He saw the leaping of a thought that was neither interest nor indifference nor contempt, but a creative thing which lent a fleeting flash to the face, a slight shock to the body.

Then Jack Belllounds bent his head, lounged there for a little while longer, lost in absorption, and presently he strolled away.
Whatever that mounting thought of Jack Belllounds's was it brought instant decision to Wade.

He went to the ranch-house and knocked upon the living-room door.

There was a light within, sending rays out through the windows into the semi-darkness.

Columbine opened the door and admitted Wade.