and in the breast of your
coat. A person will then probably come and speak to you, and you will
repeat to me all he says. If he does not speak, he will give you a
note, which you are to bring immediately to me."

Jack, as directed, took up his post at the gates of the palace at
Kensington. He had not long to wait, when the gates were thrown open,
and some guards appeared, and then a coach with six horses, within which
sat a gentleman with a long nose and prominent features, dressed in a
rich riding-suit. On either side were more horsemen, who Jack heard
were the King's Dutch guards. They were followed by several Dutch
officers of the court, among whom was the faithful Duke of Portland, and
others of high rank. Jack had a good view of that clear hawk's eye, and
the large Roman nose and the serious countenance, which expressed little
but acute penetration into the mind and motives of others, with all of
which the coinage of the realm had made his subjects familiar. The
sight of the great warrior and wisest statesman of the day, who knew
himself to be surrounded by plots, and yet went his way with perfect
coolness, had great effect upon Jack's somewhat excitable mind. He
threw up his cap, and shouted, "Hurrah! long live the King!" in as good
faith as any of the many bystanders; and his first impulse was to run
off, following the coach, shouting, as youths and boys are used to do
after any great personage. The king leaned forward over a paper which
he held in his hand, so that nearly the whole of his figure was visible
at the window of the coach, which took its way towards Richmond.

Suddenly Jack remembered the direction he had received from Long Sam.
Going back to the place he had before occupied, he put himself in the
position in which he had been standing. Looking round, he saw a person
who had come out of the palace observing him narrowly. The person, who
was dressed in the livery of the palace, at length passed close to him.

"Are you Long Sam's messenger?" he asked.

"At your service," answered Jack.

"Where does he lodge?" asked the stranger.

"At the Bear," was Jack's answer.

"Take this note, and deliver it quickly," said the stranger; "but do not
move from where you now stand till I have re-entered the palace."

Saying this, the stranger slipped a sealed packet into Jack's hand. He
immediately concealed it in his doublet, but as he did so a shade of
doubt crossed his mind that all was not righ