The Butcher of Smithfield Read Online Free PDF Page B

had been a spy for Cromwell’s regime, the King’s government was
     wary of him, and would never employ him in its intelligence service. Luckily, the Earl was capable of recognising talent when
     he saw it, and was willing to overlook former allegiances. However, if he changed his mind, then Chaloner was in trouble,
     because no one else would hire him, and he was qualified to do very little else. ‘Indeed, you
ordered
it.’
    ‘As I said, I assumed you would be clever enough to devise an excuse that would keep you at my side,’ snapped the Earl. ‘I
     suppose you were seduced by the money she gave you for your expenses, and by the reward she promised you on your return.’
    ‘Speaking of which, I have sixpence left. Do you think you could arrange an audience with her? The rent is overdue and the
     cupboard is bare.’
    Clarendon looked a little spiteful. ‘Her Majesty is unwell, and the physicians are not letting anyone see her at the moment,
     so you will have to wait. Let us hope her illness does not cause her to forget her promises. It would be a pity to have risked
     your life and livelihood for a profit of sixpence.’
    Chaloner decided he had better change the subject before the disagreement saw him in even deeper water. ‘Your secretary says
     there is something you would like me to do, sir. How may I help?’
    ‘Does he indeed?’ muttered the Earl venomously. ‘Well, there is something, as it so happens.’
    ‘What?’ asked Chaloner, when his master did not elaborate.
    The Earl waved his hand carelessly. Chaloner had learned this was a bad sign, and that a dismissive flap from the Lord Chancellor
     invariably meant his spy was going to be asked to do something that was dangerous, only marginally legal, or both.
    ‘Have you heard about the new-style government newsbooks that came into being in August? One is called
The Intelligencer
, and it is published on Mondays. The other is called
The Newes,
and it comes out on Thursdays. They are edited by a man named L’Estrange, and Londoners complain that they are characterised
     by a marked absence of domestic news.’
    ‘Before I left, the newsbooks had different names, and were edited by Henry Muddiman.’
    ‘Things change fast in London,’ said Clarendon pointedly. ‘Sneak away for four months, and you will return to find nothing
     as you left it. But we are supposed to be talking about my business, not yours.
The Intelligencer
and
The Newes
superseded Muddiman’s publications, and they are now the only two newsbooks in the country. Spymaster Williamson appointed
     L’Estrange to edit them. He made him Surveyor of the Press, too.’
    ‘The posts of official censor and chief journalist are held by the same man?’ Chaloner tried not to sound shocked. It was
     a deplorable state of affairs, because it meant any ‘intelligence’ or ‘newes’ printed would be what the government had decided
     the public could have. He was surprised Williamson had been allowed to get away with it. However, it certainly explained why
     the newsbooks contained nothing of home affairs – the government did not want people to know what it was up to.
    The Earl shot him a rueful glance. ‘It was not my idea,I assure you. Of course I am happy for the general populace to be kept in the dark about matters it cannot possibly comprehend,
     but this is too brazen an approach. And it is having a negative effect, in that anything we publish now is automatically regarded
     as political propaganda and is taken with a pinch of salt.’
    ‘And rightly so, because that is exactly what it will be. Williamson’s decision is a foolish one. A man of his intellect should
     know better.’
    The Earl sighed. ‘Williamson ousted Muddiman with a shocking bit of deviousness, and appointed L’Estrange in his place. L’Estrange
     is totally loyal to the government, but he is too opinionated to be a good journalist. Muddiman is a far better newsman, and
     we should have left him