“You will repent your rashness, young Sir,” said the other; “but I pray you not to go forth till you have heard certain disclosures which I have to make to you, and which I am well assured will induce you to alter your opinion of me.”

“I can put no faith in the statements of a hireling, base enough to play the spy for an enemy of his country,” rejoined Sir Jocelyn, scornfully.  “Stand aside, Sir.  Your employer, De Gondomar, is in danger from these hot-headed apprentices; and if you owe him any gratitude for past favours, you may find occasion for its display now.”

“What! are you about to take part with your enemy and against your friends?  These apprentices are about to redress your wrongs—­in a lawless manner it is true—­but the circumstances justify their conduct.”

“No circumstances can justify outrage, and violation of the law,” said Sir Jocelyn; “and if injury be attempted against De Gondomar, I must defend him.”

“This is mere madness,” cried the other.  “Stay and hear what I have to say to you.  It imports you much to know it.”

“Not now,” replied Sir Jocelyn, pushing past him.  “On some other occasion.”

“You are throwing life and liberty away, Sir Jocelyn, and to no purpose,” cried the other.  “He heeds me not,” he added, in a tone of deep disappointment.  “Imprudent that he is! he will thwart all the plans I have formed for his benefit, and at the very moment they have arrived at maturity.  I must follow and protect him.”

And he too rushed down the stairs, and made all the haste he could across the Vintry wharf after Sir Jocelyn, who was hurrying up a narrow thoroughfare communicating with Thames Street.

Here a numerous body of ’prentices were already collected, holding a consultation as to their plan of attack.  After listening to a brief but stirring harangue from Dick Taverner, who got upon a horse-block for the purpose of addressing them, and recommended them to proceed to Ely House, in Holborn, the residence of the offending Ambassador, and there await his return from Whitehall; they approved of his proposal, and unanimously electing Dick as their leader, set forth on their expedition, gathering strength as they went along.

By the time they reached Blackfriars they numbered many hundreds.  Little or no interruption was offered them on their route; and the slight hindrance they encountered from a detachment of the city-watch was speedily overborne.  Skirting Bridewell, they traversed Shoe Lane, and ascending Holborn Hill, found themselves in the vicinity of Ely House, where they came to a halt, and arranged their forces.

CHAPTER XIX.

A Noble Revenge.