He then became a convert to the Catholics; but he afterwards boasted, that his conversion was a mere pretence, in order to get into their secrets and to betray them.[*] He was sent over to the Jesuits' college at St.Omers, and though above thirty years of age, he there lived some time among the students.

He was despatched on an errand to Spain; and thence returned to St.Omers; where the Jesuits, heartily tired of their convert, at last dismissed him from their seminary.

It is likely that, from resentment of this usage, as well as from want and indigence, he was induced, in combination with Tongue, to contrive that plot of which he accused the Catholics.
This abandoned man, when examined before the council, betrayed his impostures in such a manner, as would have utterly discredited the most consistent story, and the most reputable evidence.

While in Spain, he had been carried, he said, to Don John, who promised great assistance to the execution of the Catholic designs.

The king asked him what sort of a man Don John was: he answered, a tall, lean man; directly contrary to truth, as the king well knew.[**] He totally mistook the situation of the Jesuits' college at Paris.[***] Though he pretended great intimacies with Coleman, he knew him not, when placed very near him; and had no other excuse than that his sight was bad in candle light.[****] He fell into like mistakes with regard to Wakeman.
* Burnet Echard, North, L'Estrange, etc.
** Burnet North.
*** North.
**** Burnet, North, Trials.
Notwithstanding these objections, great attention was paid to Oates's evidence, and the plot became very soon the subject of conversation, and even the object of terror to the people.