How Late It Was, How Late

Once he reaches Glancy’s, Sammy walks around, rolls a cigarette, and contemplates his sight loss. He feels uneasy about people looking at him but acknowledges that it’s something he needs to cope with. Sammy eventually settles at a table, where he encounters Herbie, a drinking buddy, who buys him a pint. Later, another drink arrives for Sammy from Alex Duncan, another drinking partner. However, Sammy is resentful of the fact that Alex does not bring the drink to him in person. He thinks that the news of his altercation with the police must have made the rounds and could be the reason why people are avoiding him. Sammy reflects on his sight loss and how people react to it.

Sammy then recalls his journey to the bar, thinking about how he manages to navigate the pub despite his sight loss. He considers playing dominoes but decides against it due to the difficulty of keeping track. Instead, he contemplates playing chess, thinking it might be more manageable because it involves future rather than past moves.

During his time at the pub, Sammy overhears a conversation about boxing but finds it irritating and gives up listening. Eventually, Tam, another acquaintance, approaches Sammy. They discuss Sammy’s sight loss, and Tam asks about the possibility of it being permanent. Sammy isn’t sure about the prognosis and mentions visiting a doctor. They briefly talk about recent events, including a visit from the police at Tam’s house. Tam is upset because the police entered his house and interrogated his wife. He seems scared of the possible troubles and blames all of it on Sammy. Sammy claims that this is not his fault and that the police are playing intimidation tactics on everyone. Tam leaves Sammy abruptly, despite the latter’s insistence that they have another drink.

The section ends with Sammy alone in the pub, sipping his drink, and reflecting on various things, including the rainy weather, memories of wandering, and the difficulty of life. Sammy’s emotions fluctuate from nostalgia and humor to frustration and contemplation of his uncertain future.

Sammy wakes up very early to the sound of someone messing with the letterbox. He’s annoyed because he has barely slept. He turns on the radio and hears marching music, which indicates that it’s very early. He’s frustrated by the constant disturbances. Sammy gets dressed quickly, grabs some tobacco, papers, and a lighter, and decides to confront the person at the letterbox.

When he finally reaches the front door and asks who’s there, it turns out to be Ally, who wants to discuss some points related to Sammy’s case. Sammy is initially irritated, mistaking Ally for a policeman and questioning how he found his address. Ally explains that he needs to clarify some details related to Sammy’s case and asks to come in. Sammy reluctantly agrees. Ally talks about his work as a representative and the importance of getting all the information straight for Sammy’s case. He mentions that Sammy should sign a form to ensure that his claims proceed at all costs. Throughout the first half of the conversation with Ally, Sammy is unsure whether Ally is an informant.

Ally discusses the possibility of posthumous settlements and the importance of signing a document confirming Ally as Sammy’s representative. Sammy eventually agrees to sign. They discuss the challenges of fighting for claims, and Ally shares a personal anecdote from his own time in prison. He mentions a mistake that he made in a published letter that caused embarrassment but served as a valuable lesson.

Sammy and Ally engage in a lengthy conversation, discussing various topics related to Sammy’s personal life and his impending legal case. Sammy is concerned about his recent loss of vision and the impact that it might have on his case. Ally speaks a lot, which annoys and disorients Sammy.

Sammy asks about the need for witnesses in legal matters. Ally informs him that informal witness testimonies can be helpful but are not always necessary. He explains that Sammy’s case might involve ambiguous rules and regulations, so it’s best to have witnesses to avoid potential complications.

The discussion turns to Sammy’s medical history. Ally asks if Sammy has ever experienced epilepsy or related conditions that could potentially be relevant to his vision loss. Sammy denies any such conditions, and Ally emphasizes that the legal authorities may use these details to their advantage, the same way the doctor tried to use an anxiety diagnosis to dismiss Sammy’s sight loss. Ally advises Sammy to be cautious and emphasizes the importance of consistency in his case. He explains that the authorities don’t need to prove Sammy’s claims wrong; they just need to create doubt.

The conversation takes a turn as Ally probes Sammy about his involvement with a man named Charlie Barr, which may have political implications. Sammy’s reticence to divulge information about Barr raises questions, but Sammy maintains that it’s irrelevant to his claim.

Ally leaves Sammy’s apartment, promising to return later with a camera to document Sammy’s injuries. He also stresses the need for Sammy to register at a charity organization and keep up with the legal process. Before leaving, Ally expresses concern about Sammy’s girlfriend’s return, to which Sammy responds positively, believing that she will come back.

Sammy contemplates his situation and the exhaustion he feels. He imagines what life would be like if he were entirely incapacitated, with only his mind functioning. Ally encourages Sammy to cooperate fully in the legal process, emphasizing the importance of consistency and openness. Sammy’s internal thoughts show that he is not fully committed to making a case for himself in court because he does not trust the legal system.