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 farseeing 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. …