A CONFESSION 3387

One of the judges, who had the former depositions before
him, asked him several questions as to the manner in which
he had put the papers into Sir Marmaduke’s cabinet. He
replied that he found the key in a vase on the mantel, and
after trying several locks with it, found that it fitted the
cabinet.

“His statement agrees, my lords,” the judge said, “with
that made by Sir Marmaduke Carstairs in his examinations.
He then said that he could not account for the papers being
in his cabinet, for it was never unlocked, and that he kept
the key in a vase on the mantel where none would be likely
to look for it.”

In a short time all present were requested to withdraw,
but in less than five minutes they were again called in.

“Gentlemen,” Lord Normanby said to the young officers,
“J have pleasure in informing you that the council are of
opinion that the innocence of your fathers and friends of
the foul offence of which they were charged is clearly
proven, and that they have decided that the sentence passed
against them in their absence shall be quashed. ‘They
will also recommend to her majesty that the sentence
of confiscation against them all shall be reversed. As
to you, sir, seeing that you have, however tardily, endeav-
oured to undo the evil you have caused, we are disposed to
deal leniently, and, at the request of the Duke of Marlbor-
ough, we have agreed, if you are ready to leave the country
and enlist at once as a soldier in the army of Flanders, and
there to expiate your fault by fighting in the service of
your country, we will not recommend that any proceedings
shall be taken against you. But if at any time you return
hither, save as a soldier with a report of good conduct, this
affair will be revived, and you will receive the full punish-
ment you deserve. For the present you will be lodged in
prison, as you will be needed to give evidence when the
matter of John Dormay comes up for hearing.”