He drew nearer and looked at it with vague curiosity.

Had he come there with any definite intention?
The thought sobered without frightening him.

There was always THAT culmination possible, and to be considered coolly.
He turned and began to retrace his steps.

On his way thither he had been fighting the elements step by step; now they seemed to him to have taken possession of him and were hurrying him quickly away.

But where?
and to what?
He was always thinking of the past.