CHAPTER XVIII.
THE EXPLANATION.
Uttering an exclamation of rage, Catesby turned fiercely upon Fawkes,and for a moment appeared disposed to accept his invitation to continuethe combat with him. But as he regarded the other's haggard features,and perceived in them the traces of his recent struggle with death--ashe saw he was scarcely able to wield the blade he opposed againsthim--his wrath changed to compassion, and he sheathed his sword. By thistime, Humphrey Chetham had sprung to his feet, and picking up his fallenweapon, stood on his defence. But finding that Catesby meditated nofurther hostilities, he returned it to the scabbard.
"I owe my life to you," he said to Guy Fawkes, in a tone of deepgratitude.
"You owe it to Viviana Radcliffe, not to me," returned Fawkes feebly,and leaning upon his sword for support. "Had it not been for her cries,I should have known nothing of this quarrel. And I would now gladlylearn what has occasioned it."
"So would I," added Chetham; "for I am as ignorant as yourself how Ihave offended Mr. Catesby."
"I will tell you, then," returned Catesby, sternly. "You were a party tothe snare set for us by Dr. Dee, from which I narrowly escaped withlife, and Father Garnet at the expense of a broken limb."
"Is Garnet hurt?" demanded Fawkes, anxiously.
"Grievously," replied Catesby; "but he is out of the reach of hisenemies, of whom," he added, pointing to Chetham, "one of the mostmalignant and treacherous now stands before you."
"I am quite in the dark as to what has happened," observed Fawkes,"having only a few minutes ago been roused from my slumbers by theshrieks of Viviana, who entreated me to come and separate you. But Icannot believe Humphrey Chetham so treacherous as you represent him."
"So far from having any enmity towards Father Garnet," observed Chetham,"my anxious desire was to preserve him; and with that view, I wasrepairing to Dr. Dee, when I encountered Mr. Catesby in the hall, andbefore I could offer any explanation, I was forced by his violence andinsults into this combat."
"Is this the truth, Catesby?" asked Fawkes,
"Something near it," rejoined the latter; "but perhaps Mr. Chetham willlikewise inform you by whose agency Viviana was transported hither fromthe Collegiate Church?"
"That inquiry ought rather to be made of the lady herself, sir,"rejoined Chetham, coldly. "But, as I am assured she would have noobjection to my answering it, I shall not hesitate to do so. She wasconveyed hither by Kelley and an assistant, who departed as soon astheir task was completed."
"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby between his ground teeth. "But how chancedit, sir, that you arrived here so opportunely?"
"I might well refuse to answer a question thus insolently put," rejoinedChetham. "But to prevent further misunderstanding, I will tell you, thatI came by Viviana's invitation at midnight; and, ascertaining from myservant, Martin Heydocke, whom I found watching by the couch of GuyFawkes, the melancholy business on which she was engaged, I determinedto await her return, which occurred about an hour afterwards, in themanner I have just related."
"I was in the court-yard when Mistress Viviana was brought back,"interposed Martin Heydocke, who was standing at a respectful distancefrom the group; "and, after Kelley had delivered her to my charge, Iheard him observe in an under tone to his companion, 'Let us ride backas fast as we can, and see what they have done with the prisoners.'"
"They made sure of their prey before it was captured," observed Catesby,bitterly. "But we have disappointed them. Dee and his associate may yethave reason to repent their perfidy."
"You will do well not to put yourself again in their power," observedHumphrey Chetham. "If you will be counselled by me, you and Guy Fawkeswill seek safety in instant flight."
"And leave you with Viviana?" rejoined Catesby, sarcastically.
"She is in no present danger," replied Chetham. "But, if it is thoughtfitting or desirable, I will remain with her."
"I do not doubt it," returned Catesby, with a sneer; "but it is neitherfitting nor desirable. And, hark ye, young sir, if you have indulged anyexpectations with regard to Viviana Radcliffe, it is time you wereundeceived. She will never wed one of your degree, nor of your faith."
"I have her own assurance she will never wed at all," replied Chetham,in an offended tone. "But had she not crushed my hopes by declaring shewas vowed to a convent, no menaces of yours, who have neither right nortitle thus to interfere, should induce me to desist from my suit."
"Either resign all pretensions to her hand, or prepare to renew thecombat," cried Catesby, fiercely.
"No more of this," interposed Guy Fawkes. "Let us return to the house,and adjust our differences there."
"I have no further business here," observed Humphrey Chetham. "Havingtaken leave of Viviana," he added, with much emotion, "I do not desireto meet her again."
"It is well, sir," rejoined Catesby: "yet, stay!--you mean us notreachery?"
"If you suspect me, I will remain," replied Humphrey Chetham.
"On no account," interposed Guy Fawkes. "I will answer for him with mylife."
"Perhaps, when I tell you I have procured the liberation of FatherOldcorne," returned Chetham, "and have placed him in security in Ordsallcave, you will admit that you have done me wrong."
"I have been greatly mistaken in you, sir, I must own," observedCatesby, advancing towards him, and extending his hand. But HumphreyChetham folded his arms upon his breast, and bowing coldly, withdrew. Hewas followed by Martin Heydocke, and presently afterwards the tramp ofhis horse's feet was heard crossing the drawbridge.