"Yet you say he is in alliance with the French and the Jacobites!"
"I say that, Master Harry, but I can not prove it. Remember, even you, who have recently come from St. Germain, had never heard of him. Moreover, he is hand in glove with the Pelhams and all the corrupt officials in Whitehall. He hath buttered many a grasping hand, and if he can secure his operations a few years longer he will have laid the groundwork for England's overthrow in the New World.
"I leave to your imagination the effect upon our people at home of a disastrous war with France at this juncture. King George is scarce settled on his throne, and so good an excuse would pave the way for the Stuarts' return."
"And Murray?"
"So ambitious a man as he must have his object in view. He could ask a dukedom—whatever he willed."
"Yes, that is true," I assented. "'Tis a dangerous plot."
Juggins looked at me keenly.
"You are still desirous to join in thwarting it!"
"More so than ever. But I see not how I can be of service to you."
"If the Lords of Trade have received the orders I expect, then you can be of great service to me and to your country. For myself, I stand in no worse plight than the loss of some small sums of money, which I can do without at need. My interest is impersonal, Master Harry, and 'tis because he knows it to be so that Murray attempted my life last night."