er threatened,
bent carelessly over the pile of coals and faggots. Coming thus,
without knowledge, any might have judged him an honest coal monger
busy at his trade.

Those who entered so hastily rushed upon him; Edmond Doubleday raised
a dagger, intent upon driving it into his body, but seeing Fawkes
unarmed he lowered the steel and seized him by the shoulders. In an
instant the soldier shook off the other's grasp.

"Who art thou?" cried he fiercely, "what is thy business, sir?"

For reply Doubleday turned to his companions. "Surround the fellow,
gentlemen," said he sharply, "and search the cellar."

Fawkes was quickly hemmed in by a wall of men, each with drawn sword
in hand. On the instant it flashed upon him that the plot was known,
and that further dissimulation would be profitless; therefore he held
his peace while two or three of his captors searched the cellar. One
muttered an exclamation; he had come upon the fuse, and following it,
perceived the barrels beneath the pile of faggots. Fawkes smiled
grimly.

"If thou wilt look yet further," said he, "haply thou wilt find a dead
man."

But nothing was discovered save Fawkes, his faggots, and the
gunpowder.

The captive started. He had not then killed him who grappled with him
in the darkness; sorely wounded, the other had escaped to set the
bloodhounds upon his hiding place. He had thought his hand more sure.

After thoroughly searching the cellar those who had taken Fawkes led
him to the passage without. He noted upon the stones the drops of
blood, and smiled,--his knife had not been useless after all. As the
little company with the soldier of fortune in their midst hurried
along the passage there ran toward them Sir Thomas Knyvet and half a
score of the royal guards. Perceiving the prisoner, the knight looked
at him critically.

"What!" cried he, turning to Doubleday, "hast not bound the ruffian?
'Tis the King's pleasure that any whom thou hast taken be brought
before the throne."

No cords were forthcoming, for, in their haste, small matters had been
neglected, but one of the gentlemen, taking from his pocket a pair of
garters proffered them to Doubleday.

"Take these," said he; "I warrant they will hold the knave."

Fawkes submitted without a protest, watching with grim indifference
the passing of the garters about his legs and wrists. Once he smiled;
but 'twas a fleeting shadow. Within the House his captors searched
him, coming upon the tinder