approach the door, nor enter the garden, much less question the
carriers concerning that which they removed so carefully.

It was at the end of the tenth day after the visit of Percy and Sir
Thomas to Master Keyes that the six and thirty barrels--twenty-four
hundred pounds--of powder were safely stored in the building next the
Parliament House.

But ere this was accomplished, those who had undertaken the digging of
the tunnel began their work. Under cover of the darkness, Catesby,
Wright, Percy, Winter and Fawkes, entered the house leased by the
Gentleman-Pensioner, and being provided with a goodly quantity of
baked meats and other necessaries, that nothing should arise to call
them abroad, they began their work upon the brick wall beyond which
lay the masonry proper of the House.

Of the five, four were gentlemen of blood, to whom the handling of
pick and bar came not so readily. To Fawkes, skilled through long
service in foreign lands, where the undermining of walls and
fortifications was a common occupation, it fell to direct the work,
although in actual digging he took small part, it having been agreed
that he should serve as watchman, warn the others did any approach the
garden, or danger arise from sounds in the cellar reaching the ears of
those whose curiosity might bring unwelcome investigation as to so
strange a proceeding. Crowded as they were in the narrow space, the
four conspirators, with doublets cast aside and limbs weary from their
unusual occupation, plied drill and crowbar, enlivening their toil by
discourse upon the subject of the undertaking, and stopping ever and
anon to refresh themselves with ale, or wine.

"Faith!" said Sir Thomas, looking woefully upon his begrimed hands and
vestment, "'tis a sorry thing to play the mole, when a sword thrust
delivered from behind a curtain, or the stroke of a poniard, would as
well free us of these tyrants."

"'Twere perchance easier," replied Percy, driving his drill through
the last layer of bricks which stood between them and the second wall.
"I, for one, would choose the Lord to give me work under an open sky,
where there be less dust to blind the eyes and stifle the breath."

Catesby laughed harshly. "Could Garnet hear thee," said he, "a
discourse of patience would soon be forthcoming. To your work,
gentlemen; we have already pierced one wall."

An exclamation from Wright interrupted them.

"By the wounds," he growled, throwing down his crowbar wi