d
as of the rushing of mighty waters, which continued for a short space
of time, then died away. The noise reached the ears of those in the
room without, and it needed not the white face of Catesby showing in
the opening to send them upon their knees with prayers to the Virgin
for protection. At that moment Fawkes appeared among them.

"What now?" said he gruffly, much amazed at so strange a sight, "think
ye, good gentlemen, that praying will cause the stones to separate?"

"Brave Guido!" cried Winter with trembling voice, "either this place
is bewitched or our plans discovered; we have heard----"

The renewal of the noise interrupted him. Fawkes laid his hand upon
his hilt and, with his lips pressed close together, thrust his head
into the entrance of the tunnel. For a moment he remained silent,
then turned with a grim look upon his face.

"'Tis from the place which we strive to reach," said he shortly; "go
ye to the room above, while I learn its meaning;" and without more
delay he left the cellar, followed by his terror-stricken companions.

Disguised in the dress of a common porter there was little danger in
his venturing abroad. After an absence of about an hour, he returned
to the six conspirators.

"Faith!" said he, tossing his cap upon the table, "thou mayst lay
aside thy tools, Sir Thomas, and the others likewise."

"And wherefore?" asked Percy with bloodless lips. "Are we then
discovered? If so, I will die with sword in hand----"

"Speak not of dying," replied Fawkes, a smile passing over his face;
"rather set thy wits to working. Thou art good at bargaining; hire for
us, therefore, this cellar beneath the House of Parliament."

The Catholic gentlemen gazed at him in astonishment, wondering if some
sudden terror had beclouded his brain; or, did the man but jest with
them?

"Hire the chamber under Parliament House?" gasped Catesby, "as well
might good Percy bargain for the royal prerogative of James."

"Ye think me mad," said Fawkes, "but listen. After leaving you I made
my way with all haste to the door of the Parliament cellar, which was
open, and discovered the meaning of the noise which reached us in the
tunnel;--'twas the sliding downward of a goodly quantity of coal,
owned by a woman of some property called Bright, a dealer in coals and
faggots. She being present, attending to the removal of her own, I
addressed her and learned that, having hired the cellar from the
authorities, she was about