“The matter is under discussion,” said Dr. O’Grady. “Our Urban District Council is alive to its duty in the matter. At the last meeting—let me see now, was it the last meeting? Gallagher! Thady Gallagher! Come here for a minute.”
Thady Gallagher, who had been acting as umpire in an animated wrangle between Doyle and Major Kent, shambled across to the door of the hotel where Dr. O’Grady and Mr. Billing were standing.
“Was it the last meeting of the Urban District Council,” said Dr. O’Grady, “or was it the last but one, that you were discussing the erection of a statue to General John Regan?”
He did not venture to wink as he asked the question, but Gallagher was quite quick-witted enough to give the proper answer.
“It was the last meeting,” he said.
“There was a slight difference of opinion among the members,” said Dr. O’Grady, “as to the form which the memorial was to take. Some of them wanted a life-size statue in white marble. Mr. Gallagher here was more in favour of a drinking fountain. It was you who wanted the fountain wasn’t it, Thady?”
“It was,” said Gallagher.
“As a cheaper form of memorial,” said Dr. O’Grady, “so as to spare the rates as far as possible.”
“That’s right,” said Gallagher.
“If you will allow me to say so,” said Mr. Billing, “the question of expense ought not to be allowed to stand in your way. I myself will gladly promise——”