arrival, "an old reverend-like man, with a long grey beard and
ordinary grey clothes," entered the inn and begged for a private
interview. He then fell on his knees, and pulling off his disguise,
discovered himself to be Mr. Downing, then ambassador from Cromwell
to the States-General. He informed Charles that the Dutch had
guaranteed to the English Commonwealth to deliver him into their
hands should he ever set foot in their territory. This warning
probably saved Charles's liberty.--M. B.]

13th. All day, either at the office or at home, busy about business till
late at night, I having lately followed my business much, I find great
pleasure in it, and a growing content.

14th. At the office all the morning. At noon Sir W. Pen and I making a
bargain with the workmen about his house, at which I did see things not so
well contracted for as I would have, and I was vexed and made him so too
to see me so critical in the agreement. Home to dinner. In the afternoon
came the German Dr. Kuffler,

[This is the secret of Cornelius van Drebbel (1572-1634), which is
referred to again by Pepys on November 11th, 1663. Johannes
Siberius Kuffler was originally a dyer at Leyden, who married
Drebbel's daughter. In the "Calendar of State Papers, Domestic,"
1661-62 (p. 327), is the following entry: "Request of Johannes
Siberius Kuffler and Jacob Drebble for a trial of their father
Cornelius Drebble's secret of sinking or destroying ships in a
moment; and if it succeed, for a reward of L10,000. The secret was
left them by will, to preserve for the English crown before any
other state." Cornelius van Drebbel settled in London, where he
died. James I. took some interest in him, and is said to have