k. It
would be better for you to go back into the hotel."

He caught Gallagher by the arm as he spoke and held him fast Young
Kerrigan reached the end of his tune with a triumphant flourish. Dr.
O'Grady put on his hat again. One by one the various bystanders followed
his example. Lord Alfred Blakeney looked round him, puzzled.

"Surely that wasn't the National Anthem?" he said.

"I thought," said Dr. O'Grady, "that you didn't know one tune from
another."

"I don't; but, hang it all, a man can't be aide-decamp to His Excellency
without getting to know the sound of the National Anthem. What tune was
it and why did we all take off our hats?"

"You tell the Lord-Lieutenant when you get back," said Dr. O'Grady,
"that we all, including Major Kent, who's a strong Unionist, stood
bare-headed while the band played. He'll be able to guess what tune it
was, and he'll be pleased."

"But it wasn't the----"

"A speech will now be made," said Dr. O'Grady, addressing the crowd,
"by Lord Alfred Blakeney as representative of the Lord-Lieutenant of
Ireland."

"But I'm not," said Lord Alfred clutching at Dr. O'Grady. "His
Excellency will be furious if he hears----"

"Go on," said Dr. O'Grady pushing him towards the statue. "Stand on the
pedestal."

"But I can't make a speech. I'm not prepared. I've nothing to say."

He was pushed forward remorselessly. At the very base of the statue he
turned.

"I hope there are no reporters present," he said in a tone of despair.

"There probably are lots," said Dr. O'Grady. "Get up now and begin. The
people won't stand here all day."

Lord Alfred Blakeney, still clasping the illuminated address in his
arms, was hustled on to the lowest step of the pedestal. The people
cheered encouragingly.

"Oh damn this great picture," said Lord Alfred. "Do hold it for me."

"Never mind it," said Dr. O'Grady. "It's all right as it is. Make your
speech."

"Ladies and gentlemen," said Lord Alfred, "I find myself standing here
to-day----"

"As representative of the Lord-Lieutenant," said Dr. O'Grady, prompting
him.

"But I'm not. I tell you he'll be angry. I can't make this speech. I
really can't."

"You can if you like," said Dr. O'Grady. "Go on."

"I stand here to-day," said Lord Alfred, "at the unveiling of this
beautiful statue----"

"Hear, hear," said Doyle from the door of the hotel. "It's a grand
statue surely."

"Go on," said Dr. O'Grady. "You're doing capitally. Say something abou