Martin Cunningham nudged Mr Power.
―Of the tribe of Reuben, he said.
A tall blackbearded figure, bent on a stick, stumping round the corner of Elvery’s elephant house showed them a curved hand open on his spine.
―In all his pristine beauty, Mr Power said.
Mr Dedalus looked after the stumping figure and said mildly:
―The devil break the hasp of your back!
Mr Power, collapsing in laughter, shaded his face from the window as the carriage passed Gray’s statue.
―We have all been there, Martin Cunningham said broadly.
His eyes met Mr Bloom’s eyes. He caressed his beard, adding:
―Well, nearly all of us.
Mr Bloom began to speak with sudden eagerness to his companions’ faces.
―That’s an awfully good one that’s going the rounds about Reuben J. and the son.
―About the boatman? Mr Power asked.
―Yes. Isn’t it awfully good?
―What is that? Mr Dedalus asked, I didn’t hear it.
―There was a girl in the case, Mr Bloom began, and he determined to send him to the isle of Man out of harm’s way but when they were both.....