The noises from below had hitherto drowned any other sound; but as for some cause unknown to himself these suddenly and entirely ceased for the space of some half minute, he became aware of voices close at hand; and almost before he realized his position, he had caught several quickly and eagerly spoken sentences.
"They show no mercy; let no mercy be shown to them!" said one voice, in low, menacing accents.

"Six saintly priests have died in cruel agonies by the bloody hangman's hands but a few weeks past; and look ye, what has been the fate of that godly, courageous old man of Lancashire who has dared to raise his voice in reprobation of these barbarities?
Fined, imprisoned, despoiled of all; and all but condemned to be nailed to the pillory, that his ears might be sliced off! Even that fate was all but inflicted by yon infamous Star Chamber, who respect neither virtue nor gray hairs, so they may fill the King's coffers and destroy all godliness in the land! It was but by two votes he escaped that last anguish and degradation.

How say ye, friends?
Can any scheme be too desperate if it rids us of such tyrants and rulers at one blow ?" An eager murmur arose at that--assent, indignation, wrath--and again the same voice spoke in the same low, eager tones: "And the way is open; the house is ours.

But a few feet of masonry to tunnel through, and the thing is done.

Shall we shrink?
shall we hesitate?
I trow not.