Moved by compassion for the poor wretches, Viviana implored Humphrey Chetham to assist them, and, finding him immovable, she appealed to Guy Fawkes.
"They are beyond all human aid," the latter replied.
"Heaven have mercy on their souls!" ejaculated the priest "Pray for them, dear daughter.

Pray heartily, as I am about to do." And he recited in an audible voice the Romish formula of supplication for those _in extremis_.
Averting her gaze from the spectacle, Viviana joined fervently in the prayer.
By this time two of the strugglers had disappeared.

The third, having freed himself from his horse, contrived for some moments, during which he uttered the most frightful cries, to keep his head above the swamp.
His efforts were tremendous, but unavailing, and served only to accelerate his fate.

Making a last desperate plunge towards the bank where the fugitives were standing, he sank above the chin.

The expression of his face, shown by the ghastly glimmer of the fen-fires, as he was gradually swallowed up, was horrible.
"_Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine_," exclaimed the priest.
"All is over," cried Humphrey Chetham, taking the bridle of Viviana's steed, and leading her onwards.