"Parliament," continued the officer slowly, "is indeed almost entirely Tory, but yet, as your lordship has good reason to know, it hath no great love for your person. There may not be many honest men among the members, but ’tis certain there are many cowards, and cowards will not brook traitors. If this accusation be brought forward it will not be lightly set aside, And it should not be necessary for me to remind your lordship that you have many enemies in the House." Jeffreys sat silent, gnawing his nails, and gazing moodily on the ground. After a pause Captain Protheroe continued with rising courage. "Now, my lord, should these letters fall into the hands of the Duke of Rochester for example." Jeffreys started to his feet with a sudden wild cry. "Your price, man, your price?" he shouted fiercely. Then he sank down again and leaned his head wearily upon his hand. Captain Protheroe’s eyes flashed with triumph. "My price!" he cried eagerly. "My lord, I might ask much, but I refrain. All I demand is a free pardon for four rebels, Mistress Barbara Winslow, Sir Rupert Winslow, Sir Ralph Trevellyan, and myself. That is my price, and no dear one for such evidence as this." "Pardons! Pardons!" cried Jeffreys testily; "what have I to do with pardons? ’Tis his Majesty alone who can grant such." "Truly, my lord," answered the officer politely; "yet knowing the great confidence his Majesty places in your lordship, I venture to believe you will find no great difficulty in procuring what I demand. In the meantime I will content myself with a safe pass to Holland for myself and my companions." A sudden light gleamed in the judge’s eyes. Drawing towards him ink and paper he wrote the necessary orders, signed and sealed them and laid them on the table beside him. "That will serve your purpose, sir," he said quietly. "My secretary will now accompany you to fetch the originals of the letters; on your return with them this passport shall be delivered to you." Captain Protheroe laughed quickly. Then he turned to Jeffreys with an air of deep reproach. "Alas! my lord," he cried, "you do indeed underrate my opinion of your ability; moreover, I fear, you take me for a fool. No, no, my lord; that plan likes me not." Judge Jeffreys started up with an oath, and made a movement to tear the paper in pieces. Captain Protheroe stopped him sharply. "Hearken, my lord," he said sternly, "you will hand that pass to me now, you will take no steps to interfere with our departure, and you will at once apply yourself to obtain the pardons I demand. If money be required to win them I doubt not your lordship has sufficient to meet all expenses. In the meantime I and my friends will ride in safety to the coast, stopping a night or so at Durford Manor house——" "Durford," cried Jeffreys sharply, "what would you at Durford?"