“Lord Carlisle, arise. Mr. Barclugh, arise. It is at your Sovereign’s commands that you shall proceed to the shores of his rebellious Colonists and use your persuasion to insure their allegiance to the British Realm. Gentlemen, no means must be spared to preserve the integrity of the British Empire. May the blessings of God pursue your endeavors. Follow the plans that hath pleased the Almighty to have your Sovereign prepare.” At the conclusion of this inspired speech, His Majesty stepped toward Lord Carlisle and Mr. Barclugh, and shook each by the hand and spoke of the great pleasure that his duty gave, whereupon these two representatives of royalty retired in due form and respect from his royal presence. When our commissioner and our secret agent emerged from the august presence of George III, they made straightway to the chariot of Lord Carlisle and were driven post-haste to Brooks’ Club. Carlisle alighted, but Barclugh went to the house of his chief, Mr. Prince, for he was in London incognito. Fox at the head of the faro table was banker, and Selwyn sat opposite, in the great green room at Brooks’. The play was highly interesting when Carlisle entered the room. The Bank was two thousand pounds sterling to the good and the night was but begun. Lord Carlisle went to the side of Fox and spoke to him, who turned the deal over to Gilly Williams. Selwyn arose at a sign from Fox, and the three conspirators left for a private room to discuss the new phase of American politics. Fox, who was easily the leader of the Whig coterie that centered in Brooks’ Club, opened the discussion by remarking: “Has the ‘lunatic’ (George III) carried out the plan?” “He has,” replied Carlisle, who had just left his Majesty. “But who is this Barclugh? Can we depend upon him? His task is almost superhuman,” commented Fox to his cronies. “Barclugh is the grandson of Sir George Barclugh of the plot to murder William of Orange,” remarked Carlisle. “He will do, then,” assented Fox. “For the followers of the Stuarts were the most remarkable zealots of any age.” “Yes, and Barclugh has been the secret agent of Mr. Prince, the President of the Bank of England, at the court of Louis for five years past. His reports have been reliable and I can vouch for anything that he undertakes,” contended Selwyn, who was the balance-wheel and the diplomat of these choice spirits of Brooks’ high play. “Very well, very well,” exclaimed Charles, “you and Carlisle fix up the details; I must be back, Gilly will ruin me. You and Carlisle fix up these matters--whatever you do will suit me. You know I must not leave the game,” contended Fox, as he nervously spoke and returned to the green room and hurried to his seat at the head of the table where the banker sat turning the cards for the coterie of gamesters. Selwyn now had an opportunity to go calmly over the points at issue with Carlisle.