In the full tide of these resentful thoughts he rushed around a corner, and bumped against another individual coming his way full tilt, knocking him down flat on the pavement.
Thus brought to a full stop, Doctor Ludington bent over his victim, exclaiming contritely:
“Beg pardon! I did not see you. Are you much hurt?”
The man lay still, groaning, and as he bent over him in the glare of the electric light, he saw that he was a rough, country-looking fellow, miserably seedy, with a cadaverous face, as from illness or pinching hunger.
“Poor wretch!” he thought, and put out kindly hands to help him up.
With this aid the young fellow got on his feet again, groaning:
“It’s the lack of food that tipped me over so easy. For the love of God, help me! I’ve not tasted food for three days. I’m down on my luck!”
“Poor chap! You certainly look it!” and Doctor Ludington gave him his arm and conducted him to a quiet restaurant.
“A private room,” he said to the waiter, who quickly obeyed the order.
There was a comfortable sofa, and he advised his protégé to lie down there and rest while the food was preparing.