Chapter 25: The Chase [2]
Seeking to avoid attention, he hid behind a small house. An idea struck him - he needed something to cover the conspicuous collar around his neck. Just then, his eyes caught sight of clothes hanging on a clothesline behind another house. It was a stroke of luck. Among the clothes was a long brown shirt with collars that seemed perfect for his purpose.
Without hesitation, he reached out and took the shirt, pulling it over his head. The shirt's length helped conceal the metallic collar, making it less noticeable to passersby. Now feeling less exposed, he confidently stepped out onto the road, walking with newfound assurance as if he belonged there.
He thought that by disguising himself, it wouldn't be easy for others to notice him, but to his shame, he hadn't washed his face or body, leaving black soot all over. Moreover, someone like him, wearing a lavish outfit he didn't realize was quite expensive, drew even more attention.