‘I’ve got to stay with it, Joe. I could understand it if you wanted to throw it all to hell and leave the job. But I can tell you, I won’t let the bastards drive me out. And if you want to stay with me in holding the line, I’ll be glad to have you on my flank. No obligation, but you know what I’m saying.’

‘I do, chief.’

Swallow checked his watch. It was coming to eleven o’clock. Maria would want him to be at M & M Grant’s to oversee last drinks and to see the last of the night’s clientele off the premises. Time to be on his way.

He drained the last of his Tullamore and stood to go.

‘I’ll go home, chief. Thanks for the drink. I enjoyed it. And I appreciate the words. I need to do a lot of thinking about all this.’

Mallon nodded.

’I understand. You need to get some sleep and get ready to welcome Maria home. You’ll be needed for a while there. Let me know whatever you want in terms of leave and I’ll make sure it’s all right.’

‘Thanks, chief. Good night.’

Mallon crossed to the door.

‘There’s been big developments in London, by the way. Parnell’s lawyer, Russell, has exposed the Times letters as forgeries, put together by that chancer, Pigott. The word is that Pigott has gone on the run. They say he’s gone to Spain.’

Swallow grinned.

‘They’re welcome to him out there. It’s one less reptile around Dublin.’

‘Tell me,’ Mallon pulled a mock-serious grin, ‘is there any sign of those protection logs that you’ve been searching for at Exchange Court? I’m sure the lads been going at it with all the resources they have.’

He opened the door to allow Swallow to step out into the icy air of the Lower Castle Yard.

‘Not a sign, sir, not a sign. But you can be certain, in a matter so important, I’ll ensure that not a minute is wasted.’

Friday January 11th, 1889

Chapter 46

Harry Lafeyre offered to make his brougham available to bring Maria home. Swallow was more than happy to accept the offer.

He had met Dr Morrow, her physician, at the hospital on the evening before her discharge. Morrow was confident about Maria’s recovery, but he was at pains that she would follow a strict regime of rest and take a nourishing diet for at least a month after returning home.