They dressed themselves in coats bearing some resemblance to the tabards of heralds, rode through the streets, halted at some places, and muttered something which nobody could understand.

It was at first supposed that they were merely a company of prize fighters from Hockley in the Hole who had taken this way of advertising their performances with back sword, sword and buckler, and single falchion.

But it was soon discovered that these gaudily dressed horsemen were proclaiming James the Third.

In an instant the pageant was at an end.

The mock kings at arms and pursuivants threw away their finery and fled for their lives in all directions, followed by yells and showers of stones.