"You used to come to the ’Rose’ in Charing Cross—near here, you remember? My uncle kept it——" Arthur Herbert smiled. "Yes—I remember; and who are you?" "A scholar at St. John’s now," answered the youth, in the same eager, excited way; "that is thanks to my Lord Dorset——" "Why, I recall," said Mr. Sidney; "’tis my lord’s last genius, sure—he who wrote a satire against the court last year with one Charley Montague—a parody on Mr. Dryden’s bombast, which sorely vexed him——" "The same, sir," answered the young man, flushing deeper with pleasure. "Lord Dorset is the Mæcenas of the age, as I have truly found——" "Well," said the Admiral, "you seem a likely spark—stick to your Pope-burning and you’ll find yourself at Court yet—that is good advice. What is your name? I don’t read poetry." "I don’t write it, sir," retorted the other, with an engaging touch of impudence. "Only verses—a little satire and a little truth." Arthur Herbert laughed. "Well, what is your name?" "Prior, sir—Matthew Prior." "Good evening, Mr. Prior, and remember that you did not see me to-night—silence, mind, even to your friends the Whigs." "I know enough for that, sir," responded the student simply. He took off a battered hat with a courtly air of respect, and discreetly turned away and slipped back into the crowd. The two gentlemen continued their way. "We run some risk, you observe," smiled Mr. Sidney. "Who would have reckoned on that chance?" "None but good Protestants are abroad to-night," answered the Admiral; "but I doubt if you will be safe in London much longer——" "I will come to The Hague as soon as I dare—tell His Highness so much; but I would not have my going prejudice those who must remain at their posts—it would give a colour to rumours if I was to return to The Hague——" "My Lord Sunderland manageth the rumours," smiled Herbert. "My Lord Sunderland," repeated Mr. Sidney reflectively, "is difficult stuff to handle. I tell you plainly that I do not know how far he will go." "But he will not betray us?" "No—I can go warrant for that." They turned down the Strand and walked along the river, which was lively with water-men and boats of music and great barges. "M. Zuylestein will be sending Edward Russell with further news," said Mr. Sidney. "Look out for him, I pray you, at The Hague." "Edward Russell must be weary of running to and fro England and Holland," remarked Herbert. "And how long will the King allow M. Zuylestein to drill parties against him?" Mr. Sidney answered shortly. "Mr. Russell hath my reason of hatred to the house of Stewart, and as for M. Zuylestein he is too clever to give His Majesty a chance to interfere." They paused at one of the landing stages, and Herbert shouted to an idle pair of oars that was looking for custom.