barricaded up, Simon, with two men prowling around the house trying to effect an entrance.

Jolly, Mr Dedalus said. Who is it?

O, Father Cowley said. A certain gombeen man of our acquaintance.

With a broken back, is it? Mr Dedalus asked.

The same, Simon, Father Cowley answered. Reuben of that ilk. I’m just waiting for Ben Dollard. He’s going to say a word to long John to get him to take those two men off. All I want is a little time.

He looked with vague hope up and down the quay, a big apple bulging in his neck.

I know, Mr Dedalus said, nodding. Poor old bockedy Ben! He’s always doing a good turn for someone. Hold hard!