knowledge, and, pledging him to the strictest secrecy, showed him
the "Narrative of the Horrid Plot," and besought his help in
bringing it under the notice of his majesty in as private a
manner as possible.

This aid was freely promised; and next day, the date being the
13th of August, when the monarch was about to take his usual
airing in the park, Kirby drew near, and in a mysterious tone
bade his majesty take care, for his enemies had a design against
his life, which might be put into execution at any moment.
Startled by such words, the king asked him in what manner was it
intended his life should be taken; to which he replied, "It might
be by pistol; but that to give a more particular account of the
matter, required greater privacy." The monarch, who quickly
recovered his first surprise, resolved to take his usual
exercise; and, subduing his curiosity, he bade Kirby attend him
on his return from the park, and tell him what he knew of the
subject.

When the time arrived, Kirby saw his majesty alone, and related
to him in brief that two men waited but an opportunity to shoot
him; and Sir George Wakeham had been hired to poison him; which
news, he concluded, had been imparted to him by a worthy man
living close at hand, who would attend his majesty's pleasure
when that was manifested.

Bewildered by such intelligence, yet suspicious of its veracity,
the king ordered Kirby to summon his informant that evening by
eight o'clock. When that hour came his majesty repaired to the
Red Room, and there met Dr. Tonge, who delivered his narrative