It was clear that they were the accursed of all men, and they knew not why.
Two or three men, looking little and black like monkeys, leapt over the edge as they had done and dropped on to the beach.

These came ploughing down the deep sand, shouting horribly, and strove to wade into the sea at random.

The example was followed, and the whole black mass of men began to run and drip over the edge like black treacle.
Foremost among the men on the beach Syme saw the peasant who had driven their cart.

He splashed into the surf on a huge cart-horse, and shook his axe at them.
"The peasant!" cried Syme.

"They have not risen since the Middle Ages." "Even if the police do come now," said the Professor mournfully, "they can do nothing with this mob." "Nonsense!" said Bull desperately; "there must be some people left in the town who are human." "No," said the hopeless Inspector, "the human being will soon be extinct.