At this juncture, a slight tap was heard without.
Guy Fawkes instantly masked his lantern, and cautiously opening the door, beheld Catesby.
“I am come to tell you that Parliament is prorogued,” said the latter. “The House does not meet till the fifth of November. We have another month to wait.”
“I am sorry for it,” rejoined Fawkes. “I have just laid the train. The lucky moment will pass.”
And, locking the door, he proceeded with Catesby to the adjoining house.
They had scarcely been gone more than a second, when two figures muffled in cloaks emerged from behind a wall.
“The train is laid,” observed the foremost, “and they are gone to the house. You might seize them now without danger.”
“That will not answer my purpose,” replied the other. “I will give them another month.”
“Another month!” replied the first speaker. “Who knows what may happen in that time? They may abandon their project.”
“There is no fear of that,” replied the other. “But you had better go and join them.”