Retire to your chamber, and prepare for instant departure; and, in the mean while, I will consider what is best to be done." "Your worship's decision must be speedy," observed Heydocke; "I had only a few hours' start of the officers.

They will be here ere long." "Take this purse," replied Sir William, "and hire three of the fleetest horses you can procure, and station yourself at the outskirts of the town, on the road to Saint Asaph.

You understand." "Perfectly," replied Heydocke.

And he departed to execute his master's commands, while Viviana withdrew to her own chamber.
Left alone, the knight was perplexing himself as to where he should shape his course, when he was interrupted by the sudden entrance of Catesby and Garnet.
"We have just met your servant, Sir William," said the former, "and have learnt the alarming intelligence he has brought." "What is your counsel in this emergency, father ?" said Radcliffe, appealing to Garnet.
"Flight,--instant flight, my son," was the answer.
"My counsel is resistance," said Catesby.

"We are here assembled in large numbers, and are well armed.