 I had an intuition that the blunder was of an odious, of an
unfortunate nature. I was anxious to end this scene on grounds of decency, just
as one is anxious to cut short some unprovoked and abominable confidence. The
funniest part was, that in the midst of all these considerations of the higher
order I was conscious of a certain trepidation as to the possibility - nay,
likelihood - of this encounter ending in some disreputable brawl which could not
possibly be explained, and would make me ridiculous. I did not hanker after a
three days' celebrity as the man who got a black eye or something of the sort
from the mate of the Patna. He, in all probability, did not care what he did, or
at any rate would be fully justified in his own eyes. It took no magician to see
he was amazingly angry about something, for all his quiet and even torpid
demeanour. I don't deny I was extremely desirous to pacify him at all costs, had
I only known what to do. But I didn't know, as you may well imagine. It was
blackness without a single gleam. We confronted each other in silence. He hung
fire for about fifteen seconds, then made a step nearer, and I made ready to
ward off a blow, though I don't think I moved a muscle. If you were as big as
two men and as strong as six, he said very softly, I would tell you what I think
of you. You... Stop! I exclaimed. This checked him for a second. Before you tell
me what you think of me, I went on quickly, will you kindly tell me what it is
I've said or done? During the pause that ensued he surveyed me with indignation,
while I made supernatural efforts of memory, in which I was hindered by the
oriental voice within the court-room expostulating with impassioned volubility
against a charge of falsehood. Then we spoke almost together. I will soon show
you I am not, he said, in a tone suggestive of a crisis. I declare I don't know,
I protested earnestly at the same time. He tried to crush me by the scorn of his
glance. Now that you see I am not afraid you try to crawl out of it, he said.
Who's a cur now - hey? Then, at last, I understood.
    He had been scanning my features as though looking for a place where he
would plant his fist. I will allow no man,... he mumbled
