Part 38 (2/2)

”We are robbed,” he said. ”I admit that. What with the extra tax on unearned income and the insurance of servants against accidents, and this infernal new unemployment insurance, and the death duties, and??”

”There was a report of the Financial Relations Commission,” said Gallagher, ”which presented a case on behalf of Ireland that showed??”

”Don't drag in politics, Thady,” said Dr. O'Grady. ”The Major admits that he's robbed. That ought to be enough for you. Now, Major, if you were attacked by a highwayman??”

”I didn't say the Government was a highwayman,” said the Major.

”You said it was a robber. Didn't he, Father Mc-Cormack?”

”He said it had him robbed,” said Father McCormack, with the air of a man who is carefully making a fine distinction.

”That's exactly the same thing. Now, Major, if a robber stole your money, wouldn't you take the first chance you could of getting it back?

You know you would. We all would. And would you call that dishonesty?

You would not. Now we're offering you the chance of getting something back, a mere trifle, but still something, out of a Government which, as you admit, has robbed you. Why on earth do you start making a fuss?”

”I can't argue with you, O'Grady,” said the Major, ”but you're wrong.”

”What's the good of talking?” said Doyle. ”We'll do what the doctor says.”

”Your nephew won't be able to get that advance he asked for,” said Dr.

O'Grady.

”Let him not,” said Doyle. ”I don't pity him. He'll get his money in the end.”

”Gentlemen,” said Father McCormack, ”is it your will that the plan now laid before the meeting by Dr. O'Grady, be adopted?”

”It is,” said Gallagher.

”What else is there for us to do?” said Doyle.

”You may take me as dissenting,” said the Major.

”I'll make a note of that in the minutes,” said Dr. O'Grady, ”and then your conscience will be perfectly clear, no matter what happens.”

”Well, gentlemen,” said Father McCormack, ”I suppose that completes our arrangements for to-day. When shall we have our next meeting?” He rose to his feet as he spoke. Everyone else rose too. Major Kent put on his hat and walked towards the door. When he reached it he turned.

”I shan't come to any more meetings,” he said.

”I don't think there's any necessity to hold another meeting,” said Dr.

O'Grady, ”until after the Lord-Lieutenant has left and the time comes for squaring up things. I shall be so busy between this and the day of his visit that I shan't have time to attend meetings.”

”Very well,” said Father McCormack. ”I shall be all the better pleased.”

He left the room and followed Major Kent down the stairs.

”Thady,” said Doyle, ”do you go down to the bar, and I'll be with you in a minute. I've a word to say to the doctor.”

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