intelligence and spies through the eyes of Robert Meldrum as he is being trained in the handling of intelligence by Timothy Gray, head of intelligence for La Garde Ecossaise.  Meldrum gives us an introductory insight into the methods of handling intelligence during the early modern period.  Meldrum’s introduction to these methods of intelligence handling show that he is becoming a trusted member of the group. Throughout the novel we come across several different situations where intelligence is obtained and used.  Often used as a homogeneous term to cover

covert operations, the term ‘intelligence’ in the early modern period can refer to information generally.  This is seen with reference to printed public newsbooks that call themselves ‘intelligenciers’.  However, if examine

the term ‘intelligence’ in its covert context, there were several kinds of covert intelligence during the early modern period. Timothy Gray teaches Meldrum the two basic skills required to transmit confidential written information in the early modern period, namely using

invisible ink and cyphers.