For some time he could discover no trace of it.

At length, beneath a shed, not far from him, he perceived a soldier seated upon a small cask, which he had no doubt was the object he was in search of.

So intent was the man upon the spectacle before him, that he was wholly unaware of the approach of an enemy; and creeping noiselessly up to him, Guy Fawkes felled him to the ground with a blow from the heavy butt-end of his petronel.

The action was not perceived by the others; and carrying the cask out of the yard, Fawkes burst in the lid, and ascertained that the contents were what they had been represented.

He then glanced around, to see how he could best execute his purpose.
On the top of the wall adjoining the stables he beheld the pursuivant, with three or four soldiers, giving directions and issuing orders.
Another and lower wall, forming the opposite side of the quadrangle, and built on the edge of the moat, approached the scene of the fire, and on this, Guy Fawkes, with the barrel of gunpowder on his shoulder, mounted.
Concealing himself behind a tree which overshadowed it, he watched a favourable moment for his enterprise.
He had not to wait long.