It was replaced by another of a grim silent figure keeping watch with eyes that never ceased their fixed stare beside a frozen trail.
On the second day afterwards he sauntered into Horton's store and found Hallam there.

The mining speculator appeared ironically amused, the storekeeper flushed and savage, but when Hallam turned to Deringham there was something in his manner that suggested they had not met by accident.
"I've been telling the storekeeper not to lay in too many Somascos just yet, and have got to put in the time here for an hour or two," he said.
"Know any reason why you shouldn't have a drink with me ?" They strolled into an adjoining room, and Horton, who supplied them with a bottle and glasses, came back smiling sardonically.

"Now if Hallam hadn't put it that way I mightn't have thought anything," said he.

"Still, when a man of his kind takes the trouble to tell one anything it's a blame good reason for not believing him." In the meanwhile Hallam, who filled the glasses, glanced at Deringham.
"You think I can be of some use to you ?" he said.
"Yes," said Deringham.

"I presume you know Alton is going up to find the silver he needs to help him traverse your schemes ?" "Oh, yes," said Hallam.