Nottingham went to Newgate; but, before he arrived, Crone had changed his mind and was determined to say nothing.

"Then," said Nottingham, "I shall see you no more--for tomorrow will assuredly be your last day." But, after Nottingham had departed, Monmouth repaired to the gaol, and flattered himself that he had shaken the prisoner's resolution.

At a very late hour that night came a respite for a week, [662] The week however passed away without any disclosure; the gallows and quartering block were ready at Tyburn; the sledge and axe were at the door of Newgate; the crowd was thick all up Holborn Hill and along the Oxford Road; when a messenger brought another respite, and Crone, instead of being dragged to the place of execution, was conducted to the Council chamber at Whitehall.

His fortitude had been at last overcome by the near prospect of death; and on this occasion he gave important information, [663] Such information as he had it in his power to give was indeed at that moment much needed.

Both an invasion and an insurrection were hourly expected, [664] Scarcely had William set out from London when a great French fleet commanded by the Count of Tourville left the port of Brest and entered the British Channel.