Laurent turned toward the voice, adjusting the wire spectacles that had slipped down his nose as he peered. He didn't need them, but as a slight man of limited means, Laurent had long ago learned that one of his chief strengths was being underestimated. One would be surprised at how many looked down upon those with imperfect vision.

"Hidden passages are rarely a sign of anything good," he ventured, shifting to feel the reassuring weight of the revolver in his pack. "Yet it would be a missed opportunity not to explore. Are you armed, sir?"