emed to remember nothing of the fire, but only
bade him return anon to her when he could.

Reuben was going also in the boat, and some of the men as rowers.
Gertrude had donned her best cloak and holiday gown, and asked
wistfully of her husband:

"Prithee take me also; I will not be in your way. But I would fain
see something of this great sight of which all men talk, and they
say it may best be seen from the river."

"Come then, sweet heart, so as thou dost not ask to run into
peril," said Reuben; and by noon the party were well on their way,
their progress being somewhat slow, as the tide was running out,
and there was a considerable press of craft on the river, which was
the only safe roadway now from one part of the burned city to the
other.

As boats passed each other, items of news were exchanged between
the occupants, and every tale added some detail of horror to the
last. Bridewell was in flames now, and many said Newgate also. Some
averred that the prisoners had been left locked up in their cells
to perish miserably, others that they had all been released, and
that London would be swarming with felons and criminals, who would
lead the van in the many acts of plunder which were already being
perpetrated. What might be the truth of all these rumours none
could say; but one thing could at least be gathered, which was that
the fire was still raging unchecked, and that nothing had as yet
been done to stay its progress.

When the boat had reached its destination, Lord Desborough
courteously invited Gertrude and her husband to accompany the
deputation. They had not anticipated any such thing; but curiosity
overcame every other feeling, and before another half hour had
passed they found themselves absolutely within the precincts of
Whitehall, passing along corridors where fine-feathered gallants
and royal lackeys and pages walked hither and thither, and where
their appearance excited some mirthful curiosity, although nobody
spoke openly to them.

Lord Desborough was challenged on all hands, but gave only brief
replies. He would tell no word of his mission; and presently he led
his companions into a small anteroom, which was quite empty, and
charged the servant, who had accompanied them thus far, not to
permit any one to enter so long as they were there. Then he hurried
away to seek audience of the King, but promised to join his
companions again in as brief a time as possible.

"Belike it will be long enough