l body of guards with him, there will be little risk of a
miscarriage. All we have now to do, is to fix the day for the carrying
out of the scheme. It is well conceived, and cannot fail; and,
moreover, if any of those engaged in it have qualms of conscience, I am
able to promise them full absolution, should the king fall by their
hands."

Jack was horrified at what he heard. What course was he to pursue?
Should he at once make his way to the palace and give information of the
atrocious plot? It was not at all likely, should he do so, that he
would be believed. He lay on his bed in deep distress of mind. That
his companion who had brought him to London was engaged in the plot, he
had no doubt whatever; indeed, he fully believed that he was one of the
leaders.

While he lay thus, considering what course to pursue, he heard some of
those who had been in the room take their departure. One, however,
remained, and he thought he recognised the heavy footsteps of the
principal speaker. He kept walking up and down the room, occasionally
muttering to himself. Jack was on the point of dropping off to sleep
when again the door opened gently, and another person entered hurriedly.

"Ah, Ellis, what news do you bring?" asked the occupier of the room.

"Bad news indeed, Sir George," answered the other. "I was in the
neighbourhood of the residence of the Earl of Portland two days back,
when I saw Captain Fisher passing by. Although he was disguised I knew
him, and, aware that he was acquainted with all our secrets, I followed
him closely. I watched him till he entered the Earl's house, and,
though Lord Portland himself was out, he remained there till the return
of his lordship. This made me dread that his purpose was to denounce
us. I was made sure of this, when, after waiting a considerable time,
Lord Portland himself came forth, and drove at full speed to the palace.
Still I had no certain information of what Fisher had been about, and I
therefore kept the matter secret; watching only carefully the
proceedings of all those who are acquainted with our plot. I kept a
watch also at the Earl's door, and at length received notice that
Captain Pendergrast had also visited the Earl; and only this very night
I have obtained information that he and La Rue have both been at the
palace. As you know, also, this morning the king gave orders that his
coaches and guards should be made ready to go out hunting as usual, but
suddenl