"Oh! no--no," cried Viviana, horror-stricken; "not for worlds would I commit so impious an act. Gladly as I would know what fate has in store for me, nothing should induce me to purchase the knowledge at so dreadful a price."
"Farewell, then," rejoined Dee. "At midnight, at the south porch of the Collegiate Church, I shall expect you."
So saying, he took his departure; and, on entering the gallery, he perceived Catesby hastily retreating.
"Aha!" he muttered. "We have had a listener here. Well, no matter. What he has heard may prove serviceable to him."
He then returned to the chamber occupied by Guy Fawkes, and finding he had dropped into a deep and tranquil sleep, motioned Kelley, who was standing by the bedside watching his slumbers with folded arms, to follow him, and bowing gravely to Garnet quitted the hall.
As he crossed the court, on his way to the drawbridge, Catesby suddenly threw himself in his path, and laying his hand upon his sword, cried in a menacing voice,--"Doctor Dee, neither you nor your companion shall quit the hall till you have solemnly sworn not to divulge aught pertaining to the plot, of which you have so mysteriously obtained information."
"Is this my recompence for rescuing your comrade from the jaws of death, sir?" replied Dee, sternly.
"The necessity of the case must plead its excuse," rejoined Catesby. "My own safety, and the safety of those leagued with me, require that I should be peremptory in my demand. Did I not owe you a large debt of gratitude for your resuscitation of Guy Fawkes, I would have insured your secrecy with your life. As it is, I will be content with your oath."
"Fool!" exclaimed Dee, "stand aside, or I will compel you to do so."
"Think not to terrify me by idle threats," returned Catesby. "I willingly acknowledge your superior skill,--as, indeed, I have good reason to do,--in the science of medicine; but I have no faith in your magical tricks. A little reflection has shown me how the knowledge I at first thought so wonderful was acquired. You obtained it by means of Martin Heydocke, who, mounted on a swift steed, reached the College before me. He told you of the object of my visit,--of Viviana's wish to have her father interred in the Collegiate Church,--of her message to Humphrey Chetham. You were, therefore, fully prepared for my arrival, and at first, I must confess, completely imposed upon me. Nay, had I not overheard your conversation just now with Viviana, I might have remained your dupe still. But your allusion to Chetham's visit awakened my suspicions, and, on re-considering the matter, the whole trick flashed upon me."