One of the judges, who had the former depositions before him, asked him several questions as to the manner in which he had put the papers into Sir Marmaduke’s cabinet.

He replied that he found the key in a vase on the mantel, and after trying several locks with it, found that it fitted the cabinet.

“His statement agrees, my lords,” the judge said, “with that made by Sir Marmaduke Carstairs in his examinations.  He then said that he could not account for the papers being in his cabinet, for it was never unlocked, and that he kept the key in a vase on the mantel, where none would be likely to look for it.”

In a short time, all present were requested to withdraw, but in less than five minutes they were again called in.

“Gentlemen,” Lord Normanby said to the young officers, “I have pleasure in informing you, that the council are of opinion that the innocence of your fathers and friends, of the foul offence of which they were charged, is clearly proven; and that they have decided that the sentence passed against them, in their absence, shall be quashed.  They will also recommend, to her majesty, that the sentence of confiscation against them all shall be reversed.

“As to you, sir, seeing that you have, however tardily, endeavoured to undo the evil you have caused, we are disposed to deal leniently, and, at the request of the Duke of Marlborough, we have agreed, if you are ready to leave the country and enlist at once, as a soldier in the army of Flanders, and there to expiate your fault by fighting in the service of your country, we will not recommend that any proceedings shall be taken against you.  But if, at any time, you return hither, save as a soldier with a report of good conduct, this affair will be revived, and you will receive the full punishment you deserve.

“For the present you will be lodged in prison, as you will be needed to give evidence, when the matter of John Dormay comes up for hearing.”

Nicholson was at once removed in custody.  The two young officers retired, an usher bringing them a whispered message, from Marlborough, that they had better not wait to see him, as the council might sit for some time longer; but that, if they would call at his house at five o’clock, after his official reception, he would see them.

“This is more than we could have hoped for,” Harry said, as they left Saint James’s.  “A fortnight ago, although I had no intention of giving up the search, I began to think that our chances of ever setting eyes on that rascal were of the slightest; and now everything has come right.  The man has been found.  He has been made to confess the whole matter.  The case has been heard by the council.  Our fathers are free to return to England, and their estates are restored to them; at least, the council recommends the queen, and we know the queen is ready to sign.  So that it is as good as done.”

“It seems too good to be true.”