truth, and we 1iave never feen any thing ih him but what was for the advantage and honour of the town/ Things remained in this ftate, and John Lyon in greater danger of his life than before : upon which hé forftidd â plan, Which he afterwards executed • fof he clearly law that Gilbert Mat-thew had, in this êmbaflky to the earl, inftigàted fome mifchief againft him and his companions, notwithftanding the friendly anfwers which the earl had fent. He therefore refolved to counter-work his enemies, and gaVe fecret orders to the leaders of the white hoods, and to thofe who com-manded the companies of hundreds arid of fifties, to keep their men day and night on their guard well armed, and, on the firft appearance of any movement, to tftafch to him* j for it would be better to kill than to be killed, ftnde affairs were brought to fuch a pafs. ' Thefe orders were pun&Ually obferved, and they Were ekaft in keeping themfelves in readinefs. VOL. V. CHAP. ils