"Ay, I suppose so;" and his voice fell slightly. "That is what we were plot—arranging."
"And to be hanged for doing so much good? Oh! no, no. His majesty would never allow that," said Ruth with an incredulous shake of her head. "He is so generous, so kind! Why do you shiver like that? and how dare you shake your head? I say the king is—"
"Hold your peace, child! You don't know what you're talking about. 'Tis just Charles who has to be—to be got rid of."
"Got rid of?" gasped Ruth. "How—what—"
"Nay, we have not got so far yet as that. Maybe he'll have to be shipped across channel, or—yes, put in some safe place."
"Prison?"
"Nay, now, you're such a downright one!" winced Lawrence petulantly. "Well, prison, then, if you like. Words break no bones."
"But deeds cut off heads!" sobbingly burst forth Ruth. "That's how they served our martyred king."
"Psha! Martyred!" sneered Lawrence.
"First they put him in prison, and then they murdered him."