But the second is close on his heels: Dublin Castle has been attentive.

The mayor, as chief magistrate, has privileges on which the Castle now silently closes.

There are private and veiled remonstrances by secret officials: "The mayor is acting illegally; he must not do so-and-so; such is the function of a magistrate; he has not taken the oath," etc.
All this renewing the fight of the first day, for the Castle, too, wants the mayor on the bench to brand him as its own and alienate him from the old flag.

It puts on the pressure by suppressing his privileges, weakening his influence, and disappointing his "supporters." All this is silently done.

Still, the mayor holds fast, but he has not counted on this, and is beginning to be baffled and worried.