The Christmas holidays being over, the mining was resumed, the conspirators having now added to their number Francis Tresham and Sir Everard Digby. It was not done without some difficulty. The oath was administered to both; but when they learned to what they had bound themselves, they recoiled in horror. Sir Everard was disposed of with comparative ease. His own good sense led him to demur, but no sooner was he told that three priests had approved of the scheme than, as in duty bound, the poor weak creature laid his good sense aside, told his conscience to be quiet, and united cordially and thoroughly in the project, finding horses, arms, and money, to the amount of 1500 pounds. If the Church approved, "the prerogative of the laity was to listen and to obey." Francis Tresham proved less pliable. He at once inquired if the Roman Catholic peers were to be warned, so as to keep away from Parliament on the doomed day. "Generally, only," said Catesby. "We have let them understand that strict laws are to be passed against the Catholics, which they cannot prevent, and therefore they had best tarry away." "My Lord Arundel, though he be not of age, is very desirous to be present," said Percy. "My Lord Montague, on the contrary part, would fain be thence," returned Catesby, "and I have told him he can do no good there." "I asked my Lord Mordaunt if he meant to come," said Winter, laughing, "and quoth he, `Nay, for I was too much disgusted at the former session, being forced to sit there with my robes on, all the time the King was in church.'" [Note 1.] "But surely," cried Tresham, looking from one to another, "you will take some further means to save our brethren than only these? Mr Percy, you never will suffer your cousin the Earl of Northumberland to perish?" "Indeed, Mr Tresham, I should be loth so to do, because I am bounden to him." "Gentlemen," said the voice of Fawkes, who had hitherto been silent in the conclave, "what we must principally respect is our own safety, and we will pray for the Catholic Lords." "And how shall we set ourselves right with the Catholic commons?" demanded Keyes. "Oh, we will satisfy the Catholics at large that the act is done for the restitution of religion," answered Catesby; "and the heretics, that it was to prevent the Union sought to be established at this Parliament." "Sirs, I cannot brook this!" Tresham broke in eagerly. "My Lords Monteagle and Stourton, as you know, have wedded my sisters. I implore you to warn them: at the least, I do beseech you, save my Lord Monteagle!" "What, to tell him what shall hap?" cried Catesby. "Never!" "Impossible, Mr Tresham!" replied Percy. "I regret it as much as you." "They _shall_ be warned!" cried Tresham vehemently. "Remember your oath!" answered Catesby sternly. "I shall not forget it. But something must be done to save my Lord Monteagle. I am beholden to him, and I love him dear."