Page 329 - A Jacobite Exile

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