While his uncle had grossly misunderstood him, and, for that matter, grossly insulted him, he had neither admitted nor denied the outrage on Gilbert.
When he did--this question had only now begun to loom up--where would he go and what would he do?
There was but little money due him at the office--and none would come--until the next month's pay--hardly enough, in any event, to take him back to his Maryland home, even if that refuge were still open to him.

What then would become of him?
Peter was, in fact, his main and only reliance.

Peter he must see, and at once.
Not that he wavered or grew faint at heart when he thought of his defeat the night before.

He was only thinking of his exit and the way to make it.

"Always take your leave like a gentleman," was one of his father's maxims.