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William Harrison Ainsworth Guy Fawkes or The gunpowder Treason An Historical RomanceThe Modern Man Pursues Drama and Bravery The Discovery of Garnet and Oldcorne at Hendlip "Meanwhile the poor wretches inside found it impossible to endure their condition longer. Anything seemed preferable to the lingering and agonizing death they were now enduring, and they resolved to delay their surrender no longer. Had they been able to hold out a few hours more, they would have escaped; for Sir Henry Broomley was so fatigued with the search, and so satisfied that nothing further would come of it, that he resolved, notwithstanding Topcliffe's efforts to dissuade him, to depart on the morrow. Of this they were ignorant, and having come to the determination to surrender, Garnet opened the entrance to he chimney, and hearing voices below, and being too feeble to get out unassisted, he called to the speakers for aid. His voice was so hollow, and had such a sepulchral sound, that those who heard it started at each other in astonishment and affright. Who calls? cried one of the troopers, after a pause. One of those you seek, replied Garnet. Come and help us forth. Upon hearing this, and ascertaining whence the voice came from, one of the men ran to fetch Sir Henry Broomley and Topcliffe, both of whom joyfully obeyed the summons. Is it possible they can be in the chimney? cried Topcliffe. Why, I myself have examined it twice. We are here nevertheless., replied Garnet, who heard the remark; and if you would take us alive, loose no time. The hint was not lost upon Topcliffe. Casting a triumphant look at Bromley, he seized a torch from one of his attendants, and getting into the chimney, soon perceived the entrance to the recess. On beholding his prey, he uttered an exclamation of joy, and the two miserable captives, seeing the savage and exaulting grin that lighted up his features, half repented the step they had taken.".-p.326. 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 |