They quickly reached the great block of buildings of which the Houses of Parliament formed the most conspicuous feature; and diving down a narrow entry, Kay paused suddenly before a low-browed door, and gave the peculiar knock Cuthbert had learned from the priest.
The door was quickly opened, and a rough head thrust forth.
"Who goes there ?" "It is I, good Bates--I and a gentleman--one of us--come on business that brooks no delay with Master Robert Catesby.

Go summon thy master, good knave, without delay.

It is needful this gentleman speak with him at once." Kay had been leading Cuthbert along a passage with the familiarity of a friend of the house, whilst the serving man barred the door, and answered somewhat gruffly, as though disturbed by the interruption: "Nay, if he is one of us, let him seek the master below.

He is there, and hard at work, and will not be best pleased at being called away.

I have but just come up myself.