and integrity we do not doubt. Truly you may witness the nature of such
a man in the manner of his speech, in his mien, in his conduct.
Therefore, my Lords and gentlemen, it seems to me plain that we shall
best gain confidence for ourselves if we act in the most simple fashion.

"Let us take up this matter directly with Parliament, not seeking to
evade the knowledge of Parliament in any fashion; for, as we know, the
Parliament and the king are not the best bed-fellows these days, and the
one is ready enough to suspect the other. Let us have a bill framed for
Parliament--such bill made upon the decisions of these learned gentlemen
present. Above all things, let us act with perfect openness.

"As to the plan itself, it seems that a few things may be held safe and
sure. Since we can not use the old coin, then surely we must have new
coin, milled coin, which Charles, the earlier king of England, has
decreed. Surely, too, as our learned friend has wisely stated, the loss
in any recoinage ought, in full justice and honesty, to fall not upon
the people of England, but upon the government of England. It seems
equally plain to me there must be a day set after which the old coin may
no longer be used. Set it some months ahead, not, as my Lord Keeper
suggests, but a few days; so that full notice may be given to all. Make
your campaign free and plain, and place it so that it may be known, not
only of Parliament, but of all the world. Thus you establish yourselves
in the confidence of Parliament and in the good graces of this people,
from whom the taxes must ultimately come."

Montague's hands smote again upon the table with a gesture of
conviction. John Locke shifted again in his chair. Sir Isaac and the
lord keeper gazed steadfastly at this young man who stood before them,
calmly, assuredly, and yet with no assumption in his mien.