Of course that brought the testimony into
technicalities. I managed to involve the Admiral in a heated
altercation on the trajectory and penetrating power of the so-much
disputed fourteen-inch gun. One word led to another and
notwithstanding that he ranked at that time as a rear admiral of the
British Navy, the Admiral showed that he did not know as much about
his own guns as I. Backed into this corner he was about to divulge
things in support of his knowledge when he recovered himself, pulled
up suddenly and appealed to the Court.
"Your Lordship, it is against the British Government to have any more
questions on this point in open court."
I maintained that my knowledge of guns was such that I did not need to
spy at Beardmore to obtain the things I knew. Subsequently after
being cross-examined by me another of the government's naval experts
told the court:
"It is quite possible for one with a ballistic knowledge such as the
defendant's to be able with very little data to arrive at accurate
conclusions regarding our new fourteen-inch guns."
_A word of advice to the Admiral._ Do not talk so much when you go
motor boating with pretty young musical comedy girls. You see,
Admiral, I made it my business to see those young ladies in Glasgow.
What an interest they took in you--a great Admiral! It is you,
Admiral, whom I thank for aiding me in securing the right persons from
whom the secrets of your new fourteen-inch guns could be obtained.
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