He was one of the conspirators, was one of the leaders in the battle that impended; no doubt, he had come to make a fresh attempt to win over Magnus to the unholy alliance.
However, there was little trace of enmity in her greeting.

Her hair was still spread, like a broad patch of back, and she made that her excuse for not getting up.

In answer to Annixter's embarrassed inquiry after Magnus, she sent the Chinese cook to call him from the office; and Annixter, after tying his horse to the ring driven into the trunk of one of the eucalyptus trees, came up to the porch, and, taking off his hat, sat down upon the steps.
"Is Harran anywhere about ?" he asked.

"I'd like to see Harran, too." "No," said Mrs.Derrick, "Harran went to Bonneville early this morning." She glanced toward Annixter nervously, without turning her head, lest she should disturb her outspread hair.
"What is it you want to see Mr.Derrick about ?" she inquired hastily.
"Is it about this plan to elect a Railroad Commission?
Magnus does not approve of it," she declared with energy.

"He told me so last night." Annixter moved about awkwardly where he sat, smoothing down with his hand the one stiff lock of yellow hair that persistently stood up from his crown like an Indian's scalp-lock.