Ulysses

Once he has roused Stephen, Bloom leads him to a cab stand to eat something. He talks at length about the “dangers” (570) of visiting the red-light district, especially with friends like Lynch who run away at the first sign of trouble. Stephen says nothing but recognizes a man named Gumley as “a friend of his father’s” (572). He also passes a man named Corley, who has recently fallen on hard times. Knowing that he will soon leave his job, Stephen half-heartedly recommends that Corley apply for the position. He gives Corley some money, which appalls Bloom. Having been betrayed by Haines and Buck Mulligan, Bloom warns, Stephen has “no place to sleep” (573). He suggests that Stephen return to his family home. Stephen says nothing. He remembers the saddening nature of his family’s situation. Bloom worries that he may have insulted Mulligan. At the cab stand, Bloom orders food and coffee for Stephen. According to local legend, the stand is run by Skin-the-Goat, who was involved as a getaway driver in the infamous Phoenix Park Murders. When a man asks whether Stephen knows Simon Dedalus, Stephen admits that he has “heard of him” (578). The man describes his outlandish memories of Simon, which Bloom assumes are a mistake or coincidence.