And grasping the other's arm he drew him further down the walk.
“Do you think we may venture to surprise them?” demanded Topcliffe.
“Hum!” exclaimed Catesby, hesitating, in the hope of inducing the other to betray his design.
“Or shall we wait the arrival of Sir Richard Walsh, the Sheriff of Worcestershire, and the posse comitatûs?” pursued Topcliffe.
“How soon do you think the Sheriff will arrive?” asked Catesby, scarcely able to disguise his anxiety.
“He cannot be here before daybreak—if so soon,” returned Topcliffe, “and then we shall have to besiege the house; and though I have no fear of the result, yet some of the conspirators may fall in the skirmish; and my orders from the Earl of Salisbury, as I have already apprised you, are, to take them alive.”
“True,” replied Catesby.
“I would not, for twice the reward I shall receive for the capture of the whole party, that that desperate traitor, Catesby, should be slain," continued Topcliffe. “The plot was contrived by him, and the extent of its ramifications can alone be ascertained through him.”
“I think I can contrive their capture,” observed Catesby; “but the utmost caution must be used. I will return to the house, and find out where the chief conspirators are lodged. I will then throw open the door, and will return to this place, where you can have our men assembled. If we can seize and secure the leaders, the rest will be easy.”
“You will run great risk, Sir John,” said Topcliffe, with affected concern.