Part 5 (1/2)

”I am but a plain man, and thy outspoken question invites little but a plain reply. Therefore, I'll repeat his words, which were that thou didst stand poorly with those in high places, and, further, the times were such that hot outspoken opinions on certain subjects were apt to be quickly followed by the whistle of an axe flying through the air, and that the King----”

”A truce,” Winter broke in, laying his hand upon the other's arm and looking behind with some alarm as the two entered a thoroughfare, which, by the number of people pa.s.sing up and down, indicated their approach to a central portion of the city; ”by holy St. Dunstan, frame not thy speech in such loud words, for it might be illy construed. But here we are at our destination, and when within, thou mayst recite all that Master Martin told.”

The two paused in front of an iron railing surrounding a court-yard, on which fronted a residence of no mean pretensions. After unlocking the wicket, Winter, followed by his companion, proceeded up the walk, and pa.s.sing through the main doorway, entered the house.

”This is the first time, Fawkes, that I've had the honored pleasure of thy company at mine own fireside,” exclaimed Winter, when inside, throwing his fur-lined coat upon a chair. Then observing that his companion was already busily engaged in examining a trophy of swords which decorated the wall, he continued: ”What, do thy warlike eyes ever seek the implements of thy trade? See, Guido, there is a suit of mail that a valiant ancestor of mine did wear at Crecy,” pointing toward a stand of armor.

”Indeed,” answered the other, examining it, ”he must of necessity have been brave, for, I can but illy see how running could be done, even if the spirit prompted the legs, attired in this heavy harness.”

”And now, if thou be ready,” exclaimed Winter, evidently anxious to arrive quickly at the task of the evening, ”I will conduct thee to a chamber wherein we may hold converse without fear of interruption.”

The two proceeded, Winter leading the way to the end of the hall, and pa.s.sing through a heavy open door, which closed behind them, entered a room well adapted to the discussion of such things as must not fall on untrusted ears. The chamber was one of s.p.a.cious proportion, but on account of its ma.s.sive black furniture, seemed to be of medium size.

The walls were hung in some dark, unfigured tapestry, which added to the somberness of the apartment, and tended to spread over all an air of gloom. The dimness of the place was in some degree relieved by a crackling fire burning upon the hearth, and two silver candelabrums holding lighted tapers, stood upon an oaken table occupying the middle of the room.

The only window in the place opened down to the floor, leading out upon a balcony overlooking the court-yard, and the interior of the chamber was hidden from those pa.s.sing by heavy curtains, which now were closely drawn. A divan, several ma.s.sive black oak cabinets, and three or four high-back chairs completed the furniture of the room, with the exception of a small table, on which stood a large and curiously wrought silver flagon and several tankards.

”Come Master Guy,” cried Winter, filling two of the cups, ”let us preface dry work with a drink of honest vintage, and then we will to our task.”

”With all my heart,” replied Fawkes, taking the cup and draining it at a draught.

”And now to business,” exclaimed the other, seating himself by the table and motioning his companion to a place opposite. Having settled himself easily in the chair, shading his face from the light of the tapers that he might better watch the countenance of the other, he began in a quiet voice:

”I doubt not but thou didst deem it pa.s.sing strange I made no reference to the nature of the employment I had to offer thee, and, mayhap,” he continued, holding up his hand to silence an interruption from his listener, ”there hath arisen in thy mind suspicious thoughts caused by a combination of incidents since thy arrival, which would place me as one with whom to be identified were not as safe as serving in the King's Guard. In point of fact, I refer particularly to the outspoken words of our friend Giles Martin.”

”In truth,” responded the other, in that quick, brusque manner belonging to his nature, ”Master Martin did lay naught at thy door, but what I, or any other righteous man, might deem an honor to a house. Nay,” he continued, with some vehemence, ”if what he said be true, then I am overjoyed to find employment with one whose faith is his greatest crime.”

”What may be the purport of thy words?” inquired Winter, slowly turning a keen glance upon the speaker.

”I mean,” exclaimed Fawkes, leaning over the table toward his questioner, ”that I would think it no disgrace to serve, or, if need be, fall by the side of one who had the courage to openly or secretly espouse the Catholic cause in these cross-breaking days. Aye, Sir Thomas, I will speak without concealment, for I have guessed at many things, and know full well that the time must soon be ripe when all who have not craven hearts will arise in wrath, and by word of mouth, of mayhap, if need be, by a more violent measure put down those who advise the enactment of laws which have for their intent the uprooting of the Church in this our Kingdom.”

”By St. Michael!” exclaimed Winter, surprised that the other should bring to the front so clearly his opinion on a subject upon which, he had feared, it would require no small amount of questioning to elicit anything, ”thou dost astonish me with thine ardor; I always knew thee as a brave churchman, but never----”

”Time hath altered my views on many subjects,” interrupted Fawkes.

”The manners of the Spaniard are not always good, and their breath is oft odorous of garlic; but by my troth, they know full well how to treat a heretic,” he added with a decisive nod of his head. ”Say on, for by thy manner I judge it is thine object to sound my depth in certain matters. I know not what's afoot; but by St. Peter,”

continued he, striking the table a blow which made the tapers dance, ”if it hath aught to do with those--even though they be kings--whose unholy hands would snuff our altar lights, thou canst count on Master Guy to twist the rack or carry f.a.ggots.”

During this recital Winter watched the other with keen attention.

Knowing Fawkes to be a man of indomitable will, combined with undaunted courage, and one to stop at nothing in gaining ends justified by his conscience, he had not hesitated to recommend him as a valuable adjunct to the cause dear to himself and his companions.

Heavily the weight of responsibility rested upon him; it had fallen to his lot that he should be the one to sound this man, and decide as to how great or small a degree of their confidence might be given to him.

One error in judgment now might be followed by the death of all their hopes, and by the thud of heads dropping into the axman's basket.

Therefore he weighed the matter well before saying:

”I did not over-estimate thy zeal. There are many things I would fain tell thee, the purport of which methinks thou hast already guessed, but which at present must not, for reasons, be spoken of. If thou art willing for a time to remain in darkness, and take service as a gentleman about my household, I can almost promise that the gloom of thy ignorance on many matters may soon be dispelled by a lurid glare which shall be red enough, even to thy liking. I have told thee naught, but the very concealment of some things, to the observing, doth show plainly what is hid. Ask no more, and, for the present, content thyself with suppositions. If the conditions which I have named suit thee, then thou wilt have access to these premises at all times. Further, be my companion when I go abroad; for what is more natural in these purse-cutting days than that a gentleman should desire a l.u.s.ty swordsman with him? Dost accept, and agree to all?” The last word he p.r.o.nounced with great emphasis.

”Aye, to all,” responded the other grimly, arising and extending his gauntlet.