T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 393

To H.Q. Hayter, 91 Kelmscott Road, S.W. 11 (Sister: E A C Hayter, H., Armoury, No.1 (India) Wing Station R.A.F. Lobs. R.A.F.(T.)) 1.4.90. 333171 A/M Shaw R.A.F. Cattewater Plymouth Dear Hayter Here we are: fixed, and reasonably comfortable; only that the local neighbours are yapping about my mysterious self. The bloodsome suckers. My new bike is good. It has a sprung back wheel, which makes incredibly for saddle comfort. I have also been given a neat pear gramophone, which rests today at the Station for our collection. Today is Bank Hol.day, & the 9th day of my fire piquet. So the bike is all nutty with stopping in camp, like its owner. Tomorrow I shall be free, & the climate will inaugurate a period of six weeks steady rain. However, so much the better for Homer, who has not made much progress since February 7. Rstore my gramophone (Blanched: model) and records on the poor, if any. They were Left outside on quitting England, and the Indian-... records aren't good enough to deserve being paid for. Your music may be in the bunch. I hope you will regard the outfit (or any of it you want) as yours. As my residuary legatee. I wonder where you are now? Karachi, probably. There are worse spots. Old Nozzie Boss burned up tramps the day I left (very sleepable) In sleeper. Came to the boat, dug me out, & said he was sorry. That was a damned sight ... than his duty, & I felt a torm- Very decent, don't ... it? Don't come home. It is too cold. What saves my life at Cattewater are the baths in the Sick Bay, which run off the Officers' Mess boiler. Salute any of the brethren from me. Yours T.E.S.