CHAPTER VI.
THE DISINTERMENT.
Having seen every attention shown to Viviana by the hostess,--who, as soon as she discovered that she had the daughter of Sir William Radcliffe of Ordsall, under her roof, bestirred herself in right earnest for her accommodation,--Humphrey Chetham, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour,--it was past midnight,--expressed his determination to walk to his residence at Crumpsall, to put an end to any apprehension which might be entertained by the household at his prolonged absence.
With this view, he set forth; and Guy Fawkes, who seemed to be meditating some project which he was unwilling to disclose to the others, quitted the hostel with him, bidding the chamberlain sit up for him, as he should speedily return.

They had not gone far when he inquired the nearest way to the Collegiate Church, and was answered that they were then proceeding towards it, and in a few moments should arrive at its walls.

He next asked the young merchant whether he could inform him which part of the churchyard was allotted to criminals.

Humphrey Chetham, somewhat surprised by the question, replied, "At the north-west, near the charnel," adding, "I shall pass within a short distance of the spot, and will point it out to you." Entering Fennel Street, at the end of which stood an ancient cross, they soon came in sight of the church.

The moon was shining brightly, and silvered the massive square tower of the fane, the battlements, pinnacles, buttresses, and noble eastern window, with its gorgeous tracery.