What does a single cartridge buy you in the square today? 10 good sized candles, a tin of matches, a pouch of tobacco with papers, a small chunk of soap and a small tin of toothpowder. A kings ransom.
Now is the time to be real careful. I'm loaded down with stuff and this will slow me down a bit so I need to keep my wits about me. Don't recognise any dangerous faces in the square tonight but you can't be too careful.
I reach the bar without incident and decide to go in. It's an opportunity to see if anybody's following me. Barkeep hands me a drink without me asking, he still owes me for a job I did for him. Mustn't take advantage though or I'll end up the subject of his next vendetta. The drink goes down rough but warms my belly. Pity it won't help get my feet warm. I stand at the bar facing the door. No one comes in, no one loiters outside.
Good.
Crazy Harry's in the corner again spouting off about the anarchy party. Our saviors he says, our future he shouts. Christ, look what they've done for us so far, I used to work in an office for fuck's sake. In twenty years we've gone from civilised to pond scum. Shut up Harry, you're getting me depressed. He quiets for a while but it wont be long before he's off again.