By turning his head ever so slightly to his right, he could command a view of the door leading to the east verandah.

Unless the ceiling suddenly opened above him, or the floor beneath, it would be impossible to surprise him.

Cleggett took this position less through any positive fear of attack than because he possessed the instinct of the born strategist.

Cleggett was like Robert E.Lee in his quick grasp of a situation and, indeed, in other respects--although Cleggett would never under any circumstances have countenanced human slavery.
There were only two men in the place when Cleggett took his seat, the bartender and a fellow who was evidently a waiter.

He had entered the west door and walked across the room without looking at them, withholding his gaze purposely.