In ten minutes rain began to fall in large drops.

A sudden shower, unusual at this time of the year, came up, and pedestrians everywhere, caught without umbrellas, fled panic-stricken to the nearest shelter.

Twice before, as we know, Pietro had suffered from a shower of warm water.
This, though colder, was even more formidable.

Vanquished by the forces of nature, Pietro shouldered his instrument and fled incontinently.

Phil might come out now, if he chose.