ly. If I die, Edmund's pretensions die with me; but my friend
Zadisky will acquaint you with the foundation of them. I take these
precautions, because I ought to be prepared for every thing; but my
heart is warm with better hopes, and I trust I shall live to justify
my own cause, as well as that of my friend, who is a person of more
consequence than he appears to be."

Lord Clifford accepted the trust, and expressed the greatest reliance
upon Sir Philip's honour and veracity.

While these preparations were making for the great event that was to
decide the pretensions of Edmund, his enemies at the Castle of Lovel
were brought to shame for their behaviour to him.

The disagreement between Wenlock and Markham had by degrees brought on
an explanation of some parts of their conduct. Father Oswald had often
hinted to the Baron, Wenlock's envy of Edmund's superior qualities,
and the artifices by which he had obtained such an influence with Sir
Robert, as to make him take his part upon all occasions. Oswald now
took advantage of the breach between these two incendiaries, to persuade
Markham to justify himself at Wenlock's expence, and to tell all he
knew of his wickedness; at length, he promised to declare all he knew
of Wenlock's conduct, as well in France as since their return, when he
should be called upon; and, by him, Oswald was enabled to unravel the
whole of his contrivances, against the honour, interest, and even life
of Edmund.

He prevailed on Hewson, and Kemp, his associate, to add their testimony
to the others. Hewson confessed that he was touched in his conscience,
when he reflected on the cruelty and injustice of his behaviour to
Edmund, whose behaviour towards him, after he had laid a snare for his
life, was so noble and generous, that he was cut to the heart by it,
and had suffered so much pain and remorse, that he longed for nothing
so much as an opportunity to unburden his mind; but the dread of Mr.
Wenlock's anger, and the effects of his resentment, had hitherto kept
him silent, always hoping there would come a time, when he might have
leave to declare the whole truth.

Oswald conveyed this information to the Baron's ear, who waited for
an opportunity to make the proper use of it. Not long after, the two
principal incendiaries came to an open rupture, and Markham threatened
Wenlock that he would shew his uncle what a serpent he had harboured in
his bosom. The Baron arrested his words, and insisted upon h