Now to one living in a Catholic country the rumours that come from others not so happy, are either greatly swollen and exaggerated in his mind, or thought nothing of. It was the latter case with me. I was in high favour on both sides of the Channel; and this, I suppose made me think little of the troubles in my own country: so when I and James reached London late in the evening, after riding up from Kent, I went straight to Whitehall, as bold as brass to demand to see Mr. Chiffinch. We had ridden fast, and had talked with but very few folks, and these ignorant; so that I knew nothing of what impended, and was astonished that the sentinels at the gate eyed me so suspiciously. "Yes, sir," said the younger, to whom I had addressed myself, "and what might your business with Mr. Chiffinch be?" I had learned by now not to quack gossip or to parley with underlings; so I answered him very shortly. "Then fetch the lieutenant," I said; and sat back on my horse like a great person. When the lieutenant came he was one I had never seen before, nor he me; and he too asked me what I wanted with Mr. Chiffinch. "Lord, man!" I cried, for I was weary with my journey, and a little impatient. "Do you think I shall blurt out private business for all the world to hear? Send me under guard if you will--a man on each side--so you send me." He did not do that (for I think he thought that I might be some important personage from my way with him), but he would not let James come in too; and he said a man must go with me to show me the way. "Or I, him," I said. "However; let it be so;" and I told James to ride on to the lodgings, and make all ready for me there.