It is plain, however, that the negotiation was commenced accidentally." Comptroller Croft (nervously, and with the air of a man fearful of getting into trouble).--"You know very well, Mr.Bodman, that my servant came to Dunkirk only to buy and truck away horses; and that you then, by chance, entered into talk with him, about the best means of procuring a peace between the two kingdoms.

My servant told you of the good feeling that prevailed in England.

You promised to write on the subject to the Prince, and I immediately informed the Lord-Treasurer of the whole transaction." Burghley.--"That is quite true." Croft.--"My servant subsequently returned to the Provinces in order to learn what the Prince might have said on the subject." Bodman (with immense politeness, but very decidedly).--"Pardon me, Mr.
Comptroller; but, in this matter, I must speak the truth, even if the honour and life of my father were on the issue.

I declare that your servant Norris came to me, directly commissioned for that purpose by yourself, and informed me from you, and upon your authority, that if I would solicit the Prince of Parma to send a secret agent to England, a peace would be at once negotiated.

Your servant entreated me to go to his Highness at Brussels.