'Gentlemen, lead on!' With which word of command (addressed to an imaginary staff or retinue) he folded his arms, and walked with surpassing dignity down the court.
His obsequious follower stood holding the torch above his head, and then the observer saw for the first time, from his place of concealment, that he was blind.

Some involuntary motion on his part caught the quick ear of the blind man, before he was conscious of having moved an inch towards him, for he turned suddenly and cried, 'Who's there ?' 'A man,' said the other, advancing.

'A friend.' 'A stranger!' rejoined the blind man.

'Strangers are not my friends.
What do you do there ?' 'I saw your company come out, and waited here till they were gone.

I want a lodging.' 'A lodging at this time!' returned Stagg, pointing towards the dawn as though he saw it.