Mr. Salter (eagerly): They do, indeed, sir! All the competitors had to do was to send 1s. 6d. in stamps, and to get orders for ten other bicycles. (A pause, after which the witness added, anxiously) Am I free now?
Mr. Balfour (in confusion): Yes—I suppose so—you may go.
Mr. Salter: Yes. But I mean⸺They can’t do anything to me?
Lord Halsbury (peevishly): No! no! no! My good man! All this is privileged, of course.
[The witness, heaving a deep sigh of relief, walked slowly and rather insolently past two policemen, and sauntered into the street, where he was at once arrested.]
Mr. Chamberlain (briskly): That settles Bicycles. Now for Powder! Next!
[At the mention of “Powder” there stepped forward a most popular gentleman, with whom all members of the Committee warmly shook hands.]
Witness, examined, swore that while his discovery was still in the experimental stage, a hideous foreigner had appeared at his works, and had proposed “a deal.” This foreigner produced a sample of Powder which exploded practically at any moment the gunner might choose; at other times—in magazines or manufactories—the Powder would not explode. It kept in hot climates, and spread no disease aboard ship. It was certainly a most remarkable product. The foreigner proposed that they should furnish it to the Government as witness’s own, and share profits. (Indignation.)
Lord Lansdowne: And you refused?
[Witness: Certainly I refused], Lansdowne! I was not given my monopoly to let in foreign spies!