His departure, they said, was sudden, but his letter fully accounted for it." "The messenger who bore that letter had only to travel from Lambeth," observed Catesby, smiling.
"So I conclude," returned Rookwood.
"And, now that our meal is ended, let us to work," cried Fawkes, who had taken no part in the foregoing conversation.

"I will strike the first blow," he added, rising and seizing a mattock.
"Hold, my son!" exclaimed Garnet, arresting him.

"The work upon which the redemption of our holy church hangs must be commenced with due solemnity." "You are right, father," replied Fawkes, humbly.
Headed by Garnet, bearing a crucifix, they then repaired to the vault.

A silver chalice, filled with holy water, was carried by Fawkes, and two lighted tapers by Catesby.

Kneeling down before that part of the wall against which operations were about to be directed, and holding the crucifix towards it, Garnet commenced praying in a low but earnest tone, gradually raising his voice, and increasing in fervour as he proceeded.
The others knelt around him, and the whole formed a strange and deeply-interesting group.