The three sat in their easy-chairs round the coal fire. It was high noon in London, and the weather was moderately fine; that is to say, it was possible to read in the room without lighting the gas. X held a telegram in his hand. "This is a perfectly clear case against us," he remarked in a quiet, business-like manner. "It has occurred at such an unfortunate time," said Y, who spoke very slowly and distinctly, with an English accent. "We shall do it yet," said Z, confidently. "Gentlemen," said the president, "it will not do to hesitate. There is an individual in this case who will not let the grass grow under his feet. His name is Mr. Patrick Ballymolloy. We all know about him, I expect?" "I know him very well indeed," said old Z. "It was I who put him in the book." He rose quickly and took a large volume from a shelf near by. It was a sort of ledger, with the letters of the alphabet printed on the cut edges of the leaves. "I don't believe Y knows him," said the president. "Please read him to us." Z turned over the leaves quickly. "B--Bally--Ballymolloy-Patrick--Yes," he said, finding the place. "Patrick Ballymolloy. Irish iron man. Boston, Mass. Drinks. Takes money from both sides. Voted generally Democratic ticket. P.S. 1882, opposed B. in election for Governor. Iron interest increased. P.S. 1883, owns twenty votes in House. Costs more than he did. That is all," said Z, shutting up the book. "Quite enough," said the president. "Mr. Patrick Ballymolloy and his twenty votes will bother us. What a pity J.H. made that speech!" "It appears that as Patrick has grown rich, Patrick has grown fond of protection, then," remarked Y, crossing one long leg over the other. "Exactly," said Z. "That is it. Now the question is, who owns Patrick? Anybody know?" "Whoever can pay for him, I expect," said the president. "Now I have an idea," said the old man suddenly, and again he dived into the book. "Did either of you ever know a man called Vancouver?" "Yes--I know all about him," said Y, and a contemptuous smile hinted beforehand what he thought of the man. "I made an entry about him the other day," said the president. "You will find a good deal against his name." "Here he is," said Z again. "Pocock Vancouver. Railways. Rep. Boston, Mass. Was taxed in 1870 for nearly a million dollars. Weak character, very astute. Takes no money. Believed to be dissipated, but he cleverly conceals it. Never votes. Has extensive financial interests. 1880, taxed for nearly three millions. 1881, paid ten thousand dollars to Patrick Ballymolloy (D) for carrying a motion for the Monadminck Railroad (see Railroads). 1882, voted for Butler"-- "Hollo!" exclaimed the president. "Wait," said Z, "there is more. 1883, thought to be writer of articles against J.H. in Boston 'Daily Standard.' Subsequently confirmed by J.H. That is all."