obtain, the ones nearest to the performer served as a cordon of
guards to keep his immediate surroundings cleared.

Hanlon's actions, in all respects, were those that might be
expected from a blindfolded man. He groped, sometimes with
outstretched hands, again with arms folded or hands clasped and
extended, but always with an expression, so far as his face could
be seen, of earnest, concentrated endeavor to go the right way.
Now and then he would half turn, as if impelled in one direction,
and then hesitate, turn and march off the other way. One time,
indeed, he went nearly half a block in a wrong street. Then he
paused, groped, stumbled a little, and gradually returned to the
vicinity of Mortimer, who had stood still at the corner.
Apparently, Hanlon had no idea of his detour, for he went on in
the right direction, and Mortimer, who was oblivious to all but
his mission, followed interestedly.

One time Hanlon spoke to him. "You are a fine 'guide,' sir," he
said. "I seem impelled steadily, not in sudden thought waves,
and I find my mind responds well to your will. If you will be so
good as to keep the crowd away from us a little more carefully.
I don't want you any nearer me, but if too many people are
between us, it interferes somewhat with the transference of your
guiding thought."

"Do you want to hear my footsteps?" asked Mortimer, thoughtfully.

"That doesn't matter," Hanlon smiled. "You are to follow me,
sir, even if I go wrong. If I waited to hear you, that would be
no test at all. Simply will me, and then follow, whether I am on