But for drink he would not have been plain Johann Kopf, brawler, outcast, spy, disowned by his family and all save those who could use him.

He remained standing in the doorway, brooding.
At last he drew his collar about his throat and struck off, a black shadow in a bank of gray.

When he reached that part of the street opposite the Grand Hotel, he stopped and sought shelter under an awning.
The night patrol came clattering down the street.

It passed quickly, and soon all was still again.

Johann stepped out and peered up and down.