It was hard to concentrate on finding his way when an unfilled stomach commanded so much of his attention. Obtaining something to eat was now a dark, hounding obsession. He approached strangers in the street - people who looked safe - hoping to cadge a meal, but no one was prepared even to listen to what he had to say. It was all too obvious from the way he approached that he was going to ask a favour, and whatever the favour was they weren't in a position to grant it. It wasn't that kind of world anymore. Maybe it never had been. They shooed him away like a stray dog.