Part 27 (1/2)
”I'm glad to see you, sir,” said the Irishman again.
”Thanks,” said Vancouver, ”and I am fortunate in finding you at home.”
Mr. Ballymolloy smiled, and pushed one of his leather easy-chairs towards the fire. Both men sat down.
”I suppose you are pretty busy over this election, Mr. Ballymolloy,” said Vancouver; blandly.
”Now, that's just it, Mr. Vancouver,” replied the Irishman. ”That's just exactly what's the matter with me, for indeed I am very busy, and that's the truth.”
”Just so, Mr. Ballymolloy. Especially since the change last night. I remember what a good friend you have always been to Mr. Jobbins.”
”Well, as you say, Mr. Vancouver, I have been thinking that I and Mr.
Jobbins are pretty good friends, and that's just about what it is, I think.”
”Yes, I remember that on more than one occasion you and he have acted together in the affairs of the state,” said Vancouver, thoughtfully.
'”Ah, but it's the soul of him that I like,” answered Mr. Ballymolloy very sweetly. ”He has such a beautiful soul, Mr. Jobbins; it does me good, and indeed it does, Mr. Vancouver.”
”As you say, sir, a man full of broad human sympathies. Nevertheless I feel sure that on the present occasion your political interests will lead you to follow the promptings of duty, and to vote in favor of the Democratic candidate. I wish you and I did not differ in politics, Mr.
Ballymolloy.”
”And, indeed, there is not so very much difference, if it comes to that, Mr. Vancouver,” replied Patrick in conciliating tones. ”But it's just what I have been thinking, that I will vote for Mr. Harrington. It's a matter of principle with me, Mr. Vancouver, and that's it exactly.”
”And where should we all be without principles, Mr. Ballymolloy? Indeed I may say that the importance of principles in political matters is very great.”
”And it's just the greatest pity in the world that every one has not principles like you, Mr. Vancouver. I'm speaking the truth now.” According to Mr. Patrick Ballymolloy's view of destiny, it was the truth and nothing but the truth. He knew Vancouver of old, and Vancouver knew him.
”You flatter me, sir,” said Poc.o.c.k, affecting a pleased smile. ”To tell the truth, there is a little matter I wanted to speak to you about, if you can spare me half an hour.”.
”Indeed, I'm most entirely delighted to be at your service, Mr. Vancouver, and I'm glad you came so early in the morning.”
”The fact is, Mr. Ballymolloy, we are thinking of making an extension on one of our lines; a small matter, but of importance to us.”
”I guess it must be the branch of the Pocahontas and Dead Man's Valley you'll be speaking of, Mr. Vancouver,” said the Irishman, with sudden and cheerful interest.
”Really, Mr. Ballymolloy, you are a man of the most surprising quickness.
It is a real pleasure to talk with you on such matters. I have no doubt you understand the whole question thoroughly.”
”Well, it's of no use at all to say I know nothing about it, because I _have_ heard it mentioned, and that's the plain truth, Mr. Vancouver.
And it will take a deal of rail, too, and that's another thing. And where do you think of getting the iron from, Mr. Vancouver?”
”Well, I had hoped, Mr. Ballmolly,” said Vancouver, with some affected hesitation, ”that as an old friend, we might be able to manage matters with you. But, of course, this is entirely unofficial, and between ourselves.”
Mr. Ballymolloy nodded with something very like a wink of one bloodshot eye. He knew what he was about.
”And when will you be thinking of beginning the work, Mr. Vancouver?” he inquired, after a short pause.
”That is just the question, or rather, perhaps, I should say the difficulty. We do not expect to begin work for a year or so.”
”And surely that makes no difference, then, at all,” returned Patrick.