had not been rearrested because of the presence of so many men who ‘would
think that the Government, in treating the women as they had treated them,
had over-stepped the bounds of humanity’.^72 Shortly after this event, a decision
was made to form a bodyguard that would protect Emmeline and Annie. The
WSPU was weary of seeing the brutality with which both women were dragged
back to prison ‘whilst men who are inciting others to attack both life and prop-
erty go unmolested’.^73 Gertrude Harding recollected that it was a ‘proud
moment’ when Grace Roe told her that she was to be the person who selected
and led the group. ‘All volunteers ... must be completely trustworthy, in good
physical shape and be ready at a moment’s notice to do battle with the police in
defence of Mrs. Pankhurst.’ The bodyguard of about thirty women were given
instruction in ju-jitsu and carried small Indian clubs tied around the waist,
under their skirts.^74
PRISONER OF THE CAT AND MOUSE ACT