“There will have to be slight alteration in our plans,” said Dr. O’Grady, “but I don’t see any reason for postponing the unveiling of the statue.”
“Do you know that the Lord-Lieutenant’s not coming?” said Father McCormack.
“I had a telegram from his private secretary,” said Dr. O’Grady. “I must say I think he might have let us know a little sooner. I was out early and I didn’t get the message till an hour ago. Where’s Doyle?”
“Doyle’s making Thady Gallagher drunk in the hotel,” said the Major.
“Good,” said Dr. O’Grady. “That’s much the best thing to do with Thady. But I wish he’d be quick about it, for I want to speak to him.”
“Here he is coming now,” said Father McCormack.
Doyle, who had himself taken half a glass of whisky, approached Dr. O’Grady with great courage and determination.
“If the Lord-Lieutenant isn’t coming,” he said, “and I can see by the look of you that you know he’s not, who’s going to pay for the statue and the rest of the foolishness you’re after buying? That’s what I’d like to know.”
“Don’t you fret about that, Doyle,” said Dr. O’Grady. “That will be all right.”
“How can it?” said Doyle. “If the Lord-Lieutenant doesn’t come, and he won’t, who’s going to give us the money?”