That memory of my uncle at the gate is very clear and full. I am able
to recall even the undertow of my thoughts while he was speaking. I
remember my pity and affection for him in his misery growing and
stirring within me, my realisation that at any risk I must help him.
But then comes indistinctness again. I was beginning to act. I know I
persuaded him to put himself in my hands, and began at once to plan and
do. I think that when we act most we remember least, that just in the
measure that the impulse of our impressions translates itself into
schemes and movements, it ceases to record itself in memories. I know I
resolved to get him away at once, and to use the Lord Roberts β in
effecting that. It was clear he was soon to be a hunted man, and it
seemed to me already unsafe for him to try the ordinary Continental
routes in his flight. I had to evolve some scheme, and evolve it
rapidly, how we might drop most inconspicuously into the world across
the water. My resolve to have one flight at least in my airship fitted
with this like hand to glove. It seemed to me we might be able to cross
over the water in the night, set our airship adrift, and turn up as
pedestrian tourists in Normandy or Brittany, and so get away. That, at
any rate, was my ruling idea.
I sent off Cothope with a dummy note to Woking, because I did not want
to implicate him, and took my uncle to the pavilion. I went down to my
aunt, and made a clean breast of the situation. She became admirably
competent. We went into his dressing-room and ruthlessly broke his
locks. I got a pair of brown boots, a tweed suit and a cap of his, and
indeed a plausible walking outfit, and a little game bag for his
pedestrian gear; and, in addition, a big motoring overcoat and a supply
of rugs to add to those I had at the pavilion. I also got a flask of
brandy, and she made sandwiches. I don’t remember any servants
appearing, and I forget where she got those sandwiches. Meanwhile we
talked. Afterwards I thought with what a sure confidence we talked to
each other.
“What’s he done?” she said.
“D’you mind knowing?”
“No conscience left, thank God!”
“I think—forgery!”
There was just a little pause. “Can you carry this bundle?” she asked.