William Harrison Ainsworth

by Guy Fawkes, or the Gunpowder Treason

  "I arrest you. You are a Romish priest."

  "It is false, knave," returned Garnet. "I am as good a Protestant as thyself, and am just arrived with my companions from a long journey."

  "Your companions are all rank Papists," rejoined the stranger. "You yourself are Father Garnet, superior of the Jesuits, and, if I am not deceived, the person next you is Father Oldcorne, also of that order. If I am wrong you can easily refute the charge. Come with me to the council. If you refuse, I will call assistance from the passengers."

  Garnet saw he was lost if he did not make an immediate effort at self-preservation, and resolving to be beforehand with his assailant, he shouted at the top of his voice,

  "Help! help! my masters. This villain would rob me of my purse."

  "He is a Romish priest," vociferated the stranger. "I call upon you to assist me to arrest him."

  While the passengers, scarcely knowing what to make of these contradictory statements, flocked round them, Guy Fawkes, who was a little in advance of Catesby, rode back, and seeing how matters stood, instantly drew a petronel, and with the butt-end felled the stranger to the ground. Thus liberated, Garnet struck spurs into his steed, and the whole party dashed off at a rapid pace. Shouts were raised by the bystanders, a few of whom started in pursuit, but the speed at which the fugitives rode soon bore them out of danger.

  By this time they had reached London Bridge, and Viviana, in some degree recovered from the fright caused by the recent occurrence, ventured to look around her. She could scarcely believe she was crossing a bridge, so completely did the tall houses give it the appearance of a street; and, if it had not been for occasional glimpses of the river caught between the openings of these lofty habitations, she would have thought her companions had mistaken the road. As they approached the ancient gateway (afterwards denominated Traitor's Tower), at the Southwark side of the bridge, she remarked with a shudder the dismal array of heads garnishing its spikes, and pointing them out to Fawkes, cried,

  "Heaven grant yours may never be amongst the number!"

  Fawkes made no answer, but dashed beneath the low and gloomy arch of the gate.

  Striking into a street on the right, the party skirted the walls of Saint Saviour's Church, and presently drew near the Globe theatre, above which floated its banner. Adjoining it was the old Bear-garden—the savage inmates of which made themselves sufficiently audible. Garnet hastily pointed out the first-mentioned place of amusement to Viviana as they passed it, and her reading having made her well acquainted with the noble dramas produced at that unpretending establishment—little better than a barn in comparison with a modern playhouse,—she regarded it with deep interest. Another theatre—the Swan—speedily claimed her attention; and, leaving it behind, they came upon the open country.

  It was now growing rapidly dark, and Catesby, turning off into a narrow lane on the right, shouted to his companions to keep near him. The tract of land they were traversing was flat and marshy. The air was damp and unwholesome—for the swamp had not been drained as in later times,—and the misty exhalations arising from it added to the obscurity. Catesby, however, did not relax his pace, and his companions imitated his example. Another turn on the right seemed to bring them still nearer the river, and involved them in a thicker fog.

  All at once Catesby stopped, and cried,

  "We should be near the house. And yet this fog perplexes me. Stay here while I search for it."

  "If you leave us, we shall not readily meet again," rejoined Fawkes.

  But the caution was unheeded, Catesby having already disappeared. A few moments afterwards, Fawkes heard the sound of a horse's hoofs approaching him; and, thinking it was Catesby, he hailed the rider.

  The horseman made no answer, but continued to advance towards them.

  Just then the voice of Catesby was heard at a little distance, shouting, "I was right. It is here."

  The party then hastened in the direction of the cry, and perceived through the gloom a low building, before the door of which Catesby, who had dismounted, was standing.

  "A stranger is amongst us," observed Fawkes, in an under tone, as he rode up.

  "Where is he?" demanded Catesby, hastily.

  "Here," replied a voice. "But, fear nothing. I am a friend."

  "I must have stronger assurance than that," replied Catesby. "Who are you?"

  "Robert Keyes," replied the other, "Do you not know my voice?"

  "In good truth I did not," rejoined Catesby; "and you have spoken just in time. Your arrival is most opportune. But what brings you here to-night?"

  "The same errand as yourself, I conclude, Catesby," replied Keyes. "I came here to see that all was in safety. But, who have you with you?"

  "Let us enter the house, and you shall learn," replied Catesby.

  With this, he tapped thrice at the door in a peculiar manner, and presently a light was seen through the windows, and a voice from within demanded who knocked.

  "Your master," replied Catesby.

  Upon this, the door was instantly unbarred. After a hasty greeting between Catesby and his servant, whom he addressed as Thomas Bates, the former inquired whether aught had occurred during his absence, and was answered that, except an occasional visit from Mr. Percy, one of the conspirators, no one had been near the house; everything being in precisely the same state he had left it.

  "That is well," replied Catesby. "Now, then, to dispose of the horses."

  All the party having dismounted, their steeds were led to a stable at the back of the premises by Catesby and Bates, while the others entered the house. It was a small, mean-looking habitation, standing at a short distance from the river-side, on the skirts of Lambeth Marsh, and its secluded situation and miserable appearance seldom induced any one to visit it. On one side was a deep muddy sluice communicating with the river. Within, it possessed but slight accommodation, and only numbered four apartments. One of the best of these was assigned to Viviana, and she retired to it as soon as it could be prepared for her reception. Garnet, who still carried his arm in a sling, but who was in other respects almost recovered from his accident, tendered every assistance in his power, and would have remained with her, but she entreated to be left alone. On descending to the lower room, he found Catesby, who, having left Bates in care of the horses, produced such refreshments as they had brought with them. These were scanty enough; but a few flasks of excellent wine which they found within the house made some amends for the meagre repast. Viviana was solicited by Guy Fawkes to join them; but she declined, alleging that she was greatly fatigued, and about to retire to rest.

  Their meal ended, Catesby proposed that they should ascertain the condition of the powder, as he feared it might have suffered from being so long in the vault. Before making this examination, the door was carefully barred; the shutters of the windows closed; and Guy Fawkes placed himself as sentinel at the door. A flag beneath the grate, in which a fire was never kindled, was then raised, and disclosed a flight of steps leading to a vault beneath. Catesby having placed a light in a lantern, descended with Keyes; but both Garnet and Oldcorne refused to accompany them.

  The vault was arched and lofty, and, strange to say, for its situation, dry—a circumstance owing, in all probability, to the great thickness of the walls. On either side were ranged twenty barrels filled with powder; and at the further end stood a pile of arms, consisting of pikes, rapiers, demi-lances, petronels, calivers, corslets, and morions. Removing one of the barrels from its station, Catesby forced open the lid, and examined its contents, which he found perfectly dry and uninjured.

  "It is fit for use," he observed, with a significant smile, as he exhibited a handful of the powder to Keyes, who stood at a little distance with the lantern; "if it will keep as well in the cellar beneath the Parliament House, our foes will soon be nearer heaven, than they would ever be if left to themselves."

  "When do you propose to transport it across the river?" asked Keyes.

  "To-night," replied Catesby. "
It is dark and foggy, and fitting for the purpose. Bates!" he shouted; and at the call his servant instantly descended. "Is the wherry at her moorings?"

  "She is, your worship," replied Bates.

  "You must cross the river instantly, then," rejoined Catesby, "and proceed to the dwelling adjoining the Parliament House, which we hired from Ferris. Here is the key. Examine the premises,—and bring word whether all is secure."

  Bates was about to depart, when Keyes volunteering to accompany him, they left the house together. Having fastened down the lid of the cask, Catesby summoned Fawkes to his assistance, and by his help as many barrels as could be safely stowed in the boat were brought out of the vault. More than two hours elapsed before Bates returned. He was alone, and informed them that all was secure, but that Keyes had decided on remaining where he was,—it being so dark and foggy, that it was scarcely possible to cross the river.

  "I had some difficulty in landing," he added, "and got considerably out of my course. I never was out on so dark a night before."

  "It is the better for us," rejoined Catesby. "We shall be sure to escape observation."

  In this opinion Guy Fawkes concurred, and they proceeded to transport the powder to the boat, which was brought up the sluice within a few yards of the door. This done, and the barrels covered with a piece of tarpaulin, they embarked, and Fawkes, seizing an oar, propelled the skiff along the narrow creek.

  As Bates had stated, the fog was so dense that it was wholly impossible to steer correctly, and Fawkes was therefore obliged to trust to chance as to the course he took. However, having fully regained his strength, he rowed with great swiftness, and, as far as he could judge, had gained the mid-stream, when, before he could avoid it, he came in violent contact with another boat, oversetting it, and plunging its occupants in the stream.

  Disregarding the hints and even menaces of Catesby, who urged him to proceed, Fawkes immediately lay upon his oars, and, as the water was perfectly smooth, succeeded, without much difficulty, in extricating the two men from their perilous situation. Their boat having drifted down the stream, could not be recovered. The chief of these personages was profuse in his thanks to his deliverers, whom he supposed were watermen, and they took care not to undeceive him.

  "You may rely upon my gratitude," he said; "and when I tell you I am the Earl of Salisbury, you will be satisfied I have the means of evincing it."

  "The Earl of Salisbury!" exclaimed Catesby, who was seated by Fawkes, having taken one of the oars. "Is it possible?"

  "I have been on secret state business," replied the Earl, "and did not choose to employ my own barge. I was returning to Whitehall, when your boat struck against mine."

  "It is our bitterest enemy," observed Catesby, in an under tone, to Fawkes. "Fate has delivered him into our hands."

  "What are you about to do?" demanded Fawkes, observing that his companion no longer pulled at the oar.

  "Shoot him," replied Catesby. "Keep still, while I disengage my petronel."

  "It shall not be," returned Fawkes, laying a firm grasp upon his arm. "Let him perish with the others."

  "If we suffer him to escape now, we may never have such a chance again," rejoined Catesby. "I will shoot him."

  "I say you shall not," rejoined Fawkes. "His hour is not yet come."

  "What are you talking about, my masters?" demanded the Earl, who was shivering in his wet garments.

  "Nothing," replied Catesby, hastily. "I will throw him overboard," he whispered to Fawkes.

  "Again I say, you shall not," replied the latter.

  "I see what you are afraid of," cried the Earl. "You are smugglers. You have got some casks of distilled waters on board, and are afraid I may report you. Fear nothing. Land me near the palace, and count upon my gratitude."

  "Our course lies in a different direction," replied Catesby, sternly. "If your lordship lands at all, it must be where we choose."

  "But I have to see the King to-night. I have some important papers to deliver to him respecting the Papists," replied Salisbury.

  "Indeed!" exclaimed Catesby. "We must, at least, have those papers," he observed, in a whisper, to Fawkes.

  "That is a different affair," replied Fawkes. "They may prove serviceable to us."

  "My lord," observed Catesby, "by a strange chance you have fallen into the hands of Catholics. You will be pleased to deliver these papers to us."

  "Ah! villains, would you rob me?" cried the Earl. "You shall take my life sooner."

  "We will take both, if you resist," replied Catesby, in a menacing tone.

  "Nay, then," returned Salisbury, attempting to draw his sword, "we will see who will obtain the mastery. We are equally matched. Come on; I fear you not."

  But the waterman who had rowed the Earl was not of equal courage with his employer, and refused to take part in the conflict.

  "It will be useless to contend with us," cried Catesby, relinquishing the oar to Fawkes, and springing forward. "I must have those papers," he added, seizing the Earl by the throat, "or I will throw you overboard."

  "I am mistaken in you," returned Salisbury; "you are no common mariner."

  "It matters not who or what I am," rejoined Catesby, fiercely. "Your papers, or you die."

  Finding it in vain to contend with his opponent, the Earl was fain to yield, and reluctantly produced a packet from his doublet, and delivered it to him.

  "You will repent this outrage, villain," he said.

  "Your lordship will do well to recollect you are still in my power," rejoined Catesby. "One thrust of my sword will wipe off some of the injuries you have inflicted on our suffering party."

  "I have heard your voice before," cried Salisbury; "you shall not escape me."

  "Your imprudence has destroyed you," retorted Catesby, clutching the Earl's throat more tightly, and shortening his sword, with the intent to plunge it into his breast.

  "Hold!" exclaimed Fawkes, grasping his arm, and preventing the blow. "I have already said you shall not slay him. You are in possession of his papers. What more would you have?"

  "His life," replied Catesby, struggling to liberate his arm.

  "Let him swear not to betray us," rejoined Fawkes. "If he refuses, I will not stay your hand."

  "You hear what my companion says, my lord," cried Catesby. "Will you swear to keep silence as to what has just occurred?"

  After a moment's hesitation, Salisbury assented, and Catesby relinquished his grasp.

  During this time, the boat had drifted considerably down the stream, and, in spite of the darkness, Catesby noticed with some uneasiness that they were approaching more than one vessel. The Earl of Salisbury also perceived this, and raised a cry for help, but was instantly checked by Catesby, who took a seat beside him, and placing the point of his rapier at his breast, swore he would stab him if he made any further clamour.

  The threat, and the dangerous propinquity of his enemy, effectually silenced the Earl, and Catesby directed Fawkes to make for the shore as quickly as he could. His injunctions were obeyed, and Fawkes plied the oars with so much good-will, that in a few minutes the wherry struck against the steps, which projected far into the water, a little to the right of the Star Chamber, precisely on the spot where Westminster Bridge now stands.

  Here the Earl and his companion were allowed to disembark, and they had no sooner set foot on land than Guy Fawkes pushed off the boat, and rowed as swiftly as he could towards the centre of the stream. He then demanded of Catesby whether he should make for the Parliament House, or return.

  "I scarcely know what to advise," replied Catesby. "I do not think the Earl will attempt pursuit. And yet I know not. The papers we have obtained may be important. Cease rowing for a moment, and let us listen."

  Guy Fawkes complied, and they listened intently, but could only hear the rippling of the current against the sides of the skiff.

  "We have nothing to fear," observed Catesby. "He will not pursue us, or he cannot find a boat."

  As he spoke
, the glimmer of torches was visible on the shore, and the plunge of oars into the water convinced him his opinion was erroneous.

  "What course shall we take?" inquired Fawkes.

  "I care not," replied Catesby, sullenly. "If I had had my own way, this would not have happened."

  "Have no fears," replied Fawkes, rowing swiftly down the stream. "We shall easily escape."

  "We will not be taken alive," returned Catesby, seating himself on one of the barrels, and hammering against the lid with the butt-end of his petronel. "I will sooner blow us all to perdition than he shall capture us."

  "You are right," replied Fawkes. "By my patron, Saint James, he is taking the same course as ourselves."

  "Well, let him board us," replied Catesby. "I am ready for him."

  "Do as you think proper if the worst occurs," returned Fawkes. "But, if we make no noise, I am assured we shall not be perceived."

  With this he ceased rowing, and suffered the boat to drop down the stream. As ill-luck would have it, it seemed as if the hostile bark had struck completely into their track, and, aided by the current, and four sturdy rowers, was swiftly approaching.

  "The Earl will be upon us in a few minutes," replied Catesby. "If you have any prayers to offer, recite them quickly, for I swear I will be as good as my word."

  "I am ever prepared for death," replied Fawkes. "Ha! we are saved!"

  This last exclamation was occasioned by his remarking a large barge, towards which they were rapidly drifting.

  "What are you about to do?" cried Catesby.—"Leap on board, and abandon the skiff, together with its contents?"

  "No," replied Fawkes; "sit still, and leave the rest to me."

  By this time, they had approached the barge, which was lying at anchor, and Guy Fawkes, grasping at a boat-hook, fixed it in the vessel as they passed, and drew their own boat close to its side—so close, in fact, that it could not be distinguished from it.

  The next moment, the chase came up, and they distinctly perceived the Earl of Salisbury seated in the stern of the boat, holding a torch. As he approached the barge, he held the light towards it; but the skiff being on the off-side, entirely escaped notice. When the chase had got to a sufficient distance to be out of hearing, the fugitives rowed swiftly in the contrary direction.