And, after blinking up at the sacred figure, Not a bloody bit like the man, says he.

That’s not Mulcahy, says he, whoever done it.

Rewarded by smiles he fell back and spoke with Corny Kelleher, accepting the dockets given him, turning them over and scanning them as he walked.

That’s all done with a purpose, Martin Cunningham explained to Hynes.

I know, Hynes said. I know that.

To cheer a fellow up, Martin Cunningham said. It’s pure goodheartedness: damn the thing else.

Mr Bloom admired the caretaker’s prosperous bulk. All want to be on good terms with him. Decent fellow, John O’Connell, real good sort.