The accent was Scotch.

In the darkness Delaine dimly perceived an old and bent man standing before him, who seemed to sway and totter as he leant upon his stick.
"I cannot imagine, sir, why you should want anything of the kind." And he turned to pursue his walk.

The old man kept up with him, and presently said something which brought Delaine to a sudden stop of astonishment.

He stood there listening for a few minutes, transfixed, and finally, turning round, he allowed his strange companion to walk slowly beside him back to Laggan..