The child was often sent to visit his uncle, who probably found him a troublesome little fellow to take care of.

He was forever in mischief, and always running into some danger or other, from which he seemed to escape only by miracle.
Even while he was an infant in the cradle a strange accident had befallen hum.

A huge ape, which was kept in the family, snatched up little Noll in his fore paws and clambered with him to the roof of the house.

There this ugly beast sat grinning at the affrighted spectators, as if it had done the most praiseworthy thing imaginable.

Fortunately, however, he brought the child safe down again; and the event was afterwards considered an omen that Noll would reach a very elevated station in the world.
One morning, when Noll was five or six years old a royal messenger arrived at Hinchinbrooke with tidings that King James was coming to dine with Sir Oliver Cromwell.