Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-02
Chapter XLIIE.'

his friends, and of some who were less his
friends than their own induce him to at
tend either the meeting of the party at
Admiral Russelrs or that which was held
in Lincoln's Inn Fields, thing which 1
take to be in itself a refutat:on of the
statement, sometimes heard in his dispar-
asement. that he lacked strength For it
is on record that his grace OF Marlborough
in the great war, where he had in a man.
ner to contend with emperors and princes
held all together by his firmness and con-
duct, yet he failed with my lord, though he
tried hard, pleading some thought in
his own cause. To his arguments and
those of Admiral Russell and Lord Godol-
pnin, the hearty support of the party was
not lacking, if it could have availed. But
as fact it went into the other scale. since
IN proportion as his followers proclaimed
their faith in my lords innocence. and de-
nounced his accusers, he felt shame for
the old folly and inconsistency that known
by some and suspected by more must now
be proclaimed to the wcrld. 1t was this
which paralyzed for time the vigor and
intellect that at two great crises saved the
Protestant party, and this which finally
determined him to leave London.
1t was not known when he started that
horse patrols had been ordered to the Kent
and Essex roads i'll expectation of his ma
jestys immediate crossing. Nor is it likely
that the fact would have swayed him had
he known 1t, since 1t was not upon his
was assured-or disfavor, that he was de-
pending: my lord being moved rather by
considerations in his own mind. But at
Maidenhead, where he lay the first night
Mr.. Vernon overlook h:m-comng up with
him as he prepared to start in the morning
and gave him news which presently al
tered his mind. Not only was his majesty
hourly expected at Remington where his
apartments were being hastily prepared
but he had expressed his intention of see
ing Fenwick at once and sitting him.
Nor is that ALL Mr.. Vernon continued
L have reason to think your grace is
under a complete Misrepresentation as to
the character of the charges that are be-
ing made
What matter what the charges are?"
my lord replied YEARLY, leaning back in
his coach. For he had insisted on start
ing
1T does matter very much-saving your
presence, duke Mr.. Vernon answered
biuntly; sober and downright gentleman
whose after-succession to the seals Though
thought a the time to be an excessive ele-
walton, anil of the most sudden, was fully
Justified by his honorable career Pardon
NE. 1 must speak. 1 have been swayed too
icng by your grace'S extreme dislike of the
topic"
Which continues my LORD said dryly.
Il care not jot-if 1t dcesr' Mr. Vernon
cried impetuously; and then met the dukes
lcok OK surprise and anger with Your
grace forgets that it is treason is in ques-
ton! High treason, not in the clouds and
In praterito, but in PRESENT., and in Kent!
tilSh treason in aiding and abetting Sir
John Fenwick, an outlawed traitor, and
by his mouth and hand communicating
with and encouraging the kings enemies"
You are beside the mark. SIR" my lord
answered In a tone of freezing displeas-
ure. That has nothing to DO with it, 1t is
foolish tale which will not stand a min
ute. Ne man believes it,
prove it,
Two men?' quoth my lord. his ear
caught by that.
'Ay. two mel! And two men are enough.
In treason"
My lord stared hard before him. "Who
is the second?' he said at last.
"A dubious fellow, yet good enough for
the purpose" the under secretary answer
ed, overjoyed that he had at last got a
hearing. "A man named Matthew Smith
long suspected of Jacobite practices and ar
rested with the others at the time of the
late conspiracy, but released, as he says"
''Wel?"
"Corruptly." quoth the under secretary
coolly; and laid his hand on the check
string.
My lord sprang in his seat ..what?" he
cried, and uttered an cath. thing to
which he rarely condescended. Then, 1T
Is true know the man"
.'He is in the countess service"
I'm her husbands. And he was brought
before me. But the warrant was against
one John Smith-or William Smith, I for
get which-and I knew this man to be
self avowing mistake. I released the
man."
:'Of course" said Mr.. Vernon. nodding
impatiently "Of course. But that, your
grace, Is not the grayamen. It is a more
serious matter than he alleges; that he ac-
companied you to Ashford; that you there
in his presence saw Sir John Fenwick: that
you gave Sir John a ring-and, in a word,
he confirms Sir Johns statement in all
points. And there being now two wit
nesses, the matter becomes grave. Shall
stop the coach?" And he made again as If
he would witch the cord.
The duke. wearing very sober face
yet one wherein the light of conflict began
to fiicker-drummed softly on the glass
with his fingers. How do you come by his
cvidence?' he said at last. HAS Sir John
approved against him ?"
mo- but Sir John sent for him-the morn
ing he saw Deyonshire for the second time
and I suppose threatened him, for tie
fellow went to Trumball and said that he
had evidence to give touching Sir John il
he could have his Eaajesty's word he should
not suffer. It was given him, more or less
and be confirmed Sir Johns tale toti dem
verbs. They have had him In the gate
house these ten days, 1t seems. on Trum-
balls warrant.
a The duke drew q deep breath. mr. ver-
nxn. I. am much obliged to you." he said.
'sYou have played the friend IN my teeth.
see that have treated this matter too
lightly. Str John. unhappy as he Is In
SOME OF his noticns. Ii gentleman; ana /