The look of amazement on Le Gaire's face, his utter inability to comprehend the meaning of it all, or why he had thus aroused the enmity of his brother officers, gave me a sudden feeling of compassion.

I stepped toward him.

Perhaps he mistook my purpose, for he staggered partially erect.
"Damn you!" he yelled.

"I'm fighting yet!" and flung the unloaded derringer with all the force of his arm at my face..