioned by the difficulty he found in complying with their demands;
+and this opinion was confirmed the next morning by the arrival of a
+letter from Tresham, stating that he had been utterly unable to effect
+the sales he contemplated, and could not, therefore, procure the money
+till the end of the month.
+
+"I will immediately go down to Rushton," said Catesby, "and if I find
+him disposed to palter with us, I will call him to instant account. But
+Garnet informs me that Viviana has bestowed all her wealth upon you. Are
+you willing to devote it to the good cause?"
+
+"No!" replied Fawkes, in a tone so decisive that his companion felt it
+would be useless to urge the matter further. "I give my life to the
+cause,--that must suffice."
+
+The subject was never renewed. At night, Catesby, having procured a
+powerful steed, set out upon his journey to Northamptonshire, while
+Fawkes returned to White Webbs.
+
+About a fortnight passed unmarked by any event of importance. Despatches
+were received from Catesby, stating that he had received the money from
+Tresham, and had expended it in procuring horses and arms. He also added
+that he had raised numerous recruits on various pretences. This letter
+was dated from Ashby St. Leger's, the seat of his mother, Lady Catesby,
+but he expressed his intention of proceeding to Coughton Hall, near
+Alcester, in Warwickshire, the residence of Mr. Thomas Throckmorton (a
+wealthy Catholic gentleman), whither Sir Everard Digby had removed with
+his family, to be in readiness for the grand hunting-party to be held on
+the fifth of November on Dunsmore Heath. Here he expected to be joined
+by the two Wrights, the Winters, Rookwood, Keyes, and the rest of the
+conspirators, and undertook to bring them all up to White Webbs on
+Saturday the twenty-sixth of October.
+
+By this time, Guy Fawkes had in a great degree recovered his equanimity,
+and left alone with Garnet, held long and frequent religious conferences
+with him; it being evidently his desire to prepare himself for his
+expected fate. He spent the greater part of the nights in solitary
+vigils--fasted even more rigorously than he was enjoined to do--and
+prayed with such fervour and frequency, that, fearing an ill effect upon
+his health, and almost upon his mind, which had become exalted to the
+highest pitch of enthusiasm, Garnet thought it necessary to check him.
+The priest did not fail to note that Viviana's name never passed his
+lips, and that in all their walks in the forest he carefully shunned the
+scene of his espousals.
+
+And thus time flew by. On the evening of the twenty-sixth of October, in
+accordance with Catesby's intimation, the conspirators arrived. They
+were all assembled at supper, and were relating the different
+arrangements which had been made in anticipation of the important
+event, when Garnet observed with a look of sudden uneasiness to Catesby,
+"You said in one of your letters that you would bring Tresham with you,
+my son. Why do I not see him?"
+
+"He sent a message to Coughton to state, that having been attacked by a
+sudden illness, he was unable to join us," replied Catesby, "but as soon
+as he could leave his bed, he would hasten to London. This may be a
+subterfuge, but I shall speedily ascertain the truth, for I have sent my
+servant Bates to Rushton, to investigate the matter. I ought to tell
+you," he added, "that he has given substantial proof of his devotion to
+the cause by sending another thousand pounds, to be expended in the
+purchase of arms and horses."
+
+"I hope it is not dust thrown into our eyes," returned Garnet. "I have
+always feared Tresham would deceive us at the last."
+
+"This sudden illness looks suspicious, I must own," said Catesby. "Has
+aught been heard of Lord Mounteagle?"
+
+"Guy Fawkes heard that he was at his residence at Southwark yesterday,"
+returned Garnet.
+
+"So far, good," replied Catesby. "Did you visit the cellar where the
+powder is deposited?" he added, turning to Fawkes.
+
+"I did," replied the other, "and found all secure. The powder is in
+excellent preservation. Before quitting the spot, I placed certain
+private marks against the door, by which I can tell whether it is opened
+during our absence."
+
+"A wise precaution," returned Catesby. "And now, gentlemen," he added,
+filling a goblet with wine, "success to our enterprise! Everything is
+prepared," he continued, as the pledge was enthusiastically drunk; "I
+have got together a company of above two hundred men, all well armed and
+appointed, who will follow me wherever I choose to lead them. They will
+be stationed near Dunsmore Heath on the fifth of next month, and as soon
+as the event of the explosion is known, I shall ride thither as fast as
+I can, and, hurrying with my troops to Coventry, seize the Princess
+Elizabeth. Percy and Keyes will secure the person of the Duke of York,
+and proclaim him King; while upon the rest will devolve the arduous duty
+of rousing our Catholic brethren in London to rise to arms."
+
+"Trust to us to rouse them," shouted several voices.
+
+"Let each man swear not to swerve from the fulfilment of his task,"
+cried Catesby; "swear it upon this cup of wine, in which we will all mix
+our blood."
+
+And as he spoke, he pricked his arm with the point of his sword, and
+suffered a few drops of blood to fall into the goblet, while the others,
+roused to a state of frenzied enthusiasm, imitated his example, and
+afterwards raised the horrible mixture to their lips, pronouncing at the
+same time the oath.
+
+Guy Fawkes was the last to take the pledge, and crying in a loud voice,
+"I swear not to quit my post till the explosion is over," he drained the
+cup.
+
+After this, they adjourned to a room in another wing of the house,
+fitted up as a chapel, where mass was performed by Garnet, and the
+sacrament administered to the whole assemblage. They were about to
+retire for the night, when a sudden knocking was heard at the door.
+Reconnoitring the intruder through an upper window, overlooking the
+court, Catesby perceived it was Bates, who was holding a smoking and
+mud-bespattered steed by the bridle.
+
+"Well, what news do you bring?" cried Catesby, as he admitted him. "Have
+you seen Tresham?"
+
+"No," replied Bates. "His illness was a mere pretence. He has left
+Rushton secretly for London."
+
+"I knew it," cried Garnet. "He has again betrayed us."
+
+"He shall die," said Catesby.
+
+And the determination was echoed by all the other conspirators.
+
+Instead of retiring to rest, they passed the night in anxious
+deliberation, and it was at last proposed that Guy Fawkes should proceed
+without loss of time to Southwark, to keep watch near the house of Lord
+Mounteagle, and if possible ascertain whether Tresham had visited it.
+
+To this he readily agreed. But before setting out, he took Catesby aside
+for a moment, and asked, "Did you see Viviana at Coughton?"
+
+"Only for a moment, and that just before I left the place," was the
+answer. "She desired to be remembered to you, and said you were never
+absent from her thoughts or prayers."
+
+Guy Fawkes turned away to hide his emotion, and mounting one of the
+horses brought by the conspirators, rode off towards London.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.
+
+
+On the same day as the occurrences last related, Lord Mounteagle, who
+was then staying at Southwark, suddenly intimated his intention of
+passing the night at his country mansion at Hoxton; a change of place
+which, trivial as it seemed at the moment, afterwards assumed an
+importance, from the circumstances that arose out of it. At the latter
+part of the day, he accordingly proceeded to Hoxton, accompanied by his
+customary attendants, and all appeared to pass on as usual, until, just
+as supper was over, one of his pages arrived from town, and desired to
+see his lordship immediately.
+
+Affecting to treat the matter with indifference, Lord Mounteagle
+carelessly ordered the youth to be ushered into his presence; and when
+he appeared, he demanded his business. The page replied, that he brought
+a letter for his lordship, which had been delivered under circumstances
+of great mystery.
+
+"I had left the house just as it grew dusk," he said, "on an errand of
+little importance, when a man, muffled in a cloak, suddenly issued from
+behind a corner, and demanded whether I was one of your lordship's
+servants? On my replying in the affirmative, he produced this letter,
+and enjoined me, as I valued my life and your lordship's safety, to
+deliver it into your own hands without delay."
+
+So saying, he delivered the letter to his lord, who, gazing at its
+address, which was, "To the Right Honourable the Lord Mounteagle,"
+observed, "There is nothing very formidable in its appearance. What can
+it mean?"
+
+Without even breaking the seal, which was secured with a silken thread,
+he gave it to one of his gentlemen, named Ward, who was standing near
+him.
+
+"Read it aloud, sir," said the Earl, with a slight smile. "I have no
+doubt it is some vapouring effusion, which will afford us occasion for
+laughter. Before I hear what the writer has to say, I can promise him he
+shall not intimidate me."
+
+Thus exhorted, Ward broken open the letter, and read as follows:--
+
+"My lord, out of the love I bear to some of your friends, I have a care
+of your preservation. Therefore I would advise you, as you tender your
+life, to devise some excuse to shift from your attendance at this
+Parliament, for God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of
+this time. Think not slightingly of this advice, but retire into the
+country, where you may expect the event in safety; for, though there be
+no appearance of any stir, yet I say they shall receive a terrible blow
+this Parliament, and yet they shall not know who hurts them. This
+counsel is not to be contemned. It may do you good, and can do you no
+harm, for the danger is passed as soon as you have burned the letter.
+God, I hope, will give you grace to make good use of it, to whose holy
+protection I commend you."
+
+"A singular letter!" exclaimed Mounteagle, as soon as Ward had finished.
+"What is your opinion of it?"
+
+"I think it hints at some dangerous plot, my lord," replied Ward, who
+had received his instructions, "some treason against the state. With
+submission, I would advise your lordship instantly to take it to the
+Earl of Salisbury."
+
+"I see nothing in it," replied the Earl. "What is your opinion, Mervyn?"
+he added, turning to another of his gentlemen, to whom he had likewise
+given his lesson.
+
+"I am of the same mind as Ward," replied the attendant.
+
+"Your lordship will hardly hold yourself excused, if you neglect to give
+due warning, should aught occur hereafter."
+
+"Say you so, sirs?" cried Lord Mounteagle. "Let me hear it once more."
+
+The letter was accordingly read again by Ward, and the Earl feigned to
+weigh over each passage.
+
+"I am advised not to attend the Parliament," he said, "'for God and man
+have concurred to punish the wickedness of this time.' That is too vague
+to be regarded. Then I am urged to retire into the country. The
+recommendation must proceed from some discontented Catholic, who does
+not wish me to be present at the opening of the house. This is not the
+first time I have been so adjured. 'They shall receive a terrible blow
+this Parliament, and yet shall not know who hurts them.' That is
+mysterious enough, but it may mean nothing,--any more than what follows,
+namely, 'the danger is passed as soon as you have burnt the letter.'"
+
+"I do not think so, my lord," replied Ward; "and though I cannot explain
+the riddle, I am sure it means mischief."
+
+"Well," said Lord Mounteagle, "since you are of this mind, I must lose
+no time in communicating the letter to the Secretary of State. It is
+better to err on the safe side."
+
+Accordingly, after some further consultation, he set out at that late
+hour for Whitehall, where he roused the Earl of Salisbury, and showed
+him the letter. It is almost needless to state that the whole was a
+preconcerted scheme between these two crafty statesmen; but as the
+interview took place in the presence of their attendants, the utmost
+caution was observed.
+
+Salisbury pretended to be greatly alarmed at the communication, and
+coupling it, he said, with previous intelligence which he had received,
+he could not help fearing, to adopt the words of the writer of the
+mysterious letter, that the Parliament was indeed threatened with some
+"terrible blow." Acting, apparently, upon this supposition, he caused
+such of the lords of the Privy Council as lodged at Whitehall to be
+summoned, and submitting the letter to them, they all concurred in the
+opinion that it referred to some dangerous plot, though none could give
+a guess at its precise nature.
+
+"It is clearly some Popish project," said Salisbury, "or Lord Mounteagle
+would not have been the party warned. We must keep a look-out upon the
+disaffected of his faith."
+
+"As I have been the means of revealing the plot to your lordship--if
+plot it be--I must pray you to deal gently with them," rejoined
+Mounteagle.
+
+"I will be as lenient as I can," returned Salisbury; "but in a matter of
+this kind little favour can be shown. If your lordship will enable me to
+discover the principal actors in this affair, I will take care that no
+innocent party suffers."
+
+"You ask an impossibility," replied Mounteagle. "I know nothing beyond
+what can be gathered from that letter. But I pray your lordship not to
+make it a means of exercising unnecessary severity towards the members
+of my religion."
+
+"On that you may rely," returned the Earl. "His Majesty will not return
+from the hunting expedition on which he is engaged at Royston till
+Thursday next, the 30th. I think it scarcely worth while (considering
+his naturally timid nature, with which your lordships are well
+acquainted) to inform him of the threatened danger, until his arrival at
+the palace. It will then be time enough to take any needful steps, as
+Parliament will not meet for four or five days afterwards."
+
+In the policy of this course the Privy Councillors agreed, and it was
+arranged that the matter should be kept perfectly secret until the
+King's opinion had been taken upon the letter. The assemblage then broke
+up, it being previously arranged that, for fear of some attempt upon his
+life, Lord Mounteagle should remain within the palace till full
+inquiries had been instituted into the affair.
+
+When the two confederate nobles were left alone, Salisbury observed,
+with a slight laugh, to his companion,
+
+"Thus far we have proceeded well, and without suspicion, and, rely upon
+it, none shall fall on you. As soon as all is over, the most important
+post the King has to bestow shall be yours."
+
+"But what of Tresham?" asked Mounteagle. "He was the deliverer of this
+letter, and I have little faith in him."
+
+"Hum!" said Salisbury, after a moment's reflection, "if you think it
+desirable, we can remove him to the Tower, where he can be easily
+silenced."
+
+"It will be better so," replied Mounteagle. "He may else babble
+hereafter. I gave him a thousand pounds to send in his own name to the
+conspirators the other day to lure them into our nets."
+
+"It shall be repaid you a hundred-fold," replied Salisbury. "But we are
+observed, and must therefore separate."
+
+So saying, he withdrew to his own chamber, while Lord Mounteagle was
+ushered to the apartments allotted to him.
+
+To return to Guy Fawkes. Arriving at Southwark, he stationed himself
+near Lord Mounteagle's residence. But he observed nothing to awaken his
+suspicions, until early in the morning he perceived a page approaching
+the mansion, whom, from his livery, he knew to be one of Lord
+Mounteagle's household, (it was, in fact, the very youth who had
+delivered the mysterious letter,) and from him he ascertained all that
+had occurred. Filled with alarm, and scarcely knowing what to do, he
+crossed the river, and proceeding to the cellar, examined the marks at
+the door, and finding all precisely as he had left it, felt certain,
+that whatever discovery had been made, the magazine had not been
+visited.
+
+He next repaired to the house, of which he possessed the key, and was
+satisfied that no one had been there. Somewhat relieved by this, he yet
+determined to keep watch during the day, and concealing himself near the
+cellar, remained on the look-out till night. But no one came; nor did
+anything occur to excite his suspicions. He would not, however, quit his
+post till about six o'clock on the following evening, when, thinking
+further delay might be attended with danger, he set out to White Webbs,
+to give his companions intelligence of the letter.
+
+His news was received by all with the greatest alarm, and not one,
+except Catesby, who strove to put a bold face upon the matter, though he
+was full of inward misgiving, but confessed that he thought all chance
+of success was at an end. While deliberating upon what should be done in
+this fearful emergency, they were greatly alarmed by a sudden knocking
+without. All the conspirators concealed themselves, except Guy Fawkes,
+who opening the door, found, to his infinite surprise, that the summons
+proceeded from Tresham. He said nothing till the other had entered the
+house, and then suddenly drawing his dagger, held it to his throat.
+
+"Make your shrift quickly, traitor," he cried in a furious tone, "for
+your last hour is arrived. What ho!" he shouted to the others, who
+instantly issued from their hiding-places, "the fox has ventured into
+the lion's den."
+
+"You distrust me wrongfully," rejoined Tresham, with more confidence
+than he usually exhibited in time of danger; "I am come to warn you, not
+betray you. Is this the return you make me for the service?"
+
+"Villain!" cried Catesby, rushing up to him, and holding his drawn sword
+to his breast. "You have conveyed the letter to Lord Mounteagle."
+
+"It is false," replied Tresham; "I have only just heard of it; and, in
+spite of the risk I knew I should run from your suspicions, I came to
+tell you what had happened."
+
+"Why did you feign illness, and depart secretly for town, instead of
+joining us at Coughton?" demanded Catesby.
+
+"I will instantly explain my motive, which, though it may not be
+satisfactory to you on one point, will be so on another," replied
+Tresham unhesitatingly, and with apparent frankness. "I was fearful you
+would make a further tool of me, and resolved not to join you again till
+a few days before the outbreak of the plot. To this determination I
+should have adhered, had I not learnt to-night that a letter had been
+transmitted by some one to Lord Mounteagle, which he had conveyed to the
+Earl of Salisbury. It may not convey any notion of the plot, but it is
+certain to occasion alarm, and I thought it my duty, in spite of every
+personal consideration, to give you warning. If you design to escape,
+there is yet time. A vessel lies in the river, in which we can all
+embark for Flanders."
+
+"Can he be innocent?" said Catesby in a whisper to Garnet.
+
+"If I had betrayed you," continued Tresham, "I should not have come
+hither. And I have no motive for such baseness, for I am in equal danger
+with yourselves. But though the alarm has been given, I do not think any
+discovery will be made. They are evidently on the wrong scent."
+
+"I hope so," replied Catesby; "but I fear the contrary."
+
+"Shall I put him to death?" demanded Fawkes of Garnet.
+
+"Do not sully your hands with his blood, my son," returned Garnet. "If
+he has betrayed us, he will reap the traitor's reward here and
+hereafter. If he has not, it would be to take away a life unjustly. Let
+him depart. We shall feel more secure without him."
+
+"Will it be safe to set him free, father?" cried Fawkes.
+
+"I think so," replied Garnet. "We will not admit him to our further
+conferences; but let us act mercifully."
+
+The major part of the conspirators concurring in this opinion, though
+Fawkes and Catesby were opposed to it, Tresham was suffered to depart.
+As soon as he was gone, Garnet avowed that the further prosecution of
+the design appeared so hazardous, that it ought to be abandoned, and
+that, in his opinion, each of the conspirators had better consult his
+own safety by flight. He added, that at some future period the design
+might be resumed, or another planned, which might be more securely
+carried out.
+
+After much discussion, all seemed disposed to acquiesce in the proposal,
+except Fawkes, who adhered doggedly to his purpose, and treated the
+danger so slightingly, that he gradually brought the others round to his
+views. At length, it was resolved that Garnet should set out immediately
+for Coughton Hall, and place himself under the protection of Sir Everard
+Digby, and there await the result of the attempt, while the other
+conspirators decided upon remaining in town, in some secure places of
+concealment, until the event was known. Unmoved as ever, Guy Fawkes
+declared his intention of watching over the magazine of powder.
+
+"If anything happens to me," he said, "you will take care of yourselves.
+You well know nothing will be wrung from me."
+
+Catesby and the others, aware of his resolute nature, affected to
+remonstrate with him, but they willingly suffered him to take his own
+course. Attended by Bates, Garnet then set out for Warwickshire, and the
+rest of the conspirators proceeded to London, where they dispersed,
+after appointing Lincoln's Inn Walks as their place of midnight
+rendezvous. Each then made preparations for sudden flight, in case it
+should be necessary, and Rookwood provided relays of horses all the way
+to Dunchurch.
+
+Guy Fawkes alone remained at his post. He took up his abode in the
+cellar, resolved to blow up himself together with his foes, in case of a
+surprise.
+
+On Thursday, the 31st of October, the King returned to Whitehall, and
+the mysterious letter was laid before him in the presence of the Privy
+Council by the Earl of Salisbury. James perused it carefully, but could
+scarcely hide his perplexity.
+
+"Your Majesty will not fail to remark the expressions, 'a terrible blow'
+to the Parliament, and 'that the danger will be past as soon as you have
+burnt the letter,' evidently referring to combustion," observed the
+Earl.
+
+"You are right, Salisbury," said James, snatching at the suggestion. "I
+should not wonder if these mischievous Papists mean to blow us all up
+with gunpowder."
+
+"Your Majesty has received a divine illumination," returned the Earl.
+"Such an idea never occurred to me; but it must be as you intimate."
+
+"Undoubtedly--undoubtedly," replied the monarch, pleased with the
+compliment to his sagacity, though alarmed by the danger; "but what
+desperate traitors they must be to imagine such a deed! Blow us up!
+God's mercy, that were a dreadful death! And yet that must evidently be
+the meaning of the passage. How else can it be construed, except by
+reference to the suddenness of the act, which might be as quickly
+performed as that paper would take to be consumed in the fire?"
+
+"Your Majesty's penetration has discovered the truth," replied
+Salisbury, "and by the help of your wisdom, I will fully develop this
+dark design. Where, think you, the powder may lie hidden?"
+
+"Are there any vaults beneath the Parliament House?" demanded James,
+trembling. "Heaven save us! We have often walked there--perhaps, over a
+secret mine."
+
+"There are," replied Salisbury; "and I am again indebted to your Majesty
+for a most important suggestion. Not a corner in the vaults shall be
+left unsearched. But, perhaps you will think with me, that, in order to
+catch these traitors in their own trap, it will be well to defer the
+search till the very night before the meeting of Parliament."
+
+"I was about to recommend such a course myself, Salisbury," replied
+James.
+
+"I was sure you would think so," returned the Earl; "and now I must
+entreat you to dismiss the subject from your thoughts, and to sleep
+securely; for you may rely upon it (after your Majesty's discovery) that
+the plot shall be fully unravelled."
+
+The significant tone in which the Earl uttered the latter part of this
+speech, convinced the King that he knew more of the matter than he cared
+to confess; and he contented himself with saying, "Well, let it be so.
+I trust all to you. But I at once divined their purpose,--I at once
+divined it."
+
+The Council then broke up, and James laughed and chuckled to himself at
+the discernment he had displayed. Nor was he less pleased with his
+minister for the credit given him in the affair. But he took care not to
+enter the Parliament House.
+
+On the afternoon of Monday, the 4th of November, the Lord Chamberlain,
+accompanied by the Lords Salisbury and Mounteagle, visited the cellars
+and vaults beneath the Parliament House. For some time, they discovered
+nothing to excite suspicion. At length, probably at the suggestion of
+Lord Mounteagle, who, as will be recollected, was acquainted with the
+situation of the magazine, they proceeded to the cellar, where they
+found the store of powder; but not meeting with any of the conspirators,
+as they expected, they disturbed nothing, and went away, reporting the
+result of their search to the King.
+
+By the recommendation of the Earl of Salisbury, James advised that a
+guard should be placed near the cellar during the whole of the night,
+consisting of Topcliffe and a certain number of attendants, and headed
+by Sir Thomas Knevet, a magistrate of Westminster, upon whose courage
+and discretion full reliance could be placed. Lord Mounteagle also
+requested permission to keep guard with them to witness the result of
+the affair. To this the King assented, and as soon as it grew dark, the
+party secretly took up their position at a point commanding the entrance
+of the magazine.
+
+Fawkes, who chanced to be absent at the time the search was made,
+returned a few minutes afterwards, and remained within the cellar,
+seated upon a barrel of gunpowder, the head of which he had staved in,
+with a lantern in one hand, and petronel in the other, till past
+midnight.
+
+The fifth of November was now at hand, and the clock of the adjoining
+abbey had scarcely ceased tolling the hour that proclaimed its arrival,
+when Fawkes, somewhat wearied with his solitary watching, determined to
+repair, for a short space, to the adjoining house. He accordingly
+quitted the cellar, leaving his lantern lighted within it in one corner.
+
+Opening the door, he gazed cautiously around, but perceiving nothing,
+after waiting a few seconds, he proceeded to lock the door. While thus
+employed, he thought he heard a noise behind him, and turning suddenly,
+he beheld through the gloom several persons rushing towards him,
+evidently with hostile intent. His first impulse was to draw a petronel,
+and grasp his sword: but before he could effect his purpose, his arms
+were pinioned by a powerful grasp from behind, while the light of a
+lantern thrown full in his face revealed the barrel of a petronel
+levelled at his head, and an authoritative voice commanded him in the
+King's name to surrender.
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes arrested by Sir Thomas Knevet and
+Topcliffe_]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE FLIGHT OF THE CONSPIRATORS.
+
+
+On the same night, and at the same hour that Guy Fawkes was captured,
+the other conspirators held their rendezvous in Lincoln's Inn Walks. A
+presentiment of the fate awaiting them filled the breasts of all, and
+even Catesby shared in the general depression. Plan after plan was
+proposed, and, as soon as proposed, rejected; and they seemed influenced
+only by alarm and irresolution. Feeling at length that nothing could be
+done, and that they were only increasing their risk by remaining
+together longer, they agreed to separate, appointing to meet at the same
+place on the following night, if their project should not, in the
+interim, be discovered.
+
+"Before daybreak," said Catesby, "I will proceed to the cellar under the
+Parliament House, and ascertain whether anything has happened to Guy
+Fawkes. My heart misgives me about him, and I reproach myself that I
+have allowed him to incur this peril alone."
+
+"Guy Fawkes is arrested," said a voice near them, "and is at this moment
+under examination before the King."
+
+"It is Tresham who speaks," cried Catesby; "secure him!"
+
+The injunction was instantly obeyed. Tresham was seized, and several
+weapons pointed against his breast. He did not, however, appear to be
+dismayed, but, so far as could be discerned in the obscurity, seemed to
+maintain great boldness of demeanour.
+
+"I have again ventured among you, at the hazard of my life," he said, in
+a firm tone, "to give you this most important intelligence; and am
+requited, as I have ever been of late, with menaces and violence. Stab
+me, and see whether my death will avail you in this extremity. I am in
+equal danger with yourselves; and whether I perish by your hands, or by
+those of the executioner, is of little moment."
+
+"Let me question him before we avenge ourselves upon him," said Catesby
+to Rookwood. "How do you know that Guy Fawkes is a prisoner?"
+
+"I saw him taken," replied Tresham, "and esteem myself singularly
+fortunate that I escaped the same fate. Though excluded from further
+share in the project, I could not divest myself of a strong desire to
+know how matters were going on, and I resolved to visit the cellar
+secretly at midnight. As I stealthily approached it, I remarked several
+armed figures beneath a gateway, and conjecturing their purpose,
+instantly concealed myself behind a projection of the wall. I had not
+been in this situation many minutes, when the cellar door opened, and
+Guy Fawkes issued from it."
+
+"Well!" cried Catesby, breathlessly.
+
+"The party I had noticed immediately rushed forward, and secured him
+before he could offer any resistance," continued Tresham. "After a brief
+struggle, certain of their number dragged him into the cellar, while
+others kept watch without. I should now have flown, but my limbs refused
+their office, and I was therefore compelled, however reluctantly, to see
+the end of it. In a short time Guy Fawkes was brought forth again, and I
+heard some one in authority give directions that he should be instantly
+taken to Whitehall, to be interrogated before the King and the Privy
+Council. He was then led away, and a guard placed at the door of the
+cellar. Feeling certain I should be discovered, I continued for some
+time in an agony of apprehension, not daring to stir. But, at length,
+summoning up sufficient resolution, I crept cautiously along the side of
+the wall, and got off unperceived. My first object was to warn you."
+
+"How did you become acquainted with our place of rendezvous?" demanded
+the elder Wright.
+
+"I overheard you, at our last interview at White Webbs, appoint a
+midnight meeting in this place," replied Tresham, "and I hurried hither
+in the hope of finding you, and have not been disappointed."
+
+"When I give the word, plunge your swords into his breast," said
+Catesby, in a low tone.
+
+"Hold!" cried Percy, taking him aside. "If we put him to death in this
+spot, his body will be found, and his slaughter may awaken suspicions
+against us. Guy Fawkes will reveal nothing."
+
+"Of that I am well assured," said Catesby. "Shall we take the traitor
+with us to some secure retreat, where we can detain him till we learn
+what takes place at the palace, and if we find he has betrayed us,
+despatch him?"
+
+"That would answer no good purpose," returned Percy "The sooner we are
+rid of him the better. We can then deliberate as to what is best to be
+done."
+
+"You are right," rejoined Catesby. "If he _has_ betrayed us, life will
+be a burthen to him, and the greatest kindness we could render him would
+be to rid him of it. Let him go. Tresham," he added, in a loud voice,
+"you are free. But we meet no more."
+
+"We have not parted yet," cried the traitor, springing backwards, and
+uttering a loud cry. "I arrest you all in the King's name."
+
+The signal was answered by a band of soldiers, who emerged from behind
+the trees where they had hitherto been concealed, and instantly
+surrounded the conspirators.
+
+"It is now my turn to threaten," laughed Tresham.
+
+Catesby replied by drawing a petronel, and firing it in the supposed
+direction of the speaker. But he missed his mark. The ball lodged in the
+brain of a soldier who was standing beside him, and the ill-fated wretch
+fell to the ground.
+
+A desperate conflict now ensued. Topcliffe, who commanded the assailing
+party, ordered his followers to take the conspirators alive, and it was
+mainly owing to this injunction that the latter were indebted for their
+safety. Whispering his directions to his companions, Catesby gave the
+word, and making a simultaneous rush forward, they broke through the
+opposing ranks, and instantly dispersing, and favoured by the gloom,
+they baffled pursuit.
+
+"We have failed in this part of our scheme," said Tresham to Topcliffe,
+as they met half an hour afterwards. "What is to be done?"
+
+"We must take the Earl of Salisbury's advice upon it," returned
+Topcliffe. "I shall now hasten to Whitehall to see how Guy Fawkes's
+interrogation proceeds, and will communicate with his lordship."
+
+Upon this, they separated.
+
+None of the conspirators met again that night. Each fled in a different
+direction, and, ignorant of what had happened to the rest, sought some
+secure retreat. Catesby ran towards Chancery-lane, and passing through a
+narrow alley, entered the large gardens which then lay between this
+thoroughfare and Fetter-lane. Listening to hear whether he was pursued,
+and finding nothing to alarm him, he threw himself on the sod beneath a
+tree, and was lost in painful reflection.
+
+"All my fair schemes are marred by that traitor, Tresham," he muttered.
+"I could forgive myself for being duped by him, if I had slain him when
+he was in my power. But that he should escape to exult in our ruin, and
+reap the reward of his perfidy, afflicts me even more than failure."
+
+Tortured by thoughts like these, and in vain endeavouring to snatch such
+brief repose as would fit him for the fatigue he might have to endure on
+the morrow, he did not quit his position till late in the morning of a
+dull November day--it was, as will be recollected, the memorable
+Fifth--had arrived.
+
+He then arose, and slouching his hat, and wrapping his cloak around him,
+shaped his course towards Fleet-street. From the knots of persons
+gathered together at different corners,--from their muttered discourse
+and mysterious looks, as well as from the general excitement that
+prevailed,--he felt sure that some rumour of the plot had gone abroad.
+Shunning observation as much as he could, he entered a small tavern near
+Fleet Bridge, and called for a flask of wine and some food. While
+discussing these, he was attracted by the discourse of the landlord, who
+was conversing with his guests about the conspiracy.
+
+"I hear that all the Papists are to be hanged, drawn, and quartered,"
+cried the host; "and if it be true, as I have heard, that this plot is
+their contrivance, they deserve it. I hope I have no believer in that
+faith--no recusant in my house."
+
+"Don't insult us by any such suspicion," cried one of the guests. "We
+are all loyal men--all good Protestants."
+
+"Do you know whether the conspirators have been discovered, sir?" asked
+the host of Catesby.
+
+"I do not even know of the plot," replied the other. "What was its
+object?"
+
+"What was its object!" cried the host. "You will scarcely credit me when
+I tell you. I tremble to speak of it. Its object was to blow up the
+Parliament House, and the King and all the nobles and prelates of the
+land along with it."
+
+"Horrible!" exclaimed the guests.
+
+"But how do you know it is a scheme of the Papists?" asked Catesby.
+
+"Because I have been told so," rejoined the host. "But who else could
+devise such a monstrous plan? It would never enter into the head or
+heart of a Protestant to conceive so detestable an action. We love our
+King too well for that, and would shed the last drop of our blood rather
+than a hair of his head should be injured. But these priest-ridden
+Papists think otherwise. They regard him as a usurper; and having
+received a dispensation from the Pope to that effect, fancy it would be
+a pious act to remove him. There will be no tranquillity in the kingdom
+while one of them is left alive; and I hope his Majesty will take
+advantage of the present ferment to order a general massacre of them,
+like that of the poor Protestants on Saint Bartholomew's day in Paris."
+
+"Ay,--massacre them," cried the guests; "that's the way. Burn their
+houses and cut their throats. Will it be lawful to do so without further
+authority, mine host? If so, we will set about it immediately."
+
+"I cannot resolve you on that point," replied the landlord. "You had
+better wait a short time. I dare say their slaughter will be publicly
+commanded."
+
+"Heaven grant it may be so!" cried one of the guests. "I will bear my
+part in the business."
+
+Catesby arose, paid his reckoning, and strode out of the tavern.
+
+"Do you know, mine host," said the guest who had last spoken, "I half
+suspect that tall fellow, who has just left us, is a Papist."
+
+"Perhaps a conspirator," said another.
+
+"Let us watch him," cried a third.
+
+"Stay," cried the host, "he has paid me double my reckoning. I believe
+him to be an honest man and a good Protestant."
+
+"What you say confirms my suspicions," rejoined the first speaker. "We
+will follow him."
+
+On reaching Temple Bar, Catesby found the gates closed, and a guard
+stationed at them,--no one being allowed to pass through without
+examination. Not willing to expose himself to this scrutiny, Catesby
+turned away, and in doing so, perceived three of the persons he had just
+left in the tavern. The expression of their countenances satisfied him
+they were dogging him; but affecting not to perceive it, he retraced his
+steps, gradually quickening his pace until he reached a narrow street
+leading into Whitefriars, down which he darted. The moment his pursuers
+saw this, they hurried after him, shouting, "A Papist--a Papist!--a
+conspirator!"
+
+But Catesby was now safe. Claiming the protection of certain Alsatians
+who were lounging at the door of a tavern, and offering to reward them,
+they instantly drew their swords, and drove the others away, while
+Catesby, tossing a few pieces of money to his preservers, passed through
+a small doorway into the Temple, and making the best of his way to the
+stairs, leaped into a boat, and ordered the waterman to row to
+Westminster. The man obeyed, and plying his oars, soon gained the middle
+of the stream. Little way, however, had been made, when Catesby descried
+a large wherry, manned by several rowers, swiftly approaching them, and
+instinctively comprehending whom it contained, ordered the man to rest
+on his oars till it had passed.
+
+In a few moments the wherry approached them. It was filled with
+serjeants of the guard and halberdiers, in the midst of whom sat Guy
+Fawkes. Catesby could not resist the impulse that prompted him to rise,
+and the movement attracted the attention of the prisoner. The momentary
+glance they exchanged convinced Catesby that Fawkes perceived him,
+though his motionless features gave no token of recognition, and he
+immediately afterwards fixed his eyes towards heaven, as if to
+intimate,--at least Catesby so construed the gesture,--that his earthly
+career was well-nigh ended. Heaving a deep sigh, Catesby watched the
+wherry sweep on towards the Tower,--its fatal destination,--until it was
+lost to view.
+
+"All is over, I fear, with the bravest of our band," he thought, as he
+tracked its course; "but some effort must be made to save him. At all
+events, we will die sword in hand, and like soldiers, and not as common
+malefactors."
+
+Abandoning his intention of proceeding to Westminster, he desired the
+man to pull ashore, and landing at Arundel Stairs, hastened to the
+Strand. Here he found large crowds collected, the shops closed, and
+business completely at a stand. Nothing was talked of but the
+conspiracy, and the most exaggerated and extraordinary accounts of it
+were circulated and believed. Some would have it that the Parliament
+House was already blown up, and that the city of London itself had been
+set fire to in several places by the Papists. It was also stated that
+numerous arrests had taken place, and it was certain that the houses of
+several Catholic nobles and wealthy gentlemen had been searched. To such
+a height was the popular indignation raised, that it required the utmost
+efforts of the soldiery to prevent the mob from breaking into these
+houses, and using violence towards their inmates.
+
+Every gate and avenue to the palace was strictly guarded, and troops of
+horse were continually scouring the streets. Sentinels were placed
+before suspected houses, and no one was suffered to enter them, or to go
+forth without special permission. Detachments of soldiery were also
+stationed at the end of all the main thoroughfares. Bars were thrown
+across the smaller streets and outlets, and proclamation was made that
+no one was to quit the city, however urgent his business, for three
+days.
+
+On hearing this announcement, Catesby saw at once that if he did not
+effect his escape immediately, it would be impracticable. Accordingly,
+he hurried towards Charing-cross, and turning up St. Martin's-lane, at
+the back of the King's Mews, contrived to elude the vigilance of the
+guard, and speeded along the lane,--for it was then literally so, and
+surrounded on either side by high hedges,--until he came to St.
+Giles's,--at this time nothing more than a few scattered houses,
+intermixed with trees. Here he encountered a man mounted on a powerful
+steed, and seeing this person look hard at him, would have drawn out of
+the way, if the other had not addressed him by name. He then regarded
+the equestrian more narrowly, and found it was Martin Heydocke.
+
+"I have heard what has happened, Mr. Catesby," said Martin, "and can
+imagine the desperate strait in which you must be placed. Take my
+horse,--it may aid your flight. I was sent to London by my master, Mr.
+Humphrey Chetham, to bring him intelligence of the result of your
+attempt, and I am sure I am acting in accordance with his wishes in
+rendering you such a service. At all events, I will risk it. Mount,
+sir,--mount, and make the best of your way hence."
+
+Catesby needed no further exhortation, but, springing into the saddle,
+hastily murmured his thanks, and striking into a lane on the right, rode
+off at a swift pace towards Highgate.
+
+On reaching the brow of this beautiful hill, he drew in the bridle for a
+moment, and gazed towards the city he had just quitted. Dark and bitter
+were his thoughts as he fixed his eye upon Westminster Abbey, and
+fancied he could discern the neighbouring pile, whose destruction he had
+meditated. Remembering that from this very spot, when he had last
+approached the capital, in company with Guy Fawkes and Viviana
+Radcliffe, he had looked in the same direction, he could not help
+contrasting his present sensations with those he had then experienced.
+At that time he was full of ardour, and confident of success. Now, all
+was lost to him, and he was anxious for little more than
+self-preservation. Involuntarily, his eye wandered along the great city,
+until passing over the mighty fabric of Saint Paul's, it settled upon
+the Tower,--upon the place of Guy Fawkes's captivity.
+
+"And can nothing be done for his deliverance?" sighed Catesby, as he
+turned away, his eyes filling with moisture "must that brave soldier die
+the death of a felon--must he be subjected to the torture--horror! If he
+had died defending himself, I should scarcely have pitied him. And if he
+had destroyed himself, together with his foes, as he resolved to do, I
+should have envied him. But the idea of what he will have to suffer in
+that dreadful place--nay, what he is now, perhaps, suffering--makes the
+life-blood curdle in my veins. I will never fall alive into their
+hands."
+
+With this resolve, he struck spurs into his steed, and, urging him to a
+swift pace, dashed rapidly forward. He had ridden more than a mile, when
+hearing shouts behind him, he perceived two troopers galloping after him
+as fast as their horses could carry them. They shouted to him to stay,
+and as they were better mounted than he was, it was evident they would
+soon come up with him. Determined, however, to adhere to the resolution
+he had just formed, and not to yield himself with life, he prepared for
+a conflict, and suddenly halting, he concealed a petronel beneath his
+cloak, and waited till his foes drew near.
+
+"I command you, in the King's name, to surrender," said the foremost
+trooper, riding up. "You are a rebel and a traitor."
+
+"Be this my answer," replied Catesby, aiming at the man, and firing with
+such certainty, that he fell from his horse mortally wounded.
+Unsheathing his sword, he then prepared to attack the other trooper.
+But, terrified at the fate of his comrade, the man turned his horse's
+head, and rode off.
+
+Without bestowing a thought on the dying man who lay groaning in the
+mire, Catesby caught hold of the bridle of his horse, and satisfied that
+the animal was better than his own, mounted him, and proceeded at the
+same headlong pace as before.
+
+In a short time he reached Finchley, where several persons rushed from
+their dwellings to inquire whether he brought any intelligence of the
+plot, rumours of which had already reached them. Without stopping,
+Catesby replied that most important discoveries had been made, and that
+he was carrying despatches from the King to Northampton. No opposition
+was therefore offered him, and he soon left all traces of habitation
+behind him. Urging his horse to its utmost, he arrived, in less than a
+quarter of an hour, at Chipping Barnet. Here the same inquiries were
+made as at Finchley, and returning the same answer--for he never relaxed
+his speed for a moment--he pursued his course.
+
+In less than three quarters of an hour after this, he arrived at Saint
+Albans, and proceeding direct to the post-house, asked for a horse. But
+instead of complying with the request, the landlord of the Rose and
+Crown--such was the name of the hostel--instantly withdrew, and returned
+the next moment with an officer, who desired to speak with Catesby
+before he proceeded further. The latter, however, took no notice of the
+demand, but rode off.
+
+The clatter of horses' hoofs behind him soon convinced him he was again
+pursued, and he was just beginning to consider in what way he should
+make a second defence, when he observed two horsemen cross a lane on the
+left, and make for the main road. His situation now appeared highly
+perilous, especially as his pursuers, who had noticed the other horsemen
+at the same time as himself, shouted to them. But he was speedily
+relieved. These persons, instead of stopping, accelerated their pace,
+and appeared as anxious as he was to avoid those behind him.
+
+They were now within a short distance of Dunstable, and were ascending
+the lovely downs which lie on the London side of this ancient town, when
+one of the horsemen in front chancing to turn round, Catesby perceived
+it was Rookwood. Overjoyed at the discovery, he shouted to him at the
+top of his voice, and the other, who it presently appeared was
+accompanied by Keyes, instantly stopped. In a few seconds Catesby was by
+their side, and a rapid explanation taking place, they all three drew up
+in order of battle.
+
+By this time their pursuers had arrived within a hundred yards of them,
+and seeing how matters stood, and not willing to hazard an engagement,
+after a brief consultation, retired. The three friends then pursued
+their route, passed through Dunstable, and without pausing a moment on
+the road, soon neared Fenny Stratford. Just before they arrived at this
+place, Catesby's horse fell from exhaustion. Instantly extricating
+himself from the fallen animal, he ran by the side of his companions
+till they got to the town, where Rookwood, who had placed relays on the
+road, changed his horse, and the others were fortunate enough to procure
+fresh steeds.
+
+Proceeding with unabated impetuosity, they soon cleared a few more
+miles, and had just left Stony Stratford behind them, when they overtook
+a solitary horseman, who proved to be John Wright, and a little further
+on they came up with Percy, and Christopher Wright.
+
+Though their numbers were thus increased, they did not consider
+themselves secure, but flinging their cloaks away to enable them to
+proceed with greater expedition, hurried on to Towcester. Here Keyes
+quitted his companions, and shaped his course into Warwickshire, where
+he was afterwards taken, while the others, having procured fresh horses,
+made the best of their way to Ashby Saint Leger's.
+
+About six o'clock, Catesby and his companions arrived at his old family
+seat, which he had expected to approach in triumph, but which he now
+approached with feelings of the deepest mortification and
+disappointment. They found the house filled with guests--among whom was
+Robert Winter--who were just sitting down to supper. Catesby rushed into
+the room in which these persons were assembled, covered with mud and
+dirt, his haggard looks and dejected appearance proclaiming that his
+project had failed. His friends followed, and their appearance confirmed
+the impression that he had produced. Lady Catesby hastened to her son,
+and strove to comfort him; but he rudely repulsed her.
+
+"What is the matter?" she anxiously inquired.
+
+"What is the matter!" cried Catesby, in a furious tone, and stamping his
+foot to the ground. "All is lost! our scheme is discovered; Guy Fawkes
+is a prisoner, and ere long we shall all be led to the block. Yes, all!"
+he repeated, gazing sternly around.
+
+"I will never be led thither with life," said Robert Winter.
+
+"Nor I," added a young Catholic gentleman, named Acton of Ribbesford,
+who had lately joined the conspiracy. "Though the great design has
+failed, we are yet free, and have swords to draw, and arms to wield
+them."
+
+"Ay," exclaimed Robert Winter, "all our friends are assembled at
+Dunchurch. Let us join them instantly, and we may yet stir up a
+rebellion which may accomplish all we can desire. I, myself, accompanied
+Humphrey Littleton to Dunchurch this morning, and know we shall find
+everything in readiness."
+
+"Do not despair," cried Lady Catesby; "all will yet be well. Every
+member of our faith will join you, and you will soon muster a formidable
+army."
+
+"We must not yield without a blow," cried Percy, pouring out a bumper of
+wine, and swallowing it at a draught.
+
+"You are right," said Rookwood, imitating his example. "We will sell our
+lives dearly."
+
+"If you will adhere to this resolution, gentlemen," rejoined Catesby,
+"we may yet retrieve our loss. With five hundred stanch followers, who
+will stand by me to the last, I will engage to raise such a rebellion in
+England as shall not be checked, except by the acknowledgment of our
+rights, or the dethronement of the king."
+
+"We will all stand by you," cried the others.
+
+"Swear it," cried Catesby, raising the glass to his lips.
+
+"We do," was the reply.
+
+"Wearied as we are," cried Catesby, "we must at once proceed to
+Dunchurch, and urge our friends to rise in arms with us."
+
+"Agreed," cried the others.
+
+Summoning all his household, and arming them, Catesby then set out with
+the rest for Dunchurch, which lay about five miles from Ashby Saint
+Leger's. They arrived there in about three quarters of an hour, and
+found the mansion crowded with Catholic gentlemen and their servants.
+Entering the banquet hall, they found Sir Everard Digby at the head of
+the board, with Garnet on his right hand. Upwards of sixty persons were
+seated at the table. Their arrival was greeted with loud shouts, and
+several of the guests drew their swords and flourished them over their
+heads.
+
+"What news?" cried Sir Everard Digby. "Is the blow struck?"
+
+"No," replied Catesby; "we have been betrayed."
+
+A deep silence prevailed. A change came over the countenances of the
+guests. Significant glances were exchanged, and it was evident that
+general uneasiness prevailed.
+
+"What is to be done?" cried Sir Everard Digby, after a pause.
+
+"Our course is clear," returned Catesby. "We must stand by each other.
+In that case, we have nothing to fear, and shall accomplish our purpose,
+though not in the way originally intended."
+
+"I will have nothing further to do with the matter," said Sir Robert
+Digby of Coleshill, Sir Everard's uncle. And rising, he quitted the room
+with several of his followers, while his example was imitated by
+Humphrey Littleton and others.
+
+"All chance for the restoration of our faith in England is over,"
+observed Garnet, in a tone of despondency.
+
+"Not so, father," replied Catesby, "if we are true to each other. My
+friends," he cried, stopping those who were about to depart, "in the
+name of our holy religion I beseech you to pause. Much is against us
+now. But let us hold together, and all will speedily be righted. Every
+Catholic in this county, in Cheshire, in Lancashire, and Wales, must
+flock to our standard when it is once displayed--do not desert us--do
+not desert yourselves--for our cause is your cause. I have a large force
+at my command; so has Sir Everard Digby, and together we can muster
+nearly five hundred adherents. With these, we can offer such a stand as
+will enable as to make conditions with our opponents, or even to engage
+with them with a reasonable prospect of success. I am well assured,
+moreover, if we lose no time, but proceed to the houses of our friends,
+we shall have a large army with us. Do not fall off, then. On you
+depends our success."
+
+This address was followed by loud acclamations; and all who heard it
+agreed to stand by the cause in which they had embarked to the last.
+
+As Catesby left the banqueting-hall with Sir Everard, to make
+preparations for their departure, they met Viviana and a female
+attendant.
+
+"I hear the enterprise has failed," she cried, in a voice suffocated by
+emotion. "What has happened to my husband? Is he safe? Is he with you?"
+
+"Alas! no," replied Catesby; "he is a prisoner."
+
+Viviana uttered a cry of anguish, and fell senseless into the arms of
+the attendant.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE EXAMINATION.
+
+
+Disarmed by Sir Thomas Knevet and his followers, who found upon his
+person a packet of slow matches and touchwood, and bound hand and foot,
+Guy Fawkes was dragged into the cellar by his captors, who instantly
+commenced their search. In a corner behind the door they discovered a
+dark lantern, with a light burning within it; and moving with the utmost
+caution--for they were afraid of bringing sudden destruction upon
+themselves--they soon perceived the barrels of gunpowder ranged against
+the wall. Carefully removing the planks, billets, and iron bars with
+which they were covered, they remarked that two of the casks were staved
+in, while the hoops from a third were taken off, and the powder
+scattered around it. They also noticed that several trains were laid
+along the floor,--everything, in short, betokening that the preparations
+for the desperate deed were fully completed.
+
+While they were making this investigation, Guy Fawkes, who, seeing that
+further resistance was useless, had remained perfectly motionless up to
+this moment, suddenly made a struggle to free himself; and so desperate
+was the effort, that he burst the leathern thong that bound his hands,
+and seizing the soldier nearest to him, bore him to the ground. He then
+grasped the lower limbs of another, who held a lantern, and strove to
+overthrow him, and wrest the lantern from his grasp, evidently intending
+to apply the light to the powder. And he would unquestionably have
+executed his terrible design, if three of the most powerful of the
+soldiers had not thrown themselves upon him, and overpowered him. All
+this was the work of a moment; but it was so startling, that Sir Thomas
+Knevet and Topcliffe, though both courageous men, and used to scenes of
+danger--especially the latter--rushed towards the door, expecting some
+dreadful catastrophe would take place.
+
+"Do him no harm," cried Knevet, as he returned to the soldiers, who
+were still struggling with Fawkes,--"do him no harm. It is not here he
+must die."
+
+"A moment more, and I had blown you all to perdition," cried Fawkes.
+"But Heaven ordained it otherwise."
+
+"Heaven will never assist such damnable designs as yours," rejoined
+Knevet. "Thrust him into that corner," he added to his men, who
+instantly obeyed his injunctions, and held down the prisoner so firmly
+that he could not move a limb. "Keep him there. I will question him
+presently."
+
+"You _may_ question me," replied Fawkes, sternly; "but you will obtain
+no answer."
+
+"We shall see," returned Knevet.
+
+Pursuing the search with Topcliffe, he counted thirty-six hogsheads and
+casks of various sizes, all of which were afterwards found to be filled
+with powder. Though prepared for this discovery, Knevet could not
+repress his horror at it, and gave vent to execrations against the
+prisoner, to which the other replied by a disdainful laugh. They then
+looked about, in the hope of finding some document or fragment of a
+letter, which might serve as a clue to the other parties connected with
+the fell design, but without success. Nothing was found except a pile of
+arms; but though they examined them, no name or cipher could be traced
+on any of the weapons.
+
+"We will now examine the prisoner more narrowly," said Knevet.
+
+This was accordingly done. On removing Guy Fawkes's doublet, a
+horse-hair shirt appeared, and underneath it, next his heart, suspended
+by a silken cord from his neck, was a small silver cross. When this was
+taken from him, Guy Fawkes could not repress a deep sigh.
+
+"There is some secret attached to that cross," whispered Topcliffe,
+plucking Knevet's sleeve.
+
+Upon this, the other held it to the light, while Topcliffe kept his eye
+fixed upon the prisoner, and observed that, in spite of all his efforts
+to preserve an unmoved demeanour, he was slightly agitated.
+
+"Do you perceive anything?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," replied Knevet, "there is a name. But the character is so small I
+cannot decipher it."
+
+"Let me look at it," said Topcliffe. "This is most important," he added,
+after gazing at it for a moment; "the words inscribed on it are,
+'_Viviana Radcliffe, Ordsall Hall_' You may remember that this young
+lady was examined a short time ago, on suspicion of being connected with
+some Popish plot against the state, and committed to the Tower, whence
+she escaped in a very extraordinary manner. This cross, found upon the
+prisoner, proves her connexion with the present plot. Every effort must
+be used to discover her retreat."
+
+Another deep sigh involuntarily broke from the breast of Guy Fawkes.
+
+"You hear how deeply interested he is in the matter," observed
+Topcliffe, in a low tone. "This trinket will be of infinite service to
+us in future examinations, and may do more for us with this stubborn
+subject even than the rack itself."
+
+"You are right," returned Knevet. "I will now convey him to Whitehall,
+and acquaint the Earl of Salisbury with his capture."
+
+"Do so," replied Topcliffe. "I have a further duty to perform. Before
+morning I hope to net the whole of this wolfish pack."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Knevet. "Have you any knowledge of the others?"
+
+Topcliffe smiled significantly.
+
+"Time will show," he said. "But if you do not require me further, I will
+leave you."
+
+With this, he quitted the cellar, and joined the Earl of Mounteagle and
+Tresham, who were waiting for him outside at a little distance from the
+cellar. After a brief conference, it was arranged, in compliance with
+the Earl of Salisbury's wishes, that if they failed in entrapping the
+conspirators, nothing should be said about the matter. He then departed
+with Tresham. Their subsequent proceedings have already been related.
+
+By Sir Thomas Knevet's directions, Guy Fawkes was now raised by two of
+the soldiers, and led out of the cellar. As he passed through the door,
+he uttered a deep groan.
+
+"You groan for what you have done, villain," said one of the soldiers.
+
+"On the contrary," rejoined Fawkes, sternly, "I groan for what I have
+not done."
+
+He was then hurried along by his conductors, and conveyed through the
+great western gate, into the palace of Whitehall, where he was placed in
+a small room, the windows of which were strongly grated.
+
+Before quitting him, Sir Thomas Knevet put several questions to him, but
+he maintained a stern and obstinate silence. Committing him to the
+custody of an officer of the guard, whom he enjoined to keep strict
+guard over him, as he valued his life, Knevet then went in search of the
+Earl of Salisbury.
+
+The Secretary, who had not retired to rest, and was anxiously awaiting
+his arrival, was delighted with the success of the scheme. They were
+presently joined by Lord Mounteagle; and after a brief conference it was
+resolved to summon the Privy Council immediately, to rouse the King, and
+acquaint him with what had occurred, and to interrogate the prisoner in
+his presence.
+
+"Nothing will be obtained from him, I fear," said Knevet. "He is one of
+the most resolute and determined fellows I ever encountered."
+
+And he then related the desperate attempt made by Fawkes in the vault to
+blow them all up.
+
+"Whether he will speak or not, the King must see him," said Salisbury.
+As soon as Knevet was gone, the Earl observed to Mounteagle, "You had
+now better leave the palace. You must not appear further in this matter,
+except as we have arranged. Before morning, I trust we shall have the
+whole of the conspirators in our power, with damning proofs of their
+guilt."
+
+"By this time, my lord, they are in Tresham's hands," replied
+Mounteagle.
+
+"If he fails, not a word must be said," observed Salisbury. "It must not
+be supposed we have moved in the matter. All great statesmen have
+contrived treasons, that they might afterwards discover them; and though
+I have not contrived this plot, I have known of its existence from the
+first, and could at any time have crushed it had I been so minded. But
+that would not have answered my purpose. And I shall now use it as a
+pretext to crush the whole Catholic party, except those on whom, like
+yourself, I can confidently rely."
+
+"Your lordship must admit that I have well seconded your efforts,"
+observed Mounteagle.
+
+"I do so," replied Salisbury, "and you will not find me ungrateful.
+Farewell! I hope soon to hear of our further success."
+
+Mounteagle then took his departure, and Salisbury immediately caused all
+such members of the Privy Council as lodged in the palace to be aroused,
+desiring they might be informed that a terrible plot had been
+discovered, and a conspirator arrested. In a short time, the Duke of
+Lennox, the Earl of Marr, Lord Hume, the Earl of Southampton, Lord Henry
+Howard, Lord Mountjoy, Sir George Hume, and others, were assembled; and
+all eagerly inquired into the occasion of the sudden alarm.
+
+Meanwhile, the Earl of Salisbury had himself repaired to the King's
+bedchamber, and acquainted him with what had happened. James immediately
+roused himself, and desired the chamberlain, who accompanied the Earl,
+to quit the presence.
+
+"Will it be safe to interrogate the prisoner here?" he asked.
+
+"I will take care your Majesty shall receive no injury," replied
+Salisbury; "and it is absolutely necessary you should examine him before
+he is committed to the Tower."
+
+"Let him be brought before me, then, directly," said the King. "I am
+impatient to behold a wretch who has conceived so atrocious--so infernal
+a design against me, and against my children. Hark 'e, Salisbury, one
+caution I wish to observe. Let a captain of the guard, with his drawn
+sword in hand, place himself between me and the prisoner, and let two
+halberdiers stand beside him, and if the villain moves a step, bid them
+strike him dead. You understand?"
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes interrogated by King James the First_]
+
+"Perfectly," replied Salisbury, bowing.
+
+"In that case, you may take off his bonds--that is, if you think it
+prudent to do so--not otherwise," continued James. "I would not have the
+knave suppose he can awe me."
+
+"Your Majesty's commands shall be fulfilled to the letter," returned the
+Earl.
+
+"Lose no time, Salisbury," cried James, springing out of bed, and
+beginning to dress himself without the assistance of his chamberlain.
+
+The Earl hastily retired, and ordered the attendants to repair to their
+royal master. He next proceeded to the chamber where Guy Fawkes was
+detained, and ordered him to be unbound, and brought before the King.
+When the prisoner heard this mandate, a slight smile crossed his
+countenance, but he instantly resumed his former stern composure. The
+smile, however, did not escape the notice of Salisbury, and he commanded
+the halberdiers to keep near to the prisoner, and if he made the
+slightest movement in the King's presence, instantly to despatch him.
+
+Giving some further directions, the Earl then led the way across a
+court, and entering another wing of the palace, ascended a flight of
+steps, and traversed a magnificent corridor. Guy Fawkes followed,
+attended by the guard. They had now reached the antechamber leading to
+the royal sleeping apartment, and "Salisbury ascertained from the
+officers in attendance that all was in readiness. Motioning the guard to
+remain where they were, he entered the inner room alone, and found James
+seated on a chair of state near the bed, surrounded by his council;--the
+Earl of Marr standing on his right hand, and the Duke of Lennox on his
+left, all anxiously awaiting his arrival. Behind the King were stationed
+half a dozen halberdiers.
+
+"The prisoner is without," said Salisbury. "Is it your Majesty's
+pleasure that he be admitted?"
+
+"Ay, let him come in forthwith," replied James. "Stand by me, my lords.
+And do you, varlets, keep a wary eye upon him. There is no saying what
+he may attempt."
+
+Salisbury then waved his hand. The door was thrown open, and an officer
+entered the room, followed by Guy Fawkes, who marched between two
+halberdiers. When within a couple of yards of the King, the officer
+halted, and withdrew a little on the right, so as to allow full view of
+the prisoner, while he extended his sword between him and the King.
+Nothing could be more undaunted than the looks and demeanour of Fawkes.
+He strode firmly into the room, and without making any reverence, folded
+his arms upon his breast, and looked sternly at James.
+
+"A bold villain!" cried the King, as he regarded him with curiosity not
+unmixed with alarm. "Who, and what are you, traitor?"
+
+"A conspirator," replied Fawkes.
+
+"That I know," rejoined James, sharply. "But how are you called?"
+
+"John Johnson," answered Fawkes. "I am servant to Mr. Thomas Percy."
+
+"That is false," cried Salisbury. "Take heed that you speak the truth,
+traitor, or the rack shall force it from you."
+
+"The rack will force nothing from me," replied Fawkes, sternly; "neither
+will I answer any question asked by your lordship."
+
+"Leave him to me, Salisbury,--leave him to me," interposed James. "And
+it was your hellish design to blow us all up with gunpowder?" he
+demanded.
+
+"It was," replied Fawkes.
+
+"And how could you resolve to destroy so many persons, none of whom have
+injured you?" pursued James.
+
+"Dangerous diseases require desperate remedies," replied Fawkes. "Milder
+means have been tried, but without effect. It was God's pleasure that
+this scheme, which was for the benefit of his holy religion, should not
+prosper, and therefore I do not repine at the result."
+
+"And are you so blinded as to suppose that Heaven can approve the
+actions of him who raises his hand against the King--against the Lord's
+anointed?" cried James.
+
+"He is no king who is excommunicated by the apostolic see," replied
+Fawkes.
+
+"This to our face!" cried James, angrily. "Have you no remorse--no
+compunction for what you have done?"
+
+"My sole regret is that I have failed," replied Fawkes.
+
+"You will not speak thus confidently on the rack," said James.
+
+"Try me," replied Fawkes.
+
+"What purpose did you hope to accomplish by this atrocious design?"'
+demanded the Earl of Marr.
+
+"My main purpose was to blow back the beggarly Scots to their native
+mountains," returned Fawkes.
+
+"This audacity surpasses belief," said James. "Mutius Scaevola, when in
+the presence of Porsenna, was not more resolute. Hark 'e, villain, if I
+give you your life, will you disclose the names of your associates?"
+
+"No," replied Fawkes.
+
+"They shall be wrung from you," cried Salisbury.
+
+Fawkes smiled contemptuously. "You know me not," he said.
+
+"It is idle to interrogate him further," said James. "Let him be removed
+to the Tower."
+
+"Be it so," returned Salisbury; "and when next your Majesty questions
+him, I trust it will be in the presence of his confederates."
+
+"Despite the villain's horrible intent, I cannot help admiring his
+courage," observed James, in a low tone; "and were he as loyal as he is
+brave, he should always be near our person."
+
+With this, he waved his hand, and Guy Fawkes was led forth. He was
+detained by the Earl of Salisbury's orders till the morning,--it being
+anticipated that before that time the other conspirators would be
+arrested. But as this was not the case, he was placed in a wherry, and
+conveyed, as before related, to the Tower.
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND BOOK
+
+
+
+
+Book the Third.
+
+THE CONSPIRATORS.
+
+      The conclusion shall be from the admirable clemency and moderation
+      of the king; in that, howsoever these traitors have exceeded all
+      others in mischief, yet neither will the king exceed the usual
+      punishment of law, nor invent any new torture or torment for them,
+      but is graciously pleased to afford them as well an ordinary
+      course of trial as an ordinary punishment much inferior to their
+      offence. And surely worthy of observation is the punishment by law
+      provided and appointed for high treason: for, first, after a
+      traitor hath had his just trial, and is convicted and attainted,
+      he shall have his judgment to be drawn to the place of execution
+      from his prison, as being not worthy any more to tread upon the
+      face of the earth whereof he was made; also, for that he hath been
+      retrograde to nature, therefore is he drawn backward at a
+      horsetail. After, to have his head cut off which had imagined the
+      mischief. And, lastly, his body to be quartered, and the quarters
+      set up in some high and eminent place, to the view and detestation
+      of men, and to become a prey for the fowls of the air. And this is
+      a reward due to traitors, whose hearts be hardened; for that it is
+      a physic of state and government to let out corrupt blood from the
+      heart.--_Sir Edward Coke's Speech on the Gunpowder Treason._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+HOW GUY FAWKES WAS PUT TO THE TORTURE.
+
+
+Intimation of the arrest of Guy Fawkes having been sent to the Tower,
+his arrival was anxiously expected by the warders and soldiers composing
+the garrison, a crowd of whom posted themselves at the entrance of
+Traitor's Gate, to obtain a sight of him. As the bark that conveyed the
+prisoner shot through London Bridge, and neared the fortress, notice of
+its approach was given to the lieutenant, who, scarcely less impatient,
+had stationed himself in a small circular chamber in one of the turrets
+of Saint Thomas's or Traitor's Tower, overlooking the river. He hastily
+descended, and had scarcely reached the place of disembarkation, when
+the boat passed beneath the gloomy archway, the immense wooden wicket
+closed behind it; and the officer in command springing ashore, was
+followed more deliberately by Fawkes, who mounted the slippery stairs
+with a firm footstep. As he gained the summit, the spectators pressed
+forward; but Sir William Waad, ordering them in an authoritative tone to
+stand back, fixed a stern and scrutinizing glance on the prisoner.
+
+"Many vile traitors have ascended those steps," he said, "but none so
+false-hearted, none so bloodthirsty as you."
+
+"None ever ascended them with less misgiving, or with less
+self-reproach," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Miserable wretch! Do you glory in your villany?" cried the lieutenant.
+"If anything could heighten my detestation of the pernicious creed you
+profess, it would be to witness its effects on such minds as yours. What
+a religion must that be, which can induce its followers to commit such
+monstrous actions, and delude them into the belief that they are pious
+and praiseworthy!"
+
+"It is a religion, at least, that supports them at seasons when they
+most require it," rejoined Fawkes.
+
+"Peace!" cried the lieutenant, fiercely, "or I will have your viperous
+tongue torn out by the roots."
+
+Turning to the officer, he demanded his warrant, and glancing at it,
+gave some directions to one of the warders, and then resumed his
+scrutiny of Fawkes, who appeared wholly unmoved, and steadily returned
+his gaze.
+
+Meanwhile, several of the spectators, eager to prove their loyalty to
+the king, and abhorrence of the plot, loaded the prisoner with
+execrations, and finding these produced no effect, proceeded to personal
+outrage. Some spat upon his face and garments; some threw mud, gathered
+from the slimy steps, upon him; some pricked him with the points of
+their halberds; while others, if they had not been checked, would have
+resorted to greater violence. Only one bystander expressed the slightest
+commiseration for him. It was Ruth Ipgreve, who, with her parents,
+formed part of the assemblage.
+
+A few kindly words pronounced by this girl moved the prisoner more than
+all the insults he had just experienced. He said nothing, but a slight
+and almost imperceptible quivering of the lip told what was passing
+within. The jailer was extremely indignant at his daughter's conduct,
+fearing it might prejudice him in the eyes of the lieutenant.
+
+"Get hence, girl," he cried, "and stir not from thy room for the rest of
+the day. I am sorry I allowed thee to come forth."
+
+"You must look to her, Jasper Ipgreve," said Sir William Waad, sternly.
+"No man shall hold an office in the Tower who is a favourer of papacy.
+If you were a good Protestant, and a faithful servant of King James,
+your daughter could never have acted thus unbecomingly. Look to her, I
+say,--and to yourself."
+
+"I will, honourable sir," replied Jasper, in great confusion. "Take her
+home directly," he added, in an under tone to his wife. "Lock her up
+till I return, and scourge her if thou wilt. She will ruin us by her
+indiscretion."
+
+In obedience to this injunction, Dame Ipgreve seized her daughter's
+hand, and dragged her away. Ruth turned for a moment to take a last look
+at the prisoner, and saw that his gaze followed her, and was fraught
+with an expression of the deepest gratitude. By way of showing his
+disapproval of his daughter's conduct, the jailer now joined the
+bitterest of Guy Fawkes's assailants; and ere long the assemblage became
+infuriated to such an ungovernable pitch, that the lieutenant, who had
+allowed matters to proceed thus far in the hope of shaking the
+prisoner's constancy, finding his design fruitless, ordered him to be
+taken away. Escorted by a dozen soldiers with calivers on their
+shoulders, Guy Fawkes was led through the archway of the Bloody Tower,
+and across the Green to the Beauchamp Tower. He was placed in the
+spacious chamber on the first floor of that fortification, now used as a
+mess-room by the Guards. Sir William Waad followed him, and seating
+himself at a table, referred to the warrant.
+
+"You are here called John Johnson. Is that your name?" he demanded.
+
+"If you find it thus written, you need make no further inquiry from me,"
+replied Fawkes. "I am the person so described. That is sufficient for
+you."
+
+"Not so," replied the lieutenant; "and if you persist in this stubborn
+demeanour, the severest measures will be adopted towards you. Your sole
+chance of avoiding the torture is in making a full confession."
+
+"I do not desire to avoid the torture," replied Fawkes. "It will wrest
+nothing from me."
+
+"So all think till they have experienced it," replied the lieutenant;
+"but greater fortitude than yours has given way before our engines."
+
+Fawkes smiled disdainfully, but made no answer.
+
+The lieutenant then gave directions that he should be placed within a
+small cell adjoining the larger chamber, and that two of the guard
+should remain constantly beside him, to prevent him from doing himself
+any violence.
+
+"You need have no fear," observed Fawkes. "I shall not destroy my chance
+of martyrdom."
+
+At this juncture a messenger arrived, bearing a despatch from the Earl
+of Salisbury. The lieutenant broke the seal, and after hurriedly
+perusing it, drew his sword, and desiring the guard to station
+themselves outside the door, approached Fawkes.
+
+"Notwithstanding the enormity of your offence," he observed, "I find his
+Majesty will graciously spare your life, provided you will reveal the
+names of all your associates, and disclose every particular connected
+with the plot."
+
+Guy Fawkes appeared lost in reflection, and the lieutenant, conceiving
+he had made an impression upon him, repeated the offer.
+
+"How am I to be assured of this?" asked the prisoner.
+
+"My promise must suffice," rejoined Waad.
+
+"It will not suffice to me," returned Fawkes. "I must have a pardon
+signed by the King."
+
+"You shall have it on one condition," replied Waad. "You are evidently
+troubled with few scruples. It is the Earl of Salisbury's conviction
+that the heads of many important Catholic families are connected with
+this plot. If they should prove to be so,--or, to be plain, if you will
+accuse certain persons whom I will specify, you shall have the pardon
+you require."
+
+"Is this the purport of the Earl of Salisbury's despatch?" asked Guy
+Fawkes.
+
+The lieutenant nodded.
+
+"Let me look at it," continued Fawkes. "You may be practising upon me."
+
+"Your own perfidious nature makes you suspicious of treachery in
+others," cried the lieutenant. "Will this satisfy you?"
+
+And he held the letter towards Guy Fawkes, who instantly snatched it
+from his grasp.
+
+"What ho!" he shouted in a loud voice; "what ho!" and the guards
+instantly rushed into the room. "You shall learn why you were sent away.
+Sir William Waad has offered me my life, on the part of the Earl of
+Salisbury, provided I will accuse certain innocent parties--innocent,
+except that they are Catholics--of being leagued with me in my design.
+Read this letter, and see whether I speak not the truth."
+
+And he threw it among them. But no one stirred, except a warder, who,
+picking it up, delivered it to the lieutenant.
+
+"You will now understand whom you have to deal with," pursued Fawkes.
+
+"I do," replied Waad. "But were you as unyielding as the walls of this
+prison, I would shake your obduracy."
+
+"I pray you not to delay the experiment," said Fawkes.
+
+"Have a little patience," retorted Waad. "I will not balk your humour,
+depend upon it."
+
+With this, he departed, and repairing to his lodgings, wrote a hasty
+despatch to the Earl, detailing all that had passed, and requesting a
+warrant for the torture, as he was apprehensive, if the prisoner expired
+under the severe application that would be necessary to force the truth
+from him, he might be called to account. Two hours afterwards the
+messenger returned with the warrant. It was in the handwriting of the
+King, and contained a list of interrogations to be put to the prisoner,
+concluding by directing him "to use the gentler torture first, _et sic
+per gradus ad ima tenditur_. And so God speed you in your good work!"
+
+Thus armed, and fearless of the consequences, the lieutenant summoned
+Jasper Ipgreve.
+
+"We have a very refractory prisoner to deal with," he said, as the
+jailer appeared. "But I have just received the royal authority to put
+him through all the degrees of torture if he continues obstinate. How
+shall we begin?"
+
+"With the Scavenger's Daughter and the Little Ease, if it please you,
+honourable sir," replied Ipgreve. "If these fail, we can try the
+gauntlets and the rack; and lastly, the dungeon among the rats, and the
+hot stone."
+
+"A good progression," said the lieutenant, smiling. "I will now repair
+to the torture-chamber. Let the prisoner be brought there without delay.
+He is in the Beauchamp Tower."
+
+Ipgreve bowed and departed, while the lieutenant, calling to an
+attendant to bring a torch, proceeded along a narrow passage
+communicating with the Bell Tower. Opening a secret door within it, he
+descended a flight of stone steps, and traversing a number of intricate
+passages, at length stopped before a strong door, which he pushed aside,
+and entered the chamber he had mentioned to Ipgreve. This dismal
+apartment has already been described. It was that in which Viviana's
+constancy was so fearfully approved. Two officials in the peculiar garb
+of the place--a sable livery--were occupied in polishing the various
+steel implements. Besides these, there was the chirurgeon, who was
+seated at a side table, reading by the light of a brazen lamp. He
+instantly arose on seeing the lieutenant, and began, with the other
+officials, to make preparations for the prisoner's arrival. The two
+latter concealed their features by drawing a large black capoch, or
+hood, attached to their gowns over them, and this disguise added
+materially to their lugubrious appearance. One of them then took down a
+broad iron hoop, opening in the centre with a hinge, and held it in
+readiness. Their preparations were scarcely completed when heavy
+footsteps announced the approach of Fawkes and his attendants. Jasper
+Ipgreve ushered them into the chamber, and fastened the door behind
+them. All the subsequent proceedings were conducted with the utmost
+deliberation, and were therefore doubly impressive. No undue haste
+occurred, and the officials, who might have been mistaken for phantoms
+or evil spirits, spoke only in whispers. Guy Fawkes watched their
+movements with unaltered composure. At length, Jasper Ipgreve signified
+to the lieutenant that all was ready.
+
+"The opportunity you desired of having your courage put to the test is
+now arrived," said the latter to the prisoner.
+
+"What am I to do?" was the reply.
+
+"Remove your doublet, and prostrate yourself," subjoined Ipgreve.
+
+Guy Fawkes obeyed, and when in this posture began audibly to recite a
+prayer to the Virgin.
+
+"Be silent," cried the lieutenant, "or a gag shall be thrust into your
+mouth."
+
+Kneeling upon the prisoner's shoulders, and passing the hoop under his
+legs, Ipgreve then succeeded, with the help of his assistants, who added
+their weight to his own, in fastening the hoop with an iron button.
+This done, they left the prisoner with his limbs and body so tightly
+compressed together that he was scarcely able to breathe. In this state
+he was allowed to remain for an hour and a half. The chirurgeon then
+found on examination that the blood had burst profusely from his mouth
+and nostrils, and in a slighter degree from the extremities of his hands
+and feet.
+
+"He must be released," he observed in an under tone to the lieutenant.
+"Further continuance might be fatal."
+
+Accordingly, the hoop was removed, and it was at this moment that the
+prisoner underwent the severest trial. Despite his efforts to control
+himself, a sharp convulsion passed across his frame, and the restoration
+of impeded circulation and respiration occasioned him the most acute
+agony.
+
+The chirurgeon bathed his temples with vinegar, and his limbs being
+chafed by the officials, he was placed on a bench.
+
+"My warrant directs me to begin with the 'gentler tortures,' and to
+proceed by degrees to extremities," observed the lieutenant,
+significantly. "You have now had a taste of the milder sort, and may
+form some conjecture what the worst are like. Do you still continue
+contumacious?"
+
+"I am in the same mind as before," replied Fawkes, in a hoarse but firm
+voice.
+
+"Take him to the Little Ease, and let him pass the night there," said
+the lieutenant. "To-morrow I will continue the investigation."
+
+Fawkes was then led out by Ipgreve and the officials, and conveyed along
+a narrow passage, until arriving at a low door, in which there was an
+iron grating, it was opened, and disclosed a narrow cell about four feet
+high, one and a few inches wide, and two deep. Into this narrow
+receptacle, which seemed wholly inadequate to contain a tall and
+strongly-built man like himself, the prisoner was with some difficulty
+thrust, and the door locked upon him.
+
+In this miserable plight, with his head bent upon his breast,--the cell
+being so contrived that its wretched inmate could neither sit, nor
+recline at full length within it,--Guy Fawkes prayed long and fervently;
+and no longer troubled by the uneasy feelings which had for some time
+haunted him, he felt happier in his present forlorn condition than he
+had been when anticipating the full success of his project.
+
+"At least," he thought, "I shall now win myself a crown of martyrdom,
+and whatever my present sufferings may be, they will be speedily effaced
+by the happiness I shall enjoy hereafter."
+
+Overcome, at length, by weariness and exhaustion, he fell into a sort of
+doze--it could scarcely be called sleep--and while in this state,
+fancied he was visited by Saint Winifred, who, approaching the door of
+the cell, touched it, and it instantly opened. She then placed her hand
+upon his limbs, and the pain he had hitherto felt in them subsided.
+
+"Your troubles will soon be over," murmured the saint, "and you will be
+at rest. Do not hesitate to confess. Your silence will neither serve
+your companions nor yourself." With these words the vision disappeared,
+and Guy Fawkes awoke. Whether it was the effect of imagination, or that
+his robust constitution had in reality shaken off the effects of the
+torture, it is impossible to say, but it is certain that he felt his
+strength restored to him, and attributing his recovery entirely to the
+marvellous interposition of the saint, he addressed a prayer of
+gratitude to her. While thus occupied, he heard--for it was so dark he
+could distinguish nothing--a sweet low voice at the grating of the cell,
+and imagining it was the same benign presence as before, paused and
+listened.
+
+"Do you hear me?" asked the voice.
+
+"I do," replied Fawkes. "Is it the blessed Winifred, who again
+vouchsafes to address me?"
+
+"Alas, no!" replied the voice; "it is one of mortal mould. I am Ruth
+Ipgreve, the jailer's daughter. You may remember that I expressed some
+sympathy in your behalf at your landing at Traitor's Gate to-day, for
+which I incurred my father's displeasure. But you will be quite sure I
+am a friend, when I tell you I assisted Viviana Radcliffe to escape."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, in a tone of great emotion.
+
+"I was in some degree in her confidence," pursued Ruth; "and, if I am
+not mistaken, you are the object of her warmest regard."
+
+The prisoner could not repress a groan.
+
+"You are Guy Fawkes," pursued Ruth. "Nay, you need have no fear of me. I
+have risked my life for Viviana, and would risk it for you."
+
+"I will disguise nothing from you," replied Fawkes. "I am he you have
+named. As the husband of Viviana--for such I am--I feel the deepest
+gratitude to you for the service you rendered her. She bitterly
+reproached herself with having placed you in so much danger. How did you
+escape?"
+
+"I was screened by my parents," replied Ruth. "It was given out by them
+that Viviana escaped through the window of her prison, and I was thus
+preserved from punishment. Where is she now?"
+
+"In safety, I trust," replied Fawkes. "Alas! I shall never behold her
+again."
+
+"Do not despair," returned Ruth. "I will try to effect your liberation;
+and though I have but slender hope of accomplishing it, still there is a
+chance."
+
+"I do not desire it," returned Fawkes. "I am content to perish. All I
+lived for is at an end."
+
+"This shall not deter me from trying to save you," replied Ruth; "and I
+still trust there is happiness in store for you with Viviana. Amid all
+your sufferings, rest certain there is one who will ever watch over you.
+I dare not remain here longer, for fear of a surprise. Farewell!"
+
+She then departed, and it afforded Guy Fawkes some solace to ponder on
+the interview during the rest of the night.
+
+On the following morning Jasper Ipgreve appeared, and placed before him
+a loaf of the coarsest bread, and a jug of dirty water. His scanty meal
+ended, he left him, but returned in two hours afterwards with a party of
+halberdiers, and desiring him to follow him, led the way to the
+torture-chamber. Sir William Waad was there when he arrived, and
+demanding in a stern tone whether he still continued obstinate, and
+receiving no answer, ordered him to be placed in the gauntlets. Upon
+this, he was suspended from a beam by his hands, and endured five hours
+of the most excruciating agony--his fingers being so crushed and
+lacerated that he could not move them.
+
+He was then taken down, and still refusing to confess, was conveyed to a
+horrible pit, adjoining the river, called, from the loathsome animals
+infesting it, "the dungeon among the rats." It was about twenty feet
+wide and twelve deep, and at high tide was generally more than two feet
+deep in water.
+
+Into this dreadful chasm was Guy Fawkes lowered by his attendants, who,
+warning him of the probable fate that awaited him, left him in total
+darkness. At this time the pit was free from water; but he had not been
+there more than an hour, when a bubbling and hissing sound proclaimed
+that the tide was rising, while frequent plashes convinced him that the
+rats were at hand. Stooping down, he felt that the water was alive with
+them--that they were all around him--and would not, probably, delay
+their attack. Prepared as he was for the worst, he could not repress a
+shudder at the prospect of the horrible death with which he was menaced.
+
+At this juncture, he was surprised by the appearance of a light, and
+perceived at the edge of the pit a female figure bearing a lantern. Not
+doubting it was his visitant of the former night, he called out to her,
+and was answered in the voice of Ruth Ipgreve.
+
+"I dare not remain here many minutes," she said, "because my father
+suspects me. But I could not let you perish thus. I will let down this
+lantern to you, and the light will keep away the rats. When the tide
+retires you can extinguish it."
+
+So saying, she tore her kerchief into shreds, and tying the slips
+together, lowered the lantern to the prisoner, and without waiting to
+receive his thanks, hurried away.
+
+Thus aided, Guy Fawkes defended himself as well as he could against his
+loathsome assailants. The light showed that the water was swarming with
+them--that they were creeping by hundreds up the sides of the pit, and
+preparing to make a general attack upon him.
+
+At one time, Fawkes determined not to oppose them, but to let them work
+their will upon him; but the contact of the noxious animals made him
+change his resolution, and he instinctively drove them off. They were
+not, however, to be easily repulsed, and returned to the charge with
+greater fury than before. The desire of self preservation now got the
+better of every other feeling, and the dread of being devoured alive
+giving new vigour to his crippled limbs, he rushed to the other side of
+the pit. His persecutors, however, followed him in myriads, springing
+upon him, and making their sharp teeth meet in his flesh in a thousand
+places.
+
+In this way the contest continued for some time, Guy Fawkes speeding
+round the pit, and his assailants never for one moment relaxing in the
+pursuit, until he fell from exhaustion, and his lantern being
+extinguished, the whole host darted upon him.
+
+Thinking all over, he could not repress a loud cry, and it was scarcely
+uttered, when lights appeared, and several gloomy figures bearing
+torches were seen at the edge of the pit. Among these he distinguished
+Sir William Waad, who offered instantly to release him if he would
+confess.
+
+"I will rather perish," replied Fawkes, "and I will make no further
+effort to defend myself. I shall soon be out of the reach of your
+malice."
+
+"This must not be," observed the lieutenant to Jasper Ipgreve, who stood
+by. "The Earl of Salisbury will never forgive me if he perishes."
+
+"Then not a moment must be lost, or those ravenous brutes will assuredly
+devour him," replied Ipgreve. "They are so fierce, that I scarcely like
+to venture among them."
+
+A ladder was then let down into the pit, and the jailer and the two
+officials descended. They were just in time. Fawkes had ceased to
+struggle, and the rats were attacking him with such fury that his words
+would have been speedily verified, but for Ipgreve's timely
+interposition.
+
+On being taken out of the pit, he fainted from exhaustion and loss of
+blood; and when he came to himself, found he was stretched upon a couch
+in the torture-chamber, with the chirurgeon and Jasper Ipgreve in
+attendance. Strong broths and other restoratives were then administered;
+and his strength being sufficiently restored to enable him to converse,
+the lieutenant again visited him, and questioning him as before,
+received a similar answer.
+
+In the course of that day and the next, he underwent at intervals
+various kinds of torture, each more excruciating than the preceding, all
+of which he bore with unabated fortitude. Among other applications, the
+rack was employed with such rigour, that his joints started from their
+sockets, and his frame seemed torn asunder.
+
+On the fourth day he was removed to another and yet gloomier chamber,
+devoted to the same dreadful objects as the first. It had an arched
+stone ceiling, and at the further extremity yawned a deep recess. Within
+this there was a small furnace, in which fuel was placed, ready to be
+kindled; and over the furnace lay a large black flag, at either end of
+which were stout leathern straps. After being subjected to the customary
+interrogations of the lieutenant, Fawkes was stripped of his attire, and
+bound to the flag. The fire was then lighted, and the stone gradually
+heated. The writhing frame of the miserable man ere long showed the
+extremity of his suffering; but as he did not even utter a groan, his
+tormentors were compelled to release him.
+
+On this occasion, there were two personages present who had never
+attended any previous interrogation. They were wrapped in large cloaks,
+and stood aloof during the proceedings. Both were treated with the most
+ceremonious respect by Sir William Waad, who consulted them as to the
+extent to which he should continue the torture. When the prisoner was
+taken off the heated stone, one of those persons advanced towards him,
+and gazed curiously at him.
+
+Fawkes, upon whose brow thick drops were standing, and who was sinking
+into the oblivion brought on by overwrought endurance, exclaimed, "It is
+the King;" and fainted.
+
+"The traitor knew your Majesty," said the lieutenant. "But you see it is
+in vain to attempt to extort anything from him."
+
+"So it seems," replied James; "and I am greatly disappointed, for I was
+led to believe that I should hear a full confession of the conspiracy
+from his own lips. How say you, good Master chirurgeon, will he endure
+further torture?"
+
+"Not without danger of life, your Majesty, unless he has some days'
+repose," replied the chirurgeon, "even if he can endure it then."
+
+"It will not be necessary to apply it further," replied Salisbury. "I am
+now in full possession of the names of all the principal conspirators;
+and when the prisoner finds further concealment useless, he will change
+his tone. To-morrow, the commissioners appointed by your Majesty for the
+examination of all those concerned in this dreadful project, will
+interrogate him in the lieutenant's lodgings, and I will answer with my
+life that the result will be satisfactory."
+
+"Enough," said James. "It has been a painful spectacle which we have
+just witnessed, and yet we would not have missed it. The wretch
+possesses undaunted resolution, and we can never be sufficiently
+grateful to the beneficent Providence that prevented him from working
+his ruthless purpose upon us. The day on which we were preserved from
+this Gunpowder Treason shall ever hereafter be kept sacred in our
+church, and thanks shall be returned to Heaven for our wonderful
+deliverance."
+
+"Your Majesty will act wisely," replied Salisbury. "The Ordinance will
+impress the nation with a salutary horror of all Papists and
+traitors,--for they are one and the same thing,--and keep alive a proper
+feeling of enmity against them. Such a fearful example shall be made of
+these miscreants as shall, it is to be hoped, deter all others from
+following their cause. Not only shall they perish infamously, but their
+names shall for ever be held in execration."
+
+"Be it so," rejoined James. "It is a good legal maxim--_Crescente
+malitia, crescere debuit et poena_."
+
+Upon this, he left the chamber, and, traversing a number of subterranean
+passages with his attendants, crossed the drawbridge near the Byward
+Tower to the wharf, where his barge was waiting for him, and returned in
+it to Whitehall.
+
+At an early hour on the following day, the commissioners appointed to
+the examination of the prisoner, met together in a large room on the
+second floor of the lieutenant's lodgings, afterwards denominated, from
+its use on this occasion, the Council Chamber. Affixed to the walls of
+this room may be seen at the present day a piece of marble sculpture,
+with an inscription commemorative of the event. The commissioners were
+nine in number, and included the Earls of Salisbury, Northampton,
+Nottingham, Suffolk, Worcester, Devon, Marr, and Dunbar, and Sir John
+Popham, Lord Chief Justice. With these were associated Sir Edward Coke,
+attorney-general, and Sir William Waad.
+
+The apartment in which the examination took place is still a spacious
+one, but at the period in question it was much larger and loftier. The
+walls were panelled with dark lustrous oak, covered in some places with
+tapestry, and adorned in others with paintings. Over the chimney-piece
+hung a portrait of the late sovereign, Elizabeth. The commissioners were
+grouped round a large heavily carved oak table, and, after some
+deliberation together, it was agreed that the prisoner should be
+introduced.
+
+Sir William Waad then motioned to Topcliffe, who was in attendance with
+half a dozen halberdiers, and a few moments afterwards a panel was
+pushed aside, and Guy Fawkes was brought through it. He was supported by
+Topcliffe and Ipgreve, and it was with the greatest difficulty he could
+drag himself along. So severe had been the sufferings to which he had
+been subjected, that they had done the work of time, and placed more
+than twenty years on his head. His features were thin and sharp, and of
+a ghastly whiteness, and his eyes hollow and bloodshot. A large cloak
+was thrown over him, which partially concealed his shattered frame and
+crippled limbs; but his bent shoulders, and the difficulty with which
+he moved, told how much he had undergone.
+
+On seeing the presence in which he stood, a flush for a moment rose to
+his pallid cheek, his eye glowed with its wonted fire, and he tried to
+stand erect--but his limbs refused their office--and the effort was so
+painful, that he fell back into the arms of his attendants. He was thus
+borne forward by them, and supported during his examination. The Earl of
+Salisbury then addressed him, and enlarging on the magnitude and
+horrible nature of his treason, concluded by saying that the only
+reparation he could offer was to disclose not only all his own criminal
+intentions, but the names of his associates.
+
+"I will hide nothing concerning myself," replied Fawkes; "but I shall be
+for ever silent respecting others."
+
+The Earl then glanced at Sir Edward Coke, who proceeded to take down
+minutes of the examination.
+
+"You have hitherto falsely represented yourself," said the Earl. "What
+is your real name?"
+
+"Guy Fawkes," replied the prisoner.
+
+"And do you confess your guilt?" pursued the Earl.
+
+"I admit that it was my intention to blow up the King and the whole of
+the lords spiritual and temporal assembled in the Parliament House with
+gunpowder," replied Fawkes.
+
+"And you placed the combustibles in the vault where they were
+discovered?" demanded Salisbury.
+
+The prisoner answered in the affirmative.
+
+"You are a Papist?" continued the Earl.
+
+"I am a member of the Church of Rome," returned Fawkes.
+
+"And you regard this monstrous design as righteous and laudable--as
+consistent with the religion you profess, and as likely to uphold it?"
+said the Earl.
+
+"I did so," replied Fawkes. "But I am now convinced that Heaven did not
+approve it, and I lament that it was ever undertaken."
+
+"Still, you refuse to make the only reparation in your power--you refuse
+to disclose your associates?" said Salisbury.
+
+"I cannot betray them," replied Fawkes.
+
+"Traitor! it is needless," cried the Earl; "they are known to us--nay,
+they have betrayed themselves. They have risen in open and armed
+rebellion against the King; but a sufficient power has been sent against
+them; and if they are not ere this defeated and captured, many days will
+not elapse before they will be lodged in the Tower."
+
+"If this is the case, you require no information from me," rejoined
+Fawkes. "But I pray you name them to me."
+
+"I will do so," replied Salisbury; "and if I have omitted you can supply
+the deficiency. I will begin with Robert Catesby, the chief contriver of
+this hell-engendered plot,--I will next proceed to the superior of the
+Jesuits, Father Garnet,--next, to another Jesuit priest, Father
+Oldcorne,--next, to Sir Everard Digby,--then, to Thomas Winter and
+Robert Winter,--then, to John Wright and Christopher Wright,--then, to
+Ambrose Rookwood, Thomas Percy, and John Grant, and lastly, to Robert
+Keyes."
+
+"Are these all?" demanded Fawkes.
+
+"All we are acquainted with," said Salisbury.
+
+"Then add to them the names of Francis Tresham, and of his
+brother-in-law, Lord Mounteagle," rejoined Fawkes. "I charge both with
+being privy to the plot."
+
+"I have forgotten another name," said Salisbury, in some confusion,
+"that of Viviana Radcliffe, of Ordsall Hall. I have received certain
+information that she was wedded to you while you were resident at White
+Webbs, near Epping Forest, and was cognisant of the plot. If captured,
+she will share your fate."
+
+Fawkes could not repress a groan.
+
+Salisbury pursued his interrogations, but it was evident, from the
+increasing feebleness of the prisoner, that he would sink under it if
+the examination was further protracted. He was therefore ordered to
+attach his signature to the minutes taken by Sir Edward Coke, and was
+placed in a chair for that purpose. A pen was then given him, but for
+some time his shattered fingers refused to grasp it. By a great effort,
+and with acute pain, he succeeded in tracing his Christian name thus:--
+
+[Illustration: "Guido"]
+
+While endeavouring to write his surname, the pen fell from his hand, and
+he became insensible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+SHOWING THE TROUBLES OF VIVIANA.
+
+
+On coming to herself, Viviana inquired for Garnet; and being told that
+he was in his chamber alone, she repaired thither, and found him pacing
+to and fro in the greatest perturbation.
+
+"If you come to me for consolation, daughter," he said, "you come to one
+who cannot offer it. I am completely prostrated in spirit by the
+disastrous issue of our enterprise; and though I tried to prepare myself
+for what has taken place, I now find myself utterly unable to cope with
+it."
+
+[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes subscribing his Examination after the
+torture_]
+
+"If such is your condition, father," replied Viviana, "what must be
+that of my husband, upon whose devoted head all the weight of this
+dreadful calamity now falls? You are still at liberty--still able to
+save yourself--still able, at least, to resist unto the death, if you
+are so minded. But he is a captive in the Tower, exposed to every
+torment that human ingenuity can invent, and with nothing but the
+prospect of a lingering death before his eyes. What is your condition,
+compared with his?"
+
+"Happy--most happy, daughter," replied Garnet, "and I have been selfish
+and unreasonable. I have, given way to the weakness of humanity, and I
+thank you from the bottom of my heart for enabling me to shake it off."
+
+"You have indulged false hopes, father," said Viviana, "whereas I have
+indulged none, or rather, all has come to pass as I desired. The
+dreadful crime with which I feared my husband's soul would have been
+loaded is now uncommitted, and I have firm hope of his salvation. If I
+might counsel you, I would advise you to surrender yourself to justice,
+and by pouring out your blood on the scaffold, wash out your offence.
+Such will be my own course. I have been involuntarily led into connexion
+with this plot; and though I have ever disapproved of it, since I have
+not revealed it I am as guilty as if I had been its contriver. I shall
+not shun my punishment. Fate has dealt hardly with me, and my path on
+earth has been strewn with thorns, and cast in grief and trouble. But I
+humbly trust that my portion hereafter will be with the blessed."
+
+"I cannot doubt it, daughter," replied Garnet; "and though I do not view
+our design in the light that you do, but regard it as justifiable, if
+not necessary, yet, with your feelings, I cannot sufficiently admire
+your conduct. Your devotion and self-sacrifice is wholly without
+parallel. At the same time, I would try to dissuade you from
+surrendering yourself to our relentless enemies. Believe me, it will add
+the severest pang to your husband's torture to know that you are in
+their power. His nature is stern and unyielding, and, persuaded as he is
+of the justice of his cause, he will die happy in that conviction,
+certain that his name, though despised by our heretical persecutors,
+will be held in reverence by all true professors of our faith. No,
+daughter, fly and conceal yourself till pursuit is relinquished, and
+pass the rest of your life in prayer for the repose of your husband's
+soul."
+
+"I will pass it in endeavouring to bring him to repentance," replied
+Viviana. "The sole boon I shall seek from my judges will be permission
+to attempt this."
+
+"It will be refused, daughter," replied Garnet, "and you will only
+destroy yourself, not aid him. Rest satisfied that the Great Power who
+judges the hearts of men, and implants certain impulses within them, for
+his own wise but inscrutable purposes, well knows that Guy Fawkes,
+however culpable his conduct may appear in your eyes, acted according to
+the dictates of his conscience, and in the full confidence that the
+design would restore the true worship of God in this kingdom. The
+failure of the enterprise proves that he was mistaken--that we were all
+mistaken,--and that Heaven was unfavourable to the means adopted,--but
+it does not prove his insincerity."
+
+"These arguments have no weight with me, father," replied Viviana; "I
+will leave nothing undone to save his soul, and whatever may be the
+result, I will surrender myself to justice."
+
+"I shall not seek to move you from your purpose, daughter," replied
+Garnet, "and can only lament it. Before, however, you finally decide,
+let us pray together for directions from on high."
+
+Thus exhorted, Viviana knelt down with the priest before a small silver
+image of the Virgin, which stood in a niche in the wall, and they both
+prayed long and earnestly. Garnet was the first to conclude his
+devotions; and as he gazed at the upturned countenance and streaming
+eyes of his companion, his heart was filled with admiration and pity.
+
+At this juncture the door opened, and Catesby and Sir Everard Digby
+entered. On hearing them, Viviana immediately arose.
+
+"The urgency of our business must plead an excuse for the interruption,
+if any is needed," said Catesby; "but do not retire, madam. We have no
+secrets from you now. Sir Everard and I have fully completed our
+preparations," he added, to Garnet. "Our men are all armed and mounted
+in the court, and are in high spirits for the enterprise. As the
+service, however, will be one of the greatest danger and difficulty, you
+had better seek a safe asylum, father, till the first decisive blow is
+struck."
+
+"I would go with you, my son," rejoined Garnet, "if I did not think my
+presence might be an hinderance. I can only aid you with my prayers, and
+those can be more efficaciously uttered in some secure retreat, than
+during a rapid march or dangerous encounter."
+
+"You had better retire to Coughton with Lady Digby and Viviana," said
+Sir Everard. "I have provided a sufficient escort to guard you
+thither,--and, as you are aware, there are many hiding-places in the
+house, where you can remain undiscovered in case of search."
+
+"I place myself at your disposal," replied Garnet. "But Viviana is
+resolved to surrender herself."
+
+"This must not be," returned Catesby. "Such an act at this juncture
+would be madness, and would materially injure our cause. Whatever your
+inclinations may prompt, you must consent to remain in safety, madam."
+
+"I have acquiesced in your proceedings thus far," replied Viviana,
+"because I could not oppose them without injury to those dear to me. But
+I will take no further share in them. My mind is made up as to the
+course I shall pursue."
+
+"Since you are bent upon your own destruction,--for it is nothing
+less,--it is the duty of your friends to save you," rejoined Catesby.
+"You shall not do what you propose, and when you are yourself again, and
+have recovered from the shock your feelings have sustained, you will
+thank me for my interference."
+
+"You are right, Catesby," observed Sir Everard; "it would be worse than
+insanity to allow her to destroy herself thus."
+
+"I am glad you are of this opinion," said Garnet. "I tried to reason her
+out of her design, but without avail."
+
+"Catesby," cried Viviana, throwing herself at his feet, "by the love you
+once professed for me,--by the friendship you entertained for him who
+unhesitatingly offered himself for you, and your cause, I implore you
+not to oppose me now!"
+
+"I shall best serve you, and most act in accordance with the wishes of
+my friend, by doing so," replied Catesby. "Therefore, you plead in
+vain."
+
+"Alas!" cried Viviana. "My purposes are ever thwarted. You will have to
+answer for my life."
+
+"I should, indeed, have it to answer for, if I permitted you to act as
+you desire," rejoined Catesby. "I repeat you will thank me ere many days
+are passed."
+
+"Sir Everard," exclaimed Viviana, appealing to the knight, "I entreat
+you to have pity upon me."
+
+"I do sincerely sympathise with your distress," replied Digby, in a tone
+of the deepest commiseration; "but I am sure what Catesby advises is for
+the best. I could not reconcile it to my conscience to allow you to
+sacrifice yourself thus. Be governed by prudence."
+
+"Oh no----no!" cried Viviana, distractedly. "I will not be stayed. I
+command you not to detain me."
+
+"Viviana," said Catesby, taking her arm, "this is no season for the
+display of silly weakness either on our part or yours. If you cannot
+control yourself, you must be controlled. Father Garnet, I intrust her
+to your care. Two of my troop shall attend you, together with your own
+servant, Nicholas Owen. You shall have stout horses, able to accomplish
+the journey with the greatest expedition, and I should wish you to
+convey her to her own mansion, Ordsall Hall, and to remain there with
+her till you hear tidings of us."
+
+"It shall be as you direct, my son," said Garnet. "I am prepared to set
+out at once."
+
+"That is well," replied Catesby.
+
+"You will not do me this violence, sir," cried Viviana. "I appeal
+against it, to you, Sir Everard."
+
+"I cannot help you, madam," replied the knight, "indeed, I cannot."
+
+"Then Heaven, I trust, will help me," cried Viviana, "for I am wholly
+abandoned of man."
+
+"I beseech you, madam, put some constraint upon yourself," said Catesby.
+"If, after your arrival at Ordsall, you are still bent upon your rash
+and fatal design, Father Garnet shall not oppose its execution. But give
+yourself time for reflection."
+
+"Since it may not be otherwise, I assent," replied Viviana. "If I must
+go, I will start at once."
+
+"Wisely resolved," replied Sir Everard.
+
+Viviana then retired, and soon afterwards appeared equipped for her
+journey. The two attendants and Nicholas Owen were in the court-yard,
+and Catesby assisted her into the saddle.
+
+"Do not lose sight of her," he said to Garnet, as the latter mounted.
+
+"Rest assured I will not," replied the other.
+
+And taking the direction of Coventry, the party rode off at a brisk
+pace.
+
+Catesby then joined the other conspirators, while Sir Everard sent off
+Lady Digby and his household, attended by a strong escort, to Coughton.
+This done, the whole party repaired to the court-yard, where they called
+over the muster-roll of their men, to ascertain that none were
+missing,--examined their arms and ammunition,--and finding all in order,
+sprang to their steeds, and putting themselves at the head of the band,
+rode towards Southam and Warwick.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+HUDDINGTON.
+
+
+About six o'clock in the morning the conspirators reached Leamington
+Priors, at that time an inconsiderable village; and having ridden nearly
+twenty miles over heavy and miry roads,--for a good deal of rain had
+fallen in the night,--they stood in need of some refreshment.
+Accordingly, they entered the first farm-yard they came to, and
+proceeding to the cow-houses and sheepfolds, turned out the animals
+within them, and fastening up their own steeds in their places, set
+before them whatever provender they could find. Those, and they were by
+far the greater number, who could not find better accommodation, fed
+their horses in the yard, which was strewn with trusses of hay and great
+heaps of corn. The whole scene formed a curious picture. Here was one
+party driving away the sheep and cattle, which were bleating and
+lowing,--there, another rifling a hen-roost, and slaughtering its
+cackling inmates. On this hand, by the direction of Catesby, two stout
+horses were being harnessed with ropes to a cart, which he intended to
+use as a baggage-waggon; on that, Sir Everard Digby was interposing his
+authority to prevent the destruction of a fine porker.
+
+Their horses fed, the next care of the conspirators was to obtain
+something for themselves: and ordering the master of the house, who was
+terrified almost out of his senses, to open his doors, they entered the
+dwelling, and causing a fire to be lighted in the chief room, began to
+boil a large kettle of broth upon it, and to cook other provisions.
+Finding a good store of eatables in the larder, rations were served out
+to the band. Two casks of strong ale were likewise broached, and their
+contents distributed; and a small keg of strong waters being also
+discovered, it was disposed of in the same way.
+
+This, however, was the extent of the mischief done. All the
+conspirators, but chiefly Catesby and Sir Everard Digby, dispersed
+themselves amongst the band, and checked any disposition to plunder. The
+only articles taken away from the house were a couple of old rusty
+swords and a caliver. Catesby proposed to the farmer to join their
+expedition. But having now regained his courage, the sturdy churl
+obstinately refused to stir a foot with them, and even ventured to utter
+a wish that the enterprise might fail.
+
+"I am a good Protestant, and a faithful subject of King James, and will
+never abet Popery and treason," he said.
+
+This bold sally would have been answered by a bullet from one of the
+troopers, if Catesby had not interfered.
+
+"You shall do as you please, friend," he said, in a conciliatory tone.
+"We will not compel any man to act against his conscience, and we claim
+the same right ourselves. Will you join us, good fellows?" he added, to
+two farming men, who were standing near their master.
+
+"Must I confess to a priest?" asked one of them.
+
+"Certainly not," replied Catesby. "You shall have no constraint whatever
+put upon you. All I require is obedience to my commands in the field."
+
+"Then I am with you," replied the fellow.
+
+"Thou'rt a traitor and rebel, Sam Morrell," cried the other hind, "and
+wilt come to a traitor's end. I will never fight against King James. And
+if I must take up arms, it shall be against his enemies, and in defence
+of our religion. No priests,--no papistry for me."
+
+"Well said, Hugh," cried his master; "we'll die in that cause, if need
+be."
+
+Catesby turned angrily away, and giving the word to his men to prepare
+to set forth, in a few minutes all were in the saddle; but on inquiring
+for the new recruit, Sam Morrell, it was found he had disappeared. The
+cart was laden with arms, ammunition and a few sacks of corn; and the
+line being formed, they commenced their march.
+
+The morning was dark and misty, and all looked dull and dispiriting. The
+conspirators, however, were full of confidence, and their men,
+exhilarated and refreshed by their meal, appeared anxious for an
+opportunity of distinguishing themselves. Arrived within half a mile of
+Warwick, whence the lofty spire of the church of Saint Nicholas, the
+tower of Saint Mary's, and the ancient gates of this beautiful old town
+could just be discerned through the mist, a short consultation was held
+by the rebel leaders as to the expediency of attacking the castle, and
+carrying off the horses with which they had learnt its stables were
+filled.
+
+Deciding upon making the attempt, their resolution was communicated to
+their followers, and received with loud acclamations. Catesby then put
+himself at the head of the band, and they all rode forward at a brisk
+pace. Crossing the bridge over the Avon, whence the castle burst upon
+them in all its grandeur and beauty, Catesby dashed forward to an
+embattled gate commanding the approach to the structure, and knocking
+furiously against it, a wicket was opened by an old porter, who started
+back on beholding the intruders. He would have closed the wicket, but
+Catesby was too quick for him, and springing from his steed, dashed
+aside the feeble opposition of the old man, and unbarred the gate.
+Instantly mounting again, he galloped along a broad and winding path cut
+so deeply in the rock, that the mighty pile they were approaching was
+completely hidden from view. A few seconds, however, brought them to a
+point, from which its three towers reared themselves full before them.
+Another moment brought them to the edge of the moat, at this time
+crossed by a stone bridge, but then filled with water, and defended by a
+drawbridge.
+
+As no attack like the present was apprehended, and as the owner of the
+castle, the celebrated Fulke Greville, afterwards Lord Brooke, to whom
+it had been recently granted by the reigning monarch, was then in the
+capital, the drawbridge was down, and though several retainers rushed
+forth on hearing the approach of so many horsemen, they were too late to
+raise it. Threatening these persons with destruction if any resistance
+was offered, Catesby passed through the great entrance, and rode into
+the court, where he drew up his band.
+
+By this time, the whole of the inmates of the castle had collected on
+the ramparts, armed with calivers and partisans, and whatever weapons
+they could find, and though their force was utterly disproportioned to
+that of their opponents, they seemed disposed to give them battle.
+Paying no attention to them, Catesby proceeded to the stables, where he
+found upwards of twenty horses, which he exchanged for the worst and
+most jaded of his own, and was about to enter the castle in search of
+arms, when he was startled by hearing the alarm-bell rung. This was
+succeeded by the discharge of a culverin on the summit of the tower,
+named after the redoubted Guy, Earl of Warwick; and though the bell was
+instantly silenced, Rookwood, who had dislodged the party from the
+ramparts, brought word that the inhabitants of Warwick were assembling,
+that drums were beating at the gates, and that an attack might be
+speedily expected. Not desiring to hazard an engagement at this
+juncture, Catesby gave up the idea of ransacking the castle, and ordered
+his men to their horses.
+
+Some delay, however, occurred before they could all be got together,
+and, meanwhile, the ringing of bells and other alarming sounds
+continued. At one time, it occurred to Catesby to attempt to maintain
+possession of the castle; but this design was overruled by the other
+conspirators, who represented to him the impracticability of the design.
+At length, the whole troop being assembled, they crossed the drawbridge,
+and speeded along the rocky path. Before the outer gate they found a
+large body of men, some on horseback, and some on foot, drawn up. These
+persons, however, struck with terror at their appearance, retreated, and
+allowed them a free passage.
+
+On turning to cross the bridge, they found it occupied by a strong and
+well-armed body of men, headed by the Sheriff of Warwickshire, who
+showed no disposition to give way. While the rebel party were preparing
+to force a passage, a trumpet was sounded, and the Sheriff, riding
+towards them, commanded them in the King's name to yield themselves
+prisoners.
+
+"We do not acknowledge the supremacy of James Stuart, whom you call
+king," rejoined Catesby, sternly. "We fight for our liberties, and for
+the restoration of the holy Catholic religion which we profess. Do not
+oppose us, or you will have cause to rue your temerity."
+
+"Hear me," cried the Sheriff, turning from him to his men: "I promise
+you all a free pardon in the King's name, if you will throw down your
+arms, and deliver up your leaders. But, if after this warning, you
+continue in open rebellion against your sovereign, you will all suffer
+the vilest death."
+
+"Rejoin your men, sir," said Catesby, in a significant tone, and drawing
+a petronel.
+
+"A free pardon and a hundred pounds to him who will bring me the head of
+Robert Catesby," said the Sheriff, disregarding the menace.
+
+"Your own is not worth half the sum," rejoined Catesby; and levelling
+the petronel, he shot him dead.
+
+The Sheriff's fall was the signal for a general engagement. Exasperated
+by the death of their leader, the royalist party assailed the rebels
+with the greatest fury, and as the latter were attacked at the same time
+in the rear, their situation began to appear perilous. But nothing could
+withstand the vigour and determination of Catesby. Cheering on his men,
+he soon cut a way across the bridge, and would have made good his
+retreat, if he had not perceived, to his infinite dismay, that Percy and
+Rookwood had been captured.
+
+Regardless of any risk he might run, he shouted to those near to follow
+him, and made such a desperate charge upon the royalists that in a few
+minutes he was by the side of his friends, and had liberated them. In
+trying, however, to follow up his advantage he got separated from his
+companions, and was so hotly pressed on all sides, that his destruction
+seemed inevitable. His petronels had both brought down their mark; and
+in striking a blow against a stalwart trooper his sword had shivered
+close to the handle. In this defenceless state his enemies made sure of
+him, but they miscalculated his resources.
+
+He was then close to the side of the bridge, and, before his purpose
+could be divined, struck spurs deeply into his horse, and cleared the
+parapet with a single bound. A shout of astonishment and admiration
+arose alike from friend and foe, and there was a general rush towards
+the side of the bridge. The noble animal that had borne him out of
+danger was seen swimming towards the bank, and, though several shots
+were fired at him, he reached it in safety. This gallant action so
+raised Catesby in the estimation of his followers, that they welcomed
+him with the utmost enthusiasm, and rallying round him, fought with such
+vigour, that they drove their opponents over the bridge and compelled
+them to flee towards the town.
+
+Catesby now mustered his men, and finding his loss slighter than he
+expected, though several were so severely wounded, that he was compelled
+to leave them behind, rode off at a quick pace. After proceeding for
+about four miles along the Stratford road, they turned off on the right
+into a narrow lane leading to Snitterfield, with the intention of
+visiting Norbrook, the family residence of John Grant. On arriving
+there, they put the house into a state of defence, and then assembled in
+the hall, while their followers recruited themselves in the court-yard.
+
+"So far, well," observed Catesby, flinging himself into a chair; "the
+first battle has been won."
+
+"True," replied Grant; "but it will not do to tarry here long. This
+house cannot hold out against a prolonged attack."
+
+"We will not remain here more than a couple of hours," replied Catesby:
+"but where shall we go next? I am for making some desperate attempt,
+which shall strike terror into our foes."
+
+"Are we strong enough to march to the Earl of Harrington's mansion near
+Coventry, and carry off the Princess Elizabeth?" asked Percy.
+
+"She were indeed a glorious prize," replied Catesby; "but I have no
+doubt, on the first alarm of our rising, she has been conveyed to a
+place of safety. And even if she were there, we should have the whole
+armed force of Coventry to contend with. No--no, it will not do to
+attempt that."
+
+"Nothing venture, nothing have!" cried Sir Everard Digby. "We ought, in
+my opinion, to run any risk to secure her."
+
+"You know me too well, Digby," rejoined Catesby, "to doubt my readiness
+to undertake any project, however hazardous, which would offer the
+remotest chance of success. But in this I see none, unless, indeed, it
+could be accomplished by stratagem. Let us first ascertain what support
+we can obtain, and then decide upon the measures to be adopted."
+
+"I am content," returned Digby.
+
+"Old Mr. Talbot of Grafton is a friend of yours, is he not?" continued
+Catesby, addressing Thomas Winter. "Can you induce him to join us?"
+
+"I will try," replied Thomas Winter; "but I have some misgivings."
+
+"Be not faint-hearted," rejoined Catesby. "You and Stephen Littleton
+shall go to him at once, and join us at your own mansion of Huddington,
+whither we will proceed as soon as our men are thoroughly recruited. Use
+every argument you can devise with Talbot,--tell him that the welfare of
+the Catholic cause depends on our success,--and that neither his years
+nor infirmities can excuse his absence at this juncture. If he will not,
+or cannot come himself, cause him to write letters to all his Catholic
+neighbours, urging them to join us, and bid him send all his retainers
+and servants to us."
+
+"I will not neglect a single plea," replied Thomas Winter, "and I will
+further urge compliance by his long friendship towards myself. But, as I
+have just said, I despair of success."
+
+Soon after this, he and Stephen Littleton, with two of the troopers
+well-mounted and well-armed, rode across the country through lanes and
+by-roads, with which they were well acquainted, to Grafton. At the same
+time, Catesby repaired to the court-yard, and assembling his men, found
+there were twenty-five missing. More than half of these it was known had
+been killed or wounded at Warwick; but the rest, it was suspected, had
+deserted.
+
+Whatever effect this scrutiny might secretly have upon Catesby, he
+maintained a cheerful and confident demeanour, and mounting a flight of
+steps, harangued the band in energetic and exciting terms. Displaying a
+small image of the virgin to them, he assured them they were under the
+special protection of heaven, whose cause they were fighting--and
+concluded by reciting a prayer, in which the whole assemblage heartily
+joined. This done, they filled the baggage-cart with provisions and
+further ammunition, and forming themselves into good order, took the
+road to Alcester.
+
+They had not gone far, when torrents of rain fell, and the roads being
+in a shocking condition, and ploughed up with ruts, they turned into the
+fields wherever it was practicable, and continued their march very
+slowly, and under excessively disheartening circumstances. On arriving
+at the ford across the Avon, near Bishopston, they found the stream so
+swollen that it was impossible to get across it. Sir Everard Digby, who
+made the attempt, was nearly carried off by the current. They were
+therefore compelled to proceed to Stratford, and cross the bridge.
+
+"My friends," said Catesby, commanding a halt at a short distance of the
+town, "I know not what reception we may meet with here. Probably much
+the same as at Warwick. But I command you not to strike a blow, except
+in self-defence."
+
+Those injunctions given, attended by the other conspirators, except
+Percy and Rookwood, who brought up the rear, he rode slowly into
+Stratford, and proceeding to the market-place, ordered a trumpet to be
+sounded. On the first appearance of the troop, most of the inhabitants
+fled to their houses, and fastened the doors, but some few courageous
+persons followed them at a wary distance. These were harangued at some
+length by Catesby, who called upon them to join the expedition, and held
+out promises, which only excited the derision of the hearers.
+
+Indeed, the dejected looks of most of the band, and the drenched and
+muddy state of their apparel, made them objects of pity and contempt,
+rather than of serious apprehension: and nothing but their numbers
+prevented an attack being made upon them. Catesby's address concluded
+amid groans of dissatisfaction; and finding he was wasting time, and
+injuring his own cause, he gave the word to march, and moved slowly
+through the main street, but not a single recruit joined him.
+
+Another unpropitious circumstance occurred just as they were leaving
+Stratford. Two or three of his followers tried to slink away, when
+Catesby, riding after them, called to them to return, and no attention
+being paid to his orders, he shot the man nearest him, and compelled the
+others, by threats of the same punishment, to return to their ranks.
+This occurrence, while it occasioned much discontent and ill-will among
+the band, gave great uneasiness to their leaders. Catesby and Percy now
+brought up the rear, and kept a sharp look-out to check any further
+attempt at desertion.
+
+Digby and Winter, being well acquainted with all the Catholic gentry in
+the neighbourhood, they proceeded to their different residences, and
+were uniformly coldly received, and in some cases dismissed with
+reproaches and menaces. In spite of all their efforts, too, repeated
+desertions took place; and long before they reached Alcester, their
+force was diminished by a dozen men. Not thinking it prudent to pass
+through the town, they struck into a lane on the right, and fording the
+Arrow near Ragley, skirted that extensive park, and crossing the hills
+near Weethly and Stoney Moreton, arrived in about an hour and a half, in
+a very jaded condition, at Huddington, the seat of Robert Winter.
+Affairs seemed to wear so unpromising an aspect, that Catesby, on
+entering the house, immediately called a council of his friends, and
+asked them what they proposed to do.
+
+"For my own part," he said, "I am resolved to fight it out. I will
+continue my march as long as I can get a man to follow me, and when they
+are all gone, will proceed alone. But I will never yield."
+
+"We will all die together, if need be," said Sir Everard Digby. "Let us
+rest here to-night, and in the morning proceed to Lord Windsor's
+mansion, Hewel Grange, which I know to be well stocked with arms, and,
+after carrying off all we can, we will fortify Stephen Littleton's house
+at Holbeach, and maintain it for a few days against our enemies."
+
+This proposal agreed to, they repaired to the court-yard, and busied
+themselves in seeing the wants of their followers attended to; and such
+a change was effected by good fare and a few hours' repose, that the
+spirits of the whole party revived, and confidence was once more
+restored. A slight damp, however, was again thrown upon the satisfaction
+of the leaders, by the return of Thomas Winter and Stephen Littleton
+from Grafton. Their mission had proved wholly unsuccessful. Mr. Talbot
+had not merely refused to join them, but had threatened to detain them.
+
+"He says we deserve the worst of deaths," observed Thomas Winter, in
+conclusion, "and that we have irretrievably injured the Catholic cause."
+
+"And I begin to fear he speaks the truth," rejoined Christopher Wright.
+"However, for us there is no retreat."
+
+"None whatever," rejoined Catesby, in a sombre tone. "We must choose
+between death upon the battle-field or on the scaffold."
+
+"The former be my fate," cried Percy.
+
+"And mine," added Catesby.
+
+An anxious and perturbed night was passed by the conspirators, and many
+a plan was proposed and abandoned. It had been arranged among them that
+they should each in succession make the rounds of the place, to see that
+the sentinels were at their posts--strict orders having been given to
+the latter to fire upon whomsoever might attempt to fly--but, as
+Catesby, despite his great previous fatigue, was unable to rest, he took
+this duty chiefly upon himself.
+
+Returning at midnight from an examination of the court-yard, he was
+about to enter the house, when he perceived before him a tall figure,
+with a cloak muffled about its face, standing in his path. It was
+perfectly motionless, and Catesby, who carried a lantern in his hand,
+threw the light upon it, but it neither moved forward, nor altered its
+position. Catesby would have challenged it, but an undefinable terror
+seized him, and his tongue clove to the roof of his mouth. An idea rose
+to his mind that it was the spirit of Guy Fawkes, and, by a powerful
+effort, he compelled himself to address it.
+
+"Are you come to warn me?" he demanded.
+
+The figure moved in acquiescence, and withdrawing the cloak, revealed
+features of ghastly paleness, but resembling those of Fawkes.
+
+"Have I long to live?" demanded Catesby.
+
+The figure shook its head.
+
+"Shall I fall to-morrow?" pursued Catesby.
+
+The figure again made a gesture in the negative.
+
+"The next day?"
+
+Solemnly inclining its head, the figure once more muffled its ghastly
+visage in its cloak, and melted from his view.
+
+For some time Catesby remained in a state almost of stupefaction. He
+then summoned up all the resolution of his nature, and instead of
+returning to the house, continued to pace to and fro in the court, and
+at last walked forth into the garden. It was profoundly dark; and he had
+not advanced many steps when he suddenly encountered a man. Repressing
+the exclamation that rose to his lips, he drew a petronel from his belt,
+and waited till the person addressed him.
+
+"Is it you, Sir John Foliot?" asked a voice, which he instantly
+recognised as that of Topcliffe.
+
+"Ay," replied Catesby, in a low tone.
+
+"Did you manage to get into the house?" pursued Topcliffe.
+
+"I did," returned Catesby; "but speak lower. There is a sentinel within
+a few paces of us. Come this way."
+
+And grasping the other's arm he drew him further down the walk.
+
+"Do you think we may venture to surprise them?" demanded Topcliffe.
+
+"Hum!" exclaimed Catesby, hesitating, in the hope of inducing the other
+to betray his design.
+
+"Or shall we wait the arrival of Sir Richard Walsh, the Sheriff of
+Worcestershire, and the _posse comitatus_?" pursued Topcliffe.
+
+"How soon do you think the Sheriff will arrive?" asked Catesby, scarcely
+able to disguise his anxiety.
+
+"He cannot be here before daybreak--if so soon," returned Topcliffe,
+"and then we shall have to besiege the house; and though I have no fear
+of the result, yet some of the conspirators may fall in the skirmish;
+and my orders from the Earl of Salisbury, as I have already apprised
+you, are, to take them alive."
+
+"True," replied Catesby.
+
+"I would not, for twice the reward I shall receive for the capture of
+the whole party, that that desperate traitor, Catesby, should be slain,"
+continued Topcliffe. "The plot was contrived by him, and the extent of
+its ramifications can alone be ascertained through him."
+
+"I think I can contrive their capture," observed Catesby; "but the
+utmost caution must be used. I will return to the house, and find out
+where the chief conspirators are lodged. I will then throw open the
+door, and will return to this place, where you can have our men
+assembled. If we can seize and secure the leaders, the rest will be
+easy."
+
+"You will run great risk, Sir John," said Topcliffe, with affected
+concern.
+
+"Heed not that," replied Catesby. "You may expect me in a few minutes.
+Get together your men as noiselessly as you can."
+
+With this he hastily withdrew.
+
+On returning to the house, he instantly roused his companions, and
+acquainted them with what had occurred.
+
+"My object," he said, "is to make Topcliffe a prisoner. We may obtain
+much useful information from him. As to the others, if they offer
+resistance, we will put them to death."
+
+"What force have they?" asked Sir Everard Digby, with some uneasiness.
+
+"It is impossible to say precisely," replied Catesby; "but not more than
+a handful of men, I should imagine, as they are waiting for Sir Richard
+Walsh."
+
+"I know not what may be the issue of this matter," observed Robert
+Winter, whose looks were unusually haggard; "but I have had a strange
+and ominous dream, which fills me with apprehension."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby, upon whose mind the recollection of the
+apparition he had beheld rushed.
+
+"Catesby," pursued Robert Winter, taking him aside, "if you have any sin
+unrepented of, I counsel you to make your peace with Heaven, for I fear
+you are not long for this world."
+
+"It may be so," rejoined Catesby, firmly; "and I have many dark and
+damning sins upon my soul, but I will die as I have lived, firm and
+unshaken to the last. And now, let us prepare for our foes."
+
+So saying, he proceeded to call up the trustiest of his men, and
+enjoining profound silence upon them, disposed them in various places,
+that they might instantly appear at his signal. After giving them other
+directions, he returned to the garden, and coughed slightly. He was
+answered by a quickly-approaching footstep, and a voice demanded,
+
+"Are you there, Sir John?"
+
+Catesby answered in a low tone in the affirmative.
+
+"Come forward, then," rejoined Topcliffe.
+
+As he spoke there was a rush of persons towards the spot, and seizing
+Catesby, he cried, in a triumphant tone, while he unmasked a lantern,
+and threw its light full upon his face,
+
+"You are caught in your own trap, Mr. Catesby. You are my prisoner."
+
+"Not so, villain," cried Catesby, disengaging himself by a powerful
+effort.
+
+Springing backwards, he drew his sword, and making the blade describe a
+circle round his body, effected his retreat in safety, though a dozen
+shots were fired at him. Leaping the garden wall, he was instantly
+surrounded by the other conspirators, and the greater part of the band,
+who, hearing the reports of the fire-arms, had hurried to the spot.
+Instantly putting himself at their head, Catesby returned to the garden;
+but Topcliffe and his party had taken the alarm and fled. Torches were
+brought, and, by Catesby's directions, a large heap of dry stubble was
+set on fire. But, though the flames revealed every object for a
+considerable distance around them, no traces of the hostile party could
+be discerned.
+
+After continuing their ineffectual search for some time, the
+conspirators returned to the house, and abandoning all idea of retiring
+to rest, kept strict watch during the remainder of the night. Little
+conversation took place. All were deeply depressed; and Catesby paced
+backwards and forwards within a passage leading from the hall to the
+dining-chamber. His thoughts were gloomy enough, and he retraced the
+whole of his wild and turbulent career, pondering upon its close, which
+he could not disguise from himself was at hand.
+
+"It matters not," he mentally ejaculated; "I shall not die
+ignominiously, and I would rather perish in the vigour of manhood than
+linger out a miserable old age. I have striven hard to achieve a great
+enterprise, and having failed, have little else to live for. This band
+cannot hold together two days longer. Our men will desert us, or turn
+upon us to obtain the price set upon our heads. And, were they true, I
+have little reliance upon my companions. They have no longer the
+confidence that can alone insure success, and I expect each moment some
+one will propose a surrender. Surrender! I will never do so with life.
+Something must be done--something worthy of me--and then let me perish.
+I have ever prayed to die a soldier's death."
+
+As he uttered these words unconsciously aloud, he became aware of the
+presence of Robert Winter, who stood at the end of the passage, watching
+him.
+
+"Your prayer will not be granted, Catesby," said the latter. "Some
+dreadful doom, I fear, is reserved for you and all of us."
+
+"What mean you?" demanded the other, uneasily.
+
+"Listen to me," replied Robert Winter. "I told you I had a strange and
+appalling dream to-night, and I will now relate it. I thought I was in a
+boat upon the river Thames, when all at once the day, which had been
+bright and smiling, became dark and overcast,--not dark like the shades
+of night, but gloomy and ominous, as when the sun is shrouded by an
+eclipse. I looked around, and every object was altered. The tower of
+Saint Paul's stood awry, and seemed ready to topple down,--so did the
+spires and towers of all the surrounding fanes. The houses on London
+Bridge leaned frightfully over the river, and the habitations lining its
+banks on either side, seemed shaken to their foundations. I fancied some
+terrible earthquake must have occurred, or that the end of the world was
+at hand."
+
+"Go on," said Catesby, who had listened with profound attention to the
+relation.
+
+"The stream, too, changed its colour," continued Robert Winter, "and
+became red as blood, and the man who rowed my boat was gone, and his
+place occupied by a figure masked and habited like an executioner. I
+commanded him to row me ashore, and in an instant the bark shot to land,
+and I sprang out, glad to be liberated from my mysterious conductor. My
+steps involuntarily led me toward the cathedral, and on entering it, I
+found its pillars, shrines, monuments, and roof hung with black. The
+throng that ever haunt Paul's Walk had disappeared, and a few dismal
+figures alone traversed the aisles. On approaching them, I recognised in
+their swollen, death-like, and blackened lineaments, some resemblance to
+you and our friends. I was about to interrogate them, when I was
+awakened by yourself."
+
+"A strange dream, truly," observed Catesby, musingly, "and coupled with
+what I myself have seen to-night, would seem to bode evil."
+
+And he then proceeded to describe the supernatural appearance he had
+beheld to his companion.
+
+"All is over with us," rejoined Robert Winter. "We must prepare to meet
+our fate."
+
+"We must meet it like men,--like brave men, Robert," replied Catesby.
+"We must not disgrace ourselves and our cause."
+
+"You are right," rejoined Robert Winter; "but these visions are more
+terrible than the contemplation of death itself."
+
+"If you require further rest, take it," returned Catesby. "In an hour I
+shall call up our men, and march to Hewel Grange."
+
+"I am wearied enough," replied Robert Winter, "but I dare not close my
+eyes again."
+
+"Then recommend your soul to Heaven," said Catesby. "I would be alone.
+Melancholy thoughts press upon me, and I desire to unburden my heart to
+God."
+
+Robert Winter then left him, and he withdrew into a closet where there
+was an image of the Virgin, and kneeling before it, prayed long and
+fervently. Arising in a calmer frame of mind, he returned to the hall,
+and summoning his companions and followers, their horses were brought
+forth, and they commenced their march.
+
+It was about four o'clock when they started, and so dark, that they had
+some difficulty in finding the road. They proceeded at a slow pace, and
+with the utmost caution; but notwithstanding this, and though the two
+Winters and Grant, who were well acquainted with the country, led the
+way, many trifling delays and disasters occurred. Their baggage-cart
+frequently stuck fast in the deep ruts, while the men missing their way,
+got into the trenches skirting the lane, and were not unfrequently
+thrown from their horses. More than once, too, the alarm was given that
+they were pursued, and a sudden halt ordered; but these apprehensions
+proved groundless, and, after a most fatiguing ride, they found
+themselves at Stoke Prior, and within two miles of Hewel Grange.
+
+Originally built in the early part of the reign of Henry the Eighth, and
+granted by that monarch to an ancestor of its present possessor, Lord
+Windsor, this ancient mansion was quadrangular in form, and surrounded
+by a broad deep fosse. Situated in the heart of an extensive park, at
+the foot of a gentle hill, it was now approached from the brow of the
+latter beautiful eminence by the rebel party. But at this season, and at
+this hour, both park and mansion had a forlorn look. The weather still
+continued foggy, with drizzling showers, and though the trees were not
+yet entirely stripped of their foliage, their glories had altogether
+departed. The turf was damp and plashy, and in some places partook so
+much of the character of a swamp, that the horsemen were obliged to
+alter their course.
+
+But all obstacles were eventually overcome, and in ten minutes after
+their entrance into the park, they were within gunshot of the mansion.
+There were no symptoms of defence apparent, but the drawbridge being
+raised, it was Catesby's opinion, notwithstanding appearances, that
+their arrival was expected. He was further confirmed in this idea when,
+sounding a trumpet, and calling to the porter to let down the
+drawbridge, no answer was returned.
+
+The entrance to the mansion was through a lofty and machiolated gateway,
+strengthened at each side by an embattled turret. Perceiving a man at
+one of the loopholes, Catesby discharged his petronel at him, and it was
+evident from the cry that followed that the person was wounded. An
+instant afterwards calivers were thrust through the other loopholes, and
+several shots fired upon the rebels, while some dozen armed men appeared
+upon the summit of the tower, and likewise commenced firing.
+
+Perceiving Topcliffe among the latter, and enraged at the sight, Catesby
+discharged another petronel at him, but without effect. He then called
+to some of his men to break down the door of an adjoining barn, and to
+place it in the moat. The order was instantly obeyed, and the door
+afloat in the fosse, and springing upon it, he impelled himself with a
+pike towards the opposite bank. Several shots were fired at him, and
+though more than one struck the door, he crossed the moat uninjured. So
+suddenly was this daring passage effected, that before any of the
+defenders of the mansion could prevent him, Catesby had severed the
+links of the chain fastening the drawbridge, and it fell clattering
+down.
+
+With a loud shout, his companions then crossed it. But they had still a
+difficulty to encounter. The gates, which were of great strength, and
+covered with plates of iron, were barred. But a ladder having been found
+in the barn, it was brought forward, and Catesby mounting it sword in
+hand, drove back all who opposed him, and got upon the wall. He was
+followed by Sir Everard Digby, Percy, and several others, and driving
+the royalists before them, they made their way down a flight of stone
+steps, and proceeding to the gateway, threw it open, and admitted the
+others. All this was the work of a few minutes.
+
+Committing the ransacking of the mansion to Digby and Percy, and
+commanding a dozen men to follow him, Catesby entered a small arched
+doorway, and ascended a winding stone staircase in search of Topcliffe.
+His progress was opposed by the soldiers, but beating aside all
+opposition, he gained the roof. Topcliffe, however, was gone.
+Anticipating the result of the attack, he had let himself drop from the
+summit of the tower to the walls, and descending by the ladder, had made
+good his retreat.
+
+Disarming the soldiers, Catesby then descended to the court-yard, where
+in a short time a large store of arms, consisting of corslets,
+demi-lances, pikes, calivers, and two falconets, were brought forth.
+These, together with a cask of powder, were placed in the
+baggage-waggon. Meanwhile, the larder and cellar had been explored, and
+provisions of all kinds, together with a barrel of mead, and another of
+strong ale, being found, they were distributed among the men.
+
+While this took place, Catesby searched the mansion, and, partly by
+threats, partly by persuasion, induced about twenty persons to join
+them. This unlooked-for success so encouraged the conspirators, that
+their drooping spirits began to revive. Catesby appeared as much elated
+as the others, but at heart he was full of misgiving.
+
+Soon afterwards, the rebel party quitted Hewel Grange, taking with them
+every weapon they could find. The forced recruits were placed in the
+midst of the band, so that escape was impracticable.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+HOLBEACH.
+
+
+Avoiding the high road, and traversing an unfrequented part of the
+country, the conspirators shaped their course towards Stourbridge. As
+they reached Forfield Green, they perceived a large party descending the
+hilly ground near Bromsgrove, and evidently in pursuit of them. An
+immediate halt was ordered, and taking possession of a farm-house, they
+prepared for defence.
+
+Seeing these preparations, their pursuers, who proved to be Sir Richard
+Walsh the Sheriff of Worcestershire, Sir John Foliot, three gentlemen
+named Ketelbye, Salwaye, and Conyers, attended by a large posse of men,
+all tolerably well armed, drew up at some distance from the farm, and
+appeared to be consulting as to the prudence of making an attack.
+Topcliffe was with them; and Catesby, who reconnoitered their
+proceedings from a window of the dwelling, inferred from his gestures
+that he was against the assault. And so it proved. The royalist party
+remained where they were, and as one or two of their number occasionally
+disappeared, Catesby judged, and correctly, that they were despatched
+for a reinforcement.
+
+Not willing to wait for this, he determined to continue his march, and,
+accordingly, forming his men into a close line, and bringing up the rear
+himself, they again set forward. Sir Richard Walsh and his party
+followed them, and whenever they were in a difficult part of the road,
+harassed them with a sudden attack. In this way, several stragglers were
+cut off, and a few prisoners made. So exasperated did Catesby become by
+these annoyances, that, though desirous to push forward as fast as
+possible, he halted at the entrance of a common, and prepared for an
+engagement. But his purpose was defeated, for the royalist party took
+another course, nor did he see anything more of them for some time.
+
+In about an hour the rebels arrived at the banks of the river Stour, not
+far from the little village of Churchill, and here, just as they were
+preparing to ford the stream, the sheriff and his followers again made
+their appearance. By this time, also, the forces of their opponents were
+considerably augmented, and as more than a third of their own party were
+engaged in crossing the stream, which was greatly swollen by the recent
+rains, and extremely dangerous, their position was one of no slight
+peril.
+
+Nothing daunted, Catesby instantly drew up his men on the bank, and,
+after a short skirmish, drove away the enemy, and afterwards contrived
+to cross the river without much loss. He found, however, that the
+baggage-cart had got immersed in the stream, and it was feared that the
+powder would be damaged. They remained on the opposite bank for some
+time; but as their enemies did not attempt to follow them, they took the
+way to Holbeach, a large and strongly built mansion belonging, as has
+been already stated, to Stephen Littleton. Here they arrived without
+further molestation, and their first business was to put it into a
+complete state of defence.
+
+[Illustration: _The Explosion at Holbeach_]
+
+After a long and anxious consultation, Sir Everard Digby quitted them,
+undertaking to return on the following day with succours. Stephen
+Littleton also disappeared on the same evening. His flight produced a
+strong impression on Catesby, and he besought the others not to abandon
+the good cause, but to stand by it, as he himself meant to do, to the
+last. They all earnestly assured him that they would do so, except
+Robert Winter, who sat apart, and took no share in their discourse.
+
+Catesby then examined the powder that had been plunged in the water in
+crossing the Stour, and found it so much wetted as to be nearly useless.
+A sufficient stock of powder being of the utmost consequence to them, he
+caused all the contents of the barrel, not dissolved by the immersion,
+to be poured into a large platter, and proceeded to dry it before a fire
+which had been kindled in the hall. A bag of powder, which had likewise
+been slightly wetted, was also placed at what was considered a safe
+distance from the fire.
+
+"Heaven grant this may prove more destructive to our enemies than the
+combustibles we placed in the mine beneath the Parliament House!"
+observed Percy.
+
+"Heaven grant so, indeed!" rejoined Catesby, with a moody smile. "They
+would call it retribution, where we to perish by the same means which we
+designed for others."
+
+"Jest not on so serious a matter, Catesby," observed Robert Winter. "For
+my own part, I dread the sight of powder, and shall walk forth till you
+have dried this, and put it away."
+
+"You are not going to leave us, like Stephen Littleton?" rejoined
+Catesby, suspiciously.
+
+"I will go with him," said Christopher Wright; "so you need be under no
+apprehension."
+
+Accordingly, he quitted the hall with Robert Winter, and they proceeded
+to the court-yard and were conversing together on the dismal prospects
+of the party, when a tremendous explosion took place. The roof of the
+building seemed rent in twain, and amidst a shower of tiles, plaster,
+bricks, and broken wood falling around, the bag of powder dropped
+untouched at their feet.
+
+"Mother of mercy!" exclaimed Christopher Wright, picking it up. "Here is
+a providential occurrence. Had this exploded, we must all have been
+destroyed."
+
+"Let us see what has happened," cried Robert Winter.
+
+And, followed by Christopher Wright, he rushed towards the hall, and
+bursting open the door, beheld Catesby enveloped in a cloud of smoke,
+and pressing his hand to his face, which was scorched and blackened by
+the explosion. Rookwood was stretched on the floor in a state of
+insensibility, and it at first appeared that life was extinct. Percy was
+extinguishing the flames, which had caught his dress, and John Grant was
+similarly occupied.
+
+"Those are the very faces I beheld in my dream," cried Robert Winter,
+gazing at them with affright. "It was a true warning."
+
+Rushing up to Catesby, Christopher Wright clasped him in his arms, and
+extinguishing his flaming apparel, cried, "Wretch that I am! that I
+should live to see this day!"
+
+"Be not alarmed!" gasped Catesby. "It is nothing--it was a mere
+accident."
+
+"It is no accident, Catesby," replied Robert Winter. "Heaven is against
+us and our design."
+
+And he quitted the room, and left the house. Nor did he return to it.
+
+"I will pray for forgiveness!" cried John Grant, whose vision was so
+much injured by the explosion that he could as yet see nothing. And
+dragging himself before an image of the Virgin, he prayed aloud,
+acknowledging that the act he had designed was so bloody that it called
+for the vengeance of Heaven, and expressing his sincere repentance.
+
+"No more of this," cried Catesby, staggering up to him, and snatching
+the image from him. "It was a mere accident, I tell you. We are all
+alive, and shall yet succeed."
+
+On inquiry, Christopher Wright learnt that a blazing coal had shot out
+of the fire, and falling into the platter containing the powder, had
+occasioned the disastrous accident above described.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CLOSE OF THE REBELLION.
+
+
+Unable longer to endure the agony occasioned by his scorched visage,
+Catesby called for a bucket of water, and plunged his head into it.
+Somewhat relieved by the immersion, he turned to inquire after his
+fellow-sufferers. Rookwood having been carried into the open air, had by
+this time regained his consciousness; Percy was shockingly injured, his
+hair and eyebrows burnt, his skin blackened and swollen with unseemly
+blisters, and the sight of one eye entirely destroyed; while John Grant,
+though a degree less hurt than his companions, presented a grim and
+ghastly appearance. In fact, the four sufferers looked as if they had
+just escaped from some unearthly place of torment, and were doomed
+henceforth to bear the brand of Divine wrath on their countenances.
+Seeing the effect produced on the others, Catesby rallied all his force,
+and treating the accident as a matter of no moment, and which ought not
+to disturb the equanimity of brave men, called for wine, and quaffed a
+full goblet. Injured as he was, and smarting with pain, Percy followed
+his example, but both John Grant and Rookwood refused the cup.
+
+"Hark 'e, gentlemen," cried Catesby, fiercely, "you may drink or not, as
+you see fit. But I will not have you assume a deportment calculated to
+depress our followers. Stephen Littleton and Robert Winter have basely
+deserted us. If you have any intention of following them, go at once. We
+are better without you than with you."
+
+"I have no thought of deserting you, Catesby," rejoined Rookwood,
+mournfully; "and when the time arrives for action, you will find I shall
+not be idle. But I am now assured that we have sold ourselves to
+perdition."
+
+"Pshaw!" cried Catesby, with a laugh that communicated an almost
+fiendish expression to his grim features; "because a little powder has
+accidentally exploded and blackened our faces, are we to see in the
+occurrence the retributive justice of Heaven? Are we to be cast down by
+such a trifle? Be a man, and rouse yourself. Recollect that the eyes of
+all England are upon us; and if we must fall, let us perish in a manner
+that becomes us. No real mischief has been done. My hand is as able to
+wield a blade, and my sight to direct a shot, as heretofore. If Heaven
+had meant to destroy us, the bag of powder which has been taken up in
+the yard, and which was sufficient not only to annihilate us, but to lay
+this house in ruins, would have been suffered to explode."
+
+"Would it _had_ exploded!" exclaimed John Wright. "All would then have
+been over."
+
+"Are you, too, fainthearted, John?" cried Catesby. "Well, well, leave me
+one and all of you. I will fight it out alone."
+
+"You wrong me by the suspicion, Catesby," returned John Wright. "I am as
+true to the cause as yourself. But I perceive that our last hour is at
+hand, and I would it were past."
+
+"The indulgence of such a wish at such a moment is a weakness," rejoined
+Catesby. "I care not when death comes, provided it comes gloriously; and
+such should be your feeling. On the manner in which we meet our fate
+will depend the effect which our insurrection will produce throughout
+the country. We must set a brave example to our brethren. Heaven be
+praised; we shall not perish on the scaffold!"
+
+"Be not too sure of that," said Grant, gloomily. "It may yet be our
+fate."
+
+"It shall never be mine," cried Catesby.
+
+"Nor mine," added Percy. "I am so far from regarding the recent disaster
+as a punishment, though I am the severest sufferer by it, that I think
+we ought to return thanks to Heaven for our preservation."
+
+"In whatever light the accident is viewed," observed John Wright, "we
+cannot too soon address ourselves to Heaven. We know not how long it may
+be in our power to do so."
+
+"Again desponding," cried Catesby. "But no matter. You will recover your
+spirits anon."
+
+John Wright shook his head, and Catesby, pulling his hat over his brows
+to hide his features, walked forth into the court-yard. He found, as he
+expected, that general consternation prevailed amongst the band. The men
+were gathered together in little knots, and, though they became silent
+as he approached, he perceived they were discussing the necessity of a
+surrender. Nothing daunted by these unfavourable, appearances, Catesby
+harangued them in such bold terms that he soon inspired them with some
+of his own confidence, and completely resteadied their wavering
+feelings.
+
+Elated with his success, he caused a cup of strong ale to be given to
+each man, and proposed as a pledge, the restoration of the Romish
+Church. He then returned to the house; and summoning the other
+conspirators to attend him in a chamber on the ground-floor, they all
+prayed long and fervently, and concluded by administering the sacrament
+to each other.
+
+It was now thought necessary to have the damage done by the explosion
+repaired, and a few hours were employed in the operation. Evening was
+fast approaching, and Catesby, who was anxiously expecting the return of
+Sir Everard Digby, stationed himself on the turreted walls of the
+mansion to look out for him. But he came not; and, fearing some
+mischance must have befallen him, Catesby descended. Desirous of
+concealing his misgivings from his companions, he put on a cheerful
+manner as he joined them.
+
+"I am surprised ere this that we have not been attacked," remarked
+Percy. "Our enemies may be waiting for the darkness, to take us by
+surprise. But they will be disappointed."
+
+"I can only account for the delay by supposing they have encountered Sir
+Everard Digby, and the force he is bringing to us," remarked Christopher
+Wright.
+
+"It may be so," returned Catesby, "and if so, we shall soon learn the
+result."
+
+In spite of all Catesby's efforts he failed to engage his companions in
+conversation, and feeling it would best suit his present frame of mind,
+and contribute most to their safety, to keep in constant motion, he
+proceeded to the court-yard, saw that all the defences were secure, that
+the drawbridge was raised, the sentinels at their posts, and everything
+prepared for the anticipated attack. Every half hour he thus made his
+rounds, and when towards midnight he was going forth, Percy said to him,
+
+"Do you not mean to take any rest, Catesby?"
+
+"Not till I am in my grave," was the moody reply.
+
+Catesby's untiring energy was in fact a marvel to all his followers. His
+iron frame seemed wholly unsusceptible of fatigue; and even when he
+returned to the house, he continued to pace to and fro in the passage in
+preference to lying down.
+
+"Rest tranquilly," he said to Christopher Wright, who offered to take
+his place. "I will rouse you on the slightest approach of danger."
+
+But though he preserved this stoical exterior, Catesby's breast was torn
+by the keenest pangs. He could not hide from himself that, to serve his
+own ambitious purposes, he had involved many loyal and worthy (till he
+had deluded them) persons in a treasonable project, which must now
+terminate in their destruction; and their blood, he feared, would rest
+upon his head. But what weighed heaviest of all upon his soul was the
+probable fate of Viviana.
+
+"If I were assured she would escape," he thought, "I should care little
+for all the rest, even for Fawkes. They say it is never too late to
+repent. But my repentance shall lie between my Maker and myself. Man
+shall never know it."
+
+The night was dark, and the gloom was rendered more profound by a dense
+fog. Fearing an attack might now be attempted, Catesby renewed his
+vigilance. Marching round the edge of the moat, he listened to every
+sound that might betray the approach of a foe. For some time, nothing
+occurred to excite his suspicions, until about an hour after midnight,
+as he was standing at the back of the house, he fancied he detected a
+stealthy tread on the other side of the fosse, and soon became convinced
+that a party of men were there. Determined to ascertain their movements
+before giving the alarm, he held his breath, and drawing a petronel,
+remained perfectly motionless. Presently, though he could discern no
+object, he distinctly heard a plank pushed across the moat, and could
+distinguish in the whispered accents of one of the party the voice of
+Topcliffe. A thrill of savage joy agitated his bosom, and he internally
+congratulated himself that revenge was in his power.
+
+A footstep, though so noiseless as to be inaudible to any ear less acute
+than his own, was now heard crossing the plank, and feeling certain it
+was Topcliffe, Catesby allowed him to land, and then suddenly advancing,
+kicked the plank, on which were two other persons, into the water, and
+unmasking a dark lantern, threw its light upon the face of a man near
+him, who proved, as he suspected, to be Topcliffe.
+
+Aware of the advantage of making a prisoner of importance, Catesby
+controlled the impulse that prompted him to sacrifice Topcliffe to his
+vengeance, and firing his petronel in the air as a signal, he drew his
+sword, and sprang upon him. Topcliffe attempted to defend himself, but
+he was no match for the skill and impetuosity of Catesby, and was
+instantly overpowered and thrown to the ground. By this time, Percy and
+several of the band had come up, and delivering Topcliffe to the charge
+of two of the stoutest of them, Catesby turned his attention to the
+other assailants. One of them got across the moat; but the other,
+encumbered by his arms, was floundering about, when Catesby pointing a
+petronel at his head, he was fain to surrender, and was dragged out.
+
+A volley of musketry was now fired by the rebels in the supposed
+direction of their opponents, but it could not be ascertained what
+execution was done. After waiting for some time, in expectation of a
+further attack, Catesby placed a guard upon the spot, and proceeded to
+examine Topcliffe. He had been thrown into a cellar beneath the kitchen,
+and the two men were on guard over him. He refused to answer any of
+Catesby's questions, though enforced by threats of instant death. On
+searching him some letters were found upon him, and thrusting them into
+his doublet, Catesby left him, with the strictest injunctions to the men
+as to his safe custody.
+
+He then proceeded to examine the other captive, and found him somewhat
+more tractable. This man informed him that Topcliffe had intended to
+steal into the house with the design of capturing the conspirators, or,
+failing in that, of setting fire to the premises. He also ascertained
+that Topcliffe's force consisted only of a dozen men, so that no further
+attack need be apprehended.
+
+Notwithstanding this information, Catesby determined to be on the safe
+side, and doubling the sentinels, he stationed one of the conspirators,
+all of whom had sprung to arms at his signal, at each of the exposed
+points. He then withdrew to the mansion, and examined Topcliffe's
+papers. The first despatch he opened was from the Earl of Salisbury,
+bearing date about the early part of Fawkes's confinement in the Tower,
+in which the Earl expressed his determination of wringing a full
+confession from the prisoner. A bitter smile curled Catesby's lip as he
+read this, but his brow darkened as he proceeded, and found that a
+magnificent reward was offered for his own arrest.
+
+"I must have Catesby captured," ran the missive,--"so see you spare no
+pains to take him. I would rather all escaped than he did. His
+confession is of the last importance in the matter, and I rely upon your
+bringing him to me alive."
+
+"I will at least balk him of that satisfaction," muttered Catesby. "But
+what is this of Viviana?"
+
+Reading further, he found that the Earl had issued the same orders
+respecting Viviana, and that she would be rigorously dealt with if
+captured.
+
+"Alas!" groaned Catesby; "I hope she will escape these inhuman
+butchers."
+
+The next despatch he opened was from Tresham, and with a savage
+satisfaction he found that the traitor was apprehensive of
+double-dealing on the part of Salisbury and Mounteagle. He stated that
+he had been put under arrest, and was detained a prisoner in his own
+house; and fearing he should be sent to the Tower, besought Topcliffe to
+use his influence with the Earl of Salisbury not to deal unfairly with
+him.
+
+"He is rightly served!" cried Catesby, with a bitter smile. "Heaven
+grant they may deal with him as he dealt with us!"
+
+The consideration of these letters furnished Catesby with food for much
+bitter reflection. Pacing the room to and fro with uncertain footsteps,
+he remained more than an hour by himself, and at last yielding to the
+promptings of vengeance, repaired to the cellar in which he had placed
+Topcliffe, with the intention of putting him to death. What was his rage
+and mortification to find both the guard and the prisoner gone! A door
+was open, and it was evident that the fugitives had stolen to the moat,
+and, swimming noiselessly across it in the darkness, had securely
+effected their retreat.
+
+Fearful of exciting the alarm of his followers, Catesby controlled his
+indignation, and said nothing of the escape of the prisoner to any but
+his confederates, who entirely approved of the policy of silence. They
+continued on the alert during the remainder of the night, and no one
+thought of seeking repose till it was fully light, and all danger of a
+surprise at an end.
+
+Day dawned late and dismally. The fog that had hung round the mansion
+changed just before daybreak into drizzling rain, and this increased ere
+long to heavy and drenching showers. Everything looked gloomy and
+depressing, and the conspirators were so disheartened, that they avoided
+each other's regards.
+
+Catesby mounted the walls of the mansion to reconnoitre. The prospect
+was forlorn and melancholy to the last degree. The neighbouring woods
+were obscured by mist; the court-yard and garden flooded with rain; and
+the waters of the moat spotted by the heavy shower. Not an object was in
+view, except a hind driving cattle to a neighbouring farm. Catesby
+shouted to him, and the fellow with evident reluctance approaching the
+brink of the moat, was asked whether he had seen any troops in the
+neighbourhood. The man answered in the negative, but said he had heard
+that an engagement had taken place in the night, about five miles from
+thence, near Hales Owen, between Sir Everard Digby and Sir Richard
+Walsh, and that Sir Everard's party had been utterly routed, and himself
+taken prisoner.
+
+This intelligence was a severe blow to Catesby, as it destroyed the last
+faint hope he had clung to. For some time he continued wrapt in thought,
+and then descended to the lower part of the house. A large fire had been
+kept up during the night in the hall, and the greater part of the band
+were now gathered round it, drying their wet clothes, and conversing
+together. A plentiful breakfast had been served out to them, so that
+they were in tolerably good spirits, and many of them talked loudly of
+the feats they meant to perform in case of an attack.
+
+Catesby heard these boasts, but they fell upon an idle ear. He felt that
+all was over; that his last chance was gone; and that the struggle could
+not be much longer protracted. Entering the inner room, he sat down at
+table with his companions, but he ate nothing, and continued silent and
+abstracted.
+
+"It is now my turn to reproach you," observed Grant. "You look deeply
+depressed."
+
+"Sir Everard Digby is a prisoner," replied Catesby, sternly. "His
+capture grieves me sorely. He should have died with us."
+
+All echoed the wish.
+
+Catesby arose and closed the door.
+
+"The attack will not be many hours delayed," he said; "and unless there
+should be some miraculous interposition in our behalf, it must end in
+our defeat. Do not let us survive it," he continued earnestly. "Let us
+swear to stand by each other as long as we can, and to die together."
+
+"Agreed!" cried the others.
+
+"And now," continued Catesby, "I must compel myself to take some
+nourishment, for I have much to do."
+
+Having swallowed a few mouthfuls of bread, and drained a goblet of wine,
+he again visited every part of the habitation, examined the arms of the
+men, encouraged them by his looks and words, and became satisfied,
+unless some unlooked-for circumstance occurred to damp their ardour,
+they would offer a determined and vigorous resistance.
+
+"If I could only come off victorious in this last conflict, I should die
+content," thought Catesby. "And I do not despair of it."
+
+The rain continued till eleven o'clock, when it ceased, and the mist
+that had attended it partially cleared off. About noon, Catesby, who was
+on the look-out from the walls of the mansion, descried a large troop of
+horsemen issuing from the wood. He immediately gave the alarm. The bell
+was rung, and all sprang to arms.
+
+By this time the troop had advanced within a hundred yards of the
+house, and Catesby, who had rushed into the court-yard, mounted a turret
+near the gate to watch their movements, and issue his commands. The
+royalists were headed by Sir Richard Walsh, who was attended on the
+right by Sir John Foliot, and on the left by Topcliffe. Immediately
+behind them were Ketelbye, Salwaye, Conyers, and others who had
+accompanied the _posse comitatus_ the day before. A trumpet was then
+sounded, and a proclamation made in a loud voice by a trooper,
+commanding the rebels in the King's name to surrender, and to deliver up
+their leaders. The man had scarcely concluded his speech when he was for
+ever silenced by a shot from Catesby.
+
+A loud and vindictive shout was raised by the royalists, and the assault
+instantly commenced. Sir Richard Walsh directed the attack against the
+point opposite the drawbridge, while Sir John Foliot, Topcliffe, and the
+others dispersed themselves, and completely surrounded the mansion.
+Several planks were thrust across the moat, and in spite of the efforts
+of the rebels many of the assailants effected a passage.
+
+Catesby drove back the party under Sir Richard Walsh, and with his own
+hand hewed asunder their plank. In doing this, he so much exposed
+himself that, but for the injunctions of the Sheriff, who commanded his
+followers not to fire upon him, he must have been slain.
+
+The other rebel-leaders displayed equal courage, and equal indifference
+to danger, and though, as has just been stated, a considerable number of
+the royalists had got across the moat, and entered the garden, they had
+obtained no material advantage. Sir John Foliot and Topcliffe commanded
+this party, and encouraged them to press on. But such a continued and
+well-directed firing was kept up upon them from the walls and windows of
+the mansion, that they soon began to show symptoms of wavering.
+
+At this juncture, and while Topcliffe was trying to keep his men
+together, a concealed door in the wall was opened, and Catesby issued
+from it at the head of a dozen men. He instantly attacked Topcliffe and
+his band, put several to the sword, and drove those who resisted into
+the moat. Foliot and Topcliffe with difficulty escaped across the plank,
+which was seized and pulled over to his own side by Catesby.
+
+But the hope which this success inspired was instantly crushed. Loud
+shouts were raised from the opposite wing of the mansion, and Catesby to
+his great dismay perceived from the volumes of smoke ascending from it
+that it was on fire. Uttering an exclamation of rage and despair, he
+commanded those with him not to quit their present position, and set off
+in the direction of the fire.
+
+He found that an outbuilding had been set in flames by a lighted brand
+thrown across the moat by a trooper. The author of the action was named
+John Streete, and was afterwards rendered notorious by another feat to
+be presently related. Efforts were made to extinguish the conflagration,
+but such was the confusion prevailing that it was found wholly
+impossible to do so, and it was feared that the destruction of the whole
+mansion would ensue.
+
+Disaster after disaster followed. Another party had crossed the moat,
+and burst into the court-yard. In the desperate conflict that ensued,
+Rookwood was shot through the arm, and severely wounded by a pike, and
+was borne into the house by one of his followers, whom he entreated to
+kill him outright, but his request was refused.
+
+Meantime, the drawbridge was lowered, and with loud and exulting shouts
+the great body of the royalists crossed it. Catesby now perceived that
+the day was irretrievably lost. Calling to Christopher Wright, who was
+standing near him, to follow him, and rushing towards the court-yard, he
+reached it just as the royalists gained an entrance.
+
+In numbers both parties were pretty, well matched, but the rebels were
+now thoroughly disheartened, and seeing how matters must end, many of
+them threw down their arms, and begged for mercy. A destructive fire,
+however, was still kept up on the royalists by a few of the rebels
+stationed on the walls of the mansion, under the command of John Wright.
+
+Putting himself at the head of a few faithful followers, Catesby fought
+with all the fury of despair. Christopher Wright was shot by his side.
+Grant instantly sprang forward, but was cut down by a trooper. Catesby
+was too busily occupied to attend to the fate of his companions, but
+seeing Thomas Winter near him, called to him to come on.
+
+"I can fight no longer," said Thomas Winter. "My right arm is disabled
+by a bolt from a cross-bow."
+
+"Then die," cried Catesby.
+
+"He _shall_ die--on the scaffold," rejoined Topcliffe, who had heard the
+exclamation. And rushing up to Thomas Winter, he seized him, and
+conveyed him to the rear of his party.
+
+Catesby continued to fight with such determined bravery that Sir Richard
+Walsh, seeing it would be vain to take him alive, withdrew his
+restrictions from his men, and ordered them to slay him.
+
+By this time most of the rebels had thrown down their arms. Those on the
+walls had been dislodged, and John Wright, refusing to yield, was
+slaughtered. Catesby, however, having been joined by Percy and half a
+dozen men, made a last desperate charge upon his opponents.
+
+In doing this, his sword shivered, and he would have fallen back, but
+found himself surrounded. Percy was close behind him, and keeping
+together, they fought back to back. Even in this disabled state, they
+made a long and desperate resistance.
+
+"Remember your oath, Percy," cried Catesby. "You have sworn not to be
+taken to the scaffold."
+
+[Illustration: _The Death of Catesby_]
+
+"Fear nothing," replied Percy. "I will never quit this spot alive."
+
+The words were scarcely out of his mouth when he fell to the ground
+mortally wounded, and the same shot that had pierced his breast had
+likewise stricken Catesby. It was fired by the trooper, John Streete,
+who has just been mentioned.
+
+Collecting all his force, Catesby struck a few terrible blows at his
+opponents, and, dashing through them, made for the house. Just as he
+reached the door, which was standing open, his strength failed, and he
+fell to the ground. In this condition, he dragged himself into the
+vestibule, where there was a large wooden statue of the Virgin, and
+clasping his arms around it pressed his lips to the feet of the image.
+He was followed by Streete, with his drawn sword in one hand and a
+petronel in the other, prepared to finish his work. But ere he could
+reach him, Catesby had expired.
+
+"So," exclaimed Topcliffe, who came up the next moment, with Sir Richard
+Walsh, "we have been robbed of our prey. The Earl of Salisbury will
+never forgive me for this disappointment."
+
+"I am glad I have done it, though," observed Streete. "To kill two such
+traitors with one shot is something to talk of."
+
+"You will be well rewarded for it, no doubt," remarked Topcliffe,
+sarcastically.
+
+"I care not whether I am or not," rejoined Streete. "I have done my
+duty, and besides I have avenged my comrade, Richard Trueman, who was
+shot by this traitor when he read the proclamation."
+
+"I will take care that your brave action is duly represented to his
+Majesty," observed Sir Richard Walsh.
+
+And he failed not to keep his promise. Streete received a pension of two
+shillings a day for the rest of his life--no inconsiderable sum in those
+days.
+
+The conflict was now at an end, for though some few of the more
+desperate of the rebels continued to struggle after their leaders had
+fallen, they were soon disarmed. Sir Richard Walsh and Topcliffe went in
+search of the other conspirators, and finding Rookwood and Grant, who
+though severely wounded were not dead, lying in the hall, immediately
+secured them. Rookwood on their approach made an effort to plunge his
+dagger into his breast, but his hand was stayed by Sir Richard Walsh.
+
+"We shall not go away quite empty-handed," cried Topcliffe. "But these
+are sorry substitutes for Catesby.
+
+"Has Catesby escaped?" demanded Grant, faintly.
+
+"Ay, to the other world," replied Topcliffe.
+
+"He has kept his word," groaned Grant.
+
+"He may have escaped some part of his punishment," said Topcliffe,
+bitterly; "but the worst remains. His quarters will be exposed on every
+gate in London, and his head on the bridge. As to you, traitors, you
+know your doom."
+
+"And are prepared for it," rejoined Grant.
+
+A guard being left over the prisoners, Sir Richard Walsh and Topcliffe
+then went to see that the other captives were properly secured. Some few
+having made their escape into the adjoining fields, they were pursued
+and recaptured.
+
+The whole of the prisoners were then conveyed to Stourbridge, where they
+were lodged in the gaol, after which Sir Richard Walsh despatched a
+messenger to the Earl of Salisbury and the Lords of the Council
+acquainting them with what he had done.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+HAGLEY.
+
+
+Robert Winter, it may be remembered, immediately after the explosion,
+quitted Holbeach, and did not return to it. He proceeded to the
+neighbouring thicket, and while wandering about in a state bordering on
+distraction encountered Stephen Littleton, who had likewise deserted his
+companions on the same day. Acquainting him with the disastrous
+occurrence that had taken place, and stating his impression that both
+God and man were against them, and that it would be vain as well as
+impious to struggle longer, he proposed to him to surrender. But Stephen
+Littleton so strongly combated this opinion, that he at last consented
+to make an effort to escape. This, however, was no easy matter, nor
+could they devise a plan that appeared feasible. Both were well provided
+with money; but under present circumstances it would be of little use to
+them. A large price being set on their heads, and the whole country
+alarmed, they scarcely knew where to seek shelter. After a long debate,
+they quitted the covert, and keeping clear of all habitations, took the
+direction of Stourbridge.
+
+On approaching the Stour, at a point opposite Churchill, where they knew
+the river was fordable, they perceived Sir Richard Walsh's force
+approaching, and threw themselves into a ditch to avoid observation. It
+was quite dark when they again ventured forth, and at the peril of their
+lives they forded the Stour, which was swollen more than it had been in
+the morning by the long-continued rain. Their design was to proceed to
+Hagley, the residence of Stephen Littleton's sister, Mrs. Littleton, and
+to claim her protection. This magnificent mansion lay about two miles on
+the other side of the river, in the heart of an extensive park, but they
+were obliged to take a circuitous route of nearly double the distance to
+reach it, and when at length they arrived there, and were about to
+steal into the court-yard; they found it occupied by a portion of Sir
+Richard Walsh's troop.
+
+Overcome by anxiety and fatigue, and scarcely knowing whither to
+proceed, they recrossed the park, and sought out the cottage of a poor
+woman, whose two sons had joined their ill-fated expedition, and were at
+that moment under arms at Holbeach. She was a good Catholic, and they
+thought they might confide in her. Arriving at her cottage, they glanced
+in at the window, and perceiving her, as they concluded, alone, and
+cooking a small piece of meat at the fire, they raised the latch, and
+entered the house. The woman turned at their approach, and uttering a
+cry of surprise and alarm, pointed towards a back room. They then saw
+that they had betrayed themselves; but the caution came too late, and a
+stalwart trooper, alarmed by the cry, issued from the back room. From
+the wretched appearance of the new-comers, he at once guessed that they
+were rebels, and felt satisfied, from the richness of their apparel,
+dirtied and stained as it was, that they were persons of consequence.
+Accordingly, he drew a brace of petronels, and holding them at their
+heads, commanded them to surrender.
+
+They were too much taken by surprise, and too enfeebled to offer
+resistance, and the trooper calling to the old woman to bring a cord to
+bind them, at the same time unloosed his own girdle, with which he
+fastened Robert Winter's arms behind his back. In doing this, he was
+compelled to lay down his petronels, and he had scarcely done so, when
+the woman snatched them up, and gave them to Stephen Littleton, who
+presented them at his head.
+
+It was now the turn of the conspirators to triumph. In another instant,
+Robert Winter was released by the old woman, and the pair throwing
+themselves upon the trooper, forced him to the ground. They then dragged
+him to the back room, and stripped him of his habiliments, which Stephen
+Littleton put on instead of his own attire, and binding him hand and
+foot, returned to the old woman. At the request of Robert Winter, she
+furnished him with a suit of clothes belonging to one of her sons, and
+then set before them the best eatables she possessed. They were
+ravenously hungry, and soon disposed of the viands. Meanwhile, their
+hostess told them that the whole country was in arms against them; that
+Mrs. Littleton being suspected, though she had always been adverse to
+the design, her house had undergone a rigorous search; but that Mr.
+Humphrey Littleton, not having taken any part in the insurrection, had
+not as yet been arrested, though it was feared he would be proved to be
+connected with the plot. She concluded by strongly counselling them to
+use the utmost caution, and to expose themselves as little as possible.
+They assured her she need have no apprehension on that score, and
+expressed great anxiety as to what would befal her when they were pone.
+
+"I do not desire to shed blood, if it can be helped," said Stephen
+Littleton; "but in a case of necessity, like the present, where life
+must be weighed against life, I hold it lawful to shed it. Shall we put
+the trooper to death?"
+
+"Not unless your own safety requires it, good sirs," she said. "I shall
+quit this cottage soon after you have left it, and obtain a safe asylum
+with one of my neighbours. It matters not what becomes of me. Having
+lost my two sons,--for I consider them as already dead,--I have nothing
+left to bind me to life."
+
+Unable to make any reply, the conspirators remained for some time
+silent, when, by the poor woman's advice, they withdrew to an upper
+chamber, and stretching themselves on a bed, sought a few hours' repose.
+The old woman kept watch below, and they gave her one of the petronels,
+with strict injunctions to blow out the trooper's brains if he attempted
+to move. Nothing, however, occurred to alarm her, and at three o'clock
+she awakened them.
+
+Offering the woman a handsome reward, which, however, she declined, they
+then set out; and shortly afterwards their hostess quitted her
+habitation, and withdrew to the cottage of a neighbour, where she
+remained concealed for some weeks, and then died of grief on learning
+that her sons had been slain during the assault of Holbeach by the
+royalists.
+
+Recruited by the rest they had enjoyed, the conspirators pursued their
+course over the fields. The weather was the same as that which
+disheartened their confederates at Holbeach, and the rain fell so
+heavily that they had soon not a dry thread upon them. But being now
+disguised, they were not under so much apprehension of detection.
+Shaping their course towards Rowley Regis, in Staffordshire, which lay
+about five miles from Hagley, where a farmer named Pelborrow, a tenant
+of Humphrey Littleton, resided, and whom they thought would befriend
+them, they proceeded swiftly on their way; but, though well acquainted
+with the country, they were so bewildered and deceived by the fog, that
+they strayed materially out of their course, and when it grew light
+found themselves near Weoley Castle, and about four miles from
+Birmingham.
+
+Confiding in their disguises, and in their power of sustaining the
+characters they assumed, they got into the high road, and approaching a
+farm-house, Stephen Littleton, who had tied his companion's arms behind
+him with his belt, represented himself as a trooper conveying a prisoner
+from Stourbridge to Birmingham, and in consequence of this obtained a
+breakfast from the farmer. After their meal was over, the host, who had
+eyed them suspiciously, observed to the supposed trooper,--
+
+"You will overtake some of your comrades before you reach Egbaston, and
+had better lose no time in joining them. You are known to me, my
+masters," he added, in a tone that could not be heard by the household;
+"but I will not betray you. Get you gone."
+
+The conspirators did not fail to act upon the suggestion, and as soon as
+they got out of sight, struck across the county in the direction of
+Rowley Regis, and arrived at the farm-house which was their destination
+in about an hour.
+
+Pelborrow chanced to be in a barn adjoining his house, and alone, and on
+seeing them readily offered to hide them. No one had noticed their
+approach, and carefully concealing them amid the hay in the loft, he
+proceeded about his business as if nothing had happened. He could not
+just then procure them provisions without exciting suspicion; but when
+night arrived brought them a sufficient supply for the next day.
+
+In this way they passed nearly a week, never venturing to stir forth,
+for they had been traced to the neighbourhood, and constant search was
+going on after them. Pelborrow had great difficulty in keeping his men
+out of the barn, and the disappearance of the provisions excited the
+suspicions of his female domestics, who began to think all was not
+right. He therefore intimated to the conspirators that they must change
+their quarters, and in the dead of the night, they removed to the house
+of another farmer named Perkes, residing on the borders of Hagley Park,
+to whom Pelborrow had confided the secret of their being in the
+neighbourhood, and who, on promise of a large reward, readily undertook
+to secrete them.
+
+Perkes met them at a little distance from his house, and conducted them
+to a barley-mow, where he had contrived a hiding-place amid the straw
+for them. A woman-servant and a man were both let into the secret by
+Perkes, and a sum of money, given him for that purpose by the
+conspirators, bribed them to silence. Here they remained close
+prisoners, unable to stir forth, or even to change their habiliments for
+nearly six weeks, during which time they received constant intelligence
+from their protector of what was going forward, and learnt that the
+search for them had not relaxed. They were not without hope, however,
+that the worst was over, when an incident occurred that gave them
+serious uneasiness.
+
+One night, Perkes, who was a stout, hale yeoman, and had formerly been
+warrener to Mrs. Littleton, went to catch conies, with a companion named
+Poynter, and returned laden with spoil. After drinking a cup or two of
+ale together, the pair separated, and Poynter feeling fatigued with his
+exertions, as well as drowsy with the liquor he had swallowed,
+determined to pass the night in his friend's barn, and entering it,
+clambered up to the loft, and laid himself in the straw. In doing this,
+he slipped into the hole made for the conspirators, who, aroused by his
+fall, instantly seized him. Terrified to death, and fancying he had
+fallen into the hands of gipsies or other plunderers, Poynter roared
+for mercy, which they were not at first disposed to show him; but the
+poor wretch, finding into whose hands he had fallen, besought them in
+such piteous terms to spare his life, affirming with the strongest oaths
+that he would never betray them, that they consented to spare him, on
+condition of his remaining with them as long as they should occupy their
+place of concealment.
+
+When Perkes appeared in the morning, he was not a little surprised at
+finding his comrade caught in such a trap, but entirely approved of the
+course taken by the conspirators. Poynter, as may be supposed, was no
+willing captive; and being constantly pondering on the means of escape,
+and of obtaining the reward for the apprehension of the conspirators, at
+last hit upon the following expedient. While engaged in the poaching
+expedition with Perkes, he had received a slight wound in the leg, and
+the close confinement to which he was now subjected inflamed it to such
+a degree as to render it highly dangerous. This he represented to the
+conspirators, who, however, would not suffer him to depart; but desired
+Perkes to bring him some ointment to dress his wound. The request was
+complied with, and feigning that it was necessary to approach the light
+to apply the salve, Poynter scrambled up the straw, apparently for that
+sole purpose. He did not attempt to fly for several days; but at last,
+when they were grown less suspicious, he slided down the other side of
+the loft, and made good his retreat.
+
+The conspirators saw the error they had committed when too late. Not
+daring to pursue him, they remained in fearful anticipation of an arrest
+throughout the day. But they were not disturbed until night, when Perkes
+made his appearance. They told him what had happened; but he did not
+appear to be much alarmed.
+
+"I do not think you need be afraid of him," he said. "Let me have some
+money, and I will go in quest of him at once, and bribe him to silence."
+
+"Here are fifty marks," replied Stephen Littleton. "If that is not
+enough, take more."
+
+"It will amply suffice," replied Perkes. "I will answer for his
+silence."
+
+This assurance greatly relieved the conspirators, and they were made
+completely easy by the return of Perkes in less than an hour afterwards,
+who told them he had seen Poynter, and had given him the money, binding
+him by the most solemn oaths not to betray them.
+
+"I have still better news for you, my masters," he added. "Mrs.
+Littleton has set out for London to-day; and I have received orders from
+Mr. Humphrey Littleton to bring you to the hall at midnight."
+
+This last intelligence completed their satisfaction, and they awaited
+Perkes's return with impatience. Shortly before midnight, he came to
+summon them, and they set forth together. Perkes's house lay about a
+mile from the hall, and they soon entered the park. The night was clear
+and frosty,--it was now the middle of December,--and as the conspirators
+trod the crisp sod, and gazed at the noble but leafless trees around
+them, they silently returned thanks to Heaven for their restoration to
+freedom. Humphrey Littleton was waiting for them at the end of an avenue
+near the mansion, and tenderly embraced them.
+
+Tears of joy were shed on both sides, and it seemed to Humphrey
+Littleton as if his brother had been restored from the grave. Dismissing
+Perkes with warm thanks, and promises of a further recompence, they then
+entered the house by a window, which had been left purposely open.
+Humphrey Littleton conducted them to his own chamber, where fresh
+apparel was provided for them; and to poor wretches who had not been
+able to put off their attire for so long a period, the luxury of the
+change was indescribably great.
+
+The arrival of the fugitives was kept secret from all the household
+except the man-cook, John Ocklie, upon whose fidelity Humphrey Littleton
+thought he could rely. A good supper was prepared by this man, and
+brought up into his master's chamber, where the conspirators were now
+seated before a hearth heaped with blazing logs. The conspirators needed
+no solicitation to fall to, and they did ample justice to the good
+things before them. His spirits being raised by the good cheer, Robert
+Winter observed to the cook, who was in attendance upon them,
+
+"Ah! Jack, thy mistress little thinks what guests are now in her house,
+who have neither seen fire nor tasted a hot morsel for well-nigh two
+months."
+
+"Ay, it is a sad matter," returned the cook, shaking his head, "and I
+wish I could offer your worships a flask of wine, or a cup of stout ale
+at the least. But the butler is in bed, and if I were to rouse him at
+this hour it might excite his suspicion. If you are willing, sir," he
+added, to Humphrey Littleton, "I will hie to my mother's cottage in the
+park, and bring a jug of ale from her."
+
+This was agreed to, and the cook left the house. His sole object,
+however, was to instruct his mother to give the alarm, so that the
+conspirators might be arrested before morning.
+
+On reaching her cottage, he was surprised to see a light within it, and
+two men there, one of whom was Poynter, and the other Mrs. Littleton's
+steward, Robert Hazlewood. Poynter had acquainted Hazlewood with all he
+knew respecting the conspirators, supposing them still in the
+barley-mow, and they were discussing the best means of arresting them,
+when the cook entered the house.
+
+"The birds are flown," he said, "as you will find, if you search the
+nest. But come to the hall with a sufficient force betimes to-morrow
+morning, and I will show you where to find them. I shall claim, however,
+my share of the reward, though I must not appear in the matter."
+
+Having fully arranged their plan, he procured the ale from his mother,
+and returned to the hall. The conspirators soon disposed of the jug,
+threw themselves on a couch in the room, and instantly dropping asleep,
+enjoyed such repose as only falls to the lot of those who have similarly
+suffered. And it was well they did sleep soundly, for it was the last
+tranquil night they ever enjoyed!
+
+Humphrey Littleton, who, as has been stated, reposed implicit confidence
+in the cook, had committed the key of the chamber to him, strictly
+enjoining him to call them in the morning; and the fellow, feeling
+secure of his prey, retired to rest.
+
+About seven o'clock, he burst suddenly into the room, and with a
+countenance of well-feigned alarm, which struck tenor into the breasts
+of the conspirators, cried--
+
+"Master Hazlewood and the officers are below, and say they must search
+the house. Poynter is with them."
+
+"The villain has betrayed us!" cried Stephen Littleton. "Fools that we
+were to spare his life!"
+
+"There is no use in lamenting your indiscretion now, sir," replied the
+cook; "leave it to me, and I will yet effect your escape."
+
+"We place ourselves entirely in your hands," said Stephen Littleton.
+
+"Go down stairs, sir," said the cook to Humphrey Littleton, "and hold
+Master Hazlewood in conversation for a few minutes, and I will engage to
+get the gentlemen safely out of the house."
+
+Humphrey Littleton obeyed, and descending to the steward, told him he
+was willing to conduct him to every room in the house.
+
+"I am certain they are here, and shall not quit it till I find them,"
+rejoined Hazlewood. "Ah!" he exclaimed, as if struck by a sudden
+thought, "you say they are not in the house. Perhaps, they are in the
+garden--in the summer-house? We will go and see."
+
+So saying, he took half-a-dozen of his men with him, leaving Poynter and
+the rest with Humphrey Littleton, who was perplexed and alarmed at his
+conduct.
+
+Meanwhile, the cook led the two conspirators along the gallery, and from
+thence down a back staircase, which brought them to a small door
+communicating with the garden. A few seconds were lost in opening it,
+and when they issued forth they encountered Hazlewood and his men, who
+instantly arrested them. The unfortunate conspirators were conveyed
+under a strong guard to London, where they were committed to the Tower,
+to take their trial with their confederates.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+VIVIANA'S LAST NIGHT AT ORDSALL HALL.
+
+
+On the evening of the third day after quitting Dunchurch, Viviana
+Radcliffe and her companions arrived at Ordsall Hall. They had
+encountered many dangers and difficulties on the journey, and were
+well-nigh overcome with fatigue and anxiety. Fearful of being detained,
+Garnet had avoided all the larger towns in the way, and had consequently
+been driven greatly out of the direct course. He had assumed the
+disguise which he usually wore when travelling, that of a lawyer, and as
+he possessed great mimetic talent, he sustained the character admirably.
+Viviana passed for his daughter, and his servant, Nicholas Owen, who was
+almost as clever an actor as his master, represented his clerk, while
+the two attendants performed the parts of clients. At Abbots'-Bromley,
+where they halted for refreshment on the second day, having spent the
+night at a small village near Lichfield, they were detained by the
+landlord, who entertained some suspicions of them; but Garnet succeeded
+in frightening the man into allowing them to depart. They underwent
+another alarm of the same kind at Leek, and were for two hours locked
+up. But on the arrival of a magistrate, who had been sent for by the
+host, Garnet gave so plausible an account of himself that the party were
+instantly set at liberty, and arrived without further molestation at
+their journey's end.
+
+Viviana's last visit to the hall had been sad enough, but it was not so
+sad as the present. It was a dull November evening, and the wind moaned
+dismally through the trees, scattering the yellow leaves on the ground.
+The house looked forlorn and desolate. No smoke issued from the
+chimneys, nor was there any external indication that it was inhabited.
+The drawbridge was down, and as they passed over it, the hollow
+trampling of their steeds upon the planks vibrated painfully upon
+Viviana's heart. Before dismounting, she cast a wistful look around, and
+surveyed the grass-grown and neglected court, where, in years gone by,
+she had sported; the moat on whose brink she had lingered; and the
+surrounding woods, which she had never looked upon, even on a dreary day
+like the present, and when they were robbed in some measure of their
+beauty, without delight. Scanning the deserted mansion from roof to
+foundation, she traced all its gables, angles, windows, doors, and
+walls, and claimed every piece of carved work, every stone as a familiar
+object, and as associated with other and happier hours.
+
+"It is but the wreck of what it was," she thought. "The spirit that
+animated it is fled. Grass grows in its courts--no cheerful voices echo
+in its chambers--no hospitality is maintained in its hall--but neglect,
+gloom, and despair claim it as their own. The habitation and its
+mistress are well matched."
+
+Guessing from the melancholy expression of her countenance what was
+passing within, and thinking it advisable to turn the current of her
+thoughts, Garnet assisted her to alight, and committing the care of
+their steeds to Owen and the others, proceeded with her to the principal
+entrance. Everything appeared in nearly the same state as when they had
+last seen it, and the only change that had taken place was for the
+worse. The ceilings were mapped and mildewed with damps; the
+once-gorgeously stained glass was shivered in the windows; the costly
+arras hung in tattered fragments from the walls; while the floors, which
+were still strewn with plaster and broken furniture, were flooded with
+the moisture that had found its way through the holes in the roof.
+
+"Bear up, dear daughter," said Garnet, observing that Viviana was
+greatly distressed by the sight, "and let the contemplation of this
+scene of havoc, instead of casting you down, inspire you with just
+indignation against enemies from whom it is vain to expect justice or
+mercy. How many Catholic mansions have been thus laid waste! How many
+high-born and honourable men, whose sole fault was their adherence to
+the religion of their fathers, and their refusal to subscribe to
+doctrines against which their consciences revolted, have been put to
+death like your father; nay, have endured a worse fate, for they have
+languished out their lives in prison, while their families and retainers
+have undergone every species of outrage! How many a descendant of a
+proud line, distinguished for worth, for loyalty, and for devotion, has
+stood, as you now stand, upon his desolate hearth--has seen misery and
+ruin usurp the place of comfort and happiness--and has heard the very
+stones beneath his feet cry out for vengeance. Accursed be our
+oppressors!" he added, lifting up his hands, and elevating his voice.
+"May their churches be thrown down--their faith crushed--their rights
+invaded--their children delivered to bondage--their hearths laid waste,
+as ours have been. May this, and worse come to pass, till the whole
+stock of heresy is uprooted!"
+
+"Hold, father!" exclaimed Viviana, "even here, beholding this miserable
+sight, and with feelings keenly excited, I cannot join in your terrible
+denunciation. What I hope for--what I pray for, is toleration, not
+vengeance. The sufferings of our brethren will not have been in vain, if
+they enable our successors to worship God in their own way, and
+according to the dictates of their consciences. The ruthless conduct of
+our persecutors must be held in as much abhorrence by all good
+Protestants as our persecution of that sect, when we were in the
+ascendant, is regarded by all worthy members of our own Church. I cannot
+believe that by persecution we can work out the charitable precepts
+inculcated by our Saviour, and I am sure such a course is as adverse to
+the spirit of religion as it is to that of humanity. Let us bear our
+sorrows with patience,--let us utter no repinings, but turn the other
+cheek to the smiter, and we shall find, in due time, that the hearts of
+our oppressors will relent, and that all the believers in the True God
+will be enabled to worship him in peace, though at different altars."
+
+"Such a season will never arrive, daughter," replied Garnet, severely,
+"till heresy is extirpated, and the false doctrines now prevailing
+utterly abolished. Then, indeed, when the Church of Rome is
+re-established, and the old and true religion restored, universal peace
+will prevail. And let me correct the grievous and sinful error into
+which you have fallen. Our church is always at war with heresy; and if
+it cannot uproot it by gentle means, authorizes, nay enjoins the
+employment of force."
+
+"I will not attempt to dispute with you upon points of faith, father,"
+returned Viviana; "I am content to think and act according to my own
+feelings and convictions. But I will not give up the hope that in some
+milder and wiser age, persecution on either side will cease, and the
+sufferings of its victims be remembered only to soften the hearts of
+fanatics, of whatever creed, towards each other. Were a lesson wanting
+to ourselves, surely it might be found in the result that has attended
+your dark and criminal enterprise, and in which the disapproval of
+Heaven has been signally manifested."
+
+"Not so, daughter," replied Garnet. "An action is not to be judged or
+justified by the event attending it, but by its own intrinsic merits. To
+aver the contrary were to throw a doubt upon the Holy Scriptures
+themselves, where we read in the Book of Judges that the eleven tribes
+of Israel were commanded to make war upon the tribe of Benjamin, and yet
+were twice defeated. We have failed. But this proves nothing against our
+project, which I maintain to be righteous and praiseworthy, undertaken
+to overthrow an heretical and excommunicated monarch, and to
+re-establish the true faith of the Most High throughout this land."
+
+"I lament to find that you still persist in error, father," replied
+Viviana; "but you cannot by any sophistry induce me to coincide with you
+in opinion. I hold the attempt an offence alike against God and man, and
+while I rejoice at the issue that has attended it, I deplore the
+irreparable harm it will do to the whole body of Catholics, all of whom
+will be connected, by the bigoted and unthinking of the hostile party,
+with the atrocious design. Not only have you done our cause an injury,
+but you have in a measure justified our opponents' severity, and given
+them a plea for further persecution."
+
+"No more of this, daughter," rejoined Garnet, impatiently, "or I shall
+deem it necessary to reprove you. Let us search the house, and try to
+find some habitable chamber in which you can pass the night."
+
+After a long search, they discovered a room in comparatively good order,
+and leaving Viviana within it, Garnet descended to the lower part of the
+house, where he found Nicholas Owen, and the two other attendants.
+
+"We have chanced upon a scanty supply of provender for our steeds,"
+remarked Owen, with a doleful look; "but we are not likely to obtain a
+meal ourselves, unless we can feed upon rats and mice, which appear to
+be the sole tenants of this miserable dwelling."
+
+"You must go to Manchester instantly, and procure provisions," returned
+Garnet. "But take heed you observe the utmost caution."
+
+"Fear nothing," replied Owen, "If I am taken, your reverence will lose
+your supper--that is all."
+
+He then set out upon his errand, and Garnet proceeded to the kitchen,
+where, to his great surprise, he found the hearthstone still warm, and a
+few lighted embers upon it, while crumbs of bread, and little fragments
+of meat scattered about, proved that some one had taken a meal there.
+Startled by this discovery, he continued his search, but as fruitlessly
+as before; and though he called to any one who might be hidden to come
+forth, the summons was unanswered. One of the attendants had placed a
+few sticks upon the smouldering ashes, and on returning to the kitchen,
+it was found that they had kindled. A fire being thus obtained, some of
+the broken furniture was used to replenish it, and by Garnet's commands
+another fire was speedily lighted in Viviana's chamber. Night had now
+come on, and Owen not returning, Garnet became extremely uneasy, and had
+almost given him up, when the absentee made his appearance, with a large
+basket of provisions under his arm.
+
+"I have had some difficulty in obtaining them," he said; "and fancying I
+observed two persons following me, was obliged to take a circuitous
+route to get back. The whole town is in commotion about the plot, and it
+is said that the most rigorous measures are to be adopted towards all
+the Catholic families in the neighbourhood."
+
+Sighing at the latter piece of intelligence, Garnet selected such
+provisions as he thought would be acceptable to Viviana, and took them
+upstairs to her. She ate a little bread, and drank a cup of water, but
+refused to taste anything else, and finding it in vain to press her,
+Garnet returned to the kitchen, where, being much exhausted, he
+recruited himself with a hearty meal and a cup of wine.
+
+Left alone, Viviana knelt down, and clasping a small crucifix to her
+breast, prayed long and fervently. While she was thus engaged, she heard
+the door open gently behind her, and turning her head, beheld an old
+man clothed in a tattered garb, with long white hair flowing over his
+shoulders, and a beard of the same snowy hue descending upon his breast.
+As he advanced slowly towards her, she started to her feet, and a
+brighter flame arising at the moment from the fire, it illumined the
+intruder's wobegone features.
+
+"Is it possible!" she exclaimed,--"can it be my father's old steward,
+Jerome Heydocke?"
+
+"It is, indeed, my dear young mistress," replied the old man, falling on
+his knee before her. "Heaven be praised!" he continued, seizing her
+hand, and bedewing it with tears; "I have seen you once again, and shall
+die content."
+
+"I never expected to behold you more, good Heydocke," returned Viviana,
+raising him. "I heard you had died in prison."
+
+"It was so given out by the jailers, to account for my escape," replied
+the old steward; "and I took care never to contradict the report by
+making my appearance. I will not distress you by the recital of all I
+have endured, but will simply state that I was confined in the prison
+upon Hunt's Bank, whence I escaped in the night by dropping upon the
+rocks, and from them into the river, where it was supposed I was
+drowned. Making my way into the country, I concealed myself for a time
+in barns and out-buildings, until, at length, I ventured back to the old
+house, and have dwelt in it unmolested ever since. I should have
+perished of want long ago, but for the kindness of Mr. Humphrey Chetham.
+He used to send my son regularly to me with provisions; and, now that
+Martin is gone to London, on business, as I understood, relating to you,
+he brings them to me himself. He will be here to-morrow."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Viviana. "I must see him."
+
+"As you please," returned the old man. "I suppose those are your
+companions below. I was in my hiding-place, and hearing voices and
+footsteps, did not dare to venture forth till all was still. On
+approaching this room, which I have been in the habit of occupying
+lately, and peeping through the door, which was standing ajar, I
+perceived a female figure, and thinking it must be you, though I
+scarcely dared to trust the evidence of my senses, I ventured in. Oh! my
+dear, dear young mistress, what a joy it is to see you again! I fear you
+must have suffered much, for you are greatly altered."
+
+At this moment, Garnet entered the room. He started on seeing the old
+steward. But an explanation was instantly given him.
+
+"You, then, are the person by whom the fire was recently lighted in the
+kitchen?" he asked.
+
+Heydocke replied in the affirmative.
+
+"I came to bid you farewell for the night, dear daughter," said Garnet,
+"and to assure you that you may rest without fear, for we have contrived
+to make fast the doors. Come with me, my son," he added to the steward,
+"and you shall have a comfortable meal below."
+
+Making a profound reverence to Viviana, the old man followed him down
+stairs.
+
+Viviana continued to pace to and fro within her chamber for some time,
+and then, overcome with fatigue, flung herself upon the bedstead, on
+which a cloak had been thrown. Sleep soon closed her eyes, but it was
+disturbed by frightful and distressing dreams, from which she was
+suddenly aroused by a touch upon the arm. Starting up, she perceived the
+old steward by the side of her couch, with a light in his hand.
+
+"What brings you here, Heydocke?" she demanded, with surprise and alarm.
+
+"You have slept soundly, my dear young mistress, or you would not
+require to be informed," replied the steward. "There! do you not hear
+it?" he added, as a loud knocking resounded from below.
+
+Viviana listened for a moment, and then as if struck by a sudden idea,
+hurried down stairs. She found Garnet and the others assembled in the
+hall, but wholly unnerved by fright. "Hide yourselves," she said, "and
+no ill shall befal you. Quick!--not a moment is to be lost!"
+
+Having allowed them sufficient time for concealment, she demanded in a
+loud voice who was without?
+
+"Friends," was the reply.
+
+"It is the voice of Doctor Dee," replied Heydocke.
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Viviana. "Admit him instantly."
+
+Heydocke obeyed, and throwing open the door, gave entrance to the
+Doctor, who was wrapped in his long furred gown, and carried a lantern.
+He was accompanied by Kelley and Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"Your visit is singularly timed, Mr. Chetham," said Viviana, after she
+had saluted the party; "but you are not the less welcome on that
+account. I much desired to see you, and indeed should have sent for you
+to-morrow. But how did you know I was here?"
+
+"The only explanation I can offer you is this," replied Chetham. "I was
+hastily summoned from my residence at Crumpsall by Kelley, who told me
+you were at Ordsall Hall, and that Doctor Dee was about to visit you,
+and desired my company. Thus summoned, I came at once."
+
+"A strange explanation indeed!" replied Viviana.
+
+"Close and fasten the door," said Dee, in an authoritative tone to
+Kelley, and as soon as his commands were obeyed, he took Viviana's hand,
+and led her to the farther end of the hall.
+
+"My art informed me of your arrival, Viviana," he said. "I am come to
+save you. You are in imminent danger."
+
+"I well know it," she replied; "but I have no wish to fly from justice.
+I am weary of my life, and would gladly resign it."
+
+"I would call to your recollection, Viviana," pursued Dee, "that I
+foretold the disastrous result of this plot, in which you have become
+unhappily involved, to Guy Fawkes, and warned him not to proceed in it.
+But he would not be advised, and is now a prisoner in the Tower."
+
+"All I wish is to go thither, and die with him," rejoined Viviana.
+
+"If you go thither, you will die before him," said Dee.
+
+"I would do so," she replied.
+
+"Viviana Radcliffe," returned Dee, in a compassionate tone, "I truly
+grieve for you. Your attachment to this heinous traitor completely
+blinds you. The friendship I entertained for your mother makes me
+anxious to serve you--to see you happy. It is now in your power to be
+so. But if you take another false step, your fate is decided, and you
+will die an early death. I will answer for your safety--nay, what is
+more, I will undertake that ere long you shall again be mistress of this
+mansion, and have your estates restored to you."
+
+"You promise fairly, sir," she replied, with a mournful smile.
+
+"I have not yet done," pursued Dee. "All I require for the service is,
+that when freed by the death of Guy Fawkes from the chain that now binds
+you,--for I am aware of your ill-starred union with him,--you shall
+bestow your hand upon Humphrey Chetham."
+
+"It may not be," replied Viviana, firmly. "And if you could in truth
+read the secrets of the heart, you would know that mine would instantly
+reject the proposal."
+
+"Think not it originates with me, Viviana," said Humphrey Chetham, who
+had approached them unobserved. "My previous experience of your
+character would alone have prevented me from becoming a party to any
+such proposal, had I known it would be made. Do not, I beseech you,
+sir," he added to Dee, "clog your offer with conditions which will
+effectually prevent its accomplishment."
+
+"You are true to yourself, Mr. Chetham," rejoined Viviana, "and will
+not, therefore, wonder that I continue so. Were I to assent to Doctor
+Dee's proposal, I should be further from happiness than I am now, even
+if he could make good his words, and restore me to the station I have
+forfeited. I have received a shock from which I shall never recover, and
+the only haven of repose to which I look forward is the grave."
+
+"Alas!" exclaimed Chetham, in a pitying tone.
+
+"You will think I trespass too much upon your kindness," she pursued;
+"but you can render me a great service, and it will be the last I shall
+ever require from you."
+
+"Name it!" cried Chetham, eagerly.
+
+"I would beg you to escort me to London," she rejoined: "and to deliver
+me to the lords of the council. I would willingly escape the indignities
+to which T shall be exposed if I am conveyed thither as a prisoner. Will
+you do this?"
+
+"I will," replied Chetham.
+
+"Lest you should think I have offered more than I can perform, Viviana,"
+said Dee, who had listened attentively to the foregoing conversation, "I
+will now tell you on what grounds I build my expectation of procuring
+your pardon. The conspiracy was first revealed by me to the Earl of
+Salisbury, though for his own purposes he kept it secret to the last. He
+owes me a heavy debt, and shall pay it in the way I propose, if you
+desire it."
+
+"I will abide by what I have done," replied Viviana.
+
+"You know, then, what fate awaits you?" said Dee.
+
+"I shall not shrink from it," she rejoined.
+
+"It is well," he replied. "Before I leave, I will give you another
+caution. Father Garnet is here. Nay, attempt not to deny it. You cannot
+deceive me. Besides, I desire to serve, not harm him. If he remains here
+till to-morrow, he will be captured. A proclamation has been issued for
+his arrest, as well as for that of Father Oldcorne. Deliver him this
+warning. And now, farewell!"
+
+With this, he took up his lantern, and followed by Kelley, quitted the
+hall.
+
+Humphrey Chetham only tarried a few moments to inform Viviana that he
+would return soon after daybreak with a couple of steeds for the
+journey. As soon as he was gone, Viviana communicated Dee's warning to
+Garnet, who was so alarmed by it, that he resolved not to delay his own
+departure a moment. Taking an affectionate leave of Viviana, and
+confiding her to the care of the old steward, he set out with his three
+attendants.
+
+Faithful to his promise, Humphrey Chetham appeared at the appointed
+time. Viviana bade an eternal farewell to the old steward, who was
+overwhelmed with grief, and looked as if his sorrows would soon be
+ended, and mounting one of the steeds brought by the young merchant,
+they took the direction of London.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+HENDLIP.
+
+
+Garnet proceeded at a rapid pace for some miles before he acquainted his
+companions whither he was going. He then informed Nicholas Owen, who
+rode by his side, that he should make the best of his way to Hendlip
+House, the seat of Mr. Thomas Abingdon, near Droitwich, in
+Worcestershire, where he knew that Father Oldcorne and Anne Vaux had
+retired, and where he was certain to meet with a friendly reception and
+protection. Owen, who was completely in his master's confidence, agreed
+that no safer asylum could be found, and they pursued their journey with
+so much ardour, that early on the following night they arrived within a
+short distance of the mansion. Owen was sent forward to reconnoitre, and
+returned in about half an hour with Mr. Abingdon, who embraced Garnet,
+and told him he was truly happy in being able to offer him a retreat.
+
+"And I think it will prove a secure one," he added. "There are so many
+hiding-places in the old house, that if it is beset for a year you will
+scarcely be discovered. Have you heard of the fate of your
+confederates?"
+
+"Alas! no, my son," replied Garnet; "and I tremble to ask it."
+
+"It had better be told at once," rejoined Abingdon. "Catesby, Percy, and
+the two Wrights, have been slain in the defence of Holbeach; while
+Rookwood, Grant, and Thomas Winter, all of whom were severely wounded in
+the siege, have been made prisoners, and are now on their way to the
+Tower."
+
+"A fearful catalogue of ills!" exclaimed Garnet.
+
+"It is not yet complete," pursued Abingdon. "Sir Everard Digby has been
+defeated, and made prisoner in an attempt to bring additional force to
+his friends, and Keyes has been arrested in Warwickshire."
+
+"These are woful tidings truly, my son," returned Garnet. "But Heaven's
+will be done!"
+
+He then dismissed his two attendants, to whom he gave a sum of money,
+together with the steeds, and attended by Nicholas Owen, repaired to the
+house with Mr. Abingdon, who admitted them through a secret door.
+
+Hendlip House, which, unfortunately for the lovers of picturesque and
+storied habitations, was pulled down a few years ago, having been
+latterly used as a ladies' boarding-school, was a large and irregular
+structure, with walls of immense thickness, tall stacks of chimneys,
+turrets, oriel windows, and numberless projections, contrived to mask
+the labyrinths and secret chambers within. Erected by John Abingdon,
+father of the proprietor at the period of this history, and cofferer to
+Queen Elizabeth in the early part of the reign of that princess, it was
+filled with secret staircases, masked entrances, trap-doors, vaults,
+subterranean passages, secret recesses, and every other description of
+hiding-place. An immense gallery surrounded three sides of the
+entrance-hall, containing on each side a large chimney-piece, surmounted
+by a shield displaying the arms of the family--_argent_, a bend,
+_gules_, three eaglets displayed, _or_. Behind each of these
+chimney-pieces was a small cell, or "priest's-hole," as it was termed,
+contrived in the thickness of the wall. Throughout the mansion, the
+chambers were so sombre, and the passages so numerous and intricate,
+that, in the words of one who described it from personal observation,
+the whole place presented "a picture of gloom, insecurity, and
+suspicion." Standing on an elevated situation, it commanded the country
+on all sides, and could not be approached during the day-time without
+alarm being given to its inmates.
+
+Thomas Abingdon, the owner of the mansion at the period in question, and
+the eldest son of its founder, was born at Thorpe, near Chertsey, in
+Surrey, in 1560. He was educated at Oxford, and finished his studies at
+the Universities of Paris and Rheims. A man of considerable taste and
+learning, but of a plotting disposition, he became a willing tool of the
+Jesuits, and immediately on his return to England, connected himself
+with the different conspiracies set on foot for the liberation of the
+imprisoned Queen of Scots. For these offences he was imprisoned in the
+Tower for the term of six years, and only escaped death from the fact of
+his being the Queen's godson, coupled with the estimation in which she
+had held his father. On his liberation, he remained perfectly tranquil
+till the accession of James, when he became a secret plotter against
+that monarch. His concealment of the two priests, about to be related,
+occasioned his being again sent to the Tower, and if it had not been for
+the intercession of Lord Mounteagle, whose sister he had espoused, he
+would have been executed. He was pardoned on condition of never stirring
+beyond the precincts of Worcestershire, and he employed his retirement
+in compiling an account of the antiquities of that county, which he left
+behind him in manuscript, and of which Doctor Nash, its more recent
+historian, has largely availed himself.
+
+With a habitation so contrived, Mr. Abingdon might fairly promise his
+guests a safe asylum. Conducting them along a secret passage to a
+chamber of which he alone possessed the key, he left Garnet within it,
+and taking Owen with him to another place of concealment, returned
+shortly afterwards with Anne Vaux and Father Oldcorne. The two priests
+tenderly embraced each other, and Oldcorne poured forth his tears on his
+superior's shoulder. Garnet next turned to Anne Vaux, between whom and
+himself, as has been before mentioned, an affectionate intimacy
+subsisted, and found her quite overcome by her feelings. Supper was now
+served to Garnet by a confidential servant, and after a few hours spent
+in conversation with his friends, during which they discussed the
+disastrous issue of the affair, and the probable fate of the
+conspirators, they quitted him, and he retired to rest--but not before
+he had returned thanks to Heaven for enabling him once more to lay down
+his head in safety.
+
+On the following morning, he was visited by Mrs. Abingdon, a lady of
+considerable personal attractions, and Anne Vaux; and when he had
+recovered from the fatigue of his journey, and the anxieties he had
+recently undergone, he experienced great delight in their society. The
+chamber he occupied was lighted by a small loop-hole, which enabled him
+to breathe the fresh air, and gaze upon the surrounding country.
+
+In this way, nearly two months passed on, during which, though rigorous
+inquiries were made throughout the country, no clue was found by the
+searchers to lead them to Hendlip; and the concealed parties began to
+indulge hopes that they should escape detection altogether. Being in
+constant correspondence with her brother, Lord Mounteagle, though she
+did not trust him with the important secret of the concealment of the
+priests, Mrs. Abingdon ascertained all that was done in reference to the
+conspirators, whose trials were now approaching, and communicated the
+intelligence to Garnet.
+
+On the morning of the 20th of January, and when long quietude had bred
+complete fancied security in Garnet, Anne Vaux and Mrs. Abingdon
+suddenly entered his chamber, and with countenances of the utmost alarm,
+informed him that Mr. Abingdon's confidential servant had just returned
+from Worcester, where his master then was, and had brought word that
+Topcliffe, armed with a search-warrant from the Earl of Salisbury, had
+just passed through that city on his way to Holt Castle, the residence
+of Sir Henry Bromley.
+
+"It appears," said Mrs. Abingdon, "that Humphrey Littleton, who has been
+apprehended and condemned to death at Worcester for harbouring his
+brother and Robert Winter, has sought to procure a remission of his
+sentence by betraying your retreat. In consequence of this, Topcliffe
+has been sent down from London, with a warrant addressed to Sir Henry
+Bromley, to aid him in searching Hendlip. My husband has given
+particular orders that you are to be removed to the most secure
+hiding-place without delay; and he deeply regrets that he himself cannot
+return till evening, for fear of exciting suspicion."
+
+"Take me where you please, daughter," replied Garnet, who was thrown
+into great perturbation by the intelligence. "I thought myself prepared
+for any emergency. But I was wofully deceived."
+
+"Be not alarmed, father," said Anne Vaux, in an encouraging tone. "Let
+them search as long as they will, they will never discover your
+retreat."
+
+"I have a strong presentiment to the contrary," replied Garnet.
+
+At this moment, Oldcorne made his appearance, and on learning the
+alarming news, was as much dismayed as his superior.
+
+After a short consultation, and while the priests were putting aside
+every article necessary to be removed, Mrs. Abingdon proceeded to the
+gallery, and contrived on some plausible pretext to send away the whole
+of the domestics from this part of the house. This done, she hastily
+returned, and conducted the two priests to one of the large fire-places.
+
+A raised stone about two feet high occupied the inside of the chimney,
+and upon it stood an immense pair of iron dogs. Obeying Mrs. Abingdon's
+directions, Garnet got upon the stone, and setting his foot on the large
+iron knob on the left, found a few projections in the masonry on the
+side, up which he mounted, and opening a small door, made of planks of
+wood, covered with bricks, and coloured black, so as not to be
+distinguishable from the walls of the chimney, crept into a recess
+contrived in the thickness of the wall. This cell was about two feet
+wide, and four high, and was connected with another chimney at the back,
+by means of three or four small holes. Around its sides ran a narrow
+stone shelf, just wide enough to afford an uncomfortable seat. Garnet
+was followed by Oldcorne, who brought with him a quantity of books,
+vestments, and sacred vessels used in the performance of the rites of
+the Church of Rome. These articles, which afterwards occasioned them
+much inconvenience, they did not dare to leave behind.
+
+Having seen them safely bestowed, Mrs. Abingdon and her companion went
+in search of provisions, and brought them a piece of cold meat and a
+pasty, together with some bread, dried fruit, conserves, and a flask of
+wine. They did not dare to bring more, for fear of exciting the
+suspicion of the household. Their next care was to conduct Owen, and
+Oldcorne's servant, Chambers, to a similar retreat in one of the other
+chimneys, and to provide them with a scanty supply of provisions and a
+flask of wine. All this was accomplished without being noticed by any of
+the domestics.
+
+As may be imagined, a most anxious day was passed by all parties.
+Towards evening, Sir Henry Bromley, the sheriff of the county,
+accompanied by Topcliffe, and attended by a troop of soldiers, appeared
+at the gates of the mansion, and demanded admittance. Just at this
+moment, Mr. Abingdon rode up, and affecting to know nothing of the
+matter, saluted Sir Henry Bromley, with whom he was on terms of
+intimacy, and inquired his business.
+
+"You are charged with harbouring two Jesuit priests, Fathers Garnet and
+Oldcorne, supposed to be connected with the late atrocious conspiracy
+against the King, Mr. Abingdon," interposed Topcliffe; "and I brought a
+warrant from the Earl of Salisbury, which I have delivered to Sir Henry
+Bromley, commanding him to search your house for them."
+
+"I was loth to accept the office, Mr. Abingdon," said Sir Henry Bromley,
+who was a handsome, middle-aged man; "but my duty to my sovereign allows
+me no alternative. I trust, though a Catholic, that you share my own
+detestation of this diabolical plot, and would not shelter any of its
+contrivers, or abettors."
+
+"You judge me rightly, Sir Henry," replied Abingdon, who, meanwhile, had
+received a private signal from his confidential servant that all was
+safe, "I would not. I am just returned from Worcester, where I have been
+for the last two days. Enter my house, I pray you, and search every
+corner of it; and if you find a Jesuit priest concealed within it, you
+shall hang me at my own gate."
+
+"You must be misinformed, sir," observed Sir Henry, who was completely
+imposed upon by Abingdon's unconcerned demeanour; "they cannot be here."
+
+"Trust me, they are," returned the other, "and I should like to take him
+at his word."
+
+Giving directions to the band to environ the house, and guard all its
+approaches, so as to prevent any one from escaping from it, Topcliffe
+took half-a-dozen men with him, and instructed them how to act. They
+first repaired to the great dining-chamber, where, in accordance with
+the instructions received from the Earl of Salisbury, Topcliffe
+proceeded to the further end of the room, and directed his men to break
+down the wainscot. With some difficulty, the order was obeyed, and the
+entrance to a vault discovered, into which Topcliffe descended but he
+found nothing to repay his trouble.
+
+Returning to the dining-chamber, he questioned Mr. Abingdon, who
+secretly enjoyed his disappointment, as to the use of the vault, but the
+latter professed entire ignorance of its existence. The searchers next
+proceeded to the cellar, and bored the floors with a broach to a
+considerable depth, to try whether there were any vaults beneath them,
+but they made no discovery. Meanwhile Topcliffe hurried upstairs, and
+examined the size of the rooms, to see whether they corresponded with
+those below; and wherever any difference was observable, he caused the
+panels to be pulled down, and holes broken in the walls. In this way,
+several secret passages were discovered, one of which led to the chamber
+lately occupied by Garnet.
+
+Encouraged by this discovery, the searchers continued their operations
+to a late hour, when they desisted for the night. On the following day
+they resumed their task, and Sir Henry Bromley took a general survey of
+the house, both externally and internally, noting the appearances
+outside, and seeing that they corresponded with the rooms within. The
+three extraordinary chimney-pieces in the gallery attracted Topcliffe's
+attention; but the contrivances within were so well managed, that they
+escaped his notice. He even got into the chimneys, and examined the
+walls on either side, but could detect nothing. And, lastly, he ordered
+large fires to be lighted within them, but the experiment proving
+fruitless, he turned his attention elsewhere.
+
+Mr. Abingdon had attended him during this part of the search, and,
+though he preserved an unmoved exterior, he was full of apprehension,
+and was greatly relieved when it was abandoned. In the course of the
+same day, two other hiding-places were found in the thickness of the
+walls, but nothing was discovered within them. In order to prevent any
+communication with the concealed persons, Topcliffe stationed a sentinel
+at the door of Mr. Abingdon's chamber, and another at that of Anne Vaux.
+
+On the third day the search was continued more rigorously than ever.
+Wainscots were taken down; walls broken open; the boards of the floor
+removed; and other secret passages, vaults, and hiding-places
+discovered. Some priests' vestments and articles used in the Romish
+service were found in one of these places, and shown to Mr. Abingdon. He
+at first denied all knowledge of them; but when Topcliffe brought
+forward the title-deeds of his property, which had been found in the
+same place, he was obliged to confess he had put them there himself.
+Still, though these discoveries had been made, the searchers were as far
+from their aim as ever; and Sir Henry Bromley, who began to despair of
+success, would have departed on the fifth day, if Topcliffe had not
+prevented him.
+
+"I am certain they are here," said the latter, "and have hit upon a plan
+which cannot fail to bring them forth."
+
+The prisoners meanwhile suffered grievously from their confinement, and
+hearing the searchers knocking against the walls, and even within the
+chimney, felt certain they should be discovered. Not being able to stand
+upright, or to stretch themselves within the cell, the sitting posture
+they were compelled to adopt became, after a time, intolerably irksome.
+Broths, milk, wine, and other nutritious fluids, were conveyed to them
+by means of a reed from the adjoining chimney; but after the fifth day
+this supply was stopped, as Mrs. Abingdon and Anne Vaux were compelled
+by Topcliffe to remove to a different part of the house.
+
+They now began to experience all the horrors of starvation, and debated
+whether they should die where they were, or yield themselves up to their
+enemies. Wretched as their condition was, however, it was not so bad as
+that of their domestics, Owen and Chambers, whose wants had not been so
+carefully attended to, and who were now reduced to the most deplorable
+state. Nor were their friends less uneasy. Aware that the captives, whom
+there was no means of relieving, for the searchers were constantly on
+the watch, could not hold out much longer, Mrs. Abingdon consulted with
+her husband whether it would not be better to reveal their
+hiding-places; but this he would not permit.
+
+By this time, every secret chamber, vault, and passage in the place,
+except the actual retreats of the conspirators, had been discovered by
+Topcliffe, and though nothing material was found, he felt assured, from
+the uneasiness displayed by Mr. Abingdon and his wife, and above all by
+Anne Vaux, that it could not be long before his perseverance was
+rewarded. Though he narrowly watched the two ladies, from the first, he
+could never detect them in the act of conveying food to the captives;
+but feeling convinced that they did so, he determined to remove them to
+a different part of the house, and their unwillingness to obey the order
+confirmed his suspicions.
+
+"We are sure of our prey now," he observed to Sir Henry Bromley. "They
+must be half-starved by this time, and will speedily surrender
+themselves."
+
+"Pray Heaven they do so!" returned the other. "I am wearied to death
+with my long stay here."
+
+"Have a few hours' patience," rejoined Topcliffe, "and you will find
+that your time has not been thrown away."
+
+And he was right. Soon after midnight, a trooper, who was watching in
+the gallery, beheld two spectral-looking figures approach him, and
+appalled by their ghastly appearance, uttered a loud cry. This brought
+Topcliffe, who was in the hall below, to his aid, and instantly
+perceiving what was the matter, he ran towards the supposed phantoms,
+and seized them. The poor wretches, who were no other than Owen and
+Chambers, and were well-nigh famished, offered no resistance, but would
+neither confess where they had been hidden, nor who they were. As the
+trooper had not seen them come forth, though he affirmed with a
+tremendous oath that they had issued from the floor, the walls were
+again sounded, but with no result.
+
+Food being placed before the captives, they devoured it voraciously; but
+Topcliffe forbore to question them further that night, feeling confident
+that he could extract the truth from them on the morrow, either by
+promises or threats. He was however, mistaken. They continued as
+obstinate as before, and when confronted with Mr. Abingdon, denied all
+knowledge of him: neither would they explain how they got into the
+house.
+
+Sir Henry Bromley, however, now considered himself justified in placing
+Mr. Abingdon and his lady under arrest, and Topcliffe redoubled his
+exertions to discover the hiding-place of the two priests. He examined
+every part of the gallery most carefully,--took down one of the
+chimney-pieces, (singularly enough, it was the wrong one,) but was still
+unable to discover their retreat.
+
+Meanwhile, the poor wretches inside found it impossible to endure their
+condition longer. Anything seemed preferable to the lingering and
+agonizing death they were now enduring, and they resolved to delay their
+surrender no longer. Had they been able to hold out a few hours more,
+they would have escaped; for Sir Henry Bromley was so fatigued with the
+search, and so satisfied that nothing further would come of it, that he
+resolved, notwithstanding Topcliffe's efforts to dissuade him, to depart
+on the morrow. Of this they were ignorant, and having come to the
+determination to surrender, Garnet opened the entrance to the chimney,
+and hearing voices below, and being too feeble to get out unassisted, he
+called to the speakers for aid. His voice was so hollow, and had such a
+sepulchral sound, that those who heard it stared at each other in
+astonishment and affright.
+
+"Who calls?" cried one of the troopers, after a pause.
+
+"One of those you seek," replied Garnet. "Come and help us forth."
+
+Upon hearing this, and ascertaining whence the voice came from, one of
+the men ran to fetch Sir Henry Bromley and Topcliffe, both of whom
+joyfully obeyed the summons.
+
+"Is it possible they can be in the chimney?" cried Topcliffe. "Why, I
+myself have examined it twice."
+
+"We are here, nevertheless," replied Garnet, who heard the remark; "and
+if you would take us alive, lose no time."
+
+The hint was not lost upon Topcliffe. Casting a triumphant look at
+Bromley, he seized a torch from one of his attendants, and getting into
+the chimney, soon perceived the entrance to the recess.
+
+On beholding his prey, he uttered an exclamation of joy, and the two
+miserable captives, seeing the savage and exulting grin that lighted up
+his features, half repented the step they had taken. It was now,
+however, too late, and Garnet begged him to help them out.
+
+"That I will readily do, father," replied Topcliffe. "You have given us
+a world of trouble. But you have made ample amends for it now."
+
+"Had we been so minded, you would never have found us," rejoined Garnet.
+"This cell would have been our sepulchre."
+
+"No doubt," retorted Topcliffe, with a bitter laugh. "But a death on the
+scaffold is preferable to the horrors of starvation."
+
+Finding it impossible to remove Garnet, whose limbs were so cramped that
+they refused their office, he called to the troopers below to bring a
+ladder, which was placed in the chimney, and then, with some
+exertion, he succeeded in getting him down. This done, he supported him
+towards Sir Henry Bromley, who was standing near a small table in the
+gallery.
+
+[Illustration: _The Discovery of Garnet and Oldcorne at Hendlip_]
+
+"I told you your time would not be thrown away, Sir Henry," he observed;
+"here is Father Garnet. It is well you yielded yourself to-night,
+father," he added, to Garnet, with his customary cynical chuckle; "for
+Sir Henry had resolved to depart to-morrow."
+
+"Indeed!" groaned Garnet. "Help me to a chair."
+
+While this was passing, Oldcorne was brought down by two of the
+troopers, and the unfortunate priests were conveyed to an adjoining
+chamber, where they were placed in a bed, their stiffened limbs chafed,
+and cordials administered to them. They were reduced, however, to such
+extremity of weakness, that it was not judged prudent to remove them
+till the third day, when they, together with their two servants, Owen
+and Chambers, who were as much enfeebled as themselves, were conveyed to
+Worcester.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+WHITEHALL.
+
+
+Such was the expedition used by Humphrey Chetham and Viviana, that they
+accomplished the journey to London in an extraordinarily short space of
+time. Proceeding direct to Whitehall, Viviana placed a letter in the
+hands of a halberdier, and desired that it might be given without delay
+to the Earl of Salisbury. After some demur, the man handed it to an
+usher, who promised to lay it before the Earl. Some time elapsed before
+the result of its reception was known, when an officer, accompanied by
+two sergeants of the guard, made his appearance, and commanded Viviana
+and her companion to follow him.
+
+Crossing a wide hall, which was filled with the various retainers of the
+palace, who regarded them with a sort of listless curiosity, and
+ascending a flight of marble steps, they traversed a long corridor, and
+were at length ushered into the presence of the Earl of Salisbury. He
+was seated at a table, covered with a multitude of papers, and was
+busily employed in writing a despatch, but immediately stopped on their
+entrance. He was not alone. His companion was a middle-aged man, attired
+in a suit of black velvet, with a cloak of the same material; but as he
+sat with his back towards the door, it was impossible to discern his
+features.
+
+"You may leave us," said Salisbury to the officer, "but remain
+without."
+
+"And be ready to enter at a moment's notice," added his companion,
+without altering his position.
+
+The officer bowed, and retired with his followers.
+
+"Your surrender of yourself at this time, Viviana Radcliffe," said the
+Earl, "weighs much in your favour; and if you are disposed freely to
+declare all you know of the conspiracy, it is not impossible that the
+King may extend his mercy towards you."
+
+"I do not desire it, my lord," she replied. "In surrendering myself, I
+have no other aim than to satisfy the laws I have outraged. I do not
+seek to defend myself, but I desire to offer an explanation to your
+lordship. Circumstances, which it is needless to detail, drew me into
+connexion with the conspirators, and I became unwillingly the depositary
+of their dark design."
+
+"You were guilty of misprision of treason in not revealing it," remarked
+the Earl.
+
+"I am aware of it," she rejoined; "but this, I take heaven to witness,
+is the extent of my criminality. I held the project in the utmost
+abhorrence, and used every argument I was mistress of to induce its
+contrivers to abandon it."
+
+"If such were the case," demanded the Earl, "what withheld you from
+disclosing it?"
+
+"I will now confess what torture could not wring from me before," she
+replied. "I was restrained from the disclosure by a fatal passion."
+
+"I suspected as much," observed the Earl, with a sneer. "For whom?"
+
+"For Guy Fawkes," returned Viviana.
+
+"God's mercy! Guy Fawkes!" ejaculated the Earl's companion, starting to
+his feet. And turning as he spoke, and facing her, he disclosed heavy
+but not unintellectual features, now charged with an expression of the
+utmost astonishment. "Did you say Guy Fawkes, mistress?"
+
+"It is the King," whispered Humphrey Chetham.
+
+"Since I know in whose presence I stand, sire," replied Viviana, "I will
+answer the interrogation. Guy Fawkes was the cause of my concealing my
+acquaintance with the plot. And more, I will confess to your Majesty,
+that much as I abhor the design, if he had not been a conspirator, I
+should never have loved him. His sombre and enthusiastic character first
+gave him an interest in my eyes, which, heightened by several important
+services which he rendered me, soon ripened into love. Linked to his
+fortunes, shrouded by the same gloomy cloud that enveloped him, and
+bound by a chain from which I could not extricate myself, I gave him my
+hand. But the moment of our union was the moment of our separation. We
+have not met since, and shall meet no more, unless to part for ever."
+
+"A strange history!" exclaimed James, in a tone that showed he was not
+unmoved by the relation.
+
+"I beseech your Majesty to grant me one boon," cried Viviana, falling at
+his feet. "It is to be allowed a single interview with my husband--not
+for the sad gratification of beholding him again--not for the indulgence
+of my private sorrows--but that I may endeavour to awaken a feeling of
+repentance in his breast, and be the means of saving his soul alive."
+
+"My inclinations prompt me to grant the request, Salisbury," said the
+King, irresolutely. "There can be no risk in doing it--eh?"
+
+"Not under certain restrictions, my liege," replied the Earl.
+
+"You shall have your wish, then, mistress," said James, "and I trust
+your efforts may be crowned with success. Your husband is a hardy
+traitor--a second Jacques Clement--and we never think of him without the
+floor shaking beneath our feet, and a horrible smell of gunpowder
+assailing our nostrils. Blessed be God for our preservation! But whom
+have we here?" he added, turning to Humphrey Chetham. "Another
+conspirator come to surrender himself?"
+
+"No, my liege," replied Chetham; "I am a loyal subject of your Majesty,
+and a stanch Protestant."
+
+"If we may take your word for it, doubtless," replied the King, with an
+incredulous look. "But how come you in this lady's company?"
+
+"I will hide nothing from your Majesty," replied Chetham. "Long before
+Viviana's unhappy acquaintance with Fawkes--for such I must ever
+consider it--my affections had been fixed upon her, and I fondly trusted
+she would not prove indifferent to my suit. Even now, sire, when all
+hope is dead within me, I have not been able to overcome my passion, but
+love her as devotedly as ever. When, therefore, she desired my escort to
+London to surrender herself, I could not refuse the request."
+
+"It is the truth, my liege," added Viviana. "I owe Humphrey Chetham (for
+so this gentleman is named) an endless debt of gratitude; and not the
+least of my present distresses is the thought of the affliction I have
+occasioned him."
+
+"Dismiss it from your mind, then, Viviana," rejoined Chetham. "It will
+not mitigate my sorrows to feel that I have added to yours."
+
+"Your manner and looks seem to give a warranty for loyalty, young sir,"
+said the King. "But I must have some assurance of the truth of your
+statement before you are set at large."
+
+"I am your willing prisoner, my liege," returned Chetham. "But I have a
+letter for the Earl of Salisbury, which may vouch perhaps for me."
+
+And as he spoke, he placed a letter in the Earl's hands, who broke open
+the seal, and hastily glanced at its contents.
+
+"It is from Doctor Dee," he said, "from whom, as your Majesty is aware,
+we have received much important information relative to this atrocious
+design. He answers for this young man's loyalty."
+
+"I am glad to hear it," rejoined the King. "It would have been
+mortifying to be deceived by so honest a physiognomy."
+
+"Your Majesty will be pleased to attach your signature to this warrant
+for Viviana Radcliffe's committal to the Tower," said Salisbury, placing
+a paper before him.
+
+James complied, and the Earl summoned the guard.
+
+"Have I your Majesty's permission to attend this unfortunate lady to the
+fortress?" cried Chetham, prostrating himself before the King.
+
+James hesitated, but glancing at the Earl, and reading no objection in
+his looks, he assented.
+
+Whispering some private instructions to the officer respecting Chetham,
+Salisbury delivered the warrant to him. Viviana and her companion were
+then removed to a small chamber adjoining the guard-room, where they
+remained for nearly an hour, at the expiration of which time the officer
+again appeared, and conducted them to the palace-stairs, where a large
+wherry awaited them, in which they embarked.
+
+James did not remain long with his councillor, and as soon as he had
+retired, Salisbury summoned a confidential attendant, and told him to
+acquaint Lord Mounteagle, who was in an adjoining apartment, that he was
+now able to receive him. The attendant departed, and presently returned
+with the nobleman in question. As soon as they were alone, and Salisbury
+had satisfied himself they could not be overheard, he observed to the
+other,
+
+"Since Tresham's committal to the Tower yesterday, I have received a
+letter from the lieutenant, stating that he breathes nothing but revenge
+against yourself and me, and threatens to betray us, if he is not
+released. It will not do to let him be examined by the Council; for
+though we can throw utter discredit on his statement, it may be
+prejudicial to my future designs."
+
+"True, my lord," replied Mounteagle. "But how do you propose to silence
+him?"
+
+"By poison," returned Salisbury. "There is a trusty fellow in the Tower,
+a jailer named Ipgreve, who will administer it to him. Here is the
+powder," he added, unlocking a coffer, and taking out a small packet;
+"it was given me by its compounder, Doctor Dee. It is the same, I am
+assured, as the celebrated Italian poison prepared by Pope Alexander the
+Sixth; is without scent or taste; and destroys its victim without
+leaving a trace of its effects."
+
+"I must take heed how I offend your lordship," observed Mounteagle.
+
+"Nay," rejoined Salisbury, with a ghastly smile, "it is for traitors
+like Tresham, not true men like you, to fear me."
+
+"I understand the distinction, my lord," replied the other.
+
+"I must intrust the entire management of this affair to you," pursued
+Salisbury.
+
+"To me!" exclaimed Mounteagle. "Tresham is my brother-in-law. I can take
+no part in his murder."
+
+"If he lives, you are ruined," rejoined Salisbury, coldly. "You must
+sacrifice him or yourself. But I see you are reasonable. Take this
+powder, and proceed to the Tower. See Ipgreve alone, and instruct him to
+drug Tresham's wine with it. A hundred marks shall be his reward when
+the deed is done."
+
+"My soul revolts from the deed," said Mounteagle, as he took the packet.
+"Is there no other way of silencing him?"
+
+"None whatever," replied Salisbury, sternly. "His blood be upon his own
+head."
+
+With this, Mounteagle took his departure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE PARTING OF VIVIANA AND HUMPHREY CHETHAM.
+
+
+Humphrey Chetham was so oppressed by the idea of parting with Viviana,
+that he did not utter a single word during their transit to the Tower.
+Passing beneath the gloomy archway of Traitors' Gate, they mounted the
+fatal steps, and were conducted to the guard-room near the By-ward
+Tower. The officer then despatched one of the warders to inform the
+lieutenant of Viviana's arrival, and telling Humphrey Chetham he would
+allow him a few minutes to take leave of her, considerately withdrew,
+and left them alone together.
+
+"Oh! Viviana!" exclaimed Chetham, unable to repress his grief, "my heart
+bleeds to see you here. If you repent the step you have taken, and
+desire freedom, say so, and I will use every effort to liberate you. I
+have been successful once, and may be so again."
+
+"I thank you for your devotion," she replied, in a tone of profound
+gratitude; "but you have rendered me the last service I shall ever
+require of you. I deeply deplore the misery I have occasioned you, and
+regret my inability to requite your attachment as it deserves to be
+requited. My last prayers shall be for your happiness; and I trust you
+will meet with some being worthy of you, and who will make amends for my
+insensibility."
+
+"Be not deceived, Viviana," replied Chetham, in a broken voice; "I shall
+never love again. Your image is too deeply imprinted upon my heart ever
+to be effaced."
+
+"Time may work a change," she rejoined; "though I ought not to say so,
+for I feel it would work none in me. Suffer me to give you one piece of
+counsel. Devote yourself resolutely to the business of life, and you
+will speedily regain your peace of mind."
+
+"I will follow your instructions implicitly," replied Chetham; "but have
+little hope of the result you promise me."
+
+"Let the effort be made," she rejoined;--"and now promise me to quit
+London to-morrow. Return to your native town, employ yourself in your
+former occupations; and strive not to think of the past, except as a
+troubled dream from which you have fortunately awakened. Do not let us
+prolong our parting, or your resolution may waver. Farewell!"
+
+So saying, she extended her hand towards him, and he pressed it
+passionately to his lips.
+
+"Farewell, Viviana!" he cried, with a look of unutterable anguish. "May
+Heaven support you in your trials!"
+
+"One of them I am now enduring," she replied, in a broken voice.
+"Farewell for ever, and may all good angels bless you!"
+
+At this moment, the officer appeared, and announcing the approach of the
+lieutenant, told Chetham that his time had expired. Without hazarding
+another look at Viviana, the young merchant tore himself away, and
+followed the officer out of the Tower.
+
+Obedient to Viviana's last request, he quitted London on the following
+day, and acting upon her advice, devoted himself on his return to
+Manchester sedulously to his mercantile pursuits. His perseverance and
+integrity were crowned with entire success, and he became in due season
+the wealthiest merchant of the town. But the blighting of his early
+affections tinged his whole life, and gave a melancholy to his thoughts
+and an austerity to his manner originally foreign to them. True to his
+promise, he died unmarried. His long and worthy career was marked by
+actions of the greatest benevolence. In proportion as his means
+increased, his charities were extended, and he truly became "a father to
+the fatherless and the destitute." To him the town of Manchester is
+indebted for the noble library and hospital bearing his name; and for
+these admirable institutions by which they so largely benefit, his
+memory must ever be held in veneration by its inhabitants.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE SUBTERRANEAN DUNGEON.
+
+
+Regarding Viviana with a smile of savage satisfaction, Sir William Waad
+commanded Jasper Ipgreve, who accompanied him, to convey her to one of
+the subterranean dungeons below the Devereux Tower.
+
+"She cannot escape thence without your connivance," he said; "and you
+shall answer to me for her safe custody with your life."
+
+"If she escapes again, your worship shall hang me in her stead,"
+rejoined Ipgreve.
+
+"My instructions from the Earl of Salisbury state that it is the King's
+pleasure that she be allowed a short interview with Guy Fawkes," said
+the lieutenant, in a low tone. "Let her be taken to his cell to-morrow."
+
+The jailer bowed, and motioning the guard to follow him with Viviana, he
+led the way along the inner ward till he arrived at a small strong door
+in the wall a little to the north of the Beauchamp Tower, which he
+unlocked, and descended into a low cavernous-looking vault. Striking a
+light, and setting fire to a torch, he then led the way along a narrow
+gloomy passage, which brought them to a circular chamber, from which
+other passages diverged, and selecting one of them, threaded it till he
+came to the door of a cell.
+
+"Here is your dungeon," he said to Viviana, as he drew back the heavy
+bolts, and disclosed a small chamber, about four feet wide and six long,
+in which there was a pallet. "My dame will attend you soon."
+
+With this, he lighted a lamp, and departing with the guard, barred the
+door outside. Viviana shuddered as she surveyed the narrow dungeon in
+which she was placed. Roof, walls, and floor were of stone; and the
+aspect of the place was so dismal and tomb-like, that she felt as if she
+were buried alive. Some hours elapsed before Dame Ipgreve made her
+appearance. She was accompanied by Ruth, who burst into tears on
+beholding Viviana. The jailer's wife had brought a few blankets and
+other necessaries with her, together with a loaf of bread and a jug of
+water. While disposing the blankets on the couch, she never ceased
+upbraiding Viviana for her former flight. Poor Ruth, who was compelled
+to assist her mother, endeavoured by her gestures and looks to convey to
+the unfortunate captive that she was as much devoted to her as ever.
+Their task completed, the old woman withdrew, and her daughter, casting
+a deeply-commiserating look at Viviana, followed her, and the door was
+barred without.
+
+Determined not to yield to despondency, Viviana knelt down, and
+addressed herself to Heaven; and, comforted by her prayers, threw
+herself on the bed, and sank into a peaceful slumber. She was awakened
+by hearing the bolts of her cell withdrawn, and the next moment Ruth
+stood before her.
+
+"I fear you have exposed yourself to great risk in thus visiting me,"
+said Viviana, tenderly embracing her.
+
+"I would expose myself to any risk for you, sweet lady," replied Ruth.
+"But, oh! why do I see you here again? The chief support of Guy Fawkes
+during his sufferings has been the thought that you were at liberty."
+
+"I surrendered myself in the hope of beholding him again," rejoined
+Viviana.
+
+"You have given a fond, but fatal proof of your affection," returned
+Ruth. "The knowledge that you are a captive will afflict him more than
+all the torments he has endured."
+
+"What torments _has_ he endured, Ruth?" inquired Viviana with a look of
+anguish.
+
+"Do not ask me to repeat them," replied the jailer's daughter. "They are
+too dreadful to relate. When you behold his shattered frame and altered
+looks, you will comprehend what he has undergone."
+
+"Alas!" exclaimed Viviana, bursting into tears, "I almost fear to behold
+him."
+
+"You must prepare for a fearful shock," returned Ruth. "And now, madam,
+I must take my leave. I will endeavour to see you again to-morrow, but
+dare not promise to do so. I should not have been able to visit you now,
+but that my father is engaged with Lord Mounteagle."
+
+"With Lord Mounteagle!" cried Viviana. "Upon what business?
+
+"Upon a foul business," rejoined Ruth. "No less than the destruction of
+Mr. Tresham, who is now a prisoner in the Tower. Lord Mounteagle came to
+the Well Tower this evening, and I accidentally overheard him propose to
+my father to administer poison to the person I have named."
+
+"I do not pity their victim," returned Viviana. "He is a double-dyed
+traitor, and will meet with the fate he deserves."
+
+"Farewell, madam," said Ruth. "If I do not see you again, you will know
+that you have one friend in this fortress who deeply sympathizes with
+your afflictions."
+
+So saying, she withdrew, and Viviana heard the bolts slipped gently into
+their sockets.
+
+Vainly, after Ruth's visit, did she try to compose herself. Sleep fled
+her eyes, and she was haunted all night by the image of Fawkes, haggard
+and shattered by torture, as he had been described by the jailer's
+daughter. Day and night were the same to her, and she could only compute
+progress of the time by her own feelings, judging by which, she supposed
+it to be late in the day when she was again visited. The bolts of her
+cell being withdrawn, two men clad in long black gowns, and having hoods
+drawn over their faces, entered it. They were followed by Ipgreve; and
+Viviana, concluding she was about to be led to the torture, endeavoured
+to string herself to its endurance. Though he guessed what was passing
+in her breast, Jasper Ipgreve did not care to undeceive her, but
+motioning the hooded officials to follow him with her, quitted the cell.
+Seizing each a hand, the attendants led her after him along a number of
+intricate passages, until he stopped before the door of a cell, which he
+opened.
+
+"Be brief in what you have to say," he cried, thrusting her forward. "I
+shall not allow you much time."
+
+Viviana no sooner set foot in the cell than she felt in whose presence
+she stood. On a stool at the further end of the narrow chamber, with his
+head upon his breast, and a cloak wrapped around his limbs, sat Fawkes.
+A small iron lamp, suspended by a rusty chain from the ceiling, served
+to illumine his ghastly features. He lifted his eyes from the ground on
+her entrance, and recognising her, uttered a cry of anguish. Raising
+himself by a great effort, he opened his arms, and she rushed into them.
+For some moments, both continued silent. Grief took away their
+utterance; but at length, Guy Fawkes spoke.
+
+"My cup of bitterness was not sufficiently full," he said. "This alone
+was wanting to make it overflow."
+
+"I fear you will blame me," she replied, "when you learn that I have
+voluntarily surrendered myself."
+
+Guy Fawkes uttered a deep groan.
+
+"I am the cause of your doing so," he said.
+
+"You are so," she replied. "But you will forgive me when you know my
+motive. I came here to urge you to repentance. Oh! if you hope that we
+shall meet again hereafter--if you hope that we shall inherit joys which
+will requite us for all our troubles, you will employ the brief time
+left you on earth in imploring forgiveness for your evil intentions."
+
+"Having had no evil intentions," replied Fawkes, coldly, "I have no
+pardon to ask."
+
+"The Tempter who led you into the commission of sin under the semblance
+of righteousness, puts these thoughts into your heart," replied Viviana.
+"You have escaped the commission of an offence which must have deprived
+you of the joys of heaven, and I am thankful for it. But if you remain
+impenitent, I shall tremble for your salvation."
+
+"My account will soon be settled with my Maker," rejoined Fawkes; "and
+he will punish or reward me according to my deserts. I have acted
+according to my conscience, and can never repent that which I believe to
+be a righteous design."
+
+"But do you not now see that you were mistaken," returned Viviana,--"do
+you not perceive that the sword which you raised against others has been
+turned against yourself,--and that the Great Power whom you serve and
+worship has declared himself against you?"
+
+"You seek in vain to move me," replied Fawkes. "I am as insensible to
+your arguments as to the tortures of my enemies."
+
+"Then Heaven have mercy upon your soul!" she rejoined.
+
+"Look at me, Viviana," cried Fawkes, "and behold the wreck I am. What
+has supported me amid my tortures--in this dungeon--in the presence of
+my relentless foes?--what, but the consciousness of having acted
+rightly? And what will support me on the scaffold except the same
+conviction? If you love me, do not seek to shake my faith! But it is
+idle to talk thus. You cannot do so. Rest satisfied we shall meet again.
+Everything assures me of it. Wretched as I appear in this solitary cell,
+I am not wholly miserable, because I am buoyed up by the certainty that
+my actions are approved by Heaven."
+
+"I will not attempt to destroy the delusion, since it is productive of
+happiness to you," replied Viviana. "But if my earnest, heartfelt
+prayers can conduce to your salvation, they shall not be wanting."
+
+As she spoke, the door of the cell was opened by Jasper Ipgreve, who
+stepped towards her, and seized her roughly by the hand.
+
+"Your time has expired, mistress," he said; "you must come with me."
+
+"A minute longer," implored Fawkes.
+
+"Not a second," replied Ipgreve.
+
+"Shall we not meet again?" cried Viviana, distractedly.
+
+"Ay, the day before your execution," rejoined Ipgreve. "I have good news
+for you," he added, pausing for a moment, and addressing Fawkes. "Mr.
+Tresham, who I told you has been brought to the Tower, has been taken
+suddenly and dangerously ill."
+
+"If the traitor perishes before me, I shall die content," observed
+Fawkes.
+
+"Then rest assured of it," said Viviana. "The task of vengeance is
+already fulfilled."
+
+She was then forced away by Ipgreve, and delivered by him to the hooded
+officials outside, who hurried her back to her dungeon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE TRAITOR BETRAYED.
+
+
+Lord Mounteagle arrived at the Tower shortly after Viviana, and
+repairing at once to the lieutenant's lodgings, had a brief conference
+with him, and informed him that he had a secret order to deliver to
+Jasper Ipgreve, from the Earl of Salisbury, touching the conspirators.
+Sir William Waad would have summoned the jailer; but Mounteagle
+preferred visiting him at the Well Tower, and accordingly proceeded
+thither.
+
+He found Ipgreve with his wife and daughter, and telling him he desired
+a moment's private speech with him, the jailer dismissed them.
+Suspecting that the new-comer's errand related in some way to Viviana,
+Ruth contrived to place herself in such a situation that she could
+overhear what passed. A moment's scrutiny of Jasper's villanous
+countenance satisfied Mounteagle that the Earl of Salisbury was not
+mistaken in his man; and, as soon as he supposed they were alone, he
+unhesitatingly opened his plan to him. As he expected, Jasper exhibited
+no reluctance to undertake it; and, after some further discussion, it
+was agreed to put it in execution without delay.
+
+"The sooner Mr. Tresham is silenced the better," said Jasper; "for he
+threatens to make disclosures to the Council that will bring some noble
+persons," with a significant look at Mounteagle, "into trouble."
+
+"Where is he confined?" demanded the other.
+
+"In the Beauchamp Tower," replied Ipgreve.
+
+"I will visit him at once," said Mounteagle; "and when I have conferred
+with him, will call for wine. Bring two goblets, and in that which you
+give to Tresham place this powder."
+
+Ipgreve nodded assent, and with a grim smile took the packet. Shortly
+after this, they quitted the Well Tower together, and passing under the
+archway of the Bloody Tower, crossed the green, and entered the
+fortification in which the traitor was confined. Tresham was treated
+with far greater consideration than the other conspirators, being
+allowed the use of the large room on the upper floor of the Beauchamp
+Tower, which was seldom allotted to any persons except those of the
+highest distinction. When they entered, he was pacing to and fro within
+his chamber in great agitation; but he immediately stopped on seeing
+Mounteagle, and rushed towards him.
+
+"You bring me my liberation?" he said.
+
+"It is impossible to effect it at present," returned the other. "But
+make yourself perfectly easy. Your confinement will not be of long
+duration."
+
+"I will not be trifled with," cried Tresham, furiously. "If I am
+examined by the Council, look to yourselves. As I hope for salvation,
+the truth shall out."
+
+"Leave us," said Mounteagle, with a significant look at the jailer, who
+quitted the chamber.
+
+"Hark'e, Mounteagle," said Tresham, as soon as they were alone, "I have
+been your tool thus far. But if you propose to lead me blindfold to the
+scaffold, you are greatly mistaken. You think that you have me safe
+within these walls; that my voice cannot be heard; and that I cannot
+betray you. But you are deceived--fearfully deceived, as you will find.
+I have your letters--the Earl of Salisbury's letters, proving that you
+were both aware of the plot--and that you employed me to watch its
+progress, and report it to you. I have also letters from Doctor Dee, the
+warden of Manchester, detailing his acquaintance with the conspiracy,
+and containing descriptions of the persons of Fawkes and Catesby, which
+I showed to the Earl of Salisbury.--These letters are now in my
+possession, and I will deliver them to the Council, if I am not
+released."
+
+"Deliver them to me, and I swear to you, you shall be set free," said
+Mounteagle.
+
+"I will not trust you," rejoined Tresham. "Liberate me, and they are
+yours. But I will not rob myself of vengeance. I will confound you and
+the false Earl of Salisbury."
+
+"You wrong us both by your unjust suspicions," said Mounteagle.
+
+"Wrong you!" echoed Tresham, contemptuously. "Where is my promised
+reward? Why am I in this dungeon? Why am I treated like a traitor? If
+you meant me fairly, I should not be here, but like yourself at liberty,
+and in the enjoyment of the King's favour. But you have duped me,
+villain, and shall rue it. If I am led to the scaffold, it shall be in
+your company."
+
+"Compose yourself," rejoined Mounteagle, calmly. "Appearances, I own,
+are against us. But circumstances render it imperatively necessary that
+the Earl of Salisbury should appear to act against you. You have been
+charged by Guy Fawkes, when under the torture, of being a confederate in
+the design, and your arrest could not be avoided. I am come hither to
+give you a solemn assurance that no harm shall befal you, but that you
+shall be delivered from your thraldom in a few days--perhaps in a few
+hours."
+
+"You have no further design against me," said Tresham, suspiciously.
+
+"What motive could I have in coming hither, except to set your mind at
+rest?" rejoined Mounteagle.
+
+"And I shall receive my reward?" demanded Tresham.
+
+"You will receive your reward," returned Mounteagle, with significant
+emphasis. "I swear it. So make yourself easy."
+
+"If I thought I might trust you, I should not heed my imprisonment,
+irksome though it be," rejoined Tresham.
+
+"It cannot be avoided, for the reasons I have just stated," replied
+Mounteagle. "But come, no more despondency. All will be well with you
+speedily. Let us drown care in a bumper. What ho! jailer," he added,
+opening the door, "a cup of wine!"
+
+In a few minutes, Ipgreve made his appearance, bearing two goblets
+filled with wine on a salver, one of which he presented to Mounteagle,
+and the other to Tresham.
+
+"Here is to your speedy deliverance from captivity!" said Mounteagle,
+draining the goblet. "You will not refuse that pledge, Tresham?"
+
+"Of a surety not," replied the other. "To my speedy deliverance!"
+
+And he emptied the cup, while Mounteagle and the jailer exchanged
+significant glances.
+
+"And now, having fully discharged my errand, I must bid you farewell,"
+said Mounteagle.
+
+"You will not forget your promise?" observed Tresham.
+
+"Assuredly not," replied the other. "A week hence, and you will make no
+complaint against me.--Are you sure you did not give me the wrong
+goblet?" he added to Ipgreve, as they descended the spiral staircase.
+
+"Quite sure, my lord," returned the jailer, with a grim smile.
+
+Mounteagle immediately quitted the Tower, and hastening to Whitehall,
+sought out the Earl of Salisbury, to whom he related what he had done.
+The Earl complimented him on his skilful management of the matter; and
+congratulating each other upon having got rid of a dangerous and now
+useless instrument, they separated.
+
+On the following day, Tresham was seized with a sudden illness, and
+making known his symptoms to Ipgreve, the chirurgeon who attended the
+prison was sent for, and on seeing him, pronounced him dangerously ill,
+though he was at a loss to explain the nature of his disorder. Every
+hour the sick man grew worse, and he was torn with racking pains.
+Connecting his sudden seizure with the visit of Lord Mounteagle, an idea
+of the truth flashed upon him, and he mentioned his suspicions to the
+chirurgeon, charging Jasper Ipgreve with being accessory to the deed.
+The jailer stoutly denied the accusation, and charged the prisoner in
+his turn with making a malicious statement to bring him into discredit.
+
+"I will soon test the truth of his assertion," observed the chirurgeon,
+taking a small flat piece of the purest gold from his doublet. "Place
+this in your mouth."
+
+Tresham obeyed, and Ipgreve watched the experiment with gloomy
+curiosity.
+
+"You are a dead man," said the chirurgeon to Tresham, as he drew forth
+the piece of gold, and perceived that it was slightly tarnished. "Poison
+_has_ been administered to you."
+
+"Is there no remedy--no counter-poison?" demanded Tresham, eagerly.
+
+The chirurgeon shook his head.
+
+"Then let the lieutenant be summoned," said Tresham; "I have an
+important confession to make to him. I charge this man," pointing to the
+jailer, "with giving poisoned wine to me. Do you hear what I say to
+you?"
+
+"I do," replied the chirurgeon.
+
+"But he will never reveal it," said Ipgreve, with great unconcern. "I
+have a warrant from the Earl of Salisbury for what I have done."
+
+"What!" cried Tresham, "can murder be committed here with impunity?"
+
+"You have to thank your own indiscretion for what has happened,"
+rejoined Ipgreve. "Had you kept a close tongue in your head, you would
+have been safe."
+
+"Can nothing be done to save me?" cried the miserable man, with an
+imploring look at the chirurgeon.
+
+"Nothing whatever," replied the person appealed to. "I would advise you
+to recommend your soul to God."
+
+"Will you not inform the lieutenant that I desire to speak with him?"
+demanded Tresham.
+
+The chirurgeon glanced at Ipgreve, and receiving a sign from him, gave a
+promise to that effect.
+
+They then quitted the cell together, leaving Tresham in a state of
+indescribable agony both of mind and body. Half an hour afterwards, the
+chirurgeon returned, and informed him that the lieutenant refused to
+visit him, or to hear his confession, and wholly discredited the fact of
+his being poisoned.
+
+"I will take charge of your papers, if you choose to commit them to me,"
+he said, "and will lay them before the Council."
+
+"No," replied Tresham; "while life remains to me I will never part with
+them."
+
+"I have brought you a mixture which, though it cannot heal you, will, at
+least, allay your sufferings," said the chirurgeon.
+
+"I will not take it," groaned Tresham. "I distrust you as much as the
+others."
+
+"I will leave it with you, at all events," rejoined the chirurgeon,
+setting down the phial.
+
+The noise of the bolts shot into their sockets sounded to Tresham as if
+his tomb were closed upon him, and he uttered a cry of anguish. He would
+have laid violent hands upon himself, and accelerated his own end, but
+he wanted courage to do so, and continued to pace backwards and forwards
+across his chamber as long as his strength lasted. He was about to throw
+himself on the couch, from which he never expected to rise again, when
+his eyes fell upon the phial. "What if it should be poison!" he said,
+"it will end my sufferings the sooner."
+
+And placing it to his lips, he swallowed its contents. As the chirurgeon
+had foretold, it alleviated his sufferings, and throwing himself on the
+bed he sank into a troubled slumber, during which he dreamed that
+Catesby appeared to him with a vengeful countenance, and tried to drag
+him into a fathomless abyss that yawned beneath their feet. Shrieking
+with agony, he awoke, and found two persons standing by his couch. One
+of them was the jailer, and the other appeared, from his garb, to be a
+priest; but a hood was drawn over his head so as to conceal his
+features.
+
+"Are you come to witness my dying pangs, or to finish me?" demanded
+Tresham of the jailer.
+
+"I am come for neither purpose," replied Ipgreve; "I pity your
+condition, and have brought you a priest of your own faith, who, like
+yourself, is a prisoner in the Tower. I will leave him with you, but he
+cannot remain long, so make the most of your time." And with these
+words, he retired.
+
+When he was gone, the supposed priest, who spoke in feeble and
+faltering accents, desired to hear Tresham's confession, and having
+listened to it, gave him absolution. The wretched man then drew from his
+bosom a small packet, and offered it to the confessor, who eagerly
+received it.
+
+"This contains the letters of the Earl of Salisbury and Lord Mounteagle,
+which I have just mentioned," he said. "I pray you lay them before the
+Privy Council."
+
+"I will not fail to do so," replied the confessor.
+
+And reciting the prayer for one _in extremis_ over the dying man, he
+departed.
+
+"I have obtained the letters from him," said Mounteagle, throwing back
+his hood as he quitted the chamber, and addressing the jailer. "And now
+you need give yourself no further concern about him, he will be dead
+before morning."
+
+Jasper Ipgreve locked the door upon the prisoner, and proceeded to the
+Well Tower. When he returned, he found Mounteagle's words had come to
+pass. Tresham was lying on the floor quite dead--his collapsed frame and
+distorted countenance showing the agonies in which he must have expired.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE TRIAL.
+
+
+The trial of the conspirators, which had been delayed in order that full
+evidence might be procured against them, was, at length, appointed to
+take place in Westminster Hall, on Monday, the 27th of January, 1606.
+Early on the morning of this day, the eight surviving confederates
+(Garnet and Oldcorne being at this time secreted at Hendlip) were
+conveyed in two large covered wherries from the fortress to the place of
+trial. In spite of the severity of the weather,--it was snowing heavily,
+and the river was covered with sheets of ice,--they were attended by a
+vast number of boats filled with persons anxious to obtain a sight of
+them. Such was the abhorrence in which the actors in the conspiracy were
+held by the populace, that, not content with menaces and execrations,
+many of these persons hurled missiles against the wherries, and would
+have proceeded to further violence if they had not been restrained by
+the pikemen. When the prisoners landed, a tremendous and fearful shout
+was raised by the mob stationed at the head of the stairs, and it
+required the utmost efforts of the guard to protect them from injury.
+Two lines of soldiers, with calivers on their shoulders, were drawn out
+from the banks of the river to the entrance of the Hall, and between
+them the conspirators marched.
+
+The melancholy procession was headed by Sir William Waad, who was
+followed by an officer of the guard and six halberdiers. Then came the
+executioner, carrying the gleaming implement of death with its edge
+turned from the prisoners. He was followed by Sir Everard Digby, whose
+noble figure and handsome countenance excited much sympathy among the
+beholders, and Ambrose Rookwood. Next came the two Winters, both of whom
+appeared greatly dejected. Next, John Grant and Robert Bates,--Catesby's
+servant, who had been captured at Holbeach. And lastly, Keyes and
+Fawkes.
+
+Bitterly and justly incensed as were the multitude against the
+conspirators, their feelings underwent some change as they beheld the
+haggard countenance and shattered frame of Guy Fawkes. It was soon
+understood that he was the individual who had been found in the vault
+near the Parliament House, with the touchwood and matches in his belt
+ready to fire the train; and the greatest curiosity was exhibited to see
+him.
+
+Just as the foremost of the conspirators reached the entrance of the
+Hall, a terrific yell, resembling nothing human, except the roar of a
+thousand tigers thirsting for blood, was uttered by the mob, and a
+tremendous but ineffectual attempt was made to break through the lines
+of the guard. Never before had so large an assemblage been collected on
+the spot. The whole of the space extending on one hand from Westminster
+Hall to the gates of Whitehall, and on the other to the Abbey, was
+filled with spectators; and every roof, window, and buttress was
+occupied. Nor was the interior of the Hall less crowded. Not an inch of
+room was unoccupied; and it was afterwards complained in Parliament,
+that the members of the house had been so pressed and incommoded, that
+they could not hear what was said at the arraignment.
+
+The conspirators were first conveyed to the court of the Star-Chamber,
+where they remained till the Lords Commissioners had arrived, and taken
+their seats. The commissioners were the Earl of Nottingham, Lord High
+Admiral of England; the Earl of Suffolk, Steward of the Household; the
+Earl of Worcester, Master of the Horse; the Earl of Devonshire, Master
+of the Ordnance; the Earl of Northampton, Warden of the Cinque-Ports;
+the Earl of Salisbury, Principal Secretary of State; Sir John Popham,
+Lord Chief Justice; Sir Thomas Fleming, Lord Chief Baron of the
+Exchequer; and Sir Thomas Walmisley and Sir Peter Warburton, Knights,
+and both Justices of the Common Pleas.
+
+Summoned by an usher, the conspirators were conducted to a platform
+covered with black cloth, which had been erected at the lower end of the
+Hall. A murmur of indignation, vainly sought to be repressed by the
+grave looks of the Commissioners, burst from the immense assemblage, as
+they one by one ascended the steps of the platform. Guy Fawkes was the
+last to mount, and his appearance was followed by a deep groan.
+Supporting himself against the rail of the scaffold, he surveyed the
+assemblage with a stern and undaunted look. As he gazed around, he could
+not help marvelling at the vast multitude before him. The whole of the
+peers and all the members of the House of Commons were present, while in
+a box on the left, though screened by a lattice, sat the Queen and
+Prince Henry; and in another on the right, and protected in the same
+way, the King and his courtiers.
+
+Silence being peremptorily commanded, the indictment was read, wherein
+the prisoners were charged with conspiring to blow up the King and the
+peers with gunpowder, and with attempting to incite the Papists, and
+other persons, to open rebellion; to which all the conspirators, to the
+no small surprise of those who heard them, and were aware that they had
+subscribed their confessions, pleaded not guilty.
+
+"How, sir!" cried the Lord Chief Justice, in a stern tone to Fawkes.
+"With what face can you pretend to deny the indictment, when you were
+actually taken in the cellar with the powder, and have already confessed
+your treasonable intentions?"
+
+"I do not mean to deny what I have confessed, my lord," replied Fawkes.
+"But this indictment contains many matters which I neither can nor will
+countenance by assent or silence. And I therefore deny it."
+
+"It is well," replied the Lord Chief Justice. "Let the trial proceed."
+
+The indictment being opened by Sir Edward Philips, sergeant-at-law, he
+was followed by Sir Edward Coke, the attorney-general, who in an
+eloquent and elaborate speech, which produced an extraordinary effect
+upon the assemblage, expatiated upon the monstrous nature of the plot,
+which he characterised as "the greatest treason that ever was plotted in
+England, and against the greatest king that ever reigned in England;"
+and after narrating the origin and progress of the conspiracy, concluded
+by desiring that the confessions of the prisoners should be openly read.
+This done, the jury were ordered by the Lord Chief Justice to retire,
+and the injunction being obeyed, they almost instantly returned with a
+verdict of guilty.
+
+A deep, dread silence then prevailed throughout the Hall, and every eye
+was bent upon the conspirators, all of whom maintained a composed
+demeanour. They were then questioned by the Lord Chief Justice whether
+they had anything to say why judgment of death should not be pronounced
+against them.
+
+"All I have to crave of your lordships," said Thomas Winter, "is, that
+being the chief offender of the two, I may die for my brother and
+myself."
+
+"And I ask only that my brother's request may not be granted," said
+Robert Winter. "If he is condemned, I do not desire to live."
+
+"I have nothing to solicit--not even pardon," said Keyes, carelessly.
+"My fortunes were always desperate, and are better now than they have
+ever been."
+
+"I desire mercy," said Rookwood, "not from any fear of death, but
+because so shameful an ending will leave a perpetual stain upon my name
+and blood. I humbly submit myself to the King, and pray him to imitate
+our Supreme Judge, who sometimes punishes corporally, but not mortally."
+
+"I have been guilty of a conspiracy, intended but never effected," said
+John Grant, "and solicit forgiveness on that plea."
+
+"My crime has been fidelity to my master," said Bates. "If the King will
+let me live, I will serve him as faithfully as I did Mr. Catesby."
+
+"I would not utter a word," said Fawkes, looking sternly round; "if I
+did not fear my silence might be misinterpreted. I would not accept a
+pardon if it were offered me. I regard the project as a glorious one,
+and only lament its failure."
+
+"Silence the vile traitor," said the Earl of Salisbury, rising.
+
+And as he spoke two halberdiers sprang up the steps of the scaffold, and
+placing themselves on either side of Fawkes, prepared to gag him.
+
+"I have done," he said, contemptuously regarding them.
+
+"I have nothing to say save this," said Sir Everard Digby, bowing to the
+judges. "If any of your lordships will tell me you forgive me, I shall
+go more cheerfully to the scaffold."
+
+"Heaven forgive you, Sir Everard," said the Earl of Nottingham,
+returning his reverence, "as we do."
+
+"I humbly thank your lordship," replied Digby.
+
+Sentence was then passed upon the prisoners by Lord Chief Justice
+Popham, and they were removed from the platform.
+
+As they issued from the Hall, and it became known to the assemblage
+without that they were condemned, a shout of fierce exultation rent the
+air, and they were so violently assailed on all sides, that they had
+great difficulty in reaching the wherries. The guard, however,
+succeeded, at length, in accomplishing their embarkation, and they were
+conveyed back in safety to the Tower.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE LAST MEETING OF FAWKES AND VIVIANA.
+
+
+Up to this time, Viviana had not been allowed another interview with Guy
+Fawkes. She was twice interrogated by the Privy-Council, but having
+confessed all she knew of the conspiracy, excepting what might implicate
+Garnet and Oldcorne, neither of whom she was aware had been
+apprehended, she was not again subjected to the torture. Her health,
+however, rapidly sank under her confinement, and she was soon reduced to
+such an extreme state of debility that she could not leave her bed. The
+chirurgeon having been called in by Dame Ipgreve to attend her, reported
+her condition to Sir William Waad, who directed that every means should
+be adopted for her restoration, and that Ruth Ipgreve should remain in
+constant attendance upon her.
+
+Ascertaining all particulars relative to Guy Fawkes from the jailer's
+daughter, it was a sad satisfaction to Viviana to learn that he spent
+his whole time in devotion, and appeared completely resigned to his
+fate. It had been the Earl of Salisbury's purpose to bring Viviana to
+trial at the same time as the rest of the conspirators, but the
+chirurgeon reporting that her removal at this juncture would be attended
+with fatal consequences, he was compelled to defer it.
+
+When the result of the trial was made known to Viviana by Ruth, though
+she had anticipated the condemnation of Guy Fawkes, she swooned away,
+and on her recovery, observed to Ruth, who was greatly alarmed at her
+looks, "I feel I am going fast. I should wish to see my husband once
+more before I die."
+
+"I fear it is impossible, madam," replied Ruth; "but I will try to
+accomplish it."
+
+"Do so," rejoined Viviana; "and my blessing shall rest ever on your
+head."
+
+"Have you any valuable?" inquired Ruth. "My heart bleeds to make the
+demand at such a moment. But it is the only way to produce an effect on
+the avaricious nature of my father."
+
+"I have nothing but this golden crucifix," said Viviana; "and I meant to
+give it to you."
+
+"It will be better employed in this way," rejoined Ruth, taking it from
+her.
+
+Quitting the cell, she hurried to the Well Tower, and found her father,
+who had just returned from locking up the conspirators in their
+different dungeons, sitting down to his evening meal.
+
+"What is the matter with the wench?" he cried, staring at her. "You look
+quite distracted. Is Viviana Radcliffe dead?"
+
+"No; but she is dying," replied Ruth.
+
+"If that is the case I must go to her directly," observed Dame Ipgreve.
+"She may have some valuable about her which I must secure."
+
+"You will be disappointed, mother," rejoined Ruth, with a look of
+irrepressible disgust. "She has nothing valuable left but this golden
+crucifix, which she has sent to my father, on condition of his allowing
+Guy Fawkes to see her before she dies."
+
+"Give it me, wench," cried Jasper Ipgreve; "and let her die in peace."
+
+"She will _not_ die in peace unless she sees him," replied Ruth. "Nor
+shall you have it, if you do not comply with her request."
+
+"How!" exclaimed her father, "do you dare----"
+
+"Think not to terrify me, father," interrupted Ruth; "I am resolute in
+this. Hear me," she cried, seizing his arm, and fixing a look upon him
+that seemed to pierce his soul,--"hear me," she said, in a tone so low
+as to be inaudible to her mother; "she _shall_ see him, or I will
+denounce you as the murderer of Tresham. Now will you comply?"
+
+"Give me the cross," said Ipgreve.
+
+"Not till you have earned it," replied his daughter.
+
+"Well, well," he rejoined; "if it must be, it must. But I may get into
+trouble in the matter. I must consult Master Forsett, the gentleman
+jailer, who has the charge of Guy Fawkes, before I dare take him to her
+cell."
+
+"Consult whom you please," rejoined Ruth, impatiently; "but lose no
+time, or you will be too late."
+
+Muttering imprecations on his daughter, Ipgreve left the Well Tower, and
+Ruth hurried back to Viviana, whom she found anxiously expecting her,
+and related to her what she had done.
+
+"Oh, that I may hold out till he comes!" cried Viviana; "but my strength
+is failing fast."
+
+Ruth endeavoured to comfort her; but she was unequal to the effort, and
+bursting into tears, knelt down, and wept upon the pillow beside her.
+Half an hour had now elapsed. It seemed an age to the poor sufferers,
+and still the jailer came not, and even Ruth had given up all hope, when
+a heavy tread was heard in the passage; the door was opened; and Guy
+Fawkes appeared, attended by Ipgreve and Forsett.
+
+"We will not interrupt your parting," said Forsett, who seemed to have a
+touch of humanity in his composition. And beckoning to Ruth to follow
+him, he quitted the cell with Ipgreve.
+
+Guy Fawkes, meanwhile, had approached the couch, and gazed with an
+expression of intense anguish at Viviana. She returned his glance with a
+look of the utmost affection, and clasped his hand between her thin
+fingers.
+
+"I am now standing on the brink of eternity," she said in a solemn tone,
+"and I entreat you earnestly, as you hope to insure our meeting
+hereafter, to employ the few days left you in sincere and hearty
+repentance. You have sinned--sinned deeply, but not beyond the power of
+redemption. Let me feel that I have saved you, and my last moments will
+be happy. Oh! by the love I have borne you--by the pangs I have endured
+for you--by the death I am now dying for you--let me implore you not to
+lose one moment, but to supplicate a merciful Providence to pardon your
+offence."
+
+[Illustration: _Death of Viviana_]
+
+"I will--I will," rejoined Fawkes, in broken accents. "You have opened
+my eyes to my error, and I sincerely repent it."
+
+"Saved! saved!" cried Viviana, raising herself in the bed. Opening her
+arms, she strained him to her bosom; and for a few moments they mingled
+their tears together.
+
+"And now," she said, sinking backwards, "kneel by me--pray for
+forgiveness--pray audibly, and I will join in your prayer."
+
+Guy Fawkes knelt by the bedside, and addressed the most earnest
+supplications to Heaven for forgiveness. For a while he heard Viviana's
+gentle accents accompany him. They grew fainter and fainter, until at
+last they totally ceased. Filled with a dreadful apprehension, he sprang
+to his feet. An angelic smile illumined her countenance; her gaze was
+fixed on him for one moment--it then grew dim and dimmer, until it was
+extinguished.
+
+Guy Fawkes uttered a cry of the wildest despair, and fell to the ground.
+Alarmed by the sound, Forsett and Ipgreve, who were standing outside,
+rushed into the cell, and instantly raised him. But he was now in a
+state of distraction, and for the moment seemed endowed with all his
+former strength. Striving to break from them, he cried, in a tone of the
+most piercing anguish, "You shall not tear me from her! I will die with
+her! Let me go, I say, or I will dash out my brains against these flinty
+walls, and balk you of your prey."
+
+But his struggles were in vain. They held him fast, and calling for
+further assistance, conveyed him to his cell, where, fearing he might do
+some violence to himself, they placed him in irons.
+
+Ruth entered the cell as soon as Fawkes and the others had quitted it,
+and performed the last sad offices for the departed. Alternately praying
+and weeping, she watched by the body during the whole of the night. On
+the following day, the remains of the unfortunate Viviana were interred
+in the chapel of Saint Peter on the Green, and the sole mourner was the
+jailer's daughter.
+
+"Peace be with her!" cried Ruth, as she turned away from the grave. "Her
+sorrows at last are over."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+SAINT PAUL'S CHURCHYARD.
+
+
+Guy Fawkes was for some time wholly inconsolable. His stoical nature
+seemed completely subdued, and he wept like an infant. By degrees,
+however, the violence of his grief abated, and calling to mind the last
+injunctions of her whose loss he mourned, he addressed himself to
+prayer, and acknowledging his guilt, besought her intercession with
+Heaven for his forgiveness.
+
+It will not seem strange, when his superstitious character is taken into
+consideration, that he should fancy he received an immediate proof that
+his prayers were heard. To his excited imagination it appeared that a
+soft unearthly strain of music floated in the air over his head; that an
+odour like that of Paradise filled his cell; while an invisible finger
+touched his brow. While in this entranced state, he was utterly
+insensible to his present miserable situation, and he seemed to have a
+foretaste of celestial happiness. He did not, however, desist from
+prayer, but continued his supplications throughout the day.
+
+On that night, he was visited by the lieutenant, who announced to him
+that the execution of four of the conspirators was fixed for Thursday
+(it was then Tuesday), while his own and that of the three others would
+not take place till the following day.
+
+"As you are the greatest traitor of all, your execution will be reserved
+to the last," pursued Waad. "No part of the sentence will be omitted.
+You will be dragged to Old Palace Yard, over against the scene of your
+intended bloody and damnable action, at a horse's tail, and will be
+there turned off the gallows, and hanged, _but not till you are dead_.
+You will then be embowelled; your vile heart, which conceived this
+atrocious design, will be torn beating from your breast; and your
+quarters will be placed on the palace gates as an abhorrent spectacle in
+the eyes of men, and a terrible proof of the King's just vengeance."
+
+Guy Fawkes heard the recapitulation of his dreadful sentence unmoved.
+
+"The sole mercy I would have craved of his Majesty would have been
+permission to die first!" he said. "But Heaven's will be done! I deserve
+my doom."
+
+"What! is your stubborn nature at length subdued?" cried the lieutenant
+in surprise. "Do you repent of your offence?"
+
+"Deeply and heartily," returned Fawkes.
+
+"Make the sole amends in your power for it, then, and disclose the names
+of all who have been connected with the atrocious design," rejoined
+Waad.
+
+"I confess myself guilty," replied Fawkes, humbly. "But I accuse no
+others."
+
+"Then you die impenitent," rejoined the lieutenant, "and cannot hope for
+mercy hereafter."
+
+Guy Fawkes made no answer, but bowed his head upon his breast, and the
+lieutenant, darting a malignant look at him, quitted the cell.
+
+On the following day, the whole of the conspirators were taken to St.
+John's chapel, in the White Tower, where a discourse was pronounced to
+them by Doctor Overall, Dean of St. Paul's, who enlarged upon the
+enormity of their offence, and exhorted them to repentance. The
+discourse over, they were about to be removed, when two ladies, clad in
+mourning habits, entered the chapel. These were Lady Digby and Mrs.
+Rookwood, and they immediately flew to their husbands. The rest of the
+conspirators walked away, and averted their gaze from the painful scene.
+After an ineffectual attempt to speak, Lady Digby swooned away, and was
+committed by her husband, while in a state of insensibility, to the care
+of an attendant. Mrs. Rookwood, however, who was a woman of high spirit,
+and great personal attractions, though the latter were now wasted by
+affliction, maintained her composure, and encouraging her husband to
+bear up manfully against his situation, tenderly embraced him, and
+withdrew. The conspirators were then taken back to their cells.
+
+At an early hour on the following morning the four miserable persons
+intended for death, namely, Sir Everard Digby, the elder Winter, John
+Grant, and Bates, were conducted to the Beauchamp Tower. Bates would
+have stood aloof from his superiors; but Sir Everard Digby took him
+kindly by the hand, and drew him towards them.
+
+"No distinctions must be observed now," he said. "We ought to beg pardon
+of thee, my poor fellow, for bringing thee into this strait."
+
+"Think not of me, worshipful sir," replied Bates. "I loved Mr. Catesby
+so well, that I would have laid down my life for him at any time; and I
+now die cheerfully in his cause."
+
+"Mr. Lieutenant," said Robert Winter to Sir William Waad, who stood near
+them with Forsett and Ipgreve, "I pray you commend me to my brother.
+Tell him I die in entire love of him, and if it is possible for the
+departed to watch over the living, I will be with him at his last hour."
+
+At this moment, a trampling of horses was heard on the green, and the
+lieutenant proceeding to the grated window, saw four mounted troopers,
+each having a sledge and hurdle attached by ropes to his steed, drawn up
+before the door. While he was gazing at them, an officer entered the
+room, and informed him that all was in readiness. Sir William Waad then
+motioned the prisoners to follow him, and they descended the spiral
+staircase.
+
+The green was thronged with horse and foot soldiers, and as the
+conspirators issued from the arched door of the fortification, the bell
+of Saint Peter's chapel began to toll. Sir Everard Digby was first bound
+to a hurdle, with his face towards the horse, and the others were
+quickly secured in the same manner. The melancholy cavalcade was then
+put in motion. A troop of horse-soldiers in their full accoutrements,
+and with calivers upon their shoulders, rode first; then came a band of
+halberdiers on foot; then the masked executioner mounted on a led horse,
+then the four prisoners on the hurdles, one after the other; then the
+lieutenant on horseback; while another band of horse-soldiers, equipped
+like the first, brought up the rear. They were met by the Recorder of
+London, Sir Henry Montague, and the sheriffs, at the gate of the Middle
+Tower, to the latter of whom the lieutenant, according to custom,
+delivered up the bodies of the prisoners. After a short delay, the train
+again set forward, and emerging from the Bulwark Gate, proceeded through
+an enormous concourse of spectators towards Tower-street.
+
+Aware that a vast crowd would be assembled in the city, and apprehensive
+of some popular tumult, the Lord Mayor had issued precepts to the
+aldermen of every ward, commanding them "to cause one able and
+sufficient person, with a halbert in his hand, to stand at the door of
+every dwelling-house in the open street in the way that the traitors
+were to be drawn towards the place of execution, there to remain from
+seven in the morning until the return of the sheriffs." But these were
+not the whole of the arrangements made to preserve order. The cavalcade,
+it was fixed, was to proceed along Tower-street, Gracechurch street,
+Lombard-street, Cheapside, and so on to the west end of Saint Paul's
+cathedral, where the scaffold was erected. Along the whole road, on
+either side, a line of halberdiers was drawn up, while barriers were
+erected against the cross streets. Nor were these precautions needless.
+Such a vast concourse was collected, that nothing but the presence of a
+strong armed force could have prevented confusion and disorder. The
+roofs of all the houses, the towers of the churches, the steps of the
+crosses were covered with spectators, who groaned and hooted as the
+conspirators passed by.
+
+The scaffold, as has just been stated, was erected in front of the great
+western entrance of the cathedral. The mighty valves of the sacred
+structure were thrown open, and disclosed its columned aisles crowded
+with spectators, as was its roof and central tower. The great bell,
+which had begun to toll when the melancholy procession came in sight,
+continued to pour forth its lugubrious sounds during the whole of the
+ceremonial. The rolling of muffled drums was likewise heard above the
+tumultuous murmurs of the impatient multitude. The whole area from the
+cathedral to Ludgate-hill was filled with spectators, but an open space
+was kept clear in front of the scaffold, in which the prisoners were one
+by one unbound from the hurdles.
+
+During this awful pause, they had sufficient time to note the whole of
+the dreadful preparations. At a little distance from them was a large
+fire, on which boiled a caldron of pitch, destined to receive their
+dismembered limbs. A tall gallows, approached by a double ladder, sprung
+from the scaffold, on which the hangman was already mounted with the
+rope in his hand. At the foot of the ladder was the quartering-block,
+near which stood the masked executioner with a chopper in his hand, and
+two large sharp knives in his girdle. His arms were bared to the
+shoulder; and a leathern apron, soiled by gory stains, and tied round
+his waist, completed his butcherly appearance. Straw was scattered upon
+the scaffold near the block.
+
+Sir Everard Digby was the first to receive the fatal summons. He mounted
+with a firm footstep, and his youth, his noble aspect, and undaunted
+demeanour, awakened, as before, the sympathy of the beholders. Looking
+round, he thus addressed the assemblage:--
+
+"Good people, I am here about to die, ye well know for what cause.
+Throughout the matter, I have acted according to the dictates of my
+conscience. They have led me to undertake this enterprise, which, in
+respect of my religion, I hold to be no offence, but in respect of the
+law a heinous offence, and I therefore ask forgiveness of God, of the
+King, and of the whole realm."
+
+Crossing himself devoutly, he then knelt down, and recited his prayers
+in Latin, after which he arose, and again looking round, said in an
+earnest voice,
+
+"I desire the prayers of all good Catholics, and of none other."
+
+"Then none will pray for you," replied several voices from the crowd.
+
+Heedless of the retort, Sir Everard surrendered himself to the
+executioner's assistant, who divested him of his cloak and doublet, and
+unfastened his collar. In this state, he mounted the ladder, and the
+hangman fulfilled his office.
+
+Robert Winter was next summoned, and ascended the scaffold with great
+firmness. Everything proclaimed the terrible tragedy that had just been
+enacted. The straw was sprinkled with blood, so was the block, so were
+the long knives of the executioner, whose hands and arms were dyed with
+the same crimson stain; while in one corner of the scaffold stood a
+basket, containing the dismembered limbs of the late unfortunate
+sufferer. But these dreadful sights produced no effect on Robert Winter.
+Declining to address the assemblage, he at once surrendered himself to
+the assistant, and shared the fate of his friend.
+
+Grant was the next to follow. Undismayed as his predecessor, he looked
+round with a cheerful countenance, and said,--
+
+"I am about to suffer the death of a traitor, and am content to die so.
+But I am satisfied that our project was so far from being sinful, that I
+rely entirely on my merits in bearing a part in it, as an abundant
+satisfaction and expiation for all the sins I have at other times of my
+life committed."
+
+This speech was received by a terrific yell from the multitude. Wholly
+unmoved, however, Grant uttered a few prayers, and then crossing
+himself, mounted the ladder and was quickly despatched. The bloody
+business was completed by the slaughter of Bates, who died as resolutely
+as the others.
+
+These executions, being conducted with the utmost deliberation, occupied
+nearly an hour. The crowd then separated to talk over the sight they had
+witnessed, and to keep holiday during the remainder of the day;
+rejoicing that an equally-exciting spectacle was in store for them on
+the morrow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+OLD PALACE YARD.
+
+
+Guy Fawkes's tranquillity of mind did not desert him to the last. On the
+contrary, as his term of life drew near its close, he became more
+cheerful and resigned; his sole anxiety being that all should be
+speedily terminated. When Ipgreve took leave of him for the night, he
+threw himself on his couch and soon fell into a gentle slumber. His
+dreams were soothing, and he fancied that Viviana appeared to him clad
+in robes of snowy whiteness, and regarding him with a smiling
+countenance, promised that the gates of eternal happiness would be
+opened to him on the morrow.
+
+Awaking about four o'clock, he passed the interval between that time and
+his summons by the jailer in earnest prayer. At six o'clock, Ipgreve
+made his appearance. He was accompanied by his daughter, who had
+prevailed on him to allow her to take leave of the prisoner. She
+acquainted Fawkes with all particulars of the interment of Viviana, to
+which he listened with tearful interest.
+
+"Would my remains might be laid beside her!" he said. "But fate forbids
+it!"
+
+"Truly, does it," observed Ipgreve, gruffly; "unless you would have her
+body removed to the spikes of Whitehall gates."
+
+Disregarding this brutal speech, which called a blush of shame to the
+cheeks of Ruth, Fawkes affectionately pressed her hand, and said,
+
+"Do not forget me in your prayers, and sometimes visit the grave of
+Viviana."
+
+"Doubt it not," she replied, in accents half suffocated by grief.
+
+Fawkes then bade her farewell, and followed the jailer through various
+intricate passages, which brought them to a door opening upon one of the
+lower chambers of the Beauchamp Tower. Unlocking it, Ipgreve led the
+way up the circular staircase, and ushered his companion into the large
+chamber where Rookwood, Keyes, and Thomas Winter were already assembled.
+
+The morning was clear, but frosty, and bitterly cold; and when the
+lieutenant appeared, Rookwood besought him to allow them a fire as their
+last earthly indulgence. The request was peremptorily refused. A cup of
+hot spiced wine was, however, offered them, and accepted by all except
+Fawkes.
+
+At the same hour as on the previous day, the hurdles were brought to the
+entrance of the fortification, and the prisoners bound to them. The
+recorder and sheriffs met them at the Middle Tower, as they had done the
+other conspirators, and the cavalcade set forth. The crowd was even
+greater than on the former occasion; and it required the utmost exertion
+on the part of the guard to maintain order. Some little delay occurred
+at Ludgate; and during this brief halt, Rookwood heard a cry, and
+looking up, perceived his wife at the upper window of one of the
+habitations, waving her handkerchief to him, and cheering him by her
+gestures. He endeavoured to answer her by signs; but his hands were fast
+bound, and the next moment, the cavalcade moved on.
+
+At Temple Bar another halt occurred; and as the train moved slowly
+forward, an immense crowd, like a swollen stream, swept after it. The
+two gates at Whitehall, then barring the road to Westminster, were
+opened as the train approached, and a certain portion of the concourse
+allowed to pass through. The scaffold, which had been removed from Saint
+Paul's, was erected in the middle of Old Palace Yard, in front of the
+House of Lords. Around it were circled a band of halberdiers, outside
+whom stood a dense throng. The buttresses and pinnacles of the Abbey
+were covered with spectators; so was the roof of the Parliament House,
+and the gallery over the entrance.
+
+The bell of the Abbey began to toll as the train passed through the
+gates of Whitehall, and its deep booming filled the air. Just as the
+conspirators were released from the hurdles, Topcliffe, who had
+evidently from his disordered attire arrived from a long journey, rode
+up, and dismounted.
+
+"I am just in time," he cried, with an exulting glance at the
+conspirators; "this is not the last execution I shall witness. Fathers
+Garnet and Oldcorne are prisoners, and on their way to London. I was a
+long time in unearthing the priestly foxes, but I succeeded at last."
+
+At this moment an officer approached, and summoned Thomas Winter to
+mount the scaffold. He obeyed, and exhibited no symptom of quailing,
+except that his complexion suddenly turned to a livid colour. Being told
+of this by the lieutenant, he tried to account for it by saying that he
+thought he saw his brother precede him up the steps. He made a brief
+address, protesting he died a true Catholic, and in that faith,
+notwithstanding his offences, hoped to be saved.
+
+Rookwood followed him, and indulged in a somewhat longer oration. "I
+confess my offence to God," he said, "in seeking to shed blood, and
+implore his mercy. I likewise confess my offence to the King, of whose
+majesty I humbly ask forgiveness; and I further confess my offence to
+the whole state, of whom in general I entreat pardon. May the Almighty
+bless the King, the Queen, and all their royal progeny, and grant them a
+long and happy reign! May He turn their hearts to the Catholic faith, so
+that heresy may be wholly extirpated from the kingdom!"
+
+The first part of this speech was well received by the assemblage, but
+the latter was drowned in groans and hootings, amid which Rookwood was
+launched into eternity.
+
+Keyes came next, and eyeing the assemblage disdainfully, went up the
+ladder, and threw himself off with such force that he broke the rope,
+and was instantly despatched by the executioner and his assistants.
+
+Guy Fawkes now alone remained, and he slowly mounted the scaffold. His
+foot slipped on the blood-stained boards, and he would have fallen, if
+Topcliffe, who stood near him, had not caught his hand. A deep silence
+prevailed as he looked around, and uttered the following words in a
+clear and distinct voice:--
+
+"I ask forgiveness of the King and the state for my criminal intention,
+and trust that my death will wash out my offence."
+
+He then crossed himself and knelt down to pray, after which his cloak
+and doublet were removed by the executioner's assistant and placed with
+those of the other conspirators. He made an effort to mount the ladder,
+but his stiffened limbs refused their office.
+
+"Your courage fails you," sneered Topcliffe, laying his hand upon his
+shoulder.
+
+"My strength does," replied Fawkes, sternly regarding him. "Help me up
+the ladder, and you shall see whether I am afraid to die."
+
+Seeing how matters stood, the executioner who stood by, leaning upon his
+chopper, tendered him his blood-stained hand. But Fawkes rejected it
+with disgust, and exerting all his strength, forced himself up the
+ladder.
+
+As the hangman adjusted the rope, he observed a singular smile illumine
+the features of his victim.
+
+"You seem happy," he said.
+
+"I _am_ so," replied Fawkes, earnestly,--"I see the form of her I loved
+beckoning me to unfading happiness."
+
+With this, he stretched out his arms and sprang from the ladder. Before
+his frame was exposed to the executioner's knife, life was totally
+extinct.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE LAST EXECUTION.
+
+
+Little more remains to be told, and that little is of an equally painful
+nature with the tragical events just related.
+
+Fathers Garnet and Oldcorne, together with Mr. Abingdon and their
+servants, arrived in London on the 12th of February, about a fortnight
+after the execution of the other conspirators. They were first taken to
+the Gate-house at Westminster, and were examined on the following day by
+the Earl of Salisbury and the Privy-Council at the Star-Chamber. Nothing
+could be elicited from them, and Garnet answered the Earl's
+interrogatories with infinite subtlety and address. The examination
+over, they were ordered to be removed to the Tower.
+
+Topcliffe accompanied them to the stairs. As they proceeded thither, he
+called Garnet's attention to a ghastly object stuck on a spike over the
+palace gates.
+
+"Do you recognise those features?" he asked.
+
+"No," replied Garnet, shudderingly averting his gaze.
+
+"I am surprised to hear it," rejoined Topcliffe, "for they were once
+well known to you. It is the head of Guy Fawkes. Of all the
+conspirators," he added, with a bitter laugh, "he was the only one who
+died truly penitent. It is reported that this happy change was wrought
+in him by Viviana Radcliffe."
+
+"Heaven have mercy upon his soul!" muttered Garnet.
+
+"I will tell you a strange tale about Catesby," pursued Topcliffe. "He
+was buried in the garden at Holbeach with Percy, but an order was sent
+down by the Earl of Salisbury to have their bodies disinterred and
+quartered. When Catesby's head was severed from the trunk, to be set on
+the gates of Warwick, fresh blood spouted forth, as if life were in the
+veins."
+
+"You do not expect me to believe this idle story?" said Garnet,
+incredulously.
+
+"Believe it or not, as you please," returned Topcliffe, angrily.
+
+On arriving at the fortress, Garnet was lodged in the large chamber of
+the Beauchamp Tower, and allowed the attendance of his servant, Nicholas
+Owen, while Oldcorne was equally well accommodated in the Constable
+Tower. This leniency was the result of the policy of the Earl of
+Salisbury, who hoped to obtain disclosures from the two Jesuit priests
+which would enable him to strike the decisive blow he meditated against
+the Papists. But he was unsuccessful. They refused to make any
+confessions which would criminate themselves, or implicate others; and
+as none of the conspirators, not even Tresham, had admitted their
+connexion with the plot, it was difficult to find proof against them.
+Garnet underwent daily examinations from the Earl of Salisbury and the
+commissioners, but he baffled all their inquiries.
+
+"If we cannot wring the truth from you by fair means, Mr. Garnet," said
+Salisbury, "we must have recourse to torture."
+
+"_Minare ista pueris_," replied Garnet, contemptuously.
+
+"Leave these two priests to me, my lord," observed Sir William Waad, who
+was present at the examination, which took place at the council-chamber
+in his lodgings,--"leave them to me," he said in a low voice to the
+Earl, "and I will engage to procure a full confession from their own
+lips, without resorting to torture."
+
+"You will render the state an important service by doing so," replied
+Salisbury, in the same tone. "I place the matter entirely in your
+hands."
+
+The lieutenant set to work without loss of time. By his directions,
+Garnet and Oldcorne were removed from their present places of
+confinement to two subterranean cells immediately adjoining each other,
+but between which a secret recess, contrived in the thickness of the
+wall, and built for the purpose it was subsequently put to, existed. Two
+days after they had been so immured, Ipgreve, who had received his
+instructions, loitered for a moment in Oldcorne's cell, and with
+affected hesitation informed him that for a trifling reward he would
+enable him to hold unreserved communication with his fellow-prisoner.
+
+Oldcorne eagerly caught at the bait, but required to be satisfied that
+the jailer could make good his words. Ipgreve immediately proceeded to
+the side of the cell, and holding a lamp to the wall, showed him a small
+iron knob.
+
+"Touch this spring," he said, "and a stone will fall from its place, and
+enable you to converse with Father Garnet, who is in the next cell. But
+you must take care to replace the stone when any one approaches."
+
+Promising to observe the utmost caution, and totally unsuspicious of the
+deceit practised upon him, Oldcorne gave Ipgreve the reward, and as soon
+as he was gone, touched the spring, and found it act precisely as the
+jailer had stated.
+
+Garnet was greatly surprised to hear the other's voice, and on learning
+how the communication was managed was at first suspicious of some
+stratagem, but by degrees his fears wore off, and he became unreserved
+in his discourse with his companion, discussing the fate of the
+conspirators, their own share in the plot, the probability of their
+acquittal, and the best means of baffling their examiners. All these
+interlocutions were overheard and taken down by the lieutenant and two
+other witnesses, Forsett and Lockerson, private secretary to the Earl of
+Salisbury, who were concealed in the recess. Having obtained all the
+information he desired, Sir William Waad laid his notes before the
+Council, and their own confessions being read to the priests, they were
+both greatly confused, though neither would admit their authenticity.
+
+Meanwhile, their two servants, Owen and Chambers, had been repeatedly
+examined, and refusing to confess, were at last suspended from a beam by
+the thumbs. But this producing no result, they were told that on the
+following day they would be placed on the rack. Chambers then offered to
+make a full confession, but Owen, continuing obstinate, was conveyed
+back to his cell. Ipgreve brought him his food as usual in the evening,
+and on this occasion, it consisted of broth, and a small allowance of
+meat. It was the custom of the jailer to bring with him a small
+blunt-pointed knife, with which he allowed the prisoner to cut his
+victuals. Having got possession of the knife, Owen tasted the broth, and
+complaining that it was quite cold, he implored the jailer to get it
+warmed for him, as he felt extremely unwell. Somewhat moved by his
+entreaties, and more by his appearance, Ipgreve complied. On his return,
+he found the unfortunate man lying in one corner of the cell, partially
+covered by a heap of straw which ordinarily formed his bed.
+
+"Here is your broth," he said. "Take it while it is hot. I shall give
+myself no further trouble about you."
+
+"It will not be needed," gasped Owen.
+
+Alarmed by the sound of his voice, Ipgreve held the light towards him,
+and perceived that his face was pale as death. At the same time, he
+remarked that the floor was covered with blood. Instantly divining the
+truth, the jailer rushed towards the wretched man, and dragging away the
+blood-stained straw, found he had inflicted a frightful wound upon
+himself with the knife which he still held in his grasp.
+
+"Fool that I was, to trust you with the weapon!" cried Ipgreve. "But who
+would have thought it could inflict a mortal wound?"
+
+"Any weapon will serve him who is resolved to die," rejoined Owen. "You
+cannot put me on the rack now." And with a ghastly expression of
+triumph, he expired.
+
+Soon after this, Oldcorne and Abingdon were sent down to Worcester,
+where the former was tried and executed. Stephen Littleton suffered
+death at the same time.
+
+On Friday, the 23rd of March, full proofs being obtained against him,
+Garnet was arraigned of high treason at Guildhall. The trial, which
+excited extraordinary interest, was attended by the King, by the most
+distinguished personages, male and female, of his court, and by all the
+foreign ambassadors. Garnet conducted himself throughout his
+arraignment, which lasted for thirteen hours, with the same courage and
+address which he had displayed on his examinations before the
+commissioners. But his subtlety availed him little. He was found guilty
+and condemned.
+
+The execution of the sentence was for some time deferred, it being hoped
+that a complete admission of his guilt would be obtained from him,
+together with disclosures relative to the designs of the Jesuit party.
+With this view, the examinations were still continued, but the rigour
+with which he had been latterly treated was relaxed. A few days before
+his execution, he was visited by several eminent Protestant
+Divines,--Doctor Montague, Dean of the Chapel Royal; Doctor Neile, Dean
+of Westminster; and Doctor Overall, Dean of Saint Paul's; with whom he
+had a long disputation on points of faith and other spiritual matters.
+
+At the close of this discussion, Doctor Overall remarked, "I suppose you
+expect, Mr. Garnet, that after your death, the Church of Rome will
+declare you a martyr?"
+
+"I a martyr!" exclaimed Garnet, sorrowfully. "O what a martyr I should
+be! If, indeed, I were really about to suffer death for the Catholic
+religion, and had never known of this project, except by means of
+sacramental confession, I might perhaps be accounted worthy the honour
+of martyrdom, and might deservedly be glorified in the opinion of our
+church. As it is, I acknowledge myself to have sinned in this respect,
+and deny not the justice of the sentence passed upon me."
+
+Satisfied, at length, that no further disclosures could be obtained from
+him, the King signed the warrant for his execution on the 2nd of May.
+
+The scaffold was erected at the west end of Saint Paul's Cathedral, on
+the spot where Digby and the other conspirators had suffered. A vast
+assemblage was collected as on the former occasion, and similar
+precautions were taken to prevent tumult and disturbance. The
+unfortunate man's torture was cruelly and unnecessarily prolonged by a
+series of questions proposed to him on the scaffold by Doctor Overall
+and the Dean of Westminster, all of which he answered very collectedly
+and clearly. He maintained his fortitude to the last. When fully
+prepared, he mounted the ladder, and thus addressed the assemblage:--
+
+"I commend myself to all good Catholics. I grieve that I have offended
+the King by not revealing the design entertained against him, and that I
+did not use more diligence in preventing the execution of the plot. I
+commend myself most humbly to the lords of his Majesty's council, and
+entreat them not to judge too hardly by me. I beseech all men that
+Catholics may not fare the worse for my sake, and I exhort all Catholics
+to take care not to mix themselves with seditious or traitorous designs
+against the King's Majesty, whom God preserve!"
+
+Making the sign of the cross upon his forehead and breast, he continued:
+
+"_In nomine Patris, Filii, et Spiritus Sancti! Jesus Maria! Maria, mater
+gratiae! mater misericordiae! Tu me ab hoste protege, et hora mortis
+suscipe! In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum, quia tu
+redimisti me, Domine, Deus veritatis._" Again crossing himself, he
+added,--"_Per crucis hoc signum fugiat procul omne malignum! Infige
+crucem tuam, Domine, in corde meo!_"
+
+And with this last pathetic ejaculation he threw himself from the
+ladder.
+
+Garnet obtained, after death, the distinction he had disclaimed while
+living. He was enrolled, together with Oldcorne, among the list of
+Catholic martyrs. Several miracles are affirmed by the Jesuits to have
+been performed in his behalf. Father More relates that on the lawn at
+Hendlip, where he and Oldcorne last set foot, "a new and hitherto
+unknown species of grass sprang up into the exact shape of an imperial
+crown, and remained for a long time without being trodden down by the
+feet of passengers, or eaten up by the cattle." It was further asserted
+that a spring of oil burst forth at the west end of Saint Paul's
+Cathedral on the precise spot where he suffered. But the most singular
+prodigy is that recounted by Endaemon Joannes, who affirms that in a
+straw which had been sprinkled with Garnet's blood, a human countenance,
+strangely resembling that of the martyr, was discovered. This legend of
+the Miraculous Straw, having received many embellishments and
+improvements as it travelled abroad, obtained universal credence, and
+was conceived to fully establish Garnet's innocence.
+
+Anne Vaux, the Jesuit's devoted friend, retired with her sister, Mrs.
+Brooksby, to a nunnery in Flanders, where she ended her days.
+
+So terminated the memorable and never-to-be-forgotten Gunpowder Treason,
+for deliverance from which our church still offers thanksgivings, and in
+remembrance of which, on the anniversary of its discovery, fagots are
+collected and bonfires lighted to consume the effigy of the
+arch-conspirator, GUY FAWKES.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+Passages in italics are indicated by _underscore_.  Any text appearing
+in smallcaps font were shifted to uppercase.
+
+The following corrections were made to text which did not seem
+to reflect the spelling of the period, but were rather printer's
+errors, or characters that either did not 'ink' properly, or did
+not survive, mostly on either margin.
+
+p. 37  typo: "command" -> "command[ed] him to surrender"
+p. 65  typo: "theref[e]re" -> "theref[o]re"
+p. 72  typo  "Saint Winfred's Well" -> "Saint Winifred's Well"
+p. 86  typo: "singlar" -> "sing[u]lar circumstance occurred"
+p. 138 typo: "delirous" -> "delir[i]ous"
+p. 198 Sir William['s] Waad's  (spurious 's removed)
+p. 244 petrone  -> petrone[l].   (supplied missing 'l')
+p. 277 typo: "yo[n]" -> "yo[u] are yourself again"
+p. 321 "Ann Vaux" -> "Ann[e] Vaux"  (final e missing)
+p. 354 typo: "exetioner" -> "exe[cu]tioner"  (hyphenation error corrected)
+p. 359 "... commendo [s]piritum meum" (missing 's' provided)
+
+The following is a list of punctuation errors, especially unclosed
+quotations, which have been corrected.  The corrections are noted
+with []'s.
+
+p. 13   ["]Yours was a...
+P. 49   ... if he knew who they were[.]
+p. 63   ... than treble our number.["]
+p. 106  ... passage under the house[.]
+p. 118  ... secrecy with your life[.]
+p. 147  ... pointing towards Hampstead[.]
+p. 186  replied Viviana, firmly[;]
+p. 189  ... reverentially upwards[.]
+p. 191  ["]I _do_ remember...
+p. 196  "I admit nothing,["]
+p. 203  muttered the old woman[.]
+p. 208  replied the jailer's daughter[.]
+p. 213  eluding the obligation[.]
+p. 218  procure Viviana's liberation.["]
+p. 222  ... rejoined Guy Fawkes[,]
+p. 234  ... shunning the regards of Catesby[,]
+p. 318  ...ever require from you[.]"
+p. 321  ...the residence of Sir Henry Bromley[.]
+p. 322  But I was wofully deceived[.]"
+p. 327  ["]for Sir Henry had...
+p. 345  said Viviana[;] "and I...
+p. 346  replied Ruth[.] "Nor shall you...
+        ...comply with her request.["]
+p. 347  ... raising herself in the bed[.]
+
+The following words are spelled both with and without hyphens, and have
+been left as printed:
+
+pick-axe(s)/pickaxe(s)
+out-building/outbuilding
+By-ward/Byward
+by-standers/bystanders
+loop-hole/loophole
+re-appeared/reappeared
+up-stairs/upstairs
+fainted-hearted/fainthearted
+foot-path/footpath
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Guy Fawkes, by William Harrison Ainsworth
+
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