"Hold! He exclaimed, grasping Radcliffe's right arm, and fixing his dark glance upon him; You shall not take that oath.

What mean you? cried Garnet, who, as well as the knight, was paralyzed with astonishment at this intrusion.  Sir William Radcliffe is about to join us.

I know it, replied Fawkes; but it may not be. He has not heart in the business, and will lend it no efficient assistance.  We are better without him, than with him. 

As he spoke, he took the primer from the knight's hand, and laid it upon the altar.

This conduct is inexplicable, cried Garnet, angrily.  You will answer for it to others, as well as to me.

I will answer for it to all, replied Guy Fawkes.  Let Sir William Radcliffe declare before me, and before Heaven, that he approves the measure, and I am content he should take the oath.

I cannot belie my conscience by saying no replied the knight who appeared agitated by conflicting emotions.

Yet you have promised to join us, cried Garnet, reproachfully.

Better break that promise than a solemn oath, rejoined Guy Fawkes, sternly.  Sir William Radcliffe, there are reasons why you should not join this conspiracy, Examine your inmost heart, and it will tell you what they are.

I understand you replied the knight.

Get hence, cried Garnet, unable to control his indignation, or I will pronounce our Church's most terrible malediction against you. I shall not shrink from it, father, rejoined Fawkes humbly, but firmly, seeing I am acting rightly....."-p.96

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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