This was my first occasion of the kind and, as the earlier anger wore off, I found myself looking forward with some dread to the encounter.

It was not fear, but the newness of the experience jarred my nerves.

I paced back and forth across the room, only partially aware of what he was saying, endeavoring to straighten matters out in my own mind.

Was I doing right?
Was I justified in this course of action?
I had followed the impulse of passion, the sting of Le Gaire's blow driving all other memory from me.
But now I realized the peril in which my action might involve others, the men under my command, for instance, and wondered what Billie would think and say when the news of the quarrel reached her.

She would understand the real cause, yet, with her father upon my side, I was not likely to suffer greatly.