we had some excellent witnesses, one, a well-known cattle dealer, named Martin Ryan.  The question of running powers was prominent throughout the case and had been much debated and discussed.  Ryan’s evidence was not, however, concerned with this, but in his cross-examination, relative to something he had stated in his evidence-in-chief, he was asked this question:  “If a beast got on to the line as a train came along, what would happen to the beast?” “It would exercise its running powers,” answered Mr. Ryan, amidst great laughter.  As good as Stephenson’s answer about the “coo,” said Mr. Pope.

On the fourth day of the proceedings I made my debut as a Parliamentary witness.  In the preparation of my evidence I had expended much time and trouble, keeping well in mind the way in which Mr. Wainwright used to prepare his.  Before my examination-in-chief concluded, a short adjournment for lunch took place—­a scramble at the refreshment bars in the lobbies, where wig and gown elbowed with all and sundry; where cold beef, cold tongue, cold pie, and, coldest of all cold comestibles, cold custard, were swallowed in hot haste, washed down with milk and soda, or perhaps with something stronger.  “Quick lunches” they were with a vengeance.  Time was money, and in the brief interval allowed, more than lunch had to be discussed.  Sir Ralph, Mr. Findlay (who was helping us) and I, had our hasty lunch together.  When it was over we discussed the morning’s proceedings, and Mr. Findlay, to my great satisfaction, said I was doing well—­very well indeed, for a first appearance.  Then, in a kind and fatherly way, he gave me some good advice:  Don’t show too much eagerness, he said:  don’t go quite so much into detail; keep on broader lines; speak deliberately and very distinctly; make your points as plain as a pikestaff; rub them well in; don’t try to make too many points, but stick fast to the important ones.  You’ve a good manner in the box, he said; remember these things and you’ll make an excellent witness.  Then he added:  above all, whilst giving your leading evidence never forget the cross that has to follow.  Be always as frank as you can, and never lose command of your temper.  These were not his very words.  I do not pretend that he expressed himself with such sententious brevity, though he never wasted speech, but they are the pith and marrow of his admonitions.  For twenty years or so from then nearly every session saw me in the Committee Rooms, not always on the business of my own company, as other Irish railway companies on several occasions sought my help in their Parliamentary projects.  Mr. Findlay’s advice I never forgot.