Call Me Ismay by Sean McDevitt

which we feel on this occasion with those who have suffered is really beyond any expression in words.”
     
    Finlay's soliloquy echoed for a moment in the Drill Hall as the reporters' mad scribbling and the clearing of throats of many in the crowd continued. Attorney General Isaacs allowed a respectful beat to pass, before turning once more to Lord Mersey. “My Lord, with reference to the Inquiry which your Lordship is now about to recommence, may I say it is the earnest desire of the administration that a searching and thorough inquiry should be made with the object of ascertaining as fully and as precisely as possible the circumstances surrounding the casualty. I desire to add- in the public interest- every possible source of information and all available evidence will be placed before your Lordship.” Sir Rufus promptly turned his attention to the witness.
     
    “Mr. Ismay, are you a member of the firm of Ismay, Imrie and Company?”
    

    Bruce Ismay drew a short breath before replying. “Yes.”
     
    “And that company was the owner of the Titanic ?”
     
    “Yes.” Ismay cleared his throat quietly, preparing himself for what he knew would be yet another intense line of public questioning.
     
    “You are also, I think, Managing director of the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, Limited?”
     
    “Yes.”
     
    “And the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company owns all of what we call the 'White Star Line' steamers?”
     
    “Yes, the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company is the legal name of the company.”
     
    Sir Rufus rubbed his chin for a moment before continuing. “The White Star Line runs from New York to Liverpool, does it?”
     
    “Yes.”
     
    “And New York to Southampton?”
     
    “Yes, and to many other ports as well.” Ismay was silently grateful that Sir Rufus hadn't phrased his question as 'Southampton to New York.'
     
    “The White Star Line and these other vessels which are owned originally by British companies still run under the British flag, do they not?”
     
    “Yes.” Ismay was trying to sound helpful without being too eager.
     
    The Attorney-General leaned in. “Now, Mr. Ismay. I want you to tell me about the building of the Olympic and the Titanic , the two sister vessels. I am not going to ask you the details of the construction, I am going to keep that for some of our more skilled witnesses-” there seemed to be a derisive chuckle or two in the Hall, Ismay feared- “and those who have had more to do with it and who know, but generally speaking- well, first of all, have you any financial interest by way of shareholding or otherwise in the shipbuilding firm of Harland and Wolff?”
     
    “Absolutely none.”
     
    “That is what I thought.” Sir Rufus glanced at his notes for a brief moment before continuing. “Now one other general question with regard to the construction of the vessels- are they constructed under contract at a lump sum in the ordinary course, or are they constructed at cost price plus a percentage?”
     
    “Cost price, plus a percentage. We build no ships by contract at all.”
     
    “So, what it amounts to, if I follow you correctly, is that there is no limit placed by you upon the cost of the vessel?” Sir Rufus's tone carried a hint of surprise.
     
    “Absolutely none. All we ask them to do is to produce the very finest ship they possibly can. The question of money has never been considered at all.” A few of the reporters cast a furtive glance amongst their colleagues: was Ismay truly about to go into an advertising mode?
     
    “And the Olympic and Titanic were both built upon those terms?”
     
    “Exactly.”
     
    “Will you give me approximately what the cost of the Titanic was?” Sir Rufus asked, expectantly.
    

    “A million and a half sterling,” Ismay replied. Once again, a rumble of significance and recognition echoed in the Hall.
     
    “Now, you were on board the Titanic on this voyage?” Sir Rufus asked, taking on a decidedly more