Улісс

           Thereonembossedinexcellentsmithworkwasseentheimageofaqueenofregalport,scionofthehouseofBrunswick,Victoriahername,HerMostExcellentMajesty,bygraceofGodoftheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandIrelandandoftheBritishdominionsbeyondthesea,queen,defenderofthefaith,EmpressofIndia,evenshe,whoborerule,avictressovermanypeoples,thewellbeloved,fortheyknewandlovedherfromtherisingofthesuntothegoingdownthereof,thepale,thedark,theruddyandtheethiop.

           —What’sthatbloodyfreemasondoing,saysthecitizen,prowlingupanddownoutside?

           —What’sthat?saysJoe.

           —Hereyouare,saysAlf,chuckingouttherhino.Talkingabouthanging,I’llshowyousomethingyouneversaw.Hangmen’sletters.Lookathere.

           Sohetookabundleofwispsoflettersandenvelopesoutofhispocket.

           —Areyoucodding?saysI.

           —Honestinjun,saysAlf.Readthem.

           SoJoetookuptheletters.

           —Whoareyoulaughingat?saysBobDoran.

           SoIsawtherewasgoingtobeabitofadust.Bob’saqueerchapwhentheporter’supinhimsosaysIjusttomaketalk:

           —How’sWillyMurraythosetimes,Alf?

           —Idon’tknow,saysAlf.IsawhimjustnowinCapelstreetwithPaddyDignam.OnlyIwasrunningafterthat...

           —Youwhat?saysJoe,throwingdowntheletters.Withwho?

           —WithDignam,saysAlf.

           —IsitPaddy?saysJoe.

           —Yes,saysAlf.Why?

           —Don’tyouknowhe’sdead?saysJoe.

           —PaddyDignamdead!saysAlf.

           —Ay,saysJoe.

           —SureI’mafterseeinghimnotfiveminutesago,saysAlf,asplainasapikestaff.

           —Who’sdead?saysBobDoran.