In an instant Vandover was hungry again.

It was all one that he chewed the little pulp of cocoanut rind more vigorously than ever, swallowed great draughts of water at the public fountains; the little gnawing just between his chest and his stomach began to persist.

He got up and began to walk.

He left the Plaza behind him, crossed Kearney Street and went on down Clay Street till he reached the water front.

For a time he found a certain diversion among the shipping and especially in watching a gang of caulkers knocking away at the seams of an immense coal steamer.