He would be hard for the shrewdest judge to understand, for the simple reason that he did not know himself.
In looking at McTee, one asked: "What is he ?" In looking at Harrigan, the question was: "What will he become ?" "Stayin' in town long ?" asked Harrigan, and his voice was a little wistful.
"I'm bound out tonight." "So long, then." "So long." They turned on their heels into opposite streets without further words, with no thanks given for service rendered, with no exchange of congratulations for the danger they had just escaped.

That parting proved them hardened knights of the road which leads across the world and never turns back home.
Harrigan strode on full of thought.

His uncertain course brought him at last to the waterfront, and he idled along the black, odorous docks until he came to a pier where a ship was under steam, making ready to put out to sea.

The spur touched the heart of Harrigan.

The urge never failed to prick him when he heard the scream of a steamer's horn as it put to sea.