Disliking the Lieutenant from the first, and as strongly attracted by the girl, his sympathies were now entirely with her.

If she had shot him, then it was for some insult, some outrage, and he was ready to protect her with his life.
He stopped, glancing back at the closed door, tempted to return and ask permission to interview Gaskins personally.

Then the uselessness of such procedure recurred to him; the fact that nothing could result from their meeting but disappointment and recrimination.

The man evidently disliked him, and would resent any interference; he had something to conceal, something at stake for which he would battle strenuously.

It would be better to let him alone at present, and try to uncover a clue elsewhere.