“Once out of Traitors’ Gate, all the rest will be easy,” said Osbert. “Your plan promises well, good Lovel, and I trust nothing will occur to mar it. Possessed of this gold, we shall be able to carry into immediate effect our grand enterprise. It may be wrong to seize this treasure, but neither I nor my associates have any scruples on the subject. We know that this gold is intended to be employed to bribe our nobles to enslave the country, and we consider it lawful plunder, of which we may rightfully possess ourselves by force or stratagem.” “I take precisely the same view of the matter as yourself, Sir,” said Lovel; “and, as you, know, have engaged in this enterprise without fee or reward. I am anxious, as you and your friends are, to see the country delivered from Spanish thraldom, and the Protestant religion restored. While martyrs are giving up their lives in testimony of their faith, I do not hesitate to jeopardise mine to benefit the same cause. If this Spanish gold can be employed against our enemies, instead of being used by them to our disadvantage, I shall be content.” “In three day’s time there will be a rising in Essex and Suffolk,” said Osbert; “and in less than a week an army of insurgents, larger than that commanded by Wyat, will be marching to London, its battle-cry being, ‘Down with the Spaniard and the Pope!’ This gold will give us all we need. And so you positively refuse any reward for the great service you are rendering us, Lovel?” “Were I to take a reward, I should consider that I had violated my trust,” replied the other. “My object is to serve my country, and if it be freed from oppression I shall be amply rewarded. But now to proceed with the business. No time must be lost in communicating with Sir Henry Dudley, Sir Anthony Kingston, Master Udal, and the rest of your associates.” “That can be quickly done,” replied Osbert. “They are close at hand—at the ‘Rose and Crown,’ on Tower Hill. There can be no difficulty as to a boat, since one has been already provided. At what hour ought the attempt to be made?” “Let me see,” said Lovel, reflecting. “The tide will serve at nine. The boat should be at Traitor’s Gate at that hour.” “Good,” returned Osbert. “Now then to communicate with my friends.” “Leave that to me,” said Lovel; “you cannot quit the Tower with safety, as, if you should be seen and recognised, your instant arrest would follow. I will go to the ‘Rose and Crown’ at once, and give full instructions to your friends. Retire to the inner room, and do not stir forth from it till my return.” And as Osbert complied, the keeper of the treasure left the Jewel House, and set out on his errand. [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER VI. HOW THE PLOT WAS DISCOVERED BY XIT, AND DISCLOSED BY HIM TO MAGOG.