Anyhow, a dog was there, weaving himself in and out amongst people's legs in that mute stealthy way native dogs have, and my companion stumbled over him.

The dog leaped away without a sound; the man, raising his voice a little, said with a slow laugh, "Look at that wretched cur," and directly afterwards we became separated by a lot of people pushing in.

I stood back for a moment against the wall while the stranger managed to get down the steps and disappeared.

I saw Jim spin round.

He made a step forward and barred my way.