sylum greeted their eyes.
Percy turned to Catesby, who rode at his side.

"Good Robert," said he, "there must we perforce remain till morning;
horseflesh can scarce endure the strain much longer, and those who
follow must needs halt, also. Stephen Littleton hath been our friend,
therefore is his dwelling at our disposal. 'Tis a stout structure, and
should the King's men find us therein--some will go with us to the
other world."

Catesby smiled sadly. "Here will we indeed rest," replied he; "for, as
thou sayest, the beasts be weary. England is small, good Percy; we
must not lack courage."

Noting the two leaders pull up their horses at the gate of the
dwelling, the others did likewise, and all dismounted and entered the
place which, to some, was their last abode--save the grave. In the
main chamber a cheerful fire crackled; for in the month of November
the air was chill, and Master Littleton perceiving the gentlemen
trembling as from cold, caused to be thrown upon the embers a goodly
number of faggots which blazed brightly. The sight recalled to Percy's
mind the fatal cellar under the House of Parliament, where he had
last seen Fawkes guarding with watchful eye the secret which lay
beneath so innocent a covering.

Having removed their heavy boots and outer clothing the conspirators
talked together, seeking to dispel the gloom which rested upon the
company. All were ill at ease, for, although Percy had said the King's
officers would rest, it was possible they might secure fresh horses,
push on, and attack the house ere morning. Expecting no mercy if taken
alive, each resolved to sell his life dearly.

The hours passed on to ten in the evening, when a thing happened
which, to the minds of many in England, exemplified the law of
God--that the wicked shall perish through their own evil devices.
Wishing to have all in readiness should the officers come upon them
during the night, and fearing that the gunpowder with which they were
provided might have become dampened by reason of the humidity of the
weather and its prolonged exposure to the elements, Christopher Wright
poured upon a platter some two pounds of the black grains, and set it
beside the hearthstone. Noting the action another of the party brought
a second bag of powder and treated it likewise, thinking to remove it
when sufficiently dry.

Percy perceived the danger and withdrew from his position before the
blaze. "Were it not well," said he, "to have a care,