de, such as once befell when thou didst
serve in Spain."

"As to that," replied Sir Winter, "these gentlemen can judge when they
hear concerning it. 'Tis true, that had this same bold cavalier
remained in Castile, Thomas Winter were now ready for burial."

"Then," cried Percy, "thou art doubly welcome, Master Fawkes, as
perchance thou shalt learn presently."

Having refilled the goblets Winter seated himself before the fire.

"I was delayed some two hours by certain matters within my own
dwelling," began he, "and it was with exceeding impatience that I
hastened hither, not following the most public highways, but seeking a
shorter passage through unfrequented alleys, in order to join you the
sooner.

"Methinks I had gone some two thousand paces, my face muffled and
sword ready to hand, when suddenly there sprang upon me from the
shadow of a doorway, two ruffians, who, making short shift of
courtesy, demanded my purse and such valuables as were upon my person.
Having slight desire for so rude a giving, I did straightway put my
back against a wall, and with drawn blade contended against the two.
They, being persons of fixed purpose, and withal, excellent swordsmen,
had near ended the matter by thrusting me through, when most
opportunely came a third man who, perceiving two against one, thrust
the larger of the ruffians through the back, and would have done
likewise with the other, but the fellow took to his heels and ran as
though the devil pursued him.

"The adventure was quickly over, and my rescuer coolly wiping his
blade upon the cloak of the dead robber did swear roundly in Spanish,
for that his amusement had been of so short duration.

"'Faith!' growled he looking up at me, ''tis not thus they fight in
Spain; yet, having perchance rendered thee some slight service, canst
thou, good sir, direct me to a certain dwelling, hard by St. Paul's,
wherein may be found one Sir Thomas Winter, to seek whom I have come
to London?'

"Much amazed at his words I scanned him closely, for his voice had a
familiar ring in my memory.

"'Zounds!' cried he, noting that I sought to read his features,
'wherefore dost thou look so hard upon me? Hath the air of Spain----'

"'Fawkes!' cried I, seizing him by the shoulders, ''tis truly my
friend Guido!'

"'Ah!' said he gruffly, 'then thou knowest me?'

"'And why not?' I replied, 'having sent for thee.'

"At this his astonishment was great, yet was he pleased that he had
come u