I have to report that I have not made much headway today. All the streets pointing my way were filled with people heading away from my destination. I stopped many times to try to urge them not to abandon their homes. At least, not for this direction. When the time comes, I told them, we will all need to be fleeing in the opposite direction toward the bridge.
Only one individual stopped to treat with me. He harangued me and the others to continue with him.
He was the more persuasive. None abandoned him. None joined me. They left me to press on alone though surrounded on every side. They continue even now as I turn aside for the night.