The doctor soon arrives and consults with the girl and with her family who form the larger part of the crowd. She will be fine - which I could easily have told them - and I expect this to be the end of the matter, yet their insults and glances turn to threats and I am left to let my other handle it.

'If you choose to make capital out of this accident,' I say to them, 'I am naturally helpless. No gentleman but wishes to avoid a scene. Name your figure.' Again, the looks and the debate until finally they come to the figure of one hundred pounds. There is no problem in this except that I don't have the money on me, nor in my lodgings, so I must lead them to the other's house.

We trail the few streets to the door, with me at the front of this parade, and I leave them there while I go inside. I am tempted to take the drink and let the other handle the events, but he does not wish his face to be associated with such an event. However, he doesn't have enough cash or gold to settle the debt, so his name - on his cheque - will have to be revealed. It is of no interest to me, so I gather ten pounds in sovereigns, sign the cheque, and return to the crowd at the door.