Can't understand what he says, can you help me?

Question

Extract from the Confidence Man

Stared at, but unsaluted, with the air of one neither courting nor shunning regard, but evenly pursuing the path of duty, lead it through solitudes or cities, he held on his way along the lower deck until he chanced to come to a placard nigh the captain's office(...)

lead it through solitudes or cities ???

that seems a bit off in the context don't you think?

Answer 1

Does the path of duty take him to lonely places or crowded ones, ie he does not care too much for those around him, but carries on his existential way.