three hours ago when the news came to George Speke, and I was riding
to carry it to you, going by way of Taunton that I might drop word of
it for our friends at the Red Lion."

Trenchard needed no further convincing; he looked accordingly dismayed.
But Wilding found it still almost impossible - in spite of what already
he had learnt - to credit this amazing news. It was hard to believe
the Duke of Monmouth mad enough to spoil all by this sudden and
unheralded precipitation.

"You heard the news at Whitp Lackington?" said he slowly. "Who carried
it thither?"

"There were two messengers," answered Vallancey, with restrained
impatience, "and they were Heywood Dare - who has been appointed
paymaster to the Duke's forces - and Mr. Chamberlain."

Mr. Wilding was observed for once to change colour. He gripped Vallancey
by the wrist. "You saw them?" he demanded, and his voice had a husky,
unusual sound. "You saw them?"

"With these two eyes," answered Vallancey, "and I spoke with them."

It was true, then! There was no room for further doubt.

Wilding looked at Trenchard, who shrugged his shoulders and made a wry
face. "I never thought but that we were working in the service of a
hairbrain," said he contemptuously.

Vallancey proceeded to details. "Dare and Chamberlain," he informed