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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 19:53:51 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 19:53:51 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/30490-0.txt b/30490-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7447ed0 --- /dev/null +++ b/30490-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7238 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30490 *** + + THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER + + CHARLES S BENTLEY + AND + F KIMBALL SCRIBNER + + + + + The Fifth of November + _A Romance of the Stuarts_ + + By + Charles S. Bentley and + F. Kimball Scribner + + + "No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets, + But as truly loves on to the close + As the sunflower turns on her god, when he sets, + The same look which she turn'd when he rose" + --Thomas Moore. + + + Chicago and New York: + Rand, McNally & Company, + Publishers. + + + Copyright, 1898, by Rand, McNally & Co. + + + + + CONTENTS. + + + CHAPTER. PAGE. + I. WHAT BEFELL AT THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD. 1 + II. IN THE SHADOW OF ST. PAUL. 11 + III. THE HOME-COMING OF GUIDO FAWKES. 21 + IV. THE SUPERIOR OF THE JESUITS. 33 + V. WHY MASTER FAWKES WAS SUMMONED TO ENGLAND. 42 + VI. "THE WISEST FOOL IN CHRISTENDOM." 52 + VII. THE VISCOUNT EFFINGSTON. 61 + VIII. IN THE GARDEN OF THE GENTLEMAN-PENSIONER. 73 + IX. GARNET AND THE KING. 81 + X. THE FORGING OF THE THUNDERBOLT. 89 + XI. THE WAY OF THE WORLD. 97 + XII. WHAT THE MOON SAW. 108 + XIII. AT THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD. 119 + XIV. IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. 130 + XV. "THOU SHALT NOT KILL." 140 + XVI. MONTEAGLE AND SALISBURY. 152 + XVII. SOWING THE WIND. 158 + XVIII. THE CELLAR. 167 + XIX. THE NOTE OF WARNING. 178 + XX. ON THE STROKE OF ELEVEN. 184 + XXI. THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. 192 + XXII. FAWKES BEFORE THE KING. 200 + XXIII. THE BANQUET. 207 + XXIV. "IN THE KING'S NAME." 213 + XXV. REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 222 + + + + +AUTHOR'S NOTE. + + +It has not been the intention of the authors of "The Fifth of +November" to write an historical novel, though, throughout the story, +they have endeavored to follow as closely as was consistent with the +plot in hand, the historical facts collected by the various writers +who have made the nature and workings of the "Gunpowder Plot" a +special study. With one or two exceptions, the characters in the +present romance have been borrowed from history, and, save in Chapters +XXI and XXII, the lines of the story have followed those traced by the +hand of the historian. + +In presenting to the public this "Romance of the Stuarts," +indebtedness is acknowledged by the writers to Professor S. R. +Gardiner's "What the Gunpowder Plot Was," and also to the history +of England as set forth by Knight, Hume, Froude and Ridpath. + + THE AUTHORS. + New York, February, 1898. + + + + +THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +WHAT BEFELL AT "THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD." + + +Snow had fallen through the day, and as night approached all objects +were covered with a mantle of white. The noises incident to the life +of a great city had long since become muffled and indistinct. The +footfalls of those who traversed the streets could no longer be heard; +and the only sounds which now and again broke the silence, were the +voices of my lord's link-men, who, in goodly number, fully armed, +carrying flaming torches whose lurid dancing light shone through the +blinding snow, appeared at a distance to be a party of ancient saints +come forth from their tombs to indulge in a ghostly frolic under cover +of the night. The voices of the men, falling upon the snow-laden air, +sounded dull and echo-less as they heralded the approach of a chair to +some sharp turn or gateway. An armed escort in those days was no mark +of royalty or distinction, for it was not well or safe for men to +travel the streets alone after nightfall, as many a sinister face and +cloaked form lurked hid in the shadow of secluded corners and dark +by-ways, awaiting opportunity to cut the purse, or the throat, as need +be, of the solitary wayfarer. + +Numbers were no guarantee of escaping unmolested; for of late the +rogues had become so bold that it was a common thing for a party of +gentlemen to be attacked successfully, as the ruffians mustered in +their ranks many soldiers of fortune who had served in Flanders, +France and Spain, and were well versed in the play of both sword and +dagger. These acts of robbery and murder were confined to no one +locality, but the vagabonds who perpetrated the deeds had haunts and +places of common rendezvous, and as night fell, these dens poured +forth upon the town their murder-bent crews. + +In one of the most narrow and crooked of streets, often lost amid the +winding of greater thoroughfares, and safely hidden from the watchful +eyes of the King's soldiers, was situated a tavern, patronized for the +most part by those who replenished their purses when low, by running +some belated traveler through the back, and taking what money he had. +This tavern was famous among its patrons for its mulled ale, the like +of which, they swore could not be found in all London. To those who +had not partaken of this famous beverage, and knew not the inn by +reputation, its business was made known by a swinging sign, upon +which, very indifferently executed, was the figure of a leopard, and, +further, as if the artist had not sufficient confidence in his powers +of portrayal, he had printed in large and uncertain letters, "At the +sign of the Leopard may be found all manner of goodly cheer and +comfort." Below this evidence of what might be found within, a small +and narrow doorway gave entrance to the hostelry. Inside, a larger +room than the outer aspect of the place indicated, awaited the guest. +A low ceiling, blackened by age, and hung with numberless spider webs, +whose weavers had long since fled--driven thence by the clouds of +tobacco smoke puffed from the lips of many a sturdy knave who nightly +helped to fill the place. The walls of the room being paneled in some +dark wood to an unusual height, the three windows, which furnished +more air than light, were well up toward the ceiling. The sides of +this chamber were decorated with rows of pewter pots and flagons of +various shapes and sizes. The furniture consisted of half a dozen +rough tables and high-backed benches ranged about the sides. The floor +was freshly sanded, but rough in many places from the prominence of +knots, the softer wood being worn from around them by the shuffling of +numberless pairs of boots. An uncertain light proceeded from several +large candles standing in brass candlesticks, but most of the +illumination was due to a fire which burned briskly in a large stone +fireplace at the extreme end of the room, and gave to all an aspect of +warmth and good cheer. + +Standing in front of the blaze was the host of the establishment, +attired in the costume of his time,--a loose jacket, linen breeches +and green apron. He was eyeing with a look of no small displeasure +three men seated at one of the tables, two of whom, by their actions, +seemed to have partaken a little too freely of the Leopard's special +beverage. They wore the dress of a class, which, by their manner, was +one of no great elevation. Long, soft, wide-brimmed hats adorned their +heads, while tight-fitting jerkins of very much soiled leather covered +their bodies. Trunks and tights of some faded material, and boots with +deep falling tops, completed their costume, unless there should be +added the two long bellguard rapiers lying upon the table, and to +which, from appearances, the gentlemen in question owed their +livelihood. The man seated opposite was thick-set and slightly under +medium height; instead of the leather jerkin worn by them, his body +was incased in a steel cuirass or breastplate, which, judging from +the numerous dents thereon, had turned the force of many a savage +thrust and blow. The face of the man was one which had long been +exposed to both sun and storm, and even pestilence had not spared it, +for in many places the disfiguring finger of smallpox had left its +mark. His beard was worn in the style favored by the soldiers of the +Spanish, rather than the English army, for it was pointed and +surmounted by a long, black and up-curling moustache, which added +fierceness to an already not too kindly countenance. His sword, a long +point and blade rapier of Italian pattern, still hung by his side, as +if even when surrounded by this good cheer, he, from habit born of +many a hard campaign, still clung to it. + +"What, ho, John Tapster;" exclaimed he of the steel cuirass, banging +lustily on the table with the pummel of his sword, "another six-hooped +pot of thy best mulled ale, for the sour and remorseful wine of Spain +which I have drunk, ill befits my stomach." + +The landlord advanced reluctantly to comply, with an air which plainly +showed he was divided in his mind between the doubt of a settlement to +an already long unpaid score, and the fear of personal violence did he +refuse the man his request. The love of a whole skin, however, +triumphed, for after filling the pot with ale and plunging the mulling +iron into it, which he had drawn from the fire, he set the desired +drink before his guest. + +"By Sir Bacchus!" said the stranger, after taking a deep draught, +"'tis the only fitting liquid to put into one's body, if he wishes to +strike a stout blow for the King." Then, as he finished the pot, "It +seemeth well to drown the clinging dust of Spain within one's throat, +in merry English ale." + +The landlord did not venture to reply to these offers of conversation; +he seemed loath to enter into friendly talk, when in all probability +he soon would be embroiled with the man in a dispute, if not in an +issue of more serious nature. However, the other, nothing daunted, and +gazing on his two companions, whom he discovered wrapped in drunken +slumber, snoring roundly, prodded them both with the scabbard of his +sword, which action eliciting from them nothing but a grunt, and being +desirous of further conversation, he again turned to him of the green +apron who had resumed his watchful scrutiny from before the fire, and +continued: + +"Thou seemest but sparing of thy speech, Sir Host. Judge a man not +always by the company he keeps; these drunken knaves whose silly pates +would have been turned with milk of the morning's drawing, are no +comrades of mine; 'tis only a mere chance friendship. I was not over +particular in my pick of friends, being lately landed, and but too +glad to take up with the first varlets speaking my own sweet English; +after many months of naught but jabbering Spanish sounding in my ears +'twas well and pleasing to hear once more the brave tongue in which my +first aves were taught unto me." + +"Aves have not, I trow, over-troubled thee," answered the landlord in +not too jovial a tone. + +"Nay, nay, friend; be not quick to judge by weight of purse or hilt of +sword, for a man with not over much money in his gipsire may still +have that about him which would recommend him more." + +"And what, pray, might that be?" inquired the other;--"a handsome face +and ready tongue? They are goodly coin to win the heart of some fair +maid, but naught of cakes and ale they'll buy thee when thy belly's +empty." + +"Nay, I will offer neither, for I have none of them. The first was but +rudely handled some thirty years ago by plague, at Havre; the second's +had but small practice, and its tone was spoiled by breathing the damp +winds of the Flemish marshes. I leave such graces to the stay-at-homes +who twist a tap--but, a truce to this witty talk, for it makes but ill +friends, and I would ask of thee a favor, which will cost naught but +civility, that is cheap and in the end may gain thee much." So saying, +he put his hand into a small bag which hung at his side, drawing +therefrom a very much soiled and crumpled paper, and advancing with it +toward the host, continued: "I am but illy versed in such priestly +craft; the meaning I can understand, but its full intent may have +missed my stupid eyes. Canst thou decipher it for me, Sir Host?" + +This direct appeal to his learning softened to some extent him of the +spigot, whose curiosity as well as pride was aroused, for the man +addressing him, judging from his speech, was a little above the usual +class who frequented the tavern. Reaching for a candle which stood +upon the mantel, that he might better see, and taking the letter with +grudging fingers, said in a slightly more gracious tone after a +moment's scrutiny, "It ill pleases me, that monkish writing, but print +such as honest John Caxton did manufacture, I can decipher right +readily." Then with knitted brow, during which the other man remained +standing, looking over his shoulder in an expectant attitude, he +continued: "For truth, I could at first but illy make it out; I have +it now." Then read from the paper: + + "'To Guido Fawkes: In the Army of His Majesty, Philip of + Spain: I doubt not that thou rememberest my promise, made + some time since, which I have now the pleasurable opportunity + to fulfill. Much it pleaseth me to offer thee a place, the + duties of which will keep thee near thy daughter, and, + moreover, the reward of such being not below the merit of him + who, by my knowledge, most honestly gained it, and is well + worthy. If it suit thee to accept the charge I have to offer, + the naming of which I shall defer until we meet, detach + thyself from thy present occupation, repair to London with + all likely haste, and seek me at my house when soon arrived. + "'(Signed) SIR THOMAS WINTER.'" + +"Beshrew my heart, but thou art a ripe scholar, landlord, and much I +marvel to see one with such goodly learning wasting time on knaves +like these," cried the man, pointing to his companions at the table; +"and pray," he continued, "since myself hath been introduced in name, +I would know thine also, so I might thank thee the heartier." + +"Giles Martin, for want of better," replied the host, "and dost thou +know this Sir Thomas Winter?" he inquired after a moment, still +looking at the note in his hand. + +"Aye, and for a right brave gentleman, who hath done me noble +service." + +"For one done unto himself, I take it, from the purport of the +letter?" + +"A small service, not worth the mentioning," replied Fawkes. "Once in +Spain, a gentleman--the self-same Sir Thomas, was sorely set upon by a +surly ruffian, who, in exchange for his purse, would have given him +Paradise." Then with a deprecating wave of the hand, which he dropped +on the hilt of his rapier, "'twas but a weakly blow I turned, and +spitted the varlet with my good sword here. Zounds," he continued with +a voice full of enthusiasm, "for this petty act he did conduct my poor +motherless lass out of a country where, to the men, a pretty face is +as flint to powder, and brought her safe to London and her grandam." + +"You saved his life; 'twas a worthy object and a worthy deed," +exclaimed Martin heartily, who had been watching the speaker narrowly +during his narration. + +"Tut, tut; 'twas nothing; but I take it thou hast acquaintance with +him," said Fawkes, turning toward the other, with a manner which +denoted surprise at the landlord's outburst of appreciation, "and may +direct me unto his residence, for after many years' absence I am +lately come, and illy versed in London's streets which are as crooked +as a blade that hath lain long in the fire." + +"In truth, I do know where he lives," said Martin (then continued in a +lower tone as if speaking to himself) "and further, that he's in none +too good favor with the King. But as to his address: if thou wilt take +the dome on St. Paul's as thy guide, which thou canst most readily +see, proceed thither, and when reached, continue down the street +running toward the left, a few more steps will bring thee to a house +surrounded by an iron railing; it is the one thou seekest." He +hesitated a moment, then continued as if good judgment had been +overcome by enthusiasm--"and when thou dost behold Sir Thomas, make +mention that Giles Martin (say naught of my present calling, for he +knows me not by that) sends his duty, and would again at his elbow cry +in the self-same voice, 'An Essex, An Essex!' Perchance," Martin +added, suddenly breaking off, fearing he had been incautious before a +stranger in connecting his name with an incident which had brought but +little honor with it, "that is why I am now doing this," taking a +soiled tankard from the table and wiping it on his apron. + +"Gladly will I be the bearer of thy message, but as thou hast said, +why does Sir Winter stand in ill repute?" + +"It may be," answered Martin, turning his gaze upon the two men at the +table, then setting down the tankard, "that he hath a quick temper and +a ready tongue, swift steeds in our time to pull a man's head upon the +block," and advancing toward the other concluded in a low voice full +of emotion, "mayhap memory doth hold up a mirror to his eye, in which +is reflected Mary's dripping head, chopped for her faith." + +"Verily," cried Fawkes, in a loud tone characteristic of one not +afraid of voicing opinions that lay near his heart, "would that good +King James might look into the glass thou dost mention and see the +promises of his youth, for naught of promise or his mother's head +methinks----" + +"Hist," whispered Martin, breaking in and laying his hand upon the +speaker, "a truce to such treason talk; naught has it done but brought +me to an ill-famed pot-house," he concluded in a thoughtful voice. + +"Well, well, none of thy story will I ask; but in Spain they do illy +treat a heretic," Fawkes continued, looking significantly at the fire, +and pointing toward it with his outstretched arm; "a truce, as thou +sayest, for I must no longer tarry. Saint Paul's bell is on the stroke +of ten, and I would see Sir Winter, and (in a softer voice) my lass, +to-night; for honestly, I am more than anxious to see her pretty face; +first I must bid yon knaves good-bye." So saying he endeavored to +rouse the companions of his cups. Not being able however to bring them +to any degree of consciousness, he discontinued his exertions, and +turning toward the landlord, who had been watching his efforts, said, +laughingly: "'tis but little harm they'll do in sleep, and I trow +they are none too good when in their seven senses, so I will leave +them thus; but take thou from this the reckoning of us all, for naught +of gold they have, I swear"--handing the other a purse, which, after +extracting a sovereign, Martin returned to its owner. + +"'Tis but a sorry night in which to travel," remarked the host, +pocketing the money and proceeding to rake the fire, while his guest +wrapped about himself a long, thick cloak which had hung over the back +of a bench. + +"Aye, 'tis cold, and steel draws unto itself the frost," responded +Fawkes, as he finished his preparations for departure. "And now, Sir +Host," he continued, extending his hand, "farewell, but soon, when I +am once more to rights, it will do me pleasure to quaff a flagon in +thy honest company, for such is a man who knoweth Sir Thomas Winter, +and," he continued, drawing closer to the other, "is no prating +Protestant in these times when he who would seek a favor or gain a +title must blow out the candles on his altar, and break its images. +Start not at my words, for by thy very speech thou art no heretic, and +I do love thee the better for it. But see," he continued as he opened +the door, "the night is already mended, the snow hath ceased, the moon +shows bright, and by my troth, there is my guide," and he pointed to +the distant dome of St. Paul, on which a huge cross glistened in the +moonlight. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +IN THE SHADOW OF ST. PAUL. + + +In the heart of London, a musket shot distance from the great dome of +St. Paul, stood a dwelling of no mean pretension occupied by one +Thomas Percy, Gentleman-Pensioner, a man of goodly parts, blood +relative of the Earl of Northumberland and well known as a Catholic, +though, by reason of his office, there attached to him scant suspicion +in the minds of the King's ministers that his faith overlapped his +loyalty. + +On the same night which witnessed the appearance of Guido Fawkes and +his drunken companions at the "Sign of the Leopard," there were +gathered together, in an upper chamber of Percy's dwelling, four +gentlemen. The house was an official structure given over as a meeting +place for certain of the King's commissioners, the room wherein they +sat being well adapted for the discussion of such matters as it seemed +inexpedient to let reach the ears of those whose business called them +not within the council chamber. + +A snow storm made the night exceeding chilly, so three of those who +came to partake of the hospitality of the Pensioner had provided +themselves with ample cloaks, which, closely wrapped about their +persons, and covering the lower portions of their faces, precluded +recognition, were any, by chance, to accost the wearer on the King's +highway. Although few were abroad on account of the extreme cold, and +those few would not have marveled that a gentleman should be closely +muffled even as a secret assassin, or highwayman, or noticed that the +three went not together to the outer door of the house, still each +came separately, knocking thrice upon the panel, whereupon Sir Percy +himself opened to him, that he might enter quickly. + +Being safe within, and the room warmed by great logs which sputtered +in the open fireplace, the three laid aside their cloaks, and sat +uncovered in the presence of their host, who, the better to discourse +with each, occupied a place at the head of the long table about which +were wont to sit the commissioners of the King. + +That the little gathering was not composed of churchmen, or learned +doctors of the day, might have been easily guessed by their +youthfulness and dress. Scarce past five and thirty, with clear cut +features, well knit frames, dignity of carriage, apparel of the higher +class, and the court rapier then in vogue, hanging at the side of +each, designated them as gentlemen. + +Having drained with nervous haste a goblet of wine which stood before +him, he who was the Pensioner turned with a frowning brow to his +companions: + +"Gentlemen!" said he, half rising from his seat, "shall we always talk +and never do anything?" + +This appeal uttered in an impatient voice moved each of his guests in +a manner strikingly dissimilar. One on the right sitting with back to +the door, turned uneasily as though fearing that the portal stood +open, and that, on the threshold, might appear a stranger, or +perchance the King's officer. Another, clad in a suit of gray velvet, +drummed nervously upon the table, while the third, who seemed to be +the eldest of the four, frowned darkly. To him the host turned +impatiently. + +"Ah!" cried he, "my words have struck you illy, my Lord Catesby, that +you frown so ominously!" + +"Nay, Percy!" replied the other, the shadow of a smile playing about +the corners of his mouth. "Thy words but recalled me to my duty. As +thou sayest, we have spoken much, and I did but consider that talking +would scarce pull from the throne----" + +He who was attired in the gray velvet started. "Not so plainly; not so +openly, my good Catesby!" he interrupted, "or as my name be Jack +Wright, I----" + +The language of his companion aroused the dormant energies and spirit +of Catesby. + +"Faith!" cried he, bringing his clenched hand down upon the table, +"methinks the adventure with my Lord of Essex hath left thy stomach +but poorly fitted for so tough a morsel as the undoing of the 'Wisest +Fool in Christendom.' Even Sir Digsby, who but now turned trembling +toward the doorway, hath more spirit for the undertaking. Hath not +Percy touched the keynote of our ill condition? What matters it that +we writhe under the despotism of James Stuart? Wherefore are the penal +laws renewed? Why hath England driven from her shores those who would +serve us in our churches? Where is our Mass, our altars and the images +of Holy Mother Church? Would we call on France, Spain and the Holy +Father to sweep from the land this band of heretics who fear not God, +nor respect the faith of five centuries of English kings? I tell thee, +Sir John Wright, friend and fellow churchman though thou art, that +'tis to us--to all the Catholics in England--that the world looks for +action. Will France act while we are idle? Thinkest thou Spain hath so +soon forgotten the Armada, that she will consent to aid while we +remain under cover? 'Tis for us to open a way whereby may enter those +who stand without, seeking our deliverance. Words beyond count, like +the drops of the ocean, have been uttered since James came to the +throne, yet are we free? 'Tis not words, I tell thee, but action, +swift, sharp and merciless, that will put down our enemies. Fearest +thou the block? Did Essex, did Moore, a hundred others whose faith was +their life, fear the headsman? Good Percy hath brought us to our +senses and surely thou must see the truth of it." + +Having thus delivered himself Catesby sank into his seat, his face +white from the intensity of the fire which burned within him. His +companions remained silent, so great was their astonishment at the +openly expressed earnestness of Catesby. Percy was the first to regain +speech. + +"It ill becomes us," said he, "that a quarrel should arise in a +company gathered for the discussion of so weighty a matter. Yet the +words of Sir Robert Catesby are well balanced, and the time draws nigh +when this same James Stuart shall know that there yet remain good +Catholics in England. Sir Thomas Winter----" + +"Ah! Sir Thomas Winter!" broke in Digsby, "the hour is long past and +he is yet absent." + +"There be some good reason," said Wright quickly. "Sir Thomas is too +good a Catholic, too earnest in the undertaking which will yet free us +from the heretic, to absent himself willingly. And," turning to +Catesby with hand extended, "I thank thee that thou hast thus spoken +so boldly; would there were more like thee to arouse the Catholics of +our country." + +The frown passed as a cloud from the brow of the elder conspirator. + +"Forgive me!" cried he, "if my words bore too much of the flame of +impatience and too little of that unity which should ever be between +us. As to Sir Winter, fear nothing; even now, I warrant he is on his +way hither, having perhaps been delayed by some slight adventure, for +the times are troublous and after nightfall a gentleman may not walk +with perfect safety through the streets of London." + +As though in answer to this confidence, the speaker had scarcely +finished, when there sounded through the house three muffled raps, and +Percy, uttering an exclamation, hastily left the room. + +"It may, indeed, be Winter," said Digsby, "or, perchance, Rookwood, +although he made known to me but yesterday, that certain business +demanded his presence in the country." + +The sound of the opening and closing of the street door precluded a +reply. There was a clatter of feet upon the stairs, and into the room +came Percy, followed by two men whose forms and features were +concealed by their huge cloaks. + +The three at the table arose hurriedly, each with hand upon the hilt +of his sword, but the words of one of the new comers changed their +look of alarm into one of welcome. + +"Faith!" cried he who pressed close behind Percy, "wherefore would you +be so ready to draw blades at the coming of a comrade? Come! Sir +Robert Catesby, and thou Wright, and Digsby, seest not that the cold +hath well nigh overcome me? Wine, therefore, wine, that we may pledge +each other in our venture." + +So saying, Sir Thomas Winter cast aside his cloak, revealing a figure +clad in doublet and hosen of somber brown, offset by slashes of +cardinal, and the gilt of the sword belt which girded his hips. + +"Welcome!" cried the others, crowding about him, "thou art, in truth, +doubly welcome, as thy coming is so long after the appointed hour." + +Endeavoring to get a better view of him who closely followed Winter, +Catesby made a gesture of interrogation. + +Sir Thomas laughed softly. "Ah! Good Catesby!" said he, "thou wert +ever of a most careful nature. Know, then, that yonder cavalier is, in +truth, one of whom I have so often spoken, Guido Fawkes; an old +comrade of the wars, and whom I have brought hither that I might +introduce him to so good a company, a cheerful fire and a goblet of +Sir Percy's stoutest wine." + +At the name of Fawkes, pronounced by Winter with an intonation which +would have puzzled any one not familiar with certain matters known +only to a few in England, Catesby, Wright and Digsby cast searching +glances at the new comer, as though seeking to read in the impassive +features of the soldier of fortune some riddle which heretofore had +puzzled them. As to Fawkes, not deigning to notice the evident +curiosity with which the three gentlemen greeted him, he allowed his +cloak to fall upon the floor, walked to the fireplace, and stood with +back to the blaze, his eyes fixed upon the face of Winter. + +"Come!" said that personage, accepting the goblet which Percy tendered +and passing it to Fawkes, "you are surprised that I appear among you +with Master Guy at my heels. It was, indeed, a happy venture that +threw us together." + +"Happy, forsooth," replied Wright, "but yesterday thou didst tell us +that this same bold captain was even now in Spain, though thou hadst +summoned him hither." + +"And so I thought him," said Winter, "fighting among the Dons that the +gold pieces might jingle more merrily in his wallet. Yet he is here, +and to-morrow at my own house we will confer together. What sayest +thou, friend Guido?" + +"Faith!" replied Fawkes, setting down the goblet which he had drained +to the bottom, "'twas for that same purpose I came to London, also to +see once more my daughter." + +"That thou shalt," broke in Winter heartily, "and a better favored +wench can scarce be found in all the kingdom." + +Percy and Catesby exchanged glances. Winter continued: + +"But first, perchance, 'twould be to the liking of the company that +I make known the manner of so unexpected a meeting, when, thinking +Friend Guido basked beneath the skies of Spain, I fell across him 'mid +the snows of London." + +"'Twas of little import," spake Fawkes gruffly; "a cast of fortune, +the simple drawing of a blade, such as once befell when thou didst +serve in Spain." + +"As to that," replied Sir Winter, "these gentlemen can judge when they +hear concerning it. 'Tis true, that had this same bold cavalier +remained in Castile, Thomas Winter were now ready for burial." + +"Then," cried Percy, "thou art doubly welcome, Master Fawkes, as +perchance thou shalt learn presently." + +Having refilled the goblets Winter seated himself before the fire. + +"I was delayed some two hours by certain matters within my own +dwelling," began he, "and it was with exceeding impatience that I +hastened hither, not following the most public highways, but seeking a +shorter passage through unfrequented alleys, in order to join you the +sooner. + +"Methinks I had gone some two thousand paces, my face muffled and +sword ready to hand, when suddenly there sprang upon me from the +shadow of a doorway, two ruffians, who, making short shift of +courtesy, demanded my purse and such valuables as were upon my person. +Having slight desire for so rude a giving, I did straightway put my +back against a wall, and with drawn blade contended against the two. +They, being persons of fixed purpose, and withal, excellent swordsmen, +had near ended the matter by thrusting me through, when most +opportunely came a third man who, perceiving two against one, thrust +the larger of the ruffians through the back, and would have done +likewise with the other, but the fellow took to his heels and ran as +though the devil pursued him. + +"The adventure was quickly over, and my rescuer coolly wiping his +blade upon the cloak of the dead robber did swear roundly in Spanish, +for that his amusement had been of so short duration. + +"'Faith!' growled he looking up at me, ''tis not thus they fight in +Spain; yet, having perchance rendered thee some slight service, canst +thou, good sir, direct me to a certain dwelling, hard by St. Paul's, +wherein may be found one Sir Thomas Winter, to seek whom I have come +to London?' + +"Much amazed at his words I scanned him closely, for his voice had a +familiar ring in my memory. + +"'Zounds!' cried he, noting that I sought to read his features, +'wherefore dost thou look so hard upon me? Hath the air of Spain----' + +"'Fawkes!' cried I, seizing him by the shoulders, ''tis truly my +friend Guido!' + +"'Ah!' said he gruffly, 'then thou knowest me?' + +"'And why not?' I replied, 'having sent for thee.' + +"At this his astonishment was great, yet was he pleased that he had +come upon me so handily. He had, he told me, but just arrived in +London, having come hither to obtain service under me, and to see once +more his daughter." + +"And," said Fawkes, Winter having finished, "having so quickly found +one, I would seek the other. Blood is thicker than water, and I +warrant me the lass is much improved both in stature and knowledge. +'Tis now close upon the morning, good gentlemen, therefore I pray +thee, Sir Winter, direct me whither I shall go, being in sore haste to +find her." + +Winter drew Catesby aside, whereupon a whispered consultation +followed, the drift of which was evidently known to Percy, Wright and +Digsby, though Fawkes wondered somewhat at it. His impatience soon +showed itself. + +"Zounds!" cried he, striking with his clenched hand the hilt of his +rapier, "I am much beholden to thee, Sir Winter, and later--but now, I +pray thee, make haste, that I find my daughter." + +Catesby flushed angrily, for the words of the soldier of fortune +struck illy upon his haughty temper, and he would have replied, but +Winter pressed his arm. + +"Good Guido," said he, soothingly, "thy haste is most commendable. Go +then to thy daughter, and that thou mayest not miss the way, follow +closely the directions I shall give thee. Upon leaving Sir Percy's +door, turn thou to the left, going down the street which leads past +the gate of St. Paul's. Proceed five hundred paces, then turn about to +thy left, when thou wilt see before thee a narrow street, upon the +corner of which is situate a gabled dwelling, bearing upon its peak a +golden arrow. Count then two score doors from the corner, and upon the +three and fortieth, knock loudly; 'tis there thy daughter dwelleth." + +At Winter's words all signs of impatience vanished from the soldier's +manner. + +"By the keys of Peter!" cried he, "I am much beholden to thy lordship. +Having spoken with the lass, where may I find thee?" + +"Fear not," replied Winter, "for in the evening, about the hour of +nine, I will come for thee. Go thou, then, speedily." + +Fawkes made haste to snatch his cloak, and having wrapped it about +him, bowed to the company and, preceded by Percy, clattered down the +stairs. + +"Methinks he will serve us," muttered Winter; "yet, good Catesby, must +we deal gently with him, for, being of an exceeding rough nature, +'twill need but an ill-timed word to turn him into gunpowder." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE HOME-COMING OF GUIDO FAWKES. + + +"By my hilt!" exclaimed Fawkes, as he closed the door of the council +chamber and wrapped his long cloak well about him, "'tis a merry night +I've had; first, in none too clean a pot-house; then a stout thrust +for good Sir Thomas,--'twas passing strange that I did once more stand +twixt him and glory; and, last of all, a stoup of good old wine in the +company of a most noble throng. Indeed, good Guido," he continued, as +musing to himself he walked along, "thou wert made, I marry, for +better things than cracking the knavish pates of yellow Dons; but +guard thy touchy temper well, for even to-night thou couldst but sadly +brook a small delay, and wouldst have answered my Lord Catesby's +haughty look with scant courtesy. I fear thy warlike nature would +poorly thrive upon a diet of quiet living. But these be times when the +dogs of war are ill leashed, and need small urging to slip their +fetters and bark and bite anew. I question much what the morrow holds, +and would that Sir Thomas had made some mention of my employ. + +"By St. George," he added after a moment, slackening his pace as if a +sudden thought occurred to him, "they did seem but poorly pleased to +see a strange face standing in their door, until Sir Walter stood +sponsor for the same. Aye, and what names had these noble +gentlemen--Catesby, Wright, Digsby, Percy! All good Catholics," he +continued, a cunning smile twitching the corners of his mouth. "And, +who is King? Why, James Stuart, to be sure, a most bigoted Protestant! +What was it that Master Martin said about Mary's dripping head? Well, +well, friend Guido, thy good sword may not be red with rust alone; +wait but a little while, and thy employment may be most pleasing to +thy taste, and thy conscience, also." Then he drew his cloak more +closely about him and quickly proceeded on his way. + +At last, following the direction given him by Winter, Fawkes arrived +before a small, neat house, situated in the outskirts of the city; +stopping in front to make sure it was the one for which he was in +quest, he proceeded up the steps and knocked thrice. No answer +followed his summons, and after several moments of waiting, which were +consumed in the stamping of feet and walking up and down, for it was +bitterly cold in the frosty air, he again repeated the announcement of +his presence to those within, this time with better result. The sound +of a casement opening, caused him to look up, and he beheld the +wrinkled visage of an old woman, who, with blinking red-rimmed eyes, +and night-cap on her head, stood regarding him with an air of evident +disfavor, for presently she cried in a shrill, toothless voice, "Get +thee gone, thou beggar, I have naught for thee." "By my soul, good +mother," answered the man, laughing heartily, "thy welcome doth match +the morning air in warmth. Dost not know thy son Guy?" + +"By the blessed Virgin!" exclaimed she, in half-frightened tones, +evidently engendered by a most wholesome respect for her son, "wait +but a trice until the door be unbarred." Saying which, she hastily +withdrew her head and closed the window. Immediately after, the shrill +tones of her voice were heard within the house, crying: "Mistress +Elinor! Mistress Elinor! hurry down and let thy sire in, for he stands +without!" A moment of silence, followed by the drawing of bolts, and +suddenly the door was thrown open, disclosing the figure of a girl, +who, with outstretched arms, exclaimed: "My father!" + +Standing bathed in the rosy light of coming day, she was in high +contrast to the rough, weather-beaten man, who quickly clasped her to +his breast. The pale and lightly tinted olive complexion, which showed +descent from some far-off Castilian ancestor, harmonized well with the +dainty but clear cut features. A shapely head, surrounded by a wealth +of dark and glossy hair, carried downward from the temples and +gathered into a knot behind, so as to completely cover the fragile +ears, formed a fitting frame for eyes of the darkest violet, which, as +they gazed up into his, showed the fondest love. A soft gray gown, +half closed at the throat and fastened about the waist by a silver +girdle, completed the attire of a slender but perfect figure, thrown +into bold outline by her attitude. + +"Forsooth," exclaimed Fawkes, as soon as he could speak for her +caresses, "methinks thou at least art glad to see thy old father once +again." Then, as he held her at arm's length, that he might better +gaze upon the face, "indeed, thou art changed; 'tis the promise of the +bud fulfilled in the blossoming flower. But let us in, for the cold +air ill becomes me after the warming sun of Spain, and frost but +roughly handles such tender plants as thou art." + +"Nay, nay!" exclaimed she, closing the door and throwing her arms +about him, "thy tender plant is naught but a sprig of hardy ivy, which +hath needed these many months the sturdy oak on which to cling." Then, +with a little shiver, and a laugh, as her warm body rested against the +cold steel of his breastplate, "thou dost give thy ivy but a chilly +hold, Sir Oak." + +"Ah," said Fawkes, looking at her; "thou wert always the same dainty +puss, but I trow this cold cuirass hath been warm enough even for thy +nestling, as down it hath gushed the warm blood of many a valiant foe +killed in close conflict. But enough of battles now, my pretty, for +home once more am I, and not sorry to let such bloody deeds rest." +Unfastening his cloak, sword and breastplate, he threw himself into a +chair before the fire which burned brightly on the hearth. + +"But where's thy good grandam?" queried he, "must she tarry to put on +silks and satins in which to bid her son a welcome?" + +"Nay," replied the girl with a laugh, kneeling at his side; "she, poor +soul, was but half awake; for these cold days illy suit her bones, and +she doth lie long in bed." + +"And thou," said the man, taking her head between his hands, "art up +like a lark, to bid thy father welcome. Didst expect my return?" + +"Sir Winter made mention of thy coming, but set no special day for thy +arrival," answered the girl, a shadow passing over her face as she +looked into the blaze. + +"And did he say for what I was to come?" inquired Fawkes, evidently +anxious to set his mind at rest upon that subject. + +"That he did not," she replied, still gazing abstractedly at the fire, +"but simply said that if thou camest to England he would give thee +service which would keep thee and me near to each other. And," +continued she, suddenly turning toward him and taking both his hands +in hers, "thou wilt not leave me again for so long a time; I have been +sore lonely and oft have felt the need of thy sturdy arm on which to +lean." + +"That I will not, my pretty dear," said Fawkes, drawing her closely +to him; "and thou didst really miss me, whom some do illy term a +pock-marked ruffian?" + +"Indeed, thou art no ruffian!" Elinor cried, her eyes ablaze in a +moment; "and if any one so dared to call thee, I'd----" + +"Well, well!" the father exclaimed, evidently surprised and looking +into the flushed face, "my sweet rose hath thorns as well as blushing +leaves, and would, I dare swear, strike a good blow for her sire's +name. By good Sir Cupid, but I do pity the one who doth try to balk +thy temper, little woman." + +"And soon will come a time when thou wilt have a brave gentleman to +pity," broke in a mumbling voice which made the two start and turn. + +The figure of an old woman, bent by age, with face resembling an +ill-fitting parchment mask placed upon a skull, advanced toward them. + +"By the blessed dead, mother!" said Fawkes, arising, "thou didst turn +my blood with thy prophetic voice; but hast thou not a blessing for +thy son?" + +"That I have, good Guido, and most glad am I to see thee back! I gave +thee a rude greeting from the window, for my eyes and ears have failed +of late, but I am not so blind that I cannot see two brave gentlemen +tied to my lady's girdle there," she cried, with a wheezy laugh, +pointing her trembling hand at the girl who stood with an arm drawn +through her father's. + +"What is this tale?" said Fawkes, with feigned sternness, turning +toward his daughter; "hath thy pretty ways been breaking hearts +already?" Then, as he observed the blushing face and downcast +eyes:--"There, there, my darling; all in good time. When thy heart +doth open of its own accord, thy father's ear will ever be a willing +listener. By Venus," he continued in a voice full of admiration, as he +gazed upon her fair figure, "I could not marvel or condemn if thou +hadst fifty gallants at thy little heels, and would but admire the +rogues the more for their excellent taste in beauty. But," he added, +evidently wishing to turn the conversation on noting her +embarrassment, "I have not broken bread for nigh onto fifteen hours; +after I have taken food I will listen to thy pretty tale, and tell +thee many a one such as thou once wert fond of. Dost remember how thou +didst, long ago, climb upon my knee, and tugging with thy baby hands +at my shaggy beard, beg for a story ere thy bedtime came?" + +"That I do," exclaimed the girl, all her embarrassment gone; "but +first I will set before thee what our larder affords." + +So saying, and aided by the old woman, she began preparations for the +morning meal. Having done ample justice to the repast quickly set +before him, and having lighted a long pipe from a coal without the +blaze, Fawkes again settled himself before the fire, and, after two or +three long puffs, turned toward Elinor, who was employed about the +room, and said: + +"Now, my pretty little housekeeper, thou hast done enough; sit thee +beside thy father. It is long since he hath known the pleasure of thy +sweet face and a blazing hearth, and the good grandam seems ill +company, for there she nods but a drowsy greeting," added he, pointing +with his pipe to the old woman, who had fallen asleep in a remote +corner of the chamber. + +"Dost thou remember the last time we sat so?" asked the girl, as she +came and knelt beside him, placing an arm upon his shoulder; "'twas +the night before I left for England; and, oh! it was a most sorry +time." Then fingering the ends of her silver girdle and glancing at +the old woman, who was still asleep, she began in a hesitating voice: + +"Mayhap the speech of my good grandam might mislead thee into thinking +me but a sorry flirt. Therefore, I would make explanation, which is +most easy, and set thee right." + +"I thought naught of it, daughter, for I am much too well acquainted +with her mischief-working words, that are ever ready to brew a +trouble. If thou hast aught to say, however, and would feel better for +the telling, pray go on, and know an ever-loving heart awaits thy +speech," replied Fawkes, stroking her hair. + +"Then thou must know," she began abruptly, "that Sir Thomas Winter is +a frequent caller at this house, and, my father, how can I tell thee +for the very shame of it? He hath never spoken to that effect, but +there are many thoughts ne'er proclaimed by tongue which are most +loudly uttered by eye and hand, often, too, more truly eloquent are +they than those framed in simple words; and by this very language yet +outspoken, I know soon will come the day when there will be asked a +heart----" she broke off suddenly and buried her face in her +hands--"that is not now mine to give." + +"There, there, my pretty one, stop thy crying, for thine eyes were +made for smiles and not for grief. It is naught so bad; Sir Winter is +a fine gentleman and much we owe him. But thou art my daughter, and I, +a poor, rough soldier; it would be an ill-assorted match; in truth, I +believe that the lark should not pair with the golden finch, who would +soon tire of her sweet song, because she lacked the yellow feathers of +her mate. What, dost thou but cry the harder for my words? I have not, +I know, the tender touch of a mother to dry thy tears, but a more +willing hand to comfort cannot be found." Then he added tenderly: "If +thou hast aught more to tell, open thy heart to me and I will play the +woman for a while." + +"Think not, then, from my tears," she suddenly exclaimed, lifting her +head and confronting her father with that spirit which is often hid in +a seemingly gentle nature, "that I am ashamed of him on whom my love +doth fall; or, rather, of him to whom my love doth mount, for he is as +far above me in worth, as I beneath him in station. But what hath +equality to do with it? Is it so--that love is only right between +those whose purses tip the scale alike? Nay, that would be a +sacrilege, for this mortal love of ours is the one thing which lifts +us from the earth. Doth God not love the most unworthy of his +creatures? Would it be just to say that salvation should be meted only +to those who are the Creator's equal? Who of us, then, would escape +the flame? Not so," she continued, her eyes ablaze with the intensity +of her emotion. "It is that very affection bestowed upon us by our God +that lifts us poor mortals into fellowship with him. Love knows no +laws of title, tithes or wealth, and by the very act of loving, the +peasant rightly seats himself beside the king. Ah, think not, dear +father," she cried, falling on her knees, "that I would lightly cast +aside a wish of thine. Dwell but upon the love that thou once felt, +and remember it is she, the reflection of that self-same love, who +seeks thy aid." + +There was silence, broken only by the sobs of the kneeling girl. +Fawkes regarded his daughter with an air of evident surprise, not +unmixed with anxiety in anticipation of what might follow; for every +action showed she was wrought up to the highest state of excitement +and earnestness. After a moment he said in a quiet voice: "I trust +these hot words of thine are but the outcome of some foolish fancy, +which, like the silly scorpion, will kill itself with its own +violence. But thou hast not told me all; until I am fully advised, my +counsel can be but scant. What name hath he? What title doth he hold? +For by thy speech he must be noble?" + +"Herbert Effingston," replied the girl. + +"I know not that name," answered the other, after a moment's musing. +"And his title?" + +"Viscount Herbert Effingston, son of Lord Monteagle." + +"Thou hast indeed flown high," Fawkes cried, with a sudden outburst of +passion. "Because I love thee I would wish thee dead, aye, dead," he +continued, fiercely, raising himself from the chair, "rather than have +thee bear the hated name of Monteagle." + +"But thou knowest no evil of him," cried the girl, springing to her +feet. "He is good; he is true and noble; aye, and hear me, it was he +who saved my life--a life thou lovest. I know what thou wouldst say, +but the son is not holden for his father's sins; he is not----" + +"But he is of the brood," thundered Fawkes, now thoroughly aroused; +"the litter of the jackal will eat the holy dead left by its +sire--'tis in their nature. Monteagle!" he repeated with fine scorn. +"And marry, that would be a pretty name for thee to choose--a name +that hath done more to set aside our Holy Catholic Church than all the +fiends in hell. What I know is true," he exclaimed, seizing her by the +arm. "Hark to what I say to thee; even I have heard, for ill fame +flies with swallow's wings swiftly across the sea, and when I am done, +if thou still dost love, pray to the Madonna to stop the beating of a +heart that holds so unworthy a regard. Thou sayest the son saved thy +life--by what means I know not. Think you that doth make amends for +all the evil done by him and his? Enough of this, and listen," he +continued, mastering his anger and pacing up and down the room. +"Monteagle and his son, both Catholics, and until James Stuart reached +the throne, most valiant champions of their faith, have, since the +scepter reached the hands of that wise fool, endeavored by all the +foul means within their power, to defeat the efforts of their fellow +churchmen, which, as thou knowest--and all England as well--were +directed against those laws which meant the downfall of our church. +Did these hell hounds come boldly out and show a lusty fight--which +would, in a small degree, have recommended them? Nay, that is not the +nature of the serpent. They falsely affirm themselves most strong +adherents to the Pope, receive the confidences of the Papal Delegates, +and by treasonable use of this knowledge of their secret mission, +defeat them ere they strike a blow. Is it for truth that they are +against the faith? Not so; for the hypocrites do cross themselves and +bow before the Host. Is it for a principle that they act thus? Nay, +for they have none. What, then, is their object? It is to gain favor +with the King, and place themselves by underhanded, sneaking ways +where true merit ne'er could raise them. Ah, my daughter," he cried, +with a voice full of supplication, "I love thee much too well to cause +thy heart a single pang. Canst thou not see it all aright? And even if +for love of me thou wilt not pluck this passion from thy heart, then +do it for the love thou owest God." + +While her father had been speaking, the girl stood motionless, every +line on her face showing plainly the conflict raging within her +breast. Her eyes were dry, for there are griefs so deep and searing +that they, with their fiery tongues, do lick up the springing tears +before they can fall. It was not in her nature to love lightly; to her +passion meant more than a mere auxiliary to her existence; simply +making life brighter and happier; every action, deed or thought, +however trivial and far removed from him, by some subtle influence +like that which turns the magnetic needle toward the north, had been +turned to bear upon this love of hers. The accusations just uttered +concerning his traitorous actions with regard to her faith, influenced +her but little; for her attitude toward religion resembled that of +most of her kind; the pure feminine mind turns instinctively toward +that which they deem great and good, believing, as a rule,--shall we +say ignorantly?--in all which is said to issue from a source they +cannot comprehend, and which they fear for the mystery attached to it. +Man, by instinct, loves power and dominion over others. Woman +substitutes for that characteristic the longing to be ruled, and in +that subordination of herself seeks protection. In this girl's breast, +the desire for a mystical and intangible power which promised to +protect, had been, to a degree, supplanted by the knowledge that there +awaited one who would clasp her in strong arms, and guard her against +all the world. Therefore the words spoken a moment ago had but little +weight, and played a small part in forming the resolution to which she +soon gave voice. Duty was clear. This poor, lonely man, her father, +who had known but little happiness, whose whole existence was summed +up in two great all-absorbing passions--a fearful, passionate belief +in God, and after that, his love for her,--for his sake she must make +the sacrifice. + +"Ah!" thought she, "sacrifice means death, and my love can never die, +but I shall hide it, bury it deep within my bosom, until in time its +strength shall tear my heart asunder; then I, in place of love, will +be the sacrifice." + +This, and more, quickly passed through her mind, but now she turned +toward the man with that wonderful self-control which only can be +found in woman, and said, in a quiet voice, devoid of passion and +malice, for she felt none: + +"If it be thy wish, I will do it for love of thee." + +"My daughter!" cried he, taking the motionless figure in his arms, +"thou hast saved me from a living hell. Thou wilt soon find I have +brought but good counsel. Pluck this poisoned shaft from out thy +heart, and if the wound hurt, soothe the smart with sweet knowledge of +my love, and above all, with a sense of justice done to God. Forget, +my pretty one, thy father's hasty temper; or, if remembered, let it be +only as called forth by love of thee. But we shall talk no more of +passions; let them go. Come now beside me, while I rest, for I am sore +weary after my long journey. Sit so," he continued, reclining on a +bench before the blaze, taking the white hand she offered and drawing +her down to him, "that I may not lose thee again, even in my dreams." + +She silently complied with his request. It would have been impossible +to express what was in her mind, so paralyzed and benumbed was it by +the heavy blow which had suddenly fallen. As the fingers which held +hers gradually relaxed in slumber, she slowly sank upon her knees, and +with outstretched arms, in a tearless voice, exclaimed: "Oh, my love, +thou who art my life; since on earth I must forever be without thee, +let some kindly hand give me unto death!" + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +THE SUPERIOR OF THE JESUITS. + + +While Guy Fawkes held converse with his daughter, the five gentlemen +he had left at Percy's house were soberly discussing the weighty +matters which had drawn them together. The sun had already gilded the +dome of St. Paul, when Winter, Catesby, Wright and Digsby made ready +to take their departure. On the threshold of the chamber Catesby +paused, and turning to Percy, said: "'Twill mayhap be two days ere I +again come to thee, for it is my purpose to make a journey into the +country, that I may gain better understanding concerning certain +matters which rest heavily on my mind; therefore marvel not if for one +night I be absent." + +"Thou goest then to Worcester?" asked Winter. + +"Aye, to Hendlip that, in its wisdom, the counsel of the Church may +direct me. Having gone so far 'twere ill to draw back, yet methinks +there is another whose words we must not treat lightly." + +"Garnet!" burst forth Digsby. + +Winter started. "Not here," he whispered quickly, "name not one whose +zeal hath banished him from England. Let James once know that he is +yet among us, and not a hiding place in Britain could shelter him." + +And a wise precaution it was that the name of Henry Garnet should not +be brought to the King's notice. Balancing the advantage of being +neither Catholic nor Protestant, the accusation that he was about to +favor the Papists, had so angered James, that he cast aside all +pretentions of toleration to the adherents of Rome. Coming to the +throne with promises of favor to the Catholic nobility, he had renewed +with great severity the laws of repression, and the banishment of the +Jesuits. Many of the latter had sought refuge in the houses of the +more zealous Papists, and among them Henry Garnet, Superior of the +Order of Jesus in England, an accomplished scholar, and a man of mild +demeanor, though an uncompromising adherent to his faith. 'Twas to +Garnet, that Catesby, troubled in spirit and, perhaps, uncertain of +the undertaking which lay before him, had resolved to turn, that the +advice of the wily Jesuit might strengthen his purpose, or check for a +time, his zeal in the desperate venture which at present filled his +mind. + +Some two hours after leaving his companions, Catesby, mounted upon a +powerful chestnut mare and wrapped closely about with a fur lined +cloak, cantered slowly through the streets of London which led to the +outskirts of the city facing the northwest. The storm of the previous +night had ceased, and the country side lay wrapped in a mantle of +white, broken here and there by the gray wall of some silent +habitation from whose chimneys the first blue smoke was rising in +circling clouds through the crisp morning air. + +Having reached the open country, the rider set his horse into a +gallop, for his destination lay many leagues away, and it was his +purpose to reach it ere nightfall. Hendlip House stood near the middle +of a spacious park thickly studded with trees; the structure itself +was surrounded by shrubbery, and contained within its walls many +secret hiding places, trap doors and double wainscotings. It had been +constructed by one Thomas Abington, a devoted recusant of the reign of +Queen Elizabeth, and the dwelling was a famous resort for those whose +desire it was to conceal themselves from the authorities. 'Twas there, +the Superior of the Jesuits, together with a clerk of that Order, +Oldcorne by name, and Owen, a servant, had been taken by certain of +the Catholic gentry, among whom were Lord Rookwood and Sir Everard +Digsby. + +That precaution had been observed to guard against surprise was shown +by the presence of a watchman, who, on the arrival of Catesby outside +the manor grounds, stepped from his lodge that he might hold converse +with the new comer, and if an officer, or one attached to the +Parliament, might give warning to those within the house. + +Upon perceiving, however, that it was Sir Robert Catesby who came thus +unexpectedly to Hendlip, the man doffed his cap, returning a civil +greeting to the rider's remark upon the coldness of the weather. + +"Has my Lord Rookwood passed this way?" inquired he, reining in his +horse. + +"He has, in truth," replied the servant, catching dexterously the +silver piece tossed him. "Even now, together with Mistress Vaux, he is +within the house." + +"Vaux! Anne Vaux!" muttered Catesby, "there must be then some weighty +matter afoot that she comes to Hendlip." And touching his horse with +the spur, he galloped up the avenue which led to the main entrance of +the mansion. Being well known by its inmates he was at once conducted +to an upper chamber, the door of which was unbarred by Owen, who +motioned him to enter. + +There were three occupants of the room. Before the great fireplace, +ablaze with logs, sat Henry Garnet. Scarce past middle age, the +learned prelate was a striking figure, clad though he was in the +simple, dark-hued garb of his Order. Beneath a brow white and smooth +as a child's, shone a noble countenance, gentle almost to effeminacy, +but redeemed by firm lines about the mouth, and the intensity of the +steel-gray eyes. As Catesby entered, these eyes, which had been gazing +abstractedly into the fire, lighted with a smile of welcome. + +One of the Jesuit's companions was a personage whose dress and manner +proclaimed him a noble of the period. He leaned indolently against the +frame of the wide window facing the avenue, through which the horseman +had come, and he it was, Lord Rookwood, who first announced to the +Prelate that a visitor approached. + +The third occupant of the apartment was a woman. Born and bred in +luxury, the daughter of a peer of England, Anne Vaux was numbered +among the most devoted followers of the Superior. Scarce six and +twenty, she had passed her minority at the court of Elizabeth, and the +accession of James the First had marked no change in the life of the +lady-in-waiting. Anne of Denmark, pleased with the loveliness of the +daughter of Lord Vaux, had retained her near her person. + +Pausing on the threshold, Catesby took in the three personages at a +glance, but it was to the Jesuit that he offered his first salutation, +dropping on one knee as Garnet extended his hand, upon a finger of +which glistened the signet ring denoting his holy office. + +"Welcome, Sir Robert Catesby!" murmured the Prelate, motioning the +cavalier to draw near the fire. "'Tis, indeed, a most happy +circumstance which brings to Hendlip so devoted a servant to the cause +of God." + +"The more happy," replied Catesby, "that I find your Reverence of good +cheer, and in converse with my Lord of Rookwood and Mistress Vaux." + +"They are truly of much comfort to me in my solitude," said the +Superior, "and with the help of God I have patience to remain in +idleness, that at the time of harvest I may be ready." + +Catesby cast a quick glance at Rookwood, but the imperturbable face of +the latter told him nothing. It was Anne Vaux who spoke. + +"'Tis but little, indeed, the followers of this most holy man can do +to comfort him," she said softly, "yet it seemeth fit that such of us +as may, shall make known to him that even the court of James----" + +Garnet smiled. "Anne!" said he, turning his gray eyes affectionately +upon her, "'tis a comfort beyond human utterance." Then to Catesby: +"But thou hast ridden hard, good son?" + +"That I may benefit by thy wisdom," replied Sir Robert, "for my soul +is troubled." + +"A confession!" cried Anne, rising quickly. "Therefore I will retire +with my Lord of Rookwood." + +The latter shrugged his shoulders; evidently it but poorly fitted his +desire that the conversation with the Superior should be unheard by +him. Catesby noted his displeasure, and signaled him to remain. Garnet +comprehended the matter. + +"Not so!" said he, "I warrant me, good Catesby seeketh not the +confessional, but to render certain reports concerning that which hath +transpired in London, and of which Lord Rookwood hath some +understanding. Yet, lest our discourse weary thee, good Anne, thou +mayst retire, and if it please thee, return when our conference is +ended." So saying, he arose and conducted her to the door. + +When alone with the two gentlemen, the Prelate looked fixedly at +Catesby. + +"It were fitting," said he "that Mistress Vaux, zealous though she be, +know not too much concerning the temper of our following. Now tell me +quickly what hath arisen to disturb thee." + +Catesby walked thrice about the room, then stopped before the Jesuit +and said soberly: + +"That which agitates my mind is, perforce, the same matter which +troubles thee--a holy father of the Church, my Lord of Rookwood, and +some tens of thousands of loyal Catholics in England. 'Tis the broken +promises of James--the overthrow of our religion, the----" + +Garnet checked him. + +"Thou speakest as a true Catholic," said he, "yet has thy grievance +been long endured. There are many men whose childhood witnessed these +selfsame wrongs." + +"Aye!" cried Catesby, seizing the hand of the Superior, "our +sufferings have, indeed, been of long duration, but we looked to the +ascension of the new King to lessen evils which have pressed so hard +upon us. 'Twas to James of Scotland----" + +The eyes of the Jesuit blazed fiercely. + +"Wretched country!" cried he, stretching out his arms, "thou hast in +truth suffered long, and the blessing of Most Holy God hath gone from +thee. Thy soul is troubled, Sir Robert Catesby, thou, who art free to +live as suiteth thee! Thinkest thou then that I, whom the Holy Church +hath appointed to teach her children, suffer nothing being thus a +prisoner behind the walls of Hendlip House? If thou art vexed at +thought of penalties, and cruel enactments against thy brethren, what +thinkest thou of the happiness of one to whom banishment without voice +or trial, such as are granted to the lowest criminal, follows from so +unjust a law? What have I done, wherein lieth the crime of all the +priests in England, that the hand of James is turned against us? If +thou seek out the King, or question the Parliament, and ask wherefore +we are driven from our churches--they will answer thee, 'Ye are +Catholics.'" + +During his words, spoken with the fire of an ardent spirit, the +slender form of the Jesuit seemed to tower, as an enraged deity, above +the persons of his two companions. But having poured out the +bitterness of his soul, the meekness of the man asserted itself, and +sinking into a chair he buried his face in his hands. The sight +aroused Catesby to madness. + +"Aye!" cried he, advancing to the Prelate's side, "I will go to James, +but 'twill not be to test his arguments. One thrust and thou, with all +Catholics, will be free." + +Drawing out his sword he threw it at the feet of the silent Jesuit. + +"Bless thou therefore this trusty blade, good Father, that it may do +its work quickly. Bless it, and me, for ere night comes again 'twill +have drunk the blood of the heretic!" + +The recklessness of the other's purpose roused Garnet from his +lethargy. + +"Thou art mad, good Catesby," said he sadly; "that thou thinkest to +kill the King of England. Put up thy sword! 'Tis not through the +violence of one man that England will be freed. We have waited long +already; pray for patience that thou mayst bear with meekness the +burden which rests heavily upon thee. Thinkest thou I groan not under +it?" + +Catesby might have replied in anger, but the voice of Rookwood +forestalled him. + +"There are many gentlemen in England this day who from waiting have +grown weary, and who hope no more for indulgence from the King and his +Parliament. Some there may be, who, even as good Catesby, have in +their minds resolved upon most desperate measures. If it be then a sin +to----" + +Garnet turned upon him saying: + +"A sin! A sin to slay the King of England?" + +"Yet one who hath broken his promises, forsaken the religion of his +mother, and who, blind to the mercy of God, doth seek to uproot this +holy cause!" cried Catesby. + +Whatever might have been the ultimate purpose of the Jesuit, whether +as an Englishman he recoiled at the thought of the assassination of +his King, or, as a Catholic, his zeal overbalanced his loyalty, he saw +that it was quite time to curb the fanatical tendencies of his +companions. The very life of the Catholic religion in England, his own +safety, and that of his fellow priests, might be sacrificed by a +premature attempt on the part of Catesby, or some of his followers, to +end their wrongs by the murder of the King. With the keen perception +which Garnet eminently possessed, he saw that the desired change in +the religious policy of the government could only be brought about by +a farther reaching blow than the removal of the person of James. Nor +would a decided objection on his part to their purpose serve his ends, +for it was his policy to draw about him the leading Catholic gentry of +the kingdom. He therefore cast about for a middle course whereby those +whose zeal had overcome their discretion might be pacified. The +remembrance of Anne Vaux suggested an expedient. + +"Good Catesby, and thou, Lord Rookwood," said he blandly, "your zeal +in the cause hath much endeared you to me, yet, it were well to +proceed with due caution in so grave a matter. Perchance King James +hath it in his mind to extend to us that kind indulgence which we +crave for. Ye know that the Parliament of England is composed of many +who prate much about their liberties, and if James seek to aid us by +dissimulation, 'twere an ill thing to cut the unripe corn." + +"What then, good Father?" asked Catesby. + +"Thou knowest," replied the Jesuit, "that Mistress Vaux is closely +united to the Court. Maybe thou knowest, also, that there is a certain +gentleman, close to the King, who would make Anne his mistress. 'Tis a +truth that the wit of woman worketh much, and it comes to me that this +courtier, to please Anne Vaux, might seek to discover what is in the +mind of his master regarding the Catholics of England." + +"'Tis a happy thought," said Rookwood, "if we be benefited." + +"All is in the hands of God," replied Garnet solemnly, and rising he +touched a bell which summoned Owen from the ante-chamber. + +"Good Owen," said he, "bear to Lady Vaux my desire for her presence; +our conference is ended." + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +WHY MASTER FAWKES WAS SUMMONED TO ENGLAND. + + +Elinor sat by the fire with a piece of embroidery in her hand. Her +thoughts were evidently not upon it, for ever and anon she would lay +down the work and sink into deep meditation, which ended in sighs; +then, recollecting herself, the busy fingers would once more resume +their task. The sound of footsteps echoing in the corridor without, +caused her to turn toward the door, through which a man presently +entered, who exclaimed in a petulant voice, as he ineffectually +endeavored to fasten a sword belt: "Come, my daughter, lay down thy +pretty work for a moment, and aid thy father to gird this cursed +baldric about him, for the ends be as coy as an old maid and her +lover." She arose to comply with his request, and quickly fastened the +desired buckle, then inquired, on noting his attire: + +"Dost thou go abroad to-night?" + +"Verily, I do, if Sir Thomas doth keep his appointment. 'Tis past the +hour of nine, and much I marvel that he hath not yet arrived." + +"Then I will now bid thee good night," she answered, approaching and +about to kiss him, when hearing one coming up the steps caused her to +delay. + +"There, by St. Paul, he is at last," as a knock sounded on the door. +"Run, my daughter, and open to Sir Thomas." + +The girl hesitated a moment as if loth to comply, then stepped into +the hall and withdrew the bolt. Soon the tones of a man's voice could +be heard exclaiming: "A good evening to thee, Mistress Elinor. It is +but fitting that an angel should unbar the door of Paradise, for I +deem the house naught else wherein thou dwellest." Kissing the +reluctant hand which he held, then observing Fawkes, who had advanced +to greet him, "Well, well, friend Guido; thou lookest fit for a battle +royal, with thy long war rapier girded by thy side. But," he +continued with a laugh, "it would ill become thee to go abroad poorly +armed in my company, for we do in truth seem to invite attack when +together. Did thy father tell thee, Mistress Elinor, of his adventure +yester-night, which had for its intent the rescuing me again from dire +straits?" + +"Nay, he did not; for my father's brave deeds need not his tongue to +set them forth, and he is much too modest to narrate his exploits, +even though they had so worthy an object as the saving of thy life," +she replied with a little courtesy. + +"Marry," broke in Fawkes, "I was marveling why thou didst not come, +and was thinking perchance 'twould be better to go outside and listen +for the sound of a distant brawl." Then observing the small court +sword which hung by the other's side, he continued, pointing toward +it: "Thou art but lightly equipped. I wonder much that thou dost go so +poorly prepared; but," he added, loosening his long rapier from its +scabbard, "thy purse is safe to-night at least. Wilt come for a moment +to the fire, and warm thyself?" + +"I cannot, though much I regret that precious time forbids; if thou +art ready, methinks we had best depart." + +"I am ever at thy service," cried Fawkes, and turning towards his +daughter, who had thrown a long cloak over his shoulders, "I'll wish +thee a good repose, sweet one, for 'twill be late ere I return." +Embracing her, then going toward Winter, he continued: "'Tis most +pleasing to have a pretty face on which to kiss a sad good-bye, and +know that loving arms await to greet a happy return." + +"Aye, that it is," he responded, biting his lip and watching the two; +"but we poor single men have no such bliss, and must be content to +watch the happiness of others. Still, there is left me the sweet +sorrow of saying good night." He extended his hand to the girl, who +let hers rest for an instant within his. "Now, if thou art ready, +Master Fawkes, I will follow." + +The two passed out into the night, both turning, however, when half +way down the path to wave a parting adieu to the fair figure standing +within the door. For some little distance the men continued on in +silence, each engrossed in thought. At length, Winter observing that +Fawkes seemed well aware as to the direction they were taking, +exclaimed with some little surprise: "Master Guido, one would think +the way to my residence an old traveled road to thee, but if I +recollect aright, this to my knowledge is the first time thou hast +gone over it." + +"Marry, but I have a guide, Sir Thomas," pointing to the dome of St. +Paul's church, which reared itself dark against the star-studded sky. + +"Beshrew my heart, doth some angel of heaven fly before thee?" as just +at the moment Fawkes turned sharply down another street leading to +their destination. + +"Nay, I have not that to point the way, but a friend of thine gave me +the direction. I did not think to tell thee the first night of our +meeting, for we had other matters of more pointed nature to engross +our thoughts," he added with a laugh, striking his sword; "and it did +slip my tardy mind that I was the bearer of a message from him to +thee." + +"I can but illy guess who he may be; but, pray, say on, by what name +went he?" + +"Giles Martin; and he did wish I would convey his best respects and +wishes for thy good welfare." + +"By St. Peter! Where didst thou run across the man? I had deemed him +long dead, for naught have I seen of him these many years." + +"The truth is, Sir Winter, he wished no mention made of his present +whereabouts; but I deemed thou hadst a sturdy friend in him, and," +continued Fawkes, looking at the other significantly, "he did seem +well informed on divers topics concerning these troubled times." + +"What dost thou mean, friend Guido?" asked Winter, turning a quick +glance toward Fawkes. + +"I am but a plain man, and thy outspoken question invites little but a +plain reply. Therefore, I'll repeat his words, which were that thou +didst stand poorly with those in high places, and, further, the times +were such that hot outspoken opinions on certain subjects were apt to +be quickly followed by the whistle of an axe flying through the air, +and that the King----" + +"A truce," Winter broke in, laying his hand upon the other's arm and +looking behind with some alarm as the two entered a thoroughfare, +which, by the number of people passing up and down, indicated their +approach to a central portion of the city; "by holy St. Dunstan, frame +not thy speech in such loud words, for it might be illy construed. But +here we are at our destination, and when within, thou mayst recite all +that Master Martin told." + +The two paused in front of an iron railing surrounding a court-yard, +on which fronted a residence of no mean pretensions. After unlocking +the wicket, Winter, followed by his companion, proceeded up the walk, +and passing through the main doorway, entered the house. + +"This is the first time, Fawkes, that I've had the honored pleasure of +thy company at mine own fireside," exclaimed Winter, when inside, +throwing his fur-lined coat upon a chair. Then observing that his +companion was already busily engaged in examining a trophy of swords +which decorated the wall, he continued: "What, do thy warlike eyes +ever seek the implements of thy trade? See, Guido, there is a suit of +mail that a valiant ancestor of mine did wear at Crecy," pointing +toward a stand of armor. + +"Indeed," answered the other, examining it, "he must of necessity have +been brave, for, I can but illy see how running could be done, even if +the spirit prompted the legs, attired in this heavy harness." + +"And now, if thou be ready," exclaimed Winter, evidently anxious to +arrive quickly at the task of the evening, "I will conduct thee to a +chamber wherein we may hold converse without fear of interruption." + +The two proceeded, Winter leading the way to the end of the hall, and +passing through a heavy open door, which closed behind them, entered a +room well adapted to the discussion of such things as must not fall on +untrusted ears. The chamber was one of spacious proportion, but on +account of its massive black furniture, seemed to be of medium size. +The walls were hung in some dark, unfigured tapestry, which added to +the somberness of the apartment, and tended to spread over all an air +of gloom. The dimness of the place was in some degree relieved by a +crackling fire burning upon the hearth, and two silver candelabrums +holding lighted tapers, stood upon an oaken table occupying the middle +of the room. + +The only window in the place opened down to the floor, leading out +upon a balcony overlooking the court-yard, and the interior of the +chamber was hidden from those passing by heavy curtains, which now +were closely drawn. A divan, several massive black oak cabinets, and +three or four high-back chairs completed the furniture of the room, +with the exception of a small table, on which stood a large and +curiously wrought silver flagon and several tankards. + +"Come Master Guy," cried Winter, filling two of the cups, "let us +preface dry work with a drink of honest vintage, and then we will to +our task." + +"With all my heart," replied Fawkes, taking the cup and draining it at +a draught. + +"And now to business," exclaimed the other, seating himself by the +table and motioning his companion to a place opposite. Having settled +himself easily in the chair, shading his face from the light of the +tapers that he might better watch the countenance of the other, he +began in a quiet voice: + +"I doubt not but thou didst deem it passing strange I made no +reference to the nature of the employment I had to offer thee, and, +mayhap," he continued, holding up his hand to silence an interruption +from his listener, "there hath arisen in thy mind suspicious thoughts +caused by a combination of incidents since thy arrival, which would +place me as one with whom to be identified were not as safe as serving +in the King's Guard. In point of fact, I refer particularly to the +outspoken words of our friend Giles Martin." + +"In truth," responded the other, in that quick, brusque manner +belonging to his nature, "Master Martin did lay naught at thy door, +but what I, or any other righteous man, might deem an honor to a +house. Nay," he continued, with some vehemence, "if what he said be +true, then I am overjoyed to find employment with one whose faith is +his greatest crime." + +"What may be the purport of thy words?" inquired Winter, slowly +turning a keen glance upon the speaker. + +"I mean," exclaimed Fawkes, leaning over the table toward his +questioner, "that I would think it no disgrace to serve, or, if need +be, fall by the side of one who had the courage to openly or secretly +espouse the Catholic cause in these cross-breaking days. Aye, Sir +Thomas, I will speak without concealment, for I have guessed at many +things, and know full well that the time must soon be ripe when all +who have not craven hearts will arise in wrath, and by word of mouth, +of mayhap, if need be, by a more violent measure put down those who +advise the enactment of laws which have for their intent the uprooting +of the Church in this our Kingdom." + +"By St. Michael!" exclaimed Winter, surprised that the other should +bring to the front so clearly his opinion on a subject upon which, he +had feared, it would require no small amount of questioning to elicit +anything, "thou dost astonish me with thine ardor; I always knew thee +as a brave churchman, but never----" + +"Time hath altered my views on many subjects," interrupted Fawkes. +"The manners of the Spaniard are not always good, and their breath is +oft odorous of garlic; but by my troth, they know full well how to +treat a heretic," he added with a decisive nod of his head. "Say on, +for by thy manner I judge it is thine object to sound my depth in +certain matters. I know not what's afoot; but by St. Peter," +continued he, striking the table a blow which made the tapers dance, +"if it hath aught to do with those--even though they be kings--whose +unholy hands would snuff our altar lights, thou canst count on Master +Guy to twist the rack or carry faggots." + +During this recital Winter watched the other with keen attention. +Knowing Fawkes to be a man of indomitable will, combined with +undaunted courage, and one to stop at nothing in gaining ends +justified by his conscience, he had not hesitated to recommend him as +a valuable adjunct to the cause dear to himself and his companions. +Heavily the weight of responsibility rested upon him; it had fallen to +his lot that he should be the one to sound this man, and decide as to +how great or small a degree of their confidence might be given to him. +One error in judgment now might be followed by the death of all their +hopes, and by the thud of heads dropping into the axman's basket. +Therefore he weighed the matter well before saying: + +"I did not over-estimate thy zeal. There are many things I would fain +tell thee, the purport of which methinks thou hast already guessed, +but which at present must not, for reasons, be spoken of. If thou art +willing for a time to remain in darkness, and take service as a +gentleman about my household, I can almost promise that the gloom of +thy ignorance on many matters may soon be dispelled by a lurid glare +which shall be red enough, even to thy liking. I have told thee +naught, but the very concealment of some things, to the observing, +doth show plainly what is hid. Ask no more, and, for the present, +content thyself with suppositions. If the conditions which I have +named suit thee, then thou wilt have access to these premises at all +times. Further, be my companion when I go abroad; for what is more +natural in these purse-cutting days than that a gentleman should +desire a lusty swordsman with him? Dost accept, and agree to all?" The +last word he pronounced with great emphasis. + +"Aye, to all," responded the other grimly, arising and extending his +gauntlet. + +"And I would further recommend," continued Winter, drumming on the +table with his fingers, "that thou say but little about this meeting, +even," looking narrowly at Fawkes, "to thy pretty daughter; for I have +remarked there is sometimes a certain visitor at thy house who, if the +report did reach his ears that two or three gentlemen of the Catholic +persuasion were closeted together, might denounce the assembling as a +conspiracy,--which would be most unjust--and bring the King's Guard +with small courtesy. Dost follow me, friend Guido?" + +"That I do; but there's naught to fear; I know your meaning. Heretics +will no more darken my door." + +"That is well, and I hope, truly spoken," replied Winter, nodding his +head in approval, and rising from his chair with an air of relief that +the business of the evening was settled. "Let us," he continued, +filling up the cups, "drink success to our compact." + +"Ah!" cried Fawkes, pointing to the wine as it flowed from the +flagon's mouth, "A most fitting color be the draught;" then, as he +raised the tankard to his lips, "A toast, Sir Thomas, I will offer +thee. May we be as willing to give our blood when asked, as this good +flagon to yield its red cheer to us! And now I must set out for home, +and 'tis with a lighter heart than when I came. Dost thou wish my +presence here to-morrow?" he inquired as they reached the door. + +"Thou mayst call on the stroke of ten, or thereabouts. Until then, +farewell." + +The host watched the form of his guest disappear in the darkness, and +shutting the door, returned with a thoughtful step to the chamber +wherein they had been sitting. Filling a cup with wine and raising it +on high, he exclaimed with a laugh: "Troth, Master Fawkes, I did drink +to thy health awhile ago; now I will quaff a flagon to thy daughter. +Here is to one, Mistress Elinor, the fairest, the sweetest wench in +all England, and for one warm kiss from whose lips Sir Thomas Winter +would right gladly face grim death. Marry," he mused, setting down the +cup, "thou hast done, mayhap, a good stroke for the cause, in bringing +this bloodhound Fawkes from out of Spain, but young Monteagle, beware; +for if I be judge, the Spanish treatment of a heretic leaves but +little for the burial." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +THE WISEST FOOL IN CHRISTENDOM. + + +The Royal Court of King James, at Whitehall, was furnished and +embellished with all the luxury which love of show and the power of +the owner could command. Choicest tapestries draped the walls, carpets +of marvelous softness covered the floors. In the King's bedchamber +stood an elaborately carved bedstead canopied with perfumed velvet +cunningly wrought in silk and gold. Upon its front glittered the royal +arms of England. + +Reared as he had been in the plainness of Scottish simplicity, the +wealth and lavish display in the English manor houses where he had +rested during his journey from Edinburgh delighted and enchanted him +in the highest degree. Vain, fond of indolent diversions, and prodigal +in expenditures, he at once surrounded himself with the choicest +products of the weavers, decorators and artisans of the Continent. + +In a chamber of this palace, on the second afternoon following the +meeting of Catesby with Rookwood and Anne Vaux at the hiding place of +the Jesuit Superior, an interesting conversation took place between +the Queen's lady-in-waiting, and one Robert Carr, a Scotchman, and +favorite of the King. After James ascended the throne of England he +meted out ample measure to his countrymen, likening himself to Joseph, +who, being raised to power, forgot not his brethren. That this Robert +was of goodly parts, being fair of feature and elegant of limb, +rendered him the more acceptable to his royal master; forsooth, there +were few of the nobles in the two kingdoms but knew certain tales +concerning the favorites of the King, young gallants of the period +whose presence at Court added nothing to the honor of their sovereign. + +Robert Carr, a person of deep perception and gifted with certain +Scottish wit, pandered much to the follies and pride of his +benefactor. He was also a man easily excited by beauty of face and +grace of manner, and had fallen desperately in love with Mistress +Vaux, to his own undoing and the jealousy of the Queen's women. It was +this state of affairs which the Jesuit had reckoned upon, when, in +casting about for an expedient to check the fiery zeal of Sir Robert +Catesby, he had suggested that one dwelt at Court who might learn what +was in the mind of the King concerning certain policies. Being +instructed by Garnet what course to pursue, Anne Vaux, on her return +to Whitehall, made haste to summon into her presence the King's +favorite. Nor did Carr need a second bidding to betake himself to the +lady's chamber. + +"Sweet Anne!" cried he, dropping upon his knee before the +maid-in-waiting, "thou hast saved me from despair. Knowest thou 'tis +eight and forty hours since thy gentle presence hath made earth to me +a paradise?" + +"Nay, good Robert!" replied she, demurely casting down her eyes, yet +permitting the gallant to retain her hand, "Speak not of despair; thou +who hast so high a place with our royal master. Amid thy pleasures the +absence of Anne Vaux can be but of small moment unto thee." + +Carr covered her hand with kisses. + +"Whitehall without thee is a barren wilderness," cried he, "for thee +would I barter faith, honor----" + +Anne raised her head until her eyes met his. + +"Nay, sweet gentleman!" said she, softly, "'tis not faith, nor honor I +would ask of thee; 'tis----" + +"Speak!" murmured Carr, overcome by his emotions. "Speak, that I may +serve thee." + +"'Tis but little," replied the lady, "yet would it please me much, and +thou art able to converse freely with his Majesty." + +"The King!" cried Carr, alarmed that the name of James should enter +into his love making. "What wouldst thou with the King?" + +Anne withdrew her hand. "Ah!" cried she, pushing him gently from her, +"'tis so little, yet thou wouldst withhold thy courtesy. There be +certain other gentlemen, my lord of----" + +"Say not so," stammered the courtier, "be it the crown itself." His +companion laughed merrily. "The crown!" cried she, "what would Anne +Vaux with the crown of England? 'Tis but a simple question, a word +with his Majesty, that I may gain a wager." + +"Speak then," said Carr, "that I may hasten to obey thee." + +"Thou knowest," replied Anne, "there be much serious speculation, many +theories formed throughout the kingdom concerning the mind of the King +regarding the penalties against the Catholics. Some there be who hold +'tis the King's wish that the ordinances, or edicts of Elizabeth, be +removed utterly, while others affirm that James doth join with +Parliament for their maintenance. Having been drawn into an argument +with certain of my mistress' ladies, a wager was made, that ere the +morrow the truth of the matter should to me be disclosed." + +The look on her companion's face changed to consternation. + +"Ask the King concerning so grave a matter?" cried he. + +"A truce, Master Carr!" replied Anne, sharply, "it needeth small +perception to discern thy temper. Thou dost ask much, yet givest +little." + +The King's favorite was nonplussed. To question James concerning +affairs of State was no light matter, yet, in opposition to so doing +stood the anger and the loss of Mistress Vaux. This thought, which he +could not endure, caused him to hesitate. + +"Be it so!" said the lady, coldly, "Thou hast refused so small a +favor, therefore will I summon one who, methinks, hath more +consideration." And she moved as though to touch the bell upon the +table. + +The action, indicating his dismissal, removed all scruples which had +arisen in the mind of the courtier, and kneeling before her he pledged +himself to at once seek an audience with the King, who, having passed +the afternoon in hunting, was resting in his own apartments. + +Pleased that her object had been so easily gained, Anne permitted the +enraptured Scotchman to clasp her in his arms, then he rushed from the +chamber hoping after a short interview with the King to return to her. + +As Carr had intimated, James, wearied by several hours in the saddle, +for it was his pleasure to hunt or horseback in Waltham forest and in +other royal chases, had retired early to his bed chamber. He had eaten +heartily, for despite his ungainly person the First of the Stuarts was +a famous trenchman. Freed from his quilted clothes and mellow with +strong wine, he admitted to his presence two gentlemen who sought an +audience. + +The noblemen who were thus occupants of the royal chamber stood in +strong contrast to the Sovereign of England. Their large and +gracefully proportioned figures were made most conspicuous by the big +head, rickety legs and dwarfed body of their royal master, while the +calm dignity which enveloped them set forth vividly the driveling +speech, and coarseness of him whom the death of the last of the Tudors +had placed upon the throne. + +"Ah!" cried James, perceiving the gentlemen upon the threshold, +"welcome most worthy Monteagle and Viscount Effingston! Hast thou then +an answer to my argument?" + +The lips of the younger nobleman trembled nervously as he sought to +repress a smile, but his companion advanced quickly to the royal couch +upon which the King had stretched himself. + +"The wisdom of your Majesty is indeed unanswerable," said he bending +to kiss the hand held out to him. + +James chuckled loudly. + +"'Tis my pleasure to discourse on certain matters," replied he, "and my +good lord of Monteagle, being well versed in the learning of the +period, doth turn with relish to a well written document. It was, +methinks, concerning the 'True Law of Free Monarchy.'" + +"Nay, your Majesty," replied Monteagle, drawing a paper from his +doublet, "'twas thy most learned discourse on tobacco." + +The Viscount Effingston, who stood well behind his father, turned +aside his face, that the King might not note the smile upon it. James, +however, having plunged into one of his pedantic hobbies, had small +perception of aught aside from the discourse in hand. + +"'Twas, in truth!" cried he, "a most learned writing, bearing upon +the use of an ill-savored weed. What thinkest thou, my lord?" + +"'Tis indeed most ably written," replied Monteagle, "and being much +impressed with the wisdom so plainly set forth, I did read it aloud to +several of my gentlemen." + +"And what said they, good Monteagle?" + +"That your Majesty had, in truth, touched the heart of the matter," +replied the peer. "Even Sir Raleigh, upon the reading of it, would, +methinks, turn from the habit." + +"That would he," said the King, gruffly, for the name of Raleigh was +in no wise pleasing to him. + +"A most excellent document!" broke in the Viscount, "my worthy father +was about to beg your Majesty for further discourse on so grave a +matter." + +Monteagle cast a look of keen reproach at his son; 'twas not for the +pleasure of discussing the "Counterblast To Tobacco," the famous +literary production of the King, that he had sought this audience. +James, however, was highly pleased at the young man's words. + +"Good Monteagle!" cried he, "thy son is a worthy gentleman, and +methinks our reign will see him a most favored peer. Instruct him, +that he fall not into certain habits as to bells and candlesticks, nor +give ear too seriously to the teachings of them who would embroil our +kingdom." + +At this moment Robert Carr, hastening to the royal bed chamber, in +order to obey the wishes of Mistress Vaux, entered the ante-room and +hearing his master in converse with others, paused noiselessly behind +the curtains. + +"Faith!" continued James, receiving no reply from Monteagle or his +son, "it is rumored that thou also hath dealt somewhat closely with +these disturbers of the kingdom." + +Alarmed at the character of the conversation assumed by the King, the +nobleman would have checked it by well timed flattery, but James was +not to be turned from his purpose. + +"It doth much annoy me," prated he, "that certain reports are spread +abroad making it seem my desire, against the wishes of our good +Parliament, to remit certain fines----" + +Carr, whose ear was pressed close against the curtain, rubbed his +hands together in exultation that there was like to be, without +discomfort to himself, something ready for the ear of the Queen's +waiting woman. + +"And divers statutes against those who would bring back the Jesuits," +continued James, plucking impatiently the fringe of his couch cover. + +"Your Majesty is, in truth, the spring of justice," said Monteagle, +soberly, "and it ill befits thy subjects, be they Puritans or +Catholics, to----" + +A wave of passion swept across the royal face. + +"Puritans and Catholics!" cried he, sitting upright. "Zounds! What +then? Am I not king? Wherefore should I tolerate in this good kingdom +those who teach treason in their churches?" + +Monteagle's position was truly equivocal. The son of a Protestant +peer, through his marriage, early in life, with the daughter of a +Catholic, he became involved in certain Papistic plots, and listened +to the teachings of the missionary priests. James had made him the +recipient of many court favors, for the maintenance of which, +Monteagle, balancing the advantages of his position against the loss +which might accrue to him were he to boldly adhere to his religion, +had become lukewarm in the faith of the Catholics, and this had +brought him into disrepute with his old associates. + +"'Tis a grave matter that there be any in England whose faith takes +precedence of their loyalty," said he, the King ceasing his harangue +through lack of breath. + +"Thou sayest rightly!" cried he, "nor will I abate one jot or tittle +from that I have set before me. As it is atheism and blasphemy to +dispute what is in God's power, so it is presumption and high contempt +for a subject to question a king's will; nor should a king abate even +the breadth of a hair from that right which his prerogative gives unto +him." + +The Viscount Effingston pulled his father's sleeve. + +"We had best retire," he whispered, "the wine hath mounted to the head +of yonder fool, and, perchance, he may see in thee a Raleigh or a +Cobham." + +The King was, indeed, weary of the interview. The exertion of the +afternoon, the heated room, the wine and the ill temper into which he +had fallen, deprived him of his usual wit, leaving him only boorish +and irritable. + +"My lord Monteagle," said he, peevishly, "it pleases me that you +retire, for a certain languor of the body rendereth our discourse +unprofitable." + +The words of his son had startled the nobleman from his usual +composure, and receiving the King's permission to retire, he made +haste to kiss the royal hand, well pleased that the audience was +ended, although certain favors which he desired to ask of his Majesty +remained unspoken. + +"Faith!" said the favorite, as the two peers passed his hiding place, +"I have, indeed, had a most fortunate escape, for James is in poor +condition to discuss even with Robert Carr, that which sent him +hither." + +Then, as the King's valets crowded into the chamber, summoned by the +furious ringing of their master's bell, he looked for an instant upon +the half-drunken monarch, dropped the curtain and hastened down the +corridor that he might relate to Mistress Vaux that which he had +overheard. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +THE VISCOUNT EFFINGSTON. + + +Rare and luxurious were the furnishings of a room in which we find +Lord Monteagle and his son. Wealth and artistic hands had combined to +bring all its sumptuousness into a rich and harmonious completeness. +The elder, who had just entered, walked with troubled brow toward the +window. The other, tall and strong, with features of fine proportion +and graceful contour, clad in a style denoting the aristocrat and man +of fashion, sat at a desk engaged in writing. For a time the only +sound breaking the silence was the sharp scratching of a goosequill +as it traveled over the paper. At last, having finished, and observing +the other for the first time, he remarked, as he folded the sheet: + +"My lord, hast thou so soon returned from the audience? Did aught +transpire to ruffle thy temper? Or, mayhap," he continued with a +laugh, "His Majesty did read thee an essay on How to Take Snuff +Without a Nose, or some other learned subject dear to his heart." + +"Not so, my son," Monteagle replied with gravity; "but I have heard +again rumors which set but ill upon my mind. 'Tis the talk of the +ante-chamber, and the first words which did greet my ear on entering +came from that silly, chattering coxcomb, Robert Carr, who, advancing, +enquired in a low voice, but which at the same time filled the room, +whether my daughter-in-law would be the new lady in waiting upon the +Queen. These many days the talk that hath been afoot connects thy name +with one whose ancestral lineage will not bear scrutiny, and, for +truth, much this gossip hath troubled me." + +Effingston reddened, and turned in his chair toward the speaker, +suppressing an angry retort which sprang to his lips: "My lord, dost +thou believe all that Dame Rumor whispereth?" + +"No, verily, being too long connected with affairs of State, but, in +my anxiety, I made inquiry, and much it paineth me to find these same +reports seem to have foundation. I do not demand but beg an +explanation from thy lips, to hear if that be true which reached my +ear." + +"Your lordship knows," returned the other with an inclination of the +head, "that thy request is to me a command; therefore, I tell thee +frankly that what thou heard this morning is to an extent well +founded. Thou canst be sparing of thy fears," he continued as the +other was about to interrupt, "and ever be assured, respect for Lord +Monteagle, my father, and pride, the inheritance of the noble born, +will deter Viscount Effingston from actions which his conscience might +perchance approve. I will not disgrace thee or thy name," he +concluded, with a touch of haughtiness in his tone. + +"I have not yet accused thee of bringing discredit upon our house, and +devoutly hope my fears are but absurd, born of that doubt which +seemeth to be resident in the minds of men one for the other. By my +troth, we can seldom point with certainty in these days to one of our +fellow creatures, and say truly, I know him to be good and free from +treason. It would, I swear," he continued, with a sigh, "little +surprise me, to hear the Archbishop of Canterbury had been seen to +hold his crosier for a pretty wench to leap across, that he might the +better gaze upon her ankles. Thou art a man grown; therefore, I can +but counsel. But this I know: love for one below thy station, though +she have all purity and moral excellence, seldom ends in marriage; if +by chance it doth bring thee to the altar, repentance with its dismal +train follows far too often, even ere the echo of the chimes hath died +away." + +"Thy counsel did, and ever shall stand high in my regard," replied +Effingston. "But thy fears are groundless. I do admit that she to whom +thou dost refer is not of highest birth; still, her ancestors helped +to keep the crown upon a king's head, and methinks, deserve more +credit for acting thus without reward than though they bore the title +of a Duke or Prince. As thou hast asked, and with perfect justice, I +will tell the story from its beginning. Thou might misjudge if thy +mind held its present suspicion, and it would lead to setting aside of +confidences which, it hath been my happiness to feel, did ever exist +between us." + +"Thou sayest well," replied the other, with affection. "I have always +looked upon thee as my sword arm, to carry out by thy young strength +the deeds which time hath left me ill conditioned to perform." + +"Thou remembrest," began Effingston, "the night three months since, I +rode to Chartsey Manor, with intent to sound Lord Cecil regarding his +attitude on issues then before Parliament. It was midnight ere I left, +and well on toward the stroke of two when I arrived in the outskirts +of London. Proceeding slowly on my way, drinking in deeply the +beauties of the night, suddenly there sounded upon my startled ear a +woman's scream, which quickly ceased, as if she who uttered it had +been rudely seized about the throat. I reined up my horse and +listened. Distinctly could I hear, not two hundred paces from me, the +sound of scuffling feet and an outburst of drunken laughter, ending in +a round of fiendish cursing. 'Hold,' cried I, 'wait until I can loose +my sword and lend thee aid.' Saying which, I hastily dismounted, +throwing the bridle of my horse over a bush hard by, and hurried in +the direction of the tumult. On turning a corner, there came upon my +sight a scene which made my blood boil and lent new speed to my legs. +Two ruffians had set upon a woman, and while one held back her chin +and shoulders, the other was endeavoring to imprint a kiss upon the +upturned face, the rogue being hindered in his purpose by the girl, +who, holding in her hand a small dagger, lunged right boldly with it. +'Avaunt ye, knaves,' I cried, running, sword in hand. Before, however, +I could reach the struggling group she had struck the man in front of +her, causing him for a moment to desist, when, with a sudden accession +of strength, breaking away from the one who held her, she set her back +against the wall, confronting the two assailants with the look and +spirit of a tigress. The men, now for the first time perceiving me, +having been too deep in liquor and their employment to hear my shout, +took to their heels, but not until I had spoiled the sword arm of one +and left my mark upon the other. Turning toward the girl who stood by +the wall, I discovered the momentary spirit had left her, for again +she was the weak woman and would have fallen fainting to the ground, +had I not given her support. She soon revived, and having received her +thanks, prettily given, I inquired how it fell out she had been so +rudely set upon; in reply to which she told me of her grandam being +taken ill, and in need of a leech, and how she had gone forth to fetch +him, and was attacked, when returning from her errand. On begging that +she would permit me to see her safely home, my offer was accepted +with thanks. When arrived at our destination she asked if I would not +on the next day return, that she might more fully express her +gratitude. Thou knowest, my father, how love grows in the heart. At +first my feeling was one of curiosity; but it soon changed to +admiration for the fair girl, and, at last it ripened into love, as I +learned to know the soul which rested in her beautiful form. This is +my simple story, and I have naught more to tell." + +"My son," replied the other, who had listened with eager attention to +the narrative, "there's naught, so far, that I condemn, and I applaud +thee for thy chivalry, but I had higher hopes for thee than a marriage +with a commoner. Thou hast, however, omitted to tell me her name," he +added, in a voice betokening anxiety. + +"Her name is Elinor Fawkes, the daughter of an officer, English by +birth, now serving in the army of Spain." + +"Elinor Fawkes," repeated the father, with a start and looking toward +Effingston. "'Tis as I feared. Is this, then, the creature on whom +thou wouldst bestow thy name? Have thine ears been out of sorts, never +to have heard the rumor which connects her in none too savory a manner +with the adventurer Sir Thomas Winter? It is common talk, for I will +speak plainly to thee, that she is his mistress." + +"In thy throat thou liest," the other cried, leaping to his feet, +white to the lips with sudden passion; "recall those words, or by St. +Paul, I'll strike thee to my feet, forgetting the loins which begat +me! She hath fully told me of, and set aside, the lie which coupleth +her with Sir Thomas Winter." + +"Aye, she hath explained to thee readily enough, I trow," exclaimed +the other, roused to anger. "Lives there the woman who could not make +excuses if but a moment were granted her? I shall not chide thee for +thy hasty words; time will bring them to thy memory with remorse. But +listen unto reason, and----" + +"I'll hear no more," Effingston cried, in a voice full of passion. + +"Stop," said Monteagle, in a commanding voice, holding up his hand, +"thou shalt hear! Doth the leech withhold the lance when a patient +groans? No, my son; I'll introduce thee to plain facts, and try to +cure, even though my duty be a hard one." + +Effingston sank into his chair, his temper cooled to a degree by his +father's manner, and listened with compressed lips and knitted brow to +what followed. + +"As I have already told thee," began Lord Monteagle, "I suspected that +it was she who had ensnared thee. I set inquiries afoot, and in +justice to the girl, with a twofold object--first, to establish her +innocence, if she were true; secondly, to save thy name and happiness, +if she proved guilty. But," he went on, advancing toward his son and +laying a hand upon his shoulder, "the second object of my quest was +the one fulfilled. The proof came by the hand of God. Yesternight, +leaving the house of Lord Brighton, where I had dined, and wishing to +return with all speed, I requested the bearers of my chair to take the +shortest way home. Gazing out of the window, I noted that we were in +the locality of the house wherein she (who had for the past few days +most unhappily filled my mind) was reported to reside, and desiring to +look upon the spot, commanded my men to rest there. Suddenly I +descried a man muffled in a cloak, proceeding up the street, who, as +he approached, proved to my astonishment to be none other than Sir +Thomas Winter. Quickly he ascended the steps and knocked at the house +opposite the place where I chanced to be. After a moment the door +opened and the figure of a girl stood on the threshold. Beholding her, +Winter exclaimed: 'A good evening to thee, Mistress Fawkes,' the rest +of the greeting being lost to me as the door closed. I was astonished +at having so quickly set before me the two whose names had been in my +mind. After a few moments the door again opened suddenly, this time I +think by accident, revealing the figure of him who had just entered, +still clad in his cloak, clasping in his arms and kissing the woman +who admitted him. I could not hear what passed, for at the time the +wind blew high, drowning their voices. But I had seen enough, and +cried to the bearers to take up the chair and proceed. That, my son, +is what I have seen, not learned by mere hearsay. Would that I could +have spared thee the telling, but 'tis for thy welfare I have narrated +it." + +Effingston, during the narrative, had remained motionless, his +features drawn and colorless. Fully realizing that his father would +not have maliciously manufactured this evidence against the girl, his +mind could conceive no extenuating circumstance to clear it away. That +she had deceived him was not beyond the consent of reason. He was a +man of the world and of the time, well aware of possible duplicity, +and further, that the age offered numerous examples of women with one +hand on the cradle while the other guided an axe toward some head +which for a cause must fall, or fanatically sacrificing all, even +honor, to gain the coveted support of a courtier in some undertaking. +The scandal which had been breathed about her, to do him justice, he +did not give ear to, believing implicitly the story told by Elinor, +explaining her associations with Winter. But was not this man a +champion of the cause which he had helped to defeat? Was it impossible +that she had played her lover as a dupe to further a scheme? This was +entirely plausible, but he could not bring his mind to believe it. And +why? For the same old, old reason which has cost men their lives and +honor, kings their crowns--because he loved her. When his father had +finished, he said, in a quiet voice, extending his hand: + +"I thank thee; thy motive is of the best; and I most humbly beg thy +pardon for my hasty words, prompted by anger only." + +"What course dost thou now intend to pursue?" inquired Monteagle +uneasily, for the quiet, passionless manner of his son made him +apprehensive. + +"What thou or any other man would do--give the woman a chance to +defend herself." + +"Aye, I thought as much," the other replied with an air of angered +impatience. "She will, with her arms about thy neck, explain fast +enough, and to thy satisfaction." + +"Dost thou forget," the son inquired, "that I am a Monteagle, and have +implanted in me that pride and temper which can illy condone, even in +those they love, deceit and falsity? Have no fears for me," he added, +advancing with a determined step toward the door. + +"Where art thou going, my son?" asked the other in an alarmed tone. + +"To face this woman with the accusations thou hast just uttered +against her." + +"Stay; go not in thine anger, for some mischief may be wrought. Wait +until thy temper cools; see her not again, but write." + +"I am not a killer of unarmed adversaries," retorted Effingston; +"again, I repeat, have no fear for me." + +"Well, well; God's will be done; it may be for the best," the other +said with a sigh, turning away his head. + +The son hesitated for a moment; then quickly kneeling before his +father and taking his hand, exclaimed: "I humbly ask thee to forget my +hot words, and again I crave thy pardon for the same. They were spoken +in wrath, on hearing the image of my love fall crashing to the earth." + +Then springing to his feet, before Monteagle had opportunity to reply, +he hurriedly left the room. + +Once on the street, Effingston strode without pause in the direction +of Elinor's house. What a difference in his feelings now, contrasted +with what they had been when he had traversed that way before. He had +outlined his course of action,--to simply tell her what his father had +seen, and demand an explanation. If she were guilty, even his love and +her woman's wit could not, he thought, hide the fact from his eyes; +and if it all were true and he had been duped, what then? + +He prayed that pride would come to his aid and steel his nerves, and +prompt his tongue to speak. With these thoughts in his mind, and +looking neither to the right nor left, he hurried on his way to her +dwelling. How changed each familiar object seemed to him. As he +knocked at the door and listened, a footstep sounded in the hall. Ah, +how many times had his heart leaped at the same sound. The door +opened, and she who was all the world to him stood on the +threshold;--she whom he must soon accuse of hideous duplicity. How +very beautiful she looked. On seeing Effingston, Elinor uttered a low, +startled cry. He noted the action, for love, when coupled with +suspicion (and the two can live together) is not blind, but terribly +vigilant. + +"Elinor, I must speak with thee, and alone," he exclaimed. + +The girl regarded him with a half frightened look. She had been all +day engaged in a bitter fight with self, and knew not how to tell him +they must part forever. Now he stood before her. She realized to some +extent what the agony of the separation which must soon come would be +to her, and knowing full well the depth of his love, measured his +sufferings by her own. Wild thoughts had passed through her mind of +doing something which would turn that love to hate, and she felt she +could better bear that than know he lived and suffered. But now as she +looked upon him both will and fortitude fast weakened. Again she was +the simple loving woman. + +"Wilt thou enter?" she asked in a constrained voice, scarce knowing +what she said. + +He crossed the threshold and passed into the little room which held +for him the most tender recollections. + +"Elinor, I have come----" he began; then, gazing at the beautiful face +before him, he advanced toward her with outstretched arms--all +resolution gone; "O my darling, I have wronged thee--thou canst tell, +I know, and explain all." + +She shrank from his touch, fearing lest her little firmness should +take flight. + +"Why dost thou shrink from me?" cried he, swept by a sudden fear which +made his lips dry and his cheeks burn. "O my God, can it then be thou +dost know the purport of my question?" + +"I know not what thou meanest," she stammered, astonished at his +words, even amidst her sufferings; "if thou hast aught to ask, pray +say on." + +He watched the trembling figure for a moment, interpreting her emotion +as detected guilt, and the demon of jealousy, which, strange to say, +is often led forth by love, burst out, prompting him to speak words +which after uttering, he would have given worlds to unsay. + +"Then, know," he cried, "that I have discovered thy methods, and that +I have been duped and dragged on to further some hellish scheme of +thine and his. I've swallowed thy pretty words and thought them sweet. +Now I know all; 'twas but last night thou wert in his arms, and +rightly thou belongest there; the report is true, thou art none other +than the mistress of Sir Thomas Winter. Aye, tremble in thy guilt, +thou Magdalene; thou canst not deny it." + +As he uttered the accusation, she raised her arm as if to ward off +some sudden blow, then let it fall at her side, standing speechless, +benumbed and horrified at the terrible words he had hurled at her. The +disgrace and the infamy of them she did not at once grasp, but +gradually her mind began to comprehend all that he had said. The room +swam about her, and she caught at a chair for support, vainly trying +to make some reply. Again he repeated: "Thou canst not deny it; guilt +is written in thine every action." + +As she aroused herself there flashed upon her mind the act of two +short days ago, when she had fallen upon her knees and prayed God that +this man before her might be spared the cruel pangs of that separation +which must inevitably come. And had not that prayer been answered? Had +not he just uttered accusations, which, if not denied, would end his +love for her--now and forever? Believing her to be vile and infamous, +pride and manhood would soon come to his aid. But what did the +acknowledgment mean to her? His utter contempt; he would always +believe that he had been her dupe--hers, who would gladly give her +very life for him. But what mattered it? Thinking this to be true, he +will soon, manlike, dismiss her from his thoughts, and give his love +to another, who, pray God, may make his life all happiness and +gladness. She turned her eyes toward the wall on which hung the image +of Christ nailed to a cross. Could she not crucify herself, for this +love of hers? Slowly the resolution formed. Again he repeated: "Canst +thou deny it?" And she answered: "Thou sayest it!" + +"It is true?" he cried. + +Again she answered: "Thou sayest it." + +"O great God," he exclaimed, putting his hands to his head, "can this +be real? Can this be the end of all our hopes? Is the world so bad and +woman so low?" + +She uttered not a word, but stood motionless. + +"Vile deceiver!" he cried, turning to her as he staggered toward the +door, "if it be happiness to know that thine infamy hath ruined my +life, know it, then, and be glad." + +She heard the portal close. He had gone from her forever. Then the +full and terrible import of that which she had acknowledged herself to +be overwhelmed her, and with a cry she fell unconscious to the floor. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +IN THE GARDEN OF THE GENTLEMAN-PENSIONER. + + +Upon reaching the open air, Effingston paused for a moment that the +shock occasioned by the admission of Elinor might in some degree pass +from him. He had gone to her prepared for tears, protests and womanly +anger, and despite the suspicion which had seized his heart, it had +not been in his nature to believe the words of his father would so +soon find confirmation. He felt, indeed, as one about to lay his head +upon the block,--that he must cry out, yet his heart was clutched as +by a giant hand, benumbing all his faculties so that pain and lethargy +paralyzed his will. + +As he groped half blindly for the railing which flanked the narrow +steps, the figure of a man confronted him, who, as he perceived the +Viscount Effingston standing upon the threshold of Mistress Fawkes' +dwelling, drew back quickly, his face dark with anger. 'Twas Sir +Thomas Winter. + +In that instant all the calmness of the young nobleman returned to +him. The sight of Winter, in whom he saw the bitter enemy of his +house, and whom he now hated for a double reason, turned his pain into +contempt for her who had so illy used him. Pride came to his aid, and +he would have passed the other haughtily; but it was in no wise the +purpose of Sir Thomas that the meeting should have so peaceful an +ending. + +Rumor had reached him that the Viscount Effingston was too frequent a +visitor at the house of one for whom he fostered, if not love, at +least a fierce passion, and the presence of his rival, at the very +door of the humble dwelling, aroused him to fury. With an angry frown +distorting his features he advanced toward the spot where stood the +Viscount, who, perceiving he had to deal with one in whom temper had +overcome prudence, laid his hand upon the hilt of his rapier. It was +not the purpose of Winter, however, to come to blows thus openly with +one who was known to be in favor with the King. He therefore contented +himself with obstructing the way in so insolent a manner, and with +such malice in his eyes, that it sent the blood to the cheeks of +Effingston, and he returned the gaze unflinchingly, saying quietly: + +"Come, if Sir Thomas Winter hath in mind aught to say to me, let it be +done quickly, that I may go upon my way." At the same time he moved as +though to pass. + +"Nay! My Lord of Effingston!" replied Winter turning his eyes upon the +hand which rested on the jeweled sword hilt. "Fear not that in a +street of London I would draw sword against thee, traitor though thou +art. Thy royal master----" + +"Traitor!" cried Effingston, the red of his cheeks changing to the +paleness of anger. "Traitor, sayest thou, Sir Winter?" + +"Aye!" replied Winter. "All London knoweth." + +The Viscount controlled himself by an effort. + +"Thy purpose is clear to me," said he coldly, "thou wouldst force a +quarrel; so be it. Traitor, sayest thou? Perchance, thy mirror hath +shown one to thee so frequently that the word is ever on thy tongue." + +"As to mirrors," replied Winter, "those in the King's chamber have +revealed to thee their ways, then. Thinkest thou nothing is known +concerning the purpose of my Lord Monteagle in instructing thee as to +Puritanism." + +Effingston bit his lip. "'Tis befitting thy manhood, Sir Winter, having +bribed a dastardly servant to give false testimony of what was +listened to from behind a curtain, that thou shouldst insult one whose +cloak buckle thou art unworthy to loosen. 'Twas a fair representation +of thy character, a good showing of thy principles. If it be in thy +mind to prate further, get thee into the market place, where, mounted +upon an ass, thou mayst draw around thee certain of the populace whose +wont it is to gather for such discourse." + +This was spoken with a mock gallantry which the Viscount could well +assume, and deprived the other for a moment of utterance. Overcome by +anger, and surprised that the insults heaped upon the Viscount were +met with contempt, he forgot himself so far as to bring the name of +Mistress Fawkes into the quarrel. + +"Thou dost but jest with me," he cried, taking a step nearer his +rival; "perchance, having come from the arms of thy mistress, thy wits +are so dulled that----" + +The reply of Effingston was sudden and unexpected. Resolved to avoid +an open quarrel with one whom he considered beneath him, he had sought +to return words, only, to the other's insults, but the reference to +one whom he had held most dear, fired his brain. Scarce had Winter +uttered the base accusation when the young nobleman snatched off his +heavy gauntlet and with it struck him across the face; so great was +the force of the blow that the other staggered, lost his footing on +the slippery street, and fell at the feet of his enemy. + +Having thus given expression to his anger, Effingston calmly replaced +the glove, and with hand upon hilt, awaited the arising of his +companion. + +Stunned for the moment by so sturdy a buffet, Winter remained +motionless for a little space, but soon regained his feet, and, with +garments soiled and earth stained, with blood upon his face, drew his +sword and made as though he would thrust the Viscount through. + +Effingston drew also, and more serious results would have followed had +not one in the crowd which had gathered to watch the ending of the +quarrel, cried that the King's soldiers were approaching. + +Sobered by the danger which threatened him, for the arrest of a +Catholic with sword in hand was like to bring evil consequence, Winter +made haste to sheathe his blade, which example the Viscount quickly +followed. However, it was a false alarm, and raised only for the +pleasure of seeing two fine gentlemen thrown into confusion. The +crowd, catching the spirit of the varlet, straightway raised a tumult, +showering the nobles with sundry jibes and insulting remarks, +considering it rare sport to have at their mercy those of high degree. + +The commotion turned for a moment the mind of Winter from his first +grievance, and he bethought himself of the sorry figure he must show +with dress awry, face soiled and blood-stained, and, worse than all, +insulted dignity. Therefore he made haste to leave a company so +unappreciative, and destitute of sympathy. To Effingston, the thought +that against his better judgment he had been drawn into a public +brawl, caused his face to glow with passion, and his desire to leave +the locality was not less than that of the other. The lookers on, +finding their sport ended, did not follow, but took themselves to +other ways, and the two gentlemen, who had hurried blindly, without +attention or knowledge as to direction, soon found themselves in a +quiet street somewhat remote from the neighborhood which had witnessed +Sir Thomas Winter's discomfiture. + +"My Lord of Effingston!" cried he, as he gathered together his +disturbed senses, noting the presence of his companion. "Thou hast +grievously insulted me, therefore----" + +"When thou wilt!" the Viscount interrupted. "My sword is ever at thy +service." + +"'Tis well!" said Winter, drawing his cloak about him; "one hour from +now in the garden of Thomas Percy, whom, methinks, is known to thee. +Yet if thou dost fear----" + +Effingston shrugged his shoulders. "In Sir Percy's garden," repeated +he haughtily, and turning upon his heel left Sir Thomas in the +roadway. + +The garden of the official dwelling occupied by the +Gentleman-Pensioner consisted of perhaps a quarter of an acre of +sward, fringed by a sorry row of leafless trees, and surrounded by a +high wall, beyond the top of which shone the metal gables of half a +score of straight-backed dwellings. 'Twas no uncommon thing for the +parties to a dispute to settle the same by force of arms, but they +carried on the affair with all secrecy, lest the report thereof reach +the ears of those in authority, as it was contrary to the King's wish +that a private quarrel should end in the killing of an English +gentleman. Such being the fact, those gardens which adjoined the +houses of certain nobles, and by reason of their privacy precluded the +presence of prying eyes, were oft turned into duelling grounds, and +the square of sward flanking the dwelling of Thomas Percy was well +adapted for a contest in which the evenness of the ground, as well as +others matters, was of much consequence to the combatants. + +To this garden the Viscount Effingston, accompanied by Sir Francis +Tillinghurst and another, who bore beneath his cloak a case of +instruments, presented himself at the hour appointed for his meeting +with Sir Thomas Winter. Having gained admittance by a gate set in the +wall, the three found awaiting them, Sir Thomas, my Lord of Rookwood, +the Gentleman-Pensioner and a surgeon summoned by the latter to look +to the welfare of the challenger. + +As the gate clicked behind the Viscount and his companions, Lord +Rookwood, who was in close converse with the others at the further +side of the garden, advanced haughtily, bowing to Sir Francis, whom he +perceived represented the interests of the young nobleman. The two, +withdrawing from the others, made haste to arrange the preliminaries +of the meeting. + +"Thy promptness is most commendable," said Rookwood, casting a look +upward at the cold gray of the sky, "and 'twere well that our +principals do quickly that which has brought them hither. Methinks a +storm is brewing, and a fall of snow might end the matter illy." + +A few white flakes upon his doublet bore witness to the correctness of +his prophecy. Sir Francis bowed assent. + +"Thou canst perceive," continued Rookwood, pointing to the strip of +sward, "that good Thomas Percy has had a care to have no element of +fairness lacking. Hast any objection to the spot chosen?" + +"I can see no catch or fault in it," replied Tillinghurst, casting his +eyes over the ground, "the light is good, and there seemeth to be no +advantage in position." + +"'Tis well!" said Rookwood, "wilt measure swords that the contest be +in all fairness?" + +Tillinghurst complied, and the principals, casting aside their +cloaks, stepped forward to the strip of sward prepared for them. + +The demeanor of the Viscount was serious; he well knew that in Sir +Thomas Winter he had no unskilled swordsman, but a man of much +experience, with wrist of steel, and a trick of fence acquired by long +practice in foreign service. The face of Winter was darkened by a +frown in which was blended a shadow of anxiety. The Lord of Monteagle +was a famous swordsman, and it might well be that the son had learned +from a good master. + +"Gentlemen, are you ready?" cried Rookwood drawing his rapier, as also +did Sir Francis, that they might interfere should need arise. + +The principals saluted, stood at guard, and awaited the signal; when +it was given, their blades crossed with a clash which rang out sharp +and clear on the cold winter air. + +The hate and jealousy with which Winter regarded his young rival were +intensified by the tingling blow dealt him an hour before, and from +which he still suffered,--and as he was confident beyond doubt of his +skill as a swordsman, he attacked with a fury which pressed his +younger adversary back toward the wall, and those witnessing the +contest thought to see Effingston speedily thrust through. + +The Viscount was, however, too adroit a fencer to yield readily to +such a fate. Careful, at first, only to defend himself, he met each +thrust and pass with a parry which deepened the frown on Winter's +brow, and having retreated to the edge of the duelling ground, he +there held his position despite the fierceness of the onslaught. + +Suddenly Winter's blade darted serpent-like beneath the guard of his +adversary. A red stain appeared on Effingston's shoulder, and the +seconds interposed their swords. + +The Viscount waved them back, as also he did the surgeon, who hastened +to perform his office. + +"'Tis a touch only," said he hoarsely, breathing heavily, "on guard, +sir, that we may finish quickly." + +And now their positions were reversed. Instead of acting on the +defensive, Effingston in turn became the assailant, regaining his lost +ground, and forcing Sir Thomas back, step by step. + +Maddened at thus losing vantage ground Winter's calmness failed him; +he made a sudden thrust forward, and it being parried, lost his +footing, the blade of his rapier ringing against the hilt of the other +ere he could regain guard. + +A cry arose to the lips of Rookwood, for he thought the other would +show no mercy; but before he could utter a sound, Effingston, with a +quick turn of the wrist, sent the opposing sword ringing to the +ground, leaving his enemy weaponless before him. + +For an instant Winter recoiled as if in fear of the thrust which he +was now powerless to avert. A scornful smile passed over the pale +features of the victor. + +"'Tis thus I would deal with such as thou," said he haughtily, and, +pushing his sword into its scabbard, he took up Sir Thomas' rapier, +and breaking it across his knee, tossed the pieces contemptuously +aside. + +"Come!" said he as his second threw a cloak about him. "Our matters +are ended." Then saluting with grave courtesy the four Catholic +gentlemen, he left the garden, followed by his companions. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +GARNET AND THE KING. + + +Toward the decline of the tenth day following the meeting of +Viscount Effingston and Sir Thomas Winter in the garden of the +Gentleman-Pensioner, four men might have been seen riding through one +of the stretches of woodland used by the King as a hunting ground and +known as the forest of Waltham. Although light still lingered, a gloom +was gathering over the countryside, and within the precincts of the +forest the first shades of evening warned the horsemen that ere many +hours the cheerless twilight which prevailed in England at that period +of the year, would find them outside the gates of London. + +Of the four, three were gentlemen; the other seemed to be more a +soldier than a cavalier. The trappings of his horse were less rich +than those of his companions, the texture of his cloak was of poorer +quality, and he bestrode the saddle after the manner of one inured to +rough riding, when business took precedence of pleasure, a custom not +commonly followed among the gentry of the kingdom. His companions were +so muffled in their cloaks as to hide both dress and features. Each +wore at his side a long rapier, and from their holsters appeared the +metal-marked butts of pistols, ready to hand should sudden danger +assail them. + +After passing through the outskirts of the forest bordering on the +north, the horses were urged into a gallop, the sharp ring of their +hoofs on the frost-hardened road echoing dully among the trees on +either side. As they entered the thickest part of the wood, one, +riding in the rear, turned to his companion. + +"Thou seest," said he, pointing with his whip toward the forest on the +left, "that our lord, the King, hath reserved for his own pleasure a +goodly bit of woodland within which none may venture with hounds or +hunting horns." + +"Such a rumor hath come to me," replied the other, "also that any +venturing within the royal chase will be dealt with most vigorously." + +His companion laughed harshly. "Of that," said he, "I was myself a +witness, for 'twas but ten days back when one Charles Burrows, a most +worthy commoner, and a staunch Catholic, was brought before the +magistrates for having shot a hare which crossed his path." + +"I'faith!" muttered the other, "'Tis then the purpose of the King to +carry his oppression even beyond our altars. It seemeth to me a most +fitting thing, Sir Thomas, that the kingdom be rid of such a tyrant." + +"Bravely spoken, Master Fawkes," replied Winter, "and thou wilt be +ready should occasion arise, to protest against our wrongs! But what +now is the trouble with worthy Catesby, and his Reverence?" + +The exclamation was called forth by the action of the two horsemen who +were leading the little cavalcade. They had pulled up their steeds and +appeared to be listening intently, though to the ears of their +companions, who had dropped some ten score paces behind, no sound save +the moaning of the wind could be heard. But as they also drew rein, +and the click of their horses' hoofs ceased, the faint echo of a horn +was borne through the wintry air. + +Drawing together, the four strained their ears to note the direction +whence it came; across the face of one rider stole a shadow of +anxiety. Sir Thomas Winter noted it. + +"I warrant," said he, "that none is abroad who will in any manner +trouble us. 'Tis some hunting party returning from the chase, and +riding toward the highway. What thinkest thou, good Catesby?" + +"Thou mayst have conjectured aright," replied Catesby; "yet, 'twould +be a wise precaution to remain silent, if any seeking to know our +business did beset us. Mayhap even a purple cloak and doublet would +scarce hide from them that the Superior of the----" + +Garnet, for the fourth horseman was the leader of the English Jesuits, +raised his head proudly. + +"A truce, gentlemen!" said he, "'Tis not meet that, having ventured +forth disguised, I play the coward at the simple sounding of a horn. +Let us ride forward as befitteth four peaceable English gentlemen. The +King's highway is free to all who choose to pass thereon, even though +the forest bordering it be reserved for those who have gained the +smile of James." + +"And," said Fawkes, "'tis not the wont of a hunting party to play +highwaymen, the less so that the King, perchance, rideth with it." + +"The King!" cried Winter and Catesby, in a breath. + +"Aye!" replied Fawkes bluntly. "Have ye not told me that the royal +wood of Waltham is reserved for the hunting of his Majesty?" + +His companions exchanged quick glances. "Then, we had best hide +ourselves," cried Winter, "James hath a prying disposition." + +"Methinks," said Garnet, raising his hand to enforce silence, "that +but one horn sounded. If, as thou sayest, it be a hunting party, the +wood would echo with a score of blasts. Shall we run from one man?" + +Fawkes loosened his sword in its scabbard. "I have this," said he, "to +back our presence in the forest, and are ye weaponless?" + +The bluff words of the soldier of fortune put to shame the fears of +the two noblemen, yet they hesitated. Should they be suspected, it +would not be a light matter to evade certain questions which might be +asked, and if taken to London captives, the disguise of the Jesuit +would be penetrated. + +Meanwhile the sound of the horn grew louder, and while wavering in +their decision, a voice, faint and indistinct, was heard shouting afar +off. Fawkes listened attentively. + +"'Tis a cry for succor," said he suddenly, "someone hath lost his way +and seeks the highroad." + +"Then," said Garnet calmly, "we will remain, for he is approaching." + +Perhaps five minutes had elapsed when the blast of the horn sounded as +if in their very ears; and from the forest, only a dozen rods beyond +them, dashed a man mounted on a bay horse. Having reached the open +road he pulled up his beast and looked helplessly in an opposite +direction from the four riders. Suddenly Winter started and changed +color, his face turning from red to white, and back to red again. + +"'Tis the King!" he whispered hoarsely, clutching the arm of Catesby, +who sat beside him. + +It was, in truth, James of England, unattended, his dress awry and +torn by thorns and brambles, with bloodless lips and terror-stricken +countenance, who sat helplessly in the saddle in the presence of his +bitterest enemies. + +As this realization dawned on Catesby's mind, he uttered an +exclamation, and reached for the pistol which protruded from his +holster. + +"'Tis the judgment of God," he muttered; "to-night England will be +without a king." + +The firm grasp of the Jesuit upon his arm checked his murderous +purpose. + +"Stop!" whispered Garnet sternly, "wouldst ruin the cause which thou +hast sworn to befriend? Draw your cloaks about your faces and leave +the King to me." + +Ere they could recover from their astonishment he had ridden forward +to the spot where James sat bewildered, noting not the presence of +those behind him. + +At the sound of hoofs he turned quickly, laying a trembling hand upon +the hilt of a hunting knife which hung at his belt. The demeanor of +the approaching stranger gave him courage. Garnet did not remove from +his head the plumed hat, as was befitting the presence of royalty, but +there was in his face a kindliness which proclaimed his errand a +peaceful one. + +"Good sir," said he, speaking in French, "thy manner shows some +bewilderment, and, may be, the blasts of the horn which reached me +were tokens of it." + +James trembled violently, for at heart he was an arrant coward, and +the being met by a stranger, alone, close to nightfall and in the +forest, filled him with the greatest terror. The words of the other +somewhat reassured him. + +"Brave gentleman!" cried he, still grasping the handle of the knife, +"thou art a man of honor, and by thy speech a Frenchman, therefore +thou wilt aid me." + +"Thou hast spoken truly," replied the Jesuit. "Hast lost thy way?" + +Relieved of apprehension for his personal safety, the King gave vent +to his ill temper. + +"That I have," cried he, striking his knee angrily, "and in the King's +own forest. There are those who shall pay dearly, who shall rue this +hour," he continued passionately. "'Twas a plot to humiliate me." + +"Good sir," replied Garnet, noting that James proposed to conceal his +identity. "Of whom speakest thou?" + +"Of the rogues who accompanied me hither," stormed the son of Mary, +Queen of Scots; "I followed a stag, and having outridden them they +have thus deserted me; 'tis a thing beyond human comprehension." + +"And this," thought Garnet, "this is the King of England, who has +pulled down our altars, driven out our religion and banished us." +Despite all efforts his brow darkened. + +But the ill temper of James subsided as quickly as it had arisen, +leaving him for the time only a man who sought succor, and so made +known his condition. + +It chanced that riding in the forest, taking the lead of those who +accompanied him, he followed the tracks of a stag and became separated +from his companions; whereupon, being confused and terrified, he soon +lost his way. + +Garnet listened patiently, and made no sign that could lead the King +to suspect that his personality was known, then pointed to his +companions, who were sitting motionless upon their horses, with +muffled faces, awaiting the result of the Jesuit's unexpected action. + +"Good sir," said he, "it will give me pleasure to conduct thee to the +outskirts of the forest, after which, the road being plain, thou canst +easily find thy way to the gates of London. Yonder servants of mine +will ride behind us." + +James gladly accepted the other's offer, nor did it please him that +the supposed Frenchman should learn he was assisting the sovereign of +England. Pride and distrust governed him. Pride, lest a foreigner +should bear away the tale of a king's discomfiture; distrust, lest, +holding in his power so important a personage, the stranger might take +advantage thereof for his own benefit. But it was not in the mind of +Garnet to reveal his knowledge; so, side by side they rode in +silence--the Jesuit and the King--for the space of an hour, until, +upon reaching the vicinity of London, whose lights twinkled in the +distance, they separated, James galloping madly on, his companion +awaiting the approach of Winter, Fawkes and Catesby. + +There was much amazement and some anger in the minds of the two +noblemen, that the priest had acted in so unaccountable a manner. +Desirous of learning his motive for befriending one whom he professed +to hate, they questioned him upon the subject. To all, Garnet replied +briefly, bidding them wait a more befitting time, as it was his +purpose, on reaching London to attend a meeting at the house of Sir +Thomas Percy. Therefore they rode on in silence, the great clock in +the tower of St. Paul's chiming the hour of eight as they passed into +the city. + +At the corner of the street leading to the Gentleman-Pensioner's door +a horseman confronted them whom they recognized as Percy himself. He +had been waiting for them in an angle of the wall to say that certain +officials having gathered at his house for the discussion of public +business it would be unsafe to proceed thither. + +"Then is the night lost," said Catesby impatiently, "for, although +the Holy Father be provided with a hiding place within the city, and +will, perchance, remain among us for the space of two days, much +weighty business besides long disputations, require his attention. +Thou shouldst have seen to it, Master Percy, that thy house was free +from the hirelings of the King." Percy would have replied in anger, +but Sir Thomas Winter interrupted: + +"Friend Guido, thou hast a dwelling in a quiet portion of the town, +where perchance we might sit together for the discussion of such +things as now concern us." + +Fawkes, who had scarcely spoken since meeting with the King in the +forest, acquiesced in this proposition, although the thought of his +daughter, the smallness of his house, and the nature of the conference +caused some conflict in his mind. Yet, having resolved to serve the +cause which he held so dear, his scruples speedily vanished, the more +so that 'twas Sir Thomas Winter who requested the favor. + +This matter being so quickly decided, Fawkes became the guide of the +party, and turning into a narrow street which ended in a lane running +behind his house, straightway brought his companions to their +destination. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE FORGING OF THE THUNDERBOLT. + + +Upon reaching the gate which opened from the garden of his dwelling +into the lane, Fawkes signaled his four companions to secure their +horses and follow him. Having complied, he led them through the +garden, unlocked the door and bade them enter. + +"Faith!" whispered Catesby, pressing Garnet's elbow, "friend Guido +doth seem over cautious in leading us about so secretly." + +"Not so!" replied the Jesuit, "'tis a gift born of much experience in +a country where the careless rattle of a scabbard may lead to most +serious results. But it is in my mind as in thine, that being peaceful +gentlemen who have rendered some slight service to his Majesty the +King, we might act with more boldness; yet caution is a jewel which, +once attained, should not be lightly cast aside, and Master Fawkes +doth cling to it." + +The voice of the soldier of fortune bidding them come on precluded the +reply which arose to Catesby's lips, and crossing a narrow hall the +horsemen entered a room whose cheerful brightness contrasted +pleasantly with the darkness of the passage into which they had been +ushered. + +After assisting his guests to remove their mantles, Fawkes placed +before them cups and wine, added a fresh fagot to the fire, and turned +to Sir Thomas Winter. + +"My lord!" said he, "I pray thee attend to the comfort of these +gentlemen till I return. 'Tis my custom to inspect the house before +retiring, lest any be astir, and to-night I deem it doubly prudent." + +"And who hast thou in the house, good Guido?" asked Garnet blandly; +"no one, I trust, who will interrupt our conversation?" + +Fawkes laughed softly. "None are within," replied he, "except my old +mother, who, were she to stand beside yon fireplace, would scarce note +the meaning of our discourse; and my daughter, a loyal Catholic, yet, +being a maid, and gifted with a woman's curiosity, it might be her +pleasure to seek the meaning of so rare a gathering beneath my roof." + +Garnet nodded approvingly. That he had come to London in disguise had +filled him with some apprehension, and the cautiousness of his host +quieted his fears. + +"Thy cavalier is indeed a man of much promise," said he to Winter, +after the soldier left the room, "and I warrant that none will venture +to disturb us. Hast sounded him thoroughly upon religious matters?" + +"Thou shalt see," replied Sir Thomas. "If the zeal of each Catholic in +England reached but to the half of his loyalty to the holy cause, +there would scarce be need that a father of the Church don plumed hat +and rapier." + +Fawkes, in the meantime, had betaken himself to the upper floor of the +house, where was situate his daughter's chamber. There was no fear in +his mind that his aged mother would note the arrival of his guests, +for 'twas her custom to retire at sundown by reason of infirmities; +but about his daughter there arose some apprehension. He felt sure +that no words which, by chance, might reach her ear would be carried +further, yet, 'twas against his wish that anything should add to her +disquietude. + +Coming to the door of her room, which was directly above that +occupied by the four friends, he listened intently, and hearing no +sound within, softly turned the knob and peered into the apartment. +The light of the full moon shining through the window, revealed to him +the interior bathed in a mellow radiance. No sound greeted his ear +save the crackling of the fagots in the huge fireplace below, and the +faint murmur of the voices of his guests. He paused,--a hundred +conflicting emotions filling his breast. The sight of the curtained +bed standing in an angle of the wall drew his attention. He pushed the +door yet further open, and holding his scabbard that its rattle might +not disturb the sleeper, slipped across the threshold and approaching +noiselessly, parted the hangings and looked down. + +The maid was lying with her face turned full upon him, her cheek +resting upon one white, rounded arm. In the weird moonlight her pale +beauty startled him, and almost unconsciously, he stretched forth his +hand to touch her. His fingers, resting lightly upon the counterpane, +came in contact with something cold; it caused a shudder to pass +through him, a nameless terror, and for an instant he forgot the four +men waiting in the room below. Bending lower, his eyes rested upon the +object which had so startled him. 'Twas a silver crucifix which had +fallen from the sleeper's fingers, and lay upon her breast. At the +sight great emotion and agitation swept through his heart, rough +soldier though he was; for the moment he was well nigh overpowered. +The silence of the chamber, the white face so near his own, and the +emblem of his faith placed unconsciously upon the breast of the +beloved one who lay there, filled him with superstitious awe. 'Twas +thus the dead slept, ere they were carried to the grave. + +A movement of the white arm broke the influence of the spell. The girl +turned uneasily, a few incoherent words escaping her lips. Fawkes drew +back noiselessly. "She sleeps!" he muttered, and passing from the +room, closed the door softly, and descended to those who awaited him +below. + +Scarce had his footsteps ceased to echo on the stairs, when Elinor +awoke. Though wrapped in deep slumber, that inexplicable mystery, a +consciousness that she was not alone, startled her. Sitting upright, +her eyes fell upon an object lying at the side of the bed; a doe-skin +gauntlet which she recognized as belonging to her father. + +Surprised that he should thus have entered her chamber, a feeling of +alarm possessed her. The crackling of the fire in the room below, the +tell-tale glove upon the floor, and the faint murmur which she felt +assured must be the voices of men engaged in earnest conversation, +aroused her apprehension as well as her curiosity, and it seemed no +ill thing that she should discover the meaning of so unusual an +occurrence, for their dwelling was situated in a quiet part of London +and 'twas not the wont of any to visit it at such an hour. Then, the +thought came to her that perhaps certain companions of her father, +rough soldiers like himself, had come together to partake of his +hospitality. Calmed for the moment, she would have sought sleep again, +had not a sentence, uttered with clear distinctness, reached her ear. + +"Ah, good Master Fawkes! Thou hast found all quiet, and thy household +sleeping soundly?" + +The intonation of the question startled her. Why should her father +seek to learn whether she slept or not? Surely in the meeting of a few +boon companions over a flask of wine, such precaution was not +necessary. Not delaying for further meditation, she slipped out of +bed, and crept noiselessly to that side of the room against which +arose the huge brick chimney above the fireplace below. Through the +space between the flooring and the masonry, a glare of light came up +to her as well as the voices of those beneath. Crouching against the +warm bricks she listened, unmindful of the cold and her equivocal +position. + +The assurance which Fawkes gave to his companions that the house was +quiet, and none would interrupt them, removed the reserve which each +had hitherto felt. Time was indeed precious, for Garnet desired to +return ere daybreak to his hiding place, lest any should perceive +that, lying beneath the doublet of a cavalier, was the insignia of a +churchman, a discovery upon which great misfortune might follow. 'Twas +with scant preliminaries, therefore, that Catesby, ever foremost in +zeal, boldness and assurance, addressed his companions. + +"Methinks," said he, turning to the Jesuit, "that in thy wisdom thou +must have perceived something to our benefit in saving James of +Scotland from my bullet. Yet, to me it did appear that the Lord gave +him into our power." + +A shadow of impatience darkened the priest's brow, but in an instant +his features resumed their accustomed mildness. + +"My son!" he replied, "it would have been an ill thing to slay our +master after the manner of paid assassins. 'Twas in thy heart to kill +the King; what then?" + +Catesby bit his lip. That there lay some weighty reason in the mind of +the Superior for his unexpected friendliness to James, he +comprehended, but his spirit, unused to restraint, and darkened by +adversity, illy brooked opposition. + +"What then?" replied he, in answer to Garnet's question. "'Twould have +rid the kingdom of a tyrant, and our faith of its bitterest enemy." + +The Jesuit smiled sadly. "As thou hast spoken," said he, "the King +would be dead, and trouble us no more, but what of the Parliament? Is +it then James alone who distresses us?" + +"Methinks," broke in Percy, "that our worthy father hath put it to us +wisely. Did the Scot lose his life, another would arise in his place, +and the suspicions of the authorities awakened, there would be no +peace in England for a Catholic." + +"'Tis even so," said Garnet; "the killing of one man, though he be the +King, can scarce better our situation. What then, thou wouldst ask, +shall be done to lighten our condition? We must lull into a feeling of +security those who press hard upon us, that, when the sky seems +clearest the bolt may fall and the stroke be the more scathing. Brave +Guido here will tell thee that in that country where plots are +thickest, 'tis false security which most often leads the victim to +destruction. It may be, and doubtless is in the King's mind, and also +in that of his Parliament, that the quietness of the Catholics for so +long a time indicates continued subserviency, and not a gathering of +forces to strike against their tyranny. In certain lands there are +desert places where travelers have perished because the storm king hid +his face until the hour for overwhelming destruction sounded. Thinkest +thou that had the murmur of his coming reached their ears they would +not have taken warning and sought a place of safety? 'Tis so in +England. Had the King been shot, the news would have stirred the +kingdom from Berwick unto Dover. What then of our plans and secret +plottings, when each man who worshiped at our altars appeared a +traitor? It hath always been my firm conviction and unvarying counsel +that any blow must be far reaching; not James alone, but others +besides must fall, to give us any vantage ground." + +A moment of silence followed Garnet's words. Percy first replied: +"'Tis a storm of extreme fury and sudden change of wind which +overcomes a vessel. Who then will bring about the hurricane which +shall wreck the ship of State?" + +During the Jesuit's address Sir Thomas Winter sat immovable, his eyes +fixed upon the fire and his brow contracted in deep thought. As Percy +finished he turned suddenly to Fawkes. + +"Friend Guido," said he smoothly, "thou art a man of many resources; +perchance in Spain thou hast learned something a suggestion of which +will now aid us. Thou perceiveth our condition." + +Fawkes turned his gaze moodily upon the embers. Half unconsciously his +fingers had been toying with a powder flask lying on the table before +him, and a small portion of its contents had fallen into his palm. He +tossed the black grains into the fire, where they flashed for an +instant, sending a pungent ball of white smoke into the room. 'Twas as +though the craftiness of Satan had shown to him the embryo of the +hurricane. + +"In Spain," replied he grimly, "there are many ways to overthrow a +tyrant; in England, as the Holy Father saith, 'twill need more +caution. Once upon a time the captain of a fighting vessel, fearing to +fall into the hands of those who would destroy his ship and put the +crew to torture, himself applied the fire to the magazine, it being +filled with powder, and ten score men perished in a twinkling." + +His companions were startled, for the meaning of his words was clear +to them. As by a flash of light a way seemed to open which, if +followed, would lead to the fulfillment of their purpose. Catesby +leaned forward. + +"But if it fail, friend Guido?" he whispered hoarsely. "What then?" + +"Then!" cried Fawkes, turning to the Jesuit, "I will kill the +King,--if need be even without help! For what then would remain to +us?" + +Garnet replied nothing. The words of the soldier of fortune startled +him. Instantly he saw the meaning of the plan which Fawkes had +formed;--a plan which, if once entered upon, would be carried out by +him with all the zeal of a fanatic. The fiendishness of it, while it +roused his admiration of the man's ingenuity, made him shudder; for +'twas not thus men struck in England. + +"Come!" said he rising, "'tis close upon midnight, and the ride was +wearisome. Thy words have taken strong hold upon me, good Guido, and I +need a season of prayer and meditation to gain better understanding in +this matter. My cloak, therefore, that I may leave thee." + +Obedient to his wishes the others hastened their preparations for +departure, and in silence Fawkes led them through the passage to the +door by which they had entered his dwelling. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +THE WAY OF THE WORLD. + + +On hearing the sounds which indicated the departure of those in the +room beneath, Elinor arose from her cramped position and noiselessly +crept to the window. In the moonlit garden she could distinguish the +figures of four men going in the direction of the lane at the back of +the house. One she recognized as Sir Thomas Winter; the others were +unknown to her. But in a moment she heard her father's voice as he +uttered a warning to the horsemen: "Mind the ditch, Lord Percy! Sir +Catesby, keep well to the left!" + +Then Fawkes closed the door, and she could hear his movements as he +went about extinguishing the lights. His footsteps sounded on the +stairs. If by chance he came into the chamber and found her awake and +up, what then? He would readily surmise how much it had been possible +for her to hear. Once in his anger, she remembered, he had valued her +life but cheaply;--within two short hours Elinor had learned to look +upon her father with terror, almost with dread; those words of his +rang in her ears: "I will kill the King if need be, even without +help!" + +The footsteps approached her room. What was she to do? It was too late +to gain the bed and feign slumber, for the creaking of a loose board +would certainly attract his attention. She hoped the door was secured, +but had no recollection of locking it. At last he had gained the +passage; now he was before her room and placed his hand upon the +latch; it was not locked, for the door opened. The man peered in +through the crevice and gazed in her direction. How her heart +throbbed, shaking her whole body, and sending the blood through her +veins with a sound which she feared he would hear. She thanked God +that the moon shone directly through the window and her position was +well out of its rays. He evidently did not see the girl, for after a +scrutiny of the bed, which stood well in the shadow, and a muttered, +"Safe, safe enough; all safe," he closed the door and passed down the +corridor. + +Elinor for a moment stood listening to the retreating footsteps; then +sank into a chair, exhausted by the strain of the last few moments, +and tried to gather her scattered thoughts. With woman's intuition she +quickly grasped the enormity of all she had overheard, comprehending +that high treason and wholesale murder had been planned; but the +hardest truth for her to realize was that her father, whom she had +always trusted and looked upon as the embodiment of honor and +uprightness, was the foremost to suggest and even offer to carry out +the fearful deed. "I will kill the King, if need be, even without +help:" the awful sentence seemed to be repeated over and over again by +the rustling night wind. Her first impulse was to save him from the +consequences of such an act. Were not the names of Moore and Essex +familiar to her? And what was their fate for even a suspected treason? +Her hysterical imagination placed vividly before her the head of the +father she loved, lying bleeding in that patch of moonlight on the +floor. + +But what could she do in her weakness? Go to her father and beseech +him that, for love of her, he would take no part in this terrible +crime? That would accomplish nothing, for she knew him to be one whom +naught could turn from a deed he once undertook and looked upon as +justified. And now the most passionate fanaticism had seized +him--fanaticism of the most dangerous kind, born of wrongs done to his +faith. To whom could she turn for aid? She knew but one who, perhaps, +had some influence over Fawkes' stubborn mind. However, was not this +very one as deep in the treason as her father? Winter! The name caused +a shudder, bringing to mind that terrible morning ten days past. +Winter! She must then seek help from him; her hopes clung only to a +straw; nevertheless she would go and beg, if need be, even upon bended +knee, that he would persuade her father to relinquish this terrible +purpose. Yes, now was the time to act, for she feared in her +indefinite terror that the morrow might be too late. + +Quickly seizing a cloak and throwing it about her, Elinor crept toward +the door and listened. The place was dark, and quiet as the grave. +Swiftly she descended the stairs, then groped her way to the door and +tried to withdraw the bolts. Would they never yield to her efforts? At +last they slipped with a sound which echoed through the house. The +girl paused, expecting to hear her father's voice, but the silence was +unbroken. In a moment she was out in the moonlit street. How quiet and +serene everything appeared. How in contrast to the tumult of her +feelings. As she stood, the great bell of St. Paul's boomingly tolled +out the hour--twelve o'clock. + +"He must," she whispered to herself, "he must be home ere now, but +what will he think of my coming to him at this time?" She tried to +thrust this thought aside, and to gain repose of mind by walking more +swiftly. + +Arrived before Winter's residence, and trying the wicket at the +entrance she found it yielded to her touch. The girl beheld a stream +of light coming from between the curtains of a window on the second +floor. The master of the house was then within. Quickly Elinor passed +up the walk and stood before the door. As she raised the knocker her +resolution almost gave way. What was she about to tell Winter. That +she, a girl, was possessed of this terrible secret! + +Suddenly came to her memory the dreadful words connecting this man's +name with hers. She thought of the few times when they had been +together; how eager he had seemed to be near her; with what a +trembling clasp he had carried her fingers to his lips and imprinted +upon them kisses which burned themselves into the very flesh. And now +she was about to face him in the dead of night--and alone! Her fingers +relaxed their hold. "Courage, courage," she murmured; and quickly +laying hold of the knocker again, she smote thrice upon the panel and +listened. There soon fell upon her ear the sound of some one coming in +answer to her summons. The door opened and a sleepy servant stood +regarding her with an air of no small astonishment. + +"Is thy master at home?" she inquired, in a voice which, in spite of +her efforts, trembled. + +"That he is, young miss, but what wouldst thou with him at this late +hour? He hath but just returned from a journey, and is sore weary. +Canst thou not wait until the morning?" + +"I must see him at once; 'tis on the most urgent business." + +The hour, coupled with the fairness of the visitor, seemed to fill the +servant with surprise, for he stood a moment looking at her, then +replied: + +"If thou wilt step inside, mistress, I'll inform Sir Winter that there +be someone who wishes to hold converse with him, and perchance," he +added with a meaning smile, "he'll not be so badly put out after all. +What name shall I bear to him? It may be one," he continued +significantly, "which would soon draw any bolt Sir Thomas might have +shot." + +"No name is necessary," she answered, looking at the man and pointing +with her finger. "I seek thy master and come not to parley with his +menial. Go! Say a lady would speak with him." + +The servant read in the girl's eye a look which seemed to brook +neither delay nor familiarity, for he turned and went along the +passage and up the stairway. + +As Elinor waited, the utter hopelessness of her mission broke full +upon her, but it was now too late to draw back from her hasty act; the +voice of Winter could be heard exclaiming with a laugh: + +"What, a lady to see me at this hour? Troth, I am fatigued, but never +so weary that I cannot look upon a fair face. Admit her." + +A door opened and closed; the servant reappeared and beckoned her. +"Sir Thomas will see thee; 'tis the third portal from the landing," he +said, pointing up the stairs leading to the floor above. + +As Elinor followed the directions given, she endeavored to frame some +fitting sentence with which to begin her interview, but her agitation +was too great; she could think of none. Arriving before the door she +tapped with her fingers upon the panel. + +"Enter, my pretty one," cried a voice. "Thou hast already been +announced." + +She stepped within the chamber. Winter sat with his back toward the +entrance facing a table upon which stood a flagon of wine. As the door +closed he turned, and to her horror Elinor saw that he was flushed +with strong drink. + +"What? Elinor?" exclaimed Winter, in astonishment, rising from the +chair with such haste that it was overturned and fell with a clatter +to the floor. "I crave thy pardon, Mistress Fawkes," he continued with +a bow, mastering his surprise. "Thy sudden entrance caused my tongue +to utter the name that ever dwells within my heart. Pray tell me to +what happy circumstance am I indebted for the honor of this visit? I +would know the same that I may render homage to it." + +Elinor stood speechless, filled with abhorrence and dread. All her +bravery could scarce keep her from flying out of the room. She +endeavored to fix her mind on the purpose which had brought her here, +and so find courage. At last desperation gave her voice and she began +hurriedly: + +"I know that thou and others were at my father's house this night. I +was not asleep as ye all supposed, and have come to beg, to beseech, +pray, that my father be released from this terrible treason which hath +been talked of. Thou wert the only one to whom I could turn for aid--I +trust to thy goodness, to thy noble nature;--for the love of God tell +me not that I come in vain. See--see," she cried hysterically, her +self control gone and falling upon her knees. "I kneel before thee to +crave this boon." + +At her first words Winter started as if a pike had been thrust into +his side. On his face was written blank astonishment, which +expression, as she proceeded, gave way to one of abject fear. It would +have been difficult to say which of the two was the more agitated. He +dashed a hand to his brow as if to drive away the fumes of liquor +which had mounted to his brain; looked at the kneeling figure; gazed +on the tapers burning upon the table; and tried to form some words of +reply. At last, with an effort at composure, and endeavoring to force +a laugh past his dry lips, he said: + +"What silly tale is this thou utterest. I have not been----" + +"Nay," the girl broke in wildly, "'tis useless for thee to say so. My +eyes and ears did not deceive me. Would to heaven they had and it were +only some mad dream which fills my brain." + +"Then--then--thou hast played the spy," hissed Winter, in sudden anger +born of drink and fear. "Dost know to what thou hast listened? Has +aught of it passed thy lips? Speak!" he cried furiously, seizing the +girl's arm and glaring at her in drunken rage. "Nay; then thou didst +not, and 'tis well; for if thy lips had breathed one word these hands +of mine would choke from out thy body its sweet breath." He +relinquished his hold, and turning toward the table hurriedly drained +a cup of wine. + +Elinor, spellbound with terror at his outburst of fury, stood rooted +to the spot. She realized the madness of her words, seeing plainly +that the man's condition was one which made both prayers and +entreaties useless. Again he filled a cup and dashed it off. What his +state would be in a few moments she dared not think. His back was +toward her; now was her chance to escape! Slowly the girl edged her +way toward the entrance. At last she reached it; her hand groped +behind the curtain for the knob; it turned, but to her horror, she +discovered the door was securely fastened. + +A laugh greeted her from the table. "What, surely, Mistress +Fawkes--nay, by my troth, Mistress Fawkes it shall be no more, for +'tis too cold a title; therefore, Pretty Elinor--wouldst leave me, and +thy errand but half done? I swear thy words did at first affright; but +see, this good wine," he continued, advancing toward her unsteadily, +"hath taught me wisdom, and this I know, our secret once hid in thy +fair breast, could ne'er be driven forth, even if thou wished, as 'tis +too warm a resting place for it to relinquish. Why dost thou shrink +from me? Dost know," he added, a fierce gleam coming into his eyes, "I +would try to pluck great Saturn from the heavens if thou wished to +gird about thy waist his rings? Aye, and would give my soul for a kiss +from thy warm lips, thinking my soul well sold. Elinor!" he exclaimed, +in a husky voice, "hast thou never read my passion for thee? 'Tis +written----" + +"Then!" cried the girl, "think upon that love and for God's sake let +me hence." + +"What? Is my love so beggarly a thing that the only answer deigned to +its utterance is a scurvy request to get beyond its hearing? Nay, I +have looked upon thy frozen greetings long enough, and they, I tell +thee, have poorly matched my ardor. Listen! Thou dost wish to go?" he +questioned, placing himself before the door and holding to the +curtains for support. "Well, I will ask but cheap recompense for the +loss of thy fair company. 'Tis a kiss from thy red lips; what sayest +thou?" + +"And thou dost call thyself a gentleman!" exclaimed Elinor looking at +him with scorn, her fear in a measure giving place to indignation at +the insolent and shameless words. "Let me depart, I say--nay, I +command thee." + +"Ha! ha! Thou, I think, art carrying thyself loftily. 'Command!'" he +repeated with a laugh. "Nay, marry! Here thou wilt stay until them +thinkest thy going worth the price. And while thou dost meditate upon +it I will drink to thy health." He staggered toward the table and +refilled the cup. + +Elinor glanced about the room seeking some possible avenue of escape. +Her eyes rested upon the portieres in front of the window; she moved +toward them, but as her dress rustled Winter turned at the sound. + +"Aye, walk the room, my pretty one; thou wilt find thy cage well +barred. But enough of this," he continued, approaching her, "we do but +delay. Thou didst ask thy father's release from his compact. Well, he +shall be set free, but thou must recompense--not in coin, not in some +heavy muttered penance, but by thy beauty." He caught the girl in his +arms and whispered in her ear. Then the indignities which had been +heaped upon her gave strength to her arm. No sooner had his drunken +tongue uttered the sentence than she smote with all her might the face +gazing into hers. The blow for a moment staggered the man and he +released his hold; in that instant of freedom Elinor sprang toward the +window, dashing the curtains aside. + +"Stand back!" she cried, as he made a step toward her, his face purple +with rage, "and for thy wicked words ask forgiveness from heaven ere +it blast thee. Where is thy religion, where thy manhood, thou beast? +Aye, beast is too good a term for such as thee, for they respect the +sex--even the stag will not goad the doe. I fear thee not; move from +where thou art and by the God who heard thy wicked words I'll cry thy +infamy and treason in a voice which shall 'rouse all London, and wake +the sleepy headsman to grind the axe. Now, I fear thee not!" + +For a moment Winter paused, looking at the girl. Then his quick wit, +no longer dulled by the wine which had blinded him to the consequences +of the words he had uttered, came to his aid, and he replied: + +"What? And lay thy father's head, as well as mine, upon the block?" + +The curtain dropped from the girl's hand; she staggered, catching it +for support; then quickly recovered herself and with determination +flashing from her eyes exclaimed: "Nay, then, I will not cry thy +treason; my tongue is mute. But stir one foot and I leap from off the +balcony, gladly embracing the cold stones beneath, rather than suffer +a touch from thy guilty hands." + +"Come! Come!" said Winter, baffled by her words and spirit; "I'll not +harm thee. I was but heated by the wine. Thou mayst depart in peace." + +"I put no faith in thy words," said Elinor, still standing by the +casement, "for thou hast taught me how far one who calls himself a man +may be trusted. Go thou and unbar the door," pointing imperiously with +her hand; "then take thyself to the further end of the chamber and +there stand." + +Winter hesitated, but even his dulled faculties recognized the +superiority of the girl's position, and he sullenly complied with her +request. Not until he had retired to the extreme end of the room did +Elinor leave her place. Then, she quickly fled into the corridor. +Winter remained for a moment where he was and, mad with drunken rage +when the closing of the outer door announced the escape of his victim, +exclaimed: "Aye, thou hast outwitted me for a moment; but thy victory +is not for long. I shall hold the laurel and also thee before +daybreak." Then, staggering into the hall, he shouted: "Richard! +Richard!" + +A man appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "Come! Stir thy scurvy +legs; didst see the woman who this moment left me? Follow, and when at +a place thou deemest fit, throw this heavy mantle about her, and bring +her to me. She will struggle, I trow; but thou knowest the remedy. +Tarry not; go swiftly, or she will escape." + +At last Elinor was in the street, and, dazed for a moment by her +sudden release from the peril in which she had just stood, with a +terrified look over her shoulder--half fearing to see a staggering +figure in pursuit, she fled in the direction of her home. But what +form is this which glides from out the gate, and catching sight of the +girl hurries in the direction she has taken? Like some evil phantom it +moves, noiselessly and swiftly, ever keeping well in the shadows. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +WHAT THE MOON SAW. + + +But what of Fawkes? Did any gloomy thoughts disturb his rest? Did the +shadow of the axe or gibbet fall athwart his dreams? If not, why turns +he so uneasily in his slumber and at last awakes? + +"Sleep sets ill upon me," he mutters, drawing a hand across his brow. +In a moment he arose, hastily dressed himself, walked toward the +window, opened it and gazed upon the night. Does some subtle bond of +sympathy exist between him and the girl who is now in peril of +death--or worse? It would seem so, for standing beside the casement, +he exclaims: + +"Am I a sickly child, or puny infant, that I awake, frightened by +silly visions which war with sleep, and murder it ere 'tis fairly +born? Troth!" he continued, with knitted brows, "'twas strange my +fancy painted such a picture." + +He stood for a moment wrapped in thought, then added, shaking his head +as though unable to thrust aside the memories which troubled him: + +"By the blessed Virgin! a most vivid dream. How she held her arms out +to me, yet her lips were mute. Aye, and the eyes--the dumb horror +written in them, as if beholding a specter which blanched the face and +fettered the limbs. I believe," he added with a sudden resolution, +"'tis a woman's trick, but I would fain see her face ere I rest +again." + +He stepped out into the corridor, proceeded in the direction of his +daughter's room, and softly entering, advanced toward the bed. + +"Not here!" exclaimed he, beholding the empty couch. "Nay, thou canst +not frighten me," he continued with a forced laugh, gazing about. +"Come, show thyself; 'twas a merry jest, but let's have it done." + +He paused; still no answer to his summons. "Elinor," he again called, +a shadow of anxiety in his tone. "What means it that she is nowhere +within hearing?" + +He quickly retraced his steps, passed down the stairs and tried the +hall door. It was unbarred, and opened to his touch. + +"By heaven!" he exclaimed, "I could swear I shot those bolts before +going to rest, and now they are drawn." + +He stood anxiously looking out upon the star-lit night. His eyes +wandered to the doorstep, and discerned upon its covering of frost the +imprint of a small foot. + +He stooped to examine the impression and hurriedly arose. "She has +indeed left the house," he cried. "What can have taken the maiden out +of doors at this hour of the night?--some secret tryst? Nay, I do but +jest; she's not the kind to go a-courting after the moon is up. +Mayhap," he continued, meditating a moment, "a neighbor was stricken +ill and they have summoned Elinor to lend her gentle aid. Marry," +added he in a relieved tone, on finding a plausible excuse for his +daughter's absence, "I do recollect Master Carew's woman was soon +expected to add one more trouble to her husband's household. It is +most likely that she went there. 'Tis a dark way to travel, and I will +give her a surprise. While thinking a lonely walk lies before her, +Elinor will find an old but devoted cavalier to keep her company. +First," added he with a laugh, "I'll fetch my blade; for 'twould ill +befit a gallant in quest of beauty to go unarmed." + +So saying, he disappeared, and presently returned attired in a heavy +mantle, and a long rapier girded to his side. + +The moon was high, and its light, which whitened the gables of the +houses, diffused a bright glimmer below, sufficient to enable Fawkes +to proceed quickly upon his way. Frost had set in, and a keen wind +blew; so he was glad to hurry on at a goodly pace. As the streets were +quite deserted at this early hour of the morning, or haunted only by +those whose business--whether for good or evil--forced them out of +doors, he met no one and saw no lights. The man's mind was evidently +filled with pleasant thoughts, for ever and anon a smile would flit +across his face, as though he dwelt upon the surprised look of his +daughter when she would behold him. These agreeable anticipations, +which had taken the place for the moment of the sterner purposes which +had of late engrossed him, were only thrust out by something which +happened just then and brought him abruptly to himself. + +It was the appearance of a woman, who suddenly issued from an alley a +score of yards in front of him, and with a quick glance over her +shoulder, disappeared down another turn in the road. The movements of +this apparition caused Fawkes to pause, when suddenly a second figure, +this time a man, came into view and hurried in the direction taken by +the girl. "By my hilt," whispered Fawkes, peering cautiously out of +the shadow in which he stood, "that rogue had a most suspicious air +about him; an honest man walks with more noise; but, by my soul! if +there is not a third!" + +The object which had called forth the last remark was still another +figure, which came from the same quarter, and proceeded in the +direction taken by the first two. "What queer business is now afoot?" +Fawkes exclaimed, gazing after the retreating forms. "Mayhap ere long +a trusty blade will not be amiss. I can well afford a few moments to +see that all be fair." + +So saying, and loosening his sword in its scabbard to make sure it was +free if suddenly needed, he swiftly passed in the direction taken by +the retreating figures. A few steps brought him to the head of the +street down which the three had disappeared. By the light of the moon +Fawkes distinctly saw the shadowy forms, and halting where he stood, +watched their movements. + +The girl was well in advance; the second person, hurrying after. The +last of the two crossed to the opposite side of the way and walked +well in the shadow cast by the gables of the houses. The girl cast a +glance over her shoulder as if feeling the presence of one in pursuit, +but evidently finding herself quite alone, slackened her pace to take +breath. Now, the one nearest her made a strange move, if so be he were +bent upon an honest mission; for as soon as the woman reduced her gait +to a walk, the man loosened the long cloak hanging about his +shoulders, and seizing it in both hands, moved swiftly and noiselessly +in her direction. Aye, loose thy sword in its sheath, thou, standing +in the shadow; for if there be in thee muscle for a fight, soon will +the clash of steel ring out upon the frosty air. + +The man was now up with the girl, who, on hearing footsteps, turned +and uttered a scream. Once only does she raise the cry, for before she +can a second time call out, the cloak is thrown over her head, a rough +hand is at her throat, and she feels the pressure of a rope as it is +deftly whipped about her. There was a momentary struggle; but it soon +ceased, for the woman fainted, and was at the mercy of him who had +trapped her. Is thy sword caught and useless? thy arm paralyzed? or +what causes thee to stand unnerved and trembling? Was it the scream +that rang out upon the midnight air? Had it the sound of a voice dear +to thee even now? + +The man lifted the light figure of the girl within his arms and +hurried away. Aye, Effingston, heaven-sent was the sorrow which drove +thee forth to seek solace from the night and stars; but, come, now is +thy time! + +Fear not for him--he has recovered himself--and, snatching his rapier +from its sheath, with one or two quick bounds is up with the man, +crying: "By the God above thee, release the woman ere I crush thy +head, thou adder!" + +The one thus addressed turned, and seeing the determined face at his +elbow, paused, but retained his grasp upon the girl. + +"Release her!" exclaimed Effingston, raising his sword, "ere I spit +thee." The man allowed his burden to slip to the ground, the cloak +fell from about her figure, and Elinor lay at the feet of him she +loved. + +"Thou art quick with thy command, Master," replied the other, coolly +drawing his rapier. "Methinks thou hadst better attend to love affairs +of thine own, rather than meddle in that with which thou hast no +concern. Put up thy blade, I say, and go about thy business, ere I +teach thee a trick or two which will let more ardor out of thy body +than a three days' diet of beef can replace." + +"Thou knave!" Effingston exclaimed, casting a quick glance at the +motionless figure upon the ground, and pointing toward it with his +rapier. "Dost call thyself a man, to steal behind and deal foul +blows? Verily, thou craven dog, 'tis written in thy countenance, and +he who runs may read, that thou hast not the courage even to look a +woman in the eye, much less to face a man in honest fight." + +"I'll hear no more of thy speech," cried the now angry man, leaping +meanwhile to the middle of the road; "soon will I put holes in thy +genteel carcass which will leave thy vitals cold for some time to +come. Up with thy sword, if thy bravery be not all talk." He +unfastened his leather jerkin and stood awaiting Effingston, who +loosened the clasp of his mantle. + +"By my troth," exclaimed Fawkes, who still retained his post of +vantage; "I swear 'tis not my place to interfere; likely it will be a +lusty fight, for both seem to have the proper spirit, and hold the +weapon as those accustomed to the steel. Marry! it must be difficult +to see the eyes in this light, but the point will be more readily kept +track of." + +The combatants crossed swords and stood at guard. + +"If thou hast any friend to claim thy body, better write his name," +said the man in the leather jerkin, as Effingston's blade touched his +lightly, emitting a grating sound. + +The only answer was a swift lunge, dexterously parried. + +Not three blows were exchanged before Effingston realized that the man +before him not only possessed the skill of one long used to sword +play, but, further, combined with it the coolness and the keen eye of +an old duelist. Moreover, the neutral tint of his adversary's dress +offered but a poor mark by which to gauge his thrust, while his own +costume, being ornamented with silver, gave his antagonist most +effective guidance whereby to aim his strokes. + +The other, also, came to the conclusion that no mere novice stood +before him, for Effingston had turned every thrust with an ease which +surprised him; and several times his sword had crept so closely to the +leather jerkin that three or four brown furrows had appeared upon it. + +"Enough of this child's play," Effingston's antagonist hissed between +his teeth, making another furious lunge. The impetus given to the +thrust would have sent the blade to the hilt into the other's body had +it come in contact with it, but Effingston met the blow in a way least +expected, making use of a trick but little known in England at that +time, for as quickly as the sword flew forward he stepped lightly +aside, at the same time advancing his own weapon. The hilts came +together with a crash; the guard of one was entangled in the bell of +the other, and the two rapiers remained firmly interlocked. The men +now stood so closely that their breasts touched, the breath issuing +from their parted lips mingling in clouds. Suddenly, almost +simultaneously, as if one read the intent in the other's eye, each +slowly moved his left arm to his side, seeking the dagger he knew hung +there. Again, on the same instant, the knives flashed forth; the men +sprang quickly apart; the two rapiers went spinning on the roadway, +and with a clatter, became disentangled as they fell. No time for +breath; each knows it is to the death, and plenty of rest awaits one +or both, perchance, in a few moments. The men leaped toward each +other; a confused struggle ensued. Fawkes from his post could illy +make out who had the advantage. Suddenly, Effingston's foot slipped, +he was almost upon his knees--the man was upon him, one hand gripped +his shoulder, forcing him to the ground, the other held the knife +lifted high to add force to the blow; but that coveted strength cost +him his life, for before the hand could descend, Effingston quickly +raised his dagger, and drove it with all his might up to the guard in +the neck left unprotected by his adversary's movement. The man +clutched at the figure before him, the blade flew from his grasp and +he dropped with a bubbling cry to the earth, the blood spurting from +him as he fell. + +"Marry!" exclaimed Fawkes, who through all the contest had been +craning his neck and breathing hard with excitement, "that was a brave +device but not one which I should care to try myself. By the Apostle +Paul!" added he in surprise on hearing the bell of a distant church +strike the hour, "it is three o'clock, and here am I watching two +gentlemen, whose faces I cannot even see, settle a little difficulty +about a woman. But 'twas a lusty fight, and for the moment made me +forget the errand which called me forth." Saying which and with +another glance down the road, he started upon his way. + +The victor stood regarding his foe, who made one or two convulsive +movements as if to arise, but fell back with the blood spouting from +the wound and out his mouth. One more struggling effort he makes, but +'tis the last; with a violent convulsion of his whole body the man in +the leather jerkin sinks to the earth to rise no more. + +Effingston turned to the second figure lying upon the roadway, and as +he gazed upon her, there was expressed on his countenance a certain +degree of contempt, but, withal, a love which pride and resolution +could not quite kill. As she lies there, the white face touched by the +light of the moon, it is like looking upon the dead. + +"O God," he whispered, as he suddenly knelt beside her, taking one of +the white hands within his own, "would that she had died +before--before----" He slowly raised the girl in his arms; then +convulsively pressed the light figure to him, and letting his head +sink upon her breast, sobbed as only a strong man can. + +Again there was silence, broken only by the rattle of ice-covered +twigs swept from the trees by the restless night wind. After a moment +he regained composure and fell to chafing her hands. + +A slight motion showed him the girl was slowly recovering from her +long swoon. Gradually consciousness returned, and lifting her head +from the cloak he had placed beneath it, she looked about in a +confused way as though unable to make out her surroundings. Soon her +gaze rested upon Effingston, who had drawn a little apart. Raising +herself, she tottered toward him, and would have fallen had he not put +an arm out to prevent her. + +"What could have made thee treat me so?" she whispered, passing a hand +across her face, as if endeavoring to brush away that which hindered +her thoughts. "Have I not suffered enough?" she continued, piteously. + +"I was not thy assailant," answered Effingston, motioning to the +figure on the road; "there he lieth; thou canst go thy way in peace." + +The girl glanced in the direction and shuddered. "And how came this +about?" she questioned, in a dreamy tone, casting a frightened look at +the thing in the path. "Oh, now I do recollect me," added she, softly, +as though to herself, seemingly oblivious of her surroundings. "I had +left Sir Winter, and deeming myself quite safe, was hurrying home, +when--for truth, I can remember no more until I found thee near me." +She ceased and looked up into his face with an innocent smile. +Evidently the terrible strain to which her mind had been subjected +effaced from it all previous impressions, or left only an indistinct +recollection of what had transpired. "It was brave of thee," she +murmured, in the same dreamy tone, placing her hand upon his arm. + +At the name of Winter, Effingston drew back. Had she not by those +unguarded words confirmed her guilt? All his pride and anger returned. +The resolutions which had but a moment since departed, banished by +that helpless figure in the moonlight, now came again with greater +strength. Of what weakness, he asked himself, had he been guilty? Of +kissing the lips not yet cold from the caresses of him who had defiled +them. + +"Very--brave--in--thee," the girl repeated, in a dull monotone. + +Effingston glanced at her, but that piteously bewildered face cannot +move him, and he coldly answered: + +"'Tis the duty of every gentleman to protect the life of a woman, even +though her shame be public talk." + +Evidently the girl had not heard, or at least the words made no +impression upon her brain, for she nestled closely to him like a +frightened child seeking protection. + +"Come," he whispered. She obeyed without a word. They passed upon +their way in silence and at last reached her dwelling. Effingston +opened the door which stood unbarred, and assisted her to enter. He +turned to go, not trusting himself to speak. + +"Thou wert not always accustomed to leave me thus," exclaimed the +girl, in a voice destitute of expression. "See," she continued, "I +will kiss thee even without thy asking," and before the man realized +her intent, she threw her arms about him and pressed her lips to his. +"They are cold," she murmured, with a shiver. "But the night is +chilly--look! now the east is streaked with red." Turning, she +pointed to the sky, dyed with the crimson light of coming day. The +ruddy glow crept up, touching the girl and turning the snow at her +feet to the color of the rose. + +"Come to me, dear heart," she whispered, holding out her arms; "take +me to thee, that on thy breast I may find a sweet and dreamless +sleep." + +The sun arose; but upon no sadder sight than this man, who plodded +wearily homeward--warring forces within, and a desert all about. On +his way through the silent streets, made more desolate by the +cheerless light of coming day, he saw for a moment a mirage of an +honorable love and happiness. In the fair city of his dream he beheld +a bright and happy home, made so and adorned by the girl whose kiss +was still upon his lips. There, always awaited him a heart which, +through its love, added to each blessing, and dulled every sorrow. +Ever on the portal stood a being he worshiped, who, with her fair arms +wreathed a welcome of love about him. They pass within; a bright face +offers itself for a kiss; fondly he stoops, but the dream +vanishes;--in the breaking of the morn he stands alone;--hope dead +within his breast. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +AT "THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD." + + +Winter waited long for his servant's return. He walked restlessly up +and down the chamber, ever and anon pausing, either for recourse to +the flagon on the table, or to draw aside the curtains and gaze out +upon the street. At last, sinking into a chair with a muttered curse +at the long delay, he fell into deep sleep, overcome by the wine in +which he had so freely indulged. Dawn broke gray and cheerless. The +first rays of the sun penetrated into the chamber and fell upon the +sleeper,--his position was unchanged since the small hours of the +night. Gradually, as the light increased, he stirred uneasily, awoke, +and rubbing his eyes, looked about as though not sure of the +surroundings. His eye rested upon the flagon, then slowly traveled +toward the window. The recollection of the last night, however, +flashed before him, and springing from the chair, he dashed out into +the corridor. + +"Richard!" he called. No answer followed his summons. + +"Richard," he repeated, in a still louder tone. The only response was +the echo of his own voice. + +"What mad business be this?" exclaimed he, retracing his steps and +looking wildly about the apartment. "By this cursed drink have I +brought ruin to our hopes and cause. Out upon thee," he cried in a +transport of passion, suddenly seizing the flagon, and flinging it +with all his might across the room. The heavy piece of metal struck +the wall, sending out a deluge of wine, and falling with a crash, +shattered into fragments an ivory crucifix resting upon a small table. +Winter stood aghast at the havoc wrought. + +"An omen," he whispered, white to the lips, glancing about with +frightened looks, then kneeling to take up the broken cross. + +"See," he cried, holding with trembling fingers the image of the +crucified Savior which had escaped the wreck, and now dripped with +wine;--"Christ's wounds do open their red mouths and bleed afresh at +my awful deeds." The man arose, crossed himself, and thrust the image +into his doublet, then wiping the sweat from his brow sank into a +chair. + +"'Tis not by these tremblings, or vain regrets, that I may fortify +myself, or mend what's done," he exclaimed. "I must bethink me, and +let reason check the consequences of my folly. The girl asseverated +that she heard all which transpired at her house last night. Oh, most +unfortunate chance which gave the words into her ear! What foul fiend +did raise the cup to my lips and leave my wit too weak to turn the +deadly stroke? Nay," he continued, after several moments, shaking his +head, "she'll not make known the purport of our speech, for the love +she bears her father is a potent hostage for her silence, and if I be +judge, Mistress Elinor will make scant mention of her visit +yesternight. Even if there be small love in her heart for me, a most +wholesome fear doth take its place, and for my present purpose one +will serve as fittingly as the other. Marry," he continued, with a +smile, seemingly relieved by his reflections, "thy ready wit hath at +last returned; but by St. Paul! what hath become of that varlet +Richard? 'Tis more than likely the open door of some pot house spoke +more strongly to him than my command, and 'tis most providential if my +surmise be true; I must have been mad indeed to trust the rogue on +such a mission. Small doubt but that he heard all which transpired +here last night, for he hath a most willing ear to listen, and a +tongue given to wag. 'Twould be a heaven-sent deed if something would +occur to silence his speech, for his knowledge, if he hath the wit to +know its value, may be a deadly menace to our cause. When he returns +I'll give the knave silver to quit the country; or, perchance," he +added, a hard, cunning look coming into his eyes as he put his hand +upon a small dagger at his side, "if that will not suffice, 'twill be +necessary for our safety to introduce him to more sturdy metal." + +The man arose and proceeded to efface the marks of dissipation, and +set his disordered dress to rights, saying as he finished, "I must to +my appointment with Garnet. Marry," he added, donning hat and mantle, +"I hope he is safely housed, and that my letter to Giles Martin, which +the worthy prelate was to present, did insure him some extra +attention, as a pot house, at its best, must be a poor refuge for a +priest." + +It was early in the morning and few people were astir. + +"Gramercy," quoth Winter, when he had proceeded some distance on his +way, "would that some person were abroad that I might enquire the +direction to 'The Sign of the Leopard;' I swear," he added, glancing +about, "it must be in this neighborhood, but I can illy guess where." +Looking, he perceived a group of men a little distance down the +street. "There be some worthies," exclaimed he, "who can perhaps +direct me to the hostelry." As he approached he saw they were +regarding a figure lying upon the ground. + +"Nay, Master Alyn," said one, "thou hadst best do naught but let it +await removal by the King's guard; if thou disturb the body surely +questions might be asked which 'twould bother thy head to answer." + +"Beshrew my heart," exclaimed the man addressed, who, judging from his +appearance, was a small tradesman, "I can ill afford to have this evil +thing lying upon my step, preventing what little trade might drift +this way." + +Winter now came up with the group, and as they turned at the sound of +his footsteps, he could see that the object of their remarks was a man +lying face downward on the flagging, and his attitude of relaxation +showed that death had overtaken him. + +"What hast thou here, my men?" Sir Thomas exclaimed, "some victim of a +drunken brawl?" + +"That we cannot make out," answered the first speaker, touching his +hat, on perceiving--by his dress and manner--that the questioner was a +gentleman, possibly one in authority, "but for truth, he has been +stuck as pretty as a boar at Yule-tide. Thou mayst look for thyself," +he added, with some little pride, as of a showman exhibiting his +stock, and laying hold of the body by the shoulders he turned it over, +so that the distorted face gazed up at the sky. + +Winter started at the sight, unable to repress a cry, for before him +was the body of his servant. His wish had indeed been fulfilled; those +silent lips would tell no tales. + +"What, good sir!" cried he who seemed to be the spokesman of the +party, on noting the white face of the other; "doth thy stomach turn +so readily?" + +"Nay," replied Winter, raising a gauntlet to hide his emotion, "but +they who meet death suddenly are seldom sweet to look upon, +and--and--for truth, I have not yet broke my fast; canst direct me to +a certain hostelry in this neighborhood known as 'The Sign of the +Leopard?'" + +"I can, Master, for many a pot of ale I've drank in that same place. +Look," he continued, pointing, "if thou wilt follow this street until +the second turning to the right, from there thou canst readily see the +tavern's sign." + +"My thanks to thee," said Winter, taking a coin from his purse and +handing it to the man. His eyes again for a moment turned upon the +prostrate figure. "And my friends," added he, "I would deem it +expedient that ye notify the guards, and have this unsightly thing +removed." He then turned and proceeded in the direction given him. +This incident brought a renewal of the apprehensions which had haunted +him earlier in the morning, and he muttered as he went on his way: +"There is the first consequence of my folly, and the next may be--nay, +courage; heaven will not be so merciless as to permit one evil deed to +overthrow our cause. God will pardon this hasty sin, when he who +committed it doth risk life in His holy work. But," he added, with a +smile, "'tis providential justice which slew the man, for the dead +utter no words." At last he arrived before the house which he sought. +"Marry," he exclaimed, gazing at the exterior of the tavern; "'tis +indeed a sorry place for the saintly Garnet to reside in, but it has +the advantage of being a secure retreat." He tried the door, which +yielded to his touch, and entered the apartment. On the tables stood +the remains of last night's libations, and the air hung heavy with the +odor of stale tobacco smoke. Over all was a spell of silent +desolation, as if the ghosts of the songs and merry jests, which had +echoed from the walls, had returned with aching heads to curse the +room. + +"This is a sweet place, truly," said Winter, looking upon the table. +After a short delay the sound of footsteps could be heard approaching, +a door opened and the host entered. Giles Martin, not at once +recognizing the man who stood by the table, regarded his guest with +some little surprise, for a customer at that early hour was rare. + +"To what may I serve thee, sir?" said he, advancing toward Winter. +"Well, Master Martin," exclaimed the one addressed, "dost so soon +forget a face? It is, I swear, a poor trick for a landlord." + +"What, Sir Thomas?" cried the other in surprise, holding out his hand, +"I did not recognize thee in this uncertain light. A thousand pardons, +and highly am I honored to find thee in my humble house." + +"'Tis but small honor I do thee," replied the man, with a laugh, +drawing off his gauntlets. "Didst receive my letter?" + +"Aye, that I did, and have shown the bearer of it every courtesy which +this poor tavern can provide. Much am I gratified to learn that Sir +Thomas Winter remembered one whom he hath not seen since----" + +"Nay, good Martin, I do recall the time thou wouldst name. But pray +tell me, is my cavalier friend up at this early hour, for I would +confer with him." + +Giles cast a quick glance at the speaker, then letting his eyes fall, +said: + +"That he is, and little hath he slept this night, for 'twas late ere +he arrived, and when I arose I heard him walking about." + +"Then wilt thou tell him I await; or--nay, stop--thou needst not +announce me; I will see him in his chamber. Show the way, I will +follow." + +"As thou dost wish," said Giles, turning to open a door which hid a +flight of rickety stairs leading to the floor above. Reaching the +landing Winter noted that Martin was about to follow and exclaimed: + +"Nay, show me the portal, I will not trouble thee further. And if thou +wilt be so kind, see to it that we are not disturbed in our +conversation." + +"Have no fear for that, Sir Thomas, I will take care that none do +interrupt. The room is in front of thee," saying which, Martin turned +and descended the stairs. + +Winter tapped upon the panel. + +"Enter," said a quiet voice. + +He lifted the latch and passed into the room. The prelate had +evidently been engaged in prayer, for, as the other stepped within, +the priest was arising from his knees. His face seemed in strange +contrast to the garb he had donned; the delicate, almost effeminate +features of the man were little in keeping with the gay attire of a +cavalier. + +"Ah, Sir Thomas," exclaimed the Jesuit, advancing with gentle dignity +and extended hand, "glad am I to see thee, for I have been more than +lonely, but," he added, with a bright smile, "'tis not my nature to +complain; these be but small discomforts, and gladly would I endure +greater in the service of my Master. Hast any news? Hath aught +happened since we met? But pray be seated," he added, pointing to one +of the two chairs, which, with a low bed, comprised the furniture of +the room. + +"Nay, good father, nothing hath transpired," replied the other, a +shade passing athwart his face; "and now tell me, what dost thou think +of Fawkes? Is his enthusiasm great enough to serve our purpose?" + +"A most terrible man, but one whose cruelty rests upon the love of +God. Indeed, it is as thou didst say, if each Catholic in England were +possessed of but one-half his zeal, then would the gutters run red +with the blood of heretics; 'twas such as he who made the eve of St. +Bartholomew. Are we free to speak?" queried Garnet, leaning toward the +other. + +"Quite free," replied Winter, "a faithful friend of mine is on guard +that we be not interrupted." + +"Then, 'tis well; I have spent the night in prayer, beseeching the +Almighty to lead my mind aright that I may decide the justice of the +plan proposed. Ah," exclaimed the Jesuit, arising, and with hands +clenched before him, "'tis a hideous act, but," an expression of +fierceness coming into his gentle face, "my supplication was answered, +the deed is favored by God, for He hath sent me a token of His +approval." + +"A token, thou sayest, good father?" exclaimed Winter in an awed +voice. + +"Verily," cried Garnet, raising his eyes to heaven, "a sign from Him +whose cause we serve. 'Twas thus: Long had I knelt in prayer, long had +I raised my voice that He who holds the oceans in His palm, and guides +the planets in their courses, would lead me to a wise decision. 'O +God,' I cried, 'send thou some token that I may know thy will.' Even +as I gazed upon the crucifix clenched in my unlifted hand, the message +I so craved had come, for the cross was stained with blood, which from +it fell in sluggish drops. I looked more intently, filled with +amazement, and perceived that so closely had I pressed the silver +image of the blessed Savior it had cut into the flesh. But 'twas God's +voice in answer to my prayer." + +"Most marvelous," whispered Winter, crossing himself. "But didst thou +comprehend all that Fawkes proposed? Hast dwelt on every point?" + +"Think not, my son," the prelate answered, "that because my eyes have +long been used to the dim light of the sanctuary, they have not +perceived all the horror of that which must be done. But now," he +cried, his pale face flushed with emotion, "God in His wisdom hath for +a time taken from me the crucifix and given in its place the sword. So +be it," he continued, drawing the rapier hanging by his side and +kissing the cross formed by the blade and handle, "He shall not find +Henry Garnet wanting, for not until the Angelus doth sound from +Landsend to Dunnet Head, will this hand of mine relax its hold, unless +death doth strike the weapon from it." + +"Ah, good father," cried Winter in admiration of the other's spirit, +"thy enthusiasm and courage are surely heaven born, but," he +whispered, "if we fail, what then?" + +"We cannot," broke in the Jesuit, his eyes alight with the fervor of +his spirit. "Have I not told thee that heaven approves our act? +Victory belongs to us; the White Dove doth rest upon our helms. 'Tis +true that some of us may perish, but what of them? Their fame shall +live from age to age, and never will the call to Mass or Vespers +sound, never will the clouds of incense mount upward--streaming past +the Host without their names being within the hearts and on the +tongues of the worshipers. Think how greatly we be blessed," he +continued, laying his hand fondly upon the other's shoulder;--"a few, +a happy few, who have been thus elected to raise the cross of Christ +from out the dust. Nay," he added, shaking his head, "I would not wish +our danger one jot or tittle less, for, methinks, some portion of the +glory which is now our own might depart with it, and I could illy +bear the loss of even one small gem which must rest in the immortal +crown of our recompense." + +"Then thou dost feel our victory is assured," said Winter, in a +constrained voice, looking anxiously toward Garnet. + +"Nay, I do not feel--I am certain," replied the prelate, decisively. +"And now there rests with us the duty of forming our plans, making +everything ready to strike the mighty blow. What hast thou to offer or +suggest?" + +"Good father, I would not take upon myself to offer a suggestion," +said Winter; "but methinks it would be well that we all assemble and +discuss the matter more fully." + +"And where shall the gathering be held?--at the house of Master +Fawkes?" + +"Not so," replied the other, so abruptly that the priest turned upon +him an enquiring glance. "I mean," continued Winter, noting the look, +"'twould be unwise for us to be seen again meeting in that place; it +might arouse curiosity, and that might be fatal." + +"Then what wouldst thou say to my Lord Catesby's?" + +"Nay, for I deem the same objection doth apply to his dwelling. I +would suggest we gather at the house of Sir Everard Digby. Will't suit +thee, father?" + +"I think thy caution most commendable, and thy proposition the best. +And when shall the meeting be?" + +"Say a week hence," replied Winter. "In the meantime I will see Sir +Everard, and make the necessary arrangements. But what of thee till +then?" + +"Disturb not thyself, my son, concerning me," replied the prelate; "I +will content myself, and be right comfortable in the care of thy +friend the host. Dost think he hath suspicions?" + +"Nay," replied the other. "In truth, if his suspicions were aroused, +he would be silent; such poor taste hath he, that love for me would +make him dumb, and with it is the fact that the man is a zealous +Catholic; methinks if his help could be safely won he would be most +valuable to us. Shouldst thou find a fitting opportunity it might be +well to sound the man." + +"I will do so," replied the prelate, "if a chance doth offer itself." + +"And now," continued Winter, rising, "I must away. Be ever careful, +father, for thy loss would signify the destruction of our hopes." + +"My son," answered the other, with a smile, "thou dost speak from thy +heart; but methinks, if at this moment Henry Garnet were dragged away +and hurried toward the block, the mighty work would be continued; +success doth rest in higher hands than mine. Now, until we meet again, +may the peace of Him whose servants we are rest upon thee." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. + + +Some leagues from London, in the shire of Buckingham, was situated the +country residence of Sir Everard Digsby, who, with Catesby, Wright and +Percy, was present at the house of the latter on the night in which +Fawkes reached the city, whither he had been summoned by a letter from +Sir Thomas Winter. The dwelling of the young nobleman, being somewhat +remote from the more populous districts of the shire, seemed a fitting +place for such discussion, and, perchance, of more weighty matters, +pertaining to the fast-growing conspiracy against the King and his +Parliament. This place Winter had suggested to Garnet as the safest +spot for the Catholic gentlemen to assemble for the discussion of +their plan. + +'Twas the custom that those noblemen whose wealth afforded them two +dwellings, one in London and another in the rural districts, should +oft entertain at the latter such of their companions as pleased them; +and these, riding forth from the city, singly or in goodly numbers, +might pass but a single night, but sometimes when occasion served, a +fortnight, in merrymaking at their host's expense. Such being a common +practice throughout the kingdom little danger of causing suspicion lay +in the fact that Winter, Rookwood, Catesby, Wright and such others as +had been admitted to their council, departed from London in company. +Garnet, indeed, had ridden on before them, attended by Sir Digsby and +Fawkes, nor had any noted their departure; or, if perchance they did, +were not disposed to comment upon it. + +A staunch Catholic and a zealous follower of the Jesuits, Everard +Digsby had lent himself willingly to the cause of his brother +churchmen, having long ago satisfied himself that their actions were +justified. In fact, his present convictions were to some extent the +outcome of early teachings, for even at a tender age his mind had been +under Catholic influence, and therefore it was not strange that on +reaching manhood he should be a strong adherent of Romish doctrine. +And still further, his attitude was less to be wondered at, when +considered that the seeds of these same convictions were planted by no +other hand than the friend, tutor and spiritual adviser of his +youth--Henry Garnet. In truth, he had surpassed the zeal of many +associates, for being denied the full privilege of such worship as his +faith taught him, he had caused to be erected within the walls of his +country residence a small chapel, fitted up under supervision of the +Superior of the English Jesuits. + +Somewhat early in the evening the little cavalcade rode into +Buckinghamshire, and having reached their destination, were received +with much cordiality by the young nobleman and his more austere +companions. The ride from London, on account of the inclemency of the +weather, had been most disagreeable, and the travelers were nothing +loth to stretch their chilled limbs before the great fire prepared in +readiness for their arrival, and to partake heartily of the well +ordered refreshments which their host had caused to be in waiting. +Having satisfied the carnal man, they were the more willing to turn to +the spiritual repast which had drawn them together; for in each mind +the conviction was strong that in plotting against the King they were +but serving the ends of God. + +"Good gentlemen," said Garnet, the company having drawn about the fire +in a room somewhat remote from the more inhabited part of the +dwelling, "having partaken so freely of worthy Everard's hospitality, +it is most fitting that we turn for a season to that which has +summoned us from London. Methinks there be none absent?" + +Catesby ran his eyes over the group about him, checking each off on +his fingers. "Winter, my Lord of Rookwood, good Percy, Wright, Francis +Tresham and Master Guido," said he, "these with Your Reverence, Sir +Everard and myself, make up the number--nine." + +"'Tis well," exclaimed Garnet, fixing his eyes for an instant on the +face of each. "Certain things have arisen which render it most +expedient that we make common cause with each other--what think ye?" + +"That the time is ripe for the maturing of such plans as best are +suited to our purpose," replied Rookwood; "James hath again declared +against us." + +"'Tis even so," broke in Percy, "and at the house of Master Fawkes +when thou wert absent, there arose some discussion as to certain ways +and methods best fitted to----" + +"Ah!" cried Winter, looking toward the corner where was seated the +soldier of fortune, with his chin upon his hand; "the opportunity has +not served since our last meeting to inquire concerning thy good +mother and thy daughter, friend Guido. Tell me, I pray, did the +gathering of so many armed men in thy chamber disturb their slumbers?" + +"Nay," replied Fawkes, gruffly; "the dame knew nothing of it; neither +my daughter, of that----" + +"And the lass," continued Winter, eyeing the man closely, "is she well +and cheerful as becomes her youth and loveliness?" + +"As to cheerfulness," answered the other, a shade of sadness coming +into his face, "methinks the merry smile hath forever forsaken her +lips, for now she looketh so pale and wan it doth seem but the shadow +of her former self wandering about the house; but thank God, the worst +is over, and she is on the road to recovery." + +"And hath Mistress Elinor been ill?" inquired Winter, turning a +surprised look toward the speaker. + +"I had deemed," answered Fawkes, "that my absence from thy house for +nigh on to a week would indicate to thee that something was amiss. I +every day expected to----" + +"For truth," broke in the other in a relieved tone, "had I known that +thy daughter lay ill I would for a surety have called. But, pray, tell +me; is she better now?" + +"As I have said, she is better; but not herself as yet. In fact, it +was on the night of the meeting at my dwelling, after ye had all +departed, that I went for a breath of air upon the street +and--and--well, it was when I returned that I found the girl in a high +fever, and looking much as though she had beheld a foe. The fever +spent itself in three days; now, 'tis but the after weakness which +afflicts her." + +"Thank God for her recovery!" exclaimed Winter, as he eyed Fawkes +narrowly; but finding nothing in his countenance to arouse alarm, sank +back in his chair with a sigh of relief. + +"And now," said Garnet, who had listened with attention to the +dialogue, "since thy last words have banished from my mind the anxiety +called forth by the recital of thy fair daughter's illness, we may +again turn our thoughts toward other matters, and listen to good +Catesby here." + +"As thou knowest," began Catesby, "it hath ever been my desire to act +quickly. Therefore I would suggest that no time be lost in carrying +out such designs as will rid the kingdom of our enemies." + +"Well spoken," cried Digsby; "to that we are agreed." + +Garnet smiled sadly. "Would that all England cried amen!" said he, +solemnly. Then turning suddenly to Fawkes, "and thou, Master Guido, +what sayest thou?" + +The soldier of fortune looked up quickly. "I am ever ready," said he, +"whether we deal with all those in authority, or with the King alone." + +"Then?" cried Winter, "then?----" + +Garnet cast down his eyes, the soul of the priest struggling with dark +apprehensions which arose within him. "If there were any shadow of sin +in it," he murmured, "I would not countenance the bringing of it to an +issue. No other reason hath drawn me into it save ardent and active +interest in the cause of God." Then facing his companions he +continued: "'Tis the will of Christ that in the hands of His weakest +subjects shall be placed the sword of vengeance which shall sweep +these infidels from the land. Good Catesby hath oft pondered in his +mind, with some impatience, the meaning of my check upon his zeal. +'Twas that I might seek through prayer a way to our deliverance. That +the time is near a revelation hath been vouchsafed to me from heaven." + +A murmur ran through the little company. The priest's voice changed +from tones of solemnity to those of one who spake with authority; and +stretching forth the hand, he said: "We are of one mind. Perchance +Master Fawkes hath opened a way whereby shall be destroyed both the +King and his Parliament. What can effect our purpose quicker than the +flash of gunpowder? God hath placed it in our hand for us to use, and +do His will. Yet other things remain; the door being opened, will +those who watch us from abroad unite with us in restoring to this +unhappy England its altars and its sacrifices? Sir Thomas Winter, thou +hast been in France and Spain to do man's bidding; wouldst go thither +in obedience to the will of God?" + +Winter started, for the meaning of the other's words implied much. "Is +it a mission?" he asked, fixing his gaze upon the Jesuit. + +"Aye!" replied Garnet; "a mission of much danger, and one which will +need all secrecy. At the Court of France dwell certain members of my +Order, close to the King, and deep in affairs of State. Before them I +will lay our undertaking, that when England shall be without a +government and all the land involved in perplexity and beset with +controversies, the armies of the Catholic Kings may come among us--the +way being prepared for their entrance." + +A murmur of approval burst from Catesby, Rookwood and Percy. "And if +Sir Winter hesitates," cried the former, "I will----" + +"Say no more," interrupted Winter; "this day week will see me at the +Court of France." + +"And thou, friend Guido," said Garnet, blandly, "thou art of ready +wit, and a good sword may be needful. Shall brave Winter go alone?" + +Fawkes knitted his brows--"I little thought to again leave England so +soon," he replied, gruffly; "yet ere another sunset will I be ready if +thus I may serve the cause." + +A look of kindliness came into the Jesuit's eyes; the blind zeal of +the man, a zeal that thrust all other thoughts aside, touched him, and +with quick perception he saw in the rough cavalier one who, did all +others fail, would with his single hand hurl the thunderbolt. Taking +from his bosom a small silver crucifix, he laid it in Fawkes' hand. +"Give this," said he, quietly, "unto thy daughter; 'twill guard her +during thine absence. Aye! and dost thou fear to leave her? I swear to +thee, I will see to it that she lacketh nothing." + +Fawkes turned upon him a look of deep devotion. Bred in superstition, +the fact that the priest understood that which troubled him--fear for +the safety of his daughter--seemed a sign from heaven. He kissed the +crucifix reverently, and put it in his bosom between the hard steel of +his cuirass and his heart. + +Garnet turned to the group. "One thing remains," said he solemnly; +"'tis the oath which, registered before heaven, shall hold each to his +purpose. Sir Digsby, let us to thy chapel, that beneath the shadow of +the cross we may seek that blessing without which all our deeds are +sinful, and our purposes as sand." + +Solemnly the little company, headed by the priest and Sir Everard, +wended their way toward the chapel. No words were exchanged between +them, for all were deep in thought. As they passed into the chamber +set aside for worship, each reverently knelt and crossed himself, then +took up a position in front of the altar. As it was late and the brief +winter twilight faded from the sky, the chapel lay shrouded in deep +gloom, relieved only by the red light burning in a hanging lamp +suspended before the tabernacle, holding the consecrated elements. To +the men there was something fearfully solemn in their surroundings. +Before them stood that altar for the preservation of which they were +about to pledge their lives. + +As their eyes became more accustomed to the subdued light, they beheld +shadow-like forms slowly appear upon the walls, and while intently +gazing, these apparitions gradually materialized and assumed definite +shape, resolving themselves into paintings portraying the last scenes +in the life of Christ. Penetrating everything was the clinging odor of +incense, which, in some subtle way, brings to mind the awful majesty +of God. + +Presently Garnet emerged from the sacristy, bearing in his hand a +flaming taper with which he lighted the candles on the altar. The +Jesuit had placed over the costume which he wore a cope of deep red, +richly embroidered with gold, and evidently the priest had not even +laid aside his rapier, for its dull clank could be heard as he walked +about. The rattle of the steel broke discordantly upon the deep +silence, but was it not symbolic? A deed of violence was about to be +committed, cloaked in the garb of religion! + +Finishing his task, he knelt before the altar in silent prayer. Then +arising, he passed to the gate of the rood screen, where his +commanding figure was thrown into bold relief by the altar lights. +Presently seating himself, he said in low and solemn tones to the men +kneeling in the darkness: "Consider well, my brethren, the step ye are +about to take; for he who turns back will be likened unto the woman +who glanced over her shoulder at a city burning;--to pillars of craven +cowardice would ye be changed--monuments to mark how men, even when +their duty shone clear as though emblazoned on the azure vault of +heaven, lacked heart to carry it out. Consider it well, then, all of +you!" + +The deep voice of the priest rose as he uttered the last words, and +its resonant tone returned in echoes from the vaulted ceiling as if +each statued saint from out his niche cried: "Consider it well." + +"Are ye all prepared?" he asked. A deep "All prepared" answered his +question. + +"'Tis well. Now shall I register your vows before the unveiled Host +and upon the crucifix, that in the very presence of the Son of God ye +may swear to perform them unto the end. To thee, my son," continued +the Superior, addressing Catesby, "will I first administer the oath, +for 'twas thy hand which was foremost to lift itself in the holy +cause." + +The man arose and knelt before the Jesuit. "Dost swear," said the +priest, holding a crucifix before the other's eyes, "that as thou dost +hope for salvation through the blood of Christ, so thou wilt yield thy +blood if need be in this holy work; setting aside all else until a +Catholic doth occupy the throne of England?" + +"I swear it, father," answered Catesby, reverently pressing his lips +to the cross. + +To every one of the eight did the Superior give the oath, and then +took the same himself. + +"And now," said Garnet, when the men had once more resumed their +places, "do we proceed to administer to each the sacrament which alone +can fill your minds and bodies with sufficient strength to carry out +our holy purpose." + +The priest arose and turned toward the altar, bowed, then slowly +ascended the steps. After unlocking the door of the tabernacle with a +golden key, he drew forth from the recess the Monstrance containing +the eucharist. Again he bowed, then elevated the Host, while the +stillness was only broken by the deep tone of the sacring-bell, the +men bending in adoration. Once more the priest made reverence; then +arising, took from out the Monstrance the pyx, and facing the group, +repeated the words: "Ecce Agnus Dei." All arose and knelt before him +on the steps, receiving from his hands the sacrament, and when they +had partaken, each silently returned to his place. A sense of the +solemnity of their undertaking, accentuated by the awfulness of the +act in which they were engaged, filled the men's hearts so that they +scarcely beheld the Jesuit ascend to the altar and replace the Host +within the tabernacle, or heard the benediction he pronounced.... + +Once more the men stood in the room they occupied previous to their +entrance into the chapel. All seemed loath to speak, being deeply +impressed by the ceremony in which they had taken part. + +At last Fawkes made ready for departure, being desirous of reaching +London ere daybreak. As he approached the door of the room the +Superior arose and passed toward him. "Friend Guido," said Garnet, as +the other stood ready for the journey, "I will not see thee ere thou +and Sir Winter return from France. Let thy mind be at ease regarding +thy daughter, for in thy absence I will have her under my special +care. Hadst better mention to her that she will have a visitor?" + +"I will be guided by thee in the matter, good father," returned +Fawkes; "but," he continued, in a husky tone, "guard her well, for she +is very dear to me." + +"Have no fear," Garnet answered, kindly, laying a hand upon the +other's shoulder; "in that will I be as zealous as though she were a +daughter of mine own." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +"THOU SHALT NOT KILL." + + +The deduction made by Winter concerning the silence of Elinor had been +correct; but the power he had deemed potent to restrain her from +uttering what she had overheard, and from giving voice to the +indignities he in his drunkenness had heaped upon her, was not alone +the reason of her silence; the mind was held in a species of lethargy. +Now her father had left England; the motive which prompted his +departure she could surmise,--his mission was an enigma. And who was +his companion? The man whose face was ever before her, whose touch +haunted her in dreams causing her to awake and cry in terror to the +Virgin for protection. The girl was wrought up to a state of +hysterical expectancy. Even when sitting within doors, an exclamation +upon the street would cause her to start, fearing it might be a voice +proclaiming the fulfillment of the awful threat which ever sounded in +her ears. Never did she go abroad and behold a group of men but she +approached with trembling limbs and nervous eagerness, feeling that +the first words falling from their lips would be that England was +without a king. What the effect of this anxiety might have been had +she brooded over it long in solitude, is not difficult to tell. But +solace arose from an unexpected quarter. On his departure for France, +Fawkes had mentioned that there was in the city a certain friend, his +companion several years before, whom he had again lately met and asked +to call from time to time to inquire if he might render any service. +The girl awaited the arrival of this visitor with trepidation and some +anxiety, being well aware that the companions of her father were, as a +rule, men of little refinement, accustomed to the rough life of a +camp, and more at their ease in a pot-house than in the society of a +young woman. Her expectations were pleasantly disappointed, for on his +first visit the stranger, by his ease and grace of manner, banished +from her mind all doubts concerning him. Although habited in the garb +of a soldier of the period, there was about him something--a peculiar +refinement of speech, a dignity of carriage, a certain reverent homage +which he rendered unto her--that won from the girl a feeling of +respect and confidence. His visits, far from being cause for +apprehension, had become the one bright spot in her daily life; in his +company Elinor for a brief time forgot the terrible anxiety to which +she was a prey. + +The only circumstance which impressed her as strange was that "Captain +Avenel"--for by this name he had introduced himself--seldom visited +the house by day, and there was always a certain amount of implied +rather than actual caution in his movements, which seemed to the girl +odd, as nothing else in his manner could be deemed in the least +mysterious. + +On one of those evenings, which Elinor now looked forward to with some +pleasure, she and "Captain Avenel" sat together in a little room of +Fawkes' dwelling. + +"And didst say thou hadst intelligence of my father?" inquired she, +eagerly. + +"This very morning," answered the man, "did I receive a letter brought +by packet from Calais, and in the note he wished me to make known his +safe arrival; further, that he would by the next mail write thee, +telling all about his travels. Now thou canst set thy mind at rest +concerning him, for France in our time offers but few dangers, though +in truth I think thy sire hath the look of one to whom peril would be +a diversion." + +"England doth offer more dangers than France," answered the girl, who +was now abstractedly gazing into the fire. + +Garnet turned a swift glance in her direction. The words awakened in +the priest that feeling of apprehension which had ever been present in +his mind since his arrival in London, but until now it had not been +called forth by word or deed of hers. On the contrary, in her society +the Jesuit felt for some reason, probably the innocence and loveliness +of the girl, a sensation of rest and security that enabled him to +throw off the dread of detection which so constantly possessed him. +But he turned and inquired in a quiet tone: + +"And dost deem England such a dangerous country?" + +"Nay," replied Elinor, hesitatingly, "England doth seem all peace and +quietude, but----" here she stopped, fearing the man might read what +lay hidden in her heart, for he was regarding her with a look of +surprise as he noted her embarrassment. + +"Come, my daughter," said he kindly, his gentle heart touched by the +fear written on her face, "I have suspected long that some matter did +trouble thee. If I have power to lend aid, consider my whitening hair, +and hesitate not to confide in me, who am old enough to enjoy the +blessing of being called father by thee." + +Elinor looked into the benevolent countenance. + +"Fear not," he continued in a persuasive voice, "if I can counsel +thee, thy wish for help is granted ere 'tis asked." + +She raised her head and met a look of gentle sympathy long unknown to +her, and for which her poor heart so fondly yearned. The tears sprang +to her eyes and her self control, that which the brutality of Winter +could not break down, gave way. She turned toward him like a poor +tired bird after battling with a storm; her weakness could not endure +longer to see protection neath the leaf and branches of his goodness +and not avail herself of it. + +In a moment more the words had passed her lips,--all that she had +overheard, the words uttered by Fawkes, and the fear and anguish which +since had haunted her. + +"Is there naught I can do?" she cried. "O God! when did I ever commit +a sin worthy of the punishment?" She raised her eyes to Garnet. "Even +thou art pale to the lips from the hideousness of the thing." + +Through the girl's confession, Garnet's attitude remained unchanged. +At her first words he started, but with an effort controlled himself. +The sudden revelation that their plans were known by one outside those +who composed the little band consecrated to the holy cause, filled him +with a terror which, at first, reason was unable to check. But as she +proceeded, the quick mind of the priest perceived that the girl's one +thought was, not to save the King, nor to defeat their hopes, but only +to deliver her father from the danger to which he was exposed. The +fear gradually passed away, and as Elinor ceased speaking, the +strongest feeling in the prelate's mind was one of sympathy for her +who wept before him. + +"Is there naught," Garnet inquired, mildly, when the girl had +finished, "that thou can'st see to justify thy father's act, and by +that justification bring to thee consolation? Think, even though he +were marked to die, more honor belongs to him in this, than to live to +old age in idleness and inactivity. Dwell upon thy love for him, then +meditate on his love for the Church." + +"Nay," she answered, "my knee doth bend before the altar with as great +a reverence as any who do honor to the Host, and were my father to +fall in open conflict I would not grudge his life given to a noble +cause. But this act is not loyalty to God, for, did He not decree, +'Thou shalt not kill?' 'Tis naught but murder; and if my father fall, +he will not meet death as a martyr, but as a common assassin." + +Garnet was silent; the girl's words sounded strangely to him. Not +wishing to reveal his identity he determined to avoid further +argument, fearing suspicions might be raised in Elinor's mind which +would only make matters worse. What course to pursue he did not know. +As far as circumstances permitted, he would help her, but how to +effect this was beyond his present comprehension. + +"I have not told thee in vain? Thou wilt aid me?" she inquired. + +"My child, I must have time to meditate," answered the Jesuit. "I +cannot give thee advice upon such a weighty matter without due +deliberation; but," he added hastily, "all is safe for a time at +least; thy father is in France." + +"I pray God," exclaimed the girl, "that I shall not have reason to +regret opening my heart unto thee. Nay, thou couldst not be so cruel +as to make known what I have told. Swear," she cried in sudden fear, +noting a strange expression on the other's face, "swear thou wilt keep +secret all I have revealed." + +"Alarm not thyself," replied the prelate; "what thou hast uttered is +as safe as if 'twere said under the seal of the confessional. Know +further, thou hast told thy trouble to one who will ever cherish the +confidence, even if his help avail thee little. But," added he, +tenderly--in the sincerity of his heart forgetting the sword which +hung at his side--"may the peace of Him whose hand was ready to turn +the water into wine, or raise the widow's son, descend and give thee +relief." + +"Thou speakest like a priest," she said. + +Garnet started, but quickly replied, "Never could a priest grant thee +absolution with a gladder heart, than I would release thee from this +trouble, were it in my power, and were it the will of God that I +should do so." + +"And dost think it is God's will that I suffer thus?" + +"Perchance, yes," said he, in a thoughtful voice, as if communing with +himself, "and it may be His decree that many more do groan with thee. +Be not regretful thou has told thy sorrow, for even to confide a grief +is to make it lighter." + +"Nay, I do not regret, I think there is little else left me but to +endure; would that I were dead and beyond the touch of sorrow," she +added, with a hopeless sigh. + +"Thou shouldst not wish thyself dead, for to do so is to be +unreconciled to the will of God. If this poor hand doth fail to bring +comfort, my prayers shall ever be for strength that thou mayst bear +with fortitude all which the wisdom of heaven deems just to send. Try +to look upon thy grief as a tribute God demands to work out some +mighty project of His own." + +"I will try," the girl said, a sad smile coming into her face. "Think +not I am ungrateful for thy words of comfort." + +"And now, my daughter, will I wish thee the blessing of sweet sleep, +for 'tis late; I will see thee again soon." + +"Thou art very good," she replied simply, "thou, the only one +remaining--" her lips trembled and tears filled her eyes; suddenly she +threw her arms about him, and between the sobs which shook her frame, +exclaimed, hiding her face upon his shoulder, "all that is left me +now." + +Garnet regarded the slight figure clinging to him: "Oh God!" he +thought, "Is it Thy will that such as these must suffer?" He raised +his arm as if to encircle her, but let it drop by his side. + +"Come, my child," he said after a moment, putting her gently from him, +"thy tears well nigh unman me; I would it were in my power to give +thee consolation, but help must come from higher hands than mine." + +As he reached the threshold he turned and beheld a picture which +haunted him many a day, and for an instant raised within his holy mind +a doubt of the justice of such grief. As she stood, the imprint of +deep sorrow was on the fair young face--a sorrow the young should +never know. One arm was raised as though in mute appeal to him not to +forsake her in this misery. A look, and he closed the door, passing +out into the night. + +The effect produced upon Garnet by the trouble he had just witnessed +was complex. Never doubting the justice of the cause he espoused, +still, his quiet nature could not hide from itself a feeling of pity +that one so good and innocent should be called upon to suffer equally +with those whose unholy hands were raised to snatch the cross from off +the altar of his fathers. + +"Truly," he muttered, as he proceeded on his way--pressing a hand to +his breast that he might feel the crucifix resting there--"it hath +been resolved by higher authority than my weak will that this thing +must be done. And, Henry Garnet, who art thou to question? Still," he +added, sadly shaking his head, the memory of a tear-stained face +passing before him, "it is a pity; but for every tear that falls from +thy gentle eyes a soul will be redeemed." + +He continued on his way in silence. As he approached the more densely +populated districts of the city, an almost unconscious movement of the +hand brought the fold of his mantle over his shoulder, so that it hid +the lower portion of his face. The tall figure of Garnet was one which +could not fail to attract attention, and many a passerby turned to see +who the cavalier might be. This did not escape the eye of the prelate, +and evidently for the sake of being unnoticed, he turned into a less +frequented thoroughfare, and proceeded by a circuitous route to gain +the hostelry wherein he resided. The way brought him through a portion +of the city composed of narrow intersecting streets and alleys, faced +by poor and worn out hovels. A few old warehouses here and there +marked the spots where in times gone by fine goods had been stored. As +they stood with broken windows and open doors sighing and creaking in +the wind, they appeared like living creatures who had fallen from +conditions of plenty, and were now, in their hunger, bemoaning the +loss of the abundance which once had filled them. + +In front of one of these buildings Garnet paused for a moment to more +closely examine the pile, and being deeply absorbed in his task of +inspection, was not aware of the glimmer of a lantern which came +bobbing toward him along the main road. The first intimations that any +one but himself stood upon the street were a sudden flash of light in +his face, a heavy hand falling upon his shoulder, and a gruff voice +exclaiming: + +"Henry Garnet, in the name of the King I arrest thee!" + +The priest started, and with rapid motion drew his cloak about him, +at the same time springing upon the step of the building. The man +lowered the light and by its reflection the Jesuit could see that he +wore the uniform of the King's guard. + +"Come," continued the soldier, drawing his sword, "submission better +suits thee as a priest, than does resistance." + +The blow had fallen so quickly, so unexpectedly, that for an instant +Garnet stood as one struck dumb, unable either to reply or form a plan +of action. However, in a moment his alert mind grasped the situation. +He had been recognized, that was evident, but his arrest was simply +for disobeying the edict by which he, as well as all his order, were +banished from the kingdom. The penalty following the violation of this +decree, at its worst, would simply mean imprisonment in the Tower. But +what, he asked himself, would be the consequence of it? While far from +being an egotist, the Jesuit knew that he alone was the thinking power +of that cause which to him was dearer than life. And now, when plans +were fast maturing, the corn ripening in the field, awaiting but the +hand of the reapers, he was placed in sudden danger which threatened +to frustrate all their hopes. These thoughts flashed through his mind +with the rapidity of lightning as he confronted the man standing at +the foot of the steps. Escape he must,--but how? + +"Come, Henry Garnet," the man repeated, ascending the steps, lantern +in one hand, a sword in the other. "Thou art my prisoner, and in the +name of his most gracious Majesty, James I., I arrest thee!" + +A bold rush now would be of no avail, for the man stood with the point +of his rapier close to the prelate's breast, almost touching his +doublet; furthermore Garnet's sword was in its scabbard, and at the +first attempt to draw it, he, in all probability, would be run through +the body. Was there no alternative but to yield? A gust of wind caused +the door at his back to creak. In an instant the Jesuit had sprung for +the portal, but the soldier, perceiving his purpose, lunged with his +weapon, and so true was the aim, that the prelate's cloak was pinned +fast to the wooden frame. An instant he was held there, but the clasp +of the mantle giving way released its wearer, and Garnet stood in the +dark entry, the door shut, and his foot set firmly against it. The +move had been none too quick, for the soldier hurled himself upon the +closed portal, which caused the old boards to groan, but they did not +yield; the only result of the man's efforts were, that the lantern +flew from his grasp, rolling down the steps into the street. The +priest heard him descend to recover the light, and relinquishing his +hold upon the door, groped his way through the darkness, hoping to +elude his pursuer in the building. His hand came in contact with the +baluster, and he quickly ascended the rickety stairs. By this time, +the guard had relighted his lantern and was peering cautiously into +the hall, evidently fearing a sword thrust from out the darkness. In +this instant's hesitation, Garnet gained the loft above. Here the +obscurity was less intense, for the waning moon shining through a +broken window into a room at his left, enabled him to see his way more +distinctly. There was little time for choice of direction, for even +now the soldier had commenced to ascend, and Garnet, not venturing to +grope further in the gloom, turned toward the ray of light, and passed +quickly into the room, pressed himself against the wall and waited. +The priest could see his pursuer holding the lantern above his head, +as he ascended the stairs, looking carefully about the while. The +soldier approached the chamber in which the Jesuit lay hid, peered in +at the door, and as if not satisfied with this cursory examination +entered. At last the man seemed satisfied, and with a muttered curse +was about to leave the apartment, when a fatal turn of the lantern +swept one of its rays full upon the Jesuit. + +"Ah! there thou art, my sly fox!" cried the soldier, springing, sword +in hand, at Garnet; another instant would have seen the priest pinned +fast to the wall, had not the man's foot in some way become entangled +in the mantle hanging upon his arm, throwing him headlong with great +clatter of steel to the floor. + +In a moment Garnet was upon him, both hands at the soldier's throat, +the long fingers pressing firmly the windpipe; one more strong clasp +and the priest released his hold, seized the other's sword, which had +fallen to the floor, and stood with its point upon the man's breast. + +"Swear by the God thou fearest, and upon thine honor, that thou wilt +remain in this room until I leave the house! Swear it!" the priest +repeated, "ere I run thee through!" + +No answer followed his command. + +"Come. Swear it!" he repeated, pressing the rapier firmly against the +other's chest. The ominous silence fell upon the priest as strange. He +stooped to look into the face. The light was dim, and still lower he +bent. Suddenly the sword dropped from his hand, for the Jesuit saw by +the bulging eyes which stared into his that he had demanded an oath +from a corpse. Those long white fingers had pressed more firmly than +they knew; the man's windpipe was crushed like paper. + +"My God!" the Jesuit whispered, kneeling beside the prostrate form, +horror of the deed falling upon him. "Of what have I been guilty? +This man's blood upon my head?" Terror-stricken, he looked about the +room. Again his eyes returned to the thing lying beside him. Was that +a movement of the distorted face? He gazed upon it in horrible +fascination. Slowly the lips of the dead man parted, the jaw dropped, +and it seemed as though a hideous smile lay upon the distorted visage. + +"Ah!" cried Garnet, springing to his feet, "Even in death thou art the +victor, for I am shackled to thee. Never in this world can I escape +the recollection of thy countenance!" + +The priest fell upon his knees, and raised his hands: + +"God help me and forgive me for this deed!" he cried. "If I have +sinned, 'twas not to save this worthless life of mine; not that I +deemed it sweet to live, but that I might survive to consecrate or +yield that life in the furtherance of Thy holy work!" + +He paused a moment in silent prayer, then arose, and taking a crucifix +from his doublet, knelt by the figure on the floor and pressed the +symbol to the dead lips. + +"Nay," said he, as he stood regarding the man, "I did not wish thy +death, and would gladly yield my life to see thee breathe again, but +'twas ordained thou shouldst go first. And who next?" he added, +raising the cross and gazing upon it--"Mayhap he doth wear a crown." + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +MONTEAGLE AND SALISBURY. + + +Four months passed; months of impatience to the conspirators who +awaited with eagerness the hour to strike against the government. +Winter and Fawkes had returned from France, their mission in part +accomplished, as they had obtained from certain of the Catholic +nobility promises of assistance in the way of men and money, did the +doors of England open to receive them. The plot to strike at the heart +of the ruling powers was slowly maturing; Fawkes, now the leading +spirit, worked diligently both with brain and hands to perfect the +plan decided upon by Winter, Catesby and the others. Secure in a +feeling of strength, the King had little thought that Fate was slowly +winding about him and his ministers a shroud which prompt action alone +could cast off. + +Toward the close of a sultry midsummer day, Lord Cecil, Earl of +Salisbury and Prime Minister of England, after holding audience with +the King, returned to his dwelling, glad to cast aside his decorations +and forget during a few hours the weighty affairs of State. He was +scarcely seated, with a glass of wine in hand, when my Lord of +Monteagle was announced as waiting in the ante-chamber. 'Twas no +strange thing for this nobleman to seek the Minister at his home, for +between them there was a warm friendship, and it pleased Cecil to +receive the other at any time he chose to visit him. He therefore +ordered that Monteagle should be at once conducted to his apartment, +and a second glass of wine prepared. + +As the peer entered, the keen eyes of his host noted that his bearing +betokened a mind ill at ease. + +"Faith!" said he, rising from his seat and extending his hand, "thou +bearest a most sour visage, my lord. Hath ridden in the sun, or did +thy cook forget his occupation and serve thee an ill-prepared repast?" + +Monteagle smiled faintly. "Nay," said he, "'tis my mind which is +somewhat disturbed." + +"Then sit thee down," cried Cecil cheerily, "and unburden thyself to +me of all save affairs of State; of them am I exceeding weary, for the +King hath a new hobby, a tax on beets and onions, in the discussion of +which the afternoon has been consumed." + +"Then his Majesty devised another way----" began Monteagle. + +Salisbury raised his hand. "'Tis treason," said he in feigned +displeasure; "wouldst have us in the Tower, good Monteagle, that thou +speak so lightly of James' statesmanship?" Then changing his jesting +tone to one of gravity: "But tell me, what troubles thee? Hath the air +of France failed to restore the spirits of thy son, Effingston? He +hath not returned?" + +"He is still in Paris," replied the other, touching his lips to the +glass which had been proffered him, "I this day received a letter in +which he speaks encouragingly of his health, and announces his return +within the month. Thy mind is easy, my lord?" + +"And why not?" demanded the Prime Minister, holding aloft his glass +that he might watch the reflection of the sun's rays upon the wine. +"England is at peace, the King seated firm upon his throne, and the +Ship of State rides on an even keel. Hast dreamed of treason, my Lord +Monteagle?" + +"Perchance not treason," replied his companion, drawing his chair +nearer, "but--certain things my son hath written, added to others +coming under my own observation, have caused me some uneasiness--a +shadowy suspicion, as it were, that an ill plan is brewing against the +King's authority." + +"Tut!" cried Salisbury. "'Tis a fit of indigestion, about which thou +hadst best consult thy doctor. Yet, what be these suspicions?" + +"Thou knowest," replied Monteagle, sinking his voice so that it scarce +reached the other's ear, "there are certain Catholics among the nobles +who chafe grievously under the exactions of laws passed by Parliament +and approved by James." + +Salisbury shrugged his shoulders. "That is beyond peradventure," said +he, "but the laws will stand." + +"Of that I would speak nothing," replied Monteagle, "being neither +King nor Parliament, but it hath been hinted that perchance the wind +of discontent may fan into life a flame of----" + +"Thou hast relatives among the Catholics," interrupted Cecil, looking +keenly at the other, "hast become a confidant?" + +Monteagle shook his head. "Nay," said he, "nor do I desire to mix in +affairs concerning my former faith. Yet, I have knowledge of certain +meetings which have taken place composed of sundry persons opposed to +the policy of James." + +"The dogs cut by the lash herd together in their discomfiture," +replied Cecil, "yet they fear to bite the hand which stung them." + +Monteagle frowned, for the words of the Prime Minister were not to his +liking. + +"There is more," said he; "certain of those have been seen in France." + +"'Tis a most Catholic country," replied Salisbury, "and, perhaps, +wishing to worship unmolested before their altars, some have gone +thither for their religion's sake." + +"My lord!" cried Monteagle, perceiving the Minister was in a mood for +jesting, "hast thou had no fear that some hidden danger might lurk +beneath the calm exterior of the peace which covers England? Do not +smile, but hear me. Thou knowest the Viscount Effingston is in France, +at the Court of Henry, and hath mingled much with some who are close +to the throne. Perhaps it may not have reached thine ears that some +months back a bloodless duel was fought between him and one Sir Thomas +Winter, a zealous Catholic and enemy to the King." + +"Ah!" broke in Salisbury, "thy speech grows interesting; and what +brought about this duel?" + +"'Twas an insult cast upon me by this Winter," replied Monteagle. +"Effingston chancing to hear, resented it, and an exchange of sword +thrusts followed; but that is past. As I told thee this morning I +received a letter from Paris in which the Viscount says he hath met +this Winter and another, a soldier of the commoners, and----" + +"A second duel hath followed?" interrupted the Minister. + +"Not so," replied the other, "but being suspicious of the fellows, my +son did set a spy upon them, feeling sure that no honest errand took +them into France." + +"And what did he discover?" asked Salisbury. + +"That Winter and his companion sought many times audiences with +certain high churchmen known to be enemies of England. Once, he +chanced to meet them upon the street, when Winter flushed a scarlet +and hastily passed. After this he learned that two Englishmen, one a +soldier who had served the King of Spain, gained the ear of certain +prelates and noblemen; that their conferences had been conducted with +much secrecy, and having finished, the men left Paris in the night, +taking poste for Calais." + +"And what then?" asked Salisbury, "did thy son learn anything +concerning those secret conferences?" + +"No way was open to him," answered Monteagle, "but he thought it best +to lay the matter before me; the more so that Winter and the other +have returned to London." + +The Prime Minister pondered for a moment. "Faith! my lord!" said he, +"thy zeal for the welfare of the State is most commendable, and the +King shall know of it, but thy spirit is overwrought with idle fear. +What if certain Catholics in England have sought audience with those +of their faith in Paris? Have we then fear of France? My word upon it, +good Monteagle, that calm thought will quell thy doubts. Of this +Thomas Winter I know something; a reminder of the luckless Essex, a +gentleman whose zeal doth warp his reason, and who, should he presume +too far, will feel the axe, I warrant. Thou sayest he is again in +England; perchance he builds a castle which the sight of a line of +soldiers will scatter to the winds. Again I thank thee for thy +counsel, my lord, nor will I neglect such matters as pertain to the +safety of the King. If it come to thee, that these dissatisfied +Catholics grow too bold in speech, for I fear not other signs of +treason, lay it before me, that I may stop their tongues, ere evil +thoughts be planted in the minds of them who cry 'amen' to any wind +of speech delivered in the market place." + +Monteagle arose, for he perceived 'twas useless to speak further of +ill-defined plots and perchance groundless fears of treason against +the King. + +"I but considered it my duty as an English gentleman to look to the +welfare of----" he began. + +"Thou hast my confidence," interrupted Salisbury, "and though I seem +to treat lightly thy suspicions they will be most carefully heeded +should occasion arise. There be certain chambers in the Tower, where +those too zealous in their faith may pass the time in prayer, thanking +God the King is merciful, and stays the axe." + +Monteagle bowed and left the room. "It may be," he muttered, "that my +mind doth dwell too much upon this matter, but I know Sir Thomas +Winter well, and there be certain of the Jesuits yet in England." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +SOWING THE WIND. + + +Late of an evening near to Michaelmas, three men applied for admission +at the door of a house close to the edge of the Thames, and which, by +reason of its surroundings, assured security from observation to those +who might choose to abide therein. Knocking upon the panel with the +hilt of a heavy rapier which he had drawn from its scabbard, the +shorter of the trio listened impatiently for the sounds which would +precede the drawing of the bolts within. His companions, who were in +the shadow of a neighboring wall, glanced about apprehensively. + +"'Tis an ill-favored place, Sir Thomas," whispered one, grasping +tighter the hilt of his sword as though the touch of the steel might +calm in a measure his disquietude. "Scarce is it to my liking that +friend Guido hath chosen so----" + +His companion laughed uneasily. "He hath a keen wit," replied he, "and +much precaution is necessary that none suspect at the eleventh hour. +As thou seest, good Percy, 'tis a most peaceful region, with few +abroad and no signs of the authorities." + +"Peaceful, indeed," replied Percy, casting his eyes down the poorly +lighted and narrow street through which he had come; "so is a +charnel-house, yet one would scarce----" + +A second rap upon the door, delivered with increased force, +interrupted the whispered conversation. + +"Within!" growled Fawkes, bending so that his lips were on a level +with the keyhole. "Art sleeping, Master Keyes, or----" + +The shuffling of feet answered, and a voice nearly inarticulate from +drowsiness demanded in no gentle tones who sought admittance to an +honest dwelling at so unseasonable an hour. + +Upon Fawkes replying, the bolt was withdrawn, the door opened a few +inches and the face of Master Keyes appeared in the aperture. The +soldier of fortune motioned to his companions who quickly joined him. + +"Good Robert, here, is a most cunning rogue," said he half laughingly, +"having feigned sleep----" + +The warden of the door forced a sneering smile. "Faith!" said he, +making way that the others might enter, "'twas such feigning as may +ever come to me when I would forget my troubles, and there be in my +purse no silver to purchase that which is opposed to conscience. What +wouldst thou, Guido Fawkes? that I sit upright in a corner from +eventide till morn that thou be not kept waiting before the door? Ill +was the day when, listening to thy words, I undertook this errand; +thou art fain to wish that I may be blown to the devil by thy six and +thirty barrels of----" + +Fawkes hastily laid his open palm across the mouth of the irate man. +"What now?" growled he gruffly, "that thou must cry aloud the contents +of thy cellar? Hast not been paid?" + +"Aye," grumbled the man, drawing back, "for sitting over hell! May +those selfsame Spanish hirelings to whom thy powder goeth, be blown to +their master with scant courtesy!" + +Winter whispered in Percy's ear: "A pretty trick, good Percy, yet what +more natural than, wishing to turn a penny by furnishing powder to +the Dons, brave Guido should act with much secrecy, so that it be not +seized by the authorities?" + +Already they were in the house, and the door was securely fastened. +Fawkes laid aside some of his cautiousness. + +"Friend Robert is a faithful man," said he, turning to his companions +and speaking with much significance; "therefore have I entered into an +agreement with him, that I, being under contract to the Spanish +ambassador to convey certain barrels of gunpowder into Flanders, he +should guard them till the time be ripe for loading into such vessels +as will carry them to the ship which I have hired." + +"Then," replied Winter, taking from his wallet a gold piece and +tendering it to Keyes, "he will accept this token which, I warrant, +will be increased by others of its kind if his diligence pleaseth +thee." + +On seeing the gold the man's ill temper vanished. "Good gentlemen," +cried he, seizing eagerly the coin, "I spoke but hastily." + +"That we know," said Winter, "and, perchance we, had we been so rudely +awakened, would have done as thou didst. Hath any disturbed thee +during thy guardianship?" + +"None, save a few drunken braggarts who found their way hither, and +would have battered in the door. Did any come whose wits were sharper +than their caution, I would have----" + +"What?" asked Fawkes pointedly, as the speaker hesitated. + +"Faith!" replied Keyes, "being a poor man, and a bag of gold pieces +forthcoming upon the safe loading of this devil's face powder onto +the Spanish vessel, 'twould be but just, that did any seek to cheat me +of it--well, the river tells no tales; what think ye, gentlemen?" + +Percy shuddered; Winter pressed his hand. "Nay, good Percy," he +whispered, "'tis scarce like to happen, yet even so, we would be but +instruments in the hand of God." + +During this conversation Fawkes, who seemed to be familiar with the +house, had led his companions into a small apartment whose window +overlooked the river which, washing against the stone foundation of +the dwelling, offered a safe retreat did any, bent upon trouble +making, force the street door. + +Winter and Percy glanced about them. The place was bare save for a +rude cot, a shaky table upon which flickered an iron-bound lantern, +and a small chest that, did occasion require, could be placed against +the narrow door. At a sign from Fawkes, Keyes drew aside the bed, +disclosing in the floor the outlines of a trap door, which covered an +opening to the cellar beneath. Stooping, he raised the heavy cover, +revealing the top rounds of a rude ladder leading into the blackness +below. + +"'Tis there!" said Fawkes shortly, "wouldst see it, gentlemen?" + +Percy drew back, when Keyes, misunderstanding his hesitancy, caught +the lantern from the table. + +"I will go down," said he, "and thou mayst safely follow; the stuff be +well housed, tight as a drum, and, as thou seest, the lantern +scattereth no fire." + +"But will not the dampness of the place destroy its usefulness?" asked +Winter. + +"There is little fear," replied Fawkes, "although it lieth below the +surface of the river; the cellar is hewn from the rock, and dry as a +tinder-box. Lead the way, good Robert, take heed with thy light." + +With much cautiousness the two men followed Fawkes and his guide down +the ladder to the floor ten feet below. Reaching it, Keyes held up the +lantern so that its feeble rays penetrated the darkness. Piled against +the walls of the subterranean chamber, Winter and Percy discerned +irregular dark objects rising to the height of their heads. + +"'Tis the wind which will free England of the pestilence," said Fawkes +grimly; then catching the quick glance of Winter, which reminded him +of the presence of Master Keyes, added: "Which sown in Flanders will +bring forth a whirlwind against those who serve not God after the +manner of the righteous." + +"A goodly amount of the grains," said Percy, placing his foot again +upon a round of the ladder; "and how much saidst thou, good Master +Keyes?" + +"As Fawkes hath told me, some six and thirty barrels," replied the +watchman; "enough, methinks, to send all London up to the stars." + +"And the King, also," whispered Winter in Fawkes' ear, and added, "let +us to the room above. My stomach hath small liking for thy cellars." + +Percy was already half way up the ladder, and the others quickly +followed. To the soldier of fortune and to Master Keyes, 'twas of +little moment that they had stood in the presence of such an engine of +destruction, which, if properly applied, would shake to its foundation +the strongest structure in Europe. But in Winter and Percy, especially +the latter, the presence of the gunpowder, thoughts of the purpose for +which it was to be used, and the lives which must be sacrificed, +overcame for the moment their fanatical zeal, and they withdrew with a +feeling akin to horror. 'Twas truly the seed of death; and in sowing +the wind might they not, themselves, reap the whirlwind? + +A short time in the upper chamber restored their calmness, and they no +longer seemed such fearful things, those grim barrels of harmless +looking black grains, which might lie harmless for centuries, as they +had seen them, or, at the touch of a single tiny spark, shake London +as by an earthquake, vacate a royal throne, and exterminate in an +instant the proudest government in Europe. Percy, of more gentle +disposition than his companion, gazed into the face of Guido Fawkes +with a feeling akin to awe. His was the brain which had suggested this +terrific method for the destruction of the King and Parliament; his +the voice that had pronounced the words which laid bare the plan to +Catesby, Winter and the others. If Fawkes had never come from Spain, +perhaps----, but the subject of his gloomy thoughts was speaking in +reply to a question put by Sir Thomas. + +"Thou hast noted," said he, "that this dwelling lieth close to the +river; so, 'twill be no great matter to remove the barrels from the +cellar to the deck of a boat lashed beneath the window, and, if a dark +night be chosen for the work, none, I warrant, will perceive the +matter. What sayest thou, friend Robert?" + +"That there is much of wisdom in thy speech," replied the other; "and +once upon the boat, the channel to the sea, where will lie thy Spanish +galley, is open. When, thinkest thou, the powder will be moved?" + +"I know not," replied Fawkes, sharply,--"in due time----" Then, +turning to his companions: "Gentlemen, having seen that which lies +below, what may be your pleasure?" + +"To return quickly," replied Percy, relieved at the thought of +escaping from such an ill-favored locality. + +Keyes chuckled. "Thou art in haste to quit my presence, and my pretty +devil's powder, good gentlemen," said he; "didst sleep so near as we, +perchance you would come to love it as Master Fawkes and I do. One +spark from this weak lantern, and----" + +"Come!" cried Percy, drawing his arm through that of Winter,--"we are +satisfied; what need to tarry longer?" + +In the street once more they, with Fawkes leading, hastened to gain a +more populous section of the city. 'Twas to Winter's house they went, +where Catesby was waiting impatiently. He, with Fawkes, had visited +the house by the river on the night previous, therefore he fell into +their discussion with good knowledge of the subject in hand. + +"Thou shouldst have been a general," said he to Fawkes; "it scarce +comes to me how so goodly a quantity of powder could be stored in +yonder place without detection." + +"'Twas no great matter," replied Fawkes, setting down the wineglass +Winter had handed him, "a little here, a trifle there, requiring some +weeks in the gathering; but now, as thou hast seen, there is enough." + +Winter laughed. "Faith!" said he, "I would fain not have thee for mine +enemy, friend Guido; else, some fine night, while I dreamed not that +danger threatened, my good dwelling would come to grief." + +Fawkes smiled grimly. "Not so," said he; "if thou wert an enemy, and +I had sworn to kill thee, 'twould be by other means,"--touching the +hilt of his sword. "What thou hast seen is reserved for kings and +parliaments." + +"The powder is well stored," broke in Catesby,--"what next?" + +"That hath been attended to," replied Percy. "As thou knowest, certain +events must transpire ere Master Keyes gives up his guardianship. To +me has fallen the duty of looking into the matter. The cellar of the +Parliament House must be reached ere further effect can come from our +planning." + +"What hast thou decided?" asked Winter. + +"Upon a simple solution of the matter," replied the +Gentleman-Pensioner. "Foreseeing our course, I have made an agreement +with one Henry Ferrers for the hiring of a dwelling close to the House +of Parliament. The documents are already signed and sealed. As in many +houses, the cellar extends some feet below the surface of the street +and, next it, lies the foundation wall of the House." + +"Then," cried Catesby, "we will play the mole; is it not so, good +Percy?" + +"Thou hast said it," replied the other; "to reach the cellar beneath +the House of Lords we must pierce through the foundation. 'Tis of +great thickness and the task will not be easy." + +"I am little used to delving," growled Fawkes, "but there is no other +way." + +"And Garnet?" inquired Catesby. + +"Garnet hath gone from London," said Percy, "nor will he return until +the fuse has reached the powder. He is now at Coughton House to await +such time as we shall summon him to join our forces." + +"And them hast all in readiness?" asked Winter. + +"In the house of Henry Ferrers are tools for digging--picks, hammers +and the like," replied Percy. + +"And in another place lie six and thirty kegs of trusty powder," added +Catesby; "the instruments are at hand." Then rising: "Come, gentlemen! +our conference is ended; to-morrow we work, not talk." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +THE CELLAR. + + +The house of Master Ferrers stood on the narrow strip of land between +the House of Lords and the river Thames. The wall of the dwelling +being adjacent to that which guarded the east side of the Parliament +House, 'twas not so difficult a matter for one bent upon gaining +secret entrance to the latter, to tunnel through it. Being of soft +bricks it would afford but a slight obstacle to determined men. To +penetrate the official structure was a harder undertaking, the +thickness thereof being some nine feet, and the masonry of flinty +stone, firmly cemented, and hardened into a compact mass by the lapse +of years. But, having once pierced through the two walls, the first of +brick, the other of stone, one would find himself in a chamber of some +extent, lying directly beneath the assembling place of the peers, and +the throne from which the King witnessed the convening of his +Parliament. + +Though, in fact, a cellar to the main building, the room was upon a +level with the street without, the walls being of "stout stones" and +the ceiling formed by beams upon which rested the flooring of the +House of Lords. 'Twas in this room the conspirators proposed to place +the six and thirty barrels of gunpowder, and--Parliament being in +session--to apply a spark to the slumbering power by which those who +occupied the room above would be blown heavenward with such scant +ceremony that none among them should have time to cry: "Good Lord, +have mercy upon us! Amen!" + +In selecting the house against the east wall of the Peer's meeting +place, Percy had acted with some wisdom. The Thames was the silent +highway of London, and did a boat stop beside the river entrance of +the dwelling, none would be likely to take any note thereof, nor to +think it matter of suspicion for one who occupied the place to use the +water as means of conveying such commodities as he chose to his +storeroom or cellar. In this manner the powder stored under the +guardianship of Master Keyes was removed by night to the second +storage place, that it might be in readiness when the time arrived for +placing it beneath the floor of Parliament. Many persons dwelt in the +neighborhood; in the vicinity were clustered the houses of the Keeper +of the Wardrobe, auditors and tellers of the Exchequer, and many other +officials of the government, any of whom might notice the barge lying +close at the edge of the garden on the river front, and the men +carrying from it to the house divers packages, but it was not probable +that they would. None, unless having business with Master Percy, would +approach the door, nor enter the garden, much less question the +carriers concerning that which they removed so carefully. + +It was at the end of the tenth day after the visit of Percy and Sir +Thomas to Master Keyes that the six and thirty barrels--twenty-four +hundred pounds--of powder were safely stored in the building next the +Parliament House. + +But ere this was accomplished, those who had undertaken the digging of +the tunnel began their work. Under cover of the darkness, Catesby, +Wright, Percy, Winter and Fawkes, entered the house leased by the +Gentleman-Pensioner, and being provided with a goodly quantity of +baked meats and other necessaries, that nothing should arise to call +them abroad, they began their work upon the brick wall beyond which +lay the masonry proper of the House. + +Of the five, four were gentlemen of blood, to whom the handling of +pick and bar came not so readily. To Fawkes, skilled through long +service in foreign lands, where the undermining of walls and +fortifications was a common occupation, it fell to direct the work, +although in actual digging he took small part, it having been agreed +that he should serve as watchman, warn the others did any approach the +garden, or danger arise from sounds in the cellar reaching the ears of +those whose curiosity might bring unwelcome investigation as to so +strange a proceeding. Crowded as they were in the narrow space, the +four conspirators, with doublets cast aside and limbs weary from their +unusual occupation, plied drill and crowbar, enlivening their toil by +discourse upon the subject of the undertaking, and stopping ever and +anon to refresh themselves with ale, or wine. + +"Faith!" said Sir Thomas, looking woefully upon his begrimed hands and +vestment, "'tis a sorry thing to play the mole, when a sword thrust +delivered from behind a curtain, or the stroke of a poniard, would as +well free us of these tyrants." + +"'Twere perchance easier," replied Percy, driving his drill through +the last layer of bricks which stood between them and the second wall. +"I, for one, would choose the Lord to give me work under an open sky, +where there be less dust to blind the eyes and stifle the breath." + +Catesby laughed harshly. "Could Garnet hear thee," said he, "a +discourse of patience would soon be forthcoming. To your work, +gentlemen; we have already pierced one wall." + +An exclamation from Wright interrupted them. + +"By the wounds," he growled, throwing down his crowbar with much show +of temper, "one wall, indeed; a paper covering compared with this," +and taking the bar again drove its point with great force against the +one now exposed, belonging to the House. + +The iron rebounded from the solid masonry as though driven against a +sheet of steel, for the flinty stone turned it easily, and only a +shower of sparks answered the blow. + +"What hast thou there?" asked Winter. + +"The gate of hell," retorted Wright, kicking the bar with his foot, +"nine feet of it, by Master Percy's computation, and, I warrant, as +many years will be required to see the further side. Try it, good +Catesby, 'tis a nut a giant could scarce crack, though he wield a +battering ram." + +Taking up a lantern which stood by the wall, Catesby examined the +masonry with great carefulness. + +"Thou shouldst have struck the mortar," said he, tapping the cement +between the blocks of stone with the point of his drill, "wouldst tear +away the rock itself?" + +For some moments he worked diligently, streaming with perspiration and +his loud breathing filling the narrow place. A hole scarce three +inches deep rewarded his exertions. + +"'Tis well reasoned," growled he at length, "here is a riddle for +Master Fawkes; wilt summon him, friend Percy?" + +Glad for an excuse to leave for a moment the ill-savored cellar, Percy +hastened on his errand, and Fawkes presently entered, looking keenly +about. + +"What now, gentlemen?" said he, "hast made an opening?" + +"That have we not, save through this wall of brick," replied Catesby, +"methinks thy gunpowder could scarce open a further way, friend Guido. +Look thou at yon barrier of stone." + +Taking the lantern, Fawkes followed the suggestion. "'Tis, in truth, +most strongly put together," said he at length, "but with due patience +and diligence this also may be overcome. Give me a drill." + +Having received one from the hand of Winter he attacked the masonry, +striking here, picking there, until, having loosened a goodly portion +of cement, he caught up a heavy crowbar, and inserting its point into +the narrow opening, bore down upon the iron with all his strength and +the block of stone, freed from its fastening, was detached and fell +with a dull crash upon the floor at his feet. + +The soldier of fortune wiped his brow. "'Tis of the smallest," said +he, "but the others will give way in turn. Thou must first be sure +that the mortar is removed, when, using sufficient force, the rocks +will loosen, thus making the hole larger." + +"There be too few of us," said Winter. "I think some word should be +sent to my brother Robert, that he join us in this business, and also +Master Keyes, who being a man of much resource, and, perchance, +skilled in such labor as this, may aid us much." + +"Can he be trusted in so dangerous a venture?" asked Wright. "Of thy +brother Robert there is no fear, but what of this Master Keyes?" + +"Friend Guido will answer for his loyalty," replied Winter; "the man +is reliable, though his zeal turneth to the securing of money. +Already have I examined him, and found that within his mind lay some +suspicion as to our object in collecting such a quantity of powder. +For recompense he will dig most industriously, and promise of reward +when our mission is accomplished will make him dumb. Thou hast my word +upon it." + +"Then," said Catesby, "let him be summoned hither, and thy brother +also; much labor lies before us; seven men can scarce accomplish it, +and we are now but five." + +It was agreed that on the following night Fawkes should bring Keyes +and Robert Winter to the cellar, when, with a greater number to labor, +the work of forcing a passage through the wall could be accomplished +more rapidly. In the meantime, being excessively wearied, the +conspirators left the cellar and sought repose. + + * * * * * + +Two weeks passed. The excavation in the wall of the Parliament House +had increased day by day, until a hole some five or six feet in +length, large enough to admit the body of a man, was bored through the +solid masonry. With the assistance of the two additional members to +their little party the conspirators worked with renewed energy. Filled +with enthusiasm they had little sense of fatigue, and plied pick and +drill vigorously that they might gain entrance to the room beneath the +lord's chamber before the convening of Parliament, which, as Percy +learned, was to take place on the fifth of November. Confident that +their work was appointed by God, those men of gentle blood curbed +their impatience, though laborious and slow was the task, and every +muscle and bone ached when the tools were laid aside. For a time the +disposal of the earth and rock taken from the tunnel puzzled them, but +Fawkes with characteristic quickness found a way;--such of the debris +as would attract little attention was scattered about the garden; as +for the larger rocks and mortar, the river was close at hand, and, as +Robert Keyes had said, it told no tales. + +So they worked, beguiling the weary hours with discussions as to what +would follow the success of their project. England would be without a +king; the machinery of the government shattered, and the way would be +open for seating a Catholic upon the throne. Prince Henry, successor +to the crown, would perish with his father and the peers in +Parliament. They would seize the royal heirs who remained, Prince +Charles and the Princess Elizabeth, hold them in durance, while the +Catholics would choose the heir-apparent and appoint a Protector for +the kingdom. It was a daring plan and the prospect of its execution +lightened their toil, and intensified the flame of their zeal. + +Somewhat near the middle of the day, when, having ceased for a moment +the attack upon the wall, Wright, who had remained in the tunnel after +the others had gone out, rushed wildly forth, his face pale under its +coat of dust and his limbs trembling strangely. + +"What aileth thee?" cried Catesby, alarmed at his companion's aspect, +"hath the wall fallen in upon----" + +"Nay," replied Wright with harsh voice, "but I go in no more; the +devil hath seized this tunnel, and----" + +Catesby entered quickly, and in a moment was at the end of the narrow +aperture. On either side arose the rough masonry, torn and ragged +where the stones had been forced apart; upon a heap of debris stood +Wright's lantern, burning dimly, beside it his heavy drill and hammer. +Catesby looked hurriedly about, but all was silent; the air was hot +and stifling and the smoke from the lantern filled his nostrils. He +turned to retrace his steps, with rough words for Wright upon his +lips, when a faint sound fell upon his ears; an unearthly thing, which +startled him and sent to his heart a thrill of superstitious terror. +'Twas a measured tinkling, as of a silver bell, which rose and fell +with steady cadence. Instinctively his hand went to his left hip, but +the familiar hilt was absent; he had left it in the room above, +guarded by Robert Winter, who watched with Fawkes. + +Snatching from his bosom a small silver vial filled with holy water, +the trembling conspirator sprinkled a few drops upon the walls--the +tinkling ceased, and from the entrance behind sounded the voice of +Percy: + +"What hast thou found, good Catesby, a goblin, or----" + +The answer of the other was upon his lips when, above his head, +apparently from the center of the solid masonry itself, came a sound +as of the rushing of mighty waters, which continued for a short space +of time, then died away. The noise reached the ears of those in the +room without, and it needed not the white face of Catesby showing in +the opening to send them upon their knees with prayers to the Virgin +for protection. At that moment Fawkes appeared among them. + +"What now?" said he gruffly, much amazed at so strange a sight, "think +ye, good gentlemen, that praying will cause the stones to separate?" + +"Brave Guido!" cried Winter with trembling voice, "either this place +is bewitched or our plans discovered; we have heard----" + +The renewal of the noise interrupted him. Fawkes laid his hand upon +his hilt and, with his lips pressed close together, thrust his head +into the entrance of the tunnel. For a moment he remained silent, +then turned with a grim look upon his face. + +"'Tis from the place which we strive to reach," said he shortly; "go +ye to the room above, while I learn its meaning;" and without more +delay he left the cellar, followed by his terror-stricken companions. + +Disguised in the dress of a common porter there was little danger in +his venturing abroad. After an absence of about an hour, he returned +to the six conspirators. + +"Faith!" said he, tossing his cap upon the table, "thou mayst lay +aside thy tools, Sir Thomas, and the others likewise." + +"And wherefore?" asked Percy with bloodless lips. "Are we then +discovered? If so, I will die with sword in hand----" + +"Speak not of dying," replied Fawkes, a smile passing over his face; +"rather set thy wits to working. Thou art good at bargaining; hire for +us, therefore, this cellar beneath the House of Parliament." + +The Catholic gentlemen gazed at him in astonishment, wondering if some +sudden terror had beclouded his brain; or, did the man but jest with +them? + +"Hire the chamber under Parliament House?" gasped Catesby, "as well +might good Percy bargain for the royal prerogative of James." + +"Ye think me mad," said Fawkes, "but listen. After leaving you I made +my way with all haste to the door of the Parliament cellar, which was +open, and discovered the meaning of the noise which reached us in the +tunnel;--'twas the sliding downward of a goodly quantity of coal, +owned by a woman of some property called Bright, a dealer in coals and +faggots. She being present, attending to the removal of her own, I +addressed her and learned that, having hired the cellar from the +authorities, she was about to give it over to them. + +"'And is't for rent?' asked I. + +"'That it is,' replied she; 'for he who hath the renting of it, one +Whynniard, by name, did offer it for the coming quarter, but it +pleaseth me to store my coals elsewhere.' + +"Thou seest, therefore, that this room is for us if we do choose, and +Master Percy, well versed in such matters, has but to bespeak this +Whynniard and possession will be given of a most valuable corner of +the House of Parliament." + +This sudden turn of fortune rendered the conspirators for the moment +speechless. Winter was the first to regain his balance. + +"It shall be done," cried he; "right glad am I that such a chance hath +come to us. Good Master Percy, bestir thyself, before another seize +the opportunity." + +To all, it seemed that the hand of God had opened a way for them, and +Percy made haste to do his errand, and with such success, that ere +another sunrise the room beneath the House of Lords was in the hands +of those who hoped to overthrow the government. + +Having gained so easily the place they had sought to acquire by +stealth and painful labor, the conspirators at once set about +conveying into it the powder now stored in the house of Master +Ferrers. Fawkes, to whom this work fell, bought, and ordered deposited +in the chamber, a goodly quantity of coals and faggots, so that one +chancing to enter would note only a pile of such commodities as +dealers in fuel collected for sale. Care was taken that the unfinished +tunnel in the wall should be covered so that none would notice it. +This was easily done by replacing a few of the outer stones and +cementing them together. + +Some days yet remained before the opening of Parliament; during that +time Percy, Catesby, Winter and others of the conspirators, formed +such plans as would be to their advantage when the kingdom, shaken to +its center by the death of the King and his ministers, should be +thrown into confusion. As for Fawkes, each day found him in the fatal +cellar, where he studied the condition of his coals and faggots, +making sure that no prying eye had penetrated the covering, under +which was hidden the "devil's powder" awaiting the spark which would +free English Catholics from James of Scotland and his Parliament. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +THE NOTE OF WARNING. + + +During the last week of October, sixteen hundred and five, near the +day for the convening of Parliament, Lord Monteagle suddenly appeared +in his house at Hoxton, from which he had been absent a month. His +manner was perturbed and preoccupied in the extreme. Usually of a +genial disposition, he surprised the servants who attended him, by an +impatient order that supper be served at once, as he and the gentlemen +accompanying him had already fasted too long. + +Soon after seven in the evening he dispatched a footman upon an errand +into the neighboring street. This man shortly returned in haste, +presenting to his lordship a sealed letter, addressed, in a cramped +hand, to "The Right Honorable, the Lord Monteagle." + +He received the missive, handling it in a fastidious manner, and +inquired with some show of spirit how it had come through a servant, +instead of being delivered in the usual way. + +"'Twas given me," replied the footman, "by a reasonably tall person +who stood upon a corner of the street, and directed with much +semblance of authority that I give it into thy lordship's hand and to +no other." + +"'Tis a most unwonted thing," said Monteagle, breaking the seal, +"probably some petition for alms which----" + +Then, on glancing over the sheet, he started, and turned to a +gentleman beside him. + +"Good Thomas Ward," said he, "'tis written in a most illegible and +wretched hand which I can scarce decipher; neither bears it any date +or superscription. I pray thee take and read aloud, that all may hear +and pass opinion upon so strange a matter." + +Ward accepted the paper, and smoothed it out upon his hand. "It seems +the writing of a laborer," said he, "one who doth wield a pick and +spade with more ease than a quill. A most unmannerly jumble of +ill-conditioned words, as thou shalt judge, my lord, upon hearing." So +saying he read aloud as follows, while the others sat and listened: + + "My lord out of the love I beare to some of youer friends I + have a cayer of youer preservation therefor I would advyse + yowe as yowe tender youer lyfe to devyse some excuse to shift + of youer attendance at this parleament for God and man bathe + concurred to punishe the wickedness of this tyme and thinke + not slyghtly of this advertisment but retyre youer selfe into + youer country where yowe may expect the event in safty for + though there be no appearence of any stir yet I say they + shall receyve a terrible blowe this parleament, and yet they + shall not see who hurts them. Thys cowncel is not to be + condemed because it may do yowe good and can do yowe no harm, + for the danger is passed as soon as yowe have burnt the + letter, and I hope God will gyve yowe the grace to make good + use of it to whose holy protection I commend yowe." + +"A most amazing document," said Ward, as he returned it to Monteagle; +"and what think you of it, my lord? canst detect the meaning of so +strange a warning?" + +His lordship contracted his brow and studied the writing with much +attention. "'Tis as you perceive," said he, "a warning unto me that +some unexplained danger lies in the way." + +"A boorish jest," cried one at the table; "think not upon it, my +lord." + +"Which is proved beyond doubt by the action of the one who brought +it," said another; "he dared not deliver it at the door." + +Monteagle folded the letter carefully and thrust it inside his +doublet. There arose in his mind suspicion that in the tenor of the +message lay the verification of the warning to Lord Salisbury, and +that, mayhap, beneath the apparent serenity of the kingdom, smoldered +a volcano which needed but the touch of a directing master hand to +send belching forth its contents of treason and blood. Into his mind +came also the words of the Prime Minister spoken one afternoon several +months before, that should aught be unfolded of plots or treasonable +designs, they should be disclosed to him, and thus the danger to the +State be averted. + +He had therefore a feeling of relief when the meal was ended, and his +companions left him to carry out his intention. The raw October night +was filled with storm and blackness, but the spirit of Lord Monteagle +burned within him to lay before Salisbury and, perchance, the King, +the warning which had come to him. + +Scarce a quarter of an hour elapsed after rising from the table ere, +covered by a great cloak, booted, and with a stout rapier girt at his +side, he left Hoxton House unnoticed, and turned his steps toward the +dwelling of the Prime Minister. Although the hour was late Cecil had +not retired when he received the announcement that Monteagle sought an +interview. Surprised at so unusual an occurrence the Minister +hastened to greet his visitor, ordering, as was his custom, that a +light repast be set before him. + +"And what now, good Monteagle?" asked he, looking at his companion +with a smile, "hast thy digestion played thee false again?" + +"Of that thou shalt judge, my lord," replied Monteagle, taking the +letter from his doublet and handing it to the Minister. + +Salisbury mastered its contents with an aptness peculiar to himself. + +"Faith!" said he, letting his eyes rest searchingly upon the face of +his companion, "and how camest thou by this thing, my good lord?" + +Monteagle related briefly the scene at the supper table. + +"And didst thou have the letter read aloud, in the presence of thy +gentlemen?" asked the Minister. + +"Its contents were unknown to me," replied the other; "the writing was +obscure and I did request Thomas Ward to decipher it." + +Salisbury pondered for a moment. The warning of danger threatening +those who would sit at the opening of the coming Parliament perplexed +him, and drawing nearer to a light he studied the letter carefully. + +"Thou hast done well," said he, suddenly turning to Monteagle, "in +placing this paper in my hands without delay, yet----" he laid a +finger on the letter, "perchance 'tis nothing, or--there may be much +behind these ill-written lines. Thou perceivest that herein is +written: 'for the danger is passed as soon as you have burned the +letter!' What then can be the use of such a warning? as, hadst thou +put the sheet to fire, there had been no danger." + +"'Tis beyond my comprehension," replied Monteagle, "'tis a riddle." + +Salisbury looked up quickly. Despite his assumed indifference at the +time, the former conversation with the ex-Catholic nobleman had +aroused in his mind suspicions that some danger might lurk beneath the +calm which had lulled the King into a feeling of security. He +understood well that, although there had been no open manifestations +of treason on the part of zealous adherents to the Catholic faith in +England, there were among them men who but awaited opportunity to show +in no gentle way, their displeasure at the policy of James. He +remembered also, that Monteagle had been a Catholic, though now a firm +partisan of the government and in high favor at Whitehall. Might it +not be possible that some knowledge coming to him of a plot against +the State, and, not wishing to openly accuse his former compatriots, +he had taken a more subtle way, seeking by veiled warnings and hints, +to arouse suspicion in the other's mind, and so lead to some action on +the part of the government? Yet, it was not in accordance with his +policy to reveal his real thoughts; therefore, again thanking the +other for his zeal with reference to the letter, he dismissed him with +a promise that the matter should not be forgotten. + +After Monteagle had left he again studied the missive, endeavoring to +read between the lines, and bringing all his wit to bear upon the +meaning. Then, as it was his custom to work quietly and without haste, +for six days he held the document before making it known to the King. + +James was at first alarmed, but upon perceiving that the Minister +retained his calmness, he put aside his fears and questioned +Salisbury closely concerning the meaning of the strange warning. In +the latter's mind was no thought of arousing James to hasty action, +for, if in truth a plot was brewing, too sudden a movement on the part +of the government would warn those engaged in it, and only postpone +the culmination to a more favorable opportunity. Following this line +of thought the Prime Minister calmed the sovereign's fears, and the +King, trusting to the prudence and shrewdness of his chief counselor, +dismissed the matter with a jest. + +Report, indeed, reached the ears of Winter, Catesby and others of the +conspirators, that Lord Monteagle had been warned to absent himself +from Parliament on the opening day. They were alarmed for a time, and +sought solution of the problem, wishing to know who had played the +traitor. Suspicion pointed to one Francis Tresham, whose sister had +married Monteagle, and who, naturally, would seek to save his +brother-in-law. But as Tresham denied all knowledge of the matter, the +government made no move, and even Salisbury, usually alert, remained +inactive. After a week of uncertainty, the conspirators again gathered +their forces and the plot against the King and Parliament continued to +ripen. Fawkes, beyond all others, became more reckless. + +"Should all else fail," said he, "I remain firm; and at the end will +kill this King even, if needful, in the royal bedchamber." + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +ON THE STROKE OF ELEVEN. + + +"What, my daughter, up at this late hour!" exclaimed Fawkes, as he +entered the room where Elinor sat. "I had deemed thee long abed." + +The man threw himself into a chair by the fire with an air of fatigue, +and sat in moody silence. The girl glanced up; then arising, passed +over to him and lightly kissed his brow. The caress did not meet with +any response; in fact, he seemed scarcely conscious of it, and after a +moment's hesitation, Elinor resumed her seat. + +She had led a strange existence for the past eight months;--ever +waiting, ever dreading, and as yet nothing had occurred. To her this +period had been one of breathless suspense, like the moment before the +storm, when trees hang lifeless in a stifling atmosphere, and animals +raise their heads in frightened expectancy, awaiting with nameless +terror the first gust which shall herald the tornado. Since her +father's return from France, she noted that the air of preoccupation +apparent before his departure, was now intensified. While in his +kindness toward her the girl could detect no change, still, there had +come between them a species of estrangement. Seldom was there an +opportunity for them to converse, for Fawkes was up before daylight, +and rarely returned until after the midnight hour had sounded. Often +it was in her heart to ask his confidence--often to hint that she had +overheard his words on that fearful night,--but when she approached +with such intent, a nameless something in his manner held her mute. + +The source from which she had hoped would flow sweet waters of comfort +and relief proved dry and arid as summer dust; he to whom in an +outburst of anguish she had confided her grief vanished completely +from her life, as though the earth had engulfed him. True, Garnet +visited her many times after the night she unburdened her heart to +him, but his counsel was ever the same--to wait; at times she even +imagined there was in his tones a hint at justification of her +father's utterance. However, since the day on which Fawkes had +returned, the Jesuit had never passed the threshold of the house. How +to account for this absence she knew not, but in a vague way +associated it with the mystery surrounding her father. + +Winter, Elinor had not seen; her wonder at his studious avoidance of +her was matched by the terror with which she anticipated meeting him. +And her first grief?--the forced sacrifice of life's happiness with +the man she loved--had time been kind, and stilled the aching of her +heart? No; for in it the flame burned as brightly as when upon that +day, long ago, his first kiss had breathed upon the glowing spark, +changing it into a tongue of flame which leaped to her very lips. +Where Effingston had gone, she did not know, but her prayers were ever +the same, that in the abyss wherein lay her own fair fame he should +cast his love;--so grief for him would cease to exist. + +At last the silence of the room was broken by the man before the fire, +who turned toward her, and, as if but just noting her presence, said, +drowsily: "Daughter, methinks such late hours ill befit thee. It hath +long since struck twelve; thou hast already lost thy beauty sleep." + +Elinor arose, laid aside the work with which she had been employed, +passed over to Fawkes, then stooped and kissed him. As her lips +touched his, he reached up, took her face between his hands and gazing +at her said, after a moment: "My pretty one, if at any time death +should take thy father from thee, wouldst ever cease to love him?" + +The girl started; for the words had broken strangely in upon her +thoughts. Evidently the man beheld the shocked look, for he continued, +putting his arm about her slight form and pressing it close to him, +"Nay, my daughter, thou needst not be alarmed at what I say, for--for +'twas nothing. Thou knowest in years I do grow apace, and 'twould be +small wonder if death did perchance tap me on the shoulder and say, +'Thou art the man!' There, there, little one," he added kissing her, +"thou needst not reply; I can read an answer in thy eyes." + +"And, prithee, didst ever doubt my love for thee?" whispered the girl, +as she gently placed her arms about his neck. + +"Nay, never!" answered Fawkes, quickly, in a husky voice, "but--but +'tis sweet to hear thee tell thy love, and," he added, taking one of +her white hands within his own, "thou art all I have. If at any time +death should steal thee from thy father's arms, methinks he would soon +follow in thy light footsteps." + +"Much happiness it doth give me to hear from thee such words," the +girl replied, "even though they have but solemn import." + +"And dost thy father's affection need repetition? Surely, thou knowest +'tis all thine own." For an instant there was silence, broken only by +the crackling logs. Then the girl said, as though dwelling upon his +words: "Nay, I never doubted thee--but--but----" + +"But what, my daughter?" Fawkes asked, tenderly, pressing her fingers +to his lips. + +"Well, perchance," she answered with a smile, "I did but wish, like +thee, to hear again the confession of it." + +His only response was the pressing of her figure closer to his heart. + +"Tell me," she began after a moment, in a hesitating voice, casting a +half-timid glance at her father's face; "dost think one ever speaks +words from anger that--well, that in calmer moments he would give a +world to unsay?" + +"What brought such question to thy mind, daughter?" enquired the other +with a smile of surprise. + +"Perchance 'tis but a causeless query," she replied, smoothing his +tumbled locks. + +"Many foolish things are spoke in passion," said Fawkes; "things which +leave a lifetime of regret behind. I do remember that once, in this +very room, my temper did o'erleap its bounds and lent my tongue words +which I would give a year of sweet life to unsay. Dost know my +meaning, darling?" he inquired, looking at her with moisture in his +eyes. "'Twas when I had not long arrived from Spain; in truth, 'twas +on the very night when thou----" + +"Nay, I will not hear thee repeat," she interrupted, laying her hand +upon his mouth. "I know all, but thou canst not think how happy this +doth make me." + +"Didst thou imagine I could mean those wicked words?" asked the man +tenderly, "'Twas a sudden outburst of temper on hearing--well, well, +since thy dainty fingers forbid my speech I will be mute." + +"See!" cried Elinor, springing to her feet, in the first happiness of +her relieved mind. "Now thou shalt hear me laugh and sing all through +the day, till thou wilt cry mercy. And mayhap some time thou and I," +continued the girl, seating herself beside him, "shall leave this +chilly land with all its cares and fly to a fairer country, where cold +winds are not known, where sweet flowers do ever bloom, and we will +love each other; in that, forget all else, and in forgetting; be +forever happy and at rest." + +"Perchance, some day," murmured the man. "But now, one more caress and +thou must to thy bed, or 'twill be light ere thou art in dreamland." + +She arose, a bright smile upon her face--brighter than he had seen +resting there for many a day. + +"Ah!" she cried, once more throwing her arms about him, "would that I +could give to thee the happiness thy words have brought to me." + +"And so thou canst," replied the man, suddenly. + +"How may that be done?--tell me quickly!" she exclaimed, playfully, +"that I may the sooner begin." + +"It is, sweet Elinor," said Fawkes, gazing down into her eyes, "that +thou wilt always love this man before thee--nay, even," he continued +with a depth of feeling in his tone which she had never heard before, +"even shouldst thou hear him branded as--as--no matter what manner of +things might be uttered against him, thou art always to remember that +he at least loved thee with all his heart, and that thou wert his +life." He stopped abruptly; the tears which coursed down his stern +face seemed strangely out of place. + +"Ah!" exclaimed the girl, "I cannot bear to have thee doubt me; thou +knowest I shall be ever thy loving daughter, even unto the end of this +life and in the next." + +The man was silent for a space; then mastering his emotion, and +passing a hand quickly across his face, he said: "Think naught of my +words, little one; they were but idle, born of fatigue. Now, once more +good night to thee, and a long, sweet sleep." + +So she left him; but at the door she turned, and Fawkes remembered +afterward the bright and happy smile which lay upon her face. + +With a light heart she went to rest, for her father's words had +banished from her mind the hideous doubt with which it had so long +been oppressed. The dreadful gulf between them had, at last, been +bridged, and once more they stood together hand in hand as in days +gone by. She was almost unwilling to yield herself to sleep, fearing +lest, on awaking, she might find her happiness but a vision of the +night. Slumber claimed her at last, and she fell into dreams of her +new-found joy. Many hours elapsed and the morning sun shone brightly +into her room, when there fell upon the girl's ear the sound of voices +in the apartment below. Remaining a moment in a dreamy state, +wondering who the early visitors might be, she suddenly caught a +sentence which stiffened the blood within her veins and brought back +to her heart in deadly force the awful fears she had thought forever +gone. Those in the chamber beneath had evidently been in conversation +for some time, for she heard them advancing toward the door as though +to depart. Then a voice, which the girl recognized as Sir Thomas +Winter's, said in a low tone: "Now, the last arrangements are made; +all doth await thy hand. Ah," he continued, "would that I might see +the outcome of this. 'Tis a ghastly thing, even though it be----" + +"What?" interrupted another voice, which Elinor knew to be her +father's. "Doth thy heart begin to turn at this late hour? Marry, my +one wish is that even now the clock stood on the stroke of eleven, for +in five minutes thereafter England will be without its King and +Parliament." + +"Hast all that thou wilt need?" inquired Winter. + +"Yea, verily," the other answered. "Here are flint and steel, quite +new. The touchwood and the lantern are hidden beneath the faggots in +the cellar. But stay, thou hadst better lend me thy time-piece; mine +is not over trustworthy, and I would keep accurate track of the +moments." + +"Here is the watch," said the other voice; "it was true to the second +yesterday. And now, for the last time, dost fully understand the +signal? It is to be the first stroke of eleven. The King is expected +at half after the hour of ten; that will leave thirty minutes' margin, +and the lords will have assembled before James doth take his place." + +"Knowest thou," inquired Fawkes, when Winter had ceased, "what may be +the first measure before the House?" + +"Methinks," replied the man, "one Lord Effingston will speak upon a +bill relating to the duty upon wool." And he added, with a laugh which +the girl could distinctly hear, "perchance his fine words will be +interrupted, if thy tinder be not damp." + +"Thou needst have no fear of that," answered Fawkes, gruffly. "But let +us hence, for 'tis even now past the stroke of ten." + +She heard them pass quickly out, and soon their footsteps died away in +the distance. Elinor lay for a moment dazed,--the blow had fallen! The +words he had uttered but a few short hours ago were a lie, uttered to +blind her. She recoiled in horror from even the thoughts of that man +with the black and treacherous heart. He was now a father but in name; +all her love turned to that other man, who, in that very moment, was +standing over a hell which awaited but the hand of Fawkes to send it +belching forth. Was there yet time to save him? All her energies bent +themselves to this one purpose. She arose and dressed hurriedly, +forming her plan of action the meanwhile. A sudden terror came upon +her. If by some accident the mine should be prematurely exploded, what +then? But she recollected the cautious man who was to fire it, and the +thought quieted her. The bell in a neighboring steeple chimed the +quarter after ten. Forty-five minutes only remained,--barely time, if +she hastened her utmost, to reach the Parliament buildings before +eleven would ring out upon the air. She was soon ready and hastened +toward the door, her trembling fingers scarce able, in their +eagerness, to lift the latch. At last they found the cord, but the +portal held firmly to its place. Again she tried, putting forth all +her strength. Still it did not yield. The horrible truth flashed upon +the girl; the heavy door was securely fastened from the outside! + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. + + +As Elinor stood confronted by the barred door, a madness born of +terror seized her. Frantically she beat upon the panel until in places +the wood was stained with her blood. Again and again she threw herself +against the heavy oak, but with no result. After many vain attempts +she sank, almost fainting, to the floor. + +As she lay breathless, her tender hands bruised and bleeding, there +fell upon her ear the echo of the chime once more;--ten thirty! The +sound infused new life into her slight form. Springing to her feet she +seized a bench near by, and with a power almost superhuman, raised the +heavy piece and struck the portal with all her might. A shower of dust +rewarded her. Another blow and a wide fissure appeared across the +panel. Once more the bench crashed against the door, and it gave way, +a shower of splinters flying into the hall below. Quickly she hastened +down the stairs and gained the street. People turned wondering looks +upon the flying girl as with strength born of desperation she sped +toward Parliament House. As she reached the neighborhood a group of +men who stood engaged in conversation, noted her, and one drew forth +his watch:--"There is one carrying a petition," said he; "but fifteen +minutes yet remain before the opening of the House." + +The words quickened her energies; a quarter of an hour yet! + +In a moment she was in sight of the buildings. It had been her +purpose to hasten to the hall, but suddenly flashed the thought that +her entrance might be barred, and questions be asked. No time now but +for one thing,--to seek her father in the cellar, and snatch the torch +from out his hand.... The clock marked the hour of half past ten when +Fawkes, having taken leave of Sir Thomas Winter, reached the door of +the dark room under Parliament House. As he had left it, so he found +it;--the portal locked, and silence reigning within where lay the +faggots and the gunpowder. The soldier of fortune glanced about. Save +for a few idlers the narrow passage flanking the cellar door was +unoccupied. Soon even those went on their way, and unobserved he +opened the portal and slipped into the fatal chamber, closing it +noiselessly behind him, but leaving it unbarred; for, the spark once +applied to the powder, there would be scant time for escape. The +cellar was in darkness save where, through the rusty bars of a small +window, a feeble ray of light struggled with the gloom, losing itself +amid the shadows. + +Stepping carefully, that no footfall might reach the ears of any +above, he groped his way along the rough stone wall. Upon reaching a +depression in the masonry, he took up from its hiding place a lantern, +a rude affair formed of iron, pierced by countless holes, and within +it a tallow candle, which, when he lighted it, sputtered fitfully and +sent forth a sickly yellow light, the glare only serving to intensify +the gloom. A rat, frightened by his approach, scurried into some dark +corner with a plaintive squeak which startled him, despite his iron +nerve. + +"Faith!" he muttered, a grim smile relaxing for a moment the stern +lines of his face, "thou art strangely nervous, Guido, that such a +thing doth make thee tremble! 'Tis an adage that such vermin as I have +disturbed make haste to leave a fatal ship, and, methinks, this Ship +of State is very near the rocks. 'Tis a sign from heaven that I shall +not fail." Then, turning to the pile of faggots: "So innocent are ye, +that even Elinor, with all her gentleness, might bear you in her arms +and take no harm; but----" here he bent and touched a hidden cask: +"thou art more to my liking, and the King shall hear thee speak for +me. Thine is the voice which shall tell all England that----" + +For a moment the monologue was interrupted and he busied himself with +the fuse, pouring from a flask taken from his doublet, fresh grains of +powder upon the train already laid, that nothing should be lacking to +speed the fire to its destination. + +Overhead sounded countless footsteps, as the pages and attendants upon +the floor of the Parliament chamber hastened hither and thither upon +their various errands. + +"My good lords and bishops are assembling," muttered Fawkes; "a most +gallant gathering, I warrant. Pity 'tis, that all must perish; for +there be some who have small voice in the passing of the laws." + +Suddenly there fell upon his ear the muffled sound of a cheer raised +by countless voices. The smile upon his lips grew scornful: "The +King!" he muttered, "greeting his good Parliament. 'Tis said he loves +a well-timed jest; pity to rob England of such a famous clown; +perchance in hell the devil may use his wit to while away the dinner +hour." + +The noise above increased; the peers had entered the hall; the King +had ascended the throne, and it lacked but fifteen minutes to the +first stroke of eleven, when the Parliament would open--and the flint +would kiss the steel. + +Despite his hardihood the man waiting in the gloom beneath the feet of +the sovereign and his noblemen grew restless as the fatal moment +approached. Through his brain flashed thoughts of the fearful +consequence of his bloody deed,--the terror, the widespread +consternation and the chaos which would follow the destruction of the +Parliament. To him came, also, the thought of his daughter--what she +would say to him; but then--she was a child and little comprehended +affairs of State. When all was over Garnet would quiet her fears, and +her father would be a hero in her eyes. + +Unconsciously he drew forth his dagger and pricked with its point the +mortar between the stones of the pillar against which he leaned. With +something to occupy his mind the moments would speed faster. The +lantern, burning dimly, stands upon the floor near his side; beyond +lies the fuse, ready for the fire. + +Just at this moment Elinor, having reached the door of the cellar, +paused an instant upon the threshold, then, scarce conscious of what +she was doing pushed open the unbarred portal and stepped within the +gloomy chamber. So silent was her coming that Fawkes, busy with his +dagger and the mortar, did not perceive it. The girl hesitated, +trembling in every limb; the blackness of the place, the intense +excitement under which she labored, and the fearful thought that +already the fuse might be burning, her father gone, and death so near, +held her spellbound. She saw the faint glimmer from the lantern, a +hundred tiny streaks of light glowing through the darkness. Her father +must be there beside his light, and summoning all her energies she +moves quickly forward, intent only upon accomplishing her mission. + +The rustle of her garments struck upon Fawkes' ear. He turned and saw +the half open door, the dim outline of the form which stood between +him and the faint light struggling through the aperture. With a quick +indrawing of the breath he grasped the hilt of his dagger and turned +to face the advancing figure. Shall anyone thus ruin all, at the +eleventh hour? His nerves became as if made of steel, all signs of +indecision vanish; face to face with danger he becomes once more the +hardened veteran who has met unflinchingly the fierce charge of the +foemen in the Lowcountry. + +Elinor at length perceived him whom she sought, and stretched out her +hands to grasp him, for the dry lips refused to frame the words her +tongue would utter. + +In that moment, noting the extended arms, and thinking the other would +lay violent hands upon him, Fawkes sprang forward and seized the frail +form about the shoulders; small time to note the softness of the flesh +and the clinging woman's garments, or the low cry which answers the +grasp of his iron hand. The blackness of the place hides their faces, +and his business is to carry out the plot. + +For a moment the two--father and daughter--are locked together in a +firm embrace; the slender figure of the child bent and tortured by the +cruel pressure of the pitiless fingers. She struggled desperately, and +in her efforts to free herself Fawkes finds the way to end the matter +quickly. + +"Thou wouldst undo the work," he hisses. "Didst think to find me +unprepared? Thou art a cunning knave, but this----" + +No eye, save that of God, sees the uplifting of the dagger, the quick +movement of the arm, the rapid thrust which drives the fatal steel +into that tender breast, letting forth her life-blood upon the rough +pavement of the cellar. + +Elinor reeled and released her hold upon him. In her agony God +stretched forth His hand and held her in His grasp so that, ere she +died, the end for which she had come might be accomplished. One word, +a bitter cry wrung from her heart, escaped her lips: "Father!" + +But Fawkes heeded it not. As he sent home the dagger his foot struck +the lantern, overturning it, and sent the iron case with its burning +contents rolling across the floor toward the powder train. In another +instant the fire will have reached the fuse,--and 'tis not yet time! + +With a frantic push he hurled the victim of his murderous blow away +from him, and hastened to snatch the sputtering light. His violence +flung the stricken girl to the floor, but with a last effort of will, +she staggered to her feet and groped blindly for the door, one little +hand outstretched before her, the other covering the cruel wound made +by her father's knife. + +At last she found the portal, and gained the narrow way to the street. +There was but one thought in her heart,--to reach the hall above +before death claimed her. + + * * * * * + +Within the House of Lords all was ready for the opening of the +Parliament. James, clothed in royal robes of State, and exchanging +jests with his favorites, was lolling upon the throne. The peers were +in their seats; some, deep in conversation, others, silently gazing at +the gorgeous scene of which they were a part. At a table standing near +the space before the throne, sat Lord Monteagle and his son, the +latter engaged in arranging the notes of his speech on the bill which +he was soon to bring before the House. Effingston seemed to be +strangely nervous as the hour for his address drew near and his +father had evidently made some jesting remark concerning his tremulous +hand, when suddenly the attention of all was drawn toward the great +doors at the extreme end of the room. Affected by the tumult, James +turned impatiently to see who had dared disturb the solemnity of the +hour. Those who were looking in that direction started with amazement. + +Through the open portal, flanked by its two rows of yeomen of the +guard, advanced a slender girlish figure, with face white as marble +and whose dark eyes sought the King. Clad in a gown of some soft gray +stuff which had been torn open at the throat, revealing the gentle +curve of the white bosom, the girl staggered up the long aisle leading +to the throne. Between the fingers of the hand pressed above her heart +showed a crimson stain which, touching the bodice of her dress, +gradually spread itself upon the soft color. + +Amazed at so unwonted a spectacle the peers could only stare, +transfixed. The girl had reached the space before the throne and +stopped beside the table at which Effingston stood, who alone, of all +the House, had started to his feet and confronted her. For one brief +moment she gazed into his eyes, then stretched forth her hand. The +white lips parted, she cried in a stifled voice: + +"My lords! flee the House ere----" + +The voice fell to a whisper, she reeled and sought to grasp the table +for support. Effingston sprang toward her, but before he reached her +side, her form sank slowly to the floor and lay at his feet. Unmindful +of the presence of the King, and of his fellow peers, the young +nobleman raised her in his arms. None beside Lord Monteagle heard him +whisper:--"Elinor!" + +At her name the closed lids opened, and her lips parted in a faint +smile. + +"My love!" she murmured faintly, her head sinking upon his shoulder +like that of a tired child slowly falling to sleep. "I am +guiltless--thou alone--'twas for thy sake----" + +A spasm of pain swept across her face; he felt a shudder shake the +slender form, and a beseeching look sought his face. + +"I understand, my darling," he whispered, pressing his lips to hers. + +She sighed. A happy light shone in the fast glazing eyes. + +"Elinor!" he murmured. "One more word----" + +But God had taken her. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +FAWKES BEFORE THE KING. + + +For a moment a great stillness pervaded the House of Lords. The King +had half arisen from the throne, his hands tightly grasping the gilded +lions on either side, and his eyes fixed upon the dead form of Elinor, +lying at Effingston's feet. All followed the monarch's glance, the +ministers and peers leaning forward to better see the stricken girl +growing rigid in the clasp of death. So profound was the silence in +the great hall, that the footsteps of those without were heard with +startling distinctness in every part of the room. Before all the +peers, leaned Lord Monteagle, his gaze riveted upon the face of his +son. As for Effingston he heeded nothing; like an image of stone he +stood, his limbs powerless and his blood turned to ice; the face of +the dead was not whiter than his, yet, upon her face was the smile of +peace, in his, the shadow of conscious, mortal agony. + +So sudden had been the coming of that tender maid, born of the people, +but now more noble than any lord of England, that none save, +perchance, Salisbury, Monteagle and the King, comprehended its +meaning. The girl's dying cry that all should flee the House of +Parliament, was a mystery to the lords; but to the mind of the Prime +Minister, and to Monteagle and James, came as by a flash of lightning, +the veiled meaning in the letter, which, strong in his feeling of +security, the King had hitherto looked upon as an idle jest, gotten up +to disturb his dreams. Raising his eyes from the spot where Elinor +lay, her blood staining the polished floor, he turned them upon +Salisbury, with a look of interrogation. The Minister collected by an +effort his scattered senses. Into his mind came as though by Divine +inspiration some inkling of the nature of the threatened danger. +Turning quickly, he summoned to his side Master Edmond Doubleday, an +officer of the royal household. + +"Go," said he hoarsely, "into the cellar, and whosoever thou findest +there, be it man or woman, seize quickly. Perchance the King's life +dependeth upon thy expedition." + +Of quick wit, the officer comprehended that his superior had surmised +some plot, the solution of which might be found below. Hastening from +the hall he gathered on the way a dozen gentlemen, and together the +company hurried from the House and sought the door which opened to the +chamber under it. Something guided their steps--great, crimson +splashes upon the pavement, blood drops which left a well-marked trail +from the space before the throne of the King--to the narrow entrance +of the cellar wherein lay the danger which they must avert. Little did +Guido Fawkes know--as little had the dead girl comprehended--that her +heart's blood would mark the way which would lead him to the scaffold +because it would be the means of hastening on his enemies, directing +them with no uncertain significance to his hiding place. + +In the semi-darkness of the cellar, amid his coals and faggots, with +the six and thirty barrels of gunpowder ready for the spark, the +daring soldier of fortune stood with trembling limbs, and a nameless +terror at his heart. Unflinching in the face of danger, the first in +all deeds of hardihood, famed for his valor in the Lowcountry, the +overturning of the lantern so near the powder train, and the low cry +of agony which followed the driving home of his dagger, had unnerved +him. For one brief instant he thought he recognized the cry--that from +the gasping lips so near his own had fallen the word "father!" but in +the excitement of the moment he dismissed the dreadful thought. Some +idle, curious knave had chanced to see the cellar door, and entered. +Was it his fault that he had resorted to the knife to prevent the +discovery of his presence? + +Occupied with the overturned lantern he had noted little what befell +the other. Stabbed to death, the intruder probably lay in some dark +corner where the soldier's frantic push had sent him. The lantern +burned dimly, and time was speeding, so 'twould be an ill thing to +waste it upon a dead man. Steadying his nerves by an effort, Fawkes +took out the watch which Winter had given him, and bending toward the +flickering light studied the dial. The hour was at hand; in five +minutes the great clock in the tower of St. Paul would mark the stroke +of eleven, and he would fire the fuse. + +Searching in his doublet he drew forth a tinder box and touchwood. +Five minutes more and he would strike the spark; in five more the red, +spitting serpent would reach the hidden powder; by then he would be +safe, and, mingling with the crowd, would hear the roar of thunder +heralding the passing of James Stuart and his Parliament into +eternity. + +As he waited, the flint held ready to strike the steel, there flashed +through his mind the thought of his daughter, but she was safe at +home, and----The sound of hasty footsteps and the passing of dark +forms before the dim light struggling through the half closed entrance +to the cellar, broke his revery. Was it another come to meet his +knife point? + +As he drew back, shading the lantern with his cloak, the door was +burst violently open, and a dozen men, the first holding aloft a +torch, pushed into the cellar. Fawkes thrust the flint and touchwood +into the bosom of his doublet, and, ever cool when danger threatened, +bent carelessly over the pile of coals and faggots. Coming thus, +without knowledge, any might have judged him an honest coal monger +busy at his trade. + +Those who entered so hastily rushed upon him; Edmond Doubleday raised +a dagger, intent upon driving it into his body, but seeing Fawkes +unarmed he lowered the steel and seized him by the shoulders. In an +instant the soldier shook off the other's grasp. + +"Who art thou?" cried he fiercely, "what is thy business, sir?" + +For reply Doubleday turned to his companions. "Surround the fellow, +gentlemen," said he sharply, "and search the cellar." + +Fawkes was quickly hemmed in by a wall of men, each with drawn sword +in hand. On the instant it flashed upon him that the plot was known, +and that further dissimulation would be profitless; therefore he held +his peace while two or three of his captors searched the cellar. One +muttered an exclamation; he had come upon the fuse, and following it, +perceived the barrels beneath the pile of faggots. Fawkes smiled +grimly. + +"If thou wilt look yet further," said he, "haply thou wilt find a dead +man." + +But nothing was discovered save Fawkes, his faggots, and the +gunpowder. + +The captive started. He had not then killed him who grappled with him +in the darkness; sorely wounded, the other had escaped to set the +bloodhounds upon his hiding place. He had thought his hand more sure. + +After thoroughly searching the cellar those who had taken Fawkes led +him to the passage without. He noted upon the stones the drops of +blood, and smiled,--his knife had not been useless after all. As the +little company with the soldier of fortune in their midst hurried +along the passage there ran toward them Sir Thomas Knyvet and half a +score of the royal guards. Perceiving the prisoner, the knight looked +at him critically. + +"What!" cried he, turning to Doubleday, "hast not bound the ruffian? +'Tis the King's pleasure that any whom thou hast taken be brought +before the throne." + +No cords were forthcoming, for, in their haste, small matters had been +neglected, but one of the gentlemen, taking from his pocket a pair of +garters proffered them to Doubleday. + +"Take these," said he; "I warrant they will hold the knave." + +Fawkes submitted without a protest, watching with grim indifference +the passing of the garters about his legs and wrists. Once he smiled; +but 'twas a fleeting shadow. Within the House his captors searched +him, coming upon the tinder box, touchwood, and Winter's watch--things +which were to bear heavy evidence against the prisoner. + +In the hall of Parliament all was confusion; Elinor, guarded by +Effingston, still lay dead before the throne, and the ministers were +gathered about it. + +The tumult ceased as Fawkes was led through the doorway. He was to +meet the King whom he would have slain, yet he advanced with uplifted +head, not a muscle quivering. The peers made way for him, so that a +space was cleared before the throne. Suddenly his eyes fell upon +Effingston; for an instant he paused, then following the gaze of the +grief-stricken nobleman, saw her who lay upon the floor. A mist +gathered before his eyes; a blinding flash of unreal but fierce +accusing light seared his brain and turned him into stone. +Horror-stricken he advanced, scarce conscious that he moved, until he +stood before the body of his daughter upon whose breast showed the red +wound made by the knife. The King, Salisbury, and the ministers had +turned and were looking fixedly upon him, but Fawkes was unconscious +of their gaze. He saw only the white face, the half-closed eyes, the +cold lips which had kissed his own so fondly and called him "father." + +As the flashing of a great light coming out of the darkness, the truth +gleamed in its red horror upon him--the reason of the presence of +another in the cellar, the drops of blood along the pavement. She had +sought to save him from the crime of murder--and he had killed her! + +He would have cried out and thrown himself upon his knees beside the +dead, but his iron will controlled the impulse, and the hands of the +guard upon his shoulder held him firm. What cared he for axe or gibbet +now? He had loved her next to his religion, and had slain her. The +King was speaking: + +"Ah!" said he, "what have we here, brave gentlemen? Doth tremble so at +the sight of one dead girl? Who art thou, fellow?" + +Fawkes replied nothing, nor, perchance, heard the voice of James; his +thoughts were in Spain, where, when a child, Elinor had climbed upon +his knee. + +"Faith!" cried the King, "hast caught a dumb man, good Master +Doubleday? or hath the decoration of the garter so overcome his senses +that he is in a maze?" + +Some of the gentlemen about the throne smiled, for James loved a jest; +but Effingston turned away and pressed his father's hand. + +"Come!" cried the King, impatiently; "wilt not find thy tongue? 'tis +not my custom to speak a second time. What didst thou in the cellar?" + +Fawkes raised his eyes and the King saw in them a look of such utter +hopelessness that some chord of pity in his heart was touched. + +"My good Lord Cecil," said he, turning to Salisbury, "methinks terror, +or something worse, hath driven away his wits; we but waste words upon +him. See to it, pray, that he be closely guarded, for certain +questions must be put to him. The Warden of the Tower hath a way to +loosen stubborn tongues." + +So saying, he arose with much dignity and left the hall, followed by +many of his gentlemen. Fawkes they took out by another way--the road +which led to the Tower. He gave no sign, but let his gaze dwell in one +last farewell upon the body of his daughter. Then his eyes met those +of Effingston, and in the other's look he read that the dead would +rest in peace and honor. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +THE BANQUET. + + +On the evening of that memorable Fifth of November, there were +gathered in a spacious residence at Ashbery, Saint Ledger, a small +company evidently bent upon pleasure. + +During the day they had passed their time in the many ways gentlemen +were wont to choose when seeking forgetfulness of the din and +distractions incident to a great city. But it was not difficult to +discern that the hearts of the men were far from interested in the +various sports undertaken by them. + +The hours from morning until dark had been spent in a variety of ways, +but none evinced any enjoyment in their pastime. A few had beguiled a +small part of the day in hunting, but they failed to find even in that +excitement relief for the anxiety which so oppressed them. At last +twilight came, lingered, and glided into night. But with the darkness +the uneasiness of all increased. + +Nor would this fact have caused wonder had it been known what thoughts +lay in the mind of each; that they were momentarily expecting tidings +upon which depended not only their hopes and happiness but, perchance +their lives as well. Indeed, the company had been bidden thither by +none other than Lord Catesby, who deemed it expedient that those not +actually engaged in carrying out the plot for the assassination of +James and his Parliament, should tarry at his country residence until +news of the accomplished deed should be brought them. Acting upon the +suggestion, he, together with Sir Everard Digsby, Rookwood, Robert +Morgan, Grant and the brother of Sir Thomas Winter, had ridden forth +from the city the day before; and now, with apprehension which their +sanguine hopes could not fully thrust aside, they awaited the news +which was to tell them how the fearful plot had prospered. + +After a day, the length of which was measured not by the standard of +moments but by that of slow-moving years, all had assembled to partake +of the evening repast. Surrounding the glittering table were anxious +and thoughtful faces. The host was silent and distraught, but not more +so than his guests. The terrible strain under which they labored +forbade much conversation; and if a laugh, perchance, mounted to the +lips of any, it sounded hollow and mirthless. + +"What now, good gentlemen," cried Catesby, with an attempt at gayety, +when silence had again fallen upon the group; "ye are in truth but +sorry companions. It would appear that something besides good vintage +lay in the cellar beneath us. Come, fill your cups and let wine bring +to our lips the jest, since wit seemeth utterly barren." + +"Nay, my lord," exclaimed Rookwood, as he thrust his glass aside; "I +for one am done with pretensions; 'tis time some news did reach us." +The man drew forth his watch, and glancing at it, said with a frown: +"By Our Blessed Lady, 'tis past nine and we have had no tidings!" + +The anxiety in the speaker's tone seemed to find a silent response in +the heart of each. Before them all the wine stood untasted. A barking +cur upon the highway caused them to start to their feet and listen, +thinking the sound might be the herald of an approaching horseman. +"'Twas nothing," said the host wearily, when once more seated. +"Patience, patience, gentlemen; I think this delay doth not bode ill +to us, for as ye are aware, bad news is ever atop of the swiftest +steed." + +"Ah, good Catesby," exclaimed Digsby, "it is to thee we look for +consolation in this terrible hour. But I do most devoutly wish some +intelligence, be it good or evil, would arrive; for naught can be +worse than this awful waiting." + +"Talk not of evil tidings," broke in Grant, nervously; "our minds are +full enough of fears without thy----" + +"Nay, good Robert," interrupted Sir Everard, "'twas but a figure of +speech I used. Nothing is further from my mind than to play the +croaking prophet." + +"Art sure, my lord," queried Rookwood, "that Sir Winter did comprehend +in what manner the intelligence was to be brought?" + +"Quite certain of it," answered the host; "for 'twas the last topic +upon which we spoke before I left the city. Have no fear; he +understood full well that Master Keyes was to ride post haste the +moment all was accomplished." + +"How long would it take a horseman, riding at his best speed, to +travel the distance?" enquired Rookwood, again drawing forth his +watch. + +"If nothing occurred to hinder on the way, and his mount was fresh at +start, methinks the journey should be made in eight hours." + +"Then," exclaimed the other, thrusting back his time-piece, "if all be +well we would have heard ere now. I fear me--nay--I know not what I +fear." + +But hark! What sound is that which at last falls upon the listening +group? Was it the wind sighing through the leafless trees? Nay, it +cannot be; for now they hear it again, and more distinctly. There is +no mistaking the flying hoofs of a horse striking the hard road. All +spring from the table. The moment has arrived; they are to know. As +each gazes into the white face of the other, he but beholds the +reflection of his own pallid countenance, and speech for a moment is +impossible. + +"God!" cried Rookwood, listening; "Catesby, thou didst say but one +rider was to bear the message, and I hear the noise of several rushing +steeds, if, indeed, I be not mad." + +Louder and louder grew the clatter of the hoofs, whiter and whiter the +faces of the waiting men. At last five horsemen dash in at the gate +and ride without drawing rein across the lawn and up to the very +window of the banquet room. + +No need to ask what tidings. Winter is the first to throw himself from +his steaming horse, and followed by Percy, the two Wrights and Robert +Keyes, staggers into the room. They are covered with mud and streaming +with perspiration. Their hats and swords were left behind--evidently +lost in the wild ride from London. Breathless they stand, for a moment +unable to speak. Written on the face of each is an expression of utter +despair, mingled with fear and pain, such a look as an animal wears +when, shot through the body, it blindly flees from death. + +Winter is the first to find voice; and clutching at the table, which +shakes under his trembling grasp, pants, in a tone which is scarcely +audible: + +"Flee for your lives! There is yet time for us to escape. We cannot +help him who is in the Tower. Our own necks will pay for further +delay." + +There is a horrified silence, broken only by the hard breathing of +the men. At last Rookwood, pale with emotion, sprang toward the +speaker, gasping: "What is this thou sayest? Failure! It cannot be! +Thou must be mad!" + +"Nay," cried Percy, "'tis so, 'tis so, indeed. Fawkes is captured. +Nothing is left for us but flight. Come, to horse! to horse! I say. +Even now the soldiers are on the road, and any moment the sound of +hurrying hoofs in pursuit of us may fall upon our ears." + +In an instant the utmost disorder reigned. Chairs were overturned in +the eagerness of the men to take in hand their swords, which rested +against the wall. Glasses, swept from off the board, fell with a +crash, adding to the general din. The floor was strewn with eatables +and wine, carried from off the table in the mad rush. Panic ruled, and +it had placed its sign-manual upon each face. + +At last, above the uproar, the voice of Catesby can be heard, and +standing by the door he addresses the fear-stricken men. "Gentlemen!" +he cried, "has the grasp of terror seized upon and turned you all mad? +Why should we fly, and by that course brand our deeds as sinful? Are +we criminals? Have we stolen aught? Are we creatures to be hunted +through the country? Come! play the part God has given to each, and at +the end, since success is not ours let us meet death here, hand in +hand, as becomes brothers in one faith--like martyrs!" + +The words of the speaker had small effect upon the men, and did not +check the general confusion. Those who had just arrived were in the +garden attending to their jaded steeds, knowing full well that upon +them depended their lives. + +Rookwood burst again into the room, attired in a heavy riding +mantle. "Come," he cried to his host; "to horse while there is time! +'Twould be a wickedness to tarry longer; it meaneth naught but +self-destruction. Our steeds have been resting, and many miles may be +placed between us and London ere break of day. Endanger not all our +lives by thy foolish scruples." + +At last the finer sentiments of Catesby were overruled by the words +and entreaties of his companions, and he with them, hurried to the +stable. With trembling fingers the bridles were fastened, the girths +drawn, and in a moment all were ready for the flight. With a clatter +the cavalcade sped out of the gate and thundered down the road at +breakneck pace, disappearing in the darkness. + +So ended the day which was to see the culmination of a deed which +these fleeing men once dreamed would set the world on fire! And what +had come of it? For them, nothing but the dancing sparks struck out by +the hoofs of galloping horses, bearing their guilty riders from under +the blow of a swinging axe. Fawkes, their unhappy tool, was already in +the grip of the avenging power; and was tasting a more bitter gall +than that of torture and death, for that he had, with his own hand, +shed the blood of his well-beloved daughter, but not one drop of the +heretic blood he so thirsted to spill. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +"IN THE KING'S NAME." + + +The bomb having exploded so unexpectedly in the camp of the +conspirators, Fawkes a prisoner in the hands of the government, which, +following the custom of the day, would probably under torture wring +from him a confession, the gentlemen who had been so zealous in the +cause had now no thought but of flight. So sudden had been the +exposure of their plot--laid bare to the eyes of all England at the +eleventh hour--that the bold plans for a well-regulated defense were +overthrown completely, and could not be carried out in any degree. +Garnet, indeed, was for the time safe, his hiding place unknown to the +authorities, and did Fawkes resist with physical and moral force the +torture, the Jesuit might not become involved in the consequences of +his treason. But Catesby, Percy, the two Winters and others stood in +the shadow of the scaffold. That no mercy would be measured out to +them was beyond peradventure. Though of brave spirit, they feared, and +could but flee before, the anger of the law. + +It was indeed a pitiful and chagrined body of horsemen who, hurrying +through Worcestershire and the adjoining county, sought to hide +themselves from the King's officers. Pausing in their mad flight, they +rifled the house of Lord Windsor, taking such arms and armor as best +suited their needs. Close after them rode the soldiers of the King +incited by promise of reward and honor did they capture and deliver +the little band into the hands of Salisbury and his ministers. One +face was missing from among those fleeing for their lives in such wild +haste. Catesby, Percy, my Lord of Rookwood, the two Wrights, Grant, +Morgan and Robert Keyes rode side by side, but Thomas Winter, he who +had summoned Fawkes from Spain, was absent. Small need of words +between the proscribed conspirators. A single purpose was in each +heart--to escape those in pursuit. + +As dull night drew on, the horses jaded, their riders fainting from +fatigue and fear, the luckless gentlemen reached Holbeach, the house +of Stephen Littleton. The early stars were twinkling in the gray vault +of heaven when lights from the welcome asylum greeted their eyes. +Percy turned to Catesby, who rode at his side. + +"Good Robert," said he, "there must we perforce remain till morning; +horseflesh can scarce endure the strain much longer, and those who +follow must needs halt, also. Stephen Littleton hath been our friend, +therefore is his dwelling at our disposal. 'Tis a stout structure, and +should the King's men find us therein--some will go with us to the +other world." + +Catesby smiled sadly. "Here will we indeed rest," replied he; "for, as +thou sayest, the beasts be weary. England is small, good Percy; we +must not lack courage." + +Noting the two leaders pull up their horses at the gate of the +dwelling, the others did likewise, and all dismounted and entered the +place which, to some, was their last abode--save the grave. In the +main chamber a cheerful fire crackled; for in the month of November +the air was chill, and Master Littleton perceiving the gentlemen +trembling as from cold, caused to be thrown upon the embers a goodly +number of faggots which blazed brightly. The sight recalled to Percy's +mind the fatal cellar under the House of Parliament, where he had +last seen Fawkes guarding with watchful eye the secret which lay +beneath so innocent a covering. + +Having removed their heavy boots and outer clothing the conspirators +talked together, seeking to dispel the gloom which rested upon the +company. All were ill at ease, for, although Percy had said the King's +officers would rest, it was possible they might secure fresh horses, +push on, and attack the house ere morning. Expecting no mercy if taken +alive, each resolved to sell his life dearly. + +The hours passed on to ten in the evening, when a thing happened +which, to the minds of many in England, exemplified the law of +God--that the wicked shall perish through their own evil devices. +Wishing to have all in readiness should the officers come upon them +during the night, and fearing that the gunpowder with which they were +provided might have become dampened by reason of the humidity of the +weather and its prolonged exposure to the elements, Christopher Wright +poured upon a platter some two pounds of the black grains, and set it +beside the hearthstone. Noting the action another of the party brought +a second bag of powder and treated it likewise, thinking to remove it +when sufficiently dry. + +Percy perceived the danger and withdrew from his position before the +blaze. "Were it not well," said he, "to have a care, lest a spark +falling outward do much harm to those within the room?" + +"Nay," replied Wright, "'tis my purpose to watch it closely; the +stuff, being damp, is worthless." + +Percy spoke no more, not wishing to be thought unduly nervous, and the +company relapsing into silence watched the flames, each intent upon +his own dark forebodings. + +For many minutes they remained thus, but starting at each sound from +without, and hearing in every rustle of the leafless trees and +shrubbery the hoofbeats of horses bearing their pursuing enemies. The +heat of the room, added to sleepless nights which had followed the +arrest of Guido Fawkes and the discovery of the conspiracy, gradually +overcame the majority of the party, and all but Percy and Catesby +nodded in their seats. These two, the first confederates with Winter +and the Superior of the Jesuits to formulate the plan for destroying +the King and the government, sat moodily side by side, their burning +eyeballs glassy in the red reflection of the flames, and their hearts +heavy with thoughts of dismal failure and impending ruin. + +"Would that Garnet were with us now," muttered Catesby, thrusting one +foot upon the fender; "perchance his wit might devise some means to +free us from our entanglement and perplexity, and save the cause. +Would that Fawkes had----" + +Percy raised his eyes quickly. "Thou art then sorry----" he began. + +"Nay," replied Catesby with some haughtiness. "If I had thought there +had been the least sin in it I would not have put my hand to it for +all the world. No other cause led me to hazard my fortune and my life +but zeal for the true faith. We have, in truth, failed, good Percy; +yet was the match burning which, in another moment, would have given +the spark to the powder, and the thunderbolt of which friend Guido +spake to us would----" + +Carried away by his earnestness he thrust forth his foot beyond the +fender and struck the faggots which blazed in the fireplace. A shower +of sparks answered the blow. One, falling beyond the hearthstone, +found the platter heaped with the deadly grains. Then, in truth, the +spark was given to the powder, but it was not that which lay beneath +the floor of Parliament; it was the powder in the room wherein nodded +the would-be murderers of the lords and the King of England. Ere +Catesby was aware of the awful danger, before Percy--who had noted the +falling spark--could cry out, there came a blinding flash, a cloud of +sulphurous smoke, the crashing of bent and broken timbers, and the +affrighted cries of the luckless inmates of the room. Yet in one thing +there seemed to be a merciful interposition. Carried upward by force +of the explosion, the bag containing a greater quantity of the powder +was hurled through the opening in the roof, and fell into the yard +untouched by fire; had it been otherwise, the public executioner's +work would have been less, and fewer dripping heads had graced the +spikes upon the Tower. + +Blinded by fire and smoke but unharmed, save for a scorching of the +hair and beard, the conspirators groped their way into the open air. +Upon their souls rested a cloud of superstitious dread. In the +explosion of the gunpowder they saw the hand of God; and--'twas not +turned against the King! + + * * * * * + +It was scarce daybreak when the horse bearing Sir Thomas Winter +stopped before the door of the ill-fated Holbeach mansion. Report had +reached him of the explosion, also that many of his companions were +sorely wounded, and that Catesby lay dead, with body shattered by the +firing of the powder. Then was proved his gentle blood, and the valor +of his race. Those with him when he received the news begged him to +fly; but he only looked upon them with clouded brow, and said: "Nay; +Catesby is dead. I will see to his burial; a gallant gentleman,--and +my friend!" + +Thus he rode in all haste to Holbeach, to find there his friends +unharmed;--close following him were the soldiers of the King. + +Scant time was given to the luckless gentlemen to prepare for +receiving them. + +"What have ye resolved to do?" asked Winter, having heard the story of +the night. + +"We mean to die," replied Percy stoutly; "we can scarce hold the house +an hour." + +"Then," said Winter quietly, "I will take such part as you do." And +looking to his sword and firearms, he leaned against the casement of +the window facing the road on which the King's men would come. + +Toward noon they came, a gallant company of gentlemen and musketeers, +flushed with the early morning ride and filled with zeal to take the +traitors who awaited them behind the walls of Master Littleton's +house. Watching from the window Winter saw many faces which he knew; +Sir John Foliot, Francis Conyers, Salway, Ketelsby, all staunch +adherents of the King;--men who, being dispatched upon any errand, +would carry it through most zealously. Before the cavalcade rode a +doughty gentleman, Sir Richard Walsh, sheriff of Worcestershire, armed +with the royal authority to seize the persons of such conspirators as +chanced to fall in his way. + +It was the sheriff who halted the troop some fifty paces from the +house, and, attended by Sir John Foliot and two musketeers, advanced +boldly to the closed door. + +Trying the latch and finding the portal barred, he tapped upon the +panel with the hilt of his sword. None from within replied. Again the +sheriff rapped, and a voice demanded who it was that sought +admittance, and what might be his errand. + +"That," replied Sir Richard, "is well known to thee. Open, therefore, +in the King's name!" + +The conspirators hesitated, for the command was one wont to be obeyed +in England. + +"Open!" repeated the sheriff; "lay down your arms!" + +"We will die," replied Catesby firmly, "but will not open unto thee." + +"Die thou shalt," replied Sir Richard cheerily, "with thy head upon +the block." So saying, and perceiving that those within would sell +their lives dearly, he returned to his men, ordering that some quickly +fire the building, others stand ready to receive any, who, driven +forth by fear or flame, might seek to escape through the garden. + +Perceiving that they were like to be burned alive, those in the house +resolved to gain the garden, and with sword in hand contend with the +King's men. 'Twas Winter who unloosed the bolt; and perchance +something had come of the venture, for the besieged were of most +determined purpose, if some of the soldiers had not discharged their +muskets, and a ball striking Sir Thomas in the shoulder wounded him +sorely. A second fire sent a rain of balls through the open doorway, +some of them hitting my Lord of Rookwood and the two Wrights, +Christopher and John,--stretching them dead upon the floor. + +"God's mercy!" cried Catesby; "let us forth, ere we all be murdered. +Stand by me, Tom, and we will die together." + +Winter, whose face was white with pain, replied hoarsely: "That will +I, sir; but having lost the use of my right arm, I fear I will be +taken." + +Yet he stooped and caught up his sword with his left hand, standing a +little back of Catesby and Percy who blocked the doorway. + +"Wouldst contend against us?" cried the sheriff of Worcestershire, and +then ordered that a third volley be delivered by his musketeers. + +Most of the balls lodged themselves in the wall of the building, or +tore splinters from the casement of the door. But one, as though +resolved to atone for the fruitless efforts of its fellows, sped on +its deathly errand, striking Robert Catesby in the neck, passing quite +through, and burying itself in the breast of Percy, who with scarce a +cry fell dead at Winter's feet. + +Bleeding profusely, Catesby attempted to regain his footing, but death +was near and he fell back crying to Winter to lift him up that he +might help defend the doorway. The conspirators who remained unharmed, +drew back in terror, crouching behind the furniture with no thought of +resisting the King's authority. + +Seeing that Percy, Rookwood and the two Wrights were dead, Catesby +dying, and none to support him, Winter cast aside his sword and bent +over his stricken comrade. At that moment certain of the sheriff's men +charging upon the open doorway, perceived him standing there, and one, +bearing a pike, thrust it at him so that the point pierced his doublet +and wounded him grievously. Staggering under the blow Winter, his +clothes covered with blood, gave back, and again was wounded in the +side by a rapier. + +"Cowards!" cried he, striking blindly at the foremost soldier with +his naked hand, "can ye not touch a vital part, but must torture me +so?" + +One, perceiving him sorely wounded and unarmed, seized him and in a +moment he was bound and dragged into the yard. + +The others, Keyes, John Grant and Henry Morgan, were quickly overcome, +and now of the nine Catholic gentlemen who had resolved to defend the +house, five lay dead, and four were in the hands of the authorities. + +Having so handily brought his errand to a successful termination Sir +Richard, of Worcestershire, fell into great good humor. + +"Faith!" cried he, sheathing his bloodless sword, "'tis a merry +gathering for my Lord of Salisbury to look upon. Four plump birds +ready for the axe man, and four and one knocking at the gate of hell. +Rare sport, in truth, hath been the taking of so ill a brood; +therefore, gentlemen, to London and the Tower with the nine. Though +some be dead, their necks are ready for the axe, I warrant. 'Tis a +brave sight will greet the populace, anon." + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. + + +Those who watched with Fawkes said he partook of no food, slept +not--neither spoke, and refused to utter the names of his fellow +conspirators. He sat all day in his cell without moving. At times +there came into his drawn and haggard face a strange and unearthly +light, as though he suddenly beheld a form glide from out the shadow +of the dungeon, and kneel beside him. At these moments he would +stretch forth his arms as if to embrace the airy figure of his brain, +and whisper, nodding his head slowly the while: "Thou wert all I +had--in a moment, darling;--wait until thy father can but pass this +dreary portal." + +They put him to the rack, but elicited nothing. He endured the torture +as though scarce feeling it; and even in agony, was heard to mutter: +"In a moment, my little one--but a moment more." + +His trial, with that of the others implicated in the plot, was over. +The sentence of death had been pronounced upon each. Three days after, +Everard Digsby, with Robert Winter and Grant, met death by hanging in +the churchyard of St. Paul's. Three remained awaiting the headsman's +axe--Thomas Winter, Keyes and Guido Fawkes. + +Their execution was anticipated by the populace of London with +unwonted eagerness. The desire of the people to see justice meted to +those whom they deemed the prime movers in a conspiracy which had +shaken England to its foundation, was only rivaled by the curiosity +resident in each heart, to behold the one who, with undaunted nerve, +had stood beneath the House of Lords ready to fire the mine which +would rob the kingdom at one fell blow of both its monarch and +Parliament. + +In that age public executions were signals for general holidays; +people flocked from the most distant shires, decked in best attire, to +witness the doing to death of some poor malefactor. But this was no +ordinary occasion; and, as if to emphasize the fact, a great throng +had assembled at Westminster even before the sun arose, on the day set +apart for the beheading of the remaining three conspirators. + +At an early hour companies of halberdiers were forced to exercise +their authority in keeping the crowd at proper distance from the +ominous structure erected in the middle of the square. The object +about which this innumerable concourse of people gathered was a high +platform covered with black cloth, in the center of which stood the +block. The condemned men had been brought from the Tower shortly after +midnight, and were now lodged in the space beneath the scaffold, which +had been converted into a kind of closed pen. + +The hour for the execution was eleven, and as the time approached the +multitude gradually swelled, being increased by thousands; as though +some pitiless monster were fattening itself upon thoughts of the blood +so soon to be shed. + +Again and again the pikemen were forced to thrust back the surging +mass, and at last the soldiers did not hesitate to use their weapons +as the throng forced its way up to the very ropes surrounding the +scaffold. But now above the babel of tongues the great bell of the +Cathedral boomed out the hour of eleven. As its last note died away +the roar of voices gradually subsided, until it sunk into a dull +murmur of expectancy, but again it broke forth into a cheer as the +headsman ascended the stairs leading to the scaffold. This man was +popular with the rabble and noted for his dexterity and strength. As +the applause greeted him he recognized the homage rendered with a bow. +His was a gruesome figure, as, attired in the costume of the office, +his features concealed by a scarlet mask, he leaned easily upon the +handle of the glittering axe--and waited. + +Soon four soldiers, under command of an officer, approached the door +of the inclosure and stood two on either side with halberds reversed. +A moment of breathless stillness followed; the portal opened and one +victim was led forth. Surrounded by guards he was solemnly conducted +to the foot of the steps leading to the block. Keyes, for it was he, +ascended without aid, and reached the platform. A murmur of +disappointment ran through the multitude as he came into view, for +they had supposed Fawkes would be the first to die. + +The man for an instant stood quite still; he had been the first of the +little procession to reach the top, and seemed undecided which +direction to take, but only for a moment stood he thus; two of the +guards quickly approached and led him toward the center of the +scaffold. He knelt without assistance, laid his cheek upon the block, +his right shoulder resting in the notch fastened for its reception. +The soldiers retired. The headsman drew back, swiftly raised the axe +above his head, measured the distance with a practiced eye, and +struck. + +The favorite of the rabble had again acquitted himself well. The head +of the victim fell on one side of the block, the quivering trunk +sinking to the floor upon the other. A cheer greeted the deed, then +silence once more fell upon the multitude. Some soldiers now appeared +carrying a box of sand. They quickly ascended the steps and scattered +its contents upon the wet boards. Having finished, one of the men +seized the head which still lay where it had fallen, fixed it upon the +point of his pike and stuck the weapon with its gruesome burden upon +the railing. The headless trunk was flung without ceremony into a cart +which was in waiting. + +Again the procession formed; once more a victim knelt; the axe fell, +and another head stared down upon the throng below. + +A ripple of expectancy again broke forth. Two had died; the next must +be the one for whom they waited. All strained their necks in eagerness +to catch the first glimpse as he should be led forth, and this was the +sight for which they had longed:-- + +A man unable to stand alone; his form, weakened by torture and +sickness, was dragged up the steps and stood confronting them. His +arms were not bound, for they hung lifeless. Those who stood near +could understand the absence of fetters; there was nothing upon which +to clasp them, save a mass of crushed bones, in many places stripped +of flesh by the cruel cords of the rack. He seemed quite oblivious of +his surroundings, turned his head neither to the right nor to the +left, but gazed past the headsman--past his captors--and far beyond +the sea of upturned faces. His lips were seen to move, but only those +who supported him could catch the words:--"In a moment, my little +one!" he whispered; "thy father will soon kiss thy sweet lips--and +then--we will love each other, and in that love forget all----" + +They hurried him toward the block and were obliged to place his head +upon it; his weakness was so great that he would have fallen had they +not supported him. His guards drew back, the axe, already lifted, was +about to descend, when, the poor limp figure slipped and fell with a +thud to the floor, unable to save itself by reason of the uselessness +of the arms. Again he was lifted; once more the axe was raised, and +even in that moment they heard him whisper the name ever upon his +lips: + +"Elinor!"--Crash!--and he was away to clasp her to his breast. + + + + +CONCLUSION. + + +Of Henry Garnet something remains to be said. The alarm which was felt +at the revelation of the treason which might, but for the arrest of +Fawkes in the cellar under Parliament House, have resulted in the +disruption of the government, was widespread, and it became necessary +for the Jesuits remaining in the kingdom to hide most secretly. + +As Catesby had said, the Superior, upon leaving London some weeks +before the discovery of the plot, had taken refuge in the house of Sir +Everard Digsby at Coughton. 'Twas there he received a letter from one +of the conspirators announcing the failure of the enterprise to which +he had lent himself. For three weeks he remained in hiding, when, by +night, and in disguise, he was removed to Hendlip House, where with +another of his Order, and two servants, he escaped for a time the +diligent search instituted by Salisbury, and urged on by the King. + +On the twentieth of January following the fatal Fifth of November, Sir +Henry Bromley, a magistrate, arrived with an armed force at Hendlip, +being in possession of a commission to search the mansion. The house +was full of secret apartments, and for seven days the King's officer +looked in vain for the Superior of the Jesuits. But on the eighth a +soldier, chancing upon a room occupied by one of the women of the +place, discovered in an aperture of the chimney a reed pipe, which +excited his curiosity and suspicion. + +Hearing of the matter, Sir Bromley followed the clew thus given him, +and behind the wall, in a secret chamber, came upon Garnet and his +companion, Oldcorne, who, since the coming of the authorities, had +been fed through the reed with broths and warm drinks. + +Taken to London, the Superior of the Jesuits was treated kindly. Many +examinations were given him, nor was torture resorted to in his case, +though Oldcorne was put to the rack. Through all Garnet divulged +nothing, and there had been some likelihood of escape, for the King +was kindly disposed, had not a trick resorted to by the government +resulted in his undoing. Allowed to hold communication with the +unfortunate Oldcorne, a watch was stationed behind the wall of the +cell, and such conversation as passed between the churchmen was taken +down. The facts thus revealed hurried Garnet to his doom. + +His trial was held late in March, and although he defended himself +ably, the evidence of his having been a party to treason was +conclusive. Through all he maintained that, though cognizant of the +design to blow up the House of Parliament, he had taken no active part +with the conspirators. Holding that the secret had come to him through +sacramental confession, he affirmed that, by his faith, he was bound +to disclose nothing concerning it. The trial ended with the sentence +that he follow in the footsteps of Fawkes, Winter and those others who +had met death upon the scaffold. Even then, the King, loth to see +executed so famous a prelate, stayed for a time the hand of the +axeman. 'Twas not till the third day of May, three months after the +death of his former companions, that Garnet died--the last of those +unfortunate men who sought to gain their ends by violence. + + + THE END. + + + + + TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES + + +1. Few quotes are opened with marks but are not closed and vice-versa. +Obvious errors have been silently closed, while those requiring +interpretation have been left as such. + +2. The following misprints have been corrected: + + "Fawke's" corrected to "Fawkes'" (page 73) + "reovered" corrected to "recovered" (page 106) + "exlaims" corrected to "exclaims" (page 108) + "'tis" capitalized to "'Tis" (page 154) + "readinesss" corrected to "readiness" (page 215) + +3. Other than the corrections listed above, printer's inconsistencies +in spelling, punctuation, and hyphenation have been retained. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fifth of November, by +Charles S. Bentley and F. Kimball Scribner + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30490 *** diff --git a/30490-h.zip b/30490-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..151bbbd --- /dev/null +++ b/30490-h.zip diff --git a/30490-h/30490-h.htm b/30490-h/30490-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..456f0a4 --- /dev/null +++ b/30490-h/30490-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7375 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Fifth of November, by Charles S. Bentley and F. Kimball Scribner. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .poem {margin-left:20%; margin-right:20%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i20 {display: block; margin-left: 20em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30490 ***</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60%;"> +<img src="images/p001.jpg" width="100%" alt="THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER" title="THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER" /> +<span class="caption">THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER<br /> +CHARLES S BENTLEY AND F KIMBALL SCRIBNER</span> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h1>The Fifth of November</h1> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h1>The Fifth of November<br /><br /> +<i>A Romance of the Stuarts</i></h1> + +<h2>By<br /> +Charles S. Bentley and<br /> +F. Kimball Scribner</h2> + +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">"No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets,</span><br /> +<span class="i2">But as truly loves on to the close</span><br /> +<span class="i0">As the sunflower turns on her god, when he sets,</span><br /> +<span class="i2">The same look which she turn'd when he rose"</span><br /> +<span class="i20">—Thomas Moore.</span><br /> +</div> + +<h4><small>Chicago and New York:</small><br /> +Rand, McNally & Company,<br /> +<small>Publishers.</small></h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h4> +Copyright, 1898, by Rand, McNally & Co.<br /> +</h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of Contents"> +<tr> + <td align="right"><small>CHAPTER</small></td> + <td> </td> + <td align="right"><small>PAGE</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">I.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">What Befell at the Sign of the Leopard.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">II.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">In the Shadow of St. Paul.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">III.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Home-Coming of Guido Fawkes.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">IV.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Superior of the Jesuits.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">V.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Why Master Fawkes was Summoned to England.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">VI.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">"The Wisest Fool in Christendom."</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">VII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Viscount Effingston.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">VIII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">In the Garden of the Gentleman-Pensioner.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">IX.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Garnet and the King.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">X.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Forging of the Thunderbolt.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">XI.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Way of the World.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">XII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">What the Moon Saw.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">XIII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">At the Sign of the Leopard.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">XIV.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">In the Shadow of the Cross.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_130">130</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">XV.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">"Thou Shalt Not Kill."</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">XVI.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Monteagle and Salisbury.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">XVII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Sowing the Wind.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">XVIII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Cellar.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">XIX.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Note of Warning.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_178">178</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">XX.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">On the Stroke of Eleven.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_184">184</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">XXI.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Fifth of November.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">XXII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Fawkes Before the King.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">XXIII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Banquet.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">XXIV.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">"In the King's Name."</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">XXV.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Reaping the Whirlwind.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>AUTHOR'S NOTE.</h2> + + +<p>It has not been the intention of the authors of "The Fifth of +November" to write an historical novel, though, throughout the story, +they have endeavored to follow as closely as was consistent with the +plot in hand, the historical facts collected by the various writers +who have made the nature and workings of the "Gunpowder Plot" a +special study. With one or two exceptions, the characters in the +present romance have been borrowed from history, and, save in Chapters +XXI and XXII, the lines of the story have followed those traced by the +hand of the historian.</p> + +<p>In presenting to the public this "Romance of the Stuarts," +indebtedness is acknowledged by the writers to Professor S. R. +Gardiner's "What the Gunpowder Plot Was," and also to the history of +England as set forth by Knight, Hume, Froude and Ridpath.</p> + +<p style='text-align:right;'>THE AUTHORS.</p> + +<p> New York, February, 1898.</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> +<h1>THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.</h1> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h2>WHAT BEFELL AT "THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD."</h2> + + +<p>Snow had fallen through the day, and as night approached all objects +were covered with a mantle of white. The noises incident to the life +of a great city had long since become muffled and indistinct. The +footfalls of those who traversed the streets could no longer be heard; +and the only sounds which now and again broke the silence, were the +voices of my lord's link-men, who, in goodly number, fully armed, +carrying flaming torches whose lurid dancing light shone through the +blinding snow, appeared at a distance to be a party of ancient saints +come forth from their tombs to indulge in a ghostly frolic under cover +of the night. The voices of the men, falling upon the snow-laden air, +sounded dull and echo-less as they heralded the approach of a chair to +some sharp turn or gateway. An armed escort in those days was no mark +of royalty or distinction, for it was not well or safe for men to +travel the streets alone after nightfall, as many a sinister face and +cloaked form lurked hid in the shadow of secluded corners and dark +by-ways, awaiting opportunity to cut the purse, or the throat, as need +be, of the solitary wayfarer.</p> + +<p>Numbers were no guarantee of escaping unmolested;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> for of late the +rogues had become so bold that it was a common thing for a party of +gentlemen to be attacked successfully, as the ruffians mustered in +their ranks many soldiers of fortune who had served in Flanders, +France and Spain, and were well versed in the play of both sword and +dagger. These acts of robbery and murder were confined to no one +locality, but the vagabonds who perpetrated the deeds had haunts and +places of common rendezvous, and as night fell, these dens poured +forth upon the town their murder-bent crews.</p> + +<p>In one of the most narrow and crooked of streets, often lost amid the +winding of greater thoroughfares, and safely hidden from the watchful +eyes of the King's soldiers, was situated a tavern, patronized for the +most part by those who replenished their purses when low, by running +some belated traveler through the back, and taking what money he had. +This tavern was famous among its patrons for its mulled ale, the like +of which, they swore could not be found in all London. To those who +had not partaken of this famous beverage, and knew not the inn by +reputation, its business was made known by a swinging sign, upon +which, very indifferently executed, was the figure of a leopard, and, +further, as if the artist had not sufficient confidence in his powers +of portrayal, he had printed in large and uncertain letters, "At the +sign of the Leopard may be found all manner of goodly cheer and +comfort." Below this evidence of what might be found within, a small +and narrow doorway gave entrance to the hostelry. Inside, a larger +room than the outer aspect of the place indicated, awaited the guest. +A low ceiling, blackened by age, and hung with numberless spider webs, +whose weavers had long since fled—driven thence by the clouds of +tobacco smoke puffed from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> the lips of many a sturdy knave who nightly +helped to fill the place. The walls of the room being paneled in some +dark wood to an unusual height, the three windows, which furnished +more air than light, were well up toward the ceiling. The sides of +this chamber were decorated with rows of pewter pots and flagons of +various shapes and sizes. The furniture consisted of half a dozen +rough tables and high-backed benches ranged about the sides. The floor +was freshly sanded, but rough in many places from the prominence of +knots, the softer wood being worn from around them by the shuffling of +numberless pairs of boots. An uncertain light proceeded from several +large candles standing in brass candlesticks, but most of the +illumination was due to a fire which burned briskly in a large stone +fireplace at the extreme end of the room, and gave to all an aspect of +warmth and good cheer.</p> + +<p>Standing in front of the blaze was the host of the establishment, +attired in the costume of his time,—a loose jacket, linen breeches +and green apron. He was eyeing with a look of no small displeasure +three men seated at one of the tables, two of whom, by their actions, +seemed to have partaken a little too freely of the Leopard's special +beverage. They wore the dress of a class, which, by their manner, was +one of no great elevation. Long, soft, wide-brimmed hats adorned their +heads, while tight-fitting jerkins of very much soiled leather covered +their bodies. Trunks and tights of some faded material, and boots with +deep falling tops, completed their costume, unless there should be +added the two long bellguard rapiers lying upon the table, and to +which, from appearances, the gentlemen in question owed their +livelihood. The man seated opposite was thick-set and slightly under<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> +medium height; instead of the leather jerkin worn by them, his body +was incased in a steel cuirass or breastplate, which, judging from +the numerous dents thereon, had turned the force of many a savage +thrust and blow. The face of the man was one which had long been +exposed to both sun and storm, and even pestilence had not spared it, +for in many places the disfiguring finger of smallpox had left its +mark. His beard was worn in the style favored by the soldiers of the +Spanish, rather than the English army, for it was pointed and +surmounted by a long, black and up-curling moustache, which added +fierceness to an already not too kindly countenance. His sword, a long +point and blade rapier of Italian pattern, still hung by his side, as +if even when surrounded by this good cheer, he, from habit born of +many a hard campaign, still clung to it.</p> + +<p>"What, ho, John Tapster;" exclaimed he of the steel cuirass, banging +lustily on the table with the pummel of his sword, "another six-hooped +pot of thy best mulled ale, for the sour and remorseful wine of Spain +which I have drunk, ill befits my stomach."</p> + +<p>The landlord advanced reluctantly to comply, with an air which plainly +showed he was divided in his mind between the doubt of a settlement to +an already long unpaid score, and the fear of personal violence did he +refuse the man his request. The love of a whole skin, however, +triumphed, for after filling the pot with ale and plunging the mulling +iron into it, which he had drawn from the fire, he set the desired +drink before his guest.</p> + +<p>"By Sir Bacchus!" said the stranger, after taking a deep draught, +"'tis the only fitting liquid to put into one's body, if he wishes to +strike a stout blow for the King." Then, as he finished the pot, "It +seemeth well to drown<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> the clinging dust of Spain within one's throat, +in merry English ale."</p> + +<p>The landlord did not venture to reply to these offers of conversation; +he seemed loath to enter into friendly talk, when in all probability +he soon would be embroiled with the man in a dispute, if not in an +issue of more serious nature. However, the other, nothing daunted, and +gazing on his two companions, whom he discovered wrapped in drunken +slumber, snoring roundly, prodded them both with the scabbard of his +sword, which action eliciting from them nothing but a grunt, and being +desirous of further conversation, he again turned to him of the green +apron who had resumed his watchful scrutiny from before the fire, and +continued:</p> + +<p>"Thou seemest but sparing of thy speech, Sir Host. Judge a man not +always by the company he keeps; these drunken knaves whose silly pates +would have been turned with milk of the morning's drawing, are no +comrades of mine; 'tis only a mere chance friendship. I was not over +particular in my pick of friends, being lately landed, and but too +glad to take up with the first varlets speaking my own sweet English; +after many months of naught but jabbering Spanish sounding in my ears +'twas well and pleasing to hear once more the brave tongue in which my +first aves were taught unto me."</p> + +<p>"Aves have not, I trow, over-troubled thee," answered the landlord in +not too jovial a tone.</p> + +<p>"Nay, nay, friend; be not quick to judge by weight of purse or hilt of +sword, for a man with not over much money in his gipsire may still +have that about him which would recommend him more."</p> + +<p>"And what, pray, might that be?" inquired the other;—"a handsome face +and ready tongue? They are goodly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> coin to win the heart of some fair +maid, but naught of cakes and ale they'll buy thee when thy belly's +empty."</p> + +<p>"Nay, I will offer neither, for I have none of them. The first was but +rudely handled some thirty years ago by plague, at Havre; the second's +had but small practice, and its tone was spoiled by breathing the damp +winds of the Flemish marshes. I leave such graces to the stay-at-homes +who twist a tap—but, a truce to this witty talk, for it makes but ill +friends, and I would ask of thee a favor, which will cost naught but +civility, that is cheap and in the end may gain thee much." So saying, +he put his hand into a small bag which hung at his side, drawing +therefrom a very much soiled and crumpled paper, and advancing with it +toward the host, continued: "I am but illy versed in such priestly +craft; the meaning I can understand, but its full intent may have +missed my stupid eyes. Canst thou decipher it for me, Sir Host?"</p> + +<p>This direct appeal to his learning softened to some extent him of the +spigot, whose curiosity as well as pride was aroused, for the man +addressing him, judging from his speech, was a little above the usual +class who frequented the tavern. Reaching for a candle which stood +upon the mantel, that he might better see, and taking the letter with +grudging fingers, said in a slightly more gracious tone after a +moment's scrutiny, "It ill pleases me, that monkish writing, but print +such as honest John Caxton did manufacture, I can decipher right +readily." Then with knitted brow, during which the other man remained +standing, looking over his shoulder in an expectant attitude, he +continued: "For truth, I could at first but illy make it out; I have +it now." Then read from the paper:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>"'To Guido Fawkes: In the Army of His Majesty, Philip of Spain: I doubt +not that thou rememberest my promise, made some time since, which I +have now the pleasurable opportunity to fulfill. Much it pleaseth me +to offer thee a place, the duties of which will keep thee near thy +daughter, and, moreover, the reward of such being not below the merit +of him who, by my knowledge, most honestly gained it, and is well +worthy. If it suit thee to accept the charge I have to offer, the +naming of which I shall defer until we meet, detach thyself from thy +present occupation, repair to London with all likely haste, and seek +me at my house when soon arrived.</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left:2em;">"'(Signed)</span><span style="margin-left:18em;"><span class="smcap">Sir Thomas Winter</span>.'"</span></p> +</div> + +<p>"Beshrew my heart, but thou art a ripe scholar, landlord, and much I +marvel to see one with such goodly learning wasting time on knaves +like these," cried the man, pointing to his companions at the table; +"and pray," he continued, "since myself hath been introduced in name, +I would know thine also, so I might thank thee the heartier."</p> + +<p>"Giles Martin, for want of better," replied the host, "and dost thou +know this Sir Thomas Winter?" he inquired after a moment, still +looking at the note in his hand.</p> + +<p>"Aye, and for a right brave gentleman, who hath done me noble +service."</p> + +<p>"For one done unto himself, I take it, from the purport of the +letter?"</p> + +<p>"A small service, not worth the mentioning," replied Fawkes. "Once in +Spain, a gentleman—the self-same Sir Thomas, was sorely set upon by a +surly ruffian, who, in exchange for his purse, would have given him +Para<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>dise." Then with a deprecating wave of the hand, which he dropped +on the hilt of his rapier, "'twas but a weakly blow I turned, and +spitted the varlet with my good sword here. Zounds," he continued with +a voice full of enthusiasm, "for this petty act he did conduct my poor +motherless lass out of a country where, to the men, a pretty face is +as flint to powder, and brought her safe to London and her grandam."</p> + +<p>"You saved his life; 'twas a worthy object and a worthy deed," +exclaimed Martin heartily, who had been watching the speaker narrowly +during his narration.</p> + +<p>"Tut, tut; 'twas nothing; but I take it thou hast acquaintance with +him," said Fawkes, turning toward the other, with a manner which +denoted surprise at the landlord's outburst of appreciation, "and may +direct me unto his residence, for after many years' absence I am +lately come, and illy versed in London's streets which are as crooked +as a blade that hath lain long in the fire."</p> + +<p>"In truth, I do know where he lives," said Martin (then continued in a +lower tone as if speaking to himself) "and further, that he's in none +too good favor with the King. But as to his address: if thou wilt take +the dome on St. Paul's as thy guide, which thou canst most readily +see, proceed thither, and when reached, continue down the street +running toward the left, a few more steps will bring thee to a house +surrounded by an iron railing; it is the one thou seekest." He +hesitated a moment, then continued as if good judgment had been +overcome by enthusiasm—"and when thou dost behold Sir Thomas, make +mention that Giles Martin (say naught of my present calling, for he +knows me not by that) sends his duty, and would again at his elbow cry +in the self-same voice, 'An Essex, An Essex!' Perchance," Martin +added, sud<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>denly breaking off, fearing he had been incautious before a +stranger in connecting his name with an incident which had brought but +little honor with it, "that is why I am now doing this," taking a +soiled tankard from the table and wiping it on his apron.</p> + +<p>"Gladly will I be the bearer of thy message, but as thou hast said, +why does Sir Winter stand in ill repute?"</p> + +<p>"It may be," answered Martin, turning his gaze upon the two men at the +table, then setting down the tankard, "that he hath a quick temper and +a ready tongue, swift steeds in our time to pull a man's head upon the +block," and advancing toward the other concluded in a low voice full +of emotion, "mayhap memory doth hold up a mirror to his eye, in which +is reflected Mary's dripping head, chopped for her faith."</p> + +<p>"Verily," cried Fawkes, in a loud tone characteristic of one not +afraid of voicing opinions that lay near his heart, "would that good +King James might look into the glass thou dost mention and see the +promises of his youth, for naught of promise or his mother's head +methinks——"</p> + +<p>"Hist," whispered Martin, breaking in and laying his hand upon the +speaker, "a truce to such treason talk; naught has it done but brought +me to an ill-famed pot-house," he concluded in a thoughtful voice.</p> + +<p>"Well, well, none of thy story will I ask; but in Spain they do illy +treat a heretic," Fawkes continued, looking significantly at the fire, +and pointing toward it with his outstretched arm; "a truce, as thou +sayest, for I must no longer tarry. Saint Paul's bell is on the stroke +of ten, and I would see Sir Winter, and (in a softer voice) my lass, +to-night; for honestly, I am more than anxious to see her pretty face; +first I must bid yon knaves good<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>-bye." So saying he endeavored to +rouse the companions of his cups. Not being able however to bring them +to any degree of consciousness, he discontinued his exertions, and +turning toward the landlord, who had been watching his efforts, said, +laughingly: "'tis but little harm they'll do in sleep, and I trow +they are none too good when in their seven senses, so I will leave +them thus; but take thou from this the reckoning of us all, for naught +of gold they have, I swear"—handing the other a purse, which, after +extracting a sovereign, Martin returned to its owner.</p> + +<p>"'Tis but a sorry night in which to travel," remarked the host, +pocketing the money and proceeding to rake the fire, while his guest +wrapped about himself a long, thick cloak which had hung over the back +of a bench.</p> + +<p>"Aye, 'tis cold, and steel draws unto itself the frost," responded +Fawkes, as he finished his preparations for departure. "And now, Sir +Host," he continued, extending his hand, "farewell, but soon, when I +am once more to rights, it will do me pleasure to quaff a flagon in +thy honest company, for such is a man who knoweth Sir Thomas Winter, +and," he continued, drawing closer to the other, "is no prating +Protestant in these times when he who would seek a favor or gain a +title must blow out the candles on his altar, and break its images. +Start not at my words, for by thy very speech thou art no heretic, and +I do love thee the better for it. But see," he continued as he opened +the door, "the night is already mended, the snow hath ceased, the moon +shows bright, and by my troth, there is my guide," and he pointed to +the distant dome of St. Paul, on which a huge cross glistened in the +moonlight.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h2>IN THE SHADOW OF ST. PAUL.</h2> + + +<p>In the heart of London, a musket shot distance from the great dome of +St. Paul, stood a dwelling of no mean pretension occupied by one +Thomas Percy, Gentleman-Pensioner, a man of goodly parts, blood +relative of the Earl of Northumberland and well known as a Catholic, +though, by reason of his office, there attached to him scant suspicion +in the minds of the King's ministers that his faith overlapped his +loyalty.</p> + +<p>On the same night which witnessed the appearance of Guido Fawkes and +his drunken companions at the "Sign of the Leopard," there were +gathered together, in an upper chamber of Percy's dwelling, four +gentlemen. The house was an official structure given over as a meeting +place for certain of the King's commissioners, the room wherein they +sat being well adapted for the discussion of such matters as it seemed +inexpedient to let reach the ears of those whose business called them +not within the council chamber.</p> + +<p>A snow storm made the night exceeding chilly, so three of those who +came to partake of the hospitality of the Pensioner had provided +themselves with ample cloaks, which, closely wrapped about their +persons, and covering the lower portions of their faces, precluded +recognition, were any, by chance, to accost the wearer on the King's +highway. Although few were abroad on account of the extreme cold, and +those few would not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> have marveled that a gentleman should be closely +muffled even as a secret assassin, or highwayman, or noticed that the +three went not together to the outer door of the house, still each +came separately, knocking thrice upon the panel, whereupon Sir Percy +himself opened to him, that he might enter quickly.</p> + +<p>Being safe within, and the room warmed by great logs which sputtered +in the open fireplace, the three laid aside their cloaks, and sat +uncovered in the presence of their host, who, the better to discourse +with each, occupied a place at the head of the long table about which +were wont to sit the commissioners of the King.</p> + +<p>That the little gathering was not composed of churchmen, or learned +doctors of the day, might have been easily guessed by their +youthfulness and dress. Scarce past five and thirty, with clear cut +features, well knit frames, dignity of carriage, apparel of the higher +class, and the court rapier then in vogue, hanging at the side of +each, designated them as gentlemen.</p> + +<p>Having drained with nervous haste a goblet of wine which stood before +him, he who was the Pensioner turned with a frowning brow to his +companions:</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen!" said he, half rising from his seat, "shall we always talk +and never do anything?"</p> + +<p>This appeal uttered in an impatient voice moved each of his guests in +a manner strikingly dissimilar. One on the right sitting with back to +the door, turned uneasily as though fearing that the portal stood +open, and that, on the threshold, might appear a stranger, or +perchance the King's officer. Another, clad in a suit of gray velvet, +drummed nervously upon the table, while the third, who seemed to be +the eldest of the four, frowned darkly. To him the host turned +impatiently.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried he, "my words have struck you illy, my Lord Catesby, that +you frown so ominously!"</p> + +<p>"Nay, Percy!" replied the other, the shadow of a smile playing about +the corners of his mouth. "Thy words but recalled me to my duty. As +thou sayest, we have spoken much, and I did but consider that talking +would scarce pull from the throne——"</p> + +<p>He who was attired in the gray velvet started. "Not so plainly; not so +openly, my good Catesby!" he interrupted, "or as my name be Jack +Wright, I——"</p> + +<p>The language of his companion aroused the dormant energies and spirit +of Catesby.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" cried he, bringing his clenched hand down upon the table, +"methinks the adventure with my Lord of Essex hath left thy stomach +but poorly fitted for so tough a morsel as the undoing of the 'Wisest +Fool in Christendom.' Even Sir Digsby, who but now turned trembling +toward the doorway, hath more spirit for the undertaking. Hath not +Percy touched the keynote of our ill condition? What matters it that +we writhe under the despotism of James Stuart? Wherefore are the penal +laws renewed? Why hath England driven from her shores those who would +serve us in our churches? Where is our Mass, our altars and the images +of Holy Mother Church? Would we call on France, Spain and the Holy +Father to sweep from the land this band of heretics who fear not God, +nor respect the faith of five centuries of English kings? I tell thee, +Sir John Wright, friend and fellow churchman though thou art, that +'tis to us—to all the Catholics in England—that the world looks for +action. Will France act while we are idle? Thinkest thou Spain hath so +soon forgotten the Armada, that she will consent to aid while we +remain under cover? 'Tis<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> for us to open a way whereby may enter those +who stand without, seeking our deliverance. Words beyond count, like +the drops of the ocean, have been uttered since James came to the +throne, yet are we free? 'Tis not words, I tell thee, but action, +swift, sharp and merciless, that will put down our enemies. Fearest +thou the block? Did Essex, did Moore, a hundred others whose faith was +their life, fear the headsman? Good Percy hath brought us to our +senses and surely thou must see the truth of it."</p> + +<p>Having thus delivered himself Catesby sank into his seat, his face +white from the intensity of the fire which burned within him. His +companions remained silent, so great was their astonishment at the +openly expressed earnestness of Catesby. Percy was the first to regain +speech.</p> + +<p>"It ill becomes us," said he, "that a quarrel should arise in a +company gathered for the discussion of so weighty a matter. Yet the +words of Sir Robert Catesby are well balanced, and the time draws nigh +when this same James Stuart shall know that there yet remain good +Catholics in England. Sir Thomas Winter——"</p> + +<p>"Ah! Sir Thomas Winter!" broke in Digsby, "the hour is long past and +he is yet absent."</p> + +<p>"There be some good reason," said Wright quickly. "Sir Thomas is too +good a Catholic, too earnest in the undertaking which will yet free us +from the heretic, to absent himself willingly. And," turning to +Catesby with hand extended, "I thank thee that thou hast thus spoken +so boldly; would there were more like thee to arouse the Catholics of +our country."</p> + +<p>The frown passed as a cloud from the brow of the elder conspirator.</p> + +<p>"Forgive me!" cried he, "if my words bore too much of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> the flame of +impatience and too little of that unity which should ever be between +us. As to Sir Winter, fear nothing; even now, I warrant he is on his +way hither, having perhaps been delayed by some slight adventure, for +the times are troublous and after nightfall a gentleman may not walk +with perfect safety through the streets of London."</p> + +<p>As though in answer to this confidence, the speaker had scarcely +finished, when there sounded through the house three muffled raps, and +Percy, uttering an exclamation, hastily left the room.</p> + +<p>"It may, indeed, be Winter," said Digsby, "or, perchance, Rookwood, +although he made known to me but yesterday, that certain business +demanded his presence in the country."</p> + +<p>The sound of the opening and closing of the street door precluded a +reply. There was a clatter of feet upon the stairs, and into the room +came Percy, followed by two men whose forms and features were +concealed by their huge cloaks.</p> + +<p>The three at the table arose hurriedly, each with hand upon the hilt +of his sword, but the words of one of the new comers changed their +look of alarm into one of welcome.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" cried he who pressed close behind Percy, "wherefore would you +be so ready to draw blades at the coming of a comrade? Come! Sir +Robert Catesby, and thou Wright, and Digsby, seest not that the cold +hath well nigh overcome me? Wine, therefore, wine, that we may pledge +each other in our venture."</p> + +<p>So saying, Sir Thomas Winter cast aside his cloak, revealing a figure +clad in doublet and hosen of somber<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> brown, offset by slashes of +cardinal, and the gilt of the sword belt which girded his hips.</p> + +<p>"Welcome!" cried the others, crowding about him, "thou art, in truth, +doubly welcome, as thy coming is so long after the appointed hour."</p> + +<p>Endeavoring to get a better view of him who closely followed Winter, +Catesby made a gesture of interrogation.</p> + +<p>Sir Thomas laughed softly. "Ah! Good Catesby!" said he, "thou wert +ever of a most careful nature. Know, then, that yonder cavalier is, in +truth, one of whom I have so often spoken, Guido Fawkes; an old +comrade of the wars, and whom I have brought hither that I might +introduce him to so good a company, a cheerful fire and a goblet of +Sir Percy's stoutest wine."</p> + +<p>At the name of Fawkes, pronounced by Winter with an intonation which +would have puzzled any one not familiar with certain matters known +only to a few in England, Catesby, Wright and Digsby cast searching +glances at the new comer, as though seeking to read in the impassive +features of the soldier of fortune some riddle which heretofore had +puzzled them. As to Fawkes, not deigning to notice the evident +curiosity with which the three gentlemen greeted him, he allowed his +cloak to fall upon the floor, walked to the fireplace, and stood with +back to the blaze, his eyes fixed upon the face of Winter.</p> + +<p>"Come!" said that personage, accepting the goblet which Percy tendered +and passing it to Fawkes, "you are surprised that I appear among you +with Master Guy at my heels. It was, indeed, a happy venture that +threw us together."</p> + +<p>"Happy, forsooth," replied Wright, "but yesterday thou didst tell us +that this same bold captain was even<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> now in Spain, though thou hadst +summoned him hither."</p> + +<p>"And so I thought him," said Winter, "fighting among the Dons that the +gold pieces might jingle more merrily in his wallet. Yet he is here, +and to-morrow at my own house we will confer together. What sayest +thou, friend Guido?"</p> + +<p>"Faith!" replied Fawkes, setting down the goblet which he had drained +to the bottom, "'twas for that same purpose I came to London, also to +see once more my daughter."</p> + +<p>"That thou shalt," broke in Winter heartily, "and a better favored +wench can scarce be found in all the kingdom."</p> + +<p>Percy and Catesby exchanged glances. Winter continued:</p> + +<p>"But first, perchance, 'twould be to the liking of the company that +I make known the manner of so unexpected a meeting, when, thinking +Friend Guido basked beneath the skies of Spain, I fell across him 'mid +the snows of London."</p> + +<p>"'Twas of little import," spake Fawkes gruffly; "a cast of fortune, +the simple drawing of a blade, such as once befell when thou didst +serve in Spain."</p> + +<p>"As to that," replied Sir Winter, "these gentlemen can judge when they +hear concerning it. 'Tis true, that had this same bold cavalier +remained in Castile, Thomas Winter were now ready for burial."</p> + +<p>"Then," cried Percy, "thou art doubly welcome, Master Fawkes, as +perchance thou shalt learn presently."</p> + +<p>Having refilled the goblets Winter seated himself before the fire.</p> + +<p>"I was delayed some two hours by certain matters within my own +dwelling," began he, "and it was with exceed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>ing impatience that I +hastened hither, not following the most public highways, but seeking a +shorter passage through unfrequented alleys, in order to join you the +sooner.</p> + +<p>"Methinks I had gone some two thousand paces, my face muffled and +sword ready to hand, when suddenly there sprang upon me from the +shadow of a doorway, two ruffians, who, making short shift of +courtesy, demanded my purse and such valuables as were upon my person. +Having slight desire for so rude a giving, I did straightway put my +back against a wall, and with drawn blade contended against the two. +They, being persons of fixed purpose, and withal, excellent swordsmen, +had near ended the matter by thrusting me through, when most +opportunely came a third man who, perceiving two against one, thrust +the larger of the ruffians through the back, and would have done +likewise with the other, but the fellow took to his heels and ran as +though the devil pursued him.</p> + +<p>"The adventure was quickly over, and my rescuer coolly wiping his +blade upon the cloak of the dead robber did swear roundly in Spanish, +for that his amusement had been of so short duration.</p> + +<p>"'Faith!' growled he looking up at me, ''tis not thus they fight in +Spain; yet, having perchance rendered thee some slight service, canst +thou, good sir, direct me to a certain dwelling, hard by St. Paul's, +wherein may be found one Sir Thomas Winter, to seek whom I have come +to London?'</p> + +<p>"Much amazed at his words I scanned him closely, for his voice had a +familiar ring in my memory.</p> + +<p>"'Zounds!' cried he, noting that I sought to read his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> features, +'wherefore dost thou look so hard upon me? Hath the air of Spain——'</p> + +<p>"'Fawkes!' cried I, seizing him by the shoulders, ''tis truly my +friend Guido!'</p> + +<p>"'Ah!' said he gruffly, 'then thou knowest me?'</p> + +<p>"'And why not?' I replied, 'having sent for thee.'</p> + +<p>"At this his astonishment was great, yet was he pleased that he had +come upon me so handily. He had, he told me, but just arrived in +London, having come hither to obtain service under me, and to see once +more his daughter."</p> + +<p>"And," said Fawkes, Winter having finished, "having so quickly found +one, I would seek the other. Blood is thicker than water, and I +warrant me the lass is much improved both in stature and knowledge. +'Tis now close upon the morning, good gentlemen, therefore I pray +thee, Sir Winter, direct me whither I shall go, being in sore haste to +find her."</p> + +<p>Winter drew Catesby aside, whereupon a whispered consultation +followed, the drift of which was evidently known to Percy, Wright and +Digsby, though Fawkes wondered somewhat at it. His impatience soon +showed itself.</p> + +<p>"Zounds!" cried he, striking with his clenched hand the hilt of his +rapier, "I am much beholden to thee, Sir Winter, and later—but now, I +pray thee, make haste, that I find my daughter."</p> + +<p>Catesby flushed angrily, for the words of the soldier of fortune +struck illy upon his haughty temper, and he would have replied, but +Winter pressed his arm.</p> + +<p>"Good Guido," said he, soothingly, "thy haste is most commendable. Go +then to thy daughter, and that thou mayest not miss the way, follow +closely the directions I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> shall give thee. Upon leaving Sir Percy's +door, turn thou to the left, going down the street which leads past +the gate of St. Paul's. Proceed five hundred paces, then turn about to +thy left, when thou wilt see before thee a narrow street, upon the +corner of which is situate a gabled dwelling, bearing upon its peak a +golden arrow. Count then two score doors from the corner, and upon the +three and fortieth, knock loudly; 'tis there thy daughter dwelleth."</p> + +<p>At Winter's words all signs of impatience vanished from the soldier's +manner.</p> + +<p>"By the keys of Peter!" cried he, "I am much beholden to thy lordship. +Having spoken with the lass, where may I find thee?"</p> + +<p>"Fear not," replied Winter, "for in the evening, about the hour of +nine, I will come for thee. Go thou, then, speedily."</p> + +<p>Fawkes made haste to snatch his cloak, and having wrapped it about +him, bowed to the company and, preceded by Percy, clattered down the +stairs.</p> + +<p>"Methinks he will serve us," muttered Winter; "yet, good Catesby, must +we deal gently with him, for, being of an exceeding rough nature, +'twill need but an ill-timed word to turn him into gunpowder."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h2>THE HOME-COMING OF GUIDO FAWKES.</h2> + + +<p>"By my hilt!" exclaimed Fawkes, as he closed the door of the council +chamber and wrapped his long cloak well about him, "'tis a merry night +I've had; first, in none too clean a pot-house; then a stout thrust +for good Sir Thomas,—'twas passing strange that I did once more stand +twixt him and glory; and, last of all, a stoup of good old wine in the +company of a most noble throng. Indeed, good Guido," he continued, as +musing to himself he walked along, "thou wert made, I marry, for +better things than cracking the knavish pates of yellow Dons; but +guard thy touchy temper well, for even to-night thou couldst but sadly +brook a small delay, and wouldst have answered my Lord Catesby's +haughty look with scant courtesy. I fear thy warlike nature would +poorly thrive upon a diet of quiet living. But these be times when the +dogs of war are ill leashed, and need small urging to slip their +fetters and bark and bite anew. I question much what the morrow holds, +and would that Sir Thomas had made some mention of my employ.</p> + +<p>"By St. George," he added after a moment, slackening his pace as if a +sudden thought occurred to him, "they did seem but poorly pleased to +see a strange face standing in their door, until Sir Walter stood +sponsor for the same. Aye, and what names had these noble +gentlemen—Catesby, Wright, Digsby, Percy! All good Catholics," he +continued, a cunning smile twitching the corners of his mouth. "And, +who is King? Why, James Stuart, to be sure, a most bigoted Protestant! +What was it that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> Master Martin said about Mary's dripping head? Well, +well, friend Guido, thy good sword may not be red with rust alone; +wait but a little while, and thy employment may be most pleasing to +thy taste, and thy conscience, also." Then he drew his cloak more +closely about him and quickly proceeded on his way.</p> + +<p>At last, following the direction given him by Winter, Fawkes arrived +before a small, neat house, situated in the outskirts of the city; +stopping in front to make sure it was the one for which he was in +quest, he proceeded up the steps and knocked thrice. No answer +followed his summons, and after several moments of waiting, which were +consumed in the stamping of feet and walking up and down, for it was +bitterly cold in the frosty air, he again repeated the announcement of +his presence to those within, this time with better result. The sound +of a casement opening, caused him to look up, and he beheld the +wrinkled visage of an old woman, who, with blinking red-rimmed eyes, +and night-cap on her head, stood regarding him with an air of evident +disfavor, for presently she cried in a shrill, toothless voice, "Get +thee gone, thou beggar, I have naught for thee." "By my soul, good +mother," answered the man, laughing heartily, "thy welcome doth match +the morning air in warmth. Dost not know thy son Guy?"</p> + +<p>"By the blessed Virgin!" exclaimed she, in half-frightened tones, +evidently engendered by a most wholesome respect for her son, "wait +but a trice until the door be unbarred." Saying which, she hastily +withdrew her head and closed the window. Immediately after, the shrill +tones of her voice were heard within the house, crying: "Mistress +Elinor! Mistress Elinor! hurry down and let thy sire in, for he stands +without!" A moment of silence,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> followed by the drawing of bolts, and +suddenly the door was thrown open, disclosing the figure of a girl, +who, with outstretched arms, exclaimed: "My father!"</p> + +<p>Standing bathed in the rosy light of coming day, she was in high +contrast to the rough, weather-beaten man, who quickly clasped her to +his breast. The pale and lightly tinted olive complexion, which showed +descent from some far-off Castilian ancestor, harmonized well with the +dainty but clear cut features. A shapely head, surrounded by a wealth +of dark and glossy hair, carried downward from the temples and +gathered into a knot behind, so as to completely cover the fragile +ears, formed a fitting frame for eyes of the darkest violet, which, as +they gazed up into his, showed the fondest love. A soft gray gown, +half closed at the throat and fastened about the waist by a silver +girdle, completed the attire of a slender but perfect figure, thrown +into bold outline by her attitude.</p> + +<p>"Forsooth," exclaimed Fawkes, as soon as he could speak for her +caresses, "methinks thou at least art glad to see thy old father once +again." Then, as he held her at arm's length, that he might better +gaze upon the face, "indeed, thou art changed; 'tis the promise of the +bud fulfilled in the blossoming flower. But let us in, for the cold +air ill becomes me after the warming sun of Spain, and frost but +roughly handles such tender plants as thou art."</p> + +<p>"Nay, nay!" exclaimed she, closing the door and throwing her arms +about him, "thy tender plant is naught but a sprig of hardy ivy, which +hath needed these many months the sturdy oak on which to cling." Then, +with a little shiver, and a laugh, as her warm body rested against the +cold steel of his breastplate, "thou dost give thy ivy but a chilly +hold, Sir Oak."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ah," said Fawkes, looking at her; "thou wert always the same dainty +puss, but I trow this cold cuirass hath been warm enough even for thy +nestling, as down it hath gushed the warm blood of many a valiant foe +killed in close conflict. But enough of battles now, my pretty, for +home once more am I, and not sorry to let such bloody deeds rest." +Unfastening his cloak, sword and breastplate, he threw himself into a +chair before the fire which burned brightly on the hearth.</p> + +<p>"But where's thy good grandam?" queried he, "must she tarry to put on +silks and satins in which to bid her son a welcome?"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied the girl with a laugh, kneeling at his side; "she, poor +soul, was but half awake; for these cold days illy suit her bones, and +she doth lie long in bed."</p> + +<p>"And thou," said the man, taking her head between his hands, "art up +like a lark, to bid thy father welcome. Didst expect my return?"</p> + +<p>"Sir Winter made mention of thy coming, but set no special day for thy +arrival," answered the girl, a shadow passing over her face as she +looked into the blaze.</p> + +<p>"And did he say for what I was to come?" inquired Fawkes, evidently +anxious to set his mind at rest upon that subject.</p> + +<p>"That he did not," she replied, still gazing abstractedly at the fire, +"but simply said that if thou camest to England he would give thee +service which would keep thee and me near to each other. And," +continued she, suddenly turning toward him and taking both his hands +in hers, "thou wilt not leave me again for so long a time; I have been +sore lonely and oft have felt the need of thy sturdy arm on which to +lean."</p> + +<p>"That I will not, my pretty dear," said Fawkes, draw<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>ing her closely +to him; "and thou didst really miss me, whom some do illy term a +pock-marked ruffian?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed, thou art no ruffian!" Elinor cried, her eyes ablaze in a +moment; "and if any one so dared to call thee, I'd——"</p> + +<p>"Well, well!" the father exclaimed, evidently surprised and looking +into the flushed face, "my sweet rose hath thorns as well as blushing +leaves, and would, I dare swear, strike a good blow for her sire's +name. By good Sir Cupid, but I do pity the one who doth try to balk +thy temper, little woman."</p> + +<p>"And soon will come a time when thou wilt have a brave gentleman to +pity," broke in a mumbling voice which made the two start and turn.</p> + +<p>The figure of an old woman, bent by age, with face resembling an +ill-fitting parchment mask placed upon a skull, advanced toward them.</p> + +<p>"By the blessed dead, mother!" said Fawkes, arising, "thou didst turn +my blood with thy prophetic voice; but hast thou not a blessing for +thy son?"</p> + +<p>"That I have, good Guido, and most glad am I to see thee back! I gave +thee a rude greeting from the window, for my eyes and ears have failed +of late, but I am not so blind that I cannot see two brave gentlemen +tied to my lady's girdle there," she cried, with a wheezy laugh, +pointing her trembling hand at the girl who stood with an arm drawn +through her father's.</p> + +<p>"What is this tale?" said Fawkes, with feigned sternness, turning +toward his daughter; "hath thy pretty ways been breaking hearts +already?" Then, as he observed the blushing face and downcast +eyes:—"There, there, my darling; all in good time. When thy heart +doth open of its own accord, thy father's ear will ever be a willing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> +listener. By Venus," he continued in a voice full of admiration, as he +gazed upon her fair figure, "I could not marvel or condemn if thou +hadst fifty gallants at thy little heels, and would but admire the +rogues the more for their excellent taste in beauty. But," he added, +evidently wishing to turn the conversation on noting her +embarrassment, "I have not broken bread for nigh onto fifteen hours; +after I have taken food I will listen to thy pretty tale, and tell +thee many a one such as thou once wert fond of. Dost remember how thou +didst, long ago, climb upon my knee, and tugging with thy baby hands +at my shaggy beard, beg for a story ere thy bedtime came?"</p> + +<p>"That I do," exclaimed the girl, all her embarrassment gone; "but +first I will set before thee what our larder affords."</p> + +<p>So saying, and aided by the old woman, she began preparations for the +morning meal. Having done ample justice to the repast quickly set +before him, and having lighted a long pipe from a coal without the +blaze, Fawkes again settled himself before the fire, and, after two or +three long puffs, turned toward Elinor, who was employed about the +room, and said:</p> + +<p>"Now, my pretty little housekeeper, thou hast done enough; sit thee +beside thy father. It is long since he hath known the pleasure of thy +sweet face and a blazing hearth, and the good grandam seems ill +company, for there she nods but a drowsy greeting," added he, pointing +with his pipe to the old woman, who had fallen asleep in a remote +corner of the chamber.</p> + +<p>"Dost thou remember the last time we sat so?" asked the girl, as she +came and knelt beside him, placing an arm upon his shoulder; "'twas +the night before I left for England; and, oh! it was a most sorry +time." Then fingering<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> the ends of her silver girdle and glancing at +the old woman, who was still asleep, she began in a hesitating voice:</p> + +<p>"Mayhap the speech of my good grandam might mislead thee into thinking +me but a sorry flirt. Therefore, I would make explanation, which is +most easy, and set thee right."</p> + +<p>"I thought naught of it, daughter, for I am much too well acquainted +with her mischief-working words, that are ever ready to brew a +trouble. If thou hast aught to say, however, and would feel better for +the telling, pray go on, and know an ever-loving heart awaits thy +speech," replied Fawkes, stroking her hair.</p> + +<p>"Then thou must know," she began abruptly, "that Sir Thomas Winter is +a frequent caller at this house, and, my father, how can I tell thee +for the very shame of it? He hath never spoken to that effect, but +there are many thoughts ne'er proclaimed by tongue which are most +loudly uttered by eye and hand, often, too, more truly eloquent are +they than those framed in simple words; and by this very language yet +outspoken, I know soon will come the day when there will be asked a +heart——" she broke off suddenly and buried her face in her +hands—"that is not now mine to give."</p> + +<p>"There, there, my pretty one, stop thy crying, for thine eyes were +made for smiles and not for grief. It is naught so bad; Sir Winter is +a fine gentleman and much we owe him. But thou art my daughter, and I, +a poor, rough soldier; it would be an ill-assorted match; in truth, I +believe that the lark should not pair with the golden finch, who would +soon tire of her sweet song, because she lacked the yellow feathers of +her mate. What, dost thou but cry the harder for my words? I have not, +I know, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> tender touch of a mother to dry thy tears, but a more +willing hand to comfort cannot be found." Then he added tenderly: "If +thou hast aught more to tell, open thy heart to me and I will play the +woman for a while."</p> + +<p>"Think not, then, from my tears," she suddenly exclaimed, lifting her +head and confronting her father with that spirit which is often hid in +a seemingly gentle nature, "that I am ashamed of him on whom my love +doth fall; or, rather, of him to whom my love doth mount, for he is as +far above me in worth, as I beneath him in station. But what hath +equality to do with it? Is it so—that love is only right between +those whose purses tip the scale alike? Nay, that would be a +sacrilege, for this mortal love of ours is the one thing which lifts +us from the earth. Doth God not love the most unworthy of his +creatures? Would it be just to say that salvation should be meted only +to those who are the Creator's equal? Who of us, then, would escape +the flame? Not so," she continued, her eyes ablaze with the intensity +of her emotion. "It is that very affection bestowed upon us by our God +that lifts us poor mortals into fellowship with him. Love knows no +laws of title, tithes or wealth, and by the very act of loving, the +peasant rightly seats himself beside the king. Ah, think not, dear +father," she cried, falling on her knees, "that I would lightly cast +aside a wish of thine. Dwell but upon the love that thou once felt, +and remember it is she, the reflection of that self-same love, who +seeks thy aid."</p> + +<p>There was silence, broken only by the sobs of the kneeling girl. +Fawkes regarded his daughter with an air of evident surprise, not +unmixed with anxiety in anticipation of what might follow; for every +action showed she was wrought up to the highest state of excitement<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> +and earnestness. After a moment he said in a quiet voice: "I trust +these hot words of thine are but the outcome of some foolish fancy, +which, like the silly scorpion, will kill itself with its own +violence. But thou hast not told me all; until I am fully advised, my +counsel can be but scant. What name hath he? What title doth he hold? +For by thy speech he must be noble?"</p> + +<p>"Herbert Effingston," replied the girl.</p> + +<p>"I know not that name," answered the other, after a moment's musing. +"And his title?"</p> + +<p>"Viscount Herbert Effingston, son of Lord Monteagle."</p> + +<p>"Thou hast indeed flown high," Fawkes cried, with a sudden outburst of +passion. "Because I love thee I would wish thee dead, aye, dead," he +continued, fiercely, raising himself from the chair, "rather than have +thee bear the hated name of Monteagle."</p> + +<p>"But thou knowest no evil of him," cried the girl, springing to her +feet. "He is good; he is true and noble; aye, and hear me, it was he +who saved my life—a life thou lovest. I know what thou wouldst say, +but the son is not holden for his father's sins; he is not——"</p> + +<p>"But he is of the brood," thundered Fawkes, now thoroughly aroused; +"the litter of the jackal will eat the holy dead left by its +sire—'tis in their nature. Monteagle!" he repeated with fine scorn. +"And marry, that would be a pretty name for thee to choose—a name +that hath done more to set aside our Holy Catholic Church than all the +fiends in hell. What I know is true," he exclaimed, seizing her by the +arm. "Hark to what I say to thee; even I have heard, for ill fame +flies with swallow's wings swiftly across the sea, and when I am done, +if thou still dost love, pray to the Madonna to stop the beating of a +heart that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> holds so unworthy a regard. Thou sayest the son saved thy +life—by what means I know not. Think you that doth make amends for +all the evil done by him and his? Enough of this, and listen," he +continued, mastering his anger and pacing up and down the room. +"Monteagle and his son, both Catholics, and until James Stuart reached +the throne, most valiant champions of their faith, have, since the +scepter reached the hands of that wise fool, endeavored by all the +foul means within their power, to defeat the efforts of their fellow +churchmen, which, as thou knowest—and all England as well—were +directed against those laws which meant the downfall of our church. +Did these hell hounds come boldly out and show a lusty fight—which +would, in a small degree, have recommended them? Nay, that is not the +nature of the serpent. They falsely affirm themselves most strong +adherents to the Pope, receive the confidences of the Papal Delegates, +and by treasonable use of this knowledge of their secret mission, +defeat them ere they strike a blow. Is it for truth that they are +against the faith? Not so; for the hypocrites do cross themselves and +bow before the Host. Is it for a principle that they act thus? Nay, +for they have none. What, then, is their object? It is to gain favor +with the King, and place themselves by underhanded, sneaking ways +where true merit ne'er could raise them. Ah, my daughter," he cried, +with a voice full of supplication, "I love thee much too well to cause +thy heart a single pang. Canst thou not see it all aright? And even if +for love of me thou wilt not pluck this passion from thy heart, then +do it for the love thou owest God."</p> + +<p>While her father had been speaking, the girl stood motionless, every +line on her face showing plainly the conflict raging within her +breast. Her eyes were dry, for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> there are griefs so deep and searing +that they, with their fiery tongues, do lick up the springing tears +before they can fall. It was not in her nature to love lightly; to her +passion meant more than a mere auxiliary to her existence; simply +making life brighter and happier; every action, deed or thought, +however trivial and far removed from him, by some subtle influence +like that which turns the magnetic needle toward the north, had been +turned to bear upon this love of hers. The accusations just uttered +concerning his traitorous actions with regard to her faith, influenced +her but little; for her attitude toward religion resembled that of +most of her kind; the pure feminine mind turns instinctively toward +that which they deem great and good, believing, as a rule,—shall we +say ignorantly?—in all which is said to issue from a source they +cannot comprehend, and which they fear for the mystery attached to it. +Man, by instinct, loves power and dominion over others. Woman +substitutes for that characteristic the longing to be ruled, and in +that subordination of herself seeks protection. In this girl's breast, +the desire for a mystical and intangible power which promised to +protect, had been, to a degree, supplanted by the knowledge that there +awaited one who would clasp her in strong arms, and guard her against +all the world. Therefore the words spoken a moment ago had but little +weight, and played a small part in forming the resolution to which she +soon gave voice. Duty was clear. This poor, lonely man, her father, +who had known but little happiness, whose whole existence was summed +up in two great all-absorbing passions—a fearful, passionate belief +in God, and after that, his love for her,—for his sake she must make +the sacrifice.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" thought she, "sacrifice means death, and my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> love can never die, +but I shall hide it, bury it deep within my bosom, until in time its +strength shall tear my heart asunder; then I, in place of love, will +be the sacrifice."</p> + +<p>This, and more, quickly passed through her mind, but now she turned +toward the man with that wonderful self-control which only can be +found in woman, and said, in a quiet voice, devoid of passion and +malice, for she felt none:</p> + +<p>"If it be thy wish, I will do it for love of thee."</p> + +<p>"My daughter!" cried he, taking the motionless figure in his arms, +"thou hast saved me from a living hell. Thou wilt soon find I have +brought but good counsel. Pluck this poisoned shaft from out thy +heart, and if the wound hurt, soothe the smart with sweet knowledge of +my love, and above all, with a sense of justice done to God. Forget, +my pretty one, thy father's hasty temper; or, if remembered, let it be +only as called forth by love of thee. But we shall talk no more of +passions; let them go. Come now beside me, while I rest, for I am sore +weary after my long journey. Sit so," he continued, reclining on a +bench before the blaze, taking the white hand she offered and drawing +her down to him, "that I may not lose thee again, even in my dreams."</p> + +<p>She silently complied with his request. It would have been impossible +to express what was in her mind, so paralyzed and benumbed was it by +the heavy blow which had suddenly fallen. As the fingers which held +hers gradually relaxed in slumber, she slowly sank upon her knees, and +with outstretched arms, in a tearless voice, exclaimed: "Oh, my love, +thou who art my life; since on earth I must forever be without thee, +let some kindly hand give me unto death!"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h2>THE SUPERIOR OF THE JESUITS.</h2> + + +<p>While Guy Fawkes held converse with his daughter, the five gentlemen +he had left at Percy's house were soberly discussing the weighty +matters which had drawn them together. The sun had already gilded the +dome of St. Paul, when Winter, Catesby, Wright and Digsby made ready +to take their departure. On the threshold of the chamber Catesby +paused, and turning to Percy, said: "'Twill mayhap be two days ere I +again come to thee, for it is my purpose to make a journey into the +country, that I may gain better understanding concerning certain +matters which rest heavily on my mind; therefore marvel not if for one +night I be absent."</p> + +<p>"Thou goest then to Worcester?" asked Winter.</p> + +<p>"Aye, to Hendlip that, in its wisdom, the counsel of the Church may +direct me. Having gone so far 'twere ill to draw back, yet methinks +there is another whose words we must not treat lightly."</p> + +<p>"Garnet!" burst forth Digsby.</p> + +<p>Winter started. "Not here," he whispered quickly, "name not one whose +zeal hath banished him from England. Let James once know that he is +yet among us, and not a hiding place in Britain could shelter him."</p> + +<p>And a wise precaution it was that the name of Henry Garnet should not +be brought to the King's notice. Balancing the advantage of being +neither Catholic nor Protestant, the accusation that he was about to +favor the Papists, had so angered James, that he cast aside all +pre<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>tentions of toleration to the adherents of Rome. Coming to the +throne with promises of favor to the Catholic nobility, he had renewed +with great severity the laws of repression, and the banishment of the +Jesuits. Many of the latter had sought refuge in the houses of the +more zealous Papists, and among them Henry Garnet, Superior of the +Order of Jesus in England, an accomplished scholar, and a man of mild +demeanor, though an uncompromising adherent to his faith. 'Twas to +Garnet, that Catesby, troubled in spirit and, perhaps, uncertain of +the undertaking which lay before him, had resolved to turn, that the +advice of the wily Jesuit might strengthen his purpose, or check for a +time, his zeal in the desperate venture which at present filled his +mind.</p> + +<p>Some two hours after leaving his companions, Catesby, mounted upon a +powerful chestnut mare and wrapped closely about with a fur lined +cloak, cantered slowly through the streets of London which led to the +outskirts of the city facing the northwest. The storm of the previous +night had ceased, and the country side lay wrapped in a mantle of +white, broken here and there by the gray wall of some silent +habitation from whose chimneys the first blue smoke was rising in +circling clouds through the crisp morning air.</p> + +<p>Having reached the open country, the rider set his horse into a +gallop, for his destination lay many leagues away, and it was his +purpose to reach it ere nightfall. Hendlip House stood near the middle +of a spacious park thickly studded with trees; the structure itself +was surrounded by shrubbery, and contained within its walls many +secret hiding places, trap doors and double wainscotings. It had been +constructed by one Thomas Abington, a devoted recusant of the reign of +Queen Elizabeth,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> and the dwelling was a famous resort for those whose +desire it was to conceal themselves from the authorities. 'Twas there, +the Superior of the Jesuits, together with a clerk of that Order, +Oldcorne by name, and Owen, a servant, had been taken by certain of +the Catholic gentry, among whom were Lord Rookwood and Sir Everard +Digsby.</p> + +<p>That precaution had been observed to guard against surprise was shown +by the presence of a watchman, who, on the arrival of Catesby outside +the manor grounds, stepped from his lodge that he might hold converse +with the new comer, and if an officer, or one attached to the +Parliament, might give warning to those within the house.</p> + +<p>Upon perceiving, however, that it was Sir Robert Catesby who came thus +unexpectedly to Hendlip, the man doffed his cap, returning a civil +greeting to the rider's remark upon the coldness of the weather.</p> + +<p>"Has my Lord Rookwood passed this way?" inquired he, reining in his +horse.</p> + +<p>"He has, in truth," replied the servant, catching dexterously the +silver piece tossed him. "Even now, together with Mistress Vaux, he is +within the house."</p> + +<p>"Vaux! Anne Vaux!" muttered Catesby, "there must be then some weighty +matter afoot that she comes to Hendlip." And touching his horse with +the spur, he galloped up the avenue which led to the main entrance of +the mansion. Being well known by its inmates he was at once conducted +to an upper chamber, the door of which was unbarred by Owen, who +motioned him to enter.</p> + +<p>There were three occupants of the room. Before the great fireplace, +ablaze with logs, sat Henry Garnet. Scarce past middle age, the +learned prelate was a striking figure, clad though he was in the +simple, dark-hued garb of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> Order. Beneath a brow white and smooth +as a child's, shone a noble countenance, gentle almost to effeminacy, +but redeemed by firm lines about the mouth, and the intensity of the +steel-gray eyes. As Catesby entered, these eyes, which had been gazing +abstractedly into the fire, lighted with a smile of welcome.</p> + +<p>One of the Jesuit's companions was a personage whose dress and manner +proclaimed him a noble of the period. He leaned indolently against the +frame of the wide window facing the avenue, through which the horseman +had come, and he it was, Lord Rookwood, who first announced to the +Prelate that a visitor approached.</p> + +<p>The third occupant of the apartment was a woman. Born and bred in +luxury, the daughter of a peer of England, Anne Vaux was numbered +among the most devoted followers of the Superior. Scarce six and +twenty, she had passed her minority at the court of Elizabeth, and the +accession of James the First had marked no change in the life of the +lady-in-waiting. Anne of Denmark, pleased with the loveliness of the +daughter of Lord Vaux, had retained her near her person.</p> + +<p>Pausing on the threshold, Catesby took in the three personages at a +glance, but it was to the Jesuit that he offered his first salutation, +dropping on one knee as Garnet extended his hand, upon a finger of +which glistened the signet ring denoting his holy office.</p> + +<p>"Welcome, Sir Robert Catesby!" murmured the Prelate, motioning the +cavalier to draw near the fire. "'Tis, indeed, a most happy +circumstance which brings to Hendlip so devoted a servant to the cause +of God."</p> + +<p>"The more happy," replied Catesby, "that I find your Reverence of good +cheer, and in converse with my Lord of Rookwood and Mistress Vaux."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<p>"They are truly of much comfort to me in my solitude," said the +Superior, "and with the help of God I have patience to remain in +idleness, that at the time of harvest I may be ready."</p> + +<p>Catesby cast a quick glance at Rookwood, but the imperturbable face of +the latter told him nothing. It was Anne Vaux who spoke.</p> + +<p>"'Tis but little, indeed, the followers of this most holy man can do +to comfort him," she said softly, "yet it seemeth fit that such of us +as may, shall make known to him that even the court of James——"</p> + +<p>Garnet smiled. "Anne!" said he, turning his gray eyes affectionately +upon her, "'tis a comfort beyond human utterance." Then to Catesby: +"But thou hast ridden hard, good son?"</p> + +<p>"That I may benefit by thy wisdom," replied Sir Robert, "for my soul +is troubled."</p> + +<p>"A confession!" cried Anne, rising quickly. "Therefore I will retire +with my Lord of Rookwood."</p> + +<p>The latter shrugged his shoulders; evidently it but poorly fitted his +desire that the conversation with the Superior should be unheard by +him. Catesby noted his displeasure, and signaled him to remain. Garnet +comprehended the matter.</p> + +<p>"Not so!" said he, "I warrant me, good Catesby seeketh not the +confessional, but to render certain reports concerning that which hath +transpired in London, and of which Lord Rookwood hath some +understanding. Yet, lest our discourse weary thee, good Anne, thou +mayst retire, and if it please thee, return when our conference is +ended." So saying, he arose and conducted her to the door.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> + +<p>When alone with the two gentlemen, the Prelate looked fixedly at +Catesby.</p> + +<p>"It were fitting," said he "that Mistress Vaux, zealous though she be, +know not too much concerning the temper of our following. Now tell me +quickly what hath arisen to disturb thee."</p> + +<p>Catesby walked thrice about the room, then stopped before the Jesuit +and said soberly:</p> + +<p>"That which agitates my mind is, perforce, the same matter which +troubles thee—a holy father of the Church, my Lord of Rookwood, and +some tens of thousands of loyal Catholics in England. 'Tis the broken +promises of James—the overthrow of our religion, the——"</p> + +<p>Garnet checked him.</p> + +<p>"Thou speakest as a true Catholic," said he, "yet has thy grievance +been long endured. There are many men whose childhood witnessed these +selfsame wrongs."</p> + +<p>"Aye!" cried Catesby, seizing the hand of the Superior, "our +sufferings have, indeed, been of long duration, but we looked to the +ascension of the new King to lessen evils which have pressed so hard +upon us. 'Twas to James of Scotland——"</p> + +<p>The eyes of the Jesuit blazed fiercely.</p> + +<p>"Wretched country!" cried he, stretching out his arms, "thou hast in +truth suffered long, and the blessing of Most Holy God hath gone from +thee. Thy soul is troubled, Sir Robert Catesby, thou, who art free to +live as suiteth thee! Thinkest thou then that I, whom the Holy Church +hath appointed to teach her children, suffer nothing being thus a +prisoner behind the walls of Hendlip House? If thou art vexed at +thought of penalties, and cruel enactments against thy brethren, what +thinkest thou of the happiness of one to whom banishment without voice +or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> trial, such as are granted to the lowest criminal, follows from so +unjust a law? What have I done, wherein lieth the crime of all the +priests in England, that the hand of James is turned against us? If +thou seek out the King, or question the Parliament, and ask wherefore +we are driven from our churches—they will answer thee, 'Ye are +Catholics.'"</p> + +<p>During his words, spoken with the fire of an ardent spirit, the +slender form of the Jesuit seemed to tower, as an enraged deity, above +the persons of his two companions. But having poured out the +bitterness of his soul, the meekness of the man asserted itself, and +sinking into a chair he buried his face in his hands. The sight +aroused Catesby to madness.</p> + +<p>"Aye!" cried he, advancing to the Prelate's side, "I will go to James, +but 'twill not be to test his arguments. One thrust and thou, with all +Catholics, will be free."</p> + +<p>Drawing out his sword he threw it at the feet of the silent Jesuit.</p> + +<p>"Bless thou therefore this trusty blade, good Father, that it may do +its work quickly. Bless it, and me, for ere night comes again 'twill +have drunk the blood of the heretic!"</p> + +<p>The recklessness of the other's purpose roused Garnet from his +lethargy.</p> + +<p>"Thou art mad, good Catesby," said he sadly; "that thou thinkest to +kill the King of England. Put up thy sword! 'Tis not through the +violence of one man that England will be freed. We have waited long +already; pray for patience that thou mayst bear with meekness the +burden which rests heavily upon thee. Thinkest thou I groan not under +it?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<p>Catesby might have replied in anger, but the voice of Rookwood +forestalled him.</p> + +<p>"There are many gentlemen in England this day who from waiting have +grown weary, and who hope no more for indulgence from the King and his +Parliament. Some there may be, who, even as good Catesby, have in +their minds resolved upon most desperate measures. If it be then a sin +to——"</p> + +<p>Garnet turned upon him saying:</p> + +<p>"A sin! A sin to slay the King of England?"</p> + +<p>"Yet one who hath broken his promises, forsaken the religion of his +mother, and who, blind to the mercy of God, doth seek to uproot this +holy cause!" cried Catesby.</p> + +<p>Whatever might have been the ultimate purpose of the Jesuit, whether +as an Englishman he recoiled at the thought of the assassination of +his King, or, as a Catholic, his zeal overbalanced his loyalty, he saw +that it was quite time to curb the fanatical tendencies of his +companions. The very life of the Catholic religion in England, his own +safety, and that of his fellow priests, might be sacrificed by a +premature attempt on the part of Catesby, or some of his followers, to +end their wrongs by the murder of the King. With the keen perception +which Garnet eminently possessed, he saw that the desired change in +the religious policy of the government could only be brought about by +a farther reaching blow than the removal of the person of James. Nor +would a decided objection on his part to their purpose serve his ends, +for it was his policy to draw about him the leading Catholic gentry of +the kingdom. He therefore cast about for a middle course whereby those +whose zeal had overcome their discretion might be pacified. The +remembrance of Anne Vaux suggested an expedient.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good Catesby, and thou, Lord Rookwood," said he blandly, "your zeal +in the cause hath much endeared you to me, yet, it were well to +proceed with due caution in so grave a matter. Perchance King James +hath it in his mind to extend to us that kind indulgence which we +crave for. Ye know that the Parliament of England is composed of many +who prate much about their liberties, and if James seek to aid us by +dissimulation, 'twere an ill thing to cut the unripe corn."</p> + +<p>"What then, good Father?" asked Catesby.</p> + +<p>"Thou knowest," replied the Jesuit, "that Mistress Vaux is closely +united to the Court. Maybe thou knowest, also, that there is a certain +gentleman, close to the King, who would make Anne his mistress. 'Tis a +truth that the wit of woman worketh much, and it comes to me that this +courtier, to please Anne Vaux, might seek to discover what is in the +mind of his master regarding the Catholics of England."</p> + +<p>"'Tis a happy thought," said Rookwood, "if we be benefited."</p> + +<p>"All is in the hands of God," replied Garnet solemnly, and rising he +touched a bell which summoned Owen from the ante-chamber.</p> + +<p>"Good Owen," said he, "bear to Lady Vaux my desire for her presence; +our conference is ended."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h2>WHY MASTER FAWKES WAS SUMMONED TO ENGLAND.</h2> + + +<p>Elinor sat by the fire with a piece of embroidery in her hand. Her +thoughts were evidently not upon it, for ever and anon she would lay +down the work and sink into deep meditation, which ended in sighs; +then, recollecting herself, the busy fingers would once more resume +their task. The sound of footsteps echoing in the corridor without, +caused her to turn toward the door, through which a man presently +entered, who exclaimed in a petulant voice, as he ineffectually +endeavored to fasten a sword belt: "Come, my daughter, lay down thy +pretty work for a moment, and aid thy father to gird this cursed +baldric about him, for the ends be as coy as an old maid and her +lover." She arose to comply with his request, and quickly fastened the +desired buckle, then inquired, on noting his attire:</p> + +<p>"Dost thou go abroad to-night?"</p> + +<p>"Verily, I do, if Sir Thomas doth keep his appointment. 'Tis past the +hour of nine, and much I marvel that he hath not yet arrived."</p> + +<p>"Then I will now bid thee good night," she answered, approaching and +about to kiss him, when hearing one coming up the steps caused her to +delay.</p> + +<p>"There, by St. Paul, he is at last," as a knock sounded on the door. +"Run, my daughter, and open to Sir Thomas."</p> + +<p>The girl hesitated a moment as if loth to comply, then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> stepped into +the hall and withdrew the bolt. Soon the tones of a man's voice could +be heard exclaiming: "A good evening to thee, Mistress Elinor. It is +but fitting that an angel should unbar the door of Paradise, for I +deem the house naught else wherein thou dwellest." Kissing the +reluctant hand which he held, then observing Fawkes, who had advanced +to greet him, "Well, well, friend Guido; thou lookest fit for a battle +royal, with thy long war rapier girded by thy side. But," he +continued with a laugh, "it would ill become thee to go abroad poorly +armed in my company, for we do in truth seem to invite attack when +together. Did thy father tell thee, Mistress Elinor, of his adventure +yester-night, which had for its intent the rescuing me again from dire +straits?"</p> + +<p>"Nay, he did not; for my father's brave deeds need not his tongue to +set them forth, and he is much too modest to narrate his exploits, +even though they had so worthy an object as the saving of thy life," +she replied with a little courtesy.</p> + +<p>"Marry," broke in Fawkes, "I was marveling why thou didst not come, +and was thinking perchance 'twould be better to go outside and listen +for the sound of a distant brawl." Then observing the small court +sword which hung by the other's side, he continued, pointing toward +it: "Thou art but lightly equipped. I wonder much that thou dost go so +poorly prepared; but," he added, loosening his long rapier from its +scabbard, "thy purse is safe to-night at least. Wilt come for a moment +to the fire, and warm thyself?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot, though much I regret that precious time forbids; if thou +art ready, methinks we had best depart."</p> + +<p>"I am ever at thy service," cried Fawkes, and turning towards his +daughter, who had thrown a long cloak over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> his shoulders, "I'll wish +thee a good repose, sweet one, for 'twill be late ere I return." +Embracing her, then going toward Winter, he continued: "'Tis most +pleasing to have a pretty face on which to kiss a sad good-bye, and +know that loving arms await to greet a happy return."</p> + +<p>"Aye, that it is," he responded, biting his lip and watching the two; +"but we poor single men have no such bliss, and must be content to +watch the happiness of others. Still, there is left me the sweet +sorrow of saying good night." He extended his hand to the girl, who +let hers rest for an instant within his. "Now, if thou art ready, +Master Fawkes, I will follow."</p> + +<p>The two passed out into the night, both turning, however, when half +way down the path to wave a parting adieu to the fair figure standing +within the door. For some little distance the men continued on in +silence, each engrossed in thought. At length, Winter observing that +Fawkes seemed well aware as to the direction they were taking, +exclaimed with some little surprise: "Master Guido, one would think +the way to my residence an old traveled road to thee, but if I +recollect aright, this to my knowledge is the first time thou hast +gone over it."</p> + +<p>"Marry, but I have a guide, Sir Thomas," pointing to the dome of St. +Paul's church, which reared itself dark against the star-studded sky.</p> + +<p>"Beshrew my heart, doth some angel of heaven fly before thee?" as just +at the moment Fawkes turned sharply down another street leading to +their destination.</p> + +<p>"Nay, I have not that to point the way, but a friend of thine gave me +the direction. I did not think to tell thee the first night of our +meeting, for we had other matters of more pointed nature to engross +our thoughts," he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> added with a laugh, striking his sword; "and it did +slip my tardy mind that I was the bearer of a message from him to +thee."</p> + +<p>"I can but illy guess who he may be; but, pray, say on, by what name +went he?"</p> + +<p>"Giles Martin; and he did wish I would convey his best respects and +wishes for thy good welfare."</p> + +<p>"By St. Peter! Where didst thou run across the man? I had deemed him +long dead, for naught have I seen of him these many years."</p> + +<p>"The truth is, Sir Winter, he wished no mention made of his present +whereabouts; but I deemed thou hadst a sturdy friend in him, and," +continued Fawkes, looking at the other significantly, "he did seem +well informed on divers topics concerning these troubled times."</p> + +<p>"What dost thou mean, friend Guido?" asked Winter, turning a quick +glance toward Fawkes.</p> + +<p>"I am but a plain man, and thy outspoken question invites little but a +plain reply. Therefore, I'll repeat his words, which were that thou +didst stand poorly with those in high places, and, further, the times +were such that hot outspoken opinions on certain subjects were apt to +be quickly followed by the whistle of an axe flying through the air, +and that the King——"</p> + +<p>"A truce," Winter broke in, laying his hand upon the other's arm and +looking behind with some alarm as the two entered a thoroughfare, +which, by the number of people passing up and down, indicated their +approach to a central portion of the city; "by holy St. Dunstan, frame +not thy speech in such loud words, for it might be illy construed. But +here we are at our destination, and when within, thou mayst recite all +that Master Martin told."</p> + +<p>The two paused in front of an iron railing surrounding<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> a court-yard, +on which fronted a residence of no mean pretensions. After unlocking +the wicket, Winter, followed by his companion, proceeded up the walk, +and passing through the main doorway, entered the house.</p> + +<p>"This is the first time, Fawkes, that I've had the honored pleasure of +thy company at mine own fireside," exclaimed Winter, when inside, +throwing his fur-lined coat upon a chair. Then observing that his +companion was already busily engaged in examining a trophy of swords +which decorated the wall, he continued: "What, do thy warlike eyes +ever seek the implements of thy trade? See, Guido, there is a suit of +mail that a valiant ancestor of mine did wear at Crecy," pointing +toward a stand of armor.</p> + +<p>"Indeed," answered the other, examining it, "he must of necessity have +been brave, for, I can but illy see how running could be done, even if +the spirit prompted the legs, attired in this heavy harness."</p> + +<p>"And now, if thou be ready," exclaimed Winter, evidently anxious to +arrive quickly at the task of the evening, "I will conduct thee to a +chamber wherein we may hold converse without fear of interruption."</p> + +<p>The two proceeded, Winter leading the way to the end of the hall, and +passing through a heavy open door, which closed behind them, entered a +room well adapted to the discussion of such things as must not fall on +untrusted ears. The chamber was one of spacious proportion, but on +account of its massive black furniture, seemed to be of medium size. +The walls were hung in some dark, unfigured tapestry, which added to +the somberness of the apartment, and tended to spread over all an air +of gloom. The dimness of the place was in some degree relieved by a +crackling fire burning upon the hearth, and two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> silver candelabrums +holding lighted tapers, stood upon an oaken table occupying the middle +of the room.</p> + +<p>The only window in the place opened down to the floor, leading out +upon a balcony overlooking the court-yard, and the interior of the +chamber was hidden from those passing by heavy curtains, which now +were closely drawn. A divan, several massive black oak cabinets, and +three or four high-back chairs completed the furniture of the room, +with the exception of a small table, on which stood a large and +curiously wrought silver flagon and several tankards.</p> + +<p>"Come Master Guy," cried Winter, filling two of the cups, "let us +preface dry work with a drink of honest vintage, and then we will to +our task."</p> + +<p>"With all my heart," replied Fawkes, taking the cup and draining it at +a draught.</p> + +<p>"And now to business," exclaimed the other, seating himself by the +table and motioning his companion to a place opposite. Having settled +himself easily in the chair, shading his face from the light of the +tapers that he might better watch the countenance of the other, he +began in a quiet voice:</p> + +<p>"I doubt not but thou didst deem it passing strange I made no +reference to the nature of the employment I had to offer thee, and, +mayhap," he continued, holding up his hand to silence an interruption +from his listener, "there hath arisen in thy mind suspicious thoughts +caused by a combination of incidents since thy arrival, which would +place me as one with whom to be identified were not as safe as serving +in the King's Guard. In point of fact, I refer particularly to the +outspoken words of our friend Giles Martin."</p> + +<p>"In truth," responded the other, in that quick, brusque<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> manner +belonging to his nature, "Master Martin did lay naught at thy door, +but what I, or any other righteous man, might deem an honor to a +house. Nay," he continued, with some vehemence, "if what he said be +true, then I am overjoyed to find employment with one whose faith is +his greatest crime."</p> + +<p>"What may be the purport of thy words?" inquired Winter, slowly +turning a keen glance upon the speaker.</p> + +<p>"I mean," exclaimed Fawkes, leaning over the table toward his +questioner, "that I would think it no disgrace to serve, or, if need +be, fall by the side of one who had the courage to openly or secretly +espouse the Catholic cause in these cross-breaking days. Aye, Sir +Thomas, I will speak without concealment, for I have guessed at many +things, and know full well that the time must soon be ripe when all +who have not craven hearts will arise in wrath, and by word of mouth, +of mayhap, if need be, by a more violent measure put down those who +advise the enactment of laws which have for their intent the uprooting +of the Church in this our Kingdom."</p> + +<p>"By St. Michael!" exclaimed Winter, surprised that the other should +bring to the front so clearly his opinion on a subject upon which, he +had feared, it would require no small amount of questioning to elicit +anything, "thou dost astonish me with thine ardor; I always knew thee +as a brave churchman, but never——"</p> + +<p>"Time hath altered my views on many subjects," interrupted Fawkes. +"The manners of the Spaniard are not always good, and their breath is +oft odorous of garlic; but by my troth, they know full well how to +treat a heretic," he added with a decisive nod of his head. "Say on, +for by thy manner I judge it is thine object to sound my depth in +certain matters. I know not what's afoot; but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> by St. Peter," +continued he, striking the table a blow which made the tapers dance, +"if it hath aught to do with those—even though they be kings—whose +unholy hands would snuff our altar lights, thou canst count on Master +Guy to twist the rack or carry faggots."</p> + +<p>During this recital Winter watched the other with keen attention. +Knowing Fawkes to be a man of indomitable will, combined with +undaunted courage, and one to stop at nothing in gaining ends +justified by his conscience, he had not hesitated to recommend him as +a valuable adjunct to the cause dear to himself and his companions. +Heavily the weight of responsibility rested upon him; it had fallen to +his lot that he should be the one to sound this man, and decide as to +how great or small a degree of their confidence might be given to him. +One error in judgment now might be followed by the death of all their +hopes, and by the thud of heads dropping into the axman's basket. +Therefore he weighed the matter well before saying:</p> + +<p>"I did not over-estimate thy zeal. There are many things I would fain +tell thee, the purport of which methinks thou hast already guessed, +but which at present must not, for reasons, be spoken of. If thou art +willing for a time to remain in darkness, and take service as a +gentleman about my household, I can almost promise that the gloom of +thy ignorance on many matters may soon be dispelled by a lurid glare +which shall be red enough, even to thy liking. I have told thee +naught, but the very concealment of some things, to the observing, +doth show plainly what is hid. Ask no more, and, for the present, +content thyself with suppositions. If the conditions which I have +named suit thee, then thou wilt have access to these premises at all +times. Further, be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> my companion when I go abroad; for what is more +natural in these purse-cutting days than that a gentleman should +desire a lusty swordsman with him? Dost accept, and agree to all?" The +last word he pronounced with great emphasis.</p> + +<p>"Aye, to all," responded the other grimly, arising and extending his +gauntlet.</p> + +<p>"And I would further recommend," continued Winter, drumming on the +table with his fingers, "that thou say but little about this meeting, +even," looking narrowly at Fawkes, "to thy pretty daughter; for I have +remarked there is sometimes a certain visitor at thy house who, if the +report did reach his ears that two or three gentlemen of the Catholic +persuasion were closeted together, might denounce the assembling as a +conspiracy,—which would be most unjust—and bring the King's Guard +with small courtesy. Dost follow me, friend Guido?"</p> + +<p>"That I do; but there's naught to fear; I know your meaning. Heretics +will no more darken my door."</p> + +<p>"That is well, and I hope, truly spoken," replied Winter, nodding his +head in approval, and rising from his chair with an air of relief that +the business of the evening was settled. "Let us," he continued, +filling up the cups, "drink success to our compact."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried Fawkes, pointing to the wine as it flowed from the +flagon's mouth, "A most fitting color be the draught;" then, as he +raised the tankard to his lips, "A toast, Sir Thomas, I will offer +thee. May we be as willing to give our blood when asked, as this good +flagon to yield its red cheer to us! And now I must set out for home, +and 'tis with a lighter heart than when I came. Dost thou wish my +presence here to-morrow?" he inquired as they reached the door.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Thou mayst call on the stroke of ten, or thereabouts. Until then, +farewell."</p> + +<p>The host watched the form of his guest disappear in the darkness, and +shutting the door, returned with a thoughtful step to the chamber +wherein they had been sitting. Filling a cup with wine and raising it +on high, he exclaimed with a laugh: "Troth, Master Fawkes, I did drink +to thy health awhile ago; now I will quaff a flagon to thy daughter. +Here is to one, Mistress Elinor, the fairest, the sweetest wench in +all England, and for one warm kiss from whose lips Sir Thomas Winter +would right gladly face grim death. Marry," he mused, setting down the +cup, "thou hast done, mayhap, a good stroke for the cause, in bringing +this bloodhound Fawkes from out of Spain, but young Monteagle, beware; +for if I be judge, the Spanish treatment of a heretic leaves but +little for the burial."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h2>THE WISEST FOOL IN CHRISTENDOM.</h2> + + +<p>The Royal Court of King James, at Whitehall, was furnished and +embellished with all the luxury which love of show and the power of +the owner could command. Choicest tapestries draped the walls, carpets +of marvelous softness covered the floors. In the King's bedchamber +stood an elaborately carved bedstead canopied with perfumed velvet +cunningly wrought in silk and gold. Upon its front glittered the royal +arms of England.</p> + +<p>Reared as he had been in the plainness of Scottish simplicity, the +wealth and lavish display in the English manor houses where he had +rested during his journey from Edinburgh delighted and enchanted him +in the highest degree. Vain, fond of indolent diversions, and prodigal +in expenditures, he at once surrounded himself with the choicest +products of the weavers, decorators and artisans of the Continent.</p> + +<p>In a chamber of this palace, on the second afternoon following the +meeting of Catesby with Rookwood and Anne Vaux at the hiding place of +the Jesuit Superior, an interesting conversation took place between +the Queen's lady-in-waiting, and one Robert Carr, a Scotchman, and +favorite of the King. After James ascended the throne of England he +meted out ample measure to his countrymen, likening himself to Joseph, +who, being raised to power, forgot not his brethren. That this Robert +was of goodly parts, being fair of feature and elegant of limb, +rendered him the more acceptable to his royal master;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> forsooth, there +were few of the nobles in the two kingdoms but knew certain tales +concerning the favorites of the King, young gallants of the period +whose presence at Court added nothing to the honor of their sovereign.</p> + +<p>Robert Carr, a person of deep perception and gifted with certain +Scottish wit, pandered much to the follies and pride of his +benefactor. He was also a man easily excited by beauty of face and +grace of manner, and had fallen desperately in love with Mistress +Vaux, to his own undoing and the jealousy of the Queen's women. It was +this state of affairs which the Jesuit had reckoned upon, when, in +casting about for an expedient to check the fiery zeal of Sir Robert +Catesby, he had suggested that one dwelt at Court who might learn what +was in the mind of the King concerning certain policies. Being +instructed by Garnet what course to pursue, Anne Vaux, on her return +to Whitehall, made haste to summon into her presence the King's +favorite. Nor did Carr need a second bidding to betake himself to the +lady's chamber.</p> + +<p>"Sweet Anne!" cried he, dropping upon his knee before the +maid-in-waiting, "thou hast saved me from despair. Knowest thou 'tis +eight and forty hours since thy gentle presence hath made earth to me +a paradise?"</p> + +<p>"Nay, good Robert!" replied she, demurely casting down her eyes, yet +permitting the gallant to retain her hand, "Speak not of despair; thou +who hast so high a place with our royal master. Amid thy pleasures the +absence of Anne Vaux can be but of small moment unto thee."</p> + +<p>Carr covered her hand with kisses.</p> + +<p>"Whitehall without thee is a barren wilderness," cried he, "for thee +would I barter faith, honor——"</p> + +<p>Anne raised her head until her eyes met his.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nay, sweet gentleman!" said she, softly, "'tis not faith, nor honor I +would ask of thee; 'tis——"</p> + +<p>"Speak!" murmured Carr, overcome by his emotions. "Speak, that I may +serve thee."</p> + +<p>"'Tis but little," replied the lady, "yet would it please me much, and +thou art able to converse freely with his Majesty."</p> + +<p>"The King!" cried Carr, alarmed that the name of James should enter +into his love making. "What wouldst thou with the King?"</p> + +<p>Anne withdrew her hand. "Ah!" cried she, pushing him gently from her, +"'tis so little, yet thou wouldst withhold thy courtesy. There be +certain other gentlemen, my lord of——"</p> + +<p>"Say not so," stammered the courtier, "be it the crown itself." His +companion laughed merrily. "The crown!" cried she, "what would Anne +Vaux with the crown of England? 'Tis but a simple question, a word +with his Majesty, that I may gain a wager."</p> + +<p>"Speak then," said Carr, "that I may hasten to obey thee."</p> + +<p>"Thou knowest," replied Anne, "there be much serious speculation, many +theories formed throughout the kingdom concerning the mind of the King +regarding the penalties against the Catholics. Some there be who hold +'tis the King's wish that the ordinances, or edicts of Elizabeth, be +removed utterly, while others affirm that James doth join with +Parliament for their maintenance. Having been drawn into an argument +with certain of my mistress' ladies, a wager was made, that ere the +morrow the truth of the matter should to me be disclosed."</p> + +<p>The look on her companion's face changed to consternation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ask the King concerning so grave a matter?" cried he.</p> + +<p>"A truce, Master Carr!" replied Anne, sharply, "it needeth small +perception to discern thy temper. Thou dost ask much, yet givest +little."</p> + +<p>The King's favorite was nonplussed. To question James concerning +affairs of State was no light matter, yet, in opposition to so doing +stood the anger and the loss of Mistress Vaux. This thought, which he +could not endure, caused him to hesitate.</p> + +<p>"Be it so!" said the lady, coldly, "Thou hast refused so small a +favor, therefore will I summon one who, methinks, hath more +consideration." And she moved as though to touch the bell upon the +table.</p> + +<p>The action, indicating his dismissal, removed all scruples which had +arisen in the mind of the courtier, and kneeling before her he pledged +himself to at once seek an audience with the King, who, having passed +the afternoon in hunting, was resting in his own apartments.</p> + +<p>Pleased that her object had been so easily gained, Anne permitted the +enraptured Scotchman to clasp her in his arms, then he rushed from the +chamber hoping after a short interview with the King to return to her.</p> + +<p>As Carr had intimated, James, wearied by several hours in the saddle, +for it was his pleasure to hunt or horseback in Waltham forest and in +other royal chases, had retired early to his bed chamber. He had eaten +heartily, for despite his ungainly person the First of the Stuarts was +a famous trenchman. Freed from his quilted clothes and mellow with +strong wine, he admitted to his presence two gentlemen who sought an +audience.</p> + +<p>The noblemen who were thus occupants of the royal chamber stood in +strong contrast to the Sovereign of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> England. Their large and +gracefully proportioned figures were made most conspicuous by the big +head, rickety legs and dwarfed body of their royal master, while the +calm dignity which enveloped them set forth vividly the driveling +speech, and coarseness of him whom the death of the last of the Tudors +had placed upon the throne.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried James, perceiving the gentlemen upon the threshold, +"welcome most worthy Monteagle and Viscount Effingston! Hast thou then +an answer to my argument?"</p> + +<p>The lips of the younger nobleman trembled nervously as he sought to +repress a smile, but his companion advanced quickly to the royal couch +upon which the King had stretched himself.</p> + +<p>"The wisdom of your Majesty is indeed unanswerable," said he bending +to kiss the hand held out to him.</p> + +<p>James chuckled loudly.</p> + +<p>"'Tis my pleasure to discourse on certain matters," replied he, "and my +good lord of Monteagle, being well versed in the learning of the +period, doth turn with relish to a well written document. It was, +methinks, concerning the 'True Law of Free Monarchy.'"</p> + +<p>"Nay, your Majesty," replied Monteagle, drawing a paper from his +doublet, "'twas thy most learned discourse on tobacco."</p> + +<p>The Viscount Effingston, who stood well behind his father, turned +aside his face, that the King might not note the smile upon it. James, +however, having plunged into one of his pedantic hobbies, had small +perception of aught aside from the discourse in hand.</p> + +<p>"'Twas, in truth!" cried he, "a most learned writing,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> bearing upon +the use of an ill-savored weed. What thinkest thou, my lord?"</p> + +<p>"'Tis indeed most ably written," replied Monteagle, "and being much +impressed with the wisdom so plainly set forth, I did read it aloud to +several of my gentlemen."</p> + +<p>"And what said they, good Monteagle?"</p> + +<p>"That your Majesty had, in truth, touched the heart of the matter," +replied the peer. "Even Sir Raleigh, upon the reading of it, would, +methinks, turn from the habit."</p> + +<p>"That would he," said the King, gruffly, for the name of Raleigh was +in no wise pleasing to him.</p> + +<p>"A most excellent document!" broke in the Viscount, "my worthy father +was about to beg your Majesty for further discourse on so grave a +matter."</p> + +<p>Monteagle cast a look of keen reproach at his son; 'twas not for the +pleasure of discussing the "Counterblast To Tobacco," the famous +literary production of the King, that he had sought this audience. +James, however, was highly pleased at the young man's words.</p> + +<p>"Good Monteagle!" cried he, "thy son is a worthy gentleman, and +methinks our reign will see him a most favored peer. Instruct him, +that he fall not into certain habits as to bells and candlesticks, nor +give ear too seriously to the teachings of them who would embroil our +kingdom."</p> + +<p>At this moment Robert Carr, hastening to the royal bed chamber, in +order to obey the wishes of Mistress Vaux, entered the ante-room and +hearing his master in converse with others, paused noiselessly behind +the curtains.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" continued James, receiving no reply from Monteagle or his +son, "it is rumored that thou also hath<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> dealt somewhat closely with +these disturbers of the kingdom."</p> + +<p>Alarmed at the character of the conversation assumed by the King, the +nobleman would have checked it by well timed flattery, but James was +not to be turned from his purpose.</p> + +<p>"It doth much annoy me," prated he, "that certain reports are spread +abroad making it seem my desire, against the wishes of our good +Parliament, to remit certain fines——"</p> + +<p>Carr, whose ear was pressed close against the curtain, rubbed his +hands together in exultation that there was like to be, without +discomfort to himself, something ready for the ear of the Queen's +waiting woman.</p> + +<p>"And divers statutes against those who would bring back the Jesuits," +continued James, plucking impatiently the fringe of his couch cover.</p> + +<p>"Your Majesty is, in truth, the spring of justice," said Monteagle, +soberly, "and it ill befits thy subjects, be they Puritans or +Catholics, to——"</p> + +<p>A wave of passion swept across the royal face.</p> + +<p>"Puritans and Catholics!" cried he, sitting upright. "Zounds! What +then? Am I not king? Wherefore should I tolerate in this good kingdom +those who teach treason in their churches?"</p> + +<p>Monteagle's position was truly equivocal. The son of a Protestant +peer, through his marriage, early in life, with the daughter of a +Catholic, he became involved in certain Papistic plots, and listened +to the teachings of the missionary priests. James had made him the +recipient of many court favors, for the maintenance of which, +Monteagle, balancing the advantages of his position against<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> the loss +which might accrue to him were he to boldly adhere to his religion, +had become lukewarm in the faith of the Catholics, and this had +brought him into disrepute with his old associates.</p> + +<p>"'Tis a grave matter that there be any in England whose faith takes +precedence of their loyalty," said he, the King ceasing his harangue +through lack of breath.</p> + +<p>"Thou sayest rightly!" cried he, "nor will I abate one jot or tittle +from that I have set before me. As it is atheism and blasphemy to +dispute what is in God's power, so it is presumption and high contempt +for a subject to question a king's will; nor should a king abate even +the breadth of a hair from that right which his prerogative gives unto +him."</p> + +<p>The Viscount Effingston pulled his father's sleeve.</p> + +<p>"We had best retire," he whispered, "the wine hath mounted to the head +of yonder fool, and, perchance, he may see in thee a Raleigh or a +Cobham."</p> + +<p>The King was, indeed, weary of the interview. The exertion of the +afternoon, the heated room, the wine and the ill temper into which he +had fallen, deprived him of his usual wit, leaving him only boorish +and irritable.</p> + +<p>"My lord Monteagle," said he, peevishly, "it pleases me that you +retire, for a certain languor of the body rendereth our discourse +unprofitable."</p> + +<p>The words of his son had startled the nobleman from his usual +composure, and receiving the King's permission to retire, he made +haste to kiss the royal hand, well pleased that the audience was +ended, although certain favors which he desired to ask of his Majesty +remained unspoken.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" said the favorite, as the two peers passed his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> hiding place, +"I have, indeed, had a most fortunate escape, for James is in poor +condition to discuss even with Robert Carr, that which sent him +hither."</p> + +<p>Then, as the King's valets crowded into the chamber, summoned by the +furious ringing of their master's bell, he looked for an instant upon +the half-drunken monarch, dropped the curtain and hastened down the +corridor that he might relate to Mistress Vaux that which he had +overheard.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h2>THE VISCOUNT EFFINGSTON.</h2> + + +<p>Rare and luxurious were the furnishings of a room in which we find +Lord Monteagle and his son. Wealth and artistic hands had combined to +bring all its sumptuousness into a rich and harmonious completeness. +The elder, who had just entered, walked with troubled brow toward the +window. The other, tall and strong, with features of fine proportion +and graceful contour, clad in a style denoting the aristocrat and man +of fashion, sat at a desk engaged in writing. For a time the only +sound breaking the silence was the sharp scratching of a goosequill +as it traveled over the paper. At last, having finished, and observing +the other for the first time, he remarked, as he folded the sheet:</p> + +<p>"My lord, hast thou so soon returned from the audience? Did aught +transpire to ruffle thy temper? Or, mayhap," he continued with a +laugh, "His Majesty did read thee an essay on How to Take Snuff +Without a Nose, or some other learned subject dear to his heart."</p> + +<p>"Not so, my son," Monteagle replied with gravity; "but I have heard +again rumors which set but ill upon my mind. 'Tis the talk of the +ante-chamber, and the first words which did greet my ear on entering +came from that silly, chattering coxcomb, Robert Carr, who, advancing, +enquired in a low voice, but which at the same time filled the room, +whether my daughter-in-law would be the new lady in waiting upon the +Queen. These many days the talk that hath been afoot connects thy name +with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> one whose ancestral lineage will not bear scrutiny, and, for +truth, much this gossip hath troubled me."</p> + +<p>Effingston reddened, and turned in his chair toward the speaker, +suppressing an angry retort which sprang to his lips: "My lord, dost +thou believe all that Dame Rumor whispereth?"</p> + +<p>"No, verily, being too long connected with affairs of State, but, in +my anxiety, I made inquiry, and much it paineth me to find these same +reports seem to have foundation. I do not demand but beg an +explanation from thy lips, to hear if that be true which reached my +ear."</p> + +<p>"Your lordship knows," returned the other with an inclination of the +head, "that thy request is to me a command; therefore, I tell thee +frankly that what thou heard this morning is to an extent well +founded. Thou canst be sparing of thy fears," he continued as the +other was about to interrupt, "and ever be assured, respect for Lord +Monteagle, my father, and pride, the inheritance of the noble born, +will deter Viscount Effingston from actions which his conscience might +perchance approve. I will not disgrace thee or thy name," he +concluded, with a touch of haughtiness in his tone.</p> + +<p>"I have not yet accused thee of bringing discredit upon our house, and +devoutly hope my fears are but absurd, born of that doubt which +seemeth to be resident in the minds of men one for the other. By my +troth, we can seldom point with certainty in these days to one of our +fellow creatures, and say truly, I know him to be good and free from +treason. It would, I swear," he continued, with a sigh, "little +surprise me, to hear the Archbishop of Canterbury had been seen to +hold his crosier for a pretty wench to leap across, that he might the +better gaze upon her ankles. Thou art a man grown; therefore, I can<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> +but counsel. But this I know: love for one below thy station, though +she have all purity and moral excellence, seldom ends in marriage; if +by chance it doth bring thee to the altar, repentance with its dismal +train follows far too often, even ere the echo of the chimes hath died +away."</p> + +<p>"Thy counsel did, and ever shall stand high in my regard," replied +Effingston. "But thy fears are groundless. I do admit that she to whom +thou dost refer is not of highest birth; still, her ancestors helped +to keep the crown upon a king's head, and methinks, deserve more +credit for acting thus without reward than though they bore the title +of a Duke or Prince. As thou hast asked, and with perfect justice, I +will tell the story from its beginning. Thou might misjudge if thy +mind held its present suspicion, and it would lead to setting aside of +confidences which, it hath been my happiness to feel, did ever exist +between us."</p> + +<p>"Thou sayest well," replied the other, with affection. "I have always +looked upon thee as my sword arm, to carry out by thy young strength +the deeds which time hath left me ill conditioned to perform."</p> + +<p>"Thou remembrest," began Effingston, "the night three months since, I +rode to Chartsey Manor, with intent to sound Lord Cecil regarding his +attitude on issues then before Parliament. It was midnight ere I left, +and well on toward the stroke of two when I arrived in the outskirts +of London. Proceeding slowly on my way, drinking in deeply the +beauties of the night, suddenly there sounded upon my startled ear a +woman's scream, which quickly ceased, as if she who uttered it had +been rudely seized about the throat. I reined up my horse and +listened. Distinctly could I hear, not two hundred paces<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> from me, the +sound of scuffling feet and an outburst of drunken laughter, ending in +a round of fiendish cursing. 'Hold,' cried I, 'wait until I can loose +my sword and lend thee aid.' Saying which, I hastily dismounted, +throwing the bridle of my horse over a bush hard by, and hurried in +the direction of the tumult. On turning a corner, there came upon my +sight a scene which made my blood boil and lent new speed to my legs. +Two ruffians had set upon a woman, and while one held back her chin +and shoulders, the other was endeavoring to imprint a kiss upon the +upturned face, the rogue being hindered in his purpose by the girl, +who, holding in her hand a small dagger, lunged right boldly with it. +'Avaunt ye, knaves,' I cried, running, sword in hand. Before, however, +I could reach the struggling group she had struck the man in front of +her, causing him for a moment to desist, when, with a sudden accession +of strength, breaking away from the one who held her, she set her back +against the wall, confronting the two assailants with the look and +spirit of a tigress. The men, now for the first time perceiving me, +having been too deep in liquor and their employment to hear my shout, +took to their heels, but not until I had spoiled the sword arm of one +and left my mark upon the other. Turning toward the girl who stood by +the wall, I discovered the momentary spirit had left her, for again +she was the weak woman and would have fallen fainting to the ground, +had I not given her support. She soon revived, and having received her +thanks, prettily given, I inquired how it fell out she had been so +rudely set upon; in reply to which she told me of her grandam being +taken ill, and in need of a leech, and how she had gone forth to fetch +him, and was attacked, when returning from her errand. On begging that +she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> would permit me to see her safely home, my offer was accepted +with thanks. When arrived at our destination she asked if I would not +on the next day return, that she might more fully express her +gratitude. Thou knowest, my father, how love grows in the heart. At +first my feeling was one of curiosity; but it soon changed to +admiration for the fair girl, and, at last it ripened into love, as I +learned to know the soul which rested in her beautiful form. This is +my simple story, and I have naught more to tell."</p> + +<p>"My son," replied the other, who had listened with eager attention to +the narrative, "there's naught, so far, that I condemn, and I applaud +thee for thy chivalry, but I had higher hopes for thee than a marriage +with a commoner. Thou hast, however, omitted to tell me her name," he +added, in a voice betokening anxiety.</p> + +<p>"Her name is Elinor Fawkes, the daughter of an officer, English by +birth, now serving in the army of Spain."</p> + +<p>"Elinor Fawkes," repeated the father, with a start and looking toward +Effingston. "'Tis as I feared. Is this, then, the creature on whom +thou wouldst bestow thy name? Have thine ears been out of sorts, never +to have heard the rumor which connects her in none too savory a manner +with the adventurer Sir Thomas Winter? It is common talk, for I will +speak plainly to thee, that she is his mistress."</p> + +<p>"In thy throat thou liest," the other cried, leaping to his feet, +white to the lips with sudden passion; "recall those words, or by St. +Paul, I'll strike thee to my feet, forgetting the loins which begat +me! She hath fully told me of, and set aside, the lie which coupleth +her with Sir Thomas Winter."</p> + +<p>"Aye, she hath explained to thee readily enough, I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> trow," exclaimed +the other, roused to anger. "Lives there the woman who could not make +excuses if but a moment were granted her? I shall not chide thee for +thy hasty words; time will bring them to thy memory with remorse. But +listen unto reason, and——"</p> + +<p>"I'll hear no more," Effingston cried, in a voice full of passion.</p> + +<p>"Stop," said Monteagle, in a commanding voice, holding up his hand, +"thou shalt hear! Doth the leech withhold the lance when a patient +groans? No, my son; I'll introduce thee to plain facts, and try to +cure, even though my duty be a hard one."</p> + +<p>Effingston sank into his chair, his temper cooled to a degree by his +father's manner, and listened with compressed lips and knitted brow to +what followed.</p> + +<p>"As I have already told thee," began Lord Monteagle, "I suspected that +it was she who had ensnared thee. I set inquiries afoot, and in +justice to the girl, with a twofold object—first, to establish her +innocence, if she were true; secondly, to save thy name and happiness, +if she proved guilty. But," he went on, advancing toward his son and +laying a hand upon his shoulder, "the second object of my quest was +the one fulfilled. The proof came by the hand of God. Yesternight, +leaving the house of Lord Brighton, where I had dined, and wishing to +return with all speed, I requested the bearers of my chair to take the +shortest way home. Gazing out of the window, I noted that we were in +the locality of the house wherein she (who had for the past few days +most unhappily filled my mind) was reported to reside, and desiring to +look upon the spot, commanded my men to rest there. Suddenly I +descried a man muffled in a cloak, proceeding up the street, who, as +he approached, proved to my aston<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>ishment to be none other than Sir +Thomas Winter. Quickly he ascended the steps and knocked at the house +opposite the place where I chanced to be. After a moment the door +opened and the figure of a girl stood on the threshold. Beholding her, +Winter exclaimed: 'A good evening to thee, Mistress Fawkes,' the rest +of the greeting being lost to me as the door closed. I was astonished +at having so quickly set before me the two whose names had been in my +mind. After a few moments the door again opened suddenly, this time I +think by accident, revealing the figure of him who had just entered, +still clad in his cloak, clasping in his arms and kissing the woman +who admitted him. I could not hear what passed, for at the time the +wind blew high, drowning their voices. But I had seen enough, and +cried to the bearers to take up the chair and proceed. That, my son, +is what I have seen, not learned by mere hearsay. Would that I could +have spared thee the telling, but 'tis for thy welfare I have narrated +it."</p> + +<p>Effingston, during the narrative, had remained motionless, his +features drawn and colorless. Fully realizing that his father would +not have maliciously manufactured this evidence against the girl, his +mind could conceive no extenuating circumstance to clear it away. That +she had deceived him was not beyond the consent of reason. He was a +man of the world and of the time, well aware of possible duplicity, +and further, that the age offered numerous examples of women with one +hand on the cradle while the other guided an axe toward some head +which for a cause must fall, or fanatically sacrificing all, even +honor, to gain the coveted support of a courtier in some undertaking. +The scandal which had been breathed about her, to do him justice, he +did not give ear to, be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>lieving implicitly the story told by Elinor, +explaining her associations with Winter. But was not this man a +champion of the cause which he had helped to defeat? Was it impossible +that she had played her lover as a dupe to further a scheme? This was +entirely plausible, but he could not bring his mind to believe it. And +why? For the same old, old reason which has cost men their lives and +honor, kings their crowns—because he loved her. When his father had +finished, he said, in a quiet voice, extending his hand:</p> + +<p>"I thank thee; thy motive is of the best; and I most humbly beg thy +pardon for my hasty words, prompted by anger only."</p> + +<p>"What course dost thou now intend to pursue?" inquired Monteagle +uneasily, for the quiet, passionless manner of his son made him +apprehensive.</p> + +<p>"What thou or any other man would do—give the woman a chance to +defend herself."</p> + +<p>"Aye, I thought as much," the other replied with an air of angered +impatience. "She will, with her arms about thy neck, explain fast +enough, and to thy satisfaction."</p> + +<p>"Dost thou forget," the son inquired, "that I am a Monteagle, and have +implanted in me that pride and temper which can illy condone, even in +those they love, deceit and falsity? Have no fears for me," he added, +advancing with a determined step toward the door.</p> + +<p>"Where art thou going, my son?" asked the other in an alarmed tone.</p> + +<p>"To face this woman with the accusations thou hast just uttered +against her."</p> + +<p>"Stay; go not in thine anger, for some mischief may be wrought. Wait +until thy temper cools; see her not again, but write."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am not a killer of unarmed adversaries," retorted Effingston; +"again, I repeat, have no fear for me."</p> + +<p>"Well, well; God's will be done; it may be for the best," the other +said with a sigh, turning away his head.</p> + +<p>The son hesitated for a moment; then quickly kneeling before his +father and taking his hand, exclaimed: "I humbly ask thee to forget my +hot words, and again I crave thy pardon for the same. They were spoken +in wrath, on hearing the image of my love fall crashing to the earth."</p> + +<p>Then springing to his feet, before Monteagle had opportunity to reply, +he hurriedly left the room.</p> + +<p>Once on the street, Effingston strode without pause in the direction +of Elinor's house. What a difference in his feelings now, contrasted +with what they had been when he had traversed that way before. He had +outlined his course of action,—to simply tell her what his father had +seen, and demand an explanation. If she were guilty, even his love and +her woman's wit could not, he thought, hide the fact from his eyes; +and if it all were true and he had been duped, what then?</p> + +<p>He prayed that pride would come to his aid and steel his nerves, and +prompt his tongue to speak. With these thoughts in his mind, and +looking neither to the right nor left, he hurried on his way to her +dwelling. How changed each familiar object seemed to him. As he +knocked at the door and listened, a footstep sounded in the hall. Ah, +how many times had his heart leaped at the same sound. The door +opened, and she who was all the world to him stood on the +threshold;—she whom he must soon accuse of hideous duplicity. How +very beautiful she looked. On seeing Effingston, Elinor uttered a low, +startled cry. He noted the action, for love, when coupled with +suspicion<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> (and the two can live together) is not blind, but terribly +vigilant.</p> + +<p>"Elinor, I must speak with thee, and alone," he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>The girl regarded him with a half frightened look. She had been all +day engaged in a bitter fight with self, and knew not how to tell him +they must part forever. Now he stood before her. She realized to some +extent what the agony of the separation which must soon come would be +to her, and knowing full well the depth of his love, measured his +sufferings by her own. Wild thoughts had passed through her mind of +doing something which would turn that love to hate, and she felt she +could better bear that than know he lived and suffered. But now as she +looked upon him both will and fortitude fast weakened. Again she was +the simple loving woman.</p> + +<p>"Wilt thou enter?" she asked in a constrained voice, scarce knowing +what she said.</p> + +<p>He crossed the threshold and passed into the little room which held +for him the most tender recollections.</p> + +<p>"Elinor, I have come——" he began; then, gazing at the beautiful face +before him, he advanced toward her with outstretched arms—all +resolution gone; "O my darling, I have wronged thee—thou canst tell, +I know, and explain all."</p> + +<p>She shrank from his touch, fearing lest her little firmness should +take flight.</p> + +<p>"Why dost thou shrink from me?" cried he, swept by a sudden fear which +made his lips dry and his cheeks burn. "O my God, can it then be thou +dost know the purport of my question?"</p> + +<p>"I know not what thou meanest," she stammered, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>tonished at his +words, even amidst her sufferings; "if thou hast aught to ask, pray +say on."</p> + +<p>He watched the trembling figure for a moment, interpreting her emotion +as detected guilt, and the demon of jealousy, which, strange to say, +is often led forth by love, burst out, prompting him to speak words +which after uttering, he would have given worlds to unsay.</p> + +<p>"Then, know," he cried, "that I have discovered thy methods, and that +I have been duped and dragged on to further some hellish scheme of +thine and his. I've swallowed thy pretty words and thought them sweet. +Now I know all; 'twas but last night thou wert in his arms, and +rightly thou belongest there; the report is true, thou art none other +than the mistress of Sir Thomas Winter. Aye, tremble in thy guilt, +thou Magdalene; thou canst not deny it."</p> + +<p>As he uttered the accusation, she raised her arm as if to ward off +some sudden blow, then let it fall at her side, standing speechless, +benumbed and horrified at the terrible words he had hurled at her. The +disgrace and the infamy of them she did not at once grasp, but +gradually her mind began to comprehend all that he had said. The room +swam about her, and she caught at a chair for support, vainly trying +to make some reply. Again he repeated: "Thou canst not deny it; guilt +is written in thine every action."</p> + +<p>As she aroused herself there flashed upon her mind the act of two +short days ago, when she had fallen upon her knees and prayed God that +this man before her might be spared the cruel pangs of that separation +which must inevitably come. And had not that prayer been answered? Had +not he just uttered accusations, which, if not denied, would end his +love for her—now and forever?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> Believing her to be vile and infamous, +pride and manhood would soon come to his aid. But what did the +acknowledgment mean to her? His utter contempt; he would always +believe that he had been her dupe—hers, who would gladly give her +very life for him. But what mattered it? Thinking this to be true, he +will soon, manlike, dismiss her from his thoughts, and give his love +to another, who, pray God, may make his life all happiness and +gladness. She turned her eyes toward the wall on which hung the image +of Christ nailed to a cross. Could she not crucify herself, for this +love of hers? Slowly the resolution formed. Again he repeated: "Canst +thou deny it?" And she answered: "Thou sayest it!"</p> + +<p>"It is true?" he cried.</p> + +<p>Again she answered: "Thou sayest it."</p> + +<p>"O great God," he exclaimed, putting his hands to his head, "can this +be real? Can this be the end of all our hopes? Is the world so bad and +woman so low?"</p> + +<p>She uttered not a word, but stood motionless.</p> + +<p>"Vile deceiver!" he cried, turning to her as he staggered toward the +door, "if it be happiness to know that thine infamy hath ruined my +life, know it, then, and be glad."</p> + +<p>She heard the portal close. He had gone from her forever. Then the +full and terrible import of that which she had acknowledged herself to +be overwhelmed her, and with a cry she fell unconscious to the floor.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h2>IN THE GARDEN OF THE GENTLEMAN-PENSIONER.</h2> + + +<p>Upon reaching the open air, Effingston paused for a moment that the +shock occasioned by the admission of Elinor might in some degree pass +from him. He had gone to her prepared for tears, protests and womanly +anger, and despite the suspicion which had seized his heart, it had +not been in his nature to believe the words of his father would so +soon find confirmation. He felt, indeed, as one about to lay his head +upon the block,—that he must cry out, yet his heart was clutched as +by a giant hand, benumbing all his faculties so that pain and lethargy +paralyzed his will.</p> + +<p>As he groped half blindly for the railing which flanked the narrow +steps, the figure of a man confronted him, who, as he perceived the +Viscount Effingston standing upon the threshold of Mistress Fawkes' +dwelling, drew back quickly, his face dark with anger. 'Twas Sir +Thomas Winter.</p> + +<p>In that instant all the calmness of the young nobleman returned to +him. The sight of Winter, in whom he saw the bitter enemy of his +house, and whom he now hated for a double reason, turned his pain into +contempt for her who had so illy used him. Pride came to his aid, and +he would have passed the other haughtily; but it was in no wise the +purpose of Sir Thomas that the meeting should have so peaceful an +ending.</p> + +<p>Rumor had reached him that the Viscount Effingston<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> was too frequent a +visitor at the house of one for whom he fostered, if not love, at +least a fierce passion, and the presence of his rival, at the very +door of the humble dwelling, aroused him to fury. With an angry frown +distorting his features he advanced toward the spot where stood the +Viscount, who, perceiving he had to deal with one in whom temper had +overcome prudence, laid his hand upon the hilt of his rapier. It was +not the purpose of Winter, however, to come to blows thus openly with +one who was known to be in favor with the King. He therefore contented +himself with obstructing the way in so insolent a manner, and with +such malice in his eyes, that it sent the blood to the cheeks of +Effingston, and he returned the gaze unflinchingly, saying quietly:</p> + +<p>"Come, if Sir Thomas Winter hath in mind aught to say to me, let it be +done quickly, that I may go upon my way." At the same time he moved as +though to pass.</p> + +<p>"Nay! My Lord of Effingston!" replied Winter turning his eyes upon the +hand which rested on the jeweled sword hilt. "Fear not that in a +street of London I would draw sword against thee, traitor though thou +art. Thy royal master——"</p> + +<p>"Traitor!" cried Effingston, the red of his cheeks changing to the +paleness of anger. "Traitor, sayest thou, Sir Winter?"</p> + +<p>"Aye!" replied Winter. "All London knoweth."</p> + +<p>The Viscount controlled himself by an effort.</p> + +<p>"Thy purpose is clear to me," said he coldly, "thou wouldst force a +quarrel; so be it. Traitor, sayest thou? Perchance, thy mirror hath +shown one to thee so frequently that the word is ever on thy tongue."</p> + +<p>"As to mirrors," replied Winter, "those in the King's chamber have +revealed to thee their ways, then. Think<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>est thou nothing is known +concerning the purpose of my Lord Monteagle in instructing thee as to +Puritanism."</p> + +<p>Effingston bit his lip. "'Tis befitting thy manhood, Sir Winter, having +bribed a dastardly servant to give false testimony of what was +listened to from behind a curtain, that thou shouldst insult one whose +cloak buckle thou art unworthy to loosen. 'Twas a fair representation +of thy character, a good showing of thy principles. If it be in thy +mind to prate further, get thee into the market place, where, mounted +upon an ass, thou mayst draw around thee certain of the populace whose +wont it is to gather for such discourse."</p> + +<p>This was spoken with a mock gallantry which the Viscount could well +assume, and deprived the other for a moment of utterance. Overcome by +anger, and surprised that the insults heaped upon the Viscount were +met with contempt, he forgot himself so far as to bring the name of +Mistress Fawkes into the quarrel.</p> + +<p>"Thou dost but jest with me," he cried, taking a step nearer his +rival; "perchance, having come from the arms of thy mistress, thy wits +are so dulled that——"</p> + +<p>The reply of Effingston was sudden and unexpected. Resolved to avoid +an open quarrel with one whom he considered beneath him, he had sought +to return words, only, to the other's insults, but the reference to +one whom he had held most dear, fired his brain. Scarce had Winter +uttered the base accusation when the young nobleman snatched off his +heavy gauntlet and with it struck him across the face; so great was +the force of the blow that the other staggered, lost his footing on +the slippery street, and fell at the feet of his enemy.</p> + +<p>Having thus given expression to his anger, Effingston<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> calmly replaced +the glove, and with hand upon hilt, awaited the arising of his +companion.</p> + +<p>Stunned for the moment by so sturdy a buffet, Winter remained +motionless for a little space, but soon regained his feet, and, with +garments soiled and earth stained, with blood upon his face, drew his +sword and made as though he would thrust the Viscount through.</p> + +<p>Effingston drew also, and more serious results would have followed had +not one in the crowd which had gathered to watch the ending of the +quarrel, cried that the King's soldiers were approaching.</p> + +<p>Sobered by the danger which threatened him, for the arrest of a +Catholic with sword in hand was like to bring evil consequence, Winter +made haste to sheathe his blade, which example the Viscount quickly +followed. However, it was a false alarm, and raised only for the +pleasure of seeing two fine gentlemen thrown into confusion. The +crowd, catching the spirit of the varlet, straightway raised a tumult, +showering the nobles with sundry jibes and insulting remarks, +considering it rare sport to have at their mercy those of high degree.</p> + +<p>The commotion turned for a moment the mind of Winter from his first +grievance, and he bethought himself of the sorry figure he must show +with dress awry, face soiled and blood-stained, and, worse than all, +insulted dignity. Therefore he made haste to leave a company so +unappreciative, and destitute of sympathy. To Effingston, the thought +that against his better judgment he had been drawn into a public +brawl, caused his face to glow with passion, and his desire to leave +the locality was not less than that of the other. The lookers on, +finding their sport ended, did not follow, but took themselves to +other ways, and the two gentlemen, who had hurried blindly, without +attention or knowledge as to direction, soon found<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> themselves in a +quiet street somewhat remote from the neighborhood which had witnessed +Sir Thomas Winter's discomfiture.</p> + +<p>"My Lord of Effingston!" cried he, as he gathered together his +disturbed senses, noting the presence of his companion. "Thou hast +grievously insulted me, therefore——"</p> + +<p>"When thou wilt!" the Viscount interrupted. "My sword is ever at thy +service."</p> + +<p>"'Tis well!" said Winter, drawing his cloak about him; "one hour from +now in the garden of Thomas Percy, whom, methinks, is known to thee. +Yet if thou dost fear——"</p> + +<p>Effingston shrugged his shoulders. "In Sir Percy's garden," repeated +he haughtily, and turning upon his heel left Sir Thomas in the +roadway.</p> + +<p>The garden of the official dwelling occupied by the +Gentleman-Pensioner consisted of perhaps a quarter of an acre of +sward, fringed by a sorry row of leafless trees, and surrounded by a +high wall, beyond the top of which shone the metal gables of half a +score of straight-backed dwellings. 'Twas no uncommon thing for the +parties to a dispute to settle the same by force of arms, but they +carried on the affair with all secrecy, lest the report thereof reach +the ears of those in authority, as it was contrary to the King's wish +that a private quarrel should end in the killing of an English +gentleman. Such being the fact, those gardens which adjoined the +houses of certain nobles, and by reason of their privacy precluded the +presence of prying eyes, were oft turned into duelling grounds, and +the square of sward flanking the dwelling of Thomas Percy was well +adapted for a contest in which the evenness of the ground, as well as +others matters, was of much consequence to the combatants.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> + +<p>To this garden the Viscount Effingston, accompanied by Sir Francis +Tillinghurst and another, who bore beneath his cloak a case of +instruments, presented himself at the hour appointed for his meeting +with Sir Thomas Winter. Having gained admittance by a gate set in the +wall, the three found awaiting them, Sir Thomas, my Lord of Rookwood, +the Gentleman-Pensioner and a surgeon summoned by the latter to look +to the welfare of the challenger.</p> + +<p>As the gate clicked behind the Viscount and his companions, Lord +Rookwood, who was in close converse with the others at the further +side of the garden, advanced haughtily, bowing to Sir Francis, whom he +perceived represented the interests of the young nobleman. The two, +withdrawing from the others, made haste to arrange the preliminaries +of the meeting.</p> + +<p>"Thy promptness is most commendable," said Rookwood, casting a look +upward at the cold gray of the sky, "and 'twere well that our +principals do quickly that which has brought them hither. Methinks a +storm is brewing, and a fall of snow might end the matter illy."</p> + +<p>A few white flakes upon his doublet bore witness to the correctness of +his prophecy. Sir Francis bowed assent.</p> + +<p>"Thou canst perceive," continued Rookwood, pointing to the strip of +sward, "that good Thomas Percy has had a care to have no element of +fairness lacking. Hast any objection to the spot chosen?"</p> + +<p>"I can see no catch or fault in it," replied Tillinghurst, casting his +eyes over the ground, "the light is good, and there seemeth to be no +advantage in position."</p> + +<p>"'Tis well!" said Rookwood, "wilt measure swords that the contest be +in all fairness?"</p> + +<p>Tillinghurst complied, and the principals, casting aside<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> their +cloaks, stepped forward to the strip of sward prepared for them.</p> + +<p>The demeanor of the Viscount was serious; he well knew that in Sir +Thomas Winter he had no unskilled swordsman, but a man of much +experience, with wrist of steel, and a trick of fence acquired by long +practice in foreign service. The face of Winter was darkened by a +frown in which was blended a shadow of anxiety. The Lord of Monteagle +was a famous swordsman, and it might well be that the son had learned +from a good master.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen, are you ready?" cried Rookwood drawing his rapier, as also +did Sir Francis, that they might interfere should need arise.</p> + +<p>The principals saluted, stood at guard, and awaited the signal; when +it was given, their blades crossed with a clash which rang out sharp +and clear on the cold winter air.</p> + +<p>The hate and jealousy with which Winter regarded his young rival were +intensified by the tingling blow dealt him an hour before, and from +which he still suffered,—and as he was confident beyond doubt of his +skill as a swordsman, he attacked with a fury which pressed his +younger adversary back toward the wall, and those witnessing the +contest thought to see Effingston speedily thrust through.</p> + +<p>The Viscount was, however, too adroit a fencer to yield readily to +such a fate. Careful, at first, only to defend himself, he met each +thrust and pass with a parry which deepened the frown on Winter's +brow, and having retreated to the edge of the duelling ground, he +there held his position despite the fierceness of the onslaught.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Winter's blade darted serpent-like beneath<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> the guard of his +adversary. A red stain appeared on Effingston's shoulder, and the +seconds interposed their swords.</p> + +<p>The Viscount waved them back, as also he did the surgeon, who hastened +to perform his office.</p> + +<p>"'Tis a touch only," said he hoarsely, breathing heavily, "on guard, +sir, that we may finish quickly."</p> + +<p>And now their positions were reversed. Instead of acting on the +defensive, Effingston in turn became the assailant, regaining his lost +ground, and forcing Sir Thomas back, step by step.</p> + +<p>Maddened at thus losing vantage ground Winter's calmness failed him; +he made a sudden thrust forward, and it being parried, lost his +footing, the blade of his rapier ringing against the hilt of the other +ere he could regain guard.</p> + +<p>A cry arose to the lips of Rookwood, for he thought the other would +show no mercy; but before he could utter a sound, Effingston, with a +quick turn of the wrist, sent the opposing sword ringing to the +ground, leaving his enemy weaponless before him.</p> + +<p>For an instant Winter recoiled as if in fear of the thrust which he +was now powerless to avert. A scornful smile passed over the pale +features of the victor.</p> + +<p>"'Tis thus I would deal with such as thou," said he haughtily, and, +pushing his sword into its scabbard, he took up Sir Thomas' rapier, +and breaking it across his knee, tossed the pieces contemptuously +aside.</p> + +<p>"Come!" said he as his second threw a cloak about him. "Our matters +are ended." Then saluting with grave courtesy the four Catholic +gentlemen, he left the garden, followed by his companions.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h2>GARNET AND THE KING.</h2> + + +<p>Toward the decline of the tenth day following the meeting of +Viscount Effingston and Sir Thomas Winter in the garden of the +Gentleman-Pensioner, four men might have been seen riding through one +of the stretches of woodland used by the King as a hunting ground and +known as the forest of Waltham. Although light still lingered, a gloom +was gathering over the countryside, and within the precincts of the +forest the first shades of evening warned the horsemen that ere many +hours the cheerless twilight which prevailed in England at that period +of the year, would find them outside the gates of London.</p> + +<p>Of the four, three were gentlemen; the other seemed to be more a +soldier than a cavalier. The trappings of his horse were less rich +than those of his companions, the texture of his cloak was of poorer +quality, and he bestrode the saddle after the manner of one inured to +rough riding, when business took precedence of pleasure, a custom not +commonly followed among the gentry of the kingdom. His companions were +so muffled in their cloaks as to hide both dress and features. Each +wore at his side a long rapier, and from their holsters appeared the +metal-marked butts of pistols, ready to hand should sudden danger +assail them.</p> + +<p>After passing through the outskirts of the forest bordering on the +north, the horses were urged into a gallop, the sharp ring of their +hoofs on the frost-hardened road echoing dully among the trees on +either side. As they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> entered the thickest part of the wood, one, +riding in the rear, turned to his companion.</p> + +<p>"Thou seest," said he, pointing with his whip toward the forest on the +left, "that our lord, the King, hath reserved for his own pleasure a +goodly bit of woodland within which none may venture with hounds or +hunting horns."</p> + +<p>"Such a rumor hath come to me," replied the other, "also that any +venturing within the royal chase will be dealt with most vigorously."</p> + +<p>His companion laughed harshly. "Of that," said he, "I was myself a +witness, for 'twas but ten days back when one Charles Burrows, a most +worthy commoner, and a staunch Catholic, was brought before the +magistrates for having shot a hare which crossed his path."</p> + +<p>"I'faith!" muttered the other, "'Tis then the purpose of the King to +carry his oppression even beyond our altars. It seemeth to me a most +fitting thing, Sir Thomas, that the kingdom be rid of such a tyrant."</p> + +<p>"Bravely spoken, Master Fawkes," replied Winter, "and thou wilt be +ready should occasion arise, to protest against our wrongs! But what +now is the trouble with worthy Catesby, and his Reverence?"</p> + +<p>The exclamation was called forth by the action of the two horsemen who +were leading the little cavalcade. They had pulled up their steeds and +appeared to be listening intently, though to the ears of their +companions, who had dropped some ten score paces behind, no sound save +the moaning of the wind could be heard. But as they also drew rein, +and the click of their horses' hoofs ceased, the faint echo of a horn +was borne through the wintry air.</p> + +<p>Drawing together, the four strained their ears to note<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> the direction +whence it came; across the face of one rider stole a shadow of +anxiety. Sir Thomas Winter noted it.</p> + +<p>"I warrant," said he, "that none is abroad who will in any manner +trouble us. 'Tis some hunting party returning from the chase, and +riding toward the highway. What thinkest thou, good Catesby?"</p> + +<p>"Thou mayst have conjectured aright," replied Catesby; "yet, 'twould +be a wise precaution to remain silent, if any seeking to know our +business did beset us. Mayhap even a purple cloak and doublet would +scarce hide from them that the Superior of the——"</p> + +<p>Garnet, for the fourth horseman was the leader of the English Jesuits, +raised his head proudly.</p> + +<p>"A truce, gentlemen!" said he, "'Tis not meet that, having ventured +forth disguised, I play the coward at the simple sounding of a horn. +Let us ride forward as befitteth four peaceable English gentlemen. The +King's highway is free to all who choose to pass thereon, even though +the forest bordering it be reserved for those who have gained the +smile of James."</p> + +<p>"And," said Fawkes, "'tis not the wont of a hunting party to play +highwaymen, the less so that the King, perchance, rideth with it."</p> + +<p>"The King!" cried Winter and Catesby, in a breath.</p> + +<p>"Aye!" replied Fawkes bluntly. "Have ye not told me that the royal +wood of Waltham is reserved for the hunting of his Majesty?"</p> + +<p>His companions exchanged quick glances. "Then, we had best hide +ourselves," cried Winter, "James hath a prying disposition."</p> + +<p>"Methinks," said Garnet, raising his hand to enforce silence, "that +but one horn sounded. If, as thou sayest, it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> be a hunting party, the +wood would echo with a score of blasts. Shall we run from one man?"</p> + +<p>Fawkes loosened his sword in its scabbard. "I have this," said he, "to +back our presence in the forest, and are ye weaponless?"</p> + +<p>The bluff words of the soldier of fortune put to shame the fears of +the two noblemen, yet they hesitated. Should they be suspected, it +would not be a light matter to evade certain questions which might be +asked, and if taken to London captives, the disguise of the Jesuit +would be penetrated.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the sound of the horn grew louder, and while wavering in +their decision, a voice, faint and indistinct, was heard shouting afar +off. Fawkes listened attentively.</p> + +<p>"'Tis a cry for succor," said he suddenly, "someone hath lost his way +and seeks the highroad."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Garnet calmly, "we will remain, for he is approaching."</p> + +<p>Perhaps five minutes had elapsed when the blast of the horn sounded as +if in their very ears; and from the forest, only a dozen rods beyond +them, dashed a man mounted on a bay horse. Having reached the open +road he pulled up his beast and looked helplessly in an opposite +direction from the four riders. Suddenly Winter started and changed +color, his face turning from red to white, and back to red again.</p> + +<p>"'Tis the King!" he whispered hoarsely, clutching the arm of Catesby, +who sat beside him.</p> + +<p>It was, in truth, James of England, unattended, his dress awry and +torn by thorns and brambles, with bloodless lips and terror-stricken +countenance, who sat help<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>lessly in the saddle in the presence of his +bitterest enemies.</p> + +<p>As this realization dawned on Catesby's mind, he uttered an +exclamation, and reached for the pistol which protruded from his +holster.</p> + +<p>"'Tis the judgment of God," he muttered; "to-night England will be +without a king."</p> + +<p>The firm grasp of the Jesuit upon his arm checked his murderous +purpose.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" whispered Garnet sternly, "wouldst ruin the cause which thou +hast sworn to befriend? Draw your cloaks about your faces and leave +the King to me."</p> + +<p>Ere they could recover from their astonishment he had ridden forward +to the spot where James sat bewildered, noting not the presence of +those behind him.</p> + +<p>At the sound of hoofs he turned quickly, laying a trembling hand upon +the hilt of a hunting knife which hung at his belt. The demeanor of +the approaching stranger gave him courage. Garnet did not remove from +his head the plumed hat, as was befitting the presence of royalty, but +there was in his face a kindliness which proclaimed his errand a +peaceful one.</p> + +<p>"Good sir," said he, speaking in French, "thy manner shows some +bewilderment, and, may be, the blasts of the horn which reached me +were tokens of it."</p> + +<p>James trembled violently, for at heart he was an arrant coward, and +the being met by a stranger, alone, close to nightfall and in the +forest, filled him with the greatest terror. The words of the other +somewhat reassured him.</p> + +<p>"Brave gentleman!" cried he, still grasping the handle of the knife, +"thou art a man of honor, and by thy speech a Frenchman, therefore +thou wilt aid me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Thou hast spoken truly," replied the Jesuit. "Hast lost thy way?"</p> + +<p>Relieved of apprehension for his personal safety, the King gave vent +to his ill temper.</p> + +<p>"That I have," cried he, striking his knee angrily, "and in the King's +own forest. There are those who shall pay dearly, who shall rue this +hour," he continued passionately. "'Twas a plot to humiliate me."</p> + +<p>"Good sir," replied Garnet, noting that James proposed to conceal his +identity. "Of whom speakest thou?"</p> + +<p>"Of the rogues who accompanied me hither," stormed the son of Mary, +Queen of Scots; "I followed a stag, and having outridden them they +have thus deserted me; 'tis a thing beyond human comprehension."</p> + +<p>"And this," thought Garnet, "this is the King of England, who has +pulled down our altars, driven out our religion and banished us." +Despite all efforts his brow darkened.</p> + +<p>But the ill temper of James subsided as quickly as it had arisen, +leaving him for the time only a man who sought succor, and so made +known his condition.</p> + +<p>It chanced that riding in the forest, taking the lead of those who +accompanied him, he followed the tracks of a stag and became separated +from his companions; whereupon, being confused and terrified, he soon +lost his way.</p> + +<p>Garnet listened patiently, and made no sign that could lead the King +to suspect that his personality was known, then pointed to his +companions, who were sitting motionless upon their horses, with +muffled faces, awaiting the result of the Jesuit's unexpected action.</p> + +<p>"Good sir," said he, "it will give me pleasure to conduct thee to the +outskirts of the forest, after which, the road being plain, thou canst +easily find thy way to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> gates of London. Yonder servants of mine +will ride behind us."</p> + +<p>James gladly accepted the other's offer, nor did it please him that +the supposed Frenchman should learn he was assisting the sovereign of +England. Pride and distrust governed him. Pride, lest a foreigner +should bear away the tale of a king's discomfiture; distrust, lest, +holding in his power so important a personage, the stranger might take +advantage thereof for his own benefit. But it was not in the mind of +Garnet to reveal his knowledge; so, side by side they rode in +silence—the Jesuit and the King—for the space of an hour, until, +upon reaching the vicinity of London, whose lights twinkled in the +distance, they separated, James galloping madly on, his companion +awaiting the approach of Winter, Fawkes and Catesby.</p> + +<p>There was much amazement and some anger in the minds of the two +noblemen, that the priest had acted in so unaccountable a manner. +Desirous of learning his motive for befriending one whom he professed +to hate, they questioned him upon the subject. To all, Garnet replied +briefly, bidding them wait a more befitting time, as it was his +purpose, on reaching London to attend a meeting at the house of Sir +Thomas Percy. Therefore they rode on in silence, the great clock in +the tower of St. Paul's chiming the hour of eight as they passed into +the city.</p> + +<p>At the corner of the street leading to the Gentleman-Pensioner's door +a horseman confronted them whom they recognized as Percy himself. He +had been waiting for them in an angle of the wall to say that certain +officials having gathered at his house for the discussion of public +business it would be unsafe to proceed thither.</p> + +<p>"Then is the night lost," said Catesby impatiently, "for,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> although +the Holy Father be provided with a hiding place within the city, and +will, perchance, remain among us for the space of two days, much +weighty business besides long disputations, require his attention. +Thou shouldst have seen to it, Master Percy, that thy house was free +from the hirelings of the King." Percy would have replied in anger, +but Sir Thomas Winter interrupted:</p> + +<p>"Friend Guido, thou hast a dwelling in a quiet portion of the town, +where perchance we might sit together for the discussion of such +things as now concern us."</p> + +<p>Fawkes, who had scarcely spoken since meeting with the King in the +forest, acquiesced in this proposition, although the thought of his +daughter, the smallness of his house, and the nature of the conference +caused some conflict in his mind. Yet, having resolved to serve the +cause which he held so dear, his scruples speedily vanished, the more +so that 'twas Sir Thomas Winter who requested the favor.</p> + +<p>This matter being so quickly decided, Fawkes became the guide of the +party, and turning into a narrow street which ended in a lane running +behind his house, straightway brought his companions to their +destination.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h2>THE FORGING OF THE THUNDERBOLT.</h2> + + +<p>Upon reaching the gate which opened from the garden of his dwelling +into the lane, Fawkes signaled his four companions to secure their +horses and follow him. Having complied, he led them through the +garden, unlocked the door and bade them enter.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" whispered Catesby, pressing Garnet's elbow, "friend Guido +doth seem over cautious in leading us about so secretly."</p> + +<p>"Not so!" replied the Jesuit, "'tis a gift born of much experience in +a country where the careless rattle of a scabbard may lead to most +serious results. But it is in my mind as in thine, that being peaceful +gentlemen who have rendered some slight service to his Majesty the +King, we might act with more boldness; yet caution is a jewel which, +once attained, should not be lightly cast aside, and Master Fawkes +doth cling to it."</p> + +<p>The voice of the soldier of fortune bidding them come on precluded the +reply which arose to Catesby's lips, and crossing a narrow hall the +horsemen entered a room whose cheerful brightness contrasted +pleasantly with the darkness of the passage into which they had been +ushered.</p> + +<p>After assisting his guests to remove their mantles, Fawkes placed +before them cups and wine, added a fresh fagot to the fire, and turned +to Sir Thomas Winter.</p> + +<p>"My lord!" said he, "I pray thee attend to the comfort of these +gentlemen till I return. 'Tis my custom to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> inspect the house before +retiring, lest any be astir, and to-night I deem it doubly prudent."</p> + +<p>"And who hast thou in the house, good Guido?" asked Garnet blandly; +"no one, I trust, who will interrupt our conversation?"</p> + +<p>Fawkes laughed softly. "None are within," replied he, "except my old +mother, who, were she to stand beside yon fireplace, would scarce note +the meaning of our discourse; and my daughter, a loyal Catholic, yet, +being a maid, and gifted with a woman's curiosity, it might be her +pleasure to seek the meaning of so rare a gathering beneath my roof."</p> + +<p>Garnet nodded approvingly. That he had come to London in disguise had +filled him with some apprehension, and the cautiousness of his host +quieted his fears.</p> + +<p>"Thy cavalier is indeed a man of much promise," said he to Winter, +after the soldier left the room, "and I warrant that none will venture +to disturb us. Hast sounded him thoroughly upon religious matters?"</p> + +<p>"Thou shalt see," replied Sir Thomas. "If the zeal of each Catholic in +England reached but to the half of his loyalty to the holy cause, +there would scarce be need that a father of the Church don plumed hat +and rapier."</p> + +<p>Fawkes, in the meantime, had betaken himself to the upper floor of the +house, where was situate his daughter's chamber. There was no fear in +his mind that his aged mother would note the arrival of his guests, +for 'twas her custom to retire at sundown by reason of infirmities; +but about his daughter there arose some apprehension. He felt sure +that no words which, by chance, might reach her ear would be carried +further, yet, 'twas against his wish that anything should add to her +disquietude.</p> + +<p>Coming to the door of her room, which was directly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> above that +occupied by the four friends, he listened intently, and hearing no +sound within, softly turned the knob and peered into the apartment. +The light of the full moon shining through the window, revealed to him +the interior bathed in a mellow radiance. No sound greeted his ear +save the crackling of the fagots in the huge fireplace below, and the +faint murmur of the voices of his guests. He paused,—a hundred +conflicting emotions filling his breast. The sight of the curtained +bed standing in an angle of the wall drew his attention. He pushed the +door yet further open, and holding his scabbard that its rattle might +not disturb the sleeper, slipped across the threshold and approaching +noiselessly, parted the hangings and looked down.</p> + +<p>The maid was lying with her face turned full upon him, her cheek +resting upon one white, rounded arm. In the weird moonlight her pale +beauty startled him, and almost unconsciously, he stretched forth his +hand to touch her. His fingers, resting lightly upon the counterpane, +came in contact with something cold; it caused a shudder to pass +through him, a nameless terror, and for an instant he forgot the four +men waiting in the room below. Bending lower, his eyes rested upon the +object which had so startled him. 'Twas a silver crucifix which had +fallen from the sleeper's fingers, and lay upon her breast. At the +sight great emotion and agitation swept through his heart, rough +soldier though he was; for the moment he was well nigh overpowered. +The silence of the chamber, the white face so near his own, and the +emblem of his faith placed unconsciously upon the breast of the +beloved one who lay there, filled him with superstitious awe. 'Twas +thus the dead slept, ere they were carried to the grave.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> + +<p>A movement of the white arm broke the influence of the spell. The girl +turned uneasily, a few incoherent words escaping her lips. Fawkes drew +back noiselessly. "She sleeps!" he muttered, and passing from the +room, closed the door softly, and descended to those who awaited him +below.</p> + +<p>Scarce had his footsteps ceased to echo on the stairs, when Elinor +awoke. Though wrapped in deep slumber, that inexplicable mystery, a +consciousness that she was not alone, startled her. Sitting upright, +her eyes fell upon an object lying at the side of the bed; a doe-skin +gauntlet which she recognized as belonging to her father.</p> + +<p>Surprised that he should thus have entered her chamber, a feeling of +alarm possessed her. The crackling of the fire in the room below, the +tell-tale glove upon the floor, and the faint murmur which she felt +assured must be the voices of men engaged in earnest conversation, +aroused her apprehension as well as her curiosity, and it seemed no +ill thing that she should discover the meaning of so unusual an +occurrence, for their dwelling was situated in a quiet part of London +and 'twas not the wont of any to visit it at such an hour. Then, the +thought came to her that perhaps certain companions of her father, +rough soldiers like himself, had come together to partake of his +hospitality. Calmed for the moment, she would have sought sleep again, +had not a sentence, uttered with clear distinctness, reached her ear.</p> + +<p>"Ah, good Master Fawkes! Thou hast found all quiet, and thy household +sleeping soundly?"</p> + +<p>The intonation of the question startled her. Why should her father +seek to learn whether she slept or not? Surely in the meeting of a few +boon companions over a flask of wine, such precaution was not +necessary. Not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> delaying for further meditation, she slipped out of +bed, and crept noiselessly to that side of the room against which +arose the huge brick chimney above the fireplace below. Through the +space between the flooring and the masonry, a glare of light came up +to her as well as the voices of those beneath. Crouching against the +warm bricks she listened, unmindful of the cold and her equivocal +position.</p> + +<p>The assurance which Fawkes gave to his companions that the house was +quiet, and none would interrupt them, removed the reserve which each +had hitherto felt. Time was indeed precious, for Garnet desired to +return ere daybreak to his hiding place, lest any should perceive +that, lying beneath the doublet of a cavalier, was the insignia of a +churchman, a discovery upon which great misfortune might follow. 'Twas +with scant preliminaries, therefore, that Catesby, ever foremost in +zeal, boldness and assurance, addressed his companions.</p> + +<p>"Methinks," said he, turning to the Jesuit, "that in thy wisdom thou +must have perceived something to our benefit in saving James of +Scotland from my bullet. Yet, to me it did appear that the Lord gave +him into our power."</p> + +<p>A shadow of impatience darkened the priest's brow, but in an instant +his features resumed their accustomed mildness.</p> + +<p>"My son!" he replied, "it would have been an ill thing to slay our +master after the manner of paid assassins. 'Twas in thy heart to kill +the King; what then?"</p> + +<p>Catesby bit his lip. That there lay some weighty reason in the mind of +the Superior for his unexpected friendliness to James, he +comprehended, but his spirit, unused to restraint, and darkened by +adversity, illy brooked opposition.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What then?" replied he, in answer to Garnet's question. "'Twould have +rid the kingdom of a tyrant, and our faith of its bitterest enemy."</p> + +<p>The Jesuit smiled sadly. "As thou hast spoken," said he, "the King +would be dead, and trouble us no more, but what of the Parliament? Is +it then James alone who distresses us?"</p> + +<p>"Methinks," broke in Percy, "that our worthy father hath put it to us +wisely. Did the Scot lose his life, another would arise in his place, +and the suspicions of the authorities awakened, there would be no +peace in England for a Catholic."</p> + +<p>"'Tis even so," said Garnet; "the killing of one man, though he be the +King, can scarce better our situation. What then, thou wouldst ask, +shall be done to lighten our condition? We must lull into a feeling of +security those who press hard upon us, that, when the sky seems +clearest the bolt may fall and the stroke be the more scathing. Brave +Guido here will tell thee that in that country where plots are +thickest, 'tis false security which most often leads the victim to +destruction. It may be, and doubtless is in the King's mind, and also +in that of his Parliament, that the quietness of the Catholics for so +long a time indicates continued subserviency, and not a gathering of +forces to strike against their tyranny. In certain lands there are +desert places where travelers have perished because the storm king hid +his face until the hour for overwhelming destruction sounded. Thinkest +thou that had the murmur of his coming reached their ears they would +not have taken warning and sought a place of safety? 'Tis so in +England. Had the King been shot, the news would have stirred the +kingdom from Berwick unto Dover. What then of our plans and secret<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> +plottings, when each man who worshiped at our altars appeared a +traitor? It hath always been my firm conviction and unvarying counsel +that any blow must be far reaching; not James alone, but others +besides must fall, to give us any vantage ground."</p> + +<p>A moment of silence followed Garnet's words. Percy first replied: +"'Tis a storm of extreme fury and sudden change of wind which +overcomes a vessel. Who then will bring about the hurricane which +shall wreck the ship of State?"</p> + +<p>During the Jesuit's address Sir Thomas Winter sat immovable, his eyes +fixed upon the fire and his brow contracted in deep thought. As Percy +finished he turned suddenly to Fawkes.</p> + +<p>"Friend Guido," said he smoothly, "thou art a man of many resources; +perchance in Spain thou hast learned something a suggestion of which +will now aid us. Thou perceiveth our condition."</p> + +<p>Fawkes turned his gaze moodily upon the embers. Half unconsciously his +fingers had been toying with a powder flask lying on the table before +him, and a small portion of its contents had fallen into his palm. He +tossed the black grains into the fire, where they flashed for an +instant, sending a pungent ball of white smoke into the room. 'Twas as +though the craftiness of Satan had shown to him the embryo of the +hurricane.</p> + +<p>"In Spain," replied he grimly, "there are many ways to overthrow a +tyrant; in England, as the Holy Father saith, 'twill need more +caution. Once upon a time the captain of a fighting vessel, fearing to +fall into the hands of those who would destroy his ship and put the +crew to torture, himself applied the fire to the magazine, it being<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> +filled with powder, and ten score men perished in a twinkling."</p> + +<p>His companions were startled, for the meaning of his words was clear +to them. As by a flash of light a way seemed to open which, if +followed, would lead to the fulfillment of their purpose. Catesby +leaned forward.</p> + +<p>"But if it fail, friend Guido?" he whispered hoarsely. "What then?"</p> + +<p>"Then!" cried Fawkes, turning to the Jesuit, "I will kill the +King,—if need be even without help! For what then would remain to +us?"</p> + +<p>Garnet replied nothing. The words of the soldier of fortune startled +him. Instantly he saw the meaning of the plan which Fawkes had +formed;—a plan which, if once entered upon, would be carried out by +him with all the zeal of a fanatic. The fiendishness of it, while it +roused his admiration of the man's ingenuity, made him shudder; for +'twas not thus men struck in England.</p> + +<p>"Come!" said he rising, "'tis close upon midnight, and the ride was +wearisome. Thy words have taken strong hold upon me, good Guido, and I +need a season of prayer and meditation to gain better understanding in +this matter. My cloak, therefore, that I may leave thee."</p> + +<p>Obedient to his wishes the others hastened their preparations for +departure, and in silence Fawkes led them through the passage to the +door by which they had entered his dwelling.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h2>THE WAY OF THE WORLD.</h2> + + +<p>On hearing the sounds which indicated the departure of those in the +room beneath, Elinor arose from her cramped position and noiselessly +crept to the window. In the moonlit garden she could distinguish the +figures of four men going in the direction of the lane at the back of +the house. One she recognized as Sir Thomas Winter; the others were +unknown to her. But in a moment she heard her father's voice as he +uttered a warning to the horsemen: "Mind the ditch, Lord Percy! Sir +Catesby, keep well to the left!"</p> + +<p>Then Fawkes closed the door, and she could hear his movements as he +went about extinguishing the lights. His footsteps sounded on the +stairs. If by chance he came into the chamber and found her awake and +up, what then? He would readily surmise how much it had been possible +for her to hear. Once in his anger, she remembered, he had valued her +life but cheaply;—within two short hours Elinor had learned to look +upon her father with terror, almost with dread; those words of his +rang in her ears: "I will kill the King if need be, even without +help!"</p> + +<p>The footsteps approached her room. What was she to do? It was too late +to gain the bed and feign slumber, for the creaking of a loose board +would certainly attract his attention. She hoped the door was secured, +but had no recollection of locking it. At last he had gained the +passage; now he was before her room and placed his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> hand upon the +latch; it was not locked, for the door opened. The man peered in +through the crevice and gazed in her direction. How her heart +throbbed, shaking her whole body, and sending the blood through her +veins with a sound which she feared he would hear. She thanked God +that the moon shone directly through the window and her position was +well out of its rays. He evidently did not see the girl, for after a +scrutiny of the bed, which stood well in the shadow, and a muttered, +"Safe, safe enough; all safe," he closed the door and passed down the +corridor.</p> + +<p>Elinor for a moment stood listening to the retreating footsteps; then +sank into a chair, exhausted by the strain of the last few moments, +and tried to gather her scattered thoughts. With woman's intuition she +quickly grasped the enormity of all she had overheard, comprehending +that high treason and wholesale murder had been planned; but the +hardest truth for her to realize was that her father, whom she had +always trusted and looked upon as the embodiment of honor and +uprightness, was the foremost to suggest and even offer to carry out +the fearful deed. "I will kill the King, if need be, even without +help:" the awful sentence seemed to be repeated over and over again by +the rustling night wind. Her first impulse was to save him from the +consequences of such an act. Were not the names of Moore and Essex +familiar to her? And what was their fate for even a suspected treason? +Her hysterical imagination placed vividly before her the head of the +father she loved, lying bleeding in that patch of moonlight on the +floor.</p> + +<p>But what could she do in her weakness? Go to her father and beseech +him that, for love of her, he would take no part in this terrible +crime? That would accomplish<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> nothing, for she knew him to be one whom +naught could turn from a deed he once undertook and looked upon as +justified. And now the most passionate fanaticism had seized +him—fanaticism of the most dangerous kind, born of wrongs done to his +faith. To whom could she turn for aid? She knew but one who, perhaps, +had some influence over Fawkes' stubborn mind. However, was not this +very one as deep in the treason as her father? Winter! The name caused +a shudder, bringing to mind that terrible morning ten days past. +Winter! She must then seek help from him; her hopes clung only to a +straw; nevertheless she would go and beg, if need be, even upon bended +knee, that he would persuade her father to relinquish this terrible +purpose. Yes, now was the time to act, for she feared in her +indefinite terror that the morrow might be too late.</p> + +<p>Quickly seizing a cloak and throwing it about her, Elinor crept toward +the door and listened. The place was dark, and quiet as the grave. +Swiftly she descended the stairs, then groped her way to the door and +tried to withdraw the bolts. Would they never yield to her efforts? At +last they slipped with a sound which echoed through the house. The +girl paused, expecting to hear her father's voice, but the silence was +unbroken. In a moment she was out in the moonlit street. How quiet and +serene everything appeared. How in contrast to the tumult of her +feelings. As she stood, the great bell of St. Paul's boomingly tolled +out the hour—twelve o'clock.</p> + +<p>"He must," she whispered to herself, "he must be home ere now, but +what will he think of my coming to him at this time?" She tried to +thrust this thought aside, and to gain repose of mind by walking more +swiftly.</p> + +<p>Arrived before Winter's residence, and trying the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> wicket at the +entrance she found it yielded to her touch. The girl beheld a stream +of light coming from between the curtains of a window on the second +floor. The master of the house was then within. Quickly Elinor passed +up the walk and stood before the door. As she raised the knocker her +resolution almost gave way. What was she about to tell Winter. That +she, a girl, was possessed of this terrible secret!</p> + +<p>Suddenly came to her memory the dreadful words connecting this man's +name with hers. She thought of the few times when they had been +together; how eager he had seemed to be near her; with what a +trembling clasp he had carried her fingers to his lips and imprinted +upon them kisses which burned themselves into the very flesh. And now +she was about to face him in the dead of night—and alone! Her fingers +relaxed their hold. "Courage, courage," she murmured; and quickly +laying hold of the knocker again, she smote thrice upon the panel and +listened. There soon fell upon her ear the sound of some one coming in +answer to her summons. The door opened and a sleepy servant stood +regarding her with an air of no small astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Is thy master at home?" she inquired, in a voice which, in spite of +her efforts, trembled.</p> + +<p>"That he is, young miss, but what wouldst thou with him at this late +hour? He hath but just returned from a journey, and is sore weary. +Canst thou not wait until the morning?"</p> + +<p>"I must see him at once; 'tis on the most urgent business."</p> + +<p>The hour, coupled with the fairness of the visitor, seemed to fill the +servant with surprise, for he stood a moment looking at her, then +replied:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If thou wilt step inside, mistress, I'll inform Sir Winter that there +be someone who wishes to hold converse with him, and perchance," he +added with a meaning smile, "he'll not be so badly put out after all. +What name shall I bear to him? It may be one," he continued +significantly, "which would soon draw any bolt Sir Thomas might have +shot."</p> + +<p>"No name is necessary," she answered, looking at the man and pointing +with her finger. "I seek thy master and come not to parley with his +menial. Go! Say a lady would speak with him."</p> + +<p>The servant read in the girl's eye a look which seemed to brook +neither delay nor familiarity, for he turned and went along the +passage and up the stairway.</p> + +<p>As Elinor waited, the utter hopelessness of her mission broke full +upon her, but it was now too late to draw back from her hasty act; the +voice of Winter could be heard exclaiming with a laugh:</p> + +<p>"What, a lady to see me at this hour? Troth, I am fatigued, but never +so weary that I cannot look upon a fair face. Admit her."</p> + +<p>A door opened and closed; the servant reappeared and beckoned her. +"Sir Thomas will see thee; 'tis the third portal from the landing," he +said, pointing up the stairs leading to the floor above.</p> + +<p>As Elinor followed the directions given, she endeavored to frame some +fitting sentence with which to begin her interview, but her agitation +was too great; she could think of none. Arriving before the door she +tapped with her fingers upon the panel.</p> + +<p>"Enter, my pretty one," cried a voice. "Thou hast already been +announced."</p> + +<p>She stepped within the chamber. Winter sat with his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> back toward the +entrance facing a table upon which stood a flagon of wine. As the door +closed he turned, and to her horror Elinor saw that he was flushed +with strong drink.</p> + +<p>"What? Elinor?" exclaimed Winter, in astonishment, rising from the +chair with such haste that it was overturned and fell with a clatter +to the floor. "I crave thy pardon, Mistress Fawkes," he continued with +a bow, mastering his surprise. "Thy sudden entrance caused my tongue +to utter the name that ever dwells within my heart. Pray tell me to +what happy circumstance am I indebted for the honor of this visit? I +would know the same that I may render homage to it."</p> + +<p>Elinor stood speechless, filled with abhorrence and dread. All her +bravery could scarce keep her from flying out of the room. She +endeavored to fix her mind on the purpose which had brought her here, +and so find courage. At last desperation gave her voice and she began +hurriedly:</p> + +<p>"I know that thou and others were at my father's house this night. I +was not asleep as ye all supposed, and have come to beg, to beseech, +pray, that my father be released from this terrible treason which hath +been talked of. Thou wert the only one to whom I could turn for aid—I +trust to thy goodness, to thy noble nature;—for the love of God tell +me not that I come in vain. See—see," she cried hysterically, her +self control gone and falling upon her knees. "I kneel before thee to +crave this boon."</p> + +<p>At her first words Winter started as if a pike had been thrust into +his side. On his face was written blank astonishment, which +expression, as she proceeded, gave way to one of abject fear. It would +have been difficult to say<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> which of the two was the more agitated. He +dashed a hand to his brow as if to drive away the fumes of liquor +which had mounted to his brain; looked at the kneeling figure; gazed +on the tapers burning upon the table; and tried to form some words of +reply. At last, with an effort at composure, and endeavoring to force +a laugh past his dry lips, he said:</p> + +<p>"What silly tale is this thou utterest. I have not been——"</p> + +<p>"Nay," the girl broke in wildly, "'tis useless for thee to say so. My +eyes and ears did not deceive me. Would to heaven they had and it were +only some mad dream which fills my brain."</p> + +<p>"Then—then—thou hast played the spy," hissed Winter, in sudden anger +born of drink and fear. "Dost know to what thou hast listened? Has +aught of it passed thy lips? Speak!" he cried furiously, seizing the +girl's arm and glaring at her in drunken rage. "Nay; then thou didst +not, and 'tis well; for if thy lips had breathed one word these hands +of mine would choke from out thy body its sweet breath." He +relinquished his hold, and turning toward the table hurriedly drained +a cup of wine.</p> + +<p>Elinor, spellbound with terror at his outburst of fury, stood rooted +to the spot. She realized the madness of her words, seeing plainly +that the man's condition was one which made both prayers and +entreaties useless. Again he filled a cup and dashed it off. What his +state would be in a few moments she dared not think. His back was +toward her; now was her chance to escape! Slowly the girl edged her +way toward the entrance. At last she reached it; her hand groped +behind the curtain for the knob; it turned, but to her horror, she +discovered the door was securely fastened.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> + +<p>A laugh greeted her from the table. "What, surely, Mistress +Fawkes—nay, by my troth, Mistress Fawkes it shall be no more, for +'tis too cold a title; therefore, Pretty Elinor—wouldst leave me, and +thy errand but half done? I swear thy words did at first affright; but +see, this good wine," he continued, advancing toward her unsteadily, +"hath taught me wisdom, and this I know, our secret once hid in thy +fair breast, could ne'er be driven forth, even if thou wished, as 'tis +too warm a resting place for it to relinquish. Why dost thou shrink +from me? Dost know," he added, a fierce gleam coming into his eyes, "I +would try to pluck great Saturn from the heavens if thou wished to +gird about thy waist his rings? Aye, and would give my soul for a kiss +from thy warm lips, thinking my soul well sold. Elinor!" he exclaimed, +in a husky voice, "hast thou never read my passion for thee? 'Tis +written——"</p> + +<p>"Then!" cried the girl, "think upon that love and for God's sake let +me hence."</p> + +<p>"What? Is my love so beggarly a thing that the only answer deigned to +its utterance is a scurvy request to get beyond its hearing? Nay, I +have looked upon thy frozen greetings long enough, and they, I tell +thee, have poorly matched my ardor. Listen! Thou dost wish to go?" he +questioned, placing himself before the door and holding to the +curtains for support. "Well, I will ask but cheap recompense for the +loss of thy fair company. 'Tis a kiss from thy red lips; what sayest +thou?"</p> + +<p>"And thou dost call thyself a gentleman!" exclaimed Elinor looking at +him with scorn, her fear in a measure giving place to indignation at +the insolent and shameless words. "Let me depart, I say—nay, I +command thee."</p> + +<p>"Ha! ha! Thou, I think, art carrying thyself loftily.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> 'Command!'" he +repeated with a laugh. "Nay, marry! Here thou wilt stay until them +thinkest thy going worth the price. And while thou dost meditate upon +it I will drink to thy health." He staggered toward the table and +refilled the cup.</p> + +<p>Elinor glanced about the room seeking some possible avenue of escape. +Her eyes rested upon the portieres in front of the window; she moved +toward them, but as her dress rustled Winter turned at the sound.</p> + +<p>"Aye, walk the room, my pretty one; thou wilt find thy cage well +barred. But enough of this," he continued, approaching her, "we do but +delay. Thou didst ask thy father's release from his compact. Well, he +shall be set free, but thou must recompense—not in coin, not in some +heavy muttered penance, but by thy beauty." He caught the girl in his +arms and whispered in her ear. Then the indignities which had been +heaped upon her gave strength to her arm. No sooner had his drunken +tongue uttered the sentence than she smote with all her might the face +gazing into hers. The blow for a moment staggered the man and he +released his hold; in that instant of freedom Elinor sprang toward the +window, dashing the curtains aside.</p> + +<p>"Stand back!" she cried, as he made a step toward her, his face purple +with rage, "and for thy wicked words ask forgiveness from heaven ere +it blast thee. Where is thy religion, where thy manhood, thou beast? +Aye, beast is too good a term for such as thee, for they respect the +sex—even the stag will not goad the doe. I fear thee not; move from +where thou art and by the God who heard thy wicked words I'll cry thy +infamy and treason in a voice which shall 'rouse all London, and wake +the sleepy headsman to grind the axe. Now, I fear thee not!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> + +<p>For a moment Winter paused, looking at the girl. Then his quick wit, +no longer dulled by the wine which had blinded him to the consequences +of the words he had uttered, came to his aid, and he replied:</p> + +<p>"What? And lay thy father's head, as well as mine, upon the block?"</p> + +<p>The curtain dropped from the girl's hand; she staggered, catching it +for support; then quickly recovered herself and with determination +flashing from her eyes exclaimed: "Nay, then, I will not cry thy +treason; my tongue is mute. But stir one foot and I leap from off the +balcony, gladly embracing the cold stones beneath, rather than suffer +a touch from thy guilty hands."</p> + +<p>"Come! Come!" said Winter, baffled by her words and spirit; "I'll not +harm thee. I was but heated by the wine. Thou mayst depart in peace."</p> + +<p>"I put no faith in thy words," said Elinor, still standing by the +casement, "for thou hast taught me how far one who calls himself a man +may be trusted. Go thou and unbar the door," pointing imperiously with +her hand; "then take thyself to the further end of the chamber and +there stand."</p> + +<p>Winter hesitated, but even his dulled faculties recognized the +superiority of the girl's position, and he sullenly complied with her +request. Not until he had retired to the extreme end of the room did +Elinor leave her place. Then, she quickly fled into the corridor. +Winter remained for a moment where he was and, mad with drunken rage +when the closing of the outer door announced the escape of his victim, +exclaimed: "Aye, thou hast outwitted me for a moment; but thy victory +is not for long. I shall hold the laurel and also thee before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> +daybreak." Then, staggering into the hall, he shouted: "Richard! +Richard!"</p> + +<p>A man appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "Come! Stir thy scurvy +legs; didst see the woman who this moment left me? Follow, and when at +a place thou deemest fit, throw this heavy mantle about her, and bring +her to me. She will struggle, I trow; but thou knowest the remedy. +Tarry not; go swiftly, or she will escape."</p> + +<p>At last Elinor was in the street, and, dazed for a moment by her +sudden release from the peril in which she had just stood, with a +terrified look over her shoulder—half fearing to see a staggering +figure in pursuit, she fled in the direction of her home. But what +form is this which glides from out the gate, and catching sight of the +girl hurries in the direction she has taken? Like some evil phantom it +moves, noiselessly and swiftly, ever keeping well in the shadows.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h2>WHAT THE MOON SAW.</h2> + + +<p>But what of Fawkes? Did any gloomy thoughts disturb his rest? Did the +shadow of the axe or gibbet fall athwart his dreams? If not, why turns +he so uneasily in his slumber and at last awakes?</p> + +<p>"Sleep sets ill upon me," he mutters, drawing a hand across his brow. +In a moment he arose, hastily dressed himself, walked toward the +window, opened it and gazed upon the night. Does some subtle bond of +sympathy exist between him and the girl who is now in peril of +death—or worse? It would seem so, for standing beside the casement, +he exclaims:</p> + +<p>"Am I a sickly child, or puny infant, that I awake, frightened by +silly visions which war with sleep, and murder it ere 'tis fairly +born? Troth!" he continued, with knitted brows, "'twas strange my +fancy painted such a picture."</p> + +<p>He stood for a moment wrapped in thought, then added, shaking his head +as though unable to thrust aside the memories which troubled him:</p> + +<p>"By the blessed Virgin! a most vivid dream. How she held her arms out +to me, yet her lips were mute. Aye, and the eyes—the dumb horror +written in them, as if beholding a specter which blanched the face and +fettered the limbs. I believe," he added with a sudden resolution, +"'tis a woman's trick, but I would fain see her face ere I rest +again."</p> + +<p>He stepped out into the corridor, proceeded in the di<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>rection of his +daughter's room, and softly entering, advanced toward the bed.</p> + +<p>"Not here!" exclaimed he, beholding the empty couch. "Nay, thou canst +not frighten me," he continued with a forced laugh, gazing about. +"Come, show thyself; 'twas a merry jest, but let's have it done."</p> + +<p>He paused; still no answer to his summons. "Elinor," he again called, +a shadow of anxiety in his tone. "What means it that she is nowhere +within hearing?"</p> + +<p>He quickly retraced his steps, passed down the stairs and tried the +hall door. It was unbarred, and opened to his touch.</p> + +<p>"By heaven!" he exclaimed, "I could swear I shot those bolts before +going to rest, and now they are drawn."</p> + +<p>He stood anxiously looking out upon the star-lit night. His eyes +wandered to the doorstep, and discerned upon its covering of frost the +imprint of a small foot.</p> + +<p>He stooped to examine the impression and hurriedly arose. "She has +indeed left the house," he cried. "What can have taken the maiden out +of doors at this hour of the night?—some secret tryst? Nay, I do but +jest; she's not the kind to go a-courting after the moon is up. +Mayhap," he continued, meditating a moment, "a neighbor was stricken +ill and they have summoned Elinor to lend her gentle aid. Marry," +added he in a relieved tone, on finding a plausible excuse for his +daughter's absence, "I do recollect Master Carew's woman was soon +expected to add one more trouble to her husband's household. It is +most likely that she went there. 'Tis a dark way to travel, and I will +give her a surprise. While thinking a lonely walk lies before her, +Elinor will find an old but devoted cavalier to keep her company. +First,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> added he with a laugh, "I'll fetch my blade; for 'twould ill +befit a gallant in quest of beauty to go unarmed."</p> + +<p>So saying, he disappeared, and presently returned attired in a heavy +mantle, and a long rapier girded to his side.</p> + +<p>The moon was high, and its light, which whitened the gables of the +houses, diffused a bright glimmer below, sufficient to enable Fawkes +to proceed quickly upon his way. Frost had set in, and a keen wind +blew; so he was glad to hurry on at a goodly pace. As the streets were +quite deserted at this early hour of the morning, or haunted only by +those whose business—whether for good or evil—forced them out of +doors, he met no one and saw no lights. The man's mind was evidently +filled with pleasant thoughts, for ever and anon a smile would flit +across his face, as though he dwelt upon the surprised look of his +daughter when she would behold him. These agreeable anticipations, +which had taken the place for the moment of the sterner purposes which +had of late engrossed him, were only thrust out by something which +happened just then and brought him abruptly to himself.</p> + +<p>It was the appearance of a woman, who suddenly issued from an alley a +score of yards in front of him, and with a quick glance over her +shoulder, disappeared down another turn in the road. The movements of +this apparition caused Fawkes to pause, when suddenly a second figure, +this time a man, came into view and hurried in the direction taken by +the girl. "By my hilt," whispered Fawkes, peering cautiously out of +the shadow in which he stood, "that rogue had a most suspicious air +about him; an honest man walks with more noise; but, by my soul! if +there is not a third!"</p> + +<p>The object which had called forth the last remark was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> still another +figure, which came from the same quarter, and proceeded in the +direction taken by the first two. "What queer business is now afoot?" +Fawkes exclaimed, gazing after the retreating forms. "Mayhap ere long +a trusty blade will not be amiss. I can well afford a few moments to +see that all be fair."</p> + +<p>So saying, and loosening his sword in its scabbard to make sure it was +free if suddenly needed, he swiftly passed in the direction taken by +the retreating figures. A few steps brought him to the head of the +street down which the three had disappeared. By the light of the moon +Fawkes distinctly saw the shadowy forms, and halting where he stood, +watched their movements.</p> + +<p>The girl was well in advance; the second person, hurrying after. The +last of the two crossed to the opposite side of the way and walked +well in the shadow cast by the gables of the houses. The girl cast a +glance over her shoulder as if feeling the presence of one in pursuit, +but evidently finding herself quite alone, slackened her pace to take +breath. Now, the one nearest her made a strange move, if so be he were +bent upon an honest mission; for as soon as the woman reduced her gait +to a walk, the man loosened the long cloak hanging about his +shoulders, and seizing it in both hands, moved swiftly and noiselessly +in her direction. Aye, loose thy sword in its sheath, thou, standing +in the shadow; for if there be in thee muscle for a fight, soon will +the clash of steel ring out upon the frosty air.</p> + +<p>The man was now up with the girl, who, on hearing footsteps, turned +and uttered a scream. Once only does she raise the cry, for before she +can a second time call out, the cloak is thrown over her head, a rough +hand is at her throat, and she feels the pressure of a rope as it is +deftly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> whipped about her. There was a momentary struggle; but it soon +ceased, for the woman fainted, and was at the mercy of him who had +trapped her. Is thy sword caught and useless? thy arm paralyzed? or +what causes thee to stand unnerved and trembling? Was it the scream +that rang out upon the midnight air? Had it the sound of a voice dear +to thee even now?</p> + +<p>The man lifted the light figure of the girl within his arms and +hurried away. Aye, Effingston, heaven-sent was the sorrow which drove +thee forth to seek solace from the night and stars; but, come, now is +thy time!</p> + +<p>Fear not for him—he has recovered himself—and, snatching his rapier +from its sheath, with one or two quick bounds is up with the man, +crying: "By the God above thee, release the woman ere I crush thy +head, thou adder!"</p> + +<p>The one thus addressed turned, and seeing the determined face at his +elbow, paused, but retained his grasp upon the girl.</p> + +<p>"Release her!" exclaimed Effingston, raising his sword, "ere I spit +thee." The man allowed his burden to slip to the ground, the cloak +fell from about her figure, and Elinor lay at the feet of him she +loved.</p> + +<p>"Thou art quick with thy command, Master," replied the other, coolly +drawing his rapier. "Methinks thou hadst better attend to love affairs +of thine own, rather than meddle in that with which thou hast no +concern. Put up thy blade, I say, and go about thy business, ere I +teach thee a trick or two which will let more ardor out of thy body +than a three days' diet of beef can replace."</p> + +<p>"Thou knave!" Effingston exclaimed, casting a quick glance at the +motionless figure upon the ground, and pointing toward it with his +rapier. "Dost call thyself a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> man, to steal behind and deal foul +blows? Verily, thou craven dog, 'tis written in thy countenance, and +he who runs may read, that thou hast not the courage even to look a +woman in the eye, much less to face a man in honest fight."</p> + +<p>"I'll hear no more of thy speech," cried the now angry man, leaping +meanwhile to the middle of the road; "soon will I put holes in thy +genteel carcass which will leave thy vitals cold for some time to +come. Up with thy sword, if thy bravery be not all talk." He +unfastened his leather jerkin and stood awaiting Effingston, who +loosened the clasp of his mantle.</p> + +<p>"By my troth," exclaimed Fawkes, who still retained his post of +vantage; "I swear 'tis not my place to interfere; likely it will be a +lusty fight, for both seem to have the proper spirit, and hold the +weapon as those accustomed to the steel. Marry! it must be difficult +to see the eyes in this light, but the point will be more readily kept +track of."</p> + +<p>The combatants crossed swords and stood at guard.</p> + +<p>"If thou hast any friend to claim thy body, better write his name," +said the man in the leather jerkin, as Effingston's blade touched his +lightly, emitting a grating sound.</p> + +<p>The only answer was a swift lunge, dexterously parried.</p> + +<p>Not three blows were exchanged before Effingston realized that the man +before him not only possessed the skill of one long used to sword +play, but, further, combined with it the coolness and the keen eye of +an old duelist. Moreover, the neutral tint of his adversary's dress +offered but a poor mark by which to gauge his thrust, while his own +costume, being ornamented with silver, gave his antagonist most +effective guidance whereby to aim his strokes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> + +<p>The other, also, came to the conclusion that no mere novice stood +before him, for Effingston had turned every thrust with an ease which +surprised him; and several times his sword had crept so closely to the +leather jerkin that three or four brown furrows had appeared upon it.</p> + +<p>"Enough of this child's play," Effingston's antagonist hissed between +his teeth, making another furious lunge. The impetus given to the +thrust would have sent the blade to the hilt into the other's body had +it come in contact with it, but Effingston met the blow in a way least +expected, making use of a trick but little known in England at that +time, for as quickly as the sword flew forward he stepped lightly +aside, at the same time advancing his own weapon. The hilts came +together with a crash; the guard of one was entangled in the bell of +the other, and the two rapiers remained firmly interlocked. The men +now stood so closely that their breasts touched, the breath issuing +from their parted lips mingling in clouds. Suddenly, almost +simultaneously, as if one read the intent in the other's eye, each +slowly moved his left arm to his side, seeking the dagger he knew hung +there. Again, on the same instant, the knives flashed forth; the men +sprang quickly apart; the two rapiers went spinning on the roadway, +and with a clatter, became disentangled as they fell. No time for +breath; each knows it is to the death, and plenty of rest awaits one +or both, perchance, in a few moments. The men leaped toward each +other; a confused struggle ensued. Fawkes from his post could illy +make out who had the advantage. Suddenly, Effingston's foot slipped, +he was almost upon his knees—the man was upon him, one hand gripped +his shoulder, forcing him to the ground, the other held the knife +lifted high to add force to the blow; but that coveted strength<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> cost +him his life, for before the hand could descend, Effingston quickly +raised his dagger, and drove it with all his might up to the guard in +the neck left unprotected by his adversary's movement. The man +clutched at the figure before him, the blade flew from his grasp and +he dropped with a bubbling cry to the earth, the blood spurting from +him as he fell.</p> + +<p>"Marry!" exclaimed Fawkes, who through all the contest had been +craning his neck and breathing hard with excitement, "that was a brave +device but not one which I should care to try myself. By the Apostle +Paul!" added he in surprise on hearing the bell of a distant church +strike the hour, "it is three o'clock, and here am I watching two +gentlemen, whose faces I cannot even see, settle a little difficulty +about a woman. But 'twas a lusty fight, and for the moment made me +forget the errand which called me forth." Saying which and with +another glance down the road, he started upon his way.</p> + +<p>The victor stood regarding his foe, who made one or two convulsive +movements as if to arise, but fell back with the blood spouting from +the wound and out his mouth. One more struggling effort he makes, but +'tis the last; with a violent convulsion of his whole body the man in +the leather jerkin sinks to the earth to rise no more.</p> + +<p>Effingston turned to the second figure lying upon the roadway, and as +he gazed upon her, there was expressed on his countenance a certain +degree of contempt, but, withal, a love which pride and resolution +could not quite kill. As she lies there, the white face touched by the +light of the moon, it is like looking upon the dead.</p> + +<p>"O God," he whispered, as he suddenly knelt beside her, taking one of +the white hands within his own, "would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> that she had died +before—before——" He slowly raised the girl in his arms; then +convulsively pressed the light figure to him, and letting his head +sink upon her breast, sobbed as only a strong man can.</p> + +<p>Again there was silence, broken only by the rattle of ice-covered +twigs swept from the trees by the restless night wind. After a moment +he regained composure and fell to chafing her hands.</p> + +<p>A slight motion showed him the girl was slowly recovering from her +long swoon. Gradually consciousness returned, and lifting her head +from the cloak he had placed beneath it, she looked about in a +confused way as though unable to make out her surroundings. Soon her +gaze rested upon Effingston, who had drawn a little apart. Raising +herself, she tottered toward him, and would have fallen had he not put +an arm out to prevent her.</p> + +<p>"What could have made thee treat me so?" she whispered, passing a hand +across her face, as if endeavoring to brush away that which hindered +her thoughts. "Have I not suffered enough?" she continued, piteously.</p> + +<p>"I was not thy assailant," answered Effingston, motioning to the +figure on the road; "there he lieth; thou canst go thy way in peace."</p> + +<p>The girl glanced in the direction and shuddered. "And how came this +about?" she questioned, in a dreamy tone, casting a frightened look at +the thing in the path. "Oh, now I do recollect me," added she, softly, +as though to herself, seemingly oblivious of her surroundings. "I had +left Sir Winter, and deeming myself quite safe, was hurrying home, +when—for truth, I can remember no more until I found thee near me." +She ceased and looked up into his face with an innocent smile. +Evidently the terrible strain to which her mind had been sub<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>jected +effaced from it all previous impressions, or left only an indistinct +recollection of what had transpired. "It was brave of thee," she +murmured, in the same dreamy tone, placing her hand upon his arm.</p> + +<p>At the name of Winter, Effingston drew back. Had she not by those +unguarded words confirmed her guilt? All his pride and anger returned. +The resolutions which had but a moment since departed, banished by +that helpless figure in the moonlight, now came again with greater +strength. Of what weakness, he asked himself, had he been guilty? Of +kissing the lips not yet cold from the caresses of him who had defiled +them.</p> + +<p>"Very—brave—in—thee," the girl repeated, in a dull monotone.</p> + +<p>Effingston glanced at her, but that piteously bewildered face cannot +move him, and he coldly answered:</p> + +<p>"'Tis the duty of every gentleman to protect the life of a woman, even +though her shame be public talk."</p> + +<p>Evidently the girl had not heard, or at least the words made no +impression upon her brain, for she nestled closely to him like a +frightened child seeking protection.</p> + +<p>"Come," he whispered. She obeyed without a word. They passed upon +their way in silence and at last reached her dwelling. Effingston +opened the door which stood unbarred, and assisted her to enter. He +turned to go, not trusting himself to speak.</p> + +<p>"Thou wert not always accustomed to leave me thus," exclaimed the +girl, in a voice destitute of expression. "See," she continued, "I +will kiss thee even without thy asking," and before the man realized +her intent, she threw her arms about him and pressed her lips to his. +"They are cold," she murmured, with a shiver. "But the night is +chilly—look! now the east is streaked with red." Turn<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>ing, she +pointed to the sky, dyed with the crimson light of coming day. The +ruddy glow crept up, touching the girl and turning the snow at her +feet to the color of the rose.</p> + +<p>"Come to me, dear heart," she whispered, holding out her arms; "take +me to thee, that on thy breast I may find a sweet and dreamless +sleep."</p> + +<p>The sun arose; but upon no sadder sight than this man, who plodded +wearily homeward—warring forces within, and a desert all about. On +his way through the silent streets, made more desolate by the +cheerless light of coming day, he saw for a moment a mirage of an +honorable love and happiness. In the fair city of his dream he beheld +a bright and happy home, made so and adorned by the girl whose kiss +was still upon his lips. There, always awaited him a heart which, +through its love, added to each blessing, and dulled every sorrow. +Ever on the portal stood a being he worshiped, who, with her fair arms +wreathed a welcome of love about him. They pass within; a bright face +offers itself for a kiss; fondly he stoops, but the dream +vanishes;—in the breaking of the morn he stands alone;—hope dead +within his breast.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h2>AT "THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD."</h2> + + +<p>Winter waited long for his servant's return. He walked restlessly up +and down the chamber, ever and anon pausing, either for recourse to +the flagon on the table, or to draw aside the curtains and gaze out +upon the street. At last, sinking into a chair with a muttered curse +at the long delay, he fell into deep sleep, overcome by the wine in +which he had so freely indulged. Dawn broke gray and cheerless. The +first rays of the sun penetrated into the chamber and fell upon the +sleeper,—his position was unchanged since the small hours of the +night. Gradually, as the light increased, he stirred uneasily, awoke, +and rubbing his eyes, looked about as though not sure of the +surroundings. His eye rested upon the flagon, then slowly traveled +toward the window. The recollection of the last night, however, +flashed before him, and springing from the chair, he dashed out into +the corridor.</p> + +<p>"Richard!" he called. No answer followed his summons.</p> + +<p>"Richard," he repeated, in a still louder tone. The only response was +the echo of his own voice.</p> + +<p>"What mad business be this?" exclaimed he, retracing his steps and +looking wildly about the apartment. "By this cursed drink have I +brought ruin to our hopes and cause. Out upon thee," he cried in a +transport of passion, suddenly seizing the flagon, and flinging it +with all his might across the room. The heavy piece of metal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> struck +the wall, sending out a deluge of wine, and falling with a crash, +shattered into fragments an ivory crucifix resting upon a small table. +Winter stood aghast at the havoc wrought.</p> + +<p>"An omen," he whispered, white to the lips, glancing about with +frightened looks, then kneeling to take up the broken cross.</p> + +<p>"See," he cried, holding with trembling fingers the image of the +crucified Savior which had escaped the wreck, and now dripped with +wine;—"Christ's wounds do open their red mouths and bleed afresh at +my awful deeds." The man arose, crossed himself, and thrust the image +into his doublet, then wiping the sweat from his brow sank into a +chair.</p> + +<p>"'Tis not by these tremblings, or vain regrets, that I may fortify +myself, or mend what's done," he exclaimed. "I must bethink me, and +let reason check the consequences of my folly. The girl asseverated +that she heard all which transpired at her house last night. Oh, most +unfortunate chance which gave the words into her ear! What foul fiend +did raise the cup to my lips and leave my wit too weak to turn the +deadly stroke? Nay," he continued, after several moments, shaking his +head, "she'll not make known the purport of our speech, for the love +she bears her father is a potent hostage for her silence, and if I be +judge, Mistress Elinor will make scant mention of her visit +yesternight. Even if there be small love in her heart for me, a most +wholesome fear doth take its place, and for my present purpose one +will serve as fittingly as the other. Marry," he continued, with a +smile, seemingly relieved by his reflections, "thy ready wit hath at +last returned; but by St. Paul! what hath become of that varlet +Richard? 'Tis more than likely the open door<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> of some pot house spoke +more strongly to him than my command, and 'tis most providential if my +surmise be true; I must have been mad indeed to trust the rogue on +such a mission. Small doubt but that he heard all which transpired +here last night, for he hath a most willing ear to listen, and a +tongue given to wag. 'Twould be a heaven-sent deed if something would +occur to silence his speech, for his knowledge, if he hath the wit to +know its value, may be a deadly menace to our cause. When he returns +I'll give the knave silver to quit the country; or, perchance," he +added, a hard, cunning look coming into his eyes as he put his hand +upon a small dagger at his side, "if that will not suffice, 'twill be +necessary for our safety to introduce him to more sturdy metal."</p> + +<p>The man arose and proceeded to efface the marks of dissipation, and +set his disordered dress to rights, saying as he finished, "I must to +my appointment with Garnet. Marry," he added, donning hat and mantle, +"I hope he is safely housed, and that my letter to Giles Martin, which +the worthy prelate was to present, did insure him some extra +attention, as a pot house, at its best, must be a poor refuge for a +priest."</p> + +<p>It was early in the morning and few people were astir.</p> + +<p>"Gramercy," quoth Winter, when he had proceeded some distance on his +way, "would that some person were abroad that I might enquire the +direction to 'The Sign of the Leopard;' I swear," he added, glancing +about, "it must be in this neighborhood, but I can illy guess where." +Looking, he perceived a group of men a little distance down the +street. "There be some worthies," exclaimed he, "who can perhaps +direct me to the hostelry." As he approached he saw they were +regarding a figure lying upon the ground.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nay, Master Alyn," said one, "thou hadst best do naught but let it +await removal by the King's guard; if thou disturb the body surely +questions might be asked which 'twould bother thy head to answer."</p> + +<p>"Beshrew my heart," exclaimed the man addressed, who, judging from his +appearance, was a small tradesman, "I can ill afford to have this evil +thing lying upon my step, preventing what little trade might drift +this way."</p> + +<p>Winter now came up with the group, and as they turned at the sound of +his footsteps, he could see that the object of their remarks was a man +lying face downward on the flagging, and his attitude of relaxation +showed that death had overtaken him.</p> + +<p>"What hast thou here, my men?" Sir Thomas exclaimed, "some victim of a +drunken brawl?"</p> + +<p>"That we cannot make out," answered the first speaker, touching his +hat, on perceiving—by his dress and manner—that the questioner was a +gentleman, possibly one in authority, "but for truth, he has been +stuck as pretty as a boar at Yule-tide. Thou mayst look for thyself," +he added, with some little pride, as of a showman exhibiting his +stock, and laying hold of the body by the shoulders he turned it over, +so that the distorted face gazed up at the sky.</p> + +<p>Winter started at the sight, unable to repress a cry, for before him +was the body of his servant. His wish had indeed been fulfilled; those +silent lips would tell no tales.</p> + +<p>"What, good sir!" cried he who seemed to be the spokesman of the +party, on noting the white face of the other; "doth thy stomach turn +so readily?"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Winter, raising a gauntlet to hide his emotion, "but +they who meet death suddenly are seldom<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> sweet to look upon, +and—and—for truth, I have not yet broke my fast; canst direct me to +a certain hostelry in this neighborhood known as 'The Sign of the +Leopard?'"</p> + +<p>"I can, Master, for many a pot of ale I've drank in that same place. +Look," he continued, pointing, "if thou wilt follow this street until +the second turning to the right, from there thou canst readily see the +tavern's sign."</p> + +<p>"My thanks to thee," said Winter, taking a coin from his purse and +handing it to the man. His eyes again for a moment turned upon the +prostrate figure. "And my friends," added he, "I would deem it +expedient that ye notify the guards, and have this unsightly thing +removed." He then turned and proceeded in the direction given him. +This incident brought a renewal of the apprehensions which had haunted +him earlier in the morning, and he muttered as he went on his way: +"There is the first consequence of my folly, and the next may be—nay, +courage; heaven will not be so merciless as to permit one evil deed to +overthrow our cause. God will pardon this hasty sin, when he who +committed it doth risk life in His holy work. But," he added, with a +smile, "'tis providential justice which slew the man, for the dead +utter no words." At last he arrived before the house which he sought. +"Marry," he exclaimed, gazing at the exterior of the tavern; "'tis +indeed a sorry place for the saintly Garnet to reside in, but it has +the advantage of being a secure retreat." He tried the door, which +yielded to his touch, and entered the apartment. On the tables stood +the remains of last night's libations, and the air hung heavy with the +odor of stale tobacco smoke. Over all was a spell of silent +desolation, as if the ghosts of the songs and merry jests, which had +echoed from the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> walls, had returned with aching heads to curse the +room.</p> + +<p>"This is a sweet place, truly," said Winter, looking upon the table. +After a short delay the sound of footsteps could be heard approaching, +a door opened and the host entered. Giles Martin, not at once +recognizing the man who stood by the table, regarded his guest with +some little surprise, for a customer at that early hour was rare.</p> + +<p>"To what may I serve thee, sir?" said he, advancing toward Winter. +"Well, Master Martin," exclaimed the one addressed, "dost so soon +forget a face? It is, I swear, a poor trick for a landlord."</p> + +<p>"What, Sir Thomas?" cried the other in surprise, holding out his hand, +"I did not recognize thee in this uncertain light. A thousand pardons, +and highly am I honored to find thee in my humble house."</p> + +<p>"'Tis but small honor I do thee," replied the man, with a laugh, +drawing off his gauntlets. "Didst receive my letter?"</p> + +<p>"Aye, that I did, and have shown the bearer of it every courtesy which +this poor tavern can provide. Much am I gratified to learn that Sir +Thomas Winter remembered one whom he hath not seen since——"</p> + +<p>"Nay, good Martin, I do recall the time thou wouldst name. But pray +tell me, is my cavalier friend up at this early hour, for I would +confer with him."</p> + +<p>Giles cast a quick glance at the speaker, then letting his eyes fall, +said:</p> + +<p>"That he is, and little hath he slept this night, for 'twas late ere +he arrived, and when I arose I heard him walking about."</p> + +<p>"Then wilt thou tell him I await; or—nay, stop—thou needst not +announce me; I will see him in his chamber. Show the way, I will +follow."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<p>"As thou dost wish," said Giles, turning to open a door which hid a +flight of rickety stairs leading to the floor above. Reaching the +landing Winter noted that Martin was about to follow and exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Nay, show me the portal, I will not trouble thee further. And if thou +wilt be so kind, see to it that we are not disturbed in our +conversation."</p> + +<p>"Have no fear for that, Sir Thomas, I will take care that none do +interrupt. The room is in front of thee," saying which, Martin turned +and descended the stairs.</p> + +<p>Winter tapped upon the panel.</p> + +<p>"Enter," said a quiet voice.</p> + +<p>He lifted the latch and passed into the room. The prelate had +evidently been engaged in prayer, for, as the other stepped within, +the priest was arising from his knees. His face seemed in strange +contrast to the garb he had donned; the delicate, almost effeminate +features of the man were little in keeping with the gay attire of a +cavalier.</p> + +<p>"Ah, Sir Thomas," exclaimed the Jesuit, advancing with gentle dignity +and extended hand, "glad am I to see thee, for I have been more than +lonely, but," he added, with a bright smile, "'tis not my nature to +complain; these be but small discomforts, and gladly would I endure +greater in the service of my Master. Hast any news? Hath aught +happened since we met? But pray be seated," he added, pointing to one +of the two chairs, which, with a low bed, comprised the furniture of +the room.</p> + +<p>"Nay, good father, nothing hath transpired," replied the other, a +shade passing athwart his face; "and now tell me, what dost thou think +of Fawkes? Is his enthusiasm great enough to serve our purpose?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> + +<p>"A most terrible man, but one whose cruelty rests upon the love of +God. Indeed, it is as thou didst say, if each Catholic in England were +possessed of but one-half his zeal, then would the gutters run red +with the blood of heretics; 'twas such as he who made the eve of St. +Bartholomew. Are we free to speak?" queried Garnet, leaning toward the +other.</p> + +<p>"Quite free," replied Winter, "a faithful friend of mine is on guard +that we be not interrupted."</p> + +<p>"Then, 'tis well; I have spent the night in prayer, beseeching the +Almighty to lead my mind aright that I may decide the justice of the +plan proposed. Ah," exclaimed the Jesuit, arising, and with hands +clenched before him, "'tis a hideous act, but," an expression of +fierceness coming into his gentle face, "my supplication was answered, +the deed is favored by God, for He hath sent me a token of His +approval."</p> + +<p>"A token, thou sayest, good father?" exclaimed Winter in an awed +voice.</p> + +<p>"Verily," cried Garnet, raising his eyes to heaven, "a sign from Him +whose cause we serve. 'Twas thus: Long had I knelt in prayer, long had +I raised my voice that He who holds the oceans in His palm, and guides +the planets in their courses, would lead me to a wise decision. 'O +God,' I cried, 'send thou some token that I may know thy will.' Even +as I gazed upon the crucifix clenched in my unlifted hand, the message +I so craved had come, for the cross was stained with blood, which from +it fell in sluggish drops. I looked more intently, filled with +amazement, and perceived that so closely had I pressed the silver +image of the blessed Savior it had cut into the flesh. But 'twas God's +voice in answer to my prayer."</p> + +<p>"Most marvelous," whispered Winter, crossing himself.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> "But didst thou +comprehend all that Fawkes proposed? Hast dwelt on every point?"</p> + +<p>"Think not, my son," the prelate answered, "that because my eyes have +long been used to the dim light of the sanctuary, they have not +perceived all the horror of that which must be done. But now," he +cried, his pale face flushed with emotion, "God in His wisdom hath for +a time taken from me the crucifix and given in its place the sword. So +be it," he continued, drawing the rapier hanging by his side and +kissing the cross formed by the blade and handle, "He shall not find +Henry Garnet wanting, for not until the Angelus doth sound from +Landsend to Dunnet Head, will this hand of mine relax its hold, unless +death doth strike the weapon from it."</p> + +<p>"Ah, good father," cried Winter in admiration of the other's spirit, +"thy enthusiasm and courage are surely heaven born, but," he +whispered, "if we fail, what then?"</p> + +<p>"We cannot," broke in the Jesuit, his eyes alight with the fervor of +his spirit. "Have I not told thee that heaven approves our act? +Victory belongs to us; the White Dove doth rest upon our helms. 'Tis +true that some of us may perish, but what of them? Their fame shall +live from age to age, and never will the call to Mass or Vespers +sound, never will the clouds of incense mount upward—streaming past +the Host without their names being within the hearts and on the +tongues of the worshipers. Think how greatly we be blessed," he +continued, laying his hand fondly upon the other's shoulder;—"a few, +a happy few, who have been thus elected to raise the cross of Christ +from out the dust. Nay," he added, shaking his head, "I would not wish +our danger one jot or tittle less, for, methinks, some portion of the +glory which is now our own might depart with it, and I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> could illy +bear the loss of even one small gem which must rest in the immortal +crown of our recompense."</p> + +<p>"Then thou dost feel our victory is assured," said Winter, in a +constrained voice, looking anxiously toward Garnet.</p> + +<p>"Nay, I do not feel—I am certain," replied the prelate, decisively. +"And now there rests with us the duty of forming our plans, making +everything ready to strike the mighty blow. What hast thou to offer or +suggest?"</p> + +<p>"Good father, I would not take upon myself to offer a suggestion," +said Winter; "but methinks it would be well that we all assemble and +discuss the matter more fully."</p> + +<p>"And where shall the gathering be held?—at the house of Master +Fawkes?"</p> + +<p>"Not so," replied the other, so abruptly that the priest turned upon +him an enquiring glance. "I mean," continued Winter, noting the look, +"'twould be unwise for us to be seen again meeting in that place; it +might arouse curiosity, and that might be fatal."</p> + +<p>"Then what wouldst thou say to my Lord Catesby's?"</p> + +<p>"Nay, for I deem the same objection doth apply to his dwelling. I +would suggest we gather at the house of Sir Everard Digby. Will't suit +thee, father?"</p> + +<p>"I think thy caution most commendable, and thy proposition the best. +And when shall the meeting be?"</p> + +<p>"Say a week hence," replied Winter. "In the meantime I will see Sir +Everard, and make the necessary arrangements. But what of thee till +then?"</p> + +<p>"Disturb not thyself, my son, concerning me," replied the prelate; "I +will content myself, and be right comfortable in the care of thy +friend the host. Dost think he hath suspicions?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nay," replied the other. "In truth, if his suspicions were aroused, +he would be silent; such poor taste hath he, that love for me would +make him dumb, and with it is the fact that the man is a zealous +Catholic; methinks if his help could be safely won he would be most +valuable to us. Shouldst thou find a fitting opportunity it might be +well to sound the man."</p> + +<p>"I will do so," replied the prelate, "if a chance doth offer itself."</p> + +<p>"And now," continued Winter, rising, "I must away. Be ever careful, +father, for thy loss would signify the destruction of our hopes."</p> + +<p>"My son," answered the other, with a smile, "thou dost speak from thy +heart; but methinks, if at this moment Henry Garnet were dragged away +and hurried toward the block, the mighty work would be continued; +success doth rest in higher hands than mine. Now, until we meet again, +may the peace of Him whose servants we are rest upon thee."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h2>IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.</h2> + + +<p>Some leagues from London, in the shire of Buckingham, was situated the +country residence of Sir Everard Digsby, who, with Catesby, Wright and +Percy, was present at the house of the latter on the night in which +Fawkes reached the city, whither he had been summoned by a letter from +Sir Thomas Winter. The dwelling of the young nobleman, being somewhat +remote from the more populous districts of the shire, seemed a fitting +place for such discussion, and, perchance, of more weighty matters, +pertaining to the fast-growing conspiracy against the King and his +Parliament. This place Winter had suggested to Garnet as the safest +spot for the Catholic gentlemen to assemble for the discussion of +their plan.</p> + +<p>'Twas the custom that those noblemen whose wealth afforded them two +dwellings, one in London and another in the rural districts, should +oft entertain at the latter such of their companions as pleased them; +and these, riding forth from the city, singly or in goodly numbers, +might pass but a single night, but sometimes when occasion served, a +fortnight, in merrymaking at their host's expense. Such being a common +practice throughout the kingdom little danger of causing suspicion lay +in the fact that Winter, Rookwood, Catesby, Wright and such others as +had been admitted to their council, departed from London in company. +Garnet, indeed, had ridden on before them, attended by Sir Digsby and +Fawkes, nor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> had any noted their departure; or, if perchance they did, +were not disposed to comment upon it.</p> + +<p>A staunch Catholic and a zealous follower of the Jesuits, Everard +Digsby had lent himself willingly to the cause of his brother +churchmen, having long ago satisfied himself that their actions were +justified. In fact, his present convictions were to some extent the +outcome of early teachings, for even at a tender age his mind had been +under Catholic influence, and therefore it was not strange that on +reaching manhood he should be a strong adherent of Romish doctrine. +And still further, his attitude was less to be wondered at, when +considered that the seeds of these same convictions were planted by no +other hand than the friend, tutor and spiritual adviser of his +youth—Henry Garnet. In truth, he had surpassed the zeal of many +associates, for being denied the full privilege of such worship as his +faith taught him, he had caused to be erected within the walls of his +country residence a small chapel, fitted up under supervision of the +Superior of the English Jesuits.</p> + +<p>Somewhat early in the evening the little cavalcade rode into +Buckinghamshire, and having reached their destination, were received +with much cordiality by the young nobleman and his more austere +companions. The ride from London, on account of the inclemency of the +weather, had been most disagreeable, and the travelers were nothing +loth to stretch their chilled limbs before the great fire prepared in +readiness for their arrival, and to partake heartily of the well +ordered refreshments which their host had caused to be in waiting. +Having satisfied the carnal man, they were the more willing to turn to +the spiritual repast which had drawn them together; for in each mind +the conviction was strong that in plotting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> against the King they were +but serving the ends of God.</p> + +<p>"Good gentlemen," said Garnet, the company having drawn about the fire +in a room somewhat remote from the more inhabited part of the +dwelling, "having partaken so freely of worthy Everard's hospitality, +it is most fitting that we turn for a season to that which has +summoned us from London. Methinks there be none absent?"</p> + +<p>Catesby ran his eyes over the group about him, checking each off on +his fingers. "Winter, my Lord of Rookwood, good Percy, Wright, Francis +Tresham and Master Guido," said he, "these with Your Reverence, Sir +Everard and myself, make up the number—nine."</p> + +<p>"'Tis well," exclaimed Garnet, fixing his eyes for an instant on the +face of each. "Certain things have arisen which render it most +expedient that we make common cause with each other—what think ye?"</p> + +<p>"That the time is ripe for the maturing of such plans as best are +suited to our purpose," replied Rookwood; "James hath again declared +against us."</p> + +<p>"'Tis even so," broke in Percy, "and at the house of Master Fawkes +when thou wert absent, there arose some discussion as to certain ways +and methods best fitted to——"</p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried Winter, looking toward the corner where was seated the +soldier of fortune, with his chin upon his hand; "the opportunity has +not served since our last meeting to inquire concerning thy good +mother and thy daughter, friend Guido. Tell me, I pray, did the +gathering of so many armed men in thy chamber disturb their slumbers?"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Fawkes, gruffly; "the dame knew nothing of it; neither +my daughter, of that——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And the lass," continued Winter, eyeing the man closely, "is she well +and cheerful as becomes her youth and loveliness?"</p> + +<p>"As to cheerfulness," answered the other, a shade of sadness coming +into his face, "methinks the merry smile hath forever forsaken her +lips, for now she looketh so pale and wan it doth seem but the shadow +of her former self wandering about the house; but thank God, the worst +is over, and she is on the road to recovery."</p> + +<p>"And hath Mistress Elinor been ill?" inquired Winter, turning a +surprised look toward the speaker.</p> + +<p>"I had deemed," answered Fawkes, "that my absence from thy house for +nigh on to a week would indicate to thee that something was amiss. I +every day expected to——"</p> + +<p>"For truth," broke in the other in a relieved tone, "had I known that +thy daughter lay ill I would for a surety have called. But, pray, tell +me; is she better now?"</p> + +<p>"As I have said, she is better; but not herself as yet. In fact, it +was on the night of the meeting at my dwelling, after ye had all +departed, that I went for a breath of air upon the street +and—and—well, it was when I returned that I found the girl in a high +fever, and looking much as though she had beheld a foe. The fever +spent itself in three days; now, 'tis but the after weakness which +afflicts her."</p> + +<p>"Thank God for her recovery!" exclaimed Winter, as he eyed Fawkes +narrowly; but finding nothing in his countenance to arouse alarm, sank +back in his chair with a sigh of relief.</p> + +<p>"And now," said Garnet, who had listened with attention to the +dialogue, "since thy last words have banished from my mind the anxiety +called forth by the recital of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> thy fair daughter's illness, we may +again turn our thoughts toward other matters, and listen to good +Catesby here."</p> + +<p>"As thou knowest," began Catesby, "it hath ever been my desire to act +quickly. Therefore I would suggest that no time be lost in carrying +out such designs as will rid the kingdom of our enemies."</p> + +<p>"Well spoken," cried Digsby; "to that we are agreed."</p> + +<p>Garnet smiled sadly. "Would that all England cried amen!" said he, +solemnly. Then turning suddenly to Fawkes, "and thou, Master Guido, +what sayest thou?"</p> + +<p>The soldier of fortune looked up quickly. "I am ever ready," said he, +"whether we deal with all those in authority, or with the King alone."</p> + +<p>"Then?" cried Winter, "then?——"</p> + +<p>Garnet cast down his eyes, the soul of the priest struggling with dark +apprehensions which arose within him. "If there were any shadow of sin +in it," he murmured, "I would not countenance the bringing of it to an +issue. No other reason hath drawn me into it save ardent and active +interest in the cause of God." Then facing his companions he +continued: "'Tis the will of Christ that in the hands of His weakest +subjects shall be placed the sword of vengeance which shall sweep +these infidels from the land. Good Catesby hath oft pondered in his +mind, with some impatience, the meaning of my check upon his zeal. +'Twas that I might seek through prayer a way to our deliverance. That +the time is near a revelation hath been vouchsafed to me from heaven."</p> + +<p>A murmur ran through the little company. The priest's voice changed +from tones of solemnity to those of one who spake with authority; and +stretching forth the hand, he said: "We are of one mind. Perchance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> +Master Fawkes hath opened a way whereby shall be destroyed both the +King and his Parliament. What can effect our purpose quicker than the +flash of gunpowder? God hath placed it in our hand for us to use, and +do His will. Yet other things remain; the door being opened, will +those who watch us from abroad unite with us in restoring to this +unhappy England its altars and its sacrifices? Sir Thomas Winter, thou +hast been in France and Spain to do man's bidding; wouldst go thither +in obedience to the will of God?"</p> + +<p>Winter started, for the meaning of the other's words implied much. "Is +it a mission?" he asked, fixing his gaze upon the Jesuit.</p> + +<p>"Aye!" replied Garnet; "a mission of much danger, and one which will +need all secrecy. At the Court of France dwell certain members of my +Order, close to the King, and deep in affairs of State. Before them I +will lay our undertaking, that when England shall be without a +government and all the land involved in perplexity and beset with +controversies, the armies of the Catholic Kings may come among us—the +way being prepared for their entrance."</p> + +<p>A murmur of approval burst from Catesby, Rookwood and Percy. "And if +Sir Winter hesitates," cried the former, "I will——"</p> + +<p>"Say no more," interrupted Winter; "this day week will see me at the +Court of France."</p> + +<p>"And thou, friend Guido," said Garnet, blandly, "thou art of ready +wit, and a good sword may be needful. Shall brave Winter go alone?"</p> + +<p>Fawkes knitted his brows—"I little thought to again leave England so +soon," he replied, gruffly; "yet ere another sunset will I be ready if +thus I may serve the cause."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> + +<p>A look of kindliness came into the Jesuit's eyes; the blind zeal of +the man, a zeal that thrust all other thoughts aside, touched him, and +with quick perception he saw in the rough cavalier one who, did all +others fail, would with his single hand hurl the thunderbolt. Taking +from his bosom a small silver crucifix, he laid it in Fawkes' hand. +"Give this," said he, quietly, "unto thy daughter; 'twill guard her +during thine absence. Aye! and dost thou fear to leave her? I swear to +thee, I will see to it that she lacketh nothing."</p> + +<p>Fawkes turned upon him a look of deep devotion. Bred in superstition, +the fact that the priest understood that which troubled him—fear for +the safety of his daughter—seemed a sign from heaven. He kissed the +crucifix reverently, and put it in his bosom between the hard steel of +his cuirass and his heart.</p> + +<p>Garnet turned to the group. "One thing remains," said he solemnly; +"'tis the oath which, registered before heaven, shall hold each to his +purpose. Sir Digsby, let us to thy chapel, that beneath the shadow of +the cross we may seek that blessing without which all our deeds are +sinful, and our purposes as sand."</p> + +<p>Solemnly the little company, headed by the priest and Sir Everard, +wended their way toward the chapel. No words were exchanged between +them, for all were deep in thought. As they passed into the chamber +set aside for worship, each reverently knelt and crossed himself, then +took up a position in front of the altar. As it was late and the brief +winter twilight faded from the sky, the chapel lay shrouded in deep +gloom, relieved only by the red light burning in a hanging lamp +suspended before the tabernacle, holding the consecrated elements. To +the men there was something fearfully solemn in their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> surroundings. +Before them stood that altar for the preservation of which they were +about to pledge their lives.</p> + +<p>As their eyes became more accustomed to the subdued light, they beheld +shadow-like forms slowly appear upon the walls, and while intently +gazing, these apparitions gradually materialized and assumed definite +shape, resolving themselves into paintings portraying the last scenes +in the life of Christ. Penetrating everything was the clinging odor of +incense, which, in some subtle way, brings to mind the awful majesty +of God.</p> + +<p>Presently Garnet emerged from the sacristy, bearing in his hand a +flaming taper with which he lighted the candles on the altar. The +Jesuit had placed over the costume which he wore a cope of deep red, +richly embroidered with gold, and evidently the priest had not even +laid aside his rapier, for its dull clank could be heard as he walked +about. The rattle of the steel broke discordantly upon the deep +silence, but was it not symbolic? A deed of violence was about to be +committed, cloaked in the garb of religion!</p> + +<p>Finishing his task, he knelt before the altar in silent prayer. Then +arising, he passed to the gate of the rood screen, where his +commanding figure was thrown into bold relief by the altar lights. +Presently seating himself, he said in low and solemn tones to the men +kneeling in the darkness: "Consider well, my brethren, the step ye are +about to take; for he who turns back will be likened unto the woman +who glanced over her shoulder at a city burning;—to pillars of craven +cowardice would ye be changed—monuments to mark how men, even when +their duty shone clear as though emblazoned on the azure vault of +heaven, lacked heart to carry it out. Consider it well, then, all of +you!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> + +<p>The deep voice of the priest rose as he uttered the last words, and +its resonant tone returned in echoes from the vaulted ceiling as if +each statued saint from out his niche cried: "Consider it well."</p> + +<p>"Are ye all prepared?" he asked. A deep "All prepared" answered his +question.</p> + +<p>"'Tis well. Now shall I register your vows before the unveiled Host +and upon the crucifix, that in the very presence of the Son of God ye +may swear to perform them unto the end. To thee, my son," continued +the Superior, addressing Catesby, "will I first administer the oath, +for 'twas thy hand which was foremost to lift itself in the holy +cause."</p> + +<p>The man arose and knelt before the Jesuit. "Dost swear," said the +priest, holding a crucifix before the other's eyes, "that as thou dost +hope for salvation through the blood of Christ, so thou wilt yield thy +blood if need be in this holy work; setting aside all else until a +Catholic doth occupy the throne of England?"</p> + +<p>"I swear it, father," answered Catesby, reverently pressing his lips +to the cross.</p> + +<p>To every one of the eight did the Superior give the oath, and then +took the same himself.</p> + +<p>"And now," said Garnet, when the men had once more resumed their +places, "do we proceed to administer to each the sacrament which alone +can fill your minds and bodies with sufficient strength to carry out +our holy purpose."</p> + +<p>The priest arose and turned toward the altar, bowed, then slowly +ascended the steps. After unlocking the door of the tabernacle with a +golden key, he drew forth from the recess the Monstrance containing +the eucharist. Again he bowed, then elevated the Host, while the +still<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>ness was only broken by the deep tone of the sacring-bell, the +men bending in adoration. Once more the priest made reverence; then +arising, took from out the Monstrance the pyx, and facing the group, +repeated the words: "Ecce Agnus Dei." All arose and knelt before him +on the steps, receiving from his hands the sacrament, and when they +had partaken, each silently returned to his place. A sense of the +solemnity of their undertaking, accentuated by the awfulness of the +act in which they were engaged, filled the men's hearts so that they +scarcely beheld the Jesuit ascend to the altar and replace the Host +within the tabernacle, or heard the benediction he pronounced....</p> + +<p>Once more the men stood in the room they occupied previous to their +entrance into the chapel. All seemed loath to speak, being deeply +impressed by the ceremony in which they had taken part.</p> + +<p>At last Fawkes made ready for departure, being desirous of reaching +London ere daybreak. As he approached the door of the room the +Superior arose and passed toward him. "Friend Guido," said Garnet, as +the other stood ready for the journey, "I will not see thee ere thou +and Sir Winter return from France. Let thy mind be at ease regarding +thy daughter, for in thy absence I will have her under my special +care. Hadst better mention to her that she will have a visitor?"</p> + +<p>"I will be guided by thee in the matter, good father," returned +Fawkes; "but," he continued, in a husky tone, "guard her well, for she +is very dear to me."</p> + +<p>"Have no fear," Garnet answered, kindly, laying a hand upon the +other's shoulder; "in that will I be as zealous as though she were a +daughter of mine own."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h2>"THOU SHALT NOT KILL."</h2> + + +<p>The deduction made by Winter concerning the silence of Elinor had been +correct; but the power he had deemed potent to restrain her from +uttering what she had overheard, and from giving voice to the +indignities he in his drunkenness had heaped upon her, was not alone +the reason of her silence; the mind was held in a species of lethargy. +Now her father had left England; the motive which prompted his +departure she could surmise,—his mission was an enigma. And who was +his companion? The man whose face was ever before her, whose touch +haunted her in dreams causing her to awake and cry in terror to the +Virgin for protection. The girl was wrought up to a state of +hysterical expectancy. Even when sitting within doors, an exclamation +upon the street would cause her to start, fearing it might be a voice +proclaiming the fulfillment of the awful threat which ever sounded in +her ears. Never did she go abroad and behold a group of men but she +approached with trembling limbs and nervous eagerness, feeling that +the first words falling from their lips would be that England was +without a king. What the effect of this anxiety might have been had +she brooded over it long in solitude, is not difficult to tell. But +solace arose from an unexpected quarter. On his departure for France, +Fawkes had mentioned that there was in the city a certain friend, his +companion several years before, whom he had again lately met and asked +to call from time to time to inquire<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> if he might render any service. +The girl awaited the arrival of this visitor with trepidation and some +anxiety, being well aware that the companions of her father were, as a +rule, men of little refinement, accustomed to the rough life of a +camp, and more at their ease in a pot-house than in the society of a +young woman. Her expectations were pleasantly disappointed, for on his +first visit the stranger, by his ease and grace of manner, banished +from her mind all doubts concerning him. Although habited in the garb +of a soldier of the period, there was about him something—a peculiar +refinement of speech, a dignity of carriage, a certain reverent homage +which he rendered unto her—that won from the girl a feeling of +respect and confidence. His visits, far from being cause for +apprehension, had become the one bright spot in her daily life; in his +company Elinor for a brief time forgot the terrible anxiety to which +she was a prey.</p> + +<p>The only circumstance which impressed her as strange was that "Captain +Avenel"—for by this name he had introduced himself—seldom visited +the house by day, and there was always a certain amount of implied +rather than actual caution in his movements, which seemed to the girl +odd, as nothing else in his manner could be deemed in the least +mysterious.</p> + +<p>On one of those evenings, which Elinor now looked forward to with some +pleasure, she and "Captain Avenel" sat together in a little room of +Fawkes' dwelling.</p> + +<p>"And didst say thou hadst intelligence of my father?" inquired she, +eagerly.</p> + +<p>"This very morning," answered the man, "did I receive a letter brought +by packet from Calais, and in the note he wished me to make known his +safe arrival; further, that he would by the next mail write thee, +telling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> all about his travels. Now thou canst set thy mind at rest +concerning him, for France in our time offers but few dangers, though +in truth I think thy sire hath the look of one to whom peril would be +a diversion."</p> + +<p>"England doth offer more dangers than France," answered the girl, who +was now abstractedly gazing into the fire.</p> + +<p>Garnet turned a swift glance in her direction. The words awakened in +the priest that feeling of apprehension which had ever been present in +his mind since his arrival in London, but until now it had not been +called forth by word or deed of hers. On the contrary, in her society +the Jesuit felt for some reason, probably the innocence and loveliness +of the girl, a sensation of rest and security that enabled him to +throw off the dread of detection which so constantly possessed him. +But he turned and inquired in a quiet tone:</p> + +<p>"And dost deem England such a dangerous country?"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Elinor, hesitatingly, "England doth seem all peace and +quietude, but——" here she stopped, fearing the man might read what +lay hidden in her heart, for he was regarding her with a look of +surprise as he noted her embarrassment.</p> + +<p>"Come, my daughter," said he kindly, his gentle heart touched by the +fear written on her face, "I have suspected long that some matter did +trouble thee. If I have power to lend aid, consider my whitening hair, +and hesitate not to confide in me, who am old enough to enjoy the +blessing of being called father by thee."</p> + +<p>Elinor looked into the benevolent countenance.</p> + +<p>"Fear not," he continued in a persuasive voice, "if I can counsel +thee, thy wish for help is granted ere 'tis asked."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> + +<p>She raised her head and met a look of gentle sympathy long unknown to +her, and for which her poor heart so fondly yearned. The tears sprang +to her eyes and her self control, that which the brutality of Winter +could not break down, gave way. She turned toward him like a poor +tired bird after battling with a storm; her weakness could not endure +longer to see protection neath the leaf and branches of his goodness +and not avail herself of it.</p> + +<p>In a moment more the words had passed her lips,—all that she had +overheard, the words uttered by Fawkes, and the fear and anguish which +since had haunted her.</p> + +<p>"Is there naught I can do?" she cried. "O God! when did I ever commit +a sin worthy of the punishment?" She raised her eyes to Garnet. "Even +thou art pale to the lips from the hideousness of the thing."</p> + +<p>Through the girl's confession, Garnet's attitude remained unchanged. +At her first words he started, but with an effort controlled himself. +The sudden revelation that their plans were known by one outside those +who composed the little band consecrated to the holy cause, filled him +with a terror which, at first, reason was unable to check. But as she +proceeded, the quick mind of the priest perceived that the girl's one +thought was, not to save the King, nor to defeat their hopes, but only +to deliver her father from the danger to which he was exposed. The +fear gradually passed away, and as Elinor ceased speaking, the +strongest feeling in the prelate's mind was one of sympathy for her +who wept before him.</p> + +<p>"Is there naught," Garnet inquired, mildly, when the girl had +finished, "that thou can'st see to justify thy father's act, and by +that justification bring to thee consolation? Think, even though he +were marked to die, more honor belongs to him in this, than to live to +old age in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> idleness and inactivity. Dwell upon thy love for him, then +meditate on his love for the Church."</p> + +<p>"Nay," she answered, "my knee doth bend before the altar with as great +a reverence as any who do honor to the Host, and were my father to +fall in open conflict I would not grudge his life given to a noble +cause. But this act is not loyalty to God, for, did He not decree, +'Thou shalt not kill?' 'Tis naught but murder; and if my father fall, +he will not meet death as a martyr, but as a common assassin."</p> + +<p>Garnet was silent; the girl's words sounded strangely to him. Not +wishing to reveal his identity he determined to avoid further +argument, fearing suspicions might be raised in Elinor's mind which +would only make matters worse. What course to pursue he did not know. +As far as circumstances permitted, he would help her, but how to +effect this was beyond his present comprehension.</p> + +<p>"I have not told thee in vain? Thou wilt aid me?" she inquired.</p> + +<p>"My child, I must have time to meditate," answered the Jesuit. "I +cannot give thee advice upon such a weighty matter without due +deliberation; but," he added hastily, "all is safe for a time at +least; thy father is in France."</p> + +<p>"I pray God," exclaimed the girl, "that I shall not have reason to +regret opening my heart unto thee. Nay, thou couldst not be so cruel +as to make known what I have told. Swear," she cried in sudden fear, +noting a strange expression on the other's face, "swear thou wilt keep +secret all I have revealed."</p> + +<p>"Alarm not thyself," replied the prelate; "what thou hast uttered is +as safe as if 'twere said under the seal of the confessional. Know +further, thou hast told thy trou<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>ble to one who will ever cherish the +confidence, even if his help avail thee little. But," added he, +tenderly—in the sincerity of his heart forgetting the sword which +hung at his side—"may the peace of Him whose hand was ready to turn +the water into wine, or raise the widow's son, descend and give thee +relief."</p> + +<p>"Thou speakest like a priest," she said.</p> + +<p>Garnet started, but quickly replied, "Never could a priest grant thee +absolution with a gladder heart, than I would release thee from this +trouble, were it in my power, and were it the will of God that I +should do so."</p> + +<p>"And dost think it is God's will that I suffer thus?"</p> + +<p>"Perchance, yes," said he, in a thoughtful voice, as if communing with +himself, "and it may be His decree that many more do groan with thee. +Be not regretful thou has told thy sorrow, for even to confide a grief +is to make it lighter."</p> + +<p>"Nay, I do not regret, I think there is little else left me but to +endure; would that I were dead and beyond the touch of sorrow," she +added, with a hopeless sigh.</p> + +<p>"Thou shouldst not wish thyself dead, for to do so is to be +unreconciled to the will of God. If this poor hand doth fail to bring +comfort, my prayers shall ever be for strength that thou mayst bear +with fortitude all which the wisdom of heaven deems just to send. Try +to look upon thy grief as a tribute God demands to work out some +mighty project of His own."</p> + +<p>"I will try," the girl said, a sad smile coming into her face. "Think +not I am ungrateful for thy words of comfort."</p> + +<p>"And now, my daughter, will I wish thee the blessing of sweet sleep, +for 'tis late; I will see thee again soon."</p> + +<p>"Thou art very good," she replied simply, "thou, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> only one +remaining—" her lips trembled and tears filled her eyes; suddenly she +threw her arms about him, and between the sobs which shook her frame, +exclaimed, hiding her face upon his shoulder, "all that is left me +now."</p> + +<p>Garnet regarded the slight figure clinging to him: "Oh God!" he +thought, "Is it Thy will that such as these must suffer?" He raised +his arm as if to encircle her, but let it drop by his side.</p> + +<p>"Come, my child," he said after a moment, putting her gently from him, +"thy tears well nigh unman me; I would it were in my power to give +thee consolation, but help must come from higher hands than mine."</p> + +<p>As he reached the threshold he turned and beheld a picture which +haunted him many a day, and for an instant raised within his holy mind +a doubt of the justice of such grief. As she stood, the imprint of +deep sorrow was on the fair young face—a sorrow the young should +never know. One arm was raised as though in mute appeal to him not to +forsake her in this misery. A look, and he closed the door, passing +out into the night.</p> + +<p>The effect produced upon Garnet by the trouble he had just witnessed +was complex. Never doubting the justice of the cause he espoused, +still, his quiet nature could not hide from itself a feeling of pity +that one so good and innocent should be called upon to suffer equally +with those whose unholy hands were raised to snatch the cross from off +the altar of his fathers.</p> + +<p>"Truly," he muttered, as he proceeded on his way—pressing a hand to +his breast that he might feel the crucifix resting there—"it hath +been resolved by higher authority than my weak will that this thing +must be done. And, Henry Garnet, who art thou to question? Still," +he added, sadly shaking his head, the memory of a tear-stained +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> +face passing before him, "it is a pity; but for every tear that falls +from thy gentle eyes a soul will be redeemed."</p> + +<p>He continued on his way in silence. As he approached the more densely +populated districts of the city, an almost unconscious movement of the +hand brought the fold of his mantle over his shoulder, so that it hid +the lower portion of his face. The tall figure of Garnet was one which +could not fail to attract attention, and many a passerby turned to see +who the cavalier might be. This did not escape the eye of the prelate, +and evidently for the sake of being unnoticed, he turned into a less +frequented thoroughfare, and proceeded by a circuitous route to gain +the hostelry wherein he resided. The way brought him through a portion +of the city composed of narrow intersecting streets and alleys, faced +by poor and worn out hovels. A few old warehouses here and there +marked the spots where in times gone by fine goods had been stored. As +they stood with broken windows and open doors sighing and creaking in +the wind, they appeared like living creatures who had fallen from +conditions of plenty, and were now, in their hunger, bemoaning the +loss of the abundance which once had filled them.</p> + +<p>In front of one of these buildings Garnet paused for a moment to more +closely examine the pile, and being deeply absorbed in his task of +inspection, was not aware of the glimmer of a lantern which came +bobbing toward him along the main road. The first intimations that any +one but himself stood upon the street were a sudden flash of light in +his face, a heavy hand falling upon his shoulder, and a gruff voice +exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"Henry Garnet, in the name of the King I arrest thee!"</p> + +<p>The priest started, and with rapid motion drew his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> cloak about him, +at the same time springing upon the step of the building. The man +lowered the light and by its reflection the Jesuit could see that he +wore the uniform of the King's guard.</p> + +<p>"Come," continued the soldier, drawing his sword, "submission better +suits thee as a priest, than does resistance."</p> + +<p>The blow had fallen so quickly, so unexpectedly, that for an instant +Garnet stood as one struck dumb, unable either to reply or form a plan +of action. However, in a moment his alert mind grasped the situation. +He had been recognized, that was evident, but his arrest was simply +for disobeying the edict by which he, as well as all his order, were +banished from the kingdom. The penalty following the violation of this +decree, at its worst, would simply mean imprisonment in the Tower. But +what, he asked himself, would be the consequence of it? While far from +being an egotist, the Jesuit knew that he alone was the thinking power +of that cause which to him was dearer than life. And now, when plans +were fast maturing, the corn ripening in the field, awaiting but the +hand of the reapers, he was placed in sudden danger which threatened +to frustrate all their hopes. These thoughts flashed through his mind +with the rapidity of lightning as he confronted the man standing at +the foot of the steps. Escape he must,—but how?</p> + +<p>"Come, Henry Garnet," the man repeated, ascending the steps, lantern +in one hand, a sword in the other. "Thou art my prisoner, and in the +name of his most gracious Majesty, James I., I arrest thee!"</p> + +<p>A bold rush now would be of no avail, for the man stood with the point +of his rapier close to the prelate's breast, almost touching his +doublet; furthermore Garnet's sword<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> was in its scabbard, and at the +first attempt to draw it, he, in all probability, would be run through +the body. Was there no alternative but to yield? A gust of wind caused +the door at his back to creak. In an instant the Jesuit had sprung for +the portal, but the soldier, perceiving his purpose, lunged with his +weapon, and so true was the aim, that the prelate's cloak was pinned +fast to the wooden frame. An instant he was held there, but the clasp +of the mantle giving way released its wearer, and Garnet stood in the +dark entry, the door shut, and his foot set firmly against it. The +move had been none too quick, for the soldier hurled himself upon the +closed portal, which caused the old boards to groan, but they did not +yield; the only result of the man's efforts were, that the lantern +flew from his grasp, rolling down the steps into the street. The +priest heard him descend to recover the light, and relinquishing his +hold upon the door, groped his way through the darkness, hoping to +elude his pursuer in the building. His hand came in contact with the +baluster, and he quickly ascended the rickety stairs. By this time, +the guard had relighted his lantern and was peering cautiously into +the hall, evidently fearing a sword thrust from out the darkness. In +this instant's hesitation, Garnet gained the loft above. Here the +obscurity was less intense, for the waning moon shining through a +broken window into a room at his left, enabled him to see his way more +distinctly. There was little time for choice of direction, for even +now the soldier had commenced to ascend, and Garnet, not venturing to +grope further in the gloom, turned toward the ray of light, and passed +quickly into the room, pressed himself against the wall and waited. +The priest could see his pursuer holding the lantern above his head, +as he ascended the stairs, looking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> carefully about the while. The +soldier approached the chamber in which the Jesuit lay hid, peered in +at the door, and as if not satisfied with this cursory examination +entered. At last the man seemed satisfied, and with a muttered curse +was about to leave the apartment, when a fatal turn of the lantern +swept one of its rays full upon the Jesuit.</p> + +<p>"Ah! there thou art, my sly fox!" cried the soldier, springing, sword +in hand, at Garnet; another instant would have seen the priest pinned +fast to the wall, had not the man's foot in some way become entangled +in the mantle hanging upon his arm, throwing him headlong with great +clatter of steel to the floor.</p> + +<p>In a moment Garnet was upon him, both hands at the soldier's throat, +the long fingers pressing firmly the windpipe; one more strong clasp +and the priest released his hold, seized the other's sword, which had +fallen to the floor, and stood with its point upon the man's breast.</p> + +<p>"Swear by the God thou fearest, and upon thine honor, that thou wilt +remain in this room until I leave the house! Swear it!" the priest +repeated, "ere I run thee through!"</p> + +<p>No answer followed his command.</p> + +<p>"Come. Swear it!" he repeated, pressing the rapier firmly against the +other's chest. The ominous silence fell upon the priest as strange. He +stooped to look into the face. The light was dim, and still lower he +bent. Suddenly the sword dropped from his hand, for the Jesuit saw by +the bulging eyes which stared into his that he had demanded an oath +from a corpse. Those long white fingers had pressed more firmly than +they knew; the man's windpipe was crushed like paper.</p> + +<p>"My God!" the Jesuit whispered, kneeling beside the prostrate form, +horror of the deed falling upon him. "Of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> what have I been guilty? +This man's blood upon my head?" Terror-stricken, he looked about the +room. Again his eyes returned to the thing lying beside him. Was that +a movement of the distorted face? He gazed upon it in horrible +fascination. Slowly the lips of the dead man parted, the jaw dropped, +and it seemed as though a hideous smile lay upon the distorted visage.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried Garnet, springing to his feet, "Even in death thou art the +victor, for I am shackled to thee. Never in this world can I escape +the recollection of thy countenance!"</p> + +<p>The priest fell upon his knees, and raised his hands:</p> + +<p>"God help me and forgive me for this deed!" he cried. "If I have +sinned, 'twas not to save this worthless life of mine; not that I +deemed it sweet to live, but that I might survive to consecrate or +yield that life in the furtherance of Thy holy work!"</p> + +<p>He paused a moment in silent prayer, then arose, and taking a crucifix +from his doublet, knelt by the figure on the floor and pressed the +symbol to the dead lips.</p> + +<p>"Nay," said he, as he stood regarding the man, "I did not wish thy +death, and would gladly yield my life to see thee breathe again, but +'twas ordained thou shouldst go first. And who next?" he added, +raising the cross and gazing upon it—"Mayhap he doth wear a crown."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h2>MONTEAGLE AND SALISBURY.</h2> + + +<p>Four months passed; months of impatience to the conspirators who +awaited with eagerness the hour to strike against the government. +Winter and Fawkes had returned from France, their mission in part +accomplished, as they had obtained from certain of the Catholic +nobility promises of assistance in the way of men and money, did the +doors of England open to receive them. The plot to strike at the heart +of the ruling powers was slowly maturing; Fawkes, now the leading +spirit, worked diligently both with brain and hands to perfect the +plan decided upon by Winter, Catesby and the others. Secure in a +feeling of strength, the King had little thought that Fate was slowly +winding about him and his ministers a shroud which prompt action alone +could cast off.</p> + +<p>Toward the close of a sultry midsummer day, Lord Cecil, Earl of +Salisbury and Prime Minister of England, after holding audience with +the King, returned to his dwelling, glad to cast aside his decorations +and forget during a few hours the weighty affairs of State. He was +scarcely seated, with a glass of wine in hand, when my Lord of +Monteagle was announced as waiting in the ante-chamber. 'Twas no +strange thing for this nobleman to seek the Minister at his home, for +between them there was a warm friendship, and it pleased Cecil to +receive the other at any time he chose to visit him. He therefore +ordered that Monteagle should be at once conducted to his apartment, +and a second glass of wine prepared.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<p>As the peer entered, the keen eyes of his host noted that his bearing +betokened a mind ill at ease.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" said he, rising from his seat and extending his hand, "thou +bearest a most sour visage, my lord. Hath ridden in the sun, or did +thy cook forget his occupation and serve thee an ill-prepared repast?"</p> + +<p>Monteagle smiled faintly. "Nay," said he, "'tis my mind which is +somewhat disturbed."</p> + +<p>"Then sit thee down," cried Cecil cheerily, "and unburden thyself to +me of all save affairs of State; of them am I exceeding weary, for the +King hath a new hobby, a tax on beets and onions, in the discussion of +which the afternoon has been consumed."</p> + +<p>"Then his Majesty devised another way——" began Monteagle.</p> + +<p>Salisbury raised his hand. "'Tis treason," said he in feigned +displeasure; "wouldst have us in the Tower, good Monteagle, that thou +speak so lightly of James' statesmanship?" Then changing his jesting +tone to one of gravity: "But tell me, what troubles thee? Hath the air +of France failed to restore the spirits of thy son, Effingston? He +hath not returned?"</p> + +<p>"He is still in Paris," replied the other, touching his lips to the +glass which had been proffered him, "I this day received a letter in +which he speaks encouragingly of his health, and announces his return +within the month. Thy mind is easy, my lord?"</p> + +<p>"And why not?" demanded the Prime Minister, holding aloft his glass +that he might watch the reflection of the sun's rays upon the wine. +"England is at peace, the King seated firm upon his throne, and the +Ship of State rides on an even keel. Hast dreamed of treason, my Lord +Monteagle?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Perchance not treason," replied his companion, drawing his chair +nearer, "but—certain things my son hath written, added to others +coming under my own observation, have caused me some uneasiness—a +shadowy suspicion, as it were, that an ill plan is brewing against the +King's authority."</p> + +<p>"Tut!" cried Salisbury. "'Tis a fit of indigestion, about which thou +hadst best consult thy doctor. Yet, what be these suspicions?"</p> + +<p>"Thou knowest," replied Monteagle, sinking his voice so that it scarce +reached the other's ear, "there are certain Catholics among the nobles +who chafe grievously under the exactions of laws passed by Parliament +and approved by James."</p> + +<p>Salisbury shrugged his shoulders. "That is beyond peradventure," said +he, "but the laws will stand."</p> + +<p>"Of that I would speak nothing," replied Monteagle, "being neither +King nor Parliament, but it hath been hinted that perchance the wind +of discontent may fan into life a flame of——"</p> + +<p>"Thou hast relatives among the Catholics," interrupted Cecil, looking +keenly at the other, "hast become a confidant?"</p> + +<p>Monteagle shook his head. "Nay," said he, "nor do I desire to mix in +affairs concerning my former faith. Yet, I have knowledge of certain +meetings which have taken place composed of sundry persons opposed to +the policy of James."</p> + +<p>"The dogs cut by the lash herd together in their discomfiture," +replied Cecil, "yet they fear to bite the hand which stung them."</p> + +<p>Monteagle frowned, for the words of the Prime Minister were not to his +liking.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> + +<p>"There is more," said he; "certain of those have been seen in France."</p> + +<p>"'Tis a most Catholic country," replied Salisbury, "and, perhaps, +wishing to worship unmolested before their altars, some have gone +thither for their religion's sake."</p> + +<p>"My lord!" cried Monteagle, perceiving the Minister was in a mood for +jesting, "hast thou had no fear that some hidden danger might lurk +beneath the calm exterior of the peace which covers England? Do not +smile, but hear me. Thou knowest the Viscount Effingston is in France, +at the Court of Henry, and hath mingled much with some who are close +to the throne. Perhaps it may not have reached thine ears that some +months back a bloodless duel was fought between him and one Sir Thomas +Winter, a zealous Catholic and enemy to the King."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" broke in Salisbury, "thy speech grows interesting; and what +brought about this duel?"</p> + +<p>"'Twas an insult cast upon me by this Winter," replied Monteagle. +"Effingston chancing to hear, resented it, and an exchange of sword +thrusts followed; but that is past. As I told thee this morning I +received a letter from Paris in which the Viscount says he hath met +this Winter and another, a soldier of the commoners, and——"</p> + +<p>"A second duel hath followed?" interrupted the Minister.</p> + +<p>"Not so," replied the other, "but being suspicious of the fellows, my +son did set a spy upon them, feeling sure that no honest errand took +them into France."</p> + +<p>"And what did he discover?" asked Salisbury.</p> + +<p>"That Winter and his companion sought many times<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> audiences with +certain high churchmen known to be enemies of England. Once, he +chanced to meet them upon the street, when Winter flushed a scarlet +and hastily passed. After this he learned that two Englishmen, one a +soldier who had served the King of Spain, gained the ear of certain +prelates and noblemen; that their conferences had been conducted with +much secrecy, and having finished, the men left Paris in the night, +taking poste for Calais."</p> + +<p>"And what then?" asked Salisbury, "did thy son learn anything +concerning those secret conferences?"</p> + +<p>"No way was open to him," answered Monteagle, "but he thought it best +to lay the matter before me; the more so that Winter and the other +have returned to London."</p> + +<p>The Prime Minister pondered for a moment. "Faith! my lord!" said he, +"thy zeal for the welfare of the State is most commendable, and the +King shall know of it, but thy spirit is overwrought with idle fear. +What if certain Catholics in England have sought audience with those +of their faith in Paris? Have we then fear of France? My word upon it, +good Monteagle, that calm thought will quell thy doubts. Of this +Thomas Winter I know something; a reminder of the luckless Essex, a +gentleman whose zeal doth warp his reason, and who, should he presume +too far, will feel the axe, I warrant. Thou sayest he is again in +England; perchance he builds a castle which the sight of a line of +soldiers will scatter to the winds. Again I thank thee for thy +counsel, my lord, nor will I neglect such matters as pertain to the +safety of the King. If it come to thee, that these dissatisfied +Catholics grow too bold in speech, for I fear not other signs of +treason, lay it before me, that I may stop their tongues, ere evil +thoughts be planted in the minds of them who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> cry 'amen' to any wind +of speech delivered in the market place."</p> + +<p>Monteagle arose, for he perceived 'twas useless to speak further of +ill-defined plots and perchance groundless fears of treason against +the King.</p> + +<p>"I but considered it my duty as an English gentleman to look to the +welfare of——" he began.</p> + +<p>"Thou hast my confidence," interrupted Salisbury, "and though I seem +to treat lightly thy suspicions they will be most carefully heeded +should occasion arise. There be certain chambers in the Tower, where +those too zealous in their faith may pass the time in prayer, thanking +God the King is merciful, and stays the axe."</p> + +<p>Monteagle bowed and left the room. "It may be," he muttered, "that my +mind doth dwell too much upon this matter, but I know Sir Thomas +Winter well, and there be certain of the Jesuits yet in England."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h2>SOWING THE WIND.</h2> + + +<p>Late of an evening near to Michaelmas, three men applied for admission +at the door of a house close to the edge of the Thames, and which, by +reason of its surroundings, assured security from observation to those +who might choose to abide therein. Knocking upon the panel with the +hilt of a heavy rapier which he had drawn from its scabbard, the +shorter of the trio listened impatiently for the sounds which would +precede the drawing of the bolts within. His companions, who were in +the shadow of a neighboring wall, glanced about apprehensively.</p> + +<p>"'Tis an ill-favored place, Sir Thomas," whispered one, grasping +tighter the hilt of his sword as though the touch of the steel might +calm in a measure his disquietude. "Scarce is it to my liking that +friend Guido hath chosen so——"</p> + +<p>His companion laughed uneasily. "He hath a keen wit," replied he, "and +much precaution is necessary that none suspect at the eleventh hour. +As thou seest, good Percy, 'tis a most peaceful region, with few +abroad and no signs of the authorities."</p> + +<p>"Peaceful, indeed," replied Percy, casting his eyes down the poorly +lighted and narrow street through which he had come; "so is a +charnel-house, yet one would scarce——"</p> + +<p>A second rap upon the door, delivered with increased force, +interrupted the whispered conversation.</p> + +<p>"Within!" growled Fawkes, bending so that his lips<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> were on a level +with the keyhole. "Art sleeping, Master Keyes, or——"</p> + +<p>The shuffling of feet answered, and a voice nearly inarticulate from +drowsiness demanded in no gentle tones who sought admittance to an +honest dwelling at so unseasonable an hour.</p> + +<p>Upon Fawkes replying, the bolt was withdrawn, the door opened a few +inches and the face of Master Keyes appeared in the aperture. The +soldier of fortune motioned to his companions who quickly joined him.</p> + +<p>"Good Robert, here, is a most cunning rogue," said he half laughingly, +"having feigned sleep——"</p> + +<p>The warden of the door forced a sneering smile. "Faith!" said he, +making way that the others might enter, "'twas such feigning as may +ever come to me when I would forget my troubles, and there be in my +purse no silver to purchase that which is opposed to conscience. What +wouldst thou, Guido Fawkes? that I sit upright in a corner from +eventide till morn that thou be not kept waiting before the door? Ill +was the day when, listening to thy words, I undertook this errand; +thou art fain to wish that I may be blown to the devil by thy six and +thirty barrels of——"</p> + +<p>Fawkes hastily laid his open palm across the mouth of the irate man. +"What now?" growled he gruffly, "that thou must cry aloud the contents +of thy cellar? Hast not been paid?"</p> + +<p>"Aye," grumbled the man, drawing back, "for sitting over hell! May +those selfsame Spanish hirelings to whom thy powder goeth, be blown to +their master with scant courtesy!"</p> + +<p>Winter whispered in Percy's ear: "A pretty trick, good Percy, yet what +more natural than, wishing to turn<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> a penny by furnishing powder to +the Dons, brave Guido should act with much secrecy, so that it be not +seized by the authorities?"</p> + +<p>Already they were in the house, and the door was securely fastened. +Fawkes laid aside some of his cautiousness.</p> + +<p>"Friend Robert is a faithful man," said he, turning to his companions +and speaking with much significance; "therefore have I entered into an +agreement with him, that I, being under contract to the Spanish +ambassador to convey certain barrels of gunpowder into Flanders, he +should guard them till the time be ripe for loading into such vessels +as will carry them to the ship which I have hired."</p> + +<p>"Then," replied Winter, taking from his wallet a gold piece and +tendering it to Keyes, "he will accept this token which, I warrant, +will be increased by others of its kind if his diligence pleaseth +thee."</p> + +<p>On seeing the gold the man's ill temper vanished. "Good gentlemen," +cried he, seizing eagerly the coin, "I spoke but hastily."</p> + +<p>"That we know," said Winter, "and, perchance we, had we been so rudely +awakened, would have done as thou didst. Hath any disturbed thee +during thy guardianship?"</p> + +<p>"None, save a few drunken braggarts who found their way hither, and +would have battered in the door. Did any come whose wits were sharper +than their caution, I would have——"</p> + +<p>"What?" asked Fawkes pointedly, as the speaker hesitated.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" replied Keyes, "being a poor man, and a bag of gold pieces +forthcoming upon the safe loading of this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> devil's face powder onto +the Spanish vessel, 'twould be but just, that did any seek to cheat me +of it—well, the river tells no tales; what think ye, gentlemen?"</p> + +<p>Percy shuddered; Winter pressed his hand. "Nay, good Percy," he +whispered, "'tis scarce like to happen, yet even so, we would be but +instruments in the hand of God."</p> + +<p>During this conversation Fawkes, who seemed to be familiar with the +house, had led his companions into a small apartment whose window +overlooked the river which, washing against the stone foundation of +the dwelling, offered a safe retreat did any, bent upon trouble +making, force the street door.</p> + +<p>Winter and Percy glanced about them. The place was bare save for a +rude cot, a shaky table upon which flickered an iron-bound lantern, +and a small chest that, did occasion require, could be placed against +the narrow door. At a sign from Fawkes, Keyes drew aside the bed, +disclosing in the floor the outlines of a trap door, which covered an +opening to the cellar beneath. Stooping, he raised the heavy cover, +revealing the top rounds of a rude ladder leading into the blackness +below.</p> + +<p>"'Tis there!" said Fawkes shortly, "wouldst see it, gentlemen?"</p> + +<p>Percy drew back, when Keyes, misunderstanding his hesitancy, caught +the lantern from the table.</p> + +<p>"I will go down," said he, "and thou mayst safely follow; the stuff be +well housed, tight as a drum, and, as thou seest, the lantern +scattereth no fire."</p> + +<p>"But will not the dampness of the place destroy its usefulness?" asked +Winter.</p> + +<p>"There is little fear," replied Fawkes, "although it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> lieth below the +surface of the river; the cellar is hewn from the rock, and dry as a +tinder-box. Lead the way, good Robert, take heed with thy light."</p> + +<p>With much cautiousness the two men followed Fawkes and his guide down +the ladder to the floor ten feet below. Reaching it, Keyes held up the +lantern so that its feeble rays penetrated the darkness. Piled against +the walls of the subterranean chamber, Winter and Percy discerned +irregular dark objects rising to the height of their heads.</p> + +<p>"'Tis the wind which will free England of the pestilence," said Fawkes +grimly; then catching the quick glance of Winter, which reminded him +of the presence of Master Keyes, added: "Which sown in Flanders will +bring forth a whirlwind against those who serve not God after the +manner of the righteous."</p> + +<p>"A goodly amount of the grains," said Percy, placing his foot again +upon a round of the ladder; "and how much saidst thou, good Master +Keyes?"</p> + +<p>"As Fawkes hath told me, some six and thirty barrels," replied the +watchman; "enough, methinks, to send all London up to the stars."</p> + +<p>"And the King, also," whispered Winter in Fawkes' ear, and added, "let +us to the room above. My stomach hath small liking for thy cellars."</p> + +<p>Percy was already half way up the ladder, and the others quickly +followed. To the soldier of fortune and to Master Keyes, 'twas of +little moment that they had stood in the presence of such an engine of +destruction, which, if properly applied, would shake to its foundation +the strongest structure in Europe. But in Winter and Percy, especially +the latter, the presence of the gunpowder, thoughts of the purpose for +which it was to be used, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> the lives which must be sacrificed, +overcame for the moment their fanatical zeal, and they withdrew with a +feeling akin to horror. 'Twas truly the seed of death; and in sowing +the wind might they not, themselves, reap the whirlwind?</p> + +<p>A short time in the upper chamber restored their calmness, and they no +longer seemed such fearful things, those grim barrels of harmless +looking black grains, which might lie harmless for centuries, as they +had seen them, or, at the touch of a single tiny spark, shake London +as by an earthquake, vacate a royal throne, and exterminate in an +instant the proudest government in Europe. Percy, of more gentle +disposition than his companion, gazed into the face of Guido Fawkes +with a feeling akin to awe. His was the brain which had suggested this +terrific method for the destruction of the King and Parliament; his +the voice that had pronounced the words which laid bare the plan to +Catesby, Winter and the others. If Fawkes had never come from Spain, +perhaps——, but the subject of his gloomy thoughts was speaking in +reply to a question put by Sir Thomas.</p> + +<p>"Thou hast noted," said he, "that this dwelling lieth close to the +river; so, 'twill be no great matter to remove the barrels from the +cellar to the deck of a boat lashed beneath the window, and, if a dark +night be chosen for the work, none, I warrant, will perceive the +matter. What sayest thou, friend Robert?"</p> + +<p>"That there is much of wisdom in thy speech," replied the other; "and +once upon the boat, the channel to the sea, where will lie thy Spanish +galley, is open. When, thinkest thou, the powder will be moved?"</p> + +<p>"I know not," replied Fawkes, sharply,—"in due time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>——" Then, +turning to his companions: "Gentlemen, having seen that which lies +below, what may be your pleasure?"</p> + +<p>"To return quickly," replied Percy, relieved at the thought of +escaping from such an ill-favored locality.</p> + +<p>Keyes chuckled. "Thou art in haste to quit my presence, and my pretty +devil's powder, good gentlemen," said he; "didst sleep so near as we, +perchance you would come to love it as Master Fawkes and I do. One +spark from this weak lantern, and——"</p> + +<p>"Come!" cried Percy, drawing his arm through that of Winter,—"we are +satisfied; what need to tarry longer?"</p> + +<p>In the street once more they, with Fawkes leading, hastened to gain a +more populous section of the city. 'Twas to Winter's house they went, +where Catesby was waiting impatiently. He, with Fawkes, had visited +the house by the river on the night previous, therefore he fell into +their discussion with good knowledge of the subject in hand.</p> + +<p>"Thou shouldst have been a general," said he to Fawkes; "it scarce +comes to me how so goodly a quantity of powder could be stored in +yonder place without detection."</p> + +<p>"'Twas no great matter," replied Fawkes, setting down the wineglass +Winter had handed him, "a little here, a trifle there, requiring some +weeks in the gathering; but now, as thou hast seen, there is enough."</p> + +<p>Winter laughed. "Faith!" said he, "I would fain not have thee for mine +enemy, friend Guido; else, some fine night, while I dreamed not that +danger threatened, my good dwelling would come to grief."</p> + +<p>Fawkes smiled grimly. "Not so," said he; "if thou<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> wert an enemy, and +I had sworn to kill thee, 'twould be by other means,"—touching the +hilt of his sword. "What thou hast seen is reserved for kings and +parliaments."</p> + +<p>"The powder is well stored," broke in Catesby,—"what next?"</p> + +<p>"That hath been attended to," replied Percy. "As thou knowest, certain +events must transpire ere Master Keyes gives up his guardianship. To +me has fallen the duty of looking into the matter. The cellar of the +Parliament House must be reached ere further effect can come from our +planning."</p> + +<p>"What hast thou decided?" asked Winter.</p> + +<p>"Upon a simple solution of the matter," replied the +Gentleman-Pensioner. "Foreseeing our course, I have made an agreement +with one Henry Ferrers for the hiring of a dwelling close to the House +of Parliament. The documents are already signed and sealed. As in many +houses, the cellar extends some feet below the surface of the street +and, next it, lies the foundation wall of the House."</p> + +<p>"Then," cried Catesby, "we will play the mole; is it not so, good +Percy?"</p> + +<p>"Thou hast said it," replied the other; "to reach the cellar beneath +the House of Lords we must pierce through the foundation. 'Tis of +great thickness and the task will not be easy."</p> + +<p>"I am little used to delving," growled Fawkes, "but there is no other +way."</p> + +<p>"And Garnet?" inquired Catesby.</p> + +<p>"Garnet hath gone from London," said Percy, "nor will he return until +the fuse has reached the powder. He is now at Coughton House to await +such time as we shall summon him to join our forces."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And them hast all in readiness?" asked Winter.</p> + +<p>"In the house of Henry Ferrers are tools for digging—picks, hammers +and the like," replied Percy.</p> + +<p>"And in another place lie six and thirty kegs of trusty powder," added +Catesby; "the instruments are at hand." Then rising: "Come, gentlemen! +our conference is ended; to-morrow we work, not talk."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h2>THE CELLAR.</h2> + + +<p>The house of Master Ferrers stood on the narrow strip of land between +the House of Lords and the river Thames. The wall of the dwelling +being adjacent to that which guarded the east side of the Parliament +House, 'twas not so difficult a matter for one bent upon gaining +secret entrance to the latter, to tunnel through it. Being of soft +bricks it would afford but a slight obstacle to determined men. To +penetrate the official structure was a harder undertaking, the +thickness thereof being some nine feet, and the masonry of flinty +stone, firmly cemented, and hardened into a compact mass by the lapse +of years. But, having once pierced through the two walls, the first of +brick, the other of stone, one would find himself in a chamber of some +extent, lying directly beneath the assembling place of the peers, and +the throne from which the King witnessed the convening of his +Parliament.</p> + +<p>Though, in fact, a cellar to the main building, the room was upon a +level with the street without, the walls being of "stout stones" and +the ceiling formed by beams upon which rested the flooring of the +House of Lords. 'Twas in this room the conspirators proposed to place +the six and thirty barrels of gunpowder, and—Parliament being in +session—to apply a spark to the slumbering power by which those who +occupied the room above would be blown heavenward with such scant +ceremony that none<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> among them should have time to cry: "Good Lord, +have mercy upon us! Amen!"</p> + +<p>In selecting the house against the east wall of the Peer's meeting +place, Percy had acted with some wisdom. The Thames was the silent +highway of London, and did a boat stop beside the river entrance of +the dwelling, none would be likely to take any note thereof, nor to +think it matter of suspicion for one who occupied the place to use the +water as means of conveying such commodities as he chose to his +storeroom or cellar. In this manner the powder stored under the +guardianship of Master Keyes was removed by night to the second +storage place, that it might be in readiness when the time arrived for +placing it beneath the floor of Parliament. Many persons dwelt in the +neighborhood; in the vicinity were clustered the houses of the Keeper +of the Wardrobe, auditors and tellers of the Exchequer, and many other +officials of the government, any of whom might notice the barge lying +close at the edge of the garden on the river front, and the men +carrying from it to the house divers packages, but it was not probable +that they would. None, unless having business with Master Percy, would +approach the door, nor enter the garden, much less question the +carriers concerning that which they removed so carefully.</p> + +<p>It was at the end of the tenth day after the visit of Percy and Sir +Thomas to Master Keyes that the six and thirty barrels—twenty-four +hundred pounds—of powder were safely stored in the building next the +Parliament House.</p> + +<p>But ere this was accomplished, those who had undertaken the digging of +the tunnel began their work. Under cover of the darkness, Catesby, +Wright, Percy, Winter and Fawkes, entered the house leased by the +Gentleman-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>Pensioner, and being provided with a goodly quantity of +baked meats and other necessaries, that nothing should arise to call +them abroad, they began their work upon the brick wall beyond which +lay the masonry proper of the House.</p> + +<p>Of the five, four were gentlemen of blood, to whom the handling of +pick and bar came not so readily. To Fawkes, skilled through long +service in foreign lands, where the undermining of walls and +fortifications was a common occupation, it fell to direct the work, +although in actual digging he took small part, it having been agreed +that he should serve as watchman, warn the others did any approach the +garden, or danger arise from sounds in the cellar reaching the ears of +those whose curiosity might bring unwelcome investigation as to so +strange a proceeding. Crowded as they were in the narrow space, the +four conspirators, with doublets cast aside and limbs weary from their +unusual occupation, plied drill and crowbar, enlivening their toil by +discourse upon the subject of the undertaking, and stopping ever and +anon to refresh themselves with ale, or wine.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" said Sir Thomas, looking woefully upon his begrimed hands and +vestment, "'tis a sorry thing to play the mole, when a sword thrust +delivered from behind a curtain, or the stroke of a poniard, would as +well free us of these tyrants."</p> + +<p>"'Twere perchance easier," replied Percy, driving his drill through +the last layer of bricks which stood between them and the second wall. +"I, for one, would choose the Lord to give me work under an open sky, +where there be less dust to blind the eyes and stifle the breath."</p> + +<p>Catesby laughed harshly. "Could Garnet hear thee," said he, "a +discourse of patience would soon be forthcom<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>ing. To your work, +gentlemen; we have already pierced one wall."</p> + +<p>An exclamation from Wright interrupted them.</p> + +<p>"By the wounds," he growled, throwing down his crowbar with much show +of temper, "one wall, indeed; a paper covering compared with this," +and taking the bar again drove its point with great force against the +one now exposed, belonging to the House.</p> + +<p>The iron rebounded from the solid masonry as though driven against a +sheet of steel, for the flinty stone turned it easily, and only a +shower of sparks answered the blow.</p> + +<p>"What hast thou there?" asked Winter.</p> + +<p>"The gate of hell," retorted Wright, kicking the bar with his foot, +"nine feet of it, by Master Percy's computation, and, I warrant, as +many years will be required to see the further side. Try it, good +Catesby, 'tis a nut a giant could scarce crack, though he wield a +battering ram."</p> + +<p>Taking up a lantern which stood by the wall, Catesby examined the +masonry with great carefulness.</p> + +<p>"Thou shouldst have struck the mortar," said he, tapping the cement +between the blocks of stone with the point of his drill, "wouldst tear +away the rock itself?"</p> + +<p>For some moments he worked diligently, streaming with perspiration and +his loud breathing filling the narrow place. A hole scarce three +inches deep rewarded his exertions.</p> + +<p>"'Tis well reasoned," growled he at length, "here is a riddle for +Master Fawkes; wilt summon him, friend Percy?"</p> + +<p>Glad for an excuse to leave for a moment the ill-savored cellar, Percy +hastened on his errand, and Fawkes presently entered, looking keenly +about.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What now, gentlemen?" said he, "hast made an opening?"</p> + +<p>"That have we not, save through this wall of brick," replied Catesby, +"methinks thy gunpowder could scarce open a further way, friend Guido. +Look thou at yon barrier of stone."</p> + +<p>Taking the lantern, Fawkes followed the suggestion. "'Tis, in truth, +most strongly put together," said he at length, "but with due patience +and diligence this also may be overcome. Give me a drill."</p> + +<p>Having received one from the hand of Winter he attacked the masonry, +striking here, picking there, until, having loosened a goodly portion +of cement, he caught up a heavy crowbar, and inserting its point into +the narrow opening, bore down upon the iron with all his strength and +the block of stone, freed from its fastening, was detached and fell +with a dull crash upon the floor at his feet.</p> + +<p>The soldier of fortune wiped his brow. "'Tis of the smallest," said +he, "but the others will give way in turn. Thou must first be sure +that the mortar is removed, when, using sufficient force, the rocks +will loosen, thus making the hole larger."</p> + +<p>"There be too few of us," said Winter. "I think some word should be +sent to my brother Robert, that he join us in this business, and also +Master Keyes, who being a man of much resource, and, perchance, +skilled in such labor as this, may aid us much."</p> + +<p>"Can he be trusted in so dangerous a venture?" asked Wright. "Of thy +brother Robert there is no fear, but what of this Master Keyes?"</p> + +<p>"Friend Guido will answer for his loyalty," replied Winter; "the man +is reliable, though his zeal turneth to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> the securing of money. +Already have I examined him, and found that within his mind lay some +suspicion as to our object in collecting such a quantity of powder. +For recompense he will dig most industriously, and promise of reward +when our mission is accomplished will make him dumb. Thou hast my word +upon it."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Catesby, "let him be summoned hither, and thy brother +also; much labor lies before us; seven men can scarce accomplish it, +and we are now but five."</p> + +<p>It was agreed that on the following night Fawkes should bring Keyes +and Robert Winter to the cellar, when, with a greater number to labor, +the work of forcing a passage through the wall could be accomplished +more rapidly. In the meantime, being excessively wearied, the +conspirators left the cellar and sought repose.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Two weeks passed. The excavation in the wall of the Parliament House +had increased day by day, until a hole some five or six feet in +length, large enough to admit the body of a man, was bored through the +solid masonry. With the assistance of the two additional members to +their little party the conspirators worked with renewed energy. Filled +with enthusiasm they had little sense of fatigue, and plied pick and +drill vigorously that they might gain entrance to the room beneath the +lord's chamber before the convening of Parliament, which, as Percy +learned, was to take place on the fifth of November. Confident that +their work was appointed by God, those men of gentle blood curbed +their impatience, though laborious and slow was the task, and every +muscle and bone ached when the tools were laid aside. For a time the +disposal of the earth and rock taken from the tunnel puzzled them, but +Fawkes with characteristic quickness<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> found a way;—such of the debris +as would attract little attention was scattered about the garden; as +for the larger rocks and mortar, the river was close at hand, and, as +Robert Keyes had said, it told no tales.</p> + +<p>So they worked, beguiling the weary hours with discussions as to what +would follow the success of their project. England would be without a +king; the machinery of the government shattered, and the way would be +open for seating a Catholic upon the throne. Prince Henry, successor +to the crown, would perish with his father and the peers in +Parliament. They would seize the royal heirs who remained, Prince +Charles and the Princess Elizabeth, hold them in durance, while the +Catholics would choose the heir-apparent and appoint a Protector for +the kingdom. It was a daring plan and the prospect of its execution +lightened their toil, and intensified the flame of their zeal.</p> + +<p>Somewhat near the middle of the day, when, having ceased for a moment +the attack upon the wall, Wright, who had remained in the tunnel after +the others had gone out, rushed wildly forth, his face pale under its +coat of dust and his limbs trembling strangely.</p> + +<p>"What aileth thee?" cried Catesby, alarmed at his companion's aspect, +"hath the wall fallen in upon——"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Wright with harsh voice, "but I go in no more; the +devil hath seized this tunnel, and——"</p> + +<p>Catesby entered quickly, and in a moment was at the end of the narrow +aperture. On either side arose the rough masonry, torn and ragged +where the stones had been forced apart; upon a heap of debris stood +Wright's lantern, burning dimly, beside it his heavy drill and hammer. +Catesby looked hurriedly about, but all was silent; the air was hot +and stifling and the smoke from the lan<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>tern filled his nostrils. He +turned to retrace his steps, with rough words for Wright upon his +lips, when a faint sound fell upon his ears; an unearthly thing, which +startled him and sent to his heart a thrill of superstitious terror. +'Twas a measured tinkling, as of a silver bell, which rose and fell +with steady cadence. Instinctively his hand went to his left hip, but +the familiar hilt was absent; he had left it in the room above, +guarded by Robert Winter, who watched with Fawkes.</p> + +<p>Snatching from his bosom a small silver vial filled with holy water, +the trembling conspirator sprinkled a few drops upon the walls—the +tinkling ceased, and from the entrance behind sounded the voice of +Percy:</p> + +<p>"What hast thou found, good Catesby, a goblin, or——"</p> + +<p>The answer of the other was upon his lips when, above his head, +apparently from the center of the solid masonry itself, came a sound +as of the rushing of mighty waters, which continued for a short space +of time, then died away. The noise reached the ears of those in the +room without, and it needed not the white face of Catesby showing in +the opening to send them upon their knees with prayers to the Virgin +for protection. At that moment Fawkes appeared among them.</p> + +<p>"What now?" said he gruffly, much amazed at so strange a sight, "think +ye, good gentlemen, that praying will cause the stones to separate?"</p> + +<p>"Brave Guido!" cried Winter with trembling voice, "either this place +is bewitched or our plans discovered; we have heard——"</p> + +<p>The renewal of the noise interrupted him. Fawkes laid his hand upon +his hilt and, with his lips pressed close together, thrust his head +into the entrance of the tunnel.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> For a moment he remained silent, +then turned with a grim look upon his face.</p> + +<p>"'Tis from the place which we strive to reach," said he shortly; "go +ye to the room above, while I learn its meaning;" and without more +delay he left the cellar, followed by his terror-stricken companions.</p> + +<p>Disguised in the dress of a common porter there was little danger in +his venturing abroad. After an absence of about an hour, he returned +to the six conspirators.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" said he, tossing his cap upon the table, "thou mayst lay +aside thy tools, Sir Thomas, and the others likewise."</p> + +<p>"And wherefore?" asked Percy with bloodless lips. "Are we then +discovered? If so, I will die with sword in hand——"</p> + +<p>"Speak not of dying," replied Fawkes, a smile passing over his face; +"rather set thy wits to working. Thou art good at bargaining; hire for +us, therefore, this cellar beneath the House of Parliament."</p> + +<p>The Catholic gentlemen gazed at him in astonishment, wondering if some +sudden terror had beclouded his brain; or, did the man but jest with +them?</p> + +<p>"Hire the chamber under Parliament House?" gasped Catesby, "as well +might good Percy bargain for the royal prerogative of James."</p> + +<p>"Ye think me mad," said Fawkes, "but listen. After leaving you I made +my way with all haste to the door of the Parliament cellar, which was +open, and discovered the meaning of the noise which reached us in the +tunnel;—'twas the sliding downward of a goodly quantity of coal, +owned by a woman of some property called Bright, a dealer in coals and +faggots. She being present, attending to the removal of her own, I +addressed her and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> learned that, having hired the cellar from the +authorities, she was about to give it over to them.</p> + +<p>"'And is't for rent?' asked I.</p> + +<p>"'That it is,' replied she; 'for he who hath the renting of it, one +Whynniard, by name, did offer it for the coming quarter, but it +pleaseth me to store my coals elsewhere.'</p> + +<p>"Thou seest, therefore, that this room is for us if we do choose, and +Master Percy, well versed in such matters, has but to bespeak this +Whynniard and possession will be given of a most valuable corner of +the House of Parliament."</p> + +<p>This sudden turn of fortune rendered the conspirators for the moment +speechless. Winter was the first to regain his balance.</p> + +<p>"It shall be done," cried he; "right glad am I that such a chance hath +come to us. Good Master Percy, bestir thyself, before another seize +the opportunity."</p> + +<p>To all, it seemed that the hand of God had opened a way for them, and +Percy made haste to do his errand, and with such success, that ere +another sunrise the room beneath the House of Lords was in the hands +of those who hoped to overthrow the government.</p> + +<p>Having gained so easily the place they had sought to acquire by +stealth and painful labor, the conspirators at once set about +conveying into it the powder now stored in the house of Master +Ferrers. Fawkes, to whom this work fell, bought, and ordered deposited +in the chamber, a goodly quantity of coals and faggots, so that one +chancing to enter would note only a pile of such commodities as +dealers in fuel collected for sale. Care was taken that the unfinished +tunnel in the wall should be covered so that none would notice it. +This was easily done by replacing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> a few of the outer stones and +cementing them together.</p> + +<p>Some days yet remained before the opening of Parliament; during that +time Percy, Catesby, Winter and others of the conspirators, formed +such plans as would be to their advantage when the kingdom, shaken to +its center by the death of the King and his ministers, should be +thrown into confusion. As for Fawkes, each day found him in the fatal +cellar, where he studied the condition of his coals and faggots, +making sure that no prying eye had penetrated the covering, under +which was hidden the "devil's powder" awaiting the spark which would +free English Catholics from James of Scotland and his Parliament.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h2>THE NOTE OF WARNING.</h2> + + +<p>During the last week of October, sixteen hundred and five, near the +day for the convening of Parliament, Lord Monteagle suddenly appeared +in his house at Hoxton, from which he had been absent a month. His +manner was perturbed and preoccupied in the extreme. Usually of a +genial disposition, he surprised the servants who attended him, by an +impatient order that supper be served at once, as he and the gentlemen +accompanying him had already fasted too long.</p> + +<p>Soon after seven in the evening he dispatched a footman upon an errand +into the neighboring street. This man shortly returned in haste, +presenting to his lordship a sealed letter, addressed, in a cramped +hand, to "The Right Honorable, the Lord Monteagle."</p> + +<p>He received the missive, handling it in a fastidious manner, and +inquired with some show of spirit how it had come through a servant, +instead of being delivered in the usual way.</p> + +<p>"'Twas given me," replied the footman, "by a reasonably tall person +who stood upon a corner of the street, and directed with much +semblance of authority that I give it into thy lordship's hand and to +no other."</p> + +<p>"'Tis a most unwonted thing," said Monteagle, breaking the seal, +"probably some petition for alms which——"</p> + +<p>Then, on glancing over the sheet, he started, and turned to a +gentleman beside him.</p> + +<p>"Good Thomas Ward," said he, "'tis written in a most<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> illegible and +wretched hand which I can scarce decipher; neither bears it any date +or superscription. I pray thee take and read aloud, that all may hear +and pass opinion upon so strange a matter."</p> + +<p>Ward accepted the paper, and smoothed it out upon his hand. "It seems +the writing of a laborer," said he, "one who doth wield a pick and +spade with more ease than a quill. A most unmannerly jumble of +ill-conditioned words, as thou shalt judge, my lord, upon hearing." So +saying he read aloud as follows, while the others sat and listened:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"My lord out of the love I beare to some of youer friends I have a +cayer of youer preservation therefor I would advyse yowe as yowe +tender youer lyfe to devyse some excuse to shift of youer attendance +at this parleament for God and man bathe concurred to punishe the +wickedness of this tyme and thinke not slyghtly of this advertisment +but retyre youer selfe into youer country where yowe may expect the +event in safty for though there be no appearence of any stir yet I say +they shall receyve a terrible blowe this parleament, and yet they +shall not see who hurts them. Thys cowncel is not to be condemed +because it may do yowe good and can do yowe no harm, for the danger is +passed as soon as yowe have burnt the letter, and I hope God will gyve +yowe the grace to make good use of it to whose holy protection I +commend yowe."</p></div> + +<p>"A most amazing document," said Ward, as he returned it to Monteagle; +"and what think you of it, my lord? canst detect the meaning of so +strange a warning?"</p> + +<p>His lordship contracted his brow and studied the writ<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>ing with much +attention. "'Tis as you perceive," said he, "a warning unto me that +some unexplained danger lies in the way."</p> + +<p>"A boorish jest," cried one at the table; "think not upon it, my +lord."</p> + +<p>"Which is proved beyond doubt by the action of the one who brought +it," said another; "he dared not deliver it at the door."</p> + +<p>Monteagle folded the letter carefully and thrust it inside his +doublet. There arose in his mind suspicion that in the tenor of the +message lay the verification of the warning to Lord Salisbury, and +that, mayhap, beneath the apparent serenity of the kingdom, smoldered +a volcano which needed but the touch of a directing master hand to +send belching forth its contents of treason and blood. Into his mind +came also the words of the Prime Minister spoken one afternoon several +months before, that should aught be unfolded of plots or treasonable +designs, they should be disclosed to him, and thus the danger to the +State be averted.</p> + +<p>He had therefore a feeling of relief when the meal was ended, and his +companions left him to carry out his intention. The raw October night +was filled with storm and blackness, but the spirit of Lord Monteagle +burned within him to lay before Salisbury and, perchance, the King, +the warning which had come to him.</p> + +<p>Scarce a quarter of an hour elapsed after rising from the table ere, +covered by a great cloak, booted, and with a stout rapier girt at his +side, he left Hoxton House unnoticed, and turned his steps toward the +dwelling of the Prime Minister. Although the hour was late Cecil had +not retired when he received the announcement that Monteagle sought an +interview. Surprised at so unusual<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> an occurrence the Minister +hastened to greet his visitor, ordering, as was his custom, that a +light repast be set before him.</p> + +<p>"And what now, good Monteagle?" asked he, looking at his companion +with a smile, "hast thy digestion played thee false again?"</p> + +<p>"Of that thou shalt judge, my lord," replied Monteagle, taking the +letter from his doublet and handing it to the Minister.</p> + +<p>Salisbury mastered its contents with an aptness peculiar to himself.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" said he, letting his eyes rest searchingly upon the face of +his companion, "and how camest thou by this thing, my good lord?"</p> + +<p>Monteagle related briefly the scene at the supper table.</p> + +<p>"And didst thou have the letter read aloud, in the presence of thy +gentlemen?" asked the Minister.</p> + +<p>"Its contents were unknown to me," replied the other; "the writing was +obscure and I did request Thomas Ward to decipher it."</p> + +<p>Salisbury pondered for a moment. The warning of danger threatening +those who would sit at the opening of the coming Parliament perplexed +him, and drawing nearer to a light he studied the letter carefully.</p> + +<p>"Thou hast done well," said he, suddenly turning to Monteagle, "in +placing this paper in my hands without delay, yet——" he laid a +finger on the letter, "perchance 'tis nothing, or—there may be much +behind these ill-written lines. Thou perceivest that herein is +written: 'for the danger is passed as soon as you have burned the +letter!' What then can be the use of such a warning? as, hadst thou +put the sheet to fire, there had been no danger."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> + +<p>"'Tis beyond my comprehension," replied Monteagle, "'tis a riddle."</p> + +<p>Salisbury looked up quickly. Despite his assumed indifference at the +time, the former conversation with the ex-Catholic nobleman had +aroused in his mind suspicions that some danger might lurk beneath the +calm which had lulled the King into a feeling of security. He +understood well that, although there had been no open manifestations +of treason on the part of zealous adherents to the Catholic faith in +England, there were among them men who but awaited opportunity to show +in no gentle way, their displeasure at the policy of James. He +remembered also, that Monteagle had been a Catholic, though now a firm +partisan of the government and in high favor at Whitehall. Might it +not be possible that some knowledge coming to him of a plot against +the State, and, not wishing to openly accuse his former compatriots, +he had taken a more subtle way, seeking by veiled warnings and hints, +to arouse suspicion in the other's mind, and so lead to some action on +the part of the government? Yet, it was not in accordance with his +policy to reveal his real thoughts; therefore, again thanking the +other for his zeal with reference to the letter, he dismissed him with +a promise that the matter should not be forgotten.</p> + +<p>After Monteagle had left he again studied the missive, endeavoring to +read between the lines, and bringing all his wit to bear upon the +meaning. Then, as it was his custom to work quietly and without haste, +for six days he held the document before making it known to the King.</p> + +<p>James was at first alarmed, but upon perceiving that the Minister +retained his calmness, he put aside his fears<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> and questioned +Salisbury closely concerning the meaning of the strange warning. In +the latter's mind was no thought of arousing James to hasty action, +for, if in truth a plot was brewing, too sudden a movement on the part +of the government would warn those engaged in it, and only postpone +the culmination to a more favorable opportunity. Following this line +of thought the Prime Minister calmed the sovereign's fears, and the +King, trusting to the prudence and shrewdness of his chief counselor, +dismissed the matter with a jest.</p> + +<p>Report, indeed, reached the ears of Winter, Catesby and others of the +conspirators, that Lord Monteagle had been warned to absent himself +from Parliament on the opening day. They were alarmed for a time, and +sought solution of the problem, wishing to know who had played the +traitor. Suspicion pointed to one Francis Tresham, whose sister had +married Monteagle, and who, naturally, would seek to save his +brother-in-law. But as Tresham denied all knowledge of the matter, the +government made no move, and even Salisbury, usually alert, remained +inactive. After a week of uncertainty, the conspirators again gathered +their forces and the plot against the King and Parliament continued to +ripen. Fawkes, beyond all others, became more reckless.</p> + +<p>"Should all else fail," said he, "I remain firm; and at the end will +kill this King even, if needful, in the royal bedchamber."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<h2>ON THE STROKE OF ELEVEN.</h2> + + +<p>"What, my daughter, up at this late hour!" exclaimed Fawkes, as he +entered the room where Elinor sat. "I had deemed thee long abed."</p> + +<p>The man threw himself into a chair by the fire with an air of fatigue, +and sat in moody silence. The girl glanced up; then arising, passed +over to him and lightly kissed his brow. The caress did not meet with +any response; in fact, he seemed scarcely conscious of it, and after a +moment's hesitation, Elinor resumed her seat.</p> + +<p>She had led a strange existence for the past eight months;—ever +waiting, ever dreading, and as yet nothing had occurred. To her this +period had been one of breathless suspense, like the moment before the +storm, when trees hang lifeless in a stifling atmosphere, and animals +raise their heads in frightened expectancy, awaiting with nameless +terror the first gust which shall herald the tornado. Since her +father's return from France, she noted that the air of preoccupation +apparent before his departure, was now intensified. While in his +kindness toward her the girl could detect no change, still, there had +come between them a species of estrangement. Seldom was there an +opportunity for them to converse, for Fawkes was up before daylight, +and rarely returned until after the midnight hour had sounded. Often +it was in her heart to ask his confidence—often to hint that she had +overheard his words on that fearful night,—but when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> she approached +with such intent, a nameless something in his manner held her mute.</p> + +<p>The source from which she had hoped would flow sweet waters of comfort +and relief proved dry and arid as summer dust; he to whom in an +outburst of anguish she had confided her grief vanished completely +from her life, as though the earth had engulfed him. True, Garnet +visited her many times after the night she unburdened her heart to +him, but his counsel was ever the same—to wait; at times she even +imagined there was in his tones a hint at justification of her +father's utterance. However, since the day on which Fawkes had +returned, the Jesuit had never passed the threshold of the house. How +to account for this absence she knew not, but in a vague way +associated it with the mystery surrounding her father.</p> + +<p>Winter, Elinor had not seen; her wonder at his studious avoidance of +her was matched by the terror with which she anticipated meeting him. +And her first grief?—the forced sacrifice of life's happiness with +the man she loved—had time been kind, and stilled the aching of her +heart? No; for in it the flame burned as brightly as when upon that +day, long ago, his first kiss had breathed upon the glowing spark, +changing it into a tongue of flame which leaped to her very lips. +Where Effingston had gone, she did not know, but her prayers were ever +the same, that in the abyss wherein lay her own fair fame he should +cast his love;—so grief for him would cease to exist.</p> + +<p>At last the silence of the room was broken by the man before the fire, +who turned toward her, and, as if but just noting her presence, said, +drowsily: "Daughter, methinks such late hours ill befit thee. It hath +long since struck twelve; thou hast already lost thy beauty sleep."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p> + +<p>Elinor arose, laid aside the work with which she had been employed, +passed over to Fawkes, then stooped and kissed him. As her lips +touched his, he reached up, took her face between his hands and gazing +at her said, after a moment: "My pretty one, if at any time death +should take thy father from thee, wouldst ever cease to love him?"</p> + +<p>The girl started; for the words had broken strangely in upon her +thoughts. Evidently the man beheld the shocked look, for he continued, +putting his arm about her slight form and pressing it close to him, +"Nay, my daughter, thou needst not be alarmed at what I say, for—for +'twas nothing. Thou knowest in years I do grow apace, and 'twould be +small wonder if death did perchance tap me on the shoulder and say, +'Thou art the man!' There, there, little one," he added kissing her, +"thou needst not reply; I can read an answer in thy eyes."</p> + +<p>"And, prithee, didst ever doubt my love for thee?" whispered the girl, +as she gently placed her arms about his neck.</p> + +<p>"Nay, never!" answered Fawkes, quickly, in a husky voice, "but—but +'tis sweet to hear thee tell thy love, and," he added, taking one of +her white hands within his own, "thou art all I have. If at any time +death should steal thee from thy father's arms, methinks he would soon +follow in thy light footsteps."</p> + +<p>"Much happiness it doth give me to hear from thee such words," the +girl replied, "even though they have but solemn import."</p> + +<p>"And dost thy father's affection need repetition? Surely, thou knowest +'tis all thine own." For an instant there was silence, broken only by +the crackling logs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> Then the girl said, as though dwelling upon his +words: "Nay, I never doubted thee—but—but——"</p> + +<p>"But what, my daughter?" Fawkes asked, tenderly, pressing her fingers +to his lips.</p> + +<p>"Well, perchance," she answered with a smile, "I did but wish, like +thee, to hear again the confession of it."</p> + +<p>His only response was the pressing of her figure closer to his heart.</p> + +<p>"Tell me," she began after a moment, in a hesitating voice, casting a +half-timid glance at her father's face; "dost think one ever speaks +words from anger that—well, that in calmer moments he would give a +world to unsay?"</p> + +<p>"What brought such question to thy mind, daughter?" enquired the other +with a smile of surprise.</p> + +<p>"Perchance 'tis but a causeless query," she replied, smoothing his +tumbled locks.</p> + +<p>"Many foolish things are spoke in passion," said Fawkes; "things which +leave a lifetime of regret behind. I do remember that once, in this +very room, my temper did o'erleap its bounds and lent my tongue words +which I would give a year of sweet life to unsay. Dost know my +meaning, darling?" he inquired, looking at her with moisture in his +eyes. "'Twas when I had not long arrived from Spain; in truth, 'twas +on the very night when thou——"</p> + +<p>"Nay, I will not hear thee repeat," she interrupted, laying her hand +upon his mouth. "I know all, but thou canst not think how happy this +doth make me."</p> + +<p>"Didst thou imagine I could mean those wicked words?" asked the man +tenderly, "'Twas a sudden outburst of temper on hearing—well, well, +since thy dainty fingers forbid my speech I will be mute."</p> + +<p>"See!" cried Elinor, springing to her feet, in the first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> happiness of +her relieved mind. "Now thou shalt hear me laugh and sing all through +the day, till thou wilt cry mercy. And mayhap some time thou and I," +continued the girl, seating herself beside him, "shall leave this +chilly land with all its cares and fly to a fairer country, where cold +winds are not known, where sweet flowers do ever bloom, and we will +love each other; in that, forget all else, and in forgetting; be +forever happy and at rest."</p> + +<p>"Perchance, some day," murmured the man. "But now, one more caress and +thou must to thy bed, or 'twill be light ere thou art in dreamland."</p> + +<p>She arose, a bright smile upon her face—brighter than he had seen +resting there for many a day.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" she cried, once more throwing her arms about him, "would that I +could give to thee the happiness thy words have brought to me."</p> + +<p>"And so thou canst," replied the man, suddenly.</p> + +<p>"How may that be done?—tell me quickly!" she exclaimed, playfully, +"that I may the sooner begin."</p> + +<p>"It is, sweet Elinor," said Fawkes, gazing down into her eyes, "that +thou wilt always love this man before thee—nay, even," he continued +with a depth of feeling in his tone which she had never heard before, +"even shouldst thou hear him branded as—as—no matter what manner of +things might be uttered against him, thou art always to remember that +he at least loved thee with all his heart, and that thou wert his +life." He stopped abruptly; the tears which coursed down his stern +face seemed strangely out of place.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" exclaimed the girl, "I cannot bear to have thee doubt me; thou +knowest I shall be ever thy loving daughter, even unto the end of this +life and in the next."</p> + +<p>The man was silent for a space; then mastering his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> emotion, and +passing a hand quickly across his face, he said: "Think naught of my +words, little one; they were but idle, born of fatigue. Now, once more +good night to thee, and a long, sweet sleep."</p> + +<p>So she left him; but at the door she turned, and Fawkes remembered +afterward the bright and happy smile which lay upon her face.</p> + +<p>With a light heart she went to rest, for her father's words had +banished from her mind the hideous doubt with which it had so long +been oppressed. The dreadful gulf between them had, at last, been +bridged, and once more they stood together hand in hand as in days +gone by. She was almost unwilling to yield herself to sleep, fearing +lest, on awaking, she might find her happiness but a vision of the +night. Slumber claimed her at last, and she fell into dreams of her +new-found joy. Many hours elapsed and the morning sun shone brightly +into her room, when there fell upon the girl's ear the sound of voices +in the apartment below. Remaining a moment in a dreamy state, +wondering who the early visitors might be, she suddenly caught a +sentence which stiffened the blood within her veins and brought back +to her heart in deadly force the awful fears she had thought forever +gone. Those in the chamber beneath had evidently been in conversation +for some time, for she heard them advancing toward the door as though +to depart. Then a voice, which the girl recognized as Sir Thomas +Winter's, said in a low tone: "Now, the last arrangements are made; +all doth await thy hand. Ah," he continued, "would that I might see +the outcome of this. 'Tis a ghastly thing, even though it be——"</p> + +<p>"What?" interrupted another voice, which Elinor knew to be her +father's. "Doth thy heart begin to turn at this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> late hour? Marry, my +one wish is that even now the clock stood on the stroke of eleven, for +in five minutes thereafter England will be without its King and +Parliament."</p> + +<p>"Hast all that thou wilt need?" inquired Winter.</p> + +<p>"Yea, verily," the other answered. "Here are flint and steel, quite +new. The touchwood and the lantern are hidden beneath the faggots in +the cellar. But stay, thou hadst better lend me thy time-piece; mine +is not over trustworthy, and I would keep accurate track of the +moments."</p> + +<p>"Here is the watch," said the other voice; "it was true to the second +yesterday. And now, for the last time, dost fully understand the +signal? It is to be the first stroke of eleven. The King is expected +at half after the hour of ten; that will leave thirty minutes' margin, +and the lords will have assembled before James doth take his place."</p> + +<p>"Knowest thou," inquired Fawkes, when Winter had ceased, "what may be +the first measure before the House?"</p> + +<p>"Methinks," replied the man, "one Lord Effingston will speak upon a +bill relating to the duty upon wool." And he added, with a laugh which +the girl could distinctly hear, "perchance his fine words will be +interrupted, if thy tinder be not damp."</p> + +<p>"Thou needst have no fear of that," answered Fawkes, gruffly. "But let +us hence, for 'tis even now past the stroke of ten."</p> + +<p>She heard them pass quickly out, and soon their footsteps died away in +the distance. Elinor lay for a moment dazed,—the blow had fallen! The +words he had uttered but a few short hours ago were a lie, uttered to +blind her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> She recoiled in horror from even the thoughts of that man +with the black and treacherous heart. He was now a father but in name; +all her love turned to that other man, who, in that very moment, was +standing over a hell which awaited but the hand of Fawkes to send it +belching forth. Was there yet time to save him? All her energies bent +themselves to this one purpose. She arose and dressed hurriedly, +forming her plan of action the meanwhile. A sudden terror came upon +her. If by some accident the mine should be prematurely exploded, what +then? But she recollected the cautious man who was to fire it, and the +thought quieted her. The bell in a neighboring steeple chimed the +quarter after ten. Forty-five minutes only remained,—barely time, if +she hastened her utmost, to reach the Parliament buildings before +eleven would ring out upon the air. She was soon ready and hastened +toward the door, her trembling fingers scarce able, in their +eagerness, to lift the latch. At last they found the cord, but the +portal held firmly to its place. Again she tried, putting forth all +her strength. Still it did not yield. The horrible truth flashed upon +the girl; the heavy door was securely fastened from the outside!</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h2>THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.</h2> + + +<p>As Elinor stood confronted by the barred door, a madness born of +terror seized her. Frantically she beat upon the panel until in places +the wood was stained with her blood. Again and again she threw herself +against the heavy oak, but with no result. After many vain attempts +she sank, almost fainting, to the floor.</p> + +<p>As she lay breathless, her tender hands bruised and bleeding, there +fell upon her ear the echo of the chime once more;—ten thirty! The +sound infused new life into her slight form. Springing to her feet she +seized a bench near by, and with a power almost superhuman, raised the +heavy piece and struck the portal with all her might. A shower of dust +rewarded her. Another blow and a wide fissure appeared across the +panel. Once more the bench crashed against the door, and it gave way, +a shower of splinters flying into the hall below. Quickly she hastened +down the stairs and gained the street. People turned wondering looks +upon the flying girl as with strength born of desperation she sped +toward Parliament House. As she reached the neighborhood a group of +men who stood engaged in conversation, noted her, and one drew forth +his watch:—"There is one carrying a petition," said he; "but fifteen +minutes yet remain before the opening of the House."</p> + +<p>The words quickened her energies; a quarter of an hour yet!</p> + +<p>In a moment she was in sight of the buildings. It had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> been her +purpose to hasten to the hall, but suddenly flashed the thought that +her entrance might be barred, and questions be asked. No time now but +for one thing,—to seek her father in the cellar, and snatch the torch +from out his hand.... The clock marked the hour of half past ten when +Fawkes, having taken leave of Sir Thomas Winter, reached the door of +the dark room under Parliament House. As he had left it, so he found +it;—the portal locked, and silence reigning within where lay the +faggots and the gunpowder. The soldier of fortune glanced about. Save +for a few idlers the narrow passage flanking the cellar door was +unoccupied. Soon even those went on their way, and unobserved he +opened the portal and slipped into the fatal chamber, closing it +noiselessly behind him, but leaving it unbarred; for, the spark once +applied to the powder, there would be scant time for escape. The +cellar was in darkness save where, through the rusty bars of a small +window, a feeble ray of light struggled with the gloom, losing itself +amid the shadows.</p> + +<p>Stepping carefully, that no footfall might reach the ears of any +above, he groped his way along the rough stone wall. Upon reaching a +depression in the masonry, he took up from its hiding place a lantern, +a rude affair formed of iron, pierced by countless holes, and within +it a tallow candle, which, when he lighted it, sputtered fitfully and +sent forth a sickly yellow light, the glare only serving to intensify +the gloom. A rat, frightened by his approach, scurried into some dark +corner with a plaintive squeak which startled him, despite his iron +nerve.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" he muttered, a grim smile relaxing for a moment the stern +lines of his face, "thou art strangely nervous, Guido, that such a +thing doth make thee tremble! 'Tis an adage that such vermin as I have +disturbed make<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> haste to leave a fatal ship, and, methinks, this Ship +of State is very near the rocks. 'Tis a sign from heaven that I shall +not fail." Then, turning to the pile of faggots: "So innocent are ye, +that even Elinor, with all her gentleness, might bear you in her arms +and take no harm; but——" here he bent and touched a hidden cask: +"thou art more to my liking, and the King shall hear thee speak for +me. Thine is the voice which shall tell all England that——"</p> + +<p>For a moment the monologue was interrupted and he busied himself with +the fuse, pouring from a flask taken from his doublet, fresh grains of +powder upon the train already laid, that nothing should be lacking to +speed the fire to its destination.</p> + +<p>Overhead sounded countless footsteps, as the pages and attendants upon +the floor of the Parliament chamber hastened hither and thither upon +their various errands.</p> + +<p>"My good lords and bishops are assembling," muttered Fawkes; "a most +gallant gathering, I warrant. Pity 'tis, that all must perish; for +there be some who have small voice in the passing of the laws."</p> + +<p>Suddenly there fell upon his ear the muffled sound of a cheer raised +by countless voices. The smile upon his lips grew scornful: "The +King!" he muttered, "greeting his good Parliament. 'Tis said he loves +a well-timed jest; pity to rob England of such a famous clown; +perchance in hell the devil may use his wit to while away the dinner +hour."</p> + +<p>The noise above increased; the peers had entered the hall; the King +had ascended the throne, and it lacked but fifteen minutes to the +first stroke of eleven, when the Parliament would open—and the flint +would kiss the steel.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p> + +<p>Despite his hardihood the man waiting in the gloom beneath the feet of +the sovereign and his noblemen grew restless as the fatal moment +approached. Through his brain flashed thoughts of the fearful +consequence of his bloody deed,—the terror, the widespread +consternation and the chaos which would follow the destruction of the +Parliament. To him came, also, the thought of his daughter—what she +would say to him; but then—she was a child and little comprehended +affairs of State. When all was over Garnet would quiet her fears, and +her father would be a hero in her eyes.</p> + +<p>Unconsciously he drew forth his dagger and pricked with its point the +mortar between the stones of the pillar against which he leaned. With +something to occupy his mind the moments would speed faster. The +lantern, burning dimly, stands upon the floor near his side; beyond +lies the fuse, ready for the fire.</p> + +<p>Just at this moment Elinor, having reached the door of the cellar, +paused an instant upon the threshold, then, scarce conscious of what +she was doing pushed open the unbarred portal and stepped within the +gloomy chamber. So silent was her coming that Fawkes, busy with his +dagger and the mortar, did not perceive it. The girl hesitated, +trembling in every limb; the blackness of the place, the intense +excitement under which she labored, and the fearful thought that +already the fuse might be burning, her father gone, and death so near, +held her spellbound. She saw the faint glimmer from the lantern, a +hundred tiny streaks of light glowing through the darkness. Her father +must be there beside his light, and summoning all her energies she +moves quickly forward, intent only upon accomplishing her mission.</p> + +<p>The rustle of her garments struck upon Fawkes' ear.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> He turned and saw +the half open door, the dim outline of the form which stood between +him and the faint light struggling through the aperture. With a quick +indrawing of the breath he grasped the hilt of his dagger and turned +to face the advancing figure. Shall anyone thus ruin all, at the +eleventh hour? His nerves became as if made of steel, all signs of +indecision vanish; face to face with danger he becomes once more the +hardened veteran who has met unflinchingly the fierce charge of the +foemen in the Lowcountry.</p> + +<p>Elinor at length perceived him whom she sought, and stretched out her +hands to grasp him, for the dry lips refused to frame the words her +tongue would utter.</p> + +<p>In that moment, noting the extended arms, and thinking the other would +lay violent hands upon him, Fawkes sprang forward and seized the frail +form about the shoulders; small time to note the softness of the flesh +and the clinging woman's garments, or the low cry which answers the +grasp of his iron hand. The blackness of the place hides their faces, +and his business is to carry out the plot.</p> + +<p>For a moment the two—father and daughter—are locked together in a +firm embrace; the slender figure of the child bent and tortured by the +cruel pressure of the pitiless fingers. She struggled desperately, and +in her efforts to free herself Fawkes finds the way to end the matter +quickly.</p> + +<p>"Thou wouldst undo the work," he hisses. "Didst think to find me +unprepared? Thou art a cunning knave, but this——"</p> + +<p>No eye, save that of God, sees the uplifting of the dagger, the quick +movement of the arm, the rapid thrust which drives the fatal steel +into that tender breast, letting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> forth her life-blood upon the rough +pavement of the cellar.</p> + +<p>Elinor reeled and released her hold upon him. In her agony God +stretched forth His hand and held her in His grasp so that, ere she +died, the end for which she had come might be accomplished. One word, +a bitter cry wrung from her heart, escaped her lips: "Father!"</p> + +<p>But Fawkes heeded it not. As he sent home the dagger his foot struck +the lantern, overturning it, and sent the iron case with its burning +contents rolling across the floor toward the powder train. In another +instant the fire will have reached the fuse,—and 'tis not yet time!</p> + +<p>With a frantic push he hurled the victim of his murderous blow away +from him, and hastened to snatch the sputtering light. His violence +flung the stricken girl to the floor, but with a last effort of will, +she staggered to her feet and groped blindly for the door, one little +hand outstretched before her, the other covering the cruel wound made +by her father's knife.</p> + +<p>At last she found the portal, and gained the narrow way to the street. +There was but one thought in her heart,—to reach the hall above +before death claimed her.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Within the House of Lords all was ready for the opening of the +Parliament. James, clothed in royal robes of State, and exchanging +jests with his favorites, was lolling upon the throne. The peers were +in their seats; some, deep in conversation, others, silently gazing at +the gorgeous scene of which they were a part. At a table standing near +the space before the throne, sat Lord Monteagle and his son, the +latter engaged in arranging the notes of his speech on the bill which +he was soon to bring before the House. Effingston seemed to be +strangely nervous as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> the hour for his address drew near and his +father had evidently made some jesting remark concerning his tremulous +hand, when suddenly the attention of all was drawn toward the great +doors at the extreme end of the room. Affected by the tumult, James +turned impatiently to see who had dared disturb the solemnity of the +hour. Those who were looking in that direction started with amazement.</p> + +<p>Through the open portal, flanked by its two rows of yeomen of the +guard, advanced a slender girlish figure, with face white as marble +and whose dark eyes sought the King. Clad in a gown of some soft gray +stuff which had been torn open at the throat, revealing the gentle +curve of the white bosom, the girl staggered up the long aisle leading +to the throne. Between the fingers of the hand pressed above her heart +showed a crimson stain which, touching the bodice of her dress, +gradually spread itself upon the soft color.</p> + +<p>Amazed at so unwonted a spectacle the peers could only stare, +transfixed. The girl had reached the space before the throne and +stopped beside the table at which Effingston stood, who alone, of all +the House, had started to his feet and confronted her. For one brief +moment she gazed into his eyes, then stretched forth her hand. The +white lips parted, she cried in a stifled voice:</p> + +<p>"My lords! flee the House ere——"</p> + +<p>The voice fell to a whisper, she reeled and sought to grasp the table +for support. Effingston sprang toward her, but before he reached her +side, her form sank slowly to the floor and lay at his feet. Unmindful +of the presence of the King, and of his fellow peers, the young +nobleman raised her in his arms. None beside Lord Monteagle heard him +whisper:—"Elinor!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p> + +<p>At her name the closed lids opened, and her lips parted in a faint +smile.</p> + +<p>"My love!" she murmured faintly, her head sinking upon his shoulder +like that of a tired child slowly falling to sleep. "I am +guiltless—thou alone—'twas for thy sake——"</p> + +<p>A spasm of pain swept across her face; he felt a shudder shake the +slender form, and a beseeching look sought his face.</p> + +<p>"I understand, my darling," he whispered, pressing his lips to hers.</p> + +<p>She sighed. A happy light shone in the fast glazing eyes.</p> + +<p>"Elinor!" he murmured. "One more word——"</p> + +<p>But God had taken her.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<h2>FAWKES BEFORE THE KING.</h2> + + +<p>For a moment a great stillness pervaded the House of Lords. The King +had half arisen from the throne, his hands tightly grasping the gilded +lions on either side, and his eyes fixed upon the dead form of Elinor, +lying at Effingston's feet. All followed the monarch's glance, the +ministers and peers leaning forward to better see the stricken girl +growing rigid in the clasp of death. So profound was the silence in +the great hall, that the footsteps of those without were heard with +startling distinctness in every part of the room. Before all the +peers, leaned Lord Monteagle, his gaze riveted upon the face of his +son. As for Effingston he heeded nothing; like an image of stone he +stood, his limbs powerless and his blood turned to ice; the face of +the dead was not whiter than his, yet, upon her face was the smile of +peace, in his, the shadow of conscious, mortal agony.</p> + +<p>So sudden had been the coming of that tender maid, born of the people, +but now more noble than any lord of England, that none save, +perchance, Salisbury, Monteagle and the King, comprehended its +meaning. The girl's dying cry that all should flee the House of +Parliament, was a mystery to the lords; but to the mind of the Prime +Minister, and to Monteagle and James, came as by a flash of lightning, +the veiled meaning in the letter, which, strong in his feeling of +security, the King had hitherto looked upon as an idle jest, gotten up +to disturb his dreams. Raising his eyes from the spot where<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> Elinor +lay, her blood staining the polished floor, he turned them upon +Salisbury, with a look of interrogation. The Minister collected by an +effort his scattered senses. Into his mind came as though by Divine +inspiration some inkling of the nature of the threatened danger. +Turning quickly, he summoned to his side Master Edmond Doubleday, an +officer of the royal household.</p> + +<p>"Go," said he hoarsely, "into the cellar, and whosoever thou findest +there, be it man or woman, seize quickly. Perchance the King's life +dependeth upon thy expedition."</p> + +<p>Of quick wit, the officer comprehended that his superior had surmised +some plot, the solution of which might be found below. Hastening from +the hall he gathered on the way a dozen gentlemen, and together the +company hurried from the House and sought the door which opened to the +chamber under it. Something guided their steps—great, crimson +splashes upon the pavement, blood drops which left a well-marked trail +from the space before the throne of the King—to the narrow entrance +of the cellar wherein lay the danger which they must avert. Little did +Guido Fawkes know—as little had the dead girl comprehended—that her +heart's blood would mark the way which would lead him to the scaffold +because it would be the means of hastening on his enemies, directing +them with no uncertain significance to his hiding place.</p> + +<p>In the semi-darkness of the cellar, amid his coals and faggots, with +the six and thirty barrels of gunpowder ready for the spark, the +daring soldier of fortune stood with trembling limbs, and a nameless +terror at his heart. Unflinching in the face of danger, the first in +all deeds of hardihood, famed for his valor in the Lowcountry, the +overturning of the lantern so near the powder train, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> the low cry +of agony which followed the driving home of his dagger, had unnerved +him. For one brief instant he thought he recognized the cry—that from +the gasping lips so near his own had fallen the word "father!" but in +the excitement of the moment he dismissed the dreadful thought. Some +idle, curious knave had chanced to see the cellar door, and entered. +Was it his fault that he had resorted to the knife to prevent the +discovery of his presence?</p> + +<p>Occupied with the overturned lantern he had noted little what befell +the other. Stabbed to death, the intruder probably lay in some dark +corner where the soldier's frantic push had sent him. The lantern +burned dimly, and time was speeding, so 'twould be an ill thing to +waste it upon a dead man. Steadying his nerves by an effort, Fawkes +took out the watch which Winter had given him, and bending toward the +flickering light studied the dial. The hour was at hand; in five +minutes the great clock in the tower of St. Paul would mark the stroke +of eleven, and he would fire the fuse.</p> + +<p>Searching in his doublet he drew forth a tinder box and touchwood. +Five minutes more and he would strike the spark; in five more the red, +spitting serpent would reach the hidden powder; by then he would be +safe, and, mingling with the crowd, would hear the roar of thunder +heralding the passing of James Stuart and his Parliament into +eternity.</p> + +<p>As he waited, the flint held ready to strike the steel, there flashed +through his mind the thought of his daughter, but she was safe at +home, and——The sound of hasty footsteps and the passing of dark +forms before the dim light struggling through the half closed entrance +to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> cellar, broke his revery. Was it another come to meet his +knife point?</p> + +<p>As he drew back, shading the lantern with his cloak, the door was +burst violently open, and a dozen men, the first holding aloft a +torch, pushed into the cellar. Fawkes thrust the flint and touchwood +into the bosom of his doublet, and, ever cool when danger threatened, +bent carelessly over the pile of coals and faggots. Coming thus, +without knowledge, any might have judged him an honest coal monger +busy at his trade.</p> + +<p>Those who entered so hastily rushed upon him; Edmond Doubleday raised +a dagger, intent upon driving it into his body, but seeing Fawkes +unarmed he lowered the steel and seized him by the shoulders. In an +instant the soldier shook off the other's grasp.</p> + +<p>"Who art thou?" cried he fiercely, "what is thy business, sir?"</p> + +<p>For reply Doubleday turned to his companions. "Surround the fellow, +gentlemen," said he sharply, "and search the cellar."</p> + +<p>Fawkes was quickly hemmed in by a wall of men, each with drawn sword +in hand. On the instant it flashed upon him that the plot was known, +and that further dissimulation would be profitless; therefore he held +his peace while two or three of his captors searched the cellar. One +muttered an exclamation; he had come upon the fuse, and following it, +perceived the barrels beneath the pile of faggots. Fawkes smiled +grimly.</p> + +<p>"If thou wilt look yet further," said he, "haply thou wilt find a dead +man."</p> + +<p>But nothing was discovered save Fawkes, his faggots, and the +gunpowder.</p> + +<p>The captive started. He had not then killed him who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> grappled with him +in the darkness; sorely wounded, the other had escaped to set the +bloodhounds upon his hiding place. He had thought his hand more sure.</p> + +<p>After thoroughly searching the cellar those who had taken Fawkes led +him to the passage without. He noted upon the stones the drops of +blood, and smiled,—his knife had not been useless after all. As the +little company with the soldier of fortune in their midst hurried +along the passage there ran toward them Sir Thomas Knyvet and half a +score of the royal guards. Perceiving the prisoner, the knight looked +at him critically.</p> + +<p>"What!" cried he, turning to Doubleday, "hast not bound the ruffian? +'Tis the King's pleasure that any whom thou hast taken be brought +before the throne."</p> + +<p>No cords were forthcoming, for, in their haste, small matters had been +neglected, but one of the gentlemen, taking from his pocket a pair of +garters proffered them to Doubleday.</p> + +<p>"Take these," said he; "I warrant they will hold the knave."</p> + +<p>Fawkes submitted without a protest, watching with grim indifference +the passing of the garters about his legs and wrists. Once he smiled; +but 'twas a fleeting shadow. Within the House his captors searched +him, coming upon the tinder box, touchwood, and Winter's watch—things +which were to bear heavy evidence against the prisoner.</p> + +<p>In the hall of Parliament all was confusion; Elinor, guarded by +Effingston, still lay dead before the throne, and the ministers were +gathered about it.</p> + +<p>The tumult ceased as Fawkes was led through the doorway. He was to +meet the King whom he would have slain, yet he advanced with uplifted +head, not a muscle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> quivering. The peers made way for him, so that a +space was cleared before the throne. Suddenly his eyes fell upon +Effingston; for an instant he paused, then following the gaze of the +grief-stricken nobleman, saw her who lay upon the floor. A mist +gathered before his eyes; a blinding flash of unreal but fierce +accusing light seared his brain and turned him into stone. +Horror-stricken he advanced, scarce conscious that he moved, until he +stood before the body of his daughter upon whose breast showed the red +wound made by the knife. The King, Salisbury, and the ministers had +turned and were looking fixedly upon him, but Fawkes was unconscious +of their gaze. He saw only the white face, the half-closed eyes, the +cold lips which had kissed his own so fondly and called him "father."</p> + +<p>As the flashing of a great light coming out of the darkness, the truth +gleamed in its red horror upon him—the reason of the presence of +another in the cellar, the drops of blood along the pavement. She had +sought to save him from the crime of murder—and he had killed her!</p> + +<p>He would have cried out and thrown himself upon his knees beside the +dead, but his iron will controlled the impulse, and the hands of the +guard upon his shoulder held him firm. What cared he for axe or gibbet +now? He had loved her next to his religion, and had slain her. The +King was speaking:</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said he, "what have we here, brave gentlemen? Doth tremble so at +the sight of one dead girl? Who art thou, fellow?"</p> + +<p>Fawkes replied nothing, nor, perchance, heard the voice of James; his +thoughts were in Spain, where, when a child, Elinor had climbed upon +his knee.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" cried the King, "hast caught a dumb man,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> good Master +Doubleday? or hath the decoration of the garter so overcome his senses +that he is in a maze?"</p> + +<p>Some of the gentlemen about the throne smiled, for James loved a jest; +but Effingston turned away and pressed his father's hand.</p> + +<p>"Come!" cried the King, impatiently; "wilt not find thy tongue? 'tis +not my custom to speak a second time. What didst thou in the cellar?"</p> + +<p>Fawkes raised his eyes and the King saw in them a look of such utter +hopelessness that some chord of pity in his heart was touched.</p> + +<p>"My good Lord Cecil," said he, turning to Salisbury, "methinks terror, +or something worse, hath driven away his wits; we but waste words upon +him. See to it, pray, that he be closely guarded, for certain +questions must be put to him. The Warden of the Tower hath a way to +loosen stubborn tongues."</p> + +<p>So saying, he arose with much dignity and left the hall, followed by +many of his gentlemen. Fawkes they took out by another way—the road +which led to the Tower. He gave no sign, but let his gaze dwell in one +last farewell upon the body of his daughter. Then his eyes met those +of Effingston, and in the other's look he read that the dead would +rest in peace and honor.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<h2>THE BANQUET.</h2> + + +<p>On the evening of that memorable Fifth of November, there were +gathered in a spacious residence at Ashbery, Saint Ledger, a small +company evidently bent upon pleasure.</p> + +<p>During the day they had passed their time in the many ways gentlemen +were wont to choose when seeking forgetfulness of the din and +distractions incident to a great city. But it was not difficult to +discern that the hearts of the men were far from interested in the +various sports undertaken by them.</p> + +<p>The hours from morning until dark had been spent in a variety of ways, +but none evinced any enjoyment in their pastime. A few had beguiled a +small part of the day in hunting, but they failed to find even in that +excitement relief for the anxiety which so oppressed them. At last +twilight came, lingered, and glided into night. But with the darkness +the uneasiness of all increased.</p> + +<p>Nor would this fact have caused wonder had it been known what thoughts +lay in the mind of each; that they were momentarily expecting tidings +upon which depended not only their hopes and happiness but, perchance +their lives as well. Indeed, the company had been bidden thither by +none other than Lord Catesby, who deemed it expedient that those not +actually engaged in carrying out the plot for the assassination of +James and his Parliament, should tarry at his country residence until +news of the accomplished deed should be brought them. Acting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> upon the +suggestion, he, together with Sir Everard Digsby, Rookwood, Robert +Morgan, Grant and the brother of Sir Thomas Winter, had ridden forth +from the city the day before; and now, with apprehension which their +sanguine hopes could not fully thrust aside, they awaited the news +which was to tell them how the fearful plot had prospered.</p> + +<p>After a day, the length of which was measured not by the standard of +moments but by that of slow-moving years, all had assembled to partake +of the evening repast. Surrounding the glittering table were anxious +and thoughtful faces. The host was silent and distraught, but not more +so than his guests. The terrible strain under which they labored +forbade much conversation; and if a laugh, perchance, mounted to the +lips of any, it sounded hollow and mirthless.</p> + +<p>"What now, good gentlemen," cried Catesby, with an attempt at gayety, +when silence had again fallen upon the group; "ye are in truth but +sorry companions. It would appear that something besides good vintage +lay in the cellar beneath us. Come, fill your cups and let wine bring +to our lips the jest, since wit seemeth utterly barren."</p> + +<p>"Nay, my lord," exclaimed Rookwood, as he thrust his glass aside; "I +for one am done with pretensions; 'tis time some news did reach us." +The man drew forth his watch, and glancing at it, said with a frown: +"By Our Blessed Lady, 'tis past nine and we have had no tidings!"</p> + +<p>The anxiety in the speaker's tone seemed to find a silent response in +the heart of each. Before them all the wine stood untasted. A barking +cur upon the highway caused them to start to their feet and listen, +thinking the sound might be the herald of an approaching horseman.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> +"'Twas nothing," said the host wearily, when once more seated. +"Patience, patience, gentlemen; I think this delay doth not bode ill +to us, for as ye are aware, bad news is ever atop of the swiftest +steed."</p> + +<p>"Ah, good Catesby," exclaimed Digsby, "it is to thee we look for +consolation in this terrible hour. But I do most devoutly wish some +intelligence, be it good or evil, would arrive; for naught can be +worse than this awful waiting."</p> + +<p>"Talk not of evil tidings," broke in Grant, nervously; "our minds are +full enough of fears without thy——"</p> + +<p>"Nay, good Robert," interrupted Sir Everard, "'twas but a figure of +speech I used. Nothing is further from my mind than to play the +croaking prophet."</p> + +<p>"Art sure, my lord," queried Rookwood, "that Sir Winter did comprehend +in what manner the intelligence was to be brought?"</p> + +<p>"Quite certain of it," answered the host; "for 'twas the last topic +upon which we spoke before I left the city. Have no fear; he +understood full well that Master Keyes was to ride post haste the +moment all was accomplished."</p> + +<p>"How long would it take a horseman, riding at his best speed, to +travel the distance?" enquired Rookwood, again drawing forth his +watch.</p> + +<p>"If nothing occurred to hinder on the way, and his mount was fresh at +start, methinks the journey should be made in eight hours."</p> + +<p>"Then," exclaimed the other, thrusting back his time-piece, "if all be +well we would have heard ere now. I fear me—nay—I know not what I +fear."</p> + +<p>But hark! What sound is that which at last falls upon the listening +group? Was it the wind sighing through the leafless trees? Nay, it +cannot be; for now they hear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> it again, and more distinctly. There is +no mistaking the flying hoofs of a horse striking the hard road. All +spring from the table. The moment has arrived; they are to know. As +each gazes into the white face of the other, he but beholds the +reflection of his own pallid countenance, and speech for a moment is +impossible.</p> + +<p>"God!" cried Rookwood, listening; "Catesby, thou didst say but one +rider was to bear the message, and I hear the noise of several rushing +steeds, if, indeed, I be not mad."</p> + +<p>Louder and louder grew the clatter of the hoofs, whiter and whiter the +faces of the waiting men. At last five horsemen dash in at the gate +and ride without drawing rein across the lawn and up to the very +window of the banquet room.</p> + +<p>No need to ask what tidings. Winter is the first to throw himself from +his steaming horse, and followed by Percy, the two Wrights and Robert +Keyes, staggers into the room. They are covered with mud and streaming +with perspiration. Their hats and swords were left behind—evidently +lost in the wild ride from London. Breathless they stand, for a moment +unable to speak. Written on the face of each is an expression of utter +despair, mingled with fear and pain, such a look as an animal wears +when, shot through the body, it blindly flees from death.</p> + +<p>Winter is the first to find voice; and clutching at the table, which +shakes under his trembling grasp, pants, in a tone which is scarcely +audible:</p> + +<p>"Flee for your lives! There is yet time for us to escape. We cannot +help him who is in the Tower. Our own necks will pay for further +delay."</p> + +<p>There is a horrified silence, broken only by the hard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> breathing of +the men. At last Rookwood, pale with emotion, sprang toward the +speaker, gasping: "What is this thou sayest? Failure! It cannot be! +Thou must be mad!"</p> + +<p>"Nay," cried Percy, "'tis so, 'tis so, indeed. Fawkes is captured. +Nothing is left for us but flight. Come, to horse! to horse! I say. +Even now the soldiers are on the road, and any moment the sound of +hurrying hoofs in pursuit of us may fall upon our ears."</p> + +<p>In an instant the utmost disorder reigned. Chairs were overturned in +the eagerness of the men to take in hand their swords, which rested +against the wall. Glasses, swept from off the board, fell with a +crash, adding to the general din. The floor was strewn with eatables +and wine, carried from off the table in the mad rush. Panic ruled, and +it had placed its sign-manual upon each face.</p> + +<p>At last, above the uproar, the voice of Catesby can be heard, and +standing by the door he addresses the fear-stricken men. "Gentlemen!" +he cried, "has the grasp of terror seized upon and turned you all mad? +Why should we fly, and by that course brand our deeds as sinful? Are +we criminals? Have we stolen aught? Are we creatures to be hunted +through the country? Come! play the part God has given to each, and at +the end, since success is not ours let us meet death here, hand in +hand, as becomes brothers in one faith—like martyrs!"</p> + +<p>The words of the speaker had small effect upon the men, and did not +check the general confusion. Those who had just arrived were in the +garden attending to their jaded steeds, knowing full well that upon +them depended their lives.</p> + +<p>Rookwood burst again into the room, attired in a heavy riding +mantle. "Come," he cried to his host; "to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> horse while there is time! +'Twould be a wickedness to tarry longer; it meaneth naught but +self-destruction. Our steeds have been resting, and many miles may be +placed between us and London ere break of day. Endanger not all our +lives by thy foolish scruples."</p> + +<p>At last the finer sentiments of Catesby were overruled by the words +and entreaties of his companions, and he with them, hurried to the +stable. With trembling fingers the bridles were fastened, the girths +drawn, and in a moment all were ready for the flight. With a clatter +the cavalcade sped out of the gate and thundered down the road at +breakneck pace, disappearing in the darkness.</p> + +<p>So ended the day which was to see the culmination of a deed which +these fleeing men once dreamed would set the world on fire! And what +had come of it? For them, nothing but the dancing sparks struck out by +the hoofs of galloping horses, bearing their guilty riders from under +the blow of a swinging axe. Fawkes, their unhappy tool, was already in +the grip of the avenging power; and was tasting a more bitter gall +than that of torture and death, for that he had, with his own hand, +shed the blood of his well-beloved daughter, but not one drop of the +heretic blood he so thirsted to spill.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + +<h2>"IN THE KING'S NAME."</h2> + + +<p>The bomb having exploded so unexpectedly in the camp of the +conspirators, Fawkes a prisoner in the hands of the government, which, +following the custom of the day, would probably under torture wring +from him a confession, the gentlemen who had been so zealous in the +cause had now no thought but of flight. So sudden had been the +exposure of their plot—laid bare to the eyes of all England at the +eleventh hour—that the bold plans for a well-regulated defense were +overthrown completely, and could not be carried out in any degree. +Garnet, indeed, was for the time safe, his hiding place unknown to the +authorities, and did Fawkes resist with physical and moral force the +torture, the Jesuit might not become involved in the consequences of +his treason. But Catesby, Percy, the two Winters and others stood in +the shadow of the scaffold. That no mercy would be measured out to +them was beyond peradventure. Though of brave spirit, they feared, and +could but flee before, the anger of the law.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a pitiful and chagrined body of horsemen who, hurrying +through Worcestershire and the adjoining county, sought to hide +themselves from the King's officers. Pausing in their mad flight, they +rifled the house of Lord Windsor, taking such arms and armor as best +suited their needs. Close after them rode the soldiers of the King +incited by promise of reward and honor did they capture and deliver +the little band into the hands of Salis<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>bury and his ministers. One +face was missing from among those fleeing for their lives in such wild +haste. Catesby, Percy, my Lord of Rookwood, the two Wrights, Grant, +Morgan and Robert Keyes rode side by side, but Thomas Winter, he who +had summoned Fawkes from Spain, was absent. Small need of words +between the proscribed conspirators. A single purpose was in each +heart—to escape those in pursuit.</p> + +<p>As dull night drew on, the horses jaded, their riders fainting from +fatigue and fear, the luckless gentlemen reached Holbeach, the house +of Stephen Littleton. The early stars were twinkling in the gray vault +of heaven when lights from the welcome asylum greeted their eyes. +Percy turned to Catesby, who rode at his side.</p> + +<p>"Good Robert," said he, "there must we perforce remain till morning; +horseflesh can scarce endure the strain much longer, and those who +follow must needs halt, also. Stephen Littleton hath been our friend, +therefore is his dwelling at our disposal. 'Tis a stout structure, and +should the King's men find us therein—some will go with us to the +other world."</p> + +<p>Catesby smiled sadly. "Here will we indeed rest," replied he; "for, as +thou sayest, the beasts be weary. England is small, good Percy; we +must not lack courage."</p> + +<p>Noting the two leaders pull up their horses at the gate of the +dwelling, the others did likewise, and all dismounted and entered the +place which, to some, was their last abode—save the grave. In the +main chamber a cheerful fire crackled; for in the month of November +the air was chill, and Master Littleton perceiving the gentlemen +trembling as from cold, caused to be thrown upon the embers a goodly +number of faggots which blazed brightly. The sight recalled to Percy's +mind the fatal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> cellar under the House of Parliament, where he had +last seen Fawkes guarding with watchful eye the secret which lay +beneath so innocent a covering.</p> + +<p>Having removed their heavy boots and outer clothing the conspirators +talked together, seeking to dispel the gloom which rested upon the +company. All were ill at ease, for, although Percy had said the King's +officers would rest, it was possible they might secure fresh horses, +push on, and attack the house ere morning. Expecting no mercy if taken +alive, each resolved to sell his life dearly.</p> + +<p>The hours passed on to ten in the evening, when a thing happened +which, to the minds of many in England, exemplified the law of +God—that the wicked shall perish through their own evil devices. +Wishing to have all in readiness should the officers come upon them +during the night, and fearing that the gunpowder with which they were +provided might have become dampened by reason of the humidity of the +weather and its prolonged exposure to the elements, Christopher Wright +poured upon a platter some two pounds of the black grains, and set it +beside the hearthstone. Noting the action another of the party brought +a second bag of powder and treated it likewise, thinking to remove it +when sufficiently dry.</p> + +<p>Percy perceived the danger and withdrew from his position before the +blaze. "Were it not well," said he, "to have a care, lest a spark +falling outward do much harm to those within the room?"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Wright, "'tis my purpose to watch it closely; the +stuff, being damp, is worthless."</p> + +<p>Percy spoke no more, not wishing to be thought unduly nervous, and the +company relapsing into silence<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> watched the flames, each intent upon +his own dark forebodings.</p> + +<p>For many minutes they remained thus, but starting at each sound from +without, and hearing in every rustle of the leafless trees and +shrubbery the hoofbeats of horses bearing their pursuing enemies. The +heat of the room, added to sleepless nights which had followed the +arrest of Guido Fawkes and the discovery of the conspiracy, gradually +overcame the majority of the party, and all but Percy and Catesby +nodded in their seats. These two, the first confederates with Winter +and the Superior of the Jesuits to formulate the plan for destroying +the King and the government, sat moodily side by side, their burning +eyeballs glassy in the red reflection of the flames, and their hearts +heavy with thoughts of dismal failure and impending ruin.</p> + +<p>"Would that Garnet were with us now," muttered Catesby, thrusting one +foot upon the fender; "perchance his wit might devise some means to +free us from our entanglement and perplexity, and save the cause. +Would that Fawkes had——"</p> + +<p>Percy raised his eyes quickly. "Thou art then sorry——" he began.</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Catesby with some haughtiness. "If I had thought there +had been the least sin in it I would not have put my hand to it for +all the world. No other cause led me to hazard my fortune and my life +but zeal for the true faith. We have, in truth, failed, good Percy; +yet was the match burning which, in another moment, would have given +the spark to the powder, and the thunderbolt of which friend Guido +spake to us would——"</p> + +<p>Carried away by his earnestness he thrust forth his foot beyond the +fender and struck the faggots which blazed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> in the fireplace. A shower +of sparks answered the blow. One, falling beyond the hearthstone, +found the platter heaped with the deadly grains. Then, in truth, the +spark was given to the powder, but it was not that which lay beneath +the floor of Parliament; it was the powder in the room wherein nodded +the would-be murderers of the lords and the King of England. Ere +Catesby was aware of the awful danger, before Percy—who had noted the +falling spark—could cry out, there came a blinding flash, a cloud of +sulphurous smoke, the crashing of bent and broken timbers, and the +affrighted cries of the luckless inmates of the room. Yet in one thing +there seemed to be a merciful interposition. Carried upward by force +of the explosion, the bag containing a greater quantity of the powder +was hurled through the opening in the roof, and fell into the yard +untouched by fire; had it been otherwise, the public executioner's +work would have been less, and fewer dripping heads had graced the +spikes upon the Tower.</p> + +<p>Blinded by fire and smoke but unharmed, save for a scorching of the +hair and beard, the conspirators groped their way into the open air. +Upon their souls rested a cloud of superstitious dread. In the +explosion of the gunpowder they saw the hand of God; and—'twas not +turned against the King!</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>It was scarce daybreak when the horse bearing Sir Thomas Winter +stopped before the door of the ill-fated Holbeach mansion. Report had +reached him of the explosion, also that many of his companions were +sorely wounded, and that Catesby lay dead, with body shattered by the +firing of the powder. Then was proved his gentle blood, and the valor +of his race. Those with him when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> he received the news begged him to +fly; but he only looked upon them with clouded brow, and said: "Nay; +Catesby is dead. I will see to his burial; a gallant gentleman,—and +my friend!"</p> + +<p>Thus he rode in all haste to Holbeach, to find there his friends +unharmed;—close following him were the soldiers of the King.</p> + +<p>Scant time was given to the luckless gentlemen to prepare for +receiving them.</p> + +<p>"What have ye resolved to do?" asked Winter, having heard the story of +the night.</p> + +<p>"We mean to die," replied Percy stoutly; "we can scarce hold the house +an hour."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Winter quietly, "I will take such part as you do." And +looking to his sword and firearms, he leaned against the casement of +the window facing the road on which the King's men would come.</p> + +<p>Toward noon they came, a gallant company of gentlemen and musketeers, +flushed with the early morning ride and filled with zeal to take the +traitors who awaited them behind the walls of Master Littleton's +house. Watching from the window Winter saw many faces which he knew; +Sir John Foliot, Francis Conyers, Salway, Ketelsby, all staunch +adherents of the King;—men who, being dispatched upon any errand, +would carry it through most zealously. Before the cavalcade rode a +doughty gentleman, Sir Richard Walsh, sheriff of Worcestershire, armed +with the royal authority to seize the persons of such conspirators as +chanced to fall in his way.</p> + +<p>It was the sheriff who halted the troop some fifty paces from the +house, and, attended by Sir John Foliot and two musketeers, advanced +boldly to the closed door.</p> + +<p>Trying the latch and finding the portal barred, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> tapped upon the +panel with the hilt of his sword. None from within replied. Again the +sheriff rapped, and a voice demanded who it was that sought +admittance, and what might be his errand.</p> + +<p>"That," replied Sir Richard, "is well known to thee. Open, therefore, +in the King's name!"</p> + +<p>The conspirators hesitated, for the command was one wont to be obeyed +in England.</p> + +<p>"Open!" repeated the sheriff; "lay down your arms!"</p> + +<p>"We will die," replied Catesby firmly, "but will not open unto thee."</p> + +<p>"Die thou shalt," replied Sir Richard cheerily, "with thy head upon +the block." So saying, and perceiving that those within would sell +their lives dearly, he returned to his men, ordering that some quickly +fire the building, others stand ready to receive any, who, driven +forth by fear or flame, might seek to escape through the garden.</p> + +<p>Perceiving that they were like to be burned alive, those in the house +resolved to gain the garden, and with sword in hand contend with the +King's men. 'Twas Winter who unloosed the bolt; and perchance +something had come of the venture, for the besieged were of most +determined purpose, if some of the soldiers had not discharged their +muskets, and a ball striking Sir Thomas in the shoulder wounded him +sorely. A second fire sent a rain of balls through the open doorway, +some of them hitting my Lord of Rookwood and the two Wrights, +Christopher and John,—stretching them dead upon the floor.</p> + +<p>"God's mercy!" cried Catesby; "let us forth, ere we all be murdered. +Stand by me, Tom, and we will die together."</p> + +<p>Winter, whose face was white with pain, replied<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> hoarsely: "That will +I, sir; but having lost the use of my right arm, I fear I will be +taken."</p> + +<p>Yet he stooped and caught up his sword with his left hand, standing a +little back of Catesby and Percy who blocked the doorway.</p> + +<p>"Wouldst contend against us?" cried the sheriff of Worcestershire, and +then ordered that a third volley be delivered by his musketeers.</p> + +<p>Most of the balls lodged themselves in the wall of the building, or +tore splinters from the casement of the door. But one, as though +resolved to atone for the fruitless efforts of its fellows, sped on +its deathly errand, striking Robert Catesby in the neck, passing quite +through, and burying itself in the breast of Percy, who with scarce a +cry fell dead at Winter's feet.</p> + +<p>Bleeding profusely, Catesby attempted to regain his footing, but death +was near and he fell back crying to Winter to lift him up that he +might help defend the doorway. The conspirators who remained unharmed, +drew back in terror, crouching behind the furniture with no thought of +resisting the King's authority.</p> + +<p>Seeing that Percy, Rookwood and the two Wrights were dead, Catesby +dying, and none to support him, Winter cast aside his sword and bent +over his stricken comrade. At that moment certain of the sheriff's men +charging upon the open doorway, perceived him standing there, and one, +bearing a pike, thrust it at him so that the point pierced his doublet +and wounded him grievously. Staggering under the blow Winter, his +clothes covered with blood, gave back, and again was wounded in the +side by a rapier.</p> + +<p>"Cowards!" cried he, striking blindly at the foremost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> soldier with +his naked hand, "can ye not touch a vital part, but must torture me +so?"</p> + +<p>One, perceiving him sorely wounded and unarmed, seized him and in a +moment he was bound and dragged into the yard.</p> + +<p>The others, Keyes, John Grant and Henry Morgan, were quickly overcome, +and now of the nine Catholic gentlemen who had resolved to defend the +house, five lay dead, and four were in the hands of the authorities.</p> + +<p>Having so handily brought his errand to a successful termination Sir +Richard, of Worcestershire, fell into great good humor.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" cried he, sheathing his bloodless sword, "'tis a merry +gathering for my Lord of Salisbury to look upon. Four plump birds +ready for the axe man, and four and one knocking at the gate of hell. +Rare sport, in truth, hath been the taking of so ill a brood; +therefore, gentlemen, to London and the Tower with the nine. Though +some be dead, their necks are ready for the axe, I warrant. 'Tis a +brave sight will greet the populace, anon."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + +<h2>REAPING THE WHIRLWIND.</h2> + + +<p>Those who watched with Fawkes said he partook of no food, slept +not—neither spoke, and refused to utter the names of his fellow +conspirators. He sat all day in his cell without moving. At times +there came into his drawn and haggard face a strange and unearthly +light, as though he suddenly beheld a form glide from out the shadow +of the dungeon, and kneel beside him. At these moments he would +stretch forth his arms as if to embrace the airy figure of his brain, +and whisper, nodding his head slowly the while: "Thou wert all I +had—in a moment, darling;—wait until thy father can but pass this +dreary portal."</p> + +<p>They put him to the rack, but elicited nothing. He endured the torture +as though scarce feeling it; and even in agony, was heard to mutter: +"In a moment, my little one—but a moment more."</p> + +<p>His trial, with that of the others implicated in the plot, was over. +The sentence of death had been pronounced upon each. Three days after, +Everard Digsby, with Robert Winter and Grant, met death by hanging in +the churchyard of St. Paul's. Three remained awaiting the headsman's +axe—Thomas Winter, Keyes and Guido Fawkes.</p> + +<p>Their execution was anticipated by the populace of London with +unwonted eagerness. The desire of the people to see justice meted to +those whom they deemed the prime movers in a conspiracy which had +shaken England to its foundation, was only rivaled by the curi<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>osity +resident in each heart, to behold the one who, with undaunted nerve, +had stood beneath the House of Lords ready to fire the mine which +would rob the kingdom at one fell blow of both its monarch and +Parliament.</p> + +<p>In that age public executions were signals for general holidays; +people flocked from the most distant shires, decked in best attire, to +witness the doing to death of some poor malefactor. But this was no +ordinary occasion; and, as if to emphasize the fact, a great throng +had assembled at Westminster even before the sun arose, on the day set +apart for the beheading of the remaining three conspirators.</p> + +<p>At an early hour companies of halberdiers were forced to exercise +their authority in keeping the crowd at proper distance from the +ominous structure erected in the middle of the square. The object +about which this innumerable concourse of people gathered was a high +platform covered with black cloth, in the center of which stood the +block. The condemned men had been brought from the Tower shortly after +midnight, and were now lodged in the space beneath the scaffold, which +had been converted into a kind of closed pen.</p> + +<p>The hour for the execution was eleven, and as the time approached the +multitude gradually swelled, being increased by thousands; as though +some pitiless monster were fattening itself upon thoughts of the blood +so soon to be shed.</p> + +<p>Again and again the pikemen were forced to thrust back the surging +mass, and at last the soldiers did not hesitate to use their weapons +as the throng forced its way up to the very ropes surrounding the +scaffold. But now above the babel of tongues the great bell of the +Cathedral boomed out the hour of eleven. As its last note<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> died away +the roar of voices gradually subsided, until it sunk into a dull +murmur of expectancy, but again it broke forth into a cheer as the +headsman ascended the stairs leading to the scaffold. This man was +popular with the rabble and noted for his dexterity and strength. As +the applause greeted him he recognized the homage rendered with a bow. +His was a gruesome figure, as, attired in the costume of the office, +his features concealed by a scarlet mask, he leaned easily upon the +handle of the glittering axe—and waited.</p> + +<p>Soon four soldiers, under command of an officer, approached the door +of the inclosure and stood two on either side with halberds reversed. +A moment of breathless stillness followed; the portal opened and one +victim was led forth. Surrounded by guards he was solemnly conducted +to the foot of the steps leading to the block. Keyes, for it was he, +ascended without aid, and reached the platform. A murmur of +disappointment ran through the multitude as he came into view, for +they had supposed Fawkes would be the first to die.</p> + +<p>The man for an instant stood quite still; he had been the first of the +little procession to reach the top, and seemed undecided which +direction to take, but only for a moment stood he thus; two of the +guards quickly approached and led him toward the center of the +scaffold. He knelt without assistance, laid his cheek upon the block, +his right shoulder resting in the notch fastened for its reception. +The soldiers retired. The headsman drew back, swiftly raised the axe +above his head, measured the distance with a practiced eye, and +struck.</p> + +<p>The favorite of the rabble had again acquitted himself well. The head +of the victim fell on one side of the block, the quivering trunk +sinking to the floor upon the other.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> A cheer greeted the deed, then +silence once more fell upon the multitude. Some soldiers now appeared +carrying a box of sand. They quickly ascended the steps and scattered +its contents upon the wet boards. Having finished, one of the men +seized the head which still lay where it had fallen, fixed it upon the +point of his pike and stuck the weapon with its gruesome burden upon +the railing. The headless trunk was flung without ceremony into a cart +which was in waiting.</p> + +<p>Again the procession formed; once more a victim knelt; the axe fell, +and another head stared down upon the throng below.</p> + +<p>A ripple of expectancy again broke forth. Two had died; the next must +be the one for whom they waited. All strained their necks in eagerness +to catch the first glimpse as he should be led forth, and this was the +sight for which they had longed:—</p> + +<p>A man unable to stand alone; his form, weakened by torture and +sickness, was dragged up the steps and stood confronting them. His +arms were not bound, for they hung lifeless. Those who stood near +could understand the absence of fetters; there was nothing upon which +to clasp them, save a mass of crushed bones, in many places stripped +of flesh by the cruel cords of the rack. He seemed quite oblivious of +his surroundings, turned his head neither to the right nor to the +left, but gazed past the headsman—past his captors—and far beyond +the sea of upturned faces. His lips were seen to move, but only those +who supported him could catch the words:—"In a moment, my little +one!" he whispered; "thy father will soon kiss thy sweet lips—and +then—we will love each other, and in that love forget all——"</p> + +<p>They hurried him toward the block and were obliged<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> to place his head +upon it; his weakness was so great that he would have fallen had they +not supported him. His guards drew back, the axe, already lifted, was +about to descend, when, the poor limp figure slipped and fell with a +thud to the floor, unable to save itself by reason of the uselessness +of the arms. Again he was lifted; once more the axe was raised, and +even in that moment they heard him whisper the name ever upon his +lips:</p> + +<p>"Elinor!"—Crash!—and he was away to clasp her to his breast.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CONCLUSION" id="CONCLUSION"></a>CONCLUSION.</h2> + + +<p>Of Henry Garnet something remains to be said. The alarm which was felt +at the revelation of the treason which might, but for the arrest of +Fawkes in the cellar under Parliament House, have resulted in the +disruption of the government, was widespread, and it became necessary +for the Jesuits remaining in the kingdom to hide most secretly.</p> + +<p>As Catesby had said, the Superior, upon leaving London some weeks +before the discovery of the plot, had taken refuge in the house of Sir +Everard Digsby at Coughton. 'Twas there he received a letter from one +of the conspirators announcing the failure of the enterprise to which +he had lent himself. For three weeks he remained in hiding, when, by +night, and in disguise, he was removed to Hendlip House, where with +another of his Order, and two servants, he escaped for a time the +diligent search instituted by Salisbury, and urged on by the King.</p> + +<p>On the twentieth of January following the fatal Fifth of November, Sir +Henry Bromley, a magistrate, arrived with an armed force at Hendlip, +being in possession of a commission to search the mansion. The house +was full of secret apartments, and for seven days the King's officer +looked in vain for the Superior of the Jesuits. But on the eighth a +soldier, chancing upon a room occupied by one of the women of the +place, discovered in an aperture of the chimney a reed pipe, which +excited his curiosity and suspicion.</p> + +<p>Hearing of the matter, Sir Bromley followed the clew thus given him, +and behind the wall, in a secret chamber,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> came upon Garnet and his +companion, Oldcorne, who, since the coming of the authorities, had +been fed through the reed with broths and warm drinks.</p> + +<p>Taken to London, the Superior of the Jesuits was treated kindly. Many +examinations were given him, nor was torture resorted to in his case, +though Oldcorne was put to the rack. Through all Garnet divulged +nothing, and there had been some likelihood of escape, for the King +was kindly disposed, had not a trick resorted to by the government +resulted in his undoing. Allowed to hold communication with the +unfortunate Oldcorne, a watch was stationed behind the wall of the +cell, and such conversation as passed between the churchmen was taken +down. The facts thus revealed hurried Garnet to his doom.</p> + +<p>His trial was held late in March, and although he defended himself +ably, the evidence of his having been a party to treason was +conclusive. Through all he maintained that, though cognizant of the +design to blow up the House of Parliament, he had taken no active part +with the conspirators. Holding that the secret had come to him through +sacramental confession, he affirmed that, by his faith, he was bound +to disclose nothing concerning it. The trial ended with the sentence +that he follow in the footsteps of Fawkes, Winter and those others who +had met death upon the scaffold. Even then, the King, loth to see +executed so famous a prelate, stayed for a time the hand of the +axeman. 'Twas not till the third day of May, three months after the +death of his former companions, that Garnet died—the last of those +unfortunate men who sought to gain their ends by violence.</p> + + +<h4>THE END.</h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES</h3> +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>1. Few quotes are opened with marks but are not closed and vice-versa. +Obvious errors have been silently closed, while those requiring +interpretation have been left as such.</p> + +<p>2. The following misprints have been corrected:<br /> + "Fawke's" corrected to "Fawkes'" (page 73)<br /> + "reovered" corrected to "recovered" (page 106)<br /> + "exlaims" corrected to "exclaims" (page 108)<br /> + "'tis" capitalized to "'Tis" (page 154)<br /> + "readinesss" corrected to "readiness" (page 215)<br /></p> + +<p>3. Other than the corrections listed above, printer's inconsistencies +in spelling, punctuation, and hyphenation have been retained.</p> +</div> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30490 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/30490-h/images/p001.jpg b/30490-h/images/p001.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8e902d3 --- /dev/null +++ b/30490-h/images/p001.jpg diff --git a/30490.txt b/30490.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5576689 --- /dev/null +++ b/30490.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7637 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fifth of November, by +Charles S. Bentley and F. Kimball Scribner + +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: The Fifth of November + A Romance of the Stuarts + +Author: Charles S. Bentley + F. Kimball Scribner + +Release Date: November 17, 2009 [EBook #30490] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER *** + + + + +Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Ritu Aggarwal and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + + + + + THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER + + CHARLES S BENTLEY + AND + F KIMBALL SCRIBNER + + + + + The Fifth of November + _A Romance of the Stuarts_ + + By + Charles S. Bentley and + F. Kimball Scribner + + + "No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets, + But as truly loves on to the close + As the sunflower turns on her god, when he sets, + The same look which she turn'd when he rose" + --Thomas Moore. + + + Chicago and New York: + Rand, McNally & Company, + Publishers. + + + Copyright, 1898, by Rand, McNally & Co. + + + + + CONTENTS. + + + CHAPTER. PAGE. + I. WHAT BEFELL AT THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD. 1 + II. IN THE SHADOW OF ST. PAUL. 11 + III. THE HOME-COMING OF GUIDO FAWKES. 21 + IV. THE SUPERIOR OF THE JESUITS. 33 + V. WHY MASTER FAWKES WAS SUMMONED TO ENGLAND. 42 + VI. "THE WISEST FOOL IN CHRISTENDOM." 52 + VII. THE VISCOUNT EFFINGSTON. 61 + VIII. IN THE GARDEN OF THE GENTLEMAN-PENSIONER. 73 + IX. GARNET AND THE KING. 81 + X. THE FORGING OF THE THUNDERBOLT. 89 + XI. THE WAY OF THE WORLD. 97 + XII. WHAT THE MOON SAW. 108 + XIII. AT THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD. 119 + XIV. IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. 130 + XV. "THOU SHALT NOT KILL." 140 + XVI. MONTEAGLE AND SALISBURY. 152 + XVII. SOWING THE WIND. 158 + XVIII. THE CELLAR. 167 + XIX. THE NOTE OF WARNING. 178 + XX. ON THE STROKE OF ELEVEN. 184 + XXI. THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. 192 + XXII. FAWKES BEFORE THE KING. 200 + XXIII. THE BANQUET. 207 + XXIV. "IN THE KING'S NAME." 213 + XXV. REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 222 + + + + +AUTHOR'S NOTE. + + +It has not been the intention of the authors of "The Fifth of +November" to write an historical novel, though, throughout the story, +they have endeavored to follow as closely as was consistent with the +plot in hand, the historical facts collected by the various writers +who have made the nature and workings of the "Gunpowder Plot" a +special study. With one or two exceptions, the characters in the +present romance have been borrowed from history, and, save in Chapters +XXI and XXII, the lines of the story have followed those traced by the +hand of the historian. + +In presenting to the public this "Romance of the Stuarts," +indebtedness is acknowledged by the writers to Professor S. R. +Gardiner's "What the Gunpowder Plot Was," and also to the history +of England as set forth by Knight, Hume, Froude and Ridpath. + + THE AUTHORS. + New York, February, 1898. + + + + +THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +WHAT BEFELL AT "THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD." + + +Snow had fallen through the day, and as night approached all objects +were covered with a mantle of white. The noises incident to the life +of a great city had long since become muffled and indistinct. The +footfalls of those who traversed the streets could no longer be heard; +and the only sounds which now and again broke the silence, were the +voices of my lord's link-men, who, in goodly number, fully armed, +carrying flaming torches whose lurid dancing light shone through the +blinding snow, appeared at a distance to be a party of ancient saints +come forth from their tombs to indulge in a ghostly frolic under cover +of the night. The voices of the men, falling upon the snow-laden air, +sounded dull and echo-less as they heralded the approach of a chair to +some sharp turn or gateway. An armed escort in those days was no mark +of royalty or distinction, for it was not well or safe for men to +travel the streets alone after nightfall, as many a sinister face and +cloaked form lurked hid in the shadow of secluded corners and dark +by-ways, awaiting opportunity to cut the purse, or the throat, as need +be, of the solitary wayfarer. + +Numbers were no guarantee of escaping unmolested; for of late the +rogues had become so bold that it was a common thing for a party of +gentlemen to be attacked successfully, as the ruffians mustered in +their ranks many soldiers of fortune who had served in Flanders, +France and Spain, and were well versed in the play of both sword and +dagger. These acts of robbery and murder were confined to no one +locality, but the vagabonds who perpetrated the deeds had haunts and +places of common rendezvous, and as night fell, these dens poured +forth upon the town their murder-bent crews. + +In one of the most narrow and crooked of streets, often lost amid the +winding of greater thoroughfares, and safely hidden from the watchful +eyes of the King's soldiers, was situated a tavern, patronized for the +most part by those who replenished their purses when low, by running +some belated traveler through the back, and taking what money he had. +This tavern was famous among its patrons for its mulled ale, the like +of which, they swore could not be found in all London. To those who +had not partaken of this famous beverage, and knew not the inn by +reputation, its business was made known by a swinging sign, upon +which, very indifferently executed, was the figure of a leopard, and, +further, as if the artist had not sufficient confidence in his powers +of portrayal, he had printed in large and uncertain letters, "At the +sign of the Leopard may be found all manner of goodly cheer and +comfort." Below this evidence of what might be found within, a small +and narrow doorway gave entrance to the hostelry. Inside, a larger +room than the outer aspect of the place indicated, awaited the guest. +A low ceiling, blackened by age, and hung with numberless spider webs, +whose weavers had long since fled--driven thence by the clouds of +tobacco smoke puffed from the lips of many a sturdy knave who nightly +helped to fill the place. The walls of the room being paneled in some +dark wood to an unusual height, the three windows, which furnished +more air than light, were well up toward the ceiling. The sides of +this chamber were decorated with rows of pewter pots and flagons of +various shapes and sizes. The furniture consisted of half a dozen +rough tables and high-backed benches ranged about the sides. The floor +was freshly sanded, but rough in many places from the prominence of +knots, the softer wood being worn from around them by the shuffling of +numberless pairs of boots. An uncertain light proceeded from several +large candles standing in brass candlesticks, but most of the +illumination was due to a fire which burned briskly in a large stone +fireplace at the extreme end of the room, and gave to all an aspect of +warmth and good cheer. + +Standing in front of the blaze was the host of the establishment, +attired in the costume of his time,--a loose jacket, linen breeches +and green apron. He was eyeing with a look of no small displeasure +three men seated at one of the tables, two of whom, by their actions, +seemed to have partaken a little too freely of the Leopard's special +beverage. They wore the dress of a class, which, by their manner, was +one of no great elevation. Long, soft, wide-brimmed hats adorned their +heads, while tight-fitting jerkins of very much soiled leather covered +their bodies. Trunks and tights of some faded material, and boots with +deep falling tops, completed their costume, unless there should be +added the two long bellguard rapiers lying upon the table, and to +which, from appearances, the gentlemen in question owed their +livelihood. The man seated opposite was thick-set and slightly under +medium height; instead of the leather jerkin worn by them, his body +was incased in a steel cuirass or breastplate, which, judging from +the numerous dents thereon, had turned the force of many a savage +thrust and blow. The face of the man was one which had long been +exposed to both sun and storm, and even pestilence had not spared it, +for in many places the disfiguring finger of smallpox had left its +mark. His beard was worn in the style favored by the soldiers of the +Spanish, rather than the English army, for it was pointed and +surmounted by a long, black and up-curling moustache, which added +fierceness to an already not too kindly countenance. His sword, a long +point and blade rapier of Italian pattern, still hung by his side, as +if even when surrounded by this good cheer, he, from habit born of +many a hard campaign, still clung to it. + +"What, ho, John Tapster;" exclaimed he of the steel cuirass, banging +lustily on the table with the pummel of his sword, "another six-hooped +pot of thy best mulled ale, for the sour and remorseful wine of Spain +which I have drunk, ill befits my stomach." + +The landlord advanced reluctantly to comply, with an air which plainly +showed he was divided in his mind between the doubt of a settlement to +an already long unpaid score, and the fear of personal violence did he +refuse the man his request. The love of a whole skin, however, +triumphed, for after filling the pot with ale and plunging the mulling +iron into it, which he had drawn from the fire, he set the desired +drink before his guest. + +"By Sir Bacchus!" said the stranger, after taking a deep draught, +"'tis the only fitting liquid to put into one's body, if he wishes to +strike a stout blow for the King." Then, as he finished the pot, "It +seemeth well to drown the clinging dust of Spain within one's throat, +in merry English ale." + +The landlord did not venture to reply to these offers of conversation; +he seemed loath to enter into friendly talk, when in all probability +he soon would be embroiled with the man in a dispute, if not in an +issue of more serious nature. However, the other, nothing daunted, and +gazing on his two companions, whom he discovered wrapped in drunken +slumber, snoring roundly, prodded them both with the scabbard of his +sword, which action eliciting from them nothing but a grunt, and being +desirous of further conversation, he again turned to him of the green +apron who had resumed his watchful scrutiny from before the fire, and +continued: + +"Thou seemest but sparing of thy speech, Sir Host. Judge a man not +always by the company he keeps; these drunken knaves whose silly pates +would have been turned with milk of the morning's drawing, are no +comrades of mine; 'tis only a mere chance friendship. I was not over +particular in my pick of friends, being lately landed, and but too +glad to take up with the first varlets speaking my own sweet English; +after many months of naught but jabbering Spanish sounding in my ears +'twas well and pleasing to hear once more the brave tongue in which my +first aves were taught unto me." + +"Aves have not, I trow, over-troubled thee," answered the landlord in +not too jovial a tone. + +"Nay, nay, friend; be not quick to judge by weight of purse or hilt of +sword, for a man with not over much money in his gipsire may still +have that about him which would recommend him more." + +"And what, pray, might that be?" inquired the other;--"a handsome face +and ready tongue? They are goodly coin to win the heart of some fair +maid, but naught of cakes and ale they'll buy thee when thy belly's +empty." + +"Nay, I will offer neither, for I have none of them. The first was but +rudely handled some thirty years ago by plague, at Havre; the second's +had but small practice, and its tone was spoiled by breathing the damp +winds of the Flemish marshes. I leave such graces to the stay-at-homes +who twist a tap--but, a truce to this witty talk, for it makes but ill +friends, and I would ask of thee a favor, which will cost naught but +civility, that is cheap and in the end may gain thee much." So saying, +he put his hand into a small bag which hung at his side, drawing +therefrom a very much soiled and crumpled paper, and advancing with it +toward the host, continued: "I am but illy versed in such priestly +craft; the meaning I can understand, but its full intent may have +missed my stupid eyes. Canst thou decipher it for me, Sir Host?" + +This direct appeal to his learning softened to some extent him of the +spigot, whose curiosity as well as pride was aroused, for the man +addressing him, judging from his speech, was a little above the usual +class who frequented the tavern. Reaching for a candle which stood +upon the mantel, that he might better see, and taking the letter with +grudging fingers, said in a slightly more gracious tone after a +moment's scrutiny, "It ill pleases me, that monkish writing, but print +such as honest John Caxton did manufacture, I can decipher right +readily." Then with knitted brow, during which the other man remained +standing, looking over his shoulder in an expectant attitude, he +continued: "For truth, I could at first but illy make it out; I have +it now." Then read from the paper: + + "'To Guido Fawkes: In the Army of His Majesty, Philip of + Spain: I doubt not that thou rememberest my promise, made + some time since, which I have now the pleasurable opportunity + to fulfill. Much it pleaseth me to offer thee a place, the + duties of which will keep thee near thy daughter, and, + moreover, the reward of such being not below the merit of him + who, by my knowledge, most honestly gained it, and is well + worthy. If it suit thee to accept the charge I have to offer, + the naming of which I shall defer until we meet, detach + thyself from thy present occupation, repair to London with + all likely haste, and seek me at my house when soon arrived. + "'(Signed) SIR THOMAS WINTER.'" + +"Beshrew my heart, but thou art a ripe scholar, landlord, and much I +marvel to see one with such goodly learning wasting time on knaves +like these," cried the man, pointing to his companions at the table; +"and pray," he continued, "since myself hath been introduced in name, +I would know thine also, so I might thank thee the heartier." + +"Giles Martin, for want of better," replied the host, "and dost thou +know this Sir Thomas Winter?" he inquired after a moment, still +looking at the note in his hand. + +"Aye, and for a right brave gentleman, who hath done me noble +service." + +"For one done unto himself, I take it, from the purport of the +letter?" + +"A small service, not worth the mentioning," replied Fawkes. "Once in +Spain, a gentleman--the self-same Sir Thomas, was sorely set upon by a +surly ruffian, who, in exchange for his purse, would have given him +Paradise." Then with a deprecating wave of the hand, which he dropped +on the hilt of his rapier, "'twas but a weakly blow I turned, and +spitted the varlet with my good sword here. Zounds," he continued with +a voice full of enthusiasm, "for this petty act he did conduct my poor +motherless lass out of a country where, to the men, a pretty face is +as flint to powder, and brought her safe to London and her grandam." + +"You saved his life; 'twas a worthy object and a worthy deed," +exclaimed Martin heartily, who had been watching the speaker narrowly +during his narration. + +"Tut, tut; 'twas nothing; but I take it thou hast acquaintance with +him," said Fawkes, turning toward the other, with a manner which +denoted surprise at the landlord's outburst of appreciation, "and may +direct me unto his residence, for after many years' absence I am +lately come, and illy versed in London's streets which are as crooked +as a blade that hath lain long in the fire." + +"In truth, I do know where he lives," said Martin (then continued in a +lower tone as if speaking to himself) "and further, that he's in none +too good favor with the King. But as to his address: if thou wilt take +the dome on St. Paul's as thy guide, which thou canst most readily +see, proceed thither, and when reached, continue down the street +running toward the left, a few more steps will bring thee to a house +surrounded by an iron railing; it is the one thou seekest." He +hesitated a moment, then continued as if good judgment had been +overcome by enthusiasm--"and when thou dost behold Sir Thomas, make +mention that Giles Martin (say naught of my present calling, for he +knows me not by that) sends his duty, and would again at his elbow cry +in the self-same voice, 'An Essex, An Essex!' Perchance," Martin +added, suddenly breaking off, fearing he had been incautious before a +stranger in connecting his name with an incident which had brought but +little honor with it, "that is why I am now doing this," taking a +soiled tankard from the table and wiping it on his apron. + +"Gladly will I be the bearer of thy message, but as thou hast said, +why does Sir Winter stand in ill repute?" + +"It may be," answered Martin, turning his gaze upon the two men at the +table, then setting down the tankard, "that he hath a quick temper and +a ready tongue, swift steeds in our time to pull a man's head upon the +block," and advancing toward the other concluded in a low voice full +of emotion, "mayhap memory doth hold up a mirror to his eye, in which +is reflected Mary's dripping head, chopped for her faith." + +"Verily," cried Fawkes, in a loud tone characteristic of one not +afraid of voicing opinions that lay near his heart, "would that good +King James might look into the glass thou dost mention and see the +promises of his youth, for naught of promise or his mother's head +methinks----" + +"Hist," whispered Martin, breaking in and laying his hand upon the +speaker, "a truce to such treason talk; naught has it done but brought +me to an ill-famed pot-house," he concluded in a thoughtful voice. + +"Well, well, none of thy story will I ask; but in Spain they do illy +treat a heretic," Fawkes continued, looking significantly at the fire, +and pointing toward it with his outstretched arm; "a truce, as thou +sayest, for I must no longer tarry. Saint Paul's bell is on the stroke +of ten, and I would see Sir Winter, and (in a softer voice) my lass, +to-night; for honestly, I am more than anxious to see her pretty face; +first I must bid yon knaves good-bye." So saying he endeavored to +rouse the companions of his cups. Not being able however to bring them +to any degree of consciousness, he discontinued his exertions, and +turning toward the landlord, who had been watching his efforts, said, +laughingly: "'tis but little harm they'll do in sleep, and I trow +they are none too good when in their seven senses, so I will leave +them thus; but take thou from this the reckoning of us all, for naught +of gold they have, I swear"--handing the other a purse, which, after +extracting a sovereign, Martin returned to its owner. + +"'Tis but a sorry night in which to travel," remarked the host, +pocketing the money and proceeding to rake the fire, while his guest +wrapped about himself a long, thick cloak which had hung over the back +of a bench. + +"Aye, 'tis cold, and steel draws unto itself the frost," responded +Fawkes, as he finished his preparations for departure. "And now, Sir +Host," he continued, extending his hand, "farewell, but soon, when I +am once more to rights, it will do me pleasure to quaff a flagon in +thy honest company, for such is a man who knoweth Sir Thomas Winter, +and," he continued, drawing closer to the other, "is no prating +Protestant in these times when he who would seek a favor or gain a +title must blow out the candles on his altar, and break its images. +Start not at my words, for by thy very speech thou art no heretic, and +I do love thee the better for it. But see," he continued as he opened +the door, "the night is already mended, the snow hath ceased, the moon +shows bright, and by my troth, there is my guide," and he pointed to +the distant dome of St. Paul, on which a huge cross glistened in the +moonlight. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +IN THE SHADOW OF ST. PAUL. + + +In the heart of London, a musket shot distance from the great dome of +St. Paul, stood a dwelling of no mean pretension occupied by one +Thomas Percy, Gentleman-Pensioner, a man of goodly parts, blood +relative of the Earl of Northumberland and well known as a Catholic, +though, by reason of his office, there attached to him scant suspicion +in the minds of the King's ministers that his faith overlapped his +loyalty. + +On the same night which witnessed the appearance of Guido Fawkes and +his drunken companions at the "Sign of the Leopard," there were +gathered together, in an upper chamber of Percy's dwelling, four +gentlemen. The house was an official structure given over as a meeting +place for certain of the King's commissioners, the room wherein they +sat being well adapted for the discussion of such matters as it seemed +inexpedient to let reach the ears of those whose business called them +not within the council chamber. + +A snow storm made the night exceeding chilly, so three of those who +came to partake of the hospitality of the Pensioner had provided +themselves with ample cloaks, which, closely wrapped about their +persons, and covering the lower portions of their faces, precluded +recognition, were any, by chance, to accost the wearer on the King's +highway. Although few were abroad on account of the extreme cold, and +those few would not have marveled that a gentleman should be closely +muffled even as a secret assassin, or highwayman, or noticed that the +three went not together to the outer door of the house, still each +came separately, knocking thrice upon the panel, whereupon Sir Percy +himself opened to him, that he might enter quickly. + +Being safe within, and the room warmed by great logs which sputtered +in the open fireplace, the three laid aside their cloaks, and sat +uncovered in the presence of their host, who, the better to discourse +with each, occupied a place at the head of the long table about which +were wont to sit the commissioners of the King. + +That the little gathering was not composed of churchmen, or learned +doctors of the day, might have been easily guessed by their +youthfulness and dress. Scarce past five and thirty, with clear cut +features, well knit frames, dignity of carriage, apparel of the higher +class, and the court rapier then in vogue, hanging at the side of +each, designated them as gentlemen. + +Having drained with nervous haste a goblet of wine which stood before +him, he who was the Pensioner turned with a frowning brow to his +companions: + +"Gentlemen!" said he, half rising from his seat, "shall we always talk +and never do anything?" + +This appeal uttered in an impatient voice moved each of his guests in +a manner strikingly dissimilar. One on the right sitting with back to +the door, turned uneasily as though fearing that the portal stood +open, and that, on the threshold, might appear a stranger, or +perchance the King's officer. Another, clad in a suit of gray velvet, +drummed nervously upon the table, while the third, who seemed to be +the eldest of the four, frowned darkly. To him the host turned +impatiently. + +"Ah!" cried he, "my words have struck you illy, my Lord Catesby, that +you frown so ominously!" + +"Nay, Percy!" replied the other, the shadow of a smile playing about +the corners of his mouth. "Thy words but recalled me to my duty. As +thou sayest, we have spoken much, and I did but consider that talking +would scarce pull from the throne----" + +He who was attired in the gray velvet started. "Not so plainly; not so +openly, my good Catesby!" he interrupted, "or as my name be Jack +Wright, I----" + +The language of his companion aroused the dormant energies and spirit +of Catesby. + +"Faith!" cried he, bringing his clenched hand down upon the table, +"methinks the adventure with my Lord of Essex hath left thy stomach +but poorly fitted for so tough a morsel as the undoing of the 'Wisest +Fool in Christendom.' Even Sir Digsby, who but now turned trembling +toward the doorway, hath more spirit for the undertaking. Hath not +Percy touched the keynote of our ill condition? What matters it that +we writhe under the despotism of James Stuart? Wherefore are the penal +laws renewed? Why hath England driven from her shores those who would +serve us in our churches? Where is our Mass, our altars and the images +of Holy Mother Church? Would we call on France, Spain and the Holy +Father to sweep from the land this band of heretics who fear not God, +nor respect the faith of five centuries of English kings? I tell thee, +Sir John Wright, friend and fellow churchman though thou art, that +'tis to us--to all the Catholics in England--that the world looks for +action. Will France act while we are idle? Thinkest thou Spain hath so +soon forgotten the Armada, that she will consent to aid while we +remain under cover? 'Tis for us to open a way whereby may enter those +who stand without, seeking our deliverance. Words beyond count, like +the drops of the ocean, have been uttered since James came to the +throne, yet are we free? 'Tis not words, I tell thee, but action, +swift, sharp and merciless, that will put down our enemies. Fearest +thou the block? Did Essex, did Moore, a hundred others whose faith was +their life, fear the headsman? Good Percy hath brought us to our +senses and surely thou must see the truth of it." + +Having thus delivered himself Catesby sank into his seat, his face +white from the intensity of the fire which burned within him. His +companions remained silent, so great was their astonishment at the +openly expressed earnestness of Catesby. Percy was the first to regain +speech. + +"It ill becomes us," said he, "that a quarrel should arise in a +company gathered for the discussion of so weighty a matter. Yet the +words of Sir Robert Catesby are well balanced, and the time draws nigh +when this same James Stuart shall know that there yet remain good +Catholics in England. Sir Thomas Winter----" + +"Ah! Sir Thomas Winter!" broke in Digsby, "the hour is long past and +he is yet absent." + +"There be some good reason," said Wright quickly. "Sir Thomas is too +good a Catholic, too earnest in the undertaking which will yet free us +from the heretic, to absent himself willingly. And," turning to +Catesby with hand extended, "I thank thee that thou hast thus spoken +so boldly; would there were more like thee to arouse the Catholics of +our country." + +The frown passed as a cloud from the brow of the elder conspirator. + +"Forgive me!" cried he, "if my words bore too much of the flame of +impatience and too little of that unity which should ever be between +us. As to Sir Winter, fear nothing; even now, I warrant he is on his +way hither, having perhaps been delayed by some slight adventure, for +the times are troublous and after nightfall a gentleman may not walk +with perfect safety through the streets of London." + +As though in answer to this confidence, the speaker had scarcely +finished, when there sounded through the house three muffled raps, and +Percy, uttering an exclamation, hastily left the room. + +"It may, indeed, be Winter," said Digsby, "or, perchance, Rookwood, +although he made known to me but yesterday, that certain business +demanded his presence in the country." + +The sound of the opening and closing of the street door precluded a +reply. There was a clatter of feet upon the stairs, and into the room +came Percy, followed by two men whose forms and features were +concealed by their huge cloaks. + +The three at the table arose hurriedly, each with hand upon the hilt +of his sword, but the words of one of the new comers changed their +look of alarm into one of welcome. + +"Faith!" cried he who pressed close behind Percy, "wherefore would you +be so ready to draw blades at the coming of a comrade? Come! Sir +Robert Catesby, and thou Wright, and Digsby, seest not that the cold +hath well nigh overcome me? Wine, therefore, wine, that we may pledge +each other in our venture." + +So saying, Sir Thomas Winter cast aside his cloak, revealing a figure +clad in doublet and hosen of somber brown, offset by slashes of +cardinal, and the gilt of the sword belt which girded his hips. + +"Welcome!" cried the others, crowding about him, "thou art, in truth, +doubly welcome, as thy coming is so long after the appointed hour." + +Endeavoring to get a better view of him who closely followed Winter, +Catesby made a gesture of interrogation. + +Sir Thomas laughed softly. "Ah! Good Catesby!" said he, "thou wert +ever of a most careful nature. Know, then, that yonder cavalier is, in +truth, one of whom I have so often spoken, Guido Fawkes; an old +comrade of the wars, and whom I have brought hither that I might +introduce him to so good a company, a cheerful fire and a goblet of +Sir Percy's stoutest wine." + +At the name of Fawkes, pronounced by Winter with an intonation which +would have puzzled any one not familiar with certain matters known +only to a few in England, Catesby, Wright and Digsby cast searching +glances at the new comer, as though seeking to read in the impassive +features of the soldier of fortune some riddle which heretofore had +puzzled them. As to Fawkes, not deigning to notice the evident +curiosity with which the three gentlemen greeted him, he allowed his +cloak to fall upon the floor, walked to the fireplace, and stood with +back to the blaze, his eyes fixed upon the face of Winter. + +"Come!" said that personage, accepting the goblet which Percy tendered +and passing it to Fawkes, "you are surprised that I appear among you +with Master Guy at my heels. It was, indeed, a happy venture that +threw us together." + +"Happy, forsooth," replied Wright, "but yesterday thou didst tell us +that this same bold captain was even now in Spain, though thou hadst +summoned him hither." + +"And so I thought him," said Winter, "fighting among the Dons that the +gold pieces might jingle more merrily in his wallet. Yet he is here, +and to-morrow at my own house we will confer together. What sayest +thou, friend Guido?" + +"Faith!" replied Fawkes, setting down the goblet which he had drained +to the bottom, "'twas for that same purpose I came to London, also to +see once more my daughter." + +"That thou shalt," broke in Winter heartily, "and a better favored +wench can scarce be found in all the kingdom." + +Percy and Catesby exchanged glances. Winter continued: + +"But first, perchance, 'twould be to the liking of the company that +I make known the manner of so unexpected a meeting, when, thinking +Friend Guido basked beneath the skies of Spain, I fell across him 'mid +the snows of London." + +"'Twas of little import," spake Fawkes gruffly; "a cast of fortune, +the simple drawing of a blade, such as once befell when thou didst +serve in Spain." + +"As to that," replied Sir Winter, "these gentlemen can judge when they +hear concerning it. 'Tis true, that had this same bold cavalier +remained in Castile, Thomas Winter were now ready for burial." + +"Then," cried Percy, "thou art doubly welcome, Master Fawkes, as +perchance thou shalt learn presently." + +Having refilled the goblets Winter seated himself before the fire. + +"I was delayed some two hours by certain matters within my own +dwelling," began he, "and it was with exceeding impatience that I +hastened hither, not following the most public highways, but seeking a +shorter passage through unfrequented alleys, in order to join you the +sooner. + +"Methinks I had gone some two thousand paces, my face muffled and +sword ready to hand, when suddenly there sprang upon me from the +shadow of a doorway, two ruffians, who, making short shift of +courtesy, demanded my purse and such valuables as were upon my person. +Having slight desire for so rude a giving, I did straightway put my +back against a wall, and with drawn blade contended against the two. +They, being persons of fixed purpose, and withal, excellent swordsmen, +had near ended the matter by thrusting me through, when most +opportunely came a third man who, perceiving two against one, thrust +the larger of the ruffians through the back, and would have done +likewise with the other, but the fellow took to his heels and ran as +though the devil pursued him. + +"The adventure was quickly over, and my rescuer coolly wiping his +blade upon the cloak of the dead robber did swear roundly in Spanish, +for that his amusement had been of so short duration. + +"'Faith!' growled he looking up at me, ''tis not thus they fight in +Spain; yet, having perchance rendered thee some slight service, canst +thou, good sir, direct me to a certain dwelling, hard by St. Paul's, +wherein may be found one Sir Thomas Winter, to seek whom I have come +to London?' + +"Much amazed at his words I scanned him closely, for his voice had a +familiar ring in my memory. + +"'Zounds!' cried he, noting that I sought to read his features, +'wherefore dost thou look so hard upon me? Hath the air of Spain----' + +"'Fawkes!' cried I, seizing him by the shoulders, ''tis truly my +friend Guido!' + +"'Ah!' said he gruffly, 'then thou knowest me?' + +"'And why not?' I replied, 'having sent for thee.' + +"At this his astonishment was great, yet was he pleased that he had +come upon me so handily. He had, he told me, but just arrived in +London, having come hither to obtain service under me, and to see once +more his daughter." + +"And," said Fawkes, Winter having finished, "having so quickly found +one, I would seek the other. Blood is thicker than water, and I +warrant me the lass is much improved both in stature and knowledge. +'Tis now close upon the morning, good gentlemen, therefore I pray +thee, Sir Winter, direct me whither I shall go, being in sore haste to +find her." + +Winter drew Catesby aside, whereupon a whispered consultation +followed, the drift of which was evidently known to Percy, Wright and +Digsby, though Fawkes wondered somewhat at it. His impatience soon +showed itself. + +"Zounds!" cried he, striking with his clenched hand the hilt of his +rapier, "I am much beholden to thee, Sir Winter, and later--but now, I +pray thee, make haste, that I find my daughter." + +Catesby flushed angrily, for the words of the soldier of fortune +struck illy upon his haughty temper, and he would have replied, but +Winter pressed his arm. + +"Good Guido," said he, soothingly, "thy haste is most commendable. Go +then to thy daughter, and that thou mayest not miss the way, follow +closely the directions I shall give thee. Upon leaving Sir Percy's +door, turn thou to the left, going down the street which leads past +the gate of St. Paul's. Proceed five hundred paces, then turn about to +thy left, when thou wilt see before thee a narrow street, upon the +corner of which is situate a gabled dwelling, bearing upon its peak a +golden arrow. Count then two score doors from the corner, and upon the +three and fortieth, knock loudly; 'tis there thy daughter dwelleth." + +At Winter's words all signs of impatience vanished from the soldier's +manner. + +"By the keys of Peter!" cried he, "I am much beholden to thy lordship. +Having spoken with the lass, where may I find thee?" + +"Fear not," replied Winter, "for in the evening, about the hour of +nine, I will come for thee. Go thou, then, speedily." + +Fawkes made haste to snatch his cloak, and having wrapped it about +him, bowed to the company and, preceded by Percy, clattered down the +stairs. + +"Methinks he will serve us," muttered Winter; "yet, good Catesby, must +we deal gently with him, for, being of an exceeding rough nature, +'twill need but an ill-timed word to turn him into gunpowder." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE HOME-COMING OF GUIDO FAWKES. + + +"By my hilt!" exclaimed Fawkes, as he closed the door of the council +chamber and wrapped his long cloak well about him, "'tis a merry night +I've had; first, in none too clean a pot-house; then a stout thrust +for good Sir Thomas,--'twas passing strange that I did once more stand +twixt him and glory; and, last of all, a stoup of good old wine in the +company of a most noble throng. Indeed, good Guido," he continued, as +musing to himself he walked along, "thou wert made, I marry, for +better things than cracking the knavish pates of yellow Dons; but +guard thy touchy temper well, for even to-night thou couldst but sadly +brook a small delay, and wouldst have answered my Lord Catesby's +haughty look with scant courtesy. I fear thy warlike nature would +poorly thrive upon a diet of quiet living. But these be times when the +dogs of war are ill leashed, and need small urging to slip their +fetters and bark and bite anew. I question much what the morrow holds, +and would that Sir Thomas had made some mention of my employ. + +"By St. George," he added after a moment, slackening his pace as if a +sudden thought occurred to him, "they did seem but poorly pleased to +see a strange face standing in their door, until Sir Walter stood +sponsor for the same. Aye, and what names had these noble +gentlemen--Catesby, Wright, Digsby, Percy! All good Catholics," he +continued, a cunning smile twitching the corners of his mouth. "And, +who is King? Why, James Stuart, to be sure, a most bigoted Protestant! +What was it that Master Martin said about Mary's dripping head? Well, +well, friend Guido, thy good sword may not be red with rust alone; +wait but a little while, and thy employment may be most pleasing to +thy taste, and thy conscience, also." Then he drew his cloak more +closely about him and quickly proceeded on his way. + +At last, following the direction given him by Winter, Fawkes arrived +before a small, neat house, situated in the outskirts of the city; +stopping in front to make sure it was the one for which he was in +quest, he proceeded up the steps and knocked thrice. No answer +followed his summons, and after several moments of waiting, which were +consumed in the stamping of feet and walking up and down, for it was +bitterly cold in the frosty air, he again repeated the announcement of +his presence to those within, this time with better result. The sound +of a casement opening, caused him to look up, and he beheld the +wrinkled visage of an old woman, who, with blinking red-rimmed eyes, +and night-cap on her head, stood regarding him with an air of evident +disfavor, for presently she cried in a shrill, toothless voice, "Get +thee gone, thou beggar, I have naught for thee." "By my soul, good +mother," answered the man, laughing heartily, "thy welcome doth match +the morning air in warmth. Dost not know thy son Guy?" + +"By the blessed Virgin!" exclaimed she, in half-frightened tones, +evidently engendered by a most wholesome respect for her son, "wait +but a trice until the door be unbarred." Saying which, she hastily +withdrew her head and closed the window. Immediately after, the shrill +tones of her voice were heard within the house, crying: "Mistress +Elinor! Mistress Elinor! hurry down and let thy sire in, for he stands +without!" A moment of silence, followed by the drawing of bolts, and +suddenly the door was thrown open, disclosing the figure of a girl, +who, with outstretched arms, exclaimed: "My father!" + +Standing bathed in the rosy light of coming day, she was in high +contrast to the rough, weather-beaten man, who quickly clasped her to +his breast. The pale and lightly tinted olive complexion, which showed +descent from some far-off Castilian ancestor, harmonized well with the +dainty but clear cut features. A shapely head, surrounded by a wealth +of dark and glossy hair, carried downward from the temples and +gathered into a knot behind, so as to completely cover the fragile +ears, formed a fitting frame for eyes of the darkest violet, which, as +they gazed up into his, showed the fondest love. A soft gray gown, +half closed at the throat and fastened about the waist by a silver +girdle, completed the attire of a slender but perfect figure, thrown +into bold outline by her attitude. + +"Forsooth," exclaimed Fawkes, as soon as he could speak for her +caresses, "methinks thou at least art glad to see thy old father once +again." Then, as he held her at arm's length, that he might better +gaze upon the face, "indeed, thou art changed; 'tis the promise of the +bud fulfilled in the blossoming flower. But let us in, for the cold +air ill becomes me after the warming sun of Spain, and frost but +roughly handles such tender plants as thou art." + +"Nay, nay!" exclaimed she, closing the door and throwing her arms +about him, "thy tender plant is naught but a sprig of hardy ivy, which +hath needed these many months the sturdy oak on which to cling." Then, +with a little shiver, and a laugh, as her warm body rested against the +cold steel of his breastplate, "thou dost give thy ivy but a chilly +hold, Sir Oak." + +"Ah," said Fawkes, looking at her; "thou wert always the same dainty +puss, but I trow this cold cuirass hath been warm enough even for thy +nestling, as down it hath gushed the warm blood of many a valiant foe +killed in close conflict. But enough of battles now, my pretty, for +home once more am I, and not sorry to let such bloody deeds rest." +Unfastening his cloak, sword and breastplate, he threw himself into a +chair before the fire which burned brightly on the hearth. + +"But where's thy good grandam?" queried he, "must she tarry to put on +silks and satins in which to bid her son a welcome?" + +"Nay," replied the girl with a laugh, kneeling at his side; "she, poor +soul, was but half awake; for these cold days illy suit her bones, and +she doth lie long in bed." + +"And thou," said the man, taking her head between his hands, "art up +like a lark, to bid thy father welcome. Didst expect my return?" + +"Sir Winter made mention of thy coming, but set no special day for thy +arrival," answered the girl, a shadow passing over her face as she +looked into the blaze. + +"And did he say for what I was to come?" inquired Fawkes, evidently +anxious to set his mind at rest upon that subject. + +"That he did not," she replied, still gazing abstractedly at the fire, +"but simply said that if thou camest to England he would give thee +service which would keep thee and me near to each other. And," +continued she, suddenly turning toward him and taking both his hands +in hers, "thou wilt not leave me again for so long a time; I have been +sore lonely and oft have felt the need of thy sturdy arm on which to +lean." + +"That I will not, my pretty dear," said Fawkes, drawing her closely +to him; "and thou didst really miss me, whom some do illy term a +pock-marked ruffian?" + +"Indeed, thou art no ruffian!" Elinor cried, her eyes ablaze in a +moment; "and if any one so dared to call thee, I'd----" + +"Well, well!" the father exclaimed, evidently surprised and looking +into the flushed face, "my sweet rose hath thorns as well as blushing +leaves, and would, I dare swear, strike a good blow for her sire's +name. By good Sir Cupid, but I do pity the one who doth try to balk +thy temper, little woman." + +"And soon will come a time when thou wilt have a brave gentleman to +pity," broke in a mumbling voice which made the two start and turn. + +The figure of an old woman, bent by age, with face resembling an +ill-fitting parchment mask placed upon a skull, advanced toward them. + +"By the blessed dead, mother!" said Fawkes, arising, "thou didst turn +my blood with thy prophetic voice; but hast thou not a blessing for +thy son?" + +"That I have, good Guido, and most glad am I to see thee back! I gave +thee a rude greeting from the window, for my eyes and ears have failed +of late, but I am not so blind that I cannot see two brave gentlemen +tied to my lady's girdle there," she cried, with a wheezy laugh, +pointing her trembling hand at the girl who stood with an arm drawn +through her father's. + +"What is this tale?" said Fawkes, with feigned sternness, turning +toward his daughter; "hath thy pretty ways been breaking hearts +already?" Then, as he observed the blushing face and downcast +eyes:--"There, there, my darling; all in good time. When thy heart +doth open of its own accord, thy father's ear will ever be a willing +listener. By Venus," he continued in a voice full of admiration, as he +gazed upon her fair figure, "I could not marvel or condemn if thou +hadst fifty gallants at thy little heels, and would but admire the +rogues the more for their excellent taste in beauty. But," he added, +evidently wishing to turn the conversation on noting her +embarrassment, "I have not broken bread for nigh onto fifteen hours; +after I have taken food I will listen to thy pretty tale, and tell +thee many a one such as thou once wert fond of. Dost remember how thou +didst, long ago, climb upon my knee, and tugging with thy baby hands +at my shaggy beard, beg for a story ere thy bedtime came?" + +"That I do," exclaimed the girl, all her embarrassment gone; "but +first I will set before thee what our larder affords." + +So saying, and aided by the old woman, she began preparations for the +morning meal. Having done ample justice to the repast quickly set +before him, and having lighted a long pipe from a coal without the +blaze, Fawkes again settled himself before the fire, and, after two or +three long puffs, turned toward Elinor, who was employed about the +room, and said: + +"Now, my pretty little housekeeper, thou hast done enough; sit thee +beside thy father. It is long since he hath known the pleasure of thy +sweet face and a blazing hearth, and the good grandam seems ill +company, for there she nods but a drowsy greeting," added he, pointing +with his pipe to the old woman, who had fallen asleep in a remote +corner of the chamber. + +"Dost thou remember the last time we sat so?" asked the girl, as she +came and knelt beside him, placing an arm upon his shoulder; "'twas +the night before I left for England; and, oh! it was a most sorry +time." Then fingering the ends of her silver girdle and glancing at +the old woman, who was still asleep, she began in a hesitating voice: + +"Mayhap the speech of my good grandam might mislead thee into thinking +me but a sorry flirt. Therefore, I would make explanation, which is +most easy, and set thee right." + +"I thought naught of it, daughter, for I am much too well acquainted +with her mischief-working words, that are ever ready to brew a +trouble. If thou hast aught to say, however, and would feel better for +the telling, pray go on, and know an ever-loving heart awaits thy +speech," replied Fawkes, stroking her hair. + +"Then thou must know," she began abruptly, "that Sir Thomas Winter is +a frequent caller at this house, and, my father, how can I tell thee +for the very shame of it? He hath never spoken to that effect, but +there are many thoughts ne'er proclaimed by tongue which are most +loudly uttered by eye and hand, often, too, more truly eloquent are +they than those framed in simple words; and by this very language yet +outspoken, I know soon will come the day when there will be asked a +heart----" she broke off suddenly and buried her face in her +hands--"that is not now mine to give." + +"There, there, my pretty one, stop thy crying, for thine eyes were +made for smiles and not for grief. It is naught so bad; Sir Winter is +a fine gentleman and much we owe him. But thou art my daughter, and I, +a poor, rough soldier; it would be an ill-assorted match; in truth, I +believe that the lark should not pair with the golden finch, who would +soon tire of her sweet song, because she lacked the yellow feathers of +her mate. What, dost thou but cry the harder for my words? I have not, +I know, the tender touch of a mother to dry thy tears, but a more +willing hand to comfort cannot be found." Then he added tenderly: "If +thou hast aught more to tell, open thy heart to me and I will play the +woman for a while." + +"Think not, then, from my tears," she suddenly exclaimed, lifting her +head and confronting her father with that spirit which is often hid in +a seemingly gentle nature, "that I am ashamed of him on whom my love +doth fall; or, rather, of him to whom my love doth mount, for he is as +far above me in worth, as I beneath him in station. But what hath +equality to do with it? Is it so--that love is only right between +those whose purses tip the scale alike? Nay, that would be a +sacrilege, for this mortal love of ours is the one thing which lifts +us from the earth. Doth God not love the most unworthy of his +creatures? Would it be just to say that salvation should be meted only +to those who are the Creator's equal? Who of us, then, would escape +the flame? Not so," she continued, her eyes ablaze with the intensity +of her emotion. "It is that very affection bestowed upon us by our God +that lifts us poor mortals into fellowship with him. Love knows no +laws of title, tithes or wealth, and by the very act of loving, the +peasant rightly seats himself beside the king. Ah, think not, dear +father," she cried, falling on her knees, "that I would lightly cast +aside a wish of thine. Dwell but upon the love that thou once felt, +and remember it is she, the reflection of that self-same love, who +seeks thy aid." + +There was silence, broken only by the sobs of the kneeling girl. +Fawkes regarded his daughter with an air of evident surprise, not +unmixed with anxiety in anticipation of what might follow; for every +action showed she was wrought up to the highest state of excitement +and earnestness. After a moment he said in a quiet voice: "I trust +these hot words of thine are but the outcome of some foolish fancy, +which, like the silly scorpion, will kill itself with its own +violence. But thou hast not told me all; until I am fully advised, my +counsel can be but scant. What name hath he? What title doth he hold? +For by thy speech he must be noble?" + +"Herbert Effingston," replied the girl. + +"I know not that name," answered the other, after a moment's musing. +"And his title?" + +"Viscount Herbert Effingston, son of Lord Monteagle." + +"Thou hast indeed flown high," Fawkes cried, with a sudden outburst of +passion. "Because I love thee I would wish thee dead, aye, dead," he +continued, fiercely, raising himself from the chair, "rather than have +thee bear the hated name of Monteagle." + +"But thou knowest no evil of him," cried the girl, springing to her +feet. "He is good; he is true and noble; aye, and hear me, it was he +who saved my life--a life thou lovest. I know what thou wouldst say, +but the son is not holden for his father's sins; he is not----" + +"But he is of the brood," thundered Fawkes, now thoroughly aroused; +"the litter of the jackal will eat the holy dead left by its +sire--'tis in their nature. Monteagle!" he repeated with fine scorn. +"And marry, that would be a pretty name for thee to choose--a name +that hath done more to set aside our Holy Catholic Church than all the +fiends in hell. What I know is true," he exclaimed, seizing her by the +arm. "Hark to what I say to thee; even I have heard, for ill fame +flies with swallow's wings swiftly across the sea, and when I am done, +if thou still dost love, pray to the Madonna to stop the beating of a +heart that holds so unworthy a regard. Thou sayest the son saved thy +life--by what means I know not. Think you that doth make amends for +all the evil done by him and his? Enough of this, and listen," he +continued, mastering his anger and pacing up and down the room. +"Monteagle and his son, both Catholics, and until James Stuart reached +the throne, most valiant champions of their faith, have, since the +scepter reached the hands of that wise fool, endeavored by all the +foul means within their power, to defeat the efforts of their fellow +churchmen, which, as thou knowest--and all England as well--were +directed against those laws which meant the downfall of our church. +Did these hell hounds come boldly out and show a lusty fight--which +would, in a small degree, have recommended them? Nay, that is not the +nature of the serpent. They falsely affirm themselves most strong +adherents to the Pope, receive the confidences of the Papal Delegates, +and by treasonable use of this knowledge of their secret mission, +defeat them ere they strike a blow. Is it for truth that they are +against the faith? Not so; for the hypocrites do cross themselves and +bow before the Host. Is it for a principle that they act thus? Nay, +for they have none. What, then, is their object? It is to gain favor +with the King, and place themselves by underhanded, sneaking ways +where true merit ne'er could raise them. Ah, my daughter," he cried, +with a voice full of supplication, "I love thee much too well to cause +thy heart a single pang. Canst thou not see it all aright? And even if +for love of me thou wilt not pluck this passion from thy heart, then +do it for the love thou owest God." + +While her father had been speaking, the girl stood motionless, every +line on her face showing plainly the conflict raging within her +breast. Her eyes were dry, for there are griefs so deep and searing +that they, with their fiery tongues, do lick up the springing tears +before they can fall. It was not in her nature to love lightly; to her +passion meant more than a mere auxiliary to her existence; simply +making life brighter and happier; every action, deed or thought, +however trivial and far removed from him, by some subtle influence +like that which turns the magnetic needle toward the north, had been +turned to bear upon this love of hers. The accusations just uttered +concerning his traitorous actions with regard to her faith, influenced +her but little; for her attitude toward religion resembled that of +most of her kind; the pure feminine mind turns instinctively toward +that which they deem great and good, believing, as a rule,--shall we +say ignorantly?--in all which is said to issue from a source they +cannot comprehend, and which they fear for the mystery attached to it. +Man, by instinct, loves power and dominion over others. Woman +substitutes for that characteristic the longing to be ruled, and in +that subordination of herself seeks protection. In this girl's breast, +the desire for a mystical and intangible power which promised to +protect, had been, to a degree, supplanted by the knowledge that there +awaited one who would clasp her in strong arms, and guard her against +all the world. Therefore the words spoken a moment ago had but little +weight, and played a small part in forming the resolution to which she +soon gave voice. Duty was clear. This poor, lonely man, her father, +who had known but little happiness, whose whole existence was summed +up in two great all-absorbing passions--a fearful, passionate belief +in God, and after that, his love for her,--for his sake she must make +the sacrifice. + +"Ah!" thought she, "sacrifice means death, and my love can never die, +but I shall hide it, bury it deep within my bosom, until in time its +strength shall tear my heart asunder; then I, in place of love, will +be the sacrifice." + +This, and more, quickly passed through her mind, but now she turned +toward the man with that wonderful self-control which only can be +found in woman, and said, in a quiet voice, devoid of passion and +malice, for she felt none: + +"If it be thy wish, I will do it for love of thee." + +"My daughter!" cried he, taking the motionless figure in his arms, +"thou hast saved me from a living hell. Thou wilt soon find I have +brought but good counsel. Pluck this poisoned shaft from out thy +heart, and if the wound hurt, soothe the smart with sweet knowledge of +my love, and above all, with a sense of justice done to God. Forget, +my pretty one, thy father's hasty temper; or, if remembered, let it be +only as called forth by love of thee. But we shall talk no more of +passions; let them go. Come now beside me, while I rest, for I am sore +weary after my long journey. Sit so," he continued, reclining on a +bench before the blaze, taking the white hand she offered and drawing +her down to him, "that I may not lose thee again, even in my dreams." + +She silently complied with his request. It would have been impossible +to express what was in her mind, so paralyzed and benumbed was it by +the heavy blow which had suddenly fallen. As the fingers which held +hers gradually relaxed in slumber, she slowly sank upon her knees, and +with outstretched arms, in a tearless voice, exclaimed: "Oh, my love, +thou who art my life; since on earth I must forever be without thee, +let some kindly hand give me unto death!" + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +THE SUPERIOR OF THE JESUITS. + + +While Guy Fawkes held converse with his daughter, the five gentlemen +he had left at Percy's house were soberly discussing the weighty +matters which had drawn them together. The sun had already gilded the +dome of St. Paul, when Winter, Catesby, Wright and Digsby made ready +to take their departure. On the threshold of the chamber Catesby +paused, and turning to Percy, said: "'Twill mayhap be two days ere I +again come to thee, for it is my purpose to make a journey into the +country, that I may gain better understanding concerning certain +matters which rest heavily on my mind; therefore marvel not if for one +night I be absent." + +"Thou goest then to Worcester?" asked Winter. + +"Aye, to Hendlip that, in its wisdom, the counsel of the Church may +direct me. Having gone so far 'twere ill to draw back, yet methinks +there is another whose words we must not treat lightly." + +"Garnet!" burst forth Digsby. + +Winter started. "Not here," he whispered quickly, "name not one whose +zeal hath banished him from England. Let James once know that he is +yet among us, and not a hiding place in Britain could shelter him." + +And a wise precaution it was that the name of Henry Garnet should not +be brought to the King's notice. Balancing the advantage of being +neither Catholic nor Protestant, the accusation that he was about to +favor the Papists, had so angered James, that he cast aside all +pretentions of toleration to the adherents of Rome. Coming to the +throne with promises of favor to the Catholic nobility, he had renewed +with great severity the laws of repression, and the banishment of the +Jesuits. Many of the latter had sought refuge in the houses of the +more zealous Papists, and among them Henry Garnet, Superior of the +Order of Jesus in England, an accomplished scholar, and a man of mild +demeanor, though an uncompromising adherent to his faith. 'Twas to +Garnet, that Catesby, troubled in spirit and, perhaps, uncertain of +the undertaking which lay before him, had resolved to turn, that the +advice of the wily Jesuit might strengthen his purpose, or check for a +time, his zeal in the desperate venture which at present filled his +mind. + +Some two hours after leaving his companions, Catesby, mounted upon a +powerful chestnut mare and wrapped closely about with a fur lined +cloak, cantered slowly through the streets of London which led to the +outskirts of the city facing the northwest. The storm of the previous +night had ceased, and the country side lay wrapped in a mantle of +white, broken here and there by the gray wall of some silent +habitation from whose chimneys the first blue smoke was rising in +circling clouds through the crisp morning air. + +Having reached the open country, the rider set his horse into a +gallop, for his destination lay many leagues away, and it was his +purpose to reach it ere nightfall. Hendlip House stood near the middle +of a spacious park thickly studded with trees; the structure itself +was surrounded by shrubbery, and contained within its walls many +secret hiding places, trap doors and double wainscotings. It had been +constructed by one Thomas Abington, a devoted recusant of the reign of +Queen Elizabeth, and the dwelling was a famous resort for those whose +desire it was to conceal themselves from the authorities. 'Twas there, +the Superior of the Jesuits, together with a clerk of that Order, +Oldcorne by name, and Owen, a servant, had been taken by certain of +the Catholic gentry, among whom were Lord Rookwood and Sir Everard +Digsby. + +That precaution had been observed to guard against surprise was shown +by the presence of a watchman, who, on the arrival of Catesby outside +the manor grounds, stepped from his lodge that he might hold converse +with the new comer, and if an officer, or one attached to the +Parliament, might give warning to those within the house. + +Upon perceiving, however, that it was Sir Robert Catesby who came thus +unexpectedly to Hendlip, the man doffed his cap, returning a civil +greeting to the rider's remark upon the coldness of the weather. + +"Has my Lord Rookwood passed this way?" inquired he, reining in his +horse. + +"He has, in truth," replied the servant, catching dexterously the +silver piece tossed him. "Even now, together with Mistress Vaux, he is +within the house." + +"Vaux! Anne Vaux!" muttered Catesby, "there must be then some weighty +matter afoot that she comes to Hendlip." And touching his horse with +the spur, he galloped up the avenue which led to the main entrance of +the mansion. Being well known by its inmates he was at once conducted +to an upper chamber, the door of which was unbarred by Owen, who +motioned him to enter. + +There were three occupants of the room. Before the great fireplace, +ablaze with logs, sat Henry Garnet. Scarce past middle age, the +learned prelate was a striking figure, clad though he was in the +simple, dark-hued garb of his Order. Beneath a brow white and smooth +as a child's, shone a noble countenance, gentle almost to effeminacy, +but redeemed by firm lines about the mouth, and the intensity of the +steel-gray eyes. As Catesby entered, these eyes, which had been gazing +abstractedly into the fire, lighted with a smile of welcome. + +One of the Jesuit's companions was a personage whose dress and manner +proclaimed him a noble of the period. He leaned indolently against the +frame of the wide window facing the avenue, through which the horseman +had come, and he it was, Lord Rookwood, who first announced to the +Prelate that a visitor approached. + +The third occupant of the apartment was a woman. Born and bred in +luxury, the daughter of a peer of England, Anne Vaux was numbered +among the most devoted followers of the Superior. Scarce six and +twenty, she had passed her minority at the court of Elizabeth, and the +accession of James the First had marked no change in the life of the +lady-in-waiting. Anne of Denmark, pleased with the loveliness of the +daughter of Lord Vaux, had retained her near her person. + +Pausing on the threshold, Catesby took in the three personages at a +glance, but it was to the Jesuit that he offered his first salutation, +dropping on one knee as Garnet extended his hand, upon a finger of +which glistened the signet ring denoting his holy office. + +"Welcome, Sir Robert Catesby!" murmured the Prelate, motioning the +cavalier to draw near the fire. "'Tis, indeed, a most happy +circumstance which brings to Hendlip so devoted a servant to the cause +of God." + +"The more happy," replied Catesby, "that I find your Reverence of good +cheer, and in converse with my Lord of Rookwood and Mistress Vaux." + +"They are truly of much comfort to me in my solitude," said the +Superior, "and with the help of God I have patience to remain in +idleness, that at the time of harvest I may be ready." + +Catesby cast a quick glance at Rookwood, but the imperturbable face of +the latter told him nothing. It was Anne Vaux who spoke. + +"'Tis but little, indeed, the followers of this most holy man can do +to comfort him," she said softly, "yet it seemeth fit that such of us +as may, shall make known to him that even the court of James----" + +Garnet smiled. "Anne!" said he, turning his gray eyes affectionately +upon her, "'tis a comfort beyond human utterance." Then to Catesby: +"But thou hast ridden hard, good son?" + +"That I may benefit by thy wisdom," replied Sir Robert, "for my soul +is troubled." + +"A confession!" cried Anne, rising quickly. "Therefore I will retire +with my Lord of Rookwood." + +The latter shrugged his shoulders; evidently it but poorly fitted his +desire that the conversation with the Superior should be unheard by +him. Catesby noted his displeasure, and signaled him to remain. Garnet +comprehended the matter. + +"Not so!" said he, "I warrant me, good Catesby seeketh not the +confessional, but to render certain reports concerning that which hath +transpired in London, and of which Lord Rookwood hath some +understanding. Yet, lest our discourse weary thee, good Anne, thou +mayst retire, and if it please thee, return when our conference is +ended." So saying, he arose and conducted her to the door. + +When alone with the two gentlemen, the Prelate looked fixedly at +Catesby. + +"It were fitting," said he "that Mistress Vaux, zealous though she be, +know not too much concerning the temper of our following. Now tell me +quickly what hath arisen to disturb thee." + +Catesby walked thrice about the room, then stopped before the Jesuit +and said soberly: + +"That which agitates my mind is, perforce, the same matter which +troubles thee--a holy father of the Church, my Lord of Rookwood, and +some tens of thousands of loyal Catholics in England. 'Tis the broken +promises of James--the overthrow of our religion, the----" + +Garnet checked him. + +"Thou speakest as a true Catholic," said he, "yet has thy grievance +been long endured. There are many men whose childhood witnessed these +selfsame wrongs." + +"Aye!" cried Catesby, seizing the hand of the Superior, "our +sufferings have, indeed, been of long duration, but we looked to the +ascension of the new King to lessen evils which have pressed so hard +upon us. 'Twas to James of Scotland----" + +The eyes of the Jesuit blazed fiercely. + +"Wretched country!" cried he, stretching out his arms, "thou hast in +truth suffered long, and the blessing of Most Holy God hath gone from +thee. Thy soul is troubled, Sir Robert Catesby, thou, who art free to +live as suiteth thee! Thinkest thou then that I, whom the Holy Church +hath appointed to teach her children, suffer nothing being thus a +prisoner behind the walls of Hendlip House? If thou art vexed at +thought of penalties, and cruel enactments against thy brethren, what +thinkest thou of the happiness of one to whom banishment without voice +or trial, such as are granted to the lowest criminal, follows from so +unjust a law? What have I done, wherein lieth the crime of all the +priests in England, that the hand of James is turned against us? If +thou seek out the King, or question the Parliament, and ask wherefore +we are driven from our churches--they will answer thee, 'Ye are +Catholics.'" + +During his words, spoken with the fire of an ardent spirit, the +slender form of the Jesuit seemed to tower, as an enraged deity, above +the persons of his two companions. But having poured out the +bitterness of his soul, the meekness of the man asserted itself, and +sinking into a chair he buried his face in his hands. The sight +aroused Catesby to madness. + +"Aye!" cried he, advancing to the Prelate's side, "I will go to James, +but 'twill not be to test his arguments. One thrust and thou, with all +Catholics, will be free." + +Drawing out his sword he threw it at the feet of the silent Jesuit. + +"Bless thou therefore this trusty blade, good Father, that it may do +its work quickly. Bless it, and me, for ere night comes again 'twill +have drunk the blood of the heretic!" + +The recklessness of the other's purpose roused Garnet from his +lethargy. + +"Thou art mad, good Catesby," said he sadly; "that thou thinkest to +kill the King of England. Put up thy sword! 'Tis not through the +violence of one man that England will be freed. We have waited long +already; pray for patience that thou mayst bear with meekness the +burden which rests heavily upon thee. Thinkest thou I groan not under +it?" + +Catesby might have replied in anger, but the voice of Rookwood +forestalled him. + +"There are many gentlemen in England this day who from waiting have +grown weary, and who hope no more for indulgence from the King and his +Parliament. Some there may be, who, even as good Catesby, have in +their minds resolved upon most desperate measures. If it be then a sin +to----" + +Garnet turned upon him saying: + +"A sin! A sin to slay the King of England?" + +"Yet one who hath broken his promises, forsaken the religion of his +mother, and who, blind to the mercy of God, doth seek to uproot this +holy cause!" cried Catesby. + +Whatever might have been the ultimate purpose of the Jesuit, whether +as an Englishman he recoiled at the thought of the assassination of +his King, or, as a Catholic, his zeal overbalanced his loyalty, he saw +that it was quite time to curb the fanatical tendencies of his +companions. The very life of the Catholic religion in England, his own +safety, and that of his fellow priests, might be sacrificed by a +premature attempt on the part of Catesby, or some of his followers, to +end their wrongs by the murder of the King. With the keen perception +which Garnet eminently possessed, he saw that the desired change in +the religious policy of the government could only be brought about by +a farther reaching blow than the removal of the person of James. Nor +would a decided objection on his part to their purpose serve his ends, +for it was his policy to draw about him the leading Catholic gentry of +the kingdom. He therefore cast about for a middle course whereby those +whose zeal had overcome their discretion might be pacified. The +remembrance of Anne Vaux suggested an expedient. + +"Good Catesby, and thou, Lord Rookwood," said he blandly, "your zeal +in the cause hath much endeared you to me, yet, it were well to +proceed with due caution in so grave a matter. Perchance King James +hath it in his mind to extend to us that kind indulgence which we +crave for. Ye know that the Parliament of England is composed of many +who prate much about their liberties, and if James seek to aid us by +dissimulation, 'twere an ill thing to cut the unripe corn." + +"What then, good Father?" asked Catesby. + +"Thou knowest," replied the Jesuit, "that Mistress Vaux is closely +united to the Court. Maybe thou knowest, also, that there is a certain +gentleman, close to the King, who would make Anne his mistress. 'Tis a +truth that the wit of woman worketh much, and it comes to me that this +courtier, to please Anne Vaux, might seek to discover what is in the +mind of his master regarding the Catholics of England." + +"'Tis a happy thought," said Rookwood, "if we be benefited." + +"All is in the hands of God," replied Garnet solemnly, and rising he +touched a bell which summoned Owen from the ante-chamber. + +"Good Owen," said he, "bear to Lady Vaux my desire for her presence; +our conference is ended." + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +WHY MASTER FAWKES WAS SUMMONED TO ENGLAND. + + +Elinor sat by the fire with a piece of embroidery in her hand. Her +thoughts were evidently not upon it, for ever and anon she would lay +down the work and sink into deep meditation, which ended in sighs; +then, recollecting herself, the busy fingers would once more resume +their task. The sound of footsteps echoing in the corridor without, +caused her to turn toward the door, through which a man presently +entered, who exclaimed in a petulant voice, as he ineffectually +endeavored to fasten a sword belt: "Come, my daughter, lay down thy +pretty work for a moment, and aid thy father to gird this cursed +baldric about him, for the ends be as coy as an old maid and her +lover." She arose to comply with his request, and quickly fastened the +desired buckle, then inquired, on noting his attire: + +"Dost thou go abroad to-night?" + +"Verily, I do, if Sir Thomas doth keep his appointment. 'Tis past the +hour of nine, and much I marvel that he hath not yet arrived." + +"Then I will now bid thee good night," she answered, approaching and +about to kiss him, when hearing one coming up the steps caused her to +delay. + +"There, by St. Paul, he is at last," as a knock sounded on the door. +"Run, my daughter, and open to Sir Thomas." + +The girl hesitated a moment as if loth to comply, then stepped into +the hall and withdrew the bolt. Soon the tones of a man's voice could +be heard exclaiming: "A good evening to thee, Mistress Elinor. It is +but fitting that an angel should unbar the door of Paradise, for I +deem the house naught else wherein thou dwellest." Kissing the +reluctant hand which he held, then observing Fawkes, who had advanced +to greet him, "Well, well, friend Guido; thou lookest fit for a battle +royal, with thy long war rapier girded by thy side. But," he +continued with a laugh, "it would ill become thee to go abroad poorly +armed in my company, for we do in truth seem to invite attack when +together. Did thy father tell thee, Mistress Elinor, of his adventure +yester-night, which had for its intent the rescuing me again from dire +straits?" + +"Nay, he did not; for my father's brave deeds need not his tongue to +set them forth, and he is much too modest to narrate his exploits, +even though they had so worthy an object as the saving of thy life," +she replied with a little courtesy. + +"Marry," broke in Fawkes, "I was marveling why thou didst not come, +and was thinking perchance 'twould be better to go outside and listen +for the sound of a distant brawl." Then observing the small court +sword which hung by the other's side, he continued, pointing toward +it: "Thou art but lightly equipped. I wonder much that thou dost go so +poorly prepared; but," he added, loosening his long rapier from its +scabbard, "thy purse is safe to-night at least. Wilt come for a moment +to the fire, and warm thyself?" + +"I cannot, though much I regret that precious time forbids; if thou +art ready, methinks we had best depart." + +"I am ever at thy service," cried Fawkes, and turning towards his +daughter, who had thrown a long cloak over his shoulders, "I'll wish +thee a good repose, sweet one, for 'twill be late ere I return." +Embracing her, then going toward Winter, he continued: "'Tis most +pleasing to have a pretty face on which to kiss a sad good-bye, and +know that loving arms await to greet a happy return." + +"Aye, that it is," he responded, biting his lip and watching the two; +"but we poor single men have no such bliss, and must be content to +watch the happiness of others. Still, there is left me the sweet +sorrow of saying good night." He extended his hand to the girl, who +let hers rest for an instant within his. "Now, if thou art ready, +Master Fawkes, I will follow." + +The two passed out into the night, both turning, however, when half +way down the path to wave a parting adieu to the fair figure standing +within the door. For some little distance the men continued on in +silence, each engrossed in thought. At length, Winter observing that +Fawkes seemed well aware as to the direction they were taking, +exclaimed with some little surprise: "Master Guido, one would think +the way to my residence an old traveled road to thee, but if I +recollect aright, this to my knowledge is the first time thou hast +gone over it." + +"Marry, but I have a guide, Sir Thomas," pointing to the dome of St. +Paul's church, which reared itself dark against the star-studded sky. + +"Beshrew my heart, doth some angel of heaven fly before thee?" as just +at the moment Fawkes turned sharply down another street leading to +their destination. + +"Nay, I have not that to point the way, but a friend of thine gave me +the direction. I did not think to tell thee the first night of our +meeting, for we had other matters of more pointed nature to engross +our thoughts," he added with a laugh, striking his sword; "and it did +slip my tardy mind that I was the bearer of a message from him to +thee." + +"I can but illy guess who he may be; but, pray, say on, by what name +went he?" + +"Giles Martin; and he did wish I would convey his best respects and +wishes for thy good welfare." + +"By St. Peter! Where didst thou run across the man? I had deemed him +long dead, for naught have I seen of him these many years." + +"The truth is, Sir Winter, he wished no mention made of his present +whereabouts; but I deemed thou hadst a sturdy friend in him, and," +continued Fawkes, looking at the other significantly, "he did seem +well informed on divers topics concerning these troubled times." + +"What dost thou mean, friend Guido?" asked Winter, turning a quick +glance toward Fawkes. + +"I am but a plain man, and thy outspoken question invites little but a +plain reply. Therefore, I'll repeat his words, which were that thou +didst stand poorly with those in high places, and, further, the times +were such that hot outspoken opinions on certain subjects were apt to +be quickly followed by the whistle of an axe flying through the air, +and that the King----" + +"A truce," Winter broke in, laying his hand upon the other's arm and +looking behind with some alarm as the two entered a thoroughfare, +which, by the number of people passing up and down, indicated their +approach to a central portion of the city; "by holy St. Dunstan, frame +not thy speech in such loud words, for it might be illy construed. But +here we are at our destination, and when within, thou mayst recite all +that Master Martin told." + +The two paused in front of an iron railing surrounding a court-yard, +on which fronted a residence of no mean pretensions. After unlocking +the wicket, Winter, followed by his companion, proceeded up the walk, +and passing through the main doorway, entered the house. + +"This is the first time, Fawkes, that I've had the honored pleasure of +thy company at mine own fireside," exclaimed Winter, when inside, +throwing his fur-lined coat upon a chair. Then observing that his +companion was already busily engaged in examining a trophy of swords +which decorated the wall, he continued: "What, do thy warlike eyes +ever seek the implements of thy trade? See, Guido, there is a suit of +mail that a valiant ancestor of mine did wear at Crecy," pointing +toward a stand of armor. + +"Indeed," answered the other, examining it, "he must of necessity have +been brave, for, I can but illy see how running could be done, even if +the spirit prompted the legs, attired in this heavy harness." + +"And now, if thou be ready," exclaimed Winter, evidently anxious to +arrive quickly at the task of the evening, "I will conduct thee to a +chamber wherein we may hold converse without fear of interruption." + +The two proceeded, Winter leading the way to the end of the hall, and +passing through a heavy open door, which closed behind them, entered a +room well adapted to the discussion of such things as must not fall on +untrusted ears. The chamber was one of spacious proportion, but on +account of its massive black furniture, seemed to be of medium size. +The walls were hung in some dark, unfigured tapestry, which added to +the somberness of the apartment, and tended to spread over all an air +of gloom. The dimness of the place was in some degree relieved by a +crackling fire burning upon the hearth, and two silver candelabrums +holding lighted tapers, stood upon an oaken table occupying the middle +of the room. + +The only window in the place opened down to the floor, leading out +upon a balcony overlooking the court-yard, and the interior of the +chamber was hidden from those passing by heavy curtains, which now +were closely drawn. A divan, several massive black oak cabinets, and +three or four high-back chairs completed the furniture of the room, +with the exception of a small table, on which stood a large and +curiously wrought silver flagon and several tankards. + +"Come Master Guy," cried Winter, filling two of the cups, "let us +preface dry work with a drink of honest vintage, and then we will to +our task." + +"With all my heart," replied Fawkes, taking the cup and draining it at +a draught. + +"And now to business," exclaimed the other, seating himself by the +table and motioning his companion to a place opposite. Having settled +himself easily in the chair, shading his face from the light of the +tapers that he might better watch the countenance of the other, he +began in a quiet voice: + +"I doubt not but thou didst deem it passing strange I made no +reference to the nature of the employment I had to offer thee, and, +mayhap," he continued, holding up his hand to silence an interruption +from his listener, "there hath arisen in thy mind suspicious thoughts +caused by a combination of incidents since thy arrival, which would +place me as one with whom to be identified were not as safe as serving +in the King's Guard. In point of fact, I refer particularly to the +outspoken words of our friend Giles Martin." + +"In truth," responded the other, in that quick, brusque manner +belonging to his nature, "Master Martin did lay naught at thy door, +but what I, or any other righteous man, might deem an honor to a +house. Nay," he continued, with some vehemence, "if what he said be +true, then I am overjoyed to find employment with one whose faith is +his greatest crime." + +"What may be the purport of thy words?" inquired Winter, slowly +turning a keen glance upon the speaker. + +"I mean," exclaimed Fawkes, leaning over the table toward his +questioner, "that I would think it no disgrace to serve, or, if need +be, fall by the side of one who had the courage to openly or secretly +espouse the Catholic cause in these cross-breaking days. Aye, Sir +Thomas, I will speak without concealment, for I have guessed at many +things, and know full well that the time must soon be ripe when all +who have not craven hearts will arise in wrath, and by word of mouth, +of mayhap, if need be, by a more violent measure put down those who +advise the enactment of laws which have for their intent the uprooting +of the Church in this our Kingdom." + +"By St. Michael!" exclaimed Winter, surprised that the other should +bring to the front so clearly his opinion on a subject upon which, he +had feared, it would require no small amount of questioning to elicit +anything, "thou dost astonish me with thine ardor; I always knew thee +as a brave churchman, but never----" + +"Time hath altered my views on many subjects," interrupted Fawkes. +"The manners of the Spaniard are not always good, and their breath is +oft odorous of garlic; but by my troth, they know full well how to +treat a heretic," he added with a decisive nod of his head. "Say on, +for by thy manner I judge it is thine object to sound my depth in +certain matters. I know not what's afoot; but by St. Peter," +continued he, striking the table a blow which made the tapers dance, +"if it hath aught to do with those--even though they be kings--whose +unholy hands would snuff our altar lights, thou canst count on Master +Guy to twist the rack or carry faggots." + +During this recital Winter watched the other with keen attention. +Knowing Fawkes to be a man of indomitable will, combined with +undaunted courage, and one to stop at nothing in gaining ends +justified by his conscience, he had not hesitated to recommend him as +a valuable adjunct to the cause dear to himself and his companions. +Heavily the weight of responsibility rested upon him; it had fallen to +his lot that he should be the one to sound this man, and decide as to +how great or small a degree of their confidence might be given to him. +One error in judgment now might be followed by the death of all their +hopes, and by the thud of heads dropping into the axman's basket. +Therefore he weighed the matter well before saying: + +"I did not over-estimate thy zeal. There are many things I would fain +tell thee, the purport of which methinks thou hast already guessed, +but which at present must not, for reasons, be spoken of. If thou art +willing for a time to remain in darkness, and take service as a +gentleman about my household, I can almost promise that the gloom of +thy ignorance on many matters may soon be dispelled by a lurid glare +which shall be red enough, even to thy liking. I have told thee +naught, but the very concealment of some things, to the observing, +doth show plainly what is hid. Ask no more, and, for the present, +content thyself with suppositions. If the conditions which I have +named suit thee, then thou wilt have access to these premises at all +times. Further, be my companion when I go abroad; for what is more +natural in these purse-cutting days than that a gentleman should +desire a lusty swordsman with him? Dost accept, and agree to all?" The +last word he pronounced with great emphasis. + +"Aye, to all," responded the other grimly, arising and extending his +gauntlet. + +"And I would further recommend," continued Winter, drumming on the +table with his fingers, "that thou say but little about this meeting, +even," looking narrowly at Fawkes, "to thy pretty daughter; for I have +remarked there is sometimes a certain visitor at thy house who, if the +report did reach his ears that two or three gentlemen of the Catholic +persuasion were closeted together, might denounce the assembling as a +conspiracy,--which would be most unjust--and bring the King's Guard +with small courtesy. Dost follow me, friend Guido?" + +"That I do; but there's naught to fear; I know your meaning. Heretics +will no more darken my door." + +"That is well, and I hope, truly spoken," replied Winter, nodding his +head in approval, and rising from his chair with an air of relief that +the business of the evening was settled. "Let us," he continued, +filling up the cups, "drink success to our compact." + +"Ah!" cried Fawkes, pointing to the wine as it flowed from the +flagon's mouth, "A most fitting color be the draught;" then, as he +raised the tankard to his lips, "A toast, Sir Thomas, I will offer +thee. May we be as willing to give our blood when asked, as this good +flagon to yield its red cheer to us! And now I must set out for home, +and 'tis with a lighter heart than when I came. Dost thou wish my +presence here to-morrow?" he inquired as they reached the door. + +"Thou mayst call on the stroke of ten, or thereabouts. Until then, +farewell." + +The host watched the form of his guest disappear in the darkness, and +shutting the door, returned with a thoughtful step to the chamber +wherein they had been sitting. Filling a cup with wine and raising it +on high, he exclaimed with a laugh: "Troth, Master Fawkes, I did drink +to thy health awhile ago; now I will quaff a flagon to thy daughter. +Here is to one, Mistress Elinor, the fairest, the sweetest wench in +all England, and for one warm kiss from whose lips Sir Thomas Winter +would right gladly face grim death. Marry," he mused, setting down the +cup, "thou hast done, mayhap, a good stroke for the cause, in bringing +this bloodhound Fawkes from out of Spain, but young Monteagle, beware; +for if I be judge, the Spanish treatment of a heretic leaves but +little for the burial." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +THE WISEST FOOL IN CHRISTENDOM. + + +The Royal Court of King James, at Whitehall, was furnished and +embellished with all the luxury which love of show and the power of +the owner could command. Choicest tapestries draped the walls, carpets +of marvelous softness covered the floors. In the King's bedchamber +stood an elaborately carved bedstead canopied with perfumed velvet +cunningly wrought in silk and gold. Upon its front glittered the royal +arms of England. + +Reared as he had been in the plainness of Scottish simplicity, the +wealth and lavish display in the English manor houses where he had +rested during his journey from Edinburgh delighted and enchanted him +in the highest degree. Vain, fond of indolent diversions, and prodigal +in expenditures, he at once surrounded himself with the choicest +products of the weavers, decorators and artisans of the Continent. + +In a chamber of this palace, on the second afternoon following the +meeting of Catesby with Rookwood and Anne Vaux at the hiding place of +the Jesuit Superior, an interesting conversation took place between +the Queen's lady-in-waiting, and one Robert Carr, a Scotchman, and +favorite of the King. After James ascended the throne of England he +meted out ample measure to his countrymen, likening himself to Joseph, +who, being raised to power, forgot not his brethren. That this Robert +was of goodly parts, being fair of feature and elegant of limb, +rendered him the more acceptable to his royal master; forsooth, there +were few of the nobles in the two kingdoms but knew certain tales +concerning the favorites of the King, young gallants of the period +whose presence at Court added nothing to the honor of their sovereign. + +Robert Carr, a person of deep perception and gifted with certain +Scottish wit, pandered much to the follies and pride of his +benefactor. He was also a man easily excited by beauty of face and +grace of manner, and had fallen desperately in love with Mistress +Vaux, to his own undoing and the jealousy of the Queen's women. It was +this state of affairs which the Jesuit had reckoned upon, when, in +casting about for an expedient to check the fiery zeal of Sir Robert +Catesby, he had suggested that one dwelt at Court who might learn what +was in the mind of the King concerning certain policies. Being +instructed by Garnet what course to pursue, Anne Vaux, on her return +to Whitehall, made haste to summon into her presence the King's +favorite. Nor did Carr need a second bidding to betake himself to the +lady's chamber. + +"Sweet Anne!" cried he, dropping upon his knee before the +maid-in-waiting, "thou hast saved me from despair. Knowest thou 'tis +eight and forty hours since thy gentle presence hath made earth to me +a paradise?" + +"Nay, good Robert!" replied she, demurely casting down her eyes, yet +permitting the gallant to retain her hand, "Speak not of despair; thou +who hast so high a place with our royal master. Amid thy pleasures the +absence of Anne Vaux can be but of small moment unto thee." + +Carr covered her hand with kisses. + +"Whitehall without thee is a barren wilderness," cried he, "for thee +would I barter faith, honor----" + +Anne raised her head until her eyes met his. + +"Nay, sweet gentleman!" said she, softly, "'tis not faith, nor honor I +would ask of thee; 'tis----" + +"Speak!" murmured Carr, overcome by his emotions. "Speak, that I may +serve thee." + +"'Tis but little," replied the lady, "yet would it please me much, and +thou art able to converse freely with his Majesty." + +"The King!" cried Carr, alarmed that the name of James should enter +into his love making. "What wouldst thou with the King?" + +Anne withdrew her hand. "Ah!" cried she, pushing him gently from her, +"'tis so little, yet thou wouldst withhold thy courtesy. There be +certain other gentlemen, my lord of----" + +"Say not so," stammered the courtier, "be it the crown itself." His +companion laughed merrily. "The crown!" cried she, "what would Anne +Vaux with the crown of England? 'Tis but a simple question, a word +with his Majesty, that I may gain a wager." + +"Speak then," said Carr, "that I may hasten to obey thee." + +"Thou knowest," replied Anne, "there be much serious speculation, many +theories formed throughout the kingdom concerning the mind of the King +regarding the penalties against the Catholics. Some there be who hold +'tis the King's wish that the ordinances, or edicts of Elizabeth, be +removed utterly, while others affirm that James doth join with +Parliament for their maintenance. Having been drawn into an argument +with certain of my mistress' ladies, a wager was made, that ere the +morrow the truth of the matter should to me be disclosed." + +The look on her companion's face changed to consternation. + +"Ask the King concerning so grave a matter?" cried he. + +"A truce, Master Carr!" replied Anne, sharply, "it needeth small +perception to discern thy temper. Thou dost ask much, yet givest +little." + +The King's favorite was nonplussed. To question James concerning +affairs of State was no light matter, yet, in opposition to so doing +stood the anger and the loss of Mistress Vaux. This thought, which he +could not endure, caused him to hesitate. + +"Be it so!" said the lady, coldly, "Thou hast refused so small a +favor, therefore will I summon one who, methinks, hath more +consideration." And she moved as though to touch the bell upon the +table. + +The action, indicating his dismissal, removed all scruples which had +arisen in the mind of the courtier, and kneeling before her he pledged +himself to at once seek an audience with the King, who, having passed +the afternoon in hunting, was resting in his own apartments. + +Pleased that her object had been so easily gained, Anne permitted the +enraptured Scotchman to clasp her in his arms, then he rushed from the +chamber hoping after a short interview with the King to return to her. + +As Carr had intimated, James, wearied by several hours in the saddle, +for it was his pleasure to hunt or horseback in Waltham forest and in +other royal chases, had retired early to his bed chamber. He had eaten +heartily, for despite his ungainly person the First of the Stuarts was +a famous trenchman. Freed from his quilted clothes and mellow with +strong wine, he admitted to his presence two gentlemen who sought an +audience. + +The noblemen who were thus occupants of the royal chamber stood in +strong contrast to the Sovereign of England. Their large and +gracefully proportioned figures were made most conspicuous by the big +head, rickety legs and dwarfed body of their royal master, while the +calm dignity which enveloped them set forth vividly the driveling +speech, and coarseness of him whom the death of the last of the Tudors +had placed upon the throne. + +"Ah!" cried James, perceiving the gentlemen upon the threshold, +"welcome most worthy Monteagle and Viscount Effingston! Hast thou then +an answer to my argument?" + +The lips of the younger nobleman trembled nervously as he sought to +repress a smile, but his companion advanced quickly to the royal couch +upon which the King had stretched himself. + +"The wisdom of your Majesty is indeed unanswerable," said he bending +to kiss the hand held out to him. + +James chuckled loudly. + +"'Tis my pleasure to discourse on certain matters," replied he, "and my +good lord of Monteagle, being well versed in the learning of the +period, doth turn with relish to a well written document. It was, +methinks, concerning the 'True Law of Free Monarchy.'" + +"Nay, your Majesty," replied Monteagle, drawing a paper from his +doublet, "'twas thy most learned discourse on tobacco." + +The Viscount Effingston, who stood well behind his father, turned +aside his face, that the King might not note the smile upon it. James, +however, having plunged into one of his pedantic hobbies, had small +perception of aught aside from the discourse in hand. + +"'Twas, in truth!" cried he, "a most learned writing, bearing upon +the use of an ill-savored weed. What thinkest thou, my lord?" + +"'Tis indeed most ably written," replied Monteagle, "and being much +impressed with the wisdom so plainly set forth, I did read it aloud to +several of my gentlemen." + +"And what said they, good Monteagle?" + +"That your Majesty had, in truth, touched the heart of the matter," +replied the peer. "Even Sir Raleigh, upon the reading of it, would, +methinks, turn from the habit." + +"That would he," said the King, gruffly, for the name of Raleigh was +in no wise pleasing to him. + +"A most excellent document!" broke in the Viscount, "my worthy father +was about to beg your Majesty for further discourse on so grave a +matter." + +Monteagle cast a look of keen reproach at his son; 'twas not for the +pleasure of discussing the "Counterblast To Tobacco," the famous +literary production of the King, that he had sought this audience. +James, however, was highly pleased at the young man's words. + +"Good Monteagle!" cried he, "thy son is a worthy gentleman, and +methinks our reign will see him a most favored peer. Instruct him, +that he fall not into certain habits as to bells and candlesticks, nor +give ear too seriously to the teachings of them who would embroil our +kingdom." + +At this moment Robert Carr, hastening to the royal bed chamber, in +order to obey the wishes of Mistress Vaux, entered the ante-room and +hearing his master in converse with others, paused noiselessly behind +the curtains. + +"Faith!" continued James, receiving no reply from Monteagle or his +son, "it is rumored that thou also hath dealt somewhat closely with +these disturbers of the kingdom." + +Alarmed at the character of the conversation assumed by the King, the +nobleman would have checked it by well timed flattery, but James was +not to be turned from his purpose. + +"It doth much annoy me," prated he, "that certain reports are spread +abroad making it seem my desire, against the wishes of our good +Parliament, to remit certain fines----" + +Carr, whose ear was pressed close against the curtain, rubbed his +hands together in exultation that there was like to be, without +discomfort to himself, something ready for the ear of the Queen's +waiting woman. + +"And divers statutes against those who would bring back the Jesuits," +continued James, plucking impatiently the fringe of his couch cover. + +"Your Majesty is, in truth, the spring of justice," said Monteagle, +soberly, "and it ill befits thy subjects, be they Puritans or +Catholics, to----" + +A wave of passion swept across the royal face. + +"Puritans and Catholics!" cried he, sitting upright. "Zounds! What +then? Am I not king? Wherefore should I tolerate in this good kingdom +those who teach treason in their churches?" + +Monteagle's position was truly equivocal. The son of a Protestant +peer, through his marriage, early in life, with the daughter of a +Catholic, he became involved in certain Papistic plots, and listened +to the teachings of the missionary priests. James had made him the +recipient of many court favors, for the maintenance of which, +Monteagle, balancing the advantages of his position against the loss +which might accrue to him were he to boldly adhere to his religion, +had become lukewarm in the faith of the Catholics, and this had +brought him into disrepute with his old associates. + +"'Tis a grave matter that there be any in England whose faith takes +precedence of their loyalty," said he, the King ceasing his harangue +through lack of breath. + +"Thou sayest rightly!" cried he, "nor will I abate one jot or tittle +from that I have set before me. As it is atheism and blasphemy to +dispute what is in God's power, so it is presumption and high contempt +for a subject to question a king's will; nor should a king abate even +the breadth of a hair from that right which his prerogative gives unto +him." + +The Viscount Effingston pulled his father's sleeve. + +"We had best retire," he whispered, "the wine hath mounted to the head +of yonder fool, and, perchance, he may see in thee a Raleigh or a +Cobham." + +The King was, indeed, weary of the interview. The exertion of the +afternoon, the heated room, the wine and the ill temper into which he +had fallen, deprived him of his usual wit, leaving him only boorish +and irritable. + +"My lord Monteagle," said he, peevishly, "it pleases me that you +retire, for a certain languor of the body rendereth our discourse +unprofitable." + +The words of his son had startled the nobleman from his usual +composure, and receiving the King's permission to retire, he made +haste to kiss the royal hand, well pleased that the audience was +ended, although certain favors which he desired to ask of his Majesty +remained unspoken. + +"Faith!" said the favorite, as the two peers passed his hiding place, +"I have, indeed, had a most fortunate escape, for James is in poor +condition to discuss even with Robert Carr, that which sent him +hither." + +Then, as the King's valets crowded into the chamber, summoned by the +furious ringing of their master's bell, he looked for an instant upon +the half-drunken monarch, dropped the curtain and hastened down the +corridor that he might relate to Mistress Vaux that which he had +overheard. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +THE VISCOUNT EFFINGSTON. + + +Rare and luxurious were the furnishings of a room in which we find +Lord Monteagle and his son. Wealth and artistic hands had combined to +bring all its sumptuousness into a rich and harmonious completeness. +The elder, who had just entered, walked with troubled brow toward the +window. The other, tall and strong, with features of fine proportion +and graceful contour, clad in a style denoting the aristocrat and man +of fashion, sat at a desk engaged in writing. For a time the only +sound breaking the silence was the sharp scratching of a goosequill +as it traveled over the paper. At last, having finished, and observing +the other for the first time, he remarked, as he folded the sheet: + +"My lord, hast thou so soon returned from the audience? Did aught +transpire to ruffle thy temper? Or, mayhap," he continued with a +laugh, "His Majesty did read thee an essay on How to Take Snuff +Without a Nose, or some other learned subject dear to his heart." + +"Not so, my son," Monteagle replied with gravity; "but I have heard +again rumors which set but ill upon my mind. 'Tis the talk of the +ante-chamber, and the first words which did greet my ear on entering +came from that silly, chattering coxcomb, Robert Carr, who, advancing, +enquired in a low voice, but which at the same time filled the room, +whether my daughter-in-law would be the new lady in waiting upon the +Queen. These many days the talk that hath been afoot connects thy name +with one whose ancestral lineage will not bear scrutiny, and, for +truth, much this gossip hath troubled me." + +Effingston reddened, and turned in his chair toward the speaker, +suppressing an angry retort which sprang to his lips: "My lord, dost +thou believe all that Dame Rumor whispereth?" + +"No, verily, being too long connected with affairs of State, but, in +my anxiety, I made inquiry, and much it paineth me to find these same +reports seem to have foundation. I do not demand but beg an +explanation from thy lips, to hear if that be true which reached my +ear." + +"Your lordship knows," returned the other with an inclination of the +head, "that thy request is to me a command; therefore, I tell thee +frankly that what thou heard this morning is to an extent well +founded. Thou canst be sparing of thy fears," he continued as the +other was about to interrupt, "and ever be assured, respect for Lord +Monteagle, my father, and pride, the inheritance of the noble born, +will deter Viscount Effingston from actions which his conscience might +perchance approve. I will not disgrace thee or thy name," he +concluded, with a touch of haughtiness in his tone. + +"I have not yet accused thee of bringing discredit upon our house, and +devoutly hope my fears are but absurd, born of that doubt which +seemeth to be resident in the minds of men one for the other. By my +troth, we can seldom point with certainty in these days to one of our +fellow creatures, and say truly, I know him to be good and free from +treason. It would, I swear," he continued, with a sigh, "little +surprise me, to hear the Archbishop of Canterbury had been seen to +hold his crosier for a pretty wench to leap across, that he might the +better gaze upon her ankles. Thou art a man grown; therefore, I can +but counsel. But this I know: love for one below thy station, though +she have all purity and moral excellence, seldom ends in marriage; if +by chance it doth bring thee to the altar, repentance with its dismal +train follows far too often, even ere the echo of the chimes hath died +away." + +"Thy counsel did, and ever shall stand high in my regard," replied +Effingston. "But thy fears are groundless. I do admit that she to whom +thou dost refer is not of highest birth; still, her ancestors helped +to keep the crown upon a king's head, and methinks, deserve more +credit for acting thus without reward than though they bore the title +of a Duke or Prince. As thou hast asked, and with perfect justice, I +will tell the story from its beginning. Thou might misjudge if thy +mind held its present suspicion, and it would lead to setting aside of +confidences which, it hath been my happiness to feel, did ever exist +between us." + +"Thou sayest well," replied the other, with affection. "I have always +looked upon thee as my sword arm, to carry out by thy young strength +the deeds which time hath left me ill conditioned to perform." + +"Thou remembrest," began Effingston, "the night three months since, I +rode to Chartsey Manor, with intent to sound Lord Cecil regarding his +attitude on issues then before Parliament. It was midnight ere I left, +and well on toward the stroke of two when I arrived in the outskirts +of London. Proceeding slowly on my way, drinking in deeply the +beauties of the night, suddenly there sounded upon my startled ear a +woman's scream, which quickly ceased, as if she who uttered it had +been rudely seized about the throat. I reined up my horse and +listened. Distinctly could I hear, not two hundred paces from me, the +sound of scuffling feet and an outburst of drunken laughter, ending in +a round of fiendish cursing. 'Hold,' cried I, 'wait until I can loose +my sword and lend thee aid.' Saying which, I hastily dismounted, +throwing the bridle of my horse over a bush hard by, and hurried in +the direction of the tumult. On turning a corner, there came upon my +sight a scene which made my blood boil and lent new speed to my legs. +Two ruffians had set upon a woman, and while one held back her chin +and shoulders, the other was endeavoring to imprint a kiss upon the +upturned face, the rogue being hindered in his purpose by the girl, +who, holding in her hand a small dagger, lunged right boldly with it. +'Avaunt ye, knaves,' I cried, running, sword in hand. Before, however, +I could reach the struggling group she had struck the man in front of +her, causing him for a moment to desist, when, with a sudden accession +of strength, breaking away from the one who held her, she set her back +against the wall, confronting the two assailants with the look and +spirit of a tigress. The men, now for the first time perceiving me, +having been too deep in liquor and their employment to hear my shout, +took to their heels, but not until I had spoiled the sword arm of one +and left my mark upon the other. Turning toward the girl who stood by +the wall, I discovered the momentary spirit had left her, for again +she was the weak woman and would have fallen fainting to the ground, +had I not given her support. She soon revived, and having received her +thanks, prettily given, I inquired how it fell out she had been so +rudely set upon; in reply to which she told me of her grandam being +taken ill, and in need of a leech, and how she had gone forth to fetch +him, and was attacked, when returning from her errand. On begging that +she would permit me to see her safely home, my offer was accepted +with thanks. When arrived at our destination she asked if I would not +on the next day return, that she might more fully express her +gratitude. Thou knowest, my father, how love grows in the heart. At +first my feeling was one of curiosity; but it soon changed to +admiration for the fair girl, and, at last it ripened into love, as I +learned to know the soul which rested in her beautiful form. This is +my simple story, and I have naught more to tell." + +"My son," replied the other, who had listened with eager attention to +the narrative, "there's naught, so far, that I condemn, and I applaud +thee for thy chivalry, but I had higher hopes for thee than a marriage +with a commoner. Thou hast, however, omitted to tell me her name," he +added, in a voice betokening anxiety. + +"Her name is Elinor Fawkes, the daughter of an officer, English by +birth, now serving in the army of Spain." + +"Elinor Fawkes," repeated the father, with a start and looking toward +Effingston. "'Tis as I feared. Is this, then, the creature on whom +thou wouldst bestow thy name? Have thine ears been out of sorts, never +to have heard the rumor which connects her in none too savory a manner +with the adventurer Sir Thomas Winter? It is common talk, for I will +speak plainly to thee, that she is his mistress." + +"In thy throat thou liest," the other cried, leaping to his feet, +white to the lips with sudden passion; "recall those words, or by St. +Paul, I'll strike thee to my feet, forgetting the loins which begat +me! She hath fully told me of, and set aside, the lie which coupleth +her with Sir Thomas Winter." + +"Aye, she hath explained to thee readily enough, I trow," exclaimed +the other, roused to anger. "Lives there the woman who could not make +excuses if but a moment were granted her? I shall not chide thee for +thy hasty words; time will bring them to thy memory with remorse. But +listen unto reason, and----" + +"I'll hear no more," Effingston cried, in a voice full of passion. + +"Stop," said Monteagle, in a commanding voice, holding up his hand, +"thou shalt hear! Doth the leech withhold the lance when a patient +groans? No, my son; I'll introduce thee to plain facts, and try to +cure, even though my duty be a hard one." + +Effingston sank into his chair, his temper cooled to a degree by his +father's manner, and listened with compressed lips and knitted brow to +what followed. + +"As I have already told thee," began Lord Monteagle, "I suspected that +it was she who had ensnared thee. I set inquiries afoot, and in +justice to the girl, with a twofold object--first, to establish her +innocence, if she were true; secondly, to save thy name and happiness, +if she proved guilty. But," he went on, advancing toward his son and +laying a hand upon his shoulder, "the second object of my quest was +the one fulfilled. The proof came by the hand of God. Yesternight, +leaving the house of Lord Brighton, where I had dined, and wishing to +return with all speed, I requested the bearers of my chair to take the +shortest way home. Gazing out of the window, I noted that we were in +the locality of the house wherein she (who had for the past few days +most unhappily filled my mind) was reported to reside, and desiring to +look upon the spot, commanded my men to rest there. Suddenly I +descried a man muffled in a cloak, proceeding up the street, who, as +he approached, proved to my astonishment to be none other than Sir +Thomas Winter. Quickly he ascended the steps and knocked at the house +opposite the place where I chanced to be. After a moment the door +opened and the figure of a girl stood on the threshold. Beholding her, +Winter exclaimed: 'A good evening to thee, Mistress Fawkes,' the rest +of the greeting being lost to me as the door closed. I was astonished +at having so quickly set before me the two whose names had been in my +mind. After a few moments the door again opened suddenly, this time I +think by accident, revealing the figure of him who had just entered, +still clad in his cloak, clasping in his arms and kissing the woman +who admitted him. I could not hear what passed, for at the time the +wind blew high, drowning their voices. But I had seen enough, and +cried to the bearers to take up the chair and proceed. That, my son, +is what I have seen, not learned by mere hearsay. Would that I could +have spared thee the telling, but 'tis for thy welfare I have narrated +it." + +Effingston, during the narrative, had remained motionless, his +features drawn and colorless. Fully realizing that his father would +not have maliciously manufactured this evidence against the girl, his +mind could conceive no extenuating circumstance to clear it away. That +she had deceived him was not beyond the consent of reason. He was a +man of the world and of the time, well aware of possible duplicity, +and further, that the age offered numerous examples of women with one +hand on the cradle while the other guided an axe toward some head +which for a cause must fall, or fanatically sacrificing all, even +honor, to gain the coveted support of a courtier in some undertaking. +The scandal which had been breathed about her, to do him justice, he +did not give ear to, believing implicitly the story told by Elinor, +explaining her associations with Winter. But was not this man a +champion of the cause which he had helped to defeat? Was it impossible +that she had played her lover as a dupe to further a scheme? This was +entirely plausible, but he could not bring his mind to believe it. And +why? For the same old, old reason which has cost men their lives and +honor, kings their crowns--because he loved her. When his father had +finished, he said, in a quiet voice, extending his hand: + +"I thank thee; thy motive is of the best; and I most humbly beg thy +pardon for my hasty words, prompted by anger only." + +"What course dost thou now intend to pursue?" inquired Monteagle +uneasily, for the quiet, passionless manner of his son made him +apprehensive. + +"What thou or any other man would do--give the woman a chance to +defend herself." + +"Aye, I thought as much," the other replied with an air of angered +impatience. "She will, with her arms about thy neck, explain fast +enough, and to thy satisfaction." + +"Dost thou forget," the son inquired, "that I am a Monteagle, and have +implanted in me that pride and temper which can illy condone, even in +those they love, deceit and falsity? Have no fears for me," he added, +advancing with a determined step toward the door. + +"Where art thou going, my son?" asked the other in an alarmed tone. + +"To face this woman with the accusations thou hast just uttered +against her." + +"Stay; go not in thine anger, for some mischief may be wrought. Wait +until thy temper cools; see her not again, but write." + +"I am not a killer of unarmed adversaries," retorted Effingston; +"again, I repeat, have no fear for me." + +"Well, well; God's will be done; it may be for the best," the other +said with a sigh, turning away his head. + +The son hesitated for a moment; then quickly kneeling before his +father and taking his hand, exclaimed: "I humbly ask thee to forget my +hot words, and again I crave thy pardon for the same. They were spoken +in wrath, on hearing the image of my love fall crashing to the earth." + +Then springing to his feet, before Monteagle had opportunity to reply, +he hurriedly left the room. + +Once on the street, Effingston strode without pause in the direction +of Elinor's house. What a difference in his feelings now, contrasted +with what they had been when he had traversed that way before. He had +outlined his course of action,--to simply tell her what his father had +seen, and demand an explanation. If she were guilty, even his love and +her woman's wit could not, he thought, hide the fact from his eyes; +and if it all were true and he had been duped, what then? + +He prayed that pride would come to his aid and steel his nerves, and +prompt his tongue to speak. With these thoughts in his mind, and +looking neither to the right nor left, he hurried on his way to her +dwelling. How changed each familiar object seemed to him. As he +knocked at the door and listened, a footstep sounded in the hall. Ah, +how many times had his heart leaped at the same sound. The door +opened, and she who was all the world to him stood on the +threshold;--she whom he must soon accuse of hideous duplicity. How +very beautiful she looked. On seeing Effingston, Elinor uttered a low, +startled cry. He noted the action, for love, when coupled with +suspicion (and the two can live together) is not blind, but terribly +vigilant. + +"Elinor, I must speak with thee, and alone," he exclaimed. + +The girl regarded him with a half frightened look. She had been all +day engaged in a bitter fight with self, and knew not how to tell him +they must part forever. Now he stood before her. She realized to some +extent what the agony of the separation which must soon come would be +to her, and knowing full well the depth of his love, measured his +sufferings by her own. Wild thoughts had passed through her mind of +doing something which would turn that love to hate, and she felt she +could better bear that than know he lived and suffered. But now as she +looked upon him both will and fortitude fast weakened. Again she was +the simple loving woman. + +"Wilt thou enter?" she asked in a constrained voice, scarce knowing +what she said. + +He crossed the threshold and passed into the little room which held +for him the most tender recollections. + +"Elinor, I have come----" he began; then, gazing at the beautiful face +before him, he advanced toward her with outstretched arms--all +resolution gone; "O my darling, I have wronged thee--thou canst tell, +I know, and explain all." + +She shrank from his touch, fearing lest her little firmness should +take flight. + +"Why dost thou shrink from me?" cried he, swept by a sudden fear which +made his lips dry and his cheeks burn. "O my God, can it then be thou +dost know the purport of my question?" + +"I know not what thou meanest," she stammered, astonished at his +words, even amidst her sufferings; "if thou hast aught to ask, pray +say on." + +He watched the trembling figure for a moment, interpreting her emotion +as detected guilt, and the demon of jealousy, which, strange to say, +is often led forth by love, burst out, prompting him to speak words +which after uttering, he would have given worlds to unsay. + +"Then, know," he cried, "that I have discovered thy methods, and that +I have been duped and dragged on to further some hellish scheme of +thine and his. I've swallowed thy pretty words and thought them sweet. +Now I know all; 'twas but last night thou wert in his arms, and +rightly thou belongest there; the report is true, thou art none other +than the mistress of Sir Thomas Winter. Aye, tremble in thy guilt, +thou Magdalene; thou canst not deny it." + +As he uttered the accusation, she raised her arm as if to ward off +some sudden blow, then let it fall at her side, standing speechless, +benumbed and horrified at the terrible words he had hurled at her. The +disgrace and the infamy of them she did not at once grasp, but +gradually her mind began to comprehend all that he had said. The room +swam about her, and she caught at a chair for support, vainly trying +to make some reply. Again he repeated: "Thou canst not deny it; guilt +is written in thine every action." + +As she aroused herself there flashed upon her mind the act of two +short days ago, when she had fallen upon her knees and prayed God that +this man before her might be spared the cruel pangs of that separation +which must inevitably come. And had not that prayer been answered? Had +not he just uttered accusations, which, if not denied, would end his +love for her--now and forever? Believing her to be vile and infamous, +pride and manhood would soon come to his aid. But what did the +acknowledgment mean to her? His utter contempt; he would always +believe that he had been her dupe--hers, who would gladly give her +very life for him. But what mattered it? Thinking this to be true, he +will soon, manlike, dismiss her from his thoughts, and give his love +to another, who, pray God, may make his life all happiness and +gladness. She turned her eyes toward the wall on which hung the image +of Christ nailed to a cross. Could she not crucify herself, for this +love of hers? Slowly the resolution formed. Again he repeated: "Canst +thou deny it?" And she answered: "Thou sayest it!" + +"It is true?" he cried. + +Again she answered: "Thou sayest it." + +"O great God," he exclaimed, putting his hands to his head, "can this +be real? Can this be the end of all our hopes? Is the world so bad and +woman so low?" + +She uttered not a word, but stood motionless. + +"Vile deceiver!" he cried, turning to her as he staggered toward the +door, "if it be happiness to know that thine infamy hath ruined my +life, know it, then, and be glad." + +She heard the portal close. He had gone from her forever. Then the +full and terrible import of that which she had acknowledged herself to +be overwhelmed her, and with a cry she fell unconscious to the floor. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +IN THE GARDEN OF THE GENTLEMAN-PENSIONER. + + +Upon reaching the open air, Effingston paused for a moment that the +shock occasioned by the admission of Elinor might in some degree pass +from him. He had gone to her prepared for tears, protests and womanly +anger, and despite the suspicion which had seized his heart, it had +not been in his nature to believe the words of his father would so +soon find confirmation. He felt, indeed, as one about to lay his head +upon the block,--that he must cry out, yet his heart was clutched as +by a giant hand, benumbing all his faculties so that pain and lethargy +paralyzed his will. + +As he groped half blindly for the railing which flanked the narrow +steps, the figure of a man confronted him, who, as he perceived the +Viscount Effingston standing upon the threshold of Mistress Fawkes' +dwelling, drew back quickly, his face dark with anger. 'Twas Sir +Thomas Winter. + +In that instant all the calmness of the young nobleman returned to +him. The sight of Winter, in whom he saw the bitter enemy of his +house, and whom he now hated for a double reason, turned his pain into +contempt for her who had so illy used him. Pride came to his aid, and +he would have passed the other haughtily; but it was in no wise the +purpose of Sir Thomas that the meeting should have so peaceful an +ending. + +Rumor had reached him that the Viscount Effingston was too frequent a +visitor at the house of one for whom he fostered, if not love, at +least a fierce passion, and the presence of his rival, at the very +door of the humble dwelling, aroused him to fury. With an angry frown +distorting his features he advanced toward the spot where stood the +Viscount, who, perceiving he had to deal with one in whom temper had +overcome prudence, laid his hand upon the hilt of his rapier. It was +not the purpose of Winter, however, to come to blows thus openly with +one who was known to be in favor with the King. He therefore contented +himself with obstructing the way in so insolent a manner, and with +such malice in his eyes, that it sent the blood to the cheeks of +Effingston, and he returned the gaze unflinchingly, saying quietly: + +"Come, if Sir Thomas Winter hath in mind aught to say to me, let it be +done quickly, that I may go upon my way." At the same time he moved as +though to pass. + +"Nay! My Lord of Effingston!" replied Winter turning his eyes upon the +hand which rested on the jeweled sword hilt. "Fear not that in a +street of London I would draw sword against thee, traitor though thou +art. Thy royal master----" + +"Traitor!" cried Effingston, the red of his cheeks changing to the +paleness of anger. "Traitor, sayest thou, Sir Winter?" + +"Aye!" replied Winter. "All London knoweth." + +The Viscount controlled himself by an effort. + +"Thy purpose is clear to me," said he coldly, "thou wouldst force a +quarrel; so be it. Traitor, sayest thou? Perchance, thy mirror hath +shown one to thee so frequently that the word is ever on thy tongue." + +"As to mirrors," replied Winter, "those in the King's chamber have +revealed to thee their ways, then. Thinkest thou nothing is known +concerning the purpose of my Lord Monteagle in instructing thee as to +Puritanism." + +Effingston bit his lip. "'Tis befitting thy manhood, Sir Winter, having +bribed a dastardly servant to give false testimony of what was +listened to from behind a curtain, that thou shouldst insult one whose +cloak buckle thou art unworthy to loosen. 'Twas a fair representation +of thy character, a good showing of thy principles. If it be in thy +mind to prate further, get thee into the market place, where, mounted +upon an ass, thou mayst draw around thee certain of the populace whose +wont it is to gather for such discourse." + +This was spoken with a mock gallantry which the Viscount could well +assume, and deprived the other for a moment of utterance. Overcome by +anger, and surprised that the insults heaped upon the Viscount were +met with contempt, he forgot himself so far as to bring the name of +Mistress Fawkes into the quarrel. + +"Thou dost but jest with me," he cried, taking a step nearer his +rival; "perchance, having come from the arms of thy mistress, thy wits +are so dulled that----" + +The reply of Effingston was sudden and unexpected. Resolved to avoid +an open quarrel with one whom he considered beneath him, he had sought +to return words, only, to the other's insults, but the reference to +one whom he had held most dear, fired his brain. Scarce had Winter +uttered the base accusation when the young nobleman snatched off his +heavy gauntlet and with it struck him across the face; so great was +the force of the blow that the other staggered, lost his footing on +the slippery street, and fell at the feet of his enemy. + +Having thus given expression to his anger, Effingston calmly replaced +the glove, and with hand upon hilt, awaited the arising of his +companion. + +Stunned for the moment by so sturdy a buffet, Winter remained +motionless for a little space, but soon regained his feet, and, with +garments soiled and earth stained, with blood upon his face, drew his +sword and made as though he would thrust the Viscount through. + +Effingston drew also, and more serious results would have followed had +not one in the crowd which had gathered to watch the ending of the +quarrel, cried that the King's soldiers were approaching. + +Sobered by the danger which threatened him, for the arrest of a +Catholic with sword in hand was like to bring evil consequence, Winter +made haste to sheathe his blade, which example the Viscount quickly +followed. However, it was a false alarm, and raised only for the +pleasure of seeing two fine gentlemen thrown into confusion. The +crowd, catching the spirit of the varlet, straightway raised a tumult, +showering the nobles with sundry jibes and insulting remarks, +considering it rare sport to have at their mercy those of high degree. + +The commotion turned for a moment the mind of Winter from his first +grievance, and he bethought himself of the sorry figure he must show +with dress awry, face soiled and blood-stained, and, worse than all, +insulted dignity. Therefore he made haste to leave a company so +unappreciative, and destitute of sympathy. To Effingston, the thought +that against his better judgment he had been drawn into a public +brawl, caused his face to glow with passion, and his desire to leave +the locality was not less than that of the other. The lookers on, +finding their sport ended, did not follow, but took themselves to +other ways, and the two gentlemen, who had hurried blindly, without +attention or knowledge as to direction, soon found themselves in a +quiet street somewhat remote from the neighborhood which had witnessed +Sir Thomas Winter's discomfiture. + +"My Lord of Effingston!" cried he, as he gathered together his +disturbed senses, noting the presence of his companion. "Thou hast +grievously insulted me, therefore----" + +"When thou wilt!" the Viscount interrupted. "My sword is ever at thy +service." + +"'Tis well!" said Winter, drawing his cloak about him; "one hour from +now in the garden of Thomas Percy, whom, methinks, is known to thee. +Yet if thou dost fear----" + +Effingston shrugged his shoulders. "In Sir Percy's garden," repeated +he haughtily, and turning upon his heel left Sir Thomas in the +roadway. + +The garden of the official dwelling occupied by the +Gentleman-Pensioner consisted of perhaps a quarter of an acre of +sward, fringed by a sorry row of leafless trees, and surrounded by a +high wall, beyond the top of which shone the metal gables of half a +score of straight-backed dwellings. 'Twas no uncommon thing for the +parties to a dispute to settle the same by force of arms, but they +carried on the affair with all secrecy, lest the report thereof reach +the ears of those in authority, as it was contrary to the King's wish +that a private quarrel should end in the killing of an English +gentleman. Such being the fact, those gardens which adjoined the +houses of certain nobles, and by reason of their privacy precluded the +presence of prying eyes, were oft turned into duelling grounds, and +the square of sward flanking the dwelling of Thomas Percy was well +adapted for a contest in which the evenness of the ground, as well as +others matters, was of much consequence to the combatants. + +To this garden the Viscount Effingston, accompanied by Sir Francis +Tillinghurst and another, who bore beneath his cloak a case of +instruments, presented himself at the hour appointed for his meeting +with Sir Thomas Winter. Having gained admittance by a gate set in the +wall, the three found awaiting them, Sir Thomas, my Lord of Rookwood, +the Gentleman-Pensioner and a surgeon summoned by the latter to look +to the welfare of the challenger. + +As the gate clicked behind the Viscount and his companions, Lord +Rookwood, who was in close converse with the others at the further +side of the garden, advanced haughtily, bowing to Sir Francis, whom he +perceived represented the interests of the young nobleman. The two, +withdrawing from the others, made haste to arrange the preliminaries +of the meeting. + +"Thy promptness is most commendable," said Rookwood, casting a look +upward at the cold gray of the sky, "and 'twere well that our +principals do quickly that which has brought them hither. Methinks a +storm is brewing, and a fall of snow might end the matter illy." + +A few white flakes upon his doublet bore witness to the correctness of +his prophecy. Sir Francis bowed assent. + +"Thou canst perceive," continued Rookwood, pointing to the strip of +sward, "that good Thomas Percy has had a care to have no element of +fairness lacking. Hast any objection to the spot chosen?" + +"I can see no catch or fault in it," replied Tillinghurst, casting his +eyes over the ground, "the light is good, and there seemeth to be no +advantage in position." + +"'Tis well!" said Rookwood, "wilt measure swords that the contest be +in all fairness?" + +Tillinghurst complied, and the principals, casting aside their +cloaks, stepped forward to the strip of sward prepared for them. + +The demeanor of the Viscount was serious; he well knew that in Sir +Thomas Winter he had no unskilled swordsman, but a man of much +experience, with wrist of steel, and a trick of fence acquired by long +practice in foreign service. The face of Winter was darkened by a +frown in which was blended a shadow of anxiety. The Lord of Monteagle +was a famous swordsman, and it might well be that the son had learned +from a good master. + +"Gentlemen, are you ready?" cried Rookwood drawing his rapier, as also +did Sir Francis, that they might interfere should need arise. + +The principals saluted, stood at guard, and awaited the signal; when +it was given, their blades crossed with a clash which rang out sharp +and clear on the cold winter air. + +The hate and jealousy with which Winter regarded his young rival were +intensified by the tingling blow dealt him an hour before, and from +which he still suffered,--and as he was confident beyond doubt of his +skill as a swordsman, he attacked with a fury which pressed his +younger adversary back toward the wall, and those witnessing the +contest thought to see Effingston speedily thrust through. + +The Viscount was, however, too adroit a fencer to yield readily to +such a fate. Careful, at first, only to defend himself, he met each +thrust and pass with a parry which deepened the frown on Winter's +brow, and having retreated to the edge of the duelling ground, he +there held his position despite the fierceness of the onslaught. + +Suddenly Winter's blade darted serpent-like beneath the guard of his +adversary. A red stain appeared on Effingston's shoulder, and the +seconds interposed their swords. + +The Viscount waved them back, as also he did the surgeon, who hastened +to perform his office. + +"'Tis a touch only," said he hoarsely, breathing heavily, "on guard, +sir, that we may finish quickly." + +And now their positions were reversed. Instead of acting on the +defensive, Effingston in turn became the assailant, regaining his lost +ground, and forcing Sir Thomas back, step by step. + +Maddened at thus losing vantage ground Winter's calmness failed him; +he made a sudden thrust forward, and it being parried, lost his +footing, the blade of his rapier ringing against the hilt of the other +ere he could regain guard. + +A cry arose to the lips of Rookwood, for he thought the other would +show no mercy; but before he could utter a sound, Effingston, with a +quick turn of the wrist, sent the opposing sword ringing to the +ground, leaving his enemy weaponless before him. + +For an instant Winter recoiled as if in fear of the thrust which he +was now powerless to avert. A scornful smile passed over the pale +features of the victor. + +"'Tis thus I would deal with such as thou," said he haughtily, and, +pushing his sword into its scabbard, he took up Sir Thomas' rapier, +and breaking it across his knee, tossed the pieces contemptuously +aside. + +"Come!" said he as his second threw a cloak about him. "Our matters +are ended." Then saluting with grave courtesy the four Catholic +gentlemen, he left the garden, followed by his companions. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +GARNET AND THE KING. + + +Toward the decline of the tenth day following the meeting of +Viscount Effingston and Sir Thomas Winter in the garden of the +Gentleman-Pensioner, four men might have been seen riding through one +of the stretches of woodland used by the King as a hunting ground and +known as the forest of Waltham. Although light still lingered, a gloom +was gathering over the countryside, and within the precincts of the +forest the first shades of evening warned the horsemen that ere many +hours the cheerless twilight which prevailed in England at that period +of the year, would find them outside the gates of London. + +Of the four, three were gentlemen; the other seemed to be more a +soldier than a cavalier. The trappings of his horse were less rich +than those of his companions, the texture of his cloak was of poorer +quality, and he bestrode the saddle after the manner of one inured to +rough riding, when business took precedence of pleasure, a custom not +commonly followed among the gentry of the kingdom. His companions were +so muffled in their cloaks as to hide both dress and features. Each +wore at his side a long rapier, and from their holsters appeared the +metal-marked butts of pistols, ready to hand should sudden danger +assail them. + +After passing through the outskirts of the forest bordering on the +north, the horses were urged into a gallop, the sharp ring of their +hoofs on the frost-hardened road echoing dully among the trees on +either side. As they entered the thickest part of the wood, one, +riding in the rear, turned to his companion. + +"Thou seest," said he, pointing with his whip toward the forest on the +left, "that our lord, the King, hath reserved for his own pleasure a +goodly bit of woodland within which none may venture with hounds or +hunting horns." + +"Such a rumor hath come to me," replied the other, "also that any +venturing within the royal chase will be dealt with most vigorously." + +His companion laughed harshly. "Of that," said he, "I was myself a +witness, for 'twas but ten days back when one Charles Burrows, a most +worthy commoner, and a staunch Catholic, was brought before the +magistrates for having shot a hare which crossed his path." + +"I'faith!" muttered the other, "'Tis then the purpose of the King to +carry his oppression even beyond our altars. It seemeth to me a most +fitting thing, Sir Thomas, that the kingdom be rid of such a tyrant." + +"Bravely spoken, Master Fawkes," replied Winter, "and thou wilt be +ready should occasion arise, to protest against our wrongs! But what +now is the trouble with worthy Catesby, and his Reverence?" + +The exclamation was called forth by the action of the two horsemen who +were leading the little cavalcade. They had pulled up their steeds and +appeared to be listening intently, though to the ears of their +companions, who had dropped some ten score paces behind, no sound save +the moaning of the wind could be heard. But as they also drew rein, +and the click of their horses' hoofs ceased, the faint echo of a horn +was borne through the wintry air. + +Drawing together, the four strained their ears to note the direction +whence it came; across the face of one rider stole a shadow of +anxiety. Sir Thomas Winter noted it. + +"I warrant," said he, "that none is abroad who will in any manner +trouble us. 'Tis some hunting party returning from the chase, and +riding toward the highway. What thinkest thou, good Catesby?" + +"Thou mayst have conjectured aright," replied Catesby; "yet, 'twould +be a wise precaution to remain silent, if any seeking to know our +business did beset us. Mayhap even a purple cloak and doublet would +scarce hide from them that the Superior of the----" + +Garnet, for the fourth horseman was the leader of the English Jesuits, +raised his head proudly. + +"A truce, gentlemen!" said he, "'Tis not meet that, having ventured +forth disguised, I play the coward at the simple sounding of a horn. +Let us ride forward as befitteth four peaceable English gentlemen. The +King's highway is free to all who choose to pass thereon, even though +the forest bordering it be reserved for those who have gained the +smile of James." + +"And," said Fawkes, "'tis not the wont of a hunting party to play +highwaymen, the less so that the King, perchance, rideth with it." + +"The King!" cried Winter and Catesby, in a breath. + +"Aye!" replied Fawkes bluntly. "Have ye not told me that the royal +wood of Waltham is reserved for the hunting of his Majesty?" + +His companions exchanged quick glances. "Then, we had best hide +ourselves," cried Winter, "James hath a prying disposition." + +"Methinks," said Garnet, raising his hand to enforce silence, "that +but one horn sounded. If, as thou sayest, it be a hunting party, the +wood would echo with a score of blasts. Shall we run from one man?" + +Fawkes loosened his sword in its scabbard. "I have this," said he, "to +back our presence in the forest, and are ye weaponless?" + +The bluff words of the soldier of fortune put to shame the fears of +the two noblemen, yet they hesitated. Should they be suspected, it +would not be a light matter to evade certain questions which might be +asked, and if taken to London captives, the disguise of the Jesuit +would be penetrated. + +Meanwhile the sound of the horn grew louder, and while wavering in +their decision, a voice, faint and indistinct, was heard shouting afar +off. Fawkes listened attentively. + +"'Tis a cry for succor," said he suddenly, "someone hath lost his way +and seeks the highroad." + +"Then," said Garnet calmly, "we will remain, for he is approaching." + +Perhaps five minutes had elapsed when the blast of the horn sounded as +if in their very ears; and from the forest, only a dozen rods beyond +them, dashed a man mounted on a bay horse. Having reached the open +road he pulled up his beast and looked helplessly in an opposite +direction from the four riders. Suddenly Winter started and changed +color, his face turning from red to white, and back to red again. + +"'Tis the King!" he whispered hoarsely, clutching the arm of Catesby, +who sat beside him. + +It was, in truth, James of England, unattended, his dress awry and +torn by thorns and brambles, with bloodless lips and terror-stricken +countenance, who sat helplessly in the saddle in the presence of his +bitterest enemies. + +As this realization dawned on Catesby's mind, he uttered an +exclamation, and reached for the pistol which protruded from his +holster. + +"'Tis the judgment of God," he muttered; "to-night England will be +without a king." + +The firm grasp of the Jesuit upon his arm checked his murderous +purpose. + +"Stop!" whispered Garnet sternly, "wouldst ruin the cause which thou +hast sworn to befriend? Draw your cloaks about your faces and leave +the King to me." + +Ere they could recover from their astonishment he had ridden forward +to the spot where James sat bewildered, noting not the presence of +those behind him. + +At the sound of hoofs he turned quickly, laying a trembling hand upon +the hilt of a hunting knife which hung at his belt. The demeanor of +the approaching stranger gave him courage. Garnet did not remove from +his head the plumed hat, as was befitting the presence of royalty, but +there was in his face a kindliness which proclaimed his errand a +peaceful one. + +"Good sir," said he, speaking in French, "thy manner shows some +bewilderment, and, may be, the blasts of the horn which reached me +were tokens of it." + +James trembled violently, for at heart he was an arrant coward, and +the being met by a stranger, alone, close to nightfall and in the +forest, filled him with the greatest terror. The words of the other +somewhat reassured him. + +"Brave gentleman!" cried he, still grasping the handle of the knife, +"thou art a man of honor, and by thy speech a Frenchman, therefore +thou wilt aid me." + +"Thou hast spoken truly," replied the Jesuit. "Hast lost thy way?" + +Relieved of apprehension for his personal safety, the King gave vent +to his ill temper. + +"That I have," cried he, striking his knee angrily, "and in the King's +own forest. There are those who shall pay dearly, who shall rue this +hour," he continued passionately. "'Twas a plot to humiliate me." + +"Good sir," replied Garnet, noting that James proposed to conceal his +identity. "Of whom speakest thou?" + +"Of the rogues who accompanied me hither," stormed the son of Mary, +Queen of Scots; "I followed a stag, and having outridden them they +have thus deserted me; 'tis a thing beyond human comprehension." + +"And this," thought Garnet, "this is the King of England, who has +pulled down our altars, driven out our religion and banished us." +Despite all efforts his brow darkened. + +But the ill temper of James subsided as quickly as it had arisen, +leaving him for the time only a man who sought succor, and so made +known his condition. + +It chanced that riding in the forest, taking the lead of those who +accompanied him, he followed the tracks of a stag and became separated +from his companions; whereupon, being confused and terrified, he soon +lost his way. + +Garnet listened patiently, and made no sign that could lead the King +to suspect that his personality was known, then pointed to his +companions, who were sitting motionless upon their horses, with +muffled faces, awaiting the result of the Jesuit's unexpected action. + +"Good sir," said he, "it will give me pleasure to conduct thee to the +outskirts of the forest, after which, the road being plain, thou canst +easily find thy way to the gates of London. Yonder servants of mine +will ride behind us." + +James gladly accepted the other's offer, nor did it please him that +the supposed Frenchman should learn he was assisting the sovereign of +England. Pride and distrust governed him. Pride, lest a foreigner +should bear away the tale of a king's discomfiture; distrust, lest, +holding in his power so important a personage, the stranger might take +advantage thereof for his own benefit. But it was not in the mind of +Garnet to reveal his knowledge; so, side by side they rode in +silence--the Jesuit and the King--for the space of an hour, until, +upon reaching the vicinity of London, whose lights twinkled in the +distance, they separated, James galloping madly on, his companion +awaiting the approach of Winter, Fawkes and Catesby. + +There was much amazement and some anger in the minds of the two +noblemen, that the priest had acted in so unaccountable a manner. +Desirous of learning his motive for befriending one whom he professed +to hate, they questioned him upon the subject. To all, Garnet replied +briefly, bidding them wait a more befitting time, as it was his +purpose, on reaching London to attend a meeting at the house of Sir +Thomas Percy. Therefore they rode on in silence, the great clock in +the tower of St. Paul's chiming the hour of eight as they passed into +the city. + +At the corner of the street leading to the Gentleman-Pensioner's door +a horseman confronted them whom they recognized as Percy himself. He +had been waiting for them in an angle of the wall to say that certain +officials having gathered at his house for the discussion of public +business it would be unsafe to proceed thither. + +"Then is the night lost," said Catesby impatiently, "for, although +the Holy Father be provided with a hiding place within the city, and +will, perchance, remain among us for the space of two days, much +weighty business besides long disputations, require his attention. +Thou shouldst have seen to it, Master Percy, that thy house was free +from the hirelings of the King." Percy would have replied in anger, +but Sir Thomas Winter interrupted: + +"Friend Guido, thou hast a dwelling in a quiet portion of the town, +where perchance we might sit together for the discussion of such +things as now concern us." + +Fawkes, who had scarcely spoken since meeting with the King in the +forest, acquiesced in this proposition, although the thought of his +daughter, the smallness of his house, and the nature of the conference +caused some conflict in his mind. Yet, having resolved to serve the +cause which he held so dear, his scruples speedily vanished, the more +so that 'twas Sir Thomas Winter who requested the favor. + +This matter being so quickly decided, Fawkes became the guide of the +party, and turning into a narrow street which ended in a lane running +behind his house, straightway brought his companions to their +destination. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE FORGING OF THE THUNDERBOLT. + + +Upon reaching the gate which opened from the garden of his dwelling +into the lane, Fawkes signaled his four companions to secure their +horses and follow him. Having complied, he led them through the +garden, unlocked the door and bade them enter. + +"Faith!" whispered Catesby, pressing Garnet's elbow, "friend Guido +doth seem over cautious in leading us about so secretly." + +"Not so!" replied the Jesuit, "'tis a gift born of much experience in +a country where the careless rattle of a scabbard may lead to most +serious results. But it is in my mind as in thine, that being peaceful +gentlemen who have rendered some slight service to his Majesty the +King, we might act with more boldness; yet caution is a jewel which, +once attained, should not be lightly cast aside, and Master Fawkes +doth cling to it." + +The voice of the soldier of fortune bidding them come on precluded the +reply which arose to Catesby's lips, and crossing a narrow hall the +horsemen entered a room whose cheerful brightness contrasted +pleasantly with the darkness of the passage into which they had been +ushered. + +After assisting his guests to remove their mantles, Fawkes placed +before them cups and wine, added a fresh fagot to the fire, and turned +to Sir Thomas Winter. + +"My lord!" said he, "I pray thee attend to the comfort of these +gentlemen till I return. 'Tis my custom to inspect the house before +retiring, lest any be astir, and to-night I deem it doubly prudent." + +"And who hast thou in the house, good Guido?" asked Garnet blandly; +"no one, I trust, who will interrupt our conversation?" + +Fawkes laughed softly. "None are within," replied he, "except my old +mother, who, were she to stand beside yon fireplace, would scarce note +the meaning of our discourse; and my daughter, a loyal Catholic, yet, +being a maid, and gifted with a woman's curiosity, it might be her +pleasure to seek the meaning of so rare a gathering beneath my roof." + +Garnet nodded approvingly. That he had come to London in disguise had +filled him with some apprehension, and the cautiousness of his host +quieted his fears. + +"Thy cavalier is indeed a man of much promise," said he to Winter, +after the soldier left the room, "and I warrant that none will venture +to disturb us. Hast sounded him thoroughly upon religious matters?" + +"Thou shalt see," replied Sir Thomas. "If the zeal of each Catholic in +England reached but to the half of his loyalty to the holy cause, +there would scarce be need that a father of the Church don plumed hat +and rapier." + +Fawkes, in the meantime, had betaken himself to the upper floor of the +house, where was situate his daughter's chamber. There was no fear in +his mind that his aged mother would note the arrival of his guests, +for 'twas her custom to retire at sundown by reason of infirmities; +but about his daughter there arose some apprehension. He felt sure +that no words which, by chance, might reach her ear would be carried +further, yet, 'twas against his wish that anything should add to her +disquietude. + +Coming to the door of her room, which was directly above that +occupied by the four friends, he listened intently, and hearing no +sound within, softly turned the knob and peered into the apartment. +The light of the full moon shining through the window, revealed to him +the interior bathed in a mellow radiance. No sound greeted his ear +save the crackling of the fagots in the huge fireplace below, and the +faint murmur of the voices of his guests. He paused,--a hundred +conflicting emotions filling his breast. The sight of the curtained +bed standing in an angle of the wall drew his attention. He pushed the +door yet further open, and holding his scabbard that its rattle might +not disturb the sleeper, slipped across the threshold and approaching +noiselessly, parted the hangings and looked down. + +The maid was lying with her face turned full upon him, her cheek +resting upon one white, rounded arm. In the weird moonlight her pale +beauty startled him, and almost unconsciously, he stretched forth his +hand to touch her. His fingers, resting lightly upon the counterpane, +came in contact with something cold; it caused a shudder to pass +through him, a nameless terror, and for an instant he forgot the four +men waiting in the room below. Bending lower, his eyes rested upon the +object which had so startled him. 'Twas a silver crucifix which had +fallen from the sleeper's fingers, and lay upon her breast. At the +sight great emotion and agitation swept through his heart, rough +soldier though he was; for the moment he was well nigh overpowered. +The silence of the chamber, the white face so near his own, and the +emblem of his faith placed unconsciously upon the breast of the +beloved one who lay there, filled him with superstitious awe. 'Twas +thus the dead slept, ere they were carried to the grave. + +A movement of the white arm broke the influence of the spell. The girl +turned uneasily, a few incoherent words escaping her lips. Fawkes drew +back noiselessly. "She sleeps!" he muttered, and passing from the +room, closed the door softly, and descended to those who awaited him +below. + +Scarce had his footsteps ceased to echo on the stairs, when Elinor +awoke. Though wrapped in deep slumber, that inexplicable mystery, a +consciousness that she was not alone, startled her. Sitting upright, +her eyes fell upon an object lying at the side of the bed; a doe-skin +gauntlet which she recognized as belonging to her father. + +Surprised that he should thus have entered her chamber, a feeling of +alarm possessed her. The crackling of the fire in the room below, the +tell-tale glove upon the floor, and the faint murmur which she felt +assured must be the voices of men engaged in earnest conversation, +aroused her apprehension as well as her curiosity, and it seemed no +ill thing that she should discover the meaning of so unusual an +occurrence, for their dwelling was situated in a quiet part of London +and 'twas not the wont of any to visit it at such an hour. Then, the +thought came to her that perhaps certain companions of her father, +rough soldiers like himself, had come together to partake of his +hospitality. Calmed for the moment, she would have sought sleep again, +had not a sentence, uttered with clear distinctness, reached her ear. + +"Ah, good Master Fawkes! Thou hast found all quiet, and thy household +sleeping soundly?" + +The intonation of the question startled her. Why should her father +seek to learn whether she slept or not? Surely in the meeting of a few +boon companions over a flask of wine, such precaution was not +necessary. Not delaying for further meditation, she slipped out of +bed, and crept noiselessly to that side of the room against which +arose the huge brick chimney above the fireplace below. Through the +space between the flooring and the masonry, a glare of light came up +to her as well as the voices of those beneath. Crouching against the +warm bricks she listened, unmindful of the cold and her equivocal +position. + +The assurance which Fawkes gave to his companions that the house was +quiet, and none would interrupt them, removed the reserve which each +had hitherto felt. Time was indeed precious, for Garnet desired to +return ere daybreak to his hiding place, lest any should perceive +that, lying beneath the doublet of a cavalier, was the insignia of a +churchman, a discovery upon which great misfortune might follow. 'Twas +with scant preliminaries, therefore, that Catesby, ever foremost in +zeal, boldness and assurance, addressed his companions. + +"Methinks," said he, turning to the Jesuit, "that in thy wisdom thou +must have perceived something to our benefit in saving James of +Scotland from my bullet. Yet, to me it did appear that the Lord gave +him into our power." + +A shadow of impatience darkened the priest's brow, but in an instant +his features resumed their accustomed mildness. + +"My son!" he replied, "it would have been an ill thing to slay our +master after the manner of paid assassins. 'Twas in thy heart to kill +the King; what then?" + +Catesby bit his lip. That there lay some weighty reason in the mind of +the Superior for his unexpected friendliness to James, he +comprehended, but his spirit, unused to restraint, and darkened by +adversity, illy brooked opposition. + +"What then?" replied he, in answer to Garnet's question. "'Twould have +rid the kingdom of a tyrant, and our faith of its bitterest enemy." + +The Jesuit smiled sadly. "As thou hast spoken," said he, "the King +would be dead, and trouble us no more, but what of the Parliament? Is +it then James alone who distresses us?" + +"Methinks," broke in Percy, "that our worthy father hath put it to us +wisely. Did the Scot lose his life, another would arise in his place, +and the suspicions of the authorities awakened, there would be no +peace in England for a Catholic." + +"'Tis even so," said Garnet; "the killing of one man, though he be the +King, can scarce better our situation. What then, thou wouldst ask, +shall be done to lighten our condition? We must lull into a feeling of +security those who press hard upon us, that, when the sky seems +clearest the bolt may fall and the stroke be the more scathing. Brave +Guido here will tell thee that in that country where plots are +thickest, 'tis false security which most often leads the victim to +destruction. It may be, and doubtless is in the King's mind, and also +in that of his Parliament, that the quietness of the Catholics for so +long a time indicates continued subserviency, and not a gathering of +forces to strike against their tyranny. In certain lands there are +desert places where travelers have perished because the storm king hid +his face until the hour for overwhelming destruction sounded. Thinkest +thou that had the murmur of his coming reached their ears they would +not have taken warning and sought a place of safety? 'Tis so in +England. Had the King been shot, the news would have stirred the +kingdom from Berwick unto Dover. What then of our plans and secret +plottings, when each man who worshiped at our altars appeared a +traitor? It hath always been my firm conviction and unvarying counsel +that any blow must be far reaching; not James alone, but others +besides must fall, to give us any vantage ground." + +A moment of silence followed Garnet's words. Percy first replied: +"'Tis a storm of extreme fury and sudden change of wind which +overcomes a vessel. Who then will bring about the hurricane which +shall wreck the ship of State?" + +During the Jesuit's address Sir Thomas Winter sat immovable, his eyes +fixed upon the fire and his brow contracted in deep thought. As Percy +finished he turned suddenly to Fawkes. + +"Friend Guido," said he smoothly, "thou art a man of many resources; +perchance in Spain thou hast learned something a suggestion of which +will now aid us. Thou perceiveth our condition." + +Fawkes turned his gaze moodily upon the embers. Half unconsciously his +fingers had been toying with a powder flask lying on the table before +him, and a small portion of its contents had fallen into his palm. He +tossed the black grains into the fire, where they flashed for an +instant, sending a pungent ball of white smoke into the room. 'Twas as +though the craftiness of Satan had shown to him the embryo of the +hurricane. + +"In Spain," replied he grimly, "there are many ways to overthrow a +tyrant; in England, as the Holy Father saith, 'twill need more +caution. Once upon a time the captain of a fighting vessel, fearing to +fall into the hands of those who would destroy his ship and put the +crew to torture, himself applied the fire to the magazine, it being +filled with powder, and ten score men perished in a twinkling." + +His companions were startled, for the meaning of his words was clear +to them. As by a flash of light a way seemed to open which, if +followed, would lead to the fulfillment of their purpose. Catesby +leaned forward. + +"But if it fail, friend Guido?" he whispered hoarsely. "What then?" + +"Then!" cried Fawkes, turning to the Jesuit, "I will kill the +King,--if need be even without help! For what then would remain to +us?" + +Garnet replied nothing. The words of the soldier of fortune startled +him. Instantly he saw the meaning of the plan which Fawkes had +formed;--a plan which, if once entered upon, would be carried out by +him with all the zeal of a fanatic. The fiendishness of it, while it +roused his admiration of the man's ingenuity, made him shudder; for +'twas not thus men struck in England. + +"Come!" said he rising, "'tis close upon midnight, and the ride was +wearisome. Thy words have taken strong hold upon me, good Guido, and I +need a season of prayer and meditation to gain better understanding in +this matter. My cloak, therefore, that I may leave thee." + +Obedient to his wishes the others hastened their preparations for +departure, and in silence Fawkes led them through the passage to the +door by which they had entered his dwelling. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +THE WAY OF THE WORLD. + + +On hearing the sounds which indicated the departure of those in the +room beneath, Elinor arose from her cramped position and noiselessly +crept to the window. In the moonlit garden she could distinguish the +figures of four men going in the direction of the lane at the back of +the house. One she recognized as Sir Thomas Winter; the others were +unknown to her. But in a moment she heard her father's voice as he +uttered a warning to the horsemen: "Mind the ditch, Lord Percy! Sir +Catesby, keep well to the left!" + +Then Fawkes closed the door, and she could hear his movements as he +went about extinguishing the lights. His footsteps sounded on the +stairs. If by chance he came into the chamber and found her awake and +up, what then? He would readily surmise how much it had been possible +for her to hear. Once in his anger, she remembered, he had valued her +life but cheaply;--within two short hours Elinor had learned to look +upon her father with terror, almost with dread; those words of his +rang in her ears: "I will kill the King if need be, even without +help!" + +The footsteps approached her room. What was she to do? It was too late +to gain the bed and feign slumber, for the creaking of a loose board +would certainly attract his attention. She hoped the door was secured, +but had no recollection of locking it. At last he had gained the +passage; now he was before her room and placed his hand upon the +latch; it was not locked, for the door opened. The man peered in +through the crevice and gazed in her direction. How her heart +throbbed, shaking her whole body, and sending the blood through her +veins with a sound which she feared he would hear. She thanked God +that the moon shone directly through the window and her position was +well out of its rays. He evidently did not see the girl, for after a +scrutiny of the bed, which stood well in the shadow, and a muttered, +"Safe, safe enough; all safe," he closed the door and passed down the +corridor. + +Elinor for a moment stood listening to the retreating footsteps; then +sank into a chair, exhausted by the strain of the last few moments, +and tried to gather her scattered thoughts. With woman's intuition she +quickly grasped the enormity of all she had overheard, comprehending +that high treason and wholesale murder had been planned; but the +hardest truth for her to realize was that her father, whom she had +always trusted and looked upon as the embodiment of honor and +uprightness, was the foremost to suggest and even offer to carry out +the fearful deed. "I will kill the King, if need be, even without +help:" the awful sentence seemed to be repeated over and over again by +the rustling night wind. Her first impulse was to save him from the +consequences of such an act. Were not the names of Moore and Essex +familiar to her? And what was their fate for even a suspected treason? +Her hysterical imagination placed vividly before her the head of the +father she loved, lying bleeding in that patch of moonlight on the +floor. + +But what could she do in her weakness? Go to her father and beseech +him that, for love of her, he would take no part in this terrible +crime? That would accomplish nothing, for she knew him to be one whom +naught could turn from a deed he once undertook and looked upon as +justified. And now the most passionate fanaticism had seized +him--fanaticism of the most dangerous kind, born of wrongs done to his +faith. To whom could she turn for aid? She knew but one who, perhaps, +had some influence over Fawkes' stubborn mind. However, was not this +very one as deep in the treason as her father? Winter! The name caused +a shudder, bringing to mind that terrible morning ten days past. +Winter! She must then seek help from him; her hopes clung only to a +straw; nevertheless she would go and beg, if need be, even upon bended +knee, that he would persuade her father to relinquish this terrible +purpose. Yes, now was the time to act, for she feared in her +indefinite terror that the morrow might be too late. + +Quickly seizing a cloak and throwing it about her, Elinor crept toward +the door and listened. The place was dark, and quiet as the grave. +Swiftly she descended the stairs, then groped her way to the door and +tried to withdraw the bolts. Would they never yield to her efforts? At +last they slipped with a sound which echoed through the house. The +girl paused, expecting to hear her father's voice, but the silence was +unbroken. In a moment she was out in the moonlit street. How quiet and +serene everything appeared. How in contrast to the tumult of her +feelings. As she stood, the great bell of St. Paul's boomingly tolled +out the hour--twelve o'clock. + +"He must," she whispered to herself, "he must be home ere now, but +what will he think of my coming to him at this time?" She tried to +thrust this thought aside, and to gain repose of mind by walking more +swiftly. + +Arrived before Winter's residence, and trying the wicket at the +entrance she found it yielded to her touch. The girl beheld a stream +of light coming from between the curtains of a window on the second +floor. The master of the house was then within. Quickly Elinor passed +up the walk and stood before the door. As she raised the knocker her +resolution almost gave way. What was she about to tell Winter. That +she, a girl, was possessed of this terrible secret! + +Suddenly came to her memory the dreadful words connecting this man's +name with hers. She thought of the few times when they had been +together; how eager he had seemed to be near her; with what a +trembling clasp he had carried her fingers to his lips and imprinted +upon them kisses which burned themselves into the very flesh. And now +she was about to face him in the dead of night--and alone! Her fingers +relaxed their hold. "Courage, courage," she murmured; and quickly +laying hold of the knocker again, she smote thrice upon the panel and +listened. There soon fell upon her ear the sound of some one coming in +answer to her summons. The door opened and a sleepy servant stood +regarding her with an air of no small astonishment. + +"Is thy master at home?" she inquired, in a voice which, in spite of +her efforts, trembled. + +"That he is, young miss, but what wouldst thou with him at this late +hour? He hath but just returned from a journey, and is sore weary. +Canst thou not wait until the morning?" + +"I must see him at once; 'tis on the most urgent business." + +The hour, coupled with the fairness of the visitor, seemed to fill the +servant with surprise, for he stood a moment looking at her, then +replied: + +"If thou wilt step inside, mistress, I'll inform Sir Winter that there +be someone who wishes to hold converse with him, and perchance," he +added with a meaning smile, "he'll not be so badly put out after all. +What name shall I bear to him? It may be one," he continued +significantly, "which would soon draw any bolt Sir Thomas might have +shot." + +"No name is necessary," she answered, looking at the man and pointing +with her finger. "I seek thy master and come not to parley with his +menial. Go! Say a lady would speak with him." + +The servant read in the girl's eye a look which seemed to brook +neither delay nor familiarity, for he turned and went along the +passage and up the stairway. + +As Elinor waited, the utter hopelessness of her mission broke full +upon her, but it was now too late to draw back from her hasty act; the +voice of Winter could be heard exclaiming with a laugh: + +"What, a lady to see me at this hour? Troth, I am fatigued, but never +so weary that I cannot look upon a fair face. Admit her." + +A door opened and closed; the servant reappeared and beckoned her. +"Sir Thomas will see thee; 'tis the third portal from the landing," he +said, pointing up the stairs leading to the floor above. + +As Elinor followed the directions given, she endeavored to frame some +fitting sentence with which to begin her interview, but her agitation +was too great; she could think of none. Arriving before the door she +tapped with her fingers upon the panel. + +"Enter, my pretty one," cried a voice. "Thou hast already been +announced." + +She stepped within the chamber. Winter sat with his back toward the +entrance facing a table upon which stood a flagon of wine. As the door +closed he turned, and to her horror Elinor saw that he was flushed +with strong drink. + +"What? Elinor?" exclaimed Winter, in astonishment, rising from the +chair with such haste that it was overturned and fell with a clatter +to the floor. "I crave thy pardon, Mistress Fawkes," he continued with +a bow, mastering his surprise. "Thy sudden entrance caused my tongue +to utter the name that ever dwells within my heart. Pray tell me to +what happy circumstance am I indebted for the honor of this visit? I +would know the same that I may render homage to it." + +Elinor stood speechless, filled with abhorrence and dread. All her +bravery could scarce keep her from flying out of the room. She +endeavored to fix her mind on the purpose which had brought her here, +and so find courage. At last desperation gave her voice and she began +hurriedly: + +"I know that thou and others were at my father's house this night. I +was not asleep as ye all supposed, and have come to beg, to beseech, +pray, that my father be released from this terrible treason which hath +been talked of. Thou wert the only one to whom I could turn for aid--I +trust to thy goodness, to thy noble nature;--for the love of God tell +me not that I come in vain. See--see," she cried hysterically, her +self control gone and falling upon her knees. "I kneel before thee to +crave this boon." + +At her first words Winter started as if a pike had been thrust into +his side. On his face was written blank astonishment, which +expression, as she proceeded, gave way to one of abject fear. It would +have been difficult to say which of the two was the more agitated. He +dashed a hand to his brow as if to drive away the fumes of liquor +which had mounted to his brain; looked at the kneeling figure; gazed +on the tapers burning upon the table; and tried to form some words of +reply. At last, with an effort at composure, and endeavoring to force +a laugh past his dry lips, he said: + +"What silly tale is this thou utterest. I have not been----" + +"Nay," the girl broke in wildly, "'tis useless for thee to say so. My +eyes and ears did not deceive me. Would to heaven they had and it were +only some mad dream which fills my brain." + +"Then--then--thou hast played the spy," hissed Winter, in sudden anger +born of drink and fear. "Dost know to what thou hast listened? Has +aught of it passed thy lips? Speak!" he cried furiously, seizing the +girl's arm and glaring at her in drunken rage. "Nay; then thou didst +not, and 'tis well; for if thy lips had breathed one word these hands +of mine would choke from out thy body its sweet breath." He +relinquished his hold, and turning toward the table hurriedly drained +a cup of wine. + +Elinor, spellbound with terror at his outburst of fury, stood rooted +to the spot. She realized the madness of her words, seeing plainly +that the man's condition was one which made both prayers and +entreaties useless. Again he filled a cup and dashed it off. What his +state would be in a few moments she dared not think. His back was +toward her; now was her chance to escape! Slowly the girl edged her +way toward the entrance. At last she reached it; her hand groped +behind the curtain for the knob; it turned, but to her horror, she +discovered the door was securely fastened. + +A laugh greeted her from the table. "What, surely, Mistress +Fawkes--nay, by my troth, Mistress Fawkes it shall be no more, for +'tis too cold a title; therefore, Pretty Elinor--wouldst leave me, and +thy errand but half done? I swear thy words did at first affright; but +see, this good wine," he continued, advancing toward her unsteadily, +"hath taught me wisdom, and this I know, our secret once hid in thy +fair breast, could ne'er be driven forth, even if thou wished, as 'tis +too warm a resting place for it to relinquish. Why dost thou shrink +from me? Dost know," he added, a fierce gleam coming into his eyes, "I +would try to pluck great Saturn from the heavens if thou wished to +gird about thy waist his rings? Aye, and would give my soul for a kiss +from thy warm lips, thinking my soul well sold. Elinor!" he exclaimed, +in a husky voice, "hast thou never read my passion for thee? 'Tis +written----" + +"Then!" cried the girl, "think upon that love and for God's sake let +me hence." + +"What? Is my love so beggarly a thing that the only answer deigned to +its utterance is a scurvy request to get beyond its hearing? Nay, I +have looked upon thy frozen greetings long enough, and they, I tell +thee, have poorly matched my ardor. Listen! Thou dost wish to go?" he +questioned, placing himself before the door and holding to the +curtains for support. "Well, I will ask but cheap recompense for the +loss of thy fair company. 'Tis a kiss from thy red lips; what sayest +thou?" + +"And thou dost call thyself a gentleman!" exclaimed Elinor looking at +him with scorn, her fear in a measure giving place to indignation at +the insolent and shameless words. "Let me depart, I say--nay, I +command thee." + +"Ha! ha! Thou, I think, art carrying thyself loftily. 'Command!'" he +repeated with a laugh. "Nay, marry! Here thou wilt stay until them +thinkest thy going worth the price. And while thou dost meditate upon +it I will drink to thy health." He staggered toward the table and +refilled the cup. + +Elinor glanced about the room seeking some possible avenue of escape. +Her eyes rested upon the portieres in front of the window; she moved +toward them, but as her dress rustled Winter turned at the sound. + +"Aye, walk the room, my pretty one; thou wilt find thy cage well +barred. But enough of this," he continued, approaching her, "we do but +delay. Thou didst ask thy father's release from his compact. Well, he +shall be set free, but thou must recompense--not in coin, not in some +heavy muttered penance, but by thy beauty." He caught the girl in his +arms and whispered in her ear. Then the indignities which had been +heaped upon her gave strength to her arm. No sooner had his drunken +tongue uttered the sentence than she smote with all her might the face +gazing into hers. The blow for a moment staggered the man and he +released his hold; in that instant of freedom Elinor sprang toward the +window, dashing the curtains aside. + +"Stand back!" she cried, as he made a step toward her, his face purple +with rage, "and for thy wicked words ask forgiveness from heaven ere +it blast thee. Where is thy religion, where thy manhood, thou beast? +Aye, beast is too good a term for such as thee, for they respect the +sex--even the stag will not goad the doe. I fear thee not; move from +where thou art and by the God who heard thy wicked words I'll cry thy +infamy and treason in a voice which shall 'rouse all London, and wake +the sleepy headsman to grind the axe. Now, I fear thee not!" + +For a moment Winter paused, looking at the girl. Then his quick wit, +no longer dulled by the wine which had blinded him to the consequences +of the words he had uttered, came to his aid, and he replied: + +"What? And lay thy father's head, as well as mine, upon the block?" + +The curtain dropped from the girl's hand; she staggered, catching it +for support; then quickly recovered herself and with determination +flashing from her eyes exclaimed: "Nay, then, I will not cry thy +treason; my tongue is mute. But stir one foot and I leap from off the +balcony, gladly embracing the cold stones beneath, rather than suffer +a touch from thy guilty hands." + +"Come! Come!" said Winter, baffled by her words and spirit; "I'll not +harm thee. I was but heated by the wine. Thou mayst depart in peace." + +"I put no faith in thy words," said Elinor, still standing by the +casement, "for thou hast taught me how far one who calls himself a man +may be trusted. Go thou and unbar the door," pointing imperiously with +her hand; "then take thyself to the further end of the chamber and +there stand." + +Winter hesitated, but even his dulled faculties recognized the +superiority of the girl's position, and he sullenly complied with her +request. Not until he had retired to the extreme end of the room did +Elinor leave her place. Then, she quickly fled into the corridor. +Winter remained for a moment where he was and, mad with drunken rage +when the closing of the outer door announced the escape of his victim, +exclaimed: "Aye, thou hast outwitted me for a moment; but thy victory +is not for long. I shall hold the laurel and also thee before +daybreak." Then, staggering into the hall, he shouted: "Richard! +Richard!" + +A man appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "Come! Stir thy scurvy +legs; didst see the woman who this moment left me? Follow, and when at +a place thou deemest fit, throw this heavy mantle about her, and bring +her to me. She will struggle, I trow; but thou knowest the remedy. +Tarry not; go swiftly, or she will escape." + +At last Elinor was in the street, and, dazed for a moment by her +sudden release from the peril in which she had just stood, with a +terrified look over her shoulder--half fearing to see a staggering +figure in pursuit, she fled in the direction of her home. But what +form is this which glides from out the gate, and catching sight of the +girl hurries in the direction she has taken? Like some evil phantom it +moves, noiselessly and swiftly, ever keeping well in the shadows. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +WHAT THE MOON SAW. + + +But what of Fawkes? Did any gloomy thoughts disturb his rest? Did the +shadow of the axe or gibbet fall athwart his dreams? If not, why turns +he so uneasily in his slumber and at last awakes? + +"Sleep sets ill upon me," he mutters, drawing a hand across his brow. +In a moment he arose, hastily dressed himself, walked toward the +window, opened it and gazed upon the night. Does some subtle bond of +sympathy exist between him and the girl who is now in peril of +death--or worse? It would seem so, for standing beside the casement, +he exclaims: + +"Am I a sickly child, or puny infant, that I awake, frightened by +silly visions which war with sleep, and murder it ere 'tis fairly +born? Troth!" he continued, with knitted brows, "'twas strange my +fancy painted such a picture." + +He stood for a moment wrapped in thought, then added, shaking his head +as though unable to thrust aside the memories which troubled him: + +"By the blessed Virgin! a most vivid dream. How she held her arms out +to me, yet her lips were mute. Aye, and the eyes--the dumb horror +written in them, as if beholding a specter which blanched the face and +fettered the limbs. I believe," he added with a sudden resolution, +"'tis a woman's trick, but I would fain see her face ere I rest +again." + +He stepped out into the corridor, proceeded in the direction of his +daughter's room, and softly entering, advanced toward the bed. + +"Not here!" exclaimed he, beholding the empty couch. "Nay, thou canst +not frighten me," he continued with a forced laugh, gazing about. +"Come, show thyself; 'twas a merry jest, but let's have it done." + +He paused; still no answer to his summons. "Elinor," he again called, +a shadow of anxiety in his tone. "What means it that she is nowhere +within hearing?" + +He quickly retraced his steps, passed down the stairs and tried the +hall door. It was unbarred, and opened to his touch. + +"By heaven!" he exclaimed, "I could swear I shot those bolts before +going to rest, and now they are drawn." + +He stood anxiously looking out upon the star-lit night. His eyes +wandered to the doorstep, and discerned upon its covering of frost the +imprint of a small foot. + +He stooped to examine the impression and hurriedly arose. "She has +indeed left the house," he cried. "What can have taken the maiden out +of doors at this hour of the night?--some secret tryst? Nay, I do but +jest; she's not the kind to go a-courting after the moon is up. +Mayhap," he continued, meditating a moment, "a neighbor was stricken +ill and they have summoned Elinor to lend her gentle aid. Marry," +added he in a relieved tone, on finding a plausible excuse for his +daughter's absence, "I do recollect Master Carew's woman was soon +expected to add one more trouble to her husband's household. It is +most likely that she went there. 'Tis a dark way to travel, and I will +give her a surprise. While thinking a lonely walk lies before her, +Elinor will find an old but devoted cavalier to keep her company. +First," added he with a laugh, "I'll fetch my blade; for 'twould ill +befit a gallant in quest of beauty to go unarmed." + +So saying, he disappeared, and presently returned attired in a heavy +mantle, and a long rapier girded to his side. + +The moon was high, and its light, which whitened the gables of the +houses, diffused a bright glimmer below, sufficient to enable Fawkes +to proceed quickly upon his way. Frost had set in, and a keen wind +blew; so he was glad to hurry on at a goodly pace. As the streets were +quite deserted at this early hour of the morning, or haunted only by +those whose business--whether for good or evil--forced them out of +doors, he met no one and saw no lights. The man's mind was evidently +filled with pleasant thoughts, for ever and anon a smile would flit +across his face, as though he dwelt upon the surprised look of his +daughter when she would behold him. These agreeable anticipations, +which had taken the place for the moment of the sterner purposes which +had of late engrossed him, were only thrust out by something which +happened just then and brought him abruptly to himself. + +It was the appearance of a woman, who suddenly issued from an alley a +score of yards in front of him, and with a quick glance over her +shoulder, disappeared down another turn in the road. The movements of +this apparition caused Fawkes to pause, when suddenly a second figure, +this time a man, came into view and hurried in the direction taken by +the girl. "By my hilt," whispered Fawkes, peering cautiously out of +the shadow in which he stood, "that rogue had a most suspicious air +about him; an honest man walks with more noise; but, by my soul! if +there is not a third!" + +The object which had called forth the last remark was still another +figure, which came from the same quarter, and proceeded in the +direction taken by the first two. "What queer business is now afoot?" +Fawkes exclaimed, gazing after the retreating forms. "Mayhap ere long +a trusty blade will not be amiss. I can well afford a few moments to +see that all be fair." + +So saying, and loosening his sword in its scabbard to make sure it was +free if suddenly needed, he swiftly passed in the direction taken by +the retreating figures. A few steps brought him to the head of the +street down which the three had disappeared. By the light of the moon +Fawkes distinctly saw the shadowy forms, and halting where he stood, +watched their movements. + +The girl was well in advance; the second person, hurrying after. The +last of the two crossed to the opposite side of the way and walked +well in the shadow cast by the gables of the houses. The girl cast a +glance over her shoulder as if feeling the presence of one in pursuit, +but evidently finding herself quite alone, slackened her pace to take +breath. Now, the one nearest her made a strange move, if so be he were +bent upon an honest mission; for as soon as the woman reduced her gait +to a walk, the man loosened the long cloak hanging about his +shoulders, and seizing it in both hands, moved swiftly and noiselessly +in her direction. Aye, loose thy sword in its sheath, thou, standing +in the shadow; for if there be in thee muscle for a fight, soon will +the clash of steel ring out upon the frosty air. + +The man was now up with the girl, who, on hearing footsteps, turned +and uttered a scream. Once only does she raise the cry, for before she +can a second time call out, the cloak is thrown over her head, a rough +hand is at her throat, and she feels the pressure of a rope as it is +deftly whipped about her. There was a momentary struggle; but it soon +ceased, for the woman fainted, and was at the mercy of him who had +trapped her. Is thy sword caught and useless? thy arm paralyzed? or +what causes thee to stand unnerved and trembling? Was it the scream +that rang out upon the midnight air? Had it the sound of a voice dear +to thee even now? + +The man lifted the light figure of the girl within his arms and +hurried away. Aye, Effingston, heaven-sent was the sorrow which drove +thee forth to seek solace from the night and stars; but, come, now is +thy time! + +Fear not for him--he has recovered himself--and, snatching his rapier +from its sheath, with one or two quick bounds is up with the man, +crying: "By the God above thee, release the woman ere I crush thy +head, thou adder!" + +The one thus addressed turned, and seeing the determined face at his +elbow, paused, but retained his grasp upon the girl. + +"Release her!" exclaimed Effingston, raising his sword, "ere I spit +thee." The man allowed his burden to slip to the ground, the cloak +fell from about her figure, and Elinor lay at the feet of him she +loved. + +"Thou art quick with thy command, Master," replied the other, coolly +drawing his rapier. "Methinks thou hadst better attend to love affairs +of thine own, rather than meddle in that with which thou hast no +concern. Put up thy blade, I say, and go about thy business, ere I +teach thee a trick or two which will let more ardor out of thy body +than a three days' diet of beef can replace." + +"Thou knave!" Effingston exclaimed, casting a quick glance at the +motionless figure upon the ground, and pointing toward it with his +rapier. "Dost call thyself a man, to steal behind and deal foul +blows? Verily, thou craven dog, 'tis written in thy countenance, and +he who runs may read, that thou hast not the courage even to look a +woman in the eye, much less to face a man in honest fight." + +"I'll hear no more of thy speech," cried the now angry man, leaping +meanwhile to the middle of the road; "soon will I put holes in thy +genteel carcass which will leave thy vitals cold for some time to +come. Up with thy sword, if thy bravery be not all talk." He +unfastened his leather jerkin and stood awaiting Effingston, who +loosened the clasp of his mantle. + +"By my troth," exclaimed Fawkes, who still retained his post of +vantage; "I swear 'tis not my place to interfere; likely it will be a +lusty fight, for both seem to have the proper spirit, and hold the +weapon as those accustomed to the steel. Marry! it must be difficult +to see the eyes in this light, but the point will be more readily kept +track of." + +The combatants crossed swords and stood at guard. + +"If thou hast any friend to claim thy body, better write his name," +said the man in the leather jerkin, as Effingston's blade touched his +lightly, emitting a grating sound. + +The only answer was a swift lunge, dexterously parried. + +Not three blows were exchanged before Effingston realized that the man +before him not only possessed the skill of one long used to sword +play, but, further, combined with it the coolness and the keen eye of +an old duelist. Moreover, the neutral tint of his adversary's dress +offered but a poor mark by which to gauge his thrust, while his own +costume, being ornamented with silver, gave his antagonist most +effective guidance whereby to aim his strokes. + +The other, also, came to the conclusion that no mere novice stood +before him, for Effingston had turned every thrust with an ease which +surprised him; and several times his sword had crept so closely to the +leather jerkin that three or four brown furrows had appeared upon it. + +"Enough of this child's play," Effingston's antagonist hissed between +his teeth, making another furious lunge. The impetus given to the +thrust would have sent the blade to the hilt into the other's body had +it come in contact with it, but Effingston met the blow in a way least +expected, making use of a trick but little known in England at that +time, for as quickly as the sword flew forward he stepped lightly +aside, at the same time advancing his own weapon. The hilts came +together with a crash; the guard of one was entangled in the bell of +the other, and the two rapiers remained firmly interlocked. The men +now stood so closely that their breasts touched, the breath issuing +from their parted lips mingling in clouds. Suddenly, almost +simultaneously, as if one read the intent in the other's eye, each +slowly moved his left arm to his side, seeking the dagger he knew hung +there. Again, on the same instant, the knives flashed forth; the men +sprang quickly apart; the two rapiers went spinning on the roadway, +and with a clatter, became disentangled as they fell. No time for +breath; each knows it is to the death, and plenty of rest awaits one +or both, perchance, in a few moments. The men leaped toward each +other; a confused struggle ensued. Fawkes from his post could illy +make out who had the advantage. Suddenly, Effingston's foot slipped, +he was almost upon his knees--the man was upon him, one hand gripped +his shoulder, forcing him to the ground, the other held the knife +lifted high to add force to the blow; but that coveted strength cost +him his life, for before the hand could descend, Effingston quickly +raised his dagger, and drove it with all his might up to the guard in +the neck left unprotected by his adversary's movement. The man +clutched at the figure before him, the blade flew from his grasp and +he dropped with a bubbling cry to the earth, the blood spurting from +him as he fell. + +"Marry!" exclaimed Fawkes, who through all the contest had been +craning his neck and breathing hard with excitement, "that was a brave +device but not one which I should care to try myself. By the Apostle +Paul!" added he in surprise on hearing the bell of a distant church +strike the hour, "it is three o'clock, and here am I watching two +gentlemen, whose faces I cannot even see, settle a little difficulty +about a woman. But 'twas a lusty fight, and for the moment made me +forget the errand which called me forth." Saying which and with +another glance down the road, he started upon his way. + +The victor stood regarding his foe, who made one or two convulsive +movements as if to arise, but fell back with the blood spouting from +the wound and out his mouth. One more struggling effort he makes, but +'tis the last; with a violent convulsion of his whole body the man in +the leather jerkin sinks to the earth to rise no more. + +Effingston turned to the second figure lying upon the roadway, and as +he gazed upon her, there was expressed on his countenance a certain +degree of contempt, but, withal, a love which pride and resolution +could not quite kill. As she lies there, the white face touched by the +light of the moon, it is like looking upon the dead. + +"O God," he whispered, as he suddenly knelt beside her, taking one of +the white hands within his own, "would that she had died +before--before----" He slowly raised the girl in his arms; then +convulsively pressed the light figure to him, and letting his head +sink upon her breast, sobbed as only a strong man can. + +Again there was silence, broken only by the rattle of ice-covered +twigs swept from the trees by the restless night wind. After a moment +he regained composure and fell to chafing her hands. + +A slight motion showed him the girl was slowly recovering from her +long swoon. Gradually consciousness returned, and lifting her head +from the cloak he had placed beneath it, she looked about in a +confused way as though unable to make out her surroundings. Soon her +gaze rested upon Effingston, who had drawn a little apart. Raising +herself, she tottered toward him, and would have fallen had he not put +an arm out to prevent her. + +"What could have made thee treat me so?" she whispered, passing a hand +across her face, as if endeavoring to brush away that which hindered +her thoughts. "Have I not suffered enough?" she continued, piteously. + +"I was not thy assailant," answered Effingston, motioning to the +figure on the road; "there he lieth; thou canst go thy way in peace." + +The girl glanced in the direction and shuddered. "And how came this +about?" she questioned, in a dreamy tone, casting a frightened look at +the thing in the path. "Oh, now I do recollect me," added she, softly, +as though to herself, seemingly oblivious of her surroundings. "I had +left Sir Winter, and deeming myself quite safe, was hurrying home, +when--for truth, I can remember no more until I found thee near me." +She ceased and looked up into his face with an innocent smile. +Evidently the terrible strain to which her mind had been subjected +effaced from it all previous impressions, or left only an indistinct +recollection of what had transpired. "It was brave of thee," she +murmured, in the same dreamy tone, placing her hand upon his arm. + +At the name of Winter, Effingston drew back. Had she not by those +unguarded words confirmed her guilt? All his pride and anger returned. +The resolutions which had but a moment since departed, banished by +that helpless figure in the moonlight, now came again with greater +strength. Of what weakness, he asked himself, had he been guilty? Of +kissing the lips not yet cold from the caresses of him who had defiled +them. + +"Very--brave--in--thee," the girl repeated, in a dull monotone. + +Effingston glanced at her, but that piteously bewildered face cannot +move him, and he coldly answered: + +"'Tis the duty of every gentleman to protect the life of a woman, even +though her shame be public talk." + +Evidently the girl had not heard, or at least the words made no +impression upon her brain, for she nestled closely to him like a +frightened child seeking protection. + +"Come," he whispered. She obeyed without a word. They passed upon +their way in silence and at last reached her dwelling. Effingston +opened the door which stood unbarred, and assisted her to enter. He +turned to go, not trusting himself to speak. + +"Thou wert not always accustomed to leave me thus," exclaimed the +girl, in a voice destitute of expression. "See," she continued, "I +will kiss thee even without thy asking," and before the man realized +her intent, she threw her arms about him and pressed her lips to his. +"They are cold," she murmured, with a shiver. "But the night is +chilly--look! now the east is streaked with red." Turning, she +pointed to the sky, dyed with the crimson light of coming day. The +ruddy glow crept up, touching the girl and turning the snow at her +feet to the color of the rose. + +"Come to me, dear heart," she whispered, holding out her arms; "take +me to thee, that on thy breast I may find a sweet and dreamless +sleep." + +The sun arose; but upon no sadder sight than this man, who plodded +wearily homeward--warring forces within, and a desert all about. On +his way through the silent streets, made more desolate by the +cheerless light of coming day, he saw for a moment a mirage of an +honorable love and happiness. In the fair city of his dream he beheld +a bright and happy home, made so and adorned by the girl whose kiss +was still upon his lips. There, always awaited him a heart which, +through its love, added to each blessing, and dulled every sorrow. +Ever on the portal stood a being he worshiped, who, with her fair arms +wreathed a welcome of love about him. They pass within; a bright face +offers itself for a kiss; fondly he stoops, but the dream +vanishes;--in the breaking of the morn he stands alone;--hope dead +within his breast. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +AT "THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD." + + +Winter waited long for his servant's return. He walked restlessly up +and down the chamber, ever and anon pausing, either for recourse to +the flagon on the table, or to draw aside the curtains and gaze out +upon the street. At last, sinking into a chair with a muttered curse +at the long delay, he fell into deep sleep, overcome by the wine in +which he had so freely indulged. Dawn broke gray and cheerless. The +first rays of the sun penetrated into the chamber and fell upon the +sleeper,--his position was unchanged since the small hours of the +night. Gradually, as the light increased, he stirred uneasily, awoke, +and rubbing his eyes, looked about as though not sure of the +surroundings. His eye rested upon the flagon, then slowly traveled +toward the window. The recollection of the last night, however, +flashed before him, and springing from the chair, he dashed out into +the corridor. + +"Richard!" he called. No answer followed his summons. + +"Richard," he repeated, in a still louder tone. The only response was +the echo of his own voice. + +"What mad business be this?" exclaimed he, retracing his steps and +looking wildly about the apartment. "By this cursed drink have I +brought ruin to our hopes and cause. Out upon thee," he cried in a +transport of passion, suddenly seizing the flagon, and flinging it +with all his might across the room. The heavy piece of metal struck +the wall, sending out a deluge of wine, and falling with a crash, +shattered into fragments an ivory crucifix resting upon a small table. +Winter stood aghast at the havoc wrought. + +"An omen," he whispered, white to the lips, glancing about with +frightened looks, then kneeling to take up the broken cross. + +"See," he cried, holding with trembling fingers the image of the +crucified Savior which had escaped the wreck, and now dripped with +wine;--"Christ's wounds do open their red mouths and bleed afresh at +my awful deeds." The man arose, crossed himself, and thrust the image +into his doublet, then wiping the sweat from his brow sank into a +chair. + +"'Tis not by these tremblings, or vain regrets, that I may fortify +myself, or mend what's done," he exclaimed. "I must bethink me, and +let reason check the consequences of my folly. The girl asseverated +that she heard all which transpired at her house last night. Oh, most +unfortunate chance which gave the words into her ear! What foul fiend +did raise the cup to my lips and leave my wit too weak to turn the +deadly stroke? Nay," he continued, after several moments, shaking his +head, "she'll not make known the purport of our speech, for the love +she bears her father is a potent hostage for her silence, and if I be +judge, Mistress Elinor will make scant mention of her visit +yesternight. Even if there be small love in her heart for me, a most +wholesome fear doth take its place, and for my present purpose one +will serve as fittingly as the other. Marry," he continued, with a +smile, seemingly relieved by his reflections, "thy ready wit hath at +last returned; but by St. Paul! what hath become of that varlet +Richard? 'Tis more than likely the open door of some pot house spoke +more strongly to him than my command, and 'tis most providential if my +surmise be true; I must have been mad indeed to trust the rogue on +such a mission. Small doubt but that he heard all which transpired +here last night, for he hath a most willing ear to listen, and a +tongue given to wag. 'Twould be a heaven-sent deed if something would +occur to silence his speech, for his knowledge, if he hath the wit to +know its value, may be a deadly menace to our cause. When he returns +I'll give the knave silver to quit the country; or, perchance," he +added, a hard, cunning look coming into his eyes as he put his hand +upon a small dagger at his side, "if that will not suffice, 'twill be +necessary for our safety to introduce him to more sturdy metal." + +The man arose and proceeded to efface the marks of dissipation, and +set his disordered dress to rights, saying as he finished, "I must to +my appointment with Garnet. Marry," he added, donning hat and mantle, +"I hope he is safely housed, and that my letter to Giles Martin, which +the worthy prelate was to present, did insure him some extra +attention, as a pot house, at its best, must be a poor refuge for a +priest." + +It was early in the morning and few people were astir. + +"Gramercy," quoth Winter, when he had proceeded some distance on his +way, "would that some person were abroad that I might enquire the +direction to 'The Sign of the Leopard;' I swear," he added, glancing +about, "it must be in this neighborhood, but I can illy guess where." +Looking, he perceived a group of men a little distance down the +street. "There be some worthies," exclaimed he, "who can perhaps +direct me to the hostelry." As he approached he saw they were +regarding a figure lying upon the ground. + +"Nay, Master Alyn," said one, "thou hadst best do naught but let it +await removal by the King's guard; if thou disturb the body surely +questions might be asked which 'twould bother thy head to answer." + +"Beshrew my heart," exclaimed the man addressed, who, judging from his +appearance, was a small tradesman, "I can ill afford to have this evil +thing lying upon my step, preventing what little trade might drift +this way." + +Winter now came up with the group, and as they turned at the sound of +his footsteps, he could see that the object of their remarks was a man +lying face downward on the flagging, and his attitude of relaxation +showed that death had overtaken him. + +"What hast thou here, my men?" Sir Thomas exclaimed, "some victim of a +drunken brawl?" + +"That we cannot make out," answered the first speaker, touching his +hat, on perceiving--by his dress and manner--that the questioner was a +gentleman, possibly one in authority, "but for truth, he has been +stuck as pretty as a boar at Yule-tide. Thou mayst look for thyself," +he added, with some little pride, as of a showman exhibiting his +stock, and laying hold of the body by the shoulders he turned it over, +so that the distorted face gazed up at the sky. + +Winter started at the sight, unable to repress a cry, for before him +was the body of his servant. His wish had indeed been fulfilled; those +silent lips would tell no tales. + +"What, good sir!" cried he who seemed to be the spokesman of the +party, on noting the white face of the other; "doth thy stomach turn +so readily?" + +"Nay," replied Winter, raising a gauntlet to hide his emotion, "but +they who meet death suddenly are seldom sweet to look upon, +and--and--for truth, I have not yet broke my fast; canst direct me to +a certain hostelry in this neighborhood known as 'The Sign of the +Leopard?'" + +"I can, Master, for many a pot of ale I've drank in that same place. +Look," he continued, pointing, "if thou wilt follow this street until +the second turning to the right, from there thou canst readily see the +tavern's sign." + +"My thanks to thee," said Winter, taking a coin from his purse and +handing it to the man. His eyes again for a moment turned upon the +prostrate figure. "And my friends," added he, "I would deem it +expedient that ye notify the guards, and have this unsightly thing +removed." He then turned and proceeded in the direction given him. +This incident brought a renewal of the apprehensions which had haunted +him earlier in the morning, and he muttered as he went on his way: +"There is the first consequence of my folly, and the next may be--nay, +courage; heaven will not be so merciless as to permit one evil deed to +overthrow our cause. God will pardon this hasty sin, when he who +committed it doth risk life in His holy work. But," he added, with a +smile, "'tis providential justice which slew the man, for the dead +utter no words." At last he arrived before the house which he sought. +"Marry," he exclaimed, gazing at the exterior of the tavern; "'tis +indeed a sorry place for the saintly Garnet to reside in, but it has +the advantage of being a secure retreat." He tried the door, which +yielded to his touch, and entered the apartment. On the tables stood +the remains of last night's libations, and the air hung heavy with the +odor of stale tobacco smoke. Over all was a spell of silent +desolation, as if the ghosts of the songs and merry jests, which had +echoed from the walls, had returned with aching heads to curse the +room. + +"This is a sweet place, truly," said Winter, looking upon the table. +After a short delay the sound of footsteps could be heard approaching, +a door opened and the host entered. Giles Martin, not at once +recognizing the man who stood by the table, regarded his guest with +some little surprise, for a customer at that early hour was rare. + +"To what may I serve thee, sir?" said he, advancing toward Winter. +"Well, Master Martin," exclaimed the one addressed, "dost so soon +forget a face? It is, I swear, a poor trick for a landlord." + +"What, Sir Thomas?" cried the other in surprise, holding out his hand, +"I did not recognize thee in this uncertain light. A thousand pardons, +and highly am I honored to find thee in my humble house." + +"'Tis but small honor I do thee," replied the man, with a laugh, +drawing off his gauntlets. "Didst receive my letter?" + +"Aye, that I did, and have shown the bearer of it every courtesy which +this poor tavern can provide. Much am I gratified to learn that Sir +Thomas Winter remembered one whom he hath not seen since----" + +"Nay, good Martin, I do recall the time thou wouldst name. But pray +tell me, is my cavalier friend up at this early hour, for I would +confer with him." + +Giles cast a quick glance at the speaker, then letting his eyes fall, +said: + +"That he is, and little hath he slept this night, for 'twas late ere +he arrived, and when I arose I heard him walking about." + +"Then wilt thou tell him I await; or--nay, stop--thou needst not +announce me; I will see him in his chamber. Show the way, I will +follow." + +"As thou dost wish," said Giles, turning to open a door which hid a +flight of rickety stairs leading to the floor above. Reaching the +landing Winter noted that Martin was about to follow and exclaimed: + +"Nay, show me the portal, I will not trouble thee further. And if thou +wilt be so kind, see to it that we are not disturbed in our +conversation." + +"Have no fear for that, Sir Thomas, I will take care that none do +interrupt. The room is in front of thee," saying which, Martin turned +and descended the stairs. + +Winter tapped upon the panel. + +"Enter," said a quiet voice. + +He lifted the latch and passed into the room. The prelate had +evidently been engaged in prayer, for, as the other stepped within, +the priest was arising from his knees. His face seemed in strange +contrast to the garb he had donned; the delicate, almost effeminate +features of the man were little in keeping with the gay attire of a +cavalier. + +"Ah, Sir Thomas," exclaimed the Jesuit, advancing with gentle dignity +and extended hand, "glad am I to see thee, for I have been more than +lonely, but," he added, with a bright smile, "'tis not my nature to +complain; these be but small discomforts, and gladly would I endure +greater in the service of my Master. Hast any news? Hath aught +happened since we met? But pray be seated," he added, pointing to one +of the two chairs, which, with a low bed, comprised the furniture of +the room. + +"Nay, good father, nothing hath transpired," replied the other, a +shade passing athwart his face; "and now tell me, what dost thou think +of Fawkes? Is his enthusiasm great enough to serve our purpose?" + +"A most terrible man, but one whose cruelty rests upon the love of +God. Indeed, it is as thou didst say, if each Catholic in England were +possessed of but one-half his zeal, then would the gutters run red +with the blood of heretics; 'twas such as he who made the eve of St. +Bartholomew. Are we free to speak?" queried Garnet, leaning toward the +other. + +"Quite free," replied Winter, "a faithful friend of mine is on guard +that we be not interrupted." + +"Then, 'tis well; I have spent the night in prayer, beseeching the +Almighty to lead my mind aright that I may decide the justice of the +plan proposed. Ah," exclaimed the Jesuit, arising, and with hands +clenched before him, "'tis a hideous act, but," an expression of +fierceness coming into his gentle face, "my supplication was answered, +the deed is favored by God, for He hath sent me a token of His +approval." + +"A token, thou sayest, good father?" exclaimed Winter in an awed +voice. + +"Verily," cried Garnet, raising his eyes to heaven, "a sign from Him +whose cause we serve. 'Twas thus: Long had I knelt in prayer, long had +I raised my voice that He who holds the oceans in His palm, and guides +the planets in their courses, would lead me to a wise decision. 'O +God,' I cried, 'send thou some token that I may know thy will.' Even +as I gazed upon the crucifix clenched in my unlifted hand, the message +I so craved had come, for the cross was stained with blood, which from +it fell in sluggish drops. I looked more intently, filled with +amazement, and perceived that so closely had I pressed the silver +image of the blessed Savior it had cut into the flesh. But 'twas God's +voice in answer to my prayer." + +"Most marvelous," whispered Winter, crossing himself. "But didst thou +comprehend all that Fawkes proposed? Hast dwelt on every point?" + +"Think not, my son," the prelate answered, "that because my eyes have +long been used to the dim light of the sanctuary, they have not +perceived all the horror of that which must be done. But now," he +cried, his pale face flushed with emotion, "God in His wisdom hath for +a time taken from me the crucifix and given in its place the sword. So +be it," he continued, drawing the rapier hanging by his side and +kissing the cross formed by the blade and handle, "He shall not find +Henry Garnet wanting, for not until the Angelus doth sound from +Landsend to Dunnet Head, will this hand of mine relax its hold, unless +death doth strike the weapon from it." + +"Ah, good father," cried Winter in admiration of the other's spirit, +"thy enthusiasm and courage are surely heaven born, but," he +whispered, "if we fail, what then?" + +"We cannot," broke in the Jesuit, his eyes alight with the fervor of +his spirit. "Have I not told thee that heaven approves our act? +Victory belongs to us; the White Dove doth rest upon our helms. 'Tis +true that some of us may perish, but what of them? Their fame shall +live from age to age, and never will the call to Mass or Vespers +sound, never will the clouds of incense mount upward--streaming past +the Host without their names being within the hearts and on the +tongues of the worshipers. Think how greatly we be blessed," he +continued, laying his hand fondly upon the other's shoulder;--"a few, +a happy few, who have been thus elected to raise the cross of Christ +from out the dust. Nay," he added, shaking his head, "I would not wish +our danger one jot or tittle less, for, methinks, some portion of the +glory which is now our own might depart with it, and I could illy +bear the loss of even one small gem which must rest in the immortal +crown of our recompense." + +"Then thou dost feel our victory is assured," said Winter, in a +constrained voice, looking anxiously toward Garnet. + +"Nay, I do not feel--I am certain," replied the prelate, decisively. +"And now there rests with us the duty of forming our plans, making +everything ready to strike the mighty blow. What hast thou to offer or +suggest?" + +"Good father, I would not take upon myself to offer a suggestion," +said Winter; "but methinks it would be well that we all assemble and +discuss the matter more fully." + +"And where shall the gathering be held?--at the house of Master +Fawkes?" + +"Not so," replied the other, so abruptly that the priest turned upon +him an enquiring glance. "I mean," continued Winter, noting the look, +"'twould be unwise for us to be seen again meeting in that place; it +might arouse curiosity, and that might be fatal." + +"Then what wouldst thou say to my Lord Catesby's?" + +"Nay, for I deem the same objection doth apply to his dwelling. I +would suggest we gather at the house of Sir Everard Digby. Will't suit +thee, father?" + +"I think thy caution most commendable, and thy proposition the best. +And when shall the meeting be?" + +"Say a week hence," replied Winter. "In the meantime I will see Sir +Everard, and make the necessary arrangements. But what of thee till +then?" + +"Disturb not thyself, my son, concerning me," replied the prelate; "I +will content myself, and be right comfortable in the care of thy +friend the host. Dost think he hath suspicions?" + +"Nay," replied the other. "In truth, if his suspicions were aroused, +he would be silent; such poor taste hath he, that love for me would +make him dumb, and with it is the fact that the man is a zealous +Catholic; methinks if his help could be safely won he would be most +valuable to us. Shouldst thou find a fitting opportunity it might be +well to sound the man." + +"I will do so," replied the prelate, "if a chance doth offer itself." + +"And now," continued Winter, rising, "I must away. Be ever careful, +father, for thy loss would signify the destruction of our hopes." + +"My son," answered the other, with a smile, "thou dost speak from thy +heart; but methinks, if at this moment Henry Garnet were dragged away +and hurried toward the block, the mighty work would be continued; +success doth rest in higher hands than mine. Now, until we meet again, +may the peace of Him whose servants we are rest upon thee." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. + + +Some leagues from London, in the shire of Buckingham, was situated the +country residence of Sir Everard Digsby, who, with Catesby, Wright and +Percy, was present at the house of the latter on the night in which +Fawkes reached the city, whither he had been summoned by a letter from +Sir Thomas Winter. The dwelling of the young nobleman, being somewhat +remote from the more populous districts of the shire, seemed a fitting +place for such discussion, and, perchance, of more weighty matters, +pertaining to the fast-growing conspiracy against the King and his +Parliament. This place Winter had suggested to Garnet as the safest +spot for the Catholic gentlemen to assemble for the discussion of +their plan. + +'Twas the custom that those noblemen whose wealth afforded them two +dwellings, one in London and another in the rural districts, should +oft entertain at the latter such of their companions as pleased them; +and these, riding forth from the city, singly or in goodly numbers, +might pass but a single night, but sometimes when occasion served, a +fortnight, in merrymaking at their host's expense. Such being a common +practice throughout the kingdom little danger of causing suspicion lay +in the fact that Winter, Rookwood, Catesby, Wright and such others as +had been admitted to their council, departed from London in company. +Garnet, indeed, had ridden on before them, attended by Sir Digsby and +Fawkes, nor had any noted their departure; or, if perchance they did, +were not disposed to comment upon it. + +A staunch Catholic and a zealous follower of the Jesuits, Everard +Digsby had lent himself willingly to the cause of his brother +churchmen, having long ago satisfied himself that their actions were +justified. In fact, his present convictions were to some extent the +outcome of early teachings, for even at a tender age his mind had been +under Catholic influence, and therefore it was not strange that on +reaching manhood he should be a strong adherent of Romish doctrine. +And still further, his attitude was less to be wondered at, when +considered that the seeds of these same convictions were planted by no +other hand than the friend, tutor and spiritual adviser of his +youth--Henry Garnet. In truth, he had surpassed the zeal of many +associates, for being denied the full privilege of such worship as his +faith taught him, he had caused to be erected within the walls of his +country residence a small chapel, fitted up under supervision of the +Superior of the English Jesuits. + +Somewhat early in the evening the little cavalcade rode into +Buckinghamshire, and having reached their destination, were received +with much cordiality by the young nobleman and his more austere +companions. The ride from London, on account of the inclemency of the +weather, had been most disagreeable, and the travelers were nothing +loth to stretch their chilled limbs before the great fire prepared in +readiness for their arrival, and to partake heartily of the well +ordered refreshments which their host had caused to be in waiting. +Having satisfied the carnal man, they were the more willing to turn to +the spiritual repast which had drawn them together; for in each mind +the conviction was strong that in plotting against the King they were +but serving the ends of God. + +"Good gentlemen," said Garnet, the company having drawn about the fire +in a room somewhat remote from the more inhabited part of the +dwelling, "having partaken so freely of worthy Everard's hospitality, +it is most fitting that we turn for a season to that which has +summoned us from London. Methinks there be none absent?" + +Catesby ran his eyes over the group about him, checking each off on +his fingers. "Winter, my Lord of Rookwood, good Percy, Wright, Francis +Tresham and Master Guido," said he, "these with Your Reverence, Sir +Everard and myself, make up the number--nine." + +"'Tis well," exclaimed Garnet, fixing his eyes for an instant on the +face of each. "Certain things have arisen which render it most +expedient that we make common cause with each other--what think ye?" + +"That the time is ripe for the maturing of such plans as best are +suited to our purpose," replied Rookwood; "James hath again declared +against us." + +"'Tis even so," broke in Percy, "and at the house of Master Fawkes +when thou wert absent, there arose some discussion as to certain ways +and methods best fitted to----" + +"Ah!" cried Winter, looking toward the corner where was seated the +soldier of fortune, with his chin upon his hand; "the opportunity has +not served since our last meeting to inquire concerning thy good +mother and thy daughter, friend Guido. Tell me, I pray, did the +gathering of so many armed men in thy chamber disturb their slumbers?" + +"Nay," replied Fawkes, gruffly; "the dame knew nothing of it; neither +my daughter, of that----" + +"And the lass," continued Winter, eyeing the man closely, "is she well +and cheerful as becomes her youth and loveliness?" + +"As to cheerfulness," answered the other, a shade of sadness coming +into his face, "methinks the merry smile hath forever forsaken her +lips, for now she looketh so pale and wan it doth seem but the shadow +of her former self wandering about the house; but thank God, the worst +is over, and she is on the road to recovery." + +"And hath Mistress Elinor been ill?" inquired Winter, turning a +surprised look toward the speaker. + +"I had deemed," answered Fawkes, "that my absence from thy house for +nigh on to a week would indicate to thee that something was amiss. I +every day expected to----" + +"For truth," broke in the other in a relieved tone, "had I known that +thy daughter lay ill I would for a surety have called. But, pray, tell +me; is she better now?" + +"As I have said, she is better; but not herself as yet. In fact, it +was on the night of the meeting at my dwelling, after ye had all +departed, that I went for a breath of air upon the street +and--and--well, it was when I returned that I found the girl in a high +fever, and looking much as though she had beheld a foe. The fever +spent itself in three days; now, 'tis but the after weakness which +afflicts her." + +"Thank God for her recovery!" exclaimed Winter, as he eyed Fawkes +narrowly; but finding nothing in his countenance to arouse alarm, sank +back in his chair with a sigh of relief. + +"And now," said Garnet, who had listened with attention to the +dialogue, "since thy last words have banished from my mind the anxiety +called forth by the recital of thy fair daughter's illness, we may +again turn our thoughts toward other matters, and listen to good +Catesby here." + +"As thou knowest," began Catesby, "it hath ever been my desire to act +quickly. Therefore I would suggest that no time be lost in carrying +out such designs as will rid the kingdom of our enemies." + +"Well spoken," cried Digsby; "to that we are agreed." + +Garnet smiled sadly. "Would that all England cried amen!" said he, +solemnly. Then turning suddenly to Fawkes, "and thou, Master Guido, +what sayest thou?" + +The soldier of fortune looked up quickly. "I am ever ready," said he, +"whether we deal with all those in authority, or with the King alone." + +"Then?" cried Winter, "then?----" + +Garnet cast down his eyes, the soul of the priest struggling with dark +apprehensions which arose within him. "If there were any shadow of sin +in it," he murmured, "I would not countenance the bringing of it to an +issue. No other reason hath drawn me into it save ardent and active +interest in the cause of God." Then facing his companions he +continued: "'Tis the will of Christ that in the hands of His weakest +subjects shall be placed the sword of vengeance which shall sweep +these infidels from the land. Good Catesby hath oft pondered in his +mind, with some impatience, the meaning of my check upon his zeal. +'Twas that I might seek through prayer a way to our deliverance. That +the time is near a revelation hath been vouchsafed to me from heaven." + +A murmur ran through the little company. The priest's voice changed +from tones of solemnity to those of one who spake with authority; and +stretching forth the hand, he said: "We are of one mind. Perchance +Master Fawkes hath opened a way whereby shall be destroyed both the +King and his Parliament. What can effect our purpose quicker than the +flash of gunpowder? God hath placed it in our hand for us to use, and +do His will. Yet other things remain; the door being opened, will +those who watch us from abroad unite with us in restoring to this +unhappy England its altars and its sacrifices? Sir Thomas Winter, thou +hast been in France and Spain to do man's bidding; wouldst go thither +in obedience to the will of God?" + +Winter started, for the meaning of the other's words implied much. "Is +it a mission?" he asked, fixing his gaze upon the Jesuit. + +"Aye!" replied Garnet; "a mission of much danger, and one which will +need all secrecy. At the Court of France dwell certain members of my +Order, close to the King, and deep in affairs of State. Before them I +will lay our undertaking, that when England shall be without a +government and all the land involved in perplexity and beset with +controversies, the armies of the Catholic Kings may come among us--the +way being prepared for their entrance." + +A murmur of approval burst from Catesby, Rookwood and Percy. "And if +Sir Winter hesitates," cried the former, "I will----" + +"Say no more," interrupted Winter; "this day week will see me at the +Court of France." + +"And thou, friend Guido," said Garnet, blandly, "thou art of ready +wit, and a good sword may be needful. Shall brave Winter go alone?" + +Fawkes knitted his brows--"I little thought to again leave England so +soon," he replied, gruffly; "yet ere another sunset will I be ready if +thus I may serve the cause." + +A look of kindliness came into the Jesuit's eyes; the blind zeal of +the man, a zeal that thrust all other thoughts aside, touched him, and +with quick perception he saw in the rough cavalier one who, did all +others fail, would with his single hand hurl the thunderbolt. Taking +from his bosom a small silver crucifix, he laid it in Fawkes' hand. +"Give this," said he, quietly, "unto thy daughter; 'twill guard her +during thine absence. Aye! and dost thou fear to leave her? I swear to +thee, I will see to it that she lacketh nothing." + +Fawkes turned upon him a look of deep devotion. Bred in superstition, +the fact that the priest understood that which troubled him--fear for +the safety of his daughter--seemed a sign from heaven. He kissed the +crucifix reverently, and put it in his bosom between the hard steel of +his cuirass and his heart. + +Garnet turned to the group. "One thing remains," said he solemnly; +"'tis the oath which, registered before heaven, shall hold each to his +purpose. Sir Digsby, let us to thy chapel, that beneath the shadow of +the cross we may seek that blessing without which all our deeds are +sinful, and our purposes as sand." + +Solemnly the little company, headed by the priest and Sir Everard, +wended their way toward the chapel. No words were exchanged between +them, for all were deep in thought. As they passed into the chamber +set aside for worship, each reverently knelt and crossed himself, then +took up a position in front of the altar. As it was late and the brief +winter twilight faded from the sky, the chapel lay shrouded in deep +gloom, relieved only by the red light burning in a hanging lamp +suspended before the tabernacle, holding the consecrated elements. To +the men there was something fearfully solemn in their surroundings. +Before them stood that altar for the preservation of which they were +about to pledge their lives. + +As their eyes became more accustomed to the subdued light, they beheld +shadow-like forms slowly appear upon the walls, and while intently +gazing, these apparitions gradually materialized and assumed definite +shape, resolving themselves into paintings portraying the last scenes +in the life of Christ. Penetrating everything was the clinging odor of +incense, which, in some subtle way, brings to mind the awful majesty +of God. + +Presently Garnet emerged from the sacristy, bearing in his hand a +flaming taper with which he lighted the candles on the altar. The +Jesuit had placed over the costume which he wore a cope of deep red, +richly embroidered with gold, and evidently the priest had not even +laid aside his rapier, for its dull clank could be heard as he walked +about. The rattle of the steel broke discordantly upon the deep +silence, but was it not symbolic? A deed of violence was about to be +committed, cloaked in the garb of religion! + +Finishing his task, he knelt before the altar in silent prayer. Then +arising, he passed to the gate of the rood screen, where his +commanding figure was thrown into bold relief by the altar lights. +Presently seating himself, he said in low and solemn tones to the men +kneeling in the darkness: "Consider well, my brethren, the step ye are +about to take; for he who turns back will be likened unto the woman +who glanced over her shoulder at a city burning;--to pillars of craven +cowardice would ye be changed--monuments to mark how men, even when +their duty shone clear as though emblazoned on the azure vault of +heaven, lacked heart to carry it out. Consider it well, then, all of +you!" + +The deep voice of the priest rose as he uttered the last words, and +its resonant tone returned in echoes from the vaulted ceiling as if +each statued saint from out his niche cried: "Consider it well." + +"Are ye all prepared?" he asked. A deep "All prepared" answered his +question. + +"'Tis well. Now shall I register your vows before the unveiled Host +and upon the crucifix, that in the very presence of the Son of God ye +may swear to perform them unto the end. To thee, my son," continued +the Superior, addressing Catesby, "will I first administer the oath, +for 'twas thy hand which was foremost to lift itself in the holy +cause." + +The man arose and knelt before the Jesuit. "Dost swear," said the +priest, holding a crucifix before the other's eyes, "that as thou dost +hope for salvation through the blood of Christ, so thou wilt yield thy +blood if need be in this holy work; setting aside all else until a +Catholic doth occupy the throne of England?" + +"I swear it, father," answered Catesby, reverently pressing his lips +to the cross. + +To every one of the eight did the Superior give the oath, and then +took the same himself. + +"And now," said Garnet, when the men had once more resumed their +places, "do we proceed to administer to each the sacrament which alone +can fill your minds and bodies with sufficient strength to carry out +our holy purpose." + +The priest arose and turned toward the altar, bowed, then slowly +ascended the steps. After unlocking the door of the tabernacle with a +golden key, he drew forth from the recess the Monstrance containing +the eucharist. Again he bowed, then elevated the Host, while the +stillness was only broken by the deep tone of the sacring-bell, the +men bending in adoration. Once more the priest made reverence; then +arising, took from out the Monstrance the pyx, and facing the group, +repeated the words: "Ecce Agnus Dei." All arose and knelt before him +on the steps, receiving from his hands the sacrament, and when they +had partaken, each silently returned to his place. A sense of the +solemnity of their undertaking, accentuated by the awfulness of the +act in which they were engaged, filled the men's hearts so that they +scarcely beheld the Jesuit ascend to the altar and replace the Host +within the tabernacle, or heard the benediction he pronounced.... + +Once more the men stood in the room they occupied previous to their +entrance into the chapel. All seemed loath to speak, being deeply +impressed by the ceremony in which they had taken part. + +At last Fawkes made ready for departure, being desirous of reaching +London ere daybreak. As he approached the door of the room the +Superior arose and passed toward him. "Friend Guido," said Garnet, as +the other stood ready for the journey, "I will not see thee ere thou +and Sir Winter return from France. Let thy mind be at ease regarding +thy daughter, for in thy absence I will have her under my special +care. Hadst better mention to her that she will have a visitor?" + +"I will be guided by thee in the matter, good father," returned +Fawkes; "but," he continued, in a husky tone, "guard her well, for she +is very dear to me." + +"Have no fear," Garnet answered, kindly, laying a hand upon the +other's shoulder; "in that will I be as zealous as though she were a +daughter of mine own." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +"THOU SHALT NOT KILL." + + +The deduction made by Winter concerning the silence of Elinor had been +correct; but the power he had deemed potent to restrain her from +uttering what she had overheard, and from giving voice to the +indignities he in his drunkenness had heaped upon her, was not alone +the reason of her silence; the mind was held in a species of lethargy. +Now her father had left England; the motive which prompted his +departure she could surmise,--his mission was an enigma. And who was +his companion? The man whose face was ever before her, whose touch +haunted her in dreams causing her to awake and cry in terror to the +Virgin for protection. The girl was wrought up to a state of +hysterical expectancy. Even when sitting within doors, an exclamation +upon the street would cause her to start, fearing it might be a voice +proclaiming the fulfillment of the awful threat which ever sounded in +her ears. Never did she go abroad and behold a group of men but she +approached with trembling limbs and nervous eagerness, feeling that +the first words falling from their lips would be that England was +without a king. What the effect of this anxiety might have been had +she brooded over it long in solitude, is not difficult to tell. But +solace arose from an unexpected quarter. On his departure for France, +Fawkes had mentioned that there was in the city a certain friend, his +companion several years before, whom he had again lately met and asked +to call from time to time to inquire if he might render any service. +The girl awaited the arrival of this visitor with trepidation and some +anxiety, being well aware that the companions of her father were, as a +rule, men of little refinement, accustomed to the rough life of a +camp, and more at their ease in a pot-house than in the society of a +young woman. Her expectations were pleasantly disappointed, for on his +first visit the stranger, by his ease and grace of manner, banished +from her mind all doubts concerning him. Although habited in the garb +of a soldier of the period, there was about him something--a peculiar +refinement of speech, a dignity of carriage, a certain reverent homage +which he rendered unto her--that won from the girl a feeling of +respect and confidence. His visits, far from being cause for +apprehension, had become the one bright spot in her daily life; in his +company Elinor for a brief time forgot the terrible anxiety to which +she was a prey. + +The only circumstance which impressed her as strange was that "Captain +Avenel"--for by this name he had introduced himself--seldom visited +the house by day, and there was always a certain amount of implied +rather than actual caution in his movements, which seemed to the girl +odd, as nothing else in his manner could be deemed in the least +mysterious. + +On one of those evenings, which Elinor now looked forward to with some +pleasure, she and "Captain Avenel" sat together in a little room of +Fawkes' dwelling. + +"And didst say thou hadst intelligence of my father?" inquired she, +eagerly. + +"This very morning," answered the man, "did I receive a letter brought +by packet from Calais, and in the note he wished me to make known his +safe arrival; further, that he would by the next mail write thee, +telling all about his travels. Now thou canst set thy mind at rest +concerning him, for France in our time offers but few dangers, though +in truth I think thy sire hath the look of one to whom peril would be +a diversion." + +"England doth offer more dangers than France," answered the girl, who +was now abstractedly gazing into the fire. + +Garnet turned a swift glance in her direction. The words awakened in +the priest that feeling of apprehension which had ever been present in +his mind since his arrival in London, but until now it had not been +called forth by word or deed of hers. On the contrary, in her society +the Jesuit felt for some reason, probably the innocence and loveliness +of the girl, a sensation of rest and security that enabled him to +throw off the dread of detection which so constantly possessed him. +But he turned and inquired in a quiet tone: + +"And dost deem England such a dangerous country?" + +"Nay," replied Elinor, hesitatingly, "England doth seem all peace and +quietude, but----" here she stopped, fearing the man might read what +lay hidden in her heart, for he was regarding her with a look of +surprise as he noted her embarrassment. + +"Come, my daughter," said he kindly, his gentle heart touched by the +fear written on her face, "I have suspected long that some matter did +trouble thee. If I have power to lend aid, consider my whitening hair, +and hesitate not to confide in me, who am old enough to enjoy the +blessing of being called father by thee." + +Elinor looked into the benevolent countenance. + +"Fear not," he continued in a persuasive voice, "if I can counsel +thee, thy wish for help is granted ere 'tis asked." + +She raised her head and met a look of gentle sympathy long unknown to +her, and for which her poor heart so fondly yearned. The tears sprang +to her eyes and her self control, that which the brutality of Winter +could not break down, gave way. She turned toward him like a poor +tired bird after battling with a storm; her weakness could not endure +longer to see protection neath the leaf and branches of his goodness +and not avail herself of it. + +In a moment more the words had passed her lips,--all that she had +overheard, the words uttered by Fawkes, and the fear and anguish which +since had haunted her. + +"Is there naught I can do?" she cried. "O God! when did I ever commit +a sin worthy of the punishment?" She raised her eyes to Garnet. "Even +thou art pale to the lips from the hideousness of the thing." + +Through the girl's confession, Garnet's attitude remained unchanged. +At her first words he started, but with an effort controlled himself. +The sudden revelation that their plans were known by one outside those +who composed the little band consecrated to the holy cause, filled him +with a terror which, at first, reason was unable to check. But as she +proceeded, the quick mind of the priest perceived that the girl's one +thought was, not to save the King, nor to defeat their hopes, but only +to deliver her father from the danger to which he was exposed. The +fear gradually passed away, and as Elinor ceased speaking, the +strongest feeling in the prelate's mind was one of sympathy for her +who wept before him. + +"Is there naught," Garnet inquired, mildly, when the girl had +finished, "that thou can'st see to justify thy father's act, and by +that justification bring to thee consolation? Think, even though he +were marked to die, more honor belongs to him in this, than to live to +old age in idleness and inactivity. Dwell upon thy love for him, then +meditate on his love for the Church." + +"Nay," she answered, "my knee doth bend before the altar with as great +a reverence as any who do honor to the Host, and were my father to +fall in open conflict I would not grudge his life given to a noble +cause. But this act is not loyalty to God, for, did He not decree, +'Thou shalt not kill?' 'Tis naught but murder; and if my father fall, +he will not meet death as a martyr, but as a common assassin." + +Garnet was silent; the girl's words sounded strangely to him. Not +wishing to reveal his identity he determined to avoid further +argument, fearing suspicions might be raised in Elinor's mind which +would only make matters worse. What course to pursue he did not know. +As far as circumstances permitted, he would help her, but how to +effect this was beyond his present comprehension. + +"I have not told thee in vain? Thou wilt aid me?" she inquired. + +"My child, I must have time to meditate," answered the Jesuit. "I +cannot give thee advice upon such a weighty matter without due +deliberation; but," he added hastily, "all is safe for a time at +least; thy father is in France." + +"I pray God," exclaimed the girl, "that I shall not have reason to +regret opening my heart unto thee. Nay, thou couldst not be so cruel +as to make known what I have told. Swear," she cried in sudden fear, +noting a strange expression on the other's face, "swear thou wilt keep +secret all I have revealed." + +"Alarm not thyself," replied the prelate; "what thou hast uttered is +as safe as if 'twere said under the seal of the confessional. Know +further, thou hast told thy trouble to one who will ever cherish the +confidence, even if his help avail thee little. But," added he, +tenderly--in the sincerity of his heart forgetting the sword which +hung at his side--"may the peace of Him whose hand was ready to turn +the water into wine, or raise the widow's son, descend and give thee +relief." + +"Thou speakest like a priest," she said. + +Garnet started, but quickly replied, "Never could a priest grant thee +absolution with a gladder heart, than I would release thee from this +trouble, were it in my power, and were it the will of God that I +should do so." + +"And dost think it is God's will that I suffer thus?" + +"Perchance, yes," said he, in a thoughtful voice, as if communing with +himself, "and it may be His decree that many more do groan with thee. +Be not regretful thou has told thy sorrow, for even to confide a grief +is to make it lighter." + +"Nay, I do not regret, I think there is little else left me but to +endure; would that I were dead and beyond the touch of sorrow," she +added, with a hopeless sigh. + +"Thou shouldst not wish thyself dead, for to do so is to be +unreconciled to the will of God. If this poor hand doth fail to bring +comfort, my prayers shall ever be for strength that thou mayst bear +with fortitude all which the wisdom of heaven deems just to send. Try +to look upon thy grief as a tribute God demands to work out some +mighty project of His own." + +"I will try," the girl said, a sad smile coming into her face. "Think +not I am ungrateful for thy words of comfort." + +"And now, my daughter, will I wish thee the blessing of sweet sleep, +for 'tis late; I will see thee again soon." + +"Thou art very good," she replied simply, "thou, the only one +remaining--" her lips trembled and tears filled her eyes; suddenly she +threw her arms about him, and between the sobs which shook her frame, +exclaimed, hiding her face upon his shoulder, "all that is left me +now." + +Garnet regarded the slight figure clinging to him: "Oh God!" he +thought, "Is it Thy will that such as these must suffer?" He raised +his arm as if to encircle her, but let it drop by his side. + +"Come, my child," he said after a moment, putting her gently from him, +"thy tears well nigh unman me; I would it were in my power to give +thee consolation, but help must come from higher hands than mine." + +As he reached the threshold he turned and beheld a picture which +haunted him many a day, and for an instant raised within his holy mind +a doubt of the justice of such grief. As she stood, the imprint of +deep sorrow was on the fair young face--a sorrow the young should +never know. One arm was raised as though in mute appeal to him not to +forsake her in this misery. A look, and he closed the door, passing +out into the night. + +The effect produced upon Garnet by the trouble he had just witnessed +was complex. Never doubting the justice of the cause he espoused, +still, his quiet nature could not hide from itself a feeling of pity +that one so good and innocent should be called upon to suffer equally +with those whose unholy hands were raised to snatch the cross from off +the altar of his fathers. + +"Truly," he muttered, as he proceeded on his way--pressing a hand to +his breast that he might feel the crucifix resting there--"it hath +been resolved by higher authority than my weak will that this thing +must be done. And, Henry Garnet, who art thou to question? Still," he +added, sadly shaking his head, the memory of a tear-stained face +passing before him, "it is a pity; but for every tear that falls from +thy gentle eyes a soul will be redeemed." + +He continued on his way in silence. As he approached the more densely +populated districts of the city, an almost unconscious movement of the +hand brought the fold of his mantle over his shoulder, so that it hid +the lower portion of his face. The tall figure of Garnet was one which +could not fail to attract attention, and many a passerby turned to see +who the cavalier might be. This did not escape the eye of the prelate, +and evidently for the sake of being unnoticed, he turned into a less +frequented thoroughfare, and proceeded by a circuitous route to gain +the hostelry wherein he resided. The way brought him through a portion +of the city composed of narrow intersecting streets and alleys, faced +by poor and worn out hovels. A few old warehouses here and there +marked the spots where in times gone by fine goods had been stored. As +they stood with broken windows and open doors sighing and creaking in +the wind, they appeared like living creatures who had fallen from +conditions of plenty, and were now, in their hunger, bemoaning the +loss of the abundance which once had filled them. + +In front of one of these buildings Garnet paused for a moment to more +closely examine the pile, and being deeply absorbed in his task of +inspection, was not aware of the glimmer of a lantern which came +bobbing toward him along the main road. The first intimations that any +one but himself stood upon the street were a sudden flash of light in +his face, a heavy hand falling upon his shoulder, and a gruff voice +exclaiming: + +"Henry Garnet, in the name of the King I arrest thee!" + +The priest started, and with rapid motion drew his cloak about him, +at the same time springing upon the step of the building. The man +lowered the light and by its reflection the Jesuit could see that he +wore the uniform of the King's guard. + +"Come," continued the soldier, drawing his sword, "submission better +suits thee as a priest, than does resistance." + +The blow had fallen so quickly, so unexpectedly, that for an instant +Garnet stood as one struck dumb, unable either to reply or form a plan +of action. However, in a moment his alert mind grasped the situation. +He had been recognized, that was evident, but his arrest was simply +for disobeying the edict by which he, as well as all his order, were +banished from the kingdom. The penalty following the violation of this +decree, at its worst, would simply mean imprisonment in the Tower. But +what, he asked himself, would be the consequence of it? While far from +being an egotist, the Jesuit knew that he alone was the thinking power +of that cause which to him was dearer than life. And now, when plans +were fast maturing, the corn ripening in the field, awaiting but the +hand of the reapers, he was placed in sudden danger which threatened +to frustrate all their hopes. These thoughts flashed through his mind +with the rapidity of lightning as he confronted the man standing at +the foot of the steps. Escape he must,--but how? + +"Come, Henry Garnet," the man repeated, ascending the steps, lantern +in one hand, a sword in the other. "Thou art my prisoner, and in the +name of his most gracious Majesty, James I., I arrest thee!" + +A bold rush now would be of no avail, for the man stood with the point +of his rapier close to the prelate's breast, almost touching his +doublet; furthermore Garnet's sword was in its scabbard, and at the +first attempt to draw it, he, in all probability, would be run through +the body. Was there no alternative but to yield? A gust of wind caused +the door at his back to creak. In an instant the Jesuit had sprung for +the portal, but the soldier, perceiving his purpose, lunged with his +weapon, and so true was the aim, that the prelate's cloak was pinned +fast to the wooden frame. An instant he was held there, but the clasp +of the mantle giving way released its wearer, and Garnet stood in the +dark entry, the door shut, and his foot set firmly against it. The +move had been none too quick, for the soldier hurled himself upon the +closed portal, which caused the old boards to groan, but they did not +yield; the only result of the man's efforts were, that the lantern +flew from his grasp, rolling down the steps into the street. The +priest heard him descend to recover the light, and relinquishing his +hold upon the door, groped his way through the darkness, hoping to +elude his pursuer in the building. His hand came in contact with the +baluster, and he quickly ascended the rickety stairs. By this time, +the guard had relighted his lantern and was peering cautiously into +the hall, evidently fearing a sword thrust from out the darkness. In +this instant's hesitation, Garnet gained the loft above. Here the +obscurity was less intense, for the waning moon shining through a +broken window into a room at his left, enabled him to see his way more +distinctly. There was little time for choice of direction, for even +now the soldier had commenced to ascend, and Garnet, not venturing to +grope further in the gloom, turned toward the ray of light, and passed +quickly into the room, pressed himself against the wall and waited. +The priest could see his pursuer holding the lantern above his head, +as he ascended the stairs, looking carefully about the while. The +soldier approached the chamber in which the Jesuit lay hid, peered in +at the door, and as if not satisfied with this cursory examination +entered. At last the man seemed satisfied, and with a muttered curse +was about to leave the apartment, when a fatal turn of the lantern +swept one of its rays full upon the Jesuit. + +"Ah! there thou art, my sly fox!" cried the soldier, springing, sword +in hand, at Garnet; another instant would have seen the priest pinned +fast to the wall, had not the man's foot in some way become entangled +in the mantle hanging upon his arm, throwing him headlong with great +clatter of steel to the floor. + +In a moment Garnet was upon him, both hands at the soldier's throat, +the long fingers pressing firmly the windpipe; one more strong clasp +and the priest released his hold, seized the other's sword, which had +fallen to the floor, and stood with its point upon the man's breast. + +"Swear by the God thou fearest, and upon thine honor, that thou wilt +remain in this room until I leave the house! Swear it!" the priest +repeated, "ere I run thee through!" + +No answer followed his command. + +"Come. Swear it!" he repeated, pressing the rapier firmly against the +other's chest. The ominous silence fell upon the priest as strange. He +stooped to look into the face. The light was dim, and still lower he +bent. Suddenly the sword dropped from his hand, for the Jesuit saw by +the bulging eyes which stared into his that he had demanded an oath +from a corpse. Those long white fingers had pressed more firmly than +they knew; the man's windpipe was crushed like paper. + +"My God!" the Jesuit whispered, kneeling beside the prostrate form, +horror of the deed falling upon him. "Of what have I been guilty? +This man's blood upon my head?" Terror-stricken, he looked about the +room. Again his eyes returned to the thing lying beside him. Was that +a movement of the distorted face? He gazed upon it in horrible +fascination. Slowly the lips of the dead man parted, the jaw dropped, +and it seemed as though a hideous smile lay upon the distorted visage. + +"Ah!" cried Garnet, springing to his feet, "Even in death thou art the +victor, for I am shackled to thee. Never in this world can I escape +the recollection of thy countenance!" + +The priest fell upon his knees, and raised his hands: + +"God help me and forgive me for this deed!" he cried. "If I have +sinned, 'twas not to save this worthless life of mine; not that I +deemed it sweet to live, but that I might survive to consecrate or +yield that life in the furtherance of Thy holy work!" + +He paused a moment in silent prayer, then arose, and taking a crucifix +from his doublet, knelt by the figure on the floor and pressed the +symbol to the dead lips. + +"Nay," said he, as he stood regarding the man, "I did not wish thy +death, and would gladly yield my life to see thee breathe again, but +'twas ordained thou shouldst go first. And who next?" he added, +raising the cross and gazing upon it--"Mayhap he doth wear a crown." + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +MONTEAGLE AND SALISBURY. + + +Four months passed; months of impatience to the conspirators who +awaited with eagerness the hour to strike against the government. +Winter and Fawkes had returned from France, their mission in part +accomplished, as they had obtained from certain of the Catholic +nobility promises of assistance in the way of men and money, did the +doors of England open to receive them. The plot to strike at the heart +of the ruling powers was slowly maturing; Fawkes, now the leading +spirit, worked diligently both with brain and hands to perfect the +plan decided upon by Winter, Catesby and the others. Secure in a +feeling of strength, the King had little thought that Fate was slowly +winding about him and his ministers a shroud which prompt action alone +could cast off. + +Toward the close of a sultry midsummer day, Lord Cecil, Earl of +Salisbury and Prime Minister of England, after holding audience with +the King, returned to his dwelling, glad to cast aside his decorations +and forget during a few hours the weighty affairs of State. He was +scarcely seated, with a glass of wine in hand, when my Lord of +Monteagle was announced as waiting in the ante-chamber. 'Twas no +strange thing for this nobleman to seek the Minister at his home, for +between them there was a warm friendship, and it pleased Cecil to +receive the other at any time he chose to visit him. He therefore +ordered that Monteagle should be at once conducted to his apartment, +and a second glass of wine prepared. + +As the peer entered, the keen eyes of his host noted that his bearing +betokened a mind ill at ease. + +"Faith!" said he, rising from his seat and extending his hand, "thou +bearest a most sour visage, my lord. Hath ridden in the sun, or did +thy cook forget his occupation and serve thee an ill-prepared repast?" + +Monteagle smiled faintly. "Nay," said he, "'tis my mind which is +somewhat disturbed." + +"Then sit thee down," cried Cecil cheerily, "and unburden thyself to +me of all save affairs of State; of them am I exceeding weary, for the +King hath a new hobby, a tax on beets and onions, in the discussion of +which the afternoon has been consumed." + +"Then his Majesty devised another way----" began Monteagle. + +Salisbury raised his hand. "'Tis treason," said he in feigned +displeasure; "wouldst have us in the Tower, good Monteagle, that thou +speak so lightly of James' statesmanship?" Then changing his jesting +tone to one of gravity: "But tell me, what troubles thee? Hath the air +of France failed to restore the spirits of thy son, Effingston? He +hath not returned?" + +"He is still in Paris," replied the other, touching his lips to the +glass which had been proffered him, "I this day received a letter in +which he speaks encouragingly of his health, and announces his return +within the month. Thy mind is easy, my lord?" + +"And why not?" demanded the Prime Minister, holding aloft his glass +that he might watch the reflection of the sun's rays upon the wine. +"England is at peace, the King seated firm upon his throne, and the +Ship of State rides on an even keel. Hast dreamed of treason, my Lord +Monteagle?" + +"Perchance not treason," replied his companion, drawing his chair +nearer, "but--certain things my son hath written, added to others +coming under my own observation, have caused me some uneasiness--a +shadowy suspicion, as it were, that an ill plan is brewing against the +King's authority." + +"Tut!" cried Salisbury. "'Tis a fit of indigestion, about which thou +hadst best consult thy doctor. Yet, what be these suspicions?" + +"Thou knowest," replied Monteagle, sinking his voice so that it scarce +reached the other's ear, "there are certain Catholics among the nobles +who chafe grievously under the exactions of laws passed by Parliament +and approved by James." + +Salisbury shrugged his shoulders. "That is beyond peradventure," said +he, "but the laws will stand." + +"Of that I would speak nothing," replied Monteagle, "being neither +King nor Parliament, but it hath been hinted that perchance the wind +of discontent may fan into life a flame of----" + +"Thou hast relatives among the Catholics," interrupted Cecil, looking +keenly at the other, "hast become a confidant?" + +Monteagle shook his head. "Nay," said he, "nor do I desire to mix in +affairs concerning my former faith. Yet, I have knowledge of certain +meetings which have taken place composed of sundry persons opposed to +the policy of James." + +"The dogs cut by the lash herd together in their discomfiture," +replied Cecil, "yet they fear to bite the hand which stung them." + +Monteagle frowned, for the words of the Prime Minister were not to his +liking. + +"There is more," said he; "certain of those have been seen in France." + +"'Tis a most Catholic country," replied Salisbury, "and, perhaps, +wishing to worship unmolested before their altars, some have gone +thither for their religion's sake." + +"My lord!" cried Monteagle, perceiving the Minister was in a mood for +jesting, "hast thou had no fear that some hidden danger might lurk +beneath the calm exterior of the peace which covers England? Do not +smile, but hear me. Thou knowest the Viscount Effingston is in France, +at the Court of Henry, and hath mingled much with some who are close +to the throne. Perhaps it may not have reached thine ears that some +months back a bloodless duel was fought between him and one Sir Thomas +Winter, a zealous Catholic and enemy to the King." + +"Ah!" broke in Salisbury, "thy speech grows interesting; and what +brought about this duel?" + +"'Twas an insult cast upon me by this Winter," replied Monteagle. +"Effingston chancing to hear, resented it, and an exchange of sword +thrusts followed; but that is past. As I told thee this morning I +received a letter from Paris in which the Viscount says he hath met +this Winter and another, a soldier of the commoners, and----" + +"A second duel hath followed?" interrupted the Minister. + +"Not so," replied the other, "but being suspicious of the fellows, my +son did set a spy upon them, feeling sure that no honest errand took +them into France." + +"And what did he discover?" asked Salisbury. + +"That Winter and his companion sought many times audiences with +certain high churchmen known to be enemies of England. Once, he +chanced to meet them upon the street, when Winter flushed a scarlet +and hastily passed. After this he learned that two Englishmen, one a +soldier who had served the King of Spain, gained the ear of certain +prelates and noblemen; that their conferences had been conducted with +much secrecy, and having finished, the men left Paris in the night, +taking poste for Calais." + +"And what then?" asked Salisbury, "did thy son learn anything +concerning those secret conferences?" + +"No way was open to him," answered Monteagle, "but he thought it best +to lay the matter before me; the more so that Winter and the other +have returned to London." + +The Prime Minister pondered for a moment. "Faith! my lord!" said he, +"thy zeal for the welfare of the State is most commendable, and the +King shall know of it, but thy spirit is overwrought with idle fear. +What if certain Catholics in England have sought audience with those +of their faith in Paris? Have we then fear of France? My word upon it, +good Monteagle, that calm thought will quell thy doubts. Of this +Thomas Winter I know something; a reminder of the luckless Essex, a +gentleman whose zeal doth warp his reason, and who, should he presume +too far, will feel the axe, I warrant. Thou sayest he is again in +England; perchance he builds a castle which the sight of a line of +soldiers will scatter to the winds. Again I thank thee for thy +counsel, my lord, nor will I neglect such matters as pertain to the +safety of the King. If it come to thee, that these dissatisfied +Catholics grow too bold in speech, for I fear not other signs of +treason, lay it before me, that I may stop their tongues, ere evil +thoughts be planted in the minds of them who cry 'amen' to any wind +of speech delivered in the market place." + +Monteagle arose, for he perceived 'twas useless to speak further of +ill-defined plots and perchance groundless fears of treason against +the King. + +"I but considered it my duty as an English gentleman to look to the +welfare of----" he began. + +"Thou hast my confidence," interrupted Salisbury, "and though I seem +to treat lightly thy suspicions they will be most carefully heeded +should occasion arise. There be certain chambers in the Tower, where +those too zealous in their faith may pass the time in prayer, thanking +God the King is merciful, and stays the axe." + +Monteagle bowed and left the room. "It may be," he muttered, "that my +mind doth dwell too much upon this matter, but I know Sir Thomas +Winter well, and there be certain of the Jesuits yet in England." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +SOWING THE WIND. + + +Late of an evening near to Michaelmas, three men applied for admission +at the door of a house close to the edge of the Thames, and which, by +reason of its surroundings, assured security from observation to those +who might choose to abide therein. Knocking upon the panel with the +hilt of a heavy rapier which he had drawn from its scabbard, the +shorter of the trio listened impatiently for the sounds which would +precede the drawing of the bolts within. His companions, who were in +the shadow of a neighboring wall, glanced about apprehensively. + +"'Tis an ill-favored place, Sir Thomas," whispered one, grasping +tighter the hilt of his sword as though the touch of the steel might +calm in a measure his disquietude. "Scarce is it to my liking that +friend Guido hath chosen so----" + +His companion laughed uneasily. "He hath a keen wit," replied he, "and +much precaution is necessary that none suspect at the eleventh hour. +As thou seest, good Percy, 'tis a most peaceful region, with few +abroad and no signs of the authorities." + +"Peaceful, indeed," replied Percy, casting his eyes down the poorly +lighted and narrow street through which he had come; "so is a +charnel-house, yet one would scarce----" + +A second rap upon the door, delivered with increased force, +interrupted the whispered conversation. + +"Within!" growled Fawkes, bending so that his lips were on a level +with the keyhole. "Art sleeping, Master Keyes, or----" + +The shuffling of feet answered, and a voice nearly inarticulate from +drowsiness demanded in no gentle tones who sought admittance to an +honest dwelling at so unseasonable an hour. + +Upon Fawkes replying, the bolt was withdrawn, the door opened a few +inches and the face of Master Keyes appeared in the aperture. The +soldier of fortune motioned to his companions who quickly joined him. + +"Good Robert, here, is a most cunning rogue," said he half laughingly, +"having feigned sleep----" + +The warden of the door forced a sneering smile. "Faith!" said he, +making way that the others might enter, "'twas such feigning as may +ever come to me when I would forget my troubles, and there be in my +purse no silver to purchase that which is opposed to conscience. What +wouldst thou, Guido Fawkes? that I sit upright in a corner from +eventide till morn that thou be not kept waiting before the door? Ill +was the day when, listening to thy words, I undertook this errand; +thou art fain to wish that I may be blown to the devil by thy six and +thirty barrels of----" + +Fawkes hastily laid his open palm across the mouth of the irate man. +"What now?" growled he gruffly, "that thou must cry aloud the contents +of thy cellar? Hast not been paid?" + +"Aye," grumbled the man, drawing back, "for sitting over hell! May +those selfsame Spanish hirelings to whom thy powder goeth, be blown to +their master with scant courtesy!" + +Winter whispered in Percy's ear: "A pretty trick, good Percy, yet what +more natural than, wishing to turn a penny by furnishing powder to +the Dons, brave Guido should act with much secrecy, so that it be not +seized by the authorities?" + +Already they were in the house, and the door was securely fastened. +Fawkes laid aside some of his cautiousness. + +"Friend Robert is a faithful man," said he, turning to his companions +and speaking with much significance; "therefore have I entered into an +agreement with him, that I, being under contract to the Spanish +ambassador to convey certain barrels of gunpowder into Flanders, he +should guard them till the time be ripe for loading into such vessels +as will carry them to the ship which I have hired." + +"Then," replied Winter, taking from his wallet a gold piece and +tendering it to Keyes, "he will accept this token which, I warrant, +will be increased by others of its kind if his diligence pleaseth +thee." + +On seeing the gold the man's ill temper vanished. "Good gentlemen," +cried he, seizing eagerly the coin, "I spoke but hastily." + +"That we know," said Winter, "and, perchance we, had we been so rudely +awakened, would have done as thou didst. Hath any disturbed thee +during thy guardianship?" + +"None, save a few drunken braggarts who found their way hither, and +would have battered in the door. Did any come whose wits were sharper +than their caution, I would have----" + +"What?" asked Fawkes pointedly, as the speaker hesitated. + +"Faith!" replied Keyes, "being a poor man, and a bag of gold pieces +forthcoming upon the safe loading of this devil's face powder onto +the Spanish vessel, 'twould be but just, that did any seek to cheat me +of it--well, the river tells no tales; what think ye, gentlemen?" + +Percy shuddered; Winter pressed his hand. "Nay, good Percy," he +whispered, "'tis scarce like to happen, yet even so, we would be but +instruments in the hand of God." + +During this conversation Fawkes, who seemed to be familiar with the +house, had led his companions into a small apartment whose window +overlooked the river which, washing against the stone foundation of +the dwelling, offered a safe retreat did any, bent upon trouble +making, force the street door. + +Winter and Percy glanced about them. The place was bare save for a +rude cot, a shaky table upon which flickered an iron-bound lantern, +and a small chest that, did occasion require, could be placed against +the narrow door. At a sign from Fawkes, Keyes drew aside the bed, +disclosing in the floor the outlines of a trap door, which covered an +opening to the cellar beneath. Stooping, he raised the heavy cover, +revealing the top rounds of a rude ladder leading into the blackness +below. + +"'Tis there!" said Fawkes shortly, "wouldst see it, gentlemen?" + +Percy drew back, when Keyes, misunderstanding his hesitancy, caught +the lantern from the table. + +"I will go down," said he, "and thou mayst safely follow; the stuff be +well housed, tight as a drum, and, as thou seest, the lantern +scattereth no fire." + +"But will not the dampness of the place destroy its usefulness?" asked +Winter. + +"There is little fear," replied Fawkes, "although it lieth below the +surface of the river; the cellar is hewn from the rock, and dry as a +tinder-box. Lead the way, good Robert, take heed with thy light." + +With much cautiousness the two men followed Fawkes and his guide down +the ladder to the floor ten feet below. Reaching it, Keyes held up the +lantern so that its feeble rays penetrated the darkness. Piled against +the walls of the subterranean chamber, Winter and Percy discerned +irregular dark objects rising to the height of their heads. + +"'Tis the wind which will free England of the pestilence," said Fawkes +grimly; then catching the quick glance of Winter, which reminded him +of the presence of Master Keyes, added: "Which sown in Flanders will +bring forth a whirlwind against those who serve not God after the +manner of the righteous." + +"A goodly amount of the grains," said Percy, placing his foot again +upon a round of the ladder; "and how much saidst thou, good Master +Keyes?" + +"As Fawkes hath told me, some six and thirty barrels," replied the +watchman; "enough, methinks, to send all London up to the stars." + +"And the King, also," whispered Winter in Fawkes' ear, and added, "let +us to the room above. My stomach hath small liking for thy cellars." + +Percy was already half way up the ladder, and the others quickly +followed. To the soldier of fortune and to Master Keyes, 'twas of +little moment that they had stood in the presence of such an engine of +destruction, which, if properly applied, would shake to its foundation +the strongest structure in Europe. But in Winter and Percy, especially +the latter, the presence of the gunpowder, thoughts of the purpose for +which it was to be used, and the lives which must be sacrificed, +overcame for the moment their fanatical zeal, and they withdrew with a +feeling akin to horror. 'Twas truly the seed of death; and in sowing +the wind might they not, themselves, reap the whirlwind? + +A short time in the upper chamber restored their calmness, and they no +longer seemed such fearful things, those grim barrels of harmless +looking black grains, which might lie harmless for centuries, as they +had seen them, or, at the touch of a single tiny spark, shake London +as by an earthquake, vacate a royal throne, and exterminate in an +instant the proudest government in Europe. Percy, of more gentle +disposition than his companion, gazed into the face of Guido Fawkes +with a feeling akin to awe. His was the brain which had suggested this +terrific method for the destruction of the King and Parliament; his +the voice that had pronounced the words which laid bare the plan to +Catesby, Winter and the others. If Fawkes had never come from Spain, +perhaps----, but the subject of his gloomy thoughts was speaking in +reply to a question put by Sir Thomas. + +"Thou hast noted," said he, "that this dwelling lieth close to the +river; so, 'twill be no great matter to remove the barrels from the +cellar to the deck of a boat lashed beneath the window, and, if a dark +night be chosen for the work, none, I warrant, will perceive the +matter. What sayest thou, friend Robert?" + +"That there is much of wisdom in thy speech," replied the other; "and +once upon the boat, the channel to the sea, where will lie thy Spanish +galley, is open. When, thinkest thou, the powder will be moved?" + +"I know not," replied Fawkes, sharply,--"in due time----" Then, +turning to his companions: "Gentlemen, having seen that which lies +below, what may be your pleasure?" + +"To return quickly," replied Percy, relieved at the thought of +escaping from such an ill-favored locality. + +Keyes chuckled. "Thou art in haste to quit my presence, and my pretty +devil's powder, good gentlemen," said he; "didst sleep so near as we, +perchance you would come to love it as Master Fawkes and I do. One +spark from this weak lantern, and----" + +"Come!" cried Percy, drawing his arm through that of Winter,--"we are +satisfied; what need to tarry longer?" + +In the street once more they, with Fawkes leading, hastened to gain a +more populous section of the city. 'Twas to Winter's house they went, +where Catesby was waiting impatiently. He, with Fawkes, had visited +the house by the river on the night previous, therefore he fell into +their discussion with good knowledge of the subject in hand. + +"Thou shouldst have been a general," said he to Fawkes; "it scarce +comes to me how so goodly a quantity of powder could be stored in +yonder place without detection." + +"'Twas no great matter," replied Fawkes, setting down the wineglass +Winter had handed him, "a little here, a trifle there, requiring some +weeks in the gathering; but now, as thou hast seen, there is enough." + +Winter laughed. "Faith!" said he, "I would fain not have thee for mine +enemy, friend Guido; else, some fine night, while I dreamed not that +danger threatened, my good dwelling would come to grief." + +Fawkes smiled grimly. "Not so," said he; "if thou wert an enemy, and +I had sworn to kill thee, 'twould be by other means,"--touching the +hilt of his sword. "What thou hast seen is reserved for kings and +parliaments." + +"The powder is well stored," broke in Catesby,--"what next?" + +"That hath been attended to," replied Percy. "As thou knowest, certain +events must transpire ere Master Keyes gives up his guardianship. To +me has fallen the duty of looking into the matter. The cellar of the +Parliament House must be reached ere further effect can come from our +planning." + +"What hast thou decided?" asked Winter. + +"Upon a simple solution of the matter," replied the +Gentleman-Pensioner. "Foreseeing our course, I have made an agreement +with one Henry Ferrers for the hiring of a dwelling close to the House +of Parliament. The documents are already signed and sealed. As in many +houses, the cellar extends some feet below the surface of the street +and, next it, lies the foundation wall of the House." + +"Then," cried Catesby, "we will play the mole; is it not so, good +Percy?" + +"Thou hast said it," replied the other; "to reach the cellar beneath +the House of Lords we must pierce through the foundation. 'Tis of +great thickness and the task will not be easy." + +"I am little used to delving," growled Fawkes, "but there is no other +way." + +"And Garnet?" inquired Catesby. + +"Garnet hath gone from London," said Percy, "nor will he return until +the fuse has reached the powder. He is now at Coughton House to await +such time as we shall summon him to join our forces." + +"And them hast all in readiness?" asked Winter. + +"In the house of Henry Ferrers are tools for digging--picks, hammers +and the like," replied Percy. + +"And in another place lie six and thirty kegs of trusty powder," added +Catesby; "the instruments are at hand." Then rising: "Come, gentlemen! +our conference is ended; to-morrow we work, not talk." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +THE CELLAR. + + +The house of Master Ferrers stood on the narrow strip of land between +the House of Lords and the river Thames. The wall of the dwelling +being adjacent to that which guarded the east side of the Parliament +House, 'twas not so difficult a matter for one bent upon gaining +secret entrance to the latter, to tunnel through it. Being of soft +bricks it would afford but a slight obstacle to determined men. To +penetrate the official structure was a harder undertaking, the +thickness thereof being some nine feet, and the masonry of flinty +stone, firmly cemented, and hardened into a compact mass by the lapse +of years. But, having once pierced through the two walls, the first of +brick, the other of stone, one would find himself in a chamber of some +extent, lying directly beneath the assembling place of the peers, and +the throne from which the King witnessed the convening of his +Parliament. + +Though, in fact, a cellar to the main building, the room was upon a +level with the street without, the walls being of "stout stones" and +the ceiling formed by beams upon which rested the flooring of the +House of Lords. 'Twas in this room the conspirators proposed to place +the six and thirty barrels of gunpowder, and--Parliament being in +session--to apply a spark to the slumbering power by which those who +occupied the room above would be blown heavenward with such scant +ceremony that none among them should have time to cry: "Good Lord, +have mercy upon us! Amen!" + +In selecting the house against the east wall of the Peer's meeting +place, Percy had acted with some wisdom. The Thames was the silent +highway of London, and did a boat stop beside the river entrance of +the dwelling, none would be likely to take any note thereof, nor to +think it matter of suspicion for one who occupied the place to use the +water as means of conveying such commodities as he chose to his +storeroom or cellar. In this manner the powder stored under the +guardianship of Master Keyes was removed by night to the second +storage place, that it might be in readiness when the time arrived for +placing it beneath the floor of Parliament. Many persons dwelt in the +neighborhood; in the vicinity were clustered the houses of the Keeper +of the Wardrobe, auditors and tellers of the Exchequer, and many other +officials of the government, any of whom might notice the barge lying +close at the edge of the garden on the river front, and the men +carrying from it to the house divers packages, but it was not probable +that they would. None, unless having business with Master Percy, would +approach the door, nor enter the garden, much less question the +carriers concerning that which they removed so carefully. + +It was at the end of the tenth day after the visit of Percy and Sir +Thomas to Master Keyes that the six and thirty barrels--twenty-four +hundred pounds--of powder were safely stored in the building next the +Parliament House. + +But ere this was accomplished, those who had undertaken the digging of +the tunnel began their work. Under cover of the darkness, Catesby, +Wright, Percy, Winter and Fawkes, entered the house leased by the +Gentleman-Pensioner, and being provided with a goodly quantity of +baked meats and other necessaries, that nothing should arise to call +them abroad, they began their work upon the brick wall beyond which +lay the masonry proper of the House. + +Of the five, four were gentlemen of blood, to whom the handling of +pick and bar came not so readily. To Fawkes, skilled through long +service in foreign lands, where the undermining of walls and +fortifications was a common occupation, it fell to direct the work, +although in actual digging he took small part, it having been agreed +that he should serve as watchman, warn the others did any approach the +garden, or danger arise from sounds in the cellar reaching the ears of +those whose curiosity might bring unwelcome investigation as to so +strange a proceeding. Crowded as they were in the narrow space, the +four conspirators, with doublets cast aside and limbs weary from their +unusual occupation, plied drill and crowbar, enlivening their toil by +discourse upon the subject of the undertaking, and stopping ever and +anon to refresh themselves with ale, or wine. + +"Faith!" said Sir Thomas, looking woefully upon his begrimed hands and +vestment, "'tis a sorry thing to play the mole, when a sword thrust +delivered from behind a curtain, or the stroke of a poniard, would as +well free us of these tyrants." + +"'Twere perchance easier," replied Percy, driving his drill through +the last layer of bricks which stood between them and the second wall. +"I, for one, would choose the Lord to give me work under an open sky, +where there be less dust to blind the eyes and stifle the breath." + +Catesby laughed harshly. "Could Garnet hear thee," said he, "a +discourse of patience would soon be forthcoming. To your work, +gentlemen; we have already pierced one wall." + +An exclamation from Wright interrupted them. + +"By the wounds," he growled, throwing down his crowbar with much show +of temper, "one wall, indeed; a paper covering compared with this," +and taking the bar again drove its point with great force against the +one now exposed, belonging to the House. + +The iron rebounded from the solid masonry as though driven against a +sheet of steel, for the flinty stone turned it easily, and only a +shower of sparks answered the blow. + +"What hast thou there?" asked Winter. + +"The gate of hell," retorted Wright, kicking the bar with his foot, +"nine feet of it, by Master Percy's computation, and, I warrant, as +many years will be required to see the further side. Try it, good +Catesby, 'tis a nut a giant could scarce crack, though he wield a +battering ram." + +Taking up a lantern which stood by the wall, Catesby examined the +masonry with great carefulness. + +"Thou shouldst have struck the mortar," said he, tapping the cement +between the blocks of stone with the point of his drill, "wouldst tear +away the rock itself?" + +For some moments he worked diligently, streaming with perspiration and +his loud breathing filling the narrow place. A hole scarce three +inches deep rewarded his exertions. + +"'Tis well reasoned," growled he at length, "here is a riddle for +Master Fawkes; wilt summon him, friend Percy?" + +Glad for an excuse to leave for a moment the ill-savored cellar, Percy +hastened on his errand, and Fawkes presently entered, looking keenly +about. + +"What now, gentlemen?" said he, "hast made an opening?" + +"That have we not, save through this wall of brick," replied Catesby, +"methinks thy gunpowder could scarce open a further way, friend Guido. +Look thou at yon barrier of stone." + +Taking the lantern, Fawkes followed the suggestion. "'Tis, in truth, +most strongly put together," said he at length, "but with due patience +and diligence this also may be overcome. Give me a drill." + +Having received one from the hand of Winter he attacked the masonry, +striking here, picking there, until, having loosened a goodly portion +of cement, he caught up a heavy crowbar, and inserting its point into +the narrow opening, bore down upon the iron with all his strength and +the block of stone, freed from its fastening, was detached and fell +with a dull crash upon the floor at his feet. + +The soldier of fortune wiped his brow. "'Tis of the smallest," said +he, "but the others will give way in turn. Thou must first be sure +that the mortar is removed, when, using sufficient force, the rocks +will loosen, thus making the hole larger." + +"There be too few of us," said Winter. "I think some word should be +sent to my brother Robert, that he join us in this business, and also +Master Keyes, who being a man of much resource, and, perchance, +skilled in such labor as this, may aid us much." + +"Can he be trusted in so dangerous a venture?" asked Wright. "Of thy +brother Robert there is no fear, but what of this Master Keyes?" + +"Friend Guido will answer for his loyalty," replied Winter; "the man +is reliable, though his zeal turneth to the securing of money. +Already have I examined him, and found that within his mind lay some +suspicion as to our object in collecting such a quantity of powder. +For recompense he will dig most industriously, and promise of reward +when our mission is accomplished will make him dumb. Thou hast my word +upon it." + +"Then," said Catesby, "let him be summoned hither, and thy brother +also; much labor lies before us; seven men can scarce accomplish it, +and we are now but five." + +It was agreed that on the following night Fawkes should bring Keyes +and Robert Winter to the cellar, when, with a greater number to labor, +the work of forcing a passage through the wall could be accomplished +more rapidly. In the meantime, being excessively wearied, the +conspirators left the cellar and sought repose. + + * * * * * + +Two weeks passed. The excavation in the wall of the Parliament House +had increased day by day, until a hole some five or six feet in +length, large enough to admit the body of a man, was bored through the +solid masonry. With the assistance of the two additional members to +their little party the conspirators worked with renewed energy. Filled +with enthusiasm they had little sense of fatigue, and plied pick and +drill vigorously that they might gain entrance to the room beneath the +lord's chamber before the convening of Parliament, which, as Percy +learned, was to take place on the fifth of November. Confident that +their work was appointed by God, those men of gentle blood curbed +their impatience, though laborious and slow was the task, and every +muscle and bone ached when the tools were laid aside. For a time the +disposal of the earth and rock taken from the tunnel puzzled them, but +Fawkes with characteristic quickness found a way;--such of the debris +as would attract little attention was scattered about the garden; as +for the larger rocks and mortar, the river was close at hand, and, as +Robert Keyes had said, it told no tales. + +So they worked, beguiling the weary hours with discussions as to what +would follow the success of their project. England would be without a +king; the machinery of the government shattered, and the way would be +open for seating a Catholic upon the throne. Prince Henry, successor +to the crown, would perish with his father and the peers in +Parliament. They would seize the royal heirs who remained, Prince +Charles and the Princess Elizabeth, hold them in durance, while the +Catholics would choose the heir-apparent and appoint a Protector for +the kingdom. It was a daring plan and the prospect of its execution +lightened their toil, and intensified the flame of their zeal. + +Somewhat near the middle of the day, when, having ceased for a moment +the attack upon the wall, Wright, who had remained in the tunnel after +the others had gone out, rushed wildly forth, his face pale under its +coat of dust and his limbs trembling strangely. + +"What aileth thee?" cried Catesby, alarmed at his companion's aspect, +"hath the wall fallen in upon----" + +"Nay," replied Wright with harsh voice, "but I go in no more; the +devil hath seized this tunnel, and----" + +Catesby entered quickly, and in a moment was at the end of the narrow +aperture. On either side arose the rough masonry, torn and ragged +where the stones had been forced apart; upon a heap of debris stood +Wright's lantern, burning dimly, beside it his heavy drill and hammer. +Catesby looked hurriedly about, but all was silent; the air was hot +and stifling and the smoke from the lantern filled his nostrils. He +turned to retrace his steps, with rough words for Wright upon his +lips, when a faint sound fell upon his ears; an unearthly thing, which +startled him and sent to his heart a thrill of superstitious terror. +'Twas a measured tinkling, as of a silver bell, which rose and fell +with steady cadence. Instinctively his hand went to his left hip, but +the familiar hilt was absent; he had left it in the room above, +guarded by Robert Winter, who watched with Fawkes. + +Snatching from his bosom a small silver vial filled with holy water, +the trembling conspirator sprinkled a few drops upon the walls--the +tinkling ceased, and from the entrance behind sounded the voice of +Percy: + +"What hast thou found, good Catesby, a goblin, or----" + +The answer of the other was upon his lips when, above his head, +apparently from the center of the solid masonry itself, came a sound +as of the rushing of mighty waters, which continued for a short space +of time, then died away. The noise reached the ears of those in the +room without, and it needed not the white face of Catesby showing in +the opening to send them upon their knees with prayers to the Virgin +for protection. At that moment Fawkes appeared among them. + +"What now?" said he gruffly, much amazed at so strange a sight, "think +ye, good gentlemen, that praying will cause the stones to separate?" + +"Brave Guido!" cried Winter with trembling voice, "either this place +is bewitched or our plans discovered; we have heard----" + +The renewal of the noise interrupted him. Fawkes laid his hand upon +his hilt and, with his lips pressed close together, thrust his head +into the entrance of the tunnel. For a moment he remained silent, +then turned with a grim look upon his face. + +"'Tis from the place which we strive to reach," said he shortly; "go +ye to the room above, while I learn its meaning;" and without more +delay he left the cellar, followed by his terror-stricken companions. + +Disguised in the dress of a common porter there was little danger in +his venturing abroad. After an absence of about an hour, he returned +to the six conspirators. + +"Faith!" said he, tossing his cap upon the table, "thou mayst lay +aside thy tools, Sir Thomas, and the others likewise." + +"And wherefore?" asked Percy with bloodless lips. "Are we then +discovered? If so, I will die with sword in hand----" + +"Speak not of dying," replied Fawkes, a smile passing over his face; +"rather set thy wits to working. Thou art good at bargaining; hire for +us, therefore, this cellar beneath the House of Parliament." + +The Catholic gentlemen gazed at him in astonishment, wondering if some +sudden terror had beclouded his brain; or, did the man but jest with +them? + +"Hire the chamber under Parliament House?" gasped Catesby, "as well +might good Percy bargain for the royal prerogative of James." + +"Ye think me mad," said Fawkes, "but listen. After leaving you I made +my way with all haste to the door of the Parliament cellar, which was +open, and discovered the meaning of the noise which reached us in the +tunnel;--'twas the sliding downward of a goodly quantity of coal, +owned by a woman of some property called Bright, a dealer in coals and +faggots. She being present, attending to the removal of her own, I +addressed her and learned that, having hired the cellar from the +authorities, she was about to give it over to them. + +"'And is't for rent?' asked I. + +"'That it is,' replied she; 'for he who hath the renting of it, one +Whynniard, by name, did offer it for the coming quarter, but it +pleaseth me to store my coals elsewhere.' + +"Thou seest, therefore, that this room is for us if we do choose, and +Master Percy, well versed in such matters, has but to bespeak this +Whynniard and possession will be given of a most valuable corner of +the House of Parliament." + +This sudden turn of fortune rendered the conspirators for the moment +speechless. Winter was the first to regain his balance. + +"It shall be done," cried he; "right glad am I that such a chance hath +come to us. Good Master Percy, bestir thyself, before another seize +the opportunity." + +To all, it seemed that the hand of God had opened a way for them, and +Percy made haste to do his errand, and with such success, that ere +another sunrise the room beneath the House of Lords was in the hands +of those who hoped to overthrow the government. + +Having gained so easily the place they had sought to acquire by +stealth and painful labor, the conspirators at once set about +conveying into it the powder now stored in the house of Master +Ferrers. Fawkes, to whom this work fell, bought, and ordered deposited +in the chamber, a goodly quantity of coals and faggots, so that one +chancing to enter would note only a pile of such commodities as +dealers in fuel collected for sale. Care was taken that the unfinished +tunnel in the wall should be covered so that none would notice it. +This was easily done by replacing a few of the outer stones and +cementing them together. + +Some days yet remained before the opening of Parliament; during that +time Percy, Catesby, Winter and others of the conspirators, formed +such plans as would be to their advantage when the kingdom, shaken to +its center by the death of the King and his ministers, should be +thrown into confusion. As for Fawkes, each day found him in the fatal +cellar, where he studied the condition of his coals and faggots, +making sure that no prying eye had penetrated the covering, under +which was hidden the "devil's powder" awaiting the spark which would +free English Catholics from James of Scotland and his Parliament. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +THE NOTE OF WARNING. + + +During the last week of October, sixteen hundred and five, near the +day for the convening of Parliament, Lord Monteagle suddenly appeared +in his house at Hoxton, from which he had been absent a month. His +manner was perturbed and preoccupied in the extreme. Usually of a +genial disposition, he surprised the servants who attended him, by an +impatient order that supper be served at once, as he and the gentlemen +accompanying him had already fasted too long. + +Soon after seven in the evening he dispatched a footman upon an errand +into the neighboring street. This man shortly returned in haste, +presenting to his lordship a sealed letter, addressed, in a cramped +hand, to "The Right Honorable, the Lord Monteagle." + +He received the missive, handling it in a fastidious manner, and +inquired with some show of spirit how it had come through a servant, +instead of being delivered in the usual way. + +"'Twas given me," replied the footman, "by a reasonably tall person +who stood upon a corner of the street, and directed with much +semblance of authority that I give it into thy lordship's hand and to +no other." + +"'Tis a most unwonted thing," said Monteagle, breaking the seal, +"probably some petition for alms which----" + +Then, on glancing over the sheet, he started, and turned to a +gentleman beside him. + +"Good Thomas Ward," said he, "'tis written in a most illegible and +wretched hand which I can scarce decipher; neither bears it any date +or superscription. I pray thee take and read aloud, that all may hear +and pass opinion upon so strange a matter." + +Ward accepted the paper, and smoothed it out upon his hand. "It seems +the writing of a laborer," said he, "one who doth wield a pick and +spade with more ease than a quill. A most unmannerly jumble of +ill-conditioned words, as thou shalt judge, my lord, upon hearing." So +saying he read aloud as follows, while the others sat and listened: + + "My lord out of the love I beare to some of youer friends I + have a cayer of youer preservation therefor I would advyse + yowe as yowe tender youer lyfe to devyse some excuse to shift + of youer attendance at this parleament for God and man bathe + concurred to punishe the wickedness of this tyme and thinke + not slyghtly of this advertisment but retyre youer selfe into + youer country where yowe may expect the event in safty for + though there be no appearence of any stir yet I say they + shall receyve a terrible blowe this parleament, and yet they + shall not see who hurts them. Thys cowncel is not to be + condemed because it may do yowe good and can do yowe no harm, + for the danger is passed as soon as yowe have burnt the + letter, and I hope God will gyve yowe the grace to make good + use of it to whose holy protection I commend yowe." + +"A most amazing document," said Ward, as he returned it to Monteagle; +"and what think you of it, my lord? canst detect the meaning of so +strange a warning?" + +His lordship contracted his brow and studied the writing with much +attention. "'Tis as you perceive," said he, "a warning unto me that +some unexplained danger lies in the way." + +"A boorish jest," cried one at the table; "think not upon it, my +lord." + +"Which is proved beyond doubt by the action of the one who brought +it," said another; "he dared not deliver it at the door." + +Monteagle folded the letter carefully and thrust it inside his +doublet. There arose in his mind suspicion that in the tenor of the +message lay the verification of the warning to Lord Salisbury, and +that, mayhap, beneath the apparent serenity of the kingdom, smoldered +a volcano which needed but the touch of a directing master hand to +send belching forth its contents of treason and blood. Into his mind +came also the words of the Prime Minister spoken one afternoon several +months before, that should aught be unfolded of plots or treasonable +designs, they should be disclosed to him, and thus the danger to the +State be averted. + +He had therefore a feeling of relief when the meal was ended, and his +companions left him to carry out his intention. The raw October night +was filled with storm and blackness, but the spirit of Lord Monteagle +burned within him to lay before Salisbury and, perchance, the King, +the warning which had come to him. + +Scarce a quarter of an hour elapsed after rising from the table ere, +covered by a great cloak, booted, and with a stout rapier girt at his +side, he left Hoxton House unnoticed, and turned his steps toward the +dwelling of the Prime Minister. Although the hour was late Cecil had +not retired when he received the announcement that Monteagle sought an +interview. Surprised at so unusual an occurrence the Minister +hastened to greet his visitor, ordering, as was his custom, that a +light repast be set before him. + +"And what now, good Monteagle?" asked he, looking at his companion +with a smile, "hast thy digestion played thee false again?" + +"Of that thou shalt judge, my lord," replied Monteagle, taking the +letter from his doublet and handing it to the Minister. + +Salisbury mastered its contents with an aptness peculiar to himself. + +"Faith!" said he, letting his eyes rest searchingly upon the face of +his companion, "and how camest thou by this thing, my good lord?" + +Monteagle related briefly the scene at the supper table. + +"And didst thou have the letter read aloud, in the presence of thy +gentlemen?" asked the Minister. + +"Its contents were unknown to me," replied the other; "the writing was +obscure and I did request Thomas Ward to decipher it." + +Salisbury pondered for a moment. The warning of danger threatening +those who would sit at the opening of the coming Parliament perplexed +him, and drawing nearer to a light he studied the letter carefully. + +"Thou hast done well," said he, suddenly turning to Monteagle, "in +placing this paper in my hands without delay, yet----" he laid a +finger on the letter, "perchance 'tis nothing, or--there may be much +behind these ill-written lines. Thou perceivest that herein is +written: 'for the danger is passed as soon as you have burned the +letter!' What then can be the use of such a warning? as, hadst thou +put the sheet to fire, there had been no danger." + +"'Tis beyond my comprehension," replied Monteagle, "'tis a riddle." + +Salisbury looked up quickly. Despite his assumed indifference at the +time, the former conversation with the ex-Catholic nobleman had +aroused in his mind suspicions that some danger might lurk beneath the +calm which had lulled the King into a feeling of security. He +understood well that, although there had been no open manifestations +of treason on the part of zealous adherents to the Catholic faith in +England, there were among them men who but awaited opportunity to show +in no gentle way, their displeasure at the policy of James. He +remembered also, that Monteagle had been a Catholic, though now a firm +partisan of the government and in high favor at Whitehall. Might it +not be possible that some knowledge coming to him of a plot against +the State, and, not wishing to openly accuse his former compatriots, +he had taken a more subtle way, seeking by veiled warnings and hints, +to arouse suspicion in the other's mind, and so lead to some action on +the part of the government? Yet, it was not in accordance with his +policy to reveal his real thoughts; therefore, again thanking the +other for his zeal with reference to the letter, he dismissed him with +a promise that the matter should not be forgotten. + +After Monteagle had left he again studied the missive, endeavoring to +read between the lines, and bringing all his wit to bear upon the +meaning. Then, as it was his custom to work quietly and without haste, +for six days he held the document before making it known to the King. + +James was at first alarmed, but upon perceiving that the Minister +retained his calmness, he put aside his fears and questioned +Salisbury closely concerning the meaning of the strange warning. In +the latter's mind was no thought of arousing James to hasty action, +for, if in truth a plot was brewing, too sudden a movement on the part +of the government would warn those engaged in it, and only postpone +the culmination to a more favorable opportunity. Following this line +of thought the Prime Minister calmed the sovereign's fears, and the +King, trusting to the prudence and shrewdness of his chief counselor, +dismissed the matter with a jest. + +Report, indeed, reached the ears of Winter, Catesby and others of the +conspirators, that Lord Monteagle had been warned to absent himself +from Parliament on the opening day. They were alarmed for a time, and +sought solution of the problem, wishing to know who had played the +traitor. Suspicion pointed to one Francis Tresham, whose sister had +married Monteagle, and who, naturally, would seek to save his +brother-in-law. But as Tresham denied all knowledge of the matter, the +government made no move, and even Salisbury, usually alert, remained +inactive. After a week of uncertainty, the conspirators again gathered +their forces and the plot against the King and Parliament continued to +ripen. Fawkes, beyond all others, became more reckless. + +"Should all else fail," said he, "I remain firm; and at the end will +kill this King even, if needful, in the royal bedchamber." + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +ON THE STROKE OF ELEVEN. + + +"What, my daughter, up at this late hour!" exclaimed Fawkes, as he +entered the room where Elinor sat. "I had deemed thee long abed." + +The man threw himself into a chair by the fire with an air of fatigue, +and sat in moody silence. The girl glanced up; then arising, passed +over to him and lightly kissed his brow. The caress did not meet with +any response; in fact, he seemed scarcely conscious of it, and after a +moment's hesitation, Elinor resumed her seat. + +She had led a strange existence for the past eight months;--ever +waiting, ever dreading, and as yet nothing had occurred. To her this +period had been one of breathless suspense, like the moment before the +storm, when trees hang lifeless in a stifling atmosphere, and animals +raise their heads in frightened expectancy, awaiting with nameless +terror the first gust which shall herald the tornado. Since her +father's return from France, she noted that the air of preoccupation +apparent before his departure, was now intensified. While in his +kindness toward her the girl could detect no change, still, there had +come between them a species of estrangement. Seldom was there an +opportunity for them to converse, for Fawkes was up before daylight, +and rarely returned until after the midnight hour had sounded. Often +it was in her heart to ask his confidence--often to hint that she had +overheard his words on that fearful night,--but when she approached +with such intent, a nameless something in his manner held her mute. + +The source from which she had hoped would flow sweet waters of comfort +and relief proved dry and arid as summer dust; he to whom in an +outburst of anguish she had confided her grief vanished completely +from her life, as though the earth had engulfed him. True, Garnet +visited her many times after the night she unburdened her heart to +him, but his counsel was ever the same--to wait; at times she even +imagined there was in his tones a hint at justification of her +father's utterance. However, since the day on which Fawkes had +returned, the Jesuit had never passed the threshold of the house. How +to account for this absence she knew not, but in a vague way +associated it with the mystery surrounding her father. + +Winter, Elinor had not seen; her wonder at his studious avoidance of +her was matched by the terror with which she anticipated meeting him. +And her first grief?--the forced sacrifice of life's happiness with +the man she loved--had time been kind, and stilled the aching of her +heart? No; for in it the flame burned as brightly as when upon that +day, long ago, his first kiss had breathed upon the glowing spark, +changing it into a tongue of flame which leaped to her very lips. +Where Effingston had gone, she did not know, but her prayers were ever +the same, that in the abyss wherein lay her own fair fame he should +cast his love;--so grief for him would cease to exist. + +At last the silence of the room was broken by the man before the fire, +who turned toward her, and, as if but just noting her presence, said, +drowsily: "Daughter, methinks such late hours ill befit thee. It hath +long since struck twelve; thou hast already lost thy beauty sleep." + +Elinor arose, laid aside the work with which she had been employed, +passed over to Fawkes, then stooped and kissed him. As her lips +touched his, he reached up, took her face between his hands and gazing +at her said, after a moment: "My pretty one, if at any time death +should take thy father from thee, wouldst ever cease to love him?" + +The girl started; for the words had broken strangely in upon her +thoughts. Evidently the man beheld the shocked look, for he continued, +putting his arm about her slight form and pressing it close to him, +"Nay, my daughter, thou needst not be alarmed at what I say, for--for +'twas nothing. Thou knowest in years I do grow apace, and 'twould be +small wonder if death did perchance tap me on the shoulder and say, +'Thou art the man!' There, there, little one," he added kissing her, +"thou needst not reply; I can read an answer in thy eyes." + +"And, prithee, didst ever doubt my love for thee?" whispered the girl, +as she gently placed her arms about his neck. + +"Nay, never!" answered Fawkes, quickly, in a husky voice, "but--but +'tis sweet to hear thee tell thy love, and," he added, taking one of +her white hands within his own, "thou art all I have. If at any time +death should steal thee from thy father's arms, methinks he would soon +follow in thy light footsteps." + +"Much happiness it doth give me to hear from thee such words," the +girl replied, "even though they have but solemn import." + +"And dost thy father's affection need repetition? Surely, thou knowest +'tis all thine own." For an instant there was silence, broken only by +the crackling logs. Then the girl said, as though dwelling upon his +words: "Nay, I never doubted thee--but--but----" + +"But what, my daughter?" Fawkes asked, tenderly, pressing her fingers +to his lips. + +"Well, perchance," she answered with a smile, "I did but wish, like +thee, to hear again the confession of it." + +His only response was the pressing of her figure closer to his heart. + +"Tell me," she began after a moment, in a hesitating voice, casting a +half-timid glance at her father's face; "dost think one ever speaks +words from anger that--well, that in calmer moments he would give a +world to unsay?" + +"What brought such question to thy mind, daughter?" enquired the other +with a smile of surprise. + +"Perchance 'tis but a causeless query," she replied, smoothing his +tumbled locks. + +"Many foolish things are spoke in passion," said Fawkes; "things which +leave a lifetime of regret behind. I do remember that once, in this +very room, my temper did o'erleap its bounds and lent my tongue words +which I would give a year of sweet life to unsay. Dost know my +meaning, darling?" he inquired, looking at her with moisture in his +eyes. "'Twas when I had not long arrived from Spain; in truth, 'twas +on the very night when thou----" + +"Nay, I will not hear thee repeat," she interrupted, laying her hand +upon his mouth. "I know all, but thou canst not think how happy this +doth make me." + +"Didst thou imagine I could mean those wicked words?" asked the man +tenderly, "'Twas a sudden outburst of temper on hearing--well, well, +since thy dainty fingers forbid my speech I will be mute." + +"See!" cried Elinor, springing to her feet, in the first happiness of +her relieved mind. "Now thou shalt hear me laugh and sing all through +the day, till thou wilt cry mercy. And mayhap some time thou and I," +continued the girl, seating herself beside him, "shall leave this +chilly land with all its cares and fly to a fairer country, where cold +winds are not known, where sweet flowers do ever bloom, and we will +love each other; in that, forget all else, and in forgetting; be +forever happy and at rest." + +"Perchance, some day," murmured the man. "But now, one more caress and +thou must to thy bed, or 'twill be light ere thou art in dreamland." + +She arose, a bright smile upon her face--brighter than he had seen +resting there for many a day. + +"Ah!" she cried, once more throwing her arms about him, "would that I +could give to thee the happiness thy words have brought to me." + +"And so thou canst," replied the man, suddenly. + +"How may that be done?--tell me quickly!" she exclaimed, playfully, +"that I may the sooner begin." + +"It is, sweet Elinor," said Fawkes, gazing down into her eyes, "that +thou wilt always love this man before thee--nay, even," he continued +with a depth of feeling in his tone which she had never heard before, +"even shouldst thou hear him branded as--as--no matter what manner of +things might be uttered against him, thou art always to remember that +he at least loved thee with all his heart, and that thou wert his +life." He stopped abruptly; the tears which coursed down his stern +face seemed strangely out of place. + +"Ah!" exclaimed the girl, "I cannot bear to have thee doubt me; thou +knowest I shall be ever thy loving daughter, even unto the end of this +life and in the next." + +The man was silent for a space; then mastering his emotion, and +passing a hand quickly across his face, he said: "Think naught of my +words, little one; they were but idle, born of fatigue. Now, once more +good night to thee, and a long, sweet sleep." + +So she left him; but at the door she turned, and Fawkes remembered +afterward the bright and happy smile which lay upon her face. + +With a light heart she went to rest, for her father's words had +banished from her mind the hideous doubt with which it had so long +been oppressed. The dreadful gulf between them had, at last, been +bridged, and once more they stood together hand in hand as in days +gone by. She was almost unwilling to yield herself to sleep, fearing +lest, on awaking, she might find her happiness but a vision of the +night. Slumber claimed her at last, and she fell into dreams of her +new-found joy. Many hours elapsed and the morning sun shone brightly +into her room, when there fell upon the girl's ear the sound of voices +in the apartment below. Remaining a moment in a dreamy state, +wondering who the early visitors might be, she suddenly caught a +sentence which stiffened the blood within her veins and brought back +to her heart in deadly force the awful fears she had thought forever +gone. Those in the chamber beneath had evidently been in conversation +for some time, for she heard them advancing toward the door as though +to depart. Then a voice, which the girl recognized as Sir Thomas +Winter's, said in a low tone: "Now, the last arrangements are made; +all doth await thy hand. Ah," he continued, "would that I might see +the outcome of this. 'Tis a ghastly thing, even though it be----" + +"What?" interrupted another voice, which Elinor knew to be her +father's. "Doth thy heart begin to turn at this late hour? Marry, my +one wish is that even now the clock stood on the stroke of eleven, for +in five minutes thereafter England will be without its King and +Parliament." + +"Hast all that thou wilt need?" inquired Winter. + +"Yea, verily," the other answered. "Here are flint and steel, quite +new. The touchwood and the lantern are hidden beneath the faggots in +the cellar. But stay, thou hadst better lend me thy time-piece; mine +is not over trustworthy, and I would keep accurate track of the +moments." + +"Here is the watch," said the other voice; "it was true to the second +yesterday. And now, for the last time, dost fully understand the +signal? It is to be the first stroke of eleven. The King is expected +at half after the hour of ten; that will leave thirty minutes' margin, +and the lords will have assembled before James doth take his place." + +"Knowest thou," inquired Fawkes, when Winter had ceased, "what may be +the first measure before the House?" + +"Methinks," replied the man, "one Lord Effingston will speak upon a +bill relating to the duty upon wool." And he added, with a laugh which +the girl could distinctly hear, "perchance his fine words will be +interrupted, if thy tinder be not damp." + +"Thou needst have no fear of that," answered Fawkes, gruffly. "But let +us hence, for 'tis even now past the stroke of ten." + +She heard them pass quickly out, and soon their footsteps died away in +the distance. Elinor lay for a moment dazed,--the blow had fallen! The +words he had uttered but a few short hours ago were a lie, uttered to +blind her. She recoiled in horror from even the thoughts of that man +with the black and treacherous heart. He was now a father but in name; +all her love turned to that other man, who, in that very moment, was +standing over a hell which awaited but the hand of Fawkes to send it +belching forth. Was there yet time to save him? All her energies bent +themselves to this one purpose. She arose and dressed hurriedly, +forming her plan of action the meanwhile. A sudden terror came upon +her. If by some accident the mine should be prematurely exploded, what +then? But she recollected the cautious man who was to fire it, and the +thought quieted her. The bell in a neighboring steeple chimed the +quarter after ten. Forty-five minutes only remained,--barely time, if +she hastened her utmost, to reach the Parliament buildings before +eleven would ring out upon the air. She was soon ready and hastened +toward the door, her trembling fingers scarce able, in their +eagerness, to lift the latch. At last they found the cord, but the +portal held firmly to its place. Again she tried, putting forth all +her strength. Still it did not yield. The horrible truth flashed upon +the girl; the heavy door was securely fastened from the outside! + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. + + +As Elinor stood confronted by the barred door, a madness born of +terror seized her. Frantically she beat upon the panel until in places +the wood was stained with her blood. Again and again she threw herself +against the heavy oak, but with no result. After many vain attempts +she sank, almost fainting, to the floor. + +As she lay breathless, her tender hands bruised and bleeding, there +fell upon her ear the echo of the chime once more;--ten thirty! The +sound infused new life into her slight form. Springing to her feet she +seized a bench near by, and with a power almost superhuman, raised the +heavy piece and struck the portal with all her might. A shower of dust +rewarded her. Another blow and a wide fissure appeared across the +panel. Once more the bench crashed against the door, and it gave way, +a shower of splinters flying into the hall below. Quickly she hastened +down the stairs and gained the street. People turned wondering looks +upon the flying girl as with strength born of desperation she sped +toward Parliament House. As she reached the neighborhood a group of +men who stood engaged in conversation, noted her, and one drew forth +his watch:--"There is one carrying a petition," said he; "but fifteen +minutes yet remain before the opening of the House." + +The words quickened her energies; a quarter of an hour yet! + +In a moment she was in sight of the buildings. It had been her +purpose to hasten to the hall, but suddenly flashed the thought that +her entrance might be barred, and questions be asked. No time now but +for one thing,--to seek her father in the cellar, and snatch the torch +from out his hand.... The clock marked the hour of half past ten when +Fawkes, having taken leave of Sir Thomas Winter, reached the door of +the dark room under Parliament House. As he had left it, so he found +it;--the portal locked, and silence reigning within where lay the +faggots and the gunpowder. The soldier of fortune glanced about. Save +for a few idlers the narrow passage flanking the cellar door was +unoccupied. Soon even those went on their way, and unobserved he +opened the portal and slipped into the fatal chamber, closing it +noiselessly behind him, but leaving it unbarred; for, the spark once +applied to the powder, there would be scant time for escape. The +cellar was in darkness save where, through the rusty bars of a small +window, a feeble ray of light struggled with the gloom, losing itself +amid the shadows. + +Stepping carefully, that no footfall might reach the ears of any +above, he groped his way along the rough stone wall. Upon reaching a +depression in the masonry, he took up from its hiding place a lantern, +a rude affair formed of iron, pierced by countless holes, and within +it a tallow candle, which, when he lighted it, sputtered fitfully and +sent forth a sickly yellow light, the glare only serving to intensify +the gloom. A rat, frightened by his approach, scurried into some dark +corner with a plaintive squeak which startled him, despite his iron +nerve. + +"Faith!" he muttered, a grim smile relaxing for a moment the stern +lines of his face, "thou art strangely nervous, Guido, that such a +thing doth make thee tremble! 'Tis an adage that such vermin as I have +disturbed make haste to leave a fatal ship, and, methinks, this Ship +of State is very near the rocks. 'Tis a sign from heaven that I shall +not fail." Then, turning to the pile of faggots: "So innocent are ye, +that even Elinor, with all her gentleness, might bear you in her arms +and take no harm; but----" here he bent and touched a hidden cask: +"thou art more to my liking, and the King shall hear thee speak for +me. Thine is the voice which shall tell all England that----" + +For a moment the monologue was interrupted and he busied himself with +the fuse, pouring from a flask taken from his doublet, fresh grains of +powder upon the train already laid, that nothing should be lacking to +speed the fire to its destination. + +Overhead sounded countless footsteps, as the pages and attendants upon +the floor of the Parliament chamber hastened hither and thither upon +their various errands. + +"My good lords and bishops are assembling," muttered Fawkes; "a most +gallant gathering, I warrant. Pity 'tis, that all must perish; for +there be some who have small voice in the passing of the laws." + +Suddenly there fell upon his ear the muffled sound of a cheer raised +by countless voices. The smile upon his lips grew scornful: "The +King!" he muttered, "greeting his good Parliament. 'Tis said he loves +a well-timed jest; pity to rob England of such a famous clown; +perchance in hell the devil may use his wit to while away the dinner +hour." + +The noise above increased; the peers had entered the hall; the King +had ascended the throne, and it lacked but fifteen minutes to the +first stroke of eleven, when the Parliament would open--and the flint +would kiss the steel. + +Despite his hardihood the man waiting in the gloom beneath the feet of +the sovereign and his noblemen grew restless as the fatal moment +approached. Through his brain flashed thoughts of the fearful +consequence of his bloody deed,--the terror, the widespread +consternation and the chaos which would follow the destruction of the +Parliament. To him came, also, the thought of his daughter--what she +would say to him; but then--she was a child and little comprehended +affairs of State. When all was over Garnet would quiet her fears, and +her father would be a hero in her eyes. + +Unconsciously he drew forth his dagger and pricked with its point the +mortar between the stones of the pillar against which he leaned. With +something to occupy his mind the moments would speed faster. The +lantern, burning dimly, stands upon the floor near his side; beyond +lies the fuse, ready for the fire. + +Just at this moment Elinor, having reached the door of the cellar, +paused an instant upon the threshold, then, scarce conscious of what +she was doing pushed open the unbarred portal and stepped within the +gloomy chamber. So silent was her coming that Fawkes, busy with his +dagger and the mortar, did not perceive it. The girl hesitated, +trembling in every limb; the blackness of the place, the intense +excitement under which she labored, and the fearful thought that +already the fuse might be burning, her father gone, and death so near, +held her spellbound. She saw the faint glimmer from the lantern, a +hundred tiny streaks of light glowing through the darkness. Her father +must be there beside his light, and summoning all her energies she +moves quickly forward, intent only upon accomplishing her mission. + +The rustle of her garments struck upon Fawkes' ear. He turned and saw +the half open door, the dim outline of the form which stood between +him and the faint light struggling through the aperture. With a quick +indrawing of the breath he grasped the hilt of his dagger and turned +to face the advancing figure. Shall anyone thus ruin all, at the +eleventh hour? His nerves became as if made of steel, all signs of +indecision vanish; face to face with danger he becomes once more the +hardened veteran who has met unflinchingly the fierce charge of the +foemen in the Lowcountry. + +Elinor at length perceived him whom she sought, and stretched out her +hands to grasp him, for the dry lips refused to frame the words her +tongue would utter. + +In that moment, noting the extended arms, and thinking the other would +lay violent hands upon him, Fawkes sprang forward and seized the frail +form about the shoulders; small time to note the softness of the flesh +and the clinging woman's garments, or the low cry which answers the +grasp of his iron hand. The blackness of the place hides their faces, +and his business is to carry out the plot. + +For a moment the two--father and daughter--are locked together in a +firm embrace; the slender figure of the child bent and tortured by the +cruel pressure of the pitiless fingers. She struggled desperately, and +in her efforts to free herself Fawkes finds the way to end the matter +quickly. + +"Thou wouldst undo the work," he hisses. "Didst think to find me +unprepared? Thou art a cunning knave, but this----" + +No eye, save that of God, sees the uplifting of the dagger, the quick +movement of the arm, the rapid thrust which drives the fatal steel +into that tender breast, letting forth her life-blood upon the rough +pavement of the cellar. + +Elinor reeled and released her hold upon him. In her agony God +stretched forth His hand and held her in His grasp so that, ere she +died, the end for which she had come might be accomplished. One word, +a bitter cry wrung from her heart, escaped her lips: "Father!" + +But Fawkes heeded it not. As he sent home the dagger his foot struck +the lantern, overturning it, and sent the iron case with its burning +contents rolling across the floor toward the powder train. In another +instant the fire will have reached the fuse,--and 'tis not yet time! + +With a frantic push he hurled the victim of his murderous blow away +from him, and hastened to snatch the sputtering light. His violence +flung the stricken girl to the floor, but with a last effort of will, +she staggered to her feet and groped blindly for the door, one little +hand outstretched before her, the other covering the cruel wound made +by her father's knife. + +At last she found the portal, and gained the narrow way to the street. +There was but one thought in her heart,--to reach the hall above +before death claimed her. + + * * * * * + +Within the House of Lords all was ready for the opening of the +Parliament. James, clothed in royal robes of State, and exchanging +jests with his favorites, was lolling upon the throne. The peers were +in their seats; some, deep in conversation, others, silently gazing at +the gorgeous scene of which they were a part. At a table standing near +the space before the throne, sat Lord Monteagle and his son, the +latter engaged in arranging the notes of his speech on the bill which +he was soon to bring before the House. Effingston seemed to be +strangely nervous as the hour for his address drew near and his +father had evidently made some jesting remark concerning his tremulous +hand, when suddenly the attention of all was drawn toward the great +doors at the extreme end of the room. Affected by the tumult, James +turned impatiently to see who had dared disturb the solemnity of the +hour. Those who were looking in that direction started with amazement. + +Through the open portal, flanked by its two rows of yeomen of the +guard, advanced a slender girlish figure, with face white as marble +and whose dark eyes sought the King. Clad in a gown of some soft gray +stuff which had been torn open at the throat, revealing the gentle +curve of the white bosom, the girl staggered up the long aisle leading +to the throne. Between the fingers of the hand pressed above her heart +showed a crimson stain which, touching the bodice of her dress, +gradually spread itself upon the soft color. + +Amazed at so unwonted a spectacle the peers could only stare, +transfixed. The girl had reached the space before the throne and +stopped beside the table at which Effingston stood, who alone, of all +the House, had started to his feet and confronted her. For one brief +moment she gazed into his eyes, then stretched forth her hand. The +white lips parted, she cried in a stifled voice: + +"My lords! flee the House ere----" + +The voice fell to a whisper, she reeled and sought to grasp the table +for support. Effingston sprang toward her, but before he reached her +side, her form sank slowly to the floor and lay at his feet. Unmindful +of the presence of the King, and of his fellow peers, the young +nobleman raised her in his arms. None beside Lord Monteagle heard him +whisper:--"Elinor!" + +At her name the closed lids opened, and her lips parted in a faint +smile. + +"My love!" she murmured faintly, her head sinking upon his shoulder +like that of a tired child slowly falling to sleep. "I am +guiltless--thou alone--'twas for thy sake----" + +A spasm of pain swept across her face; he felt a shudder shake the +slender form, and a beseeching look sought his face. + +"I understand, my darling," he whispered, pressing his lips to hers. + +She sighed. A happy light shone in the fast glazing eyes. + +"Elinor!" he murmured. "One more word----" + +But God had taken her. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +FAWKES BEFORE THE KING. + + +For a moment a great stillness pervaded the House of Lords. The King +had half arisen from the throne, his hands tightly grasping the gilded +lions on either side, and his eyes fixed upon the dead form of Elinor, +lying at Effingston's feet. All followed the monarch's glance, the +ministers and peers leaning forward to better see the stricken girl +growing rigid in the clasp of death. So profound was the silence in +the great hall, that the footsteps of those without were heard with +startling distinctness in every part of the room. Before all the +peers, leaned Lord Monteagle, his gaze riveted upon the face of his +son. As for Effingston he heeded nothing; like an image of stone he +stood, his limbs powerless and his blood turned to ice; the face of +the dead was not whiter than his, yet, upon her face was the smile of +peace, in his, the shadow of conscious, mortal agony. + +So sudden had been the coming of that tender maid, born of the people, +but now more noble than any lord of England, that none save, +perchance, Salisbury, Monteagle and the King, comprehended its +meaning. The girl's dying cry that all should flee the House of +Parliament, was a mystery to the lords; but to the mind of the Prime +Minister, and to Monteagle and James, came as by a flash of lightning, +the veiled meaning in the letter, which, strong in his feeling of +security, the King had hitherto looked upon as an idle jest, gotten up +to disturb his dreams. Raising his eyes from the spot where Elinor +lay, her blood staining the polished floor, he turned them upon +Salisbury, with a look of interrogation. The Minister collected by an +effort his scattered senses. Into his mind came as though by Divine +inspiration some inkling of the nature of the threatened danger. +Turning quickly, he summoned to his side Master Edmond Doubleday, an +officer of the royal household. + +"Go," said he hoarsely, "into the cellar, and whosoever thou findest +there, be it man or woman, seize quickly. Perchance the King's life +dependeth upon thy expedition." + +Of quick wit, the officer comprehended that his superior had surmised +some plot, the solution of which might be found below. Hastening from +the hall he gathered on the way a dozen gentlemen, and together the +company hurried from the House and sought the door which opened to the +chamber under it. Something guided their steps--great, crimson +splashes upon the pavement, blood drops which left a well-marked trail +from the space before the throne of the King--to the narrow entrance +of the cellar wherein lay the danger which they must avert. Little did +Guido Fawkes know--as little had the dead girl comprehended--that her +heart's blood would mark the way which would lead him to the scaffold +because it would be the means of hastening on his enemies, directing +them with no uncertain significance to his hiding place. + +In the semi-darkness of the cellar, amid his coals and faggots, with +the six and thirty barrels of gunpowder ready for the spark, the +daring soldier of fortune stood with trembling limbs, and a nameless +terror at his heart. Unflinching in the face of danger, the first in +all deeds of hardihood, famed for his valor in the Lowcountry, the +overturning of the lantern so near the powder train, and the low cry +of agony which followed the driving home of his dagger, had unnerved +him. For one brief instant he thought he recognized the cry--that from +the gasping lips so near his own had fallen the word "father!" but in +the excitement of the moment he dismissed the dreadful thought. Some +idle, curious knave had chanced to see the cellar door, and entered. +Was it his fault that he had resorted to the knife to prevent the +discovery of his presence? + +Occupied with the overturned lantern he had noted little what befell +the other. Stabbed to death, the intruder probably lay in some dark +corner where the soldier's frantic push had sent him. The lantern +burned dimly, and time was speeding, so 'twould be an ill thing to +waste it upon a dead man. Steadying his nerves by an effort, Fawkes +took out the watch which Winter had given him, and bending toward the +flickering light studied the dial. The hour was at hand; in five +minutes the great clock in the tower of St. Paul would mark the stroke +of eleven, and he would fire the fuse. + +Searching in his doublet he drew forth a tinder box and touchwood. +Five minutes more and he would strike the spark; in five more the red, +spitting serpent would reach the hidden powder; by then he would be +safe, and, mingling with the crowd, would hear the roar of thunder +heralding the passing of James Stuart and his Parliament into +eternity. + +As he waited, the flint held ready to strike the steel, there flashed +through his mind the thought of his daughter, but she was safe at +home, and----The sound of hasty footsteps and the passing of dark +forms before the dim light struggling through the half closed entrance +to the cellar, broke his revery. Was it another come to meet his +knife point? + +As he drew back, shading the lantern with his cloak, the door was +burst violently open, and a dozen men, the first holding aloft a +torch, pushed into the cellar. Fawkes thrust the flint and touchwood +into the bosom of his doublet, and, ever cool when danger threatened, +bent carelessly over the pile of coals and faggots. Coming thus, +without knowledge, any might have judged him an honest coal monger +busy at his trade. + +Those who entered so hastily rushed upon him; Edmond Doubleday raised +a dagger, intent upon driving it into his body, but seeing Fawkes +unarmed he lowered the steel and seized him by the shoulders. In an +instant the soldier shook off the other's grasp. + +"Who art thou?" cried he fiercely, "what is thy business, sir?" + +For reply Doubleday turned to his companions. "Surround the fellow, +gentlemen," said he sharply, "and search the cellar." + +Fawkes was quickly hemmed in by a wall of men, each with drawn sword +in hand. On the instant it flashed upon him that the plot was known, +and that further dissimulation would be profitless; therefore he held +his peace while two or three of his captors searched the cellar. One +muttered an exclamation; he had come upon the fuse, and following it, +perceived the barrels beneath the pile of faggots. Fawkes smiled +grimly. + +"If thou wilt look yet further," said he, "haply thou wilt find a dead +man." + +But nothing was discovered save Fawkes, his faggots, and the +gunpowder. + +The captive started. He had not then killed him who grappled with him +in the darkness; sorely wounded, the other had escaped to set the +bloodhounds upon his hiding place. He had thought his hand more sure. + +After thoroughly searching the cellar those who had taken Fawkes led +him to the passage without. He noted upon the stones the drops of +blood, and smiled,--his knife had not been useless after all. As the +little company with the soldier of fortune in their midst hurried +along the passage there ran toward them Sir Thomas Knyvet and half a +score of the royal guards. Perceiving the prisoner, the knight looked +at him critically. + +"What!" cried he, turning to Doubleday, "hast not bound the ruffian? +'Tis the King's pleasure that any whom thou hast taken be brought +before the throne." + +No cords were forthcoming, for, in their haste, small matters had been +neglected, but one of the gentlemen, taking from his pocket a pair of +garters proffered them to Doubleday. + +"Take these," said he; "I warrant they will hold the knave." + +Fawkes submitted without a protest, watching with grim indifference +the passing of the garters about his legs and wrists. Once he smiled; +but 'twas a fleeting shadow. Within the House his captors searched +him, coming upon the tinder box, touchwood, and Winter's watch--things +which were to bear heavy evidence against the prisoner. + +In the hall of Parliament all was confusion; Elinor, guarded by +Effingston, still lay dead before the throne, and the ministers were +gathered about it. + +The tumult ceased as Fawkes was led through the doorway. He was to +meet the King whom he would have slain, yet he advanced with uplifted +head, not a muscle quivering. The peers made way for him, so that a +space was cleared before the throne. Suddenly his eyes fell upon +Effingston; for an instant he paused, then following the gaze of the +grief-stricken nobleman, saw her who lay upon the floor. A mist +gathered before his eyes; a blinding flash of unreal but fierce +accusing light seared his brain and turned him into stone. +Horror-stricken he advanced, scarce conscious that he moved, until he +stood before the body of his daughter upon whose breast showed the red +wound made by the knife. The King, Salisbury, and the ministers had +turned and were looking fixedly upon him, but Fawkes was unconscious +of their gaze. He saw only the white face, the half-closed eyes, the +cold lips which had kissed his own so fondly and called him "father." + +As the flashing of a great light coming out of the darkness, the truth +gleamed in its red horror upon him--the reason of the presence of +another in the cellar, the drops of blood along the pavement. She had +sought to save him from the crime of murder--and he had killed her! + +He would have cried out and thrown himself upon his knees beside the +dead, but his iron will controlled the impulse, and the hands of the +guard upon his shoulder held him firm. What cared he for axe or gibbet +now? He had loved her next to his religion, and had slain her. The +King was speaking: + +"Ah!" said he, "what have we here, brave gentlemen? Doth tremble so at +the sight of one dead girl? Who art thou, fellow?" + +Fawkes replied nothing, nor, perchance, heard the voice of James; his +thoughts were in Spain, where, when a child, Elinor had climbed upon +his knee. + +"Faith!" cried the King, "hast caught a dumb man, good Master +Doubleday? or hath the decoration of the garter so overcome his senses +that he is in a maze?" + +Some of the gentlemen about the throne smiled, for James loved a jest; +but Effingston turned away and pressed his father's hand. + +"Come!" cried the King, impatiently; "wilt not find thy tongue? 'tis +not my custom to speak a second time. What didst thou in the cellar?" + +Fawkes raised his eyes and the King saw in them a look of such utter +hopelessness that some chord of pity in his heart was touched. + +"My good Lord Cecil," said he, turning to Salisbury, "methinks terror, +or something worse, hath driven away his wits; we but waste words upon +him. See to it, pray, that he be closely guarded, for certain +questions must be put to him. The Warden of the Tower hath a way to +loosen stubborn tongues." + +So saying, he arose with much dignity and left the hall, followed by +many of his gentlemen. Fawkes they took out by another way--the road +which led to the Tower. He gave no sign, but let his gaze dwell in one +last farewell upon the body of his daughter. Then his eyes met those +of Effingston, and in the other's look he read that the dead would +rest in peace and honor. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +THE BANQUET. + + +On the evening of that memorable Fifth of November, there were +gathered in a spacious residence at Ashbery, Saint Ledger, a small +company evidently bent upon pleasure. + +During the day they had passed their time in the many ways gentlemen +were wont to choose when seeking forgetfulness of the din and +distractions incident to a great city. But it was not difficult to +discern that the hearts of the men were far from interested in the +various sports undertaken by them. + +The hours from morning until dark had been spent in a variety of ways, +but none evinced any enjoyment in their pastime. A few had beguiled a +small part of the day in hunting, but they failed to find even in that +excitement relief for the anxiety which so oppressed them. At last +twilight came, lingered, and glided into night. But with the darkness +the uneasiness of all increased. + +Nor would this fact have caused wonder had it been known what thoughts +lay in the mind of each; that they were momentarily expecting tidings +upon which depended not only their hopes and happiness but, perchance +their lives as well. Indeed, the company had been bidden thither by +none other than Lord Catesby, who deemed it expedient that those not +actually engaged in carrying out the plot for the assassination of +James and his Parliament, should tarry at his country residence until +news of the accomplished deed should be brought them. Acting upon the +suggestion, he, together with Sir Everard Digsby, Rookwood, Robert +Morgan, Grant and the brother of Sir Thomas Winter, had ridden forth +from the city the day before; and now, with apprehension which their +sanguine hopes could not fully thrust aside, they awaited the news +which was to tell them how the fearful plot had prospered. + +After a day, the length of which was measured not by the standard of +moments but by that of slow-moving years, all had assembled to partake +of the evening repast. Surrounding the glittering table were anxious +and thoughtful faces. The host was silent and distraught, but not more +so than his guests. The terrible strain under which they labored +forbade much conversation; and if a laugh, perchance, mounted to the +lips of any, it sounded hollow and mirthless. + +"What now, good gentlemen," cried Catesby, with an attempt at gayety, +when silence had again fallen upon the group; "ye are in truth but +sorry companions. It would appear that something besides good vintage +lay in the cellar beneath us. Come, fill your cups and let wine bring +to our lips the jest, since wit seemeth utterly barren." + +"Nay, my lord," exclaimed Rookwood, as he thrust his glass aside; "I +for one am done with pretensions; 'tis time some news did reach us." +The man drew forth his watch, and glancing at it, said with a frown: +"By Our Blessed Lady, 'tis past nine and we have had no tidings!" + +The anxiety in the speaker's tone seemed to find a silent response in +the heart of each. Before them all the wine stood untasted. A barking +cur upon the highway caused them to start to their feet and listen, +thinking the sound might be the herald of an approaching horseman. +"'Twas nothing," said the host wearily, when once more seated. +"Patience, patience, gentlemen; I think this delay doth not bode ill +to us, for as ye are aware, bad news is ever atop of the swiftest +steed." + +"Ah, good Catesby," exclaimed Digsby, "it is to thee we look for +consolation in this terrible hour. But I do most devoutly wish some +intelligence, be it good or evil, would arrive; for naught can be +worse than this awful waiting." + +"Talk not of evil tidings," broke in Grant, nervously; "our minds are +full enough of fears without thy----" + +"Nay, good Robert," interrupted Sir Everard, "'twas but a figure of +speech I used. Nothing is further from my mind than to play the +croaking prophet." + +"Art sure, my lord," queried Rookwood, "that Sir Winter did comprehend +in what manner the intelligence was to be brought?" + +"Quite certain of it," answered the host; "for 'twas the last topic +upon which we spoke before I left the city. Have no fear; he +understood full well that Master Keyes was to ride post haste the +moment all was accomplished." + +"How long would it take a horseman, riding at his best speed, to +travel the distance?" enquired Rookwood, again drawing forth his +watch. + +"If nothing occurred to hinder on the way, and his mount was fresh at +start, methinks the journey should be made in eight hours." + +"Then," exclaimed the other, thrusting back his time-piece, "if all be +well we would have heard ere now. I fear me--nay--I know not what I +fear." + +But hark! What sound is that which at last falls upon the listening +group? Was it the wind sighing through the leafless trees? Nay, it +cannot be; for now they hear it again, and more distinctly. There is +no mistaking the flying hoofs of a horse striking the hard road. All +spring from the table. The moment has arrived; they are to know. As +each gazes into the white face of the other, he but beholds the +reflection of his own pallid countenance, and speech for a moment is +impossible. + +"God!" cried Rookwood, listening; "Catesby, thou didst say but one +rider was to bear the message, and I hear the noise of several rushing +steeds, if, indeed, I be not mad." + +Louder and louder grew the clatter of the hoofs, whiter and whiter the +faces of the waiting men. At last five horsemen dash in at the gate +and ride without drawing rein across the lawn and up to the very +window of the banquet room. + +No need to ask what tidings. Winter is the first to throw himself from +his steaming horse, and followed by Percy, the two Wrights and Robert +Keyes, staggers into the room. They are covered with mud and streaming +with perspiration. Their hats and swords were left behind--evidently +lost in the wild ride from London. Breathless they stand, for a moment +unable to speak. Written on the face of each is an expression of utter +despair, mingled with fear and pain, such a look as an animal wears +when, shot through the body, it blindly flees from death. + +Winter is the first to find voice; and clutching at the table, which +shakes under his trembling grasp, pants, in a tone which is scarcely +audible: + +"Flee for your lives! There is yet time for us to escape. We cannot +help him who is in the Tower. Our own necks will pay for further +delay." + +There is a horrified silence, broken only by the hard breathing of +the men. At last Rookwood, pale with emotion, sprang toward the +speaker, gasping: "What is this thou sayest? Failure! It cannot be! +Thou must be mad!" + +"Nay," cried Percy, "'tis so, 'tis so, indeed. Fawkes is captured. +Nothing is left for us but flight. Come, to horse! to horse! I say. +Even now the soldiers are on the road, and any moment the sound of +hurrying hoofs in pursuit of us may fall upon our ears." + +In an instant the utmost disorder reigned. Chairs were overturned in +the eagerness of the men to take in hand their swords, which rested +against the wall. Glasses, swept from off the board, fell with a +crash, adding to the general din. The floor was strewn with eatables +and wine, carried from off the table in the mad rush. Panic ruled, and +it had placed its sign-manual upon each face. + +At last, above the uproar, the voice of Catesby can be heard, and +standing by the door he addresses the fear-stricken men. "Gentlemen!" +he cried, "has the grasp of terror seized upon and turned you all mad? +Why should we fly, and by that course brand our deeds as sinful? Are +we criminals? Have we stolen aught? Are we creatures to be hunted +through the country? Come! play the part God has given to each, and at +the end, since success is not ours let us meet death here, hand in +hand, as becomes brothers in one faith--like martyrs!" + +The words of the speaker had small effect upon the men, and did not +check the general confusion. Those who had just arrived were in the +garden attending to their jaded steeds, knowing full well that upon +them depended their lives. + +Rookwood burst again into the room, attired in a heavy riding +mantle. "Come," he cried to his host; "to horse while there is time! +'Twould be a wickedness to tarry longer; it meaneth naught but +self-destruction. Our steeds have been resting, and many miles may be +placed between us and London ere break of day. Endanger not all our +lives by thy foolish scruples." + +At last the finer sentiments of Catesby were overruled by the words +and entreaties of his companions, and he with them, hurried to the +stable. With trembling fingers the bridles were fastened, the girths +drawn, and in a moment all were ready for the flight. With a clatter +the cavalcade sped out of the gate and thundered down the road at +breakneck pace, disappearing in the darkness. + +So ended the day which was to see the culmination of a deed which +these fleeing men once dreamed would set the world on fire! And what +had come of it? For them, nothing but the dancing sparks struck out by +the hoofs of galloping horses, bearing their guilty riders from under +the blow of a swinging axe. Fawkes, their unhappy tool, was already in +the grip of the avenging power; and was tasting a more bitter gall +than that of torture and death, for that he had, with his own hand, +shed the blood of his well-beloved daughter, but not one drop of the +heretic blood he so thirsted to spill. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +"IN THE KING'S NAME." + + +The bomb having exploded so unexpectedly in the camp of the +conspirators, Fawkes a prisoner in the hands of the government, which, +following the custom of the day, would probably under torture wring +from him a confession, the gentlemen who had been so zealous in the +cause had now no thought but of flight. So sudden had been the +exposure of their plot--laid bare to the eyes of all England at the +eleventh hour--that the bold plans for a well-regulated defense were +overthrown completely, and could not be carried out in any degree. +Garnet, indeed, was for the time safe, his hiding place unknown to the +authorities, and did Fawkes resist with physical and moral force the +torture, the Jesuit might not become involved in the consequences of +his treason. But Catesby, Percy, the two Winters and others stood in +the shadow of the scaffold. That no mercy would be measured out to +them was beyond peradventure. Though of brave spirit, they feared, and +could but flee before, the anger of the law. + +It was indeed a pitiful and chagrined body of horsemen who, hurrying +through Worcestershire and the adjoining county, sought to hide +themselves from the King's officers. Pausing in their mad flight, they +rifled the house of Lord Windsor, taking such arms and armor as best +suited their needs. Close after them rode the soldiers of the King +incited by promise of reward and honor did they capture and deliver +the little band into the hands of Salisbury and his ministers. One +face was missing from among those fleeing for their lives in such wild +haste. Catesby, Percy, my Lord of Rookwood, the two Wrights, Grant, +Morgan and Robert Keyes rode side by side, but Thomas Winter, he who +had summoned Fawkes from Spain, was absent. Small need of words +between the proscribed conspirators. A single purpose was in each +heart--to escape those in pursuit. + +As dull night drew on, the horses jaded, their riders fainting from +fatigue and fear, the luckless gentlemen reached Holbeach, the house +of Stephen Littleton. The early stars were twinkling in the gray vault +of heaven when lights from the welcome asylum greeted their eyes. +Percy turned to Catesby, who rode at his side. + +"Good Robert," said he, "there must we perforce remain till morning; +horseflesh can scarce endure the strain much longer, and those who +follow must needs halt, also. Stephen Littleton hath been our friend, +therefore is his dwelling at our disposal. 'Tis a stout structure, and +should the King's men find us therein--some will go with us to the +other world." + +Catesby smiled sadly. "Here will we indeed rest," replied he; "for, as +thou sayest, the beasts be weary. England is small, good Percy; we +must not lack courage." + +Noting the two leaders pull up their horses at the gate of the +dwelling, the others did likewise, and all dismounted and entered the +place which, to some, was their last abode--save the grave. In the +main chamber a cheerful fire crackled; for in the month of November +the air was chill, and Master Littleton perceiving the gentlemen +trembling as from cold, caused to be thrown upon the embers a goodly +number of faggots which blazed brightly. The sight recalled to Percy's +mind the fatal cellar under the House of Parliament, where he had +last seen Fawkes guarding with watchful eye the secret which lay +beneath so innocent a covering. + +Having removed their heavy boots and outer clothing the conspirators +talked together, seeking to dispel the gloom which rested upon the +company. All were ill at ease, for, although Percy had said the King's +officers would rest, it was possible they might secure fresh horses, +push on, and attack the house ere morning. Expecting no mercy if taken +alive, each resolved to sell his life dearly. + +The hours passed on to ten in the evening, when a thing happened +which, to the minds of many in England, exemplified the law of +God--that the wicked shall perish through their own evil devices. +Wishing to have all in readiness should the officers come upon them +during the night, and fearing that the gunpowder with which they were +provided might have become dampened by reason of the humidity of the +weather and its prolonged exposure to the elements, Christopher Wright +poured upon a platter some two pounds of the black grains, and set it +beside the hearthstone. Noting the action another of the party brought +a second bag of powder and treated it likewise, thinking to remove it +when sufficiently dry. + +Percy perceived the danger and withdrew from his position before the +blaze. "Were it not well," said he, "to have a care, lest a spark +falling outward do much harm to those within the room?" + +"Nay," replied Wright, "'tis my purpose to watch it closely; the +stuff, being damp, is worthless." + +Percy spoke no more, not wishing to be thought unduly nervous, and the +company relapsing into silence watched the flames, each intent upon +his own dark forebodings. + +For many minutes they remained thus, but starting at each sound from +without, and hearing in every rustle of the leafless trees and +shrubbery the hoofbeats of horses bearing their pursuing enemies. The +heat of the room, added to sleepless nights which had followed the +arrest of Guido Fawkes and the discovery of the conspiracy, gradually +overcame the majority of the party, and all but Percy and Catesby +nodded in their seats. These two, the first confederates with Winter +and the Superior of the Jesuits to formulate the plan for destroying +the King and the government, sat moodily side by side, their burning +eyeballs glassy in the red reflection of the flames, and their hearts +heavy with thoughts of dismal failure and impending ruin. + +"Would that Garnet were with us now," muttered Catesby, thrusting one +foot upon the fender; "perchance his wit might devise some means to +free us from our entanglement and perplexity, and save the cause. +Would that Fawkes had----" + +Percy raised his eyes quickly. "Thou art then sorry----" he began. + +"Nay," replied Catesby with some haughtiness. "If I had thought there +had been the least sin in it I would not have put my hand to it for +all the world. No other cause led me to hazard my fortune and my life +but zeal for the true faith. We have, in truth, failed, good Percy; +yet was the match burning which, in another moment, would have given +the spark to the powder, and the thunderbolt of which friend Guido +spake to us would----" + +Carried away by his earnestness he thrust forth his foot beyond the +fender and struck the faggots which blazed in the fireplace. A shower +of sparks answered the blow. One, falling beyond the hearthstone, +found the platter heaped with the deadly grains. Then, in truth, the +spark was given to the powder, but it was not that which lay beneath +the floor of Parliament; it was the powder in the room wherein nodded +the would-be murderers of the lords and the King of England. Ere +Catesby was aware of the awful danger, before Percy--who had noted the +falling spark--could cry out, there came a blinding flash, a cloud of +sulphurous smoke, the crashing of bent and broken timbers, and the +affrighted cries of the luckless inmates of the room. Yet in one thing +there seemed to be a merciful interposition. Carried upward by force +of the explosion, the bag containing a greater quantity of the powder +was hurled through the opening in the roof, and fell into the yard +untouched by fire; had it been otherwise, the public executioner's +work would have been less, and fewer dripping heads had graced the +spikes upon the Tower. + +Blinded by fire and smoke but unharmed, save for a scorching of the +hair and beard, the conspirators groped their way into the open air. +Upon their souls rested a cloud of superstitious dread. In the +explosion of the gunpowder they saw the hand of God; and--'twas not +turned against the King! + + * * * * * + +It was scarce daybreak when the horse bearing Sir Thomas Winter +stopped before the door of the ill-fated Holbeach mansion. Report had +reached him of the explosion, also that many of his companions were +sorely wounded, and that Catesby lay dead, with body shattered by the +firing of the powder. Then was proved his gentle blood, and the valor +of his race. Those with him when he received the news begged him to +fly; but he only looked upon them with clouded brow, and said: "Nay; +Catesby is dead. I will see to his burial; a gallant gentleman,--and +my friend!" + +Thus he rode in all haste to Holbeach, to find there his friends +unharmed;--close following him were the soldiers of the King. + +Scant time was given to the luckless gentlemen to prepare for +receiving them. + +"What have ye resolved to do?" asked Winter, having heard the story of +the night. + +"We mean to die," replied Percy stoutly; "we can scarce hold the house +an hour." + +"Then," said Winter quietly, "I will take such part as you do." And +looking to his sword and firearms, he leaned against the casement of +the window facing the road on which the King's men would come. + +Toward noon they came, a gallant company of gentlemen and musketeers, +flushed with the early morning ride and filled with zeal to take the +traitors who awaited them behind the walls of Master Littleton's +house. Watching from the window Winter saw many faces which he knew; +Sir John Foliot, Francis Conyers, Salway, Ketelsby, all staunch +adherents of the King;--men who, being dispatched upon any errand, +would carry it through most zealously. Before the cavalcade rode a +doughty gentleman, Sir Richard Walsh, sheriff of Worcestershire, armed +with the royal authority to seize the persons of such conspirators as +chanced to fall in his way. + +It was the sheriff who halted the troop some fifty paces from the +house, and, attended by Sir John Foliot and two musketeers, advanced +boldly to the closed door. + +Trying the latch and finding the portal barred, he tapped upon the +panel with the hilt of his sword. None from within replied. Again the +sheriff rapped, and a voice demanded who it was that sought +admittance, and what might be his errand. + +"That," replied Sir Richard, "is well known to thee. Open, therefore, +in the King's name!" + +The conspirators hesitated, for the command was one wont to be obeyed +in England. + +"Open!" repeated the sheriff; "lay down your arms!" + +"We will die," replied Catesby firmly, "but will not open unto thee." + +"Die thou shalt," replied Sir Richard cheerily, "with thy head upon +the block." So saying, and perceiving that those within would sell +their lives dearly, he returned to his men, ordering that some quickly +fire the building, others stand ready to receive any, who, driven +forth by fear or flame, might seek to escape through the garden. + +Perceiving that they were like to be burned alive, those in the house +resolved to gain the garden, and with sword in hand contend with the +King's men. 'Twas Winter who unloosed the bolt; and perchance +something had come of the venture, for the besieged were of most +determined purpose, if some of the soldiers had not discharged their +muskets, and a ball striking Sir Thomas in the shoulder wounded him +sorely. A second fire sent a rain of balls through the open doorway, +some of them hitting my Lord of Rookwood and the two Wrights, +Christopher and John,--stretching them dead upon the floor. + +"God's mercy!" cried Catesby; "let us forth, ere we all be murdered. +Stand by me, Tom, and we will die together." + +Winter, whose face was white with pain, replied hoarsely: "That will +I, sir; but having lost the use of my right arm, I fear I will be +taken." + +Yet he stooped and caught up his sword with his left hand, standing a +little back of Catesby and Percy who blocked the doorway. + +"Wouldst contend against us?" cried the sheriff of Worcestershire, and +then ordered that a third volley be delivered by his musketeers. + +Most of the balls lodged themselves in the wall of the building, or +tore splinters from the casement of the door. But one, as though +resolved to atone for the fruitless efforts of its fellows, sped on +its deathly errand, striking Robert Catesby in the neck, passing quite +through, and burying itself in the breast of Percy, who with scarce a +cry fell dead at Winter's feet. + +Bleeding profusely, Catesby attempted to regain his footing, but death +was near and he fell back crying to Winter to lift him up that he +might help defend the doorway. The conspirators who remained unharmed, +drew back in terror, crouching behind the furniture with no thought of +resisting the King's authority. + +Seeing that Percy, Rookwood and the two Wrights were dead, Catesby +dying, and none to support him, Winter cast aside his sword and bent +over his stricken comrade. At that moment certain of the sheriff's men +charging upon the open doorway, perceived him standing there, and one, +bearing a pike, thrust it at him so that the point pierced his doublet +and wounded him grievously. Staggering under the blow Winter, his +clothes covered with blood, gave back, and again was wounded in the +side by a rapier. + +"Cowards!" cried he, striking blindly at the foremost soldier with +his naked hand, "can ye not touch a vital part, but must torture me +so?" + +One, perceiving him sorely wounded and unarmed, seized him and in a +moment he was bound and dragged into the yard. + +The others, Keyes, John Grant and Henry Morgan, were quickly overcome, +and now of the nine Catholic gentlemen who had resolved to defend the +house, five lay dead, and four were in the hands of the authorities. + +Having so handily brought his errand to a successful termination Sir +Richard, of Worcestershire, fell into great good humor. + +"Faith!" cried he, sheathing his bloodless sword, "'tis a merry +gathering for my Lord of Salisbury to look upon. Four plump birds +ready for the axe man, and four and one knocking at the gate of hell. +Rare sport, in truth, hath been the taking of so ill a brood; +therefore, gentlemen, to London and the Tower with the nine. Though +some be dead, their necks are ready for the axe, I warrant. 'Tis a +brave sight will greet the populace, anon." + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. + + +Those who watched with Fawkes said he partook of no food, slept +not--neither spoke, and refused to utter the names of his fellow +conspirators. He sat all day in his cell without moving. At times +there came into his drawn and haggard face a strange and unearthly +light, as though he suddenly beheld a form glide from out the shadow +of the dungeon, and kneel beside him. At these moments he would +stretch forth his arms as if to embrace the airy figure of his brain, +and whisper, nodding his head slowly the while: "Thou wert all I +had--in a moment, darling;--wait until thy father can but pass this +dreary portal." + +They put him to the rack, but elicited nothing. He endured the torture +as though scarce feeling it; and even in agony, was heard to mutter: +"In a moment, my little one--but a moment more." + +His trial, with that of the others implicated in the plot, was over. +The sentence of death had been pronounced upon each. Three days after, +Everard Digsby, with Robert Winter and Grant, met death by hanging in +the churchyard of St. Paul's. Three remained awaiting the headsman's +axe--Thomas Winter, Keyes and Guido Fawkes. + +Their execution was anticipated by the populace of London with +unwonted eagerness. The desire of the people to see justice meted to +those whom they deemed the prime movers in a conspiracy which had +shaken England to its foundation, was only rivaled by the curiosity +resident in each heart, to behold the one who, with undaunted nerve, +had stood beneath the House of Lords ready to fire the mine which +would rob the kingdom at one fell blow of both its monarch and +Parliament. + +In that age public executions were signals for general holidays; +people flocked from the most distant shires, decked in best attire, to +witness the doing to death of some poor malefactor. But this was no +ordinary occasion; and, as if to emphasize the fact, a great throng +had assembled at Westminster even before the sun arose, on the day set +apart for the beheading of the remaining three conspirators. + +At an early hour companies of halberdiers were forced to exercise +their authority in keeping the crowd at proper distance from the +ominous structure erected in the middle of the square. The object +about which this innumerable concourse of people gathered was a high +platform covered with black cloth, in the center of which stood the +block. The condemned men had been brought from the Tower shortly after +midnight, and were now lodged in the space beneath the scaffold, which +had been converted into a kind of closed pen. + +The hour for the execution was eleven, and as the time approached the +multitude gradually swelled, being increased by thousands; as though +some pitiless monster were fattening itself upon thoughts of the blood +so soon to be shed. + +Again and again the pikemen were forced to thrust back the surging +mass, and at last the soldiers did not hesitate to use their weapons +as the throng forced its way up to the very ropes surrounding the +scaffold. But now above the babel of tongues the great bell of the +Cathedral boomed out the hour of eleven. As its last note died away +the roar of voices gradually subsided, until it sunk into a dull +murmur of expectancy, but again it broke forth into a cheer as the +headsman ascended the stairs leading to the scaffold. This man was +popular with the rabble and noted for his dexterity and strength. As +the applause greeted him he recognized the homage rendered with a bow. +His was a gruesome figure, as, attired in the costume of the office, +his features concealed by a scarlet mask, he leaned easily upon the +handle of the glittering axe--and waited. + +Soon four soldiers, under command of an officer, approached the door +of the inclosure and stood two on either side with halberds reversed. +A moment of breathless stillness followed; the portal opened and one +victim was led forth. Surrounded by guards he was solemnly conducted +to the foot of the steps leading to the block. Keyes, for it was he, +ascended without aid, and reached the platform. A murmur of +disappointment ran through the multitude as he came into view, for +they had supposed Fawkes would be the first to die. + +The man for an instant stood quite still; he had been the first of the +little procession to reach the top, and seemed undecided which +direction to take, but only for a moment stood he thus; two of the +guards quickly approached and led him toward the center of the +scaffold. He knelt without assistance, laid his cheek upon the block, +his right shoulder resting in the notch fastened for its reception. +The soldiers retired. The headsman drew back, swiftly raised the axe +above his head, measured the distance with a practiced eye, and +struck. + +The favorite of the rabble had again acquitted himself well. The head +of the victim fell on one side of the block, the quivering trunk +sinking to the floor upon the other. A cheer greeted the deed, then +silence once more fell upon the multitude. Some soldiers now appeared +carrying a box of sand. They quickly ascended the steps and scattered +its contents upon the wet boards. Having finished, one of the men +seized the head which still lay where it had fallen, fixed it upon the +point of his pike and stuck the weapon with its gruesome burden upon +the railing. The headless trunk was flung without ceremony into a cart +which was in waiting. + +Again the procession formed; once more a victim knelt; the axe fell, +and another head stared down upon the throng below. + +A ripple of expectancy again broke forth. Two had died; the next must +be the one for whom they waited. All strained their necks in eagerness +to catch the first glimpse as he should be led forth, and this was the +sight for which they had longed:-- + +A man unable to stand alone; his form, weakened by torture and +sickness, was dragged up the steps and stood confronting them. His +arms were not bound, for they hung lifeless. Those who stood near +could understand the absence of fetters; there was nothing upon which +to clasp them, save a mass of crushed bones, in many places stripped +of flesh by the cruel cords of the rack. He seemed quite oblivious of +his surroundings, turned his head neither to the right nor to the +left, but gazed past the headsman--past his captors--and far beyond +the sea of upturned faces. His lips were seen to move, but only those +who supported him could catch the words:--"In a moment, my little +one!" he whispered; "thy father will soon kiss thy sweet lips--and +then--we will love each other, and in that love forget all----" + +They hurried him toward the block and were obliged to place his head +upon it; his weakness was so great that he would have fallen had they +not supported him. His guards drew back, the axe, already lifted, was +about to descend, when, the poor limp figure slipped and fell with a +thud to the floor, unable to save itself by reason of the uselessness +of the arms. Again he was lifted; once more the axe was raised, and +even in that moment they heard him whisper the name ever upon his +lips: + +"Elinor!"--Crash!--and he was away to clasp her to his breast. + + + + +CONCLUSION. + + +Of Henry Garnet something remains to be said. The alarm which was felt +at the revelation of the treason which might, but for the arrest of +Fawkes in the cellar under Parliament House, have resulted in the +disruption of the government, was widespread, and it became necessary +for the Jesuits remaining in the kingdom to hide most secretly. + +As Catesby had said, the Superior, upon leaving London some weeks +before the discovery of the plot, had taken refuge in the house of Sir +Everard Digsby at Coughton. 'Twas there he received a letter from one +of the conspirators announcing the failure of the enterprise to which +he had lent himself. For three weeks he remained in hiding, when, by +night, and in disguise, he was removed to Hendlip House, where with +another of his Order, and two servants, he escaped for a time the +diligent search instituted by Salisbury, and urged on by the King. + +On the twentieth of January following the fatal Fifth of November, Sir +Henry Bromley, a magistrate, arrived with an armed force at Hendlip, +being in possession of a commission to search the mansion. The house +was full of secret apartments, and for seven days the King's officer +looked in vain for the Superior of the Jesuits. But on the eighth a +soldier, chancing upon a room occupied by one of the women of the +place, discovered in an aperture of the chimney a reed pipe, which +excited his curiosity and suspicion. + +Hearing of the matter, Sir Bromley followed the clew thus given him, +and behind the wall, in a secret chamber, came upon Garnet and his +companion, Oldcorne, who, since the coming of the authorities, had +been fed through the reed with broths and warm drinks. + +Taken to London, the Superior of the Jesuits was treated kindly. Many +examinations were given him, nor was torture resorted to in his case, +though Oldcorne was put to the rack. Through all Garnet divulged +nothing, and there had been some likelihood of escape, for the King +was kindly disposed, had not a trick resorted to by the government +resulted in his undoing. Allowed to hold communication with the +unfortunate Oldcorne, a watch was stationed behind the wall of the +cell, and such conversation as passed between the churchmen was taken +down. The facts thus revealed hurried Garnet to his doom. + +His trial was held late in March, and although he defended himself +ably, the evidence of his having been a party to treason was +conclusive. Through all he maintained that, though cognizant of the +design to blow up the House of Parliament, he had taken no active part +with the conspirators. Holding that the secret had come to him through +sacramental confession, he affirmed that, by his faith, he was bound +to disclose nothing concerning it. The trial ended with the sentence +that he follow in the footsteps of Fawkes, Winter and those others who +had met death upon the scaffold. Even then, the King, loth to see +executed so famous a prelate, stayed for a time the hand of the +axeman. 'Twas not till the third day of May, three months after the +death of his former companions, that Garnet died--the last of those +unfortunate men who sought to gain their ends by violence. + + + THE END. + + + + + TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES + + +1. Few quotes are opened with marks but are not closed and vice-versa. +Obvious errors have been silently closed, while those requiring +interpretation have been left as such. + +2. The following misprints have been corrected: + + "Fawke's" corrected to "Fawkes'" (page 73) + "reovered" corrected to "recovered" (page 106) + "exlaims" corrected to "exclaims" (page 108) + "'tis" capitalized to "'Tis" (page 154) + "readinesss" corrected to "readiness" (page 215) + +3. Other than the corrections listed above, printer's inconsistencies +in spelling, punctuation, and hyphenation have been retained. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fifth of November, by +Charles S. Bentley and F. 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Bentley and F. Kimball Scribner + +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: The Fifth of November + A Romance of the Stuarts + +Author: Charles S. Bentley + F. Kimball Scribner + +Release Date: November 17, 2009 [EBook #30490] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER *** + + + + +Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Ritu Aggarwal and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 60%;"> +<img src="images/p001.jpg" width="100%" alt="THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER" title="THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER" /> +<span class="caption">THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER<br /> +CHARLES S BENTLEY AND F KIMBALL SCRIBNER</span> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h1>The Fifth of November</h1> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h1>The Fifth of November<br /><br /> +<i>A Romance of the Stuarts</i></h1> + +<h2>By<br /> +Charles S. Bentley and<br /> +F. Kimball Scribner</h2> + +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">"No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets,</span><br /> +<span class="i2">But as truly loves on to the close</span><br /> +<span class="i0">As the sunflower turns on her god, when he sets,</span><br /> +<span class="i2">The same look which she turn'd when he rose"</span><br /> +<span class="i20">—Thomas Moore.</span><br /> +</div> + +<h4><small>Chicago and New York:</small><br /> +Rand, McNally & Company,<br /> +<small>Publishers.</small></h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h4> +Copyright, 1898, by Rand, McNally & Co.<br /> +</h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of Contents"> +<tr> + <td align="right"><small>CHAPTER</small></td> + <td> </td> + <td align="right"><small>PAGE</small></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">I.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">What Befell at the Sign of the Leopard.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">II.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">In the Shadow of St. Paul.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">III.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Home-Coming of Guido Fawkes.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">IV.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Superior of the Jesuits.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">V.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Why Master Fawkes was Summoned to England.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">VI.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">"The Wisest Fool in Christendom."</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">VII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Viscount Effingston.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">VIII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">In the Garden of the Gentleman-Pensioner.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">IX.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Garnet and the King.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">X.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Forging of the Thunderbolt.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">XI.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Way of the World.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">XII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">What the Moon Saw.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">XIII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">At the Sign of the Leopard.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">XIV.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">In the Shadow of the Cross.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_130">130</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">XV.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">"Thou Shalt Not Kill."</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">XVI.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Monteagle and Salisbury.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">XVII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Sowing the Wind.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">XVIII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Cellar.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">XIX.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Note of Warning.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_178">178</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">XX.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">On the Stroke of Eleven.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_184">184</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">XXI.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Fifth of November.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">XXII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Fawkes Before the King.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">XXIII.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">The Banquet.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">XXIV.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">"In the King's Name."</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">XXV.</a></td> + <td><span class="smcap">Reaping the Whirlwind.</span></td> + <td align="right"><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td> +</tr> +</table> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>AUTHOR'S NOTE.</h2> + + +<p>It has not been the intention of the authors of "The Fifth of +November" to write an historical novel, though, throughout the story, +they have endeavored to follow as closely as was consistent with the +plot in hand, the historical facts collected by the various writers +who have made the nature and workings of the "Gunpowder Plot" a +special study. With one or two exceptions, the characters in the +present romance have been borrowed from history, and, save in Chapters +XXI and XXII, the lines of the story have followed those traced by the +hand of the historian.</p> + +<p>In presenting to the public this "Romance of the Stuarts," +indebtedness is acknowledged by the writers to Professor S. R. +Gardiner's "What the Gunpowder Plot Was," and also to the history of +England as set forth by Knight, Hume, Froude and Ridpath.</p> + +<p style='text-align:right;'>THE AUTHORS.</p> + +<p> New York, February, 1898.</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> +<h1>THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.</h1> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h2>WHAT BEFELL AT "THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD."</h2> + + +<p>Snow had fallen through the day, and as night approached all objects +were covered with a mantle of white. The noises incident to the life +of a great city had long since become muffled and indistinct. The +footfalls of those who traversed the streets could no longer be heard; +and the only sounds which now and again broke the silence, were the +voices of my lord's link-men, who, in goodly number, fully armed, +carrying flaming torches whose lurid dancing light shone through the +blinding snow, appeared at a distance to be a party of ancient saints +come forth from their tombs to indulge in a ghostly frolic under cover +of the night. The voices of the men, falling upon the snow-laden air, +sounded dull and echo-less as they heralded the approach of a chair to +some sharp turn or gateway. An armed escort in those days was no mark +of royalty or distinction, for it was not well or safe for men to +travel the streets alone after nightfall, as many a sinister face and +cloaked form lurked hid in the shadow of secluded corners and dark +by-ways, awaiting opportunity to cut the purse, or the throat, as need +be, of the solitary wayfarer.</p> + +<p>Numbers were no guarantee of escaping unmolested;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> for of late the +rogues had become so bold that it was a common thing for a party of +gentlemen to be attacked successfully, as the ruffians mustered in +their ranks many soldiers of fortune who had served in Flanders, +France and Spain, and were well versed in the play of both sword and +dagger. These acts of robbery and murder were confined to no one +locality, but the vagabonds who perpetrated the deeds had haunts and +places of common rendezvous, and as night fell, these dens poured +forth upon the town their murder-bent crews.</p> + +<p>In one of the most narrow and crooked of streets, often lost amid the +winding of greater thoroughfares, and safely hidden from the watchful +eyes of the King's soldiers, was situated a tavern, patronized for the +most part by those who replenished their purses when low, by running +some belated traveler through the back, and taking what money he had. +This tavern was famous among its patrons for its mulled ale, the like +of which, they swore could not be found in all London. To those who +had not partaken of this famous beverage, and knew not the inn by +reputation, its business was made known by a swinging sign, upon +which, very indifferently executed, was the figure of a leopard, and, +further, as if the artist had not sufficient confidence in his powers +of portrayal, he had printed in large and uncertain letters, "At the +sign of the Leopard may be found all manner of goodly cheer and +comfort." Below this evidence of what might be found within, a small +and narrow doorway gave entrance to the hostelry. Inside, a larger +room than the outer aspect of the place indicated, awaited the guest. +A low ceiling, blackened by age, and hung with numberless spider webs, +whose weavers had long since fled—driven thence by the clouds of +tobacco smoke puffed from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> the lips of many a sturdy knave who nightly +helped to fill the place. The walls of the room being paneled in some +dark wood to an unusual height, the three windows, which furnished +more air than light, were well up toward the ceiling. The sides of +this chamber were decorated with rows of pewter pots and flagons of +various shapes and sizes. The furniture consisted of half a dozen +rough tables and high-backed benches ranged about the sides. The floor +was freshly sanded, but rough in many places from the prominence of +knots, the softer wood being worn from around them by the shuffling of +numberless pairs of boots. An uncertain light proceeded from several +large candles standing in brass candlesticks, but most of the +illumination was due to a fire which burned briskly in a large stone +fireplace at the extreme end of the room, and gave to all an aspect of +warmth and good cheer.</p> + +<p>Standing in front of the blaze was the host of the establishment, +attired in the costume of his time,—a loose jacket, linen breeches +and green apron. He was eyeing with a look of no small displeasure +three men seated at one of the tables, two of whom, by their actions, +seemed to have partaken a little too freely of the Leopard's special +beverage. They wore the dress of a class, which, by their manner, was +one of no great elevation. Long, soft, wide-brimmed hats adorned their +heads, while tight-fitting jerkins of very much soiled leather covered +their bodies. Trunks and tights of some faded material, and boots with +deep falling tops, completed their costume, unless there should be +added the two long bellguard rapiers lying upon the table, and to +which, from appearances, the gentlemen in question owed their +livelihood. The man seated opposite was thick-set and slightly under<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> +medium height; instead of the leather jerkin worn by them, his body +was incased in a steel cuirass or breastplate, which, judging from +the numerous dents thereon, had turned the force of many a savage +thrust and blow. The face of the man was one which had long been +exposed to both sun and storm, and even pestilence had not spared it, +for in many places the disfiguring finger of smallpox had left its +mark. His beard was worn in the style favored by the soldiers of the +Spanish, rather than the English army, for it was pointed and +surmounted by a long, black and up-curling moustache, which added +fierceness to an already not too kindly countenance. His sword, a long +point and blade rapier of Italian pattern, still hung by his side, as +if even when surrounded by this good cheer, he, from habit born of +many a hard campaign, still clung to it.</p> + +<p>"What, ho, John Tapster;" exclaimed he of the steel cuirass, banging +lustily on the table with the pummel of his sword, "another six-hooped +pot of thy best mulled ale, for the sour and remorseful wine of Spain +which I have drunk, ill befits my stomach."</p> + +<p>The landlord advanced reluctantly to comply, with an air which plainly +showed he was divided in his mind between the doubt of a settlement to +an already long unpaid score, and the fear of personal violence did he +refuse the man his request. The love of a whole skin, however, +triumphed, for after filling the pot with ale and plunging the mulling +iron into it, which he had drawn from the fire, he set the desired +drink before his guest.</p> + +<p>"By Sir Bacchus!" said the stranger, after taking a deep draught, +"'tis the only fitting liquid to put into one's body, if he wishes to +strike a stout blow for the King." Then, as he finished the pot, "It +seemeth well to drown<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> the clinging dust of Spain within one's throat, +in merry English ale."</p> + +<p>The landlord did not venture to reply to these offers of conversation; +he seemed loath to enter into friendly talk, when in all probability +he soon would be embroiled with the man in a dispute, if not in an +issue of more serious nature. However, the other, nothing daunted, and +gazing on his two companions, whom he discovered wrapped in drunken +slumber, snoring roundly, prodded them both with the scabbard of his +sword, which action eliciting from them nothing but a grunt, and being +desirous of further conversation, he again turned to him of the green +apron who had resumed his watchful scrutiny from before the fire, and +continued:</p> + +<p>"Thou seemest but sparing of thy speech, Sir Host. Judge a man not +always by the company he keeps; these drunken knaves whose silly pates +would have been turned with milk of the morning's drawing, are no +comrades of mine; 'tis only a mere chance friendship. I was not over +particular in my pick of friends, being lately landed, and but too +glad to take up with the first varlets speaking my own sweet English; +after many months of naught but jabbering Spanish sounding in my ears +'twas well and pleasing to hear once more the brave tongue in which my +first aves were taught unto me."</p> + +<p>"Aves have not, I trow, over-troubled thee," answered the landlord in +not too jovial a tone.</p> + +<p>"Nay, nay, friend; be not quick to judge by weight of purse or hilt of +sword, for a man with not over much money in his gipsire may still +have that about him which would recommend him more."</p> + +<p>"And what, pray, might that be?" inquired the other;—"a handsome face +and ready tongue? They are goodly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> coin to win the heart of some fair +maid, but naught of cakes and ale they'll buy thee when thy belly's +empty."</p> + +<p>"Nay, I will offer neither, for I have none of them. The first was but +rudely handled some thirty years ago by plague, at Havre; the second's +had but small practice, and its tone was spoiled by breathing the damp +winds of the Flemish marshes. I leave such graces to the stay-at-homes +who twist a tap—but, a truce to this witty talk, for it makes but ill +friends, and I would ask of thee a favor, which will cost naught but +civility, that is cheap and in the end may gain thee much." So saying, +he put his hand into a small bag which hung at his side, drawing +therefrom a very much soiled and crumpled paper, and advancing with it +toward the host, continued: "I am but illy versed in such priestly +craft; the meaning I can understand, but its full intent may have +missed my stupid eyes. Canst thou decipher it for me, Sir Host?"</p> + +<p>This direct appeal to his learning softened to some extent him of the +spigot, whose curiosity as well as pride was aroused, for the man +addressing him, judging from his speech, was a little above the usual +class who frequented the tavern. Reaching for a candle which stood +upon the mantel, that he might better see, and taking the letter with +grudging fingers, said in a slightly more gracious tone after a +moment's scrutiny, "It ill pleases me, that monkish writing, but print +such as honest John Caxton did manufacture, I can decipher right +readily." Then with knitted brow, during which the other man remained +standing, looking over his shoulder in an expectant attitude, he +continued: "For truth, I could at first but illy make it out; I have +it now." Then read from the paper:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> + +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>"'To Guido Fawkes: In the Army of His Majesty, Philip of Spain: I doubt +not that thou rememberest my promise, made some time since, which I +have now the pleasurable opportunity to fulfill. Much it pleaseth me +to offer thee a place, the duties of which will keep thee near thy +daughter, and, moreover, the reward of such being not below the merit +of him who, by my knowledge, most honestly gained it, and is well +worthy. If it suit thee to accept the charge I have to offer, the +naming of which I shall defer until we meet, detach thyself from thy +present occupation, repair to London with all likely haste, and seek +me at my house when soon arrived.</p> + +<p><span style="margin-left:2em;">"'(Signed)</span><span style="margin-left:18em;"><span class="smcap">Sir Thomas Winter</span>.'"</span></p> +</div> + +<p>"Beshrew my heart, but thou art a ripe scholar, landlord, and much I +marvel to see one with such goodly learning wasting time on knaves +like these," cried the man, pointing to his companions at the table; +"and pray," he continued, "since myself hath been introduced in name, +I would know thine also, so I might thank thee the heartier."</p> + +<p>"Giles Martin, for want of better," replied the host, "and dost thou +know this Sir Thomas Winter?" he inquired after a moment, still +looking at the note in his hand.</p> + +<p>"Aye, and for a right brave gentleman, who hath done me noble +service."</p> + +<p>"For one done unto himself, I take it, from the purport of the +letter?"</p> + +<p>"A small service, not worth the mentioning," replied Fawkes. "Once in +Spain, a gentleman—the self-same Sir Thomas, was sorely set upon by a +surly ruffian, who, in exchange for his purse, would have given him +Para<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>dise." Then with a deprecating wave of the hand, which he dropped +on the hilt of his rapier, "'twas but a weakly blow I turned, and +spitted the varlet with my good sword here. Zounds," he continued with +a voice full of enthusiasm, "for this petty act he did conduct my poor +motherless lass out of a country where, to the men, a pretty face is +as flint to powder, and brought her safe to London and her grandam."</p> + +<p>"You saved his life; 'twas a worthy object and a worthy deed," +exclaimed Martin heartily, who had been watching the speaker narrowly +during his narration.</p> + +<p>"Tut, tut; 'twas nothing; but I take it thou hast acquaintance with +him," said Fawkes, turning toward the other, with a manner which +denoted surprise at the landlord's outburst of appreciation, "and may +direct me unto his residence, for after many years' absence I am +lately come, and illy versed in London's streets which are as crooked +as a blade that hath lain long in the fire."</p> + +<p>"In truth, I do know where he lives," said Martin (then continued in a +lower tone as if speaking to himself) "and further, that he's in none +too good favor with the King. But as to his address: if thou wilt take +the dome on St. Paul's as thy guide, which thou canst most readily +see, proceed thither, and when reached, continue down the street +running toward the left, a few more steps will bring thee to a house +surrounded by an iron railing; it is the one thou seekest." He +hesitated a moment, then continued as if good judgment had been +overcome by enthusiasm—"and when thou dost behold Sir Thomas, make +mention that Giles Martin (say naught of my present calling, for he +knows me not by that) sends his duty, and would again at his elbow cry +in the self-same voice, 'An Essex, An Essex!' Perchance," Martin +added, sud<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>denly breaking off, fearing he had been incautious before a +stranger in connecting his name with an incident which had brought but +little honor with it, "that is why I am now doing this," taking a +soiled tankard from the table and wiping it on his apron.</p> + +<p>"Gladly will I be the bearer of thy message, but as thou hast said, +why does Sir Winter stand in ill repute?"</p> + +<p>"It may be," answered Martin, turning his gaze upon the two men at the +table, then setting down the tankard, "that he hath a quick temper and +a ready tongue, swift steeds in our time to pull a man's head upon the +block," and advancing toward the other concluded in a low voice full +of emotion, "mayhap memory doth hold up a mirror to his eye, in which +is reflected Mary's dripping head, chopped for her faith."</p> + +<p>"Verily," cried Fawkes, in a loud tone characteristic of one not +afraid of voicing opinions that lay near his heart, "would that good +King James might look into the glass thou dost mention and see the +promises of his youth, for naught of promise or his mother's head +methinks——"</p> + +<p>"Hist," whispered Martin, breaking in and laying his hand upon the +speaker, "a truce to such treason talk; naught has it done but brought +me to an ill-famed pot-house," he concluded in a thoughtful voice.</p> + +<p>"Well, well, none of thy story will I ask; but in Spain they do illy +treat a heretic," Fawkes continued, looking significantly at the fire, +and pointing toward it with his outstretched arm; "a truce, as thou +sayest, for I must no longer tarry. Saint Paul's bell is on the stroke +of ten, and I would see Sir Winter, and (in a softer voice) my lass, +to-night; for honestly, I am more than anxious to see her pretty face; +first I must bid yon knaves good<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>-bye." So saying he endeavored to +rouse the companions of his cups. Not being able however to bring them +to any degree of consciousness, he discontinued his exertions, and +turning toward the landlord, who had been watching his efforts, said, +laughingly: "'tis but little harm they'll do in sleep, and I trow +they are none too good when in their seven senses, so I will leave +them thus; but take thou from this the reckoning of us all, for naught +of gold they have, I swear"—handing the other a purse, which, after +extracting a sovereign, Martin returned to its owner.</p> + +<p>"'Tis but a sorry night in which to travel," remarked the host, +pocketing the money and proceeding to rake the fire, while his guest +wrapped about himself a long, thick cloak which had hung over the back +of a bench.</p> + +<p>"Aye, 'tis cold, and steel draws unto itself the frost," responded +Fawkes, as he finished his preparations for departure. "And now, Sir +Host," he continued, extending his hand, "farewell, but soon, when I +am once more to rights, it will do me pleasure to quaff a flagon in +thy honest company, for such is a man who knoweth Sir Thomas Winter, +and," he continued, drawing closer to the other, "is no prating +Protestant in these times when he who would seek a favor or gain a +title must blow out the candles on his altar, and break its images. +Start not at my words, for by thy very speech thou art no heretic, and +I do love thee the better for it. But see," he continued as he opened +the door, "the night is already mended, the snow hath ceased, the moon +shows bright, and by my troth, there is my guide," and he pointed to +the distant dome of St. Paul, on which a huge cross glistened in the +moonlight.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h2>IN THE SHADOW OF ST. PAUL.</h2> + + +<p>In the heart of London, a musket shot distance from the great dome of +St. Paul, stood a dwelling of no mean pretension occupied by one +Thomas Percy, Gentleman-Pensioner, a man of goodly parts, blood +relative of the Earl of Northumberland and well known as a Catholic, +though, by reason of his office, there attached to him scant suspicion +in the minds of the King's ministers that his faith overlapped his +loyalty.</p> + +<p>On the same night which witnessed the appearance of Guido Fawkes and +his drunken companions at the "Sign of the Leopard," there were +gathered together, in an upper chamber of Percy's dwelling, four +gentlemen. The house was an official structure given over as a meeting +place for certain of the King's commissioners, the room wherein they +sat being well adapted for the discussion of such matters as it seemed +inexpedient to let reach the ears of those whose business called them +not within the council chamber.</p> + +<p>A snow storm made the night exceeding chilly, so three of those who +came to partake of the hospitality of the Pensioner had provided +themselves with ample cloaks, which, closely wrapped about their +persons, and covering the lower portions of their faces, precluded +recognition, were any, by chance, to accost the wearer on the King's +highway. Although few were abroad on account of the extreme cold, and +those few would not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> have marveled that a gentleman should be closely +muffled even as a secret assassin, or highwayman, or noticed that the +three went not together to the outer door of the house, still each +came separately, knocking thrice upon the panel, whereupon Sir Percy +himself opened to him, that he might enter quickly.</p> + +<p>Being safe within, and the room warmed by great logs which sputtered +in the open fireplace, the three laid aside their cloaks, and sat +uncovered in the presence of their host, who, the better to discourse +with each, occupied a place at the head of the long table about which +were wont to sit the commissioners of the King.</p> + +<p>That the little gathering was not composed of churchmen, or learned +doctors of the day, might have been easily guessed by their +youthfulness and dress. Scarce past five and thirty, with clear cut +features, well knit frames, dignity of carriage, apparel of the higher +class, and the court rapier then in vogue, hanging at the side of +each, designated them as gentlemen.</p> + +<p>Having drained with nervous haste a goblet of wine which stood before +him, he who was the Pensioner turned with a frowning brow to his +companions:</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen!" said he, half rising from his seat, "shall we always talk +and never do anything?"</p> + +<p>This appeal uttered in an impatient voice moved each of his guests in +a manner strikingly dissimilar. One on the right sitting with back to +the door, turned uneasily as though fearing that the portal stood +open, and that, on the threshold, might appear a stranger, or +perchance the King's officer. Another, clad in a suit of gray velvet, +drummed nervously upon the table, while the third, who seemed to be +the eldest of the four, frowned darkly. To him the host turned +impatiently.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried he, "my words have struck you illy, my Lord Catesby, that +you frown so ominously!"</p> + +<p>"Nay, Percy!" replied the other, the shadow of a smile playing about +the corners of his mouth. "Thy words but recalled me to my duty. As +thou sayest, we have spoken much, and I did but consider that talking +would scarce pull from the throne——"</p> + +<p>He who was attired in the gray velvet started. "Not so plainly; not so +openly, my good Catesby!" he interrupted, "or as my name be Jack +Wright, I——"</p> + +<p>The language of his companion aroused the dormant energies and spirit +of Catesby.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" cried he, bringing his clenched hand down upon the table, +"methinks the adventure with my Lord of Essex hath left thy stomach +but poorly fitted for so tough a morsel as the undoing of the 'Wisest +Fool in Christendom.' Even Sir Digsby, who but now turned trembling +toward the doorway, hath more spirit for the undertaking. Hath not +Percy touched the keynote of our ill condition? What matters it that +we writhe under the despotism of James Stuart? Wherefore are the penal +laws renewed? Why hath England driven from her shores those who would +serve us in our churches? Where is our Mass, our altars and the images +of Holy Mother Church? Would we call on France, Spain and the Holy +Father to sweep from the land this band of heretics who fear not God, +nor respect the faith of five centuries of English kings? I tell thee, +Sir John Wright, friend and fellow churchman though thou art, that +'tis to us—to all the Catholics in England—that the world looks for +action. Will France act while we are idle? Thinkest thou Spain hath so +soon forgotten the Armada, that she will consent to aid while we +remain under cover? 'Tis<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> for us to open a way whereby may enter those +who stand without, seeking our deliverance. Words beyond count, like +the drops of the ocean, have been uttered since James came to the +throne, yet are we free? 'Tis not words, I tell thee, but action, +swift, sharp and merciless, that will put down our enemies. Fearest +thou the block? Did Essex, did Moore, a hundred others whose faith was +their life, fear the headsman? Good Percy hath brought us to our +senses and surely thou must see the truth of it."</p> + +<p>Having thus delivered himself Catesby sank into his seat, his face +white from the intensity of the fire which burned within him. His +companions remained silent, so great was their astonishment at the +openly expressed earnestness of Catesby. Percy was the first to regain +speech.</p> + +<p>"It ill becomes us," said he, "that a quarrel should arise in a +company gathered for the discussion of so weighty a matter. Yet the +words of Sir Robert Catesby are well balanced, and the time draws nigh +when this same James Stuart shall know that there yet remain good +Catholics in England. Sir Thomas Winter——"</p> + +<p>"Ah! Sir Thomas Winter!" broke in Digsby, "the hour is long past and +he is yet absent."</p> + +<p>"There be some good reason," said Wright quickly. "Sir Thomas is too +good a Catholic, too earnest in the undertaking which will yet free us +from the heretic, to absent himself willingly. And," turning to +Catesby with hand extended, "I thank thee that thou hast thus spoken +so boldly; would there were more like thee to arouse the Catholics of +our country."</p> + +<p>The frown passed as a cloud from the brow of the elder conspirator.</p> + +<p>"Forgive me!" cried he, "if my words bore too much of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> the flame of +impatience and too little of that unity which should ever be between +us. As to Sir Winter, fear nothing; even now, I warrant he is on his +way hither, having perhaps been delayed by some slight adventure, for +the times are troublous and after nightfall a gentleman may not walk +with perfect safety through the streets of London."</p> + +<p>As though in answer to this confidence, the speaker had scarcely +finished, when there sounded through the house three muffled raps, and +Percy, uttering an exclamation, hastily left the room.</p> + +<p>"It may, indeed, be Winter," said Digsby, "or, perchance, Rookwood, +although he made known to me but yesterday, that certain business +demanded his presence in the country."</p> + +<p>The sound of the opening and closing of the street door precluded a +reply. There was a clatter of feet upon the stairs, and into the room +came Percy, followed by two men whose forms and features were +concealed by their huge cloaks.</p> + +<p>The three at the table arose hurriedly, each with hand upon the hilt +of his sword, but the words of one of the new comers changed their +look of alarm into one of welcome.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" cried he who pressed close behind Percy, "wherefore would you +be so ready to draw blades at the coming of a comrade? Come! Sir +Robert Catesby, and thou Wright, and Digsby, seest not that the cold +hath well nigh overcome me? Wine, therefore, wine, that we may pledge +each other in our venture."</p> + +<p>So saying, Sir Thomas Winter cast aside his cloak, revealing a figure +clad in doublet and hosen of somber<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> brown, offset by slashes of +cardinal, and the gilt of the sword belt which girded his hips.</p> + +<p>"Welcome!" cried the others, crowding about him, "thou art, in truth, +doubly welcome, as thy coming is so long after the appointed hour."</p> + +<p>Endeavoring to get a better view of him who closely followed Winter, +Catesby made a gesture of interrogation.</p> + +<p>Sir Thomas laughed softly. "Ah! Good Catesby!" said he, "thou wert +ever of a most careful nature. Know, then, that yonder cavalier is, in +truth, one of whom I have so often spoken, Guido Fawkes; an old +comrade of the wars, and whom I have brought hither that I might +introduce him to so good a company, a cheerful fire and a goblet of +Sir Percy's stoutest wine."</p> + +<p>At the name of Fawkes, pronounced by Winter with an intonation which +would have puzzled any one not familiar with certain matters known +only to a few in England, Catesby, Wright and Digsby cast searching +glances at the new comer, as though seeking to read in the impassive +features of the soldier of fortune some riddle which heretofore had +puzzled them. As to Fawkes, not deigning to notice the evident +curiosity with which the three gentlemen greeted him, he allowed his +cloak to fall upon the floor, walked to the fireplace, and stood with +back to the blaze, his eyes fixed upon the face of Winter.</p> + +<p>"Come!" said that personage, accepting the goblet which Percy tendered +and passing it to Fawkes, "you are surprised that I appear among you +with Master Guy at my heels. It was, indeed, a happy venture that +threw us together."</p> + +<p>"Happy, forsooth," replied Wright, "but yesterday thou didst tell us +that this same bold captain was even<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> now in Spain, though thou hadst +summoned him hither."</p> + +<p>"And so I thought him," said Winter, "fighting among the Dons that the +gold pieces might jingle more merrily in his wallet. Yet he is here, +and to-morrow at my own house we will confer together. What sayest +thou, friend Guido?"</p> + +<p>"Faith!" replied Fawkes, setting down the goblet which he had drained +to the bottom, "'twas for that same purpose I came to London, also to +see once more my daughter."</p> + +<p>"That thou shalt," broke in Winter heartily, "and a better favored +wench can scarce be found in all the kingdom."</p> + +<p>Percy and Catesby exchanged glances. Winter continued:</p> + +<p>"But first, perchance, 'twould be to the liking of the company that +I make known the manner of so unexpected a meeting, when, thinking +Friend Guido basked beneath the skies of Spain, I fell across him 'mid +the snows of London."</p> + +<p>"'Twas of little import," spake Fawkes gruffly; "a cast of fortune, +the simple drawing of a blade, such as once befell when thou didst +serve in Spain."</p> + +<p>"As to that," replied Sir Winter, "these gentlemen can judge when they +hear concerning it. 'Tis true, that had this same bold cavalier +remained in Castile, Thomas Winter were now ready for burial."</p> + +<p>"Then," cried Percy, "thou art doubly welcome, Master Fawkes, as +perchance thou shalt learn presently."</p> + +<p>Having refilled the goblets Winter seated himself before the fire.</p> + +<p>"I was delayed some two hours by certain matters within my own +dwelling," began he, "and it was with exceed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>ing impatience that I +hastened hither, not following the most public highways, but seeking a +shorter passage through unfrequented alleys, in order to join you the +sooner.</p> + +<p>"Methinks I had gone some two thousand paces, my face muffled and +sword ready to hand, when suddenly there sprang upon me from the +shadow of a doorway, two ruffians, who, making short shift of +courtesy, demanded my purse and such valuables as were upon my person. +Having slight desire for so rude a giving, I did straightway put my +back against a wall, and with drawn blade contended against the two. +They, being persons of fixed purpose, and withal, excellent swordsmen, +had near ended the matter by thrusting me through, when most +opportunely came a third man who, perceiving two against one, thrust +the larger of the ruffians through the back, and would have done +likewise with the other, but the fellow took to his heels and ran as +though the devil pursued him.</p> + +<p>"The adventure was quickly over, and my rescuer coolly wiping his +blade upon the cloak of the dead robber did swear roundly in Spanish, +for that his amusement had been of so short duration.</p> + +<p>"'Faith!' growled he looking up at me, ''tis not thus they fight in +Spain; yet, having perchance rendered thee some slight service, canst +thou, good sir, direct me to a certain dwelling, hard by St. Paul's, +wherein may be found one Sir Thomas Winter, to seek whom I have come +to London?'</p> + +<p>"Much amazed at his words I scanned him closely, for his voice had a +familiar ring in my memory.</p> + +<p>"'Zounds!' cried he, noting that I sought to read his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> features, +'wherefore dost thou look so hard upon me? Hath the air of Spain——'</p> + +<p>"'Fawkes!' cried I, seizing him by the shoulders, ''tis truly my +friend Guido!'</p> + +<p>"'Ah!' said he gruffly, 'then thou knowest me?'</p> + +<p>"'And why not?' I replied, 'having sent for thee.'</p> + +<p>"At this his astonishment was great, yet was he pleased that he had +come upon me so handily. He had, he told me, but just arrived in +London, having come hither to obtain service under me, and to see once +more his daughter."</p> + +<p>"And," said Fawkes, Winter having finished, "having so quickly found +one, I would seek the other. Blood is thicker than water, and I +warrant me the lass is much improved both in stature and knowledge. +'Tis now close upon the morning, good gentlemen, therefore I pray +thee, Sir Winter, direct me whither I shall go, being in sore haste to +find her."</p> + +<p>Winter drew Catesby aside, whereupon a whispered consultation +followed, the drift of which was evidently known to Percy, Wright and +Digsby, though Fawkes wondered somewhat at it. His impatience soon +showed itself.</p> + +<p>"Zounds!" cried he, striking with his clenched hand the hilt of his +rapier, "I am much beholden to thee, Sir Winter, and later—but now, I +pray thee, make haste, that I find my daughter."</p> + +<p>Catesby flushed angrily, for the words of the soldier of fortune +struck illy upon his haughty temper, and he would have replied, but +Winter pressed his arm.</p> + +<p>"Good Guido," said he, soothingly, "thy haste is most commendable. Go +then to thy daughter, and that thou mayest not miss the way, follow +closely the directions I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> shall give thee. Upon leaving Sir Percy's +door, turn thou to the left, going down the street which leads past +the gate of St. Paul's. Proceed five hundred paces, then turn about to +thy left, when thou wilt see before thee a narrow street, upon the +corner of which is situate a gabled dwelling, bearing upon its peak a +golden arrow. Count then two score doors from the corner, and upon the +three and fortieth, knock loudly; 'tis there thy daughter dwelleth."</p> + +<p>At Winter's words all signs of impatience vanished from the soldier's +manner.</p> + +<p>"By the keys of Peter!" cried he, "I am much beholden to thy lordship. +Having spoken with the lass, where may I find thee?"</p> + +<p>"Fear not," replied Winter, "for in the evening, about the hour of +nine, I will come for thee. Go thou, then, speedily."</p> + +<p>Fawkes made haste to snatch his cloak, and having wrapped it about +him, bowed to the company and, preceded by Percy, clattered down the +stairs.</p> + +<p>"Methinks he will serve us," muttered Winter; "yet, good Catesby, must +we deal gently with him, for, being of an exceeding rough nature, +'twill need but an ill-timed word to turn him into gunpowder."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h2>THE HOME-COMING OF GUIDO FAWKES.</h2> + + +<p>"By my hilt!" exclaimed Fawkes, as he closed the door of the council +chamber and wrapped his long cloak well about him, "'tis a merry night +I've had; first, in none too clean a pot-house; then a stout thrust +for good Sir Thomas,—'twas passing strange that I did once more stand +twixt him and glory; and, last of all, a stoup of good old wine in the +company of a most noble throng. Indeed, good Guido," he continued, as +musing to himself he walked along, "thou wert made, I marry, for +better things than cracking the knavish pates of yellow Dons; but +guard thy touchy temper well, for even to-night thou couldst but sadly +brook a small delay, and wouldst have answered my Lord Catesby's +haughty look with scant courtesy. I fear thy warlike nature would +poorly thrive upon a diet of quiet living. But these be times when the +dogs of war are ill leashed, and need small urging to slip their +fetters and bark and bite anew. I question much what the morrow holds, +and would that Sir Thomas had made some mention of my employ.</p> + +<p>"By St. George," he added after a moment, slackening his pace as if a +sudden thought occurred to him, "they did seem but poorly pleased to +see a strange face standing in their door, until Sir Walter stood +sponsor for the same. Aye, and what names had these noble +gentlemen—Catesby, Wright, Digsby, Percy! All good Catholics," he +continued, a cunning smile twitching the corners of his mouth. "And, +who is King? Why, James Stuart, to be sure, a most bigoted Protestant! +What was it that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> Master Martin said about Mary's dripping head? Well, +well, friend Guido, thy good sword may not be red with rust alone; +wait but a little while, and thy employment may be most pleasing to +thy taste, and thy conscience, also." Then he drew his cloak more +closely about him and quickly proceeded on his way.</p> + +<p>At last, following the direction given him by Winter, Fawkes arrived +before a small, neat house, situated in the outskirts of the city; +stopping in front to make sure it was the one for which he was in +quest, he proceeded up the steps and knocked thrice. No answer +followed his summons, and after several moments of waiting, which were +consumed in the stamping of feet and walking up and down, for it was +bitterly cold in the frosty air, he again repeated the announcement of +his presence to those within, this time with better result. The sound +of a casement opening, caused him to look up, and he beheld the +wrinkled visage of an old woman, who, with blinking red-rimmed eyes, +and night-cap on her head, stood regarding him with an air of evident +disfavor, for presently she cried in a shrill, toothless voice, "Get +thee gone, thou beggar, I have naught for thee." "By my soul, good +mother," answered the man, laughing heartily, "thy welcome doth match +the morning air in warmth. Dost not know thy son Guy?"</p> + +<p>"By the blessed Virgin!" exclaimed she, in half-frightened tones, +evidently engendered by a most wholesome respect for her son, "wait +but a trice until the door be unbarred." Saying which, she hastily +withdrew her head and closed the window. Immediately after, the shrill +tones of her voice were heard within the house, crying: "Mistress +Elinor! Mistress Elinor! hurry down and let thy sire in, for he stands +without!" A moment of silence,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> followed by the drawing of bolts, and +suddenly the door was thrown open, disclosing the figure of a girl, +who, with outstretched arms, exclaimed: "My father!"</p> + +<p>Standing bathed in the rosy light of coming day, she was in high +contrast to the rough, weather-beaten man, who quickly clasped her to +his breast. The pale and lightly tinted olive complexion, which showed +descent from some far-off Castilian ancestor, harmonized well with the +dainty but clear cut features. A shapely head, surrounded by a wealth +of dark and glossy hair, carried downward from the temples and +gathered into a knot behind, so as to completely cover the fragile +ears, formed a fitting frame for eyes of the darkest violet, which, as +they gazed up into his, showed the fondest love. A soft gray gown, +half closed at the throat and fastened about the waist by a silver +girdle, completed the attire of a slender but perfect figure, thrown +into bold outline by her attitude.</p> + +<p>"Forsooth," exclaimed Fawkes, as soon as he could speak for her +caresses, "methinks thou at least art glad to see thy old father once +again." Then, as he held her at arm's length, that he might better +gaze upon the face, "indeed, thou art changed; 'tis the promise of the +bud fulfilled in the blossoming flower. But let us in, for the cold +air ill becomes me after the warming sun of Spain, and frost but +roughly handles such tender plants as thou art."</p> + +<p>"Nay, nay!" exclaimed she, closing the door and throwing her arms +about him, "thy tender plant is naught but a sprig of hardy ivy, which +hath needed these many months the sturdy oak on which to cling." Then, +with a little shiver, and a laugh, as her warm body rested against the +cold steel of his breastplate, "thou dost give thy ivy but a chilly +hold, Sir Oak."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ah," said Fawkes, looking at her; "thou wert always the same dainty +puss, but I trow this cold cuirass hath been warm enough even for thy +nestling, as down it hath gushed the warm blood of many a valiant foe +killed in close conflict. But enough of battles now, my pretty, for +home once more am I, and not sorry to let such bloody deeds rest." +Unfastening his cloak, sword and breastplate, he threw himself into a +chair before the fire which burned brightly on the hearth.</p> + +<p>"But where's thy good grandam?" queried he, "must she tarry to put on +silks and satins in which to bid her son a welcome?"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied the girl with a laugh, kneeling at his side; "she, poor +soul, was but half awake; for these cold days illy suit her bones, and +she doth lie long in bed."</p> + +<p>"And thou," said the man, taking her head between his hands, "art up +like a lark, to bid thy father welcome. Didst expect my return?"</p> + +<p>"Sir Winter made mention of thy coming, but set no special day for thy +arrival," answered the girl, a shadow passing over her face as she +looked into the blaze.</p> + +<p>"And did he say for what I was to come?" inquired Fawkes, evidently +anxious to set his mind at rest upon that subject.</p> + +<p>"That he did not," she replied, still gazing abstractedly at the fire, +"but simply said that if thou camest to England he would give thee +service which would keep thee and me near to each other. And," +continued she, suddenly turning toward him and taking both his hands +in hers, "thou wilt not leave me again for so long a time; I have been +sore lonely and oft have felt the need of thy sturdy arm on which to +lean."</p> + +<p>"That I will not, my pretty dear," said Fawkes, draw<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>ing her closely +to him; "and thou didst really miss me, whom some do illy term a +pock-marked ruffian?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed, thou art no ruffian!" Elinor cried, her eyes ablaze in a +moment; "and if any one so dared to call thee, I'd——"</p> + +<p>"Well, well!" the father exclaimed, evidently surprised and looking +into the flushed face, "my sweet rose hath thorns as well as blushing +leaves, and would, I dare swear, strike a good blow for her sire's +name. By good Sir Cupid, but I do pity the one who doth try to balk +thy temper, little woman."</p> + +<p>"And soon will come a time when thou wilt have a brave gentleman to +pity," broke in a mumbling voice which made the two start and turn.</p> + +<p>The figure of an old woman, bent by age, with face resembling an +ill-fitting parchment mask placed upon a skull, advanced toward them.</p> + +<p>"By the blessed dead, mother!" said Fawkes, arising, "thou didst turn +my blood with thy prophetic voice; but hast thou not a blessing for +thy son?"</p> + +<p>"That I have, good Guido, and most glad am I to see thee back! I gave +thee a rude greeting from the window, for my eyes and ears have failed +of late, but I am not so blind that I cannot see two brave gentlemen +tied to my lady's girdle there," she cried, with a wheezy laugh, +pointing her trembling hand at the girl who stood with an arm drawn +through her father's.</p> + +<p>"What is this tale?" said Fawkes, with feigned sternness, turning +toward his daughter; "hath thy pretty ways been breaking hearts +already?" Then, as he observed the blushing face and downcast +eyes:—"There, there, my darling; all in good time. When thy heart +doth open of its own accord, thy father's ear will ever be a willing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> +listener. By Venus," he continued in a voice full of admiration, as he +gazed upon her fair figure, "I could not marvel or condemn if thou +hadst fifty gallants at thy little heels, and would but admire the +rogues the more for their excellent taste in beauty. But," he added, +evidently wishing to turn the conversation on noting her +embarrassment, "I have not broken bread for nigh onto fifteen hours; +after I have taken food I will listen to thy pretty tale, and tell +thee many a one such as thou once wert fond of. Dost remember how thou +didst, long ago, climb upon my knee, and tugging with thy baby hands +at my shaggy beard, beg for a story ere thy bedtime came?"</p> + +<p>"That I do," exclaimed the girl, all her embarrassment gone; "but +first I will set before thee what our larder affords."</p> + +<p>So saying, and aided by the old woman, she began preparations for the +morning meal. Having done ample justice to the repast quickly set +before him, and having lighted a long pipe from a coal without the +blaze, Fawkes again settled himself before the fire, and, after two or +three long puffs, turned toward Elinor, who was employed about the +room, and said:</p> + +<p>"Now, my pretty little housekeeper, thou hast done enough; sit thee +beside thy father. It is long since he hath known the pleasure of thy +sweet face and a blazing hearth, and the good grandam seems ill +company, for there she nods but a drowsy greeting," added he, pointing +with his pipe to the old woman, who had fallen asleep in a remote +corner of the chamber.</p> + +<p>"Dost thou remember the last time we sat so?" asked the girl, as she +came and knelt beside him, placing an arm upon his shoulder; "'twas +the night before I left for England; and, oh! it was a most sorry +time." Then fingering<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> the ends of her silver girdle and glancing at +the old woman, who was still asleep, she began in a hesitating voice:</p> + +<p>"Mayhap the speech of my good grandam might mislead thee into thinking +me but a sorry flirt. Therefore, I would make explanation, which is +most easy, and set thee right."</p> + +<p>"I thought naught of it, daughter, for I am much too well acquainted +with her mischief-working words, that are ever ready to brew a +trouble. If thou hast aught to say, however, and would feel better for +the telling, pray go on, and know an ever-loving heart awaits thy +speech," replied Fawkes, stroking her hair.</p> + +<p>"Then thou must know," she began abruptly, "that Sir Thomas Winter is +a frequent caller at this house, and, my father, how can I tell thee +for the very shame of it? He hath never spoken to that effect, but +there are many thoughts ne'er proclaimed by tongue which are most +loudly uttered by eye and hand, often, too, more truly eloquent are +they than those framed in simple words; and by this very language yet +outspoken, I know soon will come the day when there will be asked a +heart——" she broke off suddenly and buried her face in her +hands—"that is not now mine to give."</p> + +<p>"There, there, my pretty one, stop thy crying, for thine eyes were +made for smiles and not for grief. It is naught so bad; Sir Winter is +a fine gentleman and much we owe him. But thou art my daughter, and I, +a poor, rough soldier; it would be an ill-assorted match; in truth, I +believe that the lark should not pair with the golden finch, who would +soon tire of her sweet song, because she lacked the yellow feathers of +her mate. What, dost thou but cry the harder for my words? I have not, +I know, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> tender touch of a mother to dry thy tears, but a more +willing hand to comfort cannot be found." Then he added tenderly: "If +thou hast aught more to tell, open thy heart to me and I will play the +woman for a while."</p> + +<p>"Think not, then, from my tears," she suddenly exclaimed, lifting her +head and confronting her father with that spirit which is often hid in +a seemingly gentle nature, "that I am ashamed of him on whom my love +doth fall; or, rather, of him to whom my love doth mount, for he is as +far above me in worth, as I beneath him in station. But what hath +equality to do with it? Is it so—that love is only right between +those whose purses tip the scale alike? Nay, that would be a +sacrilege, for this mortal love of ours is the one thing which lifts +us from the earth. Doth God not love the most unworthy of his +creatures? Would it be just to say that salvation should be meted only +to those who are the Creator's equal? Who of us, then, would escape +the flame? Not so," she continued, her eyes ablaze with the intensity +of her emotion. "It is that very affection bestowed upon us by our God +that lifts us poor mortals into fellowship with him. Love knows no +laws of title, tithes or wealth, and by the very act of loving, the +peasant rightly seats himself beside the king. Ah, think not, dear +father," she cried, falling on her knees, "that I would lightly cast +aside a wish of thine. Dwell but upon the love that thou once felt, +and remember it is she, the reflection of that self-same love, who +seeks thy aid."</p> + +<p>There was silence, broken only by the sobs of the kneeling girl. +Fawkes regarded his daughter with an air of evident surprise, not +unmixed with anxiety in anticipation of what might follow; for every +action showed she was wrought up to the highest state of excitement<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> +and earnestness. After a moment he said in a quiet voice: "I trust +these hot words of thine are but the outcome of some foolish fancy, +which, like the silly scorpion, will kill itself with its own +violence. But thou hast not told me all; until I am fully advised, my +counsel can be but scant. What name hath he? What title doth he hold? +For by thy speech he must be noble?"</p> + +<p>"Herbert Effingston," replied the girl.</p> + +<p>"I know not that name," answered the other, after a moment's musing. +"And his title?"</p> + +<p>"Viscount Herbert Effingston, son of Lord Monteagle."</p> + +<p>"Thou hast indeed flown high," Fawkes cried, with a sudden outburst of +passion. "Because I love thee I would wish thee dead, aye, dead," he +continued, fiercely, raising himself from the chair, "rather than have +thee bear the hated name of Monteagle."</p> + +<p>"But thou knowest no evil of him," cried the girl, springing to her +feet. "He is good; he is true and noble; aye, and hear me, it was he +who saved my life—a life thou lovest. I know what thou wouldst say, +but the son is not holden for his father's sins; he is not——"</p> + +<p>"But he is of the brood," thundered Fawkes, now thoroughly aroused; +"the litter of the jackal will eat the holy dead left by its +sire—'tis in their nature. Monteagle!" he repeated with fine scorn. +"And marry, that would be a pretty name for thee to choose—a name +that hath done more to set aside our Holy Catholic Church than all the +fiends in hell. What I know is true," he exclaimed, seizing her by the +arm. "Hark to what I say to thee; even I have heard, for ill fame +flies with swallow's wings swiftly across the sea, and when I am done, +if thou still dost love, pray to the Madonna to stop the beating of a +heart that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> holds so unworthy a regard. Thou sayest the son saved thy +life—by what means I know not. Think you that doth make amends for +all the evil done by him and his? Enough of this, and listen," he +continued, mastering his anger and pacing up and down the room. +"Monteagle and his son, both Catholics, and until James Stuart reached +the throne, most valiant champions of their faith, have, since the +scepter reached the hands of that wise fool, endeavored by all the +foul means within their power, to defeat the efforts of their fellow +churchmen, which, as thou knowest—and all England as well—were +directed against those laws which meant the downfall of our church. +Did these hell hounds come boldly out and show a lusty fight—which +would, in a small degree, have recommended them? Nay, that is not the +nature of the serpent. They falsely affirm themselves most strong +adherents to the Pope, receive the confidences of the Papal Delegates, +and by treasonable use of this knowledge of their secret mission, +defeat them ere they strike a blow. Is it for truth that they are +against the faith? Not so; for the hypocrites do cross themselves and +bow before the Host. Is it for a principle that they act thus? Nay, +for they have none. What, then, is their object? It is to gain favor +with the King, and place themselves by underhanded, sneaking ways +where true merit ne'er could raise them. Ah, my daughter," he cried, +with a voice full of supplication, "I love thee much too well to cause +thy heart a single pang. Canst thou not see it all aright? And even if +for love of me thou wilt not pluck this passion from thy heart, then +do it for the love thou owest God."</p> + +<p>While her father had been speaking, the girl stood motionless, every +line on her face showing plainly the conflict raging within her +breast. Her eyes were dry, for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> there are griefs so deep and searing +that they, with their fiery tongues, do lick up the springing tears +before they can fall. It was not in her nature to love lightly; to her +passion meant more than a mere auxiliary to her existence; simply +making life brighter and happier; every action, deed or thought, +however trivial and far removed from him, by some subtle influence +like that which turns the magnetic needle toward the north, had been +turned to bear upon this love of hers. The accusations just uttered +concerning his traitorous actions with regard to her faith, influenced +her but little; for her attitude toward religion resembled that of +most of her kind; the pure feminine mind turns instinctively toward +that which they deem great and good, believing, as a rule,—shall we +say ignorantly?—in all which is said to issue from a source they +cannot comprehend, and which they fear for the mystery attached to it. +Man, by instinct, loves power and dominion over others. Woman +substitutes for that characteristic the longing to be ruled, and in +that subordination of herself seeks protection. In this girl's breast, +the desire for a mystical and intangible power which promised to +protect, had been, to a degree, supplanted by the knowledge that there +awaited one who would clasp her in strong arms, and guard her against +all the world. Therefore the words spoken a moment ago had but little +weight, and played a small part in forming the resolution to which she +soon gave voice. Duty was clear. This poor, lonely man, her father, +who had known but little happiness, whose whole existence was summed +up in two great all-absorbing passions—a fearful, passionate belief +in God, and after that, his love for her,—for his sake she must make +the sacrifice.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" thought she, "sacrifice means death, and my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> love can never die, +but I shall hide it, bury it deep within my bosom, until in time its +strength shall tear my heart asunder; then I, in place of love, will +be the sacrifice."</p> + +<p>This, and more, quickly passed through her mind, but now she turned +toward the man with that wonderful self-control which only can be +found in woman, and said, in a quiet voice, devoid of passion and +malice, for she felt none:</p> + +<p>"If it be thy wish, I will do it for love of thee."</p> + +<p>"My daughter!" cried he, taking the motionless figure in his arms, +"thou hast saved me from a living hell. Thou wilt soon find I have +brought but good counsel. Pluck this poisoned shaft from out thy +heart, and if the wound hurt, soothe the smart with sweet knowledge of +my love, and above all, with a sense of justice done to God. Forget, +my pretty one, thy father's hasty temper; or, if remembered, let it be +only as called forth by love of thee. But we shall talk no more of +passions; let them go. Come now beside me, while I rest, for I am sore +weary after my long journey. Sit so," he continued, reclining on a +bench before the blaze, taking the white hand she offered and drawing +her down to him, "that I may not lose thee again, even in my dreams."</p> + +<p>She silently complied with his request. It would have been impossible +to express what was in her mind, so paralyzed and benumbed was it by +the heavy blow which had suddenly fallen. As the fingers which held +hers gradually relaxed in slumber, she slowly sank upon her knees, and +with outstretched arms, in a tearless voice, exclaimed: "Oh, my love, +thou who art my life; since on earth I must forever be without thee, +let some kindly hand give me unto death!"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h2>THE SUPERIOR OF THE JESUITS.</h2> + + +<p>While Guy Fawkes held converse with his daughter, the five gentlemen +he had left at Percy's house were soberly discussing the weighty +matters which had drawn them together. The sun had already gilded the +dome of St. Paul, when Winter, Catesby, Wright and Digsby made ready +to take their departure. On the threshold of the chamber Catesby +paused, and turning to Percy, said: "'Twill mayhap be two days ere I +again come to thee, for it is my purpose to make a journey into the +country, that I may gain better understanding concerning certain +matters which rest heavily on my mind; therefore marvel not if for one +night I be absent."</p> + +<p>"Thou goest then to Worcester?" asked Winter.</p> + +<p>"Aye, to Hendlip that, in its wisdom, the counsel of the Church may +direct me. Having gone so far 'twere ill to draw back, yet methinks +there is another whose words we must not treat lightly."</p> + +<p>"Garnet!" burst forth Digsby.</p> + +<p>Winter started. "Not here," he whispered quickly, "name not one whose +zeal hath banished him from England. Let James once know that he is +yet among us, and not a hiding place in Britain could shelter him."</p> + +<p>And a wise precaution it was that the name of Henry Garnet should not +be brought to the King's notice. Balancing the advantage of being +neither Catholic nor Protestant, the accusation that he was about to +favor the Papists, had so angered James, that he cast aside all +pre<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>tentions of toleration to the adherents of Rome. Coming to the +throne with promises of favor to the Catholic nobility, he had renewed +with great severity the laws of repression, and the banishment of the +Jesuits. Many of the latter had sought refuge in the houses of the +more zealous Papists, and among them Henry Garnet, Superior of the +Order of Jesus in England, an accomplished scholar, and a man of mild +demeanor, though an uncompromising adherent to his faith. 'Twas to +Garnet, that Catesby, troubled in spirit and, perhaps, uncertain of +the undertaking which lay before him, had resolved to turn, that the +advice of the wily Jesuit might strengthen his purpose, or check for a +time, his zeal in the desperate venture which at present filled his +mind.</p> + +<p>Some two hours after leaving his companions, Catesby, mounted upon a +powerful chestnut mare and wrapped closely about with a fur lined +cloak, cantered slowly through the streets of London which led to the +outskirts of the city facing the northwest. The storm of the previous +night had ceased, and the country side lay wrapped in a mantle of +white, broken here and there by the gray wall of some silent +habitation from whose chimneys the first blue smoke was rising in +circling clouds through the crisp morning air.</p> + +<p>Having reached the open country, the rider set his horse into a +gallop, for his destination lay many leagues away, and it was his +purpose to reach it ere nightfall. Hendlip House stood near the middle +of a spacious park thickly studded with trees; the structure itself +was surrounded by shrubbery, and contained within its walls many +secret hiding places, trap doors and double wainscotings. It had been +constructed by one Thomas Abington, a devoted recusant of the reign of +Queen Elizabeth,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> and the dwelling was a famous resort for those whose +desire it was to conceal themselves from the authorities. 'Twas there, +the Superior of the Jesuits, together with a clerk of that Order, +Oldcorne by name, and Owen, a servant, had been taken by certain of +the Catholic gentry, among whom were Lord Rookwood and Sir Everard +Digsby.</p> + +<p>That precaution had been observed to guard against surprise was shown +by the presence of a watchman, who, on the arrival of Catesby outside +the manor grounds, stepped from his lodge that he might hold converse +with the new comer, and if an officer, or one attached to the +Parliament, might give warning to those within the house.</p> + +<p>Upon perceiving, however, that it was Sir Robert Catesby who came thus +unexpectedly to Hendlip, the man doffed his cap, returning a civil +greeting to the rider's remark upon the coldness of the weather.</p> + +<p>"Has my Lord Rookwood passed this way?" inquired he, reining in his +horse.</p> + +<p>"He has, in truth," replied the servant, catching dexterously the +silver piece tossed him. "Even now, together with Mistress Vaux, he is +within the house."</p> + +<p>"Vaux! Anne Vaux!" muttered Catesby, "there must be then some weighty +matter afoot that she comes to Hendlip." And touching his horse with +the spur, he galloped up the avenue which led to the main entrance of +the mansion. Being well known by its inmates he was at once conducted +to an upper chamber, the door of which was unbarred by Owen, who +motioned him to enter.</p> + +<p>There were three occupants of the room. Before the great fireplace, +ablaze with logs, sat Henry Garnet. Scarce past middle age, the +learned prelate was a striking figure, clad though he was in the +simple, dark-hued garb of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> Order. Beneath a brow white and smooth +as a child's, shone a noble countenance, gentle almost to effeminacy, +but redeemed by firm lines about the mouth, and the intensity of the +steel-gray eyes. As Catesby entered, these eyes, which had been gazing +abstractedly into the fire, lighted with a smile of welcome.</p> + +<p>One of the Jesuit's companions was a personage whose dress and manner +proclaimed him a noble of the period. He leaned indolently against the +frame of the wide window facing the avenue, through which the horseman +had come, and he it was, Lord Rookwood, who first announced to the +Prelate that a visitor approached.</p> + +<p>The third occupant of the apartment was a woman. Born and bred in +luxury, the daughter of a peer of England, Anne Vaux was numbered +among the most devoted followers of the Superior. Scarce six and +twenty, she had passed her minority at the court of Elizabeth, and the +accession of James the First had marked no change in the life of the +lady-in-waiting. Anne of Denmark, pleased with the loveliness of the +daughter of Lord Vaux, had retained her near her person.</p> + +<p>Pausing on the threshold, Catesby took in the three personages at a +glance, but it was to the Jesuit that he offered his first salutation, +dropping on one knee as Garnet extended his hand, upon a finger of +which glistened the signet ring denoting his holy office.</p> + +<p>"Welcome, Sir Robert Catesby!" murmured the Prelate, motioning the +cavalier to draw near the fire. "'Tis, indeed, a most happy +circumstance which brings to Hendlip so devoted a servant to the cause +of God."</p> + +<p>"The more happy," replied Catesby, "that I find your Reverence of good +cheer, and in converse with my Lord of Rookwood and Mistress Vaux."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<p>"They are truly of much comfort to me in my solitude," said the +Superior, "and with the help of God I have patience to remain in +idleness, that at the time of harvest I may be ready."</p> + +<p>Catesby cast a quick glance at Rookwood, but the imperturbable face of +the latter told him nothing. It was Anne Vaux who spoke.</p> + +<p>"'Tis but little, indeed, the followers of this most holy man can do +to comfort him," she said softly, "yet it seemeth fit that such of us +as may, shall make known to him that even the court of James——"</p> + +<p>Garnet smiled. "Anne!" said he, turning his gray eyes affectionately +upon her, "'tis a comfort beyond human utterance." Then to Catesby: +"But thou hast ridden hard, good son?"</p> + +<p>"That I may benefit by thy wisdom," replied Sir Robert, "for my soul +is troubled."</p> + +<p>"A confession!" cried Anne, rising quickly. "Therefore I will retire +with my Lord of Rookwood."</p> + +<p>The latter shrugged his shoulders; evidently it but poorly fitted his +desire that the conversation with the Superior should be unheard by +him. Catesby noted his displeasure, and signaled him to remain. Garnet +comprehended the matter.</p> + +<p>"Not so!" said he, "I warrant me, good Catesby seeketh not the +confessional, but to render certain reports concerning that which hath +transpired in London, and of which Lord Rookwood hath some +understanding. Yet, lest our discourse weary thee, good Anne, thou +mayst retire, and if it please thee, return when our conference is +ended." So saying, he arose and conducted her to the door.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> + +<p>When alone with the two gentlemen, the Prelate looked fixedly at +Catesby.</p> + +<p>"It were fitting," said he "that Mistress Vaux, zealous though she be, +know not too much concerning the temper of our following. Now tell me +quickly what hath arisen to disturb thee."</p> + +<p>Catesby walked thrice about the room, then stopped before the Jesuit +and said soberly:</p> + +<p>"That which agitates my mind is, perforce, the same matter which +troubles thee—a holy father of the Church, my Lord of Rookwood, and +some tens of thousands of loyal Catholics in England. 'Tis the broken +promises of James—the overthrow of our religion, the——"</p> + +<p>Garnet checked him.</p> + +<p>"Thou speakest as a true Catholic," said he, "yet has thy grievance +been long endured. There are many men whose childhood witnessed these +selfsame wrongs."</p> + +<p>"Aye!" cried Catesby, seizing the hand of the Superior, "our +sufferings have, indeed, been of long duration, but we looked to the +ascension of the new King to lessen evils which have pressed so hard +upon us. 'Twas to James of Scotland——"</p> + +<p>The eyes of the Jesuit blazed fiercely.</p> + +<p>"Wretched country!" cried he, stretching out his arms, "thou hast in +truth suffered long, and the blessing of Most Holy God hath gone from +thee. Thy soul is troubled, Sir Robert Catesby, thou, who art free to +live as suiteth thee! Thinkest thou then that I, whom the Holy Church +hath appointed to teach her children, suffer nothing being thus a +prisoner behind the walls of Hendlip House? If thou art vexed at +thought of penalties, and cruel enactments against thy brethren, what +thinkest thou of the happiness of one to whom banishment without voice +or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> trial, such as are granted to the lowest criminal, follows from so +unjust a law? What have I done, wherein lieth the crime of all the +priests in England, that the hand of James is turned against us? If +thou seek out the King, or question the Parliament, and ask wherefore +we are driven from our churches—they will answer thee, 'Ye are +Catholics.'"</p> + +<p>During his words, spoken with the fire of an ardent spirit, the +slender form of the Jesuit seemed to tower, as an enraged deity, above +the persons of his two companions. But having poured out the +bitterness of his soul, the meekness of the man asserted itself, and +sinking into a chair he buried his face in his hands. The sight +aroused Catesby to madness.</p> + +<p>"Aye!" cried he, advancing to the Prelate's side, "I will go to James, +but 'twill not be to test his arguments. One thrust and thou, with all +Catholics, will be free."</p> + +<p>Drawing out his sword he threw it at the feet of the silent Jesuit.</p> + +<p>"Bless thou therefore this trusty blade, good Father, that it may do +its work quickly. Bless it, and me, for ere night comes again 'twill +have drunk the blood of the heretic!"</p> + +<p>The recklessness of the other's purpose roused Garnet from his +lethargy.</p> + +<p>"Thou art mad, good Catesby," said he sadly; "that thou thinkest to +kill the King of England. Put up thy sword! 'Tis not through the +violence of one man that England will be freed. We have waited long +already; pray for patience that thou mayst bear with meekness the +burden which rests heavily upon thee. Thinkest thou I groan not under +it?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<p>Catesby might have replied in anger, but the voice of Rookwood +forestalled him.</p> + +<p>"There are many gentlemen in England this day who from waiting have +grown weary, and who hope no more for indulgence from the King and his +Parliament. Some there may be, who, even as good Catesby, have in +their minds resolved upon most desperate measures. If it be then a sin +to——"</p> + +<p>Garnet turned upon him saying:</p> + +<p>"A sin! A sin to slay the King of England?"</p> + +<p>"Yet one who hath broken his promises, forsaken the religion of his +mother, and who, blind to the mercy of God, doth seek to uproot this +holy cause!" cried Catesby.</p> + +<p>Whatever might have been the ultimate purpose of the Jesuit, whether +as an Englishman he recoiled at the thought of the assassination of +his King, or, as a Catholic, his zeal overbalanced his loyalty, he saw +that it was quite time to curb the fanatical tendencies of his +companions. The very life of the Catholic religion in England, his own +safety, and that of his fellow priests, might be sacrificed by a +premature attempt on the part of Catesby, or some of his followers, to +end their wrongs by the murder of the King. With the keen perception +which Garnet eminently possessed, he saw that the desired change in +the religious policy of the government could only be brought about by +a farther reaching blow than the removal of the person of James. Nor +would a decided objection on his part to their purpose serve his ends, +for it was his policy to draw about him the leading Catholic gentry of +the kingdom. He therefore cast about for a middle course whereby those +whose zeal had overcome their discretion might be pacified. The +remembrance of Anne Vaux suggested an expedient.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good Catesby, and thou, Lord Rookwood," said he blandly, "your zeal +in the cause hath much endeared you to me, yet, it were well to +proceed with due caution in so grave a matter. Perchance King James +hath it in his mind to extend to us that kind indulgence which we +crave for. Ye know that the Parliament of England is composed of many +who prate much about their liberties, and if James seek to aid us by +dissimulation, 'twere an ill thing to cut the unripe corn."</p> + +<p>"What then, good Father?" asked Catesby.</p> + +<p>"Thou knowest," replied the Jesuit, "that Mistress Vaux is closely +united to the Court. Maybe thou knowest, also, that there is a certain +gentleman, close to the King, who would make Anne his mistress. 'Tis a +truth that the wit of woman worketh much, and it comes to me that this +courtier, to please Anne Vaux, might seek to discover what is in the +mind of his master regarding the Catholics of England."</p> + +<p>"'Tis a happy thought," said Rookwood, "if we be benefited."</p> + +<p>"All is in the hands of God," replied Garnet solemnly, and rising he +touched a bell which summoned Owen from the ante-chamber.</p> + +<p>"Good Owen," said he, "bear to Lady Vaux my desire for her presence; +our conference is ended."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h2>WHY MASTER FAWKES WAS SUMMONED TO ENGLAND.</h2> + + +<p>Elinor sat by the fire with a piece of embroidery in her hand. Her +thoughts were evidently not upon it, for ever and anon she would lay +down the work and sink into deep meditation, which ended in sighs; +then, recollecting herself, the busy fingers would once more resume +their task. The sound of footsteps echoing in the corridor without, +caused her to turn toward the door, through which a man presently +entered, who exclaimed in a petulant voice, as he ineffectually +endeavored to fasten a sword belt: "Come, my daughter, lay down thy +pretty work for a moment, and aid thy father to gird this cursed +baldric about him, for the ends be as coy as an old maid and her +lover." She arose to comply with his request, and quickly fastened the +desired buckle, then inquired, on noting his attire:</p> + +<p>"Dost thou go abroad to-night?"</p> + +<p>"Verily, I do, if Sir Thomas doth keep his appointment. 'Tis past the +hour of nine, and much I marvel that he hath not yet arrived."</p> + +<p>"Then I will now bid thee good night," she answered, approaching and +about to kiss him, when hearing one coming up the steps caused her to +delay.</p> + +<p>"There, by St. Paul, he is at last," as a knock sounded on the door. +"Run, my daughter, and open to Sir Thomas."</p> + +<p>The girl hesitated a moment as if loth to comply, then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> stepped into +the hall and withdrew the bolt. Soon the tones of a man's voice could +be heard exclaiming: "A good evening to thee, Mistress Elinor. It is +but fitting that an angel should unbar the door of Paradise, for I +deem the house naught else wherein thou dwellest." Kissing the +reluctant hand which he held, then observing Fawkes, who had advanced +to greet him, "Well, well, friend Guido; thou lookest fit for a battle +royal, with thy long war rapier girded by thy side. But," he +continued with a laugh, "it would ill become thee to go abroad poorly +armed in my company, for we do in truth seem to invite attack when +together. Did thy father tell thee, Mistress Elinor, of his adventure +yester-night, which had for its intent the rescuing me again from dire +straits?"</p> + +<p>"Nay, he did not; for my father's brave deeds need not his tongue to +set them forth, and he is much too modest to narrate his exploits, +even though they had so worthy an object as the saving of thy life," +she replied with a little courtesy.</p> + +<p>"Marry," broke in Fawkes, "I was marveling why thou didst not come, +and was thinking perchance 'twould be better to go outside and listen +for the sound of a distant brawl." Then observing the small court +sword which hung by the other's side, he continued, pointing toward +it: "Thou art but lightly equipped. I wonder much that thou dost go so +poorly prepared; but," he added, loosening his long rapier from its +scabbard, "thy purse is safe to-night at least. Wilt come for a moment +to the fire, and warm thyself?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot, though much I regret that precious time forbids; if thou +art ready, methinks we had best depart."</p> + +<p>"I am ever at thy service," cried Fawkes, and turning towards his +daughter, who had thrown a long cloak over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> his shoulders, "I'll wish +thee a good repose, sweet one, for 'twill be late ere I return." +Embracing her, then going toward Winter, he continued: "'Tis most +pleasing to have a pretty face on which to kiss a sad good-bye, and +know that loving arms await to greet a happy return."</p> + +<p>"Aye, that it is," he responded, biting his lip and watching the two; +"but we poor single men have no such bliss, and must be content to +watch the happiness of others. Still, there is left me the sweet +sorrow of saying good night." He extended his hand to the girl, who +let hers rest for an instant within his. "Now, if thou art ready, +Master Fawkes, I will follow."</p> + +<p>The two passed out into the night, both turning, however, when half +way down the path to wave a parting adieu to the fair figure standing +within the door. For some little distance the men continued on in +silence, each engrossed in thought. At length, Winter observing that +Fawkes seemed well aware as to the direction they were taking, +exclaimed with some little surprise: "Master Guido, one would think +the way to my residence an old traveled road to thee, but if I +recollect aright, this to my knowledge is the first time thou hast +gone over it."</p> + +<p>"Marry, but I have a guide, Sir Thomas," pointing to the dome of St. +Paul's church, which reared itself dark against the star-studded sky.</p> + +<p>"Beshrew my heart, doth some angel of heaven fly before thee?" as just +at the moment Fawkes turned sharply down another street leading to +their destination.</p> + +<p>"Nay, I have not that to point the way, but a friend of thine gave me +the direction. I did not think to tell thee the first night of our +meeting, for we had other matters of more pointed nature to engross +our thoughts," he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> added with a laugh, striking his sword; "and it did +slip my tardy mind that I was the bearer of a message from him to +thee."</p> + +<p>"I can but illy guess who he may be; but, pray, say on, by what name +went he?"</p> + +<p>"Giles Martin; and he did wish I would convey his best respects and +wishes for thy good welfare."</p> + +<p>"By St. Peter! Where didst thou run across the man? I had deemed him +long dead, for naught have I seen of him these many years."</p> + +<p>"The truth is, Sir Winter, he wished no mention made of his present +whereabouts; but I deemed thou hadst a sturdy friend in him, and," +continued Fawkes, looking at the other significantly, "he did seem +well informed on divers topics concerning these troubled times."</p> + +<p>"What dost thou mean, friend Guido?" asked Winter, turning a quick +glance toward Fawkes.</p> + +<p>"I am but a plain man, and thy outspoken question invites little but a +plain reply. Therefore, I'll repeat his words, which were that thou +didst stand poorly with those in high places, and, further, the times +were such that hot outspoken opinions on certain subjects were apt to +be quickly followed by the whistle of an axe flying through the air, +and that the King——"</p> + +<p>"A truce," Winter broke in, laying his hand upon the other's arm and +looking behind with some alarm as the two entered a thoroughfare, +which, by the number of people passing up and down, indicated their +approach to a central portion of the city; "by holy St. Dunstan, frame +not thy speech in such loud words, for it might be illy construed. But +here we are at our destination, and when within, thou mayst recite all +that Master Martin told."</p> + +<p>The two paused in front of an iron railing surrounding<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> a court-yard, +on which fronted a residence of no mean pretensions. After unlocking +the wicket, Winter, followed by his companion, proceeded up the walk, +and passing through the main doorway, entered the house.</p> + +<p>"This is the first time, Fawkes, that I've had the honored pleasure of +thy company at mine own fireside," exclaimed Winter, when inside, +throwing his fur-lined coat upon a chair. Then observing that his +companion was already busily engaged in examining a trophy of swords +which decorated the wall, he continued: "What, do thy warlike eyes +ever seek the implements of thy trade? See, Guido, there is a suit of +mail that a valiant ancestor of mine did wear at Crecy," pointing +toward a stand of armor.</p> + +<p>"Indeed," answered the other, examining it, "he must of necessity have +been brave, for, I can but illy see how running could be done, even if +the spirit prompted the legs, attired in this heavy harness."</p> + +<p>"And now, if thou be ready," exclaimed Winter, evidently anxious to +arrive quickly at the task of the evening, "I will conduct thee to a +chamber wherein we may hold converse without fear of interruption."</p> + +<p>The two proceeded, Winter leading the way to the end of the hall, and +passing through a heavy open door, which closed behind them, entered a +room well adapted to the discussion of such things as must not fall on +untrusted ears. The chamber was one of spacious proportion, but on +account of its massive black furniture, seemed to be of medium size. +The walls were hung in some dark, unfigured tapestry, which added to +the somberness of the apartment, and tended to spread over all an air +of gloom. The dimness of the place was in some degree relieved by a +crackling fire burning upon the hearth, and two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> silver candelabrums +holding lighted tapers, stood upon an oaken table occupying the middle +of the room.</p> + +<p>The only window in the place opened down to the floor, leading out +upon a balcony overlooking the court-yard, and the interior of the +chamber was hidden from those passing by heavy curtains, which now +were closely drawn. A divan, several massive black oak cabinets, and +three or four high-back chairs completed the furniture of the room, +with the exception of a small table, on which stood a large and +curiously wrought silver flagon and several tankards.</p> + +<p>"Come Master Guy," cried Winter, filling two of the cups, "let us +preface dry work with a drink of honest vintage, and then we will to +our task."</p> + +<p>"With all my heart," replied Fawkes, taking the cup and draining it at +a draught.</p> + +<p>"And now to business," exclaimed the other, seating himself by the +table and motioning his companion to a place opposite. Having settled +himself easily in the chair, shading his face from the light of the +tapers that he might better watch the countenance of the other, he +began in a quiet voice:</p> + +<p>"I doubt not but thou didst deem it passing strange I made no +reference to the nature of the employment I had to offer thee, and, +mayhap," he continued, holding up his hand to silence an interruption +from his listener, "there hath arisen in thy mind suspicious thoughts +caused by a combination of incidents since thy arrival, which would +place me as one with whom to be identified were not as safe as serving +in the King's Guard. In point of fact, I refer particularly to the +outspoken words of our friend Giles Martin."</p> + +<p>"In truth," responded the other, in that quick, brusque<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> manner +belonging to his nature, "Master Martin did lay naught at thy door, +but what I, or any other righteous man, might deem an honor to a +house. Nay," he continued, with some vehemence, "if what he said be +true, then I am overjoyed to find employment with one whose faith is +his greatest crime."</p> + +<p>"What may be the purport of thy words?" inquired Winter, slowly +turning a keen glance upon the speaker.</p> + +<p>"I mean," exclaimed Fawkes, leaning over the table toward his +questioner, "that I would think it no disgrace to serve, or, if need +be, fall by the side of one who had the courage to openly or secretly +espouse the Catholic cause in these cross-breaking days. Aye, Sir +Thomas, I will speak without concealment, for I have guessed at many +things, and know full well that the time must soon be ripe when all +who have not craven hearts will arise in wrath, and by word of mouth, +of mayhap, if need be, by a more violent measure put down those who +advise the enactment of laws which have for their intent the uprooting +of the Church in this our Kingdom."</p> + +<p>"By St. Michael!" exclaimed Winter, surprised that the other should +bring to the front so clearly his opinion on a subject upon which, he +had feared, it would require no small amount of questioning to elicit +anything, "thou dost astonish me with thine ardor; I always knew thee +as a brave churchman, but never——"</p> + +<p>"Time hath altered my views on many subjects," interrupted Fawkes. +"The manners of the Spaniard are not always good, and their breath is +oft odorous of garlic; but by my troth, they know full well how to +treat a heretic," he added with a decisive nod of his head. "Say on, +for by thy manner I judge it is thine object to sound my depth in +certain matters. I know not what's afoot; but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> by St. Peter," +continued he, striking the table a blow which made the tapers dance, +"if it hath aught to do with those—even though they be kings—whose +unholy hands would snuff our altar lights, thou canst count on Master +Guy to twist the rack or carry faggots."</p> + +<p>During this recital Winter watched the other with keen attention. +Knowing Fawkes to be a man of indomitable will, combined with +undaunted courage, and one to stop at nothing in gaining ends +justified by his conscience, he had not hesitated to recommend him as +a valuable adjunct to the cause dear to himself and his companions. +Heavily the weight of responsibility rested upon him; it had fallen to +his lot that he should be the one to sound this man, and decide as to +how great or small a degree of their confidence might be given to him. +One error in judgment now might be followed by the death of all their +hopes, and by the thud of heads dropping into the axman's basket. +Therefore he weighed the matter well before saying:</p> + +<p>"I did not over-estimate thy zeal. There are many things I would fain +tell thee, the purport of which methinks thou hast already guessed, +but which at present must not, for reasons, be spoken of. If thou art +willing for a time to remain in darkness, and take service as a +gentleman about my household, I can almost promise that the gloom of +thy ignorance on many matters may soon be dispelled by a lurid glare +which shall be red enough, even to thy liking. I have told thee +naught, but the very concealment of some things, to the observing, +doth show plainly what is hid. Ask no more, and, for the present, +content thyself with suppositions. If the conditions which I have +named suit thee, then thou wilt have access to these premises at all +times. Further, be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> my companion when I go abroad; for what is more +natural in these purse-cutting days than that a gentleman should +desire a lusty swordsman with him? Dost accept, and agree to all?" The +last word he pronounced with great emphasis.</p> + +<p>"Aye, to all," responded the other grimly, arising and extending his +gauntlet.</p> + +<p>"And I would further recommend," continued Winter, drumming on the +table with his fingers, "that thou say but little about this meeting, +even," looking narrowly at Fawkes, "to thy pretty daughter; for I have +remarked there is sometimes a certain visitor at thy house who, if the +report did reach his ears that two or three gentlemen of the Catholic +persuasion were closeted together, might denounce the assembling as a +conspiracy,—which would be most unjust—and bring the King's Guard +with small courtesy. Dost follow me, friend Guido?"</p> + +<p>"That I do; but there's naught to fear; I know your meaning. Heretics +will no more darken my door."</p> + +<p>"That is well, and I hope, truly spoken," replied Winter, nodding his +head in approval, and rising from his chair with an air of relief that +the business of the evening was settled. "Let us," he continued, +filling up the cups, "drink success to our compact."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried Fawkes, pointing to the wine as it flowed from the +flagon's mouth, "A most fitting color be the draught;" then, as he +raised the tankard to his lips, "A toast, Sir Thomas, I will offer +thee. May we be as willing to give our blood when asked, as this good +flagon to yield its red cheer to us! And now I must set out for home, +and 'tis with a lighter heart than when I came. Dost thou wish my +presence here to-morrow?" he inquired as they reached the door.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Thou mayst call on the stroke of ten, or thereabouts. Until then, +farewell."</p> + +<p>The host watched the form of his guest disappear in the darkness, and +shutting the door, returned with a thoughtful step to the chamber +wherein they had been sitting. Filling a cup with wine and raising it +on high, he exclaimed with a laugh: "Troth, Master Fawkes, I did drink +to thy health awhile ago; now I will quaff a flagon to thy daughter. +Here is to one, Mistress Elinor, the fairest, the sweetest wench in +all England, and for one warm kiss from whose lips Sir Thomas Winter +would right gladly face grim death. Marry," he mused, setting down the +cup, "thou hast done, mayhap, a good stroke for the cause, in bringing +this bloodhound Fawkes from out of Spain, but young Monteagle, beware; +for if I be judge, the Spanish treatment of a heretic leaves but +little for the burial."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h2>THE WISEST FOOL IN CHRISTENDOM.</h2> + + +<p>The Royal Court of King James, at Whitehall, was furnished and +embellished with all the luxury which love of show and the power of +the owner could command. Choicest tapestries draped the walls, carpets +of marvelous softness covered the floors. In the King's bedchamber +stood an elaborately carved bedstead canopied with perfumed velvet +cunningly wrought in silk and gold. Upon its front glittered the royal +arms of England.</p> + +<p>Reared as he had been in the plainness of Scottish simplicity, the +wealth and lavish display in the English manor houses where he had +rested during his journey from Edinburgh delighted and enchanted him +in the highest degree. Vain, fond of indolent diversions, and prodigal +in expenditures, he at once surrounded himself with the choicest +products of the weavers, decorators and artisans of the Continent.</p> + +<p>In a chamber of this palace, on the second afternoon following the +meeting of Catesby with Rookwood and Anne Vaux at the hiding place of +the Jesuit Superior, an interesting conversation took place between +the Queen's lady-in-waiting, and one Robert Carr, a Scotchman, and +favorite of the King. After James ascended the throne of England he +meted out ample measure to his countrymen, likening himself to Joseph, +who, being raised to power, forgot not his brethren. That this Robert +was of goodly parts, being fair of feature and elegant of limb, +rendered him the more acceptable to his royal master;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> forsooth, there +were few of the nobles in the two kingdoms but knew certain tales +concerning the favorites of the King, young gallants of the period +whose presence at Court added nothing to the honor of their sovereign.</p> + +<p>Robert Carr, a person of deep perception and gifted with certain +Scottish wit, pandered much to the follies and pride of his +benefactor. He was also a man easily excited by beauty of face and +grace of manner, and had fallen desperately in love with Mistress +Vaux, to his own undoing and the jealousy of the Queen's women. It was +this state of affairs which the Jesuit had reckoned upon, when, in +casting about for an expedient to check the fiery zeal of Sir Robert +Catesby, he had suggested that one dwelt at Court who might learn what +was in the mind of the King concerning certain policies. Being +instructed by Garnet what course to pursue, Anne Vaux, on her return +to Whitehall, made haste to summon into her presence the King's +favorite. Nor did Carr need a second bidding to betake himself to the +lady's chamber.</p> + +<p>"Sweet Anne!" cried he, dropping upon his knee before the +maid-in-waiting, "thou hast saved me from despair. Knowest thou 'tis +eight and forty hours since thy gentle presence hath made earth to me +a paradise?"</p> + +<p>"Nay, good Robert!" replied she, demurely casting down her eyes, yet +permitting the gallant to retain her hand, "Speak not of despair; thou +who hast so high a place with our royal master. Amid thy pleasures the +absence of Anne Vaux can be but of small moment unto thee."</p> + +<p>Carr covered her hand with kisses.</p> + +<p>"Whitehall without thee is a barren wilderness," cried he, "for thee +would I barter faith, honor——"</p> + +<p>Anne raised her head until her eyes met his.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nay, sweet gentleman!" said she, softly, "'tis not faith, nor honor I +would ask of thee; 'tis——"</p> + +<p>"Speak!" murmured Carr, overcome by his emotions. "Speak, that I may +serve thee."</p> + +<p>"'Tis but little," replied the lady, "yet would it please me much, and +thou art able to converse freely with his Majesty."</p> + +<p>"The King!" cried Carr, alarmed that the name of James should enter +into his love making. "What wouldst thou with the King?"</p> + +<p>Anne withdrew her hand. "Ah!" cried she, pushing him gently from her, +"'tis so little, yet thou wouldst withhold thy courtesy. There be +certain other gentlemen, my lord of——"</p> + +<p>"Say not so," stammered the courtier, "be it the crown itself." His +companion laughed merrily. "The crown!" cried she, "what would Anne +Vaux with the crown of England? 'Tis but a simple question, a word +with his Majesty, that I may gain a wager."</p> + +<p>"Speak then," said Carr, "that I may hasten to obey thee."</p> + +<p>"Thou knowest," replied Anne, "there be much serious speculation, many +theories formed throughout the kingdom concerning the mind of the King +regarding the penalties against the Catholics. Some there be who hold +'tis the King's wish that the ordinances, or edicts of Elizabeth, be +removed utterly, while others affirm that James doth join with +Parliament for their maintenance. Having been drawn into an argument +with certain of my mistress' ladies, a wager was made, that ere the +morrow the truth of the matter should to me be disclosed."</p> + +<p>The look on her companion's face changed to consternation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ask the King concerning so grave a matter?" cried he.</p> + +<p>"A truce, Master Carr!" replied Anne, sharply, "it needeth small +perception to discern thy temper. Thou dost ask much, yet givest +little."</p> + +<p>The King's favorite was nonplussed. To question James concerning +affairs of State was no light matter, yet, in opposition to so doing +stood the anger and the loss of Mistress Vaux. This thought, which he +could not endure, caused him to hesitate.</p> + +<p>"Be it so!" said the lady, coldly, "Thou hast refused so small a +favor, therefore will I summon one who, methinks, hath more +consideration." And she moved as though to touch the bell upon the +table.</p> + +<p>The action, indicating his dismissal, removed all scruples which had +arisen in the mind of the courtier, and kneeling before her he pledged +himself to at once seek an audience with the King, who, having passed +the afternoon in hunting, was resting in his own apartments.</p> + +<p>Pleased that her object had been so easily gained, Anne permitted the +enraptured Scotchman to clasp her in his arms, then he rushed from the +chamber hoping after a short interview with the King to return to her.</p> + +<p>As Carr had intimated, James, wearied by several hours in the saddle, +for it was his pleasure to hunt or horseback in Waltham forest and in +other royal chases, had retired early to his bed chamber. He had eaten +heartily, for despite his ungainly person the First of the Stuarts was +a famous trenchman. Freed from his quilted clothes and mellow with +strong wine, he admitted to his presence two gentlemen who sought an +audience.</p> + +<p>The noblemen who were thus occupants of the royal chamber stood in +strong contrast to the Sovereign of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> England. Their large and +gracefully proportioned figures were made most conspicuous by the big +head, rickety legs and dwarfed body of their royal master, while the +calm dignity which enveloped them set forth vividly the driveling +speech, and coarseness of him whom the death of the last of the Tudors +had placed upon the throne.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried James, perceiving the gentlemen upon the threshold, +"welcome most worthy Monteagle and Viscount Effingston! Hast thou then +an answer to my argument?"</p> + +<p>The lips of the younger nobleman trembled nervously as he sought to +repress a smile, but his companion advanced quickly to the royal couch +upon which the King had stretched himself.</p> + +<p>"The wisdom of your Majesty is indeed unanswerable," said he bending +to kiss the hand held out to him.</p> + +<p>James chuckled loudly.</p> + +<p>"'Tis my pleasure to discourse on certain matters," replied he, "and my +good lord of Monteagle, being well versed in the learning of the +period, doth turn with relish to a well written document. It was, +methinks, concerning the 'True Law of Free Monarchy.'"</p> + +<p>"Nay, your Majesty," replied Monteagle, drawing a paper from his +doublet, "'twas thy most learned discourse on tobacco."</p> + +<p>The Viscount Effingston, who stood well behind his father, turned +aside his face, that the King might not note the smile upon it. James, +however, having plunged into one of his pedantic hobbies, had small +perception of aught aside from the discourse in hand.</p> + +<p>"'Twas, in truth!" cried he, "a most learned writing,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> bearing upon +the use of an ill-savored weed. What thinkest thou, my lord?"</p> + +<p>"'Tis indeed most ably written," replied Monteagle, "and being much +impressed with the wisdom so plainly set forth, I did read it aloud to +several of my gentlemen."</p> + +<p>"And what said they, good Monteagle?"</p> + +<p>"That your Majesty had, in truth, touched the heart of the matter," +replied the peer. "Even Sir Raleigh, upon the reading of it, would, +methinks, turn from the habit."</p> + +<p>"That would he," said the King, gruffly, for the name of Raleigh was +in no wise pleasing to him.</p> + +<p>"A most excellent document!" broke in the Viscount, "my worthy father +was about to beg your Majesty for further discourse on so grave a +matter."</p> + +<p>Monteagle cast a look of keen reproach at his son; 'twas not for the +pleasure of discussing the "Counterblast To Tobacco," the famous +literary production of the King, that he had sought this audience. +James, however, was highly pleased at the young man's words.</p> + +<p>"Good Monteagle!" cried he, "thy son is a worthy gentleman, and +methinks our reign will see him a most favored peer. Instruct him, +that he fall not into certain habits as to bells and candlesticks, nor +give ear too seriously to the teachings of them who would embroil our +kingdom."</p> + +<p>At this moment Robert Carr, hastening to the royal bed chamber, in +order to obey the wishes of Mistress Vaux, entered the ante-room and +hearing his master in converse with others, paused noiselessly behind +the curtains.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" continued James, receiving no reply from Monteagle or his +son, "it is rumored that thou also hath<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> dealt somewhat closely with +these disturbers of the kingdom."</p> + +<p>Alarmed at the character of the conversation assumed by the King, the +nobleman would have checked it by well timed flattery, but James was +not to be turned from his purpose.</p> + +<p>"It doth much annoy me," prated he, "that certain reports are spread +abroad making it seem my desire, against the wishes of our good +Parliament, to remit certain fines——"</p> + +<p>Carr, whose ear was pressed close against the curtain, rubbed his +hands together in exultation that there was like to be, without +discomfort to himself, something ready for the ear of the Queen's +waiting woman.</p> + +<p>"And divers statutes against those who would bring back the Jesuits," +continued James, plucking impatiently the fringe of his couch cover.</p> + +<p>"Your Majesty is, in truth, the spring of justice," said Monteagle, +soberly, "and it ill befits thy subjects, be they Puritans or +Catholics, to——"</p> + +<p>A wave of passion swept across the royal face.</p> + +<p>"Puritans and Catholics!" cried he, sitting upright. "Zounds! What +then? Am I not king? Wherefore should I tolerate in this good kingdom +those who teach treason in their churches?"</p> + +<p>Monteagle's position was truly equivocal. The son of a Protestant +peer, through his marriage, early in life, with the daughter of a +Catholic, he became involved in certain Papistic plots, and listened +to the teachings of the missionary priests. James had made him the +recipient of many court favors, for the maintenance of which, +Monteagle, balancing the advantages of his position against<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> the loss +which might accrue to him were he to boldly adhere to his religion, +had become lukewarm in the faith of the Catholics, and this had +brought him into disrepute with his old associates.</p> + +<p>"'Tis a grave matter that there be any in England whose faith takes +precedence of their loyalty," said he, the King ceasing his harangue +through lack of breath.</p> + +<p>"Thou sayest rightly!" cried he, "nor will I abate one jot or tittle +from that I have set before me. As it is atheism and blasphemy to +dispute what is in God's power, so it is presumption and high contempt +for a subject to question a king's will; nor should a king abate even +the breadth of a hair from that right which his prerogative gives unto +him."</p> + +<p>The Viscount Effingston pulled his father's sleeve.</p> + +<p>"We had best retire," he whispered, "the wine hath mounted to the head +of yonder fool, and, perchance, he may see in thee a Raleigh or a +Cobham."</p> + +<p>The King was, indeed, weary of the interview. The exertion of the +afternoon, the heated room, the wine and the ill temper into which he +had fallen, deprived him of his usual wit, leaving him only boorish +and irritable.</p> + +<p>"My lord Monteagle," said he, peevishly, "it pleases me that you +retire, for a certain languor of the body rendereth our discourse +unprofitable."</p> + +<p>The words of his son had startled the nobleman from his usual +composure, and receiving the King's permission to retire, he made +haste to kiss the royal hand, well pleased that the audience was +ended, although certain favors which he desired to ask of his Majesty +remained unspoken.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" said the favorite, as the two peers passed his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> hiding place, +"I have, indeed, had a most fortunate escape, for James is in poor +condition to discuss even with Robert Carr, that which sent him +hither."</p> + +<p>Then, as the King's valets crowded into the chamber, summoned by the +furious ringing of their master's bell, he looked for an instant upon +the half-drunken monarch, dropped the curtain and hastened down the +corridor that he might relate to Mistress Vaux that which he had +overheard.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h2>THE VISCOUNT EFFINGSTON.</h2> + + +<p>Rare and luxurious were the furnishings of a room in which we find +Lord Monteagle and his son. Wealth and artistic hands had combined to +bring all its sumptuousness into a rich and harmonious completeness. +The elder, who had just entered, walked with troubled brow toward the +window. The other, tall and strong, with features of fine proportion +and graceful contour, clad in a style denoting the aristocrat and man +of fashion, sat at a desk engaged in writing. For a time the only +sound breaking the silence was the sharp scratching of a goosequill +as it traveled over the paper. At last, having finished, and observing +the other for the first time, he remarked, as he folded the sheet:</p> + +<p>"My lord, hast thou so soon returned from the audience? Did aught +transpire to ruffle thy temper? Or, mayhap," he continued with a +laugh, "His Majesty did read thee an essay on How to Take Snuff +Without a Nose, or some other learned subject dear to his heart."</p> + +<p>"Not so, my son," Monteagle replied with gravity; "but I have heard +again rumors which set but ill upon my mind. 'Tis the talk of the +ante-chamber, and the first words which did greet my ear on entering +came from that silly, chattering coxcomb, Robert Carr, who, advancing, +enquired in a low voice, but which at the same time filled the room, +whether my daughter-in-law would be the new lady in waiting upon the +Queen. These many days the talk that hath been afoot connects thy name +with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> one whose ancestral lineage will not bear scrutiny, and, for +truth, much this gossip hath troubled me."</p> + +<p>Effingston reddened, and turned in his chair toward the speaker, +suppressing an angry retort which sprang to his lips: "My lord, dost +thou believe all that Dame Rumor whispereth?"</p> + +<p>"No, verily, being too long connected with affairs of State, but, in +my anxiety, I made inquiry, and much it paineth me to find these same +reports seem to have foundation. I do not demand but beg an +explanation from thy lips, to hear if that be true which reached my +ear."</p> + +<p>"Your lordship knows," returned the other with an inclination of the +head, "that thy request is to me a command; therefore, I tell thee +frankly that what thou heard this morning is to an extent well +founded. Thou canst be sparing of thy fears," he continued as the +other was about to interrupt, "and ever be assured, respect for Lord +Monteagle, my father, and pride, the inheritance of the noble born, +will deter Viscount Effingston from actions which his conscience might +perchance approve. I will not disgrace thee or thy name," he +concluded, with a touch of haughtiness in his tone.</p> + +<p>"I have not yet accused thee of bringing discredit upon our house, and +devoutly hope my fears are but absurd, born of that doubt which +seemeth to be resident in the minds of men one for the other. By my +troth, we can seldom point with certainty in these days to one of our +fellow creatures, and say truly, I know him to be good and free from +treason. It would, I swear," he continued, with a sigh, "little +surprise me, to hear the Archbishop of Canterbury had been seen to +hold his crosier for a pretty wench to leap across, that he might the +better gaze upon her ankles. Thou art a man grown; therefore, I can<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> +but counsel. But this I know: love for one below thy station, though +she have all purity and moral excellence, seldom ends in marriage; if +by chance it doth bring thee to the altar, repentance with its dismal +train follows far too often, even ere the echo of the chimes hath died +away."</p> + +<p>"Thy counsel did, and ever shall stand high in my regard," replied +Effingston. "But thy fears are groundless. I do admit that she to whom +thou dost refer is not of highest birth; still, her ancestors helped +to keep the crown upon a king's head, and methinks, deserve more +credit for acting thus without reward than though they bore the title +of a Duke or Prince. As thou hast asked, and with perfect justice, I +will tell the story from its beginning. Thou might misjudge if thy +mind held its present suspicion, and it would lead to setting aside of +confidences which, it hath been my happiness to feel, did ever exist +between us."</p> + +<p>"Thou sayest well," replied the other, with affection. "I have always +looked upon thee as my sword arm, to carry out by thy young strength +the deeds which time hath left me ill conditioned to perform."</p> + +<p>"Thou remembrest," began Effingston, "the night three months since, I +rode to Chartsey Manor, with intent to sound Lord Cecil regarding his +attitude on issues then before Parliament. It was midnight ere I left, +and well on toward the stroke of two when I arrived in the outskirts +of London. Proceeding slowly on my way, drinking in deeply the +beauties of the night, suddenly there sounded upon my startled ear a +woman's scream, which quickly ceased, as if she who uttered it had +been rudely seized about the throat. I reined up my horse and +listened. Distinctly could I hear, not two hundred paces<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> from me, the +sound of scuffling feet and an outburst of drunken laughter, ending in +a round of fiendish cursing. 'Hold,' cried I, 'wait until I can loose +my sword and lend thee aid.' Saying which, I hastily dismounted, +throwing the bridle of my horse over a bush hard by, and hurried in +the direction of the tumult. On turning a corner, there came upon my +sight a scene which made my blood boil and lent new speed to my legs. +Two ruffians had set upon a woman, and while one held back her chin +and shoulders, the other was endeavoring to imprint a kiss upon the +upturned face, the rogue being hindered in his purpose by the girl, +who, holding in her hand a small dagger, lunged right boldly with it. +'Avaunt ye, knaves,' I cried, running, sword in hand. Before, however, +I could reach the struggling group she had struck the man in front of +her, causing him for a moment to desist, when, with a sudden accession +of strength, breaking away from the one who held her, she set her back +against the wall, confronting the two assailants with the look and +spirit of a tigress. The men, now for the first time perceiving me, +having been too deep in liquor and their employment to hear my shout, +took to their heels, but not until I had spoiled the sword arm of one +and left my mark upon the other. Turning toward the girl who stood by +the wall, I discovered the momentary spirit had left her, for again +she was the weak woman and would have fallen fainting to the ground, +had I not given her support. She soon revived, and having received her +thanks, prettily given, I inquired how it fell out she had been so +rudely set upon; in reply to which she told me of her grandam being +taken ill, and in need of a leech, and how she had gone forth to fetch +him, and was attacked, when returning from her errand. On begging that +she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> would permit me to see her safely home, my offer was accepted +with thanks. When arrived at our destination she asked if I would not +on the next day return, that she might more fully express her +gratitude. Thou knowest, my father, how love grows in the heart. At +first my feeling was one of curiosity; but it soon changed to +admiration for the fair girl, and, at last it ripened into love, as I +learned to know the soul which rested in her beautiful form. This is +my simple story, and I have naught more to tell."</p> + +<p>"My son," replied the other, who had listened with eager attention to +the narrative, "there's naught, so far, that I condemn, and I applaud +thee for thy chivalry, but I had higher hopes for thee than a marriage +with a commoner. Thou hast, however, omitted to tell me her name," he +added, in a voice betokening anxiety.</p> + +<p>"Her name is Elinor Fawkes, the daughter of an officer, English by +birth, now serving in the army of Spain."</p> + +<p>"Elinor Fawkes," repeated the father, with a start and looking toward +Effingston. "'Tis as I feared. Is this, then, the creature on whom +thou wouldst bestow thy name? Have thine ears been out of sorts, never +to have heard the rumor which connects her in none too savory a manner +with the adventurer Sir Thomas Winter? It is common talk, for I will +speak plainly to thee, that she is his mistress."</p> + +<p>"In thy throat thou liest," the other cried, leaping to his feet, +white to the lips with sudden passion; "recall those words, or by St. +Paul, I'll strike thee to my feet, forgetting the loins which begat +me! She hath fully told me of, and set aside, the lie which coupleth +her with Sir Thomas Winter."</p> + +<p>"Aye, she hath explained to thee readily enough, I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> trow," exclaimed +the other, roused to anger. "Lives there the woman who could not make +excuses if but a moment were granted her? I shall not chide thee for +thy hasty words; time will bring them to thy memory with remorse. But +listen unto reason, and——"</p> + +<p>"I'll hear no more," Effingston cried, in a voice full of passion.</p> + +<p>"Stop," said Monteagle, in a commanding voice, holding up his hand, +"thou shalt hear! Doth the leech withhold the lance when a patient +groans? No, my son; I'll introduce thee to plain facts, and try to +cure, even though my duty be a hard one."</p> + +<p>Effingston sank into his chair, his temper cooled to a degree by his +father's manner, and listened with compressed lips and knitted brow to +what followed.</p> + +<p>"As I have already told thee," began Lord Monteagle, "I suspected that +it was she who had ensnared thee. I set inquiries afoot, and in +justice to the girl, with a twofold object—first, to establish her +innocence, if she were true; secondly, to save thy name and happiness, +if she proved guilty. But," he went on, advancing toward his son and +laying a hand upon his shoulder, "the second object of my quest was +the one fulfilled. The proof came by the hand of God. Yesternight, +leaving the house of Lord Brighton, where I had dined, and wishing to +return with all speed, I requested the bearers of my chair to take the +shortest way home. Gazing out of the window, I noted that we were in +the locality of the house wherein she (who had for the past few days +most unhappily filled my mind) was reported to reside, and desiring to +look upon the spot, commanded my men to rest there. Suddenly I +descried a man muffled in a cloak, proceeding up the street, who, as +he approached, proved to my aston<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>ishment to be none other than Sir +Thomas Winter. Quickly he ascended the steps and knocked at the house +opposite the place where I chanced to be. After a moment the door +opened and the figure of a girl stood on the threshold. Beholding her, +Winter exclaimed: 'A good evening to thee, Mistress Fawkes,' the rest +of the greeting being lost to me as the door closed. I was astonished +at having so quickly set before me the two whose names had been in my +mind. After a few moments the door again opened suddenly, this time I +think by accident, revealing the figure of him who had just entered, +still clad in his cloak, clasping in his arms and kissing the woman +who admitted him. I could not hear what passed, for at the time the +wind blew high, drowning their voices. But I had seen enough, and +cried to the bearers to take up the chair and proceed. That, my son, +is what I have seen, not learned by mere hearsay. Would that I could +have spared thee the telling, but 'tis for thy welfare I have narrated +it."</p> + +<p>Effingston, during the narrative, had remained motionless, his +features drawn and colorless. Fully realizing that his father would +not have maliciously manufactured this evidence against the girl, his +mind could conceive no extenuating circumstance to clear it away. That +she had deceived him was not beyond the consent of reason. He was a +man of the world and of the time, well aware of possible duplicity, +and further, that the age offered numerous examples of women with one +hand on the cradle while the other guided an axe toward some head +which for a cause must fall, or fanatically sacrificing all, even +honor, to gain the coveted support of a courtier in some undertaking. +The scandal which had been breathed about her, to do him justice, he +did not give ear to, be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>lieving implicitly the story told by Elinor, +explaining her associations with Winter. But was not this man a +champion of the cause which he had helped to defeat? Was it impossible +that she had played her lover as a dupe to further a scheme? This was +entirely plausible, but he could not bring his mind to believe it. And +why? For the same old, old reason which has cost men their lives and +honor, kings their crowns—because he loved her. When his father had +finished, he said, in a quiet voice, extending his hand:</p> + +<p>"I thank thee; thy motive is of the best; and I most humbly beg thy +pardon for my hasty words, prompted by anger only."</p> + +<p>"What course dost thou now intend to pursue?" inquired Monteagle +uneasily, for the quiet, passionless manner of his son made him +apprehensive.</p> + +<p>"What thou or any other man would do—give the woman a chance to +defend herself."</p> + +<p>"Aye, I thought as much," the other replied with an air of angered +impatience. "She will, with her arms about thy neck, explain fast +enough, and to thy satisfaction."</p> + +<p>"Dost thou forget," the son inquired, "that I am a Monteagle, and have +implanted in me that pride and temper which can illy condone, even in +those they love, deceit and falsity? Have no fears for me," he added, +advancing with a determined step toward the door.</p> + +<p>"Where art thou going, my son?" asked the other in an alarmed tone.</p> + +<p>"To face this woman with the accusations thou hast just uttered +against her."</p> + +<p>"Stay; go not in thine anger, for some mischief may be wrought. Wait +until thy temper cools; see her not again, but write."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am not a killer of unarmed adversaries," retorted Effingston; +"again, I repeat, have no fear for me."</p> + +<p>"Well, well; God's will be done; it may be for the best," the other +said with a sigh, turning away his head.</p> + +<p>The son hesitated for a moment; then quickly kneeling before his +father and taking his hand, exclaimed: "I humbly ask thee to forget my +hot words, and again I crave thy pardon for the same. They were spoken +in wrath, on hearing the image of my love fall crashing to the earth."</p> + +<p>Then springing to his feet, before Monteagle had opportunity to reply, +he hurriedly left the room.</p> + +<p>Once on the street, Effingston strode without pause in the direction +of Elinor's house. What a difference in his feelings now, contrasted +with what they had been when he had traversed that way before. He had +outlined his course of action,—to simply tell her what his father had +seen, and demand an explanation. If she were guilty, even his love and +her woman's wit could not, he thought, hide the fact from his eyes; +and if it all were true and he had been duped, what then?</p> + +<p>He prayed that pride would come to his aid and steel his nerves, and +prompt his tongue to speak. With these thoughts in his mind, and +looking neither to the right nor left, he hurried on his way to her +dwelling. How changed each familiar object seemed to him. As he +knocked at the door and listened, a footstep sounded in the hall. Ah, +how many times had his heart leaped at the same sound. The door +opened, and she who was all the world to him stood on the +threshold;—she whom he must soon accuse of hideous duplicity. How +very beautiful she looked. On seeing Effingston, Elinor uttered a low, +startled cry. He noted the action, for love, when coupled with +suspicion<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> (and the two can live together) is not blind, but terribly +vigilant.</p> + +<p>"Elinor, I must speak with thee, and alone," he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>The girl regarded him with a half frightened look. She had been all +day engaged in a bitter fight with self, and knew not how to tell him +they must part forever. Now he stood before her. She realized to some +extent what the agony of the separation which must soon come would be +to her, and knowing full well the depth of his love, measured his +sufferings by her own. Wild thoughts had passed through her mind of +doing something which would turn that love to hate, and she felt she +could better bear that than know he lived and suffered. But now as she +looked upon him both will and fortitude fast weakened. Again she was +the simple loving woman.</p> + +<p>"Wilt thou enter?" she asked in a constrained voice, scarce knowing +what she said.</p> + +<p>He crossed the threshold and passed into the little room which held +for him the most tender recollections.</p> + +<p>"Elinor, I have come——" he began; then, gazing at the beautiful face +before him, he advanced toward her with outstretched arms—all +resolution gone; "O my darling, I have wronged thee—thou canst tell, +I know, and explain all."</p> + +<p>She shrank from his touch, fearing lest her little firmness should +take flight.</p> + +<p>"Why dost thou shrink from me?" cried he, swept by a sudden fear which +made his lips dry and his cheeks burn. "O my God, can it then be thou +dost know the purport of my question?"</p> + +<p>"I know not what thou meanest," she stammered, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>tonished at his +words, even amidst her sufferings; "if thou hast aught to ask, pray +say on."</p> + +<p>He watched the trembling figure for a moment, interpreting her emotion +as detected guilt, and the demon of jealousy, which, strange to say, +is often led forth by love, burst out, prompting him to speak words +which after uttering, he would have given worlds to unsay.</p> + +<p>"Then, know," he cried, "that I have discovered thy methods, and that +I have been duped and dragged on to further some hellish scheme of +thine and his. I've swallowed thy pretty words and thought them sweet. +Now I know all; 'twas but last night thou wert in his arms, and +rightly thou belongest there; the report is true, thou art none other +than the mistress of Sir Thomas Winter. Aye, tremble in thy guilt, +thou Magdalene; thou canst not deny it."</p> + +<p>As he uttered the accusation, she raised her arm as if to ward off +some sudden blow, then let it fall at her side, standing speechless, +benumbed and horrified at the terrible words he had hurled at her. The +disgrace and the infamy of them she did not at once grasp, but +gradually her mind began to comprehend all that he had said. The room +swam about her, and she caught at a chair for support, vainly trying +to make some reply. Again he repeated: "Thou canst not deny it; guilt +is written in thine every action."</p> + +<p>As she aroused herself there flashed upon her mind the act of two +short days ago, when she had fallen upon her knees and prayed God that +this man before her might be spared the cruel pangs of that separation +which must inevitably come. And had not that prayer been answered? Had +not he just uttered accusations, which, if not denied, would end his +love for her—now and forever?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> Believing her to be vile and infamous, +pride and manhood would soon come to his aid. But what did the +acknowledgment mean to her? His utter contempt; he would always +believe that he had been her dupe—hers, who would gladly give her +very life for him. But what mattered it? Thinking this to be true, he +will soon, manlike, dismiss her from his thoughts, and give his love +to another, who, pray God, may make his life all happiness and +gladness. She turned her eyes toward the wall on which hung the image +of Christ nailed to a cross. Could she not crucify herself, for this +love of hers? Slowly the resolution formed. Again he repeated: "Canst +thou deny it?" And she answered: "Thou sayest it!"</p> + +<p>"It is true?" he cried.</p> + +<p>Again she answered: "Thou sayest it."</p> + +<p>"O great God," he exclaimed, putting his hands to his head, "can this +be real? Can this be the end of all our hopes? Is the world so bad and +woman so low?"</p> + +<p>She uttered not a word, but stood motionless.</p> + +<p>"Vile deceiver!" he cried, turning to her as he staggered toward the +door, "if it be happiness to know that thine infamy hath ruined my +life, know it, then, and be glad."</p> + +<p>She heard the portal close. He had gone from her forever. Then the +full and terrible import of that which she had acknowledged herself to +be overwhelmed her, and with a cry she fell unconscious to the floor.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h2>IN THE GARDEN OF THE GENTLEMAN-PENSIONER.</h2> + + +<p>Upon reaching the open air, Effingston paused for a moment that the +shock occasioned by the admission of Elinor might in some degree pass +from him. He had gone to her prepared for tears, protests and womanly +anger, and despite the suspicion which had seized his heart, it had +not been in his nature to believe the words of his father would so +soon find confirmation. He felt, indeed, as one about to lay his head +upon the block,—that he must cry out, yet his heart was clutched as +by a giant hand, benumbing all his faculties so that pain and lethargy +paralyzed his will.</p> + +<p>As he groped half blindly for the railing which flanked the narrow +steps, the figure of a man confronted him, who, as he perceived the +Viscount Effingston standing upon the threshold of Mistress Fawkes' +dwelling, drew back quickly, his face dark with anger. 'Twas Sir +Thomas Winter.</p> + +<p>In that instant all the calmness of the young nobleman returned to +him. The sight of Winter, in whom he saw the bitter enemy of his +house, and whom he now hated for a double reason, turned his pain into +contempt for her who had so illy used him. Pride came to his aid, and +he would have passed the other haughtily; but it was in no wise the +purpose of Sir Thomas that the meeting should have so peaceful an +ending.</p> + +<p>Rumor had reached him that the Viscount Effingston<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> was too frequent a +visitor at the house of one for whom he fostered, if not love, at +least a fierce passion, and the presence of his rival, at the very +door of the humble dwelling, aroused him to fury. With an angry frown +distorting his features he advanced toward the spot where stood the +Viscount, who, perceiving he had to deal with one in whom temper had +overcome prudence, laid his hand upon the hilt of his rapier. It was +not the purpose of Winter, however, to come to blows thus openly with +one who was known to be in favor with the King. He therefore contented +himself with obstructing the way in so insolent a manner, and with +such malice in his eyes, that it sent the blood to the cheeks of +Effingston, and he returned the gaze unflinchingly, saying quietly:</p> + +<p>"Come, if Sir Thomas Winter hath in mind aught to say to me, let it be +done quickly, that I may go upon my way." At the same time he moved as +though to pass.</p> + +<p>"Nay! My Lord of Effingston!" replied Winter turning his eyes upon the +hand which rested on the jeweled sword hilt. "Fear not that in a +street of London I would draw sword against thee, traitor though thou +art. Thy royal master——"</p> + +<p>"Traitor!" cried Effingston, the red of his cheeks changing to the +paleness of anger. "Traitor, sayest thou, Sir Winter?"</p> + +<p>"Aye!" replied Winter. "All London knoweth."</p> + +<p>The Viscount controlled himself by an effort.</p> + +<p>"Thy purpose is clear to me," said he coldly, "thou wouldst force a +quarrel; so be it. Traitor, sayest thou? Perchance, thy mirror hath +shown one to thee so frequently that the word is ever on thy tongue."</p> + +<p>"As to mirrors," replied Winter, "those in the King's chamber have +revealed to thee their ways, then. Think<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>est thou nothing is known +concerning the purpose of my Lord Monteagle in instructing thee as to +Puritanism."</p> + +<p>Effingston bit his lip. "'Tis befitting thy manhood, Sir Winter, having +bribed a dastardly servant to give false testimony of what was +listened to from behind a curtain, that thou shouldst insult one whose +cloak buckle thou art unworthy to loosen. 'Twas a fair representation +of thy character, a good showing of thy principles. If it be in thy +mind to prate further, get thee into the market place, where, mounted +upon an ass, thou mayst draw around thee certain of the populace whose +wont it is to gather for such discourse."</p> + +<p>This was spoken with a mock gallantry which the Viscount could well +assume, and deprived the other for a moment of utterance. Overcome by +anger, and surprised that the insults heaped upon the Viscount were +met with contempt, he forgot himself so far as to bring the name of +Mistress Fawkes into the quarrel.</p> + +<p>"Thou dost but jest with me," he cried, taking a step nearer his +rival; "perchance, having come from the arms of thy mistress, thy wits +are so dulled that——"</p> + +<p>The reply of Effingston was sudden and unexpected. Resolved to avoid +an open quarrel with one whom he considered beneath him, he had sought +to return words, only, to the other's insults, but the reference to +one whom he had held most dear, fired his brain. Scarce had Winter +uttered the base accusation when the young nobleman snatched off his +heavy gauntlet and with it struck him across the face; so great was +the force of the blow that the other staggered, lost his footing on +the slippery street, and fell at the feet of his enemy.</p> + +<p>Having thus given expression to his anger, Effingston<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> calmly replaced +the glove, and with hand upon hilt, awaited the arising of his +companion.</p> + +<p>Stunned for the moment by so sturdy a buffet, Winter remained +motionless for a little space, but soon regained his feet, and, with +garments soiled and earth stained, with blood upon his face, drew his +sword and made as though he would thrust the Viscount through.</p> + +<p>Effingston drew also, and more serious results would have followed had +not one in the crowd which had gathered to watch the ending of the +quarrel, cried that the King's soldiers were approaching.</p> + +<p>Sobered by the danger which threatened him, for the arrest of a +Catholic with sword in hand was like to bring evil consequence, Winter +made haste to sheathe his blade, which example the Viscount quickly +followed. However, it was a false alarm, and raised only for the +pleasure of seeing two fine gentlemen thrown into confusion. The +crowd, catching the spirit of the varlet, straightway raised a tumult, +showering the nobles with sundry jibes and insulting remarks, +considering it rare sport to have at their mercy those of high degree.</p> + +<p>The commotion turned for a moment the mind of Winter from his first +grievance, and he bethought himself of the sorry figure he must show +with dress awry, face soiled and blood-stained, and, worse than all, +insulted dignity. Therefore he made haste to leave a company so +unappreciative, and destitute of sympathy. To Effingston, the thought +that against his better judgment he had been drawn into a public +brawl, caused his face to glow with passion, and his desire to leave +the locality was not less than that of the other. The lookers on, +finding their sport ended, did not follow, but took themselves to +other ways, and the two gentlemen, who had hurried blindly, without +attention or knowledge as to direction, soon found<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> themselves in a +quiet street somewhat remote from the neighborhood which had witnessed +Sir Thomas Winter's discomfiture.</p> + +<p>"My Lord of Effingston!" cried he, as he gathered together his +disturbed senses, noting the presence of his companion. "Thou hast +grievously insulted me, therefore——"</p> + +<p>"When thou wilt!" the Viscount interrupted. "My sword is ever at thy +service."</p> + +<p>"'Tis well!" said Winter, drawing his cloak about him; "one hour from +now in the garden of Thomas Percy, whom, methinks, is known to thee. +Yet if thou dost fear——"</p> + +<p>Effingston shrugged his shoulders. "In Sir Percy's garden," repeated +he haughtily, and turning upon his heel left Sir Thomas in the +roadway.</p> + +<p>The garden of the official dwelling occupied by the +Gentleman-Pensioner consisted of perhaps a quarter of an acre of +sward, fringed by a sorry row of leafless trees, and surrounded by a +high wall, beyond the top of which shone the metal gables of half a +score of straight-backed dwellings. 'Twas no uncommon thing for the +parties to a dispute to settle the same by force of arms, but they +carried on the affair with all secrecy, lest the report thereof reach +the ears of those in authority, as it was contrary to the King's wish +that a private quarrel should end in the killing of an English +gentleman. Such being the fact, those gardens which adjoined the +houses of certain nobles, and by reason of their privacy precluded the +presence of prying eyes, were oft turned into duelling grounds, and +the square of sward flanking the dwelling of Thomas Percy was well +adapted for a contest in which the evenness of the ground, as well as +others matters, was of much consequence to the combatants.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> + +<p>To this garden the Viscount Effingston, accompanied by Sir Francis +Tillinghurst and another, who bore beneath his cloak a case of +instruments, presented himself at the hour appointed for his meeting +with Sir Thomas Winter. Having gained admittance by a gate set in the +wall, the three found awaiting them, Sir Thomas, my Lord of Rookwood, +the Gentleman-Pensioner and a surgeon summoned by the latter to look +to the welfare of the challenger.</p> + +<p>As the gate clicked behind the Viscount and his companions, Lord +Rookwood, who was in close converse with the others at the further +side of the garden, advanced haughtily, bowing to Sir Francis, whom he +perceived represented the interests of the young nobleman. The two, +withdrawing from the others, made haste to arrange the preliminaries +of the meeting.</p> + +<p>"Thy promptness is most commendable," said Rookwood, casting a look +upward at the cold gray of the sky, "and 'twere well that our +principals do quickly that which has brought them hither. Methinks a +storm is brewing, and a fall of snow might end the matter illy."</p> + +<p>A few white flakes upon his doublet bore witness to the correctness of +his prophecy. Sir Francis bowed assent.</p> + +<p>"Thou canst perceive," continued Rookwood, pointing to the strip of +sward, "that good Thomas Percy has had a care to have no element of +fairness lacking. Hast any objection to the spot chosen?"</p> + +<p>"I can see no catch or fault in it," replied Tillinghurst, casting his +eyes over the ground, "the light is good, and there seemeth to be no +advantage in position."</p> + +<p>"'Tis well!" said Rookwood, "wilt measure swords that the contest be +in all fairness?"</p> + +<p>Tillinghurst complied, and the principals, casting aside<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> their +cloaks, stepped forward to the strip of sward prepared for them.</p> + +<p>The demeanor of the Viscount was serious; he well knew that in Sir +Thomas Winter he had no unskilled swordsman, but a man of much +experience, with wrist of steel, and a trick of fence acquired by long +practice in foreign service. The face of Winter was darkened by a +frown in which was blended a shadow of anxiety. The Lord of Monteagle +was a famous swordsman, and it might well be that the son had learned +from a good master.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen, are you ready?" cried Rookwood drawing his rapier, as also +did Sir Francis, that they might interfere should need arise.</p> + +<p>The principals saluted, stood at guard, and awaited the signal; when +it was given, their blades crossed with a clash which rang out sharp +and clear on the cold winter air.</p> + +<p>The hate and jealousy with which Winter regarded his young rival were +intensified by the tingling blow dealt him an hour before, and from +which he still suffered,—and as he was confident beyond doubt of his +skill as a swordsman, he attacked with a fury which pressed his +younger adversary back toward the wall, and those witnessing the +contest thought to see Effingston speedily thrust through.</p> + +<p>The Viscount was, however, too adroit a fencer to yield readily to +such a fate. Careful, at first, only to defend himself, he met each +thrust and pass with a parry which deepened the frown on Winter's +brow, and having retreated to the edge of the duelling ground, he +there held his position despite the fierceness of the onslaught.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Winter's blade darted serpent-like beneath<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> the guard of his +adversary. A red stain appeared on Effingston's shoulder, and the +seconds interposed their swords.</p> + +<p>The Viscount waved them back, as also he did the surgeon, who hastened +to perform his office.</p> + +<p>"'Tis a touch only," said he hoarsely, breathing heavily, "on guard, +sir, that we may finish quickly."</p> + +<p>And now their positions were reversed. Instead of acting on the +defensive, Effingston in turn became the assailant, regaining his lost +ground, and forcing Sir Thomas back, step by step.</p> + +<p>Maddened at thus losing vantage ground Winter's calmness failed him; +he made a sudden thrust forward, and it being parried, lost his +footing, the blade of his rapier ringing against the hilt of the other +ere he could regain guard.</p> + +<p>A cry arose to the lips of Rookwood, for he thought the other would +show no mercy; but before he could utter a sound, Effingston, with a +quick turn of the wrist, sent the opposing sword ringing to the +ground, leaving his enemy weaponless before him.</p> + +<p>For an instant Winter recoiled as if in fear of the thrust which he +was now powerless to avert. A scornful smile passed over the pale +features of the victor.</p> + +<p>"'Tis thus I would deal with such as thou," said he haughtily, and, +pushing his sword into its scabbard, he took up Sir Thomas' rapier, +and breaking it across his knee, tossed the pieces contemptuously +aside.</p> + +<p>"Come!" said he as his second threw a cloak about him. "Our matters +are ended." Then saluting with grave courtesy the four Catholic +gentlemen, he left the garden, followed by his companions.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h2>GARNET AND THE KING.</h2> + + +<p>Toward the decline of the tenth day following the meeting of +Viscount Effingston and Sir Thomas Winter in the garden of the +Gentleman-Pensioner, four men might have been seen riding through one +of the stretches of woodland used by the King as a hunting ground and +known as the forest of Waltham. Although light still lingered, a gloom +was gathering over the countryside, and within the precincts of the +forest the first shades of evening warned the horsemen that ere many +hours the cheerless twilight which prevailed in England at that period +of the year, would find them outside the gates of London.</p> + +<p>Of the four, three were gentlemen; the other seemed to be more a +soldier than a cavalier. The trappings of his horse were less rich +than those of his companions, the texture of his cloak was of poorer +quality, and he bestrode the saddle after the manner of one inured to +rough riding, when business took precedence of pleasure, a custom not +commonly followed among the gentry of the kingdom. His companions were +so muffled in their cloaks as to hide both dress and features. Each +wore at his side a long rapier, and from their holsters appeared the +metal-marked butts of pistols, ready to hand should sudden danger +assail them.</p> + +<p>After passing through the outskirts of the forest bordering on the +north, the horses were urged into a gallop, the sharp ring of their +hoofs on the frost-hardened road echoing dully among the trees on +either side. As they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> entered the thickest part of the wood, one, +riding in the rear, turned to his companion.</p> + +<p>"Thou seest," said he, pointing with his whip toward the forest on the +left, "that our lord, the King, hath reserved for his own pleasure a +goodly bit of woodland within which none may venture with hounds or +hunting horns."</p> + +<p>"Such a rumor hath come to me," replied the other, "also that any +venturing within the royal chase will be dealt with most vigorously."</p> + +<p>His companion laughed harshly. "Of that," said he, "I was myself a +witness, for 'twas but ten days back when one Charles Burrows, a most +worthy commoner, and a staunch Catholic, was brought before the +magistrates for having shot a hare which crossed his path."</p> + +<p>"I'faith!" muttered the other, "'Tis then the purpose of the King to +carry his oppression even beyond our altars. It seemeth to me a most +fitting thing, Sir Thomas, that the kingdom be rid of such a tyrant."</p> + +<p>"Bravely spoken, Master Fawkes," replied Winter, "and thou wilt be +ready should occasion arise, to protest against our wrongs! But what +now is the trouble with worthy Catesby, and his Reverence?"</p> + +<p>The exclamation was called forth by the action of the two horsemen who +were leading the little cavalcade. They had pulled up their steeds and +appeared to be listening intently, though to the ears of their +companions, who had dropped some ten score paces behind, no sound save +the moaning of the wind could be heard. But as they also drew rein, +and the click of their horses' hoofs ceased, the faint echo of a horn +was borne through the wintry air.</p> + +<p>Drawing together, the four strained their ears to note<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> the direction +whence it came; across the face of one rider stole a shadow of +anxiety. Sir Thomas Winter noted it.</p> + +<p>"I warrant," said he, "that none is abroad who will in any manner +trouble us. 'Tis some hunting party returning from the chase, and +riding toward the highway. What thinkest thou, good Catesby?"</p> + +<p>"Thou mayst have conjectured aright," replied Catesby; "yet, 'twould +be a wise precaution to remain silent, if any seeking to know our +business did beset us. Mayhap even a purple cloak and doublet would +scarce hide from them that the Superior of the——"</p> + +<p>Garnet, for the fourth horseman was the leader of the English Jesuits, +raised his head proudly.</p> + +<p>"A truce, gentlemen!" said he, "'Tis not meet that, having ventured +forth disguised, I play the coward at the simple sounding of a horn. +Let us ride forward as befitteth four peaceable English gentlemen. The +King's highway is free to all who choose to pass thereon, even though +the forest bordering it be reserved for those who have gained the +smile of James."</p> + +<p>"And," said Fawkes, "'tis not the wont of a hunting party to play +highwaymen, the less so that the King, perchance, rideth with it."</p> + +<p>"The King!" cried Winter and Catesby, in a breath.</p> + +<p>"Aye!" replied Fawkes bluntly. "Have ye not told me that the royal +wood of Waltham is reserved for the hunting of his Majesty?"</p> + +<p>His companions exchanged quick glances. "Then, we had best hide +ourselves," cried Winter, "James hath a prying disposition."</p> + +<p>"Methinks," said Garnet, raising his hand to enforce silence, "that +but one horn sounded. If, as thou sayest, it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> be a hunting party, the +wood would echo with a score of blasts. Shall we run from one man?"</p> + +<p>Fawkes loosened his sword in its scabbard. "I have this," said he, "to +back our presence in the forest, and are ye weaponless?"</p> + +<p>The bluff words of the soldier of fortune put to shame the fears of +the two noblemen, yet they hesitated. Should they be suspected, it +would not be a light matter to evade certain questions which might be +asked, and if taken to London captives, the disguise of the Jesuit +would be penetrated.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the sound of the horn grew louder, and while wavering in +their decision, a voice, faint and indistinct, was heard shouting afar +off. Fawkes listened attentively.</p> + +<p>"'Tis a cry for succor," said he suddenly, "someone hath lost his way +and seeks the highroad."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Garnet calmly, "we will remain, for he is approaching."</p> + +<p>Perhaps five minutes had elapsed when the blast of the horn sounded as +if in their very ears; and from the forest, only a dozen rods beyond +them, dashed a man mounted on a bay horse. Having reached the open +road he pulled up his beast and looked helplessly in an opposite +direction from the four riders. Suddenly Winter started and changed +color, his face turning from red to white, and back to red again.</p> + +<p>"'Tis the King!" he whispered hoarsely, clutching the arm of Catesby, +who sat beside him.</p> + +<p>It was, in truth, James of England, unattended, his dress awry and +torn by thorns and brambles, with bloodless lips and terror-stricken +countenance, who sat help<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>lessly in the saddle in the presence of his +bitterest enemies.</p> + +<p>As this realization dawned on Catesby's mind, he uttered an +exclamation, and reached for the pistol which protruded from his +holster.</p> + +<p>"'Tis the judgment of God," he muttered; "to-night England will be +without a king."</p> + +<p>The firm grasp of the Jesuit upon his arm checked his murderous +purpose.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" whispered Garnet sternly, "wouldst ruin the cause which thou +hast sworn to befriend? Draw your cloaks about your faces and leave +the King to me."</p> + +<p>Ere they could recover from their astonishment he had ridden forward +to the spot where James sat bewildered, noting not the presence of +those behind him.</p> + +<p>At the sound of hoofs he turned quickly, laying a trembling hand upon +the hilt of a hunting knife which hung at his belt. The demeanor of +the approaching stranger gave him courage. Garnet did not remove from +his head the plumed hat, as was befitting the presence of royalty, but +there was in his face a kindliness which proclaimed his errand a +peaceful one.</p> + +<p>"Good sir," said he, speaking in French, "thy manner shows some +bewilderment, and, may be, the blasts of the horn which reached me +were tokens of it."</p> + +<p>James trembled violently, for at heart he was an arrant coward, and +the being met by a stranger, alone, close to nightfall and in the +forest, filled him with the greatest terror. The words of the other +somewhat reassured him.</p> + +<p>"Brave gentleman!" cried he, still grasping the handle of the knife, +"thou art a man of honor, and by thy speech a Frenchman, therefore +thou wilt aid me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Thou hast spoken truly," replied the Jesuit. "Hast lost thy way?"</p> + +<p>Relieved of apprehension for his personal safety, the King gave vent +to his ill temper.</p> + +<p>"That I have," cried he, striking his knee angrily, "and in the King's +own forest. There are those who shall pay dearly, who shall rue this +hour," he continued passionately. "'Twas a plot to humiliate me."</p> + +<p>"Good sir," replied Garnet, noting that James proposed to conceal his +identity. "Of whom speakest thou?"</p> + +<p>"Of the rogues who accompanied me hither," stormed the son of Mary, +Queen of Scots; "I followed a stag, and having outridden them they +have thus deserted me; 'tis a thing beyond human comprehension."</p> + +<p>"And this," thought Garnet, "this is the King of England, who has +pulled down our altars, driven out our religion and banished us." +Despite all efforts his brow darkened.</p> + +<p>But the ill temper of James subsided as quickly as it had arisen, +leaving him for the time only a man who sought succor, and so made +known his condition.</p> + +<p>It chanced that riding in the forest, taking the lead of those who +accompanied him, he followed the tracks of a stag and became separated +from his companions; whereupon, being confused and terrified, he soon +lost his way.</p> + +<p>Garnet listened patiently, and made no sign that could lead the King +to suspect that his personality was known, then pointed to his +companions, who were sitting motionless upon their horses, with +muffled faces, awaiting the result of the Jesuit's unexpected action.</p> + +<p>"Good sir," said he, "it will give me pleasure to conduct thee to the +outskirts of the forest, after which, the road being plain, thou canst +easily find thy way to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> gates of London. Yonder servants of mine +will ride behind us."</p> + +<p>James gladly accepted the other's offer, nor did it please him that +the supposed Frenchman should learn he was assisting the sovereign of +England. Pride and distrust governed him. Pride, lest a foreigner +should bear away the tale of a king's discomfiture; distrust, lest, +holding in his power so important a personage, the stranger might take +advantage thereof for his own benefit. But it was not in the mind of +Garnet to reveal his knowledge; so, side by side they rode in +silence—the Jesuit and the King—for the space of an hour, until, +upon reaching the vicinity of London, whose lights twinkled in the +distance, they separated, James galloping madly on, his companion +awaiting the approach of Winter, Fawkes and Catesby.</p> + +<p>There was much amazement and some anger in the minds of the two +noblemen, that the priest had acted in so unaccountable a manner. +Desirous of learning his motive for befriending one whom he professed +to hate, they questioned him upon the subject. To all, Garnet replied +briefly, bidding them wait a more befitting time, as it was his +purpose, on reaching London to attend a meeting at the house of Sir +Thomas Percy. Therefore they rode on in silence, the great clock in +the tower of St. Paul's chiming the hour of eight as they passed into +the city.</p> + +<p>At the corner of the street leading to the Gentleman-Pensioner's door +a horseman confronted them whom they recognized as Percy himself. He +had been waiting for them in an angle of the wall to say that certain +officials having gathered at his house for the discussion of public +business it would be unsafe to proceed thither.</p> + +<p>"Then is the night lost," said Catesby impatiently, "for,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> although +the Holy Father be provided with a hiding place within the city, and +will, perchance, remain among us for the space of two days, much +weighty business besides long disputations, require his attention. +Thou shouldst have seen to it, Master Percy, that thy house was free +from the hirelings of the King." Percy would have replied in anger, +but Sir Thomas Winter interrupted:</p> + +<p>"Friend Guido, thou hast a dwelling in a quiet portion of the town, +where perchance we might sit together for the discussion of such +things as now concern us."</p> + +<p>Fawkes, who had scarcely spoken since meeting with the King in the +forest, acquiesced in this proposition, although the thought of his +daughter, the smallness of his house, and the nature of the conference +caused some conflict in his mind. Yet, having resolved to serve the +cause which he held so dear, his scruples speedily vanished, the more +so that 'twas Sir Thomas Winter who requested the favor.</p> + +<p>This matter being so quickly decided, Fawkes became the guide of the +party, and turning into a narrow street which ended in a lane running +behind his house, straightway brought his companions to their +destination.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h2>THE FORGING OF THE THUNDERBOLT.</h2> + + +<p>Upon reaching the gate which opened from the garden of his dwelling +into the lane, Fawkes signaled his four companions to secure their +horses and follow him. Having complied, he led them through the +garden, unlocked the door and bade them enter.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" whispered Catesby, pressing Garnet's elbow, "friend Guido +doth seem over cautious in leading us about so secretly."</p> + +<p>"Not so!" replied the Jesuit, "'tis a gift born of much experience in +a country where the careless rattle of a scabbard may lead to most +serious results. But it is in my mind as in thine, that being peaceful +gentlemen who have rendered some slight service to his Majesty the +King, we might act with more boldness; yet caution is a jewel which, +once attained, should not be lightly cast aside, and Master Fawkes +doth cling to it."</p> + +<p>The voice of the soldier of fortune bidding them come on precluded the +reply which arose to Catesby's lips, and crossing a narrow hall the +horsemen entered a room whose cheerful brightness contrasted +pleasantly with the darkness of the passage into which they had been +ushered.</p> + +<p>After assisting his guests to remove their mantles, Fawkes placed +before them cups and wine, added a fresh fagot to the fire, and turned +to Sir Thomas Winter.</p> + +<p>"My lord!" said he, "I pray thee attend to the comfort of these +gentlemen till I return. 'Tis my custom to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> inspect the house before +retiring, lest any be astir, and to-night I deem it doubly prudent."</p> + +<p>"And who hast thou in the house, good Guido?" asked Garnet blandly; +"no one, I trust, who will interrupt our conversation?"</p> + +<p>Fawkes laughed softly. "None are within," replied he, "except my old +mother, who, were she to stand beside yon fireplace, would scarce note +the meaning of our discourse; and my daughter, a loyal Catholic, yet, +being a maid, and gifted with a woman's curiosity, it might be her +pleasure to seek the meaning of so rare a gathering beneath my roof."</p> + +<p>Garnet nodded approvingly. That he had come to London in disguise had +filled him with some apprehension, and the cautiousness of his host +quieted his fears.</p> + +<p>"Thy cavalier is indeed a man of much promise," said he to Winter, +after the soldier left the room, "and I warrant that none will venture +to disturb us. Hast sounded him thoroughly upon religious matters?"</p> + +<p>"Thou shalt see," replied Sir Thomas. "If the zeal of each Catholic in +England reached but to the half of his loyalty to the holy cause, +there would scarce be need that a father of the Church don plumed hat +and rapier."</p> + +<p>Fawkes, in the meantime, had betaken himself to the upper floor of the +house, where was situate his daughter's chamber. There was no fear in +his mind that his aged mother would note the arrival of his guests, +for 'twas her custom to retire at sundown by reason of infirmities; +but about his daughter there arose some apprehension. He felt sure +that no words which, by chance, might reach her ear would be carried +further, yet, 'twas against his wish that anything should add to her +disquietude.</p> + +<p>Coming to the door of her room, which was directly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> above that +occupied by the four friends, he listened intently, and hearing no +sound within, softly turned the knob and peered into the apartment. +The light of the full moon shining through the window, revealed to him +the interior bathed in a mellow radiance. No sound greeted his ear +save the crackling of the fagots in the huge fireplace below, and the +faint murmur of the voices of his guests. He paused,—a hundred +conflicting emotions filling his breast. The sight of the curtained +bed standing in an angle of the wall drew his attention. He pushed the +door yet further open, and holding his scabbard that its rattle might +not disturb the sleeper, slipped across the threshold and approaching +noiselessly, parted the hangings and looked down.</p> + +<p>The maid was lying with her face turned full upon him, her cheek +resting upon one white, rounded arm. In the weird moonlight her pale +beauty startled him, and almost unconsciously, he stretched forth his +hand to touch her. His fingers, resting lightly upon the counterpane, +came in contact with something cold; it caused a shudder to pass +through him, a nameless terror, and for an instant he forgot the four +men waiting in the room below. Bending lower, his eyes rested upon the +object which had so startled him. 'Twas a silver crucifix which had +fallen from the sleeper's fingers, and lay upon her breast. At the +sight great emotion and agitation swept through his heart, rough +soldier though he was; for the moment he was well nigh overpowered. +The silence of the chamber, the white face so near his own, and the +emblem of his faith placed unconsciously upon the breast of the +beloved one who lay there, filled him with superstitious awe. 'Twas +thus the dead slept, ere they were carried to the grave.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> + +<p>A movement of the white arm broke the influence of the spell. The girl +turned uneasily, a few incoherent words escaping her lips. Fawkes drew +back noiselessly. "She sleeps!" he muttered, and passing from the +room, closed the door softly, and descended to those who awaited him +below.</p> + +<p>Scarce had his footsteps ceased to echo on the stairs, when Elinor +awoke. Though wrapped in deep slumber, that inexplicable mystery, a +consciousness that she was not alone, startled her. Sitting upright, +her eyes fell upon an object lying at the side of the bed; a doe-skin +gauntlet which she recognized as belonging to her father.</p> + +<p>Surprised that he should thus have entered her chamber, a feeling of +alarm possessed her. The crackling of the fire in the room below, the +tell-tale glove upon the floor, and the faint murmur which she felt +assured must be the voices of men engaged in earnest conversation, +aroused her apprehension as well as her curiosity, and it seemed no +ill thing that she should discover the meaning of so unusual an +occurrence, for their dwelling was situated in a quiet part of London +and 'twas not the wont of any to visit it at such an hour. Then, the +thought came to her that perhaps certain companions of her father, +rough soldiers like himself, had come together to partake of his +hospitality. Calmed for the moment, she would have sought sleep again, +had not a sentence, uttered with clear distinctness, reached her ear.</p> + +<p>"Ah, good Master Fawkes! Thou hast found all quiet, and thy household +sleeping soundly?"</p> + +<p>The intonation of the question startled her. Why should her father +seek to learn whether she slept or not? Surely in the meeting of a few +boon companions over a flask of wine, such precaution was not +necessary. Not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> delaying for further meditation, she slipped out of +bed, and crept noiselessly to that side of the room against which +arose the huge brick chimney above the fireplace below. Through the +space between the flooring and the masonry, a glare of light came up +to her as well as the voices of those beneath. Crouching against the +warm bricks she listened, unmindful of the cold and her equivocal +position.</p> + +<p>The assurance which Fawkes gave to his companions that the house was +quiet, and none would interrupt them, removed the reserve which each +had hitherto felt. Time was indeed precious, for Garnet desired to +return ere daybreak to his hiding place, lest any should perceive +that, lying beneath the doublet of a cavalier, was the insignia of a +churchman, a discovery upon which great misfortune might follow. 'Twas +with scant preliminaries, therefore, that Catesby, ever foremost in +zeal, boldness and assurance, addressed his companions.</p> + +<p>"Methinks," said he, turning to the Jesuit, "that in thy wisdom thou +must have perceived something to our benefit in saving James of +Scotland from my bullet. Yet, to me it did appear that the Lord gave +him into our power."</p> + +<p>A shadow of impatience darkened the priest's brow, but in an instant +his features resumed their accustomed mildness.</p> + +<p>"My son!" he replied, "it would have been an ill thing to slay our +master after the manner of paid assassins. 'Twas in thy heart to kill +the King; what then?"</p> + +<p>Catesby bit his lip. That there lay some weighty reason in the mind of +the Superior for his unexpected friendliness to James, he +comprehended, but his spirit, unused to restraint, and darkened by +adversity, illy brooked opposition.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What then?" replied he, in answer to Garnet's question. "'Twould have +rid the kingdom of a tyrant, and our faith of its bitterest enemy."</p> + +<p>The Jesuit smiled sadly. "As thou hast spoken," said he, "the King +would be dead, and trouble us no more, but what of the Parliament? Is +it then James alone who distresses us?"</p> + +<p>"Methinks," broke in Percy, "that our worthy father hath put it to us +wisely. Did the Scot lose his life, another would arise in his place, +and the suspicions of the authorities awakened, there would be no +peace in England for a Catholic."</p> + +<p>"'Tis even so," said Garnet; "the killing of one man, though he be the +King, can scarce better our situation. What then, thou wouldst ask, +shall be done to lighten our condition? We must lull into a feeling of +security those who press hard upon us, that, when the sky seems +clearest the bolt may fall and the stroke be the more scathing. Brave +Guido here will tell thee that in that country where plots are +thickest, 'tis false security which most often leads the victim to +destruction. It may be, and doubtless is in the King's mind, and also +in that of his Parliament, that the quietness of the Catholics for so +long a time indicates continued subserviency, and not a gathering of +forces to strike against their tyranny. In certain lands there are +desert places where travelers have perished because the storm king hid +his face until the hour for overwhelming destruction sounded. Thinkest +thou that had the murmur of his coming reached their ears they would +not have taken warning and sought a place of safety? 'Tis so in +England. Had the King been shot, the news would have stirred the +kingdom from Berwick unto Dover. What then of our plans and secret<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> +plottings, when each man who worshiped at our altars appeared a +traitor? It hath always been my firm conviction and unvarying counsel +that any blow must be far reaching; not James alone, but others +besides must fall, to give us any vantage ground."</p> + +<p>A moment of silence followed Garnet's words. Percy first replied: +"'Tis a storm of extreme fury and sudden change of wind which +overcomes a vessel. Who then will bring about the hurricane which +shall wreck the ship of State?"</p> + +<p>During the Jesuit's address Sir Thomas Winter sat immovable, his eyes +fixed upon the fire and his brow contracted in deep thought. As Percy +finished he turned suddenly to Fawkes.</p> + +<p>"Friend Guido," said he smoothly, "thou art a man of many resources; +perchance in Spain thou hast learned something a suggestion of which +will now aid us. Thou perceiveth our condition."</p> + +<p>Fawkes turned his gaze moodily upon the embers. Half unconsciously his +fingers had been toying with a powder flask lying on the table before +him, and a small portion of its contents had fallen into his palm. He +tossed the black grains into the fire, where they flashed for an +instant, sending a pungent ball of white smoke into the room. 'Twas as +though the craftiness of Satan had shown to him the embryo of the +hurricane.</p> + +<p>"In Spain," replied he grimly, "there are many ways to overthrow a +tyrant; in England, as the Holy Father saith, 'twill need more +caution. Once upon a time the captain of a fighting vessel, fearing to +fall into the hands of those who would destroy his ship and put the +crew to torture, himself applied the fire to the magazine, it being<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> +filled with powder, and ten score men perished in a twinkling."</p> + +<p>His companions were startled, for the meaning of his words was clear +to them. As by a flash of light a way seemed to open which, if +followed, would lead to the fulfillment of their purpose. Catesby +leaned forward.</p> + +<p>"But if it fail, friend Guido?" he whispered hoarsely. "What then?"</p> + +<p>"Then!" cried Fawkes, turning to the Jesuit, "I will kill the +King,—if need be even without help! For what then would remain to +us?"</p> + +<p>Garnet replied nothing. The words of the soldier of fortune startled +him. Instantly he saw the meaning of the plan which Fawkes had +formed;—a plan which, if once entered upon, would be carried out by +him with all the zeal of a fanatic. The fiendishness of it, while it +roused his admiration of the man's ingenuity, made him shudder; for +'twas not thus men struck in England.</p> + +<p>"Come!" said he rising, "'tis close upon midnight, and the ride was +wearisome. Thy words have taken strong hold upon me, good Guido, and I +need a season of prayer and meditation to gain better understanding in +this matter. My cloak, therefore, that I may leave thee."</p> + +<p>Obedient to his wishes the others hastened their preparations for +departure, and in silence Fawkes led them through the passage to the +door by which they had entered his dwelling.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h2>THE WAY OF THE WORLD.</h2> + + +<p>On hearing the sounds which indicated the departure of those in the +room beneath, Elinor arose from her cramped position and noiselessly +crept to the window. In the moonlit garden she could distinguish the +figures of four men going in the direction of the lane at the back of +the house. One she recognized as Sir Thomas Winter; the others were +unknown to her. But in a moment she heard her father's voice as he +uttered a warning to the horsemen: "Mind the ditch, Lord Percy! Sir +Catesby, keep well to the left!"</p> + +<p>Then Fawkes closed the door, and she could hear his movements as he +went about extinguishing the lights. His footsteps sounded on the +stairs. If by chance he came into the chamber and found her awake and +up, what then? He would readily surmise how much it had been possible +for her to hear. Once in his anger, she remembered, he had valued her +life but cheaply;—within two short hours Elinor had learned to look +upon her father with terror, almost with dread; those words of his +rang in her ears: "I will kill the King if need be, even without +help!"</p> + +<p>The footsteps approached her room. What was she to do? It was too late +to gain the bed and feign slumber, for the creaking of a loose board +would certainly attract his attention. She hoped the door was secured, +but had no recollection of locking it. At last he had gained the +passage; now he was before her room and placed his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> hand upon the +latch; it was not locked, for the door opened. The man peered in +through the crevice and gazed in her direction. How her heart +throbbed, shaking her whole body, and sending the blood through her +veins with a sound which she feared he would hear. She thanked God +that the moon shone directly through the window and her position was +well out of its rays. He evidently did not see the girl, for after a +scrutiny of the bed, which stood well in the shadow, and a muttered, +"Safe, safe enough; all safe," he closed the door and passed down the +corridor.</p> + +<p>Elinor for a moment stood listening to the retreating footsteps; then +sank into a chair, exhausted by the strain of the last few moments, +and tried to gather her scattered thoughts. With woman's intuition she +quickly grasped the enormity of all she had overheard, comprehending +that high treason and wholesale murder had been planned; but the +hardest truth for her to realize was that her father, whom she had +always trusted and looked upon as the embodiment of honor and +uprightness, was the foremost to suggest and even offer to carry out +the fearful deed. "I will kill the King, if need be, even without +help:" the awful sentence seemed to be repeated over and over again by +the rustling night wind. Her first impulse was to save him from the +consequences of such an act. Were not the names of Moore and Essex +familiar to her? And what was their fate for even a suspected treason? +Her hysterical imagination placed vividly before her the head of the +father she loved, lying bleeding in that patch of moonlight on the +floor.</p> + +<p>But what could she do in her weakness? Go to her father and beseech +him that, for love of her, he would take no part in this terrible +crime? That would accomplish<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> nothing, for she knew him to be one whom +naught could turn from a deed he once undertook and looked upon as +justified. And now the most passionate fanaticism had seized +him—fanaticism of the most dangerous kind, born of wrongs done to his +faith. To whom could she turn for aid? She knew but one who, perhaps, +had some influence over Fawkes' stubborn mind. However, was not this +very one as deep in the treason as her father? Winter! The name caused +a shudder, bringing to mind that terrible morning ten days past. +Winter! She must then seek help from him; her hopes clung only to a +straw; nevertheless she would go and beg, if need be, even upon bended +knee, that he would persuade her father to relinquish this terrible +purpose. Yes, now was the time to act, for she feared in her +indefinite terror that the morrow might be too late.</p> + +<p>Quickly seizing a cloak and throwing it about her, Elinor crept toward +the door and listened. The place was dark, and quiet as the grave. +Swiftly she descended the stairs, then groped her way to the door and +tried to withdraw the bolts. Would they never yield to her efforts? At +last they slipped with a sound which echoed through the house. The +girl paused, expecting to hear her father's voice, but the silence was +unbroken. In a moment she was out in the moonlit street. How quiet and +serene everything appeared. How in contrast to the tumult of her +feelings. As she stood, the great bell of St. Paul's boomingly tolled +out the hour—twelve o'clock.</p> + +<p>"He must," she whispered to herself, "he must be home ere now, but +what will he think of my coming to him at this time?" She tried to +thrust this thought aside, and to gain repose of mind by walking more +swiftly.</p> + +<p>Arrived before Winter's residence, and trying the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> wicket at the +entrance she found it yielded to her touch. The girl beheld a stream +of light coming from between the curtains of a window on the second +floor. The master of the house was then within. Quickly Elinor passed +up the walk and stood before the door. As she raised the knocker her +resolution almost gave way. What was she about to tell Winter. That +she, a girl, was possessed of this terrible secret!</p> + +<p>Suddenly came to her memory the dreadful words connecting this man's +name with hers. She thought of the few times when they had been +together; how eager he had seemed to be near her; with what a +trembling clasp he had carried her fingers to his lips and imprinted +upon them kisses which burned themselves into the very flesh. And now +she was about to face him in the dead of night—and alone! Her fingers +relaxed their hold. "Courage, courage," she murmured; and quickly +laying hold of the knocker again, she smote thrice upon the panel and +listened. There soon fell upon her ear the sound of some one coming in +answer to her summons. The door opened and a sleepy servant stood +regarding her with an air of no small astonishment.</p> + +<p>"Is thy master at home?" she inquired, in a voice which, in spite of +her efforts, trembled.</p> + +<p>"That he is, young miss, but what wouldst thou with him at this late +hour? He hath but just returned from a journey, and is sore weary. +Canst thou not wait until the morning?"</p> + +<p>"I must see him at once; 'tis on the most urgent business."</p> + +<p>The hour, coupled with the fairness of the visitor, seemed to fill the +servant with surprise, for he stood a moment looking at her, then +replied:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If thou wilt step inside, mistress, I'll inform Sir Winter that there +be someone who wishes to hold converse with him, and perchance," he +added with a meaning smile, "he'll not be so badly put out after all. +What name shall I bear to him? It may be one," he continued +significantly, "which would soon draw any bolt Sir Thomas might have +shot."</p> + +<p>"No name is necessary," she answered, looking at the man and pointing +with her finger. "I seek thy master and come not to parley with his +menial. Go! Say a lady would speak with him."</p> + +<p>The servant read in the girl's eye a look which seemed to brook +neither delay nor familiarity, for he turned and went along the +passage and up the stairway.</p> + +<p>As Elinor waited, the utter hopelessness of her mission broke full +upon her, but it was now too late to draw back from her hasty act; the +voice of Winter could be heard exclaiming with a laugh:</p> + +<p>"What, a lady to see me at this hour? Troth, I am fatigued, but never +so weary that I cannot look upon a fair face. Admit her."</p> + +<p>A door opened and closed; the servant reappeared and beckoned her. +"Sir Thomas will see thee; 'tis the third portal from the landing," he +said, pointing up the stairs leading to the floor above.</p> + +<p>As Elinor followed the directions given, she endeavored to frame some +fitting sentence with which to begin her interview, but her agitation +was too great; she could think of none. Arriving before the door she +tapped with her fingers upon the panel.</p> + +<p>"Enter, my pretty one," cried a voice. "Thou hast already been +announced."</p> + +<p>She stepped within the chamber. Winter sat with his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> back toward the +entrance facing a table upon which stood a flagon of wine. As the door +closed he turned, and to her horror Elinor saw that he was flushed +with strong drink.</p> + +<p>"What? Elinor?" exclaimed Winter, in astonishment, rising from the +chair with such haste that it was overturned and fell with a clatter +to the floor. "I crave thy pardon, Mistress Fawkes," he continued with +a bow, mastering his surprise. "Thy sudden entrance caused my tongue +to utter the name that ever dwells within my heart. Pray tell me to +what happy circumstance am I indebted for the honor of this visit? I +would know the same that I may render homage to it."</p> + +<p>Elinor stood speechless, filled with abhorrence and dread. All her +bravery could scarce keep her from flying out of the room. She +endeavored to fix her mind on the purpose which had brought her here, +and so find courage. At last desperation gave her voice and she began +hurriedly:</p> + +<p>"I know that thou and others were at my father's house this night. I +was not asleep as ye all supposed, and have come to beg, to beseech, +pray, that my father be released from this terrible treason which hath +been talked of. Thou wert the only one to whom I could turn for aid—I +trust to thy goodness, to thy noble nature;—for the love of God tell +me not that I come in vain. See—see," she cried hysterically, her +self control gone and falling upon her knees. "I kneel before thee to +crave this boon."</p> + +<p>At her first words Winter started as if a pike had been thrust into +his side. On his face was written blank astonishment, which +expression, as she proceeded, gave way to one of abject fear. It would +have been difficult to say<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> which of the two was the more agitated. He +dashed a hand to his brow as if to drive away the fumes of liquor +which had mounted to his brain; looked at the kneeling figure; gazed +on the tapers burning upon the table; and tried to form some words of +reply. At last, with an effort at composure, and endeavoring to force +a laugh past his dry lips, he said:</p> + +<p>"What silly tale is this thou utterest. I have not been——"</p> + +<p>"Nay," the girl broke in wildly, "'tis useless for thee to say so. My +eyes and ears did not deceive me. Would to heaven they had and it were +only some mad dream which fills my brain."</p> + +<p>"Then—then—thou hast played the spy," hissed Winter, in sudden anger +born of drink and fear. "Dost know to what thou hast listened? Has +aught of it passed thy lips? Speak!" he cried furiously, seizing the +girl's arm and glaring at her in drunken rage. "Nay; then thou didst +not, and 'tis well; for if thy lips had breathed one word these hands +of mine would choke from out thy body its sweet breath." He +relinquished his hold, and turning toward the table hurriedly drained +a cup of wine.</p> + +<p>Elinor, spellbound with terror at his outburst of fury, stood rooted +to the spot. She realized the madness of her words, seeing plainly +that the man's condition was one which made both prayers and +entreaties useless. Again he filled a cup and dashed it off. What his +state would be in a few moments she dared not think. His back was +toward her; now was her chance to escape! Slowly the girl edged her +way toward the entrance. At last she reached it; her hand groped +behind the curtain for the knob; it turned, but to her horror, she +discovered the door was securely fastened.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> + +<p>A laugh greeted her from the table. "What, surely, Mistress +Fawkes—nay, by my troth, Mistress Fawkes it shall be no more, for +'tis too cold a title; therefore, Pretty Elinor—wouldst leave me, and +thy errand but half done? I swear thy words did at first affright; but +see, this good wine," he continued, advancing toward her unsteadily, +"hath taught me wisdom, and this I know, our secret once hid in thy +fair breast, could ne'er be driven forth, even if thou wished, as 'tis +too warm a resting place for it to relinquish. Why dost thou shrink +from me? Dost know," he added, a fierce gleam coming into his eyes, "I +would try to pluck great Saturn from the heavens if thou wished to +gird about thy waist his rings? Aye, and would give my soul for a kiss +from thy warm lips, thinking my soul well sold. Elinor!" he exclaimed, +in a husky voice, "hast thou never read my passion for thee? 'Tis +written——"</p> + +<p>"Then!" cried the girl, "think upon that love and for God's sake let +me hence."</p> + +<p>"What? Is my love so beggarly a thing that the only answer deigned to +its utterance is a scurvy request to get beyond its hearing? Nay, I +have looked upon thy frozen greetings long enough, and they, I tell +thee, have poorly matched my ardor. Listen! Thou dost wish to go?" he +questioned, placing himself before the door and holding to the +curtains for support. "Well, I will ask but cheap recompense for the +loss of thy fair company. 'Tis a kiss from thy red lips; what sayest +thou?"</p> + +<p>"And thou dost call thyself a gentleman!" exclaimed Elinor looking at +him with scorn, her fear in a measure giving place to indignation at +the insolent and shameless words. "Let me depart, I say—nay, I +command thee."</p> + +<p>"Ha! ha! Thou, I think, art carrying thyself loftily.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> 'Command!'" he +repeated with a laugh. "Nay, marry! Here thou wilt stay until them +thinkest thy going worth the price. And while thou dost meditate upon +it I will drink to thy health." He staggered toward the table and +refilled the cup.</p> + +<p>Elinor glanced about the room seeking some possible avenue of escape. +Her eyes rested upon the portieres in front of the window; she moved +toward them, but as her dress rustled Winter turned at the sound.</p> + +<p>"Aye, walk the room, my pretty one; thou wilt find thy cage well +barred. But enough of this," he continued, approaching her, "we do but +delay. Thou didst ask thy father's release from his compact. Well, he +shall be set free, but thou must recompense—not in coin, not in some +heavy muttered penance, but by thy beauty." He caught the girl in his +arms and whispered in her ear. Then the indignities which had been +heaped upon her gave strength to her arm. No sooner had his drunken +tongue uttered the sentence than she smote with all her might the face +gazing into hers. The blow for a moment staggered the man and he +released his hold; in that instant of freedom Elinor sprang toward the +window, dashing the curtains aside.</p> + +<p>"Stand back!" she cried, as he made a step toward her, his face purple +with rage, "and for thy wicked words ask forgiveness from heaven ere +it blast thee. Where is thy religion, where thy manhood, thou beast? +Aye, beast is too good a term for such as thee, for they respect the +sex—even the stag will not goad the doe. I fear thee not; move from +where thou art and by the God who heard thy wicked words I'll cry thy +infamy and treason in a voice which shall 'rouse all London, and wake +the sleepy headsman to grind the axe. Now, I fear thee not!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> + +<p>For a moment Winter paused, looking at the girl. Then his quick wit, +no longer dulled by the wine which had blinded him to the consequences +of the words he had uttered, came to his aid, and he replied:</p> + +<p>"What? And lay thy father's head, as well as mine, upon the block?"</p> + +<p>The curtain dropped from the girl's hand; she staggered, catching it +for support; then quickly recovered herself and with determination +flashing from her eyes exclaimed: "Nay, then, I will not cry thy +treason; my tongue is mute. But stir one foot and I leap from off the +balcony, gladly embracing the cold stones beneath, rather than suffer +a touch from thy guilty hands."</p> + +<p>"Come! Come!" said Winter, baffled by her words and spirit; "I'll not +harm thee. I was but heated by the wine. Thou mayst depart in peace."</p> + +<p>"I put no faith in thy words," said Elinor, still standing by the +casement, "for thou hast taught me how far one who calls himself a man +may be trusted. Go thou and unbar the door," pointing imperiously with +her hand; "then take thyself to the further end of the chamber and +there stand."</p> + +<p>Winter hesitated, but even his dulled faculties recognized the +superiority of the girl's position, and he sullenly complied with her +request. Not until he had retired to the extreme end of the room did +Elinor leave her place. Then, she quickly fled into the corridor. +Winter remained for a moment where he was and, mad with drunken rage +when the closing of the outer door announced the escape of his victim, +exclaimed: "Aye, thou hast outwitted me for a moment; but thy victory +is not for long. I shall hold the laurel and also thee before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> +daybreak." Then, staggering into the hall, he shouted: "Richard! +Richard!"</p> + +<p>A man appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "Come! Stir thy scurvy +legs; didst see the woman who this moment left me? Follow, and when at +a place thou deemest fit, throw this heavy mantle about her, and bring +her to me. She will struggle, I trow; but thou knowest the remedy. +Tarry not; go swiftly, or she will escape."</p> + +<p>At last Elinor was in the street, and, dazed for a moment by her +sudden release from the peril in which she had just stood, with a +terrified look over her shoulder—half fearing to see a staggering +figure in pursuit, she fled in the direction of her home. But what +form is this which glides from out the gate, and catching sight of the +girl hurries in the direction she has taken? Like some evil phantom it +moves, noiselessly and swiftly, ever keeping well in the shadows.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h2>WHAT THE MOON SAW.</h2> + + +<p>But what of Fawkes? Did any gloomy thoughts disturb his rest? Did the +shadow of the axe or gibbet fall athwart his dreams? If not, why turns +he so uneasily in his slumber and at last awakes?</p> + +<p>"Sleep sets ill upon me," he mutters, drawing a hand across his brow. +In a moment he arose, hastily dressed himself, walked toward the +window, opened it and gazed upon the night. Does some subtle bond of +sympathy exist between him and the girl who is now in peril of +death—or worse? It would seem so, for standing beside the casement, +he exclaims:</p> + +<p>"Am I a sickly child, or puny infant, that I awake, frightened by +silly visions which war with sleep, and murder it ere 'tis fairly +born? Troth!" he continued, with knitted brows, "'twas strange my +fancy painted such a picture."</p> + +<p>He stood for a moment wrapped in thought, then added, shaking his head +as though unable to thrust aside the memories which troubled him:</p> + +<p>"By the blessed Virgin! a most vivid dream. How she held her arms out +to me, yet her lips were mute. Aye, and the eyes—the dumb horror +written in them, as if beholding a specter which blanched the face and +fettered the limbs. I believe," he added with a sudden resolution, +"'tis a woman's trick, but I would fain see her face ere I rest +again."</p> + +<p>He stepped out into the corridor, proceeded in the di<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>rection of his +daughter's room, and softly entering, advanced toward the bed.</p> + +<p>"Not here!" exclaimed he, beholding the empty couch. "Nay, thou canst +not frighten me," he continued with a forced laugh, gazing about. +"Come, show thyself; 'twas a merry jest, but let's have it done."</p> + +<p>He paused; still no answer to his summons. "Elinor," he again called, +a shadow of anxiety in his tone. "What means it that she is nowhere +within hearing?"</p> + +<p>He quickly retraced his steps, passed down the stairs and tried the +hall door. It was unbarred, and opened to his touch.</p> + +<p>"By heaven!" he exclaimed, "I could swear I shot those bolts before +going to rest, and now they are drawn."</p> + +<p>He stood anxiously looking out upon the star-lit night. His eyes +wandered to the doorstep, and discerned upon its covering of frost the +imprint of a small foot.</p> + +<p>He stooped to examine the impression and hurriedly arose. "She has +indeed left the house," he cried. "What can have taken the maiden out +of doors at this hour of the night?—some secret tryst? Nay, I do but +jest; she's not the kind to go a-courting after the moon is up. +Mayhap," he continued, meditating a moment, "a neighbor was stricken +ill and they have summoned Elinor to lend her gentle aid. Marry," +added he in a relieved tone, on finding a plausible excuse for his +daughter's absence, "I do recollect Master Carew's woman was soon +expected to add one more trouble to her husband's household. It is +most likely that she went there. 'Tis a dark way to travel, and I will +give her a surprise. While thinking a lonely walk lies before her, +Elinor will find an old but devoted cavalier to keep her company. +First,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> added he with a laugh, "I'll fetch my blade; for 'twould ill +befit a gallant in quest of beauty to go unarmed."</p> + +<p>So saying, he disappeared, and presently returned attired in a heavy +mantle, and a long rapier girded to his side.</p> + +<p>The moon was high, and its light, which whitened the gables of the +houses, diffused a bright glimmer below, sufficient to enable Fawkes +to proceed quickly upon his way. Frost had set in, and a keen wind +blew; so he was glad to hurry on at a goodly pace. As the streets were +quite deserted at this early hour of the morning, or haunted only by +those whose business—whether for good or evil—forced them out of +doors, he met no one and saw no lights. The man's mind was evidently +filled with pleasant thoughts, for ever and anon a smile would flit +across his face, as though he dwelt upon the surprised look of his +daughter when she would behold him. These agreeable anticipations, +which had taken the place for the moment of the sterner purposes which +had of late engrossed him, were only thrust out by something which +happened just then and brought him abruptly to himself.</p> + +<p>It was the appearance of a woman, who suddenly issued from an alley a +score of yards in front of him, and with a quick glance over her +shoulder, disappeared down another turn in the road. The movements of +this apparition caused Fawkes to pause, when suddenly a second figure, +this time a man, came into view and hurried in the direction taken by +the girl. "By my hilt," whispered Fawkes, peering cautiously out of +the shadow in which he stood, "that rogue had a most suspicious air +about him; an honest man walks with more noise; but, by my soul! if +there is not a third!"</p> + +<p>The object which had called forth the last remark was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> still another +figure, which came from the same quarter, and proceeded in the +direction taken by the first two. "What queer business is now afoot?" +Fawkes exclaimed, gazing after the retreating forms. "Mayhap ere long +a trusty blade will not be amiss. I can well afford a few moments to +see that all be fair."</p> + +<p>So saying, and loosening his sword in its scabbard to make sure it was +free if suddenly needed, he swiftly passed in the direction taken by +the retreating figures. A few steps brought him to the head of the +street down which the three had disappeared. By the light of the moon +Fawkes distinctly saw the shadowy forms, and halting where he stood, +watched their movements.</p> + +<p>The girl was well in advance; the second person, hurrying after. The +last of the two crossed to the opposite side of the way and walked +well in the shadow cast by the gables of the houses. The girl cast a +glance over her shoulder as if feeling the presence of one in pursuit, +but evidently finding herself quite alone, slackened her pace to take +breath. Now, the one nearest her made a strange move, if so be he were +bent upon an honest mission; for as soon as the woman reduced her gait +to a walk, the man loosened the long cloak hanging about his +shoulders, and seizing it in both hands, moved swiftly and noiselessly +in her direction. Aye, loose thy sword in its sheath, thou, standing +in the shadow; for if there be in thee muscle for a fight, soon will +the clash of steel ring out upon the frosty air.</p> + +<p>The man was now up with the girl, who, on hearing footsteps, turned +and uttered a scream. Once only does she raise the cry, for before she +can a second time call out, the cloak is thrown over her head, a rough +hand is at her throat, and she feels the pressure of a rope as it is +deftly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> whipped about her. There was a momentary struggle; but it soon +ceased, for the woman fainted, and was at the mercy of him who had +trapped her. Is thy sword caught and useless? thy arm paralyzed? or +what causes thee to stand unnerved and trembling? Was it the scream +that rang out upon the midnight air? Had it the sound of a voice dear +to thee even now?</p> + +<p>The man lifted the light figure of the girl within his arms and +hurried away. Aye, Effingston, heaven-sent was the sorrow which drove +thee forth to seek solace from the night and stars; but, come, now is +thy time!</p> + +<p>Fear not for him—he has recovered himself—and, snatching his rapier +from its sheath, with one or two quick bounds is up with the man, +crying: "By the God above thee, release the woman ere I crush thy +head, thou adder!"</p> + +<p>The one thus addressed turned, and seeing the determined face at his +elbow, paused, but retained his grasp upon the girl.</p> + +<p>"Release her!" exclaimed Effingston, raising his sword, "ere I spit +thee." The man allowed his burden to slip to the ground, the cloak +fell from about her figure, and Elinor lay at the feet of him she +loved.</p> + +<p>"Thou art quick with thy command, Master," replied the other, coolly +drawing his rapier. "Methinks thou hadst better attend to love affairs +of thine own, rather than meddle in that with which thou hast no +concern. Put up thy blade, I say, and go about thy business, ere I +teach thee a trick or two which will let more ardor out of thy body +than a three days' diet of beef can replace."</p> + +<p>"Thou knave!" Effingston exclaimed, casting a quick glance at the +motionless figure upon the ground, and pointing toward it with his +rapier. "Dost call thyself a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> man, to steal behind and deal foul +blows? Verily, thou craven dog, 'tis written in thy countenance, and +he who runs may read, that thou hast not the courage even to look a +woman in the eye, much less to face a man in honest fight."</p> + +<p>"I'll hear no more of thy speech," cried the now angry man, leaping +meanwhile to the middle of the road; "soon will I put holes in thy +genteel carcass which will leave thy vitals cold for some time to +come. Up with thy sword, if thy bravery be not all talk." He +unfastened his leather jerkin and stood awaiting Effingston, who +loosened the clasp of his mantle.</p> + +<p>"By my troth," exclaimed Fawkes, who still retained his post of +vantage; "I swear 'tis not my place to interfere; likely it will be a +lusty fight, for both seem to have the proper spirit, and hold the +weapon as those accustomed to the steel. Marry! it must be difficult +to see the eyes in this light, but the point will be more readily kept +track of."</p> + +<p>The combatants crossed swords and stood at guard.</p> + +<p>"If thou hast any friend to claim thy body, better write his name," +said the man in the leather jerkin, as Effingston's blade touched his +lightly, emitting a grating sound.</p> + +<p>The only answer was a swift lunge, dexterously parried.</p> + +<p>Not three blows were exchanged before Effingston realized that the man +before him not only possessed the skill of one long used to sword +play, but, further, combined with it the coolness and the keen eye of +an old duelist. Moreover, the neutral tint of his adversary's dress +offered but a poor mark by which to gauge his thrust, while his own +costume, being ornamented with silver, gave his antagonist most +effective guidance whereby to aim his strokes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> + +<p>The other, also, came to the conclusion that no mere novice stood +before him, for Effingston had turned every thrust with an ease which +surprised him; and several times his sword had crept so closely to the +leather jerkin that three or four brown furrows had appeared upon it.</p> + +<p>"Enough of this child's play," Effingston's antagonist hissed between +his teeth, making another furious lunge. The impetus given to the +thrust would have sent the blade to the hilt into the other's body had +it come in contact with it, but Effingston met the blow in a way least +expected, making use of a trick but little known in England at that +time, for as quickly as the sword flew forward he stepped lightly +aside, at the same time advancing his own weapon. The hilts came +together with a crash; the guard of one was entangled in the bell of +the other, and the two rapiers remained firmly interlocked. The men +now stood so closely that their breasts touched, the breath issuing +from their parted lips mingling in clouds. Suddenly, almost +simultaneously, as if one read the intent in the other's eye, each +slowly moved his left arm to his side, seeking the dagger he knew hung +there. Again, on the same instant, the knives flashed forth; the men +sprang quickly apart; the two rapiers went spinning on the roadway, +and with a clatter, became disentangled as they fell. No time for +breath; each knows it is to the death, and plenty of rest awaits one +or both, perchance, in a few moments. The men leaped toward each +other; a confused struggle ensued. Fawkes from his post could illy +make out who had the advantage. Suddenly, Effingston's foot slipped, +he was almost upon his knees—the man was upon him, one hand gripped +his shoulder, forcing him to the ground, the other held the knife +lifted high to add force to the blow; but that coveted strength<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> cost +him his life, for before the hand could descend, Effingston quickly +raised his dagger, and drove it with all his might up to the guard in +the neck left unprotected by his adversary's movement. The man +clutched at the figure before him, the blade flew from his grasp and +he dropped with a bubbling cry to the earth, the blood spurting from +him as he fell.</p> + +<p>"Marry!" exclaimed Fawkes, who through all the contest had been +craning his neck and breathing hard with excitement, "that was a brave +device but not one which I should care to try myself. By the Apostle +Paul!" added he in surprise on hearing the bell of a distant church +strike the hour, "it is three o'clock, and here am I watching two +gentlemen, whose faces I cannot even see, settle a little difficulty +about a woman. But 'twas a lusty fight, and for the moment made me +forget the errand which called me forth." Saying which and with +another glance down the road, he started upon his way.</p> + +<p>The victor stood regarding his foe, who made one or two convulsive +movements as if to arise, but fell back with the blood spouting from +the wound and out his mouth. One more struggling effort he makes, but +'tis the last; with a violent convulsion of his whole body the man in +the leather jerkin sinks to the earth to rise no more.</p> + +<p>Effingston turned to the second figure lying upon the roadway, and as +he gazed upon her, there was expressed on his countenance a certain +degree of contempt, but, withal, a love which pride and resolution +could not quite kill. As she lies there, the white face touched by the +light of the moon, it is like looking upon the dead.</p> + +<p>"O God," he whispered, as he suddenly knelt beside her, taking one of +the white hands within his own, "would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> that she had died +before—before——" He slowly raised the girl in his arms; then +convulsively pressed the light figure to him, and letting his head +sink upon her breast, sobbed as only a strong man can.</p> + +<p>Again there was silence, broken only by the rattle of ice-covered +twigs swept from the trees by the restless night wind. After a moment +he regained composure and fell to chafing her hands.</p> + +<p>A slight motion showed him the girl was slowly recovering from her +long swoon. Gradually consciousness returned, and lifting her head +from the cloak he had placed beneath it, she looked about in a +confused way as though unable to make out her surroundings. Soon her +gaze rested upon Effingston, who had drawn a little apart. Raising +herself, she tottered toward him, and would have fallen had he not put +an arm out to prevent her.</p> + +<p>"What could have made thee treat me so?" she whispered, passing a hand +across her face, as if endeavoring to brush away that which hindered +her thoughts. "Have I not suffered enough?" she continued, piteously.</p> + +<p>"I was not thy assailant," answered Effingston, motioning to the +figure on the road; "there he lieth; thou canst go thy way in peace."</p> + +<p>The girl glanced in the direction and shuddered. "And how came this +about?" she questioned, in a dreamy tone, casting a frightened look at +the thing in the path. "Oh, now I do recollect me," added she, softly, +as though to herself, seemingly oblivious of her surroundings. "I had +left Sir Winter, and deeming myself quite safe, was hurrying home, +when—for truth, I can remember no more until I found thee near me." +She ceased and looked up into his face with an innocent smile. +Evidently the terrible strain to which her mind had been sub<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>jected +effaced from it all previous impressions, or left only an indistinct +recollection of what had transpired. "It was brave of thee," she +murmured, in the same dreamy tone, placing her hand upon his arm.</p> + +<p>At the name of Winter, Effingston drew back. Had she not by those +unguarded words confirmed her guilt? All his pride and anger returned. +The resolutions which had but a moment since departed, banished by +that helpless figure in the moonlight, now came again with greater +strength. Of what weakness, he asked himself, had he been guilty? Of +kissing the lips not yet cold from the caresses of him who had defiled +them.</p> + +<p>"Very—brave—in—thee," the girl repeated, in a dull monotone.</p> + +<p>Effingston glanced at her, but that piteously bewildered face cannot +move him, and he coldly answered:</p> + +<p>"'Tis the duty of every gentleman to protect the life of a woman, even +though her shame be public talk."</p> + +<p>Evidently the girl had not heard, or at least the words made no +impression upon her brain, for she nestled closely to him like a +frightened child seeking protection.</p> + +<p>"Come," he whispered. She obeyed without a word. They passed upon +their way in silence and at last reached her dwelling. Effingston +opened the door which stood unbarred, and assisted her to enter. He +turned to go, not trusting himself to speak.</p> + +<p>"Thou wert not always accustomed to leave me thus," exclaimed the +girl, in a voice destitute of expression. "See," she continued, "I +will kiss thee even without thy asking," and before the man realized +her intent, she threw her arms about him and pressed her lips to his. +"They are cold," she murmured, with a shiver. "But the night is +chilly—look! now the east is streaked with red." Turn<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>ing, she +pointed to the sky, dyed with the crimson light of coming day. The +ruddy glow crept up, touching the girl and turning the snow at her +feet to the color of the rose.</p> + +<p>"Come to me, dear heart," she whispered, holding out her arms; "take +me to thee, that on thy breast I may find a sweet and dreamless +sleep."</p> + +<p>The sun arose; but upon no sadder sight than this man, who plodded +wearily homeward—warring forces within, and a desert all about. On +his way through the silent streets, made more desolate by the +cheerless light of coming day, he saw for a moment a mirage of an +honorable love and happiness. In the fair city of his dream he beheld +a bright and happy home, made so and adorned by the girl whose kiss +was still upon his lips. There, always awaited him a heart which, +through its love, added to each blessing, and dulled every sorrow. +Ever on the portal stood a being he worshiped, who, with her fair arms +wreathed a welcome of love about him. They pass within; a bright face +offers itself for a kiss; fondly he stoops, but the dream +vanishes;—in the breaking of the morn he stands alone;—hope dead +within his breast.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h2>AT "THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD."</h2> + + +<p>Winter waited long for his servant's return. He walked restlessly up +and down the chamber, ever and anon pausing, either for recourse to +the flagon on the table, or to draw aside the curtains and gaze out +upon the street. At last, sinking into a chair with a muttered curse +at the long delay, he fell into deep sleep, overcome by the wine in +which he had so freely indulged. Dawn broke gray and cheerless. The +first rays of the sun penetrated into the chamber and fell upon the +sleeper,—his position was unchanged since the small hours of the +night. Gradually, as the light increased, he stirred uneasily, awoke, +and rubbing his eyes, looked about as though not sure of the +surroundings. His eye rested upon the flagon, then slowly traveled +toward the window. The recollection of the last night, however, +flashed before him, and springing from the chair, he dashed out into +the corridor.</p> + +<p>"Richard!" he called. No answer followed his summons.</p> + +<p>"Richard," he repeated, in a still louder tone. The only response was +the echo of his own voice.</p> + +<p>"What mad business be this?" exclaimed he, retracing his steps and +looking wildly about the apartment. "By this cursed drink have I +brought ruin to our hopes and cause. Out upon thee," he cried in a +transport of passion, suddenly seizing the flagon, and flinging it +with all his might across the room. The heavy piece of metal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> struck +the wall, sending out a deluge of wine, and falling with a crash, +shattered into fragments an ivory crucifix resting upon a small table. +Winter stood aghast at the havoc wrought.</p> + +<p>"An omen," he whispered, white to the lips, glancing about with +frightened looks, then kneeling to take up the broken cross.</p> + +<p>"See," he cried, holding with trembling fingers the image of the +crucified Savior which had escaped the wreck, and now dripped with +wine;—"Christ's wounds do open their red mouths and bleed afresh at +my awful deeds." The man arose, crossed himself, and thrust the image +into his doublet, then wiping the sweat from his brow sank into a +chair.</p> + +<p>"'Tis not by these tremblings, or vain regrets, that I may fortify +myself, or mend what's done," he exclaimed. "I must bethink me, and +let reason check the consequences of my folly. The girl asseverated +that she heard all which transpired at her house last night. Oh, most +unfortunate chance which gave the words into her ear! What foul fiend +did raise the cup to my lips and leave my wit too weak to turn the +deadly stroke? Nay," he continued, after several moments, shaking his +head, "she'll not make known the purport of our speech, for the love +she bears her father is a potent hostage for her silence, and if I be +judge, Mistress Elinor will make scant mention of her visit +yesternight. Even if there be small love in her heart for me, a most +wholesome fear doth take its place, and for my present purpose one +will serve as fittingly as the other. Marry," he continued, with a +smile, seemingly relieved by his reflections, "thy ready wit hath at +last returned; but by St. Paul! what hath become of that varlet +Richard? 'Tis more than likely the open door<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> of some pot house spoke +more strongly to him than my command, and 'tis most providential if my +surmise be true; I must have been mad indeed to trust the rogue on +such a mission. Small doubt but that he heard all which transpired +here last night, for he hath a most willing ear to listen, and a +tongue given to wag. 'Twould be a heaven-sent deed if something would +occur to silence his speech, for his knowledge, if he hath the wit to +know its value, may be a deadly menace to our cause. When he returns +I'll give the knave silver to quit the country; or, perchance," he +added, a hard, cunning look coming into his eyes as he put his hand +upon a small dagger at his side, "if that will not suffice, 'twill be +necessary for our safety to introduce him to more sturdy metal."</p> + +<p>The man arose and proceeded to efface the marks of dissipation, and +set his disordered dress to rights, saying as he finished, "I must to +my appointment with Garnet. Marry," he added, donning hat and mantle, +"I hope he is safely housed, and that my letter to Giles Martin, which +the worthy prelate was to present, did insure him some extra +attention, as a pot house, at its best, must be a poor refuge for a +priest."</p> + +<p>It was early in the morning and few people were astir.</p> + +<p>"Gramercy," quoth Winter, when he had proceeded some distance on his +way, "would that some person were abroad that I might enquire the +direction to 'The Sign of the Leopard;' I swear," he added, glancing +about, "it must be in this neighborhood, but I can illy guess where." +Looking, he perceived a group of men a little distance down the +street. "There be some worthies," exclaimed he, "who can perhaps +direct me to the hostelry." As he approached he saw they were +regarding a figure lying upon the ground.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nay, Master Alyn," said one, "thou hadst best do naught but let it +await removal by the King's guard; if thou disturb the body surely +questions might be asked which 'twould bother thy head to answer."</p> + +<p>"Beshrew my heart," exclaimed the man addressed, who, judging from his +appearance, was a small tradesman, "I can ill afford to have this evil +thing lying upon my step, preventing what little trade might drift +this way."</p> + +<p>Winter now came up with the group, and as they turned at the sound of +his footsteps, he could see that the object of their remarks was a man +lying face downward on the flagging, and his attitude of relaxation +showed that death had overtaken him.</p> + +<p>"What hast thou here, my men?" Sir Thomas exclaimed, "some victim of a +drunken brawl?"</p> + +<p>"That we cannot make out," answered the first speaker, touching his +hat, on perceiving—by his dress and manner—that the questioner was a +gentleman, possibly one in authority, "but for truth, he has been +stuck as pretty as a boar at Yule-tide. Thou mayst look for thyself," +he added, with some little pride, as of a showman exhibiting his +stock, and laying hold of the body by the shoulders he turned it over, +so that the distorted face gazed up at the sky.</p> + +<p>Winter started at the sight, unable to repress a cry, for before him +was the body of his servant. His wish had indeed been fulfilled; those +silent lips would tell no tales.</p> + +<p>"What, good sir!" cried he who seemed to be the spokesman of the +party, on noting the white face of the other; "doth thy stomach turn +so readily?"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Winter, raising a gauntlet to hide his emotion, "but +they who meet death suddenly are seldom<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> sweet to look upon, +and—and—for truth, I have not yet broke my fast; canst direct me to +a certain hostelry in this neighborhood known as 'The Sign of the +Leopard?'"</p> + +<p>"I can, Master, for many a pot of ale I've drank in that same place. +Look," he continued, pointing, "if thou wilt follow this street until +the second turning to the right, from there thou canst readily see the +tavern's sign."</p> + +<p>"My thanks to thee," said Winter, taking a coin from his purse and +handing it to the man. His eyes again for a moment turned upon the +prostrate figure. "And my friends," added he, "I would deem it +expedient that ye notify the guards, and have this unsightly thing +removed." He then turned and proceeded in the direction given him. +This incident brought a renewal of the apprehensions which had haunted +him earlier in the morning, and he muttered as he went on his way: +"There is the first consequence of my folly, and the next may be—nay, +courage; heaven will not be so merciless as to permit one evil deed to +overthrow our cause. God will pardon this hasty sin, when he who +committed it doth risk life in His holy work. But," he added, with a +smile, "'tis providential justice which slew the man, for the dead +utter no words." At last he arrived before the house which he sought. +"Marry," he exclaimed, gazing at the exterior of the tavern; "'tis +indeed a sorry place for the saintly Garnet to reside in, but it has +the advantage of being a secure retreat." He tried the door, which +yielded to his touch, and entered the apartment. On the tables stood +the remains of last night's libations, and the air hung heavy with the +odor of stale tobacco smoke. Over all was a spell of silent +desolation, as if the ghosts of the songs and merry jests, which had +echoed from the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> walls, had returned with aching heads to curse the +room.</p> + +<p>"This is a sweet place, truly," said Winter, looking upon the table. +After a short delay the sound of footsteps could be heard approaching, +a door opened and the host entered. Giles Martin, not at once +recognizing the man who stood by the table, regarded his guest with +some little surprise, for a customer at that early hour was rare.</p> + +<p>"To what may I serve thee, sir?" said he, advancing toward Winter. +"Well, Master Martin," exclaimed the one addressed, "dost so soon +forget a face? It is, I swear, a poor trick for a landlord."</p> + +<p>"What, Sir Thomas?" cried the other in surprise, holding out his hand, +"I did not recognize thee in this uncertain light. A thousand pardons, +and highly am I honored to find thee in my humble house."</p> + +<p>"'Tis but small honor I do thee," replied the man, with a laugh, +drawing off his gauntlets. "Didst receive my letter?"</p> + +<p>"Aye, that I did, and have shown the bearer of it every courtesy which +this poor tavern can provide. Much am I gratified to learn that Sir +Thomas Winter remembered one whom he hath not seen since——"</p> + +<p>"Nay, good Martin, I do recall the time thou wouldst name. But pray +tell me, is my cavalier friend up at this early hour, for I would +confer with him."</p> + +<p>Giles cast a quick glance at the speaker, then letting his eyes fall, +said:</p> + +<p>"That he is, and little hath he slept this night, for 'twas late ere +he arrived, and when I arose I heard him walking about."</p> + +<p>"Then wilt thou tell him I await; or—nay, stop—thou needst not +announce me; I will see him in his chamber. Show the way, I will +follow."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<p>"As thou dost wish," said Giles, turning to open a door which hid a +flight of rickety stairs leading to the floor above. Reaching the +landing Winter noted that Martin was about to follow and exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Nay, show me the portal, I will not trouble thee further. And if thou +wilt be so kind, see to it that we are not disturbed in our +conversation."</p> + +<p>"Have no fear for that, Sir Thomas, I will take care that none do +interrupt. The room is in front of thee," saying which, Martin turned +and descended the stairs.</p> + +<p>Winter tapped upon the panel.</p> + +<p>"Enter," said a quiet voice.</p> + +<p>He lifted the latch and passed into the room. The prelate had +evidently been engaged in prayer, for, as the other stepped within, +the priest was arising from his knees. His face seemed in strange +contrast to the garb he had donned; the delicate, almost effeminate +features of the man were little in keeping with the gay attire of a +cavalier.</p> + +<p>"Ah, Sir Thomas," exclaimed the Jesuit, advancing with gentle dignity +and extended hand, "glad am I to see thee, for I have been more than +lonely, but," he added, with a bright smile, "'tis not my nature to +complain; these be but small discomforts, and gladly would I endure +greater in the service of my Master. Hast any news? Hath aught +happened since we met? But pray be seated," he added, pointing to one +of the two chairs, which, with a low bed, comprised the furniture of +the room.</p> + +<p>"Nay, good father, nothing hath transpired," replied the other, a +shade passing athwart his face; "and now tell me, what dost thou think +of Fawkes? Is his enthusiasm great enough to serve our purpose?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> + +<p>"A most terrible man, but one whose cruelty rests upon the love of +God. Indeed, it is as thou didst say, if each Catholic in England were +possessed of but one-half his zeal, then would the gutters run red +with the blood of heretics; 'twas such as he who made the eve of St. +Bartholomew. Are we free to speak?" queried Garnet, leaning toward the +other.</p> + +<p>"Quite free," replied Winter, "a faithful friend of mine is on guard +that we be not interrupted."</p> + +<p>"Then, 'tis well; I have spent the night in prayer, beseeching the +Almighty to lead my mind aright that I may decide the justice of the +plan proposed. Ah," exclaimed the Jesuit, arising, and with hands +clenched before him, "'tis a hideous act, but," an expression of +fierceness coming into his gentle face, "my supplication was answered, +the deed is favored by God, for He hath sent me a token of His +approval."</p> + +<p>"A token, thou sayest, good father?" exclaimed Winter in an awed +voice.</p> + +<p>"Verily," cried Garnet, raising his eyes to heaven, "a sign from Him +whose cause we serve. 'Twas thus: Long had I knelt in prayer, long had +I raised my voice that He who holds the oceans in His palm, and guides +the planets in their courses, would lead me to a wise decision. 'O +God,' I cried, 'send thou some token that I may know thy will.' Even +as I gazed upon the crucifix clenched in my unlifted hand, the message +I so craved had come, for the cross was stained with blood, which from +it fell in sluggish drops. I looked more intently, filled with +amazement, and perceived that so closely had I pressed the silver +image of the blessed Savior it had cut into the flesh. But 'twas God's +voice in answer to my prayer."</p> + +<p>"Most marvelous," whispered Winter, crossing himself.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> "But didst thou +comprehend all that Fawkes proposed? Hast dwelt on every point?"</p> + +<p>"Think not, my son," the prelate answered, "that because my eyes have +long been used to the dim light of the sanctuary, they have not +perceived all the horror of that which must be done. But now," he +cried, his pale face flushed with emotion, "God in His wisdom hath for +a time taken from me the crucifix and given in its place the sword. So +be it," he continued, drawing the rapier hanging by his side and +kissing the cross formed by the blade and handle, "He shall not find +Henry Garnet wanting, for not until the Angelus doth sound from +Landsend to Dunnet Head, will this hand of mine relax its hold, unless +death doth strike the weapon from it."</p> + +<p>"Ah, good father," cried Winter in admiration of the other's spirit, +"thy enthusiasm and courage are surely heaven born, but," he +whispered, "if we fail, what then?"</p> + +<p>"We cannot," broke in the Jesuit, his eyes alight with the fervor of +his spirit. "Have I not told thee that heaven approves our act? +Victory belongs to us; the White Dove doth rest upon our helms. 'Tis +true that some of us may perish, but what of them? Their fame shall +live from age to age, and never will the call to Mass or Vespers +sound, never will the clouds of incense mount upward—streaming past +the Host without their names being within the hearts and on the +tongues of the worshipers. Think how greatly we be blessed," he +continued, laying his hand fondly upon the other's shoulder;—"a few, +a happy few, who have been thus elected to raise the cross of Christ +from out the dust. Nay," he added, shaking his head, "I would not wish +our danger one jot or tittle less, for, methinks, some portion of the +glory which is now our own might depart with it, and I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> could illy +bear the loss of even one small gem which must rest in the immortal +crown of our recompense."</p> + +<p>"Then thou dost feel our victory is assured," said Winter, in a +constrained voice, looking anxiously toward Garnet.</p> + +<p>"Nay, I do not feel—I am certain," replied the prelate, decisively. +"And now there rests with us the duty of forming our plans, making +everything ready to strike the mighty blow. What hast thou to offer or +suggest?"</p> + +<p>"Good father, I would not take upon myself to offer a suggestion," +said Winter; "but methinks it would be well that we all assemble and +discuss the matter more fully."</p> + +<p>"And where shall the gathering be held?—at the house of Master +Fawkes?"</p> + +<p>"Not so," replied the other, so abruptly that the priest turned upon +him an enquiring glance. "I mean," continued Winter, noting the look, +"'twould be unwise for us to be seen again meeting in that place; it +might arouse curiosity, and that might be fatal."</p> + +<p>"Then what wouldst thou say to my Lord Catesby's?"</p> + +<p>"Nay, for I deem the same objection doth apply to his dwelling. I +would suggest we gather at the house of Sir Everard Digby. Will't suit +thee, father?"</p> + +<p>"I think thy caution most commendable, and thy proposition the best. +And when shall the meeting be?"</p> + +<p>"Say a week hence," replied Winter. "In the meantime I will see Sir +Everard, and make the necessary arrangements. But what of thee till +then?"</p> + +<p>"Disturb not thyself, my son, concerning me," replied the prelate; "I +will content myself, and be right comfortable in the care of thy +friend the host. Dost think he hath suspicions?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nay," replied the other. "In truth, if his suspicions were aroused, +he would be silent; such poor taste hath he, that love for me would +make him dumb, and with it is the fact that the man is a zealous +Catholic; methinks if his help could be safely won he would be most +valuable to us. Shouldst thou find a fitting opportunity it might be +well to sound the man."</p> + +<p>"I will do so," replied the prelate, "if a chance doth offer itself."</p> + +<p>"And now," continued Winter, rising, "I must away. Be ever careful, +father, for thy loss would signify the destruction of our hopes."</p> + +<p>"My son," answered the other, with a smile, "thou dost speak from thy +heart; but methinks, if at this moment Henry Garnet were dragged away +and hurried toward the block, the mighty work would be continued; +success doth rest in higher hands than mine. Now, until we meet again, +may the peace of Him whose servants we are rest upon thee."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h2>IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.</h2> + + +<p>Some leagues from London, in the shire of Buckingham, was situated the +country residence of Sir Everard Digsby, who, with Catesby, Wright and +Percy, was present at the house of the latter on the night in which +Fawkes reached the city, whither he had been summoned by a letter from +Sir Thomas Winter. The dwelling of the young nobleman, being somewhat +remote from the more populous districts of the shire, seemed a fitting +place for such discussion, and, perchance, of more weighty matters, +pertaining to the fast-growing conspiracy against the King and his +Parliament. This place Winter had suggested to Garnet as the safest +spot for the Catholic gentlemen to assemble for the discussion of +their plan.</p> + +<p>'Twas the custom that those noblemen whose wealth afforded them two +dwellings, one in London and another in the rural districts, should +oft entertain at the latter such of their companions as pleased them; +and these, riding forth from the city, singly or in goodly numbers, +might pass but a single night, but sometimes when occasion served, a +fortnight, in merrymaking at their host's expense. Such being a common +practice throughout the kingdom little danger of causing suspicion lay +in the fact that Winter, Rookwood, Catesby, Wright and such others as +had been admitted to their council, departed from London in company. +Garnet, indeed, had ridden on before them, attended by Sir Digsby and +Fawkes, nor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> had any noted their departure; or, if perchance they did, +were not disposed to comment upon it.</p> + +<p>A staunch Catholic and a zealous follower of the Jesuits, Everard +Digsby had lent himself willingly to the cause of his brother +churchmen, having long ago satisfied himself that their actions were +justified. In fact, his present convictions were to some extent the +outcome of early teachings, for even at a tender age his mind had been +under Catholic influence, and therefore it was not strange that on +reaching manhood he should be a strong adherent of Romish doctrine. +And still further, his attitude was less to be wondered at, when +considered that the seeds of these same convictions were planted by no +other hand than the friend, tutor and spiritual adviser of his +youth—Henry Garnet. In truth, he had surpassed the zeal of many +associates, for being denied the full privilege of such worship as his +faith taught him, he had caused to be erected within the walls of his +country residence a small chapel, fitted up under supervision of the +Superior of the English Jesuits.</p> + +<p>Somewhat early in the evening the little cavalcade rode into +Buckinghamshire, and having reached their destination, were received +with much cordiality by the young nobleman and his more austere +companions. The ride from London, on account of the inclemency of the +weather, had been most disagreeable, and the travelers were nothing +loth to stretch their chilled limbs before the great fire prepared in +readiness for their arrival, and to partake heartily of the well +ordered refreshments which their host had caused to be in waiting. +Having satisfied the carnal man, they were the more willing to turn to +the spiritual repast which had drawn them together; for in each mind +the conviction was strong that in plotting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> against the King they were +but serving the ends of God.</p> + +<p>"Good gentlemen," said Garnet, the company having drawn about the fire +in a room somewhat remote from the more inhabited part of the +dwelling, "having partaken so freely of worthy Everard's hospitality, +it is most fitting that we turn for a season to that which has +summoned us from London. Methinks there be none absent?"</p> + +<p>Catesby ran his eyes over the group about him, checking each off on +his fingers. "Winter, my Lord of Rookwood, good Percy, Wright, Francis +Tresham and Master Guido," said he, "these with Your Reverence, Sir +Everard and myself, make up the number—nine."</p> + +<p>"'Tis well," exclaimed Garnet, fixing his eyes for an instant on the +face of each. "Certain things have arisen which render it most +expedient that we make common cause with each other—what think ye?"</p> + +<p>"That the time is ripe for the maturing of such plans as best are +suited to our purpose," replied Rookwood; "James hath again declared +against us."</p> + +<p>"'Tis even so," broke in Percy, "and at the house of Master Fawkes +when thou wert absent, there arose some discussion as to certain ways +and methods best fitted to——"</p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried Winter, looking toward the corner where was seated the +soldier of fortune, with his chin upon his hand; "the opportunity has +not served since our last meeting to inquire concerning thy good +mother and thy daughter, friend Guido. Tell me, I pray, did the +gathering of so many armed men in thy chamber disturb their slumbers?"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Fawkes, gruffly; "the dame knew nothing of it; neither +my daughter, of that——"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And the lass," continued Winter, eyeing the man closely, "is she well +and cheerful as becomes her youth and loveliness?"</p> + +<p>"As to cheerfulness," answered the other, a shade of sadness coming +into his face, "methinks the merry smile hath forever forsaken her +lips, for now she looketh so pale and wan it doth seem but the shadow +of her former self wandering about the house; but thank God, the worst +is over, and she is on the road to recovery."</p> + +<p>"And hath Mistress Elinor been ill?" inquired Winter, turning a +surprised look toward the speaker.</p> + +<p>"I had deemed," answered Fawkes, "that my absence from thy house for +nigh on to a week would indicate to thee that something was amiss. I +every day expected to——"</p> + +<p>"For truth," broke in the other in a relieved tone, "had I known that +thy daughter lay ill I would for a surety have called. But, pray, tell +me; is she better now?"</p> + +<p>"As I have said, she is better; but not herself as yet. In fact, it +was on the night of the meeting at my dwelling, after ye had all +departed, that I went for a breath of air upon the street +and—and—well, it was when I returned that I found the girl in a high +fever, and looking much as though she had beheld a foe. The fever +spent itself in three days; now, 'tis but the after weakness which +afflicts her."</p> + +<p>"Thank God for her recovery!" exclaimed Winter, as he eyed Fawkes +narrowly; but finding nothing in his countenance to arouse alarm, sank +back in his chair with a sigh of relief.</p> + +<p>"And now," said Garnet, who had listened with attention to the +dialogue, "since thy last words have banished from my mind the anxiety +called forth by the recital of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> thy fair daughter's illness, we may +again turn our thoughts toward other matters, and listen to good +Catesby here."</p> + +<p>"As thou knowest," began Catesby, "it hath ever been my desire to act +quickly. Therefore I would suggest that no time be lost in carrying +out such designs as will rid the kingdom of our enemies."</p> + +<p>"Well spoken," cried Digsby; "to that we are agreed."</p> + +<p>Garnet smiled sadly. "Would that all England cried amen!" said he, +solemnly. Then turning suddenly to Fawkes, "and thou, Master Guido, +what sayest thou?"</p> + +<p>The soldier of fortune looked up quickly. "I am ever ready," said he, +"whether we deal with all those in authority, or with the King alone."</p> + +<p>"Then?" cried Winter, "then?——"</p> + +<p>Garnet cast down his eyes, the soul of the priest struggling with dark +apprehensions which arose within him. "If there were any shadow of sin +in it," he murmured, "I would not countenance the bringing of it to an +issue. No other reason hath drawn me into it save ardent and active +interest in the cause of God." Then facing his companions he +continued: "'Tis the will of Christ that in the hands of His weakest +subjects shall be placed the sword of vengeance which shall sweep +these infidels from the land. Good Catesby hath oft pondered in his +mind, with some impatience, the meaning of my check upon his zeal. +'Twas that I might seek through prayer a way to our deliverance. That +the time is near a revelation hath been vouchsafed to me from heaven."</p> + +<p>A murmur ran through the little company. The priest's voice changed +from tones of solemnity to those of one who spake with authority; and +stretching forth the hand, he said: "We are of one mind. Perchance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> +Master Fawkes hath opened a way whereby shall be destroyed both the +King and his Parliament. What can effect our purpose quicker than the +flash of gunpowder? God hath placed it in our hand for us to use, and +do His will. Yet other things remain; the door being opened, will +those who watch us from abroad unite with us in restoring to this +unhappy England its altars and its sacrifices? Sir Thomas Winter, thou +hast been in France and Spain to do man's bidding; wouldst go thither +in obedience to the will of God?"</p> + +<p>Winter started, for the meaning of the other's words implied much. "Is +it a mission?" he asked, fixing his gaze upon the Jesuit.</p> + +<p>"Aye!" replied Garnet; "a mission of much danger, and one which will +need all secrecy. At the Court of France dwell certain members of my +Order, close to the King, and deep in affairs of State. Before them I +will lay our undertaking, that when England shall be without a +government and all the land involved in perplexity and beset with +controversies, the armies of the Catholic Kings may come among us—the +way being prepared for their entrance."</p> + +<p>A murmur of approval burst from Catesby, Rookwood and Percy. "And if +Sir Winter hesitates," cried the former, "I will——"</p> + +<p>"Say no more," interrupted Winter; "this day week will see me at the +Court of France."</p> + +<p>"And thou, friend Guido," said Garnet, blandly, "thou art of ready +wit, and a good sword may be needful. Shall brave Winter go alone?"</p> + +<p>Fawkes knitted his brows—"I little thought to again leave England so +soon," he replied, gruffly; "yet ere another sunset will I be ready if +thus I may serve the cause."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> + +<p>A look of kindliness came into the Jesuit's eyes; the blind zeal of +the man, a zeal that thrust all other thoughts aside, touched him, and +with quick perception he saw in the rough cavalier one who, did all +others fail, would with his single hand hurl the thunderbolt. Taking +from his bosom a small silver crucifix, he laid it in Fawkes' hand. +"Give this," said he, quietly, "unto thy daughter; 'twill guard her +during thine absence. Aye! and dost thou fear to leave her? I swear to +thee, I will see to it that she lacketh nothing."</p> + +<p>Fawkes turned upon him a look of deep devotion. Bred in superstition, +the fact that the priest understood that which troubled him—fear for +the safety of his daughter—seemed a sign from heaven. He kissed the +crucifix reverently, and put it in his bosom between the hard steel of +his cuirass and his heart.</p> + +<p>Garnet turned to the group. "One thing remains," said he solemnly; +"'tis the oath which, registered before heaven, shall hold each to his +purpose. Sir Digsby, let us to thy chapel, that beneath the shadow of +the cross we may seek that blessing without which all our deeds are +sinful, and our purposes as sand."</p> + +<p>Solemnly the little company, headed by the priest and Sir Everard, +wended their way toward the chapel. No words were exchanged between +them, for all were deep in thought. As they passed into the chamber +set aside for worship, each reverently knelt and crossed himself, then +took up a position in front of the altar. As it was late and the brief +winter twilight faded from the sky, the chapel lay shrouded in deep +gloom, relieved only by the red light burning in a hanging lamp +suspended before the tabernacle, holding the consecrated elements. To +the men there was something fearfully solemn in their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> surroundings. +Before them stood that altar for the preservation of which they were +about to pledge their lives.</p> + +<p>As their eyes became more accustomed to the subdued light, they beheld +shadow-like forms slowly appear upon the walls, and while intently +gazing, these apparitions gradually materialized and assumed definite +shape, resolving themselves into paintings portraying the last scenes +in the life of Christ. Penetrating everything was the clinging odor of +incense, which, in some subtle way, brings to mind the awful majesty +of God.</p> + +<p>Presently Garnet emerged from the sacristy, bearing in his hand a +flaming taper with which he lighted the candles on the altar. The +Jesuit had placed over the costume which he wore a cope of deep red, +richly embroidered with gold, and evidently the priest had not even +laid aside his rapier, for its dull clank could be heard as he walked +about. The rattle of the steel broke discordantly upon the deep +silence, but was it not symbolic? A deed of violence was about to be +committed, cloaked in the garb of religion!</p> + +<p>Finishing his task, he knelt before the altar in silent prayer. Then +arising, he passed to the gate of the rood screen, where his +commanding figure was thrown into bold relief by the altar lights. +Presently seating himself, he said in low and solemn tones to the men +kneeling in the darkness: "Consider well, my brethren, the step ye are +about to take; for he who turns back will be likened unto the woman +who glanced over her shoulder at a city burning;—to pillars of craven +cowardice would ye be changed—monuments to mark how men, even when +their duty shone clear as though emblazoned on the azure vault of +heaven, lacked heart to carry it out. Consider it well, then, all of +you!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> + +<p>The deep voice of the priest rose as he uttered the last words, and +its resonant tone returned in echoes from the vaulted ceiling as if +each statued saint from out his niche cried: "Consider it well."</p> + +<p>"Are ye all prepared?" he asked. A deep "All prepared" answered his +question.</p> + +<p>"'Tis well. Now shall I register your vows before the unveiled Host +and upon the crucifix, that in the very presence of the Son of God ye +may swear to perform them unto the end. To thee, my son," continued +the Superior, addressing Catesby, "will I first administer the oath, +for 'twas thy hand which was foremost to lift itself in the holy +cause."</p> + +<p>The man arose and knelt before the Jesuit. "Dost swear," said the +priest, holding a crucifix before the other's eyes, "that as thou dost +hope for salvation through the blood of Christ, so thou wilt yield thy +blood if need be in this holy work; setting aside all else until a +Catholic doth occupy the throne of England?"</p> + +<p>"I swear it, father," answered Catesby, reverently pressing his lips +to the cross.</p> + +<p>To every one of the eight did the Superior give the oath, and then +took the same himself.</p> + +<p>"And now," said Garnet, when the men had once more resumed their +places, "do we proceed to administer to each the sacrament which alone +can fill your minds and bodies with sufficient strength to carry out +our holy purpose."</p> + +<p>The priest arose and turned toward the altar, bowed, then slowly +ascended the steps. After unlocking the door of the tabernacle with a +golden key, he drew forth from the recess the Monstrance containing +the eucharist. Again he bowed, then elevated the Host, while the +still<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>ness was only broken by the deep tone of the sacring-bell, the +men bending in adoration. Once more the priest made reverence; then +arising, took from out the Monstrance the pyx, and facing the group, +repeated the words: "Ecce Agnus Dei." All arose and knelt before him +on the steps, receiving from his hands the sacrament, and when they +had partaken, each silently returned to his place. A sense of the +solemnity of their undertaking, accentuated by the awfulness of the +act in which they were engaged, filled the men's hearts so that they +scarcely beheld the Jesuit ascend to the altar and replace the Host +within the tabernacle, or heard the benediction he pronounced....</p> + +<p>Once more the men stood in the room they occupied previous to their +entrance into the chapel. All seemed loath to speak, being deeply +impressed by the ceremony in which they had taken part.</p> + +<p>At last Fawkes made ready for departure, being desirous of reaching +London ere daybreak. As he approached the door of the room the +Superior arose and passed toward him. "Friend Guido," said Garnet, as +the other stood ready for the journey, "I will not see thee ere thou +and Sir Winter return from France. Let thy mind be at ease regarding +thy daughter, for in thy absence I will have her under my special +care. Hadst better mention to her that she will have a visitor?"</p> + +<p>"I will be guided by thee in the matter, good father," returned +Fawkes; "but," he continued, in a husky tone, "guard her well, for she +is very dear to me."</p> + +<p>"Have no fear," Garnet answered, kindly, laying a hand upon the +other's shoulder; "in that will I be as zealous as though she were a +daughter of mine own."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h2>"THOU SHALT NOT KILL."</h2> + + +<p>The deduction made by Winter concerning the silence of Elinor had been +correct; but the power he had deemed potent to restrain her from +uttering what she had overheard, and from giving voice to the +indignities he in his drunkenness had heaped upon her, was not alone +the reason of her silence; the mind was held in a species of lethargy. +Now her father had left England; the motive which prompted his +departure she could surmise,—his mission was an enigma. And who was +his companion? The man whose face was ever before her, whose touch +haunted her in dreams causing her to awake and cry in terror to the +Virgin for protection. The girl was wrought up to a state of +hysterical expectancy. Even when sitting within doors, an exclamation +upon the street would cause her to start, fearing it might be a voice +proclaiming the fulfillment of the awful threat which ever sounded in +her ears. Never did she go abroad and behold a group of men but she +approached with trembling limbs and nervous eagerness, feeling that +the first words falling from their lips would be that England was +without a king. What the effect of this anxiety might have been had +she brooded over it long in solitude, is not difficult to tell. But +solace arose from an unexpected quarter. On his departure for France, +Fawkes had mentioned that there was in the city a certain friend, his +companion several years before, whom he had again lately met and asked +to call from time to time to inquire<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> if he might render any service. +The girl awaited the arrival of this visitor with trepidation and some +anxiety, being well aware that the companions of her father were, as a +rule, men of little refinement, accustomed to the rough life of a +camp, and more at their ease in a pot-house than in the society of a +young woman. Her expectations were pleasantly disappointed, for on his +first visit the stranger, by his ease and grace of manner, banished +from her mind all doubts concerning him. Although habited in the garb +of a soldier of the period, there was about him something—a peculiar +refinement of speech, a dignity of carriage, a certain reverent homage +which he rendered unto her—that won from the girl a feeling of +respect and confidence. His visits, far from being cause for +apprehension, had become the one bright spot in her daily life; in his +company Elinor for a brief time forgot the terrible anxiety to which +she was a prey.</p> + +<p>The only circumstance which impressed her as strange was that "Captain +Avenel"—for by this name he had introduced himself—seldom visited +the house by day, and there was always a certain amount of implied +rather than actual caution in his movements, which seemed to the girl +odd, as nothing else in his manner could be deemed in the least +mysterious.</p> + +<p>On one of those evenings, which Elinor now looked forward to with some +pleasure, she and "Captain Avenel" sat together in a little room of +Fawkes' dwelling.</p> + +<p>"And didst say thou hadst intelligence of my father?" inquired she, +eagerly.</p> + +<p>"This very morning," answered the man, "did I receive a letter brought +by packet from Calais, and in the note he wished me to make known his +safe arrival; further, that he would by the next mail write thee, +telling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> all about his travels. Now thou canst set thy mind at rest +concerning him, for France in our time offers but few dangers, though +in truth I think thy sire hath the look of one to whom peril would be +a diversion."</p> + +<p>"England doth offer more dangers than France," answered the girl, who +was now abstractedly gazing into the fire.</p> + +<p>Garnet turned a swift glance in her direction. The words awakened in +the priest that feeling of apprehension which had ever been present in +his mind since his arrival in London, but until now it had not been +called forth by word or deed of hers. On the contrary, in her society +the Jesuit felt for some reason, probably the innocence and loveliness +of the girl, a sensation of rest and security that enabled him to +throw off the dread of detection which so constantly possessed him. +But he turned and inquired in a quiet tone:</p> + +<p>"And dost deem England such a dangerous country?"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Elinor, hesitatingly, "England doth seem all peace and +quietude, but——" here she stopped, fearing the man might read what +lay hidden in her heart, for he was regarding her with a look of +surprise as he noted her embarrassment.</p> + +<p>"Come, my daughter," said he kindly, his gentle heart touched by the +fear written on her face, "I have suspected long that some matter did +trouble thee. If I have power to lend aid, consider my whitening hair, +and hesitate not to confide in me, who am old enough to enjoy the +blessing of being called father by thee."</p> + +<p>Elinor looked into the benevolent countenance.</p> + +<p>"Fear not," he continued in a persuasive voice, "if I can counsel +thee, thy wish for help is granted ere 'tis asked."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> + +<p>She raised her head and met a look of gentle sympathy long unknown to +her, and for which her poor heart so fondly yearned. The tears sprang +to her eyes and her self control, that which the brutality of Winter +could not break down, gave way. She turned toward him like a poor +tired bird after battling with a storm; her weakness could not endure +longer to see protection neath the leaf and branches of his goodness +and not avail herself of it.</p> + +<p>In a moment more the words had passed her lips,—all that she had +overheard, the words uttered by Fawkes, and the fear and anguish which +since had haunted her.</p> + +<p>"Is there naught I can do?" she cried. "O God! when did I ever commit +a sin worthy of the punishment?" She raised her eyes to Garnet. "Even +thou art pale to the lips from the hideousness of the thing."</p> + +<p>Through the girl's confession, Garnet's attitude remained unchanged. +At her first words he started, but with an effort controlled himself. +The sudden revelation that their plans were known by one outside those +who composed the little band consecrated to the holy cause, filled him +with a terror which, at first, reason was unable to check. But as she +proceeded, the quick mind of the priest perceived that the girl's one +thought was, not to save the King, nor to defeat their hopes, but only +to deliver her father from the danger to which he was exposed. The +fear gradually passed away, and as Elinor ceased speaking, the +strongest feeling in the prelate's mind was one of sympathy for her +who wept before him.</p> + +<p>"Is there naught," Garnet inquired, mildly, when the girl had +finished, "that thou can'st see to justify thy father's act, and by +that justification bring to thee consolation? Think, even though he +were marked to die, more honor belongs to him in this, than to live to +old age in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> idleness and inactivity. Dwell upon thy love for him, then +meditate on his love for the Church."</p> + +<p>"Nay," she answered, "my knee doth bend before the altar with as great +a reverence as any who do honor to the Host, and were my father to +fall in open conflict I would not grudge his life given to a noble +cause. But this act is not loyalty to God, for, did He not decree, +'Thou shalt not kill?' 'Tis naught but murder; and if my father fall, +he will not meet death as a martyr, but as a common assassin."</p> + +<p>Garnet was silent; the girl's words sounded strangely to him. Not +wishing to reveal his identity he determined to avoid further +argument, fearing suspicions might be raised in Elinor's mind which +would only make matters worse. What course to pursue he did not know. +As far as circumstances permitted, he would help her, but how to +effect this was beyond his present comprehension.</p> + +<p>"I have not told thee in vain? Thou wilt aid me?" she inquired.</p> + +<p>"My child, I must have time to meditate," answered the Jesuit. "I +cannot give thee advice upon such a weighty matter without due +deliberation; but," he added hastily, "all is safe for a time at +least; thy father is in France."</p> + +<p>"I pray God," exclaimed the girl, "that I shall not have reason to +regret opening my heart unto thee. Nay, thou couldst not be so cruel +as to make known what I have told. Swear," she cried in sudden fear, +noting a strange expression on the other's face, "swear thou wilt keep +secret all I have revealed."</p> + +<p>"Alarm not thyself," replied the prelate; "what thou hast uttered is +as safe as if 'twere said under the seal of the confessional. Know +further, thou hast told thy trou<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>ble to one who will ever cherish the +confidence, even if his help avail thee little. But," added he, +tenderly—in the sincerity of his heart forgetting the sword which +hung at his side—"may the peace of Him whose hand was ready to turn +the water into wine, or raise the widow's son, descend and give thee +relief."</p> + +<p>"Thou speakest like a priest," she said.</p> + +<p>Garnet started, but quickly replied, "Never could a priest grant thee +absolution with a gladder heart, than I would release thee from this +trouble, were it in my power, and were it the will of God that I +should do so."</p> + +<p>"And dost think it is God's will that I suffer thus?"</p> + +<p>"Perchance, yes," said he, in a thoughtful voice, as if communing with +himself, "and it may be His decree that many more do groan with thee. +Be not regretful thou has told thy sorrow, for even to confide a grief +is to make it lighter."</p> + +<p>"Nay, I do not regret, I think there is little else left me but to +endure; would that I were dead and beyond the touch of sorrow," she +added, with a hopeless sigh.</p> + +<p>"Thou shouldst not wish thyself dead, for to do so is to be +unreconciled to the will of God. If this poor hand doth fail to bring +comfort, my prayers shall ever be for strength that thou mayst bear +with fortitude all which the wisdom of heaven deems just to send. Try +to look upon thy grief as a tribute God demands to work out some +mighty project of His own."</p> + +<p>"I will try," the girl said, a sad smile coming into her face. "Think +not I am ungrateful for thy words of comfort."</p> + +<p>"And now, my daughter, will I wish thee the blessing of sweet sleep, +for 'tis late; I will see thee again soon."</p> + +<p>"Thou art very good," she replied simply, "thou, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> only one +remaining—" her lips trembled and tears filled her eyes; suddenly she +threw her arms about him, and between the sobs which shook her frame, +exclaimed, hiding her face upon his shoulder, "all that is left me +now."</p> + +<p>Garnet regarded the slight figure clinging to him: "Oh God!" he +thought, "Is it Thy will that such as these must suffer?" He raised +his arm as if to encircle her, but let it drop by his side.</p> + +<p>"Come, my child," he said after a moment, putting her gently from him, +"thy tears well nigh unman me; I would it were in my power to give +thee consolation, but help must come from higher hands than mine."</p> + +<p>As he reached the threshold he turned and beheld a picture which +haunted him many a day, and for an instant raised within his holy mind +a doubt of the justice of such grief. As she stood, the imprint of +deep sorrow was on the fair young face—a sorrow the young should +never know. One arm was raised as though in mute appeal to him not to +forsake her in this misery. A look, and he closed the door, passing +out into the night.</p> + +<p>The effect produced upon Garnet by the trouble he had just witnessed +was complex. Never doubting the justice of the cause he espoused, +still, his quiet nature could not hide from itself a feeling of pity +that one so good and innocent should be called upon to suffer equally +with those whose unholy hands were raised to snatch the cross from off +the altar of his fathers.</p> + +<p>"Truly," he muttered, as he proceeded on his way—pressing a hand to +his breast that he might feel the crucifix resting there—"it hath +been resolved by higher authority than my weak will that this thing +must be done. And, Henry Garnet, who art thou to question? Still," +he added, sadly shaking his head, the memory of a tear-stained +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> +face passing before him, "it is a pity; but for every tear that falls +from thy gentle eyes a soul will be redeemed."</p> + +<p>He continued on his way in silence. As he approached the more densely +populated districts of the city, an almost unconscious movement of the +hand brought the fold of his mantle over his shoulder, so that it hid +the lower portion of his face. The tall figure of Garnet was one which +could not fail to attract attention, and many a passerby turned to see +who the cavalier might be. This did not escape the eye of the prelate, +and evidently for the sake of being unnoticed, he turned into a less +frequented thoroughfare, and proceeded by a circuitous route to gain +the hostelry wherein he resided. The way brought him through a portion +of the city composed of narrow intersecting streets and alleys, faced +by poor and worn out hovels. A few old warehouses here and there +marked the spots where in times gone by fine goods had been stored. As +they stood with broken windows and open doors sighing and creaking in +the wind, they appeared like living creatures who had fallen from +conditions of plenty, and were now, in their hunger, bemoaning the +loss of the abundance which once had filled them.</p> + +<p>In front of one of these buildings Garnet paused for a moment to more +closely examine the pile, and being deeply absorbed in his task of +inspection, was not aware of the glimmer of a lantern which came +bobbing toward him along the main road. The first intimations that any +one but himself stood upon the street were a sudden flash of light in +his face, a heavy hand falling upon his shoulder, and a gruff voice +exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"Henry Garnet, in the name of the King I arrest thee!"</p> + +<p>The priest started, and with rapid motion drew his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> cloak about him, +at the same time springing upon the step of the building. The man +lowered the light and by its reflection the Jesuit could see that he +wore the uniform of the King's guard.</p> + +<p>"Come," continued the soldier, drawing his sword, "submission better +suits thee as a priest, than does resistance."</p> + +<p>The blow had fallen so quickly, so unexpectedly, that for an instant +Garnet stood as one struck dumb, unable either to reply or form a plan +of action. However, in a moment his alert mind grasped the situation. +He had been recognized, that was evident, but his arrest was simply +for disobeying the edict by which he, as well as all his order, were +banished from the kingdom. The penalty following the violation of this +decree, at its worst, would simply mean imprisonment in the Tower. But +what, he asked himself, would be the consequence of it? While far from +being an egotist, the Jesuit knew that he alone was the thinking power +of that cause which to him was dearer than life. And now, when plans +were fast maturing, the corn ripening in the field, awaiting but the +hand of the reapers, he was placed in sudden danger which threatened +to frustrate all their hopes. These thoughts flashed through his mind +with the rapidity of lightning as he confronted the man standing at +the foot of the steps. Escape he must,—but how?</p> + +<p>"Come, Henry Garnet," the man repeated, ascending the steps, lantern +in one hand, a sword in the other. "Thou art my prisoner, and in the +name of his most gracious Majesty, James I., I arrest thee!"</p> + +<p>A bold rush now would be of no avail, for the man stood with the point +of his rapier close to the prelate's breast, almost touching his +doublet; furthermore Garnet's sword<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> was in its scabbard, and at the +first attempt to draw it, he, in all probability, would be run through +the body. Was there no alternative but to yield? A gust of wind caused +the door at his back to creak. In an instant the Jesuit had sprung for +the portal, but the soldier, perceiving his purpose, lunged with his +weapon, and so true was the aim, that the prelate's cloak was pinned +fast to the wooden frame. An instant he was held there, but the clasp +of the mantle giving way released its wearer, and Garnet stood in the +dark entry, the door shut, and his foot set firmly against it. The +move had been none too quick, for the soldier hurled himself upon the +closed portal, which caused the old boards to groan, but they did not +yield; the only result of the man's efforts were, that the lantern +flew from his grasp, rolling down the steps into the street. The +priest heard him descend to recover the light, and relinquishing his +hold upon the door, groped his way through the darkness, hoping to +elude his pursuer in the building. His hand came in contact with the +baluster, and he quickly ascended the rickety stairs. By this time, +the guard had relighted his lantern and was peering cautiously into +the hall, evidently fearing a sword thrust from out the darkness. In +this instant's hesitation, Garnet gained the loft above. Here the +obscurity was less intense, for the waning moon shining through a +broken window into a room at his left, enabled him to see his way more +distinctly. There was little time for choice of direction, for even +now the soldier had commenced to ascend, and Garnet, not venturing to +grope further in the gloom, turned toward the ray of light, and passed +quickly into the room, pressed himself against the wall and waited. +The priest could see his pursuer holding the lantern above his head, +as he ascended the stairs, looking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> carefully about the while. The +soldier approached the chamber in which the Jesuit lay hid, peered in +at the door, and as if not satisfied with this cursory examination +entered. At last the man seemed satisfied, and with a muttered curse +was about to leave the apartment, when a fatal turn of the lantern +swept one of its rays full upon the Jesuit.</p> + +<p>"Ah! there thou art, my sly fox!" cried the soldier, springing, sword +in hand, at Garnet; another instant would have seen the priest pinned +fast to the wall, had not the man's foot in some way become entangled +in the mantle hanging upon his arm, throwing him headlong with great +clatter of steel to the floor.</p> + +<p>In a moment Garnet was upon him, both hands at the soldier's throat, +the long fingers pressing firmly the windpipe; one more strong clasp +and the priest released his hold, seized the other's sword, which had +fallen to the floor, and stood with its point upon the man's breast.</p> + +<p>"Swear by the God thou fearest, and upon thine honor, that thou wilt +remain in this room until I leave the house! Swear it!" the priest +repeated, "ere I run thee through!"</p> + +<p>No answer followed his command.</p> + +<p>"Come. Swear it!" he repeated, pressing the rapier firmly against the +other's chest. The ominous silence fell upon the priest as strange. He +stooped to look into the face. The light was dim, and still lower he +bent. Suddenly the sword dropped from his hand, for the Jesuit saw by +the bulging eyes which stared into his that he had demanded an oath +from a corpse. Those long white fingers had pressed more firmly than +they knew; the man's windpipe was crushed like paper.</p> + +<p>"My God!" the Jesuit whispered, kneeling beside the prostrate form, +horror of the deed falling upon him. "Of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> what have I been guilty? +This man's blood upon my head?" Terror-stricken, he looked about the +room. Again his eyes returned to the thing lying beside him. Was that +a movement of the distorted face? He gazed upon it in horrible +fascination. Slowly the lips of the dead man parted, the jaw dropped, +and it seemed as though a hideous smile lay upon the distorted visage.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried Garnet, springing to his feet, "Even in death thou art the +victor, for I am shackled to thee. Never in this world can I escape +the recollection of thy countenance!"</p> + +<p>The priest fell upon his knees, and raised his hands:</p> + +<p>"God help me and forgive me for this deed!" he cried. "If I have +sinned, 'twas not to save this worthless life of mine; not that I +deemed it sweet to live, but that I might survive to consecrate or +yield that life in the furtherance of Thy holy work!"</p> + +<p>He paused a moment in silent prayer, then arose, and taking a crucifix +from his doublet, knelt by the figure on the floor and pressed the +symbol to the dead lips.</p> + +<p>"Nay," said he, as he stood regarding the man, "I did not wish thy +death, and would gladly yield my life to see thee breathe again, but +'twas ordained thou shouldst go first. And who next?" he added, +raising the cross and gazing upon it—"Mayhap he doth wear a crown."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h2>MONTEAGLE AND SALISBURY.</h2> + + +<p>Four months passed; months of impatience to the conspirators who +awaited with eagerness the hour to strike against the government. +Winter and Fawkes had returned from France, their mission in part +accomplished, as they had obtained from certain of the Catholic +nobility promises of assistance in the way of men and money, did the +doors of England open to receive them. The plot to strike at the heart +of the ruling powers was slowly maturing; Fawkes, now the leading +spirit, worked diligently both with brain and hands to perfect the +plan decided upon by Winter, Catesby and the others. Secure in a +feeling of strength, the King had little thought that Fate was slowly +winding about him and his ministers a shroud which prompt action alone +could cast off.</p> + +<p>Toward the close of a sultry midsummer day, Lord Cecil, Earl of +Salisbury and Prime Minister of England, after holding audience with +the King, returned to his dwelling, glad to cast aside his decorations +and forget during a few hours the weighty affairs of State. He was +scarcely seated, with a glass of wine in hand, when my Lord of +Monteagle was announced as waiting in the ante-chamber. 'Twas no +strange thing for this nobleman to seek the Minister at his home, for +between them there was a warm friendship, and it pleased Cecil to +receive the other at any time he chose to visit him. He therefore +ordered that Monteagle should be at once conducted to his apartment, +and a second glass of wine prepared.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<p>As the peer entered, the keen eyes of his host noted that his bearing +betokened a mind ill at ease.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" said he, rising from his seat and extending his hand, "thou +bearest a most sour visage, my lord. Hath ridden in the sun, or did +thy cook forget his occupation and serve thee an ill-prepared repast?"</p> + +<p>Monteagle smiled faintly. "Nay," said he, "'tis my mind which is +somewhat disturbed."</p> + +<p>"Then sit thee down," cried Cecil cheerily, "and unburden thyself to +me of all save affairs of State; of them am I exceeding weary, for the +King hath a new hobby, a tax on beets and onions, in the discussion of +which the afternoon has been consumed."</p> + +<p>"Then his Majesty devised another way——" began Monteagle.</p> + +<p>Salisbury raised his hand. "'Tis treason," said he in feigned +displeasure; "wouldst have us in the Tower, good Monteagle, that thou +speak so lightly of James' statesmanship?" Then changing his jesting +tone to one of gravity: "But tell me, what troubles thee? Hath the air +of France failed to restore the spirits of thy son, Effingston? He +hath not returned?"</p> + +<p>"He is still in Paris," replied the other, touching his lips to the +glass which had been proffered him, "I this day received a letter in +which he speaks encouragingly of his health, and announces his return +within the month. Thy mind is easy, my lord?"</p> + +<p>"And why not?" demanded the Prime Minister, holding aloft his glass +that he might watch the reflection of the sun's rays upon the wine. +"England is at peace, the King seated firm upon his throne, and the +Ship of State rides on an even keel. Hast dreamed of treason, my Lord +Monteagle?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Perchance not treason," replied his companion, drawing his chair +nearer, "but—certain things my son hath written, added to others +coming under my own observation, have caused me some uneasiness—a +shadowy suspicion, as it were, that an ill plan is brewing against the +King's authority."</p> + +<p>"Tut!" cried Salisbury. "'Tis a fit of indigestion, about which thou +hadst best consult thy doctor. Yet, what be these suspicions?"</p> + +<p>"Thou knowest," replied Monteagle, sinking his voice so that it scarce +reached the other's ear, "there are certain Catholics among the nobles +who chafe grievously under the exactions of laws passed by Parliament +and approved by James."</p> + +<p>Salisbury shrugged his shoulders. "That is beyond peradventure," said +he, "but the laws will stand."</p> + +<p>"Of that I would speak nothing," replied Monteagle, "being neither +King nor Parliament, but it hath been hinted that perchance the wind +of discontent may fan into life a flame of——"</p> + +<p>"Thou hast relatives among the Catholics," interrupted Cecil, looking +keenly at the other, "hast become a confidant?"</p> + +<p>Monteagle shook his head. "Nay," said he, "nor do I desire to mix in +affairs concerning my former faith. Yet, I have knowledge of certain +meetings which have taken place composed of sundry persons opposed to +the policy of James."</p> + +<p>"The dogs cut by the lash herd together in their discomfiture," +replied Cecil, "yet they fear to bite the hand which stung them."</p> + +<p>Monteagle frowned, for the words of the Prime Minister were not to his +liking.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> + +<p>"There is more," said he; "certain of those have been seen in France."</p> + +<p>"'Tis a most Catholic country," replied Salisbury, "and, perhaps, +wishing to worship unmolested before their altars, some have gone +thither for their religion's sake."</p> + +<p>"My lord!" cried Monteagle, perceiving the Minister was in a mood for +jesting, "hast thou had no fear that some hidden danger might lurk +beneath the calm exterior of the peace which covers England? Do not +smile, but hear me. Thou knowest the Viscount Effingston is in France, +at the Court of Henry, and hath mingled much with some who are close +to the throne. Perhaps it may not have reached thine ears that some +months back a bloodless duel was fought between him and one Sir Thomas +Winter, a zealous Catholic and enemy to the King."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" broke in Salisbury, "thy speech grows interesting; and what +brought about this duel?"</p> + +<p>"'Twas an insult cast upon me by this Winter," replied Monteagle. +"Effingston chancing to hear, resented it, and an exchange of sword +thrusts followed; but that is past. As I told thee this morning I +received a letter from Paris in which the Viscount says he hath met +this Winter and another, a soldier of the commoners, and——"</p> + +<p>"A second duel hath followed?" interrupted the Minister.</p> + +<p>"Not so," replied the other, "but being suspicious of the fellows, my +son did set a spy upon them, feeling sure that no honest errand took +them into France."</p> + +<p>"And what did he discover?" asked Salisbury.</p> + +<p>"That Winter and his companion sought many times<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> audiences with +certain high churchmen known to be enemies of England. Once, he +chanced to meet them upon the street, when Winter flushed a scarlet +and hastily passed. After this he learned that two Englishmen, one a +soldier who had served the King of Spain, gained the ear of certain +prelates and noblemen; that their conferences had been conducted with +much secrecy, and having finished, the men left Paris in the night, +taking poste for Calais."</p> + +<p>"And what then?" asked Salisbury, "did thy son learn anything +concerning those secret conferences?"</p> + +<p>"No way was open to him," answered Monteagle, "but he thought it best +to lay the matter before me; the more so that Winter and the other +have returned to London."</p> + +<p>The Prime Minister pondered for a moment. "Faith! my lord!" said he, +"thy zeal for the welfare of the State is most commendable, and the +King shall know of it, but thy spirit is overwrought with idle fear. +What if certain Catholics in England have sought audience with those +of their faith in Paris? Have we then fear of France? My word upon it, +good Monteagle, that calm thought will quell thy doubts. Of this +Thomas Winter I know something; a reminder of the luckless Essex, a +gentleman whose zeal doth warp his reason, and who, should he presume +too far, will feel the axe, I warrant. Thou sayest he is again in +England; perchance he builds a castle which the sight of a line of +soldiers will scatter to the winds. Again I thank thee for thy +counsel, my lord, nor will I neglect such matters as pertain to the +safety of the King. If it come to thee, that these dissatisfied +Catholics grow too bold in speech, for I fear not other signs of +treason, lay it before me, that I may stop their tongues, ere evil +thoughts be planted in the minds of them who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> cry 'amen' to any wind +of speech delivered in the market place."</p> + +<p>Monteagle arose, for he perceived 'twas useless to speak further of +ill-defined plots and perchance groundless fears of treason against +the King.</p> + +<p>"I but considered it my duty as an English gentleman to look to the +welfare of——" he began.</p> + +<p>"Thou hast my confidence," interrupted Salisbury, "and though I seem +to treat lightly thy suspicions they will be most carefully heeded +should occasion arise. There be certain chambers in the Tower, where +those too zealous in their faith may pass the time in prayer, thanking +God the King is merciful, and stays the axe."</p> + +<p>Monteagle bowed and left the room. "It may be," he muttered, "that my +mind doth dwell too much upon this matter, but I know Sir Thomas +Winter well, and there be certain of the Jesuits yet in England."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h2>SOWING THE WIND.</h2> + + +<p>Late of an evening near to Michaelmas, three men applied for admission +at the door of a house close to the edge of the Thames, and which, by +reason of its surroundings, assured security from observation to those +who might choose to abide therein. Knocking upon the panel with the +hilt of a heavy rapier which he had drawn from its scabbard, the +shorter of the trio listened impatiently for the sounds which would +precede the drawing of the bolts within. His companions, who were in +the shadow of a neighboring wall, glanced about apprehensively.</p> + +<p>"'Tis an ill-favored place, Sir Thomas," whispered one, grasping +tighter the hilt of his sword as though the touch of the steel might +calm in a measure his disquietude. "Scarce is it to my liking that +friend Guido hath chosen so——"</p> + +<p>His companion laughed uneasily. "He hath a keen wit," replied he, "and +much precaution is necessary that none suspect at the eleventh hour. +As thou seest, good Percy, 'tis a most peaceful region, with few +abroad and no signs of the authorities."</p> + +<p>"Peaceful, indeed," replied Percy, casting his eyes down the poorly +lighted and narrow street through which he had come; "so is a +charnel-house, yet one would scarce——"</p> + +<p>A second rap upon the door, delivered with increased force, +interrupted the whispered conversation.</p> + +<p>"Within!" growled Fawkes, bending so that his lips<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> were on a level +with the keyhole. "Art sleeping, Master Keyes, or——"</p> + +<p>The shuffling of feet answered, and a voice nearly inarticulate from +drowsiness demanded in no gentle tones who sought admittance to an +honest dwelling at so unseasonable an hour.</p> + +<p>Upon Fawkes replying, the bolt was withdrawn, the door opened a few +inches and the face of Master Keyes appeared in the aperture. The +soldier of fortune motioned to his companions who quickly joined him.</p> + +<p>"Good Robert, here, is a most cunning rogue," said he half laughingly, +"having feigned sleep——"</p> + +<p>The warden of the door forced a sneering smile. "Faith!" said he, +making way that the others might enter, "'twas such feigning as may +ever come to me when I would forget my troubles, and there be in my +purse no silver to purchase that which is opposed to conscience. What +wouldst thou, Guido Fawkes? that I sit upright in a corner from +eventide till morn that thou be not kept waiting before the door? Ill +was the day when, listening to thy words, I undertook this errand; +thou art fain to wish that I may be blown to the devil by thy six and +thirty barrels of——"</p> + +<p>Fawkes hastily laid his open palm across the mouth of the irate man. +"What now?" growled he gruffly, "that thou must cry aloud the contents +of thy cellar? Hast not been paid?"</p> + +<p>"Aye," grumbled the man, drawing back, "for sitting over hell! May +those selfsame Spanish hirelings to whom thy powder goeth, be blown to +their master with scant courtesy!"</p> + +<p>Winter whispered in Percy's ear: "A pretty trick, good Percy, yet what +more natural than, wishing to turn<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> a penny by furnishing powder to +the Dons, brave Guido should act with much secrecy, so that it be not +seized by the authorities?"</p> + +<p>Already they were in the house, and the door was securely fastened. +Fawkes laid aside some of his cautiousness.</p> + +<p>"Friend Robert is a faithful man," said he, turning to his companions +and speaking with much significance; "therefore have I entered into an +agreement with him, that I, being under contract to the Spanish +ambassador to convey certain barrels of gunpowder into Flanders, he +should guard them till the time be ripe for loading into such vessels +as will carry them to the ship which I have hired."</p> + +<p>"Then," replied Winter, taking from his wallet a gold piece and +tendering it to Keyes, "he will accept this token which, I warrant, +will be increased by others of its kind if his diligence pleaseth +thee."</p> + +<p>On seeing the gold the man's ill temper vanished. "Good gentlemen," +cried he, seizing eagerly the coin, "I spoke but hastily."</p> + +<p>"That we know," said Winter, "and, perchance we, had we been so rudely +awakened, would have done as thou didst. Hath any disturbed thee +during thy guardianship?"</p> + +<p>"None, save a few drunken braggarts who found their way hither, and +would have battered in the door. Did any come whose wits were sharper +than their caution, I would have——"</p> + +<p>"What?" asked Fawkes pointedly, as the speaker hesitated.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" replied Keyes, "being a poor man, and a bag of gold pieces +forthcoming upon the safe loading of this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> devil's face powder onto +the Spanish vessel, 'twould be but just, that did any seek to cheat me +of it—well, the river tells no tales; what think ye, gentlemen?"</p> + +<p>Percy shuddered; Winter pressed his hand. "Nay, good Percy," he +whispered, "'tis scarce like to happen, yet even so, we would be but +instruments in the hand of God."</p> + +<p>During this conversation Fawkes, who seemed to be familiar with the +house, had led his companions into a small apartment whose window +overlooked the river which, washing against the stone foundation of +the dwelling, offered a safe retreat did any, bent upon trouble +making, force the street door.</p> + +<p>Winter and Percy glanced about them. The place was bare save for a +rude cot, a shaky table upon which flickered an iron-bound lantern, +and a small chest that, did occasion require, could be placed against +the narrow door. At a sign from Fawkes, Keyes drew aside the bed, +disclosing in the floor the outlines of a trap door, which covered an +opening to the cellar beneath. Stooping, he raised the heavy cover, +revealing the top rounds of a rude ladder leading into the blackness +below.</p> + +<p>"'Tis there!" said Fawkes shortly, "wouldst see it, gentlemen?"</p> + +<p>Percy drew back, when Keyes, misunderstanding his hesitancy, caught +the lantern from the table.</p> + +<p>"I will go down," said he, "and thou mayst safely follow; the stuff be +well housed, tight as a drum, and, as thou seest, the lantern +scattereth no fire."</p> + +<p>"But will not the dampness of the place destroy its usefulness?" asked +Winter.</p> + +<p>"There is little fear," replied Fawkes, "although it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> lieth below the +surface of the river; the cellar is hewn from the rock, and dry as a +tinder-box. Lead the way, good Robert, take heed with thy light."</p> + +<p>With much cautiousness the two men followed Fawkes and his guide down +the ladder to the floor ten feet below. Reaching it, Keyes held up the +lantern so that its feeble rays penetrated the darkness. Piled against +the walls of the subterranean chamber, Winter and Percy discerned +irregular dark objects rising to the height of their heads.</p> + +<p>"'Tis the wind which will free England of the pestilence," said Fawkes +grimly; then catching the quick glance of Winter, which reminded him +of the presence of Master Keyes, added: "Which sown in Flanders will +bring forth a whirlwind against those who serve not God after the +manner of the righteous."</p> + +<p>"A goodly amount of the grains," said Percy, placing his foot again +upon a round of the ladder; "and how much saidst thou, good Master +Keyes?"</p> + +<p>"As Fawkes hath told me, some six and thirty barrels," replied the +watchman; "enough, methinks, to send all London up to the stars."</p> + +<p>"And the King, also," whispered Winter in Fawkes' ear, and added, "let +us to the room above. My stomach hath small liking for thy cellars."</p> + +<p>Percy was already half way up the ladder, and the others quickly +followed. To the soldier of fortune and to Master Keyes, 'twas of +little moment that they had stood in the presence of such an engine of +destruction, which, if properly applied, would shake to its foundation +the strongest structure in Europe. But in Winter and Percy, especially +the latter, the presence of the gunpowder, thoughts of the purpose for +which it was to be used, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> the lives which must be sacrificed, +overcame for the moment their fanatical zeal, and they withdrew with a +feeling akin to horror. 'Twas truly the seed of death; and in sowing +the wind might they not, themselves, reap the whirlwind?</p> + +<p>A short time in the upper chamber restored their calmness, and they no +longer seemed such fearful things, those grim barrels of harmless +looking black grains, which might lie harmless for centuries, as they +had seen them, or, at the touch of a single tiny spark, shake London +as by an earthquake, vacate a royal throne, and exterminate in an +instant the proudest government in Europe. Percy, of more gentle +disposition than his companion, gazed into the face of Guido Fawkes +with a feeling akin to awe. His was the brain which had suggested this +terrific method for the destruction of the King and Parliament; his +the voice that had pronounced the words which laid bare the plan to +Catesby, Winter and the others. If Fawkes had never come from Spain, +perhaps——, but the subject of his gloomy thoughts was speaking in +reply to a question put by Sir Thomas.</p> + +<p>"Thou hast noted," said he, "that this dwelling lieth close to the +river; so, 'twill be no great matter to remove the barrels from the +cellar to the deck of a boat lashed beneath the window, and, if a dark +night be chosen for the work, none, I warrant, will perceive the +matter. What sayest thou, friend Robert?"</p> + +<p>"That there is much of wisdom in thy speech," replied the other; "and +once upon the boat, the channel to the sea, where will lie thy Spanish +galley, is open. When, thinkest thou, the powder will be moved?"</p> + +<p>"I know not," replied Fawkes, sharply,—"in due time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>——" Then, +turning to his companions: "Gentlemen, having seen that which lies +below, what may be your pleasure?"</p> + +<p>"To return quickly," replied Percy, relieved at the thought of +escaping from such an ill-favored locality.</p> + +<p>Keyes chuckled. "Thou art in haste to quit my presence, and my pretty +devil's powder, good gentlemen," said he; "didst sleep so near as we, +perchance you would come to love it as Master Fawkes and I do. One +spark from this weak lantern, and——"</p> + +<p>"Come!" cried Percy, drawing his arm through that of Winter,—"we are +satisfied; what need to tarry longer?"</p> + +<p>In the street once more they, with Fawkes leading, hastened to gain a +more populous section of the city. 'Twas to Winter's house they went, +where Catesby was waiting impatiently. He, with Fawkes, had visited +the house by the river on the night previous, therefore he fell into +their discussion with good knowledge of the subject in hand.</p> + +<p>"Thou shouldst have been a general," said he to Fawkes; "it scarce +comes to me how so goodly a quantity of powder could be stored in +yonder place without detection."</p> + +<p>"'Twas no great matter," replied Fawkes, setting down the wineglass +Winter had handed him, "a little here, a trifle there, requiring some +weeks in the gathering; but now, as thou hast seen, there is enough."</p> + +<p>Winter laughed. "Faith!" said he, "I would fain not have thee for mine +enemy, friend Guido; else, some fine night, while I dreamed not that +danger threatened, my good dwelling would come to grief."</p> + +<p>Fawkes smiled grimly. "Not so," said he; "if thou<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> wert an enemy, and +I had sworn to kill thee, 'twould be by other means,"—touching the +hilt of his sword. "What thou hast seen is reserved for kings and +parliaments."</p> + +<p>"The powder is well stored," broke in Catesby,—"what next?"</p> + +<p>"That hath been attended to," replied Percy. "As thou knowest, certain +events must transpire ere Master Keyes gives up his guardianship. To +me has fallen the duty of looking into the matter. The cellar of the +Parliament House must be reached ere further effect can come from our +planning."</p> + +<p>"What hast thou decided?" asked Winter.</p> + +<p>"Upon a simple solution of the matter," replied the +Gentleman-Pensioner. "Foreseeing our course, I have made an agreement +with one Henry Ferrers for the hiring of a dwelling close to the House +of Parliament. The documents are already signed and sealed. As in many +houses, the cellar extends some feet below the surface of the street +and, next it, lies the foundation wall of the House."</p> + +<p>"Then," cried Catesby, "we will play the mole; is it not so, good +Percy?"</p> + +<p>"Thou hast said it," replied the other; "to reach the cellar beneath +the House of Lords we must pierce through the foundation. 'Tis of +great thickness and the task will not be easy."</p> + +<p>"I am little used to delving," growled Fawkes, "but there is no other +way."</p> + +<p>"And Garnet?" inquired Catesby.</p> + +<p>"Garnet hath gone from London," said Percy, "nor will he return until +the fuse has reached the powder. He is now at Coughton House to await +such time as we shall summon him to join our forces."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And them hast all in readiness?" asked Winter.</p> + +<p>"In the house of Henry Ferrers are tools for digging—picks, hammers +and the like," replied Percy.</p> + +<p>"And in another place lie six and thirty kegs of trusty powder," added +Catesby; "the instruments are at hand." Then rising: "Come, gentlemen! +our conference is ended; to-morrow we work, not talk."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h2>THE CELLAR.</h2> + + +<p>The house of Master Ferrers stood on the narrow strip of land between +the House of Lords and the river Thames. The wall of the dwelling +being adjacent to that which guarded the east side of the Parliament +House, 'twas not so difficult a matter for one bent upon gaining +secret entrance to the latter, to tunnel through it. Being of soft +bricks it would afford but a slight obstacle to determined men. To +penetrate the official structure was a harder undertaking, the +thickness thereof being some nine feet, and the masonry of flinty +stone, firmly cemented, and hardened into a compact mass by the lapse +of years. But, having once pierced through the two walls, the first of +brick, the other of stone, one would find himself in a chamber of some +extent, lying directly beneath the assembling place of the peers, and +the throne from which the King witnessed the convening of his +Parliament.</p> + +<p>Though, in fact, a cellar to the main building, the room was upon a +level with the street without, the walls being of "stout stones" and +the ceiling formed by beams upon which rested the flooring of the +House of Lords. 'Twas in this room the conspirators proposed to place +the six and thirty barrels of gunpowder, and—Parliament being in +session—to apply a spark to the slumbering power by which those who +occupied the room above would be blown heavenward with such scant +ceremony that none<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> among them should have time to cry: "Good Lord, +have mercy upon us! Amen!"</p> + +<p>In selecting the house against the east wall of the Peer's meeting +place, Percy had acted with some wisdom. The Thames was the silent +highway of London, and did a boat stop beside the river entrance of +the dwelling, none would be likely to take any note thereof, nor to +think it matter of suspicion for one who occupied the place to use the +water as means of conveying such commodities as he chose to his +storeroom or cellar. In this manner the powder stored under the +guardianship of Master Keyes was removed by night to the second +storage place, that it might be in readiness when the time arrived for +placing it beneath the floor of Parliament. Many persons dwelt in the +neighborhood; in the vicinity were clustered the houses of the Keeper +of the Wardrobe, auditors and tellers of the Exchequer, and many other +officials of the government, any of whom might notice the barge lying +close at the edge of the garden on the river front, and the men +carrying from it to the house divers packages, but it was not probable +that they would. None, unless having business with Master Percy, would +approach the door, nor enter the garden, much less question the +carriers concerning that which they removed so carefully.</p> + +<p>It was at the end of the tenth day after the visit of Percy and Sir +Thomas to Master Keyes that the six and thirty barrels—twenty-four +hundred pounds—of powder were safely stored in the building next the +Parliament House.</p> + +<p>But ere this was accomplished, those who had undertaken the digging of +the tunnel began their work. Under cover of the darkness, Catesby, +Wright, Percy, Winter and Fawkes, entered the house leased by the +Gentleman-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>Pensioner, and being provided with a goodly quantity of +baked meats and other necessaries, that nothing should arise to call +them abroad, they began their work upon the brick wall beyond which +lay the masonry proper of the House.</p> + +<p>Of the five, four were gentlemen of blood, to whom the handling of +pick and bar came not so readily. To Fawkes, skilled through long +service in foreign lands, where the undermining of walls and +fortifications was a common occupation, it fell to direct the work, +although in actual digging he took small part, it having been agreed +that he should serve as watchman, warn the others did any approach the +garden, or danger arise from sounds in the cellar reaching the ears of +those whose curiosity might bring unwelcome investigation as to so +strange a proceeding. Crowded as they were in the narrow space, the +four conspirators, with doublets cast aside and limbs weary from their +unusual occupation, plied drill and crowbar, enlivening their toil by +discourse upon the subject of the undertaking, and stopping ever and +anon to refresh themselves with ale, or wine.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" said Sir Thomas, looking woefully upon his begrimed hands and +vestment, "'tis a sorry thing to play the mole, when a sword thrust +delivered from behind a curtain, or the stroke of a poniard, would as +well free us of these tyrants."</p> + +<p>"'Twere perchance easier," replied Percy, driving his drill through +the last layer of bricks which stood between them and the second wall. +"I, for one, would choose the Lord to give me work under an open sky, +where there be less dust to blind the eyes and stifle the breath."</p> + +<p>Catesby laughed harshly. "Could Garnet hear thee," said he, "a +discourse of patience would soon be forthcom<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>ing. To your work, +gentlemen; we have already pierced one wall."</p> + +<p>An exclamation from Wright interrupted them.</p> + +<p>"By the wounds," he growled, throwing down his crowbar with much show +of temper, "one wall, indeed; a paper covering compared with this," +and taking the bar again drove its point with great force against the +one now exposed, belonging to the House.</p> + +<p>The iron rebounded from the solid masonry as though driven against a +sheet of steel, for the flinty stone turned it easily, and only a +shower of sparks answered the blow.</p> + +<p>"What hast thou there?" asked Winter.</p> + +<p>"The gate of hell," retorted Wright, kicking the bar with his foot, +"nine feet of it, by Master Percy's computation, and, I warrant, as +many years will be required to see the further side. Try it, good +Catesby, 'tis a nut a giant could scarce crack, though he wield a +battering ram."</p> + +<p>Taking up a lantern which stood by the wall, Catesby examined the +masonry with great carefulness.</p> + +<p>"Thou shouldst have struck the mortar," said he, tapping the cement +between the blocks of stone with the point of his drill, "wouldst tear +away the rock itself?"</p> + +<p>For some moments he worked diligently, streaming with perspiration and +his loud breathing filling the narrow place. A hole scarce three +inches deep rewarded his exertions.</p> + +<p>"'Tis well reasoned," growled he at length, "here is a riddle for +Master Fawkes; wilt summon him, friend Percy?"</p> + +<p>Glad for an excuse to leave for a moment the ill-savored cellar, Percy +hastened on his errand, and Fawkes presently entered, looking keenly +about.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What now, gentlemen?" said he, "hast made an opening?"</p> + +<p>"That have we not, save through this wall of brick," replied Catesby, +"methinks thy gunpowder could scarce open a further way, friend Guido. +Look thou at yon barrier of stone."</p> + +<p>Taking the lantern, Fawkes followed the suggestion. "'Tis, in truth, +most strongly put together," said he at length, "but with due patience +and diligence this also may be overcome. Give me a drill."</p> + +<p>Having received one from the hand of Winter he attacked the masonry, +striking here, picking there, until, having loosened a goodly portion +of cement, he caught up a heavy crowbar, and inserting its point into +the narrow opening, bore down upon the iron with all his strength and +the block of stone, freed from its fastening, was detached and fell +with a dull crash upon the floor at his feet.</p> + +<p>The soldier of fortune wiped his brow. "'Tis of the smallest," said +he, "but the others will give way in turn. Thou must first be sure +that the mortar is removed, when, using sufficient force, the rocks +will loosen, thus making the hole larger."</p> + +<p>"There be too few of us," said Winter. "I think some word should be +sent to my brother Robert, that he join us in this business, and also +Master Keyes, who being a man of much resource, and, perchance, +skilled in such labor as this, may aid us much."</p> + +<p>"Can he be trusted in so dangerous a venture?" asked Wright. "Of thy +brother Robert there is no fear, but what of this Master Keyes?"</p> + +<p>"Friend Guido will answer for his loyalty," replied Winter; "the man +is reliable, though his zeal turneth to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> the securing of money. +Already have I examined him, and found that within his mind lay some +suspicion as to our object in collecting such a quantity of powder. +For recompense he will dig most industriously, and promise of reward +when our mission is accomplished will make him dumb. Thou hast my word +upon it."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Catesby, "let him be summoned hither, and thy brother +also; much labor lies before us; seven men can scarce accomplish it, +and we are now but five."</p> + +<p>It was agreed that on the following night Fawkes should bring Keyes +and Robert Winter to the cellar, when, with a greater number to labor, +the work of forcing a passage through the wall could be accomplished +more rapidly. In the meantime, being excessively wearied, the +conspirators left the cellar and sought repose.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Two weeks passed. The excavation in the wall of the Parliament House +had increased day by day, until a hole some five or six feet in +length, large enough to admit the body of a man, was bored through the +solid masonry. With the assistance of the two additional members to +their little party the conspirators worked with renewed energy. Filled +with enthusiasm they had little sense of fatigue, and plied pick and +drill vigorously that they might gain entrance to the room beneath the +lord's chamber before the convening of Parliament, which, as Percy +learned, was to take place on the fifth of November. Confident that +their work was appointed by God, those men of gentle blood curbed +their impatience, though laborious and slow was the task, and every +muscle and bone ached when the tools were laid aside. For a time the +disposal of the earth and rock taken from the tunnel puzzled them, but +Fawkes with characteristic quickness<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> found a way;—such of the debris +as would attract little attention was scattered about the garden; as +for the larger rocks and mortar, the river was close at hand, and, as +Robert Keyes had said, it told no tales.</p> + +<p>So they worked, beguiling the weary hours with discussions as to what +would follow the success of their project. England would be without a +king; the machinery of the government shattered, and the way would be +open for seating a Catholic upon the throne. Prince Henry, successor +to the crown, would perish with his father and the peers in +Parliament. They would seize the royal heirs who remained, Prince +Charles and the Princess Elizabeth, hold them in durance, while the +Catholics would choose the heir-apparent and appoint a Protector for +the kingdom. It was a daring plan and the prospect of its execution +lightened their toil, and intensified the flame of their zeal.</p> + +<p>Somewhat near the middle of the day, when, having ceased for a moment +the attack upon the wall, Wright, who had remained in the tunnel after +the others had gone out, rushed wildly forth, his face pale under its +coat of dust and his limbs trembling strangely.</p> + +<p>"What aileth thee?" cried Catesby, alarmed at his companion's aspect, +"hath the wall fallen in upon——"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Wright with harsh voice, "but I go in no more; the +devil hath seized this tunnel, and——"</p> + +<p>Catesby entered quickly, and in a moment was at the end of the narrow +aperture. On either side arose the rough masonry, torn and ragged +where the stones had been forced apart; upon a heap of debris stood +Wright's lantern, burning dimly, beside it his heavy drill and hammer. +Catesby looked hurriedly about, but all was silent; the air was hot +and stifling and the smoke from the lan<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>tern filled his nostrils. He +turned to retrace his steps, with rough words for Wright upon his +lips, when a faint sound fell upon his ears; an unearthly thing, which +startled him and sent to his heart a thrill of superstitious terror. +'Twas a measured tinkling, as of a silver bell, which rose and fell +with steady cadence. Instinctively his hand went to his left hip, but +the familiar hilt was absent; he had left it in the room above, +guarded by Robert Winter, who watched with Fawkes.</p> + +<p>Snatching from his bosom a small silver vial filled with holy water, +the trembling conspirator sprinkled a few drops upon the walls—the +tinkling ceased, and from the entrance behind sounded the voice of +Percy:</p> + +<p>"What hast thou found, good Catesby, a goblin, or——"</p> + +<p>The answer of the other was upon his lips when, above his head, +apparently from the center of the solid masonry itself, came a sound +as of the rushing of mighty waters, which continued for a short space +of time, then died away. The noise reached the ears of those in the +room without, and it needed not the white face of Catesby showing in +the opening to send them upon their knees with prayers to the Virgin +for protection. At that moment Fawkes appeared among them.</p> + +<p>"What now?" said he gruffly, much amazed at so strange a sight, "think +ye, good gentlemen, that praying will cause the stones to separate?"</p> + +<p>"Brave Guido!" cried Winter with trembling voice, "either this place +is bewitched or our plans discovered; we have heard——"</p> + +<p>The renewal of the noise interrupted him. Fawkes laid his hand upon +his hilt and, with his lips pressed close together, thrust his head +into the entrance of the tunnel.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> For a moment he remained silent, +then turned with a grim look upon his face.</p> + +<p>"'Tis from the place which we strive to reach," said he shortly; "go +ye to the room above, while I learn its meaning;" and without more +delay he left the cellar, followed by his terror-stricken companions.</p> + +<p>Disguised in the dress of a common porter there was little danger in +his venturing abroad. After an absence of about an hour, he returned +to the six conspirators.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" said he, tossing his cap upon the table, "thou mayst lay +aside thy tools, Sir Thomas, and the others likewise."</p> + +<p>"And wherefore?" asked Percy with bloodless lips. "Are we then +discovered? If so, I will die with sword in hand——"</p> + +<p>"Speak not of dying," replied Fawkes, a smile passing over his face; +"rather set thy wits to working. Thou art good at bargaining; hire for +us, therefore, this cellar beneath the House of Parliament."</p> + +<p>The Catholic gentlemen gazed at him in astonishment, wondering if some +sudden terror had beclouded his brain; or, did the man but jest with +them?</p> + +<p>"Hire the chamber under Parliament House?" gasped Catesby, "as well +might good Percy bargain for the royal prerogative of James."</p> + +<p>"Ye think me mad," said Fawkes, "but listen. After leaving you I made +my way with all haste to the door of the Parliament cellar, which was +open, and discovered the meaning of the noise which reached us in the +tunnel;—'twas the sliding downward of a goodly quantity of coal, +owned by a woman of some property called Bright, a dealer in coals and +faggots. She being present, attending to the removal of her own, I +addressed her and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> learned that, having hired the cellar from the +authorities, she was about to give it over to them.</p> + +<p>"'And is't for rent?' asked I.</p> + +<p>"'That it is,' replied she; 'for he who hath the renting of it, one +Whynniard, by name, did offer it for the coming quarter, but it +pleaseth me to store my coals elsewhere.'</p> + +<p>"Thou seest, therefore, that this room is for us if we do choose, and +Master Percy, well versed in such matters, has but to bespeak this +Whynniard and possession will be given of a most valuable corner of +the House of Parliament."</p> + +<p>This sudden turn of fortune rendered the conspirators for the moment +speechless. Winter was the first to regain his balance.</p> + +<p>"It shall be done," cried he; "right glad am I that such a chance hath +come to us. Good Master Percy, bestir thyself, before another seize +the opportunity."</p> + +<p>To all, it seemed that the hand of God had opened a way for them, and +Percy made haste to do his errand, and with such success, that ere +another sunrise the room beneath the House of Lords was in the hands +of those who hoped to overthrow the government.</p> + +<p>Having gained so easily the place they had sought to acquire by +stealth and painful labor, the conspirators at once set about +conveying into it the powder now stored in the house of Master +Ferrers. Fawkes, to whom this work fell, bought, and ordered deposited +in the chamber, a goodly quantity of coals and faggots, so that one +chancing to enter would note only a pile of such commodities as +dealers in fuel collected for sale. Care was taken that the unfinished +tunnel in the wall should be covered so that none would notice it. +This was easily done by replacing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> a few of the outer stones and +cementing them together.</p> + +<p>Some days yet remained before the opening of Parliament; during that +time Percy, Catesby, Winter and others of the conspirators, formed +such plans as would be to their advantage when the kingdom, shaken to +its center by the death of the King and his ministers, should be +thrown into confusion. As for Fawkes, each day found him in the fatal +cellar, where he studied the condition of his coals and faggots, +making sure that no prying eye had penetrated the covering, under +which was hidden the "devil's powder" awaiting the spark which would +free English Catholics from James of Scotland and his Parliament.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h2>THE NOTE OF WARNING.</h2> + + +<p>During the last week of October, sixteen hundred and five, near the +day for the convening of Parliament, Lord Monteagle suddenly appeared +in his house at Hoxton, from which he had been absent a month. His +manner was perturbed and preoccupied in the extreme. Usually of a +genial disposition, he surprised the servants who attended him, by an +impatient order that supper be served at once, as he and the gentlemen +accompanying him had already fasted too long.</p> + +<p>Soon after seven in the evening he dispatched a footman upon an errand +into the neighboring street. This man shortly returned in haste, +presenting to his lordship a sealed letter, addressed, in a cramped +hand, to "The Right Honorable, the Lord Monteagle."</p> + +<p>He received the missive, handling it in a fastidious manner, and +inquired with some show of spirit how it had come through a servant, +instead of being delivered in the usual way.</p> + +<p>"'Twas given me," replied the footman, "by a reasonably tall person +who stood upon a corner of the street, and directed with much +semblance of authority that I give it into thy lordship's hand and to +no other."</p> + +<p>"'Tis a most unwonted thing," said Monteagle, breaking the seal, +"probably some petition for alms which——"</p> + +<p>Then, on glancing over the sheet, he started, and turned to a +gentleman beside him.</p> + +<p>"Good Thomas Ward," said he, "'tis written in a most<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> illegible and +wretched hand which I can scarce decipher; neither bears it any date +or superscription. I pray thee take and read aloud, that all may hear +and pass opinion upon so strange a matter."</p> + +<p>Ward accepted the paper, and smoothed it out upon his hand. "It seems +the writing of a laborer," said he, "one who doth wield a pick and +spade with more ease than a quill. A most unmannerly jumble of +ill-conditioned words, as thou shalt judge, my lord, upon hearing." So +saying he read aloud as follows, while the others sat and listened:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"My lord out of the love I beare to some of youer friends I have a +cayer of youer preservation therefor I would advyse yowe as yowe +tender youer lyfe to devyse some excuse to shift of youer attendance +at this parleament for God and man bathe concurred to punishe the +wickedness of this tyme and thinke not slyghtly of this advertisment +but retyre youer selfe into youer country where yowe may expect the +event in safty for though there be no appearence of any stir yet I say +they shall receyve a terrible blowe this parleament, and yet they +shall not see who hurts them. Thys cowncel is not to be condemed +because it may do yowe good and can do yowe no harm, for the danger is +passed as soon as yowe have burnt the letter, and I hope God will gyve +yowe the grace to make good use of it to whose holy protection I +commend yowe."</p></div> + +<p>"A most amazing document," said Ward, as he returned it to Monteagle; +"and what think you of it, my lord? canst detect the meaning of so +strange a warning?"</p> + +<p>His lordship contracted his brow and studied the writ<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>ing with much +attention. "'Tis as you perceive," said he, "a warning unto me that +some unexplained danger lies in the way."</p> + +<p>"A boorish jest," cried one at the table; "think not upon it, my +lord."</p> + +<p>"Which is proved beyond doubt by the action of the one who brought +it," said another; "he dared not deliver it at the door."</p> + +<p>Monteagle folded the letter carefully and thrust it inside his +doublet. There arose in his mind suspicion that in the tenor of the +message lay the verification of the warning to Lord Salisbury, and +that, mayhap, beneath the apparent serenity of the kingdom, smoldered +a volcano which needed but the touch of a directing master hand to +send belching forth its contents of treason and blood. Into his mind +came also the words of the Prime Minister spoken one afternoon several +months before, that should aught be unfolded of plots or treasonable +designs, they should be disclosed to him, and thus the danger to the +State be averted.</p> + +<p>He had therefore a feeling of relief when the meal was ended, and his +companions left him to carry out his intention. The raw October night +was filled with storm and blackness, but the spirit of Lord Monteagle +burned within him to lay before Salisbury and, perchance, the King, +the warning which had come to him.</p> + +<p>Scarce a quarter of an hour elapsed after rising from the table ere, +covered by a great cloak, booted, and with a stout rapier girt at his +side, he left Hoxton House unnoticed, and turned his steps toward the +dwelling of the Prime Minister. Although the hour was late Cecil had +not retired when he received the announcement that Monteagle sought an +interview. Surprised at so unusual<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> an occurrence the Minister +hastened to greet his visitor, ordering, as was his custom, that a +light repast be set before him.</p> + +<p>"And what now, good Monteagle?" asked he, looking at his companion +with a smile, "hast thy digestion played thee false again?"</p> + +<p>"Of that thou shalt judge, my lord," replied Monteagle, taking the +letter from his doublet and handing it to the Minister.</p> + +<p>Salisbury mastered its contents with an aptness peculiar to himself.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" said he, letting his eyes rest searchingly upon the face of +his companion, "and how camest thou by this thing, my good lord?"</p> + +<p>Monteagle related briefly the scene at the supper table.</p> + +<p>"And didst thou have the letter read aloud, in the presence of thy +gentlemen?" asked the Minister.</p> + +<p>"Its contents were unknown to me," replied the other; "the writing was +obscure and I did request Thomas Ward to decipher it."</p> + +<p>Salisbury pondered for a moment. The warning of danger threatening +those who would sit at the opening of the coming Parliament perplexed +him, and drawing nearer to a light he studied the letter carefully.</p> + +<p>"Thou hast done well," said he, suddenly turning to Monteagle, "in +placing this paper in my hands without delay, yet——" he laid a +finger on the letter, "perchance 'tis nothing, or—there may be much +behind these ill-written lines. Thou perceivest that herein is +written: 'for the danger is passed as soon as you have burned the +letter!' What then can be the use of such a warning? as, hadst thou +put the sheet to fire, there had been no danger."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> + +<p>"'Tis beyond my comprehension," replied Monteagle, "'tis a riddle."</p> + +<p>Salisbury looked up quickly. Despite his assumed indifference at the +time, the former conversation with the ex-Catholic nobleman had +aroused in his mind suspicions that some danger might lurk beneath the +calm which had lulled the King into a feeling of security. He +understood well that, although there had been no open manifestations +of treason on the part of zealous adherents to the Catholic faith in +England, there were among them men who but awaited opportunity to show +in no gentle way, their displeasure at the policy of James. He +remembered also, that Monteagle had been a Catholic, though now a firm +partisan of the government and in high favor at Whitehall. Might it +not be possible that some knowledge coming to him of a plot against +the State, and, not wishing to openly accuse his former compatriots, +he had taken a more subtle way, seeking by veiled warnings and hints, +to arouse suspicion in the other's mind, and so lead to some action on +the part of the government? Yet, it was not in accordance with his +policy to reveal his real thoughts; therefore, again thanking the +other for his zeal with reference to the letter, he dismissed him with +a promise that the matter should not be forgotten.</p> + +<p>After Monteagle had left he again studied the missive, endeavoring to +read between the lines, and bringing all his wit to bear upon the +meaning. Then, as it was his custom to work quietly and without haste, +for six days he held the document before making it known to the King.</p> + +<p>James was at first alarmed, but upon perceiving that the Minister +retained his calmness, he put aside his fears<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> and questioned +Salisbury closely concerning the meaning of the strange warning. In +the latter's mind was no thought of arousing James to hasty action, +for, if in truth a plot was brewing, too sudden a movement on the part +of the government would warn those engaged in it, and only postpone +the culmination to a more favorable opportunity. Following this line +of thought the Prime Minister calmed the sovereign's fears, and the +King, trusting to the prudence and shrewdness of his chief counselor, +dismissed the matter with a jest.</p> + +<p>Report, indeed, reached the ears of Winter, Catesby and others of the +conspirators, that Lord Monteagle had been warned to absent himself +from Parliament on the opening day. They were alarmed for a time, and +sought solution of the problem, wishing to know who had played the +traitor. Suspicion pointed to one Francis Tresham, whose sister had +married Monteagle, and who, naturally, would seek to save his +brother-in-law. But as Tresham denied all knowledge of the matter, the +government made no move, and even Salisbury, usually alert, remained +inactive. After a week of uncertainty, the conspirators again gathered +their forces and the plot against the King and Parliament continued to +ripen. Fawkes, beyond all others, became more reckless.</p> + +<p>"Should all else fail," said he, "I remain firm; and at the end will +kill this King even, if needful, in the royal bedchamber."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<h2>ON THE STROKE OF ELEVEN.</h2> + + +<p>"What, my daughter, up at this late hour!" exclaimed Fawkes, as he +entered the room where Elinor sat. "I had deemed thee long abed."</p> + +<p>The man threw himself into a chair by the fire with an air of fatigue, +and sat in moody silence. The girl glanced up; then arising, passed +over to him and lightly kissed his brow. The caress did not meet with +any response; in fact, he seemed scarcely conscious of it, and after a +moment's hesitation, Elinor resumed her seat.</p> + +<p>She had led a strange existence for the past eight months;—ever +waiting, ever dreading, and as yet nothing had occurred. To her this +period had been one of breathless suspense, like the moment before the +storm, when trees hang lifeless in a stifling atmosphere, and animals +raise their heads in frightened expectancy, awaiting with nameless +terror the first gust which shall herald the tornado. Since her +father's return from France, she noted that the air of preoccupation +apparent before his departure, was now intensified. While in his +kindness toward her the girl could detect no change, still, there had +come between them a species of estrangement. Seldom was there an +opportunity for them to converse, for Fawkes was up before daylight, +and rarely returned until after the midnight hour had sounded. Often +it was in her heart to ask his confidence—often to hint that she had +overheard his words on that fearful night,—but when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> she approached +with such intent, a nameless something in his manner held her mute.</p> + +<p>The source from which she had hoped would flow sweet waters of comfort +and relief proved dry and arid as summer dust; he to whom in an +outburst of anguish she had confided her grief vanished completely +from her life, as though the earth had engulfed him. True, Garnet +visited her many times after the night she unburdened her heart to +him, but his counsel was ever the same—to wait; at times she even +imagined there was in his tones a hint at justification of her +father's utterance. However, since the day on which Fawkes had +returned, the Jesuit had never passed the threshold of the house. How +to account for this absence she knew not, but in a vague way +associated it with the mystery surrounding her father.</p> + +<p>Winter, Elinor had not seen; her wonder at his studious avoidance of +her was matched by the terror with which she anticipated meeting him. +And her first grief?—the forced sacrifice of life's happiness with +the man she loved—had time been kind, and stilled the aching of her +heart? No; for in it the flame burned as brightly as when upon that +day, long ago, his first kiss had breathed upon the glowing spark, +changing it into a tongue of flame which leaped to her very lips. +Where Effingston had gone, she did not know, but her prayers were ever +the same, that in the abyss wherein lay her own fair fame he should +cast his love;—so grief for him would cease to exist.</p> + +<p>At last the silence of the room was broken by the man before the fire, +who turned toward her, and, as if but just noting her presence, said, +drowsily: "Daughter, methinks such late hours ill befit thee. It hath +long since struck twelve; thou hast already lost thy beauty sleep."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p> + +<p>Elinor arose, laid aside the work with which she had been employed, +passed over to Fawkes, then stooped and kissed him. As her lips +touched his, he reached up, took her face between his hands and gazing +at her said, after a moment: "My pretty one, if at any time death +should take thy father from thee, wouldst ever cease to love him?"</p> + +<p>The girl started; for the words had broken strangely in upon her +thoughts. Evidently the man beheld the shocked look, for he continued, +putting his arm about her slight form and pressing it close to him, +"Nay, my daughter, thou needst not be alarmed at what I say, for—for +'twas nothing. Thou knowest in years I do grow apace, and 'twould be +small wonder if death did perchance tap me on the shoulder and say, +'Thou art the man!' There, there, little one," he added kissing her, +"thou needst not reply; I can read an answer in thy eyes."</p> + +<p>"And, prithee, didst ever doubt my love for thee?" whispered the girl, +as she gently placed her arms about his neck.</p> + +<p>"Nay, never!" answered Fawkes, quickly, in a husky voice, "but—but +'tis sweet to hear thee tell thy love, and," he added, taking one of +her white hands within his own, "thou art all I have. If at any time +death should steal thee from thy father's arms, methinks he would soon +follow in thy light footsteps."</p> + +<p>"Much happiness it doth give me to hear from thee such words," the +girl replied, "even though they have but solemn import."</p> + +<p>"And dost thy father's affection need repetition? Surely, thou knowest +'tis all thine own." For an instant there was silence, broken only by +the crackling logs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> Then the girl said, as though dwelling upon his +words: "Nay, I never doubted thee—but—but——"</p> + +<p>"But what, my daughter?" Fawkes asked, tenderly, pressing her fingers +to his lips.</p> + +<p>"Well, perchance," she answered with a smile, "I did but wish, like +thee, to hear again the confession of it."</p> + +<p>His only response was the pressing of her figure closer to his heart.</p> + +<p>"Tell me," she began after a moment, in a hesitating voice, casting a +half-timid glance at her father's face; "dost think one ever speaks +words from anger that—well, that in calmer moments he would give a +world to unsay?"</p> + +<p>"What brought such question to thy mind, daughter?" enquired the other +with a smile of surprise.</p> + +<p>"Perchance 'tis but a causeless query," she replied, smoothing his +tumbled locks.</p> + +<p>"Many foolish things are spoke in passion," said Fawkes; "things which +leave a lifetime of regret behind. I do remember that once, in this +very room, my temper did o'erleap its bounds and lent my tongue words +which I would give a year of sweet life to unsay. Dost know my +meaning, darling?" he inquired, looking at her with moisture in his +eyes. "'Twas when I had not long arrived from Spain; in truth, 'twas +on the very night when thou——"</p> + +<p>"Nay, I will not hear thee repeat," she interrupted, laying her hand +upon his mouth. "I know all, but thou canst not think how happy this +doth make me."</p> + +<p>"Didst thou imagine I could mean those wicked words?" asked the man +tenderly, "'Twas a sudden outburst of temper on hearing—well, well, +since thy dainty fingers forbid my speech I will be mute."</p> + +<p>"See!" cried Elinor, springing to her feet, in the first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> happiness of +her relieved mind. "Now thou shalt hear me laugh and sing all through +the day, till thou wilt cry mercy. And mayhap some time thou and I," +continued the girl, seating herself beside him, "shall leave this +chilly land with all its cares and fly to a fairer country, where cold +winds are not known, where sweet flowers do ever bloom, and we will +love each other; in that, forget all else, and in forgetting; be +forever happy and at rest."</p> + +<p>"Perchance, some day," murmured the man. "But now, one more caress and +thou must to thy bed, or 'twill be light ere thou art in dreamland."</p> + +<p>She arose, a bright smile upon her face—brighter than he had seen +resting there for many a day.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" she cried, once more throwing her arms about him, "would that I +could give to thee the happiness thy words have brought to me."</p> + +<p>"And so thou canst," replied the man, suddenly.</p> + +<p>"How may that be done?—tell me quickly!" she exclaimed, playfully, +"that I may the sooner begin."</p> + +<p>"It is, sweet Elinor," said Fawkes, gazing down into her eyes, "that +thou wilt always love this man before thee—nay, even," he continued +with a depth of feeling in his tone which she had never heard before, +"even shouldst thou hear him branded as—as—no matter what manner of +things might be uttered against him, thou art always to remember that +he at least loved thee with all his heart, and that thou wert his +life." He stopped abruptly; the tears which coursed down his stern +face seemed strangely out of place.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" exclaimed the girl, "I cannot bear to have thee doubt me; thou +knowest I shall be ever thy loving daughter, even unto the end of this +life and in the next."</p> + +<p>The man was silent for a space; then mastering his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> emotion, and +passing a hand quickly across his face, he said: "Think naught of my +words, little one; they were but idle, born of fatigue. Now, once more +good night to thee, and a long, sweet sleep."</p> + +<p>So she left him; but at the door she turned, and Fawkes remembered +afterward the bright and happy smile which lay upon her face.</p> + +<p>With a light heart she went to rest, for her father's words had +banished from her mind the hideous doubt with which it had so long +been oppressed. The dreadful gulf between them had, at last, been +bridged, and once more they stood together hand in hand as in days +gone by. She was almost unwilling to yield herself to sleep, fearing +lest, on awaking, she might find her happiness but a vision of the +night. Slumber claimed her at last, and she fell into dreams of her +new-found joy. Many hours elapsed and the morning sun shone brightly +into her room, when there fell upon the girl's ear the sound of voices +in the apartment below. Remaining a moment in a dreamy state, +wondering who the early visitors might be, she suddenly caught a +sentence which stiffened the blood within her veins and brought back +to her heart in deadly force the awful fears she had thought forever +gone. Those in the chamber beneath had evidently been in conversation +for some time, for she heard them advancing toward the door as though +to depart. Then a voice, which the girl recognized as Sir Thomas +Winter's, said in a low tone: "Now, the last arrangements are made; +all doth await thy hand. Ah," he continued, "would that I might see +the outcome of this. 'Tis a ghastly thing, even though it be——"</p> + +<p>"What?" interrupted another voice, which Elinor knew to be her +father's. "Doth thy heart begin to turn at this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> late hour? Marry, my +one wish is that even now the clock stood on the stroke of eleven, for +in five minutes thereafter England will be without its King and +Parliament."</p> + +<p>"Hast all that thou wilt need?" inquired Winter.</p> + +<p>"Yea, verily," the other answered. "Here are flint and steel, quite +new. The touchwood and the lantern are hidden beneath the faggots in +the cellar. But stay, thou hadst better lend me thy time-piece; mine +is not over trustworthy, and I would keep accurate track of the +moments."</p> + +<p>"Here is the watch," said the other voice; "it was true to the second +yesterday. And now, for the last time, dost fully understand the +signal? It is to be the first stroke of eleven. The King is expected +at half after the hour of ten; that will leave thirty minutes' margin, +and the lords will have assembled before James doth take his place."</p> + +<p>"Knowest thou," inquired Fawkes, when Winter had ceased, "what may be +the first measure before the House?"</p> + +<p>"Methinks," replied the man, "one Lord Effingston will speak upon a +bill relating to the duty upon wool." And he added, with a laugh which +the girl could distinctly hear, "perchance his fine words will be +interrupted, if thy tinder be not damp."</p> + +<p>"Thou needst have no fear of that," answered Fawkes, gruffly. "But let +us hence, for 'tis even now past the stroke of ten."</p> + +<p>She heard them pass quickly out, and soon their footsteps died away in +the distance. Elinor lay for a moment dazed,—the blow had fallen! The +words he had uttered but a few short hours ago were a lie, uttered to +blind her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> She recoiled in horror from even the thoughts of that man +with the black and treacherous heart. He was now a father but in name; +all her love turned to that other man, who, in that very moment, was +standing over a hell which awaited but the hand of Fawkes to send it +belching forth. Was there yet time to save him? All her energies bent +themselves to this one purpose. She arose and dressed hurriedly, +forming her plan of action the meanwhile. A sudden terror came upon +her. If by some accident the mine should be prematurely exploded, what +then? But she recollected the cautious man who was to fire it, and the +thought quieted her. The bell in a neighboring steeple chimed the +quarter after ten. Forty-five minutes only remained,—barely time, if +she hastened her utmost, to reach the Parliament buildings before +eleven would ring out upon the air. She was soon ready and hastened +toward the door, her trembling fingers scarce able, in their +eagerness, to lift the latch. At last they found the cord, but the +portal held firmly to its place. Again she tried, putting forth all +her strength. Still it did not yield. The horrible truth flashed upon +the girl; the heavy door was securely fastened from the outside!</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h2>THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER.</h2> + + +<p>As Elinor stood confronted by the barred door, a madness born of +terror seized her. Frantically she beat upon the panel until in places +the wood was stained with her blood. Again and again she threw herself +against the heavy oak, but with no result. After many vain attempts +she sank, almost fainting, to the floor.</p> + +<p>As she lay breathless, her tender hands bruised and bleeding, there +fell upon her ear the echo of the chime once more;—ten thirty! The +sound infused new life into her slight form. Springing to her feet she +seized a bench near by, and with a power almost superhuman, raised the +heavy piece and struck the portal with all her might. A shower of dust +rewarded her. Another blow and a wide fissure appeared across the +panel. Once more the bench crashed against the door, and it gave way, +a shower of splinters flying into the hall below. Quickly she hastened +down the stairs and gained the street. People turned wondering looks +upon the flying girl as with strength born of desperation she sped +toward Parliament House. As she reached the neighborhood a group of +men who stood engaged in conversation, noted her, and one drew forth +his watch:—"There is one carrying a petition," said he; "but fifteen +minutes yet remain before the opening of the House."</p> + +<p>The words quickened her energies; a quarter of an hour yet!</p> + +<p>In a moment she was in sight of the buildings. It had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> been her +purpose to hasten to the hall, but suddenly flashed the thought that +her entrance might be barred, and questions be asked. No time now but +for one thing,—to seek her father in the cellar, and snatch the torch +from out his hand.... The clock marked the hour of half past ten when +Fawkes, having taken leave of Sir Thomas Winter, reached the door of +the dark room under Parliament House. As he had left it, so he found +it;—the portal locked, and silence reigning within where lay the +faggots and the gunpowder. The soldier of fortune glanced about. Save +for a few idlers the narrow passage flanking the cellar door was +unoccupied. Soon even those went on their way, and unobserved he +opened the portal and slipped into the fatal chamber, closing it +noiselessly behind him, but leaving it unbarred; for, the spark once +applied to the powder, there would be scant time for escape. The +cellar was in darkness save where, through the rusty bars of a small +window, a feeble ray of light struggled with the gloom, losing itself +amid the shadows.</p> + +<p>Stepping carefully, that no footfall might reach the ears of any +above, he groped his way along the rough stone wall. Upon reaching a +depression in the masonry, he took up from its hiding place a lantern, +a rude affair formed of iron, pierced by countless holes, and within +it a tallow candle, which, when he lighted it, sputtered fitfully and +sent forth a sickly yellow light, the glare only serving to intensify +the gloom. A rat, frightened by his approach, scurried into some dark +corner with a plaintive squeak which startled him, despite his iron +nerve.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" he muttered, a grim smile relaxing for a moment the stern +lines of his face, "thou art strangely nervous, Guido, that such a +thing doth make thee tremble! 'Tis an adage that such vermin as I have +disturbed make<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> haste to leave a fatal ship, and, methinks, this Ship +of State is very near the rocks. 'Tis a sign from heaven that I shall +not fail." Then, turning to the pile of faggots: "So innocent are ye, +that even Elinor, with all her gentleness, might bear you in her arms +and take no harm; but——" here he bent and touched a hidden cask: +"thou art more to my liking, and the King shall hear thee speak for +me. Thine is the voice which shall tell all England that——"</p> + +<p>For a moment the monologue was interrupted and he busied himself with +the fuse, pouring from a flask taken from his doublet, fresh grains of +powder upon the train already laid, that nothing should be lacking to +speed the fire to its destination.</p> + +<p>Overhead sounded countless footsteps, as the pages and attendants upon +the floor of the Parliament chamber hastened hither and thither upon +their various errands.</p> + +<p>"My good lords and bishops are assembling," muttered Fawkes; "a most +gallant gathering, I warrant. Pity 'tis, that all must perish; for +there be some who have small voice in the passing of the laws."</p> + +<p>Suddenly there fell upon his ear the muffled sound of a cheer raised +by countless voices. The smile upon his lips grew scornful: "The +King!" he muttered, "greeting his good Parliament. 'Tis said he loves +a well-timed jest; pity to rob England of such a famous clown; +perchance in hell the devil may use his wit to while away the dinner +hour."</p> + +<p>The noise above increased; the peers had entered the hall; the King +had ascended the throne, and it lacked but fifteen minutes to the +first stroke of eleven, when the Parliament would open—and the flint +would kiss the steel.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p> + +<p>Despite his hardihood the man waiting in the gloom beneath the feet of +the sovereign and his noblemen grew restless as the fatal moment +approached. Through his brain flashed thoughts of the fearful +consequence of his bloody deed,—the terror, the widespread +consternation and the chaos which would follow the destruction of the +Parliament. To him came, also, the thought of his daughter—what she +would say to him; but then—she was a child and little comprehended +affairs of State. When all was over Garnet would quiet her fears, and +her father would be a hero in her eyes.</p> + +<p>Unconsciously he drew forth his dagger and pricked with its point the +mortar between the stones of the pillar against which he leaned. With +something to occupy his mind the moments would speed faster. The +lantern, burning dimly, stands upon the floor near his side; beyond +lies the fuse, ready for the fire.</p> + +<p>Just at this moment Elinor, having reached the door of the cellar, +paused an instant upon the threshold, then, scarce conscious of what +she was doing pushed open the unbarred portal and stepped within the +gloomy chamber. So silent was her coming that Fawkes, busy with his +dagger and the mortar, did not perceive it. The girl hesitated, +trembling in every limb; the blackness of the place, the intense +excitement under which she labored, and the fearful thought that +already the fuse might be burning, her father gone, and death so near, +held her spellbound. She saw the faint glimmer from the lantern, a +hundred tiny streaks of light glowing through the darkness. Her father +must be there beside his light, and summoning all her energies she +moves quickly forward, intent only upon accomplishing her mission.</p> + +<p>The rustle of her garments struck upon Fawkes' ear.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> He turned and saw +the half open door, the dim outline of the form which stood between +him and the faint light struggling through the aperture. With a quick +indrawing of the breath he grasped the hilt of his dagger and turned +to face the advancing figure. Shall anyone thus ruin all, at the +eleventh hour? His nerves became as if made of steel, all signs of +indecision vanish; face to face with danger he becomes once more the +hardened veteran who has met unflinchingly the fierce charge of the +foemen in the Lowcountry.</p> + +<p>Elinor at length perceived him whom she sought, and stretched out her +hands to grasp him, for the dry lips refused to frame the words her +tongue would utter.</p> + +<p>In that moment, noting the extended arms, and thinking the other would +lay violent hands upon him, Fawkes sprang forward and seized the frail +form about the shoulders; small time to note the softness of the flesh +and the clinging woman's garments, or the low cry which answers the +grasp of his iron hand. The blackness of the place hides their faces, +and his business is to carry out the plot.</p> + +<p>For a moment the two—father and daughter—are locked together in a +firm embrace; the slender figure of the child bent and tortured by the +cruel pressure of the pitiless fingers. She struggled desperately, and +in her efforts to free herself Fawkes finds the way to end the matter +quickly.</p> + +<p>"Thou wouldst undo the work," he hisses. "Didst think to find me +unprepared? Thou art a cunning knave, but this——"</p> + +<p>No eye, save that of God, sees the uplifting of the dagger, the quick +movement of the arm, the rapid thrust which drives the fatal steel +into that tender breast, letting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> forth her life-blood upon the rough +pavement of the cellar.</p> + +<p>Elinor reeled and released her hold upon him. In her agony God +stretched forth His hand and held her in His grasp so that, ere she +died, the end for which she had come might be accomplished. One word, +a bitter cry wrung from her heart, escaped her lips: "Father!"</p> + +<p>But Fawkes heeded it not. As he sent home the dagger his foot struck +the lantern, overturning it, and sent the iron case with its burning +contents rolling across the floor toward the powder train. In another +instant the fire will have reached the fuse,—and 'tis not yet time!</p> + +<p>With a frantic push he hurled the victim of his murderous blow away +from him, and hastened to snatch the sputtering light. His violence +flung the stricken girl to the floor, but with a last effort of will, +she staggered to her feet and groped blindly for the door, one little +hand outstretched before her, the other covering the cruel wound made +by her father's knife.</p> + +<p>At last she found the portal, and gained the narrow way to the street. +There was but one thought in her heart,—to reach the hall above +before death claimed her.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Within the House of Lords all was ready for the opening of the +Parliament. James, clothed in royal robes of State, and exchanging +jests with his favorites, was lolling upon the throne. The peers were +in their seats; some, deep in conversation, others, silently gazing at +the gorgeous scene of which they were a part. At a table standing near +the space before the throne, sat Lord Monteagle and his son, the +latter engaged in arranging the notes of his speech on the bill which +he was soon to bring before the House. Effingston seemed to be +strangely nervous as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> the hour for his address drew near and his +father had evidently made some jesting remark concerning his tremulous +hand, when suddenly the attention of all was drawn toward the great +doors at the extreme end of the room. Affected by the tumult, James +turned impatiently to see who had dared disturb the solemnity of the +hour. Those who were looking in that direction started with amazement.</p> + +<p>Through the open portal, flanked by its two rows of yeomen of the +guard, advanced a slender girlish figure, with face white as marble +and whose dark eyes sought the King. Clad in a gown of some soft gray +stuff which had been torn open at the throat, revealing the gentle +curve of the white bosom, the girl staggered up the long aisle leading +to the throne. Between the fingers of the hand pressed above her heart +showed a crimson stain which, touching the bodice of her dress, +gradually spread itself upon the soft color.</p> + +<p>Amazed at so unwonted a spectacle the peers could only stare, +transfixed. The girl had reached the space before the throne and +stopped beside the table at which Effingston stood, who alone, of all +the House, had started to his feet and confronted her. For one brief +moment she gazed into his eyes, then stretched forth her hand. The +white lips parted, she cried in a stifled voice:</p> + +<p>"My lords! flee the House ere——"</p> + +<p>The voice fell to a whisper, she reeled and sought to grasp the table +for support. Effingston sprang toward her, but before he reached her +side, her form sank slowly to the floor and lay at his feet. Unmindful +of the presence of the King, and of his fellow peers, the young +nobleman raised her in his arms. None beside Lord Monteagle heard him +whisper:—"Elinor!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p> + +<p>At her name the closed lids opened, and her lips parted in a faint +smile.</p> + +<p>"My love!" she murmured faintly, her head sinking upon his shoulder +like that of a tired child slowly falling to sleep. "I am +guiltless—thou alone—'twas for thy sake——"</p> + +<p>A spasm of pain swept across her face; he felt a shudder shake the +slender form, and a beseeching look sought his face.</p> + +<p>"I understand, my darling," he whispered, pressing his lips to hers.</p> + +<p>She sighed. A happy light shone in the fast glazing eyes.</p> + +<p>"Elinor!" he murmured. "One more word——"</p> + +<p>But God had taken her.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<h2>FAWKES BEFORE THE KING.</h2> + + +<p>For a moment a great stillness pervaded the House of Lords. The King +had half arisen from the throne, his hands tightly grasping the gilded +lions on either side, and his eyes fixed upon the dead form of Elinor, +lying at Effingston's feet. All followed the monarch's glance, the +ministers and peers leaning forward to better see the stricken girl +growing rigid in the clasp of death. So profound was the silence in +the great hall, that the footsteps of those without were heard with +startling distinctness in every part of the room. Before all the +peers, leaned Lord Monteagle, his gaze riveted upon the face of his +son. As for Effingston he heeded nothing; like an image of stone he +stood, his limbs powerless and his blood turned to ice; the face of +the dead was not whiter than his, yet, upon her face was the smile of +peace, in his, the shadow of conscious, mortal agony.</p> + +<p>So sudden had been the coming of that tender maid, born of the people, +but now more noble than any lord of England, that none save, +perchance, Salisbury, Monteagle and the King, comprehended its +meaning. The girl's dying cry that all should flee the House of +Parliament, was a mystery to the lords; but to the mind of the Prime +Minister, and to Monteagle and James, came as by a flash of lightning, +the veiled meaning in the letter, which, strong in his feeling of +security, the King had hitherto looked upon as an idle jest, gotten up +to disturb his dreams. Raising his eyes from the spot where<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> Elinor +lay, her blood staining the polished floor, he turned them upon +Salisbury, with a look of interrogation. The Minister collected by an +effort his scattered senses. Into his mind came as though by Divine +inspiration some inkling of the nature of the threatened danger. +Turning quickly, he summoned to his side Master Edmond Doubleday, an +officer of the royal household.</p> + +<p>"Go," said he hoarsely, "into the cellar, and whosoever thou findest +there, be it man or woman, seize quickly. Perchance the King's life +dependeth upon thy expedition."</p> + +<p>Of quick wit, the officer comprehended that his superior had surmised +some plot, the solution of which might be found below. Hastening from +the hall he gathered on the way a dozen gentlemen, and together the +company hurried from the House and sought the door which opened to the +chamber under it. Something guided their steps—great, crimson +splashes upon the pavement, blood drops which left a well-marked trail +from the space before the throne of the King—to the narrow entrance +of the cellar wherein lay the danger which they must avert. Little did +Guido Fawkes know—as little had the dead girl comprehended—that her +heart's blood would mark the way which would lead him to the scaffold +because it would be the means of hastening on his enemies, directing +them with no uncertain significance to his hiding place.</p> + +<p>In the semi-darkness of the cellar, amid his coals and faggots, with +the six and thirty barrels of gunpowder ready for the spark, the +daring soldier of fortune stood with trembling limbs, and a nameless +terror at his heart. Unflinching in the face of danger, the first in +all deeds of hardihood, famed for his valor in the Lowcountry, the +overturning of the lantern so near the powder train, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> the low cry +of agony which followed the driving home of his dagger, had unnerved +him. For one brief instant he thought he recognized the cry—that from +the gasping lips so near his own had fallen the word "father!" but in +the excitement of the moment he dismissed the dreadful thought. Some +idle, curious knave had chanced to see the cellar door, and entered. +Was it his fault that he had resorted to the knife to prevent the +discovery of his presence?</p> + +<p>Occupied with the overturned lantern he had noted little what befell +the other. Stabbed to death, the intruder probably lay in some dark +corner where the soldier's frantic push had sent him. The lantern +burned dimly, and time was speeding, so 'twould be an ill thing to +waste it upon a dead man. Steadying his nerves by an effort, Fawkes +took out the watch which Winter had given him, and bending toward the +flickering light studied the dial. The hour was at hand; in five +minutes the great clock in the tower of St. Paul would mark the stroke +of eleven, and he would fire the fuse.</p> + +<p>Searching in his doublet he drew forth a tinder box and touchwood. +Five minutes more and he would strike the spark; in five more the red, +spitting serpent would reach the hidden powder; by then he would be +safe, and, mingling with the crowd, would hear the roar of thunder +heralding the passing of James Stuart and his Parliament into +eternity.</p> + +<p>As he waited, the flint held ready to strike the steel, there flashed +through his mind the thought of his daughter, but she was safe at +home, and——The sound of hasty footsteps and the passing of dark +forms before the dim light struggling through the half closed entrance +to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> cellar, broke his revery. Was it another come to meet his +knife point?</p> + +<p>As he drew back, shading the lantern with his cloak, the door was +burst violently open, and a dozen men, the first holding aloft a +torch, pushed into the cellar. Fawkes thrust the flint and touchwood +into the bosom of his doublet, and, ever cool when danger threatened, +bent carelessly over the pile of coals and faggots. Coming thus, +without knowledge, any might have judged him an honest coal monger +busy at his trade.</p> + +<p>Those who entered so hastily rushed upon him; Edmond Doubleday raised +a dagger, intent upon driving it into his body, but seeing Fawkes +unarmed he lowered the steel and seized him by the shoulders. In an +instant the soldier shook off the other's grasp.</p> + +<p>"Who art thou?" cried he fiercely, "what is thy business, sir?"</p> + +<p>For reply Doubleday turned to his companions. "Surround the fellow, +gentlemen," said he sharply, "and search the cellar."</p> + +<p>Fawkes was quickly hemmed in by a wall of men, each with drawn sword +in hand. On the instant it flashed upon him that the plot was known, +and that further dissimulation would be profitless; therefore he held +his peace while two or three of his captors searched the cellar. One +muttered an exclamation; he had come upon the fuse, and following it, +perceived the barrels beneath the pile of faggots. Fawkes smiled +grimly.</p> + +<p>"If thou wilt look yet further," said he, "haply thou wilt find a dead +man."</p> + +<p>But nothing was discovered save Fawkes, his faggots, and the +gunpowder.</p> + +<p>The captive started. He had not then killed him who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> grappled with him +in the darkness; sorely wounded, the other had escaped to set the +bloodhounds upon his hiding place. He had thought his hand more sure.</p> + +<p>After thoroughly searching the cellar those who had taken Fawkes led +him to the passage without. He noted upon the stones the drops of +blood, and smiled,—his knife had not been useless after all. As the +little company with the soldier of fortune in their midst hurried +along the passage there ran toward them Sir Thomas Knyvet and half a +score of the royal guards. Perceiving the prisoner, the knight looked +at him critically.</p> + +<p>"What!" cried he, turning to Doubleday, "hast not bound the ruffian? +'Tis the King's pleasure that any whom thou hast taken be brought +before the throne."</p> + +<p>No cords were forthcoming, for, in their haste, small matters had been +neglected, but one of the gentlemen, taking from his pocket a pair of +garters proffered them to Doubleday.</p> + +<p>"Take these," said he; "I warrant they will hold the knave."</p> + +<p>Fawkes submitted without a protest, watching with grim indifference +the passing of the garters about his legs and wrists. Once he smiled; +but 'twas a fleeting shadow. Within the House his captors searched +him, coming upon the tinder box, touchwood, and Winter's watch—things +which were to bear heavy evidence against the prisoner.</p> + +<p>In the hall of Parliament all was confusion; Elinor, guarded by +Effingston, still lay dead before the throne, and the ministers were +gathered about it.</p> + +<p>The tumult ceased as Fawkes was led through the doorway. He was to +meet the King whom he would have slain, yet he advanced with uplifted +head, not a muscle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> quivering. The peers made way for him, so that a +space was cleared before the throne. Suddenly his eyes fell upon +Effingston; for an instant he paused, then following the gaze of the +grief-stricken nobleman, saw her who lay upon the floor. A mist +gathered before his eyes; a blinding flash of unreal but fierce +accusing light seared his brain and turned him into stone. +Horror-stricken he advanced, scarce conscious that he moved, until he +stood before the body of his daughter upon whose breast showed the red +wound made by the knife. The King, Salisbury, and the ministers had +turned and were looking fixedly upon him, but Fawkes was unconscious +of their gaze. He saw only the white face, the half-closed eyes, the +cold lips which had kissed his own so fondly and called him "father."</p> + +<p>As the flashing of a great light coming out of the darkness, the truth +gleamed in its red horror upon him—the reason of the presence of +another in the cellar, the drops of blood along the pavement. She had +sought to save him from the crime of murder—and he had killed her!</p> + +<p>He would have cried out and thrown himself upon his knees beside the +dead, but his iron will controlled the impulse, and the hands of the +guard upon his shoulder held him firm. What cared he for axe or gibbet +now? He had loved her next to his religion, and had slain her. The +King was speaking:</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said he, "what have we here, brave gentlemen? Doth tremble so at +the sight of one dead girl? Who art thou, fellow?"</p> + +<p>Fawkes replied nothing, nor, perchance, heard the voice of James; his +thoughts were in Spain, where, when a child, Elinor had climbed upon +his knee.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" cried the King, "hast caught a dumb man,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> good Master +Doubleday? or hath the decoration of the garter so overcome his senses +that he is in a maze?"</p> + +<p>Some of the gentlemen about the throne smiled, for James loved a jest; +but Effingston turned away and pressed his father's hand.</p> + +<p>"Come!" cried the King, impatiently; "wilt not find thy tongue? 'tis +not my custom to speak a second time. What didst thou in the cellar?"</p> + +<p>Fawkes raised his eyes and the King saw in them a look of such utter +hopelessness that some chord of pity in his heart was touched.</p> + +<p>"My good Lord Cecil," said he, turning to Salisbury, "methinks terror, +or something worse, hath driven away his wits; we but waste words upon +him. See to it, pray, that he be closely guarded, for certain +questions must be put to him. The Warden of the Tower hath a way to +loosen stubborn tongues."</p> + +<p>So saying, he arose with much dignity and left the hall, followed by +many of his gentlemen. Fawkes they took out by another way—the road +which led to the Tower. He gave no sign, but let his gaze dwell in one +last farewell upon the body of his daughter. Then his eyes met those +of Effingston, and in the other's look he read that the dead would +rest in peace and honor.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<h2>THE BANQUET.</h2> + + +<p>On the evening of that memorable Fifth of November, there were +gathered in a spacious residence at Ashbery, Saint Ledger, a small +company evidently bent upon pleasure.</p> + +<p>During the day they had passed their time in the many ways gentlemen +were wont to choose when seeking forgetfulness of the din and +distractions incident to a great city. But it was not difficult to +discern that the hearts of the men were far from interested in the +various sports undertaken by them.</p> + +<p>The hours from morning until dark had been spent in a variety of ways, +but none evinced any enjoyment in their pastime. A few had beguiled a +small part of the day in hunting, but they failed to find even in that +excitement relief for the anxiety which so oppressed them. At last +twilight came, lingered, and glided into night. But with the darkness +the uneasiness of all increased.</p> + +<p>Nor would this fact have caused wonder had it been known what thoughts +lay in the mind of each; that they were momentarily expecting tidings +upon which depended not only their hopes and happiness but, perchance +their lives as well. Indeed, the company had been bidden thither by +none other than Lord Catesby, who deemed it expedient that those not +actually engaged in carrying out the plot for the assassination of +James and his Parliament, should tarry at his country residence until +news of the accomplished deed should be brought them. Acting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> upon the +suggestion, he, together with Sir Everard Digsby, Rookwood, Robert +Morgan, Grant and the brother of Sir Thomas Winter, had ridden forth +from the city the day before; and now, with apprehension which their +sanguine hopes could not fully thrust aside, they awaited the news +which was to tell them how the fearful plot had prospered.</p> + +<p>After a day, the length of which was measured not by the standard of +moments but by that of slow-moving years, all had assembled to partake +of the evening repast. Surrounding the glittering table were anxious +and thoughtful faces. The host was silent and distraught, but not more +so than his guests. The terrible strain under which they labored +forbade much conversation; and if a laugh, perchance, mounted to the +lips of any, it sounded hollow and mirthless.</p> + +<p>"What now, good gentlemen," cried Catesby, with an attempt at gayety, +when silence had again fallen upon the group; "ye are in truth but +sorry companions. It would appear that something besides good vintage +lay in the cellar beneath us. Come, fill your cups and let wine bring +to our lips the jest, since wit seemeth utterly barren."</p> + +<p>"Nay, my lord," exclaimed Rookwood, as he thrust his glass aside; "I +for one am done with pretensions; 'tis time some news did reach us." +The man drew forth his watch, and glancing at it, said with a frown: +"By Our Blessed Lady, 'tis past nine and we have had no tidings!"</p> + +<p>The anxiety in the speaker's tone seemed to find a silent response in +the heart of each. Before them all the wine stood untasted. A barking +cur upon the highway caused them to start to their feet and listen, +thinking the sound might be the herald of an approaching horseman.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> +"'Twas nothing," said the host wearily, when once more seated. +"Patience, patience, gentlemen; I think this delay doth not bode ill +to us, for as ye are aware, bad news is ever atop of the swiftest +steed."</p> + +<p>"Ah, good Catesby," exclaimed Digsby, "it is to thee we look for +consolation in this terrible hour. But I do most devoutly wish some +intelligence, be it good or evil, would arrive; for naught can be +worse than this awful waiting."</p> + +<p>"Talk not of evil tidings," broke in Grant, nervously; "our minds are +full enough of fears without thy——"</p> + +<p>"Nay, good Robert," interrupted Sir Everard, "'twas but a figure of +speech I used. Nothing is further from my mind than to play the +croaking prophet."</p> + +<p>"Art sure, my lord," queried Rookwood, "that Sir Winter did comprehend +in what manner the intelligence was to be brought?"</p> + +<p>"Quite certain of it," answered the host; "for 'twas the last topic +upon which we spoke before I left the city. Have no fear; he +understood full well that Master Keyes was to ride post haste the +moment all was accomplished."</p> + +<p>"How long would it take a horseman, riding at his best speed, to +travel the distance?" enquired Rookwood, again drawing forth his +watch.</p> + +<p>"If nothing occurred to hinder on the way, and his mount was fresh at +start, methinks the journey should be made in eight hours."</p> + +<p>"Then," exclaimed the other, thrusting back his time-piece, "if all be +well we would have heard ere now. I fear me—nay—I know not what I +fear."</p> + +<p>But hark! What sound is that which at last falls upon the listening +group? Was it the wind sighing through the leafless trees? Nay, it +cannot be; for now they hear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> it again, and more distinctly. There is +no mistaking the flying hoofs of a horse striking the hard road. All +spring from the table. The moment has arrived; they are to know. As +each gazes into the white face of the other, he but beholds the +reflection of his own pallid countenance, and speech for a moment is +impossible.</p> + +<p>"God!" cried Rookwood, listening; "Catesby, thou didst say but one +rider was to bear the message, and I hear the noise of several rushing +steeds, if, indeed, I be not mad."</p> + +<p>Louder and louder grew the clatter of the hoofs, whiter and whiter the +faces of the waiting men. At last five horsemen dash in at the gate +and ride without drawing rein across the lawn and up to the very +window of the banquet room.</p> + +<p>No need to ask what tidings. Winter is the first to throw himself from +his steaming horse, and followed by Percy, the two Wrights and Robert +Keyes, staggers into the room. They are covered with mud and streaming +with perspiration. Their hats and swords were left behind—evidently +lost in the wild ride from London. Breathless they stand, for a moment +unable to speak. Written on the face of each is an expression of utter +despair, mingled with fear and pain, such a look as an animal wears +when, shot through the body, it blindly flees from death.</p> + +<p>Winter is the first to find voice; and clutching at the table, which +shakes under his trembling grasp, pants, in a tone which is scarcely +audible:</p> + +<p>"Flee for your lives! There is yet time for us to escape. We cannot +help him who is in the Tower. Our own necks will pay for further +delay."</p> + +<p>There is a horrified silence, broken only by the hard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> breathing of +the men. At last Rookwood, pale with emotion, sprang toward the +speaker, gasping: "What is this thou sayest? Failure! It cannot be! +Thou must be mad!"</p> + +<p>"Nay," cried Percy, "'tis so, 'tis so, indeed. Fawkes is captured. +Nothing is left for us but flight. Come, to horse! to horse! I say. +Even now the soldiers are on the road, and any moment the sound of +hurrying hoofs in pursuit of us may fall upon our ears."</p> + +<p>In an instant the utmost disorder reigned. Chairs were overturned in +the eagerness of the men to take in hand their swords, which rested +against the wall. Glasses, swept from off the board, fell with a +crash, adding to the general din. The floor was strewn with eatables +and wine, carried from off the table in the mad rush. Panic ruled, and +it had placed its sign-manual upon each face.</p> + +<p>At last, above the uproar, the voice of Catesby can be heard, and +standing by the door he addresses the fear-stricken men. "Gentlemen!" +he cried, "has the grasp of terror seized upon and turned you all mad? +Why should we fly, and by that course brand our deeds as sinful? Are +we criminals? Have we stolen aught? Are we creatures to be hunted +through the country? Come! play the part God has given to each, and at +the end, since success is not ours let us meet death here, hand in +hand, as becomes brothers in one faith—like martyrs!"</p> + +<p>The words of the speaker had small effect upon the men, and did not +check the general confusion. Those who had just arrived were in the +garden attending to their jaded steeds, knowing full well that upon +them depended their lives.</p> + +<p>Rookwood burst again into the room, attired in a heavy riding +mantle. "Come," he cried to his host; "to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> horse while there is time! +'Twould be a wickedness to tarry longer; it meaneth naught but +self-destruction. Our steeds have been resting, and many miles may be +placed between us and London ere break of day. Endanger not all our +lives by thy foolish scruples."</p> + +<p>At last the finer sentiments of Catesby were overruled by the words +and entreaties of his companions, and he with them, hurried to the +stable. With trembling fingers the bridles were fastened, the girths +drawn, and in a moment all were ready for the flight. With a clatter +the cavalcade sped out of the gate and thundered down the road at +breakneck pace, disappearing in the darkness.</p> + +<p>So ended the day which was to see the culmination of a deed which +these fleeing men once dreamed would set the world on fire! And what +had come of it? For them, nothing but the dancing sparks struck out by +the hoofs of galloping horses, bearing their guilty riders from under +the blow of a swinging axe. Fawkes, their unhappy tool, was already in +the grip of the avenging power; and was tasting a more bitter gall +than that of torture and death, for that he had, with his own hand, +shed the blood of his well-beloved daughter, but not one drop of the +heretic blood he so thirsted to spill.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + +<h2>"IN THE KING'S NAME."</h2> + + +<p>The bomb having exploded so unexpectedly in the camp of the +conspirators, Fawkes a prisoner in the hands of the government, which, +following the custom of the day, would probably under torture wring +from him a confession, the gentlemen who had been so zealous in the +cause had now no thought but of flight. So sudden had been the +exposure of their plot—laid bare to the eyes of all England at the +eleventh hour—that the bold plans for a well-regulated defense were +overthrown completely, and could not be carried out in any degree. +Garnet, indeed, was for the time safe, his hiding place unknown to the +authorities, and did Fawkes resist with physical and moral force the +torture, the Jesuit might not become involved in the consequences of +his treason. But Catesby, Percy, the two Winters and others stood in +the shadow of the scaffold. That no mercy would be measured out to +them was beyond peradventure. Though of brave spirit, they feared, and +could but flee before, the anger of the law.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a pitiful and chagrined body of horsemen who, hurrying +through Worcestershire and the adjoining county, sought to hide +themselves from the King's officers. Pausing in their mad flight, they +rifled the house of Lord Windsor, taking such arms and armor as best +suited their needs. Close after them rode the soldiers of the King +incited by promise of reward and honor did they capture and deliver +the little band into the hands of Salis<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>bury and his ministers. One +face was missing from among those fleeing for their lives in such wild +haste. Catesby, Percy, my Lord of Rookwood, the two Wrights, Grant, +Morgan and Robert Keyes rode side by side, but Thomas Winter, he who +had summoned Fawkes from Spain, was absent. Small need of words +between the proscribed conspirators. A single purpose was in each +heart—to escape those in pursuit.</p> + +<p>As dull night drew on, the horses jaded, their riders fainting from +fatigue and fear, the luckless gentlemen reached Holbeach, the house +of Stephen Littleton. The early stars were twinkling in the gray vault +of heaven when lights from the welcome asylum greeted their eyes. +Percy turned to Catesby, who rode at his side.</p> + +<p>"Good Robert," said he, "there must we perforce remain till morning; +horseflesh can scarce endure the strain much longer, and those who +follow must needs halt, also. Stephen Littleton hath been our friend, +therefore is his dwelling at our disposal. 'Tis a stout structure, and +should the King's men find us therein—some will go with us to the +other world."</p> + +<p>Catesby smiled sadly. "Here will we indeed rest," replied he; "for, as +thou sayest, the beasts be weary. England is small, good Percy; we +must not lack courage."</p> + +<p>Noting the two leaders pull up their horses at the gate of the +dwelling, the others did likewise, and all dismounted and entered the +place which, to some, was their last abode—save the grave. In the +main chamber a cheerful fire crackled; for in the month of November +the air was chill, and Master Littleton perceiving the gentlemen +trembling as from cold, caused to be thrown upon the embers a goodly +number of faggots which blazed brightly. The sight recalled to Percy's +mind the fatal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> cellar under the House of Parliament, where he had +last seen Fawkes guarding with watchful eye the secret which lay +beneath so innocent a covering.</p> + +<p>Having removed their heavy boots and outer clothing the conspirators +talked together, seeking to dispel the gloom which rested upon the +company. All were ill at ease, for, although Percy had said the King's +officers would rest, it was possible they might secure fresh horses, +push on, and attack the house ere morning. Expecting no mercy if taken +alive, each resolved to sell his life dearly.</p> + +<p>The hours passed on to ten in the evening, when a thing happened +which, to the minds of many in England, exemplified the law of +God—that the wicked shall perish through their own evil devices. +Wishing to have all in readiness should the officers come upon them +during the night, and fearing that the gunpowder with which they were +provided might have become dampened by reason of the humidity of the +weather and its prolonged exposure to the elements, Christopher Wright +poured upon a platter some two pounds of the black grains, and set it +beside the hearthstone. Noting the action another of the party brought +a second bag of powder and treated it likewise, thinking to remove it +when sufficiently dry.</p> + +<p>Percy perceived the danger and withdrew from his position before the +blaze. "Were it not well," said he, "to have a care, lest a spark +falling outward do much harm to those within the room?"</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Wright, "'tis my purpose to watch it closely; the +stuff, being damp, is worthless."</p> + +<p>Percy spoke no more, not wishing to be thought unduly nervous, and the +company relapsing into silence<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> watched the flames, each intent upon +his own dark forebodings.</p> + +<p>For many minutes they remained thus, but starting at each sound from +without, and hearing in every rustle of the leafless trees and +shrubbery the hoofbeats of horses bearing their pursuing enemies. The +heat of the room, added to sleepless nights which had followed the +arrest of Guido Fawkes and the discovery of the conspiracy, gradually +overcame the majority of the party, and all but Percy and Catesby +nodded in their seats. These two, the first confederates with Winter +and the Superior of the Jesuits to formulate the plan for destroying +the King and the government, sat moodily side by side, their burning +eyeballs glassy in the red reflection of the flames, and their hearts +heavy with thoughts of dismal failure and impending ruin.</p> + +<p>"Would that Garnet were with us now," muttered Catesby, thrusting one +foot upon the fender; "perchance his wit might devise some means to +free us from our entanglement and perplexity, and save the cause. +Would that Fawkes had——"</p> + +<p>Percy raised his eyes quickly. "Thou art then sorry——" he began.</p> + +<p>"Nay," replied Catesby with some haughtiness. "If I had thought there +had been the least sin in it I would not have put my hand to it for +all the world. No other cause led me to hazard my fortune and my life +but zeal for the true faith. We have, in truth, failed, good Percy; +yet was the match burning which, in another moment, would have given +the spark to the powder, and the thunderbolt of which friend Guido +spake to us would——"</p> + +<p>Carried away by his earnestness he thrust forth his foot beyond the +fender and struck the faggots which blazed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> in the fireplace. A shower +of sparks answered the blow. One, falling beyond the hearthstone, +found the platter heaped with the deadly grains. Then, in truth, the +spark was given to the powder, but it was not that which lay beneath +the floor of Parliament; it was the powder in the room wherein nodded +the would-be murderers of the lords and the King of England. Ere +Catesby was aware of the awful danger, before Percy—who had noted the +falling spark—could cry out, there came a blinding flash, a cloud of +sulphurous smoke, the crashing of bent and broken timbers, and the +affrighted cries of the luckless inmates of the room. Yet in one thing +there seemed to be a merciful interposition. Carried upward by force +of the explosion, the bag containing a greater quantity of the powder +was hurled through the opening in the roof, and fell into the yard +untouched by fire; had it been otherwise, the public executioner's +work would have been less, and fewer dripping heads had graced the +spikes upon the Tower.</p> + +<p>Blinded by fire and smoke but unharmed, save for a scorching of the +hair and beard, the conspirators groped their way into the open air. +Upon their souls rested a cloud of superstitious dread. In the +explosion of the gunpowder they saw the hand of God; and—'twas not +turned against the King!</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>It was scarce daybreak when the horse bearing Sir Thomas Winter +stopped before the door of the ill-fated Holbeach mansion. Report had +reached him of the explosion, also that many of his companions were +sorely wounded, and that Catesby lay dead, with body shattered by the +firing of the powder. Then was proved his gentle blood, and the valor +of his race. Those with him when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> he received the news begged him to +fly; but he only looked upon them with clouded brow, and said: "Nay; +Catesby is dead. I will see to his burial; a gallant gentleman,—and +my friend!"</p> + +<p>Thus he rode in all haste to Holbeach, to find there his friends +unharmed;—close following him were the soldiers of the King.</p> + +<p>Scant time was given to the luckless gentlemen to prepare for +receiving them.</p> + +<p>"What have ye resolved to do?" asked Winter, having heard the story of +the night.</p> + +<p>"We mean to die," replied Percy stoutly; "we can scarce hold the house +an hour."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Winter quietly, "I will take such part as you do." And +looking to his sword and firearms, he leaned against the casement of +the window facing the road on which the King's men would come.</p> + +<p>Toward noon they came, a gallant company of gentlemen and musketeers, +flushed with the early morning ride and filled with zeal to take the +traitors who awaited them behind the walls of Master Littleton's +house. Watching from the window Winter saw many faces which he knew; +Sir John Foliot, Francis Conyers, Salway, Ketelsby, all staunch +adherents of the King;—men who, being dispatched upon any errand, +would carry it through most zealously. Before the cavalcade rode a +doughty gentleman, Sir Richard Walsh, sheriff of Worcestershire, armed +with the royal authority to seize the persons of such conspirators as +chanced to fall in his way.</p> + +<p>It was the sheriff who halted the troop some fifty paces from the +house, and, attended by Sir John Foliot and two musketeers, advanced +boldly to the closed door.</p> + +<p>Trying the latch and finding the portal barred, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> tapped upon the +panel with the hilt of his sword. None from within replied. Again the +sheriff rapped, and a voice demanded who it was that sought +admittance, and what might be his errand.</p> + +<p>"That," replied Sir Richard, "is well known to thee. Open, therefore, +in the King's name!"</p> + +<p>The conspirators hesitated, for the command was one wont to be obeyed +in England.</p> + +<p>"Open!" repeated the sheriff; "lay down your arms!"</p> + +<p>"We will die," replied Catesby firmly, "but will not open unto thee."</p> + +<p>"Die thou shalt," replied Sir Richard cheerily, "with thy head upon +the block." So saying, and perceiving that those within would sell +their lives dearly, he returned to his men, ordering that some quickly +fire the building, others stand ready to receive any, who, driven +forth by fear or flame, might seek to escape through the garden.</p> + +<p>Perceiving that they were like to be burned alive, those in the house +resolved to gain the garden, and with sword in hand contend with the +King's men. 'Twas Winter who unloosed the bolt; and perchance +something had come of the venture, for the besieged were of most +determined purpose, if some of the soldiers had not discharged their +muskets, and a ball striking Sir Thomas in the shoulder wounded him +sorely. A second fire sent a rain of balls through the open doorway, +some of them hitting my Lord of Rookwood and the two Wrights, +Christopher and John,—stretching them dead upon the floor.</p> + +<p>"God's mercy!" cried Catesby; "let us forth, ere we all be murdered. +Stand by me, Tom, and we will die together."</p> + +<p>Winter, whose face was white with pain, replied<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> hoarsely: "That will +I, sir; but having lost the use of my right arm, I fear I will be +taken."</p> + +<p>Yet he stooped and caught up his sword with his left hand, standing a +little back of Catesby and Percy who blocked the doorway.</p> + +<p>"Wouldst contend against us?" cried the sheriff of Worcestershire, and +then ordered that a third volley be delivered by his musketeers.</p> + +<p>Most of the balls lodged themselves in the wall of the building, or +tore splinters from the casement of the door. But one, as though +resolved to atone for the fruitless efforts of its fellows, sped on +its deathly errand, striking Robert Catesby in the neck, passing quite +through, and burying itself in the breast of Percy, who with scarce a +cry fell dead at Winter's feet.</p> + +<p>Bleeding profusely, Catesby attempted to regain his footing, but death +was near and he fell back crying to Winter to lift him up that he +might help defend the doorway. The conspirators who remained unharmed, +drew back in terror, crouching behind the furniture with no thought of +resisting the King's authority.</p> + +<p>Seeing that Percy, Rookwood and the two Wrights were dead, Catesby +dying, and none to support him, Winter cast aside his sword and bent +over his stricken comrade. At that moment certain of the sheriff's men +charging upon the open doorway, perceived him standing there, and one, +bearing a pike, thrust it at him so that the point pierced his doublet +and wounded him grievously. Staggering under the blow Winter, his +clothes covered with blood, gave back, and again was wounded in the +side by a rapier.</p> + +<p>"Cowards!" cried he, striking blindly at the foremost<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> soldier with +his naked hand, "can ye not touch a vital part, but must torture me +so?"</p> + +<p>One, perceiving him sorely wounded and unarmed, seized him and in a +moment he was bound and dragged into the yard.</p> + +<p>The others, Keyes, John Grant and Henry Morgan, were quickly overcome, +and now of the nine Catholic gentlemen who had resolved to defend the +house, five lay dead, and four were in the hands of the authorities.</p> + +<p>Having so handily brought his errand to a successful termination Sir +Richard, of Worcestershire, fell into great good humor.</p> + +<p>"Faith!" cried he, sheathing his bloodless sword, "'tis a merry +gathering for my Lord of Salisbury to look upon. Four plump birds +ready for the axe man, and four and one knocking at the gate of hell. +Rare sport, in truth, hath been the taking of so ill a brood; +therefore, gentlemen, to London and the Tower with the nine. Though +some be dead, their necks are ready for the axe, I warrant. 'Tis a +brave sight will greet the populace, anon."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + +<h2>REAPING THE WHIRLWIND.</h2> + + +<p>Those who watched with Fawkes said he partook of no food, slept +not—neither spoke, and refused to utter the names of his fellow +conspirators. He sat all day in his cell without moving. At times +there came into his drawn and haggard face a strange and unearthly +light, as though he suddenly beheld a form glide from out the shadow +of the dungeon, and kneel beside him. At these moments he would +stretch forth his arms as if to embrace the airy figure of his brain, +and whisper, nodding his head slowly the while: "Thou wert all I +had—in a moment, darling;—wait until thy father can but pass this +dreary portal."</p> + +<p>They put him to the rack, but elicited nothing. He endured the torture +as though scarce feeling it; and even in agony, was heard to mutter: +"In a moment, my little one—but a moment more."</p> + +<p>His trial, with that of the others implicated in the plot, was over. +The sentence of death had been pronounced upon each. Three days after, +Everard Digsby, with Robert Winter and Grant, met death by hanging in +the churchyard of St. Paul's. Three remained awaiting the headsman's +axe—Thomas Winter, Keyes and Guido Fawkes.</p> + +<p>Their execution was anticipated by the populace of London with +unwonted eagerness. The desire of the people to see justice meted to +those whom they deemed the prime movers in a conspiracy which had +shaken England to its foundation, was only rivaled by the curi<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>osity +resident in each heart, to behold the one who, with undaunted nerve, +had stood beneath the House of Lords ready to fire the mine which +would rob the kingdom at one fell blow of both its monarch and +Parliament.</p> + +<p>In that age public executions were signals for general holidays; +people flocked from the most distant shires, decked in best attire, to +witness the doing to death of some poor malefactor. But this was no +ordinary occasion; and, as if to emphasize the fact, a great throng +had assembled at Westminster even before the sun arose, on the day set +apart for the beheading of the remaining three conspirators.</p> + +<p>At an early hour companies of halberdiers were forced to exercise +their authority in keeping the crowd at proper distance from the +ominous structure erected in the middle of the square. The object +about which this innumerable concourse of people gathered was a high +platform covered with black cloth, in the center of which stood the +block. The condemned men had been brought from the Tower shortly after +midnight, and were now lodged in the space beneath the scaffold, which +had been converted into a kind of closed pen.</p> + +<p>The hour for the execution was eleven, and as the time approached the +multitude gradually swelled, being increased by thousands; as though +some pitiless monster were fattening itself upon thoughts of the blood +so soon to be shed.</p> + +<p>Again and again the pikemen were forced to thrust back the surging +mass, and at last the soldiers did not hesitate to use their weapons +as the throng forced its way up to the very ropes surrounding the +scaffold. But now above the babel of tongues the great bell of the +Cathedral boomed out the hour of eleven. As its last note<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> died away +the roar of voices gradually subsided, until it sunk into a dull +murmur of expectancy, but again it broke forth into a cheer as the +headsman ascended the stairs leading to the scaffold. This man was +popular with the rabble and noted for his dexterity and strength. As +the applause greeted him he recognized the homage rendered with a bow. +His was a gruesome figure, as, attired in the costume of the office, +his features concealed by a scarlet mask, he leaned easily upon the +handle of the glittering axe—and waited.</p> + +<p>Soon four soldiers, under command of an officer, approached the door +of the inclosure and stood two on either side with halberds reversed. +A moment of breathless stillness followed; the portal opened and one +victim was led forth. Surrounded by guards he was solemnly conducted +to the foot of the steps leading to the block. Keyes, for it was he, +ascended without aid, and reached the platform. A murmur of +disappointment ran through the multitude as he came into view, for +they had supposed Fawkes would be the first to die.</p> + +<p>The man for an instant stood quite still; he had been the first of the +little procession to reach the top, and seemed undecided which +direction to take, but only for a moment stood he thus; two of the +guards quickly approached and led him toward the center of the +scaffold. He knelt without assistance, laid his cheek upon the block, +his right shoulder resting in the notch fastened for its reception. +The soldiers retired. The headsman drew back, swiftly raised the axe +above his head, measured the distance with a practiced eye, and +struck.</p> + +<p>The favorite of the rabble had again acquitted himself well. The head +of the victim fell on one side of the block, the quivering trunk +sinking to the floor upon the other.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> A cheer greeted the deed, then +silence once more fell upon the multitude. Some soldiers now appeared +carrying a box of sand. They quickly ascended the steps and scattered +its contents upon the wet boards. Having finished, one of the men +seized the head which still lay where it had fallen, fixed it upon the +point of his pike and stuck the weapon with its gruesome burden upon +the railing. The headless trunk was flung without ceremony into a cart +which was in waiting.</p> + +<p>Again the procession formed; once more a victim knelt; the axe fell, +and another head stared down upon the throng below.</p> + +<p>A ripple of expectancy again broke forth. Two had died; the next must +be the one for whom they waited. All strained their necks in eagerness +to catch the first glimpse as he should be led forth, and this was the +sight for which they had longed:—</p> + +<p>A man unable to stand alone; his form, weakened by torture and +sickness, was dragged up the steps and stood confronting them. His +arms were not bound, for they hung lifeless. Those who stood near +could understand the absence of fetters; there was nothing upon which +to clasp them, save a mass of crushed bones, in many places stripped +of flesh by the cruel cords of the rack. He seemed quite oblivious of +his surroundings, turned his head neither to the right nor to the +left, but gazed past the headsman—past his captors—and far beyond +the sea of upturned faces. His lips were seen to move, but only those +who supported him could catch the words:—"In a moment, my little +one!" he whispered; "thy father will soon kiss thy sweet lips—and +then—we will love each other, and in that love forget all——"</p> + +<p>They hurried him toward the block and were obliged<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> to place his head +upon it; his weakness was so great that he would have fallen had they +not supported him. His guards drew back, the axe, already lifted, was +about to descend, when, the poor limp figure slipped and fell with a +thud to the floor, unable to save itself by reason of the uselessness +of the arms. Again he was lifted; once more the axe was raised, and +even in that moment they heard him whisper the name ever upon his +lips:</p> + +<p>"Elinor!"—Crash!—and he was away to clasp her to his breast.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CONCLUSION" id="CONCLUSION"></a>CONCLUSION.</h2> + + +<p>Of Henry Garnet something remains to be said. The alarm which was felt +at the revelation of the treason which might, but for the arrest of +Fawkes in the cellar under Parliament House, have resulted in the +disruption of the government, was widespread, and it became necessary +for the Jesuits remaining in the kingdom to hide most secretly.</p> + +<p>As Catesby had said, the Superior, upon leaving London some weeks +before the discovery of the plot, had taken refuge in the house of Sir +Everard Digsby at Coughton. 'Twas there he received a letter from one +of the conspirators announcing the failure of the enterprise to which +he had lent himself. For three weeks he remained in hiding, when, by +night, and in disguise, he was removed to Hendlip House, where with +another of his Order, and two servants, he escaped for a time the +diligent search instituted by Salisbury, and urged on by the King.</p> + +<p>On the twentieth of January following the fatal Fifth of November, Sir +Henry Bromley, a magistrate, arrived with an armed force at Hendlip, +being in possession of a commission to search the mansion. The house +was full of secret apartments, and for seven days the King's officer +looked in vain for the Superior of the Jesuits. But on the eighth a +soldier, chancing upon a room occupied by one of the women of the +place, discovered in an aperture of the chimney a reed pipe, which +excited his curiosity and suspicion.</p> + +<p>Hearing of the matter, Sir Bromley followed the clew thus given him, +and behind the wall, in a secret chamber,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> came upon Garnet and his +companion, Oldcorne, who, since the coming of the authorities, had +been fed through the reed with broths and warm drinks.</p> + +<p>Taken to London, the Superior of the Jesuits was treated kindly. Many +examinations were given him, nor was torture resorted to in his case, +though Oldcorne was put to the rack. Through all Garnet divulged +nothing, and there had been some likelihood of escape, for the King +was kindly disposed, had not a trick resorted to by the government +resulted in his undoing. Allowed to hold communication with the +unfortunate Oldcorne, a watch was stationed behind the wall of the +cell, and such conversation as passed between the churchmen was taken +down. The facts thus revealed hurried Garnet to his doom.</p> + +<p>His trial was held late in March, and although he defended himself +ably, the evidence of his having been a party to treason was +conclusive. Through all he maintained that, though cognizant of the +design to blow up the House of Parliament, he had taken no active part +with the conspirators. Holding that the secret had come to him through +sacramental confession, he affirmed that, by his faith, he was bound +to disclose nothing concerning it. The trial ended with the sentence +that he follow in the footsteps of Fawkes, Winter and those others who +had met death upon the scaffold. Even then, the King, loth to see +executed so famous a prelate, stayed for a time the hand of the +axeman. 'Twas not till the third day of May, three months after the +death of his former companions, that Garnet died—the last of those +unfortunate men who sought to gain their ends by violence.</p> + + +<h4>THE END.</h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES</h3> +<div class="blockquot"> +<p>1. Few quotes are opened with marks but are not closed and vice-versa. +Obvious errors have been silently closed, while those requiring +interpretation have been left as such.</p> + +<p>2. The following misprints have been corrected:<br /> + "Fawke's" corrected to "Fawkes'" (page 73)<br /> + "reovered" corrected to "recovered" (page 106)<br /> + "exlaims" corrected to "exclaims" (page 108)<br /> + "'tis" capitalized to "'Tis" (page 154)<br /> + "readinesss" corrected to "readiness" (page 215)<br /></p> + +<p>3. Other than the corrections listed above, printer's inconsistencies +in spelling, punctuation, and hyphenation have been retained.</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fifth of November, by +Charles S. Bentley and F. 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Kimball Scribner + +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: The Fifth of November + A Romance of the Stuarts + +Author: Charles S. Bentley + F. Kimball Scribner + +Release Date: November 17, 2009 [EBook #30490] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER *** + + + + +Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Ritu Aggarwal and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + + + + + THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER + + CHARLES S BENTLEY + AND + F KIMBALL SCRIBNER + + + + + The Fifth of November + _A Romance of the Stuarts_ + + By + Charles S. Bentley and + F. Kimball Scribner + + + "No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets, + But as truly loves on to the close + As the sunflower turns on her god, when he sets, + The same look which she turn'd when he rose" + --Thomas Moore. + + + Chicago and New York: + Rand, McNally & Company, + Publishers. + + + Copyright, 1898, by Rand, McNally & Co. + + + + + CONTENTS. + + + CHAPTER. PAGE. + I. WHAT BEFELL AT THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD. 1 + II. IN THE SHADOW OF ST. PAUL. 11 + III. THE HOME-COMING OF GUIDO FAWKES. 21 + IV. THE SUPERIOR OF THE JESUITS. 33 + V. WHY MASTER FAWKES WAS SUMMONED TO ENGLAND. 42 + VI. "THE WISEST FOOL IN CHRISTENDOM." 52 + VII. THE VISCOUNT EFFINGSTON. 61 + VIII. IN THE GARDEN OF THE GENTLEMAN-PENSIONER. 73 + IX. GARNET AND THE KING. 81 + X. THE FORGING OF THE THUNDERBOLT. 89 + XI. THE WAY OF THE WORLD. 97 + XII. WHAT THE MOON SAW. 108 + XIII. AT THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD. 119 + XIV. IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. 130 + XV. "THOU SHALT NOT KILL." 140 + XVI. MONTEAGLE AND SALISBURY. 152 + XVII. SOWING THE WIND. 158 + XVIII. THE CELLAR. 167 + XIX. THE NOTE OF WARNING. 178 + XX. ON THE STROKE OF ELEVEN. 184 + XXI. THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. 192 + XXII. FAWKES BEFORE THE KING. 200 + XXIII. THE BANQUET. 207 + XXIV. "IN THE KING'S NAME." 213 + XXV. REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 222 + + + + +AUTHOR'S NOTE. + + +It has not been the intention of the authors of "The Fifth of +November" to write an historical novel, though, throughout the story, +they have endeavored to follow as closely as was consistent with the +plot in hand, the historical facts collected by the various writers +who have made the nature and workings of the "Gunpowder Plot" a +special study. With one or two exceptions, the characters in the +present romance have been borrowed from history, and, save in Chapters +XXI and XXII, the lines of the story have followed those traced by the +hand of the historian. + +In presenting to the public this "Romance of the Stuarts," +indebtedness is acknowledged by the writers to Professor S. R. +Gardiner's "What the Gunpowder Plot Was," and also to the history +of England as set forth by Knight, Hume, Froude and Ridpath. + + THE AUTHORS. + New York, February, 1898. + + + + +THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +WHAT BEFELL AT "THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD." + + +Snow had fallen through the day, and as night approached all objects +were covered with a mantle of white. The noises incident to the life +of a great city had long since become muffled and indistinct. The +footfalls of those who traversed the streets could no longer be heard; +and the only sounds which now and again broke the silence, were the +voices of my lord's link-men, who, in goodly number, fully armed, +carrying flaming torches whose lurid dancing light shone through the +blinding snow, appeared at a distance to be a party of ancient saints +come forth from their tombs to indulge in a ghostly frolic under cover +of the night. The voices of the men, falling upon the snow-laden air, +sounded dull and echo-less as they heralded the approach of a chair to +some sharp turn or gateway. An armed escort in those days was no mark +of royalty or distinction, for it was not well or safe for men to +travel the streets alone after nightfall, as many a sinister face and +cloaked form lurked hid in the shadow of secluded corners and dark +by-ways, awaiting opportunity to cut the purse, or the throat, as need +be, of the solitary wayfarer. + +Numbers were no guarantee of escaping unmolested; for of late the +rogues had become so bold that it was a common thing for a party of +gentlemen to be attacked successfully, as the ruffians mustered in +their ranks many soldiers of fortune who had served in Flanders, +France and Spain, and were well versed in the play of both sword and +dagger. These acts of robbery and murder were confined to no one +locality, but the vagabonds who perpetrated the deeds had haunts and +places of common rendezvous, and as night fell, these dens poured +forth upon the town their murder-bent crews. + +In one of the most narrow and crooked of streets, often lost amid the +winding of greater thoroughfares, and safely hidden from the watchful +eyes of the King's soldiers, was situated a tavern, patronized for the +most part by those who replenished their purses when low, by running +some belated traveler through the back, and taking what money he had. +This tavern was famous among its patrons for its mulled ale, the like +of which, they swore could not be found in all London. To those who +had not partaken of this famous beverage, and knew not the inn by +reputation, its business was made known by a swinging sign, upon +which, very indifferently executed, was the figure of a leopard, and, +further, as if the artist had not sufficient confidence in his powers +of portrayal, he had printed in large and uncertain letters, "At the +sign of the Leopard may be found all manner of goodly cheer and +comfort." Below this evidence of what might be found within, a small +and narrow doorway gave entrance to the hostelry. Inside, a larger +room than the outer aspect of the place indicated, awaited the guest. +A low ceiling, blackened by age, and hung with numberless spider webs, +whose weavers had long since fled--driven thence by the clouds of +tobacco smoke puffed from the lips of many a sturdy knave who nightly +helped to fill the place. The walls of the room being paneled in some +dark wood to an unusual height, the three windows, which furnished +more air than light, were well up toward the ceiling. The sides of +this chamber were decorated with rows of pewter pots and flagons of +various shapes and sizes. The furniture consisted of half a dozen +rough tables and high-backed benches ranged about the sides. The floor +was freshly sanded, but rough in many places from the prominence of +knots, the softer wood being worn from around them by the shuffling of +numberless pairs of boots. An uncertain light proceeded from several +large candles standing in brass candlesticks, but most of the +illumination was due to a fire which burned briskly in a large stone +fireplace at the extreme end of the room, and gave to all an aspect of +warmth and good cheer. + +Standing in front of the blaze was the host of the establishment, +attired in the costume of his time,--a loose jacket, linen breeches +and green apron. He was eyeing with a look of no small displeasure +three men seated at one of the tables, two of whom, by their actions, +seemed to have partaken a little too freely of the Leopard's special +beverage. They wore the dress of a class, which, by their manner, was +one of no great elevation. Long, soft, wide-brimmed hats adorned their +heads, while tight-fitting jerkins of very much soiled leather covered +their bodies. Trunks and tights of some faded material, and boots with +deep falling tops, completed their costume, unless there should be +added the two long bellguard rapiers lying upon the table, and to +which, from appearances, the gentlemen in question owed their +livelihood. The man seated opposite was thick-set and slightly under +medium height; instead of the leather jerkin worn by them, his body +was incased in a steel cuirass or breastplate, which, judging from +the numerous dents thereon, had turned the force of many a savage +thrust and blow. The face of the man was one which had long been +exposed to both sun and storm, and even pestilence had not spared it, +for in many places the disfiguring finger of smallpox had left its +mark. His beard was worn in the style favored by the soldiers of the +Spanish, rather than the English army, for it was pointed and +surmounted by a long, black and up-curling moustache, which added +fierceness to an already not too kindly countenance. His sword, a long +point and blade rapier of Italian pattern, still hung by his side, as +if even when surrounded by this good cheer, he, from habit born of +many a hard campaign, still clung to it. + +"What, ho, John Tapster;" exclaimed he of the steel cuirass, banging +lustily on the table with the pummel of his sword, "another six-hooped +pot of thy best mulled ale, for the sour and remorseful wine of Spain +which I have drunk, ill befits my stomach." + +The landlord advanced reluctantly to comply, with an air which plainly +showed he was divided in his mind between the doubt of a settlement to +an already long unpaid score, and the fear of personal violence did he +refuse the man his request. The love of a whole skin, however, +triumphed, for after filling the pot with ale and plunging the mulling +iron into it, which he had drawn from the fire, he set the desired +drink before his guest. + +"By Sir Bacchus!" said the stranger, after taking a deep draught, +"'tis the only fitting liquid to put into one's body, if he wishes to +strike a stout blow for the King." Then, as he finished the pot, "It +seemeth well to drown the clinging dust of Spain within one's throat, +in merry English ale." + +The landlord did not venture to reply to these offers of conversation; +he seemed loath to enter into friendly talk, when in all probability +he soon would be embroiled with the man in a dispute, if not in an +issue of more serious nature. However, the other, nothing daunted, and +gazing on his two companions, whom he discovered wrapped in drunken +slumber, snoring roundly, prodded them both with the scabbard of his +sword, which action eliciting from them nothing but a grunt, and being +desirous of further conversation, he again turned to him of the green +apron who had resumed his watchful scrutiny from before the fire, and +continued: + +"Thou seemest but sparing of thy speech, Sir Host. Judge a man not +always by the company he keeps; these drunken knaves whose silly pates +would have been turned with milk of the morning's drawing, are no +comrades of mine; 'tis only a mere chance friendship. I was not over +particular in my pick of friends, being lately landed, and but too +glad to take up with the first varlets speaking my own sweet English; +after many months of naught but jabbering Spanish sounding in my ears +'twas well and pleasing to hear once more the brave tongue in which my +first aves were taught unto me." + +"Aves have not, I trow, over-troubled thee," answered the landlord in +not too jovial a tone. + +"Nay, nay, friend; be not quick to judge by weight of purse or hilt of +sword, for a man with not over much money in his gipsire may still +have that about him which would recommend him more." + +"And what, pray, might that be?" inquired the other;--"a handsome face +and ready tongue? They are goodly coin to win the heart of some fair +maid, but naught of cakes and ale they'll buy thee when thy belly's +empty." + +"Nay, I will offer neither, for I have none of them. The first was but +rudely handled some thirty years ago by plague, at Havre; the second's +had but small practice, and its tone was spoiled by breathing the damp +winds of the Flemish marshes. I leave such graces to the stay-at-homes +who twist a tap--but, a truce to this witty talk, for it makes but ill +friends, and I would ask of thee a favor, which will cost naught but +civility, that is cheap and in the end may gain thee much." So saying, +he put his hand into a small bag which hung at his side, drawing +therefrom a very much soiled and crumpled paper, and advancing with it +toward the host, continued: "I am but illy versed in such priestly +craft; the meaning I can understand, but its full intent may have +missed my stupid eyes. Canst thou decipher it for me, Sir Host?" + +This direct appeal to his learning softened to some extent him of the +spigot, whose curiosity as well as pride was aroused, for the man +addressing him, judging from his speech, was a little above the usual +class who frequented the tavern. Reaching for a candle which stood +upon the mantel, that he might better see, and taking the letter with +grudging fingers, said in a slightly more gracious tone after a +moment's scrutiny, "It ill pleases me, that monkish writing, but print +such as honest John Caxton did manufacture, I can decipher right +readily." Then with knitted brow, during which the other man remained +standing, looking over his shoulder in an expectant attitude, he +continued: "For truth, I could at first but illy make it out; I have +it now." Then read from the paper: + + "'To Guido Fawkes: In the Army of His Majesty, Philip of + Spain: I doubt not that thou rememberest my promise, made + some time since, which I have now the pleasurable opportunity + to fulfill. Much it pleaseth me to offer thee a place, the + duties of which will keep thee near thy daughter, and, + moreover, the reward of such being not below the merit of him + who, by my knowledge, most honestly gained it, and is well + worthy. If it suit thee to accept the charge I have to offer, + the naming of which I shall defer until we meet, detach + thyself from thy present occupation, repair to London with + all likely haste, and seek me at my house when soon arrived. + "'(Signed) SIR THOMAS WINTER.'" + +"Beshrew my heart, but thou art a ripe scholar, landlord, and much I +marvel to see one with such goodly learning wasting time on knaves +like these," cried the man, pointing to his companions at the table; +"and pray," he continued, "since myself hath been introduced in name, +I would know thine also, so I might thank thee the heartier." + +"Giles Martin, for want of better," replied the host, "and dost thou +know this Sir Thomas Winter?" he inquired after a moment, still +looking at the note in his hand. + +"Aye, and for a right brave gentleman, who hath done me noble +service." + +"For one done unto himself, I take it, from the purport of the +letter?" + +"A small service, not worth the mentioning," replied Fawkes. "Once in +Spain, a gentleman--the self-same Sir Thomas, was sorely set upon by a +surly ruffian, who, in exchange for his purse, would have given him +Paradise." Then with a deprecating wave of the hand, which he dropped +on the hilt of his rapier, "'twas but a weakly blow I turned, and +spitted the varlet with my good sword here. Zounds," he continued with +a voice full of enthusiasm, "for this petty act he did conduct my poor +motherless lass out of a country where, to the men, a pretty face is +as flint to powder, and brought her safe to London and her grandam." + +"You saved his life; 'twas a worthy object and a worthy deed," +exclaimed Martin heartily, who had been watching the speaker narrowly +during his narration. + +"Tut, tut; 'twas nothing; but I take it thou hast acquaintance with +him," said Fawkes, turning toward the other, with a manner which +denoted surprise at the landlord's outburst of appreciation, "and may +direct me unto his residence, for after many years' absence I am +lately come, and illy versed in London's streets which are as crooked +as a blade that hath lain long in the fire." + +"In truth, I do know where he lives," said Martin (then continued in a +lower tone as if speaking to himself) "and further, that he's in none +too good favor with the King. But as to his address: if thou wilt take +the dome on St. Paul's as thy guide, which thou canst most readily +see, proceed thither, and when reached, continue down the street +running toward the left, a few more steps will bring thee to a house +surrounded by an iron railing; it is the one thou seekest." He +hesitated a moment, then continued as if good judgment had been +overcome by enthusiasm--"and when thou dost behold Sir Thomas, make +mention that Giles Martin (say naught of my present calling, for he +knows me not by that) sends his duty, and would again at his elbow cry +in the self-same voice, 'An Essex, An Essex!' Perchance," Martin +added, suddenly breaking off, fearing he had been incautious before a +stranger in connecting his name with an incident which had brought but +little honor with it, "that is why I am now doing this," taking a +soiled tankard from the table and wiping it on his apron. + +"Gladly will I be the bearer of thy message, but as thou hast said, +why does Sir Winter stand in ill repute?" + +"It may be," answered Martin, turning his gaze upon the two men at the +table, then setting down the tankard, "that he hath a quick temper and +a ready tongue, swift steeds in our time to pull a man's head upon the +block," and advancing toward the other concluded in a low voice full +of emotion, "mayhap memory doth hold up a mirror to his eye, in which +is reflected Mary's dripping head, chopped for her faith." + +"Verily," cried Fawkes, in a loud tone characteristic of one not +afraid of voicing opinions that lay near his heart, "would that good +King James might look into the glass thou dost mention and see the +promises of his youth, for naught of promise or his mother's head +methinks----" + +"Hist," whispered Martin, breaking in and laying his hand upon the +speaker, "a truce to such treason talk; naught has it done but brought +me to an ill-famed pot-house," he concluded in a thoughtful voice. + +"Well, well, none of thy story will I ask; but in Spain they do illy +treat a heretic," Fawkes continued, looking significantly at the fire, +and pointing toward it with his outstretched arm; "a truce, as thou +sayest, for I must no longer tarry. Saint Paul's bell is on the stroke +of ten, and I would see Sir Winter, and (in a softer voice) my lass, +to-night; for honestly, I am more than anxious to see her pretty face; +first I must bid yon knaves good-bye." So saying he endeavored to +rouse the companions of his cups. Not being able however to bring them +to any degree of consciousness, he discontinued his exertions, and +turning toward the landlord, who had been watching his efforts, said, +laughingly: "'tis but little harm they'll do in sleep, and I trow +they are none too good when in their seven senses, so I will leave +them thus; but take thou from this the reckoning of us all, for naught +of gold they have, I swear"--handing the other a purse, which, after +extracting a sovereign, Martin returned to its owner. + +"'Tis but a sorry night in which to travel," remarked the host, +pocketing the money and proceeding to rake the fire, while his guest +wrapped about himself a long, thick cloak which had hung over the back +of a bench. + +"Aye, 'tis cold, and steel draws unto itself the frost," responded +Fawkes, as he finished his preparations for departure. "And now, Sir +Host," he continued, extending his hand, "farewell, but soon, when I +am once more to rights, it will do me pleasure to quaff a flagon in +thy honest company, for such is a man who knoweth Sir Thomas Winter, +and," he continued, drawing closer to the other, "is no prating +Protestant in these times when he who would seek a favor or gain a +title must blow out the candles on his altar, and break its images. +Start not at my words, for by thy very speech thou art no heretic, and +I do love thee the better for it. But see," he continued as he opened +the door, "the night is already mended, the snow hath ceased, the moon +shows bright, and by my troth, there is my guide," and he pointed to +the distant dome of St. Paul, on which a huge cross glistened in the +moonlight. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +IN THE SHADOW OF ST. PAUL. + + +In the heart of London, a musket shot distance from the great dome of +St. Paul, stood a dwelling of no mean pretension occupied by one +Thomas Percy, Gentleman-Pensioner, a man of goodly parts, blood +relative of the Earl of Northumberland and well known as a Catholic, +though, by reason of his office, there attached to him scant suspicion +in the minds of the King's ministers that his faith overlapped his +loyalty. + +On the same night which witnessed the appearance of Guido Fawkes and +his drunken companions at the "Sign of the Leopard," there were +gathered together, in an upper chamber of Percy's dwelling, four +gentlemen. The house was an official structure given over as a meeting +place for certain of the King's commissioners, the room wherein they +sat being well adapted for the discussion of such matters as it seemed +inexpedient to let reach the ears of those whose business called them +not within the council chamber. + +A snow storm made the night exceeding chilly, so three of those who +came to partake of the hospitality of the Pensioner had provided +themselves with ample cloaks, which, closely wrapped about their +persons, and covering the lower portions of their faces, precluded +recognition, were any, by chance, to accost the wearer on the King's +highway. Although few were abroad on account of the extreme cold, and +those few would not have marveled that a gentleman should be closely +muffled even as a secret assassin, or highwayman, or noticed that the +three went not together to the outer door of the house, still each +came separately, knocking thrice upon the panel, whereupon Sir Percy +himself opened to him, that he might enter quickly. + +Being safe within, and the room warmed by great logs which sputtered +in the open fireplace, the three laid aside their cloaks, and sat +uncovered in the presence of their host, who, the better to discourse +with each, occupied a place at the head of the long table about which +were wont to sit the commissioners of the King. + +That the little gathering was not composed of churchmen, or learned +doctors of the day, might have been easily guessed by their +youthfulness and dress. Scarce past five and thirty, with clear cut +features, well knit frames, dignity of carriage, apparel of the higher +class, and the court rapier then in vogue, hanging at the side of +each, designated them as gentlemen. + +Having drained with nervous haste a goblet of wine which stood before +him, he who was the Pensioner turned with a frowning brow to his +companions: + +"Gentlemen!" said he, half rising from his seat, "shall we always talk +and never do anything?" + +This appeal uttered in an impatient voice moved each of his guests in +a manner strikingly dissimilar. One on the right sitting with back to +the door, turned uneasily as though fearing that the portal stood +open, and that, on the threshold, might appear a stranger, or +perchance the King's officer. Another, clad in a suit of gray velvet, +drummed nervously upon the table, while the third, who seemed to be +the eldest of the four, frowned darkly. To him the host turned +impatiently. + +"Ah!" cried he, "my words have struck you illy, my Lord Catesby, that +you frown so ominously!" + +"Nay, Percy!" replied the other, the shadow of a smile playing about +the corners of his mouth. "Thy words but recalled me to my duty. As +thou sayest, we have spoken much, and I did but consider that talking +would scarce pull from the throne----" + +He who was attired in the gray velvet started. "Not so plainly; not so +openly, my good Catesby!" he interrupted, "or as my name be Jack +Wright, I----" + +The language of his companion aroused the dormant energies and spirit +of Catesby. + +"Faith!" cried he, bringing his clenched hand down upon the table, +"methinks the adventure with my Lord of Essex hath left thy stomach +but poorly fitted for so tough a morsel as the undoing of the 'Wisest +Fool in Christendom.' Even Sir Digsby, who but now turned trembling +toward the doorway, hath more spirit for the undertaking. Hath not +Percy touched the keynote of our ill condition? What matters it that +we writhe under the despotism of James Stuart? Wherefore are the penal +laws renewed? Why hath England driven from her shores those who would +serve us in our churches? Where is our Mass, our altars and the images +of Holy Mother Church? Would we call on France, Spain and the Holy +Father to sweep from the land this band of heretics who fear not God, +nor respect the faith of five centuries of English kings? I tell thee, +Sir John Wright, friend and fellow churchman though thou art, that +'tis to us--to all the Catholics in England--that the world looks for +action. Will France act while we are idle? Thinkest thou Spain hath so +soon forgotten the Armada, that she will consent to aid while we +remain under cover? 'Tis for us to open a way whereby may enter those +who stand without, seeking our deliverance. Words beyond count, like +the drops of the ocean, have been uttered since James came to the +throne, yet are we free? 'Tis not words, I tell thee, but action, +swift, sharp and merciless, that will put down our enemies. Fearest +thou the block? Did Essex, did Moore, a hundred others whose faith was +their life, fear the headsman? Good Percy hath brought us to our +senses and surely thou must see the truth of it." + +Having thus delivered himself Catesby sank into his seat, his face +white from the intensity of the fire which burned within him. His +companions remained silent, so great was their astonishment at the +openly expressed earnestness of Catesby. Percy was the first to regain +speech. + +"It ill becomes us," said he, "that a quarrel should arise in a +company gathered for the discussion of so weighty a matter. Yet the +words of Sir Robert Catesby are well balanced, and the time draws nigh +when this same James Stuart shall know that there yet remain good +Catholics in England. Sir Thomas Winter----" + +"Ah! Sir Thomas Winter!" broke in Digsby, "the hour is long past and +he is yet absent." + +"There be some good reason," said Wright quickly. "Sir Thomas is too +good a Catholic, too earnest in the undertaking which will yet free us +from the heretic, to absent himself willingly. And," turning to +Catesby with hand extended, "I thank thee that thou hast thus spoken +so boldly; would there were more like thee to arouse the Catholics of +our country." + +The frown passed as a cloud from the brow of the elder conspirator. + +"Forgive me!" cried he, "if my words bore too much of the flame of +impatience and too little of that unity which should ever be between +us. As to Sir Winter, fear nothing; even now, I warrant he is on his +way hither, having perhaps been delayed by some slight adventure, for +the times are troublous and after nightfall a gentleman may not walk +with perfect safety through the streets of London." + +As though in answer to this confidence, the speaker had scarcely +finished, when there sounded through the house three muffled raps, and +Percy, uttering an exclamation, hastily left the room. + +"It may, indeed, be Winter," said Digsby, "or, perchance, Rookwood, +although he made known to me but yesterday, that certain business +demanded his presence in the country." + +The sound of the opening and closing of the street door precluded a +reply. There was a clatter of feet upon the stairs, and into the room +came Percy, followed by two men whose forms and features were +concealed by their huge cloaks. + +The three at the table arose hurriedly, each with hand upon the hilt +of his sword, but the words of one of the new comers changed their +look of alarm into one of welcome. + +"Faith!" cried he who pressed close behind Percy, "wherefore would you +be so ready to draw blades at the coming of a comrade? Come! Sir +Robert Catesby, and thou Wright, and Digsby, seest not that the cold +hath well nigh overcome me? Wine, therefore, wine, that we may pledge +each other in our venture." + +So saying, Sir Thomas Winter cast aside his cloak, revealing a figure +clad in doublet and hosen of somber brown, offset by slashes of +cardinal, and the gilt of the sword belt which girded his hips. + +"Welcome!" cried the others, crowding about him, "thou art, in truth, +doubly welcome, as thy coming is so long after the appointed hour." + +Endeavoring to get a better view of him who closely followed Winter, +Catesby made a gesture of interrogation. + +Sir Thomas laughed softly. "Ah! Good Catesby!" said he, "thou wert +ever of a most careful nature. Know, then, that yonder cavalier is, in +truth, one of whom I have so often spoken, Guido Fawkes; an old +comrade of the wars, and whom I have brought hither that I might +introduce him to so good a company, a cheerful fire and a goblet of +Sir Percy's stoutest wine." + +At the name of Fawkes, pronounced by Winter with an intonation which +would have puzzled any one not familiar with certain matters known +only to a few in England, Catesby, Wright and Digsby cast searching +glances at the new comer, as though seeking to read in the impassive +features of the soldier of fortune some riddle which heretofore had +puzzled them. As to Fawkes, not deigning to notice the evident +curiosity with which the three gentlemen greeted him, he allowed his +cloak to fall upon the floor, walked to the fireplace, and stood with +back to the blaze, his eyes fixed upon the face of Winter. + +"Come!" said that personage, accepting the goblet which Percy tendered +and passing it to Fawkes, "you are surprised that I appear among you +with Master Guy at my heels. It was, indeed, a happy venture that +threw us together." + +"Happy, forsooth," replied Wright, "but yesterday thou didst tell us +that this same bold captain was even now in Spain, though thou hadst +summoned him hither." + +"And so I thought him," said Winter, "fighting among the Dons that the +gold pieces might jingle more merrily in his wallet. Yet he is here, +and to-morrow at my own house we will confer together. What sayest +thou, friend Guido?" + +"Faith!" replied Fawkes, setting down the goblet which he had drained +to the bottom, "'twas for that same purpose I came to London, also to +see once more my daughter." + +"That thou shalt," broke in Winter heartily, "and a better favored +wench can scarce be found in all the kingdom." + +Percy and Catesby exchanged glances. Winter continued: + +"But first, perchance, 'twould be to the liking of the company that +I make known the manner of so unexpected a meeting, when, thinking +Friend Guido basked beneath the skies of Spain, I fell across him 'mid +the snows of London." + +"'Twas of little import," spake Fawkes gruffly; "a cast of fortune, +the simple drawing of a blade, such as once befell when thou didst +serve in Spain." + +"As to that," replied Sir Winter, "these gentlemen can judge when they +hear concerning it. 'Tis true, that had this same bold cavalier +remained in Castile, Thomas Winter were now ready for burial." + +"Then," cried Percy, "thou art doubly welcome, Master Fawkes, as +perchance thou shalt learn presently." + +Having refilled the goblets Winter seated himself before the fire. + +"I was delayed some two hours by certain matters within my own +dwelling," began he, "and it was with exceeding impatience that I +hastened hither, not following the most public highways, but seeking a +shorter passage through unfrequented alleys, in order to join you the +sooner. + +"Methinks I had gone some two thousand paces, my face muffled and +sword ready to hand, when suddenly there sprang upon me from the +shadow of a doorway, two ruffians, who, making short shift of +courtesy, demanded my purse and such valuables as were upon my person. +Having slight desire for so rude a giving, I did straightway put my +back against a wall, and with drawn blade contended against the two. +They, being persons of fixed purpose, and withal, excellent swordsmen, +had near ended the matter by thrusting me through, when most +opportunely came a third man who, perceiving two against one, thrust +the larger of the ruffians through the back, and would have done +likewise with the other, but the fellow took to his heels and ran as +though the devil pursued him. + +"The adventure was quickly over, and my rescuer coolly wiping his +blade upon the cloak of the dead robber did swear roundly in Spanish, +for that his amusement had been of so short duration. + +"'Faith!' growled he looking up at me, ''tis not thus they fight in +Spain; yet, having perchance rendered thee some slight service, canst +thou, good sir, direct me to a certain dwelling, hard by St. Paul's, +wherein may be found one Sir Thomas Winter, to seek whom I have come +to London?' + +"Much amazed at his words I scanned him closely, for his voice had a +familiar ring in my memory. + +"'Zounds!' cried he, noting that I sought to read his features, +'wherefore dost thou look so hard upon me? Hath the air of Spain----' + +"'Fawkes!' cried I, seizing him by the shoulders, ''tis truly my +friend Guido!' + +"'Ah!' said he gruffly, 'then thou knowest me?' + +"'And why not?' I replied, 'having sent for thee.' + +"At this his astonishment was great, yet was he pleased that he had +come upon me so handily. He had, he told me, but just arrived in +London, having come hither to obtain service under me, and to see once +more his daughter." + +"And," said Fawkes, Winter having finished, "having so quickly found +one, I would seek the other. Blood is thicker than water, and I +warrant me the lass is much improved both in stature and knowledge. +'Tis now close upon the morning, good gentlemen, therefore I pray +thee, Sir Winter, direct me whither I shall go, being in sore haste to +find her." + +Winter drew Catesby aside, whereupon a whispered consultation +followed, the drift of which was evidently known to Percy, Wright and +Digsby, though Fawkes wondered somewhat at it. His impatience soon +showed itself. + +"Zounds!" cried he, striking with his clenched hand the hilt of his +rapier, "I am much beholden to thee, Sir Winter, and later--but now, I +pray thee, make haste, that I find my daughter." + +Catesby flushed angrily, for the words of the soldier of fortune +struck illy upon his haughty temper, and he would have replied, but +Winter pressed his arm. + +"Good Guido," said he, soothingly, "thy haste is most commendable. Go +then to thy daughter, and that thou mayest not miss the way, follow +closely the directions I shall give thee. Upon leaving Sir Percy's +door, turn thou to the left, going down the street which leads past +the gate of St. Paul's. Proceed five hundred paces, then turn about to +thy left, when thou wilt see before thee a narrow street, upon the +corner of which is situate a gabled dwelling, bearing upon its peak a +golden arrow. Count then two score doors from the corner, and upon the +three and fortieth, knock loudly; 'tis there thy daughter dwelleth." + +At Winter's words all signs of impatience vanished from the soldier's +manner. + +"By the keys of Peter!" cried he, "I am much beholden to thy lordship. +Having spoken with the lass, where may I find thee?" + +"Fear not," replied Winter, "for in the evening, about the hour of +nine, I will come for thee. Go thou, then, speedily." + +Fawkes made haste to snatch his cloak, and having wrapped it about +him, bowed to the company and, preceded by Percy, clattered down the +stairs. + +"Methinks he will serve us," muttered Winter; "yet, good Catesby, must +we deal gently with him, for, being of an exceeding rough nature, +'twill need but an ill-timed word to turn him into gunpowder." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE HOME-COMING OF GUIDO FAWKES. + + +"By my hilt!" exclaimed Fawkes, as he closed the door of the council +chamber and wrapped his long cloak well about him, "'tis a merry night +I've had; first, in none too clean a pot-house; then a stout thrust +for good Sir Thomas,--'twas passing strange that I did once more stand +twixt him and glory; and, last of all, a stoup of good old wine in the +company of a most noble throng. Indeed, good Guido," he continued, as +musing to himself he walked along, "thou wert made, I marry, for +better things than cracking the knavish pates of yellow Dons; but +guard thy touchy temper well, for even to-night thou couldst but sadly +brook a small delay, and wouldst have answered my Lord Catesby's +haughty look with scant courtesy. I fear thy warlike nature would +poorly thrive upon a diet of quiet living. But these be times when the +dogs of war are ill leashed, and need small urging to slip their +fetters and bark and bite anew. I question much what the morrow holds, +and would that Sir Thomas had made some mention of my employ. + +"By St. George," he added after a moment, slackening his pace as if a +sudden thought occurred to him, "they did seem but poorly pleased to +see a strange face standing in their door, until Sir Walter stood +sponsor for the same. Aye, and what names had these noble +gentlemen--Catesby, Wright, Digsby, Percy! All good Catholics," he +continued, a cunning smile twitching the corners of his mouth. "And, +who is King? Why, James Stuart, to be sure, a most bigoted Protestant! +What was it that Master Martin said about Mary's dripping head? Well, +well, friend Guido, thy good sword may not be red with rust alone; +wait but a little while, and thy employment may be most pleasing to +thy taste, and thy conscience, also." Then he drew his cloak more +closely about him and quickly proceeded on his way. + +At last, following the direction given him by Winter, Fawkes arrived +before a small, neat house, situated in the outskirts of the city; +stopping in front to make sure it was the one for which he was in +quest, he proceeded up the steps and knocked thrice. No answer +followed his summons, and after several moments of waiting, which were +consumed in the stamping of feet and walking up and down, for it was +bitterly cold in the frosty air, he again repeated the announcement of +his presence to those within, this time with better result. The sound +of a casement opening, caused him to look up, and he beheld the +wrinkled visage of an old woman, who, with blinking red-rimmed eyes, +and night-cap on her head, stood regarding him with an air of evident +disfavor, for presently she cried in a shrill, toothless voice, "Get +thee gone, thou beggar, I have naught for thee." "By my soul, good +mother," answered the man, laughing heartily, "thy welcome doth match +the morning air in warmth. Dost not know thy son Guy?" + +"By the blessed Virgin!" exclaimed she, in half-frightened tones, +evidently engendered by a most wholesome respect for her son, "wait +but a trice until the door be unbarred." Saying which, she hastily +withdrew her head and closed the window. Immediately after, the shrill +tones of her voice were heard within the house, crying: "Mistress +Elinor! Mistress Elinor! hurry down and let thy sire in, for he stands +without!" A moment of silence, followed by the drawing of bolts, and +suddenly the door was thrown open, disclosing the figure of a girl, +who, with outstretched arms, exclaimed: "My father!" + +Standing bathed in the rosy light of coming day, she was in high +contrast to the rough, weather-beaten man, who quickly clasped her to +his breast. The pale and lightly tinted olive complexion, which showed +descent from some far-off Castilian ancestor, harmonized well with the +dainty but clear cut features. A shapely head, surrounded by a wealth +of dark and glossy hair, carried downward from the temples and +gathered into a knot behind, so as to completely cover the fragile +ears, formed a fitting frame for eyes of the darkest violet, which, as +they gazed up into his, showed the fondest love. A soft gray gown, +half closed at the throat and fastened about the waist by a silver +girdle, completed the attire of a slender but perfect figure, thrown +into bold outline by her attitude. + +"Forsooth," exclaimed Fawkes, as soon as he could speak for her +caresses, "methinks thou at least art glad to see thy old father once +again." Then, as he held her at arm's length, that he might better +gaze upon the face, "indeed, thou art changed; 'tis the promise of the +bud fulfilled in the blossoming flower. But let us in, for the cold +air ill becomes me after the warming sun of Spain, and frost but +roughly handles such tender plants as thou art." + +"Nay, nay!" exclaimed she, closing the door and throwing her arms +about him, "thy tender plant is naught but a sprig of hardy ivy, which +hath needed these many months the sturdy oak on which to cling." Then, +with a little shiver, and a laugh, as her warm body rested against the +cold steel of his breastplate, "thou dost give thy ivy but a chilly +hold, Sir Oak." + +"Ah," said Fawkes, looking at her; "thou wert always the same dainty +puss, but I trow this cold cuirass hath been warm enough even for thy +nestling, as down it hath gushed the warm blood of many a valiant foe +killed in close conflict. But enough of battles now, my pretty, for +home once more am I, and not sorry to let such bloody deeds rest." +Unfastening his cloak, sword and breastplate, he threw himself into a +chair before the fire which burned brightly on the hearth. + +"But where's thy good grandam?" queried he, "must she tarry to put on +silks and satins in which to bid her son a welcome?" + +"Nay," replied the girl with a laugh, kneeling at his side; "she, poor +soul, was but half awake; for these cold days illy suit her bones, and +she doth lie long in bed." + +"And thou," said the man, taking her head between his hands, "art up +like a lark, to bid thy father welcome. Didst expect my return?" + +"Sir Winter made mention of thy coming, but set no special day for thy +arrival," answered the girl, a shadow passing over her face as she +looked into the blaze. + +"And did he say for what I was to come?" inquired Fawkes, evidently +anxious to set his mind at rest upon that subject. + +"That he did not," she replied, still gazing abstractedly at the fire, +"but simply said that if thou camest to England he would give thee +service which would keep thee and me near to each other. And," +continued she, suddenly turning toward him and taking both his hands +in hers, "thou wilt not leave me again for so long a time; I have been +sore lonely and oft have felt the need of thy sturdy arm on which to +lean." + +"That I will not, my pretty dear," said Fawkes, drawing her closely +to him; "and thou didst really miss me, whom some do illy term a +pock-marked ruffian?" + +"Indeed, thou art no ruffian!" Elinor cried, her eyes ablaze in a +moment; "and if any one so dared to call thee, I'd----" + +"Well, well!" the father exclaimed, evidently surprised and looking +into the flushed face, "my sweet rose hath thorns as well as blushing +leaves, and would, I dare swear, strike a good blow for her sire's +name. By good Sir Cupid, but I do pity the one who doth try to balk +thy temper, little woman." + +"And soon will come a time when thou wilt have a brave gentleman to +pity," broke in a mumbling voice which made the two start and turn. + +The figure of an old woman, bent by age, with face resembling an +ill-fitting parchment mask placed upon a skull, advanced toward them. + +"By the blessed dead, mother!" said Fawkes, arising, "thou didst turn +my blood with thy prophetic voice; but hast thou not a blessing for +thy son?" + +"That I have, good Guido, and most glad am I to see thee back! I gave +thee a rude greeting from the window, for my eyes and ears have failed +of late, but I am not so blind that I cannot see two brave gentlemen +tied to my lady's girdle there," she cried, with a wheezy laugh, +pointing her trembling hand at the girl who stood with an arm drawn +through her father's. + +"What is this tale?" said Fawkes, with feigned sternness, turning +toward his daughter; "hath thy pretty ways been breaking hearts +already?" Then, as he observed the blushing face and downcast +eyes:--"There, there, my darling; all in good time. When thy heart +doth open of its own accord, thy father's ear will ever be a willing +listener. By Venus," he continued in a voice full of admiration, as he +gazed upon her fair figure, "I could not marvel or condemn if thou +hadst fifty gallants at thy little heels, and would but admire the +rogues the more for their excellent taste in beauty. But," he added, +evidently wishing to turn the conversation on noting her +embarrassment, "I have not broken bread for nigh onto fifteen hours; +after I have taken food I will listen to thy pretty tale, and tell +thee many a one such as thou once wert fond of. Dost remember how thou +didst, long ago, climb upon my knee, and tugging with thy baby hands +at my shaggy beard, beg for a story ere thy bedtime came?" + +"That I do," exclaimed the girl, all her embarrassment gone; "but +first I will set before thee what our larder affords." + +So saying, and aided by the old woman, she began preparations for the +morning meal. Having done ample justice to the repast quickly set +before him, and having lighted a long pipe from a coal without the +blaze, Fawkes again settled himself before the fire, and, after two or +three long puffs, turned toward Elinor, who was employed about the +room, and said: + +"Now, my pretty little housekeeper, thou hast done enough; sit thee +beside thy father. It is long since he hath known the pleasure of thy +sweet face and a blazing hearth, and the good grandam seems ill +company, for there she nods but a drowsy greeting," added he, pointing +with his pipe to the old woman, who had fallen asleep in a remote +corner of the chamber. + +"Dost thou remember the last time we sat so?" asked the girl, as she +came and knelt beside him, placing an arm upon his shoulder; "'twas +the night before I left for England; and, oh! it was a most sorry +time." Then fingering the ends of her silver girdle and glancing at +the old woman, who was still asleep, she began in a hesitating voice: + +"Mayhap the speech of my good grandam might mislead thee into thinking +me but a sorry flirt. Therefore, I would make explanation, which is +most easy, and set thee right." + +"I thought naught of it, daughter, for I am much too well acquainted +with her mischief-working words, that are ever ready to brew a +trouble. If thou hast aught to say, however, and would feel better for +the telling, pray go on, and know an ever-loving heart awaits thy +speech," replied Fawkes, stroking her hair. + +"Then thou must know," she began abruptly, "that Sir Thomas Winter is +a frequent caller at this house, and, my father, how can I tell thee +for the very shame of it? He hath never spoken to that effect, but +there are many thoughts ne'er proclaimed by tongue which are most +loudly uttered by eye and hand, often, too, more truly eloquent are +they than those framed in simple words; and by this very language yet +outspoken, I know soon will come the day when there will be asked a +heart----" she broke off suddenly and buried her face in her +hands--"that is not now mine to give." + +"There, there, my pretty one, stop thy crying, for thine eyes were +made for smiles and not for grief. It is naught so bad; Sir Winter is +a fine gentleman and much we owe him. But thou art my daughter, and I, +a poor, rough soldier; it would be an ill-assorted match; in truth, I +believe that the lark should not pair with the golden finch, who would +soon tire of her sweet song, because she lacked the yellow feathers of +her mate. What, dost thou but cry the harder for my words? I have not, +I know, the tender touch of a mother to dry thy tears, but a more +willing hand to comfort cannot be found." Then he added tenderly: "If +thou hast aught more to tell, open thy heart to me and I will play the +woman for a while." + +"Think not, then, from my tears," she suddenly exclaimed, lifting her +head and confronting her father with that spirit which is often hid in +a seemingly gentle nature, "that I am ashamed of him on whom my love +doth fall; or, rather, of him to whom my love doth mount, for he is as +far above me in worth, as I beneath him in station. But what hath +equality to do with it? Is it so--that love is only right between +those whose purses tip the scale alike? Nay, that would be a +sacrilege, for this mortal love of ours is the one thing which lifts +us from the earth. Doth God not love the most unworthy of his +creatures? Would it be just to say that salvation should be meted only +to those who are the Creator's equal? Who of us, then, would escape +the flame? Not so," she continued, her eyes ablaze with the intensity +of her emotion. "It is that very affection bestowed upon us by our God +that lifts us poor mortals into fellowship with him. Love knows no +laws of title, tithes or wealth, and by the very act of loving, the +peasant rightly seats himself beside the king. Ah, think not, dear +father," she cried, falling on her knees, "that I would lightly cast +aside a wish of thine. Dwell but upon the love that thou once felt, +and remember it is she, the reflection of that self-same love, who +seeks thy aid." + +There was silence, broken only by the sobs of the kneeling girl. +Fawkes regarded his daughter with an air of evident surprise, not +unmixed with anxiety in anticipation of what might follow; for every +action showed she was wrought up to the highest state of excitement +and earnestness. After a moment he said in a quiet voice: "I trust +these hot words of thine are but the outcome of some foolish fancy, +which, like the silly scorpion, will kill itself with its own +violence. But thou hast not told me all; until I am fully advised, my +counsel can be but scant. What name hath he? What title doth he hold? +For by thy speech he must be noble?" + +"Herbert Effingston," replied the girl. + +"I know not that name," answered the other, after a moment's musing. +"And his title?" + +"Viscount Herbert Effingston, son of Lord Monteagle." + +"Thou hast indeed flown high," Fawkes cried, with a sudden outburst of +passion. "Because I love thee I would wish thee dead, aye, dead," he +continued, fiercely, raising himself from the chair, "rather than have +thee bear the hated name of Monteagle." + +"But thou knowest no evil of him," cried the girl, springing to her +feet. "He is good; he is true and noble; aye, and hear me, it was he +who saved my life--a life thou lovest. I know what thou wouldst say, +but the son is not holden for his father's sins; he is not----" + +"But he is of the brood," thundered Fawkes, now thoroughly aroused; +"the litter of the jackal will eat the holy dead left by its +sire--'tis in their nature. Monteagle!" he repeated with fine scorn. +"And marry, that would be a pretty name for thee to choose--a name +that hath done more to set aside our Holy Catholic Church than all the +fiends in hell. What I know is true," he exclaimed, seizing her by the +arm. "Hark to what I say to thee; even I have heard, for ill fame +flies with swallow's wings swiftly across the sea, and when I am done, +if thou still dost love, pray to the Madonna to stop the beating of a +heart that holds so unworthy a regard. Thou sayest the son saved thy +life--by what means I know not. Think you that doth make amends for +all the evil done by him and his? Enough of this, and listen," he +continued, mastering his anger and pacing up and down the room. +"Monteagle and his son, both Catholics, and until James Stuart reached +the throne, most valiant champions of their faith, have, since the +scepter reached the hands of that wise fool, endeavored by all the +foul means within their power, to defeat the efforts of their fellow +churchmen, which, as thou knowest--and all England as well--were +directed against those laws which meant the downfall of our church. +Did these hell hounds come boldly out and show a lusty fight--which +would, in a small degree, have recommended them? Nay, that is not the +nature of the serpent. They falsely affirm themselves most strong +adherents to the Pope, receive the confidences of the Papal Delegates, +and by treasonable use of this knowledge of their secret mission, +defeat them ere they strike a blow. Is it for truth that they are +against the faith? Not so; for the hypocrites do cross themselves and +bow before the Host. Is it for a principle that they act thus? Nay, +for they have none. What, then, is their object? It is to gain favor +with the King, and place themselves by underhanded, sneaking ways +where true merit ne'er could raise them. Ah, my daughter," he cried, +with a voice full of supplication, "I love thee much too well to cause +thy heart a single pang. Canst thou not see it all aright? And even if +for love of me thou wilt not pluck this passion from thy heart, then +do it for the love thou owest God." + +While her father had been speaking, the girl stood motionless, every +line on her face showing plainly the conflict raging within her +breast. Her eyes were dry, for there are griefs so deep and searing +that they, with their fiery tongues, do lick up the springing tears +before they can fall. It was not in her nature to love lightly; to her +passion meant more than a mere auxiliary to her existence; simply +making life brighter and happier; every action, deed or thought, +however trivial and far removed from him, by some subtle influence +like that which turns the magnetic needle toward the north, had been +turned to bear upon this love of hers. The accusations just uttered +concerning his traitorous actions with regard to her faith, influenced +her but little; for her attitude toward religion resembled that of +most of her kind; the pure feminine mind turns instinctively toward +that which they deem great and good, believing, as a rule,--shall we +say ignorantly?--in all which is said to issue from a source they +cannot comprehend, and which they fear for the mystery attached to it. +Man, by instinct, loves power and dominion over others. Woman +substitutes for that characteristic the longing to be ruled, and in +that subordination of herself seeks protection. In this girl's breast, +the desire for a mystical and intangible power which promised to +protect, had been, to a degree, supplanted by the knowledge that there +awaited one who would clasp her in strong arms, and guard her against +all the world. Therefore the words spoken a moment ago had but little +weight, and played a small part in forming the resolution to which she +soon gave voice. Duty was clear. This poor, lonely man, her father, +who had known but little happiness, whose whole existence was summed +up in two great all-absorbing passions--a fearful, passionate belief +in God, and after that, his love for her,--for his sake she must make +the sacrifice. + +"Ah!" thought she, "sacrifice means death, and my love can never die, +but I shall hide it, bury it deep within my bosom, until in time its +strength shall tear my heart asunder; then I, in place of love, will +be the sacrifice." + +This, and more, quickly passed through her mind, but now she turned +toward the man with that wonderful self-control which only can be +found in woman, and said, in a quiet voice, devoid of passion and +malice, for she felt none: + +"If it be thy wish, I will do it for love of thee." + +"My daughter!" cried he, taking the motionless figure in his arms, +"thou hast saved me from a living hell. Thou wilt soon find I have +brought but good counsel. Pluck this poisoned shaft from out thy +heart, and if the wound hurt, soothe the smart with sweet knowledge of +my love, and above all, with a sense of justice done to God. Forget, +my pretty one, thy father's hasty temper; or, if remembered, let it be +only as called forth by love of thee. But we shall talk no more of +passions; let them go. Come now beside me, while I rest, for I am sore +weary after my long journey. Sit so," he continued, reclining on a +bench before the blaze, taking the white hand she offered and drawing +her down to him, "that I may not lose thee again, even in my dreams." + +She silently complied with his request. It would have been impossible +to express what was in her mind, so paralyzed and benumbed was it by +the heavy blow which had suddenly fallen. As the fingers which held +hers gradually relaxed in slumber, she slowly sank upon her knees, and +with outstretched arms, in a tearless voice, exclaimed: "Oh, my love, +thou who art my life; since on earth I must forever be without thee, +let some kindly hand give me unto death!" + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +THE SUPERIOR OF THE JESUITS. + + +While Guy Fawkes held converse with his daughter, the five gentlemen +he had left at Percy's house were soberly discussing the weighty +matters which had drawn them together. The sun had already gilded the +dome of St. Paul, when Winter, Catesby, Wright and Digsby made ready +to take their departure. On the threshold of the chamber Catesby +paused, and turning to Percy, said: "'Twill mayhap be two days ere I +again come to thee, for it is my purpose to make a journey into the +country, that I may gain better understanding concerning certain +matters which rest heavily on my mind; therefore marvel not if for one +night I be absent." + +"Thou goest then to Worcester?" asked Winter. + +"Aye, to Hendlip that, in its wisdom, the counsel of the Church may +direct me. Having gone so far 'twere ill to draw back, yet methinks +there is another whose words we must not treat lightly." + +"Garnet!" burst forth Digsby. + +Winter started. "Not here," he whispered quickly, "name not one whose +zeal hath banished him from England. Let James once know that he is +yet among us, and not a hiding place in Britain could shelter him." + +And a wise precaution it was that the name of Henry Garnet should not +be brought to the King's notice. Balancing the advantage of being +neither Catholic nor Protestant, the accusation that he was about to +favor the Papists, had so angered James, that he cast aside all +pretentions of toleration to the adherents of Rome. Coming to the +throne with promises of favor to the Catholic nobility, he had renewed +with great severity the laws of repression, and the banishment of the +Jesuits. Many of the latter had sought refuge in the houses of the +more zealous Papists, and among them Henry Garnet, Superior of the +Order of Jesus in England, an accomplished scholar, and a man of mild +demeanor, though an uncompromising adherent to his faith. 'Twas to +Garnet, that Catesby, troubled in spirit and, perhaps, uncertain of +the undertaking which lay before him, had resolved to turn, that the +advice of the wily Jesuit might strengthen his purpose, or check for a +time, his zeal in the desperate venture which at present filled his +mind. + +Some two hours after leaving his companions, Catesby, mounted upon a +powerful chestnut mare and wrapped closely about with a fur lined +cloak, cantered slowly through the streets of London which led to the +outskirts of the city facing the northwest. The storm of the previous +night had ceased, and the country side lay wrapped in a mantle of +white, broken here and there by the gray wall of some silent +habitation from whose chimneys the first blue smoke was rising in +circling clouds through the crisp morning air. + +Having reached the open country, the rider set his horse into a +gallop, for his destination lay many leagues away, and it was his +purpose to reach it ere nightfall. Hendlip House stood near the middle +of a spacious park thickly studded with trees; the structure itself +was surrounded by shrubbery, and contained within its walls many +secret hiding places, trap doors and double wainscotings. It had been +constructed by one Thomas Abington, a devoted recusant of the reign of +Queen Elizabeth, and the dwelling was a famous resort for those whose +desire it was to conceal themselves from the authorities. 'Twas there, +the Superior of the Jesuits, together with a clerk of that Order, +Oldcorne by name, and Owen, a servant, had been taken by certain of +the Catholic gentry, among whom were Lord Rookwood and Sir Everard +Digsby. + +That precaution had been observed to guard against surprise was shown +by the presence of a watchman, who, on the arrival of Catesby outside +the manor grounds, stepped from his lodge that he might hold converse +with the new comer, and if an officer, or one attached to the +Parliament, might give warning to those within the house. + +Upon perceiving, however, that it was Sir Robert Catesby who came thus +unexpectedly to Hendlip, the man doffed his cap, returning a civil +greeting to the rider's remark upon the coldness of the weather. + +"Has my Lord Rookwood passed this way?" inquired he, reining in his +horse. + +"He has, in truth," replied the servant, catching dexterously the +silver piece tossed him. "Even now, together with Mistress Vaux, he is +within the house." + +"Vaux! Anne Vaux!" muttered Catesby, "there must be then some weighty +matter afoot that she comes to Hendlip." And touching his horse with +the spur, he galloped up the avenue which led to the main entrance of +the mansion. Being well known by its inmates he was at once conducted +to an upper chamber, the door of which was unbarred by Owen, who +motioned him to enter. + +There were three occupants of the room. Before the great fireplace, +ablaze with logs, sat Henry Garnet. Scarce past middle age, the +learned prelate was a striking figure, clad though he was in the +simple, dark-hued garb of his Order. Beneath a brow white and smooth +as a child's, shone a noble countenance, gentle almost to effeminacy, +but redeemed by firm lines about the mouth, and the intensity of the +steel-gray eyes. As Catesby entered, these eyes, which had been gazing +abstractedly into the fire, lighted with a smile of welcome. + +One of the Jesuit's companions was a personage whose dress and manner +proclaimed him a noble of the period. He leaned indolently against the +frame of the wide window facing the avenue, through which the horseman +had come, and he it was, Lord Rookwood, who first announced to the +Prelate that a visitor approached. + +The third occupant of the apartment was a woman. Born and bred in +luxury, the daughter of a peer of England, Anne Vaux was numbered +among the most devoted followers of the Superior. Scarce six and +twenty, she had passed her minority at the court of Elizabeth, and the +accession of James the First had marked no change in the life of the +lady-in-waiting. Anne of Denmark, pleased with the loveliness of the +daughter of Lord Vaux, had retained her near her person. + +Pausing on the threshold, Catesby took in the three personages at a +glance, but it was to the Jesuit that he offered his first salutation, +dropping on one knee as Garnet extended his hand, upon a finger of +which glistened the signet ring denoting his holy office. + +"Welcome, Sir Robert Catesby!" murmured the Prelate, motioning the +cavalier to draw near the fire. "'Tis, indeed, a most happy +circumstance which brings to Hendlip so devoted a servant to the cause +of God." + +"The more happy," replied Catesby, "that I find your Reverence of good +cheer, and in converse with my Lord of Rookwood and Mistress Vaux." + +"They are truly of much comfort to me in my solitude," said the +Superior, "and with the help of God I have patience to remain in +idleness, that at the time of harvest I may be ready." + +Catesby cast a quick glance at Rookwood, but the imperturbable face of +the latter told him nothing. It was Anne Vaux who spoke. + +"'Tis but little, indeed, the followers of this most holy man can do +to comfort him," she said softly, "yet it seemeth fit that such of us +as may, shall make known to him that even the court of James----" + +Garnet smiled. "Anne!" said he, turning his gray eyes affectionately +upon her, "'tis a comfort beyond human utterance." Then to Catesby: +"But thou hast ridden hard, good son?" + +"That I may benefit by thy wisdom," replied Sir Robert, "for my soul +is troubled." + +"A confession!" cried Anne, rising quickly. "Therefore I will retire +with my Lord of Rookwood." + +The latter shrugged his shoulders; evidently it but poorly fitted his +desire that the conversation with the Superior should be unheard by +him. Catesby noted his displeasure, and signaled him to remain. Garnet +comprehended the matter. + +"Not so!" said he, "I warrant me, good Catesby seeketh not the +confessional, but to render certain reports concerning that which hath +transpired in London, and of which Lord Rookwood hath some +understanding. Yet, lest our discourse weary thee, good Anne, thou +mayst retire, and if it please thee, return when our conference is +ended." So saying, he arose and conducted her to the door. + +When alone with the two gentlemen, the Prelate looked fixedly at +Catesby. + +"It were fitting," said he "that Mistress Vaux, zealous though she be, +know not too much concerning the temper of our following. Now tell me +quickly what hath arisen to disturb thee." + +Catesby walked thrice about the room, then stopped before the Jesuit +and said soberly: + +"That which agitates my mind is, perforce, the same matter which +troubles thee--a holy father of the Church, my Lord of Rookwood, and +some tens of thousands of loyal Catholics in England. 'Tis the broken +promises of James--the overthrow of our religion, the----" + +Garnet checked him. + +"Thou speakest as a true Catholic," said he, "yet has thy grievance +been long endured. There are many men whose childhood witnessed these +selfsame wrongs." + +"Aye!" cried Catesby, seizing the hand of the Superior, "our +sufferings have, indeed, been of long duration, but we looked to the +ascension of the new King to lessen evils which have pressed so hard +upon us. 'Twas to James of Scotland----" + +The eyes of the Jesuit blazed fiercely. + +"Wretched country!" cried he, stretching out his arms, "thou hast in +truth suffered long, and the blessing of Most Holy God hath gone from +thee. Thy soul is troubled, Sir Robert Catesby, thou, who art free to +live as suiteth thee! Thinkest thou then that I, whom the Holy Church +hath appointed to teach her children, suffer nothing being thus a +prisoner behind the walls of Hendlip House? If thou art vexed at +thought of penalties, and cruel enactments against thy brethren, what +thinkest thou of the happiness of one to whom banishment without voice +or trial, such as are granted to the lowest criminal, follows from so +unjust a law? What have I done, wherein lieth the crime of all the +priests in England, that the hand of James is turned against us? If +thou seek out the King, or question the Parliament, and ask wherefore +we are driven from our churches--they will answer thee, 'Ye are +Catholics.'" + +During his words, spoken with the fire of an ardent spirit, the +slender form of the Jesuit seemed to tower, as an enraged deity, above +the persons of his two companions. But having poured out the +bitterness of his soul, the meekness of the man asserted itself, and +sinking into a chair he buried his face in his hands. The sight +aroused Catesby to madness. + +"Aye!" cried he, advancing to the Prelate's side, "I will go to James, +but 'twill not be to test his arguments. One thrust and thou, with all +Catholics, will be free." + +Drawing out his sword he threw it at the feet of the silent Jesuit. + +"Bless thou therefore this trusty blade, good Father, that it may do +its work quickly. Bless it, and me, for ere night comes again 'twill +have drunk the blood of the heretic!" + +The recklessness of the other's purpose roused Garnet from his +lethargy. + +"Thou art mad, good Catesby," said he sadly; "that thou thinkest to +kill the King of England. Put up thy sword! 'Tis not through the +violence of one man that England will be freed. We have waited long +already; pray for patience that thou mayst bear with meekness the +burden which rests heavily upon thee. Thinkest thou I groan not under +it?" + +Catesby might have replied in anger, but the voice of Rookwood +forestalled him. + +"There are many gentlemen in England this day who from waiting have +grown weary, and who hope no more for indulgence from the King and his +Parliament. Some there may be, who, even as good Catesby, have in +their minds resolved upon most desperate measures. If it be then a sin +to----" + +Garnet turned upon him saying: + +"A sin! A sin to slay the King of England?" + +"Yet one who hath broken his promises, forsaken the religion of his +mother, and who, blind to the mercy of God, doth seek to uproot this +holy cause!" cried Catesby. + +Whatever might have been the ultimate purpose of the Jesuit, whether +as an Englishman he recoiled at the thought of the assassination of +his King, or, as a Catholic, his zeal overbalanced his loyalty, he saw +that it was quite time to curb the fanatical tendencies of his +companions. The very life of the Catholic religion in England, his own +safety, and that of his fellow priests, might be sacrificed by a +premature attempt on the part of Catesby, or some of his followers, to +end their wrongs by the murder of the King. With the keen perception +which Garnet eminently possessed, he saw that the desired change in +the religious policy of the government could only be brought about by +a farther reaching blow than the removal of the person of James. Nor +would a decided objection on his part to their purpose serve his ends, +for it was his policy to draw about him the leading Catholic gentry of +the kingdom. He therefore cast about for a middle course whereby those +whose zeal had overcome their discretion might be pacified. The +remembrance of Anne Vaux suggested an expedient. + +"Good Catesby, and thou, Lord Rookwood," said he blandly, "your zeal +in the cause hath much endeared you to me, yet, it were well to +proceed with due caution in so grave a matter. Perchance King James +hath it in his mind to extend to us that kind indulgence which we +crave for. Ye know that the Parliament of England is composed of many +who prate much about their liberties, and if James seek to aid us by +dissimulation, 'twere an ill thing to cut the unripe corn." + +"What then, good Father?" asked Catesby. + +"Thou knowest," replied the Jesuit, "that Mistress Vaux is closely +united to the Court. Maybe thou knowest, also, that there is a certain +gentleman, close to the King, who would make Anne his mistress. 'Tis a +truth that the wit of woman worketh much, and it comes to me that this +courtier, to please Anne Vaux, might seek to discover what is in the +mind of his master regarding the Catholics of England." + +"'Tis a happy thought," said Rookwood, "if we be benefited." + +"All is in the hands of God," replied Garnet solemnly, and rising he +touched a bell which summoned Owen from the ante-chamber. + +"Good Owen," said he, "bear to Lady Vaux my desire for her presence; +our conference is ended." + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +WHY MASTER FAWKES WAS SUMMONED TO ENGLAND. + + +Elinor sat by the fire with a piece of embroidery in her hand. Her +thoughts were evidently not upon it, for ever and anon she would lay +down the work and sink into deep meditation, which ended in sighs; +then, recollecting herself, the busy fingers would once more resume +their task. The sound of footsteps echoing in the corridor without, +caused her to turn toward the door, through which a man presently +entered, who exclaimed in a petulant voice, as he ineffectually +endeavored to fasten a sword belt: "Come, my daughter, lay down thy +pretty work for a moment, and aid thy father to gird this cursed +baldric about him, for the ends be as coy as an old maid and her +lover." She arose to comply with his request, and quickly fastened the +desired buckle, then inquired, on noting his attire: + +"Dost thou go abroad to-night?" + +"Verily, I do, if Sir Thomas doth keep his appointment. 'Tis past the +hour of nine, and much I marvel that he hath not yet arrived." + +"Then I will now bid thee good night," she answered, approaching and +about to kiss him, when hearing one coming up the steps caused her to +delay. + +"There, by St. Paul, he is at last," as a knock sounded on the door. +"Run, my daughter, and open to Sir Thomas." + +The girl hesitated a moment as if loth to comply, then stepped into +the hall and withdrew the bolt. Soon the tones of a man's voice could +be heard exclaiming: "A good evening to thee, Mistress Elinor. It is +but fitting that an angel should unbar the door of Paradise, for I +deem the house naught else wherein thou dwellest." Kissing the +reluctant hand which he held, then observing Fawkes, who had advanced +to greet him, "Well, well, friend Guido; thou lookest fit for a battle +royal, with thy long war rapier girded by thy side. But," he +continued with a laugh, "it would ill become thee to go abroad poorly +armed in my company, for we do in truth seem to invite attack when +together. Did thy father tell thee, Mistress Elinor, of his adventure +yester-night, which had for its intent the rescuing me again from dire +straits?" + +"Nay, he did not; for my father's brave deeds need not his tongue to +set them forth, and he is much too modest to narrate his exploits, +even though they had so worthy an object as the saving of thy life," +she replied with a little courtesy. + +"Marry," broke in Fawkes, "I was marveling why thou didst not come, +and was thinking perchance 'twould be better to go outside and listen +for the sound of a distant brawl." Then observing the small court +sword which hung by the other's side, he continued, pointing toward +it: "Thou art but lightly equipped. I wonder much that thou dost go so +poorly prepared; but," he added, loosening his long rapier from its +scabbard, "thy purse is safe to-night at least. Wilt come for a moment +to the fire, and warm thyself?" + +"I cannot, though much I regret that precious time forbids; if thou +art ready, methinks we had best depart." + +"I am ever at thy service," cried Fawkes, and turning towards his +daughter, who had thrown a long cloak over his shoulders, "I'll wish +thee a good repose, sweet one, for 'twill be late ere I return." +Embracing her, then going toward Winter, he continued: "'Tis most +pleasing to have a pretty face on which to kiss a sad good-bye, and +know that loving arms await to greet a happy return." + +"Aye, that it is," he responded, biting his lip and watching the two; +"but we poor single men have no such bliss, and must be content to +watch the happiness of others. Still, there is left me the sweet +sorrow of saying good night." He extended his hand to the girl, who +let hers rest for an instant within his. "Now, if thou art ready, +Master Fawkes, I will follow." + +The two passed out into the night, both turning, however, when half +way down the path to wave a parting adieu to the fair figure standing +within the door. For some little distance the men continued on in +silence, each engrossed in thought. At length, Winter observing that +Fawkes seemed well aware as to the direction they were taking, +exclaimed with some little surprise: "Master Guido, one would think +the way to my residence an old traveled road to thee, but if I +recollect aright, this to my knowledge is the first time thou hast +gone over it." + +"Marry, but I have a guide, Sir Thomas," pointing to the dome of St. +Paul's church, which reared itself dark against the star-studded sky. + +"Beshrew my heart, doth some angel of heaven fly before thee?" as just +at the moment Fawkes turned sharply down another street leading to +their destination. + +"Nay, I have not that to point the way, but a friend of thine gave me +the direction. I did not think to tell thee the first night of our +meeting, for we had other matters of more pointed nature to engross +our thoughts," he added with a laugh, striking his sword; "and it did +slip my tardy mind that I was the bearer of a message from him to +thee." + +"I can but illy guess who he may be; but, pray, say on, by what name +went he?" + +"Giles Martin; and he did wish I would convey his best respects and +wishes for thy good welfare." + +"By St. Peter! Where didst thou run across the man? I had deemed him +long dead, for naught have I seen of him these many years." + +"The truth is, Sir Winter, he wished no mention made of his present +whereabouts; but I deemed thou hadst a sturdy friend in him, and," +continued Fawkes, looking at the other significantly, "he did seem +well informed on divers topics concerning these troubled times." + +"What dost thou mean, friend Guido?" asked Winter, turning a quick +glance toward Fawkes. + +"I am but a plain man, and thy outspoken question invites little but a +plain reply. Therefore, I'll repeat his words, which were that thou +didst stand poorly with those in high places, and, further, the times +were such that hot outspoken opinions on certain subjects were apt to +be quickly followed by the whistle of an axe flying through the air, +and that the King----" + +"A truce," Winter broke in, laying his hand upon the other's arm and +looking behind with some alarm as the two entered a thoroughfare, +which, by the number of people passing up and down, indicated their +approach to a central portion of the city; "by holy St. Dunstan, frame +not thy speech in such loud words, for it might be illy construed. But +here we are at our destination, and when within, thou mayst recite all +that Master Martin told." + +The two paused in front of an iron railing surrounding a court-yard, +on which fronted a residence of no mean pretensions. After unlocking +the wicket, Winter, followed by his companion, proceeded up the walk, +and passing through the main doorway, entered the house. + +"This is the first time, Fawkes, that I've had the honored pleasure of +thy company at mine own fireside," exclaimed Winter, when inside, +throwing his fur-lined coat upon a chair. Then observing that his +companion was already busily engaged in examining a trophy of swords +which decorated the wall, he continued: "What, do thy warlike eyes +ever seek the implements of thy trade? See, Guido, there is a suit of +mail that a valiant ancestor of mine did wear at Crecy," pointing +toward a stand of armor. + +"Indeed," answered the other, examining it, "he must of necessity have +been brave, for, I can but illy see how running could be done, even if +the spirit prompted the legs, attired in this heavy harness." + +"And now, if thou be ready," exclaimed Winter, evidently anxious to +arrive quickly at the task of the evening, "I will conduct thee to a +chamber wherein we may hold converse without fear of interruption." + +The two proceeded, Winter leading the way to the end of the hall, and +passing through a heavy open door, which closed behind them, entered a +room well adapted to the discussion of such things as must not fall on +untrusted ears. The chamber was one of spacious proportion, but on +account of its massive black furniture, seemed to be of medium size. +The walls were hung in some dark, unfigured tapestry, which added to +the somberness of the apartment, and tended to spread over all an air +of gloom. The dimness of the place was in some degree relieved by a +crackling fire burning upon the hearth, and two silver candelabrums +holding lighted tapers, stood upon an oaken table occupying the middle +of the room. + +The only window in the place opened down to the floor, leading out +upon a balcony overlooking the court-yard, and the interior of the +chamber was hidden from those passing by heavy curtains, which now +were closely drawn. A divan, several massive black oak cabinets, and +three or four high-back chairs completed the furniture of the room, +with the exception of a small table, on which stood a large and +curiously wrought silver flagon and several tankards. + +"Come Master Guy," cried Winter, filling two of the cups, "let us +preface dry work with a drink of honest vintage, and then we will to +our task." + +"With all my heart," replied Fawkes, taking the cup and draining it at +a draught. + +"And now to business," exclaimed the other, seating himself by the +table and motioning his companion to a place opposite. Having settled +himself easily in the chair, shading his face from the light of the +tapers that he might better watch the countenance of the other, he +began in a quiet voice: + +"I doubt not but thou didst deem it passing strange I made no +reference to the nature of the employment I had to offer thee, and, +mayhap," he continued, holding up his hand to silence an interruption +from his listener, "there hath arisen in thy mind suspicious thoughts +caused by a combination of incidents since thy arrival, which would +place me as one with whom to be identified were not as safe as serving +in the King's Guard. In point of fact, I refer particularly to the +outspoken words of our friend Giles Martin." + +"In truth," responded the other, in that quick, brusque manner +belonging to his nature, "Master Martin did lay naught at thy door, +but what I, or any other righteous man, might deem an honor to a +house. Nay," he continued, with some vehemence, "if what he said be +true, then I am overjoyed to find employment with one whose faith is +his greatest crime." + +"What may be the purport of thy words?" inquired Winter, slowly +turning a keen glance upon the speaker. + +"I mean," exclaimed Fawkes, leaning over the table toward his +questioner, "that I would think it no disgrace to serve, or, if need +be, fall by the side of one who had the courage to openly or secretly +espouse the Catholic cause in these cross-breaking days. Aye, Sir +Thomas, I will speak without concealment, for I have guessed at many +things, and know full well that the time must soon be ripe when all +who have not craven hearts will arise in wrath, and by word of mouth, +of mayhap, if need be, by a more violent measure put down those who +advise the enactment of laws which have for their intent the uprooting +of the Church in this our Kingdom." + +"By St. Michael!" exclaimed Winter, surprised that the other should +bring to the front so clearly his opinion on a subject upon which, he +had feared, it would require no small amount of questioning to elicit +anything, "thou dost astonish me with thine ardor; I always knew thee +as a brave churchman, but never----" + +"Time hath altered my views on many subjects," interrupted Fawkes. +"The manners of the Spaniard are not always good, and their breath is +oft odorous of garlic; but by my troth, they know full well how to +treat a heretic," he added with a decisive nod of his head. "Say on, +for by thy manner I judge it is thine object to sound my depth in +certain matters. I know not what's afoot; but by St. Peter," +continued he, striking the table a blow which made the tapers dance, +"if it hath aught to do with those--even though they be kings--whose +unholy hands would snuff our altar lights, thou canst count on Master +Guy to twist the rack or carry faggots." + +During this recital Winter watched the other with keen attention. +Knowing Fawkes to be a man of indomitable will, combined with +undaunted courage, and one to stop at nothing in gaining ends +justified by his conscience, he had not hesitated to recommend him as +a valuable adjunct to the cause dear to himself and his companions. +Heavily the weight of responsibility rested upon him; it had fallen to +his lot that he should be the one to sound this man, and decide as to +how great or small a degree of their confidence might be given to him. +One error in judgment now might be followed by the death of all their +hopes, and by the thud of heads dropping into the axman's basket. +Therefore he weighed the matter well before saying: + +"I did not over-estimate thy zeal. There are many things I would fain +tell thee, the purport of which methinks thou hast already guessed, +but which at present must not, for reasons, be spoken of. If thou art +willing for a time to remain in darkness, and take service as a +gentleman about my household, I can almost promise that the gloom of +thy ignorance on many matters may soon be dispelled by a lurid glare +which shall be red enough, even to thy liking. I have told thee +naught, but the very concealment of some things, to the observing, +doth show plainly what is hid. Ask no more, and, for the present, +content thyself with suppositions. If the conditions which I have +named suit thee, then thou wilt have access to these premises at all +times. Further, be my companion when I go abroad; for what is more +natural in these purse-cutting days than that a gentleman should +desire a lusty swordsman with him? Dost accept, and agree to all?" The +last word he pronounced with great emphasis. + +"Aye, to all," responded the other grimly, arising and extending his +gauntlet. + +"And I would further recommend," continued Winter, drumming on the +table with his fingers, "that thou say but little about this meeting, +even," looking narrowly at Fawkes, "to thy pretty daughter; for I have +remarked there is sometimes a certain visitor at thy house who, if the +report did reach his ears that two or three gentlemen of the Catholic +persuasion were closeted together, might denounce the assembling as a +conspiracy,--which would be most unjust--and bring the King's Guard +with small courtesy. Dost follow me, friend Guido?" + +"That I do; but there's naught to fear; I know your meaning. Heretics +will no more darken my door." + +"That is well, and I hope, truly spoken," replied Winter, nodding his +head in approval, and rising from his chair with an air of relief that +the business of the evening was settled. "Let us," he continued, +filling up the cups, "drink success to our compact." + +"Ah!" cried Fawkes, pointing to the wine as it flowed from the +flagon's mouth, "A most fitting color be the draught;" then, as he +raised the tankard to his lips, "A toast, Sir Thomas, I will offer +thee. May we be as willing to give our blood when asked, as this good +flagon to yield its red cheer to us! And now I must set out for home, +and 'tis with a lighter heart than when I came. Dost thou wish my +presence here to-morrow?" he inquired as they reached the door. + +"Thou mayst call on the stroke of ten, or thereabouts. Until then, +farewell." + +The host watched the form of his guest disappear in the darkness, and +shutting the door, returned with a thoughtful step to the chamber +wherein they had been sitting. Filling a cup with wine and raising it +on high, he exclaimed with a laugh: "Troth, Master Fawkes, I did drink +to thy health awhile ago; now I will quaff a flagon to thy daughter. +Here is to one, Mistress Elinor, the fairest, the sweetest wench in +all England, and for one warm kiss from whose lips Sir Thomas Winter +would right gladly face grim death. Marry," he mused, setting down the +cup, "thou hast done, mayhap, a good stroke for the cause, in bringing +this bloodhound Fawkes from out of Spain, but young Monteagle, beware; +for if I be judge, the Spanish treatment of a heretic leaves but +little for the burial." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +THE WISEST FOOL IN CHRISTENDOM. + + +The Royal Court of King James, at Whitehall, was furnished and +embellished with all the luxury which love of show and the power of +the owner could command. Choicest tapestries draped the walls, carpets +of marvelous softness covered the floors. In the King's bedchamber +stood an elaborately carved bedstead canopied with perfumed velvet +cunningly wrought in silk and gold. Upon its front glittered the royal +arms of England. + +Reared as he had been in the plainness of Scottish simplicity, the +wealth and lavish display in the English manor houses where he had +rested during his journey from Edinburgh delighted and enchanted him +in the highest degree. Vain, fond of indolent diversions, and prodigal +in expenditures, he at once surrounded himself with the choicest +products of the weavers, decorators and artisans of the Continent. + +In a chamber of this palace, on the second afternoon following the +meeting of Catesby with Rookwood and Anne Vaux at the hiding place of +the Jesuit Superior, an interesting conversation took place between +the Queen's lady-in-waiting, and one Robert Carr, a Scotchman, and +favorite of the King. After James ascended the throne of England he +meted out ample measure to his countrymen, likening himself to Joseph, +who, being raised to power, forgot not his brethren. That this Robert +was of goodly parts, being fair of feature and elegant of limb, +rendered him the more acceptable to his royal master; forsooth, there +were few of the nobles in the two kingdoms but knew certain tales +concerning the favorites of the King, young gallants of the period +whose presence at Court added nothing to the honor of their sovereign. + +Robert Carr, a person of deep perception and gifted with certain +Scottish wit, pandered much to the follies and pride of his +benefactor. He was also a man easily excited by beauty of face and +grace of manner, and had fallen desperately in love with Mistress +Vaux, to his own undoing and the jealousy of the Queen's women. It was +this state of affairs which the Jesuit had reckoned upon, when, in +casting about for an expedient to check the fiery zeal of Sir Robert +Catesby, he had suggested that one dwelt at Court who might learn what +was in the mind of the King concerning certain policies. Being +instructed by Garnet what course to pursue, Anne Vaux, on her return +to Whitehall, made haste to summon into her presence the King's +favorite. Nor did Carr need a second bidding to betake himself to the +lady's chamber. + +"Sweet Anne!" cried he, dropping upon his knee before the +maid-in-waiting, "thou hast saved me from despair. Knowest thou 'tis +eight and forty hours since thy gentle presence hath made earth to me +a paradise?" + +"Nay, good Robert!" replied she, demurely casting down her eyes, yet +permitting the gallant to retain her hand, "Speak not of despair; thou +who hast so high a place with our royal master. Amid thy pleasures the +absence of Anne Vaux can be but of small moment unto thee." + +Carr covered her hand with kisses. + +"Whitehall without thee is a barren wilderness," cried he, "for thee +would I barter faith, honor----" + +Anne raised her head until her eyes met his. + +"Nay, sweet gentleman!" said she, softly, "'tis not faith, nor honor I +would ask of thee; 'tis----" + +"Speak!" murmured Carr, overcome by his emotions. "Speak, that I may +serve thee." + +"'Tis but little," replied the lady, "yet would it please me much, and +thou art able to converse freely with his Majesty." + +"The King!" cried Carr, alarmed that the name of James should enter +into his love making. "What wouldst thou with the King?" + +Anne withdrew her hand. "Ah!" cried she, pushing him gently from her, +"'tis so little, yet thou wouldst withhold thy courtesy. There be +certain other gentlemen, my lord of----" + +"Say not so," stammered the courtier, "be it the crown itself." His +companion laughed merrily. "The crown!" cried she, "what would Anne +Vaux with the crown of England? 'Tis but a simple question, a word +with his Majesty, that I may gain a wager." + +"Speak then," said Carr, "that I may hasten to obey thee." + +"Thou knowest," replied Anne, "there be much serious speculation, many +theories formed throughout the kingdom concerning the mind of the King +regarding the penalties against the Catholics. Some there be who hold +'tis the King's wish that the ordinances, or edicts of Elizabeth, be +removed utterly, while others affirm that James doth join with +Parliament for their maintenance. Having been drawn into an argument +with certain of my mistress' ladies, a wager was made, that ere the +morrow the truth of the matter should to me be disclosed." + +The look on her companion's face changed to consternation. + +"Ask the King concerning so grave a matter?" cried he. + +"A truce, Master Carr!" replied Anne, sharply, "it needeth small +perception to discern thy temper. Thou dost ask much, yet givest +little." + +The King's favorite was nonplussed. To question James concerning +affairs of State was no light matter, yet, in opposition to so doing +stood the anger and the loss of Mistress Vaux. This thought, which he +could not endure, caused him to hesitate. + +"Be it so!" said the lady, coldly, "Thou hast refused so small a +favor, therefore will I summon one who, methinks, hath more +consideration." And she moved as though to touch the bell upon the +table. + +The action, indicating his dismissal, removed all scruples which had +arisen in the mind of the courtier, and kneeling before her he pledged +himself to at once seek an audience with the King, who, having passed +the afternoon in hunting, was resting in his own apartments. + +Pleased that her object had been so easily gained, Anne permitted the +enraptured Scotchman to clasp her in his arms, then he rushed from the +chamber hoping after a short interview with the King to return to her. + +As Carr had intimated, James, wearied by several hours in the saddle, +for it was his pleasure to hunt or horseback in Waltham forest and in +other royal chases, had retired early to his bed chamber. He had eaten +heartily, for despite his ungainly person the First of the Stuarts was +a famous trenchman. Freed from his quilted clothes and mellow with +strong wine, he admitted to his presence two gentlemen who sought an +audience. + +The noblemen who were thus occupants of the royal chamber stood in +strong contrast to the Sovereign of England. Their large and +gracefully proportioned figures were made most conspicuous by the big +head, rickety legs and dwarfed body of their royal master, while the +calm dignity which enveloped them set forth vividly the driveling +speech, and coarseness of him whom the death of the last of the Tudors +had placed upon the throne. + +"Ah!" cried James, perceiving the gentlemen upon the threshold, +"welcome most worthy Monteagle and Viscount Effingston! Hast thou then +an answer to my argument?" + +The lips of the younger nobleman trembled nervously as he sought to +repress a smile, but his companion advanced quickly to the royal couch +upon which the King had stretched himself. + +"The wisdom of your Majesty is indeed unanswerable," said he bending +to kiss the hand held out to him. + +James chuckled loudly. + +"'Tis my pleasure to discourse on certain matters," replied he, "and my +good lord of Monteagle, being well versed in the learning of the +period, doth turn with relish to a well written document. It was, +methinks, concerning the 'True Law of Free Monarchy.'" + +"Nay, your Majesty," replied Monteagle, drawing a paper from his +doublet, "'twas thy most learned discourse on tobacco." + +The Viscount Effingston, who stood well behind his father, turned +aside his face, that the King might not note the smile upon it. James, +however, having plunged into one of his pedantic hobbies, had small +perception of aught aside from the discourse in hand. + +"'Twas, in truth!" cried he, "a most learned writing, bearing upon +the use of an ill-savored weed. What thinkest thou, my lord?" + +"'Tis indeed most ably written," replied Monteagle, "and being much +impressed with the wisdom so plainly set forth, I did read it aloud to +several of my gentlemen." + +"And what said they, good Monteagle?" + +"That your Majesty had, in truth, touched the heart of the matter," +replied the peer. "Even Sir Raleigh, upon the reading of it, would, +methinks, turn from the habit." + +"That would he," said the King, gruffly, for the name of Raleigh was +in no wise pleasing to him. + +"A most excellent document!" broke in the Viscount, "my worthy father +was about to beg your Majesty for further discourse on so grave a +matter." + +Monteagle cast a look of keen reproach at his son; 'twas not for the +pleasure of discussing the "Counterblast To Tobacco," the famous +literary production of the King, that he had sought this audience. +James, however, was highly pleased at the young man's words. + +"Good Monteagle!" cried he, "thy son is a worthy gentleman, and +methinks our reign will see him a most favored peer. Instruct him, +that he fall not into certain habits as to bells and candlesticks, nor +give ear too seriously to the teachings of them who would embroil our +kingdom." + +At this moment Robert Carr, hastening to the royal bed chamber, in +order to obey the wishes of Mistress Vaux, entered the ante-room and +hearing his master in converse with others, paused noiselessly behind +the curtains. + +"Faith!" continued James, receiving no reply from Monteagle or his +son, "it is rumored that thou also hath dealt somewhat closely with +these disturbers of the kingdom." + +Alarmed at the character of the conversation assumed by the King, the +nobleman would have checked it by well timed flattery, but James was +not to be turned from his purpose. + +"It doth much annoy me," prated he, "that certain reports are spread +abroad making it seem my desire, against the wishes of our good +Parliament, to remit certain fines----" + +Carr, whose ear was pressed close against the curtain, rubbed his +hands together in exultation that there was like to be, without +discomfort to himself, something ready for the ear of the Queen's +waiting woman. + +"And divers statutes against those who would bring back the Jesuits," +continued James, plucking impatiently the fringe of his couch cover. + +"Your Majesty is, in truth, the spring of justice," said Monteagle, +soberly, "and it ill befits thy subjects, be they Puritans or +Catholics, to----" + +A wave of passion swept across the royal face. + +"Puritans and Catholics!" cried he, sitting upright. "Zounds! What +then? Am I not king? Wherefore should I tolerate in this good kingdom +those who teach treason in their churches?" + +Monteagle's position was truly equivocal. The son of a Protestant +peer, through his marriage, early in life, with the daughter of a +Catholic, he became involved in certain Papistic plots, and listened +to the teachings of the missionary priests. James had made him the +recipient of many court favors, for the maintenance of which, +Monteagle, balancing the advantages of his position against the loss +which might accrue to him were he to boldly adhere to his religion, +had become lukewarm in the faith of the Catholics, and this had +brought him into disrepute with his old associates. + +"'Tis a grave matter that there be any in England whose faith takes +precedence of their loyalty," said he, the King ceasing his harangue +through lack of breath. + +"Thou sayest rightly!" cried he, "nor will I abate one jot or tittle +from that I have set before me. As it is atheism and blasphemy to +dispute what is in God's power, so it is presumption and high contempt +for a subject to question a king's will; nor should a king abate even +the breadth of a hair from that right which his prerogative gives unto +him." + +The Viscount Effingston pulled his father's sleeve. + +"We had best retire," he whispered, "the wine hath mounted to the head +of yonder fool, and, perchance, he may see in thee a Raleigh or a +Cobham." + +The King was, indeed, weary of the interview. The exertion of the +afternoon, the heated room, the wine and the ill temper into which he +had fallen, deprived him of his usual wit, leaving him only boorish +and irritable. + +"My lord Monteagle," said he, peevishly, "it pleases me that you +retire, for a certain languor of the body rendereth our discourse +unprofitable." + +The words of his son had startled the nobleman from his usual +composure, and receiving the King's permission to retire, he made +haste to kiss the royal hand, well pleased that the audience was +ended, although certain favors which he desired to ask of his Majesty +remained unspoken. + +"Faith!" said the favorite, as the two peers passed his hiding place, +"I have, indeed, had a most fortunate escape, for James is in poor +condition to discuss even with Robert Carr, that which sent him +hither." + +Then, as the King's valets crowded into the chamber, summoned by the +furious ringing of their master's bell, he looked for an instant upon +the half-drunken monarch, dropped the curtain and hastened down the +corridor that he might relate to Mistress Vaux that which he had +overheard. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +THE VISCOUNT EFFINGSTON. + + +Rare and luxurious were the furnishings of a room in which we find +Lord Monteagle and his son. Wealth and artistic hands had combined to +bring all its sumptuousness into a rich and harmonious completeness. +The elder, who had just entered, walked with troubled brow toward the +window. The other, tall and strong, with features of fine proportion +and graceful contour, clad in a style denoting the aristocrat and man +of fashion, sat at a desk engaged in writing. For a time the only +sound breaking the silence was the sharp scratching of a goosequill +as it traveled over the paper. At last, having finished, and observing +the other for the first time, he remarked, as he folded the sheet: + +"My lord, hast thou so soon returned from the audience? Did aught +transpire to ruffle thy temper? Or, mayhap," he continued with a +laugh, "His Majesty did read thee an essay on How to Take Snuff +Without a Nose, or some other learned subject dear to his heart." + +"Not so, my son," Monteagle replied with gravity; "but I have heard +again rumors which set but ill upon my mind. 'Tis the talk of the +ante-chamber, and the first words which did greet my ear on entering +came from that silly, chattering coxcomb, Robert Carr, who, advancing, +enquired in a low voice, but which at the same time filled the room, +whether my daughter-in-law would be the new lady in waiting upon the +Queen. These many days the talk that hath been afoot connects thy name +with one whose ancestral lineage will not bear scrutiny, and, for +truth, much this gossip hath troubled me." + +Effingston reddened, and turned in his chair toward the speaker, +suppressing an angry retort which sprang to his lips: "My lord, dost +thou believe all that Dame Rumor whispereth?" + +"No, verily, being too long connected with affairs of State, but, in +my anxiety, I made inquiry, and much it paineth me to find these same +reports seem to have foundation. I do not demand but beg an +explanation from thy lips, to hear if that be true which reached my +ear." + +"Your lordship knows," returned the other with an inclination of the +head, "that thy request is to me a command; therefore, I tell thee +frankly that what thou heard this morning is to an extent well +founded. Thou canst be sparing of thy fears," he continued as the +other was about to interrupt, "and ever be assured, respect for Lord +Monteagle, my father, and pride, the inheritance of the noble born, +will deter Viscount Effingston from actions which his conscience might +perchance approve. I will not disgrace thee or thy name," he +concluded, with a touch of haughtiness in his tone. + +"I have not yet accused thee of bringing discredit upon our house, and +devoutly hope my fears are but absurd, born of that doubt which +seemeth to be resident in the minds of men one for the other. By my +troth, we can seldom point with certainty in these days to one of our +fellow creatures, and say truly, I know him to be good and free from +treason. It would, I swear," he continued, with a sigh, "little +surprise me, to hear the Archbishop of Canterbury had been seen to +hold his crosier for a pretty wench to leap across, that he might the +better gaze upon her ankles. Thou art a man grown; therefore, I can +but counsel. But this I know: love for one below thy station, though +she have all purity and moral excellence, seldom ends in marriage; if +by chance it doth bring thee to the altar, repentance with its dismal +train follows far too often, even ere the echo of the chimes hath died +away." + +"Thy counsel did, and ever shall stand high in my regard," replied +Effingston. "But thy fears are groundless. I do admit that she to whom +thou dost refer is not of highest birth; still, her ancestors helped +to keep the crown upon a king's head, and methinks, deserve more +credit for acting thus without reward than though they bore the title +of a Duke or Prince. As thou hast asked, and with perfect justice, I +will tell the story from its beginning. Thou might misjudge if thy +mind held its present suspicion, and it would lead to setting aside of +confidences which, it hath been my happiness to feel, did ever exist +between us." + +"Thou sayest well," replied the other, with affection. "I have always +looked upon thee as my sword arm, to carry out by thy young strength +the deeds which time hath left me ill conditioned to perform." + +"Thou remembrest," began Effingston, "the night three months since, I +rode to Chartsey Manor, with intent to sound Lord Cecil regarding his +attitude on issues then before Parliament. It was midnight ere I left, +and well on toward the stroke of two when I arrived in the outskirts +of London. Proceeding slowly on my way, drinking in deeply the +beauties of the night, suddenly there sounded upon my startled ear a +woman's scream, which quickly ceased, as if she who uttered it had +been rudely seized about the throat. I reined up my horse and +listened. Distinctly could I hear, not two hundred paces from me, the +sound of scuffling feet and an outburst of drunken laughter, ending in +a round of fiendish cursing. 'Hold,' cried I, 'wait until I can loose +my sword and lend thee aid.' Saying which, I hastily dismounted, +throwing the bridle of my horse over a bush hard by, and hurried in +the direction of the tumult. On turning a corner, there came upon my +sight a scene which made my blood boil and lent new speed to my legs. +Two ruffians had set upon a woman, and while one held back her chin +and shoulders, the other was endeavoring to imprint a kiss upon the +upturned face, the rogue being hindered in his purpose by the girl, +who, holding in her hand a small dagger, lunged right boldly with it. +'Avaunt ye, knaves,' I cried, running, sword in hand. Before, however, +I could reach the struggling group she had struck the man in front of +her, causing him for a moment to desist, when, with a sudden accession +of strength, breaking away from the one who held her, she set her back +against the wall, confronting the two assailants with the look and +spirit of a tigress. The men, now for the first time perceiving me, +having been too deep in liquor and their employment to hear my shout, +took to their heels, but not until I had spoiled the sword arm of one +and left my mark upon the other. Turning toward the girl who stood by +the wall, I discovered the momentary spirit had left her, for again +she was the weak woman and would have fallen fainting to the ground, +had I not given her support. She soon revived, and having received her +thanks, prettily given, I inquired how it fell out she had been so +rudely set upon; in reply to which she told me of her grandam being +taken ill, and in need of a leech, and how she had gone forth to fetch +him, and was attacked, when returning from her errand. On begging that +she would permit me to see her safely home, my offer was accepted +with thanks. When arrived at our destination she asked if I would not +on the next day return, that she might more fully express her +gratitude. Thou knowest, my father, how love grows in the heart. At +first my feeling was one of curiosity; but it soon changed to +admiration for the fair girl, and, at last it ripened into love, as I +learned to know the soul which rested in her beautiful form. This is +my simple story, and I have naught more to tell." + +"My son," replied the other, who had listened with eager attention to +the narrative, "there's naught, so far, that I condemn, and I applaud +thee for thy chivalry, but I had higher hopes for thee than a marriage +with a commoner. Thou hast, however, omitted to tell me her name," he +added, in a voice betokening anxiety. + +"Her name is Elinor Fawkes, the daughter of an officer, English by +birth, now serving in the army of Spain." + +"Elinor Fawkes," repeated the father, with a start and looking toward +Effingston. "'Tis as I feared. Is this, then, the creature on whom +thou wouldst bestow thy name? Have thine ears been out of sorts, never +to have heard the rumor which connects her in none too savory a manner +with the adventurer Sir Thomas Winter? It is common talk, for I will +speak plainly to thee, that she is his mistress." + +"In thy throat thou liest," the other cried, leaping to his feet, +white to the lips with sudden passion; "recall those words, or by St. +Paul, I'll strike thee to my feet, forgetting the loins which begat +me! She hath fully told me of, and set aside, the lie which coupleth +her with Sir Thomas Winter." + +"Aye, she hath explained to thee readily enough, I trow," exclaimed +the other, roused to anger. "Lives there the woman who could not make +excuses if but a moment were granted her? I shall not chide thee for +thy hasty words; time will bring them to thy memory with remorse. But +listen unto reason, and----" + +"I'll hear no more," Effingston cried, in a voice full of passion. + +"Stop," said Monteagle, in a commanding voice, holding up his hand, +"thou shalt hear! Doth the leech withhold the lance when a patient +groans? No, my son; I'll introduce thee to plain facts, and try to +cure, even though my duty be a hard one." + +Effingston sank into his chair, his temper cooled to a degree by his +father's manner, and listened with compressed lips and knitted brow to +what followed. + +"As I have already told thee," began Lord Monteagle, "I suspected that +it was she who had ensnared thee. I set inquiries afoot, and in +justice to the girl, with a twofold object--first, to establish her +innocence, if she were true; secondly, to save thy name and happiness, +if she proved guilty. But," he went on, advancing toward his son and +laying a hand upon his shoulder, "the second object of my quest was +the one fulfilled. The proof came by the hand of God. Yesternight, +leaving the house of Lord Brighton, where I had dined, and wishing to +return with all speed, I requested the bearers of my chair to take the +shortest way home. Gazing out of the window, I noted that we were in +the locality of the house wherein she (who had for the past few days +most unhappily filled my mind) was reported to reside, and desiring to +look upon the spot, commanded my men to rest there. Suddenly I +descried a man muffled in a cloak, proceeding up the street, who, as +he approached, proved to my astonishment to be none other than Sir +Thomas Winter. Quickly he ascended the steps and knocked at the house +opposite the place where I chanced to be. After a moment the door +opened and the figure of a girl stood on the threshold. Beholding her, +Winter exclaimed: 'A good evening to thee, Mistress Fawkes,' the rest +of the greeting being lost to me as the door closed. I was astonished +at having so quickly set before me the two whose names had been in my +mind. After a few moments the door again opened suddenly, this time I +think by accident, revealing the figure of him who had just entered, +still clad in his cloak, clasping in his arms and kissing the woman +who admitted him. I could not hear what passed, for at the time the +wind blew high, drowning their voices. But I had seen enough, and +cried to the bearers to take up the chair and proceed. That, my son, +is what I have seen, not learned by mere hearsay. Would that I could +have spared thee the telling, but 'tis for thy welfare I have narrated +it." + +Effingston, during the narrative, had remained motionless, his +features drawn and colorless. Fully realizing that his father would +not have maliciously manufactured this evidence against the girl, his +mind could conceive no extenuating circumstance to clear it away. That +she had deceived him was not beyond the consent of reason. He was a +man of the world and of the time, well aware of possible duplicity, +and further, that the age offered numerous examples of women with one +hand on the cradle while the other guided an axe toward some head +which for a cause must fall, or fanatically sacrificing all, even +honor, to gain the coveted support of a courtier in some undertaking. +The scandal which had been breathed about her, to do him justice, he +did not give ear to, believing implicitly the story told by Elinor, +explaining her associations with Winter. But was not this man a +champion of the cause which he had helped to defeat? Was it impossible +that she had played her lover as a dupe to further a scheme? This was +entirely plausible, but he could not bring his mind to believe it. And +why? For the same old, old reason which has cost men their lives and +honor, kings their crowns--because he loved her. When his father had +finished, he said, in a quiet voice, extending his hand: + +"I thank thee; thy motive is of the best; and I most humbly beg thy +pardon for my hasty words, prompted by anger only." + +"What course dost thou now intend to pursue?" inquired Monteagle +uneasily, for the quiet, passionless manner of his son made him +apprehensive. + +"What thou or any other man would do--give the woman a chance to +defend herself." + +"Aye, I thought as much," the other replied with an air of angered +impatience. "She will, with her arms about thy neck, explain fast +enough, and to thy satisfaction." + +"Dost thou forget," the son inquired, "that I am a Monteagle, and have +implanted in me that pride and temper which can illy condone, even in +those they love, deceit and falsity? Have no fears for me," he added, +advancing with a determined step toward the door. + +"Where art thou going, my son?" asked the other in an alarmed tone. + +"To face this woman with the accusations thou hast just uttered +against her." + +"Stay; go not in thine anger, for some mischief may be wrought. Wait +until thy temper cools; see her not again, but write." + +"I am not a killer of unarmed adversaries," retorted Effingston; +"again, I repeat, have no fear for me." + +"Well, well; God's will be done; it may be for the best," the other +said with a sigh, turning away his head. + +The son hesitated for a moment; then quickly kneeling before his +father and taking his hand, exclaimed: "I humbly ask thee to forget my +hot words, and again I crave thy pardon for the same. They were spoken +in wrath, on hearing the image of my love fall crashing to the earth." + +Then springing to his feet, before Monteagle had opportunity to reply, +he hurriedly left the room. + +Once on the street, Effingston strode without pause in the direction +of Elinor's house. What a difference in his feelings now, contrasted +with what they had been when he had traversed that way before. He had +outlined his course of action,--to simply tell her what his father had +seen, and demand an explanation. If she were guilty, even his love and +her woman's wit could not, he thought, hide the fact from his eyes; +and if it all were true and he had been duped, what then? + +He prayed that pride would come to his aid and steel his nerves, and +prompt his tongue to speak. With these thoughts in his mind, and +looking neither to the right nor left, he hurried on his way to her +dwelling. How changed each familiar object seemed to him. As he +knocked at the door and listened, a footstep sounded in the hall. Ah, +how many times had his heart leaped at the same sound. The door +opened, and she who was all the world to him stood on the +threshold;--she whom he must soon accuse of hideous duplicity. How +very beautiful she looked. On seeing Effingston, Elinor uttered a low, +startled cry. He noted the action, for love, when coupled with +suspicion (and the two can live together) is not blind, but terribly +vigilant. + +"Elinor, I must speak with thee, and alone," he exclaimed. + +The girl regarded him with a half frightened look. She had been all +day engaged in a bitter fight with self, and knew not how to tell him +they must part forever. Now he stood before her. She realized to some +extent what the agony of the separation which must soon come would be +to her, and knowing full well the depth of his love, measured his +sufferings by her own. Wild thoughts had passed through her mind of +doing something which would turn that love to hate, and she felt she +could better bear that than know he lived and suffered. But now as she +looked upon him both will and fortitude fast weakened. Again she was +the simple loving woman. + +"Wilt thou enter?" she asked in a constrained voice, scarce knowing +what she said. + +He crossed the threshold and passed into the little room which held +for him the most tender recollections. + +"Elinor, I have come----" he began; then, gazing at the beautiful face +before him, he advanced toward her with outstretched arms--all +resolution gone; "O my darling, I have wronged thee--thou canst tell, +I know, and explain all." + +She shrank from his touch, fearing lest her little firmness should +take flight. + +"Why dost thou shrink from me?" cried he, swept by a sudden fear which +made his lips dry and his cheeks burn. "O my God, can it then be thou +dost know the purport of my question?" + +"I know not what thou meanest," she stammered, astonished at his +words, even amidst her sufferings; "if thou hast aught to ask, pray +say on." + +He watched the trembling figure for a moment, interpreting her emotion +as detected guilt, and the demon of jealousy, which, strange to say, +is often led forth by love, burst out, prompting him to speak words +which after uttering, he would have given worlds to unsay. + +"Then, know," he cried, "that I have discovered thy methods, and that +I have been duped and dragged on to further some hellish scheme of +thine and his. I've swallowed thy pretty words and thought them sweet. +Now I know all; 'twas but last night thou wert in his arms, and +rightly thou belongest there; the report is true, thou art none other +than the mistress of Sir Thomas Winter. Aye, tremble in thy guilt, +thou Magdalene; thou canst not deny it." + +As he uttered the accusation, she raised her arm as if to ward off +some sudden blow, then let it fall at her side, standing speechless, +benumbed and horrified at the terrible words he had hurled at her. The +disgrace and the infamy of them she did not at once grasp, but +gradually her mind began to comprehend all that he had said. The room +swam about her, and she caught at a chair for support, vainly trying +to make some reply. Again he repeated: "Thou canst not deny it; guilt +is written in thine every action." + +As she aroused herself there flashed upon her mind the act of two +short days ago, when she had fallen upon her knees and prayed God that +this man before her might be spared the cruel pangs of that separation +which must inevitably come. And had not that prayer been answered? Had +not he just uttered accusations, which, if not denied, would end his +love for her--now and forever? Believing her to be vile and infamous, +pride and manhood would soon come to his aid. But what did the +acknowledgment mean to her? His utter contempt; he would always +believe that he had been her dupe--hers, who would gladly give her +very life for him. But what mattered it? Thinking this to be true, he +will soon, manlike, dismiss her from his thoughts, and give his love +to another, who, pray God, may make his life all happiness and +gladness. She turned her eyes toward the wall on which hung the image +of Christ nailed to a cross. Could she not crucify herself, for this +love of hers? Slowly the resolution formed. Again he repeated: "Canst +thou deny it?" And she answered: "Thou sayest it!" + +"It is true?" he cried. + +Again she answered: "Thou sayest it." + +"O great God," he exclaimed, putting his hands to his head, "can this +be real? Can this be the end of all our hopes? Is the world so bad and +woman so low?" + +She uttered not a word, but stood motionless. + +"Vile deceiver!" he cried, turning to her as he staggered toward the +door, "if it be happiness to know that thine infamy hath ruined my +life, know it, then, and be glad." + +She heard the portal close. He had gone from her forever. Then the +full and terrible import of that which she had acknowledged herself to +be overwhelmed her, and with a cry she fell unconscious to the floor. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +IN THE GARDEN OF THE GENTLEMAN-PENSIONER. + + +Upon reaching the open air, Effingston paused for a moment that the +shock occasioned by the admission of Elinor might in some degree pass +from him. He had gone to her prepared for tears, protests and womanly +anger, and despite the suspicion which had seized his heart, it had +not been in his nature to believe the words of his father would so +soon find confirmation. He felt, indeed, as one about to lay his head +upon the block,--that he must cry out, yet his heart was clutched as +by a giant hand, benumbing all his faculties so that pain and lethargy +paralyzed his will. + +As he groped half blindly for the railing which flanked the narrow +steps, the figure of a man confronted him, who, as he perceived the +Viscount Effingston standing upon the threshold of Mistress Fawkes' +dwelling, drew back quickly, his face dark with anger. 'Twas Sir +Thomas Winter. + +In that instant all the calmness of the young nobleman returned to +him. The sight of Winter, in whom he saw the bitter enemy of his +house, and whom he now hated for a double reason, turned his pain into +contempt for her who had so illy used him. Pride came to his aid, and +he would have passed the other haughtily; but it was in no wise the +purpose of Sir Thomas that the meeting should have so peaceful an +ending. + +Rumor had reached him that the Viscount Effingston was too frequent a +visitor at the house of one for whom he fostered, if not love, at +least a fierce passion, and the presence of his rival, at the very +door of the humble dwelling, aroused him to fury. With an angry frown +distorting his features he advanced toward the spot where stood the +Viscount, who, perceiving he had to deal with one in whom temper had +overcome prudence, laid his hand upon the hilt of his rapier. It was +not the purpose of Winter, however, to come to blows thus openly with +one who was known to be in favor with the King. He therefore contented +himself with obstructing the way in so insolent a manner, and with +such malice in his eyes, that it sent the blood to the cheeks of +Effingston, and he returned the gaze unflinchingly, saying quietly: + +"Come, if Sir Thomas Winter hath in mind aught to say to me, let it be +done quickly, that I may go upon my way." At the same time he moved as +though to pass. + +"Nay! My Lord of Effingston!" replied Winter turning his eyes upon the +hand which rested on the jeweled sword hilt. "Fear not that in a +street of London I would draw sword against thee, traitor though thou +art. Thy royal master----" + +"Traitor!" cried Effingston, the red of his cheeks changing to the +paleness of anger. "Traitor, sayest thou, Sir Winter?" + +"Aye!" replied Winter. "All London knoweth." + +The Viscount controlled himself by an effort. + +"Thy purpose is clear to me," said he coldly, "thou wouldst force a +quarrel; so be it. Traitor, sayest thou? Perchance, thy mirror hath +shown one to thee so frequently that the word is ever on thy tongue." + +"As to mirrors," replied Winter, "those in the King's chamber have +revealed to thee their ways, then. Thinkest thou nothing is known +concerning the purpose of my Lord Monteagle in instructing thee as to +Puritanism." + +Effingston bit his lip. "'Tis befitting thy manhood, Sir Winter, having +bribed a dastardly servant to give false testimony of what was +listened to from behind a curtain, that thou shouldst insult one whose +cloak buckle thou art unworthy to loosen. 'Twas a fair representation +of thy character, a good showing of thy principles. If it be in thy +mind to prate further, get thee into the market place, where, mounted +upon an ass, thou mayst draw around thee certain of the populace whose +wont it is to gather for such discourse." + +This was spoken with a mock gallantry which the Viscount could well +assume, and deprived the other for a moment of utterance. Overcome by +anger, and surprised that the insults heaped upon the Viscount were +met with contempt, he forgot himself so far as to bring the name of +Mistress Fawkes into the quarrel. + +"Thou dost but jest with me," he cried, taking a step nearer his +rival; "perchance, having come from the arms of thy mistress, thy wits +are so dulled that----" + +The reply of Effingston was sudden and unexpected. Resolved to avoid +an open quarrel with one whom he considered beneath him, he had sought +to return words, only, to the other's insults, but the reference to +one whom he had held most dear, fired his brain. Scarce had Winter +uttered the base accusation when the young nobleman snatched off his +heavy gauntlet and with it struck him across the face; so great was +the force of the blow that the other staggered, lost his footing on +the slippery street, and fell at the feet of his enemy. + +Having thus given expression to his anger, Effingston calmly replaced +the glove, and with hand upon hilt, awaited the arising of his +companion. + +Stunned for the moment by so sturdy a buffet, Winter remained +motionless for a little space, but soon regained his feet, and, with +garments soiled and earth stained, with blood upon his face, drew his +sword and made as though he would thrust the Viscount through. + +Effingston drew also, and more serious results would have followed had +not one in the crowd which had gathered to watch the ending of the +quarrel, cried that the King's soldiers were approaching. + +Sobered by the danger which threatened him, for the arrest of a +Catholic with sword in hand was like to bring evil consequence, Winter +made haste to sheathe his blade, which example the Viscount quickly +followed. However, it was a false alarm, and raised only for the +pleasure of seeing two fine gentlemen thrown into confusion. The +crowd, catching the spirit of the varlet, straightway raised a tumult, +showering the nobles with sundry jibes and insulting remarks, +considering it rare sport to have at their mercy those of high degree. + +The commotion turned for a moment the mind of Winter from his first +grievance, and he bethought himself of the sorry figure he must show +with dress awry, face soiled and blood-stained, and, worse than all, +insulted dignity. Therefore he made haste to leave a company so +unappreciative, and destitute of sympathy. To Effingston, the thought +that against his better judgment he had been drawn into a public +brawl, caused his face to glow with passion, and his desire to leave +the locality was not less than that of the other. The lookers on, +finding their sport ended, did not follow, but took themselves to +other ways, and the two gentlemen, who had hurried blindly, without +attention or knowledge as to direction, soon found themselves in a +quiet street somewhat remote from the neighborhood which had witnessed +Sir Thomas Winter's discomfiture. + +"My Lord of Effingston!" cried he, as he gathered together his +disturbed senses, noting the presence of his companion. "Thou hast +grievously insulted me, therefore----" + +"When thou wilt!" the Viscount interrupted. "My sword is ever at thy +service." + +"'Tis well!" said Winter, drawing his cloak about him; "one hour from +now in the garden of Thomas Percy, whom, methinks, is known to thee. +Yet if thou dost fear----" + +Effingston shrugged his shoulders. "In Sir Percy's garden," repeated +he haughtily, and turning upon his heel left Sir Thomas in the +roadway. + +The garden of the official dwelling occupied by the +Gentleman-Pensioner consisted of perhaps a quarter of an acre of +sward, fringed by a sorry row of leafless trees, and surrounded by a +high wall, beyond the top of which shone the metal gables of half a +score of straight-backed dwellings. 'Twas no uncommon thing for the +parties to a dispute to settle the same by force of arms, but they +carried on the affair with all secrecy, lest the report thereof reach +the ears of those in authority, as it was contrary to the King's wish +that a private quarrel should end in the killing of an English +gentleman. Such being the fact, those gardens which adjoined the +houses of certain nobles, and by reason of their privacy precluded the +presence of prying eyes, were oft turned into duelling grounds, and +the square of sward flanking the dwelling of Thomas Percy was well +adapted for a contest in which the evenness of the ground, as well as +others matters, was of much consequence to the combatants. + +To this garden the Viscount Effingston, accompanied by Sir Francis +Tillinghurst and another, who bore beneath his cloak a case of +instruments, presented himself at the hour appointed for his meeting +with Sir Thomas Winter. Having gained admittance by a gate set in the +wall, the three found awaiting them, Sir Thomas, my Lord of Rookwood, +the Gentleman-Pensioner and a surgeon summoned by the latter to look +to the welfare of the challenger. + +As the gate clicked behind the Viscount and his companions, Lord +Rookwood, who was in close converse with the others at the further +side of the garden, advanced haughtily, bowing to Sir Francis, whom he +perceived represented the interests of the young nobleman. The two, +withdrawing from the others, made haste to arrange the preliminaries +of the meeting. + +"Thy promptness is most commendable," said Rookwood, casting a look +upward at the cold gray of the sky, "and 'twere well that our +principals do quickly that which has brought them hither. Methinks a +storm is brewing, and a fall of snow might end the matter illy." + +A few white flakes upon his doublet bore witness to the correctness of +his prophecy. Sir Francis bowed assent. + +"Thou canst perceive," continued Rookwood, pointing to the strip of +sward, "that good Thomas Percy has had a care to have no element of +fairness lacking. Hast any objection to the spot chosen?" + +"I can see no catch or fault in it," replied Tillinghurst, casting his +eyes over the ground, "the light is good, and there seemeth to be no +advantage in position." + +"'Tis well!" said Rookwood, "wilt measure swords that the contest be +in all fairness?" + +Tillinghurst complied, and the principals, casting aside their +cloaks, stepped forward to the strip of sward prepared for them. + +The demeanor of the Viscount was serious; he well knew that in Sir +Thomas Winter he had no unskilled swordsman, but a man of much +experience, with wrist of steel, and a trick of fence acquired by long +practice in foreign service. The face of Winter was darkened by a +frown in which was blended a shadow of anxiety. The Lord of Monteagle +was a famous swordsman, and it might well be that the son had learned +from a good master. + +"Gentlemen, are you ready?" cried Rookwood drawing his rapier, as also +did Sir Francis, that they might interfere should need arise. + +The principals saluted, stood at guard, and awaited the signal; when +it was given, their blades crossed with a clash which rang out sharp +and clear on the cold winter air. + +The hate and jealousy with which Winter regarded his young rival were +intensified by the tingling blow dealt him an hour before, and from +which he still suffered,--and as he was confident beyond doubt of his +skill as a swordsman, he attacked with a fury which pressed his +younger adversary back toward the wall, and those witnessing the +contest thought to see Effingston speedily thrust through. + +The Viscount was, however, too adroit a fencer to yield readily to +such a fate. Careful, at first, only to defend himself, he met each +thrust and pass with a parry which deepened the frown on Winter's +brow, and having retreated to the edge of the duelling ground, he +there held his position despite the fierceness of the onslaught. + +Suddenly Winter's blade darted serpent-like beneath the guard of his +adversary. A red stain appeared on Effingston's shoulder, and the +seconds interposed their swords. + +The Viscount waved them back, as also he did the surgeon, who hastened +to perform his office. + +"'Tis a touch only," said he hoarsely, breathing heavily, "on guard, +sir, that we may finish quickly." + +And now their positions were reversed. Instead of acting on the +defensive, Effingston in turn became the assailant, regaining his lost +ground, and forcing Sir Thomas back, step by step. + +Maddened at thus losing vantage ground Winter's calmness failed him; +he made a sudden thrust forward, and it being parried, lost his +footing, the blade of his rapier ringing against the hilt of the other +ere he could regain guard. + +A cry arose to the lips of Rookwood, for he thought the other would +show no mercy; but before he could utter a sound, Effingston, with a +quick turn of the wrist, sent the opposing sword ringing to the +ground, leaving his enemy weaponless before him. + +For an instant Winter recoiled as if in fear of the thrust which he +was now powerless to avert. A scornful smile passed over the pale +features of the victor. + +"'Tis thus I would deal with such as thou," said he haughtily, and, +pushing his sword into its scabbard, he took up Sir Thomas' rapier, +and breaking it across his knee, tossed the pieces contemptuously +aside. + +"Come!" said he as his second threw a cloak about him. "Our matters +are ended." Then saluting with grave courtesy the four Catholic +gentlemen, he left the garden, followed by his companions. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +GARNET AND THE KING. + + +Toward the decline of the tenth day following the meeting of +Viscount Effingston and Sir Thomas Winter in the garden of the +Gentleman-Pensioner, four men might have been seen riding through one +of the stretches of woodland used by the King as a hunting ground and +known as the forest of Waltham. Although light still lingered, a gloom +was gathering over the countryside, and within the precincts of the +forest the first shades of evening warned the horsemen that ere many +hours the cheerless twilight which prevailed in England at that period +of the year, would find them outside the gates of London. + +Of the four, three were gentlemen; the other seemed to be more a +soldier than a cavalier. The trappings of his horse were less rich +than those of his companions, the texture of his cloak was of poorer +quality, and he bestrode the saddle after the manner of one inured to +rough riding, when business took precedence of pleasure, a custom not +commonly followed among the gentry of the kingdom. His companions were +so muffled in their cloaks as to hide both dress and features. Each +wore at his side a long rapier, and from their holsters appeared the +metal-marked butts of pistols, ready to hand should sudden danger +assail them. + +After passing through the outskirts of the forest bordering on the +north, the horses were urged into a gallop, the sharp ring of their +hoofs on the frost-hardened road echoing dully among the trees on +either side. As they entered the thickest part of the wood, one, +riding in the rear, turned to his companion. + +"Thou seest," said he, pointing with his whip toward the forest on the +left, "that our lord, the King, hath reserved for his own pleasure a +goodly bit of woodland within which none may venture with hounds or +hunting horns." + +"Such a rumor hath come to me," replied the other, "also that any +venturing within the royal chase will be dealt with most vigorously." + +His companion laughed harshly. "Of that," said he, "I was myself a +witness, for 'twas but ten days back when one Charles Burrows, a most +worthy commoner, and a staunch Catholic, was brought before the +magistrates for having shot a hare which crossed his path." + +"I'faith!" muttered the other, "'Tis then the purpose of the King to +carry his oppression even beyond our altars. It seemeth to me a most +fitting thing, Sir Thomas, that the kingdom be rid of such a tyrant." + +"Bravely spoken, Master Fawkes," replied Winter, "and thou wilt be +ready should occasion arise, to protest against our wrongs! But what +now is the trouble with worthy Catesby, and his Reverence?" + +The exclamation was called forth by the action of the two horsemen who +were leading the little cavalcade. They had pulled up their steeds and +appeared to be listening intently, though to the ears of their +companions, who had dropped some ten score paces behind, no sound save +the moaning of the wind could be heard. But as they also drew rein, +and the click of their horses' hoofs ceased, the faint echo of a horn +was borne through the wintry air. + +Drawing together, the four strained their ears to note the direction +whence it came; across the face of one rider stole a shadow of +anxiety. Sir Thomas Winter noted it. + +"I warrant," said he, "that none is abroad who will in any manner +trouble us. 'Tis some hunting party returning from the chase, and +riding toward the highway. What thinkest thou, good Catesby?" + +"Thou mayst have conjectured aright," replied Catesby; "yet, 'twould +be a wise precaution to remain silent, if any seeking to know our +business did beset us. Mayhap even a purple cloak and doublet would +scarce hide from them that the Superior of the----" + +Garnet, for the fourth horseman was the leader of the English Jesuits, +raised his head proudly. + +"A truce, gentlemen!" said he, "'Tis not meet that, having ventured +forth disguised, I play the coward at the simple sounding of a horn. +Let us ride forward as befitteth four peaceable English gentlemen. The +King's highway is free to all who choose to pass thereon, even though +the forest bordering it be reserved for those who have gained the +smile of James." + +"And," said Fawkes, "'tis not the wont of a hunting party to play +highwaymen, the less so that the King, perchance, rideth with it." + +"The King!" cried Winter and Catesby, in a breath. + +"Aye!" replied Fawkes bluntly. "Have ye not told me that the royal +wood of Waltham is reserved for the hunting of his Majesty?" + +His companions exchanged quick glances. "Then, we had best hide +ourselves," cried Winter, "James hath a prying disposition." + +"Methinks," said Garnet, raising his hand to enforce silence, "that +but one horn sounded. If, as thou sayest, it be a hunting party, the +wood would echo with a score of blasts. Shall we run from one man?" + +Fawkes loosened his sword in its scabbard. "I have this," said he, "to +back our presence in the forest, and are ye weaponless?" + +The bluff words of the soldier of fortune put to shame the fears of +the two noblemen, yet they hesitated. Should they be suspected, it +would not be a light matter to evade certain questions which might be +asked, and if taken to London captives, the disguise of the Jesuit +would be penetrated. + +Meanwhile the sound of the horn grew louder, and while wavering in +their decision, a voice, faint and indistinct, was heard shouting afar +off. Fawkes listened attentively. + +"'Tis a cry for succor," said he suddenly, "someone hath lost his way +and seeks the highroad." + +"Then," said Garnet calmly, "we will remain, for he is approaching." + +Perhaps five minutes had elapsed when the blast of the horn sounded as +if in their very ears; and from the forest, only a dozen rods beyond +them, dashed a man mounted on a bay horse. Having reached the open +road he pulled up his beast and looked helplessly in an opposite +direction from the four riders. Suddenly Winter started and changed +color, his face turning from red to white, and back to red again. + +"'Tis the King!" he whispered hoarsely, clutching the arm of Catesby, +who sat beside him. + +It was, in truth, James of England, unattended, his dress awry and +torn by thorns and brambles, with bloodless lips and terror-stricken +countenance, who sat helplessly in the saddle in the presence of his +bitterest enemies. + +As this realization dawned on Catesby's mind, he uttered an +exclamation, and reached for the pistol which protruded from his +holster. + +"'Tis the judgment of God," he muttered; "to-night England will be +without a king." + +The firm grasp of the Jesuit upon his arm checked his murderous +purpose. + +"Stop!" whispered Garnet sternly, "wouldst ruin the cause which thou +hast sworn to befriend? Draw your cloaks about your faces and leave +the King to me." + +Ere they could recover from their astonishment he had ridden forward +to the spot where James sat bewildered, noting not the presence of +those behind him. + +At the sound of hoofs he turned quickly, laying a trembling hand upon +the hilt of a hunting knife which hung at his belt. The demeanor of +the approaching stranger gave him courage. Garnet did not remove from +his head the plumed hat, as was befitting the presence of royalty, but +there was in his face a kindliness which proclaimed his errand a +peaceful one. + +"Good sir," said he, speaking in French, "thy manner shows some +bewilderment, and, may be, the blasts of the horn which reached me +were tokens of it." + +James trembled violently, for at heart he was an arrant coward, and +the being met by a stranger, alone, close to nightfall and in the +forest, filled him with the greatest terror. The words of the other +somewhat reassured him. + +"Brave gentleman!" cried he, still grasping the handle of the knife, +"thou art a man of honor, and by thy speech a Frenchman, therefore +thou wilt aid me." + +"Thou hast spoken truly," replied the Jesuit. "Hast lost thy way?" + +Relieved of apprehension for his personal safety, the King gave vent +to his ill temper. + +"That I have," cried he, striking his knee angrily, "and in the King's +own forest. There are those who shall pay dearly, who shall rue this +hour," he continued passionately. "'Twas a plot to humiliate me." + +"Good sir," replied Garnet, noting that James proposed to conceal his +identity. "Of whom speakest thou?" + +"Of the rogues who accompanied me hither," stormed the son of Mary, +Queen of Scots; "I followed a stag, and having outridden them they +have thus deserted me; 'tis a thing beyond human comprehension." + +"And this," thought Garnet, "this is the King of England, who has +pulled down our altars, driven out our religion and banished us." +Despite all efforts his brow darkened. + +But the ill temper of James subsided as quickly as it had arisen, +leaving him for the time only a man who sought succor, and so made +known his condition. + +It chanced that riding in the forest, taking the lead of those who +accompanied him, he followed the tracks of a stag and became separated +from his companions; whereupon, being confused and terrified, he soon +lost his way. + +Garnet listened patiently, and made no sign that could lead the King +to suspect that his personality was known, then pointed to his +companions, who were sitting motionless upon their horses, with +muffled faces, awaiting the result of the Jesuit's unexpected action. + +"Good sir," said he, "it will give me pleasure to conduct thee to the +outskirts of the forest, after which, the road being plain, thou canst +easily find thy way to the gates of London. Yonder servants of mine +will ride behind us." + +James gladly accepted the other's offer, nor did it please him that +the supposed Frenchman should learn he was assisting the sovereign of +England. Pride and distrust governed him. Pride, lest a foreigner +should bear away the tale of a king's discomfiture; distrust, lest, +holding in his power so important a personage, the stranger might take +advantage thereof for his own benefit. But it was not in the mind of +Garnet to reveal his knowledge; so, side by side they rode in +silence--the Jesuit and the King--for the space of an hour, until, +upon reaching the vicinity of London, whose lights twinkled in the +distance, they separated, James galloping madly on, his companion +awaiting the approach of Winter, Fawkes and Catesby. + +There was much amazement and some anger in the minds of the two +noblemen, that the priest had acted in so unaccountable a manner. +Desirous of learning his motive for befriending one whom he professed +to hate, they questioned him upon the subject. To all, Garnet replied +briefly, bidding them wait a more befitting time, as it was his +purpose, on reaching London to attend a meeting at the house of Sir +Thomas Percy. Therefore they rode on in silence, the great clock in +the tower of St. Paul's chiming the hour of eight as they passed into +the city. + +At the corner of the street leading to the Gentleman-Pensioner's door +a horseman confronted them whom they recognized as Percy himself. He +had been waiting for them in an angle of the wall to say that certain +officials having gathered at his house for the discussion of public +business it would be unsafe to proceed thither. + +"Then is the night lost," said Catesby impatiently, "for, although +the Holy Father be provided with a hiding place within the city, and +will, perchance, remain among us for the space of two days, much +weighty business besides long disputations, require his attention. +Thou shouldst have seen to it, Master Percy, that thy house was free +from the hirelings of the King." Percy would have replied in anger, +but Sir Thomas Winter interrupted: + +"Friend Guido, thou hast a dwelling in a quiet portion of the town, +where perchance we might sit together for the discussion of such +things as now concern us." + +Fawkes, who had scarcely spoken since meeting with the King in the +forest, acquiesced in this proposition, although the thought of his +daughter, the smallness of his house, and the nature of the conference +caused some conflict in his mind. Yet, having resolved to serve the +cause which he held so dear, his scruples speedily vanished, the more +so that 'twas Sir Thomas Winter who requested the favor. + +This matter being so quickly decided, Fawkes became the guide of the +party, and turning into a narrow street which ended in a lane running +behind his house, straightway brought his companions to their +destination. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE FORGING OF THE THUNDERBOLT. + + +Upon reaching the gate which opened from the garden of his dwelling +into the lane, Fawkes signaled his four companions to secure their +horses and follow him. Having complied, he led them through the +garden, unlocked the door and bade them enter. + +"Faith!" whispered Catesby, pressing Garnet's elbow, "friend Guido +doth seem over cautious in leading us about so secretly." + +"Not so!" replied the Jesuit, "'tis a gift born of much experience in +a country where the careless rattle of a scabbard may lead to most +serious results. But it is in my mind as in thine, that being peaceful +gentlemen who have rendered some slight service to his Majesty the +King, we might act with more boldness; yet caution is a jewel which, +once attained, should not be lightly cast aside, and Master Fawkes +doth cling to it." + +The voice of the soldier of fortune bidding them come on precluded the +reply which arose to Catesby's lips, and crossing a narrow hall the +horsemen entered a room whose cheerful brightness contrasted +pleasantly with the darkness of the passage into which they had been +ushered. + +After assisting his guests to remove their mantles, Fawkes placed +before them cups and wine, added a fresh fagot to the fire, and turned +to Sir Thomas Winter. + +"My lord!" said he, "I pray thee attend to the comfort of these +gentlemen till I return. 'Tis my custom to inspect the house before +retiring, lest any be astir, and to-night I deem it doubly prudent." + +"And who hast thou in the house, good Guido?" asked Garnet blandly; +"no one, I trust, who will interrupt our conversation?" + +Fawkes laughed softly. "None are within," replied he, "except my old +mother, who, were she to stand beside yon fireplace, would scarce note +the meaning of our discourse; and my daughter, a loyal Catholic, yet, +being a maid, and gifted with a woman's curiosity, it might be her +pleasure to seek the meaning of so rare a gathering beneath my roof." + +Garnet nodded approvingly. That he had come to London in disguise had +filled him with some apprehension, and the cautiousness of his host +quieted his fears. + +"Thy cavalier is indeed a man of much promise," said he to Winter, +after the soldier left the room, "and I warrant that none will venture +to disturb us. Hast sounded him thoroughly upon religious matters?" + +"Thou shalt see," replied Sir Thomas. "If the zeal of each Catholic in +England reached but to the half of his loyalty to the holy cause, +there would scarce be need that a father of the Church don plumed hat +and rapier." + +Fawkes, in the meantime, had betaken himself to the upper floor of the +house, where was situate his daughter's chamber. There was no fear in +his mind that his aged mother would note the arrival of his guests, +for 'twas her custom to retire at sundown by reason of infirmities; +but about his daughter there arose some apprehension. He felt sure +that no words which, by chance, might reach her ear would be carried +further, yet, 'twas against his wish that anything should add to her +disquietude. + +Coming to the door of her room, which was directly above that +occupied by the four friends, he listened intently, and hearing no +sound within, softly turned the knob and peered into the apartment. +The light of the full moon shining through the window, revealed to him +the interior bathed in a mellow radiance. No sound greeted his ear +save the crackling of the fagots in the huge fireplace below, and the +faint murmur of the voices of his guests. He paused,--a hundred +conflicting emotions filling his breast. The sight of the curtained +bed standing in an angle of the wall drew his attention. He pushed the +door yet further open, and holding his scabbard that its rattle might +not disturb the sleeper, slipped across the threshold and approaching +noiselessly, parted the hangings and looked down. + +The maid was lying with her face turned full upon him, her cheek +resting upon one white, rounded arm. In the weird moonlight her pale +beauty startled him, and almost unconsciously, he stretched forth his +hand to touch her. His fingers, resting lightly upon the counterpane, +came in contact with something cold; it caused a shudder to pass +through him, a nameless terror, and for an instant he forgot the four +men waiting in the room below. Bending lower, his eyes rested upon the +object which had so startled him. 'Twas a silver crucifix which had +fallen from the sleeper's fingers, and lay upon her breast. At the +sight great emotion and agitation swept through his heart, rough +soldier though he was; for the moment he was well nigh overpowered. +The silence of the chamber, the white face so near his own, and the +emblem of his faith placed unconsciously upon the breast of the +beloved one who lay there, filled him with superstitious awe. 'Twas +thus the dead slept, ere they were carried to the grave. + +A movement of the white arm broke the influence of the spell. The girl +turned uneasily, a few incoherent words escaping her lips. Fawkes drew +back noiselessly. "She sleeps!" he muttered, and passing from the +room, closed the door softly, and descended to those who awaited him +below. + +Scarce had his footsteps ceased to echo on the stairs, when Elinor +awoke. Though wrapped in deep slumber, that inexplicable mystery, a +consciousness that she was not alone, startled her. Sitting upright, +her eyes fell upon an object lying at the side of the bed; a doe-skin +gauntlet which she recognized as belonging to her father. + +Surprised that he should thus have entered her chamber, a feeling of +alarm possessed her. The crackling of the fire in the room below, the +tell-tale glove upon the floor, and the faint murmur which she felt +assured must be the voices of men engaged in earnest conversation, +aroused her apprehension as well as her curiosity, and it seemed no +ill thing that she should discover the meaning of so unusual an +occurrence, for their dwelling was situated in a quiet part of London +and 'twas not the wont of any to visit it at such an hour. Then, the +thought came to her that perhaps certain companions of her father, +rough soldiers like himself, had come together to partake of his +hospitality. Calmed for the moment, she would have sought sleep again, +had not a sentence, uttered with clear distinctness, reached her ear. + +"Ah, good Master Fawkes! Thou hast found all quiet, and thy household +sleeping soundly?" + +The intonation of the question startled her. Why should her father +seek to learn whether she slept or not? Surely in the meeting of a few +boon companions over a flask of wine, such precaution was not +necessary. Not delaying for further meditation, she slipped out of +bed, and crept noiselessly to that side of the room against which +arose the huge brick chimney above the fireplace below. Through the +space between the flooring and the masonry, a glare of light came up +to her as well as the voices of those beneath. Crouching against the +warm bricks she listened, unmindful of the cold and her equivocal +position. + +The assurance which Fawkes gave to his companions that the house was +quiet, and none would interrupt them, removed the reserve which each +had hitherto felt. Time was indeed precious, for Garnet desired to +return ere daybreak to his hiding place, lest any should perceive +that, lying beneath the doublet of a cavalier, was the insignia of a +churchman, a discovery upon which great misfortune might follow. 'Twas +with scant preliminaries, therefore, that Catesby, ever foremost in +zeal, boldness and assurance, addressed his companions. + +"Methinks," said he, turning to the Jesuit, "that in thy wisdom thou +must have perceived something to our benefit in saving James of +Scotland from my bullet. Yet, to me it did appear that the Lord gave +him into our power." + +A shadow of impatience darkened the priest's brow, but in an instant +his features resumed their accustomed mildness. + +"My son!" he replied, "it would have been an ill thing to slay our +master after the manner of paid assassins. 'Twas in thy heart to kill +the King; what then?" + +Catesby bit his lip. That there lay some weighty reason in the mind of +the Superior for his unexpected friendliness to James, he +comprehended, but his spirit, unused to restraint, and darkened by +adversity, illy brooked opposition. + +"What then?" replied he, in answer to Garnet's question. "'Twould have +rid the kingdom of a tyrant, and our faith of its bitterest enemy." + +The Jesuit smiled sadly. "As thou hast spoken," said he, "the King +would be dead, and trouble us no more, but what of the Parliament? Is +it then James alone who distresses us?" + +"Methinks," broke in Percy, "that our worthy father hath put it to us +wisely. Did the Scot lose his life, another would arise in his place, +and the suspicions of the authorities awakened, there would be no +peace in England for a Catholic." + +"'Tis even so," said Garnet; "the killing of one man, though he be the +King, can scarce better our situation. What then, thou wouldst ask, +shall be done to lighten our condition? We must lull into a feeling of +security those who press hard upon us, that, when the sky seems +clearest the bolt may fall and the stroke be the more scathing. Brave +Guido here will tell thee that in that country where plots are +thickest, 'tis false security which most often leads the victim to +destruction. It may be, and doubtless is in the King's mind, and also +in that of his Parliament, that the quietness of the Catholics for so +long a time indicates continued subserviency, and not a gathering of +forces to strike against their tyranny. In certain lands there are +desert places where travelers have perished because the storm king hid +his face until the hour for overwhelming destruction sounded. Thinkest +thou that had the murmur of his coming reached their ears they would +not have taken warning and sought a place of safety? 'Tis so in +England. Had the King been shot, the news would have stirred the +kingdom from Berwick unto Dover. What then of our plans and secret +plottings, when each man who worshiped at our altars appeared a +traitor? It hath always been my firm conviction and unvarying counsel +that any blow must be far reaching; not James alone, but others +besides must fall, to give us any vantage ground." + +A moment of silence followed Garnet's words. Percy first replied: +"'Tis a storm of extreme fury and sudden change of wind which +overcomes a vessel. Who then will bring about the hurricane which +shall wreck the ship of State?" + +During the Jesuit's address Sir Thomas Winter sat immovable, his eyes +fixed upon the fire and his brow contracted in deep thought. As Percy +finished he turned suddenly to Fawkes. + +"Friend Guido," said he smoothly, "thou art a man of many resources; +perchance in Spain thou hast learned something a suggestion of which +will now aid us. Thou perceiveth our condition." + +Fawkes turned his gaze moodily upon the embers. Half unconsciously his +fingers had been toying with a powder flask lying on the table before +him, and a small portion of its contents had fallen into his palm. He +tossed the black grains into the fire, where they flashed for an +instant, sending a pungent ball of white smoke into the room. 'Twas as +though the craftiness of Satan had shown to him the embryo of the +hurricane. + +"In Spain," replied he grimly, "there are many ways to overthrow a +tyrant; in England, as the Holy Father saith, 'twill need more +caution. Once upon a time the captain of a fighting vessel, fearing to +fall into the hands of those who would destroy his ship and put the +crew to torture, himself applied the fire to the magazine, it being +filled with powder, and ten score men perished in a twinkling." + +His companions were startled, for the meaning of his words was clear +to them. As by a flash of light a way seemed to open which, if +followed, would lead to the fulfillment of their purpose. Catesby +leaned forward. + +"But if it fail, friend Guido?" he whispered hoarsely. "What then?" + +"Then!" cried Fawkes, turning to the Jesuit, "I will kill the +King,--if need be even without help! For what then would remain to +us?" + +Garnet replied nothing. The words of the soldier of fortune startled +him. Instantly he saw the meaning of the plan which Fawkes had +formed;--a plan which, if once entered upon, would be carried out by +him with all the zeal of a fanatic. The fiendishness of it, while it +roused his admiration of the man's ingenuity, made him shudder; for +'twas not thus men struck in England. + +"Come!" said he rising, "'tis close upon midnight, and the ride was +wearisome. Thy words have taken strong hold upon me, good Guido, and I +need a season of prayer and meditation to gain better understanding in +this matter. My cloak, therefore, that I may leave thee." + +Obedient to his wishes the others hastened their preparations for +departure, and in silence Fawkes led them through the passage to the +door by which they had entered his dwelling. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +THE WAY OF THE WORLD. + + +On hearing the sounds which indicated the departure of those in the +room beneath, Elinor arose from her cramped position and noiselessly +crept to the window. In the moonlit garden she could distinguish the +figures of four men going in the direction of the lane at the back of +the house. One she recognized as Sir Thomas Winter; the others were +unknown to her. But in a moment she heard her father's voice as he +uttered a warning to the horsemen: "Mind the ditch, Lord Percy! Sir +Catesby, keep well to the left!" + +Then Fawkes closed the door, and she could hear his movements as he +went about extinguishing the lights. His footsteps sounded on the +stairs. If by chance he came into the chamber and found her awake and +up, what then? He would readily surmise how much it had been possible +for her to hear. Once in his anger, she remembered, he had valued her +life but cheaply;--within two short hours Elinor had learned to look +upon her father with terror, almost with dread; those words of his +rang in her ears: "I will kill the King if need be, even without +help!" + +The footsteps approached her room. What was she to do? It was too late +to gain the bed and feign slumber, for the creaking of a loose board +would certainly attract his attention. She hoped the door was secured, +but had no recollection of locking it. At last he had gained the +passage; now he was before her room and placed his hand upon the +latch; it was not locked, for the door opened. The man peered in +through the crevice and gazed in her direction. How her heart +throbbed, shaking her whole body, and sending the blood through her +veins with a sound which she feared he would hear. She thanked God +that the moon shone directly through the window and her position was +well out of its rays. He evidently did not see the girl, for after a +scrutiny of the bed, which stood well in the shadow, and a muttered, +"Safe, safe enough; all safe," he closed the door and passed down the +corridor. + +Elinor for a moment stood listening to the retreating footsteps; then +sank into a chair, exhausted by the strain of the last few moments, +and tried to gather her scattered thoughts. With woman's intuition she +quickly grasped the enormity of all she had overheard, comprehending +that high treason and wholesale murder had been planned; but the +hardest truth for her to realize was that her father, whom she had +always trusted and looked upon as the embodiment of honor and +uprightness, was the foremost to suggest and even offer to carry out +the fearful deed. "I will kill the King, if need be, even without +help:" the awful sentence seemed to be repeated over and over again by +the rustling night wind. Her first impulse was to save him from the +consequences of such an act. Were not the names of Moore and Essex +familiar to her? And what was their fate for even a suspected treason? +Her hysterical imagination placed vividly before her the head of the +father she loved, lying bleeding in that patch of moonlight on the +floor. + +But what could she do in her weakness? Go to her father and beseech +him that, for love of her, he would take no part in this terrible +crime? That would accomplish nothing, for she knew him to be one whom +naught could turn from a deed he once undertook and looked upon as +justified. And now the most passionate fanaticism had seized +him--fanaticism of the most dangerous kind, born of wrongs done to his +faith. To whom could she turn for aid? She knew but one who, perhaps, +had some influence over Fawkes' stubborn mind. However, was not this +very one as deep in the treason as her father? Winter! The name caused +a shudder, bringing to mind that terrible morning ten days past. +Winter! She must then seek help from him; her hopes clung only to a +straw; nevertheless she would go and beg, if need be, even upon bended +knee, that he would persuade her father to relinquish this terrible +purpose. Yes, now was the time to act, for she feared in her +indefinite terror that the morrow might be too late. + +Quickly seizing a cloak and throwing it about her, Elinor crept toward +the door and listened. The place was dark, and quiet as the grave. +Swiftly she descended the stairs, then groped her way to the door and +tried to withdraw the bolts. Would they never yield to her efforts? At +last they slipped with a sound which echoed through the house. The +girl paused, expecting to hear her father's voice, but the silence was +unbroken. In a moment she was out in the moonlit street. How quiet and +serene everything appeared. How in contrast to the tumult of her +feelings. As she stood, the great bell of St. Paul's boomingly tolled +out the hour--twelve o'clock. + +"He must," she whispered to herself, "he must be home ere now, but +what will he think of my coming to him at this time?" She tried to +thrust this thought aside, and to gain repose of mind by walking more +swiftly. + +Arrived before Winter's residence, and trying the wicket at the +entrance she found it yielded to her touch. The girl beheld a stream +of light coming from between the curtains of a window on the second +floor. The master of the house was then within. Quickly Elinor passed +up the walk and stood before the door. As she raised the knocker her +resolution almost gave way. What was she about to tell Winter. That +she, a girl, was possessed of this terrible secret! + +Suddenly came to her memory the dreadful words connecting this man's +name with hers. She thought of the few times when they had been +together; how eager he had seemed to be near her; with what a +trembling clasp he had carried her fingers to his lips and imprinted +upon them kisses which burned themselves into the very flesh. And now +she was about to face him in the dead of night--and alone! Her fingers +relaxed their hold. "Courage, courage," she murmured; and quickly +laying hold of the knocker again, she smote thrice upon the panel and +listened. There soon fell upon her ear the sound of some one coming in +answer to her summons. The door opened and a sleepy servant stood +regarding her with an air of no small astonishment. + +"Is thy master at home?" she inquired, in a voice which, in spite of +her efforts, trembled. + +"That he is, young miss, but what wouldst thou with him at this late +hour? He hath but just returned from a journey, and is sore weary. +Canst thou not wait until the morning?" + +"I must see him at once; 'tis on the most urgent business." + +The hour, coupled with the fairness of the visitor, seemed to fill the +servant with surprise, for he stood a moment looking at her, then +replied: + +"If thou wilt step inside, mistress, I'll inform Sir Winter that there +be someone who wishes to hold converse with him, and perchance," he +added with a meaning smile, "he'll not be so badly put out after all. +What name shall I bear to him? It may be one," he continued +significantly, "which would soon draw any bolt Sir Thomas might have +shot." + +"No name is necessary," she answered, looking at the man and pointing +with her finger. "I seek thy master and come not to parley with his +menial. Go! Say a lady would speak with him." + +The servant read in the girl's eye a look which seemed to brook +neither delay nor familiarity, for he turned and went along the +passage and up the stairway. + +As Elinor waited, the utter hopelessness of her mission broke full +upon her, but it was now too late to draw back from her hasty act; the +voice of Winter could be heard exclaiming with a laugh: + +"What, a lady to see me at this hour? Troth, I am fatigued, but never +so weary that I cannot look upon a fair face. Admit her." + +A door opened and closed; the servant reappeared and beckoned her. +"Sir Thomas will see thee; 'tis the third portal from the landing," he +said, pointing up the stairs leading to the floor above. + +As Elinor followed the directions given, she endeavored to frame some +fitting sentence with which to begin her interview, but her agitation +was too great; she could think of none. Arriving before the door she +tapped with her fingers upon the panel. + +"Enter, my pretty one," cried a voice. "Thou hast already been +announced." + +She stepped within the chamber. Winter sat with his back toward the +entrance facing a table upon which stood a flagon of wine. As the door +closed he turned, and to her horror Elinor saw that he was flushed +with strong drink. + +"What? Elinor?" exclaimed Winter, in astonishment, rising from the +chair with such haste that it was overturned and fell with a clatter +to the floor. "I crave thy pardon, Mistress Fawkes," he continued with +a bow, mastering his surprise. "Thy sudden entrance caused my tongue +to utter the name that ever dwells within my heart. Pray tell me to +what happy circumstance am I indebted for the honor of this visit? I +would know the same that I may render homage to it." + +Elinor stood speechless, filled with abhorrence and dread. All her +bravery could scarce keep her from flying out of the room. She +endeavored to fix her mind on the purpose which had brought her here, +and so find courage. At last desperation gave her voice and she began +hurriedly: + +"I know that thou and others were at my father's house this night. I +was not asleep as ye all supposed, and have come to beg, to beseech, +pray, that my father be released from this terrible treason which hath +been talked of. Thou wert the only one to whom I could turn for aid--I +trust to thy goodness, to thy noble nature;--for the love of God tell +me not that I come in vain. See--see," she cried hysterically, her +self control gone and falling upon her knees. "I kneel before thee to +crave this boon." + +At her first words Winter started as if a pike had been thrust into +his side. On his face was written blank astonishment, which +expression, as she proceeded, gave way to one of abject fear. It would +have been difficult to say which of the two was the more agitated. He +dashed a hand to his brow as if to drive away the fumes of liquor +which had mounted to his brain; looked at the kneeling figure; gazed +on the tapers burning upon the table; and tried to form some words of +reply. At last, with an effort at composure, and endeavoring to force +a laugh past his dry lips, he said: + +"What silly tale is this thou utterest. I have not been----" + +"Nay," the girl broke in wildly, "'tis useless for thee to say so. My +eyes and ears did not deceive me. Would to heaven they had and it were +only some mad dream which fills my brain." + +"Then--then--thou hast played the spy," hissed Winter, in sudden anger +born of drink and fear. "Dost know to what thou hast listened? Has +aught of it passed thy lips? Speak!" he cried furiously, seizing the +girl's arm and glaring at her in drunken rage. "Nay; then thou didst +not, and 'tis well; for if thy lips had breathed one word these hands +of mine would choke from out thy body its sweet breath." He +relinquished his hold, and turning toward the table hurriedly drained +a cup of wine. + +Elinor, spellbound with terror at his outburst of fury, stood rooted +to the spot. She realized the madness of her words, seeing plainly +that the man's condition was one which made both prayers and +entreaties useless. Again he filled a cup and dashed it off. What his +state would be in a few moments she dared not think. His back was +toward her; now was her chance to escape! Slowly the girl edged her +way toward the entrance. At last she reached it; her hand groped +behind the curtain for the knob; it turned, but to her horror, she +discovered the door was securely fastened. + +A laugh greeted her from the table. "What, surely, Mistress +Fawkes--nay, by my troth, Mistress Fawkes it shall be no more, for +'tis too cold a title; therefore, Pretty Elinor--wouldst leave me, and +thy errand but half done? I swear thy words did at first affright; but +see, this good wine," he continued, advancing toward her unsteadily, +"hath taught me wisdom, and this I know, our secret once hid in thy +fair breast, could ne'er be driven forth, even if thou wished, as 'tis +too warm a resting place for it to relinquish. Why dost thou shrink +from me? Dost know," he added, a fierce gleam coming into his eyes, "I +would try to pluck great Saturn from the heavens if thou wished to +gird about thy waist his rings? Aye, and would give my soul for a kiss +from thy warm lips, thinking my soul well sold. Elinor!" he exclaimed, +in a husky voice, "hast thou never read my passion for thee? 'Tis +written----" + +"Then!" cried the girl, "think upon that love and for God's sake let +me hence." + +"What? Is my love so beggarly a thing that the only answer deigned to +its utterance is a scurvy request to get beyond its hearing? Nay, I +have looked upon thy frozen greetings long enough, and they, I tell +thee, have poorly matched my ardor. Listen! Thou dost wish to go?" he +questioned, placing himself before the door and holding to the +curtains for support. "Well, I will ask but cheap recompense for the +loss of thy fair company. 'Tis a kiss from thy red lips; what sayest +thou?" + +"And thou dost call thyself a gentleman!" exclaimed Elinor looking at +him with scorn, her fear in a measure giving place to indignation at +the insolent and shameless words. "Let me depart, I say--nay, I +command thee." + +"Ha! ha! Thou, I think, art carrying thyself loftily. 'Command!'" he +repeated with a laugh. "Nay, marry! Here thou wilt stay until them +thinkest thy going worth the price. And while thou dost meditate upon +it I will drink to thy health." He staggered toward the table and +refilled the cup. + +Elinor glanced about the room seeking some possible avenue of escape. +Her eyes rested upon the portieres in front of the window; she moved +toward them, but as her dress rustled Winter turned at the sound. + +"Aye, walk the room, my pretty one; thou wilt find thy cage well +barred. But enough of this," he continued, approaching her, "we do but +delay. Thou didst ask thy father's release from his compact. Well, he +shall be set free, but thou must recompense--not in coin, not in some +heavy muttered penance, but by thy beauty." He caught the girl in his +arms and whispered in her ear. Then the indignities which had been +heaped upon her gave strength to her arm. No sooner had his drunken +tongue uttered the sentence than she smote with all her might the face +gazing into hers. The blow for a moment staggered the man and he +released his hold; in that instant of freedom Elinor sprang toward the +window, dashing the curtains aside. + +"Stand back!" she cried, as he made a step toward her, his face purple +with rage, "and for thy wicked words ask forgiveness from heaven ere +it blast thee. Where is thy religion, where thy manhood, thou beast? +Aye, beast is too good a term for such as thee, for they respect the +sex--even the stag will not goad the doe. I fear thee not; move from +where thou art and by the God who heard thy wicked words I'll cry thy +infamy and treason in a voice which shall 'rouse all London, and wake +the sleepy headsman to grind the axe. Now, I fear thee not!" + +For a moment Winter paused, looking at the girl. Then his quick wit, +no longer dulled by the wine which had blinded him to the consequences +of the words he had uttered, came to his aid, and he replied: + +"What? And lay thy father's head, as well as mine, upon the block?" + +The curtain dropped from the girl's hand; she staggered, catching it +for support; then quickly recovered herself and with determination +flashing from her eyes exclaimed: "Nay, then, I will not cry thy +treason; my tongue is mute. But stir one foot and I leap from off the +balcony, gladly embracing the cold stones beneath, rather than suffer +a touch from thy guilty hands." + +"Come! Come!" said Winter, baffled by her words and spirit; "I'll not +harm thee. I was but heated by the wine. Thou mayst depart in peace." + +"I put no faith in thy words," said Elinor, still standing by the +casement, "for thou hast taught me how far one who calls himself a man +may be trusted. Go thou and unbar the door," pointing imperiously with +her hand; "then take thyself to the further end of the chamber and +there stand." + +Winter hesitated, but even his dulled faculties recognized the +superiority of the girl's position, and he sullenly complied with her +request. Not until he had retired to the extreme end of the room did +Elinor leave her place. Then, she quickly fled into the corridor. +Winter remained for a moment where he was and, mad with drunken rage +when the closing of the outer door announced the escape of his victim, +exclaimed: "Aye, thou hast outwitted me for a moment; but thy victory +is not for long. I shall hold the laurel and also thee before +daybreak." Then, staggering into the hall, he shouted: "Richard! +Richard!" + +A man appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "Come! Stir thy scurvy +legs; didst see the woman who this moment left me? Follow, and when at +a place thou deemest fit, throw this heavy mantle about her, and bring +her to me. She will struggle, I trow; but thou knowest the remedy. +Tarry not; go swiftly, or she will escape." + +At last Elinor was in the street, and, dazed for a moment by her +sudden release from the peril in which she had just stood, with a +terrified look over her shoulder--half fearing to see a staggering +figure in pursuit, she fled in the direction of her home. But what +form is this which glides from out the gate, and catching sight of the +girl hurries in the direction she has taken? Like some evil phantom it +moves, noiselessly and swiftly, ever keeping well in the shadows. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +WHAT THE MOON SAW. + + +But what of Fawkes? Did any gloomy thoughts disturb his rest? Did the +shadow of the axe or gibbet fall athwart his dreams? If not, why turns +he so uneasily in his slumber and at last awakes? + +"Sleep sets ill upon me," he mutters, drawing a hand across his brow. +In a moment he arose, hastily dressed himself, walked toward the +window, opened it and gazed upon the night. Does some subtle bond of +sympathy exist between him and the girl who is now in peril of +death--or worse? It would seem so, for standing beside the casement, +he exclaims: + +"Am I a sickly child, or puny infant, that I awake, frightened by +silly visions which war with sleep, and murder it ere 'tis fairly +born? Troth!" he continued, with knitted brows, "'twas strange my +fancy painted such a picture." + +He stood for a moment wrapped in thought, then added, shaking his head +as though unable to thrust aside the memories which troubled him: + +"By the blessed Virgin! a most vivid dream. How she held her arms out +to me, yet her lips were mute. Aye, and the eyes--the dumb horror +written in them, as if beholding a specter which blanched the face and +fettered the limbs. I believe," he added with a sudden resolution, +"'tis a woman's trick, but I would fain see her face ere I rest +again." + +He stepped out into the corridor, proceeded in the direction of his +daughter's room, and softly entering, advanced toward the bed. + +"Not here!" exclaimed he, beholding the empty couch. "Nay, thou canst +not frighten me," he continued with a forced laugh, gazing about. +"Come, show thyself; 'twas a merry jest, but let's have it done." + +He paused; still no answer to his summons. "Elinor," he again called, +a shadow of anxiety in his tone. "What means it that she is nowhere +within hearing?" + +He quickly retraced his steps, passed down the stairs and tried the +hall door. It was unbarred, and opened to his touch. + +"By heaven!" he exclaimed, "I could swear I shot those bolts before +going to rest, and now they are drawn." + +He stood anxiously looking out upon the star-lit night. His eyes +wandered to the doorstep, and discerned upon its covering of frost the +imprint of a small foot. + +He stooped to examine the impression and hurriedly arose. "She has +indeed left the house," he cried. "What can have taken the maiden out +of doors at this hour of the night?--some secret tryst? Nay, I do but +jest; she's not the kind to go a-courting after the moon is up. +Mayhap," he continued, meditating a moment, "a neighbor was stricken +ill and they have summoned Elinor to lend her gentle aid. Marry," +added he in a relieved tone, on finding a plausible excuse for his +daughter's absence, "I do recollect Master Carew's woman was soon +expected to add one more trouble to her husband's household. It is +most likely that she went there. 'Tis a dark way to travel, and I will +give her a surprise. While thinking a lonely walk lies before her, +Elinor will find an old but devoted cavalier to keep her company. +First," added he with a laugh, "I'll fetch my blade; for 'twould ill +befit a gallant in quest of beauty to go unarmed." + +So saying, he disappeared, and presently returned attired in a heavy +mantle, and a long rapier girded to his side. + +The moon was high, and its light, which whitened the gables of the +houses, diffused a bright glimmer below, sufficient to enable Fawkes +to proceed quickly upon his way. Frost had set in, and a keen wind +blew; so he was glad to hurry on at a goodly pace. As the streets were +quite deserted at this early hour of the morning, or haunted only by +those whose business--whether for good or evil--forced them out of +doors, he met no one and saw no lights. The man's mind was evidently +filled with pleasant thoughts, for ever and anon a smile would flit +across his face, as though he dwelt upon the surprised look of his +daughter when she would behold him. These agreeable anticipations, +which had taken the place for the moment of the sterner purposes which +had of late engrossed him, were only thrust out by something which +happened just then and brought him abruptly to himself. + +It was the appearance of a woman, who suddenly issued from an alley a +score of yards in front of him, and with a quick glance over her +shoulder, disappeared down another turn in the road. The movements of +this apparition caused Fawkes to pause, when suddenly a second figure, +this time a man, came into view and hurried in the direction taken by +the girl. "By my hilt," whispered Fawkes, peering cautiously out of +the shadow in which he stood, "that rogue had a most suspicious air +about him; an honest man walks with more noise; but, by my soul! if +there is not a third!" + +The object which had called forth the last remark was still another +figure, which came from the same quarter, and proceeded in the +direction taken by the first two. "What queer business is now afoot?" +Fawkes exclaimed, gazing after the retreating forms. "Mayhap ere long +a trusty blade will not be amiss. I can well afford a few moments to +see that all be fair." + +So saying, and loosening his sword in its scabbard to make sure it was +free if suddenly needed, he swiftly passed in the direction taken by +the retreating figures. A few steps brought him to the head of the +street down which the three had disappeared. By the light of the moon +Fawkes distinctly saw the shadowy forms, and halting where he stood, +watched their movements. + +The girl was well in advance; the second person, hurrying after. The +last of the two crossed to the opposite side of the way and walked +well in the shadow cast by the gables of the houses. The girl cast a +glance over her shoulder as if feeling the presence of one in pursuit, +but evidently finding herself quite alone, slackened her pace to take +breath. Now, the one nearest her made a strange move, if so be he were +bent upon an honest mission; for as soon as the woman reduced her gait +to a walk, the man loosened the long cloak hanging about his +shoulders, and seizing it in both hands, moved swiftly and noiselessly +in her direction. Aye, loose thy sword in its sheath, thou, standing +in the shadow; for if there be in thee muscle for a fight, soon will +the clash of steel ring out upon the frosty air. + +The man was now up with the girl, who, on hearing footsteps, turned +and uttered a scream. Once only does she raise the cry, for before she +can a second time call out, the cloak is thrown over her head, a rough +hand is at her throat, and she feels the pressure of a rope as it is +deftly whipped about her. There was a momentary struggle; but it soon +ceased, for the woman fainted, and was at the mercy of him who had +trapped her. Is thy sword caught and useless? thy arm paralyzed? or +what causes thee to stand unnerved and trembling? Was it the scream +that rang out upon the midnight air? Had it the sound of a voice dear +to thee even now? + +The man lifted the light figure of the girl within his arms and +hurried away. Aye, Effingston, heaven-sent was the sorrow which drove +thee forth to seek solace from the night and stars; but, come, now is +thy time! + +Fear not for him--he has recovered himself--and, snatching his rapier +from its sheath, with one or two quick bounds is up with the man, +crying: "By the God above thee, release the woman ere I crush thy +head, thou adder!" + +The one thus addressed turned, and seeing the determined face at his +elbow, paused, but retained his grasp upon the girl. + +"Release her!" exclaimed Effingston, raising his sword, "ere I spit +thee." The man allowed his burden to slip to the ground, the cloak +fell from about her figure, and Elinor lay at the feet of him she +loved. + +"Thou art quick with thy command, Master," replied the other, coolly +drawing his rapier. "Methinks thou hadst better attend to love affairs +of thine own, rather than meddle in that with which thou hast no +concern. Put up thy blade, I say, and go about thy business, ere I +teach thee a trick or two which will let more ardor out of thy body +than a three days' diet of beef can replace." + +"Thou knave!" Effingston exclaimed, casting a quick glance at the +motionless figure upon the ground, and pointing toward it with his +rapier. "Dost call thyself a man, to steal behind and deal foul +blows? Verily, thou craven dog, 'tis written in thy countenance, and +he who runs may read, that thou hast not the courage even to look a +woman in the eye, much less to face a man in honest fight." + +"I'll hear no more of thy speech," cried the now angry man, leaping +meanwhile to the middle of the road; "soon will I put holes in thy +genteel carcass which will leave thy vitals cold for some time to +come. Up with thy sword, if thy bravery be not all talk." He +unfastened his leather jerkin and stood awaiting Effingston, who +loosened the clasp of his mantle. + +"By my troth," exclaimed Fawkes, who still retained his post of +vantage; "I swear 'tis not my place to interfere; likely it will be a +lusty fight, for both seem to have the proper spirit, and hold the +weapon as those accustomed to the steel. Marry! it must be difficult +to see the eyes in this light, but the point will be more readily kept +track of." + +The combatants crossed swords and stood at guard. + +"If thou hast any friend to claim thy body, better write his name," +said the man in the leather jerkin, as Effingston's blade touched his +lightly, emitting a grating sound. + +The only answer was a swift lunge, dexterously parried. + +Not three blows were exchanged before Effingston realized that the man +before him not only possessed the skill of one long used to sword +play, but, further, combined with it the coolness and the keen eye of +an old duelist. Moreover, the neutral tint of his adversary's dress +offered but a poor mark by which to gauge his thrust, while his own +costume, being ornamented with silver, gave his antagonist most +effective guidance whereby to aim his strokes. + +The other, also, came to the conclusion that no mere novice stood +before him, for Effingston had turned every thrust with an ease which +surprised him; and several times his sword had crept so closely to the +leather jerkin that three or four brown furrows had appeared upon it. + +"Enough of this child's play," Effingston's antagonist hissed between +his teeth, making another furious lunge. The impetus given to the +thrust would have sent the blade to the hilt into the other's body had +it come in contact with it, but Effingston met the blow in a way least +expected, making use of a trick but little known in England at that +time, for as quickly as the sword flew forward he stepped lightly +aside, at the same time advancing his own weapon. The hilts came +together with a crash; the guard of one was entangled in the bell of +the other, and the two rapiers remained firmly interlocked. The men +now stood so closely that their breasts touched, the breath issuing +from their parted lips mingling in clouds. Suddenly, almost +simultaneously, as if one read the intent in the other's eye, each +slowly moved his left arm to his side, seeking the dagger he knew hung +there. Again, on the same instant, the knives flashed forth; the men +sprang quickly apart; the two rapiers went spinning on the roadway, +and with a clatter, became disentangled as they fell. No time for +breath; each knows it is to the death, and plenty of rest awaits one +or both, perchance, in a few moments. The men leaped toward each +other; a confused struggle ensued. Fawkes from his post could illy +make out who had the advantage. Suddenly, Effingston's foot slipped, +he was almost upon his knees--the man was upon him, one hand gripped +his shoulder, forcing him to the ground, the other held the knife +lifted high to add force to the blow; but that coveted strength cost +him his life, for before the hand could descend, Effingston quickly +raised his dagger, and drove it with all his might up to the guard in +the neck left unprotected by his adversary's movement. The man +clutched at the figure before him, the blade flew from his grasp and +he dropped with a bubbling cry to the earth, the blood spurting from +him as he fell. + +"Marry!" exclaimed Fawkes, who through all the contest had been +craning his neck and breathing hard with excitement, "that was a brave +device but not one which I should care to try myself. By the Apostle +Paul!" added he in surprise on hearing the bell of a distant church +strike the hour, "it is three o'clock, and here am I watching two +gentlemen, whose faces I cannot even see, settle a little difficulty +about a woman. But 'twas a lusty fight, and for the moment made me +forget the errand which called me forth." Saying which and with +another glance down the road, he started upon his way. + +The victor stood regarding his foe, who made one or two convulsive +movements as if to arise, but fell back with the blood spouting from +the wound and out his mouth. One more struggling effort he makes, but +'tis the last; with a violent convulsion of his whole body the man in +the leather jerkin sinks to the earth to rise no more. + +Effingston turned to the second figure lying upon the roadway, and as +he gazed upon her, there was expressed on his countenance a certain +degree of contempt, but, withal, a love which pride and resolution +could not quite kill. As she lies there, the white face touched by the +light of the moon, it is like looking upon the dead. + +"O God," he whispered, as he suddenly knelt beside her, taking one of +the white hands within his own, "would that she had died +before--before----" He slowly raised the girl in his arms; then +convulsively pressed the light figure to him, and letting his head +sink upon her breast, sobbed as only a strong man can. + +Again there was silence, broken only by the rattle of ice-covered +twigs swept from the trees by the restless night wind. After a moment +he regained composure and fell to chafing her hands. + +A slight motion showed him the girl was slowly recovering from her +long swoon. Gradually consciousness returned, and lifting her head +from the cloak he had placed beneath it, she looked about in a +confused way as though unable to make out her surroundings. Soon her +gaze rested upon Effingston, who had drawn a little apart. Raising +herself, she tottered toward him, and would have fallen had he not put +an arm out to prevent her. + +"What could have made thee treat me so?" she whispered, passing a hand +across her face, as if endeavoring to brush away that which hindered +her thoughts. "Have I not suffered enough?" she continued, piteously. + +"I was not thy assailant," answered Effingston, motioning to the +figure on the road; "there he lieth; thou canst go thy way in peace." + +The girl glanced in the direction and shuddered. "And how came this +about?" she questioned, in a dreamy tone, casting a frightened look at +the thing in the path. "Oh, now I do recollect me," added she, softly, +as though to herself, seemingly oblivious of her surroundings. "I had +left Sir Winter, and deeming myself quite safe, was hurrying home, +when--for truth, I can remember no more until I found thee near me." +She ceased and looked up into his face with an innocent smile. +Evidently the terrible strain to which her mind had been subjected +effaced from it all previous impressions, or left only an indistinct +recollection of what had transpired. "It was brave of thee," she +murmured, in the same dreamy tone, placing her hand upon his arm. + +At the name of Winter, Effingston drew back. Had she not by those +unguarded words confirmed her guilt? All his pride and anger returned. +The resolutions which had but a moment since departed, banished by +that helpless figure in the moonlight, now came again with greater +strength. Of what weakness, he asked himself, had he been guilty? Of +kissing the lips not yet cold from the caresses of him who had defiled +them. + +"Very--brave--in--thee," the girl repeated, in a dull monotone. + +Effingston glanced at her, but that piteously bewildered face cannot +move him, and he coldly answered: + +"'Tis the duty of every gentleman to protect the life of a woman, even +though her shame be public talk." + +Evidently the girl had not heard, or at least the words made no +impression upon her brain, for she nestled closely to him like a +frightened child seeking protection. + +"Come," he whispered. She obeyed without a word. They passed upon +their way in silence and at last reached her dwelling. Effingston +opened the door which stood unbarred, and assisted her to enter. He +turned to go, not trusting himself to speak. + +"Thou wert not always accustomed to leave me thus," exclaimed the +girl, in a voice destitute of expression. "See," she continued, "I +will kiss thee even without thy asking," and before the man realized +her intent, she threw her arms about him and pressed her lips to his. +"They are cold," she murmured, with a shiver. "But the night is +chilly--look! now the east is streaked with red." Turning, she +pointed to the sky, dyed with the crimson light of coming day. The +ruddy glow crept up, touching the girl and turning the snow at her +feet to the color of the rose. + +"Come to me, dear heart," she whispered, holding out her arms; "take +me to thee, that on thy breast I may find a sweet and dreamless +sleep." + +The sun arose; but upon no sadder sight than this man, who plodded +wearily homeward--warring forces within, and a desert all about. On +his way through the silent streets, made more desolate by the +cheerless light of coming day, he saw for a moment a mirage of an +honorable love and happiness. In the fair city of his dream he beheld +a bright and happy home, made so and adorned by the girl whose kiss +was still upon his lips. There, always awaited him a heart which, +through its love, added to each blessing, and dulled every sorrow. +Ever on the portal stood a being he worshiped, who, with her fair arms +wreathed a welcome of love about him. They pass within; a bright face +offers itself for a kiss; fondly he stoops, but the dream +vanishes;--in the breaking of the morn he stands alone;--hope dead +within his breast. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +AT "THE SIGN OF THE LEOPARD." + + +Winter waited long for his servant's return. He walked restlessly up +and down the chamber, ever and anon pausing, either for recourse to +the flagon on the table, or to draw aside the curtains and gaze out +upon the street. At last, sinking into a chair with a muttered curse +at the long delay, he fell into deep sleep, overcome by the wine in +which he had so freely indulged. Dawn broke gray and cheerless. The +first rays of the sun penetrated into the chamber and fell upon the +sleeper,--his position was unchanged since the small hours of the +night. Gradually, as the light increased, he stirred uneasily, awoke, +and rubbing his eyes, looked about as though not sure of the +surroundings. His eye rested upon the flagon, then slowly traveled +toward the window. The recollection of the last night, however, +flashed before him, and springing from the chair, he dashed out into +the corridor. + +"Richard!" he called. No answer followed his summons. + +"Richard," he repeated, in a still louder tone. The only response was +the echo of his own voice. + +"What mad business be this?" exclaimed he, retracing his steps and +looking wildly about the apartment. "By this cursed drink have I +brought ruin to our hopes and cause. Out upon thee," he cried in a +transport of passion, suddenly seizing the flagon, and flinging it +with all his might across the room. The heavy piece of metal struck +the wall, sending out a deluge of wine, and falling with a crash, +shattered into fragments an ivory crucifix resting upon a small table. +Winter stood aghast at the havoc wrought. + +"An omen," he whispered, white to the lips, glancing about with +frightened looks, then kneeling to take up the broken cross. + +"See," he cried, holding with trembling fingers the image of the +crucified Savior which had escaped the wreck, and now dripped with +wine;--"Christ's wounds do open their red mouths and bleed afresh at +my awful deeds." The man arose, crossed himself, and thrust the image +into his doublet, then wiping the sweat from his brow sank into a +chair. + +"'Tis not by these tremblings, or vain regrets, that I may fortify +myself, or mend what's done," he exclaimed. "I must bethink me, and +let reason check the consequences of my folly. The girl asseverated +that she heard all which transpired at her house last night. Oh, most +unfortunate chance which gave the words into her ear! What foul fiend +did raise the cup to my lips and leave my wit too weak to turn the +deadly stroke? Nay," he continued, after several moments, shaking his +head, "she'll not make known the purport of our speech, for the love +she bears her father is a potent hostage for her silence, and if I be +judge, Mistress Elinor will make scant mention of her visit +yesternight. Even if there be small love in her heart for me, a most +wholesome fear doth take its place, and for my present purpose one +will serve as fittingly as the other. Marry," he continued, with a +smile, seemingly relieved by his reflections, "thy ready wit hath at +last returned; but by St. Paul! what hath become of that varlet +Richard? 'Tis more than likely the open door of some pot house spoke +more strongly to him than my command, and 'tis most providential if my +surmise be true; I must have been mad indeed to trust the rogue on +such a mission. Small doubt but that he heard all which transpired +here last night, for he hath a most willing ear to listen, and a +tongue given to wag. 'Twould be a heaven-sent deed if something would +occur to silence his speech, for his knowledge, if he hath the wit to +know its value, may be a deadly menace to our cause. When he returns +I'll give the knave silver to quit the country; or, perchance," he +added, a hard, cunning look coming into his eyes as he put his hand +upon a small dagger at his side, "if that will not suffice, 'twill be +necessary for our safety to introduce him to more sturdy metal." + +The man arose and proceeded to efface the marks of dissipation, and +set his disordered dress to rights, saying as he finished, "I must to +my appointment with Garnet. Marry," he added, donning hat and mantle, +"I hope he is safely housed, and that my letter to Giles Martin, which +the worthy prelate was to present, did insure him some extra +attention, as a pot house, at its best, must be a poor refuge for a +priest." + +It was early in the morning and few people were astir. + +"Gramercy," quoth Winter, when he had proceeded some distance on his +way, "would that some person were abroad that I might enquire the +direction to 'The Sign of the Leopard;' I swear," he added, glancing +about, "it must be in this neighborhood, but I can illy guess where." +Looking, he perceived a group of men a little distance down the +street. "There be some worthies," exclaimed he, "who can perhaps +direct me to the hostelry." As he approached he saw they were +regarding a figure lying upon the ground. + +"Nay, Master Alyn," said one, "thou hadst best do naught but let it +await removal by the King's guard; if thou disturb the body surely +questions might be asked which 'twould bother thy head to answer." + +"Beshrew my heart," exclaimed the man addressed, who, judging from his +appearance, was a small tradesman, "I can ill afford to have this evil +thing lying upon my step, preventing what little trade might drift +this way." + +Winter now came up with the group, and as they turned at the sound of +his footsteps, he could see that the object of their remarks was a man +lying face downward on the flagging, and his attitude of relaxation +showed that death had overtaken him. + +"What hast thou here, my men?" Sir Thomas exclaimed, "some victim of a +drunken brawl?" + +"That we cannot make out," answered the first speaker, touching his +hat, on perceiving--by his dress and manner--that the questioner was a +gentleman, possibly one in authority, "but for truth, he has been +stuck as pretty as a boar at Yule-tide. Thou mayst look for thyself," +he added, with some little pride, as of a showman exhibiting his +stock, and laying hold of the body by the shoulders he turned it over, +so that the distorted face gazed up at the sky. + +Winter started at the sight, unable to repress a cry, for before him +was the body of his servant. His wish had indeed been fulfilled; those +silent lips would tell no tales. + +"What, good sir!" cried he who seemed to be the spokesman of the +party, on noting the white face of the other; "doth thy stomach turn +so readily?" + +"Nay," replied Winter, raising a gauntlet to hide his emotion, "but +they who meet death suddenly are seldom sweet to look upon, +and--and--for truth, I have not yet broke my fast; canst direct me to +a certain hostelry in this neighborhood known as 'The Sign of the +Leopard?'" + +"I can, Master, for many a pot of ale I've drank in that same place. +Look," he continued, pointing, "if thou wilt follow this street until +the second turning to the right, from there thou canst readily see the +tavern's sign." + +"My thanks to thee," said Winter, taking a coin from his purse and +handing it to the man. His eyes again for a moment turned upon the +prostrate figure. "And my friends," added he, "I would deem it +expedient that ye notify the guards, and have this unsightly thing +removed." He then turned and proceeded in the direction given him. +This incident brought a renewal of the apprehensions which had haunted +him earlier in the morning, and he muttered as he went on his way: +"There is the first consequence of my folly, and the next may be--nay, +courage; heaven will not be so merciless as to permit one evil deed to +overthrow our cause. God will pardon this hasty sin, when he who +committed it doth risk life in His holy work. But," he added, with a +smile, "'tis providential justice which slew the man, for the dead +utter no words." At last he arrived before the house which he sought. +"Marry," he exclaimed, gazing at the exterior of the tavern; "'tis +indeed a sorry place for the saintly Garnet to reside in, but it has +the advantage of being a secure retreat." He tried the door, which +yielded to his touch, and entered the apartment. On the tables stood +the remains of last night's libations, and the air hung heavy with the +odor of stale tobacco smoke. Over all was a spell of silent +desolation, as if the ghosts of the songs and merry jests, which had +echoed from the walls, had returned with aching heads to curse the +room. + +"This is a sweet place, truly," said Winter, looking upon the table. +After a short delay the sound of footsteps could be heard approaching, +a door opened and the host entered. Giles Martin, not at once +recognizing the man who stood by the table, regarded his guest with +some little surprise, for a customer at that early hour was rare. + +"To what may I serve thee, sir?" said he, advancing toward Winter. +"Well, Master Martin," exclaimed the one addressed, "dost so soon +forget a face? It is, I swear, a poor trick for a landlord." + +"What, Sir Thomas?" cried the other in surprise, holding out his hand, +"I did not recognize thee in this uncertain light. A thousand pardons, +and highly am I honored to find thee in my humble house." + +"'Tis but small honor I do thee," replied the man, with a laugh, +drawing off his gauntlets. "Didst receive my letter?" + +"Aye, that I did, and have shown the bearer of it every courtesy which +this poor tavern can provide. Much am I gratified to learn that Sir +Thomas Winter remembered one whom he hath not seen since----" + +"Nay, good Martin, I do recall the time thou wouldst name. But pray +tell me, is my cavalier friend up at this early hour, for I would +confer with him." + +Giles cast a quick glance at the speaker, then letting his eyes fall, +said: + +"That he is, and little hath he slept this night, for 'twas late ere +he arrived, and when I arose I heard him walking about." + +"Then wilt thou tell him I await; or--nay, stop--thou needst not +announce me; I will see him in his chamber. Show the way, I will +follow." + +"As thou dost wish," said Giles, turning to open a door which hid a +flight of rickety stairs leading to the floor above. Reaching the +landing Winter noted that Martin was about to follow and exclaimed: + +"Nay, show me the portal, I will not trouble thee further. And if thou +wilt be so kind, see to it that we are not disturbed in our +conversation." + +"Have no fear for that, Sir Thomas, I will take care that none do +interrupt. The room is in front of thee," saying which, Martin turned +and descended the stairs. + +Winter tapped upon the panel. + +"Enter," said a quiet voice. + +He lifted the latch and passed into the room. The prelate had +evidently been engaged in prayer, for, as the other stepped within, +the priest was arising from his knees. His face seemed in strange +contrast to the garb he had donned; the delicate, almost effeminate +features of the man were little in keeping with the gay attire of a +cavalier. + +"Ah, Sir Thomas," exclaimed the Jesuit, advancing with gentle dignity +and extended hand, "glad am I to see thee, for I have been more than +lonely, but," he added, with a bright smile, "'tis not my nature to +complain; these be but small discomforts, and gladly would I endure +greater in the service of my Master. Hast any news? Hath aught +happened since we met? But pray be seated," he added, pointing to one +of the two chairs, which, with a low bed, comprised the furniture of +the room. + +"Nay, good father, nothing hath transpired," replied the other, a +shade passing athwart his face; "and now tell me, what dost thou think +of Fawkes? Is his enthusiasm great enough to serve our purpose?" + +"A most terrible man, but one whose cruelty rests upon the love of +God. Indeed, it is as thou didst say, if each Catholic in England were +possessed of but one-half his zeal, then would the gutters run red +with the blood of heretics; 'twas such as he who made the eve of St. +Bartholomew. Are we free to speak?" queried Garnet, leaning toward the +other. + +"Quite free," replied Winter, "a faithful friend of mine is on guard +that we be not interrupted." + +"Then, 'tis well; I have spent the night in prayer, beseeching the +Almighty to lead my mind aright that I may decide the justice of the +plan proposed. Ah," exclaimed the Jesuit, arising, and with hands +clenched before him, "'tis a hideous act, but," an expression of +fierceness coming into his gentle face, "my supplication was answered, +the deed is favored by God, for He hath sent me a token of His +approval." + +"A token, thou sayest, good father?" exclaimed Winter in an awed +voice. + +"Verily," cried Garnet, raising his eyes to heaven, "a sign from Him +whose cause we serve. 'Twas thus: Long had I knelt in prayer, long had +I raised my voice that He who holds the oceans in His palm, and guides +the planets in their courses, would lead me to a wise decision. 'O +God,' I cried, 'send thou some token that I may know thy will.' Even +as I gazed upon the crucifix clenched in my unlifted hand, the message +I so craved had come, for the cross was stained with blood, which from +it fell in sluggish drops. I looked more intently, filled with +amazement, and perceived that so closely had I pressed the silver +image of the blessed Savior it had cut into the flesh. But 'twas God's +voice in answer to my prayer." + +"Most marvelous," whispered Winter, crossing himself. "But didst thou +comprehend all that Fawkes proposed? Hast dwelt on every point?" + +"Think not, my son," the prelate answered, "that because my eyes have +long been used to the dim light of the sanctuary, they have not +perceived all the horror of that which must be done. But now," he +cried, his pale face flushed with emotion, "God in His wisdom hath for +a time taken from me the crucifix and given in its place the sword. So +be it," he continued, drawing the rapier hanging by his side and +kissing the cross formed by the blade and handle, "He shall not find +Henry Garnet wanting, for not until the Angelus doth sound from +Landsend to Dunnet Head, will this hand of mine relax its hold, unless +death doth strike the weapon from it." + +"Ah, good father," cried Winter in admiration of the other's spirit, +"thy enthusiasm and courage are surely heaven born, but," he +whispered, "if we fail, what then?" + +"We cannot," broke in the Jesuit, his eyes alight with the fervor of +his spirit. "Have I not told thee that heaven approves our act? +Victory belongs to us; the White Dove doth rest upon our helms. 'Tis +true that some of us may perish, but what of them? Their fame shall +live from age to age, and never will the call to Mass or Vespers +sound, never will the clouds of incense mount upward--streaming past +the Host without their names being within the hearts and on the +tongues of the worshipers. Think how greatly we be blessed," he +continued, laying his hand fondly upon the other's shoulder;--"a few, +a happy few, who have been thus elected to raise the cross of Christ +from out the dust. Nay," he added, shaking his head, "I would not wish +our danger one jot or tittle less, for, methinks, some portion of the +glory which is now our own might depart with it, and I could illy +bear the loss of even one small gem which must rest in the immortal +crown of our recompense." + +"Then thou dost feel our victory is assured," said Winter, in a +constrained voice, looking anxiously toward Garnet. + +"Nay, I do not feel--I am certain," replied the prelate, decisively. +"And now there rests with us the duty of forming our plans, making +everything ready to strike the mighty blow. What hast thou to offer or +suggest?" + +"Good father, I would not take upon myself to offer a suggestion," +said Winter; "but methinks it would be well that we all assemble and +discuss the matter more fully." + +"And where shall the gathering be held?--at the house of Master +Fawkes?" + +"Not so," replied the other, so abruptly that the priest turned upon +him an enquiring glance. "I mean," continued Winter, noting the look, +"'twould be unwise for us to be seen again meeting in that place; it +might arouse curiosity, and that might be fatal." + +"Then what wouldst thou say to my Lord Catesby's?" + +"Nay, for I deem the same objection doth apply to his dwelling. I +would suggest we gather at the house of Sir Everard Digby. Will't suit +thee, father?" + +"I think thy caution most commendable, and thy proposition the best. +And when shall the meeting be?" + +"Say a week hence," replied Winter. "In the meantime I will see Sir +Everard, and make the necessary arrangements. But what of thee till +then?" + +"Disturb not thyself, my son, concerning me," replied the prelate; "I +will content myself, and be right comfortable in the care of thy +friend the host. Dost think he hath suspicions?" + +"Nay," replied the other. "In truth, if his suspicions were aroused, +he would be silent; such poor taste hath he, that love for me would +make him dumb, and with it is the fact that the man is a zealous +Catholic; methinks if his help could be safely won he would be most +valuable to us. Shouldst thou find a fitting opportunity it might be +well to sound the man." + +"I will do so," replied the prelate, "if a chance doth offer itself." + +"And now," continued Winter, rising, "I must away. Be ever careful, +father, for thy loss would signify the destruction of our hopes." + +"My son," answered the other, with a smile, "thou dost speak from thy +heart; but methinks, if at this moment Henry Garnet were dragged away +and hurried toward the block, the mighty work would be continued; +success doth rest in higher hands than mine. Now, until we meet again, +may the peace of Him whose servants we are rest upon thee." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS. + + +Some leagues from London, in the shire of Buckingham, was situated the +country residence of Sir Everard Digsby, who, with Catesby, Wright and +Percy, was present at the house of the latter on the night in which +Fawkes reached the city, whither he had been summoned by a letter from +Sir Thomas Winter. The dwelling of the young nobleman, being somewhat +remote from the more populous districts of the shire, seemed a fitting +place for such discussion, and, perchance, of more weighty matters, +pertaining to the fast-growing conspiracy against the King and his +Parliament. This place Winter had suggested to Garnet as the safest +spot for the Catholic gentlemen to assemble for the discussion of +their plan. + +'Twas the custom that those noblemen whose wealth afforded them two +dwellings, one in London and another in the rural districts, should +oft entertain at the latter such of their companions as pleased them; +and these, riding forth from the city, singly or in goodly numbers, +might pass but a single night, but sometimes when occasion served, a +fortnight, in merrymaking at their host's expense. Such being a common +practice throughout the kingdom little danger of causing suspicion lay +in the fact that Winter, Rookwood, Catesby, Wright and such others as +had been admitted to their council, departed from London in company. +Garnet, indeed, had ridden on before them, attended by Sir Digsby and +Fawkes, nor had any noted their departure; or, if perchance they did, +were not disposed to comment upon it. + +A staunch Catholic and a zealous follower of the Jesuits, Everard +Digsby had lent himself willingly to the cause of his brother +churchmen, having long ago satisfied himself that their actions were +justified. In fact, his present convictions were to some extent the +outcome of early teachings, for even at a tender age his mind had been +under Catholic influence, and therefore it was not strange that on +reaching manhood he should be a strong adherent of Romish doctrine. +And still further, his attitude was less to be wondered at, when +considered that the seeds of these same convictions were planted by no +other hand than the friend, tutor and spiritual adviser of his +youth--Henry Garnet. In truth, he had surpassed the zeal of many +associates, for being denied the full privilege of such worship as his +faith taught him, he had caused to be erected within the walls of his +country residence a small chapel, fitted up under supervision of the +Superior of the English Jesuits. + +Somewhat early in the evening the little cavalcade rode into +Buckinghamshire, and having reached their destination, were received +with much cordiality by the young nobleman and his more austere +companions. The ride from London, on account of the inclemency of the +weather, had been most disagreeable, and the travelers were nothing +loth to stretch their chilled limbs before the great fire prepared in +readiness for their arrival, and to partake heartily of the well +ordered refreshments which their host had caused to be in waiting. +Having satisfied the carnal man, they were the more willing to turn to +the spiritual repast which had drawn them together; for in each mind +the conviction was strong that in plotting against the King they were +but serving the ends of God. + +"Good gentlemen," said Garnet, the company having drawn about the fire +in a room somewhat remote from the more inhabited part of the +dwelling, "having partaken so freely of worthy Everard's hospitality, +it is most fitting that we turn for a season to that which has +summoned us from London. Methinks there be none absent?" + +Catesby ran his eyes over the group about him, checking each off on +his fingers. "Winter, my Lord of Rookwood, good Percy, Wright, Francis +Tresham and Master Guido," said he, "these with Your Reverence, Sir +Everard and myself, make up the number--nine." + +"'Tis well," exclaimed Garnet, fixing his eyes for an instant on the +face of each. "Certain things have arisen which render it most +expedient that we make common cause with each other--what think ye?" + +"That the time is ripe for the maturing of such plans as best are +suited to our purpose," replied Rookwood; "James hath again declared +against us." + +"'Tis even so," broke in Percy, "and at the house of Master Fawkes +when thou wert absent, there arose some discussion as to certain ways +and methods best fitted to----" + +"Ah!" cried Winter, looking toward the corner where was seated the +soldier of fortune, with his chin upon his hand; "the opportunity has +not served since our last meeting to inquire concerning thy good +mother and thy daughter, friend Guido. Tell me, I pray, did the +gathering of so many armed men in thy chamber disturb their slumbers?" + +"Nay," replied Fawkes, gruffly; "the dame knew nothing of it; neither +my daughter, of that----" + +"And the lass," continued Winter, eyeing the man closely, "is she well +and cheerful as becomes her youth and loveliness?" + +"As to cheerfulness," answered the other, a shade of sadness coming +into his face, "methinks the merry smile hath forever forsaken her +lips, for now she looketh so pale and wan it doth seem but the shadow +of her former self wandering about the house; but thank God, the worst +is over, and she is on the road to recovery." + +"And hath Mistress Elinor been ill?" inquired Winter, turning a +surprised look toward the speaker. + +"I had deemed," answered Fawkes, "that my absence from thy house for +nigh on to a week would indicate to thee that something was amiss. I +every day expected to----" + +"For truth," broke in the other in a relieved tone, "had I known that +thy daughter lay ill I would for a surety have called. But, pray, tell +me; is she better now?" + +"As I have said, she is better; but not herself as yet. In fact, it +was on the night of the meeting at my dwelling, after ye had all +departed, that I went for a breath of air upon the street +and--and--well, it was when I returned that I found the girl in a high +fever, and looking much as though she had beheld a foe. The fever +spent itself in three days; now, 'tis but the after weakness which +afflicts her." + +"Thank God for her recovery!" exclaimed Winter, as he eyed Fawkes +narrowly; but finding nothing in his countenance to arouse alarm, sank +back in his chair with a sigh of relief. + +"And now," said Garnet, who had listened with attention to the +dialogue, "since thy last words have banished from my mind the anxiety +called forth by the recital of thy fair daughter's illness, we may +again turn our thoughts toward other matters, and listen to good +Catesby here." + +"As thou knowest," began Catesby, "it hath ever been my desire to act +quickly. Therefore I would suggest that no time be lost in carrying +out such designs as will rid the kingdom of our enemies." + +"Well spoken," cried Digsby; "to that we are agreed." + +Garnet smiled sadly. "Would that all England cried amen!" said he, +solemnly. Then turning suddenly to Fawkes, "and thou, Master Guido, +what sayest thou?" + +The soldier of fortune looked up quickly. "I am ever ready," said he, +"whether we deal with all those in authority, or with the King alone." + +"Then?" cried Winter, "then?----" + +Garnet cast down his eyes, the soul of the priest struggling with dark +apprehensions which arose within him. "If there were any shadow of sin +in it," he murmured, "I would not countenance the bringing of it to an +issue. No other reason hath drawn me into it save ardent and active +interest in the cause of God." Then facing his companions he +continued: "'Tis the will of Christ that in the hands of His weakest +subjects shall be placed the sword of vengeance which shall sweep +these infidels from the land. Good Catesby hath oft pondered in his +mind, with some impatience, the meaning of my check upon his zeal. +'Twas that I might seek through prayer a way to our deliverance. That +the time is near a revelation hath been vouchsafed to me from heaven." + +A murmur ran through the little company. The priest's voice changed +from tones of solemnity to those of one who spake with authority; and +stretching forth the hand, he said: "We are of one mind. Perchance +Master Fawkes hath opened a way whereby shall be destroyed both the +King and his Parliament. What can effect our purpose quicker than the +flash of gunpowder? God hath placed it in our hand for us to use, and +do His will. Yet other things remain; the door being opened, will +those who watch us from abroad unite with us in restoring to this +unhappy England its altars and its sacrifices? Sir Thomas Winter, thou +hast been in France and Spain to do man's bidding; wouldst go thither +in obedience to the will of God?" + +Winter started, for the meaning of the other's words implied much. "Is +it a mission?" he asked, fixing his gaze upon the Jesuit. + +"Aye!" replied Garnet; "a mission of much danger, and one which will +need all secrecy. At the Court of France dwell certain members of my +Order, close to the King, and deep in affairs of State. Before them I +will lay our undertaking, that when England shall be without a +government and all the land involved in perplexity and beset with +controversies, the armies of the Catholic Kings may come among us--the +way being prepared for their entrance." + +A murmur of approval burst from Catesby, Rookwood and Percy. "And if +Sir Winter hesitates," cried the former, "I will----" + +"Say no more," interrupted Winter; "this day week will see me at the +Court of France." + +"And thou, friend Guido," said Garnet, blandly, "thou art of ready +wit, and a good sword may be needful. Shall brave Winter go alone?" + +Fawkes knitted his brows--"I little thought to again leave England so +soon," he replied, gruffly; "yet ere another sunset will I be ready if +thus I may serve the cause." + +A look of kindliness came into the Jesuit's eyes; the blind zeal of +the man, a zeal that thrust all other thoughts aside, touched him, and +with quick perception he saw in the rough cavalier one who, did all +others fail, would with his single hand hurl the thunderbolt. Taking +from his bosom a small silver crucifix, he laid it in Fawkes' hand. +"Give this," said he, quietly, "unto thy daughter; 'twill guard her +during thine absence. Aye! and dost thou fear to leave her? I swear to +thee, I will see to it that she lacketh nothing." + +Fawkes turned upon him a look of deep devotion. Bred in superstition, +the fact that the priest understood that which troubled him--fear for +the safety of his daughter--seemed a sign from heaven. He kissed the +crucifix reverently, and put it in his bosom between the hard steel of +his cuirass and his heart. + +Garnet turned to the group. "One thing remains," said he solemnly; +"'tis the oath which, registered before heaven, shall hold each to his +purpose. Sir Digsby, let us to thy chapel, that beneath the shadow of +the cross we may seek that blessing without which all our deeds are +sinful, and our purposes as sand." + +Solemnly the little company, headed by the priest and Sir Everard, +wended their way toward the chapel. No words were exchanged between +them, for all were deep in thought. As they passed into the chamber +set aside for worship, each reverently knelt and crossed himself, then +took up a position in front of the altar. As it was late and the brief +winter twilight faded from the sky, the chapel lay shrouded in deep +gloom, relieved only by the red light burning in a hanging lamp +suspended before the tabernacle, holding the consecrated elements. To +the men there was something fearfully solemn in their surroundings. +Before them stood that altar for the preservation of which they were +about to pledge their lives. + +As their eyes became more accustomed to the subdued light, they beheld +shadow-like forms slowly appear upon the walls, and while intently +gazing, these apparitions gradually materialized and assumed definite +shape, resolving themselves into paintings portraying the last scenes +in the life of Christ. Penetrating everything was the clinging odor of +incense, which, in some subtle way, brings to mind the awful majesty +of God. + +Presently Garnet emerged from the sacristy, bearing in his hand a +flaming taper with which he lighted the candles on the altar. The +Jesuit had placed over the costume which he wore a cope of deep red, +richly embroidered with gold, and evidently the priest had not even +laid aside his rapier, for its dull clank could be heard as he walked +about. The rattle of the steel broke discordantly upon the deep +silence, but was it not symbolic? A deed of violence was about to be +committed, cloaked in the garb of religion! + +Finishing his task, he knelt before the altar in silent prayer. Then +arising, he passed to the gate of the rood screen, where his +commanding figure was thrown into bold relief by the altar lights. +Presently seating himself, he said in low and solemn tones to the men +kneeling in the darkness: "Consider well, my brethren, the step ye are +about to take; for he who turns back will be likened unto the woman +who glanced over her shoulder at a city burning;--to pillars of craven +cowardice would ye be changed--monuments to mark how men, even when +their duty shone clear as though emblazoned on the azure vault of +heaven, lacked heart to carry it out. Consider it well, then, all of +you!" + +The deep voice of the priest rose as he uttered the last words, and +its resonant tone returned in echoes from the vaulted ceiling as if +each statued saint from out his niche cried: "Consider it well." + +"Are ye all prepared?" he asked. A deep "All prepared" answered his +question. + +"'Tis well. Now shall I register your vows before the unveiled Host +and upon the crucifix, that in the very presence of the Son of God ye +may swear to perform them unto the end. To thee, my son," continued +the Superior, addressing Catesby, "will I first administer the oath, +for 'twas thy hand which was foremost to lift itself in the holy +cause." + +The man arose and knelt before the Jesuit. "Dost swear," said the +priest, holding a crucifix before the other's eyes, "that as thou dost +hope for salvation through the blood of Christ, so thou wilt yield thy +blood if need be in this holy work; setting aside all else until a +Catholic doth occupy the throne of England?" + +"I swear it, father," answered Catesby, reverently pressing his lips +to the cross. + +To every one of the eight did the Superior give the oath, and then +took the same himself. + +"And now," said Garnet, when the men had once more resumed their +places, "do we proceed to administer to each the sacrament which alone +can fill your minds and bodies with sufficient strength to carry out +our holy purpose." + +The priest arose and turned toward the altar, bowed, then slowly +ascended the steps. After unlocking the door of the tabernacle with a +golden key, he drew forth from the recess the Monstrance containing +the eucharist. Again he bowed, then elevated the Host, while the +stillness was only broken by the deep tone of the sacring-bell, the +men bending in adoration. Once more the priest made reverence; then +arising, took from out the Monstrance the pyx, and facing the group, +repeated the words: "Ecce Agnus Dei." All arose and knelt before him +on the steps, receiving from his hands the sacrament, and when they +had partaken, each silently returned to his place. A sense of the +solemnity of their undertaking, accentuated by the awfulness of the +act in which they were engaged, filled the men's hearts so that they +scarcely beheld the Jesuit ascend to the altar and replace the Host +within the tabernacle, or heard the benediction he pronounced.... + +Once more the men stood in the room they occupied previous to their +entrance into the chapel. All seemed loath to speak, being deeply +impressed by the ceremony in which they had taken part. + +At last Fawkes made ready for departure, being desirous of reaching +London ere daybreak. As he approached the door of the room the +Superior arose and passed toward him. "Friend Guido," said Garnet, as +the other stood ready for the journey, "I will not see thee ere thou +and Sir Winter return from France. Let thy mind be at ease regarding +thy daughter, for in thy absence I will have her under my special +care. Hadst better mention to her that she will have a visitor?" + +"I will be guided by thee in the matter, good father," returned +Fawkes; "but," he continued, in a husky tone, "guard her well, for she +is very dear to me." + +"Have no fear," Garnet answered, kindly, laying a hand upon the +other's shoulder; "in that will I be as zealous as though she were a +daughter of mine own." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +"THOU SHALT NOT KILL." + + +The deduction made by Winter concerning the silence of Elinor had been +correct; but the power he had deemed potent to restrain her from +uttering what she had overheard, and from giving voice to the +indignities he in his drunkenness had heaped upon her, was not alone +the reason of her silence; the mind was held in a species of lethargy. +Now her father had left England; the motive which prompted his +departure she could surmise,--his mission was an enigma. And who was +his companion? The man whose face was ever before her, whose touch +haunted her in dreams causing her to awake and cry in terror to the +Virgin for protection. The girl was wrought up to a state of +hysterical expectancy. Even when sitting within doors, an exclamation +upon the street would cause her to start, fearing it might be a voice +proclaiming the fulfillment of the awful threat which ever sounded in +her ears. Never did she go abroad and behold a group of men but she +approached with trembling limbs and nervous eagerness, feeling that +the first words falling from their lips would be that England was +without a king. What the effect of this anxiety might have been had +she brooded over it long in solitude, is not difficult to tell. But +solace arose from an unexpected quarter. On his departure for France, +Fawkes had mentioned that there was in the city a certain friend, his +companion several years before, whom he had again lately met and asked +to call from time to time to inquire if he might render any service. +The girl awaited the arrival of this visitor with trepidation and some +anxiety, being well aware that the companions of her father were, as a +rule, men of little refinement, accustomed to the rough life of a +camp, and more at their ease in a pot-house than in the society of a +young woman. Her expectations were pleasantly disappointed, for on his +first visit the stranger, by his ease and grace of manner, banished +from her mind all doubts concerning him. Although habited in the garb +of a soldier of the period, there was about him something--a peculiar +refinement of speech, a dignity of carriage, a certain reverent homage +which he rendered unto her--that won from the girl a feeling of +respect and confidence. His visits, far from being cause for +apprehension, had become the one bright spot in her daily life; in his +company Elinor for a brief time forgot the terrible anxiety to which +she was a prey. + +The only circumstance which impressed her as strange was that "Captain +Avenel"--for by this name he had introduced himself--seldom visited +the house by day, and there was always a certain amount of implied +rather than actual caution in his movements, which seemed to the girl +odd, as nothing else in his manner could be deemed in the least +mysterious. + +On one of those evenings, which Elinor now looked forward to with some +pleasure, she and "Captain Avenel" sat together in a little room of +Fawkes' dwelling. + +"And didst say thou hadst intelligence of my father?" inquired she, +eagerly. + +"This very morning," answered the man, "did I receive a letter brought +by packet from Calais, and in the note he wished me to make known his +safe arrival; further, that he would by the next mail write thee, +telling all about his travels. Now thou canst set thy mind at rest +concerning him, for France in our time offers but few dangers, though +in truth I think thy sire hath the look of one to whom peril would be +a diversion." + +"England doth offer more dangers than France," answered the girl, who +was now abstractedly gazing into the fire. + +Garnet turned a swift glance in her direction. The words awakened in +the priest that feeling of apprehension which had ever been present in +his mind since his arrival in London, but until now it had not been +called forth by word or deed of hers. On the contrary, in her society +the Jesuit felt for some reason, probably the innocence and loveliness +of the girl, a sensation of rest and security that enabled him to +throw off the dread of detection which so constantly possessed him. +But he turned and inquired in a quiet tone: + +"And dost deem England such a dangerous country?" + +"Nay," replied Elinor, hesitatingly, "England doth seem all peace and +quietude, but----" here she stopped, fearing the man might read what +lay hidden in her heart, for he was regarding her with a look of +surprise as he noted her embarrassment. + +"Come, my daughter," said he kindly, his gentle heart touched by the +fear written on her face, "I have suspected long that some matter did +trouble thee. If I have power to lend aid, consider my whitening hair, +and hesitate not to confide in me, who am old enough to enjoy the +blessing of being called father by thee." + +Elinor looked into the benevolent countenance. + +"Fear not," he continued in a persuasive voice, "if I can counsel +thee, thy wish for help is granted ere 'tis asked." + +She raised her head and met a look of gentle sympathy long unknown to +her, and for which her poor heart so fondly yearned. The tears sprang +to her eyes and her self control, that which the brutality of Winter +could not break down, gave way. She turned toward him like a poor +tired bird after battling with a storm; her weakness could not endure +longer to see protection neath the leaf and branches of his goodness +and not avail herself of it. + +In a moment more the words had passed her lips,--all that she had +overheard, the words uttered by Fawkes, and the fear and anguish which +since had haunted her. + +"Is there naught I can do?" she cried. "O God! when did I ever commit +a sin worthy of the punishment?" She raised her eyes to Garnet. "Even +thou art pale to the lips from the hideousness of the thing." + +Through the girl's confession, Garnet's attitude remained unchanged. +At her first words he started, but with an effort controlled himself. +The sudden revelation that their plans were known by one outside those +who composed the little band consecrated to the holy cause, filled him +with a terror which, at first, reason was unable to check. But as she +proceeded, the quick mind of the priest perceived that the girl's one +thought was, not to save the King, nor to defeat their hopes, but only +to deliver her father from the danger to which he was exposed. The +fear gradually passed away, and as Elinor ceased speaking, the +strongest feeling in the prelate's mind was one of sympathy for her +who wept before him. + +"Is there naught," Garnet inquired, mildly, when the girl had +finished, "that thou can'st see to justify thy father's act, and by +that justification bring to thee consolation? Think, even though he +were marked to die, more honor belongs to him in this, than to live to +old age in idleness and inactivity. Dwell upon thy love for him, then +meditate on his love for the Church." + +"Nay," she answered, "my knee doth bend before the altar with as great +a reverence as any who do honor to the Host, and were my father to +fall in open conflict I would not grudge his life given to a noble +cause. But this act is not loyalty to God, for, did He not decree, +'Thou shalt not kill?' 'Tis naught but murder; and if my father fall, +he will not meet death as a martyr, but as a common assassin." + +Garnet was silent; the girl's words sounded strangely to him. Not +wishing to reveal his identity he determined to avoid further +argument, fearing suspicions might be raised in Elinor's mind which +would only make matters worse. What course to pursue he did not know. +As far as circumstances permitted, he would help her, but how to +effect this was beyond his present comprehension. + +"I have not told thee in vain? Thou wilt aid me?" she inquired. + +"My child, I must have time to meditate," answered the Jesuit. "I +cannot give thee advice upon such a weighty matter without due +deliberation; but," he added hastily, "all is safe for a time at +least; thy father is in France." + +"I pray God," exclaimed the girl, "that I shall not have reason to +regret opening my heart unto thee. Nay, thou couldst not be so cruel +as to make known what I have told. Swear," she cried in sudden fear, +noting a strange expression on the other's face, "swear thou wilt keep +secret all I have revealed." + +"Alarm not thyself," replied the prelate; "what thou hast uttered is +as safe as if 'twere said under the seal of the confessional. Know +further, thou hast told thy trouble to one who will ever cherish the +confidence, even if his help avail thee little. But," added he, +tenderly--in the sincerity of his heart forgetting the sword which +hung at his side--"may the peace of Him whose hand was ready to turn +the water into wine, or raise the widow's son, descend and give thee +relief." + +"Thou speakest like a priest," she said. + +Garnet started, but quickly replied, "Never could a priest grant thee +absolution with a gladder heart, than I would release thee from this +trouble, were it in my power, and were it the will of God that I +should do so." + +"And dost think it is God's will that I suffer thus?" + +"Perchance, yes," said he, in a thoughtful voice, as if communing with +himself, "and it may be His decree that many more do groan with thee. +Be not regretful thou has told thy sorrow, for even to confide a grief +is to make it lighter." + +"Nay, I do not regret, I think there is little else left me but to +endure; would that I were dead and beyond the touch of sorrow," she +added, with a hopeless sigh. + +"Thou shouldst not wish thyself dead, for to do so is to be +unreconciled to the will of God. If this poor hand doth fail to bring +comfort, my prayers shall ever be for strength that thou mayst bear +with fortitude all which the wisdom of heaven deems just to send. Try +to look upon thy grief as a tribute God demands to work out some +mighty project of His own." + +"I will try," the girl said, a sad smile coming into her face. "Think +not I am ungrateful for thy words of comfort." + +"And now, my daughter, will I wish thee the blessing of sweet sleep, +for 'tis late; I will see thee again soon." + +"Thou art very good," she replied simply, "thou, the only one +remaining--" her lips trembled and tears filled her eyes; suddenly she +threw her arms about him, and between the sobs which shook her frame, +exclaimed, hiding her face upon his shoulder, "all that is left me +now." + +Garnet regarded the slight figure clinging to him: "Oh God!" he +thought, "Is it Thy will that such as these must suffer?" He raised +his arm as if to encircle her, but let it drop by his side. + +"Come, my child," he said after a moment, putting her gently from him, +"thy tears well nigh unman me; I would it were in my power to give +thee consolation, but help must come from higher hands than mine." + +As he reached the threshold he turned and beheld a picture which +haunted him many a day, and for an instant raised within his holy mind +a doubt of the justice of such grief. As she stood, the imprint of +deep sorrow was on the fair young face--a sorrow the young should +never know. One arm was raised as though in mute appeal to him not to +forsake her in this misery. A look, and he closed the door, passing +out into the night. + +The effect produced upon Garnet by the trouble he had just witnessed +was complex. Never doubting the justice of the cause he espoused, +still, his quiet nature could not hide from itself a feeling of pity +that one so good and innocent should be called upon to suffer equally +with those whose unholy hands were raised to snatch the cross from off +the altar of his fathers. + +"Truly," he muttered, as he proceeded on his way--pressing a hand to +his breast that he might feel the crucifix resting there--"it hath +been resolved by higher authority than my weak will that this thing +must be done. And, Henry Garnet, who art thou to question? Still," he +added, sadly shaking his head, the memory of a tear-stained face +passing before him, "it is a pity; but for every tear that falls from +thy gentle eyes a soul will be redeemed." + +He continued on his way in silence. As he approached the more densely +populated districts of the city, an almost unconscious movement of the +hand brought the fold of his mantle over his shoulder, so that it hid +the lower portion of his face. The tall figure of Garnet was one which +could not fail to attract attention, and many a passerby turned to see +who the cavalier might be. This did not escape the eye of the prelate, +and evidently for the sake of being unnoticed, he turned into a less +frequented thoroughfare, and proceeded by a circuitous route to gain +the hostelry wherein he resided. The way brought him through a portion +of the city composed of narrow intersecting streets and alleys, faced +by poor and worn out hovels. A few old warehouses here and there +marked the spots where in times gone by fine goods had been stored. As +they stood with broken windows and open doors sighing and creaking in +the wind, they appeared like living creatures who had fallen from +conditions of plenty, and were now, in their hunger, bemoaning the +loss of the abundance which once had filled them. + +In front of one of these buildings Garnet paused for a moment to more +closely examine the pile, and being deeply absorbed in his task of +inspection, was not aware of the glimmer of a lantern which came +bobbing toward him along the main road. The first intimations that any +one but himself stood upon the street were a sudden flash of light in +his face, a heavy hand falling upon his shoulder, and a gruff voice +exclaiming: + +"Henry Garnet, in the name of the King I arrest thee!" + +The priest started, and with rapid motion drew his cloak about him, +at the same time springing upon the step of the building. The man +lowered the light and by its reflection the Jesuit could see that he +wore the uniform of the King's guard. + +"Come," continued the soldier, drawing his sword, "submission better +suits thee as a priest, than does resistance." + +The blow had fallen so quickly, so unexpectedly, that for an instant +Garnet stood as one struck dumb, unable either to reply or form a plan +of action. However, in a moment his alert mind grasped the situation. +He had been recognized, that was evident, but his arrest was simply +for disobeying the edict by which he, as well as all his order, were +banished from the kingdom. The penalty following the violation of this +decree, at its worst, would simply mean imprisonment in the Tower. But +what, he asked himself, would be the consequence of it? While far from +being an egotist, the Jesuit knew that he alone was the thinking power +of that cause which to him was dearer than life. And now, when plans +were fast maturing, the corn ripening in the field, awaiting but the +hand of the reapers, he was placed in sudden danger which threatened +to frustrate all their hopes. These thoughts flashed through his mind +with the rapidity of lightning as he confronted the man standing at +the foot of the steps. Escape he must,--but how? + +"Come, Henry Garnet," the man repeated, ascending the steps, lantern +in one hand, a sword in the other. "Thou art my prisoner, and in the +name of his most gracious Majesty, James I., I arrest thee!" + +A bold rush now would be of no avail, for the man stood with the point +of his rapier close to the prelate's breast, almost touching his +doublet; furthermore Garnet's sword was in its scabbard, and at the +first attempt to draw it, he, in all probability, would be run through +the body. Was there no alternative but to yield? A gust of wind caused +the door at his back to creak. In an instant the Jesuit had sprung for +the portal, but the soldier, perceiving his purpose, lunged with his +weapon, and so true was the aim, that the prelate's cloak was pinned +fast to the wooden frame. An instant he was held there, but the clasp +of the mantle giving way released its wearer, and Garnet stood in the +dark entry, the door shut, and his foot set firmly against it. The +move had been none too quick, for the soldier hurled himself upon the +closed portal, which caused the old boards to groan, but they did not +yield; the only result of the man's efforts were, that the lantern +flew from his grasp, rolling down the steps into the street. The +priest heard him descend to recover the light, and relinquishing his +hold upon the door, groped his way through the darkness, hoping to +elude his pursuer in the building. His hand came in contact with the +baluster, and he quickly ascended the rickety stairs. By this time, +the guard had relighted his lantern and was peering cautiously into +the hall, evidently fearing a sword thrust from out the darkness. In +this instant's hesitation, Garnet gained the loft above. Here the +obscurity was less intense, for the waning moon shining through a +broken window into a room at his left, enabled him to see his way more +distinctly. There was little time for choice of direction, for even +now the soldier had commenced to ascend, and Garnet, not venturing to +grope further in the gloom, turned toward the ray of light, and passed +quickly into the room, pressed himself against the wall and waited. +The priest could see his pursuer holding the lantern above his head, +as he ascended the stairs, looking carefully about the while. The +soldier approached the chamber in which the Jesuit lay hid, peered in +at the door, and as if not satisfied with this cursory examination +entered. At last the man seemed satisfied, and with a muttered curse +was about to leave the apartment, when a fatal turn of the lantern +swept one of its rays full upon the Jesuit. + +"Ah! there thou art, my sly fox!" cried the soldier, springing, sword +in hand, at Garnet; another instant would have seen the priest pinned +fast to the wall, had not the man's foot in some way become entangled +in the mantle hanging upon his arm, throwing him headlong with great +clatter of steel to the floor. + +In a moment Garnet was upon him, both hands at the soldier's throat, +the long fingers pressing firmly the windpipe; one more strong clasp +and the priest released his hold, seized the other's sword, which had +fallen to the floor, and stood with its point upon the man's breast. + +"Swear by the God thou fearest, and upon thine honor, that thou wilt +remain in this room until I leave the house! Swear it!" the priest +repeated, "ere I run thee through!" + +No answer followed his command. + +"Come. Swear it!" he repeated, pressing the rapier firmly against the +other's chest. The ominous silence fell upon the priest as strange. He +stooped to look into the face. The light was dim, and still lower he +bent. Suddenly the sword dropped from his hand, for the Jesuit saw by +the bulging eyes which stared into his that he had demanded an oath +from a corpse. Those long white fingers had pressed more firmly than +they knew; the man's windpipe was crushed like paper. + +"My God!" the Jesuit whispered, kneeling beside the prostrate form, +horror of the deed falling upon him. "Of what have I been guilty? +This man's blood upon my head?" Terror-stricken, he looked about the +room. Again his eyes returned to the thing lying beside him. Was that +a movement of the distorted face? He gazed upon it in horrible +fascination. Slowly the lips of the dead man parted, the jaw dropped, +and it seemed as though a hideous smile lay upon the distorted visage. + +"Ah!" cried Garnet, springing to his feet, "Even in death thou art the +victor, for I am shackled to thee. Never in this world can I escape +the recollection of thy countenance!" + +The priest fell upon his knees, and raised his hands: + +"God help me and forgive me for this deed!" he cried. "If I have +sinned, 'twas not to save this worthless life of mine; not that I +deemed it sweet to live, but that I might survive to consecrate or +yield that life in the furtherance of Thy holy work!" + +He paused a moment in silent prayer, then arose, and taking a crucifix +from his doublet, knelt by the figure on the floor and pressed the +symbol to the dead lips. + +"Nay," said he, as he stood regarding the man, "I did not wish thy +death, and would gladly yield my life to see thee breathe again, but +'twas ordained thou shouldst go first. And who next?" he added, +raising the cross and gazing upon it--"Mayhap he doth wear a crown." + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +MONTEAGLE AND SALISBURY. + + +Four months passed; months of impatience to the conspirators who +awaited with eagerness the hour to strike against the government. +Winter and Fawkes had returned from France, their mission in part +accomplished, as they had obtained from certain of the Catholic +nobility promises of assistance in the way of men and money, did the +doors of England open to receive them. The plot to strike at the heart +of the ruling powers was slowly maturing; Fawkes, now the leading +spirit, worked diligently both with brain and hands to perfect the +plan decided upon by Winter, Catesby and the others. Secure in a +feeling of strength, the King had little thought that Fate was slowly +winding about him and his ministers a shroud which prompt action alone +could cast off. + +Toward the close of a sultry midsummer day, Lord Cecil, Earl of +Salisbury and Prime Minister of England, after holding audience with +the King, returned to his dwelling, glad to cast aside his decorations +and forget during a few hours the weighty affairs of State. He was +scarcely seated, with a glass of wine in hand, when my Lord of +Monteagle was announced as waiting in the ante-chamber. 'Twas no +strange thing for this nobleman to seek the Minister at his home, for +between them there was a warm friendship, and it pleased Cecil to +receive the other at any time he chose to visit him. He therefore +ordered that Monteagle should be at once conducted to his apartment, +and a second glass of wine prepared. + +As the peer entered, the keen eyes of his host noted that his bearing +betokened a mind ill at ease. + +"Faith!" said he, rising from his seat and extending his hand, "thou +bearest a most sour visage, my lord. Hath ridden in the sun, or did +thy cook forget his occupation and serve thee an ill-prepared repast?" + +Monteagle smiled faintly. "Nay," said he, "'tis my mind which is +somewhat disturbed." + +"Then sit thee down," cried Cecil cheerily, "and unburden thyself to +me of all save affairs of State; of them am I exceeding weary, for the +King hath a new hobby, a tax on beets and onions, in the discussion of +which the afternoon has been consumed." + +"Then his Majesty devised another way----" began Monteagle. + +Salisbury raised his hand. "'Tis treason," said he in feigned +displeasure; "wouldst have us in the Tower, good Monteagle, that thou +speak so lightly of James' statesmanship?" Then changing his jesting +tone to one of gravity: "But tell me, what troubles thee? Hath the air +of France failed to restore the spirits of thy son, Effingston? He +hath not returned?" + +"He is still in Paris," replied the other, touching his lips to the +glass which had been proffered him, "I this day received a letter in +which he speaks encouragingly of his health, and announces his return +within the month. Thy mind is easy, my lord?" + +"And why not?" demanded the Prime Minister, holding aloft his glass +that he might watch the reflection of the sun's rays upon the wine. +"England is at peace, the King seated firm upon his throne, and the +Ship of State rides on an even keel. Hast dreamed of treason, my Lord +Monteagle?" + +"Perchance not treason," replied his companion, drawing his chair +nearer, "but--certain things my son hath written, added to others +coming under my own observation, have caused me some uneasiness--a +shadowy suspicion, as it were, that an ill plan is brewing against the +King's authority." + +"Tut!" cried Salisbury. "'Tis a fit of indigestion, about which thou +hadst best consult thy doctor. Yet, what be these suspicions?" + +"Thou knowest," replied Monteagle, sinking his voice so that it scarce +reached the other's ear, "there are certain Catholics among the nobles +who chafe grievously under the exactions of laws passed by Parliament +and approved by James." + +Salisbury shrugged his shoulders. "That is beyond peradventure," said +he, "but the laws will stand." + +"Of that I would speak nothing," replied Monteagle, "being neither +King nor Parliament, but it hath been hinted that perchance the wind +of discontent may fan into life a flame of----" + +"Thou hast relatives among the Catholics," interrupted Cecil, looking +keenly at the other, "hast become a confidant?" + +Monteagle shook his head. "Nay," said he, "nor do I desire to mix in +affairs concerning my former faith. Yet, I have knowledge of certain +meetings which have taken place composed of sundry persons opposed to +the policy of James." + +"The dogs cut by the lash herd together in their discomfiture," +replied Cecil, "yet they fear to bite the hand which stung them." + +Monteagle frowned, for the words of the Prime Minister were not to his +liking. + +"There is more," said he; "certain of those have been seen in France." + +"'Tis a most Catholic country," replied Salisbury, "and, perhaps, +wishing to worship unmolested before their altars, some have gone +thither for their religion's sake." + +"My lord!" cried Monteagle, perceiving the Minister was in a mood for +jesting, "hast thou had no fear that some hidden danger might lurk +beneath the calm exterior of the peace which covers England? Do not +smile, but hear me. Thou knowest the Viscount Effingston is in France, +at the Court of Henry, and hath mingled much with some who are close +to the throne. Perhaps it may not have reached thine ears that some +months back a bloodless duel was fought between him and one Sir Thomas +Winter, a zealous Catholic and enemy to the King." + +"Ah!" broke in Salisbury, "thy speech grows interesting; and what +brought about this duel?" + +"'Twas an insult cast upon me by this Winter," replied Monteagle. +"Effingston chancing to hear, resented it, and an exchange of sword +thrusts followed; but that is past. As I told thee this morning I +received a letter from Paris in which the Viscount says he hath met +this Winter and another, a soldier of the commoners, and----" + +"A second duel hath followed?" interrupted the Minister. + +"Not so," replied the other, "but being suspicious of the fellows, my +son did set a spy upon them, feeling sure that no honest errand took +them into France." + +"And what did he discover?" asked Salisbury. + +"That Winter and his companion sought many times audiences with +certain high churchmen known to be enemies of England. Once, he +chanced to meet them upon the street, when Winter flushed a scarlet +and hastily passed. After this he learned that two Englishmen, one a +soldier who had served the King of Spain, gained the ear of certain +prelates and noblemen; that their conferences had been conducted with +much secrecy, and having finished, the men left Paris in the night, +taking poste for Calais." + +"And what then?" asked Salisbury, "did thy son learn anything +concerning those secret conferences?" + +"No way was open to him," answered Monteagle, "but he thought it best +to lay the matter before me; the more so that Winter and the other +have returned to London." + +The Prime Minister pondered for a moment. "Faith! my lord!" said he, +"thy zeal for the welfare of the State is most commendable, and the +King shall know of it, but thy spirit is overwrought with idle fear. +What if certain Catholics in England have sought audience with those +of their faith in Paris? Have we then fear of France? My word upon it, +good Monteagle, that calm thought will quell thy doubts. Of this +Thomas Winter I know something; a reminder of the luckless Essex, a +gentleman whose zeal doth warp his reason, and who, should he presume +too far, will feel the axe, I warrant. Thou sayest he is again in +England; perchance he builds a castle which the sight of a line of +soldiers will scatter to the winds. Again I thank thee for thy +counsel, my lord, nor will I neglect such matters as pertain to the +safety of the King. If it come to thee, that these dissatisfied +Catholics grow too bold in speech, for I fear not other signs of +treason, lay it before me, that I may stop their tongues, ere evil +thoughts be planted in the minds of them who cry 'amen' to any wind +of speech delivered in the market place." + +Monteagle arose, for he perceived 'twas useless to speak further of +ill-defined plots and perchance groundless fears of treason against +the King. + +"I but considered it my duty as an English gentleman to look to the +welfare of----" he began. + +"Thou hast my confidence," interrupted Salisbury, "and though I seem +to treat lightly thy suspicions they will be most carefully heeded +should occasion arise. There be certain chambers in the Tower, where +those too zealous in their faith may pass the time in prayer, thanking +God the King is merciful, and stays the axe." + +Monteagle bowed and left the room. "It may be," he muttered, "that my +mind doth dwell too much upon this matter, but I know Sir Thomas +Winter well, and there be certain of the Jesuits yet in England." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +SOWING THE WIND. + + +Late of an evening near to Michaelmas, three men applied for admission +at the door of a house close to the edge of the Thames, and which, by +reason of its surroundings, assured security from observation to those +who might choose to abide therein. Knocking upon the panel with the +hilt of a heavy rapier which he had drawn from its scabbard, the +shorter of the trio listened impatiently for the sounds which would +precede the drawing of the bolts within. His companions, who were in +the shadow of a neighboring wall, glanced about apprehensively. + +"'Tis an ill-favored place, Sir Thomas," whispered one, grasping +tighter the hilt of his sword as though the touch of the steel might +calm in a measure his disquietude. "Scarce is it to my liking that +friend Guido hath chosen so----" + +His companion laughed uneasily. "He hath a keen wit," replied he, "and +much precaution is necessary that none suspect at the eleventh hour. +As thou seest, good Percy, 'tis a most peaceful region, with few +abroad and no signs of the authorities." + +"Peaceful, indeed," replied Percy, casting his eyes down the poorly +lighted and narrow street through which he had come; "so is a +charnel-house, yet one would scarce----" + +A second rap upon the door, delivered with increased force, +interrupted the whispered conversation. + +"Within!" growled Fawkes, bending so that his lips were on a level +with the keyhole. "Art sleeping, Master Keyes, or----" + +The shuffling of feet answered, and a voice nearly inarticulate from +drowsiness demanded in no gentle tones who sought admittance to an +honest dwelling at so unseasonable an hour. + +Upon Fawkes replying, the bolt was withdrawn, the door opened a few +inches and the face of Master Keyes appeared in the aperture. The +soldier of fortune motioned to his companions who quickly joined him. + +"Good Robert, here, is a most cunning rogue," said he half laughingly, +"having feigned sleep----" + +The warden of the door forced a sneering smile. "Faith!" said he, +making way that the others might enter, "'twas such feigning as may +ever come to me when I would forget my troubles, and there be in my +purse no silver to purchase that which is opposed to conscience. What +wouldst thou, Guido Fawkes? that I sit upright in a corner from +eventide till morn that thou be not kept waiting before the door? Ill +was the day when, listening to thy words, I undertook this errand; +thou art fain to wish that I may be blown to the devil by thy six and +thirty barrels of----" + +Fawkes hastily laid his open palm across the mouth of the irate man. +"What now?" growled he gruffly, "that thou must cry aloud the contents +of thy cellar? Hast not been paid?" + +"Aye," grumbled the man, drawing back, "for sitting over hell! May +those selfsame Spanish hirelings to whom thy powder goeth, be blown to +their master with scant courtesy!" + +Winter whispered in Percy's ear: "A pretty trick, good Percy, yet what +more natural than, wishing to turn a penny by furnishing powder to +the Dons, brave Guido should act with much secrecy, so that it be not +seized by the authorities?" + +Already they were in the house, and the door was securely fastened. +Fawkes laid aside some of his cautiousness. + +"Friend Robert is a faithful man," said he, turning to his companions +and speaking with much significance; "therefore have I entered into an +agreement with him, that I, being under contract to the Spanish +ambassador to convey certain barrels of gunpowder into Flanders, he +should guard them till the time be ripe for loading into such vessels +as will carry them to the ship which I have hired." + +"Then," replied Winter, taking from his wallet a gold piece and +tendering it to Keyes, "he will accept this token which, I warrant, +will be increased by others of its kind if his diligence pleaseth +thee." + +On seeing the gold the man's ill temper vanished. "Good gentlemen," +cried he, seizing eagerly the coin, "I spoke but hastily." + +"That we know," said Winter, "and, perchance we, had we been so rudely +awakened, would have done as thou didst. Hath any disturbed thee +during thy guardianship?" + +"None, save a few drunken braggarts who found their way hither, and +would have battered in the door. Did any come whose wits were sharper +than their caution, I would have----" + +"What?" asked Fawkes pointedly, as the speaker hesitated. + +"Faith!" replied Keyes, "being a poor man, and a bag of gold pieces +forthcoming upon the safe loading of this devil's face powder onto +the Spanish vessel, 'twould be but just, that did any seek to cheat me +of it--well, the river tells no tales; what think ye, gentlemen?" + +Percy shuddered; Winter pressed his hand. "Nay, good Percy," he +whispered, "'tis scarce like to happen, yet even so, we would be but +instruments in the hand of God." + +During this conversation Fawkes, who seemed to be familiar with the +house, had led his companions into a small apartment whose window +overlooked the river which, washing against the stone foundation of +the dwelling, offered a safe retreat did any, bent upon trouble +making, force the street door. + +Winter and Percy glanced about them. The place was bare save for a +rude cot, a shaky table upon which flickered an iron-bound lantern, +and a small chest that, did occasion require, could be placed against +the narrow door. At a sign from Fawkes, Keyes drew aside the bed, +disclosing in the floor the outlines of a trap door, which covered an +opening to the cellar beneath. Stooping, he raised the heavy cover, +revealing the top rounds of a rude ladder leading into the blackness +below. + +"'Tis there!" said Fawkes shortly, "wouldst see it, gentlemen?" + +Percy drew back, when Keyes, misunderstanding his hesitancy, caught +the lantern from the table. + +"I will go down," said he, "and thou mayst safely follow; the stuff be +well housed, tight as a drum, and, as thou seest, the lantern +scattereth no fire." + +"But will not the dampness of the place destroy its usefulness?" asked +Winter. + +"There is little fear," replied Fawkes, "although it lieth below the +surface of the river; the cellar is hewn from the rock, and dry as a +tinder-box. Lead the way, good Robert, take heed with thy light." + +With much cautiousness the two men followed Fawkes and his guide down +the ladder to the floor ten feet below. Reaching it, Keyes held up the +lantern so that its feeble rays penetrated the darkness. Piled against +the walls of the subterranean chamber, Winter and Percy discerned +irregular dark objects rising to the height of their heads. + +"'Tis the wind which will free England of the pestilence," said Fawkes +grimly; then catching the quick glance of Winter, which reminded him +of the presence of Master Keyes, added: "Which sown in Flanders will +bring forth a whirlwind against those who serve not God after the +manner of the righteous." + +"A goodly amount of the grains," said Percy, placing his foot again +upon a round of the ladder; "and how much saidst thou, good Master +Keyes?" + +"As Fawkes hath told me, some six and thirty barrels," replied the +watchman; "enough, methinks, to send all London up to the stars." + +"And the King, also," whispered Winter in Fawkes' ear, and added, "let +us to the room above. My stomach hath small liking for thy cellars." + +Percy was already half way up the ladder, and the others quickly +followed. To the soldier of fortune and to Master Keyes, 'twas of +little moment that they had stood in the presence of such an engine of +destruction, which, if properly applied, would shake to its foundation +the strongest structure in Europe. But in Winter and Percy, especially +the latter, the presence of the gunpowder, thoughts of the purpose for +which it was to be used, and the lives which must be sacrificed, +overcame for the moment their fanatical zeal, and they withdrew with a +feeling akin to horror. 'Twas truly the seed of death; and in sowing +the wind might they not, themselves, reap the whirlwind? + +A short time in the upper chamber restored their calmness, and they no +longer seemed such fearful things, those grim barrels of harmless +looking black grains, which might lie harmless for centuries, as they +had seen them, or, at the touch of a single tiny spark, shake London +as by an earthquake, vacate a royal throne, and exterminate in an +instant the proudest government in Europe. Percy, of more gentle +disposition than his companion, gazed into the face of Guido Fawkes +with a feeling akin to awe. His was the brain which had suggested this +terrific method for the destruction of the King and Parliament; his +the voice that had pronounced the words which laid bare the plan to +Catesby, Winter and the others. If Fawkes had never come from Spain, +perhaps----, but the subject of his gloomy thoughts was speaking in +reply to a question put by Sir Thomas. + +"Thou hast noted," said he, "that this dwelling lieth close to the +river; so, 'twill be no great matter to remove the barrels from the +cellar to the deck of a boat lashed beneath the window, and, if a dark +night be chosen for the work, none, I warrant, will perceive the +matter. What sayest thou, friend Robert?" + +"That there is much of wisdom in thy speech," replied the other; "and +once upon the boat, the channel to the sea, where will lie thy Spanish +galley, is open. When, thinkest thou, the powder will be moved?" + +"I know not," replied Fawkes, sharply,--"in due time----" Then, +turning to his companions: "Gentlemen, having seen that which lies +below, what may be your pleasure?" + +"To return quickly," replied Percy, relieved at the thought of +escaping from such an ill-favored locality. + +Keyes chuckled. "Thou art in haste to quit my presence, and my pretty +devil's powder, good gentlemen," said he; "didst sleep so near as we, +perchance you would come to love it as Master Fawkes and I do. One +spark from this weak lantern, and----" + +"Come!" cried Percy, drawing his arm through that of Winter,--"we are +satisfied; what need to tarry longer?" + +In the street once more they, with Fawkes leading, hastened to gain a +more populous section of the city. 'Twas to Winter's house they went, +where Catesby was waiting impatiently. He, with Fawkes, had visited +the house by the river on the night previous, therefore he fell into +their discussion with good knowledge of the subject in hand. + +"Thou shouldst have been a general," said he to Fawkes; "it scarce +comes to me how so goodly a quantity of powder could be stored in +yonder place without detection." + +"'Twas no great matter," replied Fawkes, setting down the wineglass +Winter had handed him, "a little here, a trifle there, requiring some +weeks in the gathering; but now, as thou hast seen, there is enough." + +Winter laughed. "Faith!" said he, "I would fain not have thee for mine +enemy, friend Guido; else, some fine night, while I dreamed not that +danger threatened, my good dwelling would come to grief." + +Fawkes smiled grimly. "Not so," said he; "if thou wert an enemy, and +I had sworn to kill thee, 'twould be by other means,"--touching the +hilt of his sword. "What thou hast seen is reserved for kings and +parliaments." + +"The powder is well stored," broke in Catesby,--"what next?" + +"That hath been attended to," replied Percy. "As thou knowest, certain +events must transpire ere Master Keyes gives up his guardianship. To +me has fallen the duty of looking into the matter. The cellar of the +Parliament House must be reached ere further effect can come from our +planning." + +"What hast thou decided?" asked Winter. + +"Upon a simple solution of the matter," replied the +Gentleman-Pensioner. "Foreseeing our course, I have made an agreement +with one Henry Ferrers for the hiring of a dwelling close to the House +of Parliament. The documents are already signed and sealed. As in many +houses, the cellar extends some feet below the surface of the street +and, next it, lies the foundation wall of the House." + +"Then," cried Catesby, "we will play the mole; is it not so, good +Percy?" + +"Thou hast said it," replied the other; "to reach the cellar beneath +the House of Lords we must pierce through the foundation. 'Tis of +great thickness and the task will not be easy." + +"I am little used to delving," growled Fawkes, "but there is no other +way." + +"And Garnet?" inquired Catesby. + +"Garnet hath gone from London," said Percy, "nor will he return until +the fuse has reached the powder. He is now at Coughton House to await +such time as we shall summon him to join our forces." + +"And them hast all in readiness?" asked Winter. + +"In the house of Henry Ferrers are tools for digging--picks, hammers +and the like," replied Percy. + +"And in another place lie six and thirty kegs of trusty powder," added +Catesby; "the instruments are at hand." Then rising: "Come, gentlemen! +our conference is ended; to-morrow we work, not talk." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +THE CELLAR. + + +The house of Master Ferrers stood on the narrow strip of land between +the House of Lords and the river Thames. The wall of the dwelling +being adjacent to that which guarded the east side of the Parliament +House, 'twas not so difficult a matter for one bent upon gaining +secret entrance to the latter, to tunnel through it. Being of soft +bricks it would afford but a slight obstacle to determined men. To +penetrate the official structure was a harder undertaking, the +thickness thereof being some nine feet, and the masonry of flinty +stone, firmly cemented, and hardened into a compact mass by the lapse +of years. But, having once pierced through the two walls, the first of +brick, the other of stone, one would find himself in a chamber of some +extent, lying directly beneath the assembling place of the peers, and +the throne from which the King witnessed the convening of his +Parliament. + +Though, in fact, a cellar to the main building, the room was upon a +level with the street without, the walls being of "stout stones" and +the ceiling formed by beams upon which rested the flooring of the +House of Lords. 'Twas in this room the conspirators proposed to place +the six and thirty barrels of gunpowder, and--Parliament being in +session--to apply a spark to the slumbering power by which those who +occupied the room above would be blown heavenward with such scant +ceremony that none among them should have time to cry: "Good Lord, +have mercy upon us! Amen!" + +In selecting the house against the east wall of the Peer's meeting +place, Percy had acted with some wisdom. The Thames was the silent +highway of London, and did a boat stop beside the river entrance of +the dwelling, none would be likely to take any note thereof, nor to +think it matter of suspicion for one who occupied the place to use the +water as means of conveying such commodities as he chose to his +storeroom or cellar. In this manner the powder stored under the +guardianship of Master Keyes was removed by night to the second +storage place, that it might be in readiness when the time arrived for +placing it beneath the floor of Parliament. Many persons dwelt in the +neighborhood; in the vicinity were clustered the houses of the Keeper +of the Wardrobe, auditors and tellers of the Exchequer, and many other +officials of the government, any of whom might notice the barge lying +close at the edge of the garden on the river front, and the men +carrying from it to the house divers packages, but it was not probable +that they would. None, unless having business with Master Percy, would +approach the door, nor enter the garden, much less question the +carriers concerning that which they removed so carefully. + +It was at the end of the tenth day after the visit of Percy and Sir +Thomas to Master Keyes that the six and thirty barrels--twenty-four +hundred pounds--of powder were safely stored in the building next the +Parliament House. + +But ere this was accomplished, those who had undertaken the digging of +the tunnel began their work. Under cover of the darkness, Catesby, +Wright, Percy, Winter and Fawkes, entered the house leased by the +Gentleman-Pensioner, and being provided with a goodly quantity of +baked meats and other necessaries, that nothing should arise to call +them abroad, they began their work upon the brick wall beyond which +lay the masonry proper of the House. + +Of the five, four were gentlemen of blood, to whom the handling of +pick and bar came not so readily. To Fawkes, skilled through long +service in foreign lands, where the undermining of walls and +fortifications was a common occupation, it fell to direct the work, +although in actual digging he took small part, it having been agreed +that he should serve as watchman, warn the others did any approach the +garden, or danger arise from sounds in the cellar reaching the ears of +those whose curiosity might bring unwelcome investigation as to so +strange a proceeding. Crowded as they were in the narrow space, the +four conspirators, with doublets cast aside and limbs weary from their +unusual occupation, plied drill and crowbar, enlivening their toil by +discourse upon the subject of the undertaking, and stopping ever and +anon to refresh themselves with ale, or wine. + +"Faith!" said Sir Thomas, looking woefully upon his begrimed hands and +vestment, "'tis a sorry thing to play the mole, when a sword thrust +delivered from behind a curtain, or the stroke of a poniard, would as +well free us of these tyrants." + +"'Twere perchance easier," replied Percy, driving his drill through +the last layer of bricks which stood between them and the second wall. +"I, for one, would choose the Lord to give me work under an open sky, +where there be less dust to blind the eyes and stifle the breath." + +Catesby laughed harshly. "Could Garnet hear thee," said he, "a +discourse of patience would soon be forthcoming. To your work, +gentlemen; we have already pierced one wall." + +An exclamation from Wright interrupted them. + +"By the wounds," he growled, throwing down his crowbar with much show +of temper, "one wall, indeed; a paper covering compared with this," +and taking the bar again drove its point with great force against the +one now exposed, belonging to the House. + +The iron rebounded from the solid masonry as though driven against a +sheet of steel, for the flinty stone turned it easily, and only a +shower of sparks answered the blow. + +"What hast thou there?" asked Winter. + +"The gate of hell," retorted Wright, kicking the bar with his foot, +"nine feet of it, by Master Percy's computation, and, I warrant, as +many years will be required to see the further side. Try it, good +Catesby, 'tis a nut a giant could scarce crack, though he wield a +battering ram." + +Taking up a lantern which stood by the wall, Catesby examined the +masonry with great carefulness. + +"Thou shouldst have struck the mortar," said he, tapping the cement +between the blocks of stone with the point of his drill, "wouldst tear +away the rock itself?" + +For some moments he worked diligently, streaming with perspiration and +his loud breathing filling the narrow place. A hole scarce three +inches deep rewarded his exertions. + +"'Tis well reasoned," growled he at length, "here is a riddle for +Master Fawkes; wilt summon him, friend Percy?" + +Glad for an excuse to leave for a moment the ill-savored cellar, Percy +hastened on his errand, and Fawkes presently entered, looking keenly +about. + +"What now, gentlemen?" said he, "hast made an opening?" + +"That have we not, save through this wall of brick," replied Catesby, +"methinks thy gunpowder could scarce open a further way, friend Guido. +Look thou at yon barrier of stone." + +Taking the lantern, Fawkes followed the suggestion. "'Tis, in truth, +most strongly put together," said he at length, "but with due patience +and diligence this also may be overcome. Give me a drill." + +Having received one from the hand of Winter he attacked the masonry, +striking here, picking there, until, having loosened a goodly portion +of cement, he caught up a heavy crowbar, and inserting its point into +the narrow opening, bore down upon the iron with all his strength and +the block of stone, freed from its fastening, was detached and fell +with a dull crash upon the floor at his feet. + +The soldier of fortune wiped his brow. "'Tis of the smallest," said +he, "but the others will give way in turn. Thou must first be sure +that the mortar is removed, when, using sufficient force, the rocks +will loosen, thus making the hole larger." + +"There be too few of us," said Winter. "I think some word should be +sent to my brother Robert, that he join us in this business, and also +Master Keyes, who being a man of much resource, and, perchance, +skilled in such labor as this, may aid us much." + +"Can he be trusted in so dangerous a venture?" asked Wright. "Of thy +brother Robert there is no fear, but what of this Master Keyes?" + +"Friend Guido will answer for his loyalty," replied Winter; "the man +is reliable, though his zeal turneth to the securing of money. +Already have I examined him, and found that within his mind lay some +suspicion as to our object in collecting such a quantity of powder. +For recompense he will dig most industriously, and promise of reward +when our mission is accomplished will make him dumb. Thou hast my word +upon it." + +"Then," said Catesby, "let him be summoned hither, and thy brother +also; much labor lies before us; seven men can scarce accomplish it, +and we are now but five." + +It was agreed that on the following night Fawkes should bring Keyes +and Robert Winter to the cellar, when, with a greater number to labor, +the work of forcing a passage through the wall could be accomplished +more rapidly. In the meantime, being excessively wearied, the +conspirators left the cellar and sought repose. + + * * * * * + +Two weeks passed. The excavation in the wall of the Parliament House +had increased day by day, until a hole some five or six feet in +length, large enough to admit the body of a man, was bored through the +solid masonry. With the assistance of the two additional members to +their little party the conspirators worked with renewed energy. Filled +with enthusiasm they had little sense of fatigue, and plied pick and +drill vigorously that they might gain entrance to the room beneath the +lord's chamber before the convening of Parliament, which, as Percy +learned, was to take place on the fifth of November. Confident that +their work was appointed by God, those men of gentle blood curbed +their impatience, though laborious and slow was the task, and every +muscle and bone ached when the tools were laid aside. For a time the +disposal of the earth and rock taken from the tunnel puzzled them, but +Fawkes with characteristic quickness found a way;--such of the debris +as would attract little attention was scattered about the garden; as +for the larger rocks and mortar, the river was close at hand, and, as +Robert Keyes had said, it told no tales. + +So they worked, beguiling the weary hours with discussions as to what +would follow the success of their project. England would be without a +king; the machinery of the government shattered, and the way would be +open for seating a Catholic upon the throne. Prince Henry, successor +to the crown, would perish with his father and the peers in +Parliament. They would seize the royal heirs who remained, Prince +Charles and the Princess Elizabeth, hold them in durance, while the +Catholics would choose the heir-apparent and appoint a Protector for +the kingdom. It was a daring plan and the prospect of its execution +lightened their toil, and intensified the flame of their zeal. + +Somewhat near the middle of the day, when, having ceased for a moment +the attack upon the wall, Wright, who had remained in the tunnel after +the others had gone out, rushed wildly forth, his face pale under its +coat of dust and his limbs trembling strangely. + +"What aileth thee?" cried Catesby, alarmed at his companion's aspect, +"hath the wall fallen in upon----" + +"Nay," replied Wright with harsh voice, "but I go in no more; the +devil hath seized this tunnel, and----" + +Catesby entered quickly, and in a moment was at the end of the narrow +aperture. On either side arose the rough masonry, torn and ragged +where the stones had been forced apart; upon a heap of debris stood +Wright's lantern, burning dimly, beside it his heavy drill and hammer. +Catesby looked hurriedly about, but all was silent; the air was hot +and stifling and the smoke from the lantern filled his nostrils. He +turned to retrace his steps, with rough words for Wright upon his +lips, when a faint sound fell upon his ears; an unearthly thing, which +startled him and sent to his heart a thrill of superstitious terror. +'Twas a measured tinkling, as of a silver bell, which rose and fell +with steady cadence. Instinctively his hand went to his left hip, but +the familiar hilt was absent; he had left it in the room above, +guarded by Robert Winter, who watched with Fawkes. + +Snatching from his bosom a small silver vial filled with holy water, +the trembling conspirator sprinkled a few drops upon the walls--the +tinkling ceased, and from the entrance behind sounded the voice of +Percy: + +"What hast thou found, good Catesby, a goblin, or----" + +The answer of the other was upon his lips when, above his head, +apparently from the center of the solid masonry itself, came a sound +as of the rushing of mighty waters, which continued for a short space +of time, then died away. The noise reached the ears of those in the +room without, and it needed not the white face of Catesby showing in +the opening to send them upon their knees with prayers to the Virgin +for protection. At that moment Fawkes appeared among them. + +"What now?" said he gruffly, much amazed at so strange a sight, "think +ye, good gentlemen, that praying will cause the stones to separate?" + +"Brave Guido!" cried Winter with trembling voice, "either this place +is bewitched or our plans discovered; we have heard----" + +The renewal of the noise interrupted him. Fawkes laid his hand upon +his hilt and, with his lips pressed close together, thrust his head +into the entrance of the tunnel. For a moment he remained silent, +then turned with a grim look upon his face. + +"'Tis from the place which we strive to reach," said he shortly; "go +ye to the room above, while I learn its meaning;" and without more +delay he left the cellar, followed by his terror-stricken companions. + +Disguised in the dress of a common porter there was little danger in +his venturing abroad. After an absence of about an hour, he returned +to the six conspirators. + +"Faith!" said he, tossing his cap upon the table, "thou mayst lay +aside thy tools, Sir Thomas, and the others likewise." + +"And wherefore?" asked Percy with bloodless lips. "Are we then +discovered? If so, I will die with sword in hand----" + +"Speak not of dying," replied Fawkes, a smile passing over his face; +"rather set thy wits to working. Thou art good at bargaining; hire for +us, therefore, this cellar beneath the House of Parliament." + +The Catholic gentlemen gazed at him in astonishment, wondering if some +sudden terror had beclouded his brain; or, did the man but jest with +them? + +"Hire the chamber under Parliament House?" gasped Catesby, "as well +might good Percy bargain for the royal prerogative of James." + +"Ye think me mad," said Fawkes, "but listen. After leaving you I made +my way with all haste to the door of the Parliament cellar, which was +open, and discovered the meaning of the noise which reached us in the +tunnel;--'twas the sliding downward of a goodly quantity of coal, +owned by a woman of some property called Bright, a dealer in coals and +faggots. She being present, attending to the removal of her own, I +addressed her and learned that, having hired the cellar from the +authorities, she was about to give it over to them. + +"'And is't for rent?' asked I. + +"'That it is,' replied she; 'for he who hath the renting of it, one +Whynniard, by name, did offer it for the coming quarter, but it +pleaseth me to store my coals elsewhere.' + +"Thou seest, therefore, that this room is for us if we do choose, and +Master Percy, well versed in such matters, has but to bespeak this +Whynniard and possession will be given of a most valuable corner of +the House of Parliament." + +This sudden turn of fortune rendered the conspirators for the moment +speechless. Winter was the first to regain his balance. + +"It shall be done," cried he; "right glad am I that such a chance hath +come to us. Good Master Percy, bestir thyself, before another seize +the opportunity." + +To all, it seemed that the hand of God had opened a way for them, and +Percy made haste to do his errand, and with such success, that ere +another sunrise the room beneath the House of Lords was in the hands +of those who hoped to overthrow the government. + +Having gained so easily the place they had sought to acquire by +stealth and painful labor, the conspirators at once set about +conveying into it the powder now stored in the house of Master +Ferrers. Fawkes, to whom this work fell, bought, and ordered deposited +in the chamber, a goodly quantity of coals and faggots, so that one +chancing to enter would note only a pile of such commodities as +dealers in fuel collected for sale. Care was taken that the unfinished +tunnel in the wall should be covered so that none would notice it. +This was easily done by replacing a few of the outer stones and +cementing them together. + +Some days yet remained before the opening of Parliament; during that +time Percy, Catesby, Winter and others of the conspirators, formed +such plans as would be to their advantage when the kingdom, shaken to +its center by the death of the King and his ministers, should be +thrown into confusion. As for Fawkes, each day found him in the fatal +cellar, where he studied the condition of his coals and faggots, +making sure that no prying eye had penetrated the covering, under +which was hidden the "devil's powder" awaiting the spark which would +free English Catholics from James of Scotland and his Parliament. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +THE NOTE OF WARNING. + + +During the last week of October, sixteen hundred and five, near the +day for the convening of Parliament, Lord Monteagle suddenly appeared +in his house at Hoxton, from which he had been absent a month. His +manner was perturbed and preoccupied in the extreme. Usually of a +genial disposition, he surprised the servants who attended him, by an +impatient order that supper be served at once, as he and the gentlemen +accompanying him had already fasted too long. + +Soon after seven in the evening he dispatched a footman upon an errand +into the neighboring street. This man shortly returned in haste, +presenting to his lordship a sealed letter, addressed, in a cramped +hand, to "The Right Honorable, the Lord Monteagle." + +He received the missive, handling it in a fastidious manner, and +inquired with some show of spirit how it had come through a servant, +instead of being delivered in the usual way. + +"'Twas given me," replied the footman, "by a reasonably tall person +who stood upon a corner of the street, and directed with much +semblance of authority that I give it into thy lordship's hand and to +no other." + +"'Tis a most unwonted thing," said Monteagle, breaking the seal, +"probably some petition for alms which----" + +Then, on glancing over the sheet, he started, and turned to a +gentleman beside him. + +"Good Thomas Ward," said he, "'tis written in a most illegible and +wretched hand which I can scarce decipher; neither bears it any date +or superscription. I pray thee take and read aloud, that all may hear +and pass opinion upon so strange a matter." + +Ward accepted the paper, and smoothed it out upon his hand. "It seems +the writing of a laborer," said he, "one who doth wield a pick and +spade with more ease than a quill. A most unmannerly jumble of +ill-conditioned words, as thou shalt judge, my lord, upon hearing." So +saying he read aloud as follows, while the others sat and listened: + + "My lord out of the love I beare to some of youer friends I + have a cayer of youer preservation therefor I would advyse + yowe as yowe tender youer lyfe to devyse some excuse to shift + of youer attendance at this parleament for God and man bathe + concurred to punishe the wickedness of this tyme and thinke + not slyghtly of this advertisment but retyre youer selfe into + youer country where yowe may expect the event in safty for + though there be no appearence of any stir yet I say they + shall receyve a terrible blowe this parleament, and yet they + shall not see who hurts them. Thys cowncel is not to be + condemed because it may do yowe good and can do yowe no harm, + for the danger is passed as soon as yowe have burnt the + letter, and I hope God will gyve yowe the grace to make good + use of it to whose holy protection I commend yowe." + +"A most amazing document," said Ward, as he returned it to Monteagle; +"and what think you of it, my lord? canst detect the meaning of so +strange a warning?" + +His lordship contracted his brow and studied the writing with much +attention. "'Tis as you perceive," said he, "a warning unto me that +some unexplained danger lies in the way." + +"A boorish jest," cried one at the table; "think not upon it, my +lord." + +"Which is proved beyond doubt by the action of the one who brought +it," said another; "he dared not deliver it at the door." + +Monteagle folded the letter carefully and thrust it inside his +doublet. There arose in his mind suspicion that in the tenor of the +message lay the verification of the warning to Lord Salisbury, and +that, mayhap, beneath the apparent serenity of the kingdom, smoldered +a volcano which needed but the touch of a directing master hand to +send belching forth its contents of treason and blood. Into his mind +came also the words of the Prime Minister spoken one afternoon several +months before, that should aught be unfolded of plots or treasonable +designs, they should be disclosed to him, and thus the danger to the +State be averted. + +He had therefore a feeling of relief when the meal was ended, and his +companions left him to carry out his intention. The raw October night +was filled with storm and blackness, but the spirit of Lord Monteagle +burned within him to lay before Salisbury and, perchance, the King, +the warning which had come to him. + +Scarce a quarter of an hour elapsed after rising from the table ere, +covered by a great cloak, booted, and with a stout rapier girt at his +side, he left Hoxton House unnoticed, and turned his steps toward the +dwelling of the Prime Minister. Although the hour was late Cecil had +not retired when he received the announcement that Monteagle sought an +interview. Surprised at so unusual an occurrence the Minister +hastened to greet his visitor, ordering, as was his custom, that a +light repast be set before him. + +"And what now, good Monteagle?" asked he, looking at his companion +with a smile, "hast thy digestion played thee false again?" + +"Of that thou shalt judge, my lord," replied Monteagle, taking the +letter from his doublet and handing it to the Minister. + +Salisbury mastered its contents with an aptness peculiar to himself. + +"Faith!" said he, letting his eyes rest searchingly upon the face of +his companion, "and how camest thou by this thing, my good lord?" + +Monteagle related briefly the scene at the supper table. + +"And didst thou have the letter read aloud, in the presence of thy +gentlemen?" asked the Minister. + +"Its contents were unknown to me," replied the other; "the writing was +obscure and I did request Thomas Ward to decipher it." + +Salisbury pondered for a moment. The warning of danger threatening +those who would sit at the opening of the coming Parliament perplexed +him, and drawing nearer to a light he studied the letter carefully. + +"Thou hast done well," said he, suddenly turning to Monteagle, "in +placing this paper in my hands without delay, yet----" he laid a +finger on the letter, "perchance 'tis nothing, or--there may be much +behind these ill-written lines. Thou perceivest that herein is +written: 'for the danger is passed as soon as you have burned the +letter!' What then can be the use of such a warning? as, hadst thou +put the sheet to fire, there had been no danger." + +"'Tis beyond my comprehension," replied Monteagle, "'tis a riddle." + +Salisbury looked up quickly. Despite his assumed indifference at the +time, the former conversation with the ex-Catholic nobleman had +aroused in his mind suspicions that some danger might lurk beneath the +calm which had lulled the King into a feeling of security. He +understood well that, although there had been no open manifestations +of treason on the part of zealous adherents to the Catholic faith in +England, there were among them men who but awaited opportunity to show +in no gentle way, their displeasure at the policy of James. He +remembered also, that Monteagle had been a Catholic, though now a firm +partisan of the government and in high favor at Whitehall. Might it +not be possible that some knowledge coming to him of a plot against +the State, and, not wishing to openly accuse his former compatriots, +he had taken a more subtle way, seeking by veiled warnings and hints, +to arouse suspicion in the other's mind, and so lead to some action on +the part of the government? Yet, it was not in accordance with his +policy to reveal his real thoughts; therefore, again thanking the +other for his zeal with reference to the letter, he dismissed him with +a promise that the matter should not be forgotten. + +After Monteagle had left he again studied the missive, endeavoring to +read between the lines, and bringing all his wit to bear upon the +meaning. Then, as it was his custom to work quietly and without haste, +for six days he held the document before making it known to the King. + +James was at first alarmed, but upon perceiving that the Minister +retained his calmness, he put aside his fears and questioned +Salisbury closely concerning the meaning of the strange warning. In +the latter's mind was no thought of arousing James to hasty action, +for, if in truth a plot was brewing, too sudden a movement on the part +of the government would warn those engaged in it, and only postpone +the culmination to a more favorable opportunity. Following this line +of thought the Prime Minister calmed the sovereign's fears, and the +King, trusting to the prudence and shrewdness of his chief counselor, +dismissed the matter with a jest. + +Report, indeed, reached the ears of Winter, Catesby and others of the +conspirators, that Lord Monteagle had been warned to absent himself +from Parliament on the opening day. They were alarmed for a time, and +sought solution of the problem, wishing to know who had played the +traitor. Suspicion pointed to one Francis Tresham, whose sister had +married Monteagle, and who, naturally, would seek to save his +brother-in-law. But as Tresham denied all knowledge of the matter, the +government made no move, and even Salisbury, usually alert, remained +inactive. After a week of uncertainty, the conspirators again gathered +their forces and the plot against the King and Parliament continued to +ripen. Fawkes, beyond all others, became more reckless. + +"Should all else fail," said he, "I remain firm; and at the end will +kill this King even, if needful, in the royal bedchamber." + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +ON THE STROKE OF ELEVEN. + + +"What, my daughter, up at this late hour!" exclaimed Fawkes, as he +entered the room where Elinor sat. "I had deemed thee long abed." + +The man threw himself into a chair by the fire with an air of fatigue, +and sat in moody silence. The girl glanced up; then arising, passed +over to him and lightly kissed his brow. The caress did not meet with +any response; in fact, he seemed scarcely conscious of it, and after a +moment's hesitation, Elinor resumed her seat. + +She had led a strange existence for the past eight months;--ever +waiting, ever dreading, and as yet nothing had occurred. To her this +period had been one of breathless suspense, like the moment before the +storm, when trees hang lifeless in a stifling atmosphere, and animals +raise their heads in frightened expectancy, awaiting with nameless +terror the first gust which shall herald the tornado. Since her +father's return from France, she noted that the air of preoccupation +apparent before his departure, was now intensified. While in his +kindness toward her the girl could detect no change, still, there had +come between them a species of estrangement. Seldom was there an +opportunity for them to converse, for Fawkes was up before daylight, +and rarely returned until after the midnight hour had sounded. Often +it was in her heart to ask his confidence--often to hint that she had +overheard his words on that fearful night,--but when she approached +with such intent, a nameless something in his manner held her mute. + +The source from which she had hoped would flow sweet waters of comfort +and relief proved dry and arid as summer dust; he to whom in an +outburst of anguish she had confided her grief vanished completely +from her life, as though the earth had engulfed him. True, Garnet +visited her many times after the night she unburdened her heart to +him, but his counsel was ever the same--to wait; at times she even +imagined there was in his tones a hint at justification of her +father's utterance. However, since the day on which Fawkes had +returned, the Jesuit had never passed the threshold of the house. How +to account for this absence she knew not, but in a vague way +associated it with the mystery surrounding her father. + +Winter, Elinor had not seen; her wonder at his studious avoidance of +her was matched by the terror with which she anticipated meeting him. +And her first grief?--the forced sacrifice of life's happiness with +the man she loved--had time been kind, and stilled the aching of her +heart? No; for in it the flame burned as brightly as when upon that +day, long ago, his first kiss had breathed upon the glowing spark, +changing it into a tongue of flame which leaped to her very lips. +Where Effingston had gone, she did not know, but her prayers were ever +the same, that in the abyss wherein lay her own fair fame he should +cast his love;--so grief for him would cease to exist. + +At last the silence of the room was broken by the man before the fire, +who turned toward her, and, as if but just noting her presence, said, +drowsily: "Daughter, methinks such late hours ill befit thee. It hath +long since struck twelve; thou hast already lost thy beauty sleep." + +Elinor arose, laid aside the work with which she had been employed, +passed over to Fawkes, then stooped and kissed him. As her lips +touched his, he reached up, took her face between his hands and gazing +at her said, after a moment: "My pretty one, if at any time death +should take thy father from thee, wouldst ever cease to love him?" + +The girl started; for the words had broken strangely in upon her +thoughts. Evidently the man beheld the shocked look, for he continued, +putting his arm about her slight form and pressing it close to him, +"Nay, my daughter, thou needst not be alarmed at what I say, for--for +'twas nothing. Thou knowest in years I do grow apace, and 'twould be +small wonder if death did perchance tap me on the shoulder and say, +'Thou art the man!' There, there, little one," he added kissing her, +"thou needst not reply; I can read an answer in thy eyes." + +"And, prithee, didst ever doubt my love for thee?" whispered the girl, +as she gently placed her arms about his neck. + +"Nay, never!" answered Fawkes, quickly, in a husky voice, "but--but +'tis sweet to hear thee tell thy love, and," he added, taking one of +her white hands within his own, "thou art all I have. If at any time +death should steal thee from thy father's arms, methinks he would soon +follow in thy light footsteps." + +"Much happiness it doth give me to hear from thee such words," the +girl replied, "even though they have but solemn import." + +"And dost thy father's affection need repetition? Surely, thou knowest +'tis all thine own." For an instant there was silence, broken only by +the crackling logs. Then the girl said, as though dwelling upon his +words: "Nay, I never doubted thee--but--but----" + +"But what, my daughter?" Fawkes asked, tenderly, pressing her fingers +to his lips. + +"Well, perchance," she answered with a smile, "I did but wish, like +thee, to hear again the confession of it." + +His only response was the pressing of her figure closer to his heart. + +"Tell me," she began after a moment, in a hesitating voice, casting a +half-timid glance at her father's face; "dost think one ever speaks +words from anger that--well, that in calmer moments he would give a +world to unsay?" + +"What brought such question to thy mind, daughter?" enquired the other +with a smile of surprise. + +"Perchance 'tis but a causeless query," she replied, smoothing his +tumbled locks. + +"Many foolish things are spoke in passion," said Fawkes; "things which +leave a lifetime of regret behind. I do remember that once, in this +very room, my temper did o'erleap its bounds and lent my tongue words +which I would give a year of sweet life to unsay. Dost know my +meaning, darling?" he inquired, looking at her with moisture in his +eyes. "'Twas when I had not long arrived from Spain; in truth, 'twas +on the very night when thou----" + +"Nay, I will not hear thee repeat," she interrupted, laying her hand +upon his mouth. "I know all, but thou canst not think how happy this +doth make me." + +"Didst thou imagine I could mean those wicked words?" asked the man +tenderly, "'Twas a sudden outburst of temper on hearing--well, well, +since thy dainty fingers forbid my speech I will be mute." + +"See!" cried Elinor, springing to her feet, in the first happiness of +her relieved mind. "Now thou shalt hear me laugh and sing all through +the day, till thou wilt cry mercy. And mayhap some time thou and I," +continued the girl, seating herself beside him, "shall leave this +chilly land with all its cares and fly to a fairer country, where cold +winds are not known, where sweet flowers do ever bloom, and we will +love each other; in that, forget all else, and in forgetting; be +forever happy and at rest." + +"Perchance, some day," murmured the man. "But now, one more caress and +thou must to thy bed, or 'twill be light ere thou art in dreamland." + +She arose, a bright smile upon her face--brighter than he had seen +resting there for many a day. + +"Ah!" she cried, once more throwing her arms about him, "would that I +could give to thee the happiness thy words have brought to me." + +"And so thou canst," replied the man, suddenly. + +"How may that be done?--tell me quickly!" she exclaimed, playfully, +"that I may the sooner begin." + +"It is, sweet Elinor," said Fawkes, gazing down into her eyes, "that +thou wilt always love this man before thee--nay, even," he continued +with a depth of feeling in his tone which she had never heard before, +"even shouldst thou hear him branded as--as--no matter what manner of +things might be uttered against him, thou art always to remember that +he at least loved thee with all his heart, and that thou wert his +life." He stopped abruptly; the tears which coursed down his stern +face seemed strangely out of place. + +"Ah!" exclaimed the girl, "I cannot bear to have thee doubt me; thou +knowest I shall be ever thy loving daughter, even unto the end of this +life and in the next." + +The man was silent for a space; then mastering his emotion, and +passing a hand quickly across his face, he said: "Think naught of my +words, little one; they were but idle, born of fatigue. Now, once more +good night to thee, and a long, sweet sleep." + +So she left him; but at the door she turned, and Fawkes remembered +afterward the bright and happy smile which lay upon her face. + +With a light heart she went to rest, for her father's words had +banished from her mind the hideous doubt with which it had so long +been oppressed. The dreadful gulf between them had, at last, been +bridged, and once more they stood together hand in hand as in days +gone by. She was almost unwilling to yield herself to sleep, fearing +lest, on awaking, she might find her happiness but a vision of the +night. Slumber claimed her at last, and she fell into dreams of her +new-found joy. Many hours elapsed and the morning sun shone brightly +into her room, when there fell upon the girl's ear the sound of voices +in the apartment below. Remaining a moment in a dreamy state, +wondering who the early visitors might be, she suddenly caught a +sentence which stiffened the blood within her veins and brought back +to her heart in deadly force the awful fears she had thought forever +gone. Those in the chamber beneath had evidently been in conversation +for some time, for she heard them advancing toward the door as though +to depart. Then a voice, which the girl recognized as Sir Thomas +Winter's, said in a low tone: "Now, the last arrangements are made; +all doth await thy hand. Ah," he continued, "would that I might see +the outcome of this. 'Tis a ghastly thing, even though it be----" + +"What?" interrupted another voice, which Elinor knew to be her +father's. "Doth thy heart begin to turn at this late hour? Marry, my +one wish is that even now the clock stood on the stroke of eleven, for +in five minutes thereafter England will be without its King and +Parliament." + +"Hast all that thou wilt need?" inquired Winter. + +"Yea, verily," the other answered. "Here are flint and steel, quite +new. The touchwood and the lantern are hidden beneath the faggots in +the cellar. But stay, thou hadst better lend me thy time-piece; mine +is not over trustworthy, and I would keep accurate track of the +moments." + +"Here is the watch," said the other voice; "it was true to the second +yesterday. And now, for the last time, dost fully understand the +signal? It is to be the first stroke of eleven. The King is expected +at half after the hour of ten; that will leave thirty minutes' margin, +and the lords will have assembled before James doth take his place." + +"Knowest thou," inquired Fawkes, when Winter had ceased, "what may be +the first measure before the House?" + +"Methinks," replied the man, "one Lord Effingston will speak upon a +bill relating to the duty upon wool." And he added, with a laugh which +the girl could distinctly hear, "perchance his fine words will be +interrupted, if thy tinder be not damp." + +"Thou needst have no fear of that," answered Fawkes, gruffly. "But let +us hence, for 'tis even now past the stroke of ten." + +She heard them pass quickly out, and soon their footsteps died away in +the distance. Elinor lay for a moment dazed,--the blow had fallen! The +words he had uttered but a few short hours ago were a lie, uttered to +blind her. She recoiled in horror from even the thoughts of that man +with the black and treacherous heart. He was now a father but in name; +all her love turned to that other man, who, in that very moment, was +standing over a hell which awaited but the hand of Fawkes to send it +belching forth. Was there yet time to save him? All her energies bent +themselves to this one purpose. She arose and dressed hurriedly, +forming her plan of action the meanwhile. A sudden terror came upon +her. If by some accident the mine should be prematurely exploded, what +then? But she recollected the cautious man who was to fire it, and the +thought quieted her. The bell in a neighboring steeple chimed the +quarter after ten. Forty-five minutes only remained,--barely time, if +she hastened her utmost, to reach the Parliament buildings before +eleven would ring out upon the air. She was soon ready and hastened +toward the door, her trembling fingers scarce able, in their +eagerness, to lift the latch. At last they found the cord, but the +portal held firmly to its place. Again she tried, putting forth all +her strength. Still it did not yield. The horrible truth flashed upon +the girl; the heavy door was securely fastened from the outside! + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER. + + +As Elinor stood confronted by the barred door, a madness born of +terror seized her. Frantically she beat upon the panel until in places +the wood was stained with her blood. Again and again she threw herself +against the heavy oak, but with no result. After many vain attempts +she sank, almost fainting, to the floor. + +As she lay breathless, her tender hands bruised and bleeding, there +fell upon her ear the echo of the chime once more;--ten thirty! The +sound infused new life into her slight form. Springing to her feet she +seized a bench near by, and with a power almost superhuman, raised the +heavy piece and struck the portal with all her might. A shower of dust +rewarded her. Another blow and a wide fissure appeared across the +panel. Once more the bench crashed against the door, and it gave way, +a shower of splinters flying into the hall below. Quickly she hastened +down the stairs and gained the street. People turned wondering looks +upon the flying girl as with strength born of desperation she sped +toward Parliament House. As she reached the neighborhood a group of +men who stood engaged in conversation, noted her, and one drew forth +his watch:--"There is one carrying a petition," said he; "but fifteen +minutes yet remain before the opening of the House." + +The words quickened her energies; a quarter of an hour yet! + +In a moment she was in sight of the buildings. It had been her +purpose to hasten to the hall, but suddenly flashed the thought that +her entrance might be barred, and questions be asked. No time now but +for one thing,--to seek her father in the cellar, and snatch the torch +from out his hand.... The clock marked the hour of half past ten when +Fawkes, having taken leave of Sir Thomas Winter, reached the door of +the dark room under Parliament House. As he had left it, so he found +it;--the portal locked, and silence reigning within where lay the +faggots and the gunpowder. The soldier of fortune glanced about. Save +for a few idlers the narrow passage flanking the cellar door was +unoccupied. Soon even those went on their way, and unobserved he +opened the portal and slipped into the fatal chamber, closing it +noiselessly behind him, but leaving it unbarred; for, the spark once +applied to the powder, there would be scant time for escape. The +cellar was in darkness save where, through the rusty bars of a small +window, a feeble ray of light struggled with the gloom, losing itself +amid the shadows. + +Stepping carefully, that no footfall might reach the ears of any +above, he groped his way along the rough stone wall. Upon reaching a +depression in the masonry, he took up from its hiding place a lantern, +a rude affair formed of iron, pierced by countless holes, and within +it a tallow candle, which, when he lighted it, sputtered fitfully and +sent forth a sickly yellow light, the glare only serving to intensify +the gloom. A rat, frightened by his approach, scurried into some dark +corner with a plaintive squeak which startled him, despite his iron +nerve. + +"Faith!" he muttered, a grim smile relaxing for a moment the stern +lines of his face, "thou art strangely nervous, Guido, that such a +thing doth make thee tremble! 'Tis an adage that such vermin as I have +disturbed make haste to leave a fatal ship, and, methinks, this Ship +of State is very near the rocks. 'Tis a sign from heaven that I shall +not fail." Then, turning to the pile of faggots: "So innocent are ye, +that even Elinor, with all her gentleness, might bear you in her arms +and take no harm; but----" here he bent and touched a hidden cask: +"thou art more to my liking, and the King shall hear thee speak for +me. Thine is the voice which shall tell all England that----" + +For a moment the monologue was interrupted and he busied himself with +the fuse, pouring from a flask taken from his doublet, fresh grains of +powder upon the train already laid, that nothing should be lacking to +speed the fire to its destination. + +Overhead sounded countless footsteps, as the pages and attendants upon +the floor of the Parliament chamber hastened hither and thither upon +their various errands. + +"My good lords and bishops are assembling," muttered Fawkes; "a most +gallant gathering, I warrant. Pity 'tis, that all must perish; for +there be some who have small voice in the passing of the laws." + +Suddenly there fell upon his ear the muffled sound of a cheer raised +by countless voices. The smile upon his lips grew scornful: "The +King!" he muttered, "greeting his good Parliament. 'Tis said he loves +a well-timed jest; pity to rob England of such a famous clown; +perchance in hell the devil may use his wit to while away the dinner +hour." + +The noise above increased; the peers had entered the hall; the King +had ascended the throne, and it lacked but fifteen minutes to the +first stroke of eleven, when the Parliament would open--and the flint +would kiss the steel. + +Despite his hardihood the man waiting in the gloom beneath the feet of +the sovereign and his noblemen grew restless as the fatal moment +approached. Through his brain flashed thoughts of the fearful +consequence of his bloody deed,--the terror, the widespread +consternation and the chaos which would follow the destruction of the +Parliament. To him came, also, the thought of his daughter--what she +would say to him; but then--she was a child and little comprehended +affairs of State. When all was over Garnet would quiet her fears, and +her father would be a hero in her eyes. + +Unconsciously he drew forth his dagger and pricked with its point the +mortar between the stones of the pillar against which he leaned. With +something to occupy his mind the moments would speed faster. The +lantern, burning dimly, stands upon the floor near his side; beyond +lies the fuse, ready for the fire. + +Just at this moment Elinor, having reached the door of the cellar, +paused an instant upon the threshold, then, scarce conscious of what +she was doing pushed open the unbarred portal and stepped within the +gloomy chamber. So silent was her coming that Fawkes, busy with his +dagger and the mortar, did not perceive it. The girl hesitated, +trembling in every limb; the blackness of the place, the intense +excitement under which she labored, and the fearful thought that +already the fuse might be burning, her father gone, and death so near, +held her spellbound. She saw the faint glimmer from the lantern, a +hundred tiny streaks of light glowing through the darkness. Her father +must be there beside his light, and summoning all her energies she +moves quickly forward, intent only upon accomplishing her mission. + +The rustle of her garments struck upon Fawkes' ear. He turned and saw +the half open door, the dim outline of the form which stood between +him and the faint light struggling through the aperture. With a quick +indrawing of the breath he grasped the hilt of his dagger and turned +to face the advancing figure. Shall anyone thus ruin all, at the +eleventh hour? His nerves became as if made of steel, all signs of +indecision vanish; face to face with danger he becomes once more the +hardened veteran who has met unflinchingly the fierce charge of the +foemen in the Lowcountry. + +Elinor at length perceived him whom she sought, and stretched out her +hands to grasp him, for the dry lips refused to frame the words her +tongue would utter. + +In that moment, noting the extended arms, and thinking the other would +lay violent hands upon him, Fawkes sprang forward and seized the frail +form about the shoulders; small time to note the softness of the flesh +and the clinging woman's garments, or the low cry which answers the +grasp of his iron hand. The blackness of the place hides their faces, +and his business is to carry out the plot. + +For a moment the two--father and daughter--are locked together in a +firm embrace; the slender figure of the child bent and tortured by the +cruel pressure of the pitiless fingers. She struggled desperately, and +in her efforts to free herself Fawkes finds the way to end the matter +quickly. + +"Thou wouldst undo the work," he hisses. "Didst think to find me +unprepared? Thou art a cunning knave, but this----" + +No eye, save that of God, sees the uplifting of the dagger, the quick +movement of the arm, the rapid thrust which drives the fatal steel +into that tender breast, letting forth her life-blood upon the rough +pavement of the cellar. + +Elinor reeled and released her hold upon him. In her agony God +stretched forth His hand and held her in His grasp so that, ere she +died, the end for which she had come might be accomplished. One word, +a bitter cry wrung from her heart, escaped her lips: "Father!" + +But Fawkes heeded it not. As he sent home the dagger his foot struck +the lantern, overturning it, and sent the iron case with its burning +contents rolling across the floor toward the powder train. In another +instant the fire will have reached the fuse,--and 'tis not yet time! + +With a frantic push he hurled the victim of his murderous blow away +from him, and hastened to snatch the sputtering light. His violence +flung the stricken girl to the floor, but with a last effort of will, +she staggered to her feet and groped blindly for the door, one little +hand outstretched before her, the other covering the cruel wound made +by her father's knife. + +At last she found the portal, and gained the narrow way to the street. +There was but one thought in her heart,--to reach the hall above +before death claimed her. + + * * * * * + +Within the House of Lords all was ready for the opening of the +Parliament. James, clothed in royal robes of State, and exchanging +jests with his favorites, was lolling upon the throne. The peers were +in their seats; some, deep in conversation, others, silently gazing at +the gorgeous scene of which they were a part. At a table standing near +the space before the throne, sat Lord Monteagle and his son, the +latter engaged in arranging the notes of his speech on the bill which +he was soon to bring before the House. Effingston seemed to be +strangely nervous as the hour for his address drew near and his +father had evidently made some jesting remark concerning his tremulous +hand, when suddenly the attention of all was drawn toward the great +doors at the extreme end of the room. Affected by the tumult, James +turned impatiently to see who had dared disturb the solemnity of the +hour. Those who were looking in that direction started with amazement. + +Through the open portal, flanked by its two rows of yeomen of the +guard, advanced a slender girlish figure, with face white as marble +and whose dark eyes sought the King. Clad in a gown of some soft gray +stuff which had been torn open at the throat, revealing the gentle +curve of the white bosom, the girl staggered up the long aisle leading +to the throne. Between the fingers of the hand pressed above her heart +showed a crimson stain which, touching the bodice of her dress, +gradually spread itself upon the soft color. + +Amazed at so unwonted a spectacle the peers could only stare, +transfixed. The girl had reached the space before the throne and +stopped beside the table at which Effingston stood, who alone, of all +the House, had started to his feet and confronted her. For one brief +moment she gazed into his eyes, then stretched forth her hand. The +white lips parted, she cried in a stifled voice: + +"My lords! flee the House ere----" + +The voice fell to a whisper, she reeled and sought to grasp the table +for support. Effingston sprang toward her, but before he reached her +side, her form sank slowly to the floor and lay at his feet. Unmindful +of the presence of the King, and of his fellow peers, the young +nobleman raised her in his arms. None beside Lord Monteagle heard him +whisper:--"Elinor!" + +At her name the closed lids opened, and her lips parted in a faint +smile. + +"My love!" she murmured faintly, her head sinking upon his shoulder +like that of a tired child slowly falling to sleep. "I am +guiltless--thou alone--'twas for thy sake----" + +A spasm of pain swept across her face; he felt a shudder shake the +slender form, and a beseeching look sought his face. + +"I understand, my darling," he whispered, pressing his lips to hers. + +She sighed. A happy light shone in the fast glazing eyes. + +"Elinor!" he murmured. "One more word----" + +But God had taken her. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +FAWKES BEFORE THE KING. + + +For a moment a great stillness pervaded the House of Lords. The King +had half arisen from the throne, his hands tightly grasping the gilded +lions on either side, and his eyes fixed upon the dead form of Elinor, +lying at Effingston's feet. All followed the monarch's glance, the +ministers and peers leaning forward to better see the stricken girl +growing rigid in the clasp of death. So profound was the silence in +the great hall, that the footsteps of those without were heard with +startling distinctness in every part of the room. Before all the +peers, leaned Lord Monteagle, his gaze riveted upon the face of his +son. As for Effingston he heeded nothing; like an image of stone he +stood, his limbs powerless and his blood turned to ice; the face of +the dead was not whiter than his, yet, upon her face was the smile of +peace, in his, the shadow of conscious, mortal agony. + +So sudden had been the coming of that tender maid, born of the people, +but now more noble than any lord of England, that none save, +perchance, Salisbury, Monteagle and the King, comprehended its +meaning. The girl's dying cry that all should flee the House of +Parliament, was a mystery to the lords; but to the mind of the Prime +Minister, and to Monteagle and James, came as by a flash of lightning, +the veiled meaning in the letter, which, strong in his feeling of +security, the King had hitherto looked upon as an idle jest, gotten up +to disturb his dreams. Raising his eyes from the spot where Elinor +lay, her blood staining the polished floor, he turned them upon +Salisbury, with a look of interrogation. The Minister collected by an +effort his scattered senses. Into his mind came as though by Divine +inspiration some inkling of the nature of the threatened danger. +Turning quickly, he summoned to his side Master Edmond Doubleday, an +officer of the royal household. + +"Go," said he hoarsely, "into the cellar, and whosoever thou findest +there, be it man or woman, seize quickly. Perchance the King's life +dependeth upon thy expedition." + +Of quick wit, the officer comprehended that his superior had surmised +some plot, the solution of which might be found below. Hastening from +the hall he gathered on the way a dozen gentlemen, and together the +company hurried from the House and sought the door which opened to the +chamber under it. Something guided their steps--great, crimson +splashes upon the pavement, blood drops which left a well-marked trail +from the space before the throne of the King--to the narrow entrance +of the cellar wherein lay the danger which they must avert. Little did +Guido Fawkes know--as little had the dead girl comprehended--that her +heart's blood would mark the way which would lead him to the scaffold +because it would be the means of hastening on his enemies, directing +them with no uncertain significance to his hiding place. + +In the semi-darkness of the cellar, amid his coals and faggots, with +the six and thirty barrels of gunpowder ready for the spark, the +daring soldier of fortune stood with trembling limbs, and a nameless +terror at his heart. Unflinching in the face of danger, the first in +all deeds of hardihood, famed for his valor in the Lowcountry, the +overturning of the lantern so near the powder train, and the low cry +of agony which followed the driving home of his dagger, had unnerved +him. For one brief instant he thought he recognized the cry--that from +the gasping lips so near his own had fallen the word "father!" but in +the excitement of the moment he dismissed the dreadful thought. Some +idle, curious knave had chanced to see the cellar door, and entered. +Was it his fault that he had resorted to the knife to prevent the +discovery of his presence? + +Occupied with the overturned lantern he had noted little what befell +the other. Stabbed to death, the intruder probably lay in some dark +corner where the soldier's frantic push had sent him. The lantern +burned dimly, and time was speeding, so 'twould be an ill thing to +waste it upon a dead man. Steadying his nerves by an effort, Fawkes +took out the watch which Winter had given him, and bending toward the +flickering light studied the dial. The hour was at hand; in five +minutes the great clock in the tower of St. Paul would mark the stroke +of eleven, and he would fire the fuse. + +Searching in his doublet he drew forth a tinder box and touchwood. +Five minutes more and he would strike the spark; in five more the red, +spitting serpent would reach the hidden powder; by then he would be +safe, and, mingling with the crowd, would hear the roar of thunder +heralding the passing of James Stuart and his Parliament into +eternity. + +As he waited, the flint held ready to strike the steel, there flashed +through his mind the thought of his daughter, but she was safe at +home, and----The sound of hasty footsteps and the passing of dark +forms before the dim light struggling through the half closed entrance +to the cellar, broke his revery. Was it another come to meet his +knife point? + +As he drew back, shading the lantern with his cloak, the door was +burst violently open, and a dozen men, the first holding aloft a +torch, pushed into the cellar. Fawkes thrust the flint and touchwood +into the bosom of his doublet, and, ever cool when danger threatened, +bent carelessly over the pile of coals and faggots. Coming thus, +without knowledge, any might have judged him an honest coal monger +busy at his trade. + +Those who entered so hastily rushed upon him; Edmond Doubleday raised +a dagger, intent upon driving it into his body, but seeing Fawkes +unarmed he lowered the steel and seized him by the shoulders. In an +instant the soldier shook off the other's grasp. + +"Who art thou?" cried he fiercely, "what is thy business, sir?" + +For reply Doubleday turned to his companions. "Surround the fellow, +gentlemen," said he sharply, "and search the cellar." + +Fawkes was quickly hemmed in by a wall of men, each with drawn sword +in hand. On the instant it flashed upon him that the plot was known, +and that further dissimulation would be profitless; therefore he held +his peace while two or three of his captors searched the cellar. One +muttered an exclamation; he had come upon the fuse, and following it, +perceived the barrels beneath the pile of faggots. Fawkes smiled +grimly. + +"If thou wilt look yet further," said he, "haply thou wilt find a dead +man." + +But nothing was discovered save Fawkes, his faggots, and the +gunpowder. + +The captive started. He had not then killed him who grappled with him +in the darkness; sorely wounded, the other had escaped to set the +bloodhounds upon his hiding place. He had thought his hand more sure. + +After thoroughly searching the cellar those who had taken Fawkes led +him to the passage without. He noted upon the stones the drops of +blood, and smiled,--his knife had not been useless after all. As the +little company with the soldier of fortune in their midst hurried +along the passage there ran toward them Sir Thomas Knyvet and half a +score of the royal guards. Perceiving the prisoner, the knight looked +at him critically. + +"What!" cried he, turning to Doubleday, "hast not bound the ruffian? +'Tis the King's pleasure that any whom thou hast taken be brought +before the throne." + +No cords were forthcoming, for, in their haste, small matters had been +neglected, but one of the gentlemen, taking from his pocket a pair of +garters proffered them to Doubleday. + +"Take these," said he; "I warrant they will hold the knave." + +Fawkes submitted without a protest, watching with grim indifference +the passing of the garters about his legs and wrists. Once he smiled; +but 'twas a fleeting shadow. Within the House his captors searched +him, coming upon the tinder box, touchwood, and Winter's watch--things +which were to bear heavy evidence against the prisoner. + +In the hall of Parliament all was confusion; Elinor, guarded by +Effingston, still lay dead before the throne, and the ministers were +gathered about it. + +The tumult ceased as Fawkes was led through the doorway. He was to +meet the King whom he would have slain, yet he advanced with uplifted +head, not a muscle quivering. The peers made way for him, so that a +space was cleared before the throne. Suddenly his eyes fell upon +Effingston; for an instant he paused, then following the gaze of the +grief-stricken nobleman, saw her who lay upon the floor. A mist +gathered before his eyes; a blinding flash of unreal but fierce +accusing light seared his brain and turned him into stone. +Horror-stricken he advanced, scarce conscious that he moved, until he +stood before the body of his daughter upon whose breast showed the red +wound made by the knife. The King, Salisbury, and the ministers had +turned and were looking fixedly upon him, but Fawkes was unconscious +of their gaze. He saw only the white face, the half-closed eyes, the +cold lips which had kissed his own so fondly and called him "father." + +As the flashing of a great light coming out of the darkness, the truth +gleamed in its red horror upon him--the reason of the presence of +another in the cellar, the drops of blood along the pavement. She had +sought to save him from the crime of murder--and he had killed her! + +He would have cried out and thrown himself upon his knees beside the +dead, but his iron will controlled the impulse, and the hands of the +guard upon his shoulder held him firm. What cared he for axe or gibbet +now? He had loved her next to his religion, and had slain her. The +King was speaking: + +"Ah!" said he, "what have we here, brave gentlemen? Doth tremble so at +the sight of one dead girl? Who art thou, fellow?" + +Fawkes replied nothing, nor, perchance, heard the voice of James; his +thoughts were in Spain, where, when a child, Elinor had climbed upon +his knee. + +"Faith!" cried the King, "hast caught a dumb man, good Master +Doubleday? or hath the decoration of the garter so overcome his senses +that he is in a maze?" + +Some of the gentlemen about the throne smiled, for James loved a jest; +but Effingston turned away and pressed his father's hand. + +"Come!" cried the King, impatiently; "wilt not find thy tongue? 'tis +not my custom to speak a second time. What didst thou in the cellar?" + +Fawkes raised his eyes and the King saw in them a look of such utter +hopelessness that some chord of pity in his heart was touched. + +"My good Lord Cecil," said he, turning to Salisbury, "methinks terror, +or something worse, hath driven away his wits; we but waste words upon +him. See to it, pray, that he be closely guarded, for certain +questions must be put to him. The Warden of the Tower hath a way to +loosen stubborn tongues." + +So saying, he arose with much dignity and left the hall, followed by +many of his gentlemen. Fawkes they took out by another way--the road +which led to the Tower. He gave no sign, but let his gaze dwell in one +last farewell upon the body of his daughter. Then his eyes met those +of Effingston, and in the other's look he read that the dead would +rest in peace and honor. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +THE BANQUET. + + +On the evening of that memorable Fifth of November, there were +gathered in a spacious residence at Ashbery, Saint Ledger, a small +company evidently bent upon pleasure. + +During the day they had passed their time in the many ways gentlemen +were wont to choose when seeking forgetfulness of the din and +distractions incident to a great city. But it was not difficult to +discern that the hearts of the men were far from interested in the +various sports undertaken by them. + +The hours from morning until dark had been spent in a variety of ways, +but none evinced any enjoyment in their pastime. A few had beguiled a +small part of the day in hunting, but they failed to find even in that +excitement relief for the anxiety which so oppressed them. At last +twilight came, lingered, and glided into night. But with the darkness +the uneasiness of all increased. + +Nor would this fact have caused wonder had it been known what thoughts +lay in the mind of each; that they were momentarily expecting tidings +upon which depended not only their hopes and happiness but, perchance +their lives as well. Indeed, the company had been bidden thither by +none other than Lord Catesby, who deemed it expedient that those not +actually engaged in carrying out the plot for the assassination of +James and his Parliament, should tarry at his country residence until +news of the accomplished deed should be brought them. Acting upon the +suggestion, he, together with Sir Everard Digsby, Rookwood, Robert +Morgan, Grant and the brother of Sir Thomas Winter, had ridden forth +from the city the day before; and now, with apprehension which their +sanguine hopes could not fully thrust aside, they awaited the news +which was to tell them how the fearful plot had prospered. + +After a day, the length of which was measured not by the standard of +moments but by that of slow-moving years, all had assembled to partake +of the evening repast. Surrounding the glittering table were anxious +and thoughtful faces. The host was silent and distraught, but not more +so than his guests. The terrible strain under which they labored +forbade much conversation; and if a laugh, perchance, mounted to the +lips of any, it sounded hollow and mirthless. + +"What now, good gentlemen," cried Catesby, with an attempt at gayety, +when silence had again fallen upon the group; "ye are in truth but +sorry companions. It would appear that something besides good vintage +lay in the cellar beneath us. Come, fill your cups and let wine bring +to our lips the jest, since wit seemeth utterly barren." + +"Nay, my lord," exclaimed Rookwood, as he thrust his glass aside; "I +for one am done with pretensions; 'tis time some news did reach us." +The man drew forth his watch, and glancing at it, said with a frown: +"By Our Blessed Lady, 'tis past nine and we have had no tidings!" + +The anxiety in the speaker's tone seemed to find a silent response in +the heart of each. Before them all the wine stood untasted. A barking +cur upon the highway caused them to start to their feet and listen, +thinking the sound might be the herald of an approaching horseman. +"'Twas nothing," said the host wearily, when once more seated. +"Patience, patience, gentlemen; I think this delay doth not bode ill +to us, for as ye are aware, bad news is ever atop of the swiftest +steed." + +"Ah, good Catesby," exclaimed Digsby, "it is to thee we look for +consolation in this terrible hour. But I do most devoutly wish some +intelligence, be it good or evil, would arrive; for naught can be +worse than this awful waiting." + +"Talk not of evil tidings," broke in Grant, nervously; "our minds are +full enough of fears without thy----" + +"Nay, good Robert," interrupted Sir Everard, "'twas but a figure of +speech I used. Nothing is further from my mind than to play the +croaking prophet." + +"Art sure, my lord," queried Rookwood, "that Sir Winter did comprehend +in what manner the intelligence was to be brought?" + +"Quite certain of it," answered the host; "for 'twas the last topic +upon which we spoke before I left the city. Have no fear; he +understood full well that Master Keyes was to ride post haste the +moment all was accomplished." + +"How long would it take a horseman, riding at his best speed, to +travel the distance?" enquired Rookwood, again drawing forth his +watch. + +"If nothing occurred to hinder on the way, and his mount was fresh at +start, methinks the journey should be made in eight hours." + +"Then," exclaimed the other, thrusting back his time-piece, "if all be +well we would have heard ere now. I fear me--nay--I know not what I +fear." + +But hark! What sound is that which at last falls upon the listening +group? Was it the wind sighing through the leafless trees? Nay, it +cannot be; for now they hear it again, and more distinctly. There is +no mistaking the flying hoofs of a horse striking the hard road. All +spring from the table. The moment has arrived; they are to know. As +each gazes into the white face of the other, he but beholds the +reflection of his own pallid countenance, and speech for a moment is +impossible. + +"God!" cried Rookwood, listening; "Catesby, thou didst say but one +rider was to bear the message, and I hear the noise of several rushing +steeds, if, indeed, I be not mad." + +Louder and louder grew the clatter of the hoofs, whiter and whiter the +faces of the waiting men. At last five horsemen dash in at the gate +and ride without drawing rein across the lawn and up to the very +window of the banquet room. + +No need to ask what tidings. Winter is the first to throw himself from +his steaming horse, and followed by Percy, the two Wrights and Robert +Keyes, staggers into the room. They are covered with mud and streaming +with perspiration. Their hats and swords were left behind--evidently +lost in the wild ride from London. Breathless they stand, for a moment +unable to speak. Written on the face of each is an expression of utter +despair, mingled with fear and pain, such a look as an animal wears +when, shot through the body, it blindly flees from death. + +Winter is the first to find voice; and clutching at the table, which +shakes under his trembling grasp, pants, in a tone which is scarcely +audible: + +"Flee for your lives! There is yet time for us to escape. We cannot +help him who is in the Tower. Our own necks will pay for further +delay." + +There is a horrified silence, broken only by the hard breathing of +the men. At last Rookwood, pale with emotion, sprang toward the +speaker, gasping: "What is this thou sayest? Failure! It cannot be! +Thou must be mad!" + +"Nay," cried Percy, "'tis so, 'tis so, indeed. Fawkes is captured. +Nothing is left for us but flight. Come, to horse! to horse! I say. +Even now the soldiers are on the road, and any moment the sound of +hurrying hoofs in pursuit of us may fall upon our ears." + +In an instant the utmost disorder reigned. Chairs were overturned in +the eagerness of the men to take in hand their swords, which rested +against the wall. Glasses, swept from off the board, fell with a +crash, adding to the general din. The floor was strewn with eatables +and wine, carried from off the table in the mad rush. Panic ruled, and +it had placed its sign-manual upon each face. + +At last, above the uproar, the voice of Catesby can be heard, and +standing by the door he addresses the fear-stricken men. "Gentlemen!" +he cried, "has the grasp of terror seized upon and turned you all mad? +Why should we fly, and by that course brand our deeds as sinful? Are +we criminals? Have we stolen aught? Are we creatures to be hunted +through the country? Come! play the part God has given to each, and at +the end, since success is not ours let us meet death here, hand in +hand, as becomes brothers in one faith--like martyrs!" + +The words of the speaker had small effect upon the men, and did not +check the general confusion. Those who had just arrived were in the +garden attending to their jaded steeds, knowing full well that upon +them depended their lives. + +Rookwood burst again into the room, attired in a heavy riding +mantle. "Come," he cried to his host; "to horse while there is time! +'Twould be a wickedness to tarry longer; it meaneth naught but +self-destruction. Our steeds have been resting, and many miles may be +placed between us and London ere break of day. Endanger not all our +lives by thy foolish scruples." + +At last the finer sentiments of Catesby were overruled by the words +and entreaties of his companions, and he with them, hurried to the +stable. With trembling fingers the bridles were fastened, the girths +drawn, and in a moment all were ready for the flight. With a clatter +the cavalcade sped out of the gate and thundered down the road at +breakneck pace, disappearing in the darkness. + +So ended the day which was to see the culmination of a deed which +these fleeing men once dreamed would set the world on fire! And what +had come of it? For them, nothing but the dancing sparks struck out by +the hoofs of galloping horses, bearing their guilty riders from under +the blow of a swinging axe. Fawkes, their unhappy tool, was already in +the grip of the avenging power; and was tasting a more bitter gall +than that of torture and death, for that he had, with his own hand, +shed the blood of his well-beloved daughter, but not one drop of the +heretic blood he so thirsted to spill. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +"IN THE KING'S NAME." + + +The bomb having exploded so unexpectedly in the camp of the +conspirators, Fawkes a prisoner in the hands of the government, which, +following the custom of the day, would probably under torture wring +from him a confession, the gentlemen who had been so zealous in the +cause had now no thought but of flight. So sudden had been the +exposure of their plot--laid bare to the eyes of all England at the +eleventh hour--that the bold plans for a well-regulated defense were +overthrown completely, and could not be carried out in any degree. +Garnet, indeed, was for the time safe, his hiding place unknown to the +authorities, and did Fawkes resist with physical and moral force the +torture, the Jesuit might not become involved in the consequences of +his treason. But Catesby, Percy, the two Winters and others stood in +the shadow of the scaffold. That no mercy would be measured out to +them was beyond peradventure. Though of brave spirit, they feared, and +could but flee before, the anger of the law. + +It was indeed a pitiful and chagrined body of horsemen who, hurrying +through Worcestershire and the adjoining county, sought to hide +themselves from the King's officers. Pausing in their mad flight, they +rifled the house of Lord Windsor, taking such arms and armor as best +suited their needs. Close after them rode the soldiers of the King +incited by promise of reward and honor did they capture and deliver +the little band into the hands of Salisbury and his ministers. One +face was missing from among those fleeing for their lives in such wild +haste. Catesby, Percy, my Lord of Rookwood, the two Wrights, Grant, +Morgan and Robert Keyes rode side by side, but Thomas Winter, he who +had summoned Fawkes from Spain, was absent. Small need of words +between the proscribed conspirators. A single purpose was in each +heart--to escape those in pursuit. + +As dull night drew on, the horses jaded, their riders fainting from +fatigue and fear, the luckless gentlemen reached Holbeach, the house +of Stephen Littleton. The early stars were twinkling in the gray vault +of heaven when lights from the welcome asylum greeted their eyes. +Percy turned to Catesby, who rode at his side. + +"Good Robert," said he, "there must we perforce remain till morning; +horseflesh can scarce endure the strain much longer, and those who +follow must needs halt, also. Stephen Littleton hath been our friend, +therefore is his dwelling at our disposal. 'Tis a stout structure, and +should the King's men find us therein--some will go with us to the +other world." + +Catesby smiled sadly. "Here will we indeed rest," replied he; "for, as +thou sayest, the beasts be weary. England is small, good Percy; we +must not lack courage." + +Noting the two leaders pull up their horses at the gate of the +dwelling, the others did likewise, and all dismounted and entered the +place which, to some, was their last abode--save the grave. In the +main chamber a cheerful fire crackled; for in the month of November +the air was chill, and Master Littleton perceiving the gentlemen +trembling as from cold, caused to be thrown upon the embers a goodly +number of faggots which blazed brightly. The sight recalled to Percy's +mind the fatal cellar under the House of Parliament, where he had +last seen Fawkes guarding with watchful eye the secret which lay +beneath so innocent a covering. + +Having removed their heavy boots and outer clothing the conspirators +talked together, seeking to dispel the gloom which rested upon the +company. All were ill at ease, for, although Percy had said the King's +officers would rest, it was possible they might secure fresh horses, +push on, and attack the house ere morning. Expecting no mercy if taken +alive, each resolved to sell his life dearly. + +The hours passed on to ten in the evening, when a thing happened +which, to the minds of many in England, exemplified the law of +God--that the wicked shall perish through their own evil devices. +Wishing to have all in readiness should the officers come upon them +during the night, and fearing that the gunpowder with which they were +provided might have become dampened by reason of the humidity of the +weather and its prolonged exposure to the elements, Christopher Wright +poured upon a platter some two pounds of the black grains, and set it +beside the hearthstone. Noting the action another of the party brought +a second bag of powder and treated it likewise, thinking to remove it +when sufficiently dry. + +Percy perceived the danger and withdrew from his position before the +blaze. "Were it not well," said he, "to have a care, lest a spark +falling outward do much harm to those within the room?" + +"Nay," replied Wright, "'tis my purpose to watch it closely; the +stuff, being damp, is worthless." + +Percy spoke no more, not wishing to be thought unduly nervous, and the +company relapsing into silence watched the flames, each intent upon +his own dark forebodings. + +For many minutes they remained thus, but starting at each sound from +without, and hearing in every rustle of the leafless trees and +shrubbery the hoofbeats of horses bearing their pursuing enemies. The +heat of the room, added to sleepless nights which had followed the +arrest of Guido Fawkes and the discovery of the conspiracy, gradually +overcame the majority of the party, and all but Percy and Catesby +nodded in their seats. These two, the first confederates with Winter +and the Superior of the Jesuits to formulate the plan for destroying +the King and the government, sat moodily side by side, their burning +eyeballs glassy in the red reflection of the flames, and their hearts +heavy with thoughts of dismal failure and impending ruin. + +"Would that Garnet were with us now," muttered Catesby, thrusting one +foot upon the fender; "perchance his wit might devise some means to +free us from our entanglement and perplexity, and save the cause. +Would that Fawkes had----" + +Percy raised his eyes quickly. "Thou art then sorry----" he began. + +"Nay," replied Catesby with some haughtiness. "If I had thought there +had been the least sin in it I would not have put my hand to it for +all the world. No other cause led me to hazard my fortune and my life +but zeal for the true faith. We have, in truth, failed, good Percy; +yet was the match burning which, in another moment, would have given +the spark to the powder, and the thunderbolt of which friend Guido +spake to us would----" + +Carried away by his earnestness he thrust forth his foot beyond the +fender and struck the faggots which blazed in the fireplace. A shower +of sparks answered the blow. One, falling beyond the hearthstone, +found the platter heaped with the deadly grains. Then, in truth, the +spark was given to the powder, but it was not that which lay beneath +the floor of Parliament; it was the powder in the room wherein nodded +the would-be murderers of the lords and the King of England. Ere +Catesby was aware of the awful danger, before Percy--who had noted the +falling spark--could cry out, there came a blinding flash, a cloud of +sulphurous smoke, the crashing of bent and broken timbers, and the +affrighted cries of the luckless inmates of the room. Yet in one thing +there seemed to be a merciful interposition. Carried upward by force +of the explosion, the bag containing a greater quantity of the powder +was hurled through the opening in the roof, and fell into the yard +untouched by fire; had it been otherwise, the public executioner's +work would have been less, and fewer dripping heads had graced the +spikes upon the Tower. + +Blinded by fire and smoke but unharmed, save for a scorching of the +hair and beard, the conspirators groped their way into the open air. +Upon their souls rested a cloud of superstitious dread. In the +explosion of the gunpowder they saw the hand of God; and--'twas not +turned against the King! + + * * * * * + +It was scarce daybreak when the horse bearing Sir Thomas Winter +stopped before the door of the ill-fated Holbeach mansion. Report had +reached him of the explosion, also that many of his companions were +sorely wounded, and that Catesby lay dead, with body shattered by the +firing of the powder. Then was proved his gentle blood, and the valor +of his race. Those with him when he received the news begged him to +fly; but he only looked upon them with clouded brow, and said: "Nay; +Catesby is dead. I will see to his burial; a gallant gentleman,--and +my friend!" + +Thus he rode in all haste to Holbeach, to find there his friends +unharmed;--close following him were the soldiers of the King. + +Scant time was given to the luckless gentlemen to prepare for +receiving them. + +"What have ye resolved to do?" asked Winter, having heard the story of +the night. + +"We mean to die," replied Percy stoutly; "we can scarce hold the house +an hour." + +"Then," said Winter quietly, "I will take such part as you do." And +looking to his sword and firearms, he leaned against the casement of +the window facing the road on which the King's men would come. + +Toward noon they came, a gallant company of gentlemen and musketeers, +flushed with the early morning ride and filled with zeal to take the +traitors who awaited them behind the walls of Master Littleton's +house. Watching from the window Winter saw many faces which he knew; +Sir John Foliot, Francis Conyers, Salway, Ketelsby, all staunch +adherents of the King;--men who, being dispatched upon any errand, +would carry it through most zealously. Before the cavalcade rode a +doughty gentleman, Sir Richard Walsh, sheriff of Worcestershire, armed +with the royal authority to seize the persons of such conspirators as +chanced to fall in his way. + +It was the sheriff who halted the troop some fifty paces from the +house, and, attended by Sir John Foliot and two musketeers, advanced +boldly to the closed door. + +Trying the latch and finding the portal barred, he tapped upon the +panel with the hilt of his sword. None from within replied. Again the +sheriff rapped, and a voice demanded who it was that sought +admittance, and what might be his errand. + +"That," replied Sir Richard, "is well known to thee. Open, therefore, +in the King's name!" + +The conspirators hesitated, for the command was one wont to be obeyed +in England. + +"Open!" repeated the sheriff; "lay down your arms!" + +"We will die," replied Catesby firmly, "but will not open unto thee." + +"Die thou shalt," replied Sir Richard cheerily, "with thy head upon +the block." So saying, and perceiving that those within would sell +their lives dearly, he returned to his men, ordering that some quickly +fire the building, others stand ready to receive any, who, driven +forth by fear or flame, might seek to escape through the garden. + +Perceiving that they were like to be burned alive, those in the house +resolved to gain the garden, and with sword in hand contend with the +King's men. 'Twas Winter who unloosed the bolt; and perchance +something had come of the venture, for the besieged were of most +determined purpose, if some of the soldiers had not discharged their +muskets, and a ball striking Sir Thomas in the shoulder wounded him +sorely. A second fire sent a rain of balls through the open doorway, +some of them hitting my Lord of Rookwood and the two Wrights, +Christopher and John,--stretching them dead upon the floor. + +"God's mercy!" cried Catesby; "let us forth, ere we all be murdered. +Stand by me, Tom, and we will die together." + +Winter, whose face was white with pain, replied hoarsely: "That will +I, sir; but having lost the use of my right arm, I fear I will be +taken." + +Yet he stooped and caught up his sword with his left hand, standing a +little back of Catesby and Percy who blocked the doorway. + +"Wouldst contend against us?" cried the sheriff of Worcestershire, and +then ordered that a third volley be delivered by his musketeers. + +Most of the balls lodged themselves in the wall of the building, or +tore splinters from the casement of the door. But one, as though +resolved to atone for the fruitless efforts of its fellows, sped on +its deathly errand, striking Robert Catesby in the neck, passing quite +through, and burying itself in the breast of Percy, who with scarce a +cry fell dead at Winter's feet. + +Bleeding profusely, Catesby attempted to regain his footing, but death +was near and he fell back crying to Winter to lift him up that he +might help defend the doorway. The conspirators who remained unharmed, +drew back in terror, crouching behind the furniture with no thought of +resisting the King's authority. + +Seeing that Percy, Rookwood and the two Wrights were dead, Catesby +dying, and none to support him, Winter cast aside his sword and bent +over his stricken comrade. At that moment certain of the sheriff's men +charging upon the open doorway, perceived him standing there, and one, +bearing a pike, thrust it at him so that the point pierced his doublet +and wounded him grievously. Staggering under the blow Winter, his +clothes covered with blood, gave back, and again was wounded in the +side by a rapier. + +"Cowards!" cried he, striking blindly at the foremost soldier with +his naked hand, "can ye not touch a vital part, but must torture me +so?" + +One, perceiving him sorely wounded and unarmed, seized him and in a +moment he was bound and dragged into the yard. + +The others, Keyes, John Grant and Henry Morgan, were quickly overcome, +and now of the nine Catholic gentlemen who had resolved to defend the +house, five lay dead, and four were in the hands of the authorities. + +Having so handily brought his errand to a successful termination Sir +Richard, of Worcestershire, fell into great good humor. + +"Faith!" cried he, sheathing his bloodless sword, "'tis a merry +gathering for my Lord of Salisbury to look upon. Four plump birds +ready for the axe man, and four and one knocking at the gate of hell. +Rare sport, in truth, hath been the taking of so ill a brood; +therefore, gentlemen, to London and the Tower with the nine. Though +some be dead, their necks are ready for the axe, I warrant. 'Tis a +brave sight will greet the populace, anon." + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. + + +Those who watched with Fawkes said he partook of no food, slept +not--neither spoke, and refused to utter the names of his fellow +conspirators. He sat all day in his cell without moving. At times +there came into his drawn and haggard face a strange and unearthly +light, as though he suddenly beheld a form glide from out the shadow +of the dungeon, and kneel beside him. At these moments he would +stretch forth his arms as if to embrace the airy figure of his brain, +and whisper, nodding his head slowly the while: "Thou wert all I +had--in a moment, darling;--wait until thy father can but pass this +dreary portal." + +They put him to the rack, but elicited nothing. He endured the torture +as though scarce feeling it; and even in agony, was heard to mutter: +"In a moment, my little one--but a moment more." + +His trial, with that of the others implicated in the plot, was over. +The sentence of death had been pronounced upon each. Three days after, +Everard Digsby, with Robert Winter and Grant, met death by hanging in +the churchyard of St. Paul's. Three remained awaiting the headsman's +axe--Thomas Winter, Keyes and Guido Fawkes. + +Their execution was anticipated by the populace of London with +unwonted eagerness. The desire of the people to see justice meted to +those whom they deemed the prime movers in a conspiracy which had +shaken England to its foundation, was only rivaled by the curiosity +resident in each heart, to behold the one who, with undaunted nerve, +had stood beneath the House of Lords ready to fire the mine which +would rob the kingdom at one fell blow of both its monarch and +Parliament. + +In that age public executions were signals for general holidays; +people flocked from the most distant shires, decked in best attire, to +witness the doing to death of some poor malefactor. But this was no +ordinary occasion; and, as if to emphasize the fact, a great throng +had assembled at Westminster even before the sun arose, on the day set +apart for the beheading of the remaining three conspirators. + +At an early hour companies of halberdiers were forced to exercise +their authority in keeping the crowd at proper distance from the +ominous structure erected in the middle of the square. The object +about which this innumerable concourse of people gathered was a high +platform covered with black cloth, in the center of which stood the +block. The condemned men had been brought from the Tower shortly after +midnight, and were now lodged in the space beneath the scaffold, which +had been converted into a kind of closed pen. + +The hour for the execution was eleven, and as the time approached the +multitude gradually swelled, being increased by thousands; as though +some pitiless monster were fattening itself upon thoughts of the blood +so soon to be shed. + +Again and again the pikemen were forced to thrust back the surging +mass, and at last the soldiers did not hesitate to use their weapons +as the throng forced its way up to the very ropes surrounding the +scaffold. But now above the babel of tongues the great bell of the +Cathedral boomed out the hour of eleven. As its last note died away +the roar of voices gradually subsided, until it sunk into a dull +murmur of expectancy, but again it broke forth into a cheer as the +headsman ascended the stairs leading to the scaffold. This man was +popular with the rabble and noted for his dexterity and strength. As +the applause greeted him he recognized the homage rendered with a bow. +His was a gruesome figure, as, attired in the costume of the office, +his features concealed by a scarlet mask, he leaned easily upon the +handle of the glittering axe--and waited. + +Soon four soldiers, under command of an officer, approached the door +of the inclosure and stood two on either side with halberds reversed. +A moment of breathless stillness followed; the portal opened and one +victim was led forth. Surrounded by guards he was solemnly conducted +to the foot of the steps leading to the block. Keyes, for it was he, +ascended without aid, and reached the platform. A murmur of +disappointment ran through the multitude as he came into view, for +they had supposed Fawkes would be the first to die. + +The man for an instant stood quite still; he had been the first of the +little procession to reach the top, and seemed undecided which +direction to take, but only for a moment stood he thus; two of the +guards quickly approached and led him toward the center of the +scaffold. He knelt without assistance, laid his cheek upon the block, +his right shoulder resting in the notch fastened for its reception. +The soldiers retired. The headsman drew back, swiftly raised the axe +above his head, measured the distance with a practiced eye, and +struck. + +The favorite of the rabble had again acquitted himself well. The head +of the victim fell on one side of the block, the quivering trunk +sinking to the floor upon the other. A cheer greeted the deed, then +silence once more fell upon the multitude. Some soldiers now appeared +carrying a box of sand. They quickly ascended the steps and scattered +its contents upon the wet boards. Having finished, one of the men +seized the head which still lay where it had fallen, fixed it upon the +point of his pike and stuck the weapon with its gruesome burden upon +the railing. The headless trunk was flung without ceremony into a cart +which was in waiting. + +Again the procession formed; once more a victim knelt; the axe fell, +and another head stared down upon the throng below. + +A ripple of expectancy again broke forth. Two had died; the next must +be the one for whom they waited. All strained their necks in eagerness +to catch the first glimpse as he should be led forth, and this was the +sight for which they had longed:-- + +A man unable to stand alone; his form, weakened by torture and +sickness, was dragged up the steps and stood confronting them. His +arms were not bound, for they hung lifeless. Those who stood near +could understand the absence of fetters; there was nothing upon which +to clasp them, save a mass of crushed bones, in many places stripped +of flesh by the cruel cords of the rack. He seemed quite oblivious of +his surroundings, turned his head neither to the right nor to the +left, but gazed past the headsman--past his captors--and far beyond +the sea of upturned faces. His lips were seen to move, but only those +who supported him could catch the words:--"In a moment, my little +one!" he whispered; "thy father will soon kiss thy sweet lips--and +then--we will love each other, and in that love forget all----" + +They hurried him toward the block and were obliged to place his head +upon it; his weakness was so great that he would have fallen had they +not supported him. His guards drew back, the axe, already lifted, was +about to descend, when, the poor limp figure slipped and fell with a +thud to the floor, unable to save itself by reason of the uselessness +of the arms. Again he was lifted; once more the axe was raised, and +even in that moment they heard him whisper the name ever upon his +lips: + +"Elinor!"--Crash!--and he was away to clasp her to his breast. + + + + +CONCLUSION. + + +Of Henry Garnet something remains to be said. The alarm which was felt +at the revelation of the treason which might, but for the arrest of +Fawkes in the cellar under Parliament House, have resulted in the +disruption of the government, was widespread, and it became necessary +for the Jesuits remaining in the kingdom to hide most secretly. + +As Catesby had said, the Superior, upon leaving London some weeks +before the discovery of the plot, had taken refuge in the house of Sir +Everard Digsby at Coughton. 'Twas there he received a letter from one +of the conspirators announcing the failure of the enterprise to which +he had lent himself. For three weeks he remained in hiding, when, by +night, and in disguise, he was removed to Hendlip House, where with +another of his Order, and two servants, he escaped for a time the +diligent search instituted by Salisbury, and urged on by the King. + +On the twentieth of January following the fatal Fifth of November, Sir +Henry Bromley, a magistrate, arrived with an armed force at Hendlip, +being in possession of a commission to search the mansion. The house +was full of secret apartments, and for seven days the King's officer +looked in vain for the Superior of the Jesuits. But on the eighth a +soldier, chancing upon a room occupied by one of the women of the +place, discovered in an aperture of the chimney a reed pipe, which +excited his curiosity and suspicion. + +Hearing of the matter, Sir Bromley followed the clew thus given him, +and behind the wall, in a secret chamber, came upon Garnet and his +companion, Oldcorne, who, since the coming of the authorities, had +been fed through the reed with broths and warm drinks. + +Taken to London, the Superior of the Jesuits was treated kindly. Many +examinations were given him, nor was torture resorted to in his case, +though Oldcorne was put to the rack. Through all Garnet divulged +nothing, and there had been some likelihood of escape, for the King +was kindly disposed, had not a trick resorted to by the government +resulted in his undoing. Allowed to hold communication with the +unfortunate Oldcorne, a watch was stationed behind the wall of the +cell, and such conversation as passed between the churchmen was taken +down. The facts thus revealed hurried Garnet to his doom. + +His trial was held late in March, and although he defended himself +ably, the evidence of his having been a party to treason was +conclusive. Through all he maintained that, though cognizant of the +design to blow up the House of Parliament, he had taken no active part +with the conspirators. Holding that the secret had come to him through +sacramental confession, he affirmed that, by his faith, he was bound +to disclose nothing concerning it. The trial ended with the sentence +that he follow in the footsteps of Fawkes, Winter and those others who +had met death upon the scaffold. Even then, the King, loth to see +executed so famous a prelate, stayed for a time the hand of the +axeman. 'Twas not till the third day of May, three months after the +death of his former companions, that Garnet died--the last of those +unfortunate men who sought to gain their ends by violence. + + + THE END. + + + + + TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES + + +1. Few quotes are opened with marks but are not closed and vice-versa. +Obvious errors have been silently closed, while those requiring +interpretation have been left as such. + +2. The following misprints have been corrected: + + "Fawke's" corrected to "Fawkes'" (page 73) + "reovered" corrected to "recovered" (page 106) + "exlaims" corrected to "exclaims" (page 108) + "'tis" capitalized to "'Tis" (page 154) + "readinesss" corrected to "readiness" (page 215) + +3. Other than the corrections listed above, printer's inconsistencies +in spelling, punctuation, and hyphenation have been retained. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fifth of November, by +Charles S. Bentley and F. 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