For some days no fresh disclosure was made concerning this horrid
plot, until late one night, when Dr. Tonge arrived in great haste
at Lord Danby's house, and informed him some of the intended
regicides had resolved on journeying to Windsor next morning,
determined to assassinate the king. He added, it was in his
power to arrange that the earl's servant should ride with them in
their coach, or at least accompany them on horseback, and so give
due notice of their arrival, in order that they might be timely
arrested. Alarmed by this intelligence, Danby at once hastened
to Windsor, and informed the king of what had come to his
knowledge. Both endured great suspense that night, and next day
their excitement was raised to an inordinate pitch by seeing the
earl's servant ride towards the castle with all possible speed.
When, however, the man was brought into his majesty's presence,
he merely delivered a message from Dr. Tonge, stating the
villains "had been prevented from taking their intended journey
that day, but they proposed riding to Windsor next day, or within
two days at farthest." Before that time had arrived, another
message came to say, "one of their horses being slipped in the
shoulder, their trip to Windsor was postponed."
Taking these foolish excuses, as well as Dr. Tonge's
prevaricating answers and mysterious statements, into
consideration, the king was now convinced the "Narrative of a
Horrid Plot" was an invention of a fanatic or a rogue.
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