"I have no such intention; but when the time comes, I may not be able to have any intention at all."
"At what point in the action do you expect to weaken?"
"How can I have any expectation at all? I am simply untried, and fear the test."
"You can determine that you will act the man," said he. Then, kindly: "I have no fears that you will do otherwise, but"--and here his voice again became stern--"the determination will rid you of your present fears. Exert your will, and this nightmare will go."
"Can a man will to do an unknown thing in the future?"
"You can. You can drive away your present fear of yourself, at the very least."
"How can I do it, Captain?"
"I shall give you one more test."
"Do anything you wish, Captain; only don't propose anything that would confirm my fear."
"Look at me--now. I am going to count three--understand?"