d as soon as yowe have burnt the
letter, and I hope God will gyve yowe the grace to make good
use of it to whose holy protection I commend yowe."

"A most amazing document," said Ward, as he returned it to Monteagle;
"and what think you of it, my lord? canst detect the meaning of so
strange a warning?"

His lordship contracted his brow and studied the writing with much
attention. "'Tis as you perceive," said he, "a warning unto me that
some unexplained danger lies in the way."

"A boorish jest," cried one at the table; "think not upon it, my
lord."

"Which is proved beyond doubt by the action of the one who brought
it," said another; "he dared not deliver it at the door."

Monteagle folded the letter carefully and thrust it inside his
doublet. There arose in his mind suspicion that in the tenor of the
message lay the verification of the warning to Lord Salisbury, and
that, mayhap, beneath the apparent serenity of the kingdom, smoldered
a volcano which needed but the touch of a directing master hand to
send belching forth its contents of treason and blood. Into his mind
came also the words of the Prime Minister spoken one afternoon several
months before, that should aught be unfolded of plots or treasonable
designs, they should be disclosed to him, and thus the danger to the
State be averted.

He had therefore a feeling of relief when the meal was ended, and his
companions left him to carry out his intention. The raw October night
was filled with storm and blackness, but the spirit of Lord Monteagle
burned within him to lay before Salisbury and, perchance, the King,
the warning which had come to him.

Scarce a quarter of an hour elapsed after rising from the table ere,
covered by a great cloak, booted, and with a stout rapier girt at his
side, he left Hoxton House unnoticed, and turned his steps toward the
dwelling of the Prime Minister. Although the hour was late Cecil had
not retired when he received the announcement that Monteagle sought an
interview. Surprised at so unusual an occurrence the Minister
hastened to greet his visitor, ordering, as was his custom, that a
light repast be set before him.

"And what now, good Monteagle?" asked he, looking at his companion
with a smile, "hast thy digestion played thee false again?"

"Of that thou shalt judge, my lord," replied Monteagle, taking the
letter from his doublet and handing it to the Minister.

Salisbury mastered its contents with an aptness pec