The chief of these personages was profuse in his thanks to his deliverers, whom he supposed were watermen, and they took care not to undeceive him.
"You may rely upon my gratitude," he said; "and when I tell you I am the Earl of Salisbury, you will be satisfied I have the means of evincing it." "The Earl of Salisbury!" exclaimed Catesby, who was seated by Fawkes, having taken one of the oars.

"Is it possible ?" "I have been on secret state business," replied the Earl, "and did not choose to employ my own barge.

I was returning to Whitehall, when your boat struck against mine." "It is our bitterest enemy," observed Catesby, in an under tone, to Fawkes.

"Fate has delivered him into our hands." "What are you about to do ?" demanded Fawkes, observing that his companion no longer pulled at the oar.
"Shoot him," replied Catesby.

"Keep still, while I disengage my petronel." "It shall not be," returned Fawkes, laying a firm grasp upon his arm.
"Let him perish with the others." "If we suffer him to escape now, we may never have such a chance again," rejoined Catesby.