th much show
of temper, "one wall, indeed; a paper covering compared with this,"
and taking the bar again drove its point with great force against the
one now exposed, belonging to the House.

The iron rebounded from the solid masonry as though driven against a
sheet of steel, for the flinty stone turned it easily, and only a
shower of sparks answered the blow.

"What hast thou there?" asked Winter.

"The gate of hell," retorted Wright, kicking the bar with his foot,
"nine feet of it, by Master Percy's computation, and, I warrant, as
many years will be required to see the further side. Try it, good
Catesby, 'tis a nut a giant could scarce crack, though he wield a
battering ram."

Taking up a lantern which stood by the wall, Catesby examined the
masonry with great carefulness.

"Thou shouldst have struck the mortar," said he, tapping the cement
between the blocks of stone with the point of his drill, "wouldst tear
away the rock itself?"

For some moments he worked diligently, streaming with perspiration and
his loud breathing filling the narrow place. A hole scarce three
inches deep rewarded his exertions.

"'Tis well reasoned," growled he at length, "here is a riddle for
Master Fawkes; wilt summon him, friend Percy?"

Glad for an excuse to leave for a moment the ill-savored cellar, Percy
hastened on his errand, and Fawkes presently entered, looking keenly
about.

"What now, gentlemen?" said he, "hast made an opening?"

"That have we not, save through this wall of brick," replied Catesby,
"methinks thy gunpowder could scarce open a further way, friend Guido.
Look thou at yon barrier of stone."

Taking the lantern, Fawkes followed the suggestion. "'Tis, in truth,
most strongly put together," said he at length, "but with due patience
and diligence this also may be overcome. Give me a drill."

Having received one from the hand of Winter he attacked the masonry,
striking here, picking there, until, having loosened a goodly portion
of cement, he caught up a heavy crowbar, and inserting its point into
the narrow opening, bore down upon the iron with all his strength and
the block of stone, freed from its fastening, was detached and fell
with a dull crash upon the floor at his feet.

The soldier of fortune wiped his brow. "'Tis of the smallest," said
he, "but the others will give way in turn. Thou must first be sure
that the mortar is removed, when, using sufficient force, the rocks
will loosen, thus making th