After the surgery, various narcotic drugs and alcohol became his source of pain relief and relaxation. He recalls pickled legs, arms, jaws, ears and other organs in the Society. His leg is a prized possession of theirs now. Afterall, he is the first man cured of polio. His smaller, left leg with a twisted foot floats in a glass jar placed in the Centre for Medical Science, where young apprentices watch it in awe. Alfred was invited to the inauguration of the Centre to give a speech. He remembers being intoxicated when he delivered the speech.
A honking sound from the car brings him back to the present. They are slowing down as they enter the busy streets of London filled with coaches, pedestrians and cars. Alfred takes a bottle of opiate and takes a sip from it.
“We will get down here,” says Alfred.
“The Royal Society is a bit further, Mister Burton,” says the Chauffeur, confused.
“I know. Go and park there. I will call for you when I’m finished.”
The market is buzzing with housewives and maids buying fresh fruits and vegetables, hawkers enticing their next customer and children playing eye-spy. The smell of butchered meat and an aroma of fresh bread surrounds the marketplace. Alfred holds Peter by his hand and walks towards the shops. They spot a busy coffeehouse where Peter stops to glance inside then points at a sweet-shop next to it. Upon entering the shop Alfred says, “What would you like to have?”
“Can I have those, please?” Peter beams at the lemon and lime flavoured sweet as the shopkeeper hands him two sachets.
“You can have them after our appointment with Doctor Byron.” Alfred takes the bag away from Peter and puts them into his coat-pocket. They leave the shop and start making their way towards the Society.
At the corner of Fleet Street, they notice a man lying on the steps of a shop. His arm is twisted under him, his mouth ajar as he snores. There is a small glass bottle next to him. Peter points at it and Alfred takes him further away from the drunkard.
“Should we help him?” Peter asks looking back at the man.
“Right now, our appointment is more important. Stop staring at him and look ahead otherwise you might stumble.”