A friend of Crawford's, Mr.Richard Cowser, with whom he had a conversation on the telephone from Dublin, met him at the railway station in Belfast and told him that he had a motor waiting to take him to Craigavon, where the Council was expecting him, and that he would see Mr.Sam Kelly, the owner of the _Balmerino_, there also.

This news made Crawford very angry.

He accused his friend of breach of confidence in letting anyone know that he was coming to Belfast; he declared he would have nothing to do with the Council after the unsigned orders he had received at Lundy; and he besought his friend to take his car to Craigavon and bring back Kelly, repeating his determination to bring in his cargo, even if he had to run his ship ashore to do so.

Mr.Cowser replied that this would be very disappointing to Sir Edward Carson, who was waiting for Crawford at Craigavon, having come from London on purpose for this Council Meeting.

"What!" exclaimed Crawford, "is Sir Edward there?
Why did you not say so at once?
Where is your car?
Let us waste no time till I see the Chief and report to him." That evening of the 14th of April, at Craigavon, was a memorable one for all who were present at the meeting.