As he crossed the threshold, however, a powerful grasp was laid upon his shoulder, and a drawn sword presented to his breast, while the voice of Fawkes thundered in his ear, "Who goes there?
Speak, or I strike." While the fugitive, not daring to answer, lest his accents should betray him, endeavoured vainly to break away, Viviana, hearing the struggle, threw open the door, and exclaimed, "It is Tresham.

I set him free." "You!" cried Fawkes, in astonishment.

"Wherefore ?" "In the hope that his escape would induce you to abandon your design, and seek safety in flight," she rejoined.

"But you have thwarted my purpose." Fawkes made no reply, but thrust Tresham forcibly into the house, and called to Catesby, who by this time had been roused with the others, to close and bar the door.

The command was instantly obeyed, and as Catesby turned, a strange and fearful group met his view.