CHAPTER IX.
THE COUNTERPLOT.
Startled, but not dismayed--for he was a man of great courage--by thesudden address and appearance of Guy Fawkes, Lord Mounteagle instantlysprang to his feet, and drawing his sword, put himself into a posture ofdefence.
"You have betrayed me," he cried, seizing Tresham with his left hand;"but if I fall, you shall fall with me."
"You have betrayed yourself, my lord," rejoined Guy Fawkes; "or rather,Heaven has placed you in our hands as an instrument for the liberationof Viviana Radcliffe. You must take an oath of secrecy--a bindingoath,--such as, being a good Catholic, you cannot break,--not to divulgewhat has come to your knowledge. Nay, you must join me and myconfederates, or you quit not this spot with life."
"I refuse your terms," replied Mounteagle, resolutely; "I will neverconspire against the monarch to whom I have sworn allegiance. I will notjoin you. I will not aid you in procuring Viviana Radcliffe's release.Nor will I take the oath you propose. On the contrary, I arrest you as atraitor, and I command you, Tresham, in the King's name, to assist me inhis capture."
But suddenly extricating himself from the grasp imposed upon him, andplacing Guy Fawkes between him and the Earl, Tresham rejoined,--
"It is time to throw off the mask, my good lord and brother. I canrender you no assistance. I am sworn to this league, and must supportit. Unless you assent to the conditions proposed,--and which for yourown sake I would counsel you to do,--I must, despite our nearrelationship, take part against you,--even," he added, significantly,"if your destruction should be resolved upon."
"I will sell my life dearly, as you shall find," replied Mounteagle."And, but for the sake of my dear lady, your sister, I would stab youwhere you stand."
"Your lordship will find resistance in vain," replied Guy Fawkes,keeping his eye steadily fixed upon him. "We seek not your life, butyour co-operation. You are a prisoner."
"A prisoner!" echoed Mounteagle, derisively. "You have not secured meyet."
And as he spoke, he rushed towards the door, but his departure waschecked by Bates, who presented himself at the entrance of the passagewith a drawn sword in his hand. At the same moment, Catesby and Keyesissued from the closet, while Garnet and the other conspirators likewiseemerged from their hiding-places. Hearing the noise behind him, LordMounteagle turned, and beholding the group, uttered an exclamation ofsurprise and rage.
"I am fairly entrapped," he said, sheathing his sword, and advancingtowards them. "Fool that I was, to venture hither!"
"These regrets are too late, my lord," replied Catesby. "You came hitherof your own accord. But being here, nothing, except compliance with ourdemands, can ensure your departure."
"Yes, one thing else," thought Mounteagle,--"cunning. It shall go hardif I cannot outwit you. Tresham will act with me. I know his treacherousnature too well to doubt which way he will incline. Interest, as well asrelationship, binds him to me. He will acquaint me with their plans. Ineed not, therefore, compromise myself by joining them. If I take theoath of secrecy, it will suffice--and I will find means of eluding theobligation. I may thus make my own bargain with Salisbury. But I mustproceed cautiously. Too sudden a compliance might awaken theirsuspicions."
"My lord," said Catesby, who had watched his countenance narrowly, anddistrusted its expression, "we must have no double-dealing. Any attemptto play us false will prove fatal to you."
"I have not yet consented to your terms, Mr. Catesby," repliedMounteagle, "and I demand a few moments' reflection before I do so."
"What say you, gentlemen?" said Catesby. "Do you agree to his lordship'srequest?"
There was a general answer in the affirmative.
"I would also confer for a moment alone with my brother Tresham," saidMounteagle.
"That cannot be, my lord," rejoined Garnet, peremptorily. "And take heedyou meditate no treachery towards us, or you will destroy yourself hereand hereafter."
"I have no desire to speak with him, father," observed Tresham. "Let himdeclare what he has to say before you all."
Mounteagle looked hard at him, but he made no remark.
"In my opinion, we ought not to trust him," observed Keyes. "It is plainhe is decidedly opposed to us. And if the oath is proposed to him, hemay take it with some mental reservation."
"_I_ will guard against that," replied Garnet.
"If I take the oath, I will keep it, father," rejoined Mounteagle. "ButI have not yet decided."
"You must do so, then, quickly, my lord," returned Catesby. "You shallhave five minutes for reflection. But first, you must deliver up yoursword."
The Earl started.
"We mean _you_ no treachery, my lord," observed Keyes, "and expect to bedealt with with equal fairness."
Surrendering his sword to Catesby, Mounteagle then walked to the fartherend of the room, and leaning against the wall, with his back to theconspirators, appeared buried in thought.
"Take Tresham aside," whispered Catesby to Wright. "I do not wish him tooverhear our conference. Watch him narrowly, and see that no signalpasses between him and Lord Mounteagle."
Wright obeyed; and the others gathering closely together, began toconverse in a low tone.
"It will not do to put him to death," observed Garnet. "From what hestated to Tresham, it appears that his servant was aware of his cominghither. If he disappears, therefore, search will be immediately made,and all will be discovered. We must either instantly secure ourselves byflight, and give up the enterprise, or trust him."
"You are right, father," replied Rookwood. "The danger is imminent."
"We are safe at present," observed Percy, "and may escape to France orFlanders before information can be given against us. Nay, we may carryoff Mounteagle with us, for that matter. But I am loth to trust him."
"So am I," rejoined Catesby. "I do not like his looks."
"There is no help," said Fawkes. "We _must_ trust him, or give up theenterprise. He may materially aid us, and has himself asserted that hecan procure Viviana's liberation from the Tower."
"Pshaw!" exclaimed Catesby, impatiently. "What has that to do with theall-important question we are now considering?"
"Much," returned Fawkes. "And I will not move further in the matterunless that point is insisted on."
"You have become strangely interested in Viviana of late," observedCatesby, sarcastically. "Could I suspect you of so light a passion, Ishould say you loved her."
A deep flush dyed Fawkes's swarthy cheeks, but he answered in a voice ofconstrained calmness,
"I _do_ love her,--as a daughter."
"Humph!" exclaimed the other, drily.
"Catesby," rejoined Fawkes, sternly, "you know me well--too well, tosuppose I would resort to any paltry subterfuge. I am willing to letwhat you have said pass. But I counsel you not to jest thus in future."
"Jest!" exclaimed Catesby. "I was never more serious in my life."
"Then you do me wrong," retorted Fawkes, fiercely; "and you will repeatthe insinuation at your peril."
"My sons--my sons," interposed Garnet, "what means this sudden--thisneedless quarrel, at a moment when we require the utmost calmness tomeet the danger that assails us? Guy Fawkes is right. Viviana _must_ besaved. If we desert her, our cause will never prosper. But let usproceed step by step, and first decide upon what is to be done with LordMounteagle."
"I am filled with perplexity," replied Catesby.
"Then I will decide for you," replied Percy. "Our project must beabandoned."
"Never," replied Fawkes, energetically. "Fly, and secure your ownsafety. I will stay and accomplish it alone."
"A brave resolution!" exclaimed Catesby, tendering him his hand, whichthe other cordially grasped. "I will stand by you to the last. No--wehave advanced too far to retreat."
"Additional caution will be needful," observed Keyes. "Can we not makeit a condition with Lord Mounteagle to retire, till the blow is struck,to his mansion at Hoxton?"
"That would be of no avail," replied G
arnet. "We must trust him wholly,or not at all."
"There I agree with you, father," said Percy. "Let us propose the oathof secrecy to him, and detain him here until we have found some secureretreat, utterly unknown to him, or to Tresham, whence we can correspondwith our friends. A few days will show whether he has betrayed us ornot. We need not visit this place again till the moment for actionarrives."
"You need not visit it again at all," rejoined Fawkes. "Everything isprepared, and I will undertake to fire the train. Prepare for what is tofollow the explosion, and leave the management of that to me."
"I cannot consent to such a course, my son," said Garnet. "The wholerisk will thus be yours."
"The whole glory will be mine, also, father," rejoined Fawkes,enthusiastically. "I pray you, let me have my own way."
"Well, be it as you will, my son," returned Garnet, with affectedreluctance. "I will not oppose the hand of Heaven, which clearly pointsyou out as the chief agent in this mighty enterprise. In reference towhat Percy has said about a retreat till Lord Mounteagle'strust-worthiness can be ascertained," he added to Catesby, "I have justbethought me of a large retired house on the borders of Enfield Chase,called White Webbs. It has been recently taken by Mrs. Brooksby, and hersister, Anne Vaux, and will afford us a safe asylum."
"An excellent plan, father," cried Catesby. "Since Guy Fawkes is willingto undertake the risk, we will leave Lord Mounteagle in his charge, andgo there at once."
"What must be done with Tresham?" asked Percy. "We cannot take him withus, nor must he know of our retreat."
"Leave him with me," said Fawkes.
"You will be at a disadvantage," observed Catesby, "should he take part,as there is reason to fear he may do, with Lord Mounteagle."
"They are both unarmed," returned Fawkes; "but were it otherwise, Iwould answer with my head for their detention."
"All good saints guard you, my son!" exclaimed Garnet. "Henceforth, weresign the custody of the powder to you."
"It will be in safe keeping," replied Fawkes.
The party then advanced towards Lord Mounteagle, who, hearing theirapproach, instantly faced them.
"Your decision, my lord?" demanded Catesby.
"You shall have it in a word, sir," replied Mounteagle, firmly.
"I will _not_ join you, but I will take the required oath of secrecy."
"Is this your final resolve, my lord?" rejoined Catesby.
"It is," replied the Earl.
"It must content us," observed Garnet; "though we hoped you would havelent your active services to further a cause, having for its sole objectthe restoration of the church to which you belong."
"I know not the means whereby you propose to restore it, father,"replied Mounteagle, "and I do not desire to know them. But I guess thatthey are dark and bloody, and as such I can take no part in them."
"And you refuse to give us any counsel or assistance?" pursued Garnet.
"I will not betray you," replied Mounteagle. "I can say nothingfurther."
"I would rather he promised too little, than too much," whisperedCatesby to Garnet. "I begin to think him sincere."
"I am of the same opinion, my son," returned Garnet.
"One thing you _shall_ do, before _I_ consent to set you free, on anyterms, my lord," observed Guy Fawkes. "You shall engage to procure theliberation of Viviana Radcliffe from the Tower. You told Tresham youcould easily accomplish it."
"I scarcely knew what I said," replied Mounteagle, with a look ofembarrassment.
"You spoke confidently, my lord," rejoined Fawkes.
"Because I had no idea I should be compelled to make good my words,"returned the Earl. "But as a Catholic, and related by marriage toTresham, who is a suspected person, any active exertions in her behalfon my part might place me in jeopardy."
"This excuse shall not avail you, my lord," replied Fawkes. "You mustweigh your own safety against hers. You stir not hence till you havesworn to free her."
"I must perforce assent, since you will have no refusal," repliedMounteagle. "But I almost despair of success. If I can effect herdeliverance, I swear to do so."
"Enough," replied Fawkes.
"And now, gentlemen," said Catesby, appealing to the others, "are youwilling to let Lord Mounteagle depart upon the proposed terms?"
"We are," they replied.
"I will administer the oath at once," said Garnet; "and you will bear inmind, my son," he added, in a stern tone to the Earl, "that it will beone which cannot be violated without perdition to your soul."
"I am willing to take it," replied Mounteagle.
Producing a primer, and motioning the Earl to kneel before him, Garnetthen proposed an oath of the most solemn and binding description. Theother repeated it after him, and at its conclusion placed the book tohis lips.
"Are you satisfied?" he asked, rising.
"I am," replied Garnet.
"And so am I," thought Tresham, who stood in the rear, "--that he willperjure himself."
"Am I now at liberty to depart?" inquired the Earl.
"Not yet, my lord," replied Catesby. "You must remain here tillmidnight."
Lord Mounteagle looked uneasy, but seeing remonstrance would be useless,he preserved a sullen silence.
"You need have no fear, my lord," said Catesby. "But we must take suchprecautions as will ensure our safety, in case you intend us anytreachery."
"You cannot doubt me, sir, after the oath I have taken," repliedMounteagle, haughtily. "But since you constitute yourself my jailer, Imust abide your pleasure."
"If I _am_ your jailer, my lord," rejoined Catesby, "I will prove to youthat I am not neglectful of my office. Will it please you to follow me?"
The Earl bowed in acquiescence; and Catesby, marching before him to asmall room, the windows of which were carefully barred, pointed to achair, and instantly retiring, locked the door upon him. He thenreturned to the others, and taking Guy Fawkes aside, observed in a lowtone,
"We shall set out instantly for White Webbs. You will remain on guardwith Tresham, whom you will, of course, keep in ignorance of ourproceedings. After you have set the Earl at liberty, you can follow usif you choose. But take heed you are not observed."
"Fear nothing," replied Fawkes.
Soon after this, Catesby, and the rest of the conspirators, with theexception of Guy Fawkes and Tresham, quitted the room, and the formerconcluded they were about to leave the house. He made no remark,however, to his companion; but getting between him and the door, foldedhis arms upon his breast, and continued to pace backwards and forwardsbefore it.
"Am I a prisoner, as well as Lord Mounteagle?" asked Tresham, after apause.
"You must remain with me here till midnight," replied Fawkes. "We shallnot be disturbed."
"What! are the others gone?" cried Tresham.
"They are," was the reply.
Tresham's countenance fell, and he appeared to be meditating someproject, which he could not muster courage to execute.
"Be warned by the past, Tresham," said Fawkes, who had regarded himfixedly for some minutes. "If I find reason to doubt you, I will put itout of your power to betray us a second time."
"You have no reason to doubt me," replied Tresham, with apparentcandour. "I only wondered that our friends should leave me without anyintimation of their purpose. It is for me, not you, to apprehend someill design. Am I not to act with you further?"
"That depends upon yourself, and on the proofs you give of yoursincerity," replied Fawkes. "Answer me frankly. Do you think LordMounteagle will keep his oath?"
"I will stake my life upon it," replied Tresham.
The conversation then dropped, and no attempt was made on either side torenew it. In this way several hours passed, when at length the silencewas broken by Tresham, who requested permission to go in search of somerefreshment; and Guy Fawkes assenting, they descended to the lower room,and partook of a slight repast.
Nothing further worthy of note occurred. On the arrival of the appointedhour,
Guy Fawkes signified to his companion that he might liberate LordMounteagle; and immediately availing himself of the permission, Treshamrepaired to the chamber, and threw open the door. The Earl immediatelycame forth, and they returned together to the room in which Guy Fawkesremained on guard.
"You are now at liberty to depart, my lord," said the latter; "andTresham can accompany you, if he thinks proper. Remember that you havesworn to procure Viviana's liberation."
"I do," replied the Earl.
And he then quitted the house with Tresham.
"You have had a narrow escape, my lord," remarked the latter as theyapproached Whitehall, and paused for a moment under the postern of thegreat western gate.
"True," replied the Earl; "but I do not regret the risk I have run. Theyare now wholly in my power."
"You forget your oath, my lord," said Tresham.
"If I do," replied the Earl, "I but follow your example. You have brokenone equally solemn, equally binding, and would break a thousand morewere they imposed upon you. But I will overthrow this conspiracy, andyet not violate mine."
"I see not how that can be, my lord," replied Tresham.
"You shall learn in due season," replied the Earl. "I have had plenty ofleisure for reflection in that dark hole, and have hit upon a planwhich, I think, cannot fail."
"I hope I am no party to it, my lord," rejoined Tresham. "I dare nothazard myself among them further."
"I cannot do without you," replied Mounteagle; "but I will ensure youagainst all danger. It will be necessary for you, however, to act withthe utmost discretion, and keep a constant guard upon every look andmovement, as well as upon your words. You must fully regain theconfidence of these men, and lull them into security."
"I see your lordship's drift," replied Tresham. "You wish them toproceed to the last point, to enhance the value of the discovery."
"Right," replied the Earl. "The plot must not be discovered till justbefore its outbreak, when its magnitude and danger will be the moreapparent. The reward will then be proportionate. Now, you understand me,Tresham."
"Fully," replied the other.
"Return to your own house," rejoined Mounteagle. "We need hold nofurther communication together till the time for action arrives."
"And that will not be before the meeting of Parliament," repliedTresham; "for they intend to whelm the King and all his nobles in onecommon destruction."
"By Heaven! a brave design!" cried Mounteagle. "It is a pity to mar it.I knew it was a desperate and daring project, but should never haveconceived aught like this. Its discovery will indeed occasion universalconsternation."
"It may benefit you and me to divulge it, my lord," said Tresham; "butthe disclosure will deeply and lastingly injure the Church of Rome."
"It would injure it more deeply if the plot succeeded," repliedMounteagle, "because all loyal Catholics must disapprove so horrible andsanguinary a design. But we will not discuss the question further,though what you have said confirms my purpose, and removes any misgivingI might have felt as to the betrayal. Farewell, Tresham. Keep a watchfuleye upon the conspirators, and communicate with me should any changetake place in their plans. We may not meet for some time. Parliament,though summoned for the third of October, will, in all probability, beprorogued till November."
"In that case," replied Tresham, "you will postpone your disclosurelikewise till November?"
"Assuredly," replied Mounteagle. "The King must be convinced of hisdanger. If it were found out now, he would think lightly of it. But ifhe has actually set foot upon the mine which a single spark might kindleto his destruction, he will duly appreciate the service rendered him.Farewell! and do not neglect my counsel."