eet were carriages and chairs, and multiplied
conveyances of persons of consequence. Upon the narrow pavement, and
within the little entrance-way that led to the inner room, there bustled
about important-looking men, some with hooked noses, most with florid
faces and well-fed bodies, but all with a certain dignity and sobriety
of expression.

Montague himself, young, smooth-faced, dark-eyed, of active frame, of
mobile and pleasing features, sat at the head of a long table. The
high-strung quality of his nervous system was evidenced in his restless
hands, his attitude frequently changed.

At the left of Montague sat Somers, lord keeper; older, of more steady
demeanor, of fuller figure, of bold face and full light eye, a
politician, not a ponderer. At the right of Montague, grave, silent,
impassive, now and again turning a contemplative eye about him, sat that
great man. Sir Isaac Newton, known then to every nobleman, and now to
every schoolboy, of the world. A gem-like mind, keen, clear, hard and
brilliant, exact in every facet, and forsooth held in the setting of an
iron body. Gentle, unmoved, self-assured, Sir Issac Newton was calm as
morn itself as he sat in readiness to give England the benefit of his
wisdom.

Beyond sat John Locke, abstruse philosopher, a man thinner and darker
than his _confrere_, with large full orb, with the brow of the student
and the man of thought. In dignity he shared with the learned gentleman
sitting near him.

All those at the board looked with some intentness at the figure of the
young man from the North, who came as the guest of Montague. With small
formality, the latter rose and advanced to meet Law with an eager grasp
of the hand. He made him known to the others present promptly, but with
a half apology.

"Gentlemen," said he, "I have made bold to ask the presence with us of a
young man who has much concerned himself with problems such as those
which we have now in hand. Sir Isaac Newton, this is Mr. Law of
Edinboro'. Mr. Law, the fame of John Locke I need not lay before you,
and of my Lord Somers you need no advice. Mr. Law, I shall pray you to
be seated.

"I shall but serve as your mouthpiece to the Court, gentlemen," resumed
Montague, seating himself and turning at once to the business of the
day. "We are all agreed as to the urgency of the case. The king needs
behind him in these times a contented people. You have already seen the
imminence of a popular discontent which may