om of our enemies."

"Well spoken," cried Digsby; "to that we are agreed."

Garnet smiled sadly. "Would that all England cried amen!" said he,
solemnly. Then turning suddenly to Fawkes, "and thou, Master Guido,
what sayest thou?"

The soldier of fortune looked up quickly. "I am ever ready," said he,
"whether we deal with all those in authority, or with the King alone."

"Then?" cried Winter, "then?----"

Garnet cast down his eyes, the soul of the priest struggling with dark
apprehensions which arose within him. "If there were any shadow of sin
in it," he murmured, "I would not countenance the bringing of it to an
issue. No other reason hath drawn me into it save ardent and active
interest in the cause of God." Then facing his companions he
continued: "'Tis the will of Christ that in the hands of His weakest
subjects shall be placed the sword of vengeance which shall sweep
these infidels from the land. Good Catesby hath oft pondered in his
mind, with some impatience, the meaning of my check upon his zeal.
'Twas that I might seek through prayer a way to our deliverance. That
the time is near a revelation hath been vouchsafed to me from heaven."

A murmur ran through the little company. The priest's voice changed
from tones of solemnity to those of one who spake with authority; and
stretching forth the hand, he said: "We are of one mind. Perchance
Master Fawkes hath opened a way whereby shall be destroyed both the
King and his Parliament. What can effect our purpose quicker than the
flash of gunpowder? God hath placed it in our hand for us to use, and
do His will. Yet other things remain; the door being opened, will
those who watch us from abroad unite with us in restoring to this
unhappy England its altars and its sacrifices? Sir Thomas Winter, thou
hast been in France and Spain to do man's bidding; wouldst go thither
in obedience to the will of God?"

Winter started, for the meaning of the other's words implied much. "Is
it a mission?" he asked, fixing his gaze upon the Jesuit.

"Aye!" replied Garnet; "a mission of much danger, and one which will
need all secrecy. At the Court of France dwell certain members of my
Order, close to the King, and deep in affairs of State. Before them I
will lay our undertaking, that when England shall be without a
government and all the land involved in perplexity and beset with
controversies, the armies of the Catholic Kings may come among us--the
way being prepared for their entr