The other three were silent at this; even among the extremists the idea of totally abolishing the kingship was scarcely murmured.
"Well, then," said Cromwell, with a little smile, glancing round the three silent faces, "a treaty with the King is the only means to get us out of our present imbroglio, is it not? Now we have conquered His Majesty, we must make terms with him."
"You never will," cried Hugh Peters vehemently. "He is false and false, unstable and creeping in his ways—even while you confer with him he is arranging to bring in the Scots again or murdering Papists from Ireland or the French!"
"How do you know?" asked the Lieutenant-General, turning sharply in his chair.
Mr. Peters glanced at Major Harrison, who replied—
"It is true that I have my finger in some plots the King hath in hand. His agents meet at the Blue Boar in Holborn, and he hath a whole service of secret couriers travelling between England, the Scots, and France. As yet I have no letters, no absolute proofs in my possession, but I do not think to lack them long."
"Have you long known of this, Sir Thomas?" asked Cromwell, rising.
"A week or so," replied the General; "but I have not given it overmuch attention. If one listened to all the rumours of plots one's brain would be confounded."
"I have men in disguise at the Blue Boar," said Harrison stubbornly, "and soon I hope to prove my suspicions correct."
"Why, if they are," said Cromwell calmly, "then I shall change my policy."