He strode to the horse, swung into the saddle, and rode eastward, away from the advancing riders.
Blank astonishment, puzzled bewilderment shone in the eyes of the Circle L men as they watched him, and into the hearts of some of them crept the conviction that Lawler had deserted them; that he was afraid of the outlaw chief.
Blackburn saw what they thought, and his burning eyes bored into them with sarcasm unutterable.

He laughed, hoarsely, with a grim mirth that startled them.
"Don't you worry about Lawler's nerve, boys; he's got more of it than the bunch of us put together! He's got some scheme in mind.

You guys just set tight until you find out what it is.

Do as he told you.

Don't let that scurvy gang know that you're flabbergasted!" When Lawler rode away there was a noticeable commotion in the group of advancing horsemen.