Walter was a hundred yards ahead, before the mob reached the turning, and was rapidly distancing the soldiers who were pursuing him.

Unfortunately, however, there were many people hurrying from all sides, attracted by the shouting and firing.

Several of these, in response to the shouts of the soldiers, tried to stop him as he dashed past, and failing to do so, at once joined in the pursuit.
Walter saw that he must be captured, if he kept straight on, for a group of men approaching, warned by the shouts of his pursuers, prepared to seize him.

He therefore turned sharp down a narrow lane to his left.
Another fifty yards he was through this, and found himself on the road, running by the side of the Liffey.

Without a moment's hesitation he sprang across it, and plunged into the river.
Even in the moment of his spring, he perceived that the tide was running up.