Not even a broken leg! not even the cabman's number taken down! One or two who had seen the accident patted Reginald on the back as he went by, but he hurried past them as quickly as he could, and presently stood in the seclusion of a by-street, still supporting his companion on his arm.
"Are you hurt ?" he inquired again.
"No," said Gedge; "I can walk." The two stood facing one another for a moment in silence, breathless still, and trembling with the excitement of the last few minutes.
"Oh, Cruden!" cried the boy at last, seizing Reginald's arm, "what will you think of me?
I was--I--I'd been drinking--I'm sober now, but--" Reginald cut him short gently but firmly.
"I know," said he.

"You'd better go home now, young 'un." Gedge made no answer, but walked on, with his arm still in that of his protector.
Reginald saw him into an omnibus, and then returned sadly and thoughtfully homeward.
"Humph!" said he to himself, as he reached Dull Street, "I suppose I shall have to stick on at the _Rocket_ after all.".