"Catesby then examined the powder that had been plunged in the water in crossing the Stour, and found it so much wetted as to be nearly useless. A sufficient stock of powder being of the utmost consequence to them, he caused all the contents of the barrel, not dissolved by the immersion to be poured into a large platter, and proceeded to dry it before a fire which had been kindled in the hall.  A bag of powder, which had likewise been slightly wetted was also placed at what was considered as safe distance from the fire. Heaven grant this may prove more destructive to our enemies than the combustibles we placed in the mine beneath the Parliament House! observed Percy. Heaven grant so, indeed! rejoined Catesby, with a moody smile.  The would call it retribution, were we to perish by the same means which we designed for others. Jest not on so serious a matter, Catesby, observed Robert Winter. For my own part, I dread the sight of powder, and shall walk forth till you have dried this, and put it away.  You are not going to leave us, like Stephen Littleton rejoined Catesby, suspiciously.  I will go with him, said Christopher Wright. so you need be under no apprehension. Accordingly, he quitted the hall with Robert Winter, and they proceeded to the court-yard and were conversing together on the dismal prospects of the party, when a tremendous explosion took place.  the roof of the building seemed rent in twain, and amidst a shower of tiles, plaster, bricks, and broken wood falling around, the bag of powder dropped untouched at their feet. Mother of mercy! exclaimed Christopher Wright, picking it up.  Here is a providential occurrence.  Had this exploded, we must have all been destroyed. Let us see what has happened cried Robert Winter.  And , followed by Christopher Wright, he rushed towards the hall, and bursting open the door, beheld Catesby enveloped in a cloud of smoke, and pressing his hand to his face, which was scorched and blackened by the explosion. Rookwood was stretched on the floor in a state of insensibility, and it at first appeared that life was extinct.  Percy was extinguishing the flames, which had caught his dress, and John Grant was similarly occupied.  Those are the very faces I beheld in my dream, cried Robert Winter gazing at them with affright.  It was a true warning."-p.294.

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.

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