THE EXPLANATION.
Uttering an exclamation of rage, Catesby turned fiercely upon Fawkes,
and for a moment appeared disposed to accept his invitation to continue
the combat with him. But as he regarded the other's haggard features,
and perceived in them the traces of his recent struggle with death--as
he saw he was scarcely able to wield the blade he opposed against
him--his wrath changed to compassion, and he sheathed his sword. By this
time, Humphrey Chetham had sprung to his feet, and picking up his fallen
weapon, stood on his defence. But finding that Catesby meditated no
further hostilities, he returned it to the scabbard.
"I owe my life to you," he said to Guy Fawkes, in a tone of deep
gratitude.
"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 gladly
learn what has occasioned it."
"So would I," added Chetham; "for I am as ignorant as yourself how I
have offended Mr. Catesby."
"I will tell you, then," returned Catesby, sternly. "You were a party to
the snare set for us by Dr. Dee, from which I narrowly escaped with
life, 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 his
enemies, of whom," he added, pointing to Chetham, "one of the most
malignant 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 the
shrieks of Viviana, who entreated me to come and separate you. But I
cannot 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 was
repairing to Dr. Dee, when I encountered Mr. Catesby in the hall, and
before I could offer any explanation, I was forced by his violence and
insults into this combat."
"Is this the truth, Catesby?" asked Fawkes,
"Something near it," rejoined the latter; "but perhaps Mr. Chetham will
likewise inform you by whose agency Viviana was transported hither from
the 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 no
objection to my answering it, I shall not hesitate to do so. She was
conveyed hither by Kelley and an assistant, who departed as soon as
their task was completed."
"Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby between his ground teeth. "But how chanced
it, sir, that you arrived here so opportunely?"
"I might well refuse to answer a question thus insolently put," rejoined
Chetham. "But to prevent further misunderstanding, I will tell you, that
I came by Viviana's invitation at midnight; and, ascertaining from my
servant, Martin Heydocke, whom I found watching by the couch of Guy
Fawkes, the melancholy business on which she was engaged, I determined
to await her return, which occurred about an hour afterwards, in the
manner 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 distance
from the group; "and, after Kelley had delivered her to my charge, I
heard him observe in an under tone to his companion, 'Let us ride back
as 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 yet
have reason to repent their perfidy."
"You will do well not to put yourself again in their power," observed
Humphrey Chetham. "If you will be counselled by me, you and Guy Fawkes
will 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 thought
fitting or desirable, I will remain with her."
"I do not doubt it," returned Catesby, with a sneer; "but it is neither
fitting nor desirable. And, hark ye, young sir, if you have indulged any
expectations with regard to Viviana Radcliffe, it is time you were
undeceived. 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 she
was vowed to a convent, no menaces of yours, who have neither right nor
title thus to interfere, should induce me to desist from my suit."
"Either resign all pretensions to her hand, or prepare to renew the
combat," 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. "Having
taken leave of Viviana," he added, with much emotion, "I do not desire
to meet her again."
"It is well, sir," rejoined Catesby: "yet, stay!--you mean us no
treachery?"
"If you suspect me, I will remain," replied Humphrey Chetham.
"On no account," interposed Guy Fawkes. "I will answer for him with my
life."
"Perhaps, when I tell you I have procured the liberation of Father
Oldcorne," returned Chetham, "and have placed him in security in Ordsall
cave, you will admit that you have done me wrong."
"I have been greatly mistaken in you, sir, I must own," observed
Catesby, advancing towards him, and extending his hand. But Humphrey
Chetham folded his arms upon his breast, and bowing coldly, withdrew. He
was followed by Martin Heydocke, and presently afterwards the tramp of
his horse's feet was heard crossing the drawbridge.