"
The monarch replied that, before starting with the court to-
morrow for Windsor, he would place it in the hands of one he
could trust, and who would answer for its safety. He then bade
him attend on the Lord Treasurer Danby next morning.
In obedience to this command, Tonge waited on his lordship at the
appointed time, and by the character of his replies helped to
develop his story of the plot. When asked if the document he had
given his majesty was the original of the deponent, Tonge
admitted it was in his own handwriting. On this, Lord Danby
expressed a desire to see the original, and likewise become
acquainted with its author. Nothing abashed, the rector replied
the manuscript was in his house, and accounted for its possession
by stating that, singularly enough, it had been thrust under his
door--he did not know by whom, but fancied it must be by one who,
some time before, had discussed with him on the subject of this
conspiracy. Whereon his lordship asked him if he knew the man,
and was answered he did not, but he had seen him lately two or
three times in the streets, and it was likely he should see him
soon again.
Being next questioned as to whether he had any knowledge of
Honest William, or Pickering, the villains who sought the king's
life, he answered he had not. Immediately, however, he
remembered it was their habit to walk in St. James's Park, and
said, if any man was appointed to keep him company, he was almost
certain he would have opportunities of letting that person see
these abominable wretches.
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