If our efforts to induce my brother-in-law to see reason were eventually successful, this was no more than we deserved. We made light of the risk of detection, we explained how the stuff could be concealed, we told him the demeanour to assume, we said we wished we were going, we declared it was done every day, we indemnified him against fines, we entreated, we flattered, we cajoled, we appealed to him "as a sportsman," we said it was "only right," we looked unutterable things, and at last, half an hour before it was time for him to start for the station, he promised, with many misgivings and expressions of self-reproach, to see what he could do. Instantly, from being his suppliants, we became his governors; and the next twenty minutes were employed in pouring into his ears the most explicit directions regarding his purchase and disposal of our particular fancies. Finally we made out a list….
He had absolutely refused to allow my sister to accompany him, but we all went down to the station to see him off.
As we were pacing the platform—
"Have you got the list?" said Jonah.
The same question had been asked before—several times.
"Yes," said Berry, "I have. And if anybody asks me again, I shall produce it and tear it into shreds before their eyes."
"Well, for Heaven's sake, don't lose it," said I, "because——"
"To hear you," said Berry, "anybody would think that I was mentally deficient. Anybody would think that I was going to enclose it in a note to the Customs, telling them to expect me on Saturday, disguised in a flat 'at and a bag of gooseberries, and advising them to pull up their socks, as I should resist like a madman. I don't know what's the matter with you."
We endeavoured to smooth him down.
"And if," purred Daphne, "if there should be any—that is—what I mean is, should any question arise——"