in the cellar?"

Fawkes raised his eyes and the King saw in them a look of such utter
hopelessness that some chord of pity in his heart was touched.

"My good Lord Cecil," said he, turning to Salisbury, "methinks terror,
or something worse, hath driven away his wits; we but waste words upon
him. See to it, pray, that he be closely guarded, for certain
questions must be put to him. The Warden of the Tower hath a way to
loosen stubborn tongues."

So saying, he arose with much dignity and left the hall, followed by
many of his gentlemen. Fawkes they took out by another way--the road
which led to the Tower. He gave no sign, but let his gaze dwell in one
last farewell upon the body of his daughter. Then his eyes met those
of Effingston, and in the other's look he read that the dead would
rest in peace and honor.

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE BANQUET.

On the evening of that memorable Fifth of November, there were
gathered in a spacious residence at Ashbery, Saint Ledger, a small
company evidently bent upon pleasure.

During the day they had passed their time in the many ways gentlemen
were wont to choose when seeking forgetfulness of the din and
distractions incident to a great city. But it was not difficult to
discern that the hearts of the men were far from interested in the
various sports undertaken by them.

The hours from morning until dark had been spent in a variety of ways,
but none evinced any enjoyment in their pastime. A few had beguiled a
small part of the day in hunting, but they failed to find even in that
excitement relief for the anxiety which so oppressed them. At last
twilight came, lingered, and glided into night. But with the darkness
the uneasiness of all increased.

Nor would this fact have caused wonder had it been known what thoughts
lay in the mind of each; that they were momentarily expecting tidings
upon which depended not only their hopes and happiness but, perchance
their lives as well. Indeed, the company had been bidden thither by
none other than Lord Catesby, who deemed it expedient that those not
actually engaged in carrying out the plot for the assassination of
James and his Parliament, should tarry at his country residence until
news of the accomplished deed should be brought them. Acting upon the
suggestion, he, together with Sir Everard Digsby, Rookwood, Robert
Morgan, Grant and the brother of Sir Thomas Winter, had ridden forth
from the city the day before; and now, with appr