n London. He replied that the
_Benbow_ frigate had not yet arrived, though she was long overdue, but
the merchants to whom her freight was consigned had received notice of
her having left Cadiz. Except from the account sent them through
Stephen, they had not heard of her being in the channel. They spoke of
the heavy gale which had occurred in the North Sea, and fears were
entertained that she might have met with some disaster. This made the
family at Eversden very anxious. Mr Handscombe wrote other news,
however, to Mr Willoughby. He spoke of the extreme unpopularity of the
king, especially among the Dissenters. Notwithstanding his promise not
to support the Popish system, and to allow the right of free worship to
all his subjects, he had already introduced innovations. The man who
had governed Scotland with fire and sword, and murdered through his
agents numberless persons for adhering to their religious principles,
was, it was said, likely to commence a similar system of terrorism in
England. Large numbers of Londoners, ever opposed to tyranny, were
ready to revolt as soon as a leader should come forward. That leader
had already been found, and only waited for an opportunity to carry out
the proposed project, and to dethrone the Popish king. It was hoped
that numbers in all parts of the country, especially in the western
counties, would follow their example as soon as the signal was given,
and the man to whom all looked as their leader had made his appearance
on the scene. Mr Handscombe mentioned no names, he only spoke of
reports, nor did he say whence the expected chief was likely to come;
but Mr Willoughby was fully convinced that rebellion on a large scale
was in prospect. He did mention the contents of this part of his letter
to his brother-in-law. He felt sure that the Colonel would take no part
in any proceeding of the sort, and might, from his loyal principles,
feel himself called upon to support King James by sending notice of any
information he might obtain, if not by taking more active measures. Mr
Willoughby, however, rode over the next day to Langton Hall, and had a
long consultation with Mr Battiscombe, who would, he knew, cordially
support the cause calculated to overthrow the Papal system with which
the country was threatened. They had a long and interesting discussion,
at which his elder sons as well as Stephen were allowed to be present.

Stephen had now to set off for Bristol, Mr Kemp