human
Well, look you here, said Catesby.
gpt
We are all men of birth, but not one of us is a man of money. You, 'tis true, have my Lord Northumberland behind you, but how long time may he tarry? Were he to die, or to take pepper in the nose, where then are we? All is naught with us at once, being all but mean men of estate.
human
My cousin of Northumberland is not like to play that prank, or I err, answered Percy, who well knew that Lord Northumberland was not in all cases cognisant of the use made of his name by this very worthy cousin:
gpt
To be sure I have, said Catesby with a smile.
human
But first--if I remember rightly, your friend young Louvaine is not he that can aid us in this juncture?
gpt
Hasn't a penny to bless himself with, replied Percy,
human
Take into our number! cried Catesby.
gpt
Good Mr Percy, you miss the cushion [make a mistake]. A good tale, well tinkered, should serve that companion, and draw silver from his pockets any day. What we lack is two or three men of good estate, and of fit conditions and discreet years, that may safely be sworn--and I think I know where to find them.
human
I'll lay my crown to pawn you do! exclaimed Percy admiringly.
gpt
Pray you, who be they?
human
Sir Everard Digby, of Tilton, in Rutland; and my cousin, Frank Tresham of Rushton.
gpt
Good men and true? Both are strange to me.
human
Ay; Digby is a staunch Catholic, but may lack some persuasion to join us. Tresham--well, I count he may be trusted. His money-bags be heavy, though his character is but light. I will make certain that he will not blab nor tattle--that is the thing most to be feared. Know you not Frank Tresham?--my cousin, and my Lord Monteagle's wife's brother.
gpt
Oh ay! I have met him, said Percy.
human
I wist not it was he you meant.
gpt
I had hope once that Mr Fawkes should bring grist to our mill, said Gatesby, thoughtfully:
human
Mr Fawkes? Oh no! His father was but a younger son--Mr Edward Fawkes of Farnley, a notary at York, and Registrar of the Consistory Court there. He left him but a farm of some thirty pound by the year, and Guy ran through it like a herring through the water. The only hope by his means would be the borrowing of money from his step-father, Mr Foster, and methinks he hath a larger heart than purse.
gpt
How will you get hold of these men?
human
Send Tom Winter to Sir Everard, and I will tackle Tresham. Then, when I return, will we go forth with the mine.
gpt
Done!