As he retraces his way to the point from which he descried the woman at a distance sitting on the step, he sees a ragged figure coming very cautiously along, crouching close to the soiled walls--which the wretchedest figure might as well avoid--and furtively thrusting a hand before it. 
He sees a ragged figure coming very cautiously along, crouching close to the soiled walls, furtively thrusting a hand before it. 