"In this opinion Guy Fawkes concurred, and they proceeded to transport the powder to the boat, which was brought up the sluice within a few yards of the door.  This done, and the barrels covered with a piece of tarpaulin, they embarked, and Fawkes, seizing an oar, propelled the skiff along the narrow creek. As Bates had stated, the fog was so dense that it was wholly impossible to steer correctly, and Fawkes was therefore obliged to trust to chance as to the course he took.  However, having fully regained his strength, he rowed with great swiftness, and, as far as he could judge, had gained the mid-stream, when before he could avid it, he came in violent contact with another boat, oversetting it, and plunging its occupants in the stream. Disregarding the hints, and even menaces of Catesby, who urged him to proceed, Fawkes immediately lay upon his oars, and , as the water was perfectly smooth, succeeded, without much difficulty in extricating the two men from their perilous situation.  Their boat having drifted down the stream, could not be recovered.  The chief of these personages was profuse in his thanks to his deliverers, whom he supposed were watermen, and they took care not to deceive him. You may rely upon my gratitude, he said; and when I tell you I am the Earl of Salisbury, you will be satisfied I have the means of evincing it."-p152.

The engravings, on steel, by George Cruikshank for Ainsworth's novel illustrate the style of the modern image of the plot quite well. Select your favorite scene from the table below.

 Let us know  what you  think !    send us e.mail