Meekford's comment provoked open snorts and chuckles from some of the young porters and rage from Robert. "I don't have trousers because I was attacked! Under your supervision! You get me some trousers! You have uniforms! And I'm going to need a doctor!"

Wood did not like what he was seeing and thought that the gag had suited the young man quite nicely. But he reluctantly turned to Meekford and admitted: "He probably needs a doctor." Judging by the young man's shouting, he was fine, but he did have a head wound and Wood feared he would be to blame if the kid died on his beat for lack of medical attention.