Catesby having placed a light in a lantern, descended with Keyes; but both Garnet and Oldcorne refused to accompany them.
The vault was arched and lofty, and, strange to say, for its situation, dry--a circumstance owing, in all probability, to the great thickness of the walls.

On either side were ranged twenty barrels filled with powder; and at the further end stood a pile of arms, consisting of pikes, rapiers, demi-lances, petronels, calivers, corslets, and morions.
Removing one of the barrels from its station, Catesby forced open the lid, and examined its contents, which he found perfectly dry and uninjured.
"It is fit for use," he observed, with a significant smile, as he exhibited a handful of the powder to Keyes, who stood at a little distance with the lantern; "if it will keep as well in the cellar beneath the Parliament House, our foes will soon be nearer heaven, than they would ever be if left to themselves." "When do you propose to transport it across the river ?" asked Keyes.
"To-night," replied Catesby.

"It is dark and foggy, and fitting for the purpose.

Bates!" he shouted; and at the call his servant instantly descended.

"Is the wherry at her moorings ?" "She is, your worship," replied Bates.
"You must cross the river instantly, then," rejoined Catesby, "and proceed to the dwelling adjoining the Parliament House, which we hired from Ferris.