THE DISINTERMENT.
Having seen every attention shown to Viviana by the hostess,--who, as
soon as she discovered that she had the daughter of Sir William
Radcliffe of Ordsall, under her roof, bestirred herself in right earnest
for her accommodation,--Humphrey Chetham, notwithstanding the lateness
of the hour,--it was past midnight,--expressed his determination to walk
to his residence at Crumpsall, to put an end to any apprehension which
might be entertained by the household at his prolonged absence.
With this view, he set forth; and Guy Fawkes, who seemed to be
meditating some project which he was unwilling to disclose to the
others, quitted the hostel with him, bidding the chamberlain sit up for
him, as he should speedily return. They had not gone far when he
inquired the nearest way to the Collegiate Church, and was answered that
they were then proceeding towards it, and in a few moments should arrive
at its walls. He next asked the young merchant whether he could inform
him which part of the churchyard was allotted to criminals. Humphrey
Chetham, somewhat surprised by the question, replied, "At the
north-west, near the charnel," adding, "I shall pass within a short
distance of the spot, and will point it out to you."
Entering Fennel Street, at the end of which stood an ancient cross, they
soon came in sight of the church. The moon was shining brightly, and
silvered the massive square tower of the fane, the battlements,
pinnacles, buttresses, and noble eastern window, with its gorgeous
tracery. While Guy Fawkes paused for a moment to contemplate this
reverend and beautiful structure, two venerable personages, having long
snowy beards, and wrapped in flowing mantles edged with sable fur,
passed the end of the street. One of them carried a lantern, though it
was wholly needless, as it was bright as day; and as they glided
stealthily along, there was something so mysterious in their manner,
that it greatly excited the curiosity of Guy Fawkes, who inquired from
his companion if he knew who they were.
"The foremost is the warden of Manchester, the famous Doctor Dee,"
replied Humphrey Chetham, "divine, mathematician, astrologer,--and if
report speaks truly, conjuror."
"Is that Doctor Dee?" cried Guy Fawkes, in astonishment.
"It is," replied the young merchant: "and the other in the Polish cap is
the no-less celebrated Edward Kelley, the doctor's assistant, or, as he
is ordinarily termed, his seer."
"They have entered the churchyard," remarked Guy Fawkes. "I will follow
them."
"I would not advise you to do so," rejoined the other. "Strange tales
are told of them. You may witness that it is not safe to look upon."
The caution, however, was unheeded. Guy Fawkes had already disappeared,
and the young merchant, shrugging his shoulders, proceeded on his way
towards Hunt's Bank.
On gaining the churchyard, Guy Fawkes perceived the warden and his
companion creeping stealthily beneath the shadow of a wall in the
direction of a low fabric, which appeared to be a bone-house, or
charnel, situated at the north-western extremity of the church. Before
this building grew a black and stunted yew-tree. Arrived at it, they
paused, and looked round to see whether they were observed. They did
not, however, notice Guy Fawkes, who had concealed himself behind a
buttress. Kelley then unlocked the door of the charnel, and brought out
a pickaxe and mattock. Having divested himself of his cloak, he
proceeded to shovel out the mould from a new-made grave at a little
distance from the building. Doctor Dee stood by, and held the lantern
for his assistant.
Determined to watch their proceedings, Guy Fawkes crept towards the
yew-tree, behind which he ensconced himself. Kelley, meanwhile,
continued to ply his spade with a vigour that seemed almost
incomprehensible in one so far stricken in years, and of such infirm
appearance. At length he paused, and kneeling within the shallow grave,
endeavoured to drag something from it. Doctor Dee knelt to assist him.
After some exertion, they drew forth the corpse of a female, which had
been interred without coffin, and apparently in the habiliments worn
during life. A horrible suspicion crossed Guy Fawkes. Resolving to
satisfy his doubts at once, he rushed forward, and beheld in the ghastly
lineaments of the dead the features of the unfortunate prophetess,
Elizabeth Orton.