“In the cell immediately beneath you,” replied Chetham.
“Can you not liberate him?” she continued.
“Assuredly, if he will risk the descent,” answered Chetham, reluctantly.
“Free him first,” rejoined Viviana, “and at all hazards I will accompany you.”
The young merchant made no reply, but disappeared from the window. Viviana strained her gaze downwards; but it was too dark to allow her to see anything. She, however, heard a noise like that occasioned by a file; and shortly afterwards a few muttered words informed her that the priest was passing through the window. The cords of the ladder shook against the bars of her window,—and she held her breath for fear. From this state of suspense she was relieved in a few minutes by Humphrey Chetham, who informed her that Oldcorne had descended in safety, and was in the boat with Guy Fawkes.
“I will fulfil my promise,” replied Viviana, trembling; “but I fear my strength will fail me.”
“You had better find death below than tarry here,” replied Humphrey Chetham, who as he spoke was rapidly filing through the iron bar. “In a few minutes this impediment will be removed.”
The young merchant worked hard, and in a short time the stout bar yielded to his efforts.
“Now, then,” he cried, springing into the room, “you are free.”
“I dare not make the attempt,” said Viviana; “my strength utterly fails me.”