Moriarty appeared to have conveyed the message to young Kerrigan. Dr. O’Grady, still leaning out of the window, spoke again, this time evidently to Kerrigan.
“Don’ts you know you’re getting it wrong every time?” he said.
Young Kerrigan’s voice, faint and apologetic, reached the members of the committee through the window.
“Sure I know that well enough; but the devil’s in it that I can’t get it right.”
“Listen to me now,” said Dr. O’Grady.
He whistled the tune shrilly, beating time with his hand.
“Now, Kerrigan,” he said, “try it after me.”
He whistled it again slowly. Kerrigan followed him note by note on the cornet. After a very short hesitation he got over the difficult passage. Dr. O’Grady drew in his head and returned to the table with a sigh of relief.
“I think he has it now,” he said, “but it’s a tough job teaching that fellow anything.”
“What tune is it?” said Gallagher.