The vehicle was going at a
slow pace, and could be stopped almost immediately; he was not
touched by the wheel. A man helped him to his feet and inquired if
he were hurt.
'Hurt? No, no; it's all right.'
To the surprise of those who had witnessed the accident, he walked
quickly on, scarcely feeling any pain. But in a few minutes there
came a sense of nausea and a warm rush in his throat; he staggered
against the wall and vomited a quantity of blood. Again he was
surrounded by sympathising people; again he made himself free of
them and hastened on. But by now he suffered acutely; he could not
run, so great was the pain it cost him when he began to breathe
quickly. His mouth was full of blood again.
Where could he find a hiding-place? The hunters were after him, and,
however great his suffering, he must go through it in secrecy. But
in what house could he take refuge? He had not money enough to pay
for a lodging.
He looked about him; tried to collect his thoughts. By this time the
police would have visited Merlin Place; they would be waiting there
to trap him. He was tempted towards Farringdon Road Buildings;
surely his father would not betray him, and he was in such dire need
of kindly help.
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