"But, if we make no noise, I am assured we shall not be perceived." With this he ceased rowing, and suffered the boat to drop down the stream.

As ill-luck would have it, it seemed as if the hostile bark had struck completely into their track, and, aided by the current, and four sturdy rowers, was swiftly approaching.
"The Earl will be upon us in a few minutes," replied Catesby.

"If you have any prayers to offer, recite them quickly, for I swear I will be as good as my word." "I am ever prepared for death," replied Fawkes.

"Ha! we are saved!" This last exclamation was occasioned by his remarking a large barge, towards which they were rapidly drifting.
"What are you about to do ?" cried Catesby.--"Leap on board, and abandon the skiff, together with its contents ?" "No," replied Fawkes; "sit still, and leave the rest to me." By this time, they had approached the barge, which was lying at anchor, and Guy Fawkes, grasping at a boat-hook, fixed it in the vessel as they passed, and drew their own boat close to its side--so close, in fact, that it could not be distinguished from it.
The next moment, the chase came up, and they distinctly perceived the Earl of Salisbury seated in the stern of the boat, holding a torch.

As he approached the barge, he held the light towards it; but the skiff being on the off-side, entirely escaped notice.