"Nay," said Cromwell impulsively, "I believe it. Forgive me. But thou art in these Fifth-Monarchy plots."
"We do not plot," returned Harrison, "nor intrigue, whatever may be noised of us."
"Thou mayst put what name thou wilt to it, Major-General Harrison," said His Highness; "but it is a known fact that thou seekest to disturb the Government and seduce the army."
"I neither own the Government nor molest it. But wherefore these words? I do not seek to fly or in any way to save myself. Sir, I am in your power, both I and those poor hearts, those few redcoats who still hold the pure doctrine."
"Thou knowest," replied the Lord-Protector hastily, and with evident emotion, "that I wish to be at peace with all men—even with the malignants."
"Yea!" cried Thomas Harrison, with a flame of anger in his dark eyes, "you have been very ready to make peace with Bael—to this has your tolerance led you!"
"I would that thou hadst a little more tolerance," was the mild reply.
"These are vain words," said the soldier impatiently. "You and I have parted company long since. Our ways lie differently now. Tell me what you will of me and let this end."
Oliver Cromwell looked at him fully and mournfully, then sighed.
"If thou wilt recognise the Government thou mayst live in peace for me."