shadow of a smile playing about
the corners of his mouth. "Thy words but recalled me to my duty. As
thou sayest, we have spoken much, and I did but consider that talking
would scarce pull from the throne----"

He who was attired in the gray velvet started. "Not so plainly; not so
openly, my good Catesby!" he interrupted, "or as my name be Jack
Wright, I----"

The language of his companion aroused the dormant energies and spirit
of Catesby.

"Faith!" cried he, bringing his clenched hand down upon the table,
"methinks the adventure with my Lord of Essex hath left thy stomach
but poorly fitted for so tough a morsel as the undoing of the 'Wisest
Fool in Christendom.' Even Sir Digsby, who but now turned trembling
toward the doorway, hath more spirit for the undertaking. Hath not
Percy touched the keynote of our ill condition? What matters it that
we writhe under the despotism of James Stuart? Wherefore are the penal
laws renewed? Why hath England driven from her shores those who would
serve us in our churches? Where is our Mass, our altars and the images
of Holy Mother Church? Would we call on France, Spain and the Holy
Father to sweep from the land this band of heretics who fear not God,
nor respect the faith of five centuries of English kings? I tell thee,
Sir John Wright, friend and fellow churchman though thou art, that
'tis to us--to all the Catholics in England--that the world looks for
action. Will France act while we are idle? Thinkest thou Spain hath so
soon forgotten the Armada, that she will consent to aid while we
remain under cover? 'Tis for us to open a way whereby may enter those
who stand without, seeking our deliverance. Words beyond count, like
the drops of the ocean, have been uttered since James came to the
throne, yet are we free? 'Tis not words, I tell thee, but action,
swift, sharp and merciless, that will put down our enemies. Fearest
thou the block? Did Essex, did Moore, a hundred others whose faith was
their life, fear the headsman? Good Percy hath brought us to our
senses and surely thou must see the truth of it."

Having thus delivered himself Catesby sank into his seat, his face
white from the intensity of the fire which burned within him. His
companions remained silent, so great was their astonishment at the
openly expressed earnestness of Catesby. Percy was the first to regain
speech.

"It ill becomes us," said he, "that a quarrel should arise in a
company gathered for the discussion of