Was he going to be afraid Why did his heart beat wildly at each well-known sound in the room

He began to reason philosophically on the possibility of his being afraid. No, certainly he would not be afraid, now he had made up his mind to go through with it to the end, since he was firmly decided to fight and not to tremble. But he felt so deeply moved that he asked himself: “Can one be afraid in spite of one’s self?“ This doubt assailed him. If some power stronger than his will overcame it, what would happen? Yes, what would happen? Certainly he would go on the ground, since he meant to. But suppose he shook? suppose he fainted? And he thought of his position, his reputation, his future. Suddenly the thought shot through his mind: “By this time tomorrow I may be dead.“ And his heart began to beat again furiously.