On descending to the lower room, he found Catesby, who, having left Bates in care of the horses, produced such refreshments as they had brought with them.

These were scanty enough; but a few flasks of excellent wine which they found within the house made some amends for the meagre repast.

Viviana was solicited by Guy Fawkes to join them; but she declined, alleging that she was greatly fatigued, and about to retire to rest.
Their meal ended, Catesby proposed that they should ascertain the condition of the powder, as he feared it might have suffered from being so long in the vault.

Before making this examination, the door was carefully barred; the shutters of the windows closed; and Guy Fawkes placed himself as sentinel at the door.

A flag beneath the grate, in which a fire was never kindled, was then raised, and disclosed a flight of steps leading to a vault beneath.