Gentleman I say emphatically; for something of dignity, gravity, and calm good-breeding, was conspicuous in his manner, as authority unmixed with menace was evident in his tone.

He called, somewhat peremptorily as I thought, to the man who was still aiming his weapon at my head, then waived back those behind him, and presently advanced towards me, looking me straight in the eyes with a steadiness and intensity of gaze far exceeding, both in expressiveness and in effect, the most fixed stare of the most successful mesmerists I have known.

I doubt whether I should have had the power to resist his will had I thought it wise to do so.

But I was perfectly aware that, however successful in repelling the first tumultuous attack, prolonged self-defence was hopeless.
I must, probably at the next move, certainly in a few minutes, succumb to the enemies around me.

I could not conciliate those whose malignity I could not comprehend.