"Chat Moss _is_ the mark at which I aim." "If we are to cross it, we shall need a Will-o'-the-wisp to guide us, and some friendly elf to make firm the ground beneath our steeds," rejoined Viviana, in a slightly-sarcastic tone.
"Trust to me and you shall traverse it in safety," resumed Humphrey Chetham.
"I would sooner trust myself to the pursuivant and his band, than venture upon its treacherous surface," she replied.
"How is this, young sir ?" interposed Guy Fawkes, sternly.

"Is it from heedlessness or rashness that you are about to expose us to this new danger ?--which, if Viviana judges correctly, and my own experience of such places inclines me to think she does so,--is greater than that which now besets us." "If there is any danger I shall be the first to encounter it, for I propose to act as your guide," returned Humphrey Chetham, in an offended tone.

"But the treacherous character of the marsh constitutes our safety.

I am acquainted with a narrow path across it, from which the deviation of a foot will bring certain death.

If our pursuers attempt to follow us their destruction is inevitable.