Very fascinating, though, trying to analyse the impulse.

It was not an affair of the conscience; it was vaguely based upon insolence and defiance.

He wondered if these abnormal mental activities presaged illness.

To be ill and helpless.
He went on munching his water-chestnuts, and stared at the skyline.
He hated horizons.

He was always visualizing the Hand whenever he let his gaze rest upon the horizon.