“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.