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day of December following. He fled south to the border, where he met with Mr Veitch, late minister in Dumfries, who conducted him through the country to the house of Mr. Bitleston, near Newcastle. After they were set down, Mr> Bittleston said (not knowing Argyle, being disguised in coarse cloaths) I have received a letter just now from Scotland that Argyle has escaped out of the Castle, of which I am very glad, if it be certain, Mr. Veitch said, he doubted not the certainty of it. They insisted both at expressing their joy at the news: Mrs. Bitleston being present, said, I cannot be so much taken up with that news as you are; I know that the house of Argyle was a good house for our reformation, and his father suffered for it; but, for himself, he hath been a member of that wicked bloody Council these eighteen years, where many a wicked thing hath been acted and done; but above all, it was his vote that took away the life of our worthy dear friend singular Mr. Cargill; and I am sure his blood may lie heavy on him now, and make him have a melancholy flight and hiding. Argyle made no reply. After they had got a drink, she conveyed them to different rooms. A little thereafter she went to Argyle's room, being the greatest stranger; he had laid down a fine watch and night-cap on the table, which (illegible text)d not answer his clothes; and when he had cast off his clothes the room was perfumed. She came quickly back to her husband, and said, I am persuaded this is Argyle. He said, I am of the same mind; but you are oft times o'er plain in your discourse. She said No no; it is good speaking to him now in in the day of his distress; if we were once set down to dinner, I shall use more freedom. In the time thereof they came to speak of his escape again: She took the occasion and told all the ill things she heard about him. He said, Argyle will not free himself of many of these things, but he is not so guilty of them all as the world reports him to be. After this Mr. Veitch told them that it was Argyle, and that he was resolved for London. He then put himself in another dress but could not get a good horse. Mr Bitleston gifted him his gelding, and sent his son John to convey them, who gave me this account when he returned. Argyle gave him a littlepurse
