Away I went and three of the watch after me, but they were stout and scant of breath, and by the time that I had run three furlongs I distanced them.

I halted to get my breath and remembered that I had lost de Garcia and did not know when I should find him again.

At first I was minded to return and seek him, but reflection told me that by now it would be useless, also that the end of it might be that I should fall into the hands of the watch, who would know me by my wound, which began to pain me.

So I went homeward cursing my fortune, and the woman who had clasped me from behind just as I was about to send the death-thrust home, and also my lack of skill which had delayed that thrust so long.

Twice I might have made it and twice I had waited, being overcautious and over-anxious to be sure, and now I had lost my chance, and might bide many a day before it came again.
How should I find him in this great city?
Doubtless, though I had not thought of it, de Garcia passed under some feigned name as he had done at Yarmouth.