“And who is this villain?” cried the king.

“I must refer your majesty to Lord Argentine,” replied Leonard.

“Do you know anything of the transaction, my lord?” said Charles, appealing to him.

“Not I, your majesty,” said Argentine, vainly endeavouring to conceal his anger and confusion.  “The knave has spoken falsely.”

“He shall rue it, if he has done so,” rejoined the monarch.  “What has the man you speak of to do with Lord Argentine?” he added to Leonard.

“He is his father,” was the reply.

Charles looked at Lord Argentine, and became convinced from the altered expression of his countenance that the truth had been spoken.  He, therefore, arose, and motioning him to follow him, led him into the recess of a window, where they remained in conversation for some minutes.  While this was passing, the Earl of Rochester observed, in an undertone to Leonard, “You have made a mortal foe of Lord Argentine, but I will protect you.”

“I require no other protection than I can afford myself, my lord,” rejoined Leonard, coldly.

Shortly after this, Charles stepped forward with a graver aspect than before, and said, “Before proceeding to view this conflagration, I must give some directions in reference to it.  To you, my Lord Craven, whose intrepidity I well know, I intrust the most important post.  You will station yourself at the east of the conflagration, and if you find it making its way to the Tower, as I hear is the case, check it at all hazards.  The old fortress must be preserved at any risk.  But do not resort to gunpowder unless you receive an order from me accompanied by my signet-ring.  My Lords Hollis and Ashley, you will have the care of the north-west of the city.  Station yourselves near Newgate Market.  Rochester and Arlington, your posts will be at Saint Paul’s.  Watch over the august cathedral.  I would not have it injured for half my kingdom.  Brother,” he added to the Duke of York, “you will accompany me in my barge—­and you, Mr. Pepys.  You, young man,” to Leonard, “can follow in my train.”

“Has your majesty no post for me?” asked Argentine.

“No,” replied Charles, turning coldly from him.

“Had not your majesty better let him have the custody of your gaol of Newgate?” remarked Rochester, sarcastically; “he has an interest in its safe keeping.”

Lord Argentine turned deadly pale, but he made no answer.  Attended by the Duke of York and Mr. Pepys, and followed at a respectful distance by Leonard, the king then passed through the ante-room, and descending the grand staircase, traversed a variety of passages, until he reached the private stairs communicating with the river.  At the foot lay the royal barge, in which he embarked with his train.  Charles appeared greatly moved by the sight of the thousands of his houseless subjects, whom he encountered in his passage down the Thames, and whenever a feeble shout was raised