Guy Fawkes, who had never relinquished his hold of Viviana, now pressed forward as rapidly as his strength would permit, and the two priests followed.

But loud shouts were raised on the drawbridge, and it was evident it was occupied by the enemy.
Uncertain what to do, Guy Fawkes halted, and was about to return to the house, when a shout from behind told him their retreat was intercepted.
In this dilemma there was nothing for it but to attempt to force a passage across the drawbridge, or to surrender at discretion; and though Guy Fawkes would not at other seasons have hesitated to embrace the former alternative, he knew that his strength was not equal to it now.
While he was internally resolving not to yield himself with life, and supporting Viviana, who clung closely to him, the clatter of hoofs was heard rapidly approaching along the avenue, and presently afterwards two horsemen galloped at full speed toward the drawbridge.

The noise had likewise attracted the attention of the enemy; who, apprehensive of a rescue, prepared to stop them.

But the tremendous pace of the riders rendered this impossible.

A few blows were exchanged, a few shots fired, and they had crossed the drawbridge.
"Who goes there ?" shouted Guy Fawkes, as the horsemen approached him.
"It is the voice of Guy Fawkes," cried the foremost, whose tones proclaimed it was Catesby.