“I know not how that may be.  My father hath heard disquieting rumours of late, and the name of Robert Catesby is mingled in all of them.  However, he speaks little to me of matters of state.  Men in high places are for ever hearing whispers and rumours, and it boots not to give over-much credence to every idle tale.  Only, what thou spakest of this Catesby recalled the matter to my mind.  He is a man to fear, to avoid.  He has a way with him that wins men’s hearts; yet it is but the fatal fascination of the glittering snake, that snares the fluttering bird to its destruction.  So, at least, I have heard.”

Cuthbert made no direct reply.  He would have liked to tell Culverhouse of the incident of the lonely house on the river, and the dark cellar in which Catesby and others had been at work; but his tongue was bound by his promise.  Moreover, the hour for sleep was at hand, and the travellers, wrapping themselves in their cloaks and stretching their limbs upon their soft couch, were soon lost in the land of dreams.

The following morning dawned as fair and clear and bright as heart could wish.  It was just such a May Day as one pictures in reading of those old-time festivities incident to that joyous season.  And the forest that day was alive with holiday makers and rustic folks, enjoying themselves to the full in all the green glades and bosky dells.  Culverhouse and Cuthbert found it hard to push along upon their way into the heart of the forest, so attractive were the scenes enacted in every little clearing that had become the site of a tiny hamlet or village, so full of hospitality to wayfarers was every house they passed, and so merry were the dances being footed on the greensward, in which every passer by was expected to take a part.

Culverhouse, in his green forester’s dress, daintily faced with silver, a silver hunting horn slung round his neck, was an object of universal admiration, and the fact that he was plainly some wealthy gentleman masquerading and playing a part did not in any way detract from the interest his appearance excited.  His merry, courteous ways and well-turned compliments won the hearts of maidens and matrons alike, whilst his deft and elegant dancing was the admiration of all who watched; and he was besought on all hands to stay, and found no small difficulty in pursuing his way into the forest itself.

However, they had made an early start, and as they drew near to the denser part of the wood interruptions became less frequent, and presently ceased altogether.  Cuthbert found a track he knew which led straight to the trysting place with Kate; and though from time to time the travellers heard distant sounds of mirth and revelry proceeding from the right hand or the left, they did not come upon any groups of gipsies or freebooters, who were doubtless enjoying the day after their own fashion, and the two pursued their way rapidly and without molestation.