Nothing was said of the treachery of Tresham--his recent conduct, as already observed, having been such as to restore him in a great degree to the confidence of his companions.
Percy, whose office as a gentleman-pensioner gave him the best opportunities of hearing court-whispers and secrets, informed them it was rumoured that the Earl of Salisbury had obtained a clue to some Catholic plot, whether their own he could not say; but it would seem from all that could be gathered, that his endeavours to trace it out had been frustrated.
"Where is Lord Mounteagle ?" demanded Catesby.
"At his mansion near Hoxton," replied Percy.
"Have you observed him much about the court of late, or with the Earl of Salisbury ?" pursued Catesby.
"No," replied Percy.

"Yet now, I bethink me, I did observe them together, and in earnest conversation about a week ago.

But Lord Mounteagle knows nothing of _our_ plot." "Hum!" exclaimed Catesby, shrugging his shoulders, while significant looks were exchanged by the others, and Tresham hung his head.

"Lord Mounteagle may not know that you or I, or Fawkes, or Rookwood, are conspiring against the State; but he knows that a plot is hatching amongst our party.

It is from him that the Earl of Salisbury derived his information." "Amazement!" exclaimed Percy.
"A good Catholic, and betray his fellows!" cried Rookwood; "this passes my comprehension.