When they had been gone a few minutes, Catesby called for his steed; and, after exchanging a word or two with Garnet, rode after them.

He had proceeded about a couple of miles along a cross-road leading to Nantwich, which he learnt from some cottagers was the route taken by the party before him, when he heard the tramp of a horse in the rear, and, turning at the sound, beheld Guy Fawkes.

Drawing in the bridle, he halted till the latter came up, and angrily demanded on what errand he was bent.
"My errand is the same as your own," replied Fawkes.

"I intend to follow Sir William Radcliffe, and, if need be, defend him." Whatever Catesby's objections might be to this companionship, he did not think fit to declare them, and, though evidently much displeased, suffered Guy Fawkes to ride by his side without opposition.
Having gained the summit of the mountainous range extending from Malpas to Tottenhall, whence they beheld the party whose course they were tracking enter a narrow lane at the foot of the hill, Catesby, fearful of losing sight of them, set spurs to his steed.

Guy Fawkes kept close beside him, and they did not slacken their pace until they reached the lane.
Having proceeded along it for a quarter of a mile, they were alarmed by the sudden report of fire-arms, followed by a loud shriek, which neither of them doubted was uttered by Viviana.