No one, not constituted as he was,
can guess at the anguish he endured. I knew no more. Clarence did
not come home the next Saturday, to my mother's great vexation; but
on Tuesday a small parcel was given to me, brought from our point of
contact with the Bristol coach. It contained some pencils I had
asked him to get, and a note marked PRIVATE. Here it is -
'DEAR EDWARD--I am summoned to town. Tooke has no doubt forestalled
me. We have had some curious interviews, in which he first, as I
told you, persuaded me out of my senses that it was all right, and
then, finding me still dissatisfied, tried in a delicate fashion to
apprise me that I had a claim to a share of the plunder. When I
refused to appropriate anything without sanction from headquarters,
he threatened me with the consequences of presumptuous interference.
It came to bullying at last. I hardly know what I answered, but I
don't think I gave in. Now, a sharp letter from old Frith recalls
me. Say nothing at home; and whatever you do, do not betray Griff.
He has more to lose than I. Help me in the true way, as you know
how.--Ever yours, W. C. W.
I need not dwell on the misery of those days. It was well that my
father had ruled that our letters should not be family property.
Here were all the others discussing a proposed tour in the north of
Devon, to be taken conjointly with the Fordyces, as soon as Griff
should come home.
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