“You shall learn presently,” replied Catesby. And he motioned to Fawkes to remove Viviana.
“Let me remain,” she cried, fiercely. “My nature is changed, and is become as savage as your own. If blood must be spilt, I will tarry to look upon it.”
“This is no place for you, dear daughter,” interposed Garnet.
“Nor for you either, father,” retorted Viviana, bitterly; “unless you will act as a minister of Christ, and prevent this violence.”
“Let her remain, if she will,” observed Catesby. “Her presence need not hinder our proceedings.”
So saying, he seated himself opposite Tresham, while the two priests placed themselves on either side. Guy Fawkes took up a position on the left of the prisoner, with his drawn dagger in his hand, and Keyes stationed himself near the door. The unfortunate captive regarded them with terrified glances, and trembled in every limb.
“Thomas Tresham,” commenced Catesby, in a stern voice, “you are a sworn brother in our plot. Before I proceed further, I will ask you what should be his punishment who violates his oath, and betrays his confederates? We await your answer?”
But Tresham remained obstinately silent.
“I will tell you, since you refuse to speak,” continued Catesby. “It is death—death by the hands of his associates.”
“It may be,” replied Tresham; “but I have neither broken my oath, nor betrayed you.”