Not receiving any tidings
from his native shores, he knows not his loss. Yesternight only I heard
of Lady Fairfax's most lamentable decease. In a cartel lately arrived
for negotiating an exchange of prisoners, Sir Henry sends by me,
secretly, as one of the envoys, a requisition for the papers I have
before mentioned. His name, by some mistake, perhaps, not being included
in the lists for exchange, has induced him so to act. The credentials,
which he will thus be enabled through me to present, will doubtless
accomplish his release, and restore him to his family and to his home.
They are papers of great moment, and will set forth claims which cannot
be overlooked; and I have most minute and special instructions to get
them laid before the council."
"Where are these precious documents deposited?" said Hildebrand.
"An Eastern cabinet of choice and costly workmanship, containing other
records of great value, stands in Sir Henry's private chamber." The
envoy looked round, and his eyes rested on the cabinet. "The outer doors
being opened, there are seen two ranges of drawers, with their separate
mountings and compartments, each containing materials of greater or less
moment.
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