, they beheld
shadow-like forms slowly appear upon the walls, and while intently
gazing, these apparitions gradually materialized and assumed definite
shape, resolving themselves into paintings portraying the last scenes
in the life of Christ. Penetrating everything was the clinging odor of
incense, which, in some subtle way, brings to mind the awful majesty
of God.

Presently Garnet emerged from the sacristy, bearing in his hand a
flaming taper with which he lighted the candles on the altar. The
Jesuit had placed over the costume which he wore a cope of deep red,
richly embroidered with gold, and evidently the priest had not even
laid aside his rapier, for its dull clank could be heard as he walked
about. The rattle of the steel broke discordantly upon the deep
silence, but was it not symbolic? A deed of violence was about to be
committed, cloaked in the garb of religion!

Finishing his task, he knelt before the altar in silent prayer. Then
arising, he passed to the gate of the rood screen, where his
commanding figure was thrown into bold relief by the altar lights.
Presently seating himself, he said in low and solemn tones to the men
kneeling in the darkness: "Consider well, my brethren, the step ye are
about to take; for he who turns back will be likened unto the woman
who glanced over her shoulder at a city burning;--to pillars of craven
cowardice would ye be changed--monuments to mark how men, even when
their duty shone clear as though emblazoned on the azure vault of
heaven, lacked heart to carry it out. Consider it well, then, all of
you!"

The deep voice of the priest rose as he uttered the last words, and
its resonant tone returned in echoes from the vaulted ceiling as if
each statued saint from out his niche cried: "Consider it well."

"Are ye all prepared?" he asked. A deep "All prepared" answered his
question.

"'Tis well. Now shall I register your vows before the unveiled Host
and upon the crucifix, that in the very presence of the Son of God ye
may swear to perform them unto the end. To thee, my son," continued
the Superior, addressing Catesby, "will I first administer the oath,
for 'twas thy hand which was foremost to lift itself in the holy
cause."

The man arose and knelt before the Jesuit. "Dost swear," said the
priest, holding a crucifix before the other's eyes, "that as thou dost
hope for salvation through the blood of Christ, so thou wilt yield thy
blood if need be in this holy work; settin