"There was a hanger-on at that establishment (a supernaturally preserved Druid I believe him to have been, and to be still), with long white hair, and a flinty blue eye always looking afar off"

We met him Mr L, remember?

"and then stood in the centre and said, "I dare!" would behold a tremendous apparition, and be stricken dead."

I wonder if this story and Turner's image of the lightning striking the shepherd are connected?