Which Jack did, though not _presto_, on the instant. It took some time, with an amount of manipulation, before the secreted despatch could be laid open to the light. The cadger's artificial leg had to be unstrapped and separated from what remained of the real one; then a cavity in the former, being uncorked, disclosed to view a roll of paper, bearing resemblance to a cartridge. This, drawn forth by Jerky himself, was handed to Sir Richard, and passed on to the Governor; who, having directed the temporary withdrawal of the messenger party, unrolling it, read-- "Gloucester, March 7.--Report here of Rupert, with 8,000 men, on march for Bristol. Expected to arrive before your gates early in the night. Be careful to keep them shut. Sorry I can do nothing for you in the way of diversion. Myself pressed on Monmouthshire side. Brett and Lord John Somerset, with their Popish crew, have crossed the Forest, and are now threatening us from Highnam. But I'll hold Gloucester at all hazards, as I know you will Bristol. "Massey." "That will I!" cried Fiennes, in a fresh burst of enthusiasm, inspired by the last words of the despatch. "Hold and defend it to the death. We will, gentlemen!" Needless to say, they all again echoed his resolve loudly and determinedly as before. While their responses were still ringing through the room, the door was once more pushed open by a man who entered in haste, without announcement of usher, or introduction of any kind. The expression upon his features was sufficient apology for intrusion, but better the words that leaped from his lips, soon as he was inside: "Your Excellency--gentlemen all--we're standing upon a mine!" "`Standing upon a mine!'" echoed the Governor. "Explain yourself, Captain Birch!" "Treason in our midst--a conspiracy--the conspirators met at this very moment." "Where?" demanded several voices. "I heard first of a party in the house of Robert Yeomans, and another at George Boucher's. But I've since been told about more of them at Edward Dacre's." "And they're assembled now, you think?" "I'm sure of it, your Excellency. Armed, too; ready for rising." In view of the contents of Massey's despatch, now hastily communicated to the Volunteer captain, this seemed probable as intelligible. Rupert to assault from outside, aweing the loyal citizens by an attack, sudden as unexpected; the disloyal ones, these conspirators, to take advantage of it and act in concert--the programme beyond a doubt! Withal, Langrish and one or two others were disposed to discredit it. For in that confidential council itself was a leaven of treason. Luckily not enough to control it; and when Fiennes put the question, "Shall we arrest these men?" a majority of voices declared promptly and decisively in the affirmative.