nger walked
on the other side. But nothing further passed between them; and although
the duke had provided several persons in disguise to apprehend the
delinquent, he forebore giving the signal, that, notwithstanding
appearances, he might run no risk of injuring an innocent person. Not
long after this second disappointment he received a third letter, to the
following effect:

"My Lord,--I am fully convinced you had a companion on Sunday: I
interpret it as owing to the weakness of human nature; but such
proceeding is far from being ingenuous, and may produce bad effects,
whilst it is impossible to answer the end proposed. You will see me
again soon, as it were by accident, and may easily find where I go to;
in consequence of which, by being sent to, I shall wait on your grace,
but expect to be quite alone, and to converse in whispers; you
will likewise give your honour, upon meeting, that no part of the
conversation shall transpire. These and the former terms complied with
ensure your safety; my revenge, in case of non-compliance (or any scheme
to expose me), will be slower, but not less sure; and strong suspicion
the utmost that can possibly ensue upon it, while the chances would be
tenfold against you. You will possibly be in doubt after the meeting,
but it is quite necessary the outside should be a mask to the in. The
family of the Bloods is not extinct, though they are not in my scheme."

The expression, "You will see me again soon, as it were by accident,"
plainly pointed at the person to whom he had spoke in the park and in
the Abbey; nevertheless, he saw him not again, nor did he hear anything
further of the affair for two months, at the expiration of which the
post brought him the following letter:

"May it please your Grace,--I have reason to believe, that the son
of one Barnard, a surveyor, in Abingdon-buildings, Westminster, is
acquainted with some secrets that nearly concern your safety: his father
is now out of town, which will give you an opportunity of questioning
him more privately; it would be useless to your grace, as well as
dangerous to me, to appear more publicly in this affair. "Your sincere
friend, "ANONYMOUS. "He frequently goes to Storey's-gate coffee-house."

In about a week after this intimation was received, the duke sent a
person to the coffee-house, to inquire for Mr. Barnard, and tell him he
would be glad to speak to him. The message was delivered, and Barnard
declared he would wait upo