T. E. Lawrence to his mother

25.iv.31

I cannot say how long we will be here. Till we have run the 1st engine of a new type for 50 hours (31 to date) and then till the 2nd and 3rd of the type are running properly in our own twin-engined boat here. It may be days, or a week. Very bad weather is making it both uncomfortable and difficult.

I brought no bicycle with me, because I should be engaged day and night on this work while here. What with adjustments, running-hours, and reports our day is full from 7a.m. till 10p.m. So I do not want you to come here. Nor can I come to Clouds Hill. We work every day of the week.

When our boat is satisfactory, we take her to Plymouth, and do 50-hours R.A.F. test of her, on service jobs. After that I shall have some leisure. Not till then. Everything is being done at a rush, because eight of these boats are required to be in commission for the Schneider races, and that gives little time to test 3 different engines and decide which is the best.

I am glad you can use Pat a bit. If I get my Odyssey done this year (it is of course held up, now) I shall be able to use him in building my new room.

The estate would not sell the opposite side of the road - but might give me a long lease of it. Knowles' lease runs out in 3 years or so. I want to prevent other bungalows from springing up opposite my patch. It takes the estate months to make up its mind!

N.