he first, I remember it very distinctly.
In this manner I used the information I gained for the King's benefit;
and, at the same time the conspirators were led to believe that I was
their tool, and no more.

* * * * *

The next important incident fell in the beginning of the summer.

Now, in the meantime I had learned, from Mr. Chiffinch for the most
part, though there were some matters I was able rather to inform him
about, that there were two separate and distinct parties amongst the
conspirators. There were those who intended nothing but some kind of a
rising--scarcely more than an armed demonstration--and to this party
would belong such a man as my Lord Russell--if he were of them at all;
and there were those who meant a great deal more than this--who were
hoping, in fact so to excite their followers as to bring about the
King's death. But of these I found it very hard to get any names--and
quite impossible, so far, to obtain any positive proof at all. The Duke
of Monmouth, I knew, was of the moderate party; so, I thought then, was
my Lord Grey--but Mr. Algernon Sidney whom I met once or twice was of
the extreme side. But as to my Lord Shaftesbury, I knew nothing: he was
pretty silent always; and it was with regard to him most of all that we
desired evidence. It was this division of parties, no doubt, that
hindered any action; the moderates were for ever trying to drag back the
fanatics; and the fanatics to urge on the moderates; so that nothing was
done.

From my diaries I find that I spoke with my Lord Essex no less than
eight times between Christmas and July; I saw my Lord Russell only once
as I shall relate presently, but did not speak with him: the rest I met
now and again, but never all of them together. It was necessary, no
doubt, that they should be well drilled before they could be trusted
with me. Mr. Rumbald I met about four times, and my Lord Howard but
once. I think all this time they were wholly satisfied that I passed on
to Mr. Chiffinch what they told me, and nothing else; for he and I
usually contrived to carry out part at least of their recommendations.

I first began to learn something of my Lord Russell's position in the
matter in a meeting in July, in the house of the Mr. Sheppard (whom I
had met at Mr. West's), that was situated in Wapping; and I learned
something else too at the same time. My Lord Essex; came for me in his
coach that day, and himself carried