Guy Fawkes and the other Conspirators alarmed while digging the mine
They listened for a while in speechless astonishment, scarcely daring to look at each other, and expecting each moment that the building would fall upon them, and bury them alive. The light of a single lantern placed upon an upturned basket fell upon figures rigid as statues, and countenances charged with awe.
“My arm is paralysed,” said Guy Fawkes, breaking silence; “I can work no more.”
“Try holy water, father,” cried Catesby. “If it proceeds from aught of evil, that will quell it.”
The chalice containing the sacred lymph was brought, and pronouncing a solemn exorcism, Garnet sprinkled the wall.
The sound immediately ceased.
“It is as I thought, father,” observed Catesby; “it is the delusion of an evil spirit.”
As he spoke, the tolling of the mysterious bell was again heard, and more solemnly,—more slowly than before.
“Sprinkle the wall again, in Heaven's name, father,” cried Fawkes, crossing himself devoutly. “Avoid thee, Sathanas!”