"Where's that?" demanded Colin.
The man hesitated. "It's dahn at the bottom o' Flood Lane. One o' them old 'ouses backin' on the river."
Colin recognized the spot from his description—a ruinous and half-deserted slum, most of which had already been demolished. Before he could speak, however, the visitor resumed his petition.
"For Gawd's sake come along an' 'ave a look at 'im, guv'nor. We can't find no other doctor, an' 'e's sufferin' somethin' crool."
Colin glanced at his watch. "Oh, very well," he said curtly. "I sha'n't have time to attend to the man properly, but if I find it's a matter for surgical treatment I'll give you a note to the hospital. Just wait here and I'll be with you in a minute."
He stepped back into the consulting room, and, crossing to the opposite door, summoned Martha Jane.
"When Miss Nancy comes in," he said, "you might tell her that I've been called out on an urgent case. I'm only going as far as the bottom of Flood Lane, so I shall be back by six."
He thrust one or two articles which might be needed into his bag, and, hurrying out again into the hall, unhooked his hat and coat.
"What sort of injury is it?" he asked, as the front door closed behind them. "A broken leg or something of that kind?"
His companion, who was slightly ahead of him, pushed open the small iron gate and turned to the left in the direction of the river.