What does "lead it through solitudes or cities" mean?

Question

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.

does it mean: whether it lead through solitudes or cities?

can "lead it through solitudes or cities" also mean even if it lead through solitudes or cities IN ANOTHER CONTEXT?

Answer 1

It means that he will follow the path of duty no matter where it might lead, so yes, you are correct.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by your last question. The phrase means what it means so I guess that it could be translated into another context, depending on what that context was.