Tea would be quite over now, and Tony turned down a narrow back street, which would prove a nearer way home than the thronged thoroughfares, and set off to run as fast as he could in his awkward and unaccustomed boots.
It was not long before he came to a sudden and sharp fall off the kerb-stone, as he trod upon a bit of orange-peel, and slipped upon it.

He felt stunned for a few seconds, and sat still rubbing his forehead.

These back streets were very quiet, for the buildings were mostly offices and warehouses, and most of them were already closed for the night.

He lifted himself up at length, and set his foot upon the flags; but a shrill cry of pain broke from his lips, and rang loudly through the quiet street.

He fell back upon the pavement, quivering and trembling, with a chilly moisture breaking out upon his skin.