Well, he would take the consequences of this decisive act.

From the moment he had seen those glaring headlights and realized that he was participating in a reality, he had been frantic, wondering what to do.

Well, now he had "gone and done it" and he was terror-stricken at his own act.

The mere wasting of so much gasoline was a terrible thing in the homely life of poor Peter.
He paused behind the car listening.

He had not the courage to go forward.