THE CONSPIRATORS.
On Viviana's return from her devotions, she found her father in the
greatest perturbation and alarm. The old steward, Heydocke, who had
ridden express from Ordsall Hall, had just arrived, bringing word that
the miserable fate of the pursuivant and his crew had aroused the whole
country; that officers, attended by a strong force, and breathing
vengeance, were in pursuit of Sir William Radcliffe and his daughter;
that large sums were offered for the capture of Guy Fawkes and Father
Oldcorne; that most of the servants were imprisoned; that he himself had
escaped with great difficulty; and that, to sum up this long catalogue
of calamities, Master Humphrey Chetham was arrested, and placed in the
New Fleet. "In short, my dear young mistress," concluded the old man,
"as I have just observed to Sir William, all is over with us, and there
is nothing left but the grave."
"What course have you resolved upon, dear father," inquired Viviana,
turning anxiously to him.
"I shall surrender myself," he answered. "I am guilty of no crime, and
can easily clear myself from all imputation."
"You are mistaken," she replied. "Do not hope for justice from those who
know it not. But, while the means of escape are allowed you, avail
yourself of them."
"No, Viviana," replied Sir William Radcliffe, firmly; "my part is taken.
I shall abide the arrival of the officers. For you, I shall intrust you
to the care of Mr. Catesby."
"You cannot mean this, dear father," she cried, with a look of distress.
"And, if you do, I will never consent to such an arrangement."
"Mr. Catesby is strongly attached to you, child," replied Sir William,
"and will watch over your safety as carefully as I could do myself."
"He may be attached to me," rejoined Viviana, "though I doubt the
disinterestedness of his love. But nothing can remove my repugnance to
him. Forgive me, therefore, if, in this one instance, I decline to obey
your commands. I dare not trust myself with Mr. Catesby."
"How am I to understand you?" inquired Sir William.
"Do not ask me to explain, dear father," she answered, "but imagine I
must have good reason for what I say. Since you are resolved upon
surrendering yourself, I will go into captivity with you. The
alternative is less dreadful than that you have proposed."
"You distract me, child," cried the knight, rising and pacing the
chamber in great agitation. "I cannot bear the thought of your
imprisonment. Yet if I fly, I appear to confess myself guilty."
"If your worship will intrust Mistress Viviana with me," interposed the
old steward, "I will convey her whithersoever you direct,--will watch
over her day and night,--and, if need be, die in her defence."
"Thou wert ever a faithful servant, good Heydocke," rejoined Sir
William, extending his hand kindly to him, "and art as true in adversity
as in prosperity."
"Shame to me if I were not," replied Heydocke, pressing the knight's
fingers to his lips and bathing them in his tears. "Shame to me if I
hesitated to lay down my life for a master to whom I owe so much."
"If it is your pleasure, dear father," observed Viviana, "I will
accompany Master Heydocke; but I would far rather be permitted to remain
with you."
"It would avail nothing," replied Sir William, "we should be separated
by the officers. Retire to your chamber, and prepare for instant
departure; and, in the mean while, I will consider what is best to be
done."
"Your worship's decision must be speedy," observed Heydocke; "I had only
a few hours' start of the officers. They will be here ere long."
"Take this purse," replied Sir William, "and hire three of the fleetest
horses you can procure, and station yourself at the outskirts of the
town, on the road to Saint Asaph. You understand."
"Perfectly," replied Heydocke. And he departed to execute his master's
commands, while Viviana withdrew to her own chamber.
Left alone, the knight was perplexing himself as to where he should
shape his course, when he was interrupted by the sudden entrance of
Catesby and Garnet.
"We have just met your servant, Sir William," said the former, "and have
learnt the alarming intelligence he has brought."
"What is your counsel in this emergency, father?" said Radcliffe,
appealing to Garnet.
"Flight,--instant flight, my son," was the answer.
"My counsel is resistance," said Catesby. "We are here assembled in
large numbers, and are well armed. Let us await the arrival of the
officers, and see whether they will venture to arrest you."
"They will arrest us all, if they have force sufficient to do so,"
replied Garnet; "and there are many reasons, as you well know, why it is
desirable to avoid any disturbance at present."
"True," replied Catesby. "What say you then," he continued, addressing
Radcliffe, "to our immediate return to Holt, where means may be found to
screen you till this storm is blown over?"
Sir William having assented to the proposal, Catesby instantly departed
to acquaint the others, and, as soon as preparations could be made, and
horses procured, the whole party composing the pilgrimage quitted
Holywell, and, ascending the hill at the back of the town, took the
direction of Mold, where they arrived, having ridden at a swift pace, in
about half an hour. From thence they proceeded, without accident or
interruption, to the mansion they had recently occupied near Holt. On
reaching it, all the domestics were armed, and certain of their number
stationed at the different approaches to the house to give the alarm in
case of the enemy's appearance. But as nothing occurred during the
night, the fears of Sir William and his friends began in some degree to
subside.
About noon, on the following day, as Guy Fawkes, who ever since the
vision at Saint Winifred's Well had shunned all companionship, walked
forth beneath the avenue alone, he heard a light step behind him, and,
turning, beheld Viviana. Gravely bowing, he was about to pursue his
course, when quickening her pace she was instantly by his side.
"I have a favour to solicit," she said.
"There is none I would refuse you," answered Fawkes, halting; "but,
though I have the will, I may not have the power to grant your request."
"Hear me, then," she replied, hurriedly. "Of all my father's friends--of
all who are here assembled, you are the only one I dare trust,--the only
one from whom I can hope for assistance."
"I am at once flattered and perplexed by your words, Viviana," he
rejoined; "nor can I guess whither they tend. But speak freely. If I
cannot render you aid, I can at least give you counsel."
"I must premise, then," said Viviana, "that I am aware from certain
obscure hints let fall by Father Oldcorne, that you, Mr. Catesby, and
others are engaged in a dark and dangerous conspiracy."
"Viviana Radcliffe," returned Guy Fawkes, sternly, "you have once before
avowed your knowledge of this plot. I will not attempt disguise with
you. A project is in agitation for the deliverance of our fallen church;
and, since you have become acquainted with its existence--no matter
how--you must be bound by an oath of secrecy, or," and his look grew
darker, and his voice sterner, "I will not answer for your life."
"I will willingly take the oath, on certain conditions," said Viviana.
"You must take it unconditionally," rejoined Fawkes.
"Hear me out," said Viviana. "Knowing that Mr. Catesby and Father Garnet
are anxious to induce my father to join this conspiracy, I came hither
to implore you to prevent him from doing so."
"Were I even willing to do this,--which I am not," replied Fawkes, "I
have not the power. Sir William Radcliffe would be justly indignant at
any interference on my part."
"Heed not that," replied Viviana. "You, I fear, are linked to this
fearful project beyond the possibility of being set free. But he is not.
Save him! save him!"
"I will take no part in urging him to join it," replied Fawkes. "But I
can promise nothing further."
"Then mark me," she returned; "if further attempts are made by any of
your confederates to league him with their plot, I myself will disclose
all I know of it."
"Viviana," rejoined Fawkes, in a threatening tone, "I again warn you
that you endanger your life."
"I care not," she rejoined; "I would risk twenty lives, if I possessed
them, to preserve my father."
"You are a noble-hearted lady," replied Fawkes, unable to repress the
admiration inspired by her conduct; "and if I can accomplish what you
desire, I will. But I see not how it can be done."
"Everything is possible to one of your resolution," replied Viviana.
"Well, well," replied Fawkes, a slight smile crossing his rugged
features; "the effort at least shall be made."
"Thanks! thanks!" ejaculated Viviana; and, overcome by her emotion, she
sank half-fainting into his arms.
While he held her thus, debating within himself whether he should convey
her to the house, Garnet and Catesby appeared at the other end of the
avenue. Their surprise at the sight was extreme; nor was it less when
Viviana, opening her eyes as they drew near, uttered a slight cry, and
disappeared.
"This requires an explanation," said Catesby, glancing fiercely at
Fawkes.
"You must seek it, then, of the lady," rejoined the latter, moodily.
"It will be easily explained, I have no doubt," interposed Garnet. "Miss
Radcliffe was seized with a momentary weakness, and her companion
offered her support."
"That will scarcely suffice for me," cried Catesby.
"Let the subject be dropped for the present," rejoined Garnet,
authoritatively. "More important matter claims our attention. We came to
seek you, my son," he continued, addressing Fawkes. "All those engaged
in the great enterprise are about to meet in a summer-house in the
garden."
"I am ready to attend you," replied Fawkes. "Will Sir William Radcliffe
be there?"
"No," replied Garnet; "he has not yet joined us. None will be present at
this meeting but the sworn conspirators."
With this, the trio took their way towards the garden, and proceeding
along a walk edged with clipped yew-trees, came to the summer-house,--a
small circular building overrun with ivy and creepers, and ornamented in
front by two stone statues on pedestals. Here they found Sir Everard
Digby, Ambrose Rookwood, Francis Tresham, Thomas and Robert Winter, John
and Christopher Wright, awaiting their arrival.
The door being closed and bolted, Garnet, placing himself in the midst
of the assemblage, said, "Before we proceed further, I will again
administer the oath to all present." Drawing from his vest a primer, and
addressing Sir Everard Digby, he desired him to kneel, and continued
thus in a solemn tone, "You shall swear by the Blessed Trinity, and by
the sacrament you propose to receive, never to disclose directly nor
indirectly, by word or circumstance, the matter that shall be proposed
to you to keep secret, nor desist from the execution thereof, until the
rest shall give you leave."
"I swear," replied Digby, kissing the primer.
The oath was then taken in like manner by the others. This done, Catesby
was about to address the meeting, when Tresham, glancing uneasily at the
door, remarked, "Are you assured we have no eavesdroppers?"
"I will keep watch without," rejoined Fawkes, "if you have any fears."
"It were better," replied Robert Winter. "We cannot be too cautious. But
if you go forth, you will not be able to take part in the discussion."
"My part is to act, not talk," rejoined Fawkes, marching towards the
door. And shutting it after him, he took up his position outside.
Upon this Catesby commenced a long and inflammatory harangue, in which
he expatiated with great eloquence and fervour on the wrongs of the
Catholic party, and the deplorable condition of their church. "It were
easy to slay the tyrant by whom we are oppressed," he said, in
conclusion; "but his destruction would be small gain to us. We must
strike deeper, to hew down the baneful stock of heresy. All our
adversaries must perish with him, and in such a manner as shall best
attest the vengeance of Heaven. Placed beneath the Parliament-house, a
mine of powder shall hurl its heretical occupants into the air,--nor
shall any one survive the terrible explosion. Are we all agreed to this
plan?"
All the conspirators expressed their assent, except Sir Everard Digby.
"Before I give my concurrence to the measure," observed the latter, "I
would fain be resolved by Father Garnet whether it is lawful to destroy
some few of our own faith with so many heretics."
"Unquestionably, my son," replied Garnet. "As in besieging a city we
have a right to kill all within it, whether friends or enemies, so in
this case we are justified in destroying the innocent with the guilty,
because their destruction will be advantageous to the Catholic cause."
"I am satisfied," replied Digby.
"As to the tyrant and apostate James," continued Garnet, "he is
excommunicated, and his subjects released from their allegiance. I have
two breves sent over by his holiness Pope Clement VIII. three years ago,
one directed to the clergy, and the other to the nobility of this realm,
wherein, alluding to Queen Elizabeth, it is expressly declared that, 'so
soon as that miserable woman should depart out of this life, none shall
be permitted to ascend the throne, how near soever in proximity of
blood, unless they are such as will not only tolerate the Catholic
faith, but in every way support it.' By this brief, James is expressly
excluded. He has betrayed, not supported the church of Rome. Having
broken his word with us, and oppressed our brethren more rigorously even
than his predecessor, the remorseless Elizabeth, he is unworthy longer
to reign, and must be removed."
"He must," reiterated the conspirators.
"The Parliament-house being the place where all the mischief done us has
been contrived by our adversaries, it is fitting that it should be the
place of their chastisement," remarked Catesby.
"Doubtless," rejoined Ambrose Rookwood.
"Yet if the blow we meditate should miscarry," observed Thomas Winter,
"the injury to the Catholic religion will be so great, that not only our
enemies, but our very friends will condemn us."
"There is no chance of miscarriage, if we are true to each other,"
returned Catesby, confidently. "And if I suspected any one of treachery,
I would plunge my sword into his bosom, were he my brother."
"You would do wrong to act thus on mere suspicion," remarked Tresham,
who stood near him.
"In a case like this, he who gives the slightest ground for doubt would
merit death," replied Catesby, sternly; "and I would slay him."
"Hum!" exclaimed Tresham, uneasily.
"Mr. Catesby will now perhaps inform us what has been done to carry the
project into effect?" inquired Sir Everard Digby.
"A small habitation has been taken by one of our confederates, Mr.
Thomas Percy, immediately adjoining the Parliament-house," replied
Catesby, "from the cellar of which it is proposed to dig a mine through
the wall of the devoted building, and to deposit within it a sufficient
quantity of gunpowder and other combustibles to accomplish our purpose.
This mine must be digged by ourselves, as we can employ no assistants,
and will be a laborious and dangerous task. But I for one will
cheerfully undertake it."
"And I," said the elder Wright.
"And I," cried several others.
"Supposing the mine digged, and the powder deposited," observed Ambrose
Rookwood, "whose hand will fire the train?"
"Mine!" cried Guy Fawkes, throwing open the door. As soon as he had
spoken, he retired and closed it after him.
"He will keep his word," remarked Garnet. "He is of a nature so resolute
that he would destroy himself with the victims rather than fail.
Catiline was not a bolder conspirator than Guy Fawkes."
"Well, gentlemen," observed Catesby, "we are now at the latter end of
July. All must be ready against the meeting of Parliament in November."
"There is some likelihood, I hear, that the meeting of the house will be
prorogued till February," remarked Tresham.
"So much the better," rejoined Catesby, "it will give us more time for
preparation."
"So much the worse, I think," cried Ambrose Rookwood. "Delays are ever
dangerous, and doubly dangerous in a case like ours."
"I am far from desiring to throw any impediment in the way of our
design," observed Sir Everard Digby, "but I would recommend, before we
proceed to this terrible extremity, that one last effort should be made
to move the King in our behalf."
"It is useless," replied Catesby. "So far from toleration, he meditates
severer measures against us; and, I am well assured, if Parliament is
allowed to meet, such laws will be passed as will bring all of us within
premunire. No, no. We have no hope from James, nor his ministers."
"Nor yet from France or Spain," observed Thomas Winter. "In my
conference with the Constable Velasco at Bergen, I received assurances
of the good-will of Philip towards us, but no distinct promise of
interference in our behalf. The Archduke Albert is well disposed, but he
can render no assistance. We must depend upon ourselves."
"Ay, marry, must we," replied Catesby, "and fortunate is it that we have
devised a plan by which we can accomplish our purpose unaided. We only
require funds to follow up with effect the blow we shall strike."
"My whole fortune shall be placed at your disposal," replied Sir Everard
Digby.
"Part of mine has already been given," said Tresham, "and the rest shall
follow."
"Would I had aught to peril in the matter except my life," said Catesby.
"I would throw everything upon the stake."
"You do enough in venturing thus much, my son," rejoined Garnet. "To you
the whole conduct of the enterprise is committed."
"I live for nothing else," replied Catesby, "and if I see it successful,
I shall have lived long enough."
"Cannot Sir William Radcliffe be induced to join us?" asked Rookwood.
"He would be an important acquisition, and his wealth would prove highly
serviceable."
"I have sounded him," answered Catesby. "But he appears reluctant."
"Be not satisfied with one attempt," urged Christopher Wright. "The
jeopardy in which he now stands may make him change his mind."
"I am loth to interrupt the discussion," returned Garnet, "but I think
we have tarried here long enough. We will meet again at midnight, when I
hope to introduce Sir William Radcliffe to you as a confederate."
The party then separated, and Garnet went in search of the knight.
Ascertaining that he was in his own chamber, he proceeded thither, and
found him alone. Entering at once upon the subject in hand, Garnet
pleaded his cause with so much zeal that he at last wrung a reluctant
consent from the listener. Scarcely able to conceal his exultation, he
then proposed to Sir William to adjourn with him to the private chapel
in the house, where, having taken the oath, and received the sacrament
upon it, he should forthwith be introduced to the conspirators, and the
whole particulars of the plot revealed to him. To this the knight, with
some hesitation, agreed. As they traversed a gallery leading to the
chapel, they met Viviana. For the first time in his life Radcliffe's
gaze sank before his daughter, and he would have passed her without
speaking had she not stopped him.
"Father! dear father!" she cried, "I know whither you are going--and for
what purpose. Do not--do not join them."
[Illustration: _Guy Fawkes preventing Sir William Radcliffe from joining
the Conspiracy._]
Sir William Radcliffe made no reply, but endeavoured gently to push her
aside.
She would not, however, be repulsed, but prostrating herself before him,
clasped his knees, and besought him not to proceed.
Making a significant gesture to Sir William, Garnet walked forward.
"Viviana," cried the knight, sternly, "my resolution is taken. I command
you to retire to your chamber."
So saying, he broke from her, and followed Garnet. Clasping her hands to
her brow, Viviana gazed for a moment with a frenzied look after him, and
then rushed from the gallery.
On reaching the chapel, Sir William, who had been much shaken by this
meeting, was some minutes in recovering his composure. Garnet employed
the time in renewing his arguments, and with so much address that he
succeeded in quieting the scruples of conscience which had been awakened
in the knight's breast by his daughter's warning.
"And now, my son," he said, "since you have determined to enrol your
name in the list of those sworn to deliver their church from oppression,
take this primer in your hand, and kneel down before the altar, while I
administer the oath which is to unite you to us."
Garnet then advanced towards the altar, and Sir William was about to
prostrate himself upon a cushion beside it, when the door was suddenly
thrown open, and Guy Fawkes strode into the chapel.
"Hold!" he exclaimed, grasping Radcliffe's right arm, and fixing his
dark glance upon him; "you shall not take that oath."
"What mean you?" cried Garnet, who, as well as the knight, was paralyzed
with astonishment at this intrusion. "Sir William Radcliffe is about to
join us."
"I know it," replied Fawkes; "but it may not be. He has no heart in the
business, and will lend it no efficient assistance. We are better
without him, than with him."
As he spoke, he took the primer from the knight's hand, and laid it upon
the altar.
"This conduct is inexplicable," cried Garnet, angrily. "You will answer
for it to others, as well as to me."
"I will answer for it to all," replied Guy Fawkes. "Let Sir William
Radcliffe declare before me, and before Heaven, that he approves the
measure, and I am content he should take the oath."
"I cannot belie my conscience by saying so," replied the knight, who
appeared agitated by conflicting emotions.
"Yet you have promised to join us," cried Garnet, reproachfully.
"Better break that promise than a solemn oath," rejoined Guy Fawkes,
sternly. "Sir William Radcliffe, there are reasons why you should not
join this conspiracy. Examine your inmost heart, and it will tell you
what they are."
"I understand you," replied the knight.
"Get hence," cried Garnet, unable to control his indignation, "or I will
pronounce our Church's most terrible malediction against you."
"I shall not shrink from it, father," rejoined Fawkes, humbly, but
firmly, "seeing I am acting rightly."
"Undeceive yourself, then, at once," returned Garnet, "and learn that
you are thwarting our great and holy purpose."
"On the contrary," replied Fawkes, "I am promoting it, by preventing one
from joining it who will endanger its success."
"You are a traitor!" cried Garnet, furiously.
"A traitor!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, his eye blazing with fierce lustre,
though his voice and demeanour were unaltered,--"I, who have been warned
thrice,--twice by the dead,--and lastly by a vision from heaven, yet
still remain firm to my purpose,--I, who have voluntarily embraced the
most dangerous and difficult part of the enterprise,--I, who would
suffer the utmost extremity of torture, rather than utter a word that
should reveal it,--a traitor! No, father, I am none. If you think so,
take this sword and at once put an end to your doubts."
There was something so irresistible in the manner of Guy Fawkes, that
Garnet remained silent.
"Do with me what you please," continued Fawkes; "but do not compel Sir
William Radcliffe to join the conspiracy. He will be fatal to it."
"No one shall compel me to join it," replied the knight.
"Perhaps it is better thus," returned Garnet, after a pause, during
which he was buried in reflection. "I will urge you no further, my son.
But before you depart you must swear not to divulge what you have just
learnt."
"Willingly," replied the knight.
"There is another person who must also take that oath," said Guy Fawkes,
"having accidentally become acquainted with as much as yourself."
And stepping out of the chapel, he immediately afterwards returned with
Viviana.
"You will now understand why I would not allow Sir William to join the
conspiracy," he observed to Garnet.
"I do," replied the latter, gloomily.
The oath administered, the knight and his daughter quitted the chapel,
accompanied by Guy Fawkes. Viviana was profuse in her expressions of
gratitude, nor was her father less earnest in his acknowledgments.
A few hours after this, Sir William Radcliffe informed Sir Everard Digby
that it was his intention to depart immediately, and, though the latter
attempted to dissuade him by representing the danger to which he would
be exposed, he continued inflexible. The announcement surprised both
Catesby and Garnet, who were present when it was made, and added their
entreaties to those of Digby--but without effect. Catesby's proposal to
serve as an escort was likewise refused by Sir William, who said he had
no fears, and when questioned as to his destination, he returned an
evasive answer. This sudden resolution of the knight coupled with his
refusal to join the plot, alarmed the conspirators, and more than one
expressed fears of treachery. Sir Everard Digby, however, was not of the
number, but asserted that Radcliffe was a man of the highest honour, and
he would answer for his secrecy with his life.
"Will you answer for that of his daughter?" demanded Tresham.
"_I_ will," replied Fawkes.
"To put the matter beyond a doubt," observed Catesby, "I will set out
shortly after him, and follow him unobserved till he halts for the
night, and ascertain whether he stops at any suspicious quarter."
"Do so, my son," replied Garnet.
"It is needless," observed Sir Everard Digby; "but do as you please."
By this time, Radcliffe's horses being brought round by Heydocke, he and
his daughter took a hasty leave of their friends. When they had been
gone a few minutes, Catesby called for his steed; and, after exchanging
a word or two with Garnet, rode after them. He had proceeded about a
couple of miles along a cross-road leading to Nantwich, which he learnt
from some cottagers was the route taken by the party before him, when he
heard the tramp of a horse in the rear, and, turning at the sound,
beheld Guy Fawkes. Drawing in the bridle, he halted till the latter came
up, and angrily demanded on what errand he was bent.
"My errand is the same as your own," replied Fawkes. "I intend to follow
Sir William Radcliffe, and, if need be, defend him."
Whatever Catesby's objections might be to this companionship, he did not
think fit to declare them, and, though evidently much displeased,
suffered Guy Fawkes to ride by his side without opposition.
Having gained the summit of the mountainous range extending from Malpas
to Tottenhall, whence they beheld the party whose course they were
tracking enter a narrow lane at the foot of the hill, Catesby, fearful
of losing sight of them, set spurs to his steed. Guy Fawkes kept close
beside him, and they did not slacken their pace until they reached the
lane.
Having proceeded along it for a quarter of a mile, they were alarmed by
the sudden report of fire-arms, followed by a loud shriek, which
neither of them doubted was uttered by Viviana. Again dashing forward,
on turning a corner of the road, they beheld the party surrounded by
half-a-dozen troopers. Sir William Radcliffe had shot one of his
assailants, and, assisted by Heydocke, was defending himself bravely
against the others. With loud shouts, Catesby and Guy Fawkes galloped
towards the scene of strife. But they were too late. A bullet pierced
the knight's brain; and he no sooner fell, than, regardless of himself,
the old steward flung away his sword, and threw himself, with the most
piteous lamentations, on the body.
Viviana, meanwhile, had been compelled to dismount, and was in the hands
of the troopers. On seeing her father's fate, her shrieks were so
heart-piercing, that even her captors were moved to compassion. Fighting
his way towards her, Catesby cut down one of the troopers, and snatching
her from the grasp of the other, who was terrified by the furious
assault, placed her on the saddle beside him, and striking spurs into
his charger at the same moment, leapt the hedge, and made good his
retreat.
This daring action, however, could not have been accomplished without
the assistance of Guy Fawkes, who warded off with his rapier all the
blows aimed at him and his lovely charge. While thus engaged, he
received a severe cut on the head, which stretched him senseless and
bleeding beneath his horse's feet.