Doyle dropped Gallagher’s arm and rushed forward. The crowd, too, astonished by Mr. Billing’s last words, even to cheer, stood silent. What Doyle said was plainly heard.
“Be damn, doctor, but you’re great, and I’d say that if it was the last word ever I spoke. Ask him for the price of the new pier now and he’ll give it to you.”
“Gentlemen,” said Mr. Billing, “if 2,000 dollars will build the pier Mr. Doyle wants, I’ll give it with pleasure, and I reckon that the show which Dr. O’Grady has run is cheap at the price.”
Sergeant Colgan stepped forward with slow dignity. He beckoned to Constable Moriarty. His face wore an expression of steady determination.
“It would be better, doctor,” he said, “if you and the other gentlemen present would move away. The demeanour of the crowd is threatening.”
The demeanour of the crowd was, in fact, hilarious; but Dr. O’Grady understood that there are limits to the patience of the official guardians of law and order. The police—the fact is exemplified in their occasional dealings with the students of Trinity College—appreciate a joke as well as any men, and up to a certain point are tolerant of merriment. But it is possible to go too far, and there is a point at which fooling becomes objectionable. Dr. O’Grady took Mr. Billing by the arm.
“Come along,” he said, “and let us have a drink of some sort, and something to eat. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t have something to eat. Doyle has a magnificent luncheon spread out in his hotel. Run in Doyle, and tell the cook to dish up the potatoes. Major, you bring Mrs. Gregg along with you. I’m sure Mrs. Gregg wants something to eat. Lord Alfred, I’m sorry we haven’t a lady for you to take in, but Father McCormack will show you the way.”
“If this business gets into the papers,” said Lord Alfred, “the Freeman’s Journal will make capital of it, and the Irish Times will say the Government must resign at once. Can’t we square the reporters?”
“There aren’t any,” said Dr. O’Grady, “unless Gallagher’s been taking notes. Come along.”
The party, Doyle at the head of it, passed into the hotel. Sergeant Colgan turned and faced the crowd. His hand was on the baton at his side. His face and attitude were majestic.