CHAPTER XX.
THE DEPARTURE FROM THE HALL.
Guy Fawkes was as much surprised to hear of the sudden departure ofCatesby as he was concerned at the cause; but he still thought itprobable he would return. In this expectation, however, he wasdisappointed. The day wore on, and no one came. The uncertainty in whichFawkes was kept, added to his unwillingness to leave Garnet, stilldetained him, in spite of the risk he ran, at the Hall; and it was onlywhen urged by Viviana that he began seriously to reflect whither heshould bend his steps. Towards evening, Garnet was so much better, thathe was able to sit up, and he passed some hours in conference withOldcorne.
"If I do not suffer a relapse," he observed to the latter, "I will setout with Guy Fawkes to-morrow, and we will proceed by easy stages toLondon."
"I cannot but approve your resolution," returned Oldcorne; "for thoughso long a journey may be inconvenient, and retard your recovery, yetevery hour you remain here is fraught with additional peril. I willaccompany you. We shall both be safer in the capital; and perhapsViviana, now she will be no longer exposed to the persecutions ofCatesby, will form one of the party."
"I should not wonder," replied Garnet. "I shall be deeply concerned ifCatesby has really abandoned the enterprise. But I cannot think it. Idid all I could to dissuade him from prosecuting this union, knowing howhopeless it was, and little thinking he would be rash enough to seek toaccomplish it by force, or that he would find an assistant in you."
"Say no more about it, father, I entreat you," rejoined Oldcorne. "Thescheme failed, as it deserved to do; and I sincerely repent the share Iwas induced by Catesby's artful representations to take in it. If wehave lost our leader we have still Guy Fawkes, who is a host in himself,and as true as the steel that hangs by his side."
"We cannot spare Catesby," replied Garnet. "With many faults, he has oneredeeming quality, courage. I am not sorry he has been thwarted in hispresent scheme, as if he returns to us, as I doubt not he will, it willfix his mind steadily on the one object, which should be ever before it.Give me your arm, father. I am glad to find I can walk, though feebly.That is well," he added, as they emerged upon the gallery; "I shall beable to reach Viviana's chamber without further assistance. Do youdescend, and see that Martin Heydocke is on the watch."
In obedience to the injunctions of his superior, Oldcorne went in searchof Martin Heydocke, who had been stationed in the court-yard to givetimely notice of any hostile approach; but not finding him there, heproceeded towards the drawbridge. Garnet, meanwhile, had reached thedoor of Viviana's chamber, which was slightly ajar, and he was about topass through it, when he perceived that she was on her knees before GuyFawkes, whom she was addressing in the most passionate terms. The latterwas seated at a table, with his head upon his hand, in a thoughtfulposture. Surprised at the sight, and curious to hear what Viviana couldbe saying, Garnet drew back to listen.
"When you quit this house," were the first words that caught thelistener's ear, "we shall never meet again; and oh! let me have theconsolation of thinking that, in return for the devoted attachment youhave shown me, and the dangers from which you have preserved me, I havepreserved you from one equally imminent. Catesby, from whatever motive,has abandoned the conspiracy. Do you act likewise, and the wholedreadful scheme will fall to the ground."
"Catesby cannot abandon it," replied Fawkes. "He is bound by ties thatno human power can sunder. And, however he may estrange himself from usnow, when the time for action arrives, rest assured he will not beabsent."
_Viviana Radcliffe imploring Guy Fawkes to abandon theConspiracy_]
"It may be so," replied Viviana; "but I deny that the oath either he oryou have taken is binding. The deed you have sworn to do is evil, and novow, however solemnly pronounced, can compel you to commit crime. Avoidthis sin--avoid further connexion with those who would work yourundoing, and do not stain your soul with guilt from which it will neverbe cleansed."
"You seek in vain to move me," replied Guy Fawkes, firmly. "My purposeis unalterable. The tempest that clears away the pestilence destroysmany innocent lives, but it is not the less wholesome on that account.Our unhappy land is choked with the pestilence of heresy, and must befreed from it, cost what it will, and suffer who may. The wrongs of theEnglish Catholics imperatively demand redress; and, since it is deniedus, we must take it. Oppression can go no farther; nor endurance holdout longer. If this blow be not struck we shall have no longer areligion. And how comes it, Viviana, that you, a zealous Catholic, whosefather perished by these very oppressors, and who are yourself in dangerfrom them, can seek to turn me from my purpose?"
"Because I know it is wrongful," she replied. "I have no desire toavenge the death of my slaughtered father, still less to see ourreligion furthered by the dreadful means you propose. In his own dueseason, the Lord will redress our wrongs."
"The Lord has appointed me one of the ministers of his vengeance," criedFawkes, in a tone of enthusiasm.
"Do not deceive yourself," returned Viviana, "it is not by Heaven, butby the powers of darkness, that you are incited to this deed. Do notpersevere in this fatal course," she continued, clasping her handstogether, and gazing imploringly in his face, "do not--do not!"
Guy Fawkes continued in the same attitude as before, with his gazeturned upwards, and apparently lost in thought.
"Have I no power to move you?" cried Viviana, her eyes streaming withtears.
"None whatever," replied Guy Fawkes, firmly.
"Then you are lost," she rejoined.
"If it is Heaven's will, I am," answered Fawkes; "but at least I believeI am acting rightly."
"And rest assured you are so, my son," cried Garnet, throwing open thedoor, and stepping into the room. "I have overheard your conversation,and I applaud your resolution."
"You need have no fears of me, father," replied Fawkes. "I do notlightly undertake a project; but once embarked in it nothing can turn measide."
"In this case your determination is wisely formed, my son," returnedGarnet; "and if Viviana will ever give me an opportunity of fullydiscussing the matter, I am sure I can satisfy her you are in theright."
"I will discuss it with you whenever you think proper," she replied."But no arguments will ever convince me that your project is approved byHeaven."
"Let it pass now, daughter," rejoined Garnet; "enough has been said onthe subject. I came hither to tell Guy Fawkes, that if our enemiespermit us to pass the night without molestation (as Heaven grant theymay!) I think I shall be strong enough to set out with him to-morrow,when I propose we should journey together to London."
"Agreed," replied Fawkes.
"Father Oldcorne will accompany us," pursued Garnet.
"And I, too, will go with you, if you will permit me," said Viviana. "Icannot remain here; and I have no further fears of Mr. Catesby. DoctorDee told me my future fate was strangely mixed up with that of GuyFawkes. I know not how it may be, but I will not abandon him while thereis a hope to cling to."
"Viviana Radcliffe," rejoined Guy Fawkes, coldly, "deeply as I feel theinterest you take in me, I think it right to tell you that no effortsyou can use will shake me from my purpose. If I live, I will execute mydesign."
"While I live, I will urge you to it," remarked Garnet.
"And while _I_ live, I will dissuade you from it," added Viviana. "Weshall see who will obtain the victory."
"We shall," replied Garnet, smiling confidently.
"Hear me further," continued Viviana; "I do not doubt that your zeal isdisinterested; yet still, your mode of life, and the difficulties inwhich you are placed, may not unnaturally influence your conduct. Thatthis may no longer be the case, I here place part of my fortune at yourdisposal. I require little or nothing myself. But I would, if possible,save one to whom I owe so much, and whom I value so much, fromdestruction."
"I fully appreciate your generosity--to give it its lightestterm--Viviana," returned Guy Fawkes, in a voice of deep emotion. "Underany circumstances I should reject it,--under the p
resent, I do so themore positively, because the offer, kind as it is, seems to imply thatmy poverty leads me to act contrary to my principles. Gold has no powerover me: I regard it as dross; and when I could easily have won it, Ineglected the opportunity. As no reward would ever induce me to commitan action my conscience disapproved, so none will deter me from apurpose which I regard as my duty."
"Enough," replied Viviana, sadly. "I will no longer question yourmotives, or oppose your plan, but will pray Heaven to open your eyes tothe truth."
"Your conduct is in all respects worthy of you, daughter," observedGarnet, kindly.
"You have rejected one offer," continued Viviana, looking at Fawkes;"but I trust you will not decline that I am about to propose to you."
"What is it?" asked Fawkes, in some surprise.
"It is that I may be permitted to regard you as a father," repliedViviana, with some hesitation. "Having lost my own father, I feel I needsome protector, and I would gladly make choice of you, if you willaccept the office."
"I willingly accede to your request, and am much flattered by it,Viviana," replied Fawkes. "I am a homeless man, and a friendless, andthe affection of such a being as yourself will fill up the only void inmy heart. But I am wedded to the great cause. I can never be more to youthan a father."
"Nay, I ask nothing more," she replied, blushing deeply.
"Having thus arranged the terms upon which we shall travel," observedGarnet, with a smile, "nothing is needed but to prepare for our journey.We start early to-morrow morning."
"I shall be ready at daybreak," replied Viviana.
"And I am ready now," added Guy Fawkes. "In my opinion, we run greatrisk in remaining here another night. But be it as you will."
At this moment they were interrupted by the entrance of Father Oldcorne,who with a countenance of great alarm informed them he could nowherefind Martin Heydocke.
"Do you suspect any treachery on his part?" asked Garnet of Viviana.
"I have always found him trustworthy," she answered; "and his father was_my_ father's oldest servant. I cannot think he would betray us. At thesame time, I must admit his disappearance at this juncture lookssuspicious."
"If my strength were equal to it," returned Guy Fawkes, "I would keepwatch throughout the night; but that might prevent me from accompanyingyou to-morrow. My advice, I repeat, is--to set out at once."
This opinion, however, was overruled by Garnet and Viviana, who did notthink the danger so urgent, and attributed the absence of MartinHeydocke to some unimportant cause. Guy Fawkes made no furtherremonstrance, and it was agreed they should start, as originallyproposed, at daybreak.
The party then separated, and Viviana wandered alone over the old house,taking a farewell, which she felt would be her last, of every familiarobject. Few things were as she had known them, but even in their presentforlorn state they were dear to her; and the rooms she trod, thoughdismantled, were the same she had occupied in childhood.
There is no pang more acute to a sensitive nature than that occasionedby quitting an abode or spot endeared by early recollections andassociations, to which we feel a strong presentiment we shall neverreturn. Viviana experienced this feeling in its full force, and shelingered in each room as if she had not the power to leave it. Heremotions at length became so overpowering, that to relieve them shestrolled forth into the garden. Here, new objects awakened herattention, and recalled happier times with painful distinctness.Twilight was fast deepening, and, viewed through this dim and softenedmedium, everything looked as of old, and produced a tightening andstifling sensation in her breast, that nothing but a flood of tearscould remove.
The flowers yielded forth their richest scents, and the whole scene wassuch as she had often beheld it in times long ago, when sorrow waswholly unknown to her. Perfumes, it is well known, exercise a singularinfluence over the memory. A particular odour will frequently call up anevent and a long train of circumstances connected with the time when itwas first inhaled. Without being aware whence it arose, Viviana felt atide of recollections pressing upon her, which she would have willinglyrepressed, but which it was out of her power to control. Her tearsflowed abundantly, and at length, with a heart somewhat lightened of itsload, she arose from the bench on which she had thrown herself, andproceeded along a walk to gather a few flowers as memorials of theplace.
In this way, she reached the further end of the garden, and was stoopingto pluck a spray of some fragrant shrub, when she perceived the figureof a man behind a tree at a little distance from her. From his garb,which was that of a soldier, she instantly knew he was an enemy, and,though greatly alarmed, she had the courage not to scream, but breakingoff the branch, she uttered a careless exclamation, and slowly retracedher steps. She half expected to hear that the soldier was following her,and prepared to start off at full speed to the house; but, deceived byher manner, he did not stir. On reaching the end of the walk, she couldnot resist the inclination to look back, and glancing over her shoulder,perceived the man watching her. But as she moved, he instantly withdrewhis head.
Her first step on reaching the house was to close and fasten the door;her next to hasten to Guy Fawkes's chamber, where she found him,together with Garnet and Oldcorne. All three were astounded at theintelligence, agreeing that an attack was intended, and that a largeforce was, in all probability, concealed in the garden awaiting only thearrival of night to surprise and seize them. The disappearance of theyounger Heydocke was no longer a mystery. He had been secured andcarried off by the hostile party, to prevent him from giving the alarm.The emergency was a fearful one, and it excited consternation amongstall except Guy Fawkes, who preserved his calmness.
"I foresaw we should be attacked to-night," he said, "and I am thereforenot wholly unprepared. Our only chance is to steal out unobserved; forresistance would be in vain, as their force is probably numerous, and Iam as helpless as an infant, while Father Garnet's broken arm precludesany assistance from him. The subterranean passage leading from theoratory to the further side of the moat having been stopped up by thepursuivant and his band, it will be necessary to cross the drawbridge,and as soon as it grows sufficiently dark, we must make the attempt. Wehave no horses, and must trust to our own exertions for safety. Catesbywould now be invaluable. It is not his custom to desert his friends atthe season of their greatest need."
"Great as is my danger," observed Viviana, "I would rather, so far as Iam concerned, that he were absent, than owe my preservation to him. Ihave no fears for myself."
"And my only fears are for you," rejoined Fawkes.
Half an hour of intense anxiety was now passed by the party. Garnet wasrestless and uneasy. Oldcorne betrayed his agitation by unavailinglamentations, by listening to every sound, and by constantly rushing tothe windows to reconnoitre, until he was checked by Fawkes, whorepresented to him the folly of his conduct. Viviana, though ill atease, did not allow her terror to appear, but endeavoured to imitate theimmoveable demeanour of Guy Fawkes, who always became more collected inproportion to the danger by which he was threatened.
At the expiration of the time above mentioned, it had become quite dark,and desiring his companions to follow him, Guy Fawkes drew his sword,and, grasping Viviana's hand, led the way down stairs. Before openingthe door, he listened intently, and, hearing no sound, issued cautiouslyforth. The party had scarcely gained the centre of the court, when acaliver was discharged at them, which, though it did no damage, servedas a signal to the rest of their foes. Guy Fawkes, who had neverrelinquished his hold of Viviana, now pressed forward as rapidly as hisstrength would permit, and the two priests followed. But loud shoutswere raised on the drawbridge, and it was evident it was occupied by theenemy.
Uncertain what to do, Guy Fawkes halted, and was about to return to thehouse, when a shout from behind told him their retreat was intercepted.In this dilemma there was nothing for it but to attempt to force apassage across the drawbridge, or to surrender at discretion; and thoughGuy Fawkes would not at other seasons have hesitated
to embrace theformer alternative, he knew that his strength was not equal to it now.
While he was internally resolving not to yield himself with life, andsupporting Viviana, who clung closely to him, the clatter of hoofs washeard rapidly approaching along the avenue, and presently afterwards twohorsemen galloped at full speed toward the drawbridge. The noise hadlikewise attracted the attention of the enemy; who, apprehensive of arescue, prepared to stop them. But the tremendous pace of the ridersrendered this impossible. A few blows were exchanged, a few shots fired,and they had crossed the drawbridge.
"Who goes there?" shouted Guy Fawkes, as the horsemen approached him.
"It is the voice of Guy Fawkes," cried the foremost, whose tonesproclaimed it was Catesby. "They are here," he cried, reining in hissteed.
"Where is Viviana?" vociferated his companion, who was no other thanHumphrey Chetham.
"Here--here," replied Guy Fawkes.
With the quickness of thought, the young merchant was by her side, andin another moment she was placed on the saddle before him, and borne ata headlong pace across the drawbridge.
"Follow me," cried Catesby. "I will clear a passage for you. Once acrossthe drawbridge, you are safe. A hundred yards down the avenue, on theright, you will find a couple of horses tied to a tree. Quick! quick!"
As he spoke, a shot whizzed past his head, and a tumultuous din in therear told that their pursuers were close upon them. Striking spurs intohis steed, Catesby dashed forward, and dealing blows right and left,cleared the drawbridge of its occupants, many of whom leaped into themoat to escape his fury. His companions were close at his heels, and gotover the bridge in safety.
"Fly!--fly!" cried Catesby,--"to the horses--the horses! I will checkall pursuit."
So saying, and while the others flew towards the avenue, he faced hisopponents, and making a desperate charge upon them, drove thembackwards. In this conflict, though several shots were fired, and blowsaimed at him on all sides, he sustained no injury, but succeeded indefending the bridge sufficiently long to enable his friends to mount.
He then rode off at full speed, and found the party waiting for him atthe end of the avenue. Father Oldcorne was seated on the same steed ashis superior. After riding with them upwards of a mile, Humphrey Chethamdismounted, and resigning his horse to Viviana, bade her farewell, anddisappeared.
"And now to London!" cried Catesby, striking into a road on the right,and urging his steed to a rapid pace.
"Ay, to London!--to the Parliament House!" echoed Fawkes, following himwith the others.
END OF THE FIRST BOOK.
_Guy Fawkes and Catesby landing the Powder._]