So Sir Norman Birkett has chosen dignity and a sufficient
competence on the Bench to affluence at the Bar. His elevation is deserved and will be generally popular, for unlike some great advocates he possesses an essentially judicial mind. Some day I hope he will write his reminiscences. Meanwhile perhaps I may so far anticipate them as to recall one minor incident arising out of one of his most notable cases. Sir Norman was leading for the defence in a famous murder-trial, with Mr. Dingle Foot, M.P., as his junior. After a prolonged and wearing cross- examination, which, however, had brightened the prospect for the defendant considerably, the two counsel walked out of Court together. " Whew! " said Sir Norman, " this is the sort of thing that takes years off a man's life." " Yes," replied Mr. Foot immediately, " but think of the years it's going to put on to our client's life." Sir Norman tells the story with generous appre- ciation of his colleague's swiftness in repartee.
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