readmission to their midst. Following his advice, Oates was
again received by the Jesuits, and sent to their famous seminary
at St. Omer's; where, though he had reached the age of thirty
years, he was entered among the junior students. For six months
he remained here, until his vices becoming noted, he was turned
away in disgrace. Again he presented himself before the rector
of St. Michael's, knowing as little of popish plots as he did on
his previous return. But Tonge, though disappointed, was not
disheartened; if no scheme existed, he would invent one which
should startle the public, and save the nation. Such proposals
as he made towards the accomplishment of this end were readily
assented to by Oates, in whose breast wounded pride and bitter
hate rankled deep. Therefore, after many consultations they
resolved to draw up a "Narrative of a Horrid Plot." This was
repeatedly changed and enlarged, until eventually it assumed the
definite shape of a deposition, consisting of forty-three
distinct articles, written with great formality and care, and
embodying many shocking and criminal charges.

The narrative declared that in April, 1677, the deponent was
employed to carry letters from the Jesuits in London to members
of their order in Spain; these he broke open on the journey, and
discovered that certain Jesuits had been sent into Scotland to
encourage the presbyterians to rebel. Arrived in Valladolid, he
heard one Armstrong, in a sermon delivered to students, charge
his majesty with most foul and black-mouthed scandals, and use
such irreverent, base expressions as no good subjects could
repeat without horror. He then returned to England, and was soon
after sent to St. Omer with fresh letters, in which was mentioned
a design to stab or poison his majesty--Pere la Chaise, the