ceptance of the
third alternative offer, laying stress, among other considerations, on
the moral effect on men who knew they had in their hands the most modern
weapon with all latest improvements. Carson was content to be guided on
a technical matter of this sort by the judgment of a man whom he knew
to be an expert, and as James Craig, who was in control of the fund
ear-marked for the purchase of arms, also agreed, Crawford had not much
difficulty in persuading the Committee when he reached Belfast, although
at first they were rather staggered by the difference in cost between
the various proposals.

It was not until the beginning of February 1914 that Crawford returned
to Hamburg to accept this offer, and to make arrangements with B.S. for
carrying out the rest of his scheme for transporting his precious but
dangerous cargo to Ulster. On his way through London he called again on
Carson.

"I pointed out to Sir Edward, my dear old Chief," says Crawford in
a written account of the interview, "that some of my Committee had
no idea of the seriousness of the undertaking, and, when they did
realise what they were in for, might want to back out of it. I
said, 'Once I cross this time to Hamburg there is no turning back
with me, no matter what the circumstances are so far as my personal
safety is concerned; and no contrary orders from the Committee to
cancel what they have agreed to with me will I obey. I shall carry
out the _coup_ if I lose my life in the attempt. Now, Sir Edward,
you know what I am about to undertake, and the risks those who back
me up must run. Are you willing to back me to the finish in this
undertaking? If you are not, I don't go. But, if you are, I would
go even if I knew I should not return; it is for Ulster and her
freedom I am working, and this alone.' I so well remember that
scene. We were alone; Sir Edward was sitting opposite to me. When I
had finished, his face was stern and grim, and there was a glint in
his eye. He rose to his full height, looking me in the eye; he
advanced to where I was sitting and stared down at me, and shook
his clenched fist in my face, and said in a steady, determined
voice, which thrilled me and which I shall never forget: 'Crawford,
I'll see you through this business, if I should have to go to
prison for it.' I rose from my chair; I held out my hand and said,