The Watchman's Grace

by Craig Johnson

  “Dublin is the center of our country in that regard. Plus it’s my hometown, so I know something about it. This decision is yours alone. The only question I have for you is if the fire in your belly matches the challenge of a hard struggle.”

  Peter always welcomed Duncan’s straightforward manner. Yet Peter did not know if he was in a position to finance living in Dublin, let alone taking on additional responsibilities.

  “I understand the nature of everything you said. Please realize my circumstances are somewhat adverse until I find employment. Earning some decent wages is my primary concern. Without putting myself in good stead I am of no use to anyone.”

  At that moment Duncan tapped his fingers in a merry rhythm upon the solid oak table. “Alas my dear friend Peter, did you think for a moment I would send you on your way to a new city with no prospects? You must fancy me quite the sharp edge occasionally!

  “What I was going to mention is that our family firm requires a clerk to manage accounts for property interests we hold. I noticed how you relished mathematics in your second session so I think there may be a fit. Would this be something you might consider?”

  Peter felt a wave of excitement. This would alleviate the time consuming drudgery of searching for a position when times were not necessarily bountiful.

  “Of course it would be Duncan! I must ask; are there any specific qualifications I may be lacking before assuming such a position?”

  “Not that I see offhand. Now there is the formality of running this by father. After all, the business is his domain. You will not become wealthy from this posting, though it will afford you the wages of a proper gentleman. Sound fair so far?”

  “I will prepare my particulars for submission to your father at once. Thank you so much Duncan for the opportunity!”

  “There is nothing to thank me for Peter. You seem to possess the merit for this chance. Now let us return to a more important matter. If you were comfortably ensconced in Dublin, could you see lending yourself to my proposition?”

  Peter’s mind flashed back to the gift provided by Donal Cleary and the accompanying promise made. He reached even further into his memory concerning the Connolly family’s horrible eviction. Finally, he saw the wretched surroundings which brought city and countryside around Galway to pitiless depravity. He knew any nagging reservations were a luxury he could not afford.

  “I owe who I am to the generosity of all those that helped me along my way. It started from the moment I landed on these shores as an abandoned child. I can never repay the good fortune which has led me here today. Yet I can uphold the spirit of all those people by helping others less fortunate in turn. That my friend I can promise you today and going forward.”

  Duncan leaned forward with a warm outstretched hand. “Now those are true words from a man not afraid to take on his destiny! Do you not wonder why so many of us suffer in quiet desperation most of our lives? It is because we are too afraid to discover what’s lacking in our everyday.

  “Everyone needs to seize opportunities for becoming the people we were meant to be, or fail trying. That is the secret to life on earth. I cannot say the same of you Peter Harvey. You see the reality of living very clearly.”

  Peter took away his hand after meeting Duncan’s in a firm shake. “Whatever we prepare to do going forward will be fraught with challenges. The gravity of even speaking such things will naturally place us in a level of peril. I do not take the enterprise lightly, and neither should you.”

  Duncan lowered his voice in expressed seriousness. “As always, there is much to weigh in your words Peter. But if we believe in the fullest of our hearts that one religion, one creed or one’s birthright are no better than another’s in a united country, there is no other means of change.

  “I am never going to condone violence to achieve our aims. That will benefit no one and certainly divide us. Furthermore, it would play right into the hands of those who shall wish us failure.

  “Look around this land of ours! Witness what a lack of self-determination has done to Ireland. I too made a promise to make a small difference in support of my downtrodden countrymen. By will and by fate I will honor it.”

  “We know there is union in our aims. I also know if the likes of our endeavor were approached in a manner of chance, such folly would surely be our downfall. It appears by day we will earn our wages; on evenings and weekends we will plan, perfect and put into action. I see that as the only way any fruits will spring from our labors.”

  Duncan raised his mug with a full grin. “Now you’re talking with the fire which makes men of boys! These are years to take up the call while making our knowledge work for many. We have to let people know that hope is not a privileged matter; that a nation is made better by the respect afforded to its people. Any true patriot of the country would understand that; anyone that wants an Ireland governed for the people’s benefit that is.”

  Peter hesitated before posing a more personal question. “I’ve always meant to ask you Duncan. Here you are a Dublin man, and I gather from a background of good means. So why did you come clear across the breadth of this country to Galway? We both know there is a more prestigious university right in your hometown.”

  Duncan nodded at the logic of Peter’s inquiry. “That’s a fair enough question. I take it you are inferring I should be ensconced in the hallowed halls of Trinity College, traipsing about College Green? Perhaps taking up the rituals of my peers in society?

  “My family was never built that way Peter. And I’m thankful every day they were not! But that in itself still leaves your question unanswered. So how did I arrive here?

  “For starters, my father was a Trinity College man. It was the best education that could be afforded anyone in our country on many levels. Yet he always held out a certain doubt. To him, it did not feel as inclusive an environment as it could be. In complete frankness, there was not in his view a true representation of the Irish population as it existed in regular society.

  “As a result, he felt many great visions on how to reform the country would be lost for all ages. I continue to admire my father’s strong sense of principle; not misguided or paternal, though honesty with a sense of fair play.”

  Duncan paused to drink some ale before continuing. “With this nature, his attention was readily drawn to talk of a new university being established. It offered a quality education for all religious denominations in Ireland. True to his ideals, when Queen’s College opened he decided to put some weight behind its initiative. He even encouraged me to take a look.

  “In many ways we are cut from the same cloth, so I jumped at the chance to excel in a more inclusive environment. Of course the rest you already know. Does that satisfy your curiosity?”

  Peter grinned back at Duncan. “Yes, we can leave that subject for good. I just remembered I have to meet Fergal first thing next morning for breakfast. I should be leaving. Thanks again for everything. It seems we have much to look forward to.”

  “That would be an understatement Peter. Have a good evening. I will be in touch soon.” With no further ado Peter walked outside into the comfort of a late summer night.

  Days sprinted forward in anticipation of a glorious fall. Peter would miss the camaraderie of Queen’s College. But there were new priorities ahead which offered greater chances for personal growth. For instance, Duncan informed him of his successful candidacy at his father’s firm. This would lead to a new life chapter in Dublin. In addition, they would commence a grassroots initiative dear to his deepest convictions.

  When the chill of evening air came in late October, they assembled at Queen’s College for a final time. During this meeting of the Senate, Peter, Duncan and their anointed colleagues were conferred those prized degrees. Congratulations tempered the dissolution of fond associations. Yet each realized this was a necessary part of life’s great pursuit. New opportunities awaited to satisfy long held
aspirations.

  Without delay, a new life began for Peter. He arranged to meet Duncan first thing the following morning at Eyre Square’s rail station. From there they would board second class passage on the Midland Great Western Rail line.

  Peter and Duncan would arrive in Dublin at the terminus of their journey, an imposing granite structure named Broadstone Station. As evening gave way fast to dawn, they met at the appointed hour for their journey ahead.

  “Good morning Duncan,” Peter greeted. “Well now, don’t you look well turned out? Is this the city side of your character?”

  Duncan cut a rather polished figure in his stylish morning coat, complete with pleated white shirt and tailored long trousers. He casually brushed off the remark.

  “Now Peter, know full well I am not a dandy! Today the occasion calls for me to greet my mother and father in dress more fitting of the occasion. Let me assure you it pains me to leave behind our everyday casual attire.”

  “I take your reply as truth,” smirked Peter. “Let’s check in for boarding and get on with things. Besides, we may both secure a window seat if we’re swift.”

  As it happened, they were fortunate enough to obtain their desired seating arrangement in second class. When their conductor rang out his final call for boarding, they felt the locomotive lurch into action. The bright green engine pulled its line of brown passenger coaches onwards to Leinster and inside of it to Dublin.

  Both men used their travel time judiciously. Heightened activities from the past few days required a deserved period of rest. Conversation was kept to a minimum while they caught up on relaxation over the next few hours.

  While being transported in relative comfort, Peter and Duncan marveled at the pace with which they covered ever changing vistas, villages and towns dotting their route.

  Cruising along this new line proved a marked improvement in efficiency. Gone were the days of canal routes and coaches from a scant decade ago. In their private thoughts, they discreetly noted the country’s current governance needed its own transformation from outmoded ways.

  After what seemed a short time to Peter, the train approached Broadstone Station, which had recently been fitted with an impressive colonnade. His heart leapt with anticipation, knowing this would be the starting point of his new beginning.

  Peter was glad to have revised his plans to manage one short visit to Kilmarnie in the summer past, spending a lovely week with Mary and Eamon. It meant so much to him that both gave their complete blessing to his relocation, allowing him to concentrate on his future path.

  Duncan gave Peter a flourishing sweep of the scene with his right arm. “Please Mr. Harvey; I don’t know if you two have made acquaintance. I would like to introduce the fair city of Dublin. Here we do not build the grand ships of Belfast, and our seat of government eloped to London decades ago.

  “But make no mistake. We still look after things from here, and all roads still lead through it. If you carefully place your ear to these streets, those rumblings you pick up are the pulse of this very land! Welcome to Dublin, Peter; welcome to your new home.”

  Peter was impressed once again by Duncan’s command of salutation. “There’s a natural politician within you Duncan Malloy. Fortunately for all of us it is guided by good intentions. One day it is my sincere wish to see you speak of your convictions on a platform worthy of such talent.”

  Duncan flashed a look of mock astonishment. “Is that what we are aiming to do here? But I thought this was all about carousing for pints of Guinness and leading lives of educated wastrels. Now I’m thoroughly disappointed!”

  “Judging by your dandy attire I do wonder if you speak in jest. Let's fetch our belongings and catch a spot of lunch. I’m sure you know where to go, so lead on good gentleman!”

  Walking towards a nearby pub for some regular fare, each was well aware of the ever present poverty within their midst. Yet many of more fortunate circumstances did not care to dwell on such things, deeming it more a result of self-determination. Observations similar to this proved the insular nature of their power. Herein seeds were sewn for discontent amongst the everyday populace.

  They soon entered a place of Duncan’s choosing and sat themselves down to order. On cue, an attentive server approached their table.

  “Hello gentlemen, what will you have for today?” she sang out.

  “Hello there,” Duncan replied. “We could do with a couple of pints right now, though we certainly are famished!”

  The server gave Duncan’s fine dress a quick once over. “Yes, most of us are these days,” she responded pointedly. “I’ll be back with those ales in a moment. As for eating, our pot pies go over well around here.”

  Wasting not a moment further, she went off to fetch their drinks. Both men noticed her initial pleasantry had vanished into veiled contempt. As a result, Duncan became apologetic for his casual remark.

  “Peter, I do hope she didn’t take offense with what I said. I was only expressing we were hungry after a long journey. Damn it, every day I’m seeing how these difficult circumstances come around to vent themselves in public!”

  “I agree Duncan. Don’t worry yourself about it. You’re an obvious target of resentment in your current manner of dress. But it shames her to pass judgment before knowledge of character. This is how many prejudices come to pass. Now let’s review what is before us in the coming days.”

  “Your observation is well taken Peter.”

  “I must admit its bloody exciting to set down new roots far from the west counties! But for now I need to establish an address in the city at the first opportunity. Remember my start date at your father’s firm is only one week away.”

  At that point Duncan’s face turned very grave. “Peter, I neglected to mention the contents of my father’s last post. Let us say your search will not need to be so urgent.”

  As the waitress placed their drinks on the table she flashed Duncan a glowering scowl. Peter scarcely gave notice, as he was visibly shaken at his friend’s last words. Peter’s heart sank to the floor, since a coveted position at Duncan’s father’s firm appeared to have been lost. Peter put on a brave front despite feeling deep disappointment.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Your father probably had many qualified applicants looking to fill the post. Thank goodness I have enough funds to cover a few months’ rent while looking for gainful employment.”

  “Good to hear you still have a few notes tucked away. I take it lunch will be on you then? My father wrote to say you shall have free let at one of our downtown buildings, so long as you remain in our employ of course. Rule number one; never jump to conclusions.”

  Peter’s face was overcome by elation. His emotional state turned from stupefied dismay to joyous relief in the bat of an eye. He raised his ale to Duncan and proposed a heartfelt toast.

  “Here’s to Duncan Malloy and his dear family. I wish them good fortune with kind fate for all of their days!”

  “I will definitely drink to that Peter! Let me say in turn today will mark the awakening of the latent talent within Peter Harvey. He is destined in my mind to become a man of great promise. Of that I have no doubt whatsoever.”

  These salutations of admiration were punctuated with the hearty clapping of mugs filled with quenching ale. After pausing to take generous swigs, they sat back in their seats to discuss matters at hand.

  “Now before our server returns, let me make a few points. I don’t want to rush into business straight away Peter. I want you to accustom yourself to these new surroundings. Get a cursory feel of how things are. Not all is cause for concern mind you. For instance, we have a new fire brigade for the city, which will alleviate our family’s concerns about burning buildings somewhat.

  “Nevertheless, as my father is fond of saying, “to look after one’s affairs is to have control of the same”. In that vein he fervently supports repeal of the Act of U
nion with Great Britain. He used to point out to me as a child if he wanted to live in Great Britain, he had the means to do so.

  “No sir, an Irishman is what he was born, and to our country’s self-determination he remains committed. How to achieve this is where our country finds itself at odds.

  “Father dearly wishes we do not invite factionalism to divide our cause for equal economic and social access. This is a movement Peter that needs the hands of many to push forward. It is his wish to go past the harsh realities of today into something that future generations can be rightly proud of.”

  “I cannot wait to meet him,” spoke an attentive Peter. “What times past have taught me is that anything which seems right and not done so is withheld for one simple reason. The status quo benefits the powers that be. And they will fight hard to have it remain so.

  “There is added meaning for me. I see our natural kinship to the Colored cause for basic rights in America. This fact only doubles my conviction to the struggle here; perhaps even more so. Can we afford to lose any more time?”

  “I agree wholeheartedly Peter. But it would be wise to acquaint ourselves with the lay of land more thoroughly. After all, there are shifting tides, even among those whom desire an independent government.

  “On one side are people such as us who want a peaceful means for a solution. On the other side, others just as impassioned are taking a more forceful approach. We must chart the truest way to achieve our aims with the least amount of travesty possible.

  “Above all, we must not cease one waking moment to expend our energies fully to bring about equality in a participatory nation! I pledge that solemn promise to you and country. For all of my time on this cherished earth I will keep that promise true.” As he finished speaking, Duncan extended his right hand in confirmation of this oath.

  Peter took his hand with a firm shake of unity. As he cast a look outside their window, he spotted a ragtag family moving slowly down the cobblestone street.