He tried to put on his old assured air, but it was almost gone.

He was repenting rapidly.
"I wish I hadn't done that," he said.

"That was a mistake." He walked steadily down the street, greeting a night watchman whom he knew who was trying doors.

He must get out of the city, and that quickly.
"I wonder how the trains run ?" he thought.
Instantly he pulled out his watch and looked.

It was nearly half-past one.
At the first drugstore he stopped, seeing a long-distance telephone booth inside.