Mr Dedalus!

Running after me. No more letters, I hope.

Just one moment.

Yes, sir, Stephen said, turning back at the gate.

Mr Deasy halted, breathing hard and swallowing his breath.

I just wanted to say, he said. Ireland, they say, has the honour of being the only country which never persecuted the jews. Do you know that? No. And do you know why?

He frowned sternly on the bright air.

Why, sir? Stephen asked, beginning to smile.

Because she never let them in, Mr Deasy said solemnly.

A coughball of laughter leaped from his throat dragging after it a