His eyes met Mr Bloom’s eyes. He caressed his beard, adding:

Well, nearly all of us.

Mr Bloom began to speak with sudden eagerness to his companions’ faces.

That’s an awfully good one that’s going the rounds about Reuben J and the son.

About the boatman? Mr Power asked.

Yes. Isn’t it awfully good?

What is that? Mr Dedalus asked. I didn’t hear it.

There was a girl in the case, Mr Bloom began, and he determined to send him to the Isle of Man out of harm’s way but when they were both.....

What? Mr Dedalus asked. That confirmed bloody hobbledehoy is it?