Men without boots to their feet were at a very great disadvantage when it came to a fight.

He allowed them to come up to the second turn, he allowed the leader to ascend the last straight flight until he was almost within sword-reach, and then he quietly rose to his feet.
"Gentlemen," said he, "I grieve to disappoint you; but I have hired this lodging for the night." The leader stopped, discountenanced, and leaned back against his followers.

"You are awake ?" he stammered.
"It is a habit of mine." The leader puffed out his cheeks and assumed an appearance of dignity.
"Then we are saved some loss of time.

For we were coming to awake you." "It was on that account, no doubt," said Wogan, folding his arms, "that you have all taken off your boots.

But, pardon me, your four friends behind appear in spite of what I have said to be thrusting you forward.
I beg you to remain on the step on which you stand.