“Merely this, sir,” replied the other:  “it is not much, indeed, but it will enable you to take greater measures for your safety.  The design to assassinate you has existed some time, but the period for putting it in execution was formerly fixed for the month of April.  My opposition to the bloody design, and to the purpose of bringing French troops into Great Britain, has deranged all the plans of these base men.  I had fancied that such opposition, and the falling away of many others on whom the assassins counted, would have induced them to abandon the whole design.  Last night, however, I received intelligence that, instead of so doing, their purpose was but strengthened, and their design only hastened; that instead of April, the assassination was to take place whenever it could be accomplished; that even tomorrow, when it is believed you dine with the Lord Romney, if it were found possible absolutely to surround the house so as to prevent escape, the deed was to be attempted there; or as you went; or as you came back.  If none of these occasions suited, you were to be assailed the first time that you went out to hunt; and dresses such as those worn by many of your attendants in the chase are already ordered for the purpose of facilitating the execution of the murder, and the escape of the assassins.  It has been calculated, I find, that on the night of next Saturday you are likely to pass across Turnham Green towards ten o’clock, and that is one of the occasions which is to be made use of, if others fail.”

William looked at Lord Albemarle, and Albemarle at the King; but the latter remained silent for a minute or two, as if to give his informant time to go on.  The other, however, added nothing more; and the King, after this long pause, said, “I must not conceal from you, sir, that we have heard something of this matter, and may probably soon have farther tidings.”

“It is high time, sir,” replied the other, “that you should have farther tidings, for the first attempt will certainly be to-morrow night.”

“Perhaps we have acted somewhat rashly,” said Keppel; “but to say truth, there have been so many reports of plots, that we thought it but right to discourage the matter; his Majesty justly observing, that if he were to give attention to everything of the kind, he would have nothing to do but to examine into the truth of stories composed for the purpose of obtaining rewards.  We therefore gave this matter not so much attention as it would seem to require.”

“It requires every attention, sir,” replied their visitor; “and from whomsoever you may have obtained the information, if possible, obtain more from him immediately.  If he tell you what I have told, he tells you truth; and if so, it is probable that any farther information he may give will be true likewise.  Did I know his name, perhaps I could say more.”

“Suppose his name were Johnstone?” said the King.

“I know of none such,” replied the other, “who could give you much information.  There are many persons, whom men call Jacobites, of that name, and many very gallant gentlemen who would sooner die than become assassins.  But none that I know of, in this business.”