“. . .  When I was a boy I heard a famous murder trial.  I was deeply impressed by the power and eloquence of the counsel for the defence.  For the first time I entertained the idea of taking my talents to that particular market....  Then I studied the criminal in the dock....  The man was a fool—­he had been incredibly, unbelievably stupid.  Even the eloquence of his counsel was hardly likely to save him.  I felt an immeasurable contempt for him....  Then it occurred to me that the criminal standard was a low one.  It was the wastrels, the failures, the general riff-raff of civilization who drifted into crime....  Strange that men of brains had never realized its extraordinary opportunities....  I played with the idea....  What a magnificent field—­what unlimited possibilities!  It made my brain reel....

“. . .  I read standard works on crime and criminals.  They all confirmed my opinion.  Degeneracy, disease—­never the deliberate embracing of a career by a far-seeing man.  Then I considered.  Supposing my utmost ambitions were realized—­that I was called to the bar, and rose to the height of my profession?  That I entered politics—­say, even, that I became Prime Minister of England?  What then?  Was that power?  Hampered at every turn by my colleagues, fettered by the democratic system of which I should be the mere figurehead!  No—­the power I dreamed of was absolute!  An autocrat!  A dictator!  And such power could only be obtained by working outside the law.  To play on the weaknesses of human nature, then on the weaknesses of nations—­to get together and control a vast organization, and finally to overthrow the existing order, and rule!  The thought intoxicated me....

“. . .  I saw that I must lead two lives.  A man like myself is bound to attract notice.  I must have a successful career which would mask my true activities....  Also I must cultivate a personality.  I modelled myself upon famous K.C.’s.  I reproduced their mannerisms, their magnetism.  If I had chosen to be an actor, I should have been the greatest actor living!  No disguises—­no grease paint—­no false beards!  Personality!  I put it on like a glove!  When I shed it, I was myself, quiet, unobtrusive, a man like every other man.  I called myself Mr. Brown.  There are hundreds of men called Brown—­there are hundreds of men looking just like me....

“. . .  I succeeded in my false career.  I was bound to succeed.  I shall succeed in the other.  A man like me cannot fail....

“. . .  I have been reading a life of Napoleon.  He and I have much in common....

“. . .  I make a practice of defending criminals.  A man should look after his own people....

“. . .  Once or twice I have felt afraid.  The first time was in Italy.  There was a dinner given.  Professor D——­, the great alienist, was present.  The talk fell on insanity.  He said, ’A great many men are mad, and no one knows it.  They do not know it themselves.’  I do not understand why he looked at me when he said that.  His glance was strange....  I did not like it....