He paced slowly the length of the promenade deck with hands behind his back and eyes alternatingly looking into the dark sky and to the deck at his feet.

The old man's usual erect form was bent a little as he walked, his step broke occasionally from the rhythmatical tread.

There was war in the minister's soul.

Conflicting emotions fought desperately for ascendency.

Memories of the past mingled with the scenes of the present, and these became confused with the future.