T. E. Lawrence to Clare Sydney Smith

29.xii.30.

I have not written, all my days having been shared between Homer and the Biscuit. We have, I feel sure, found what was wrong with the engine - as usual the electrical works. Bill the pup had one bad day, during which his nose swelled to about 2 inches across. Committee of Mr. Worthington, S/M Furner and myself sat on him, and as a decision called in the vet. Who pronounced it possibly a feather or thorn in the nostril, causing inflammation. He syringed the poor little beast up the nostrils with salt and water. Bill sneezed for about an hour, and is as well as ever. Leo is quite happy. Mr. Worthington and S/Lr. Jones have had them, so he has not had many biscuits.

Many thanks for the 'thing.' Either my figure is degenerating, the Wing-Commander's much libelled - or you measured it off Squeak. Anyway it fits!

The Biscuit's cushions are about 2 feet long and 19 inches broad, each, and 3½ inches thick. Two of them. The back is 3 feet 8 inches wide and 16 inches high. The small cushion you used as a back rest is 16 inches each way. All these are exact sizes: I suppose there should be an inch of stuff for turning in, at each joint. If it comes to a lot, you must let me pay my share. I feel confident the boat will be serviceable to-morrow. We have had the engine out, and worked very hard on her.

T.E.S.