_Mrs. Delane:_ And that's all? And you didn't get any message but the one?
_Sergeant:_ Is that all? I am surprised at you, Mrs. Delane. Isn't it enough to upset a man, within three quarters of an hour of the time of the meeting? Where, I would ask you, am I to find a man that has education enough and wit enough and character enough to put up speaking on the platform on the minute?
_Mr. Quirke:_ (_Jumps up._) It is I myself will tell you that.
_Mr. Quirke:_ (_Slapping Halvey on the back._) Look at here, Sergeant. There is not one word was said in all those papers about this young man before you but it is true. And there could be no good thing said of him that would be too good for him.
_Mr. Quirke:_ Whatever the paper said about him, Sergeant, I can say more again. It has come to my knowledge--by chance--that since he came to this town that young man has saved a whole family from destruction.
_Sergeant:_ That is much to his credit--helping the rural classes----
_Mr. Quirke:_ A family and a long family, big and little, like sods of turf--and they depending on a--on one that might be on his way to dark trouble at this minute if it was not for his assistance. Believe me, he is the most sensible man, and the wittiest, and the kindest, and the best helper of the poor that ever stood before you in this square. Is not that so, Mrs. Delane?
_Mrs. Delane:_ It is true indeed. Where he gets his wisdom and his wit and his information from I don't know, unless it might be that he is gifted from above.
_Sergeant:_ Well, Mrs. Delane, I think we have settled that question. Mr. Halvey, you will be the speaker at the meeting. The lecturer sent these notes--you can lengthen them into a speech. You can call to the people of Cloon to stand out, to begin the building of their character. I saw a lecturer do it one time at Dundrum. "Come up here," he said, "Dare to be a Daniel," he said----
_Sergeant:_ (_Looking at papers and thrusting them into his hand._) You will find it quite easy. I will conduct you to the platform--these papers before you and a glass of water--That's settled. (_Turns to go._) Follow me on to the Courthouse in half an hour--I must go to the barracks first--I heard there was a telegram--(_Calls back as he goes._) Don't be late, Mrs. Delane. Mind, Quirke, you promised to come.